bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating the Incidence of Leukopenia and Neutropenia with Valproate, Quetiapine, or the Combination in Children and Adolescents
Authors: Rahman Aminur , Mican Lisa M , Fischer Charles , Campbell Angela H
Published: May 2009

Background

At the Austin State Hospital, Austin, TX, a number of cases of neutropenia and leukopenia have been observed in children and adolescents who were treated with the combination of valproate and quetiapine. Use of this combination has raised concerns regarding an increased risk of hematologic toxicity.

Objective

To evaluate the incidence of leukopenia and neutropenia associated with the use of valproate, quetiapine, or the combination in the child and adolescent population.

Methods

This study was a retrospective evaluation of patients from the child and adolescent psychiatric service of the Austin State Hospital who were treated with valproate, quetiapine, or the combination. Subjects were selected from patients discharged between August 1, 2004, and August 31, 2007. Laboratory data were evaluated to determine the incidence and severity of leukopenia and neutropenia associated with valproate, quetiapine, and a combination of the 2.

Results

A total of 131 patients were included in the study. Analysis of the laboratory data revealed a combined incidence of neutropenia and/or leukopenia of 44%, 26%, and 6% in the combination group, valproate monotherapy group, and quetiapine monotherapy group, respectively. Differences in the incidence of neutropenia and/or leukopenia between the quetiapine monotherapy group and valproate monotherapy group, as well as the quetiapine monotherapy group and the combination group reached statistical significance. A significant difference was found among groups based on absolute neutrophil count Common Toxicity Criteria severity (p < 0.001). The combination group differed significantly in incidence of moderate-to-severe neutropenia (14 cases) from both the valproate (5 cases) and quetiapine (0 cases) monotherapy groups, A significantly greater number (44%) of African American patients experienced neutropenia and/or leukopenia than white (not Hispanic or Latino; 29%) or Hispanic or Latino (11%) patients.

Conclusions

Patients treated with valproate or the combination of valproate and quetiapine should be monitored for the occurrence of leukopenia and neutropenia. Controlled studies are warranted to examine possible pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic interactions with the combination of valproate and quetiapine to further evaluate the hematologic findings of this study.
Clinical Evidence of Interaction Between Itraconazole and Nonnucleoside Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors in HIV-Infected Patients with Disseminated Histoplasmosis
Authors: Andrade Roberto A , Evans Richard T , Hamill Richard J , Zerai Teddy , Giordano Thomas P
Published: May 2009

Background

Itraconazole is the preferred drug for chronic maintenance therapy in HIV-infected patients with disseminated histoplasmosis. Unfortunately, few clinical data exist confirming a presumed interaction between itraconazole and nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs).

Objective

To determine whether serum itraconazole concentrations are affected by the type of antiretroviral therapy (NNRTI or protease inhibitor [PI]) being taken concomitantly.

Methods

This retrospective cohort identified patients on antiretroviral therapy and itraconazole for disseminated histoplasmosis between January 2003 and December 2006 at a large HIV clinic in Houston, TX. Available laboratory values were abstracted from medical records.

Results

Thirteen itraconazole concentrations from 10 patients were avaitable for analysis: 7 patients were on concomitant Pls, 4 on concomitant NNRTIs, and 2 on antiretroviral regimens containing both Pls and NNRTIs. Six of the itraconazole concentrations during concomitant PI treatment were therapeutic (>1.0 μg/mL). in contrast with none in patients taking an NNRTI. All patients taking concomitant NNRTIs had undetectable serum itraconazole concentrations (<0.05 μg/mL). Two patients switched from NNRTI-based to PI-based antiretroviral regimens and subsequently reached therapeutic itraconazole concentrations. Although limited by small sample size, this study provides the largest clinical data among HIV-infected patients demonstrating that coadministration of an NNRTI and itraconazole results in significant decreases in itraconazole blood concentrations, likely by inducing the CYP3A4 enzyme system.

Conclusions

Itraconazole concentrations should be monitored in patients taking concomitant NNRTIs. PI-based highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) may be preferred over NNRTI-based HAART when itraconazole is used to treat HIV-infected patients with disseminated histoplasmosis.
Prevalence of Use and the Risk of Adverse Effects Associated with Complementary and Alternative Medicine in a Cohort of Patients Receiving Warfarin
Authors: Leung Vivian Wy , Shalansky Stephen J , Lo Melissa K , Jadusingh Esther A
Published: May 2009

Background

The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), including orally administered herbals, botanicals, vitamins, and supplements, may pose a risk to patients on warfarin therapy.

