bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dok‐7 myasthenia: Phenotypic and molecular genetic studies in 16 patients
Authors: Selcen Duygu , Milone Margherita , Shen Xin‐Ming , Harper C. Michel , Stans Anthony A. , Wieben Eric D. , Engel Andrew G.
Published: July 2008

Objective

Detailed analysis of phenotypic and molecular genetic aspects of Dok‐7 myasthenia in 16 patients.

Methods

We assessed our patients by clinical and electromyographic studies, by intercostal muscle biopsies for in vitro microelectrode analysis of neuromuscular transmission and quantitative electron microscopy EM of 409 end plates (EPs), and by mutation analysis, and expression studies of the mutants.

Results

The clinical spectrum varied from mild static limb‐girdle weakness to severe generalized progressive disease. The synaptic contacts were single or multiple, and some, but not all, were small. In vitro microelectrode studies indicated variable decreases of the number of released quanta and of the synaptic response to acetylcholine; acetylcholine receptor (AChR) channel kinetics were normal. EM analysis demonstrated widespread and previously unrecognized destruction and remodeling of the EPs. Each patient carries 2 or more heteroallelic mutations: 11 in genomic DNA, 7 of which are novel; and 6 identifiable only in complementary DNA or cloned complementary DNA, 3 of which are novel. The pathogenicity of the mutations was confirmed by expression studies. Although the functions of Dok‐7 include AChR β‐subunit phosphorylation and maintaining AChR site density, patient EPs showed normal AChR β‐subunit phosphorylation, and the AChR density on the remaining junctional folds appeared normal.

Interpretation

First, the clinical features of Dok‐7 myasthenia are highly variable. Second, some mutations are complex and identifiable only in cloned complementary DNA. Third, Dok‐7 is essential for maintaining not only the size but also the structural integrity of the EP. Fourth, the profound structural alterations at the EPs likely contribute importantly to the reduced safety margin of neuromuscular transmission. Ann Neurol 2008
Regenerative Medizin und stammzellbasierte Wirkstoffentwicklung
Authors: Sakurada Kazuhiro , McDonald Fiona M. , Shimada Fumiki
Published: July 2008

Wie es William Shakespeare so eindrucksvoll beschrieb, geht das Altern oft mit einem Verlust an Gewebe‐ und Organfunktionen einher. Mit steigender Lebenserwartung in vielen Ländern nimmt das Durchschnittsalter der Gesellschaft zu – und damit auch die Probleme durch altersbedingte Erkrankungen. Von der regenerativen Medizin erwartet man, dass sie als ein mächtiger Akteur in diesem Drama auftritt, und die Stammzelltechnologie ist vielleicht der Schlüssel zur Entwicklung innovativer Behandlungen von akuten und chronischen degenerativen Zuständen. In diesem Aufsatz werden die gegenwärtige Situation und einige Ausblicke in die Zukunft der regenerativen Medizin und der stammzellbasierten Wirkstoffentwicklung gegeben.
Properties of polypropylene filled with chemically treated rice husk
Authors: Bera Jayanta , Kale D. D.
Published: July 2008

Finely ground rice husk was used as a filler in two commercial grades of polypropylene (PP) in different amounts. Rice husk powder was chemically treated with dilute hydrochloric acid, dilute sodium hydroxide solution, and dimethyl sulfoxide. The mechanical, thermal, and rheological properties of PP filled with untreated and treated rice husk powder were determined. Effectiveness of PP grafted with acrylic acid, PP‐g‐AA, as a compatibilizer was examined. Rice husk powder treated with acid showed significant improvement in the flexural modulus of PP and also less water absorption. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Diversity‐Oriented Synthesis of Enantiomerically Pure Steroidal Tetracycles Employing Stille/Diels–Alder Reaction Sequences
Authors: Sünnemann Hans Wolf , Banwell Martin G. , de Meijere Armin
Published: July 2008

Various steroid analogues were synthesized by Stille coupling of bicyclo[4.3.0]nonenylstannanes cis‐/trans‐8 and 14 with cyclohexenol triflates 17 and 18 and subsequent Diels–Alder reactions of the resulting dienes. The enantiomerically pure bicyclo[4.3.0]nonenylstannanes cis‐ and trans‐8 were prepared in good yields via the enol triflates cis‐ and trans‐7, obtained from the bicyclo[4.3.0]non‐2‐en‐3‐one 5. The alkenylstannane 14 was obtained from the [2+2] cycloadduct 10 a produced from addition of dichloroketene to the enantiomerically pure and protected bishydroxycyclohexadiene 9 a (65 %). Treatment of 10 a with diazomethane, reduction of the dichloromethylene group, and trapping with tributyltin chloride after lithium‐for‐bromine exchange, yielded the bicyclo[4.3.0]nonenylstannane 14 (23 % over four steps). Stille couplings provided the tricyclic dienes cis‐/trans‐19 in good yields (73–77 %), whereas the tricyclic diene 20 was obtained in only 34 % yield at best. Diels–Alder reactions of trans‐19 with various reactive dienophiles yielded the novel steroidal compounds trans‐21 to trans‐26 with complete diastereoselectivity. Heating the dienes cis‐19 or 20 with maleic acid derivatives provided the corresponding tetracycles cis‐23α,β and 27α,β with a cis‐C,D ring junction, each as mixtures of two diastereomers. Less reactive dienophiles required higher temperatures to promote the relevant cycloaddition with trans‐19 to furnish several stereoisomeric forms of trans‐28 and trans‐29 in significantly lower yields (31–45 %). The selected steroid analogues trans‐22 and trans‐23 were deprotected in two steps by using acid catalysis to provide trans‐31 and trans‐33 (91 and 80 % over two steps). Cyclopropanation of trans‐30 yielded the cyclopropasteroid analogue 34 (74 %), treatment of which with trifluoroacetic acid furnished the cyclopropasteroid 35 and the 2‐methyl‐substituted steroid analogue 36 in 40 and 12 % yield, respectively. Aromatic B‐ring steroids 38 (69 %) and 39 (5 %) were accessed by dehydrogenation of trans‐24 with 2,3‐dichloro‐5,6‐dicyano‐1,4‐benzoquinone.
Dye‐Modified Nanochannel Materials for Photoelectronic and Optical Devices
Authors: Calzaferri Gion , Li Huanrong , Brühwiler Dominik
Published: July 2008

