bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Das Lanthan‐Dodekahydro‐closo‐Dodekaborat‐Hydrat [La(H2O)9]2[B12H12]3·15 H2O und sein Oxonium‐Chlorid‐Derivat [La(H2O)9](H3O)Cl2[B12H12]·H2O
Authors: Tiritiris Ioannis , Schleid Thomas 
Published: May 2008

AbstractThe Lanthanum Dodecahydro‐closo‐Dodecaborate Hydrate [La(H2O)9]2[B12H12]3·15 H2O and its Oxonium‐Chloride Derivative [La(H2O)9](H3O)Cl2[B12H12]·H2OBy neutralization of an aqueous solution of the free acid (H3O)2[B12H12] with basic La2O3 and after isothermic evaporation colourless, face‐rich single crystals of a water‐rich lanthanum(III) dodecahydro‐closo‐dodecaborate hydrate [La(H2O)9]2[B12H12]3·15 H2O are isolated. The compound crystallizes in the trigonal system with the centrosymmetric space group $P{\bar 3}c$ (a = 1189.95(2), c = 7313.27(9) pm, c/a = 6.146; Z = 6; measuring temperature: 100 K). The crystal structure of [La(H2O)9]2[B12H12]3·15 H2O can be characterized by two of each other independent, one into another posed motives of lattice components. The [B12H12]2− anions (d(B–B) = 177–179 pm; d(B–H) = 105–116 pm) are arranged according to the samarium structure, while the La3+ cations are arranged according to the copper structure. The lanthanum cations are coordinated in first sphere by nine oxygen atoms from water molecules in form of a threecapped trigonal prism (d(La–O) = 251–262 pm). A coordinative influence of the [B12H12]2− anions on La3+ has not been determined. Since “zeolitic” water of hydratation is also present, obviously the classical H–Oδ–···+δH–O‐hydrogen bonds play a significant role in the stabilization of the crystal structure. During the conversion of an aqueous solution of (H3O)2[B12H12] with lanthanum trichloride an anion‐mixed salt with the composition [La(H2O)9](H3O)Cl2[B12H12]·H2O is obtained. The compound crystallizes in the hexagonal system with the non‐centrosymmetric space group $P{\bar 6}c {\rm 2}$ (a = 808.84(3), c = 2064.51(8) pm, c/a = 2.552; Z = 2; measuring temperature: 293 K). The crystal structure can be characterized as a layer‐like structure, in which [B12H12]2− anions and H3O+ cations alternate with layers of [La(H2O)9]3+ cations (d(La–O) = 252–260 pm) and Cl− anions along [001]. The [B12H12]2− (d(B–B) = 176–179 pm; d(B–H) = 104–113 pm) and Cl− anions exhibit no coordinative influence on La3+. Hydrogen bonds are formed between the H3O+ cations and [B12H12]2− anions, also between the water molecules of [La(H2O)9]3+ and Cl− anions, which contribute to the stabilization of the crystal structure.
Synthesis, Crystal Structure and Magnetism of the New Oxysulfide Ce3NbO4S3
Authors: Altmannshofer Sandra , Johrendt Dirk 
Published: May 2008

AbstractThe orange cerium‐niobium‐oxysulfide Ce3NbO4S3 was synthesized by the solid state reaction of CeO2, Ce‐metal, Nb2O5 and sulfur at 1100 °C. The crystal structure has orthorhombic symmetry (space group Pbam, a = 7.055(1), b = 14.571(3), c = 7.627(2) Å, Z = 4) and contains isolated [Nb2S4O6]10− ions consisting of two strongly distorted, edge sharing NbO3SS2/2 octahedra. Niobium is connected to three oxygen and three sulfur atoms. The cerium atoms are eightfold coordinated by oxygen and sulfur atoms. Certain oxygen and sulfur atoms are not connected to niobium, but exclusively surrounded by cerium. By connecting these cation polyhedra, one recognizes layers of $^{2}_{\infty}\rm [(Ce_{6}S_{2}O_{2})^{10+}]$ polycations perpendicular to the c‐axis. The magnetic susceptibility shows Curie‐Weiss behavior with an effective magnetic moment μeff = 2.63(1) μB/Ce in agreement with Ce3+. A Weiss‐constant θp = –12(1) K indicates weak antiferromagnetic coupling. No magnetic ordering was detected above 2 K.
Synthesis and Crystal Structures of Novel Copper(I) Complexes of a Phosphanylborane
Authors: Schwan Karl‐Christian , Adolf Ariane , Bodensteiner Michael , Zabel Manfred , Scheer Manfred 
Published: May 2008