Objective

To estimate the prevalence of CAM use among patients taking warfarin and evaluate the impact of CAM exposure on the risk of warfarin-related adverse effects.

Methods

A survey was administered to hospital inpatients and clinic outpatients on drug exposure (including CAM) over the previous month, self-reported bleeding events, use of alcohol and vitamin K–rich foods, and medical conditions. Prescription medication use was verified, and laboratory records were checked for out-of-range international normalized ratios (INRs) (defined as INR >4 or <2). The use of CAM, including products with reported or theoretical interactions with warfarin, was compared between patients with and without self-reported bleeding or out-of-range INR.

Results

Among the 314 patients who completed the survey, 44.3% reported using CAM at least weekly. Potentially interacting CAM was used by 34.1% of all patients, or 18.2% if vitamin E was excluded as an interacting CAM. Vitamin E was used by 24.2% of all patients and 71.0% of those who used potentially interacting CAM. There was no significant difference in CAM use or consumption of vitamin K–rich foods between patients with and without INRs greater than 4 or for patients with and without INRs less than 2.

Conclusions

The use of potentially interacting CAM in this cohort was higher than the use previously reported among patients on warfarin therapy. However, exposure to CAM was not associated with an increase in the risk of self-reported bleeding or out-of-range INR.
New Drug Approvals: Romiplostim Management of Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura
Authors: Ipema Heather J , Jung Michelle Y , Lodolce Amy E
Published: May 2009

Objective

To review the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and safety of romiplostim, the first drug approved for use in patients with immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP).

Data Sources

Articles were identified through searches of MEDLINE (1966–January 2009) and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts (1970–January 2009) using the key words romiplostim and AMG 531. Searches were limited to articles published in English. The manufacturer was contacted for additional data.

Study Selection And Data Extraction

Clinical trials and pharmacokinetic data were selected for review.

Data Synthesis

Romiplostim is a second-generation thrombopoietic receptor agonist that exerts its therapeutic effect by stimulating megakaryopoiesis. Subcutaneous therapy results in a dose-dependent increase in platelets; however, interindividual variability exists. Time to peak concentration is approximately 14 hours, and the elimination half-life is approximately 3.5 days (range 1–34). Romiplostim undergoes endothelial recirculation and is eliminated by the reticuloendothelial system. The results of 2 Phase 3, randomized, double-blind, placebo-con trolled trials have demonstrated the efficacy of romiplostim for increasing platelet counts in patients with ITP refractory to other therapies, including splenectomy. Effects on platelets were transient and decreased within 2 weeks of discontinuing the drug. Interim results of an open-label extension study revealed that romiplostim has sustained efficacy and tolerability for up to 156 weeks at a dosage range of 1–17 μg/kg/wk (mean 5.9 ± 3.9). The most common adverse effects include headache, fatigue, epistaxis, and contusion. Romiplostim is also under investigation for treatment of thrombocytopenia associated with myelodysplastic syndrome. The drug must be ordered directly from the manufacturer through a limited access program, and weekly subcutaneous injections are given in the clinic setting.

Conclusions

Romiplostim is effective for the management of ITP in adults refractory to other therapies, including splenectomy.
Self-Medication of Upper Gastrointestinal Symptoms: A Community Pharmacy Study
Authors: Mehuys Els , Bortel Luc Van , Bolle Leen De , Tongelen Inge Van , Remon Jean-Paul , Looze Danny De
Published: May 2009

Background

Upper gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms are a common reason for self-treatment with over-the-counter (OTC) medication. However, data are scarce on the typology of GI complaints for which individuals seek self-medication and, more importantly, on the prevalence of alarm symptoms in this population.

Objective

To investigate: (1) the nature of GI symptoms that people intend to self-medicate, (2) prevalence of alarm symptoms, (3) adherence to referral advice given by the pharmacist, and (4) self-reported efficacy and frequency of use of OTC medication for minor complaints.

Methods

This descriptive study was performed in 63 community pharmacies. Participants (N = 592, aged 18–82 y) completed a questionnaire to assess symptom characteristics and previous medical consulting. Based on this information, the pharmacist referred subjects to a physician or advised self-treatment. Four weeks later, participants were presented a follow-up questionnaire evaluating their adherence to referral advice or efficacy of self-treatment.

