bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Outsmarting the algorithm or leaving the grid through surveillance artivism
Authors: Reinhuber Elke
Published: February 2024

Privacy feels like a distant memory since it is virtually non-existent nowadays. Cameras are all around, though we are not only visually monitored from any possible angle, but also with every movement and every trackable parameter. Faced with the feeling of being transparent and constantly recorded by various systems, the idea of becoming invisible is explored: finding inspiration from the ways that artists have tackled the issue of surveillance in their work – being exposed and evading it. Discussing artistic approaches as a means of raising awareness and exploring strategies to outsmart the algorithms can offer us alternative ways of existing outside the world of electricity and its manifold constraints. As the issue has been around for some time, the introduced artistic positions span the past 50 years and allude to the fast-evolving technologies in artistic research projects but also performances and artworks, which appear aesthetically pleasing at first glimpse but are insinuating a much more severe topic. Artworks inside the museum or gallery space might be much more refined, although intervention in the public space may reach a wider and more diverse audience. Raising the question of the evaluation, interpretation and exploitation of the material, the current discourse around artificial intelligence comes to mind and specifically the implications of machine learning and image generation in regard to the authenticity of the image in general, precipitating a broader conversation on surveillance and its antidotes.
De albina y español produce negro torna atrás: las pinturas de castas como ejercicios de color
Authors: Dittborn Paula
Published: February 2024

El siguiente texto aborda un género pictórico de la época de las colonias latinoamericanas que tuvo un rol importante en el proceso de sistematización visual del otro para la construcción identitaria del europeo: las pinturas de castas. A continuación se verá cómo, desde cierta perspectiva, la figuración, el orden, los patrones y las leyendas de estas pinturas tienen resonancias incluso en producciones visuales tan recientes como los ejercicios de color de Albers.
PINTURA MI(G)RADA. Notas sobre la obra de Francisco Méndez Labbé
Authors: De Nordenflycht José
Published: February 2024

La obra de Francisco Méndez Labbé está compuesta por un corpus pictórico que, desde la convicción de una modernidad asociada a la abstracción no representacional, puede ser comprendida desde tres cortes históricos que dan cuenta de tres migraciones, entendidas estas no como el simple efecto de un viaje, sino como la errancia de la mirada en tanto condición inaugural de la cultura visual moderna.

Su obra latente en el canon historiográfico, debería incorporar además un corpus teórico publicado en varios textos que inscriben su acción docente más allá de la práctica de un oficio. Lo anterior motiva estas tres notas que pretenden situar su trabajo en el decurso de un canónico relato que desplaza la omisión por la ficción que alcanza su elusión y la convierte en una “presencia no albergada” en el relato de la historia del arte chileno por más de medio siglo.
Um estudo sobre a lembrança de marcas patrocinadoras das Copas do Mundo do Brasil de 2014 e da Rússia de 2018
Authors: Mielli Luiz Fernando de Sousa , Senna Helio de Lima , Ciasca Edgard , De Sandes-Guimarães Luisa Veras
Published: February 2024

Objetivo do estudo: Analisar o nível de lembrança (recall) dos respondentes das marcas patrocinadoras oficiais e das não oficiais durante a realização das copas do mundo de 2014 e 2018. Metodologia: Pesquisa exploratória, realizada de forma quantitativa, não probabilística, com respostas colhidas por conveniência através de instrumento de coleta de dados por formulário eletrônico e físico, com e sem apoio de entrevistadores. Este trabalho baseia-se em um modelo de pesquisa desenvolvido por Meng-Lewis, Y. (2014), para avaliação do comportamento dos consumidores chineses em recall de patrocinadores dos jogos olímpicos de Pequim. Originalidade/Relevância: a presente pesquisa consiste em analisar a lembrança pelos espectadores brasileiros das marcas patrocinadoras, ou não, nas duas edições (2014/2018) da Copa do Mundo de Futebol, realizando uma série histórica de dois grandes eventos consecutivos. Principais resultados:  a análise estatística revelou que as empresas patrocinadoras oficiais obtiveram os melhores resultados em termos de recall para ambas as edições e as empresas que não foram patrocinadoras oficiais e ainda assim obtiveram bons resultados, indicando a utilização da estratégia de marketing de embosca. Contribuições teóricas e metodológicas: O modelo estudado poderá auxiliar a compreensão do processo de lembrança das marcas patrocinadoras de grandes eventos, que podem ser reproduzidos em diferentes esportes. Os dados obtidos contribuem para melhor decisão na implementação de estratégias de comunicação e investimento em marketing esportivo.
Investigation of Efforts and Problems in Implementing the Basel Convention on the Control of Transboundary Movements of Wastes and Their Disposal in Nigeria
Authors: Amos Oladosu, Olayinka , Abiodun Olodo Abdulrahamon , Olalekan Oloruntoba, Emmanuel , Opeodu OIuwaseun Tolulope , Ademola Adegoroye
Published: February 2024