Artificial photonic antenna systems have been realised by incorporating organic dyes into zeolite L. The size and aspect ratio of the cylindrically shaped zeolite crystals can be tuned over a wide range, adding to the versatility of this host material. A 600 nm sized crystal, for example, consists of about 96 000 one‐dimensional channels oriented parallel to the cylinder axis. Geometrical constraints imposed by the host structure lead to supramolecular organisation of the guests, allowing high concentrations of non‐ or only very weakly interacting dye molecules. A special twist is added to these systems by plugging the channel openings with a second type of fluorescent dye, a so‐called stopcock molecule. The two types of molecules are precisely tuned to each other; the stopcocks are able to accept excitation energy from the dyes in the channels, but cannot pass it back. The supramolecular organisation of dyes in the zeolite channels corresponds to a first stage of organisation, allowing light‐harvesting within the volume of a cylindrical crystal and radiationless energy transport to either the cylinder ends or centre. The second stage of organisation represents the coupling to an external acceptor or donor stopcock fluorophore at the channel entrances, which can then trap or inject electronic excitation energy. The third stage of organisation is realised by interfacing the material to an external device through a stopcock intermediate. We observed that electronic‐excitation‐energy transfer in dye–zeolite L materials occurs mainly along the channel axis and we have shown that macroscopically organised materials can be prepared. The new materials offer unique possibilities as building blocks for optical, electro‐optical and sensing devices.
Investigation of the Electrocoagulation Treatment of Cotton Blue Dye Solution using Aluminium Electrodes
Authors: Ahlawat Renu , Srivastava Vimal Chandra , Mall Indra Deo , Sinha Shishir
Published: July 2008

This study was performed to investigate the variables that influence the removal efficiency of an acid dye, i. e., cotton blue (CB) (chemical name: aniline blue WS) dye, from aqueous solution by an electrocoagulation (EC) technique. Batch EC studies were performed using aluminum electrodes to evaluate the influences of various experimental parameters, i. e., initial pH (pH0): 3–11, electrolysis time (t): 0–30 min, initial concentration (C0): 100–1000 mg/L, electrode gap (g): 0.5–1.3 cm, number of electrodes (N): 4–10, and applied voltage (Vap): 7–11 V, on the removal of CB dye. The optimum values of pH0, Vap and t for CB removal were found to be 6.0, 11 V and 15 min, respectively. The removal efficiency increased with decreasing values of C0 and g. For a CB solution having C0 = 100 mg/L, 97% removal efficiency was obtained at the optimized conditions. It was found that the EC sludge can be dried and thermally degraded. The bottom ash obtained after its combustion can be blended with cementitious mixtures. This approach for EC sludge disposal ensures energy recovery along with safe disposal of the EC sludge.
Enhancing the Performance of Anaerobic Digestion of Dairy Manure through Phase‐Separation
Authors: Yilmaz Vedat , Demirer Göksel N.
Published: July 2008

Anaerobic digestion (AD) is an effective way to convert animal manures into profitable by‐products while simultaneously reducing the pollution of water, air, and soil caused by these wastes. Conventional high‐rate anaerobic reactors cannot effectively process animal manures with high solids‐containing wastes. The two‐phase configuration for AD has several advantages over conventional one‐phase processes, e. g., increased stability of the process, smaller size and cost efficient process configurations. In the present study, the experiments were carried out in a two‐phase system composed of an acidogenic reactor and a methanogenic reactor, and in a one‐phase system composed of only a methanogenic reactor. The reactors were operated as unmixed (without an external mixing aid), unsophisticated, and daily‐fed mode. It was found that the two‐phase configuration was more efficient than the one‐phase system. The biogas production in the two‐phase system at a hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 8.6 days (only methanogenic phase) was calculated to be 42% higher at an organic loading rate (OLR) of 3.5 g VS/L·day than that of the one‐phase with a HRT of 20 days. This translates into significant performance improvement and reduced volume requirement. This finding represents a further step in the achievement of wider use of simple anaerobic reactor configurations for waste treatment in rural areas.
Structure–Antioxidant Activity Relationships in a Series of NO‐Donor Phenols
Authors: Tosco Paolo , Marini Elisabetta , Rolando Barbara , Lazzarato Loretta , Cena Clara , Bertinaria Massimo , Fruttero Roberta , Reist Marianne , Carrupt Pierre‐Alain , Gasco Alberto
Published: July 2008

