bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis and validation of the phosphorylated metabolites of two anti‐human immunodeficiency virus nucleotides (stavudine and didanosine) by pressure‐assisted CE‐ESI‐MS/MS in cell extracts: Sensitivity enhancement by the use of perfluorinated acids and alcohols as coaxial sheath‐liquid make‐up constituents
Authors: Bezy Vincent , Chaimbault Patrick , Morin Philippe , Unger Steve E. , Bernard Marie‐Charlotte , Agrofoglio Luigi A.
Published: June 2006

A CE method utilizing triple quadrupole electrospray (ES) MS (MS/MS) detection was developed and validated for the simultaneous measurement of nucleoside 5'‐triphosphate and 5'‐monophosphate anabolites of the anti‐HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) didanosine (ddAMP, ddATP) and stavudine (d4TMP, d4TTP), among a pool of 14 endogenous 5'‐mono‐, di‐, and triphosphate nucleosides. These compounds were spiked and extracted from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) which are the sites of HIV replication and drug action. An acetic acid/ammonia buffer (pH 10, ionic strength of 40 mM) was selected as running electrolyte, and the separation was performed by the simultaneous application of a CE voltage of +30 kV and an overimposed pressure of 28 mbar (0.4 psi). The application of pressure assistance was needed to provide stable ES conditions for successful coupling. The coupling was carried out with a modified sheath‐flow interface, with one uninterrupted capillary (80 cm× 50 µm id; 192 µm od) in a dimension that fits into the ESI needle to get a stable ion spray. Some CE‐MS parameters such as overimposed pressure, sheath‐liquid composition, sheath‐liquid and sheath‐gas flow rates, ES voltage, and the CE capillary position were optimized in order to obtain an optimal sensitivity. The use of perfluorinated alcohols and acids in the coaxial sheath‐liquid make‐up (2,2,2‐trifluoroethanol + 0.2 mM tridecafluoroheptanoic acid) appeared to provide the best MS sensitivity and improve the stability of spray. The linearity of the CE‐MS and CE‐MS/MS methods was checked under these conditions. Validation parameters such as accuracy, intraday and interday precision, and LOQs were determined in CE‐MS/MS mode. Finally, the quantitation of d4T‐TP and ddA‐TP was validated in this CE‐MS/MS system.
Rapid analysis of atorvastatin calcium using capillary electrophoresis and microchip electrophoresis
Authors: Guihen Elizabeth , Sisk Garry D. , Scully Norma M. , Glennon Jeremy D.
Published: June 2006

In this work, a capillary electrophoretic method for the rapid quantitation of atorvastatin (AT) in a lipitor tablet was investigated and developed. Method development included studies of the effect of applied potential, buffer concentration, buffer pH, and hydrodynamic injection time on the electrophoretic separation. The method was validated with regard to linearity, precision, specificity, LOD, and LOQ. The optimum electrophoretic separation conditions were 25 mM sodium acetate buffer at pH 6, with a separation voltage of 25 kV using a 50 µm capillary of 33 cm total length. Sodium diclofenac was used as an internal standard. Analysis of AT in a commercial lipitor tablet by electrophoresis gave quite high efficiency, coupled with an analysis time of less than 1.2 min in comparison to LC. Once the separation was optimized on capillary, it was further miniaturized to a microchip platform, with linear imaging UV detection using microchip electrophoresis (MCE). Linear imaging UV detection allowed for real‐time monitoring of the analyte movement on chip, so that the optimum separation time could be easily determined. This microchip electrophoretic method was compared to the CE method with regard to speed, efficiency, precision, and LOD. This work represents the most rapid and first reported analysis of AT using MCE.
Capillary electrophoresis for the characterization of the complex dendrimeric contrast agent Gadomer
Authors: Vetterlein Kai , Büche Karlo , Hildebrand Michael , Scriba Gerhard K. E. , Lehmann Jochen
Published: June 2006

A CE method for the characterization of the complex dendrimeric contrast agent Gadomer has been developed and validated. The method was capable of separating the target substance Gadomer 24 from related dendrimers containing amino or carboxyl functions and from impurities of lower molecular weight. The compounds were separated in a fused‐silica capillary. The optimized BGE consisted of 15 mM sodium phosphate, pH 6.3, containing 0.5 mM hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide. The assay was validated with regard to linearity, specificity, accuracy, LOD and LOQ as well as robustness according to the guidelines of the International Conference on Harmonization. The method allows the determination of the purity and stability of the drug substance Gadomer as well as its injectable formulation. On the basis of the present study, a strategy for the quality assurance and quality control of the complex dendrimeric drug candidate Gadomer may be devised. The method may therefore serve as a key component in a set of analytical methodologies designed to assure and control the reproducible quality and safety of this innovative product. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first work reporting a validated method for the characterization, impurity profiling, and stability testing of a dendrimeric agent designed for clinical use.
Behaviour of the double concave Friction Pendulum bearing
Authors: Fenz Daniel M. , Constantinou Michael C.
Published: June 2006