Pollution from toxic chemicals and hazardous waste from domestic and international sources are among the environmental challenges that Nigeria is facing. It is against this background that the country ratified the Basel Convention on the control of transboundary movements of hazardous wastes. This project was designed to discuss Nigeria's efforts in implementing and complying with the Convention. It relied on secondary sources of information such as published articles and books. The study finds that there is a potential threat to human health and the environment posed by the importation of used consumer electronics such as televisions, laptop computers, music systems, and mobile phones. The study results also show that there is a significant amount of waste that is dumped illegally over international borders and improperly managed, which is detrimental to the country's ecology, economic expansion, and public health. Heavy metals are introduced into the environment as a consequence of the unregulated disposal of hazardous waste and electronic trash that occurs across international borders. While the prevention of waste or its reduction should be of the utmost importance, waste treatment and disposal should be prioritized so that they are carried out as close as possible to its point of origin. It was also discovered that there is continuous sensitization of the people who have been dumping electronic garbage about the repercussions of their acts, and new regulations and legislation have been enacted to prevent this from happening again in the future. There is a need to strengthen institutions and effectively implement the laws to adequately protect human health and the environment against the adverse effects of waste.
Isolation, Characterization, and Screening of Endospore Forming Endophytic Bacteria from Cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] for Plant Growth Promotion and Abiotic Stress Mitigation
Authors: Sivapriya S. L.  , Anith K. N.
Published: February 2024

We performed isolation and characterization of endospore forming endophytic bacteria (EEB) from endorhizospheric region of healthy bush cowpea var. Bhagyalakshmi. All the EEB isolates were evaluated for their ability to produce plant growth promoting traits such as production of indole acetic acid (IAA), gibberellic acid, ammonia, ACC deaminase, volatile organic compounds and siderophore, and capacity for nitrogen fixation, and solubilization of phosphorus and potassium. Roll towel assay was used for assessing the seedling vigour index of cowpea after seed priming with the EEB isolates. Based on growth promotion and seedling vigour index, seven superior bacterial isolates were selected, and antagonistic activity against the fungal pathogens Fusarium oxysporum, Rhizoctonia solani, Colletotrichum sp., Phytophthora sp., and Pythium sp., was assayed. The isolates were pooled together to form a consortium and biopriming of cowpea seeds were done. Bioprimed seeds were tested for plant growth promotion and abiotic stress management in cowpea under protray condition. The seedlings of the bioprimed cowpea seeds showed better seedling vigour index and stress tolerance compared to hydro-primed seeds and the unprimed control. EEB isolated from the host plant could be developed as plant growth promoting bioagents.
Observations on the Origin of the Duni Pacis
Authors: Foulis of Colinton James
Published: February 2024

Boys no sooner arrive at the use of reason, than they begin to be instructed in the language of ancient Rome. And the actions of the Romans is the first history they are taught. From thence it comes, that every monument of antiquity is almost always believed to have been made by these conquerors; especially if the name of the monument, or of any place in its neighbourhood, can be wrested to a Latin word, or even to a Latin termination. Such must have been the case with regard to the two great tumuli near the river Carron, in the shire of Stirling, from which the place is called Dunipace; which is supposed to signify the Hills of Peace; and it is commonly thought that the true name is Duni Pacis.
Account of the Parish of Uphall
Authors: Buchan Earl of
Published: February 2024

Some time ago I threw into a weekly paper, published by Messrs Ruddiman, some anonymous hints for giving accounts of country parishes in Scotland, suited to the various objects of our institution, and pointed out a few of the many advantages which might arise from the promotion of such communications.
Significant association between nonsyndromic oral clefts and arylhydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator (ARNT)
Authors: Kayano Shuji , Suzuki Yoichi , Kanno Kiyoshi , Aoki Yoko , Kure Shigeo , Yamada Atsushi , Matsubara Yoichi
Published: July 2004

The etiology of nonsyndromic oral clefts (cleft lip, cleft palate, or cleft lip and palate) is still controversial, but is considered to involve both genetic and environmental factors. One of suspected environmental factors is 2,3,7,8‐tetrachlorodibenzo‐p‐dioxin (TCDD) found in tobacco, herbicides, contaminated soil, and food. TCDD administered during organogenesis in mice causes a high incidence of CP in fetuses. There is ample evidence that aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR), AHR nuclear translocator (ARNT), and cytochrome P450 1A1 (CYP1A1) are involved in TCDD metabolism. We assessed whether there is any association in the Japanese population of nonsyndromic oral clefts with single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the AHR, ARNT, and CYP1A1 genes using transmission disequilibrium test (TDT) and case‐control study. We identified and investigated three SNPs in ARNT; 567G/C (V189V), IVS12‐19T/G, and 2117C/T (P706L). Two amino acid substitutions, R554L in AHR and I462V in CYP1A1, were also investigated. In the TDT, the C allele of ARNT 567G/C was preferentially transmitted to patients (P = 0.033). When a haplotype consisting of 567G/C and IVS12‐19T/G in ARNT was considered, the preferential transmission of the CT (567C‐IVS12‐19T) haplotype was observed (P = 0.0012). In a case‐control study, a significant association of IVS12‐19T/G in ARNT was observed (P = 0.021). The SNPs studied in AHR and CYP1A1 were not associated with the disease. Our results suggest that ARNT is involved in the development of nonsyndromic oral clefts in the Japanese population. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Linkage to chromosome 14q in Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients without psychotic symptoms
Authors: Avramopoulos Dimitrios , Fallin M. Daniele , Bassett Susan S.
Published: July 2004

