bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic and alkaloid analysis of Menispermum Dauricum DC. by RAPD and HPLC
Authors: Zhou Jue , Qu Fan , Nan Rui
Published: May 2007

The aim of the present work was to determine whether dauricine could be used as a taxonomic marker for Menispermum dauricum DC., and to explore the correlation among RAPD, ecological markers and chemical markers. To this end, the chemical and genetic differences of 173 individual samples of M. dauricum from nine different sources were studied based on the relevant ecological factors including longitude, latitude, annual precipitation, mean temperature, annual accumulated temperature and mean sea level. The contents of dauricine in the sample rhizomes were assayed by HPLC with photodiode array detection. The leaves from the same sample were assayed using randomly amplified polymorphism DNA (RAPD). The genetic distances were then compared. Hierarchical cluster analysis and multiple linear stepwise regression analysis were used in the statistical analysis. The results indicated that the contents of dauricine were respectively correlated with the genetic distance (r = 1.000), longitude (r = 0.849), latitude (r = 0.861), annual precipitation (r = 0.903), mean temperature(r = 0.912), annual accumulated temperature (r = 0.919) and mean sea level (r = 0.925). It is concluded that the content of dauricine in M. dauricum is significantly correlated with genetic distance and ecological factors, and may be used as the taxonomic marker. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High‐performance liquid chromatography with atmospheric pressure chemical ionization and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry for analysis of Angelica sinensis
Authors: Wang Ya‐Li , Liang Yi‐Zeng , Chen Ben‐Mei
Published: May 2007

An HPLC‐PAD‐API/MS method for analysing the chemical constituents of Angelica sinensis (A. sinensis) has been developed. ESI and APCI spectra, in both positive ion (PI) and negative ion (NI) modes, provided very useful information concerning the molecular weights of detected compounds. By comparing the retention times, UV spectra, mass spectra and molecular weights of detected compounds with those published in literature, 15 constituents of A. sinensis could be tentatively identified. This technique involving combined MS information may provide an objective, reliable and rapid analytical method for the quality control and database research of traditional Chinese medicines. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A clinical algorithm of prenatal diagnosis of Radial Ray Defects with two and three dimensional ultrasound
Authors: Kennelly Máiréad M. , Moran Paul
Published: May 2007

Objective

To review the antenatal diagnosis of Radial Ray Defects (RRD) in a tertiary referral fetal medicine unit & to set out a clinical algorithm to aid assessment and management.

Methods

All cases of RRD isolated or associated with other anomalies notified to NorCAS between 2000 and 2005 were identified. Outcome information was obtained from paediatric records and histopathology and cytogenetics in cases of pregnancy interruption.

Results

Thirty five cases were referred, 17 cases were excluded including skeletal dysplasia (16). An antenatal diagnosis was made in 61% (11/18) ‐ isolated limb reduction defects, Trisomy 18, TAR, fetal valproate syndrome, Roberts syndrome. Of the rest, 3 had a cordocentesis with normal chromosome fragility tests (VACTERL association, Goldenhar syndrome and Acrofacial dysostosis) and 4 declined testing (2 TOP with Cornelia de Lange, 2 ongoing pregnancies diagnosed postpartum with Fanconi anaemia and VACTERL association).

Conclusions

The challenge of radial ray anomalies is to combine clinical and ultrasound expertise with input from clinical genetics, ultrasound and molecular testing. Our clinical algorithm encourages targeted sonography including 3D views for subtle face, ear and hand anomalies, providing a useful tool to diagnose the underlying condition, crucial for appropriate obstetric management and prognosticating for future pregnancies. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dynamic mechanical, rheological, and morphological studies of polyacrylate‐graft‐poly (vinyl chloride) suspension resin
Authors: Yuan Jinfeng , Pan Mingwang , Wang Xiaomei , Zhang Liucheng
Published: May 2007

A series of polyacrylate‐graft‐poly (vinyl chloride) (ACR‐g‐PVC) resins were prepared through suspension graft copolymerization. Three kinds of polyacrylate latices were grafted by vinyl chloride using suspension polymerization method at 57 ± 0.1°C, respectively. The dynamic mechanical and rheological properties and the morphology of the resulting ACR‐g‐PVC resins were investigated. Poly (butyl acrylate)‐graft‐poly (vinyl chloride) (PBA‐g‐PVC) resin exhibited better toughness, and the optimized content of PBA in ACR‐g‐PVC resin was 6–8 wt%. The melt viscosity of ACR‐g‐PVC resin was much lower than that of pure PVC. The nature of the fracture surfaces of ACR‐g‐PVC material indicated that it has good toughness. The impact strength of the PBA‐g‐PVC material was greatly improved compared with that of pure PVC. The Young's modulus of the ACR‐g‐PVC material containing less than 15 wt% of PBA was comparable to that of pure PVC according to their dynamic mechanical analysis curves. For all of the ACR‐g‐PVC resins, there were two individual relaxations in the low‐temperature range. One was β transition of PVC, and the other was α transition of ACR. The glass transition temperature of PVC in the ACR‐g‐PVC resin shifted to lower temperature when the content of the PBA was above 50 wt%. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 47:996–1003, 2007. © 2007 Society of Plastics Engineers
Effect of processing conditions on morphology and mechanical properties of injection‐molded poly(l‐lactic acid)
Authors: Ghosh S. , Viana J.C. , Reis R.L. , Mano J.F.
Published: May 2007

