bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Article 82 of the LOS Convention—Revenue Sharing—The Mining Industry's Perspective
Authors: Mingay George
Published: November 2006

The paper will provide an overview of Article 82 LOSC and look at the philosophy and intention behind Article 82's revenue sharing provisions in relation to resources exploited on the outer continental shelf beyond 200 nautical miles. A brief examination will follow of whether the realities faced at the time of drafting are the same as those faced today. The provisions of Article 82 have yet to be successfully implemented and it seems likely that more work will be required in refining certain aspects of the Article before they can be. Any such refinements are likely to be of significant interest to the mining industry as the theory behind the Article gives way to its practical implementation. The term mining industry covers a range of interests from oil and gas to mineral and metal deposits. Clearly, the economies of scale will be different for each of these interests as will the margins within which they operate. This is likely to have quite an individual effect on the desirability of Article 82 revenue sharing within the industry. Most likely as a consequence of Article 82 not yet having an effect, in addition to the relative costliness of deep water exploration, the mining industry has not widely publicised its view on the implications for the industry of Article 82. Notwithstanding this, there are concerns and factors that will be relevant to the industry as a whole. A look at some of the specific incentives and disincentives that Article 82 brings for the mining industry, in addition to the role of technology in the revenue sharing equation are some of the further issues which will be addressed.
SCN Outputs and the Hypothalamic Balance of Life
Authors: Kalsbeek A. , Palm I. F. , La Fleur S. E. , Scheer F. A. J. L. , Perreau-Lenz S. , Ruiter M. , Kreier F. , Cailotto C. , Buijs R. M.
Published: November 2006

The circadian clock in the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) is composed of thousands of oscillator neurons, each dependent on the cell-autonomous action of a defined set of circadian clock genes. Still, the major question remains how these individual oscillators are organized into a biological clock producing a coherent output able to time all the different daily changes in behavior and physiology. In the present review, the authors discuss the anatomical connections and neurotransmitters used by the SCN to control the daily rhythms in hormone release. The efferent SCN projections mainly target neurons in the medial hypothalamus surrounding the SCN. The activity of these preautonomic and neuroendocrine target neurons is controlled by differentially timed waves of, among others, vasopressin, GABA, and glutamate release from SCN terminals. Together, the data on the SCN control of neuroendocrine rhythms provide clear evidence not only that the SCN consists of phenotypically (i.e., according to neurotransmitter content) different subpopulations of neurons but also that subpopulations should be distinguished (within phenotypically similar groups of neurons) based on the acrophase of their (electrical) activity. Moreover, the specialization of the SCN may go as far as a single body structure, that is, the SCN seems to contain neurons that specifically target the liver, pineal, and adrenal.
Systems Biology of Circadian Rhythms: An Outlook
Authors: De Haro Luciano , Panda Satchidananda
Published: November 2006

The circadian system in higher organisms temporally orchestrates rhythmic changes in a vast number of genes and gene products in different organs. Complex interactions between these components, both within and among cells, ultimately lead to rhythmic behavior and physiology. Identifying the plethora of circadian targets and mapping their interactions with one another is therefore essential to comprehend the molecular mechanisms of circadian regulation. The emergence of new technology for unbiased identification of biomolecules and for mapping interactions at the genome-wide scale is offering powerful tools to decipher the regulatory networks underpinning circadian rhythms. In this review, the authors discuss the potential application of these genome-wide approaches in the study of circadian rhythms.
Activation of RAGE induces elevated O2− generation by mononuclear phagocytes in diabetes
Authors: Ding Yong , Kantarci Alpdogan , Hasturk Hatice , Trackman Philip C , Malabanan Alan , Van Dyke Thomas E
Published: November 2006

Oxidative stress has been found to play a role in the pathogenesis of diabetic complications. The aim of this study was to define the oxidative burst of diabetic monocytes to characterize the phenotype associated with poor diabetic control. Superoxide (O2−) is the first molecule generated during the respiratory burst of phagocytes by NADPH oxidase, and its generation by monocytes from 26 controls and 34 diabetic subjects was evaluated in this study. Under resting states or stimulation by PMA or opsonized zymosan, diabetic monocytes produce significantly more O2− than nondiabetic cells. The increased O2− generation was found to be correlated with glycemic control (glycated hemoglobin) of patients. To clarify the effects of hyperglycemia on O2− generation, normal human monocytes were treated with receptor for advanced glycation endproducts (RAGE) ligands (AGE protein and S100B) or high glucose media before stimulation. RAGE ligands and high glucose concentration increased O2− generation from human mononuclear phagocytes. RAGE ligands, specifically and potently, increased O2− generation from mononuclear phagocytes, and high-glucose effects were associated with correspondingly increased osmotic pressure. Differentiated THP-1 cells, from a human monocytic cell line, were used as a model of human monocytes to study the effects of S100B, the RAGE ligand. It was confirmed that RAGE is involved in the priming of O2− generation by S100B. This study demonstrates that RAGE ligands can contribute significantly to the hyper-responsive phenotype of diabetic monocytes, which might be reversible by blocking the RAGE or controlling the presence of RAGE ligands by controlling hyperglycemia.
Proteinase-activated receptors induce nonoxidative, antimicrobial peptides and increased antimicrobial activity in human mononuclear phagocytes
Authors: Lippuner Nadine , Morell Bernhard , Schaffner Andreas , Schaer Dominik J
Published: November 2006