The double concave Friction Pendulum (DCFP) bearing is an adaptation of the well‐known single concave Friction Pendulum bearing. The principal benefit of the DCFP bearing is its capacity to accommodate substantially larger displacements compared to a traditional FP bearing of identical plan dimensions. Moreover, there is the capability to use sliding surfaces with varying radii of curvature and coefficients of friction, offering the designer greater flexibility to optimize performance. This paper describes the principles of operation of the bearing and presents the development of the force–displacement relationship based on considerations of equilibrium. The theoretical force–displacement relationship is then verified through characterization testing of bearings with sliding surfaces having the same and then different radii of curvature and coefficients of friction. Lastly, some practical considerations for analysis and design of DCFP bearings are presented. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Organised beam‐hopping technique with adaptive transmission mode selection for mobile communication systems
Authors: Hu Honglin , Weckerle Martin , Luo Jijun , Schulz Egon
Published: June 2006

Opportunistic beamforming (OB) technique induces random fading, hence increases the performance of multiuser diversity greatly. However, if the number of active mobile stations (MS) is small, the performance of the OB technique is not so satisfactory. Moreover, the OB technique relies on the training sequences to estimate the real‐time signal to interference plus noise ratio (SINR) of each activated beam (or weighting vector) for each MS, thus costs a large amount of radio resources. In this paper, we propose a new organised beam‐hopping (OBH) technique which could achieve good performance in the scenarios of both large and small number of MSs, and highly reduce the uplink traffic and signal processing at the base station (BS). The throughput performance of the OBH‐based system is analysed. In addition, based on the required quality‐of‐service (QoS) of the MS, we develop an adaptive transmission mode selection (ATMS) scheme for the OBH‐based systems. Copyright © 2006 AEIT.
Study of techniques for obtaining continuous models from 2D discrete reduced‐order state‐space CFD models
Authors: Gaitonde Ann L. , Jones D. P.
Published: June 2006

The application of unsteady computational fluid dynamics (CFD) codes to aeroelastic calculations leads to a large number of degrees of freedom making them computationally expensive. Reduced‐order models (ROMs) have therefore been developed; an ROM is a system of equations which is able to reproduce the solutions of the full set of equations with reasonable accuracy, but which is of lower order. ROMs have been the focus of research in various engineering situations, but it is only relatively recently that such techniques have begun to be introduced into CFD. In order for the reduced systems to be generally applicable to aeroelastic calculations, it is necessary to have continuous time models that can be put into discrete form for different time steps. While some engineering reduction schemes can produce time‐continuous models directly, the majority of methods reported in CFD initially produce discrete time or discrete frequency models. Such models are restricted in their applicability and in order to overcome this situation, a continuous time ROM must be extracted from the discrete time system. This process can most simply be achieved by inverting the transformation from continuous to discrete time that was initially used to discretize the CFD scheme. However an alternative method reported in literature is based on continuous time sampling, even when this is not used for the initial discretization of the CFD code. This paper focuses on one particular method for ROM generation, eigensystem realization algorithm (ERA), that has been used in the CFD field. This is implemented to produce a discrete time ROM from a standard CFD code, that can be used to investigate methods for obtaining continuous ROMs and the limitations of the resulting models. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Resection of selected invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the pyriform sinus by means of the lateral pharyngotomy approach: The partial lateral pharyngectomy
Authors: Holsinger F. Christopher , Motamed Mehdi , Garcia Dominique , Brasnu Daniel , Ménard Madeleine , Laccourreye Ollivier
Published: June 2006

Background.

Although the lateral pharyngotomy is a well‐known surgical procedure, to our knowledge, no published reports have described the results achieved with a lateral pharyngectomy approach in patients with isolated and previously untreated selected invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the lateral wall of the pyriform sinus.

Methods.

The medical files and operative charts of 30 patients with an isolated, and previously untreated, squamous cell carcinoma of the pyriform sinus, treated for cure by lateral partial pharyngectomy and primary closure, as well as postoperative radiotherapy (n = 22), and preoperative chemotherapy (n = 8), were retrospectively studied. Sixteen tumors were classified as T1 and 14 as T2. All patients but one were followed until death.

Results.

Three patients (9%) died in the immediate postoperative period (two from medical complications and one from a surgery‐related complication). Overall, 29 patients died, resulting in a 77.7%, 40%, 23.3%, and 15% 1‐, 3‐, 5‐ and 10‐year Kaplan–Meier actuarial survival estimate, respectively. Only one patient had a serious postoperative complication develop. All patients were decannulated. No patients required a gastrostomy and/or completion total laryngectomy for functional reasons. Local recurrence occurred in four patients (13%). The 3‐and 5‐year Kaplan–Meier actuarial local control estimates were 88.5% and 79.6%, respectively. The use of a platin‐based induction chemotherapy (p = .05) regimen was the only variable that was significantly statistically related to local recurrence. Overall, a 93.3% laryngeal preservation rate was achieved.

Conclusion.