Results

The most frequently reported GI symptoms were burning retrosternal discomfort (49.2%), acid regurgitation (53.2%), and bothersome postprandial fullness (51.2%). At least one alarm symptom was present in 22.4% of the individuals, with difficulty in swallowing being the most prevalent (15.4%). Although 21% of the customers were referred, only 51.7% of these contacted a physician. Almost all (95.1%) of the remaining customers who were advised self-treatment reported symptom relief with the OTC drug obtained.

Conclusions

Mild GI symptoms will mostly resolve with self-treatment. Yet, the value of pharmacist counseling on OTC treatment should be recognized, as community pharmacists can play an important role in distinguishing symptoms that warrant further medical examination.
Effects of Ginkgo biloba Extract Ingestion on the Pharmacokinetics of Talinolol in Healthy Chinese Volunteers
Authors: Fan Lan , Tao Gong-You , Wang Guo , Chen Yao , Zhang Wei , He Yi-Jing , Li Qing , Lei He-Ping , Jiang Feng , Hu Dong-Li , Huang Yuan-Fei , Zhou Hong-Hao
Published: May 2009

Background

Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE), the best selling herbal medicine in the world, has been reported to inhibit P-glycoprotein in vitro. However, the effects of GBE on P-glycoprotein activity in humans have not been clarified.

Objective

To investigate the effects of single and repeated GBE ingestion on the oral pharmacokinetics of talinolol, a substrate drug for P-glycoprotein in humans.

Methods

Ten unrelated healthy male volunteers were selected to participate in a 3-stage sequential study. Plasma concentrations of talinolol from 0 to 24 hours were measured by high-performance liquid chromatography after talinolol 100 mg was administrated alone, with a single oral dose of GBE (120 mg), and after 14 days of repeated GBE ingestion (360 mg/day).

Results

A single oral dose of GBE did not affect the pharmacokinetics of talinolol. Repeated ingestion of GBE increased the talinolol maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) by 36% (90% CI 10 to 68; p = 0.025), the area under the concentration-time curve (AUC)0-24 by 26% (90% CI 11 to 43; p = 0.008) and AUC0-∞ by 22% (90% CI 8 to 37; p = 0.014), respectively, without significant changes in elimination half-life and the time to Cmax.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that long-term use of GBE significantly influenced talinolol disposition in humans, likely by affecting the activity of P-glycoprotein and/or other drug transporters.
Neurology: Effect of Non-Ergot Dopamine Agonists on Health-Related Quality of Life of Patients with Restless Legs Syndrome
Authors: Talati Ripple , Phung Olivia J , Mather Jeffrey , Coleman Craig I
Published: May 2009

Background

Non-ergot dopamine agonists (NEDAs) have become the gold-standard agents for the treatment of restless legs syndrome (RLS). While the efficacy and safety of these drugs have been widely studied, their effect on patients' health-related quality of life (HRQoL) has not been fully elucidated.

Objective

To better define the usefulness of NEDAs by assessing their impact on HRQoL.

Methods

We performed a meta-analysis of randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials evaluating the use of NEDAs in patients with RLS. A systematic literature search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane CENTRAL was performed from the earliest possible date through July 2008. Trials were included in the analysis if they evaluated NEDAs for the treatment of RLS and reported HRQoL using any RLS disease-specific HRQoL instrument. HRQoL data were pooled and evaluated using an inverse variance weighting approach as standardized mean differences (SMDs) and 95% confidence interval (CI). For trials reporting HRQoL data obtained using the Johns Hopkins RLS-QoL Questionnaire, adjusted mean difference data were pooled to calculate the weighted mean difference (WMD) and 95% CI.

Results

Seven trials (N = 1483) met all inclusion criteria. Patients with RLS taking NEDAs had significantly improved overall effect on HRQoL compared with those taking placebo (SMD 0.20; 95% CI 0.10 to 0.30; degree of inconsistency across studies [I2] = 0%). When analyzing trials using the Johns Hopkins RLS-QoL questionnaire, the results also showed improvement with NEDAs compared with placebo (WMD 4.72; 95% CI 2.96 to 6.47; I2 = 0%). Study conclusions were unchanged upon sensitivity analysis. The number of trials for each NEDA was small, limiting the usefulness of between-agent comparisons.

