Organostibonsäureester. II [1]: Darstellung und Eigenschaften von Methanstibonsäureestern. Struktur von Di-μ-methoxy-bis[dibromo-methoxy-methyl-antimon(V)]

Dimere alkoxyverbrückte Verbindungen des Typs [CH$_3$SbX$_2$(OR)(μ-OR)]$_2$ (X = Cl, Br; R = CH$_3$, C$_2$H$_5$) können durch Oxidation von CH$_3$Sb(OR)$_2$ mit Br$_2$ oder S0$_2$Cl$_2$ in CH$_2$Cl$_2$ unterhalb -60°C als lichtempfindliche kristalline Feststoffe erhalten werden. Die Struktur der Verbindung [CH$_3$SbBr$_2$(OCH$_3$)(μ-OCH$_3$)]$_2$ konnte mittels Röntgenstrukturanalyse bestimmt werden. Umsetzungen mit Natriumalkoholaten in den entsprechenden Alkoholen bei 0°C führen zu dimeren Tetraalkoxymethylstiboranen. Austauschreaktionen von Tetramethoxymethylstiboran mit Ethanol ergeben das Ethoxyderivat und mit Diolen symmetrische spirocyclische Methanstibonsäureester.Dimeric alkoxy-bridged compounds of the type [CH$_3$SbX$_2$(OR)(μ-OR)]$_2$ (X = Cl, Br; R = CH$_3$, C$_2$H$_5$) are prepared by oxidation of CH$_3$Sb(OR)$_2$ with Br$_2$ or S0$_2$Cl$_2$ in CH$_2$Cl$_2$ below -60°C as light sensitive erystals. The structure of [CH$_3$SbBr$_2$(OCH$_3$)(μ-OCH$_3$)]$_2$ was determined by X-Ray analysis. By reaction with sodium alkoxides in the corresponding alcohol at 0°C dimeric tetraalkoxymethylstiboranes are obtained. Exchange reactions of tetramethoxymethylstiborane with ethanol give the ethoxy derivative and with diols symmetrie spirocyclic esters of methanestibonic acid

Dynamic walking features and improved walking performance in multiple sclerosis patients treated with fampridine (4-aminopyridine)

Background: Impaired walking capacity is a frequent confinement in Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Patients are affected by limitations in coordination, walking speed and the distance they may cover. Also abnormal dynamic walking patterns have been reported, involving continuous deceleration over time. Fampridine (4-aminopyridine), a potassium channel blocker, may improve walking in MS. The objective of the current study was to comprehensively examine dynamic walking characteristics and improved walking capacity in MS patients treated with fampridine. Methods: A sample of N = 35 MS patients (EDSS median: 4) underwent an electronic walking examination prior to (Time 1), and during treatment with fampridine (Time 2). Patients walked back and forth a distance of 25 ft for a maximum period of 6 min (6-minute 25-foot-walk). Besides the total distance covered, average speed on the 25-foot distance and on turns was determined separately for each test minute, at Time 1 and Time 2. Results: Prior to fampridine administration, 27/35 patients (77 %) were able to complete the entire 6 min of walking, while following the administration, 34/35 patients (97 %) managed to walk for 6 min. In this context, walking distance considerably increased and treatment was associated with faster walking and turning across all six test minutes (range of effect sizes: partial eta squared = .34-.72). Importantly, previously reported deceleration across test minutes was consistently observable at Time 1 and Time 2. Discussion: Fampridine administration is associated with improved walking speed and endurance. Regardless of a treatment effect of fampridine, the previously identified, abnormal dynamic walking feature, i.e. the linear decline in walking speed, may represent a robust feature. Conclusions: The dynamic walking feature might hence be considered as a candidate for a new outcome measure in clinical studies involving interventions other than symptomatic treatment, such as immune-modulating medication. Trial registration: DRKS00009228 (German Clinical Trials Register). Date obtained: 25.08.2015

Mindfulness-based interventions in multiple sclerosis : beneficial effects of Tai Chi on balance, coordination, fatigue and depression

BACKGROUND: Patients suffering from Multiple Sclerosis (MS) experience a wide array of symptoms, including balance problems, mobility impairment, fatigue and depression. Physical exercise has recently been acknowledged as a treatment option complementary to medication. However, information regarding putative effects of structured exercise programs on neurological symptoms is sparse. Tai Chi, a Chinese martial art incorporating physical exercise and mindfulness training, has been shown to yield health benefits in various neurological groups. It seems particularly suitable for patients with motoric deficits as it challenges coordination and balance. The purpose of the current study was to explore the therapeutic value of structured Tai Chi training for coordination, balance, fatigue and depression in mildly disabled MS patients. METHODS: A sample of 32 MS patients (Expanded Disability Status Scale, EDSS < 5) was examined. A structured Tai Chi course was devised and a Tai Chi group participated in two weekly sessions of 90 minutes duration for six months, while a comparison group received treatment as usual (TAU). Both groups were examined prior to and following the six-months interval with regards to balance and coordination performance as well as measures of fatigue, depression and life satisfaction. RESULTS: Following the intervention, the Tai Chi group showed significant, consistent improvements in balance, coordination, and depression, relative to the TAU group (range of effect-sizes: partial η(2) = 0.16 – 0.20). Additionally, life satisfaction improved (partial η(2) = 0.31). Fatigue deteriorated in the comparison group, whereas it remained relatively stable in the Tai Chi group (partial η(2) = 0.24). CONCLUSIONS: The consistent pattern of results confirms that Tai Chi holds therapeutic potential for MS patients. Further research is needed to determine underlying working mechanisms, and to verify the results in a larger sample and different MS subgroups