Partial pharyngectomy by means of the lateral pharyngotomy combined with postoperative radiation therapy is an efficient and function‐sparing approach to control selected invasive squamous cell carcinomas of the lateral wall of the pyriform sinus. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck, 2006
p53‐mediated enhancement of radiosensitivity by selenophosphate synthetase 1 overexpression
Authors: Chung Hyun Ju , Yoon Sun Il , Shin Sun Hye , Koh Yeon A. , Lee Su‐Jae , Lee Yun‐Sil , Bae Sangwoo
Published: June 2006

Selenium has been associated with cancer prevention. Despite vast knowledge of selenium effect on various health conditions, functional characterization of selenium metabolic enzymes on cellular physiology has been limited. Therefore, to gain insight into the mechanisms underlying cancer prevention by selenium, we investigated sps1, one of the two human selenophosphate synthetase genes for its role in cancer cell's response to ionizing radiation. Although stable expression of Sps1 protein per se had little effect on cell proliferation, concurrent irradiation decreased viability of the sps1 cell line. The increased sensitivity of the cell lines to ionizing radiation was correlated with increased p53 activity as well as with simultaneous up‐ and downregulation of Bax and Bcl2, respectively. Knockdown of sps1 and p53 by small interfering RNA method revealed that the level of p53 was proportional to that of Sps1 and that the increased radiosensitivity was dependent upon p53. Sps1 cell lines displayed decreased level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) with concomitant increase of certain redox enzymes. Furthermore, p53 activity was regulated by cellular redox via Ref1 in sps1 cell lines. Collectively, our results demonstrated that sps1 was able to affect cell viability upon ionizing radiation via modulation of p53 activity. They further suggest that Sps1 and its reaction product selenophosphate might be involved in cancer prevention in a p53‐dependent manner and could be applied to development of a novel cancer therapy. J. Cell. Physiol. 209: 131–141, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
B1 field, SAR, and SNR comparisons for birdcage, TEM, and microstrip coils at 7T
Authors: Wang Chunsheng , Shen Gary X
Published: June 2006

Purpose

To compare the performance of birdcage, transverse electromagnetic (TEM) and microstrip volume coils at 7T under the same geometric conditions.

Materials and Methods

Birdcage, TEM, and microstrip coils are modeled with the same dimensions. The finite difference time domain (FDTD) method is adopted to calculate the electromagnetic fields of the coils. Further, B1 field, specific absorption rate (SAR) and signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) are calculated for these coils.

Results

In the unloaded case, within the central axial plane, the variation of B1 field magnitude over 18‐cm distance is about 15% for the birdcage coil, 23% for the TEM coil, and 38% for the microstrip coil. In the loaded case, the percentages of the samples on the central axial plane, which have B1 field magnitude within ±20% of the average B1 field magnitude, are about 57% for the birdcage, 72% for the TEM, and 59% for the microstrip coil. Average SAR levels are 11.4% and 42.9% higher in the birdcage than those in the TEM and microstrip coils, respectively. The average relative SNR on the central axial plane for the shielded birdcage, TEM, and microstrip coils are 1, 1.07, and 1.48, respectively.

Conclusion

The birdcage coil has the best unloaded B1 field homogeneity, and the TEM coil has the best loaded B1 field homogeneity and the lowest radiation loss; while the microstrip coil is better in SAR and SNR at 7T than the birdcage and TEM coils. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Dynamic pulmonary perfusion and flow quantification with MR imaging, 3.0T vs. 1.5T: Initial results
Authors: Nael Kambiz , Michaely Henrik J. , Lee Margaret , Goldin Jonathan , Laub Gerhard , Finn J. Paul
Published: June 2006

Purpose

To prospectively evaluate the technical feasibility and relative performance of pulmonary time‐resolved MR angiography (MRA) and pulmonary artery (PA) flow quantification at 3.0T vs. 1.5T.

Materials and Methods

Time‐resolved contrast‐enhanced (CE) MRA of the pulmonary circulation, and flow quantification of the main PA (MPA) were performed in 14 consecutive adult healthy volunteers at both 1.5 and 3.0 Tesla with nearly identical sequence parameters. Image quality, signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR), and quantitative indices of pulmonary perfusion, flow, and velocity were evaluated and compared at both field strengths.

Results

Time‐resolved pulmonary MRA, perfusion, and flow quantification were successfully performed at both magnetic fields. The results of pulmonary perfusion and flow indices were comparable at both magnetic fields, with no statistically significant difference. The SNR values for vascular structures were higher at 3.0T vs. 1.5T (P = 0.001). The SNR values and the definition scores for parenchymal enhancement were significantly lower (P = 0.008 and 0.001, respectively) at 3.0T.

Conclusion

Time‐resolved pulmonary MRA, perfusion, and flow quantification at 3.0T was feasible, with comparable results to 1.5T. The lower parenchymal enhancement at 3.0T is believed to reflect increased susceptibility effects at higher magnetic fields. Further work is needed to fully exploit the potential of pulmonary perfusion imaging at 3.0T and to address the current limitations. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Feasibility of evaluating Crohn's disease activity at 3.0 Tesla
Authors: van Gemert‐Horsthuis Karin , Florie Jasper , Hommes Daniel W. , Lavini MPhil Cristina , Reitsma Johannes B. , van Deventer Sander J. , Stoker Jaap
Published: June 2006

Purpose

To determine whether abdominal 3.0T MRI can be used for evaluation of Crohn's disease (CD) compared with ileocolonoscopy (CS), and to determine patient preference for MRI as opposed to CS.

Materials and Methods

Twenty patients scheduled for CS underwent MRI. At CS, disease severity was graded and the Crohn's Disease Endoscopic Index of Severity (CDEIS) was determined. Radiological grading (by two observers) was compared with endoscopic grading and CDEIS. Patient experience and preference were determined.