Cases of early onset AD have been attributed to three genes, PSEN1, PSEN2, and APP, while the only gene consistently associated with late onset AD (LOAD) is APOE. Several genome scans have now been performed for LOAD with inconsistent findings in several genomic regions, possibly reflecting the underlying genetic heterogeneity. Many lines of evidence suggest that the absence or presence of psychotic symptoms, common in AD, might delineate distinct etiologic disease subtypes. We have performed a genome scan of 148 AD pedigrees (ages of onset more than 50 years) including the presence or absence of delusions and hallucinations as covariates. This approach identified linkage to a locus on chromosome 14q24.3, close to the PSEN1 locus (LOD score 3.91; genome‐wide empirical P = 0.052), derived from individuals that do not have co‐morbid hallucinations. The finding appears stronger (LOD score 5.74; genome‐wide empirical P = 0.048) in families that include younger affected members (AAO between 50 and 65 years), however it is not present without the inclusion of the covariate and we observe no correlation between the presence of hallucinations and the age of onset. A mutation screen of PSEN1 did not detect any coding region or splice site mutations. This linkage finding suggests the presence of a gene causing AD without co‐morbid hallucinations and with an earlier (yet not early) age at onset (AAO) in the 14q24 region. This region requires further study to replicate the finding and identify the genetic variant responsible for the linkage. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Impaired cell adhesion and apoptosis in a novel CLN9 Batten disease variant
Authors: Schulz Angela , Dhar Sumeer , Rylova Svetlana , Dbaibo Ghassan , Alroy Joseph , Hagel Christian , Artacho Isabelo , Kohlschütter Alfried , Lin Simon , Boustany Rose‐Mary
Published: July 2004

We describe the ninth variant of neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis (NCL) or Batten disease, due to defects in a putative new gene, CLN9. We therefore refer to the new variant as CLN9‐deficient. Two Serbian sisters and two German brothers are described. Their clinical history is characteristic for juvenile NCL. They show similar gene expression patterns. The existence of this variant is supported by the presence of curvilinear inclusions, fingerprint profiles, and granular osmiophilic deposits in neurons, lymphocytes, and conjunctival cells. Enzyme screening and sequencing of the coding regions of other NCL genes was negative. CLN9‐deficient cells have a distinctive phenotype. They have rounded cell bodies, have prominent nucleoli, attach poorly to the culture dish, and are sensitive to apoptosis but have increased growth rates. Gene expression of proteins involved in cell adhesion and apoptosis is altered in these cells. Sphingolipid metabolism is also perturbed. They have decreased levels of ceramide, sphingomyelin, lactosylceramide, ceramide trihexoside, and globoside and increased activity of serine palmitoyl transferase. Ann Neurol 2004
Magnetization transfer ratio and myelin in postmortem multiple sclerosis brain
Authors: Schmierer Klaus , Scaravilli Francesco , Altmann Daniel R. , Barker Gareth J. , Miller David H.
Published: July 2004

Several quantitative magnetic resonance (MR) measures are used to investigate multiple sclerosis (MS) in vivo. Precise quantitative investigation of the histopathological correlates of such measures has, to date, been limited. This study investigates the relationship of quantitative measures of myelin content, axonal density, and gliosis with quantitative MR measures in postmortem (PM) MS tissue. MR imaging (MRI) was performed on a 1.5T scanner and T1‐relaxation time (T1‐RT) and magnetization transfer ratio (MTR) maps were acquired in fresh PM brain of 20 MS subjects. Myelin content, axonal counts, and the extent of gliosis all were quantified using morphometric and digital imaging techniques. MRI and pathological data were in most cases coregistered using stereotactic navigation. Using multiple regression analysis, we detected significant correlations between myelin content (Trmyelin) and MTR (r = −0.84, p < 0.001) and myelin content and axonal count (−0.80, p < 0.001); MTR correlated with T1‐RT (r = −0.79, p < 0.001). No association was detected between the extent of gliosis and either MR measure. MTR was significantly higher in remyelinated than demyelinated lesions (means: 30.0 [standard deviation, 2.9] vs 23.8 [standard deviation, 4.3], p = 0.008). In conclusion, MTR is affected by myelin content in MS white matter. Ann Neurol 2004
The effect of temperature on the viscoelastic response of semicrystalline polymers
Authors: Drozdov A. D. , Agarwal S. , Gupta R. K.
Published: July 2004

Three series of isothermal torsion relaxation tests were performed at various temperatures ranging from room temperature to T = 120°C on isotactic polypropylene, low‐density polyethylene, and linear low‐density polyethylene. Constitutive equations are derived for the viscoelastic behavior of a semicrystalline polymer at small strains. A polymer is treated as an equivalent network of strands bridged by temporary junctions (entanglements, physical crosslinks on the surfaces of crystallites, and lamellar blocks). The network is thought of as an ensemble of mesoregions with various activation energies for detachment of active strands from their junctions. The time‐dependent response of the ensemble reflects thermally induced rearrangement of strands (separation of active strands from temporary junctions and merging of dangling strands with the network). Stress–strain relations are developed by using the laws of thermodynamics. The governing equations involve five adjustable parameters that are found by fitting the experimental data. This study focuses on the influence of temperature and crystalline morphology of polyolefins on the material parameters in the constitutive relations. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 94: 9–23, 2004
pH‐responsive polyzwitterions: A comparative study of acrylamide‐based polyampholyte terpolymers and polybetaine copolymers
Authors: Fevola Michael J. , Bridges J. Kasey , Kellum Matthew G. , Hester Roger D. , McCormick Charles L.
Published: July 2004