As thrombin and SFLLRNPNDKYEPF (SFLLRN-14), a synthetic ligand, mainly of the proteinase-activated receptor-1 (PAR-1), induce in monocytes the synthesis and secretion of chemokines, the PAR pathway can be viewed as a mononuclear phagocyte-activating principle. Classically, antimicrobial activity of mononuclear phagocytes is the measure for activation. Here, we investigated whether thrombin or SFLLRN-14 increases the antimicrobial activity of human monocytes and compared these effects to those of IFN-γ. Furthermore, we measured the effects of these agents on the secretion of reactive oxygen intermediates and the antimicrobial activity of acid peptide extracts from monocytes. Human monocytes were exposed to maximally active concentrations of thrombin, SFLLRN-14, and IFN-γ. Human monocytes treated with thrombin or SFLLRN-14 and then challenged with Salmonella enterica serovar typhimurium, including its attenuated mutant phoP, or Listeria monocytogenes killed, within 3 h, significantly more bacteria than control cells, an effect comparable with or surpassing the effect of IFN-γ. This finding establishes the proteinase-PAR pathway as a potent, alternate activation pathway of mononuclear phagocytes. Thrombin and SFLLRN-14 had no significant effects on the amount of H2O2 secreted by monocytes. This was in contrast to IFN-γ, which as expected, increased the secretion of H2O2 by approximately fourfold. Thrombin and SFLLRN-14, but not IFN-γ, however, significantly increased the antimicrobial activity of acid peptide extracts of monocytes in a radial diffusion assay. Taken together, these findings suggest that IFN-γ and thrombin differentially regulate oxidative and nonoxidative killing systems of human monocytes.
Alpha‐Noradrenergic Receptors Modulate the Development and Expression of Cocaine Sensitization
Authors: JIMÉNEZ‐RIVERA CARLOS A. , FELIU‐MOJER MONICA , VÁZQUEZ‐TORRES RAFAEL
Published: November 2006

Abstract: The increased activity and stereotyped behaviors that result from repeated administration of cocaine is called cocaine sensitization. This sensitized response has been postulated as one of the basic pathophysiological mechanisms in drug addiction. Recent evidence indicates that noradrenergic neurotransmission might be implicated in some of the behavioral effects of cocaine. The present article examined the role of alpha‐adrenergic receptor agonists and antagonists in the development and expression of cocaine sensitization. Rats were injected once per day, for 7 consecutive days, with the alpha‐1 receptor antagonist prazosin (0.5 mg/kg, i.p.) 15 min before cocaine administration (15 mg/kg, i.p.). After 8 days, animals received a cocaine challenge (15 mg/kg, i.p.) and were tested for locomotion. Following a 7‐day withdrawal period rats received a second cocaine challenge. One day after the last challenge, rats were reinstated to the initial protocol for 1 day. In another set of experiments, rats were injected twice per day with the alpha‐2 receptor antagonists yohimbine (5 mg/kg, i.p.), idazoxan (0.25 mg/kg, i.p.), or with the alpha‐2 agonist clonidine (0.025 mg/kg, i.p.), followed by cocaine injections (15 mg/kg, i.p.), for 7 consecutive days. Thereafter, the protocol was similar to that following prazosin administration. The results demonstrated that the alpha‐1 receptor antagonist prazosin blocked the development and expression of cocaine sensitization. On the other hand, both alpha‐2 antagonists failed to inhibit the development or the expression of cocaine sensitization. Instead, they produced an increase in locomotor activity during the first day of experimentation. The alpha‐2 agonist clonidine attenuated the acute response to cocaine on day 1 and retarded the increased locomotor activity on the following 2 days. There was a dramatic increase in the level of sensitization after the first cocaine challenge. However, it inhibited the expression of cocaine sensitization during the reinstatement protocol. These results suggest that alpha adrenoreceptors play an important role in modulating different stages of cocaine sensitization and probably cocaine addiction.
Revisões sistemáticas de antibioticoprofilaxia em cesarianas
Authors: Martins Ana Cristina Marques , Krauss-Silva Letícia
Published: November 2006

O objetivo do trabalho foi analisar a evidência científica disponível sobre os efeitos da antibioticoprofilaxia em cesarianas. As presentes revisões sistemáticas compreenderam um exame detalhado da qualidade do desenho e da execução assim como da heterogeneidade clínica entre os ensaios. A meta-análise dos ensaios placebo-controlados (27 estudos) apontou eficácia aproximada de 65% para ambos os desfechos estudados, endometrite e infecção da ferida cirúrgica (IFC), correspondendo a uma queda da incidência de 11% e 5%, respectivamente. As análises de sensibilidade mostraram efeitos sumários semelhantes aos observados para o conjunto dos ensaios. O subgrupo dos 12 ensaios de cesáreas não eletivas indicou benefício importante da antibioticoprofilaxia para ambos os desfechos, correspondente a uma queda de 14% (endometrite) e 5% (IFC). Para cesáreas eletivas (dois ensaios), não foi mostrado benefício relevante. A evidência obtida dos ensaios comparativos de doses foi limitada devido a falhas metodológicas importantes e ao pequeno número de pacientes envolvidas (três ensaios). Os ensaios comparativos de antimicrobianos (sete estudos) não evidenciaram diferença de eficácia entre os dois esquemas analisados, cefalosporinas de 1ª e de 2ª geração.
Violência doméstica: análise das lesões em mulheres
Authors: Garbin Cléa Adas Saliba , Garbin Artênio José Isper , Dossi Ana Paula , Dossi Mário Orlando
Published: November 2006