This work investigates the relationship among the processing, morphology, and the mechanical properties of injection‐molded poly(L‐lactic acid) (PLLA). Melt processing temperature, mold temperature, injection flow rate, and holding pressure were systematically changed following a design of experiments array. The thermomechanical environment imposed during processing was estimated by computer simulations for the mold‐filling phase, which allows the calculation of shear stress, shear rate, and the thickness of frozen skin layer. The morphology was characterized by differential scanning calorimetry and hot recoverable strain measurements. The analysis of variance results of influence of processing factors on the morphology are in good agreement with the analysis of thermomechanical parameters on the morphology. The primary factor for inducing the crystallinity in PLLA product was the stress‐induced crystallization, whereas the thermal induced crystallization had a little effect. The morphology–mechanical property relationships were established. The crystallinity developed during processing has little effect on elastic modulus, increases the yield strength, and severely decreases the elongation at break. The level of molecular orientation developed during processing has little effect on elastic modulus, but increases both the yield strength and the elongation at break. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 47:1141–1147, 2007. © 2007 Society of Plastics Engineers
Analysis of row nucleated lamellar morphology of polypropylene obtained from the cast film process: Effect of melt rheology and process conditions
Authors: Sadeghi Farhad , Ajji Abdellah , Carreau Pierre J.
Published: May 2007

Five different polypropylene resins were characterized by rheology to study the effect of melt rheology on the row‐nucleated lamellar structure development during the cast film process. The arrangement and orientation of the crystalline and amorphous phases were examined by WAXD (wide angle X‐ray diffraction) and FTIR (Fourier transform infrared) methods. Tensile tests were carried out to examine the effect of orientation on the behavior of the samples. It was found that the molecular weight evaluated from rheology and the processing conditions played a crucial role on the orientation of the crystalline and amorphous phases and, in turn, affected significantly the tensile response. The molecular weight was the main parameter that controlled the orientation and it was found that the resin with a higher molecular weight had a tendency to form a planar crystalline morphology as the draw ratio increased. It was also observed that a planar morphology was associated with a suppression of the yield behavior in the tensile measurements. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 47:1170–1178, 2007. © 2007 Society of Plastics Engineers
Synthesis and characterization of aromatic/cycloaliphatic poly(amide‐ imide‐imide)s from bis(4‐amino‐ 3,5‐dimethylphenyl) cycloalkane derivatives
Authors: Sowrirajalu Bhuvana , Muthusamy Sarojadevi
Published: May 2007

A series of novel aromatic diamines containing cycloaliphatic moieties was synthesized by the reaction of cycloalkanones like cyclohexanone and cycloheptanone with 2,6‐dimethylaniline. The tetrimide diacid was synthesized using the prepared diamine with 3,3′,4,4′‐benzophenonetetracarboxylic acid dianhydride/pyromellitic dianhydride and p‐aminobenzoic acid. The polymers were prepared by treating the tetrimide diacid with different aromatic diamines. The structures of the monomers and polymers were identified using elemental analysis and Fourier transform infrared, 1H NMR and 13C NMR spectroscopy. The polymers show excellent solubility. The polymers are amorphous and have high optical transparency. They also show good thermal stability and their Tg value is found to be in the range 268–305 °C. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Facile preparation of conductive paint made with polyaniline/dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid dispersion and poly(methyl methacrylate)
Authors: Hosoda Masakazu , Hino Tetsuo , Kuramoto Noriyuki
Published: May 2007

We investigated an easy way to prepare industrially a conductive paint made with polyaniline (PANI)/dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid (DBSA) dispersion and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) in organic media. First, water‐dispersible PANI doped with DBSA was chemically synthesized with aniline sulfate using ammonium persulfate in water, and the resulting PANI/DBSA was readily extracted from the reaction medium with a mixture of toluene and methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) (toluene:MEK = 1:1 (v/v)), which is useful for industrial applications. The obtained PANI/DBSA organic dispersion was mixed with PMMA organic solution to give the corresponding PANI/DBSA conductive paint containing PMMA. A film prepared with the resulting PANI/DBSA conductive paint was found to possess relatively good conductivity and low surface resistivity for a conductive paint utilized for an electrostatic discharge even at low PANI/DBSA content in the PANI/DBSA–PMMA composite film (the conductivity and the surface resistivity were 9.48 × 10−4 S cm−1 and 3.14 × 106 Ω cm−2, respectively, when the feed ratio of PANI/DBSA:PMMA was 1:39 (w/w)). Furthermore, it was found that the conductivity of the film composed of PANI/DBSA–PMMA composite can be readily and widely controlled by the PANI/DBSA content of the composite or by the amount of DBSA used during the PANI/DBSA synthesis. The highest conductivity of PANI/DBSA–PMMA composite film (7.84 × 10−1 S cm−1) was obtained when the feed ratio of PANI/DBSA:PMMA was 1:4 (w/w). Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of silane grafting on the microstructure of high‐density polyethylene/organically modified montmorillonite nanocomposites
Authors: Wang Hongmei , Fang Pengfei , Chen Zhe , Wang Shaojie , Xu Yuzhen , Fang Zhengping
Published: May 2007