A comparative study of pH‐responsive polyzwitterions (PZs) with polyampholyte or polybetaine architectures was conducted with well‐defined model polymer systems. Low‐charge‐density PZs, including ampholytic terpolymers composed of acrylamide (AM), sodium 3‐acrylamido‐3‐methylbutanoate, and (3‐acrylamidopropyl)trimethylammonium chloride and carboxybetaine copolymers composed of AM and 3‐(3‐acrylamidopropyldimethylammonio)propionate, were prepared via free‐radical polymerization in 0.5M NaCl to yield ter‐ and copolymers with random termonomer and comonomer distributions. Sodium formate was used as a chain‐transfer agent during the polymerizations to eliminate the effects of the monomer feed composition on the degree of polymerization (DP) and to suppress gel effects and broadening of the molecular weight distributions. The polymer compositions were determined via 13C‐NMR spectroscopy, and the residual counterion content was determined via elemental analysis for Na+ and Cl−. The molecular weights (MWs) and polydispersity indices (PDIs) were determined via size exclusion chromatography/multi‐angle laser light scattering (SEC–MALLS); the polymer MWs ranged from 1.4 to 1.5 × 106 g/mol, corresponding to DPs of 1.6–1.9 × 104 repeat units, with all the polymers exhibiting PDIs less than or equal to 2.1. The intrinsic viscosities determined from SEC–MALLS data and the Flory–Fox relationship agreed with the intrinsic viscosities determined via low‐shear dilute‐solution viscometry. Data from the SEC–MALLS analysis were used to analyze the radius of gyration/molecular weight (Rg–M) relationships and the Mark–Houwink–Sakurada intrinsic viscosity/molecular weight ([η]–M) relationships for the PZs. The Rg–M and [η]–M relationships and viscometric data revealed that under size exclusion chromatography conditions, the poly[acrylamide‐co‐3‐(3‐acrylamidopropyldimethylammonio)propionate] betaine copolymers had more open, random‐coil conformations and greater polymer–solvent interactions than the ampholytic poly[acrylamide‐co‐sodium 3‐acrylamido‐3‐methylbutanoate‐co‐(3‐acrylamidopropyl)trimethylammonium chloride] terpolymers. The pH‐ and salt‐responsive dilute‐solution viscosity behavior of the PZs was examined to assess the effects of the polymer structure and composition on the solution properties. The polyampholyte terpolymers had greater solution viscosities and more pronounced stimuli‐responsiveness than the polybetaine copolymers because of their stronger intramolecular interactions and increased chain stiffness. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 94: 24–39, 2004
Anticoagulation activity of crosslinked N‐sulfofurfuryl chitosan membranes
Authors: Liu Wenguang , Zhang Jianrong , Cheng Nan , Cao Zhiqiang , Yao Kangde
Published: July 2004

N‐Sulfofurfuryl chitosan (SuCS) was prepared through the coupling of 5‐formyl‐2‐furansulfonic acid (FFSA) with chitosan via Schiff's base reaction in an aqueous solution of acetic acid. Fourier transform infrared spectra confirmed the formation of SuCS, and elemental analysis indicated that the concentration of the sulfonic acid groups in modified chitosan increased as the feeding ratio of FFSA increased. A protein adsorption experiment revealed that at higher concentrations of the sulfonic acid groups, glucose aldehyde crosslinked SuCS membranes were inclined to adsorb bovine serum albumin, but the adsorption of fibrinogen was hindered to some extent. Circular dichroism demonstrated that SuCS significantly altered the conformation of thrombin, whereas no obvious variation in the conformation of thrombin was observed with the addition of chitosan. The anticoagulation activity of glucose aldehyde crosslinked SuCS and chitosan membranes was evaluated through assays of the prothrombin time (PT), thrombin time (TT), and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT). APTT of an SuCS membrane was prolonged in comparison with that of its chitosan counterpart and showed a rising trend with an increasing concentration of the sulfonic acid moieties. However, PT and TT were not markedly affected. The anticoagulant mechanism of the SuCS membranes supposedly originated from an intrinsic pathway to the inhibition of coagulation enzymes. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 94: 53–56, 2004
Effect of the intercalation agent content of montmorillonite on the swelling behavior and drug release behavior of nanocomposite hydrogels
Authors: Lee Wen‐Fu , Jou Leng‐Long
Published: July 2004

A series of novel dual functional nanocomposite hydrogels were prepared from N‐isopropylacrylamide (NIPAAm), acrylic acid (AA) that is neutralized 50 mol % by sodium hydroxide (SA50), and montmorillonite (MMT). MMT was intercalated with three different contents of intercalation agent of (3‐acrylamidopropyl) trimethyl ammonium chloride (TMAACl). Investigation of the effect of intercalated MMT with three contents of intercalation agent (TMAACl) in the present nanocomposite hydrogels on the swelling and drug release behaviors is the main purpose in this study. The microstructure was identified by X‐ray diffraction (XRD). Results showed that the swelling ratio for the present nanocomposite hydrogels decreased with an increase in the content of the intercalation agent. The gel strength of the present gels did not change obviously with an increase in the content of intercalation agent. XRD results indicated that exfoliation of MMT was achieved in the dry and swollen gel state. Finally, the drug release behaviors for these gels were accessed also. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 94: 74–82, 2004
The emitting species formed by the oxidation of hydrazides with hypohalites or N‐halosuccinimides
Authors: Francis Paul S.
Published: July 2004

The chemiluminescence accompanying the oxidation of salicylic hydrazide (2‐hydroxybenzoic acid hydrazide) with hypochlorite, hypobromite, N‐chlorosuccinimide, N‐bromosuccinimide or hydrogen peroxide with cobalt(II) matched the photoluminescence emission of salicylic acid. In a related reaction, the oxidation of a mixture of isoniazid and ammonia, a synergistic effect was observed. The chemiluminescence spectrum for this reaction matches that accompanying the oxidation of the hydrazide, rather than the oxidation of ammonia. These results were used to assess mechanisms proposed by previous authors. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A rapid screening method for the detection of viable spores in powder using bioluminescence
Authors: Lee JiYoung , Deininger Rolf A.
Published: July 2004