Este estudo tem como objetivo avaliar a prevalência de lesões de cabeça e pescoço em mulheres, frente aos inquéritos policiais registrados como lesão corporal e maus-tratos na Delegacia de Defesa da Mulher de Araçatuba, São Paulo, Brasil, no ano de 2002. Foram totalizados 204 inquéritos policiais no ano de 2002, e destes extraídos 33 laudos periciais referentes aos crimes de lesões corporais e maus-tratos em mulheres. Analisou-se nos laudos médicos da perícia, aspectos relativos à idade das vítimas e local das lesões por elas apresentadas na ocasião do exame. Os resultados encontrados revelam que as agressões ocorrem em faixas etárias diversas, com predominância na infância e adolescência. Além disso, ocorreu a maior prevalência de lesões na região da cabeça e pescoço, área de atuação do cirurgião-dentista que necessita estar preparado para atender, entre outros, o paciente vítima de violência.
Leishmaniose tegumentar americana humana e canina no Município de Mariluz, Estado do Paraná, Brasil
Authors: Lonardoni Maria Valdrinez Campana , Silveira Thaís Gomes Verzignassi , Alves Waneska Alexandra , Maia-Elkhoury Ana Nilce Silveira , Membrive Umberto Assis , Membrive Norberto Assis , Rodrigues Gesse , Reis Nélio , Zanzarini Paulo Donizete , Ishikawa Edna , Teodoro Ueslei
Published: November 2006

Relata-se a ocorrência de um surto de leishmaniose tegumentar americana no ano de 2002, no Município de Mariluz, mesorregião noroeste do Estado do Paraná, Brasil. Das 38 pessoas investigadas, quatro tinham lesões cicatrizadas, 10 em cicatrização e 24 tinham lesões ativas. Dos 126 cães investigados, 20 (15,9%) tinham lesões sugestivas e 24 (19%) tiveram sorologia positiva. Os parasitos isolados de dois pacientes e de três cães foram identificados como Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis serodema I. Os flebotomíneos coletados foram identificados como Nyssomyia whitmani, N. neivai e Migonemyia migonei. Considerando que a área onde ocorreram os casos é semelhante a outras de colonização antiga no Estado do Paraná, acredita-se que as alterações ambientais e as matas remanescentes propiciam a manutenção do ciclo enzoótico do parasito e a transmissão para o homem e para os animais domésticos, mantendo o caráter endêmico da leishmaniose tegumentar americana.
Tratamento de águas residuárias da suinocultura utilizando-se filtros orgânicos
Authors: Brandão Viviane dos Santos , Matos Antônio Teixeira de , Martinez Mauro Aparecido , Fontes Maurício Paulo Pereira
Published: November 2006

O tratamento primário da água residuária de suinocultura pode ser feito por filtragem; para isto, torna-se oportuno o estudo de materiais alternativos a serem utilizados como meio filtrante e, com este intuito, foram utilizados o bagaço de cana-de-açúcar, a casca de arroz, a casca de café, o fino de carvão vegetal, o sabugo de milho e a serragem de madeira, acondicionados em tubos de PVC de diâmetro de 100 mm, constituindo colunas de 500 mm de altura. O sistema de filtragem foi mantido sob escoamento permanente, com fluxo em meio saturado, e pequena ou nenhuma alteração foi detectada na concentração de N-total, Ca, Mg e Zn no efluente do filtro, enquanto que as concentrações de P-total, Na e K aumentaram no efluente obtido em filtros de casca de arroz, casca de café e sabugo de milho. Significativa redução na concentração de Cu foi constatada para todos os materiais utilizados como filtro, atingindo-se eficiência de remoção de até 43,6%. Eficiências de remoção superiores a 90% foram obtidas para sólidos sedimentáveis enquanto a remoção de sólidos totais ficou abaixo de 33,0%.
Estimativas de evapotranspiração e as conseqüências devido aos erros na determinação de saldo de radiação e efeitos advectivos
Authors: Oliveira Gertrudes Macario de , Leitão Mário de Miranda Vilas Boas Ramos
Published: November 2006

Objetivou-se com esse estudo, analisar as conseqüências nas estimativas da evapotranspiração (ET) durante o ciclo de desenvolvimento de uma cultura de amendoim, devido aos erros cometidos na determinação do saldo de radiação (Rn) e àqueles causados pelos efeitos advectivos. Esta pesquisa foi conduzida no perímetro irrigado da Estação Experimental da CODEVASF, na cidade de Rodelas, BA, no período de setembro a dezembro de 1996. Os resultados mostraram que erros no cálculo de Rn de até 2,2 MJ m-2 d-1 e, conseqüentemente, na estimativa da ET, podem ser cometidos dependendo do tempo considerado na totalização diária de Rn. Verificou-se, ainda, que tanto as áreas circunvizinhas próximas ao campo experimental, como as áreas de solos expostos entre fileiras dentro do próprio campo, contribuíram de forma significativa para a geração de advecção local de calor sensível e, portanto, para o aumento da evapotranspiração.
Infecção de sementes e anormalidade de plântulas de feijão, em função do condicionamento osmótico induzido por polietileno glicol-6000
Authors: Queiroz Messias Firmino de , Fernandes Pedro Dantas , Almeida Francisco de Assis Cardoso
Published: November 2006

Sementes de dez cultivares de feijão (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) foram submetidas a seis níveis de tensão osmótica (0, - 0,2, - 0,4, - 0,6, - 0,8 e - 1,0 MPa) induzidos por polietileno glicol-6000 (PEG-6000) com o objetivo de se estudar os seus efeitos sobre a percentagem de sementes infectadas e plântulas anormais, durante teste de germinação, identificando-se os genótipos mais tolerantes. O experimento foi conduzido em germinador com temperatura e umidade relativa controladas, utilizando-se como substrato o papel-toalha com pH neutro. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado, em esquema fatorial 10 x 6, com 4 repetições contendo, cada uma, cinqüenta sementes, para o teste de germinação. Segundo os resultados obtidos, a percentagem de sementes infectadas aumenta à medida que se elevam os níveis de concentração do PEG-6000. Na maior parte dos genótipos aumenta a anormalidade com a concentração de PEG-6000 até a faixa de pressão osmótica entre - 0,6MPa e - 0,8MPa, com exceção das cultivares 'Goytacazes' e 'Onix', em que foi sempre crescente com a concentração de PEG-6000. A cultivar 'Corrente' teve sempre os menores índices de anormalidade e de infecção, podendo ser classificada como a mais tolerante. As cultivares 'Novo Jalo', 'Jalo Precoce' e 'Goytacazes' foram as mais afetadas por infecção de sementes e anormalidade de plântulas.
Avaliação exergética de processos psicrométricos
Authors: Leal Paulo Martins , Cortez Luís A. B. , Nebra Silvia A.
Published: November 2006