Recently we reported a new class of NO‐donor phenols that could be of interest in the treatment of many forms of cardiovascular disease (CD). Their potencies as inhibitors of ferrous salt/ascorbate‐induced peroxidation of membrane lipids of rat hepatocytes were assessed as pIC50 values through the TBARS assay. In this work we aimed to find quantitative relationships between the antioxidant activity of these compounds and appropriate molecular descriptors. In particular, we determined their log Poct, their reactivity (log Z) in reaction with the 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH.), and the theoretical parameter ΔHabs, which describes the enthalpy of homolytic OH bond cleavage. The QSAR equations found through the classical Hansch approach allowed us to draw interesting conclusions on the possible mechanisms of reaction with radicals in the various environments, while underlining the role of lipophilicity in antioxidant activity.
Optimizing docetaxel chemotherapy in patients with cancer of the gastric and gastroesophageal junction
Authors: Ajani Jaffer A.
Published: July 2008

Advanced gastroesophageal cancer patients are often treated with systemic combination chemotherapy. The V‐325 study demonstrated that adding docetaxel (D) to a frequently used regimen of cisplatin and 5‐fluorouracil (CF) provided benefits with regard to overall survival, response rate, time‐to‐disease progression, clinical benefit, and health‐related quality of life. Although the DCF regimen provides these advantages, it is accompanied by an increase in toxicity compared with the doublet regimen. The toxicity profile of DCF is acceptable only with appropriately selected patients and comprehensive toxicity management strategies. The objective of the current review was to identify trials that investigated modifications to the original DCF regimen to improve its toxicity profile and summarize response rate and toxicities. An attempt was also made to summarize ongoing modifications of the DCF regimen. MEDLINE, major meeting proceedings, and the government clinical trials website were searched until 2007. The modified DCF regimens appear to improve the toxicity profile when compared with the original DCF regimen. The docetaxel‐based triplet combinations appear to have a higher response rate than the doublet combinations. Many institutions and cooperative groups continue to study docetaxel‐based modifications of the DCF regimen to treat patients with gastroesophageal carcinoma. However, although modified DCF reduces the frequency of severe toxicities previously reported with DCF, considerably more advances are needed to improve the safety, survival, and convenience of patients with advanced gastroesophageal cancer. Cancer 2008. © 2008 American Cancer Society.
Influence of induction chemotherapy and class of cytotoxics on pathologic response and survival after preoperative chemoradiation in patients with carcinoma of the esophagus
Authors: Javeri Heta , Arora Rohan , Correa Arlene M. , Hofstetter Wayne L. , Lee Jeffrey H. , Liao Zhongxing , McAleer Mary F. , Maru Dipen , Bhutani Manoop S. , Swisher Stephen G. , Izzo Julie G. , Ajani Jaffer A.
Published: July 2008

BACKGROUND.

Patients with localized esophageal cancer (LEC) have diverse outcomes (post‒therapy pathologic response, disease‒free survival [DFS], and overall survival [OS]) after preoperative chemoradiation (P‒CTRT), dictated also by inherent molecular heterogeneity. Whether the type of therapy influences the outcomes remains largely unanswered. It is hypothesized that induction chemotherapy (IC) or the type of cytotoxics used would not influence patient outcomes.

METHODS.

In this retrospective analysis, consecutive patients with LEC who had P‒CTRT were analyzed. Data were collected regarding age, sex, baseline clinical stage, location, type of cytotoxics, post‒therapy pathology, DFS, and OS. IC and the type of cytotoxics used were found to be correlated with DFS, OS, and post‒therapy pathologic response.

RESULTS.

A total of 180 patients with LEC (119 had IC before P‒CTRT, all had received 5‒fluorouracil, 87 had received a taxane, and 57 had received a platinol) were analyzed. The median survival (MS) of all patients was 57.7 months and the 3‒year and 5‒year OS rates were 65.4% and 46.5%, respectively. The type of therapy appeared to have no influence on the outcome: IC versus no IC (P = .58) or platinol versus taxane versus platinol plus taxane (P = .63). Similarly, the type of pathologic response was not found to be influenced by IC (P = .18) or the type of cytotoxics used (P = .42). The data were similar for DFS.

CONCLUSIONS.

IC or the type of cytotoxics used with radiation for patients with LEC does not appear to influence OS, DFS, or the type of pathologic response after therapy, suggesting that a plateau has been reached. It remains to be seen whether the use of biochemoradiotherapy can provide an advantage in outcome. Cancer 2008. © 2008 American Cancer Society.
Myeloid sarcoma is associated with superior event‐free survival and overall survival compared with acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Tsimberidou Apostolia‐Maria , Kantarjian Hagop M. , Wen Sijin , Keating Michael J. , O'Brien Susan , Brandt Mark , Pierce Sherry , Freireich Emil J , Medeiros L. Jeffrey , Estey Elihu
Published: July 2008

BACKGROUND.

It is unknown whether patients with nonleukemic myeloid sarcoma (MS) and those with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) have similar responses to anti‐AML treatment. In the current study, the authors addressed this question by matching MS patients with analogous AML patients and comparing their clinical outcomes.

METHODS.

Twenty‐three consecutive patients with MS and 1720 consecutive patients with AML were identified who presented at The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center from 1990 to 2004. All AML patients and 16 MS patients received cytarabine plus idarubicin or fludarabine as induction remission therapy. Treated MS patients and AML patients were matched according to cytogenetics, age, Zubrod performance status, and time of treatment. Event‐free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) were compared using Kaplan‐Meier analyses.

RESULTS.