A rapid diagnosis of a biological threat in a powder sample is important for ﬁrst responders who have to make decisions on‐site. The present culture‐based method does not provide timely results, which is a critical barrier for a quick response when a suspicious powder sample is found. The ATP bioluminescence method, combined with a heat shock, was investigated to determine the presence of spores in powder. The results show that only spore‐containing powder samples provided a dramatic increase in the bioluminescence signal after the heat shock, which induces germination of the spores. Various conditions were tested to ﬁnd the most effective and rapid germination procedure. Elevated temperatures (37°C and 50°C) were more effective in germination than room temperature. At 50°C, a double‐strength germinant was more effective in germination than the regular strength. The 37°C/15 min procedure induced the germination of spores most effectively, while a 50°C/2 min procedure provided reasonably high signals, so it could make the entire procedure even faster (< 5 min). The detection limit of the bioluminescence method is < 100 spores. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Multi‐channel electrochemiluminescence of luminol at a copper electrode
Authors: Yu Hong‐Xiao , Cui Hua , Guo Ji‐Zhao
Published: July 2004

Multi‐channel electrochemiluminescence (ECL) of luminol at a copper electrode has been studied under conventional cyclic voltammetric (CV) conditions. Compared with the ECL of luminol at other electrodes, three ECL peaks were observed at 0.30, −0.24 and −0.65 V (vs. SCE), respectively, which was also imaged by a CCD camera. The effects of potential scan direction, anodic reverse potential, the presence of N2 and O2 of the solution, the pH of the solution, the NaNO3 concentration and the potential scan rate were examined. The effect of n‐alkanethiol self‐assembled monolayers on copper electrodes and 20 l‐amino acids, dopamine, adrenaline and noradrenaline on the ECL of luminol were also investigated. The emission spectra of various ECL peaks at different potentials demonstrated that all ECL peaks were related to the luminol reaction. The results show that the oxygen dissolved in solution and copper oxide covered on the surface of the electrode play an important role in the luminol ECL process at a copper electrode. It has been proposed that three ECL channels of luminol at a copper electrode resulted from the reactions of luminol or luminol radical electrooxidized by luminol with various electrogenerated oxygen‐containing species, such as O2, OOH− and copper oxides at different potentials. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Low molecular weight heparin for the prevention of venous thromboembolism after abdominal surgery
Authors: Bergqvist D
Published: July 2004

Background

Abdominal surgery carries a significant risk of venous thrombosis, a risk further increased in patients with cancer.

Methods

Embase and Pubmed searches between 1980 and 2003, using the key words ‘heparin,’ ‘surgery,’ ‘abdominal or rectal or colorectal or rectum or colon’ and ‘clinical trial’, were conducted to identify studies of thromboprophylaxis in patients having abdominal surgery.

Results

A total of 16 comparative studies were identified. These show that low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) is as effective as unfractionated heparin (UFH) in reducing venous thromboembolism after abdominal surgery and, at appropriate doses, can reduce bleeding complications. In very high-risk patients, a higher dose of LMWH may offer increased efficacy without increasing bleeding risk. Extending the standard 7–10-day period of prophylaxis may benefit certain high-risk groups; recent data show a significant benefit of 4-week enoxaparin thromboprophylaxis compared with a standard regimen, at no cost to safety.

Conclusion

Patients undergoing abdominal surgery should be stratified according to thromboembolism risk and managed accordingly. LMWH is a recommended alternative to UFH in moderate- or high-risk patients. In patients with cancer, high doses of LMWH may offer increased efficacy without increasing the bleeding risk and an extended 4-week period of prophylaxis appears beneficial.
Reactions under Autogenic Pressure at Elevated Temperature (RAPET) of Various Alkoxides: Formation of Metals/Metal Oxides‐Carbon Core‐Shell Structures
Authors: Pol Swati V. , Pol Vilas G. , Gedanken Aharon
Published: July 2004

The RAPET reaction at 700 °C, of different alkoxides (Ti, V, and Si) led to three different nanocomposites. Carbon is the element common to all three structures. Carbon was found as the core in the decomposition of TEOS, as the shell in the decomposition of VO(OEt)3 and embedded in, or mixed completely with, TiO2 in the decomposition of Ti(OiPr)4. This novel method using only metallic alkoxide precursor, in the absence of catalyst, leads in a one‐step process to core‐shell structures.
Intramolecular Carbohydrate–Aromatic Interactions and Intermolecular van der Waals Interactions Enhance the Molecular Recognition Ability of GM1 Glycomimetics for Cholera Toxin
Authors: Bernardi Anna , Arosio Daniela , Potenza Donatella , Sánchez‐Medina Inmaculada , Mari Silvia , Cañada F. Javier , Jiménez‐Barbero Jesús
Published: July 2004