Este trabalho teve como objetivo principal a aplicação da metodologia de avaliação dos processos psicrométricos utilizando os conceitos definidos pela combinação das 1ª e 2ª Leis da Termodinâmica, num sistema adaptado para a geração dos processos psicrométricos. Com equipamentos e instrumental adequados variaram-se, basicamente, em cada processo gerado pelo Sistema Gerador de Processos Psicrométricos (SIGEP), as vazões e as potências elétricas requeridas pelos diferentes sistemas de condicionamento do ar e as temperaturas de bulbo seco e de bulbo úmido de pontos estratégicos, dentro e fora do volume de controle, a fim de se efetuar as análises energéticas e exergética. Pode-se concluir que a metodologia de avaliação pela 1ª e 2ª Lei da Termodinâmica aplicada em processos psicrométricos é tecnicamente viável. Comprovou-se, ainda, através dos resultados obtidos, que a avaliação baseada exclusivamente na 1ª Lei da Termodinâmica (avaliação energética), em quase a totalidade dos processos gerados pelo SIGEP, é menos abrangente que a avaliação exergética. Pode-se concluir, também, que os equipamentos, acoplados ao SIGEP apresentaram um alto índice de irreversibilidade devido ao fato de terem sido dimensionados, exclusivamente, com a finalidade de atingir uma condição psicrométrica específica e não, de serem eficientes, do ponto de vista termodinâmico.
Electronic verification of flowmeters in the water industry
Authors: Baker R. C. , Moore P. I. , Thomas A.
Published: November 2006

For water public limited companies in the UK verification of key flowmeters is becoming an increasingly essential element of the required management and maintenance of installed meters demanded by the regulation authorities. In order to achieve regulatory compliance, new electronic solutions are being proposed to supplement or partially replace the current in situ meter verification using insertion probes and other methods. The validity of the claims made for currently available electronic verification devices is reviewed. The measurements required for this approach and their likely achievable uncertainties are considered. There is a brief discussion of the administration of the procedure by users. Successful electronic verification strategies will be dependent on the quality of the manufactured product and the necessary good housekeeping within the manufacturing company. The authors conclude by suggesting that the current concept is promising but may need to be developed if it is to yield a generally acceptable tool capable of achieving all aspects of regulatory compliance.
Determination of active components in Chinese medicinal preparations by capillary electrophoresis
Authors: Liu Huitao , Gao Yuan
Published: November 2006

The determination of paeoniforin, paeonol, and censenoside Rg1 in traditional Chinese medicinal preparations, Tze Po San Pien pills and Liuwen Dihuang pills has been investigated by micellar electrokinetic capillary electrophoresis with borate buffer (20 mM), sodium dodecylsulfate (30 mM) and acetonitrile (20%) as background electrolytes (pH 9.30), 20 kV applied voltage and 203 nm UV detection. The effects of SDS concentration, borate, buffer pH, and organic modifier on electrophoretic behavior and separation are discussed. Regression equations revealed linear relationships between the peak-area of each component and the content with the correlation coefficients from 0.9982 to 0.9999. In addition, the levels of the active compounds in two kinds of traditional Chinese medicinal preparations were easily determined with the recoveries from 93.1% to 108.2%.
Reciprocation and interchange in wild Japanese macaques: grooming, cofeeding, and agonistic support
Authors: Ventura Raffaella , Majolo Bonaventura , Koyama Nicola F. , Hardie Scott , Schino Gabriele
Published: November 2006

Social primates spend a significant proportion of their time exchanging grooming with their group companions. Although grooming is mainly exchanged in kind, given its hygienic and tension‐reducing functions, it is still debated whether grooming also provides some social benefits, such as preferential access to resources (e.g., food or mating partners). In this study we analyzed grooming distribution among wild female Japanese macaques living in two groups on Yakushima. We tested the tendency of monkeys to reciprocate the amount of grooming received, and to direct their grooming up the hierarchy. Then we analyzed the relation of grooming to three of its possible benefits: reduced aggression, increased tolerance over food, and agonistic support against a male aggressor. The data were analyzed by means of row‐wise matrix correlations. Grooming was highly reciprocated (i.e., exchanged in kind) and directed up the hierarchy in both the study groups. No significant relationship was found between grooming and aggression. Conversely, grooming favored tolerance over food, since it was positively correlated with presence on the same food patch, close proximity, and close approaches (both within 1 m) during feeding. Grooming was also positively related to agonistic support against adult males, although this relationship became nonsignificant when we controlled for kinship. Although these results are not definitive, they suggest that monkeys may derive various social benefits from grooming. This conclusion is supported by the fact that in various primate species animals tend to prefer high‐ranking individuals as grooming partners. Am. J. Primatol. 68:1138–1149, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Female social relationships in a captive group of Campbell's monkeys (Cercopithecus campbelli campbelli)
Authors: Lemasson Alban , Blois‐Heulin Catherine , Jubin Ronan , Hausberger Martine
Published: November 2006