Complete response rates were 69% in patients with MS and 57% in patients with AML (P = .45). The respective 2‐year EFS and OS rates were 32% and 18% (P = .08) and 43% and 29% (P = .11). Matches were identified for 14 MS patients who were paired repeatedly with 91 AML patients to produce 94 matches (3 AML patients were matched twice). EFS was longer in 56 MS pair mates, shorter in 26 pair mates, and similar in 12 pair mates (P = .01; Fisher exact test). OS analyses yielded similar results.

CONCLUSIONS.

Anti‐AML therapy was highly effective in patients with nonleukemic MS. The results from this study emphasize the need to treat patients who have nonleukemic MS with AML‐type therapy. Cancer 2008. © 2008 American Cancer Society.
ERCC1 expression as a prognostic marker in N2(+) nonsmall‐cell lung cancer patients treated with platinum‐based neoadjuvant concurrent chemoradiotherapy
Authors: Hwang In Gyu , Ahn Myung Ju , Park Byeong Bae , Ahn Yong Chan , Han Joungho , Lee Seungkoo , Kim Jhingook , Shim Young Mog , Ahn Jin Seok , Park Keunchil
Published: July 2008

BACKGROUND.

Excision repair cross‐complementation Group 1 (ERCC1) overexpression is associated with resistance to cisplatin‐based chemotherapy in patients with nonsmall‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC). A preliminary study also suggested that ERCC1 expression is associated with radioresistance in lung cancer cells. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical implications of ERCC1 expression in stage IIIA N2‐positive NSCLC patients treated with platinum‐based neoadjuvant concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) followed by surgery.

METHODS.

Sixty‐eight patients with mediastinoscopy‐proven N2‐positive NSCLC were enrolled between August 1997 and September 2003. ERCC1 expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry from pretreatment mediastinoscopic biopsy specimens.

RESULTS.

ERCC1 expression was positive in 31 of 68 specimens (46%). Among 14 patients who obtained pathologic complete response, 6 were positive for ERCC1 expression and 8 were negative (P = .818). On univariate analysis, with median follow‐up of 61.8 months (range, 34.3‐108.8 months), progression‐free survival was 15.9 months for ERCC1‐positive and 29.5 months for ERCC1‐negative patients (P = .062), and there was a statistically significant difference in overall survival between ERCC1‐negative tumors and ERCC1‐positive tumors (89.2 vs 26.0 months, P = .014). On multivariate analysis, ERCC1 negativity (P = .041) and achieving mediastinal nodal clearance (downstage to pathological N0 or N1) after neoadjuvant CCRT followed by surgery (P = .005) were significant independent prognostic factors for the prolongation of survival.

CONCLUSIONS.

These results suggest that N2‐positive NSCLC patients with ERCC1 negative tumors show a survival benefit from neoadjuvant CCRT with a platinum‐containing regimen. Cancer 2008. © 2008 American Cancer Society.
Application of cryobiopsy to morphological and immunohistochemical analyses of xenografted human lung cancer tissues and functional blood vessels
Authors: Ohno Nobuhiko , Terada Nobuo , Bai Yuqin , Saitoh Sei , Nakazawa Tadao , Nakamura Nobuki , Naito Ichiro , Fujii Yasuhisa , Katoh Ryohei , Ohno Shinichi
Published: July 2008

BACKGROUND.

Assessment of tissue specimens obtained with common immersion‐fixation followed by dehydration (IMDH) is affected by artifacts, which hinder precise evaluation of the histology and microenvironment of tumor tissues. The technical characteristics of cryobiopsy and in vivo cryotechnique (IVCT) where target organs are directly cryofixed in vivo are still unknown in practical examinations of tumor histopathology and microenvironment.

METHODS.

Three lines of human lung cancer cells were subcutaneously injected to the dorsal flank of nude mice, and paraffin sections and cryosections of produced tumors were prepared with cryobiopsy, IVCT, the quick‐freezing of the fresh resected tumor tissues, or IMDH. Histological comparison among different methods was conducted, and immunolocalization of immunoglobulin M (IgM), intravenously injected bovine serum albumin (BSA), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were examined.

RESULTS.

With both the cryobiopsy and IVCT, cellular morphology and open blood vessels with flowing erythrocytes could be observed without artificial shrinkage, and the volume of blood vessels was not affected by a vascular collapse, which was observed after tissue‐resection. In addition, with cryobiopsy and IVCT, IgM was well preserved in functional vessels with blood flow, which could be observed with injected BSA, and the volume of IgM‐immunopositive blood vessels was significantly associated with the expression of VEGF.

CONCLUSIONS.

Cryobiopsy could be useful for histological examination of human tumors without morphological artifacts associated with IMDH. Furthermore, it allows direct examination of functional blood vessels and related signaling molecules, thereby providing a better evaluation of the human tumor microenvironment for clinical application. Cancer 2008. © 2008 American Cancer Society.
High‐dose therapy and autologous stem cell transplantation for chemoresistant Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Gopal Ajay K. , Metcalfe Tracee L. , Gooley Ted A. , Pagel John M. , Petersdorf Stephen H. , Bensinger William I. , Holmberg Leona , Maloney David G. , Press Oliver W.
Published: July 2008

BACKGROUND.

High‐dose therapy (HDT) with autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) is the standard treatment for patients with chemosensitive relapsed/refractory Hodgkin lymphoma (HL), but this therapy is commonly denied to patients with resistant disease. We explored the utility of HDT and ASCT for chemoresistant HL because there are few established therapies for these patients.

METHODS.