Organically modified montmorillonite (org‐MMT) and high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) grafted with silane groups (HDPE‐g‐silane) were melt compounded to give HDPE‐g‐silane‐blend‐org‐MMT nanocomposites. X‐ray diffractometry was performed to investigate the intercalation effect. Transmission electron microscopy was applied to observe the dispersion of org‐MMT layers in HDPE matrices. The results indicate that an intercalated structure can be easily obtained in HDPE‐g‐silane‐blend‐org‐MMT nanocomposites. Furthermore, positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy was used to characterize the microstructure of the composites. It is found that the ortho‐positron (o‐Ps) intensity for HDPE‐g‐silane is decreased by approximately 10% with a narrower lifetime distribution than that for HDPE. With increasing org‐MMT concentration, the o‐Ps intensity I3 increases for HDPE‐g‐silane‐blend‐org‐MMT nanocomposites; however, for HDPE‐blend‐org‐MMT composites I3 decreases. It is found that HDPE composites with good dispersion can be obtained following appropriate modification of the HDPE. And silane grafting has an effect on the free volume of the HDPE nanocomposites. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Synthesis and spectroscopic characterization of superparamagnetic beads of copolymers of methacrylic acid, methyl methacrylate and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate and their application to protein separation
Authors: Bayramoǧlu Gülay , Arıca M Yakup
Published: May 2007

Novel magnetic beads were prepared from methacrylic acid, methyl methacrylate and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate in the presence of ferric ions via suspension polymerization. After polymerization, thermal treatment of the Fe(III)‐ion containing beads with Fe(II) ions under alkaline condition resulted encapsulation of Fe3O4 crystals within the polymer matrix. The magnetic beads were characterized by surface area measurement, swelling tests, electron spin resonance (ESR), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), differential thermal analysis (DTA) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). To evaluate the magnetic properties of the composite beads, Mössbauer spectra measurements were carried out. ESR and Mössbauer spectroscopy data revealed that the beads were highly superparamagnetic. The DSC data of the magnetic beads also showed an enhanced glass transition temperature owing to the presence of the Fe3O4 crystals within the polymer network. In addition, the presence of functional carboxyl groups on the surface permits further modifications in future applications. The magnetic beads were used for separation of human serum albumin and cytochrome c from aqueous solution in a batch system. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Proteomic analysis of the cambial region in juvenile Eucalyptus grandis at three ages
Authors: Celedon Paola Alejandra Fiorani , de Andrade Alexander , Meireles Karem Guimarães Xavier , da Cruz Gallo de Carvalho Mayra Costa , Caldas Danielle Gregorio Gomes , Moon David Henry , Carneiro Raphael Tozelli , Franceschini Lívia Maria , Oda Shinitiro , Labate Carlos Alberto
Published: May 2007

Recent advances in genomics and proteomics have provided an excellent opportunity to understand complex biological processes such as wood formation at the gene and protein levels. The aim of this work was to describe the proteins participating in the processes involved in juvenile wood formation by isolating proteins from the cambial region of Eucalyptus grandis, at three ages of growth (6‐month‐old seedlings, 3‐ and 6‐year‐old trees), and also to identify proteins differentially expressed. Using a 2‐D‐LC‐MS/MS strategy we identified a total of 240 proteins, with 54 corresponding spots being present in at least two ages. Overall, nine proteins classified into the functional categories of metabolism, cellular processes, and macromolecular metabolism showed significant changes in expression. Proteins were classified into seven main functional categories, with metabolism representing 35.2% of the total proteins identified. The comparison of the reference maps showed not only differences in the expression pattern of individual proteins at each age, but also among isoforms. The results described in this paper provide a dynamic view of the proteins involved in the formation of juvenile wood in E. grandis.
The importance of expectations on the recovery period after cancer treatment
Authors: Winterling Jeanette , Glimelius Bengt , Nordin Karin
Published: May 2007

The purpose was to study expectations concerning recovery‐related changes in life, e.g. beliefs regarding future adjustment back to ‘normal’ life after curative cancer treatment, whether these expectations were met and their importance for both patients' and their spouses' quality of life and psychological distress. Sixty‐two patients and 42 spouses took part in the study. Data on recovery‐related expectations, measured using a study‐specific questionnaire (RRE), on quality of life using EORTC‐QLQ C‐30 and on psychological distress using HADS, were collected directly after completion of treatment, four and 16 months later. Optimism was measured using LOT at the last follow‐up. The results demonstrate that patients generally had higher recovery‐related expectations than did their spouses, and their expectations were also fulfilled to a lesser degree at both follow‐ups. However, the expectations, or whether these were met, were generally not associated with their quality of life or psychological distress. The few associations that were made indicated that fulfilled expectations meant higher quality of life and/or less distress. The participants' optimism was associated with both their quality of life and psychological distress. It is concluded that optimism influenced the participants' quality of life and psychological distress to a higher degree than did their recovery‐related expectations. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sibling stem cell donor experiences at a single institution
Authors: Wiener Lori S. , Steffen‐Smith Emilie , Battles Haven B. , Wayne Alan , Love Cynthia P. , Fry Terry
Published: May 2007

Allogeneic bone marrow (BM) and cytokine mobilized peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) transplantation can be curative for patients with malignant and nonmalignant hematologic diseases. Siblings are most often selected as a donor match; however, research on sibling donors is limited and has focused primarily on conventional BM donors. This exploratory study describes the experiences of PBSC sibling donors at a single institution. Through retrospective interviews, 14 sibling donors shared their perceived needs and concerns before and after their stem cell collection. Donors identified fears about the donation procedure, and expressed the need for more information about transplant outcome and complications. The inclusion of the sibling donors themselves, rather than the report of their parents or health‐care providers and the qualitative nature of the structured design allowed sibling donors to describe their concerns and thoughts without being restrained by the beliefs of the participant's parents, researcher or sibling's medical team. Suggestions for visual educational tools, psychosocial interventions and future research are provided. Published in 2007 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Coal Fly Ash: From Waste to Industrial Product
Authors: Nugteren Henk W.
Published: May 2007