AbstractThe novel copper iodide clusters [Cu3(μ‐I)(μ3‐I)2(PH2BH2·NMe3)3] (2) and [Cu4(μ‐I)2(μ3‐I)2(PH2BH2·NMe3)3] (3) were synthesized by treating CuI with the primary phosphine (H2PBH2·NMe3). The novel features of both compounds, which have been characterized by X‐ray crystallography, are the unsymmetrical constitution of the copper iodide core due to the influence of the monodentate phosphorus ligand. This results in copper atoms with different coordination numbers within the compound. Complex 2, the major product of the reaction, contains a distorted octahedral Cu3I3‐core, in which one vertex is missing. Complex 3 was isolated as a by‐product and is composed of a Cu4I4‐core in a distorted octahedral coordination.
8‐Amidoquinoline, 8‐(Trialkylsilylamido)quinoline, 2‐Pyridylmethylamide, and (2‐Pyridylmethyl)(trialkylsilyl)amide Complexes of Gallium
Authors: Koch Christian , Görls Helmar , Westerhausen Matthias 
Published: May 2008

AbstractLithium 8‐amidoquinoline (1) and lithium 8‐(trialkylsilylamido)quinoline [SiMe2tBu (2), SiiPr3 (3)] react with dimethylgallium chloride to the metathesis products dimethylgallium 8‐amidoquinoline (4) as well as dimethylgallium 8‐(trialkylsilylamido)quinoline [SiMe2tBu (5), SiiPr3 (6)]. The gallium atoms are in distorted tetrahedral environments. During the synthesis of 5, orange dimethylgallium 2‐butyl‐8‐(tert‐butyldimethylsilylamido)quinoline (7) was found as by‐product. The metathesis reactions of Me2GaCl with LiN(R)CH2Py (Py = 2‐pyridyl) yield the corresponding 2‐pyridylmethylamides Me2Ga‐N(H)CH2Py (8), Me2Ga‐N(SiMe2tBu)CH2Py (9) and Me2Ga‐N(SiiPr3)CH2Py (10). In these complexes the gallium atoms show a distorted tetrahedral coordination sphere. However, derivative 8 crystallizes dimeric with bridging amido units whereas in 9 and 10 the 2‐pyridylmethylamido moieties act as bidentate ligands leading to monomeric molecules.
Lanthanide(II) Complexes of the Dihydrotriazinido Ligand [N{C(Ph)=N}2C(tBu)Ph]−
Authors: Hitchcock Peter B. , Khvostov Alexei V. , Lappert Michael F. , Protchenko Andrey V. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractThe potassium dihydrotriazinide K(LPh,tBu) (1) was obtained by a metal exchange route from [Li(LPh,tBu)(THF)3] and KOtBu (LPh,tBu = [N{C(Ph)=N}2C(tBu)Ph]). Reaction of 1 with 1 or 0.5 equivalents of SmI2(thf)2 yielded the monosubstituted SmII complex [Sm(LPh,tBu)I(THF)4] (2) or the disubstituted [Sm(LPh,tBu)2(THF)2] (3), respectively. Attempted synthesis of a heteroleptic SmII amido‐alkyl complex by the reaction of 2 with KCH2Ph produced compound 3 due to ligand redistribution. The YbII bis(dihydrotriazinide) [Yb(LPh,tBu)2(THF)2] (4) was isolated from the 1:1 reaction of YbI2(THF)2 and 1. Molecular structures of the crystalline compounds 2, 3·2C6H6 and 4·PhMe were determined by X‐ray crystallography.
The Role of the “Ligand Periphery” in the Coordination of Tripodal Triamidostannates(II) to Iridium: Simple Ligation vs. Cyclometallation
Authors: Kilian Michaela , Wadepohl Hubert , Gade Lutz H. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractReaction of the triamidostannates(II) MeSi{SiMe2N(3,5‐xyl)}3SnLi(OEt2) (2a) and MeSi{SiMe2N(p‐tol)}3SnLi(OEt2) (2b) with [IrCl(CO)(PPh3)2] gave the IrI‐Sn complex [MeSi{SiMe2N(3,5‐xyl)}3SnIr(PPh3)2(CO)] (3a) for the former. In contrast, for the tolyl stannate CH‐activation occurred to give the IrIII compound [MeSi{SiMe2N(p‐tol)}2{SiMe2N(2‐C6H3‐4‐CH3)}SnIr(H)(PPh3)2(CO)] (3b). The latter is thus avoided by introduction of suitably placed substituents in the peripheral aryl groups of the triamidostannate ligand.
Preparation and Crystal Structure of the Neodymium Borohydride [Li(thf)4]2[Nd2(μ‐Cl)2(BH4)6(thf)2]
Authors: Klein Axel , Pohl Roland W. H. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractThe neodymium borohydride [Li(thf)4]2[Nd2(μ‐Cl)2(BH4)6(thf)2] was synthesized from neodymium chloride and lithium borohydride. The compound crystallized in the triclinic crystal system, space group $P{\bar 1}$ (No. 2) with the cell constants a = 14.8613(11), b = 17.8715(13), c = 23.5846(18) Å, α = 100.760(6), β = 90.648(6) and γ = 103.294(6)°. Each neodymium atom is coordinated by three borohydride anions and a THF molecule whereas two neodymium cations are bridged through two chloro ligands. The charge of the [Nd2(μ‐Cl)2(BH4)6(thf)2]2− anion, which represents the first structurally characterized binuclear mixed borohydride chlorido complex, is compensated by two [Li(thf)4]+ cations.
1,4,6,9‐Tetraoxa‐5λ4‐selena‐spiro[4.4]nonane – A Combined Theoretical and Experimental Study
Authors: Betz Richard , Pfister Maximilian , Reichvilser Moritz M. , Klüfers Peter 
Published: May 2008