Results

In respectively 10 (observer 1) and 13 patients (observer 2) exact agreement between radiological and endoscopic grading was found. In respectively 10 and 7 patients radiological and endoscopic grading differed one level. No statistically significant correlation was found between radiological grading and CDEIS. Between bowel wall thickness and CDEIS weak to moderate correlations were found, and between bowel wall enhancement and CDEIS weak correlations were found. All patients preferred MRI over CS.

Conclusion

It is feasible to perform abdominal 3.0T MRI using orally administered contrast medium for evaluation of CD, and this method can be considered a patient‐friendly alternative to CS. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Tensor deflection (TEND) tractography with adaptive subvoxel stepping
Authors: Chou Ming‐Chung , Wu Ming‐Long , Chen Cheng‐Yu , Wang Chao‐Ying , Huang Teng‐Yi , Liu Yi‐Jui , Juan Chun‐Jung , Chung Hsiao‐Wen
Published: June 2006

Purpose

To develop an adaptive subvoxel stepping scheme, as an adjunct to tensor deflection (TEND) tractography, that automatically adjusts the stepping size by considering the tensor linearity to properly trace fiber bundles in regions with different degrees of tensor anisotropy.

Materials and Methods

A theoretical investigation of the TEND algorithm was performed to assess the degree of deflection of the propagation vector toward the major eigenvector. Mathematically generated phantoms (one with curved fibers and the other with crossing fibers) at wide ranges of signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR), and human brain images obtained in vivo were used to test the performance of the adaptive stepping algorithm.

Results

The degree of deflection was found to be inversely related to the stepping size. A small stepping size was advantageous for tracing single curved fiber bundles, whereas a large stepping size was beneficial for passing through fiber crossing regions. The performance of the adaptive stepping algorithm was superior to fixed stepping in both situations, leading to an approximately 0.17 voxel of deviation in curved fibers and a nearly 100% successful tracking rate in crossing fibers at typical SNR. Human brain images demonstrated similar results.

Conclusion

The adaptive stepping algorithm is a helpful adjunct to TEND tractography. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Gene delivery to the spinal cord: Comparison between lentiviral, adenoviral, and retroviral vector delivery systems
Authors: Abdellatif Ahmed A. , Pelt Jennifer L. , Benton Richard L. , Howard Russell M. , Tsoulfas Pantelis , Ping Peipei , Xu Xiao‐Ming , Whittemore Scott R.
Published: June 2006

Viral gene delivery for spinal cord injury (SCI) is a promising approach for enhancing axonal regeneration and neuroprotection. An understanding of spatio‐temporal transgene expression in the spinal cord is essential for future studies of SCI therapies. Commonly, intracellular marker proteins (e.g., EGFP) were used as indicators of transgene levels after viral delivery, which may not accurately reflect levels of secreted transgene. This study examined transgene expression using ELISA after viral delivery of D15A, a neurotrophin with BDNF and NT‐3 activities, at 1, 2, and 4weeks after in vivo and ex vivo delivery using lentiviral, adenoviral, and retroviral vectors. Further, the inflammatory responses and viral infection patterns after in vivo delivery were examined. Lentiviral vectors had the most stable pattern of gene expression, with D15A levels of 536 ± 38 and 363 ± 47 pg/mg protein seen at 4 weeks after the in vivo and ex vivo delivery, respectively. Our results show that protein levels downregulate disproportionately to levels of EGFP after adenoviral vectors both in vivo and ex vivo. D15A dropped from initial levels of 422 ± 87 to 153 ± 18 pg/mg protein at 4 weeks after in vivo administration. Similarly, ex vivo retrovirus‐mediated transgene expression exhibited rapid downregulation by 2 weeks post‐grafting. Compared to adenoviral infection, macrophage activation was attenuated after lentiviral infection. These results suggest that lentiviral vectors are most suitable in situations where stable long‐term transgene expression is needed. Retroviral ex vivo delivery is optional when transient expression within targeted spinal tissue is desired, with adenoviral vectors in between. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Antioxidant content and ascorbate metabolism in cherry tomato exocarp in relation to temperature and solar radiation
Authors: Rosales Miguel A , Ruiz Juan M , Hernández Joaquín , Soriano Teresa , Castilla Nicolás , Romero Luis
Published: June 2006

Considering the economic importance of the tomato and its nutritional benefits to human health, a study was made of how two different environmental factors (temperature and overall solar radiation) influence the nutritional quality of cherry tomatoes during the plant full production cycle. Solanum lycopersicum L. cv. Naomi plants were grown in an experimental greenhouse. Three fruit samples were taken over the full production period: first sampling at the beginning of harvest (7 January 2004), second at mid‐harvest (22 March 2004) and third at harvest end (30 May 2004). Values for temperature and overall accumulated solar radiation peaked at a maximum in the third sampling, without lowering the yield with respect to previous samplings. Regarding the antioxidant activity in the exocarp fraction of the cherry tomato fruits, the results showed that the increase in temperature and solar radiation diminished the lycopene and β‐carotene contents in the third sampling, inducing defective pigmentation (sunscald). This occurred simultaneously with an increase in lipid peroxidation during the third sampling, quantified as lipoxygenase activity and malondialdehyde content. Finally, in relation to ascorbate metabolism, the higher temperatures and stronger solar radiation at the third sampling increased the oxidation of reduced ascorbate (AsA) due to intensified ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and ascorbate oxidase (AO) activities and a depression of the enzyme dehydroascorbate reductase (DHAR). In conclusion, the results indicate that despite the oxidation of AsA by APX and AO, the minimal regeneration of the latter, together with the greater lipid peroxidation with increasing temperature and solar radiation in the greenhouse, explained the lower content of antioxidants in the exocarp and therefore the loss of nutritional quality of the cherry tomato fruits grown under these conditions. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
Phase Development Mechanism during Drawing from Highly Entangled Polyethylene Melts
Authors: Uehara Hiroki , Kakiage Masaki , Yamanobe Takeshi , Komoto Tadashi , Murakami Syozo
Published: June 2006