The design and synthesis of two GM1 glycomimetics, 6 and 7, and analysis of their conformation in the free state and when complexed to cholera toxin is described. These compounds, which include an (R)‐cyclohexyllactic acid and an (R)‐phenyllactic acid fragment, respectively, display significant affinity for cholera toxin. A detailed NMR spectroscopy study of the toxin/glycomimetic complexes, assisted by molecular modeling techniques, has allowed their interactions with the toxin to be explained at the atomic level. It is shown that intramolecular van der Waals and CH–π carbohydrate–aromatic interactions define the conformational properties of 7, which adopts a three‐dimensional structure significantly preorganized for proper interaction with the toxin. The exploitation of this kind of sugar–aromatic interaction, which is very well described in the context of carbohydrate/protein complexes, may open new avenues for the rational design of sugar mimics.
New Iridacyclohexadienes and Iridabenzenes by [2+2+1] Cyclotrimerization of Alkynes and Facile Interconversion between Iridacyclohexadienes and Iridabenzenes
Authors: Chin Chong Shik , Lee Hyungeui
Published: July 2004

Iridabenzenes [Ir{CHCHCHCHC(CH2R)}(CH3CN)2(PPh3)2]2+ (R=Ph 4 a, R=p‐C6H4CH3 4 b) are obtained from the reactions of H+ with iridacyclohexadienes [Ir{‐‐CHCHCHCHC(CH‐p‐C6H4R′)}(CO)(PPh3)2]+ (R′=H 3 a, R′=CH3 3 b), which are prepared from [2+2+1] cyclotrimerization of alkynes in the reactions of [Ir(CH3CN)(CO)(PPh3)2]+ with HCCH and HCCR. Iridabenzenes 4 react with CO and CH3CN in the presence of NEt3 to give iridacyclohexadienes [Ir{‐‐CHCHCHCHC(CHR)}(CO)2(PPh3)2]+ (6) and [Ir{‐‐CHCHCHCHC(CHR)}(CH3CN)2(PPh3)2]+ (7), respectively. Iridacyclohexadienes 6 and 7 also convert to iridabenzenes 4 by the reactions with H+ in the presence of CH3CN. Alkynyl iridacyclohexadienes [Ir{‐‐CHCHCHCHC(CH‐p‐C6H4R′)}(CCH)(PPh3)2] (8) undergo a cleavage of CC bond by H+/H2O to produce [Ir{‐‐CHCHCHCHC(CH‐p‐C6H4R′)}(CH3)(CO)(PPh3)2] (10) via facile inter‐conversion between iridacyclohexadienes and iridabenzenes.
Structural Isomerism in Crystals of Redox‐Active Secondary ortho‐Diamides: The Role of Competing Intra‐ and Intermolecular Hydrogen Bonds in Directing Crystalline Topologies
Authors: Baudron Stéphane A. , Avarvari Narcis , Canadell Enric , Auban‐Senzier Pascale , Batail Patrick
Published: July 2004

The solid‐state chemistry of a series of seven ortho‐bis(alkylamido)ethylenedithiotetrathiafulvalene derivatives EDT‐TTF‐(CONHR)2 (R=Me, 1; Et, 2; Pr, 3; Bu, 4; Pent, 5; Hex, 6; and Bz, 7), in their neutral and one‐electron‐oxidized, radical cation states, was investigated with an eye on the topology of intra‐ and intermolecular hydrogen‐bond motifs. In the case of neutral, monomolecular solids, an intramolecular NH⋅⋅⋅O hydrogen bond seals a constrained seven‐membered ring for 1, 2, 3, and 7, which is disrupted in butyl derivative 4 in favor of an antiparallel ladder at the expense of any intramolecular hydrogen bond. In the solid‐state, the competition between intra‐ and intermolecular hydrogen bonding observed in solution depends on the packing of the molecules. Electrocrystallization of methyl derivative 1 with ReO4− or ClO4−, two anions of different volumes but otherwise identical charge and symmetry, revealed a fine sensitivity of the constrained seven‐membered ring to the internal chemical pressure exerted by the anion. [1]2.+ReO4 (σRT=8.5 S cm−1, activation energy Δ=600 K at high temperature) and β′′‐[1]2.+ClO4 (σRT=0.03 S cm−1, Δ=1600 K; under pressure at room temperature, the conductivity increases by three orders of magnitude up to 17 kbar with a linear variation of the activation energy with pressure, Δ=aP with a=0.202 106 K kbar−1) have vastly different architectures, dimensionalities, electronic structures, and collective properties, a consequence of the presence of the closed or open structural isomers in one or the other. This exemplifies the flexibility of functionalized TTF derivatives, even when the functional group is directly attached to the electro‐active core. This allows an analogy to be drawn with tetrafunctionalized metallocenes, in which such flexibility has already been observed. The experimental data are supported by theoretical calculations of the energy profile of a model molecule on rotation of the amido groups.
Electronic Structures of Zinc and Palladium Tetraazaporphyrin Derivatives Controlled by Fused Benzo Rings
Authors: Miwa Hideya , Ishii Kazuyuki , Kobayashi Nagao
Published: July 2004