Sixty‐four chemoresistant HL patients underwent HDT followed by ASCT at our center. Baseline characteristics included median age = 35 years (range, 14‐59 years), stage III/IV = 49 (77%), nodular sclerosis histology = 51 (80%), and prior radiation = 32 (50%). Twenty‐six patients (41%) received total body irradiation (TBI)‐based regimens, and 38 (59%) underwent non‐TBI conditioning.

RESULTS.

The estimated 5‐year overall survival (OS) and progression‐free survival (PFS) were 31% and 17%, respectively (median follow‐up = 4.2 years). Multivariate analysis only identified year of transplant as independently associated with improved OS (P = .008) and PFS (P = .04), with patients receiving transplants in later years having better outcome. The probabilities of 3‐year PFS for patients receiving transplants during 1986 to 1989, 1990 to July 1993, August 1993 to 1999, and 2000 to 2005 were 9%, 21%, 33%, and 31%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS.

These data suggest that HDT and ASCT may result in prolonged remissions and survival for a subset of chemoresistant HL patients, with improved outcomes in patients receiving transplants more recently. Cancer 2008. © 2008 American Cancer Society.
Retinal ganglion cell inputs to the koniocellular pathway
Authors: Szmajda Brett A. , Grünert Ulrike , Martin Paul R.
Published: July 2008

To understand the transmission of sensory signals in visual pathways we studied the morphology and central projection of ganglion cell populations in marmoset monkeys. Retinal ganglion cells were labeled by photofilling following injections of retrograde tracer in the lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN), or by intracellular injection with neurobiotin. Ganglion cell morphology was analyzed using hierarchical cluster analysis. In addition to midget and parasol ganglion cells, this method distinguished three main clusters of wide‐field cells that correspond to small bistratified, sparse, and broad thorny cells identified previously. The small bistratified and sparse cells occupy neighboring positions on the hierarchical (linkage distance) tree. These cell types are presumed to carry signals originating in short‐wavelength sensitive (S or “blue”) cones in the retina. The linkage distance from these putative S‐cone pathway ganglion cells to other wide‐field cells is similar to the linkage distance from midget cells to parasol cells, suggesting that S‐cone cells form a distinct functional subgroup of ganglion cells. Small bistratified cells and large sparse cells were the most commonly labeled wide‐field cells following LGN injections in koniocellular layer K3. This is consistent with physiological evidence that the role of this layer includes transmission of S‐cone signals to the visual cortex. Other wide‐field cell types were also labeled following injections including K3, and other koniocellular LGN layers; these cell types may correspond to “non‐blue koniocellular” receptive fields recorded in physiological studies. J. Comp. Neurol. 510:251–268, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Simulating closed regimes with agent based models
Authors: Bhavnani R. , Backer D. , Riolo R.
Published: July 2008

This article describes efforts to develop an exploratory agent‐based model as a tool for studying decision making in political regimes such as Iraq, North Korea, and Syria. Our hybrid of the landscape metaphor and the rule‐based system approach captures the trade‐offs leaders face in balancing components of a utility function, plus risk profiles that allow departures from conventional utility maximization. Two simple experiments concerning succession demonstrate the surprising compromises both leaders and elites are willing to make, as well as the instability of these bargains. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Complexity, 2008
The revolution in military affairs: Its driving forces, elements, and complexity
Authors: Neuneck Götz
Published: July 2008

The current concept of a “revolution in military affairs” (RMA) mainly characterizes the transformation of the US military to smaller, more lethal forces. It is driven by structural changes in the international system, the high investment in R&D and military expenditures by the US government, the dramatic advancements in information and communication technologies, and the integration of these military, doctrinal, and technological factors into new military structures and tactics. This current revolution in American affairs has been a capital‐intensive evolution, and while these innovations have lead to tactical victories over opposing forces on the battlefield, it is not yet clear that they have contributed to stability in the larger strategic context. Indeed, even the tactical advantages are eroding as potential and existing opponents retool their own military doctrines. The strategic response runs the length of technological spectrum, from the development of countermeasures such as in the proliferation of WMD to the development of effective low‐tech warfare strategies and tactics like IEDs detonated by cell phone. The proliferation of conventional weapons combines with the adaptation of new asymmetric tactics to offer a particularly grim forecast of the future. The Iraqi war demonstrates that the fog of war is not overcome, nor are wars fought with precision‐guided munitions necessarily “clean.” In short, the sophisticated weapons and communications platforms of RMA are no panacea for the ills of the modern world. The key task for the globalized world is first and foremost to develop strategies to win the “hearts and minds” of people in zones of violent conflict. The inclusion of civil society is a basic element, and armed forces should seek the dialogue with the civil society before it comes to war. Moreover, efforts must be redoubled to develop new methods for effective arms control. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Complexity, 2008
Sulfur‐Assisted Approach for the Low‐Temperature Synthesis of β‐SiC Nanowires
Authors: Ju Zhicheng , Xing Zheng , Guo Chunli , Yang Lishan , Xu Liqiang , Qian Yitai
Published: July 2008

Silicon carbide (SiC) nanowires coexisting with amorphous graphite particles were initially produced by using silicon powder, tetrachlorethylene, metallic Na, and sulfur powder as reactants in an autoclave at 130 °C. Pure β‐SiC could be finally obtained after heating the sample in concentrated H2SO4 by refluxing at 180 °C, which was proved by the X‐ray powder diffraction patterns. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images and scanning electron microscope (SEM) images show that the product is mainly composed of SiC nanowires (over 75 %) with an average diameter of about of 30 nm and lengths up to tens of micrometers. High‐resolution TEM shows that the nanowires have preferential growth along the [111] direction. It was found that when sulfur was absent, crystalline β‐SiC powders could not be obtained unless the target temperature was raised higher than 270 °C. In the mean time, the ratio of the nanowires also dropped dramatically (≈20 %). The effects of sulfur, reaction time, and temperature on the morphologies of the final products, together with the properties of the final products, were also discussed. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Ferromagnetism in CuII4 and CoII4 Complexes Derived from Metal‐Assisted Solvolysis of Di‐2,6‐(2‐pyridylcarbonyl)pyridine: Syntheses, Structures, and Magnetic Properties
Authors: Boudalis Athanassios K. , Raptopoulou Catherine P. , Psycharis Vassilis , Abarca Belén , Ballesteros Rafael
Published: July 2008