Conclusions

In patients with RLS, use of NEDAs showed improved HRQoL compared with placebo. Since pooled effect sizes observed in this meta-analysis appear to surpass accepted values for minimally important clinical differences, these improvements may be clinically relevant for the average studied patient. However, future studies evaluating long-term treatment of RLS with NEDAs are necessary, as are head-to-head comparative trials and economic assessments.
Cost of Hospital Admission for Antiarrhythmic Drug Initiation in Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Kim Michael H , Klingman David , Lin Jay , Pathak Prathamesh , Battleman David
Published: May 2009

Background

Initiation of some rhythm-control therapies for atrial fibrillation (AF) requires an inpatient hospital stay and telemetry monitoring, adding to the cost burden of AF. However, specific cost data for inpatient initiation of AF therapies are lacking.

Objective

To examine costs associated with initiating sotalol or dofetilide in the inpatient setting in the US.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study used data from billing/discharge records in the Premier Perspective Database for adults with a primary diagnosis of AF, hospitalized between January 2002 and September 2007. Patients had to have received 4 or more sotalol doses or 5 or more dofetilide doses starting within 2 days of admission (with ≥1 dose within 3 days of discharge). Patients admitted solely for AF drug initiation were identified by excluding patients who were admitted on an emergency basis, received care in the emergency department, or underwent major surgical procedures. The primary outcome was direct medical costs for in-hospital services during the stay.

Results

Among 7290 patients included in the analysis (4847 sotalol, 2443 dofetilide), mean total inpatient costs per patient were $3278 in the sotalol group and $3610 in the dofetilide group. The greatest costs were for room/board ($1874 sotalol, $1985 dofetilide) and cardiology/electrocardiograms ($394 sotalol, $443 dofetilide). Pharmacy costs were $230 and $201 per patient in the sotalol and dofetilide groups, respectively.

Conclusions

The admission of patients for in-hospital initiation of AF rhythm-control therapy represents a high cost burden in the US.
Personalized Medicine: Reality and Reality Checks
Authors: Leeder J Steven , Spielberg Stephen P
Published: May 2009

The evolving era of pharmacogenomics and personalized medicine is greeted with optimism by many, but this sentiment is not universally shared. The existence of diametrically opposed opinions concerning the potential benefits and obstacles facing the widespread implementation of genomic medicine should stimulate discussion and guide the design of studies to establish the value of interventions targeted at the level of individual patients. One of the more controversial aspects of personalized medicine is whether the anticipated benefits will be realized at an acceptable cost. Recently released analyses suggest that the returns on investment depend on the particular scenario and are different for different stakeholders. On the other hand, cost is only one of the challenges regarding implementation of personalized medicine. Among these are the development of universal standards for managing genomic information in electronic medical records, improvement in the collection and interpretation of clinical phenotype data, and new strategies to educate practitioners and patients/consumers. The reality is that personalized medicine is upon us; open discourse and periodic reality checks will be necessary as we confront it.
Notes on the benthic marine algae of Puerto Rico. IX. Additions to the flora including reports of three species for the first time in the Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Ballantine David L. , Ruiz Hector , Aponte Nilda E.
Published: May 2009

Eleven species of benthic marine algae from deep and shallow habitats are newly reported for Puerto Rico. These include rhodophytes:Hypneocolax stellaris, Predaea laciniosa, Botryocladia monoica, B. papenfussiana, Rhododictyon bermudense, Hypoglossum caloglossoides;heterokonts: Chrysocystis fragilis, Dictyota friabilis, D. hamifera;and chlorophytes: Boergesenia forbesii, Derbesia osterhoutii.The Puerto Rican collections ofPredaea laciniosa, Boergesenia forbesiandChrysocystis fragilisare new records for the Atlantic Ocean.
Verification of Site Cleanup Using a Dual-Equilibrium Desorption Model
Authors: Manhart Christine S. , Chaney Ronald C. , Watt Christopher J. , Slonim Sandra
Published: May 2009