AbstractThe symmetric spiro‐selenurane derived from ethylene glycol, 1,4,6,9‐tetraoxa‐5λ4‐selena‐spiro[4.4]nonane, was prepared from selenium tetrachloride and ethylene glycol and its molecular structure was determined by single crystal X‐ray diffraction. NBO analyses for the title compound and a related compound were conducted to assess the role of the stereochemical active lone pair on the selenium atom on the structure.
Adducts of Cyclodiphosph(V)azenes: Synthesis and Structure
Authors: Hubrich Christopher , Michalik Dirk , Schulz Axel , Villinger Alexander 
Published: May 2008

AbstractThe reaction of Ph2PCl and PhPCl2 with bis(trimethylsilyl)sulfur diimide in the presence of GaCl3 and AlCl3 yields diadducts of the corresponding cyclodiphosph(V)azene: [Ph2PN]2·(GaCl3)2 (1), [Ph2PN]2·(AlCl3)2 (2), and [Ph(Cl)PN]2·(AlCl3)2 (3). This reaction is triggered by Lewis acids, which catalyse the (CH3)3Si‐Cl and S8 elimination. The structures of 1·2 CH2Cl2, 2·2 CH2Cl2 and 3 were determined by single crystal X‐ray studies (1: triclinic, $P{\bar 1}$, a = 9.679(2) Å, b = 9.863(2) Å, c = 11.366(2) Å, α = 113.55(3)°; β = 99.59(3)°; γ = 106.67(3)°; V = 902.8(3) Å3, Z = 1; 2: triclinic, $P{\bar 1}$, a = 9.639(2) Å, b = 9.804(2) Å, c = 11.321(2) Å, α = 113.71(3)°; β = 99.44(3)°; γ = 106.70(3)°; V = 889.3(3) Å3, Z = 1; 3: orthorhombic, Pbca, a = 14.853(3) Å, b = 9.261(2) Å, c = 16.631(3) Å, V = 2287.7(8) Å3, Z = 4.
A Manganese(II) Coordination Polymer with Ditopic Bis(pyrazol‐1‐yl)borate Bridges
Authors: Morawitz Thorsten , Bolte Michael , Lerner Hans‐Wolfram , Wagner Matthias 
Published: May 2008