Summary: The phase development mechanism during drawing from a highly entangled melt of ultra‐high‐molecular‐weight polyethylene is analyzed by simultaneous measurements of in situ X‐ray diffraction using synchrotron radiation and stress/strain behavior. The stress/strain curve exhibits a plateau region at the initial stage of the draw, and no crystalline reflections appear on a series of in situ X‐ray diffraction patterns. However, as the sample draw proceeds above a critical strain, a metastable hexagonal reflection appears and becomes predominant, where the stress/strain curve still shows a plateau deformation. With a further increase of the strain, the intensity of the hexagonal reflection peak begins to decrease and subsequently that of the usual orthorhombic ones increase. Correspondingly, a rapid increase of draw stress, because of the strain‐hardening behavior, is recorded.

Stacked line profiles extracted from in situ WAXD patterns along the equatorial direction. The red profile was obtained at the critical time of 162.5 s.

magnified image

Stacked line profiles extracted from in situ WAXD patterns along the equatorial direction. The red profile was obtained at the critical time of 162.5 s.
Explicit formulations of tangent stiffness tensors for isotropic materials
Authors: Dui Guansuo , Wang Zhengdao , Ren Qingwen
Published: June 2006

A compact explicit expression for the tangent stiffness tensor is presented. Throughout the analysis, the formulation holds for general isotropic elastic materials and does not require solving eigenvector problems. On the theoretical side, a very simple solution of a tensor equation is obtained. Then the expressions for the derivatives of general symmetric isotropic tensor functions of a symmetric tensor are developed. On the computational side, particular attention is given to the consideration of the special case, Green elastic materials, in which the strain energy does not admit a closed‐form expression in terms of principal invariants. Finally, a simple formulation of the tangent stiffness tensor for Ogden material model is supplied. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stage III cystic partially differentiated nephroblastoma recurring after nephrectomy and chemotherapy
Authors: Baker Jillian Margaret , Viero Sandra , Kim Peter C. , Grant Ronald M.
Published: June 2006

Cystic partially differentiated nephroblastoma (CPDN) has low malignant potential. We report a 1‐year‐old with stage III CPDN of the right kidney that recurred following radical nephrectomy and chemotherapy. There was evidence of tumor spillage pre‐operatively and intra‐operatively. During chemotherapy the disease recurred in the omentum and the peritoneum. Pathology of the recurrent resected cysts revealed a more differentiated biphasic tumor without blastemal elements. It appears that spillage of CPDN in our patient led to dissemination of disease. Chemotherapy failed to prevent recurrence but only mature elements were present following this treatment. The intensity of therapy required to treat CPDN remains undefined. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2008;50:129–131. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Defibrotide for the treatment of hepatic veno‐occlusive disease in children
Authors: Bulley Sean R. , Strahm Brigitte , Doyle John , Dupuis L. Lee
Published: June 2006

Background

This retrospective report describes experience with defibrotide in children with hepatic veno‐occlusive disease (HVOD) following hematopoietic progenitor cell transplant (HPCT) in a single institution.

Procedure

Children who had undergone HPCT between February 1999 and June 2001 and between July 2003 and September 2004 and who received defibrotide during their admission were identified. Demographic data and information regarding the clinical course of these patients were abstracted from their health records.

Results

Fourteen children (mean age: 9.3 years; range: 0.4–18.1) who underwent HPCT during the study period received defibrotide for the treatment of HVOD; nine were girls. Most patients underwent HPCT for hematologic malignancies (8/14) and received matched unrelated donor transplants (8/14). Conditioning regimens included cyclophosphamide with total body irradiation (5/14) and busulfan followed by cyclophosphamide (7/14). HVOD was diagnosed on transplant day −4 to +33 (median: +10.5); defibrotide was started on transplant day −4 to +40 (median: +12). The median initial defibrotide dose was 33 mg/kg/day (11–40 mg/kg/day); the median maximum defibrotide dose was 38.5 mg/kg/day (11–81 mg/kg/day). The median duration of defibrotide therapy was 16 days (4–37 days). Defibrotide was discontinued due to clinical improvement (9), death (3), drug unavailability (1), and neurological toxicity (1). Gastrointestinal hemorrhage was observed in two patients and intra‐cranial hemorrhage was observed in one patient during defibrotide therapy. The survival rate to day +100 was 79%.