Coal fly ash is a beautiful material in the sense of being mainly composed of nearly perfect spheres of Al‐silicate glass that disserves applications making use of such properties, rather than to be used as an inert filler. However, leaching of mobile components restricts applications to bound form in which the leachable components are immobilized, as for example in cement and concrete products. Therefore, research has been undertaken to improve the technical and environmental quality of this material by applying forced leaching methods. Results show that quality can be improved but that new environmental problems are likely to appear and that the economics of the proposed process seems at the moment not favorable. However, some examples of successful application of fly ash as fillers in the polymer industry are given. Further, fly ash is a major source of Si and Al for the synthesis of industrial minerals. Using this line, zeolites and geopolymers are possible products to be synthesized. Finally, in order to assist the promotion of fly ash in other applications than cement and concrete, a scheme for developing specifications is given.
A brief review of the past, present and future of wood preservation
Authors: Schultz Tor P , Nicholas Darrel D , Preston Alan F
Published: May 2007

Wood products used in exterior applications must be protected against biodeterioration by decay fungi, insects such as termites, and other organisms. Traditionally, wood products for residential or industrial applications have been protected by treatment with chromated copper arsenate (CCA) or older inexpensive organic biocides, but environmental and disposal concerns and governmental regulations have resulted in a rapid and dramatic worldwide shift to copper‐based systems. The current development trend is towards employing totally organic biocides based on relatively benign and expensive agrochemicals, with continuing research directed towards developing non‐biocidal methods to protect wood. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Insecticide susceptibility of surviving Cotesia plutellae (Hym: Braconidae) and Diaeretiella rapae (M'Intosh) (Hym: Aphidiidae) as affected by sublethal insecticide dosages on host insects
Authors: Lin Yong Wen , Wu Gang , Miyata Tadashi
Published: May 2007

The effects of sublethal dosages of insecticides applied to Plutella xylostella L. (Lepidoptera: Yponomeutidae) and Lipaphis erysimi Kaltenbach (Homoptera: Aphidiidae) on the insecticide susceptibility of the surviving endoparasitoids, Cotesia plutellae Kurdjumov (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) and Diaeretiella rapae (M'Intosh) (Hymenoptera: Aphidiidae), were studied in Shangjie, Minhou, China. The susceptibility to methamidophos and the sensitivity of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) to methamidophos and dichlorvos in the adults of host insects were substantially lower than those in the two parasitoids. The host insects were treated with sublethal dosages of methamidophos in P. xylostella and of methamidophos and avermectin in L. erysimi. The cocoon formation in the two parasitoids decreased significantly, from 35.0% (control) to 13.0% (with methamidophos treatment) for C. plutellae; from 20.6% (control) to 9.0% (with methamidophos treatment) and from 24.3% (control) to 16.7% (with avermectin treatment) for D. rapae. The susceptibility to methamidophos of the resultant emerging adults of the two parasitoids was found to be significantly lower than that of the control when the parasitoids were left in contact with the same dosages of methamidophos. The average AChE activity inhibition by methamidophos and dichlorvos in 34–60 adults of the two parasitoids that emerged from the treatments (15.1% and 31.8% respectively for C. plutellae, and 21.1% and 26.9% for D. rapae) was also significantly lower than those of the controls (55.4% and 48.3% respectively for C. plutellae, and 42.9% and 51.7% for D. rapae). The bimolecular rate constant (ki) values of AChE to methamidophos and dichlorvos in the adults of parasitoids without the insecticide treatment were 1.78 and 1.56 times as high as those that emerged from the host insects treated with methamidophos for C. plutellae, and 1.91 and 1.66 times as high as those in the case of D. rapae. It is suggested that there is a difference in AChE sensitivity to insecticides between the resultant emerging parasitoids with and without insecticide pretreatment. Furthermore, the introduction of the insecticides to the host insects could be an important factor in the insecticide resistance development of the endoparasitoids. The natural selectivity would favour the parasitoids that had developed an insensitivity to the insecticide(s). Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Sodium cromoglicate: an ineffective drug or meta‐analysis misused?
Authors: Stevens M. T. , Edwards A. M. , Howell J. B. L.
Published: May 2007

Sodium cromoglicate (SCG) has been available since around 1970 for the treatment of asthma and other allergic disorders in both adults and children. It has been approved for use around the world. Over the period of its development, a number of different formulations were introduced. In 1999, a systematic review of SCG use in childhood asthma was carried out and reported initially as a poster. Further systematic reviews and papers followed from the same authors and finally a Cochrane Collaboration review was published in 2003. All concluded that SCG was ineffective in paediatric asthma. Both the British Thoracic Society Guidelines for the treatment of paediatric asthma and the Model List of Essential Drugs of the WHO now reflect these conclusions. This paper looks carefully at the conclusions of these systematic reviews and raises concerns about the interpretation of the results. These failed to take adequate account of the changes with time in both the formulations used and the age groups examined, and also failed to take adequate note of the totality of information available over all end‐points. One primary end‐point was based on only four out of the 24 studies included in the review. Rather than having no effect, it is demonstrated that a considerable body of evidence favours SCG compared to placebo and, far from being ineffective, the drug appears to be effective particularly in older children. This article replaces a previously published version. DOI: 10.1002/pst.258. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antiinflammatory effect of the Indian Ayurvedic herbal formulation Triphala on adjuvant‐induced arthritis in mice
Authors: Rasool M. , Sabina E. P.
Published: May 2007