Zinc and palladium tetracyclic aromatic complexes lying structurally between tetraazaporphyrin (TAP) and phthalocyanine (Pc), that is, monobenzo‐, adjacently dibenzo‐, oppositely dibenzo‐, and tribenzo‐fused TAPs, have been prepared, and their electronic structures investigated by electronic absorption, magnetic circular dichroism (MCD), fluorescence, phosphorescence, and time‐resolved electron paramagnetic resonance (TREPR) spectroscopy, as well as cyclic voltammetry. The last‐named indicated that the first oxidation potentials shift to more negative values with increasing number of the fused benzo rings, but also suggested that the first reduction potential apparently has no correlation with the size and symmetry of the π‐conjugated systems. However, this latter behavior is reasonably interpreted by the finding that the effect of the fused benzo rings on destabilization of the LUMO depends on the orbital to which they are fused (i.e., whether it is an egx or egy orbital), since the LUMOs of TAP complexes are degenerate with D4h symmetry. The energy splitting of the LUMOs, that is, ΔLUMO, was evaluated experimentally for the first time by analyzing the relationship between the first reduction potential and the size and shape of the π‐conjugated system. Electronic absorption and MCD measurements indicate that the lowest excited singlet states are split in the case of the low‐symmetry TAP derivatives, although these excited states are degenerate for Pc and TAP with D4h symmetry. These energy splittings ΔESS correlate well with the ΔLUMO values. To investigate the electronic structures in the lowest excited triplet state, zero‐field splitting (zfs) was analyzed by time‐resolved EPR (TREPR) spectroscopy. The energy splitting in the lowest excited triplet state, ΔETT was quantitatively evaluated from the temperature dependence of the zfs or spin–orbit coupling of the Pd complexes. Consequently, it is demonstrated that ΔLUMO, ΔESS, and ΔETT values exhibiting a mutually good relationship can be determined experimentally.
New chiral selectors: Design and synthesis of 6‐TBDMS‐2,3‐methyl β‐cyclodextrin 2‐2′ thioureido dimer and 6‐TBDMS‐2,3‐methyl (or 2‐methyl‐3‐acetyl) β‐cyclodextrin bearing an (R) mosher acid moiety
Authors: Cravotto Giancarlo , Bicchi Carlo , Tagliapietra Silvia , Costa Luisa , Di Carlo Stefano , Nervi Carlo
Published: July 2004

Cyclodextrin (CD) derivatives are important selectors for analytical chiral recognition. Their enantioselectivities and chemical properties depend on ring size and on nature, number and location of substituents. This paper describes the synthesis of 6‐O‐TBDMS‐2,3‐O‐methyl β‐cyclodextrins bearing in position 2 either a single (R)‐Mosher acid moiety or a second CD unit, in view of their possible application as chiral selectors. Most synthetic steps were successfully carried out under high‐intensity ultrasound using a new sonochemical reactor developed in the authors' laboratory. 6‐O‐TBDMS‐2‐O‐methyl‐3‐[(S)‐2‐methylbutyl]‐β‐CD was also synthesized and tested with gas chromatography; the enantiorecognition power of the other CD derivatives is also being tested. A computational study of model structures to design these CD derivatives. Chirality 16:526–533, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Diastereotopic analysis of mesoridazine besylate (serentil)
Authors: Morrow Ryan J. , Millership Jeff S. , Collier Paul S.
Published: July 2004

NMR studies were conducted with the aim of determining the diastereoisomeric ratio of a commercially supplied sample of mesoridazine (MES) and to compare the results with a freshly synthesised sample of MES. The results indicated that the commercially supplied MES consisted almost entirely of one diastereoisomeric pair, which was in agreement with previous findings reported by Eap et al. (J Chromatogr 669:271–279, 1995). The synthesised sample of MES was analysed by NMR in two stages: 1) as the initial product isolated as the free base from the direct synthesis, and 2) as the free base isolated from the crystallised besylate salt of the synthetic product. The NMR results show that the initial synthetic product consisted of two equal pairs of diastereoisomers. The diastereoisomeric pairs were further separated by the addition of the chiral shift reagent (R)‐(–)‐N‐(3,5 dinitrobenzoyl)‐α‐benzylamine to reveal equal quantities of all four enantiomers, clearly observed at the methyl sulfoxide proton peak of the NMR scan. The sample obtained from the crystallisation of MES besylate, however, indicated a significant difference, with a diastereoisomeric ratio of 75:25. The results suggest that MES besylate undergoes preferential crystallisation of one pair of diastereoisomers, with the other pair remaining in solution. Chirality 16:534–540, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Determination of the absolute configuration of Anisotome irregular diterpenes: Application of CD and NMR methods
Authors: van Klink John W. , Baek Seung‐Hwa , Barlow Anna J. , Ishii Hideki , Nakanishi Koji , Berova Nina , Perry Nigel B. , Weavers Rex T.
Published: July 2004

Several Anisotome diterpene derivatives were synthesized in an attempt to obtain a crystalline compound for X‐ray analysis. Although we were unable to obtain a suitable crystal, the absolute configuration of the irregular diterpene skeleton was determined using two other techniques: a circular dichroism (CD) protocol based on a tetraarylporphyrin molecular tweezer that allowed prediction of the absolute stereochemistry on a microscale level, and a method employing differences in NMR shifts from derivatization of the naturally occurring acid 1 with enantiomers of a phenylglycine methyl ester (PGME) chiral anisotropic reagent. The excellent agreement between the CD and NMR methods led to the assignment of a 2S‐absolute configuration for anisotomenoic acid 1. Chirality 16:549–558, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Physicochemical properties, binary and ternary phase diagrams of ketoprofen
Authors: Hong Lu Ying , Bun Ching Chi
Published: July 2004

Compared to simulated moving bed (SMB) chromatography, fractional crystallization is a simple and economical method for enantioseparation. Therefore, the coupling of SMB chromatography and fractional crystallization is suggested for enantioseparation of racemic compounds. In this work, a nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug, ketoprofen (Kp), was chosen to be studied. Kp was verified as a racemic compound by FTIR, PXRD, and thermodynamic calculations. To derive the condition where pure (S)‐Kp could be crystallized from a solution, which was previously enantiomerically enriched, the binary melting phase diagram and the ternary solubility phase diagram in the mixed solvent of ethanol and water over a temperature range of 15–30°C were obtained. From these phase diagrams the eutectic point was determined as 91.6% mole percent (S)‐Kp from the binary phase diagram and 91% from the ternary phase diagram. The results may provide valuable experiment data for the possibility of coupling fractional crystallization with SMB for Kp separation. Chirality 16:541–548, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prospective randomized Phase II trial of pegylated doxorubicin in the management of symptomatic hormone‐refractory prostate carcinoma
Authors: Heidenreich Axel , Sommer Frank , Ohlmann Carsten H. , Schrader Andres J. , Olbert Peter , Goecke Joachim , Engelmann Udo H.
Published: July 2004