A study group of Campbell's monkeys (Cercopithecus c. campbelli) provided data on affiliative and agonistic relationships between females. Over a period of two years (involving 111 hr), we conducted observations of a captive group which had a composition similar to wild groups. We were able to identify a monitor‐adjust social system with frequent affiliative interactions, directed gazing and avoidances rather than aggressive acts. We described long‐term differentiated affiliative bonds: adult females interacting more often with some group mates than others, especially if they were relatives. Interactions between matrilines concerned essentially play and young adult females. We found a significant linear hierarchy of dominance with rare reversals and a stable intermatriline dominance. In contrast to other single‐male groups, our adult male was socially integrated into the group although this may have been because of the housing conditions. Comparisons with the social organization of other captive and wild guenon groups are discussed. Am. J. Primatol. 68:1161–1170, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Volatile components of lemur scent secretions vary throughout the year
Authors: Andrew Hayes R. , Morelli Toni Lyn , Wright Patricia C.
Published: November 2006

Olfactory signals can communicate a wide variety of information and are very important in many mammalian species. However, little is known about the olfactory communication of primates. This study used gas chromatography to examine the volatile components of the anogenital gland secretions of wild Milne‐Edward's sifaka, Propithecus edwardsi (Primates, Indriidae) (n = 17), captured in Ranomafana National Park, Madagascar. We compared scent swabs of animals and examined differences between social group, age class, sex, and season. The only identified differences in the volatiles were between swabs from the different seasons; all other categories were statistically indistinguishable. Am. J. Primatol. 68:1202–1207, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Praktische Anleitung zur Messung und Interpretation magnetischer Eigenschaften
Authors: Lueken Heiko
Published: November 2006

Hier werden Verfahrensweisen empfohlen, um vor Irrtümern sowohl bei der Messung als auch bei der Interpretation magnetischer Daten zu schützen. Die Magnetfeldstärke ist bei der Messung magnetischer Suszeptibilitäten sorgfältig zu wählen, um die Aufnahme unverfälschter Daten zu garantieren. Mit Beispielen wird belegt, wie durch zu starke Felder magnetische Sättigung verursacht wird und schwache ferro‐/antiferromagnetische Spin‐Spin‐Kopplungen unterdrückt werden. Fehlinterpretationen sind die Folge, es sei denn, man verwendet Suszeptibilitätsbeziehungen, die die Feldstärkeabhängigkeit von χm explizit berücksichtigen. Des Weiteren werden Empfehlungen zur Darstellung experimenteller und theoretischer Daten gegeben. Die begrenzte Anwendbarkeit der am meisten überstrapazierten Beziehung im Falle von Paramagnetismus, des Curie‐Weiss‐Gesetzes χm=C/(T−θ), wird verdeutlicht (magnetisch kondensierte Systeme, reiner Spin‐Magnetismus). Während bei bestimmten 3d‐ und 4f‐Systemen einfache Suszeptibilitätsformeln anwendbar sind, verlangt die komplexe Situation für die übrigen d‐ and f‐Zentren – unter Einbeziehung der Actinoide – Computerprogramme, die gleichzeitig interelektronische Abstoßung, Ligandenfeld‐Potential, Spin‐Bahn‐Kopplung, interatomare Austauschwechselwirkung und äußeres Magnetfeld berücksichtigen.
Blue/green light‐emitting diode based on diethyl[N‐arylmethylenethiobenzahydrazonato]gallium complexes
Authors: Shen Yingzhong , Huang Xiaoyan , Xu Sen , Deng Jie , Zhang Yiying
Published: November 2006

Three diethylgallium complexes of type Et2GaL [L = N‐(4‐methoxy) benzylidenethiobenzahydrazonato (1), N‐(4‐N,N‐dimethylamino)benzy lidenethiobenzahydrazonato (2) and N‐(9‐anthryl)methylenethio benzahydrazonato (3)] were synthesized by the reaction of triethylgallium with appropriate N‐arylmethylenethiobenzahydrazones. The compounds obtained were characterized by elemental analysis, 1H NMR, IR and mass spectroscopy, respectively. Monolayer light‐emitting diodes based on the diethyl[N‐arylmethylenethio benzahydrazonato]gallium doped poly(vinylcarbazole) were fabricated using a spin coating method. The photoluminescent and electroluminescent emission spectra of 1 and 3 were measured (429 and 479 nm for 1 and 3, respectively). The electroluminescent properties of 1 and 3 were also studied. The electroluminscence bands are located in the blue/green region (465 and 510 nm for complexes 1 and 3, respectively). Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis, characterization and antibacterial activity of 3‐(2‐methoxyphenyl)‐2‐sulfanylpropenoic acid and di‐isopropylammonium [3‐(2‐methoxyphenyl)‐2‐sulfanylpropenoato] triphenylstannate(IV). The crystal structure of [HQ][SnPh3(o‐mpspa)]
Authors: Álvarez‐Boo Pedro , Casas José S. , Castellano Eduardo E. , Couce M. Delfina , Farto Rosa , Freijanes Eduardo , Sordo José
Published: November 2006