Metal‐assisted solvolysis of di‐2,6‐(2‐pyridylcarbonyl)pyridine (pyCOpyCOpy, dpcp) by M(O2CMe)2·xH2O (MII = CuII, CoII) led to complex [Cu4{pyC(O)2pyC(O)(OEt)py}(O2CMe)5(EtOH)2] (1), when the reaction was carried out in EtOH, and to complex [Co4{pyC(O)(OMe)pyC(O)(OMe)py}2(O2CMe)2(N3)2] (2), when the reaction was carried out in MeOH in the presence of azide anions. Complex 1 consists of four CuII ions bridged by the hemiacetal‐gem‐diol form of the ligand, which is found in a μ4‐η2:η2:η2:η1:η1:η1 coordination mode. It exhibits ferromagnetic couplings among all nearest neighbors and antiferromagnetic next‐nearest‐neighbor interactions (J12 = J1 = 48.0 cm–1, J23 = J2 = 20.4 cm–1, J34 = J3 = 16.9 cm–1, J24 = J4 = –10.0 cm–1, H = –2ΣJiJj spin Hamiltonian formalism), which stabilize an S = 1 ground state and an S = 2 state lying closely above it. Complex 2 consists of four CoII ions bridged by the bis(hemiacetal) form of the ligand, which is found in a μ3‐η2:η2:η1:η1:η1 coordination mode, and by μ3‐azido ligands. It also exhibits ferromagnetic interactions due to the μ3–1,1,1 bridging mode of the azido ligands, which is known to promote ferromagnetic interactions. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Synthetic Approaches to Spiroaminals
Authors: Sinibaldi Marie‐Eve , Canet Isabelle
Published: July 2008

The 1‐oxa‐7‐azaspiro[5.5]undecane, 1‐oxa‐6‐azaspiro[4.5]decane, 1‐oxa‐7‐azaspiro[5.4]decane and 1‐oxa‐6‐azaspiro[4.4]nonane ring systems are found as the cores of natural or synthetic products that possess significant biological activities. Because of their potential applications, together with the novelty of their skeletons, these compounds represent challenging targets for chemical synthesis. In this review we summarize the different strategies developed for the synthesis of these spiroaminals.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
N‐Heterocyclic Carbene Induced Cycloaddition Reactions of Indazoles with Acetylenes To Form a New Ring System
Authors: Schmidt Andreas , Snovydovych Bohdan , Hemmen Sascha
Published: July 2008

Thermal decarboxylation of the mesomeric betaine 1,2‐dimethylindazolium‐3‐carboxylate resulted in the formation of the N‐heterocyclic carbene indazol‐3‐ylidene which deprotonated a second molecule of the betaine to give an azomethine ylide. This 1,3‐dipole underwent a cycloaddition/decarboxylation sequence on treatment with ethyl or methyl 3‐phenylpropiolate to give the new ring system 3,5‐dihydro‐2H‐pyrrolo[1,2‐b]indazole. By contrast, dimethyl or diethyl but‐2‐ynedioate (DMAD, DEAD) as the activated triple bond yielded this ring system with an ester group at the 9b‐position, which originates from the acetylene derivative. Model reactions were carried out to elucidate the mechanisms of these reactions, and some trapping products of the N‐heterocyclic carbene have been characterized. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Hydrosilanes Are Not Always Reducing Agents for Carbonyl Compounds but Can Also Induce Dehydration: A Ruthenium‐Catalyzed Conversion of Primary Amides to Nitriles
Authors: Hanada Shiori , Motoyama Yukihiro , Nagashima Hideo
Published: July 2008

A practical procedure for production of nitriles is offered by the triruthenium carbonyl cluster catalyzed dehydration of primary carboxamides with hydrosilanes under neutral conditions. This is the first example that a transition‐metal‐catalyzed activation of Si–H bonds does not lead to the reduction of carbonyl compounds but to dehydration. Possible mechanisms for the dehydration is discussed on the basis of NMR spectroscopic detection of intermediary species. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Faulty spindle checkpoint and cohesion protein activities predispose oocytes to premature chromosome separation and aneuploidy
Authors: Mailhes John B.
Published: July 2008