Conclusions

Defibrotide appears to be an effective and relatively safe treatment for children with HVOD. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2007;48:700–704. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Single‐walled nanotube bucky paper and nanocomposite
Authors: Gou Jihua
Published: June 2006

A new processing method for the fabrication of single‐walled nanotube (SWNT)‐reinforced nanocomposites was developed to achieve uniform dispersion and high composition of the nanotubes in the nanocomposites. In this method, SWNTs were preformed as bucky paper by multi‐step dispersion and micro‐filtration of a suspension of nanotubes. The nanocomposites were then fabricated by infiltration of diluted epoxy resin through the bucky paper and hot pressing. The wetting of the nanocomposites was examined using scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. The results showed that the epoxy resin completely penetrated the bucky paper through the nanoporous structures. The results of dynamic mechanical analysis of the nanocomposites showed that the storage moduli of the nanocomposites increased by 200–250%. The tan δ curves indicated that the nanotubes had a strong influence on the damping properties of the nanocomposites. This processing technique is an effective method for fabricating nanocomposites with uniform dispersion and high composition of SWNTs. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
The potential of III‐V semiconductors as terrestrial photovoltaic devices
Authors: Bosi Matteo , Pelosi Claudio
Published: June 2006

III‐V semiconductors, GaAs and in particular InGaP, are used in many different electronic applications, such as high power and high frequency devices, laser diodes and high brightness LED. Their direct bandgap and high reliability make them ideal candidates for the realisation of high efficiency solar cells: in the past years they have been successfully used as power sources for satellites in space, where they are able to produce electricity from sunlight with an overall efficiency of around 30%. Nowadays, the use of arsenides and phosphides as photovoltaic (PV) devices is confined only to space applications since their price is much higher than conventional Si flat panel modules, the leading PV market technology. But with the introduction of multijunction solar cells capable of operating in high concentration solar light, the area and, therefore, the cost of these cells can be reduced and will eventually find an application and market also on Earth. This article will review the situation of semiconductor solar cell materials, focusing on Si, GaAs, InGaP and multijunction solar cells and will discuss future trends and possibilities of bringing III‐V technology from space to Earth. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Compensatory effect of the minor Streptomyces lividans type I signal peptidases on the SipY major signal peptidase deficiency as determined by extracellular proteome analysis
Authors: Escutia Marta R. , Val Gema , Palacín Arantxa , Geukens Nick , Anné Jozef , Mellado Rafael P.
Published: June 2006

The developmentally complex bacterium Streptomyces lividans has the ability to produce and secrete a significant amount of protein and possesses four different type I signal peptidase genes (sipW, sipX, sipY and sipZ) that are unusually clustered in its chromosome. 2‐DE and subsequent MS of extracellular proteins showed that proteins with typical export signals for type I and type II signal peptidases are the main components of the S. lividans secretome. Secretion of extracellular proteins is severely reduced in a strain deficient in the major type I signal peptidase (SipY). This deficiency was efficiently compensated by complementation with any of the other three signal peptidases as deduced from a comparison of the corresponding 2‐D PAGE patterns with that of the wild‐type strain.
Automation, parallelism, and robotics for proteomics
Authors: Alterovitz Gil , Liu Jonathan , Chow Jijun , Ramoni Marco F.
Published: June 2006

The speed of the human genome project (Lander, E. S., Linton, L. M., Birren, B., Nusbaum, C. et al., Nature 2001, 409, 860–921) was made possible, in part, by developments in automation of sequencing technologies. Before these technologies, sequencing was a laborious, expensive, and personnel‐intensive task. Similarly, automation and robotics are changing the field of proteomics today. Proteomics is defined as the effort to understand and characterize proteins in the categories of structure, function and interaction (Englbrecht, C. C., Facius, A., Comb. Chem. High Throughput Screen. 2005, 8, 705–715). As such, this field nicely lends itself to automation technologies since these methods often require large economies of scale in order to achieve cost and time‐saving benefits. This article describes some of the technologies and methods being applied in proteomics in order to facilitate automation within the field as well as in linking proteomics‐based information with other related research areas.
The use of mass spectrometry for the proteomic analysis of glycosylation
Authors: Morelle Willy , Canis Kévin , Chirat Frédéric , Faid Valegh , Michalski Jean‐Claude
Published: June 2006

Of all protein PTMs, glycosylation is by far the most common, and is a target for proteomic research. Glycosylation plays key roles in controlling various cellular processes and the modifications of the glycan structures in diseases highlight the clinical importance of this PTM. Glycosylation analysis remains a difficult task. MS, in combination with modern separation methodologies, is one of the most powerful and versatile techniques for the structural analysis of glycoconjugates. This review describes methodologies based on MS for detailed characterization of glycoconjugates in complex biological samples at the sensitivity required for proteomic work.
Fumigant activity of plant essential oils and components from horseradish (Armoracia rusticana), anise (Pimpinella anisum) and garlic (Allium sativum) oils against Lycoriella ingenua (Diptera: Sciaridae)
Authors: Park II‐Kwon , Choi Kwang‐Sik , Kim Do‐Hyung , Choi In‐Ho , Kim Lee‐Sun , Bak Won‐Chull , Choi Joon‐Weon , Shin Sang‐Chul
Published: June 2006