In the present study, attempts have been made to evaluate the antiarthritic effect of the Indian Ayurvedic herbal formulation Triphala on adjuvant‐induced arthritis in mice and to compare it with that of the non‐steroidal antiinflammatory drug indomethacin. Arthritis was induced by intradermal injection of complete Freund's adjuvant (0.1 mL) into the right hind paw of Swiss albino mice. Triphala (1 g/kg/b.wt) and indomethacin (3 mg/kg/b.wt) were administered orally for 8 days (from day 11 to 18) after adjuvant injection. The levels of lysosomal enzymes, tissue marker enzymes, glycoproteins and paw thickness were increased in adjuvant‐induced arthritic animals. The body weight was found to be reduced when compared with the control animals. These physical and biochemical changes observed in arthritic animals were altered significantly to near normal conditions after oral administration of Triphala (1 g/kg/b.wt). The results obtained clearly indicate the fact that the Indian Ayurvedic herbal formulation Triphala has promising antiinflammatory activity. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The moments method for multi‐modal multi‐component aerosols as applied to the coagulation‐type equation
Authors: Koziol A. S. , Leighton H. G.
Published: May 2007

The idea of self‐preserving functions as solutions to a coagulation‐type equation for aerosol is investigated. The aerosol spectrum is assumed to be well represented by a finite but not limited sum of self‐preserving functions (modes). An original set of aerosol dynamics equations for an unlimited number of modes is formulated for self‐preserving functions in the form of the log‐normal distribution, gamma distribution and Laguerre expansion. Additional equations governing the composition of the aerosol are derived. The system of the obtained ordinary integro–differential equations is solved using the Runge–Kutta method with Gaussian quadratures to estimate integrals. The solutions are then successfully tested against direct high resolution numerical solutions of the coagulation‐type equation. Some physical examples illustrating the use of the developed numerical method are also presented. Copyright © 2007 Royal Meteorological Society
Quantitation and metabolism of mitoquinone, a mitochondria‐targeted antioxidant, in rat by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Li Yan , Zhang Hu , Fawcett J. Paul , Tucker Ian G.
Published: May 2007

Mitoquinone (MitoQ10 mesylate) is a mitochondria‐targeted antioxidant undergoing development for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. The aim of this study was to develop and validate an assay based on liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) to determine mitoquinone and to detect and identify the metabolites of MitoQ10 in rat plasma after an oral dose. After a simple protein precipitation step, plasma samples were analyzed by reversed‐phase liquid chromatography using gradient elution with acetonitrile/water/formic acid. Electrospray ionization in the positive ion mode with multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) was used to analyze mitoquinone employing the deuterated compound (d3‐MitoQ10 mesylate) as internal standard. The calibration curve for mitoquinone was linear over the concentration range 0.5–250 ng/mL with a correlation coefficient >0.995. The method was sensitive (limit of quantitation 0.5 ng/mL) and had acceptable accuracy (relative error <8.7%) and precision (intra‐ and inter‐day coefficient of variation <12.4%). Recoveries of mitoquinone at concentrations of 1.5, 20 and 200 ng/mL were in the range 87–114%. The method was successfully applied to a pharmacokinetic study in rat after a single oral dose in which four metabolites of MitoQ10 were tentatively identified as hydroxylated MitoQ10, desmethyl MitoQ10 and the glucuronide and sulfate conjugates of the quinol form of MitoQ10. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Identification of palmatine and its metabolites in rat urine by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Zhu Mingming , Han Fengmei , Chen Huaixia , Peng Zhihong , Chen Yong
Published: May 2007

Palmatine is an isoquinoline alkaloid that has been widely used in China for the treatment of various inflammatory diseases such as gynecological inflammation, bacillary dysentery, enteritis, respiratory tract infection, urinary infection, etc. In the study reported in this paper, a simple and rapid high‐performance liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization (ESI) tandem mass spectrometric method (MS/MS) was developed for elucidation of the structures of metabolites of palmatine in rat urine after administration of a single dose (20 mg/kg). The rat urine samples were collected and purified through C18 solid‐phase extraction cartridges, and then injected onto a reversed‐phase C18 column with 60:40 (v/v) methanol/0.01% triethylamine solution (2 mM, adjusted to pH 3.5 with formic acid) as mobile phase and detected by on‐line MS/MS. Identification of the metabolites and elucidation of their structures were performed by comparing changes in molecular masses (ΔM), retention times and spectral patterns of product ions with those of the parent drug. As a result, six phase I metabolites, the parent drug palmatine and two phase II metabolites were identified in rat urine for the first time. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Determining enediol compounds in tea using surface‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry with titanium dioxide nanoparticle matrices
Authors: Lee Kun‐Hong , Chiang Cheng‐Kang , Lin Zong‐Hong , Chang Huan‐Tsung
Published: May 2007