Reaction of 3‐(2‐methoxyphenyl)‐2‐sulfanylpropenoic acid [H2(o‐mpspa)] with SnPh3OH in the presence of di‐isopropylamine resulted in the formation of the complex [HQ][SnPh3(o‐mpspa)] (where HQ = di‐isopropylammonium cation and o‐mpspa = 3‐(2‐methoxyphenyl)‐2‐sulfanylpropenoato), which was characterized by mass spectrometry and vibrational spectroscopy, as well as by 1H, 13C and 119Sn NMR spectroscopy. The single‐crystal X‐ray structural analysis of the new complex shows a trigonal‐bipyramidal coordination geometry around the Sn atom where o‐mpspa behaves as a bidentate chelating ligand. Dimeric units arise from the existence of NH…O hydrogen bonds between the NH2 group of the di‐isopropylammonium cation and the oxygen atoms of the two neighbouring carboxylato groups. The bacteriostatic activity of the complex is also reported. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Thermotropic Liquid Crystals Based on Extended 2,5‐Disubstituted‐1,3,4‐Oxadiazoles: Structure–Property Relationships, Variable‐Temperature Powder X‐ray Diffraction, and Small‐Angle X‐ray Scattering Studies
Authors: Han Jie , Chui Stephen Sin‐Yin , Che Chi‐Ming
Published: November 2006

A class of extended 2,5‐disubstituted‐1,3,4‐oxadiazoles R1‐C6H4‐{OC2N2}‐C6H4‐R2 (R1=R2=C10H21O 1 a, p‐C10H21O‐C6H4‐CC 3 a, p‐CH3O‐C6H4‐CC 3 b; R1=C10H21O, R2=CH3O 1 b, (CH3)2N 1 c; F 1 d; R1=C10H21O‐C6H4‐CC, R2=C10H21O 2 a, CH3O 2 b, (CH3)2N 2 c, F 2 d) were prepared, and their liquid‐crystalline properties were examined. In CH2Cl2 solution, these compounds displayed a room‐temperature emission with λmax at 340–471 nm and quantum yields of 0.73–0.97. Compounds 1 d, 2 a–2 d, and 3 a exhibited various thermotropic mesophases (monotropic, enantiotropic nematic/smectic), which were examined by polarized‐light optical microscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. Structure determination by a direct‐space approach using simulated annealing or parallel tempering of the powder X‐ray diffraction data revealed distinctive crystal‐packing arrangements for mesogenic molecules 2 b and 3 a, leading to different nematic mesophase behavior, with 2 b being monotropic and 3 a enantiotropic in the narrow temperature range of 200–210 °C. The structural transitions associated with these crystalline solids and their mesophases were studied by variable‐temperature X‐ray diffractometry. Nondestructive phase transitions (crystal‐to‐crystal, crystal‐to‐mesophase, mesophase‐to‐liquid) were observed in the diffractograms of 1 b, 1 d, 2 b, 2 d, and 3 a measured at 25–200 °C. Powder X‐ray diffraction and small‐angle X‐ray scattering data revealed that the structure of the annealed solid residue 2 b reverted to its original crystal/molecular packing when the isotropic liquid was cooled to room temperature. Structure–property relationships within these mesomorphic solids are discussed in the context of their molecular structures and intermolecular interactions.
Can an inactivating agent increase enzyme activity in organic solvent? Effects of 18‐crown‐6 on lipase activity, enantioselectivity, and conformation
Authors: Secundo Francesco , Barletta Gabriel L. , Dumitriu Emil , Carrea Giacomo
Published: November 2006

Lipase from Burkholderia cepacia (lipase BC) and lipase B from Candida antarctica (CALB) show an increase of the transesterification activity in toluene (up to 2.4‐ and 1.7‐fold, respectively), when lyophilized with 18‐crown‐6. Nevertheless, the increase was observed only for low (less than 100) 18‐crown‐6/lipase molar ratio, while at higher ratios, the activity decreased for both enzymes to values lower than those obtained in the absence of the additive. In 1,4‐dioxane, the activation is lower for lipase BC (1.7‐fold) and for CALB (1.5‐fold). Concerning enantioselectivity, tested in the kinetic resolution of 6‐methyl‐5‐hepten‐2‐ol, only in the case of CALB, an effect of the additive (the E value varied from about 120 to 280) was observed. In water, 4% (w/w) of 18‐crown‐6 caused a loss of activity in the hydrolysis of p‐nitrophenyl laurate of about 88 and 99.75%, compared to that observed in the absence of the crown ether for CALB and lipase BC, respectively. These data and the conformational analysis of both lipases, carried out by FT/IR spectroscopy indicate that the enzyme inactivation in water and in organic solvents at 18‐crown‐6/lipase molar ratios, higher than 100 might be due to conformational changes caused by the additive. Instead, at molar ratios lower than 100, 18‐crown‐6 might increase the activity—particularly, in toluene—thanks to the fact that in its presence, the enzyme has an hydrogen bonds pattern, more similar to that in water. This suggests that the additive would be able to provide the enzyme with more water. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2007;97:12–18. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Risk factors for local progression after percutaneous radiofrequency ablation of lung tumors
Authors: Hiraki Takao , Sakurai Jun , Tsuda Toshihide , Gobara Hideo , Sano Yoshifumi , Mukai Takashi , Hase Soichiro , Iguchi Toshihiro , Fujiwara Hiroyasu , Date Hiroshi , Kanazawa Susumu
Published: November 2006

BACKGROUND.

The purpose of the study was to retrospectively evaluate the risk factors for local progression after percutaneous radiofrequency (RF) ablation of lung tumors.

METHODS.

The study included 128 patients (77 men, 51 women; mean age, 61.3 years) with 342 tumors (25 primary and 317 metastatic lung neoplasms; mean long‐axis diameter, 1.7 cm) treated with RF ablation. The overall primary and secondary technique effectiveness rates were estimated using Kaplan‐Meier analysis. Multiple variables were analyzed using the log‐rank test, followed by multivariate multilevel analysis to determine independent risk factors for local progression. The primary and secondary technique effectiveness rates were again estimated when considering only tumors without independent risk factors.

RESULTS.