Plant essential oils from 40 plant species were tested for their insecticidal activities against larvae of Lycoriella ingénue (Dufour) using a fumigation bioassay. Good insecticidal activity against larvae of L. ingenua was achieved with essential oils of Chenopodium ambrosioides L., Eucalyptus globulus Labill, Eucalyptus smithii RT Baker, horseradish, anise and garlic at 10 and 5 µL L−1 air. Horseradish, anise and garlic oils showed the most potent insecticidal activities among the plant essential oils. At 1.25 µL L−1, horseradish, anise and garlic oils caused 100, 93.3 and 13.3% mortality, but at 0.625 µL L−1 air this decreased to 3.3, 0 and 0% respectively. Analysis by gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry led to the identification of one major compound from horseradish, and three each from anise and garlic oils. These seven compounds and m‐anisaldehyde and o‐anisaldehyde, two positional isomers of p‐anisaldehyde, were tested individually for their insecticidal activities against larvae of L. ingenua. Allyl isothiocyanate was the most toxic, followed by trans‐anethole, diallyl disulfide and p‐anisaldehyde with LC50 values of 0.15, 0.20, 0.87 and 1.47 µL L−1 respectively. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
Toxicity of spray and fumigant products containing cassia oil to Dermatophagoides farinae and Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Acari: Pyroglyphidae)
Authors: Kim Soon‐II , Kim Hyun‐Kyung , Koh Young‐Yull , Clark J Marshall , Ahn Young‐Joon
Published: June 2006

The toxicity of formulations of oil of cassia, Cinnamomum cassia Blume, (20 and 50 g L−1 sprays and 100% oil‐based fumigant) to adult Dermatophagoides farinae Hughes and D. pteronyssinus Trouessart was examined using contact and vapour‐phase toxicity bioassays. Results were compared with the lethal activity of three commercial acaricides: benzyl benzoate, dibutyl phthalate and diethyl‐m‐toluamide (deet). The contact toxicity of cassia oil to both dust mite species was comparable with that of benzyl benzoate but was higher than that of the other two acaricides. Sprays containing 20 and 50 g L−1 cassia oil were effective against both mite species when applied to fabric, glass, paper, plastic, tin or wood substrates. Applications of the 50 g L−1 spray to different space volumes and surface areas determined that 50–60 mg of cassia oil was needed to control dust mites in 3.4 m3 or in 1 m2. In tests with fumigant devices, toxicity varied according to the thickness of non‐woven fabric covering the device, the exposure time, the number of fumigant devices used and the volume of the space sprayed. Fumigant toxicity to adult D. pteronyssinus was more pronounced with devices enclosed in thinner (40 µm) versus thicker (45 or 50 µm) non‐woven fabric covers. A single fumigant device with a 40 µm thick non‐woven fabric cover resulted in substantial control in a space of 0.05 m3 but exhibited only moderate to weak control in spaces ≥ 0.097 m3 at 4 days after application. Two fumigant devices gave 88% mortality in a space of 1.73 m3. Cassia oil applied as sprays or in fumigant devices appears to provide effective protection of humans from house dust mites. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry
Planar motion and three‐dimensional structure recovery from image sequences based on a fish‐eye projection model
Authors: Miyagawa Isao , Wakabayashi Kaoru , Arakawa Kenichi
Published: June 2006

In this paper we propose a factorization method that can simultaneously recover planar motion and three‐dimensional structure from image sequences captured using a fish‐eye camera. Here we assume that the fish‐eye camera moves on a plane with the optical axis perpendicular to the plane. Our method is based on a fish‐eye projection model that captures the image sequence under this planar motion. In our experiments using an imaging robot, we apply this method to images obtained indoors and show that it is an effective method for simultaneously recovering planar motion and three‐dimensional structure with a high level of accuracy. In addition, from evaluations of the precision of shape recovery we confirm that the precision with which shapes can be recovered is dependent on the angle of elevation and thereby clarify the scope within which this method is applicable. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Syst Comp Jpn, 37(9): 32–46, 2006; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/scj.20296
Dietary treatment in adult‐onset type II glycogenosis
Authors: Ravaglia Sabrina , Pichiecchio Anna , Rossi Miriam , Filippi Paola De , Minelli Antonella , Moglia Arrigo , Danesino Cesare
Published: June 2006

Eight patients with adult‐onset type II glycogenosis (GSD II), all carrying the IVS1−13T<G mutation, were treated with high‐protein isocaloric diet for 3 years. We evaluated the usefulness of this approach through the assessment of the skeletal muscles (by manual muscle testing, quantitative isokinetic exercise, and muscle MRI) and the respiratory function (by spirometry). Three patients with mild or moderate disease severity refused the diet and were still monitored for comparison: they showed clinical (2 patients) or clinicoradiological (1 patient) progression of muscle weakness, while respiratory function remained unchanged. Among the patients accepting the dietary treatment, muscle strength remained unchanged, as did the degree of fatty infiltration and atrophy as assessed by muscle MRI; respiratory function worsened in 2/5 patients with severe baseline respiratory dysfunction. High‐protein diet may stabilize disease progression at the skeletal muscles, but does not produce significant clinical improvements; moreover, the usefulness of this approach in patients with severe respiratory disease seems questionable.
Vertical distribution of soil nematodes in an age sequence ofCaragana microphyllaplantations in the Horqin Sandy Land, Northeast China
Authors: Jiang Deming , Li Qi , Liu Fangming , Jiang Yong , Liang Wenju
Published: June 2006