AbstractThe synthesis and characterization of the ditopic bis(pyrazol‐1‐yl)borate ligand Li2[p‐C6H4(B(C6F5)pz2)2] is reported (pz = pyrazol‐1‐yl). Compared to the corresponding t‐butyl derivative Li2[p‐C6H4(B(t‐Bu)pz2)2], the C6F5‐substituted scorpionate is significantly more stable towards hydrolysis. Reaction of Li2[p‐C6H4(B(C6F5)pz2)2] with two equivalents of MnCl2 leads to the formation of coordination polymers {(MnCl2)2(Li(THF)3)2[p‐C6H4(B(C6F5)pz2)2]}∞ featuring penta‐coordinate MnII ions chelated by one bis(pyrazol‐1‐yl)borate fragment and further bonded to three chloride ions. Two of the three chloride ions are also coordinated to a neighbouring MnII ion; the third chloro ligand is shared between the MnII centre and a Li(THF)3 moiety.
An Unusual Product from the Reaction of C(PPh3)2 with [Mn2(CO)10]: Formation and Crystal Structure of [Mn(OPPh3)2{O2CC(PPh3)2}2][Mn(CO)5]2
Authors: Petz Wolfgang , Öxler Florian , Ronge Ramona , Neumüller Bernhard 
Published: May 2008

AbstractThe carbodiphosphorane C(PPh3)2 (1) reacts with [Mn2(CO)10] in THF to produce quantitatively the salt‐like complex (HC{PPh3}2)[Mn(CO)5] (2) as THF solvate. If the reaction is carried out in 1,2‐dimethoxyethane (DME) small amounts of [Mn(OPPh3)2{O2CC(PPh3)2}2][Mn(CO)5]2 (3) as DME solvate along with solvent free 2 as the main product were isolated. Proton abstraction from the solvent led to the formation of 2; the ligands OPPh3 and O2CC(PPh3)2}2 of 3 are the results of a side reaction from [Mn2(CO)10] and 1 in a Wittig type manner. From the reaction in benzene small amounts of 3 were also obtained, crystallizing as benzene solvate 3·4C6H6. The crystal structures of 2·THF, 2, 3·1.75DME and 3·4C6H6 are reported. The compounds are further characterized by IR and 31P NMR spectroscopy.
Synthesis and Magnetic Properties of New Octahedral Iron(II) Complexes
Authors: Weber Birgit , Kaps Eike , Obel Jaroslava , Bauer Wolfgang 
Published: May 2008

AbstractThe reaction of iron(II) acetate with the tetradentate Schiff base like ligands H2L1 ((E,E)‐[{diethyl 2,2′‐[1,2‐phenylenebis‐(iminomethylidyne)]bis[3‐oxobutanato]}]) and H2L2 ([([3,3′]‐[1,2‐phenylenebis(iminomethylidyne)]bis(2,4‐pentane‐dionato)(2‐)‐N,N′,O2,O2′]) in the presence of 1‐meim (1‐methylimidazole) or 2‐meim (2‐methylimidazole) leads to the formation of pentacoordinated or octahedral complexes depending on the used reaction conditions. Two pentacoordinated and four octahedral iron(II) complexes of the composition [FeL1(1‐meim)2] (1), [FeL2(1‐meim)] (2), [FeL2(1‐meim)2] (3), [FeL2(1‐meim)2](DMF) (3(DMF)), [FeL1(2‐meim)](MeOH)0.5 (4) and [FeL1(2‐meim)2] (5) were isolated and structurally characterized. For the 2‐meim complexes a hydrogen bond network between the imidazole N‐H hydrogen and the carbonyl oxygen of the equatorial ligand is formed, while for the 1‐meim derivatives only weak van der Waals interactions are observed. Magnetic measurements were performed on all samples. As expected, the pentacoordinated complexes remain in the high‐spin state in the whole temperature range investigated. For the octahedral complexes, 1 and 5 are pure high‐spin complexes while for 3 and 3(DMF) spin transition behaviour is observed.
Continuous Preparation of Calcite, Aragonite and Vaterite, and of Magnesium‐Substituted Amorphous Calcium Carbonate (Mg‐ACC)
Authors: Nebel H. , Epple Matthias 
Published: May 2008