We describe the use of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) as selective probes and matrices for the determination of catechins using surface‐assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (SALDI‐MS). The interactions between the enediol compounds and TiO2 NPs were evident by the change in color of the TiO2 NP solution from milky white to orange. Through these interactions, the TiO2 NPs could be used to concentrate enediol compounds, including catechins and ascorbic acid. The limits of detection (LODs) for three catechins – catechin, (−)‐epigallocatechin, and (−)‐epigallocatechin gallate – at a signal‐to‐noise ratio of 3 were 0.45, 1.85 and 0.65 µM, respectively. The TiO2 NP matrices provide a number of advantages over conventional organic matrices (e.g. 2′,4′,6′‐trihydroxyacetophenone), including ease of sample preparation, less background noise in the low‐mass region, and high repeatability. The applicability of this method was confirmed through the high reproducibility of the determination of the two catechins in tea samples that had not been subjected to any sample preparation procedures (shot‐to‐shot variation: <10%). Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A metabonomic study of strain‐ and age‐related differences in the Zucker rat
Authors: Granger Jennifer H. , Williams Rebecca , Lenz Eva M. , Plumb Robert S. , Stumpf Chris L. , Wilson Ian D.
Published: May 2007

Ultra‐performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) coupled to orthogonal acceleration time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (oa‐TOFMS) in positive electrospray ionization mode was used to obtain metabolite profiles for urine obtained from three strains of Zucker rat. These were the Zucker lean, the Zucker (fa/fa) obese and the Zucker lean/(fa) cross. Clear age‐ and strain‐related differences were noted with the leptin‐deficient (fa/fa) obese animal showing significant differences from both the other Zucker rat strains with respect to metabolite profiles. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An approach to developing complex database schemas using form types
Authors: Luković Ivan , Mogin Pavle , Pavićević Jelena , Ristić Sonja
Published: May 2007

In this paper we consider an approach to developing complex database schemas. Apart from the theoretical model of the approach, we also developed a CASE tool named Integrated Information Systems*Case, R.6.2 (IIS*Case) that supports the practical application of the approach. In this paper the basis of our approach to the design and integration of database schemas and ways of using IIS*Case is outlined. The main features of a new version of IIS*Case, developed in Java, are described. IIS*Case is based on the concept of ‘form type’ and supports the conceptual modelling of a database schema, generating subschemas and integrating them into a relational database schema in 3NF. IIS*Case provides an intelligent support for complex and highly formalized design and programming tasks. Having an advanced knowledge of information systems and database design is not a compulsory prerequisite for using IIS*Case. IIS*Case is based on a methodology of gradual integration of independently designed subschemas into a database schema. The process of independent subschema design may lead to collisions in expressing real‐world constraints. IIS*Case uses specialized algorithms for checking the consistency of constraints embedded in a database schema and its subschemas. This paper briefly outlines the application of the process of detecting collisions, and actions the designer may take to resolve them. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
NOAH: A CSP‐based language for describing the behaviour of coupled models
Authors: Armstrong C. W. , Ford R. W. , Freeman T. L. , Riley G. D.
Published: May 2007

Scientists in many fields rely on computational simulations that are built from a collection of separate, inter‐communicating single models (e.g. Earth System Models often consist of single models of the ocean, atmosphere and land processes); these simulations are called coupled models. Coupled models allow scientists to simulate richer scientific phenomena than is possible by running single models alone. Scientific interest is typically focused on the investigation served by a coupled model, rather than the complex and inadequately supported software engineering activity of constructing it. In response to this lack of support, a coupling methodology called the Flexible Coupling Approach (FCA) has been developed at the University of Manchester together with a tool that implements this approach, the Bespoke Framework Generator (BFG). Whilst being adequate for a large class of coupled models (e.g., many Earth System Models), the BFG is unable to handle coupled models with complex behavioural requirements (in terms of the scheduling and inter‐communication of single models). To capture these more complex expressions of behaviour, this paper introduces NOAH, a domain‐specific language that is implemented in the formalism Communicating Sequential Processes (CSP), and which is used by a new implementation of the FCA, called the CSP‐based Framework Generator (CFG). NOAH is introduced through two example coupled models which have complex behavioural requirements. NOAH represents the first attempt to bring the advantages of using formal descriptions of coupled models to application scientists, providing a language in which to specify coupled model behaviour precisely and the ability to check that a coupled model is deadlock free using tools such as the Failures‐Divergence Refinement (FDR) model checker. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Genetic side effects accompanying gene targeting in yeast: the influence of short heterologous termini
Authors: Svetec Ivan‐Krešimir , Štafa Anamarija , Zgaga Zoran
Published: May 2007

We investigated the influence of short terminal heterologies on recombination between transforming linear DNA fragments and the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae genome. The efficiency of plasmid integration to the CYC1 locus (ends‐in assay) was decreased more than five‐fold when the size of terminal heterology exceeded 28 nucleotides (nt) and a similar inhibitory effect was also observed in the ends‐out assay (replacement of the ura3‐52 allele by the URA3 gene). Plasmid integration occurred almost exclusively in the target homology and was accompanied by excessive degradation of the heterologous termini. Illegitimate integrations were much more frequent in the ends‐out transformation in both the absence (8.9%) and the presence (23.7%) of 45/46 heterologous nucleotides at the ends of the transforming fragment. Interestingly, only about 60% of transformants arose by simple gene replacement, regardless of the presence of heterologous ends, whereas more complex interactions resulted in gene or whole chromosome duplications. Our results warn that different genetic alterations may be introduced in the host strain during ends‐out transformation but also indicate possible mechanisms for formation of duplications in the genome. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Über die Anfangswertaufgabe in der Theorie der Rayleigh wellen
Authors: Hardtwig Erwin
Published: May 2007