Cluster approximation solution of a two species annihilation model

A two species reaction-diffusion model, in which particles diffuse on a one-dimensional lattice and annihilate when meeting each other, has been investigated. Mean field equations for general choice of reaction rates have been solved exactly. Cluster mean field approximation of the model is also studied. It is shown that, the general form of large time behavior of one- and two-point functions of the number operators, are determined by the diffusion rates of the two type of species, and is independent of annihilation rates.Comment: 9 pages, 7 figure

An exploration of impaired walking dynamics and fatigue in Multiple Sclerosis

BACKGROUND: Physical disability in multiple sclerosis (MS) is frequently characterized by impaired ambulation. Although walking tests have been successfully employed to assess walking ability in MS patients, data analytic procedures have predominantly relied on result-oriented parameters (e.g. total distance covered during a given amount of time), whereas process-oriented, dynamic walking patterns have mostly been ignored. This is striking, since healthy individuals have been observed to display a stereotypical U-shaped pattern of walking speed during timed walking, characterized by relatively high speed during the initial phase, subsequent slowing and final acceleration. Objective of the current study was to test the utility of the 6 min Walk (6MW) and the 12 min Walk (12MW) for revealing putatively abnormal temporal dynamic features of walking in MS. METHODS: A group of 37 MS patients was divided into subgroups with regard to their level of disability analyzed with the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS; Mild MS Group, n = 20, EDSS 0 – 3.5; Moderate MS Group, n = 17, EDSS 4 – 5). Subsequently, both groups were compared to age-matched healthy controls (n = 25) on both tests with regard to result-oriented characteristics (mean walking speed), as well as dynamic features (mean decline in walking speed, degree of observed U-shape). RESULTS: Both MS groups showed a significantly lower mean walking speed than healthy controls, independent of test duration. Compared to controls, the Moderate MS Group also slowed down more rapidly throughout both tests. The same pronounced decline in walking speed was observed for the Mild MS Group in case of the 12MW. Additionally, for both MS groups an attenuated U-shaped velocity pattern was observed relative to controls in the 6MW. Patients' subjective fatigue scores were more strongly correlated with the decline in walking speed than with the common parameter of mean walking speed in the 6MW. CONCLUSIONS: MS patients display abnormal dynamics in their walking patterns. A pronounced linear decline in walking speed can be identified with the 12MW even in MS patients with seemingly mild disability. Similarly, the 6MW can be used to assess an abnormal walking profile. Particularly the linear decline in walking speed on this test shows a more robust association with subjective fatigue than mean walking speed. Dynamic walking parameters may hence represent valuable clinical features, serving as surrogate measures of motor fatigue. Future studies are needed to verify their prognostic value

Autonomous models solvable through the full interval method

The most general exclusion single species one dimensional reaction-diffusion models with nearest-neighbor interactions which are both autonomous and can be solved exactly through full interval method are introduced. Using a generating function method, the general solution for, $F_n$, the probability that $n$ consecutive sites be full, is obtained. Some other correlation functions of number operators at nonadjacent sites are also explicitly obtained. It is shown that for a special choice of initial conditions some correlation functions of number operators called full intervals remain uncorrelated

Critical holes in undercooled wetting layers

The profile of a critical hole in an undercooled wetting layer is determined by the saddle-point equation of a standard interface Hamiltonian supported by convenient boundary conditions. It is shown that this saddle-point equation can be mapped onto an autonomous dynamical system in a three-dimensional phase space. The corresponding flux has a polynomial form and in general displays four fixed points, each with different stability properties. On the basis of this picture we derive the thermodynamic behaviour of critical holes in three different nucleation regimes of the phase diagram.Comment: 18 pages, LaTeX, 6 figures Postscript, submitted to J. Phys.

Exactly solvable models through the empty interval method

The most general one dimensional reaction-diffusion model with nearest-neighbor interactions, which is exactly-solvable through the empty interval method, has been introduced. Assuming translationally-invariant initial conditions, the probability that $n$ consecutive sites are empty ($E_n$), has been exactly obtained. In the thermodynamic limit, the large-time behavior of the system has also been investigated. Releasing the translational invariance of the initial conditions, the evolution equation for the probability that $n$ consecutive sites, starting from the site $k$, are empty ($E_{k,n}$) is obtained. In the thermodynamic limit, the large time behavior of the system is also considered. Finally, the continuum limit of the model is considered, and the empty-interval probability function is obtained.Comment: 12 pages, LaTeX2

Exactly solvable reaction diffusion models on a Cayley tree

The most general reaction-diffusion model on a Cayley tree with nearest-neighbor interactions is introduced, which can be solved exactly through the empty-interval method. The stationary solutions of such models, as well as their dynamics, are discussed. Concerning the dynamics, the spectrum of the evolution Hamiltonian is found and shown to be discrete, hence there is a finite relaxation time in the evolution of the system towards its stationary state.Comment: 9 pages, 2 figure