BACKGROUND

Liposomal encapsulation of doxorubicin has been shown to reduce nonspecific delivery of this agent to normal tissue and to increase specific delivery to malignant cells. On the basis of doxorubicin's demonstrated clinical efficacy against hormone‐refractory prostate carcinoma (HRPCA), the authors conducted a prospective, randomized Phase II clinical trial to evaluate the feasibility, toxicity, and therapeutic efficacy associated with the pegylated form of this agent.

METHODS

Forty‐eight patients with symptomatic HRPCA were randomized to receive pegylated liposomal doxorubicin at either 25 mg/m2 every 2 weeks for 12 cycles (Group A) or 50 mg/m2 every 4 weeks for 6 cycles (Group B). Thirty‐eight of these 48 patients (79%) presented with severe pain (corresponding to a pain score of 7.5 on a visual analog scale [VAS] ranging from 0 to 10) due to osseous metastases. Therapeutic efficacy was assessed by serial evaluation of serum prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) concentrations and by serial measurement of pain levels (using a VAS ranging from 0 to 10). Toxicity data were obtained using the National Cancer Institute of Canada/Cancer and Leukemia Group B criteria and the 30‐item European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire.

RESULTS

The median patient age was 68.9 years (range, 58–79 years), and the mean follow‐up duration was 42 months. The mean pretreatment PSA level was 660.4 ng/mL (mean, 8–6340 ng/mL); an objective decrease in PSA levels (i.e., a decrease of > 50%) was observed in 8 of 31 patients (25.8%) in Group B, whereas no other patient in either group experienced such a decrease. The mean time to disease progression was 6.5 months, and the mean survival duration was 13.4 months. Patients in Group B had a significantly higher rate of response with respect to pain (52.6% vs. 28.6%; P = 0.04), and the mean 1‐year survival rate also was significantly higher in Group B (42% vs. 15%; P = 0.02). Severe side effects were observed, with 24 patients (50%) experiencing World Health Organization Grade 3/4 toxicity. Toxicity types differed significantly between Group A and Group B; palmar‐plantar erythrodysesthesia developed in 60% of patients in the former group (P < 0.0005), whereas tachycardia was more common in the latter group (39% of patients; P < 0.0005). No dose‐limiting cardiotoxicities or hematotoxicities were documented.

CONCLUSIONS

Pegylated liposomal doxorubicin yielded a noteworthy objective palliative response rate and a mean survival of 13 months for patients with symptomatic HRPCA. The dosage tested in the current study should be used in future Phase II and Phase III trials of pegylated liposomal doxorubicin–containing combination regimens for patients with HRPCA. Cancer 2004. © 2004 American Cancer Society.
Squamous cell carcinoma in situ at oropharyngeal and hypopharyngeal mucosal sites
Authors: Muto Manabu , Nakane Mari , Katada Chikatoshi , Sano Yasushi , Ohtsu Atsushi , Esumi Hiroyasu , Ebihara Satoshi , Yoshida Shigeaki
Published: July 2004

BACKGROUND

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma typically is diagnosed at an advanced stage, and the prognosis for patients with this type of malignancy is poor. Detection of these lesions at an earlier stage (e.g., as carcinoma in situ) would be of clear benefit to patients. However, it has been extremely difficult to detect carcinoma in situ at head and neck mucosal sites during routine endoscopy, even after numerous passes of the endoscope through the oral cavity and the pharynx.

METHODS

The current clinical investigation was performed during routine endoscopic screening or surveillance procedures. The authors used a novel optical technique, known as narrowband imaging (NBI) that allows noninvasive visualization of the microvascular structure of an organ's surface using reflected light.

RESULTS

Between April 2002 and August 2003, 34 consecutive superficial lesions were found in 18 patients. Multifocal carcinoma was found in 5 patients (28%). The median age of the patients examined was 59.5 years (range, 43–71 years), and 83% of all patients were male. All lesions exhibited a microvascular proliferation pattern on magnified NBI. Thirteen patients with a combined total of 29 lesions underwent endoscopic resection under general anesthesia. The pyriform sinus was the most frequent primary site (66%; 19 of 29 lesions). The median tumor diameter was 20 mm (range, 1.3–40 mm). Twenty‐one lesions (72%) were histologically confirmed to be carcinoma in situ, and the remaining lesions showed evidence of microinvasion (0.05–1 mm) beneath the epithelium. Vascular invasion was observed in only one lesion. The median hospital stay was 10 days (range, 4–18 days). All patients were discharged without severe complications. After a median follow‐up period of 8 months (range, 1–16 months), there were no cases of local disease recurrence.

CONCLUSION

The authors stress the importance of endoscopic detection of superficial carcinoma at oropharyngeal and hypopharyngeal mucosal sites. NBI is a promising and potentially powerful tool for identifying carcinomas at an earlier stage during routine endoscopic examination. Cancer 2004. © 2004 American Cancer Society.