Die Bewegungen, die von den Massenpunkten eines, den Halbraum erfüllen den elastischen (oder fastelastischen) Mediums ausgeführt werden, hängen davon ab, aus welchen Anfangsbedingungen heraus sie erfolgen. Die Bestimmung dieser Bewegungen wird für den Fall durchgeführt, daß Anfangsverschiebung und Anfangsgeschwindigkeit der Oberflächenpunkte vorgegeben sind. Der zwei‐ und dreidimensionale Fall werden getrennt behandelt.
Kondensationsstöße bei kompressibler Strömung an gewölbten Wänden. Prof. Dr. L. Prandtl zum 70. Geburtstag
Authors: Frössel W.
Published: May 2007

In Strömungen mit adiabatischer Abkühlung treten bei Überschreiten der Sättigungsgrenze statt Nebelbildungen Unterkühlungen des Wasserdampfes ein, die erst bei einer bestimmten unteren Grenze stoßartig zusammenbrechen und dadurch den Kondensationsstoß erzeugen.
Zur Membrantheorie der Drehschalen negativer Krümmung. Herrn Prof. Dr. L. Prandtl zum 70. Geburtstag
Authors: Flügge W.
Published: May 2007

Für Drehschalen negativer Krümmung hat die Differentialgleichung der Membranschnittkräfte reelle Charakteristiken. Daraus folgen Besonderheiten des Spannungszustandes, durch die sich diese Schalen von den kuppelartigen Schalen positiver Krümmung wesentlich unterscheiden. Sie werden mit mathematisch einfachen Mitteln dargestellt, und es wird auf die Notwendigkeit einer genaueren Untersuchung hingewiesen.
Runge‐Kutta‐Verfahren zur numerischen Integration von Differentialgleichungen n‐ter Ordnung
Authors: Zurmühl Rudolf
Published: May 2007

In Verallgemeinerung der meist benutzten Runge‐Kutta‐Formel für Differentialgleichungen 1. Ordnung wird ein Integrationsverfahren nach dem Runge‐Kutta ‐ Prinzip zur unmittelbaren Integration von Differentialgleichungen beliebig hoher Ordnung angegeben, welches sich gegenüber dem gewöhnlichen Runge‐Kutta ‐ Verfahren durch eine mit der Ordnungszahl n wachsende Genauigkeit und durch Arbeitsersparnis in Sonderfällen auszeichnet. Das Verfahren, welches insbesondere zur Integration von Differentialgleichungen 4. Ordnung vorteilhaft benutzt werden kann, wird an einem Zahlenbeispiel einer solchen Differentialgleichung erläutert.
Die Stabilität des Verdichtungsstoßes in einer konkaven Ecke
Authors: Richter Hans
Published: May 2007

Bei der Berechnung des Verdichtungsstoßes in einer konkaven Ecke oder bei ähnlichen stationären Problemen ist die Lösung im allgemeinen zweideutig („schwache”︁ und „starke”︁ Lösung). Die bisher üblichen Begründungen für die Bevorzugung der schwachen Lösung werden abgelehnt. Statt dessen wird eine instationäre, rein mechanische Stabilitätsbetrachtung durchgeführt, die sich auf die Abhängigkeit der Stromlinienknickung von der Stoßintensität stützt. Diese Stabilitätsbetrachtung zeigt, daß ein an einer starren Wand ansetzender starker Stoß instabil ist.
Über Rayleigh‐Wellen an der Grenzfläche zweier Medien
Authors: Koppe H.
Published: May 2007

Die Rayleighsche Theorie der Oberflächenwellen wird auf die Verhältnisse an der Grenzfläche zweier Körper resp. eines Körpers gegen eine Flüssigkeit verallgemeinert. Im ersten Fall ergibt sich, daß nur unter bestimmten Bedingungen Grenzflächenwellen entstehen können, die dann immer schneller laufen als die Rayleigh‐Wellen im Körper größerer akustischer Dichte. Im zweiten Fall gibt es immer Grenzflächen, die stets langsamer laufen als die Rayleight‐Wellen in der festen Komponente.
Role Of Ultrasonography in Predicting Malignancy in Patients with Thyroid Nodules
Authors: Moon Hyeong‐Gon , Jung Eun‐Jung , Park Soon‐Tae , Ha Woo‐Song , Choi Sang‐Kyung , Hong Soon‐Chan , Lee Young‐Joon , Joo Young‐Tae , Jeong Chi‐Young , Choi Dae‐Seob , Ryoo Jae‐Wook
Published: May 2007