The vertical distribution of soil nematodes down to a depth of 50 cm was studied in an age sequence of 0‐, 5‐, 10‐, and 22‐year‐oldCaragana microphyllaplantations (treatments) in the Horqin Sandy Land, Northeast China. The abundances and generic compositions of nematode fauna in five soil layers (0–10, 10–20, 20–30, 30–40, and 40–50 cm) were analyzed. 42 genera were observed in the nematode suspensions, andAcrobeleswas the dominant genus in all treatments. The results showed that the total number of nematodes and the generic diversity in an age sequence ofC. microphyllaplantations decreased with increasing soil depth. Significant differences in the numbers of total nematodes, bacterivores (BF), plant parasites (PP), and omnivores–predators (OP) were observed between treatments and depths. BF was the most abundant trophic group in our study, followed by OP. The numbers of OP showed an obviously increasing trend with increasing age ofC. microphyllaplantation. The vertical distribution of the soil nematode communities was related to gradual changes in soil chemical properties, and it indicated thatC. microphyllaplantations have played positive roles in improving soil environmental conditions and restoring desertified ecosystems in the Horqin Sandy Land. The ecological indices selected were influenced by plantation chronosequence but not by soil depth.
Temperature adaptation of synonymous codon usage in different functional categories of genes: A comparative study between homologous genes of Methanococcus jannaschii and Methanococcus maripaludis
Authors: Basak Surajit , Ghosh Tapash Chandra
Published: June 2006

Synonymous codon usage of homologous sequences between Methanococcus jannaschii and Methanococcus maripaludis have been analyzed in three broad functional categories of genes namely: (i) information storage and processing; (ii) metabolism; and (iii) cellular processes and signaling. Average values of synonymous nucleotide substitutions per synonymous site are significantly lower for information processing genes compared to either metabolic or cellular processing genes. These results suggests that synonymous codon usage has been subject to greater constraint in the information storage and processing group of genes compared to other functional categories of genes. For metabolic and cellular processing genes, correspondence analysis based on relative synonymous codon usage (RSCU) values separates the genes along the first major axes according to the genome type; while in the information processing group, genes are separated along the second major axes according to the genome type. Further study on synonymous substitution rate for information processing genes shows a stronger selective constraint on synonymous codon usage of six amino acids, G, A, R, P, Y, F. Randomization of the original transcript of M. jannaschii for information processing genes suggests that variation in selective constraint between synonymous codon usage is related to the potential formation of mRNA secondary structures which contribute to the folding stability.
A Fully Automated Robotic System for High Throughput Fermentation
Authors: Zimmermann Hartmut F. , Rieth Jochen
Published: June 2006

High throughput robotic systems have been used since the 1990s to carry out biochemical assays in microtiter plates. However, before the application of such systems in industrial fermentation process development, some important specific demands should be taken into account. These are sufficient oxygen supply, optimal growth temperature, minimized sample evaporation, avoidance of contaminations, and simple but reliable process monitoring. A fully automated solution where all these aspects have been taken into account is presented. It is basically an arrangement of connected apparatuses (rail-mounted robotic arm, liquid handlers, sealer, shakers, fluorescence reader, etc.) that are integrated into a climatic chamber. Its readiness for use is demonstrated for the cultivation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. This automation system permits to prepare, run, and monitor 768 aerobic micro-scale fermentations in parallel and without the need for any manual intervention. Although the applied quasi-continuous culture fluorescence measurement technique repeatedly requires a short interruption of the shaking process, this does not have a significant influence on the performance of cell culture experiments.
Are you a Laboratory Automation Engineer?
Authors: Liscouski Joseph G.
Published: June 2006

The technology and techniques used when automating laboratory activities have been developed and documented for more than 40 years. Work performed under the subject of “laboratory automation” has progressed from pioneering achievements in data acquisition and instrument control to multicomponent, fully integrated systems resembling manufacturing plants. If the field is to move forward, we need to organize the practices of those applying automation and computing technologies to laboratory activities, and to formulate a course of study. This JALA Guest Editorial seeks to initiate a dialog on the definition and development of the field of “Laboratory Automation Engineering.”
A supplier development program: Rational process or institutional image construction?
Authors: Rogers Keith W. , Purdy Lyn , Safayeni Frank , Duimering P. Robert
Published: June 2006

Drawing on arguments from institutional theory, we examine the implementation and use of a supplier development program by a major North American automotive manufacturer. While all suppliers adopted the program as an apparent response to coercive institutional pressures from their customer, the study focuses on the effects of such pressures on internal information processing and the behavior of the actors involved. The study therefore addresses a significant gap in the institutional theory literature concerning the question of how managers reconcile potential conflicts between externally imposed institutional demands and internal operational efficiency constraints. Specifically, the supplier development process is conceptualized using two different approaches: one based on assumptions of rational efficiency, the other based on assumptions of institutional image construction. Five propositions were tested using quantitative data from the customer and interview data from the suppliers. Overall, the two propositions based on image construction were supported while only one proposition of the three for the rational decision making approach was partially supported. The results are discussed in terms of their implications for understanding how a firm's institutional context influences the implementation and use of operation management strategies.