Aneuploidy accounts for a major proportion of human reproductive failures, mental and physical anomalies, and neoplasms. To heighten our understanding of normal and abnormal chromosome segregation, additional information is needed about the underlying molecular mechanisms of chromosome segregation. Although many hypotheses have been proposed for the etiology of human aneuploidy, there has not been general acceptance of any specific hypothesis. Moreover, it is important to recognize that many potential mechanisms exist whereby chromosome missegregation may occur. One area for investigating aneuploidy centers on the biochemical changes that take place during oocyte maturation. In this regard, recent results have shown that faulty mRNA of spindle‐assembly checkpoint proteins and chromosome cohesion proteins may lead to aneuploidy. Also, postovulatory and in vitro aging of mouse oocytes has been shown to lead to decreased levels of Mad2 transcripts and elevated frequencies of premature centromere separation. The intent of this review is to highlight the major events surrounding chromosome segregation and to present the published results that support the premise that faulty chromosome cohesion proteins and spindle checkpoint proteins compromise accurate chromosome segregation. Environ. Mol. Mutagen., 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Development of an in vivo gene mutation assay using the endogenous Pig‐A gene: II. Selection of Pig‐A mutant rat spleen T‐cells with proaerolysin and sequencing Pig‐A cDNA from the mutants
Authors: Miura Daishiro , Dobrovolsky Vasily N. , Mittelstaedt Roberta A. , Kasahara Yoshinori , Katsuura Yasuhiro , Heflich Robert H.
Published: July 2008

We previously reported that rat spleen T‐cells and peripheral red blood cells that are deficient in glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) synthesis [presumed mutants for the phosphatidylinositol glycan complementation group A gene (Pig‐A)] could be detected by flow cytometry (FCM) as cells negative for GPI‐linked markers (CD48 and CD59, respectively). To establish this procedure as a rapid in vivo gene mutation assay, we have examined the Pig‐A gene of GPI‐deficient rat spleen T‐cells for DNA sequence alterations. Splenocytes were isolated from male F344 rats, primed with ionomycin and phorbol‐12‐myristate‐13‐acetate, and seeded at limiting‐dilution into 96‐well plates. To select for GPI‐deficient T‐cells, the cells were cultured for 10 days in a medium containing rat T‐STIM® and 2 nM proaerolysin (ProAER). The frequency of ProAER‐resistant (ProAERr) spleen T‐cells from control rats ranged from 1.3 × 10−6 to 4.8 × 10−6, while administration of three doses of 40 mg/kg N‐ethyl‐N‐nitrosourea increased the frequency of ProAERr T‐cells 100‐fold at 4 weeks after dosing. FCM analysis of the cells in ProAERr clones revealed that they were CD48‐negative, and thus presumably GPI‐deficient. Sequencing of Pig‐A cDNA from six ProAERr clones indicated that they all contained alterations in the Pig‐A protein coding sequence; five had base pair substitutions and one had multiple exons deleted. These results indicate that GPI‐deficient spleen T‐cells are Pig‐A gene mutants and support the use of FCM analysis of GPI‐deficient cells as a rapid assay for measuring in vivo gene mutation. Environ. Mol. Mutagen., 2008. Published 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Development of an in vivo gene mutation assay using the endogenous Pig‐A gene: I. Flow cytometric detection of CD59‐negative peripheral red blood cells and CD48‐negative spleen T‐cells from the rat
Authors: Miura Daishiro , Dobrovolsky Vasily N. , Kasahara Yoshinori , Katsuura Yasuhiro , Heflich Robert H.
Published: July 2008

The product of the phosphatidylinositol glycan complementation group A gene (Pig‐A) is involved in the synthesis of glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchors that link various protein markers to the surface of several types of mammalian cells, including hematopoietic cells. Previous observations indicate that Pig‐A mutation results in the lack of GPI synthesis and the absence of GPI‐anchored proteins on the cell surface. As a first step in designing a rapid assay for measuring Pig‐A mutation in the rat, we developed flow cytometry (FCM) strategies for detecting GPI‐negative cells in rat peripheral blood and spleen. Anti‐CD59 was used to detect GPI‐anchored proteins on red blood cells (RBCs), and anti‐CD48 was used to detect GPI‐anchored proteins on spleen T‐cells. The spontaneous frequency of CD59‐negative RBCs in five male F344 rats ranged from 1 × 10−6 to 27 × 10−6. In contrast, treatment of five rats with three doses of 40 mg/kg N‐ethyl‐N‐nitrosourea (ENU) increased the frequency of CD59‐negative RBCs to 183 × 10−6 to 249 × 10−6 at 2 weeks and to 329 × 10−6 to 413 × 10−6 at 4 weeks after dosing. In the same 4‐week posttreatment rats, the frequency of CD48‐negative T‐cells was 11 × 10−6 to 16 × 10−6 in control rats and 194 × 10−6 to 473 × 10−6 in ENU‐treated rats. The frequencies of GPI‐deficient cells were similar for RBCs and spleen T‐cells. These results indicate that FCM detection of GPI‐linked markers may form the basis for a rapid in vivo mutation assay. Although RBCs may be useful for a minimally invasive assay, T‐cells are a promising tissue for both detecting GPI‐deficient cells and confirming that Pig‐A gene mutation is the cause of the phenotype. Environ. Mol. Mutagen., Published 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Group analytic therapy for eating disorders: Preliminary results in a single‐group study
Authors: Prestano Claudia , Coco Gianluca Lo , Gullo Salvatore , Verso Girolamo Lo
Published: July 2008

Objectives

There is a lack of empirical data on the effectiveness and process of group‐analytic therapy in eating disorders. This single‐group study aimed to explore the effectiveness of such treatment for anorexic and bulimic individuals.

Method

Eight patients (three anorexic and five bulimic women) entered group‐analytic treatment, meeting weekly for 2 years. Eating behaviours, overall psychological distress and group process variables were regularly assessed using quantitative and qualitative measures, with comparisons made at the beginning and end of the therapy.