AbstractThe three water‐free calcium carbonate polymorphs calcite, aragonite and vaterite were prepared from aqueous solutions without additives using standard laboratory equipment in a continuous process. Variation parameters were the way of mixing, the solution concentrations, and the reactor residence time. The samples were crystallographically and chemically pure, but a thorough elemental analysis revealed the presence of small amounts of sodium carbonate which was not detectable by X‐ray powder diffraction. The continuous process avoids the inherent variability of batch syntheses. By adapting the crystallization parameters, magnesium‐substituted amorphous calcium carbonate (molar ratio of Mg:Ca of 1:2.68) was prepared in this continuous process.
(Cyclopentadienyl)trioxorhenium(VII) – no Match for Methyltrioxorhenium (MTO)
Authors: Högerl Manuel , Kühn Fritz E. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractTogether with a further improvement of the synthesis of (cyclopentadienyl)trioxorhenium(VII), CpReO3, its reaction chemistry and catalytic activity is also revisited in greater detail. However, in spite of the high catalytic activity of the homologous methyltrioxorhenium(VII) (MTO) and the related CpMo(O2)X, (X = R, Hal, etc.) it is seen that CpReO3 suffers greatly from the lability of the Cp‐Re bond under oxidative conditions and in the presence of electron donor ligands. (Cyclopentadienyl)trioxorhenium(VII) although accessible very conveniently, neither matches the rich reaction chemistry of its pentamethylcyclopentadienyl derivative, Cp*ReO3 nor the catalytic versatility of MTO.
Expression of homothorax and extradenticle mRNA in the legs of the crustacean Parhyale hawaiensis: evidence for a reversal of gene expression regulation in the pancrustacean lineage
Authors: Prpic Nikola-Michael , Telford Maximilian J. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractIn Drosophila leg development, the extradenticle (exd) gene is expressed ubiquitously and its co-factor homothorax (hth) is restricted to the proximal leg portion. This condition is conserved in other insect species but is reversed in chelicerates and myriapods. As the region of co-expression does not differ in the two groups and transcripts from both are necessary for function, this difference in expression is likely to be functionally neutral. Here, we report the expression patterns of exd and hth in a crustacean, the amphipod shrimp Parhyale hawaiensis. The patterns in P. hawaiensis are similar to the insect patterns, supporting the close relationship between crustaceans and insects in the taxon Tetraconata. However, mRNA expression of exd in P. hawaiensis is weak in the distal leg parts, thus being intermediate between the complete lack of distal exd expression in chelicerates and myriapods and the strong distal exd expression in insects. Our data suggest that the reversal of the gene expression regulation of hth and exd occurred in the pancrustacean lineage.
Effect of High Intensity Ultrasound on Crystallization Behavior of Anhydrous Milk Fat
Authors: Martini S. , Suzuki A. H. , Hartel R. W. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractThe need to eliminate trans‐fatty acids from foods’ formulation resulted in the exploration of new lipid sources and alternative processing conditions that will improve the physicochemical characteristics and nutritional qualities of lipid‐based foods. In general, the physicochemical characteristics of lipid networks depend on the microstructure and crystallization behavior of the system. The objective of this work was to use high intensity ultrasound (HIU) as an additional processing condition to alter the crystallization behavior of a lipid model system (anhydrous milk fat). Results show that HIU application not only decreases the induction time of crystallization (faster crystallization) at a constant crystallization temperature, but also generates smaller crystals. In addition, higher viscosities are obtained when samples are crystallized after HIU application. The degree of supercooling, ultrasound application settings and a combination of both parameters influence the degree of ultrasound effect on the crystallization behavior.
Modulation of Olive Oil Quality Using NaCl as Extraction Coadjuvant
Authors: Pérez Ana G. , Romero Carmen , Yousfi Khaled , García José M. 
Published: May 2008

AbstractThe use of four concentrations of common salt (NaCl) used as coadjuvant for the extraction of virgin olive oil has been tested on a laboratory scale and the quality attributes of the oils obtained were compared to those obtained with talc as coadjuvant. The oils extracted from Picual fruits after NaCl addition were not significantly affected in terms of the physicochemical requirements established for extra virgin olive oil, the best level of quality of this produce. Addition of NaCl during the extraction process was positively correlated with the presence of o‐diphenol compounds and the stability of the oils obtained. Moreover the use of NaCl resulted in a significant increase in contents of pigments (β‐carotene, lutein and chlorophylls a and b) and volatile compounds in the oils.
Fishing in the mild West: democratic peace and militarised interstate disputes in the transatlantic community
Authors: HELLMANN GUNTHER , HERBORTH BENJAMIN 
Published: May 2008