The median follow‐up period was 12 months (range, 6–47 months). The overall primary and secondary technique effectiveness rates were 72% and 84% at 1 year, 60% and 71% at 2 years, and 58% and 66% at 3 years, respectively. Larger tumor size (hazard ratio [HR], 1.97; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.47–2.65; P < .00001) and the use of an internally cooled electrode (HR, 2.32; 95% CI, 1.10–4.90; P = .027) were assessed as independent risk factors for local progression. The primary and secondary technique effectiveness rates when considering tumors smaller than 2 cm and treated with a multitined expandable electrode were 89% and 89% at 1 year and 66% and 78% at 2 years, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS.

Larger tumor size and the use of an internally cooled electrode were independent risk factors for local progression after RF ablation of lung tumors. Cancer 2006. © 2006 American Cancer Society.
2D Simulations of Short‐Pulsed Dielectric Barrier Discharge Xenon Excimer Lamp
Authors: Bogdanov E. A. , Kudryavtsev A. A. , Arslanbekov R. R.
Published: November 2006

Self‐consistent two‐dimensional (2D) simulations of short‐pulsed dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) in pure xenon have been performed. It is shown that during short current pulse the traversal inhomogeneity of the plasma parameters can be important only at the end of the current pulse as an edge effect close to the side walls. During the current pulse, the gap voltage drops until the ionization wave reaches the cathode so the current in the cathode sheath is the displacement current. This means that almost all of the absorbed power is deposited into excitation of xenon atoms and not to the ion heating in the cathode sheath as in the traditional glow discharges. This fact is one of the reasons of high efficiency of short‐pulsed DBD. The developed model allows one to estimate the temporal position of the plasma‐sheath boundary. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Influence of Azimuthal Structure of Surface Waves on Efficiency of their Excitation by Tubular Electron Beams
Authors: Akimov Yu. A. , Olefir V. P. , Azarenkov N. A.
Published: November 2006

The excitation of eigen surface waves by tubular electron beams in cylindrical discharge devices is studied. The influence of the wave‐field azimuthal structure on the excitation efficiency and nonlinear stage of the plasmabeam instability is investigated both numerically and analytically. Analytical expressions for the saturation amplitude and excitation efficiency of the wave under study are derived. They are found to agree well with results obtained by numerical modelling of the plasma‐beam interaction presented in this paper. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Relationship between FRA11F and 11q13 gene amplification in oral cancer
Authors: Reshmi Shalini C. , Huang Xin , Schoppy David W. , Black Robert C. , Saunders William S. , Smith David I. , Gollin Susanne M.
Published: November 2006

Common fragile sites (CFS) are nonstaining gaps or breaks in chromosomes that are expressed under conditions inducing replicative stress. CFS have been suggested to play a role in epithelial cancers by their association with loss of heterozygosity, loss of gene expression, and/or gene amplification in the form of homogeneously staining regions (hsrs). In oral squamous‐cell carcinomas (OSCC), amplification of chromosomal band 11q13 occurs in the form of an hsr. We suggested previously that CFS flanking 11q13 may be susceptible to breakage induced by tobacco or other carcinogens and/or human papillomavirus, promoting formation of the 11q13 amplicon. Examination of OSCC cell lines with 11q13 amplification using fluorescence in situ hybridization showed loss of FRA11F sequences, whereas cell lines without 11q13 amplification displayed an intact FRA11F site. Cell lines with more complex 11q rearrangements expressed FRA11F in the form of an inverted duplication, characteristic of breakage‐fusion‐bridge cycles. Our findings suggest that gene amplification involving chromosomal band 11q13 in OSCC may be initiated by breakage at FRA11F. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Epigenetic inactivation of the deleted in lung and esophageal cancer 1 gene in nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Kwong Joseph , Chow Lillian Shuk‐Nga , Wong Albert Yue‐Hang , Hung Wing‐Ki , Chung Grace Tin‐Yun , To Ka‐Fai , Chan Franky L. , Daigo Yataro , Nakamura Yusuke , Huang Dolly P. , Lo Kwok‐Wai
Published: November 2006

Deletion of the short arm of chromosome 3 is a common event in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), suggesting that one or more tumor suppressor genes at 3p are involved in this cancer. DLEC1, Deleted in Lung and Esophageal Cancer 1, located at 3p22.2, was recently identified as a candidate tumor suppressor gene in lung, esophageal, and renal cancers. In this study, we investigated the involvement of DLEC1 in the development of NPC. Down‐regulation of DLEC1 and promoter hypermethylation were observed in all NPC cell lines and xenografts but not in normal nasopharyngeal epithelial cells. Promoter hypermethylation of DLEC1 was also detected in 30 of 42 (71%) NPC primary tumors. Treatment of NPC cell lines with demethylating agent or histone deacetylase inhibitor resulted in restoration of DLEC1 expression. Overexpression of DLEC suppressed growth and reduced invasiveness of NPC cells. Furthermore, the tumorigenic potential of DLEC1 expressing NPC cells was highly reduced in nude mice. Taken together, our results strongly suggest that silencing of DLEC1 expression by promoter hypermethylation and histone deacetylation may be important in NPC tumorigenesis. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Self‐administered cognitive screening for a study of successful aging among community‐dwelling seniors: a preliminary study
Authors: Moore David J. , Sitzer David , Depp Colin A. , Montross Lori P. , Reichstadt Jennifer , Lebowitz Barry D. , Jeste Dilip V.
Published: November 2006

Background

Cognitive functioning is a central component of successful aging. Yet, there are few published instruments for brief and reliable self‐administered cognitive assessment that could be used in large population‐based studies of community‐dwelling elderly people.

Objective

We examined the utility of a self‐administered cognitive screening instrument in a group of community‐dwelling older adults, and we evaluated correlations of the performance on this measure with demographic variables and specific indicators of self‐rated successful aging.