Results

Treatment was discontinued in two cases. When outcome was classified on the basis of reliable change and clinical significance for the remaining patients at the end of treatment, four were recovered in terms of overall psychological distress, while one was unchanged and one had deteriorated. In terms of eating disorder symptoms, three patients were recovered, two were unchanged and one had deteriorated. Patients experienced an overall positive group climate and a positive group alliance. Perception of being understood by the therapist appeared to play an important role in the therapeutic process.

Conclusions

These preliminary results suggest that group‐analytic therapy may be effective in helping patients with eating disorders. However, more work is needed before firm conclusions can be drawn. Implications for clinical practice and future research are discussed. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and Eating Disorders Association.
Weighted essential non‐oscillatory schemes for tidal bore on unstructured meshes
Authors: Lu Changna , Qiu Jianxian , Wang Ruyun
Published: July 2008

In this paper, the third‐order weighted essential non‐oscillatory (WENO) schemes are used to simulate the two‐dimensional shallow water equations with the source terms on unstructured meshes. The balance of the flux and the source terms makes the shallow water equations fit to non‐flat bottom questions. The simulation of a tidal bore on an estuary with trumpet shape and Qiantang river is performed; the results show that the schemes can be used to simulate the current flow accurately and catch the stronger discontinuous in water wave, such as dam break and tidal bore effectively. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Numerical study of concentrated fluid–particle suspension flow in a wavy channel
Authors: Mukhopadhyay S. , Usha R. , Tulapurkara E. G.
Published: July 2008

The particle migration effects and fluid–particle interactions occurring in the flow of highly concentrated fluid–particle suspension in a spatially modulated channel have been investigated numerically using a finite volume method. The mathematical model is based on the momentum and continuity equations for the suspension flow and a constitutive equation accounting for the effects of shear‐induced particle migration in concentrated suspensions. The model couples a Newtonian stress/shear rate relationship with a shear‐induced migration model of the suspended particles in which the local effective viscosity is dependent on the local volume fraction of solids. The numerical procedure employs finite volume method and the formulation is based on diffuse‐flux model. Semi‐implicit method for pressure linked equations has been used to solve the resulting governing equations along with appropriate boundary conditions. The numerical results are validated with the analytical expressions for concentrated suspension flow in a plane channel. The results demonstrate strong particle migration towards the centre of the channel and an increasing blunting of velocity profiles with increase in initial particle concentration. In the case of a stenosed channel, the particle concentration is lowest at the site of maximum constriction, whereas a strong accumulation of particles is observed in the recirculation zone downstream of the stenosis. The numerical procedure applied to investigate the effects of concentrated suspension flow in a wavy passage shows that the solid particles migrate from regions of high shear rate to low shear rate with low velocities and this phenomenon is strongly influenced by Reynolds numbers and initial particle concentration. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
3D numerical simulation of compressible swirling flow induced by means of tangential inlets
Authors: Guo Hui‐Fen , Chen Zhi‐Yong , Yu Chong‐Wen
Published: July 2008

The objective of the present work is to predict compressible swirl flow in the nozzle of air‐jet spinning using the realizable k–ε turbulence model and discuss the effect of the nozzle pressure. The periodic change of flow patterns can be observed. The recirculation zone near the wall of the injectors upstream increases in size and moves gradually upstream, whereas the vortex breakdown in the injector downstream shifts slowly towards the nozzle outlet during the whole period. A low axial velocity in the core region moves gradually away from the centerline, and the magnitude of the center reverse flow and the area occupied by it increase with axial distance due to the vortex breakdown. From the tangential velocity profile, there is a very small free‐vortex zone. With increasing nozzle pressure, the velocity increases and the location of vortex breakdown is moved slightly downward. However, the increase in the velocity tends to decline at nozzle pressure up to a high level. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A high‐order element‐based Galerkin method for the barotropic vorticity equation
Authors: Levy Michael N. , Nair Ramachandran D. , Tufo Henry M.
Published: July 2008

A high‐order element‐based Galerkin method is developed to solve the non‐divergent barotropic vorticity equation (BVE). The solution process involves solving a conservative transport equation for the vorticity fields and a Poisson equation for the stream function fields. The discontinuous Galerkin method is employed for solving the transport equation and a spectral element method (continuous Galerkin) is used for the Poisson equation. A third‐order strong stability preserving explicit Runge–Kutta scheme is used for time integration.

A series of tests have been performed to validate the model, which include the evolution of an idealized tropical cyclone and interaction of dual vortices in close proximity. The numerical convergence study is performed by solving the BVE on the sphere where the analytic solution is known. The test results are consistent with physical observations, and the model exhibits exponential convergence. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pentachlorophenol decreases ATP levels in human natural killer cells
Authors: Nnodu Ugochukwu , Whalen Margaret M.
Published: July 2008

Pentachlorophenol (PCP) is used as a wood preservative and is found in human blood and urine. PCP causes significant decreases in the tumor‐killing (lytic) function of human natural killer (NK) cells, a critical immune defense. The current study examined the association between decreased lytic function and decreased ATP levels, as well as the ability of antioxidants (vitamin E and reduced glutathione) to prevent PCP‐induced decreases in either ATP levels or lytic function. Exposure of NK cells to 10 µm PCP decreased ATP levels by 15% at 24 h, and exposure to 5 µm PCP decreased ATP levels by 32% at 48 h. No effects were seen with 0.5 µm at 48 h or with 5 µm at 24 h. However, 10 µm PCP decreased lytic function by 69% at 24 h and 5 µm decreased it by 90% at 48 h. Even 0.5 µm PCP decreased lytic function by 46% at 48 h. None of these effects were prevented by pretreatment with 1 mm vitamin E or reduced glutathione. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.