AbstractAccording to many of its proponents, the proposition that democracies do not fight each other is ‘as close as anything we have to an empirical law’. However, there have been several incidents among solidified liberal democracies where force was threatened or even used. Since these inter-democratic militarised interstate disputes (MIDs) almost always took place in the context of fisheries disputes, we examine two of these conflicts in detail: the cod wars between Iceland and Britain between the 1950s and the 1970s and the turbot war between Canada and Spain. We ask why these fisheries conflicts became militarised in the first place but did not escalate further. In both cases it was actually the presumed impossibility of a more violent escalation which led the parties to use force in the first place. Moreover, the (limited) use of force was almost always accompanied by the efforts of the parties involved to achieve some formalisation of international rules in the context of expanding regimes. Having demonstrated how some of the more prominent causal mechanisms stipulated by democratic peace theorists fail to convincingly account of these cases, we refrain from concluding that any of this falsifies the democratic peace proposition. However, in conclusion we do call into question the premises of the falsificationist methodology underlying much of the democratic peace debate on both theoretical and metholdological grounds. Reframing the democratic peace proposition in terms of a large-scale process of descuritisation, we contend, allows us to understand better how democratic interstate interaction remains inherently conflictive and possibly still subject to process of resecuritisation.
Pharmacology of stimulants prohibited by the World Anti‐Doping Agency (WADA)
Authors: Docherty J R 
Published: May 2008

This review examines the pharmacology of stimulants prohibited by the World Anti‐Doping Agency (WADA). Stimulants that increase alertness/reduce fatigue or activate the cardiovascular system can include drugs like ephedrine available in many over‐the‐counter medicines. Others such as amphetamines, cocaine and hallucinogenic drugs, available on prescription or illegally, can modify mood. A total of 62 stimulants (61 chemical entities) are listed in the WADA List, prohibited in competition. Athletes may have stimulants in their body for one of three main reasons: inadvertent consumption in a propriety medicine; deliberate consumption for misuse as a recreational drug and deliberate consumption to enhance performance. The majority of stimulants on the list act on the monoaminergic systems: adrenergic (sympathetic, transmitter noradrenaline), dopaminergic (transmitter dopamine) and serotonergic (transmitter serotonin, 5‐HT). Sympathomimetic describes agents, which mimic sympathetic responses, and dopaminomimetic and serotoninomimetic can be used to describe actions on the dopamine and serotonin systems. However, many agents act to mimic more than one of these monoamines, so that a collective term of monoaminomimetic may be useful. Monoaminomimietic actions of stimulants can include blockade of re‐uptake of neurotransmitter, indirect release of neurotransmitter, direct activation of monoaminergic receptors. Many of the stimulants are amphetamines or amphetamine derivatives, including agents with abuse potential as recreational drugs. A number of agents are metabolized to amphetamine or metamphetamine. In addition to the monoaminomimetic agents, a small number of agents with different modes of action are on the list. A number of commonly used stimulants are not considered as Prohibited Substances.British Journal of Pharmacology(2008)154, 606–622; doi:fn1
Gene doping: the hype and the reality
Authors: Wells D J 
Published: May 2008

Some spectacular results from genetic manipulation of laboratory rodents and increasing developments in human gene therapy raise the spectre of genetic modification or ‘gene doping’ in sports. Candidate targets include the induction of muscle hypertrophy through overexpression of specific splice variants of insulin‐like growth factor‐1 or blockade of the action of myostatin, increasing oxygen delivery by raising the hematocrit through the use of erythropoietin, induction of angiogenesis with vascular endothelial growth factors or related molecules and changes in muscle phenotype through expression of peroxisome‐proliferator‐activated receptor‐ delta and associated molecules. Some of these potential genetic enhancements, particularly where the genetic modification and its action are confined to the muscles, may be undetectable using current tests. This had lead to exaggerated predictions that gene doping in athletics will be common within the next few years. However, a review of the methods of gene transfer and the current ‘state of the art’ in development of genetic treatments for human disease show that the prospects for gene doping remain essentially theoretical at present. Despite this conclusion, it will be important to continue to monitor improvements in the technology and to develop methods of detection, particularly those based on identifying patterns of changes in response to doping as opposed to the detection of specific agents.British Journal of Pharmacology (2008) 154, 623–631; doi:fn1; published online 21 April 2008