The use of ultrasonography (USG) has become an essential part of endocrine surgical practice. We evaluated the value of USG in predicting malignancy of thyroid nodules. The accuracy of USG in 857 patients who underwent fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) with or without surgery was analyzed in a prospective setting. The diagnostic accuracy of USG was compared to that of FNA and of combined models in 153 operated patients. The malignancy‐predicting value of USG in follicular neoplasms and its relation to nodule size were also investigated. Sensitivity, specificity, and overall accuracy (OA) of USG were 84.9%, 95.5%, and 93.7%, respectively. In operated patients, USG had accuracy comparable to that of FNA and combined models (sensitivity 93.3%, specificity 90.6%, OA 92.0%) regardless of nodule size but showed a significant rate of indeterminate results (29.4%). For follicular neoplasms, the sensitivity, specificity, and OA of USG were 100%, 95.4%, and 96.1%, respectively, with indeterminate results for three malignant nodules (42.8%). This acceptable malignancy‐predicting value of USG in thyroid nodules supports the potential role of USG for predicting malignancy in selected patients with thyroid nodules. However, the high rate of indeterminate results precludes it from being a standard independent diagnostic method for the present time.
Lung Function after the Minimal Invasive Pectus Excavatum Repair (Nuss Procedure)
Authors: Aronson Daniel C. , Bosgraaf Remko P. , Merz Eva‐Maria , van Steenwijk Reindert P. , van Aalderen Wim M. C. , van Baren Robertine
Published: May 2007

Background

The Nuss procedure was introduced at our center in 1999. The operation was mainly performed for cosmesis. Little information is available regarding the influence of this operation on lung function.

Methods

The aim of this study, a prospective analysis, was to analyze the effect of the Nuss procedure on lung function variables. Between 1999 and 2007 a total of 203 patients with pectus excavatum were treated with the Nuss procedure, of whom 145 (104 male, 41 female) were located at Emma Children’s Hospital. In the latter subset of consecutive patients, static lung function variables [total lung capacity (TLC), functional residual capacity (FRC), vital capacity (VC)] and dynamic lung function variables [forced expired volume in 1 s (FEV1), maximum expiratory flow (MEF50)] were performed using spirometry and body box measurements at four time points: prior to operation (T0), 6 months after the Nuss procedure (T1, n = 111), prior to removal of the Nuss bar (T2, n = 74), and 6 months after removal (T3, n = 53). All values were expressed as a percent of normal values for sex, age, and height. Results were compared with a paired‐samples t‐test, with the level of significance at p = 0.05.

Results

At 6 months after bar insertion the TLC, FRC, VC, FEV1, and MEF50 showed a significant increase; and prior to bar removal the FRC and MEF50 showed significantly increased values. At 6 months after Nuss bar removal, none of the lung function variables showed any significant change compared to the preoperative values.

Conclusion

After the Nuss procedure for pectus excavatum, there was no improvement of pulmonary function, but neither was the patient’s pulmonary function harmed by resolving a largely cosmetic problem.
Synchronous Resection of Colorectal Primary Cancer and Liver Metastases
Authors: Yan Tristan D. , Chu Francis , Black Deborah , King Denis W. , Morris David L.
Published: May 2007

Background

Patients with synchronous colorectal liver metastases are thought to have a less favorable prognosis than those with colorectal cancer alone. Surgical treatment options are controversial, be it synchronous resection or staged resection. This study compared the clinical, perioperative, disease‐free survival (DFS), and overall survival (OS) results of patients undergoing synchronous resection versus staged resection.

Methods

An observational cohort study of 103 patients with synchronous colorectal liver metastases was performed. All data were collected prospectively. Clinical, perioperative, DFS, and OS results of patients undergoing synchronous resection (group I, n = 73) and staged resection (group II, n = 30) were compared.

Results

More patients in group I had poorly differentiated colorectal cancer, bilobar liver metastases, more than three liver metastases, ≤4 cm liver metastases, and shorter hospital stays than patients in group II. There were no significant statistically differences in DFS and OS between the two groups. The median DFS of groups I and II were 28 and 26 months, respectively (p = 0.585). The median OS of groups I and II were 37 and 36 months, respectively (p = 0.900).

Conclusions

Synchronous resection achieved DFSs and OSs similar to those seen after staged resection while avoiding a second major operation.
Prognosis and Prognostic Factors of Follicular Carcinoma in Japan: Importance of Postoperative Pathological Examination
Authors: Ito Yasuhiro , Hirokawa Mitsuyoshi , Higashiyama Takuya , Takamura Yuuki , Miya Akihiro , Kobayashi Kaoru , Matsuzuka Fumio , Kuma Kanji , Miyauchi Akira
Published: May 2007

Background

Follicular carcinoma is known to show a worse prognosis than papillary carcinoma because of distant metastasis in higher incidence. However, few studies have been published regarding the prognosis of follicular carcinoma patients in Japan, which prompted us to investigate this issue.

Methods

We examined the prognosis and whether and how various clinicopathological features have affected disease‐free survival (DFS) and cause‐specific survival (CSS) of 334 patients who underwent initial surgery for follicular carcinoma.

Results

In 18 patients (5.4%), curative surgery could not be achieved because of distant metastasis at surgery in 17 patients and local extension in 1 patient. For 316 patients who underwent curative surgery, 5‐year and 10‐year DFS rates were 88.4% and 75.3%, respectively. Poorly differentiated carcinoma and widely invasive carcinoma, together with some conventional prognostic factors, predicted poorer DFS of patients. On multivariate analysis, poorly differentiated carcinoma was an independent prognostic factor for DFS. The 5‐year and 10‐year CSS rates for these 334 patients were 96.4% and 90.4%, respectively. Curative surgery and poorly differentiated carcinoma were recognized as independent prognostic factors.

Conclusions

We can hypothesize that follicular carcinoma in Japan is generally a nonaggressive disease with a good prognosis. However, because poorly differentiated or widely invasive carcinomas showed a worse prognosis, postoperative pathological examination is important in predicting patient prognosis.