Method

We assessed 182 well‐educated adults ages 58 to 99 with a modified version of a previously published cognitive screening instrument (Cognitive Assessment Screening Test—Revised; CAST‐R), a measure of cognitive complaints (Cognitive Failures Questionnaire; CFQ), and a self‐rating of successful aging. We used the SF‐36 Physical and Mental Composite Scores as measures of physical and mental health‐related functioning.

Results

As expected, most individuals performed well on the CAST‐R; only 7% of participants fell below a previously established cut score for cognitive impairment. CAST–R scores were positively correlated with level of education, income, SF‐36 Mental Composite Scores, and a self‐rating of successful aging, and negatively correlated with chronological age. Scores on the CAST‐R were not correlated with cognitive complaints (CFQ total score) or SF‐36 Physical Composite Scores.

Conclusions

A self‐administered cognitive screening tool may be a useful, albeit limited, way of screening for cognitive disabilities among well‐educated, community‐dwelling older adults. Although preliminary, significant associations with several successful aging‐related variables in expected directions represent the first step in establishing the validity of the CAST‐R. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Twelve‐month course of depressive symptoms in older medical inpatients
Authors: McCusker Jane , Cole Martin , Ciampi Antonio , Latimer Eric , Windholz Sylvia , Elie Michel , Belzile Eric
Published: November 2006

Background

The study aimed: (1) to describe the 12‐month course of depressive symptoms among medical inpatients aged 65 +, and (2) to investigate predictors of a more severe course that could be identified easily by non‐psychiatric staff.

Methods

Patients were recruited at two Montreal hospitals. Inclusion criteria were: aged 65 +, admitted to medical service, at most mild cognitive impairment. Patients were screened for major and minor depression (DSM‐IV criteria). All depressed patients and a random sample of non‐depressed patients were invited to participate in the prospective study. The Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD) was administered at admission, 3, 6, and 12 months. Individual patient trajectories of depressive symptoms over time were grouped using hierarchical clustering into three patient groups with a minimal, mild, and moderate/severe course of symptoms, respectively. The baseline predictors of a more severe clinical course were identified using ordinal logistic regression.

Results

Two hundred and thirty‐two patients completed baseline and one or more follow‐up interviews. Baseline patient characteristics that independently predicted a more severe symptom course included higher initial HAMD score, depressive core symptoms lasting 6 months or more, and female sex.

Conclusion

The 12‐month course of depression symptoms in this medically ill older sample was generally stable. Patients who will experience a more severe course can be identified by non‐psychiatric staff at admission to hospital. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Screening for generalized anxiety disorder in geriatric primary care patients
Authors: Wetherell Julie Loebach , Birchler Georgia D. , Ramsdell Joe , Unützer Jürgen
Published: November 2006

Objective

To compare two brief screening measures as tools for detecting generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) among older primary care patients.

Methods

Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to compare the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the Brief Symptom Inventory‐18 (BSI‐18) against GAD diagnoses obtained from a structured diagnostic interview.

Results

The HADS Anxiety subscale was the only measure that distinguished individuals with and without GAD. A cutpoint greater than or equal to 8 on the HADS Anxiety subscale resulted in a sensitivity of 0.967 and a specificity of 0.667 for detecting GAD.

Conclusions

The HADS Anxiety subscale appears to show some advantages over the BSI‐18 Anxiety subscale as a brief, self‐report measure of anxiety symptoms among older medical patients. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Treatment of older adults with co‐morbid personality disorder and depression: a dialectical behavior therapy approach
Authors: Lynch Thomas R. , Cheavens Jennifer S. , Cukrowicz Kelly C. , Thorp Steven R. , Bronner Leslie , Beyer John
Published: November 2006

Background and Significance

The treatment of personality disorders in older adults, particularly those co‐morbid with other Axis I disorders (e.g., Major Depressive Disorder), is an understudied clinical phenomenon. It has also been demonstrated that personality disorders in older adults complicate treatment of other psychopathology, as well as result in heightened interpersonal disturbance and emotional distress.

Methods

Two studies utilizing standard Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to treat depression and personality disorders in older adults are reviewed. Study 1 examined 34 chronically depressed individuals aged 60 and older who were randomly assigned to receive 28 weeks of antidepressant medication plus clinical management, either alone (MED) or with the addition of DBT skills‐training and scheduled telephone coaching sessions (MED + DBT). Study 2 had two phases of treatment: Phase I: 8‐week open‐trial of antidepressant medication (n = 65); Phase II: 24‐week randomized trial of DBT + MED versus MED alone for those who prospectively failed to respond to the Phase I medication trial (n = 37).

Results

Study 1 demonstrated that 71% of MED + DBT patients were in remission at post‐treatment, in contrast to 47% of MED patients. This became a significant difference at the 6‐month follow‐up; where 75% of MED + DBT‐D patients were in remission compared with only 31% of MED patients. Study 2 showed that after 8 weeks of treatment with antidepressant medication alone (Phase 1) only 14% of the sample had at least a 50% reduction in HAM‐D scores. Phase II results showed on average, the DBT + MED group reached depression remission by the post‐group assessment and maintained these gains while the MED group did not reach remission, until the follow‐up assessment. Results demonstrated superiority of DBT + MED compared to MED alone on Interpersonal Sensitivity and Interpersonal Aggression at post‐treatment and 6‐month follow‐up.

Conclusion

Results from these two treatment development studies indicate that applying standard DBT for the treatment of co‐morbid MDD or MDD + PD in older adults is feasible, acceptable, and has clinical promise. Modifications to standard DBT and an overview of a new treatment manual for this population are summarized. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.