The dual-equilibrium desorption (DED) model was introduced in 2002 illustrating the apparent biphasic nature of desorption of contaminants from soil. This model was applied to a gasoline fueling station investigation in northwestern California in which it was tested against empirical data for dissolved-phase gasoline constituents in groundwater in the attempt to predict remediation end points. In this work, we are further testing the applicability of DED to field-based investigations by comparing its model predictions with flow modeling and advective-dispersive contaminant transport empirical results. The model was tested in two parts. First, groundwater flow was modeled using the Laplace equation for groundwater flow in two dimensions. This was compared to observations and used to describe the distribution of hydraulic heads across the flow field. This distribution was then used as input for the contaminant transport model. The equations for advective-dispersive transport were modified by substituting the distribution coefficient with that predicted in the DED. Predicted concentrations were then compared to concentrations observed in a downgradient monitoring well. Results indicate that this procedure is useful in predicting the timing of spikes in contaminant transport to within six months to one year and that the magnitude of those peaks were under predicted by approximately 2 %. The implication is that contaminant spikes are not transported in coherent packets but in a more chaotic manner, possible due to fractionation of gasoline. While better precision may be desired, this is one of the few methods available for use with chemical mixtures, such as total petroleum hydrocarbons.
Modellbasierte Steuerungsberechnung für Doppelkupplungsgetriebe als Teil eines neuen Gesamtkonzepts zur Getriebesteuerung und -regelungA Model Based Control Approach for Dual Clutch Transmissions as Part of a New Transmission Control Concept
Authors: Michalka Andreas , Roppenecker Günter , Wurmthaler C. , Orend Ralf
Published: May 2009

In diesem Beitrag wird ein modellbasiertes Gesamtkonzept zur Steuerung und Regelung von Doppelkupplungsantriebssträngen vorgestellt und das Vorgehen zur Steuerungsberechnung für Schaltvorgänge anhand eines einfachen Fahrzeugmodells näher erläutert. Dabei werden zum einen Schaltungen betrachtet, deren Start- und Zielgänge in verschiedenen Teilgetrieben liegen, und zum anderen solche mit Start- und Zielgang im selben Getriebestrang.
Kriterien und Methoden zur längsdynamischen Führung von FahrzeugkolonnenCriteria and Methods for Longitudinal Guidance of Vehicle Platoons
Authors: Maschuw Jan P. , Keßler Günter C. , Abel Dirk
Published: May 2009

In diesem Beitrag wird ein Regelkonzept zur längsdynamischen Führung von Fahrzeugkolonnen vorgestellt, das neben Abstandsfehlern die Beschränkung maximaler Geschwindigkeiten und Beschleunigungen der Folgefahrzeuge im Entwurf bewertet. Diese Kriterien werden, neben Robustheitsanforderungen, als lineare Matrixungleichungen formuliert und Regelungen für unterschiedliche Informationsverfügbarkeit optimiert und in Simulationen erprobt.
Optimierung der Reibwertausnutzung der Reifen durch aktive AntriebsmomentenverteilungOptimization of Tire Friction Usage by Active Driving Torque Distribution
Authors: Hillenbrand Stefan , Stolpe Ingo
Published: May 2009

Aktive Antriebsstrangkomponenten können eingesetzt werden, um im Hinblick auf die Fahrsicherheit die Reibwertausnutzung der Reifen zu minimieren und so den Abstand zur Reibwertgrenze zu maximieren. Es werden zwei Verfahren vorgestellt, mit denen eine optimale Ansteuerung eines aktiven Hinterachsdifferentials ohne den Einsatz iterativer Optimierungsverfahren ermittelt werden kann.
Kreuzungsmanagement: Trajektorienplanung mittels Dynamischer ProgrammierungIntersection Management: Trajectory Planning by Means of Dynamic Programming
Authors: Bruns Torsten , Trächtler Ansgar
Published: May 2009

In absehbarer Zukunft werden Fahrzeuge in der Lage sein, in bestimmten Verkehrssituationen autonom und kooperativ zu handeln. Eine derartige Situation kann beispielsweise das autonome Überqueren von ampelfreien Kreuzungen sein. Für dieses Szenario wird eine Lösungsmethodik vorgestellt, die sowohl für den Einsatz unter Echtzeitbedingungen als auch für die Berücksichtigung unterschiedlicher Optimierungszielgrößen geeignet ist. Der Algorithmus liefert optimale Trajektorien bezüglich dieser Zielgrößen bei gleichzeitiger Garantie der Kollisionsfreiheit.
Towards Simplified Thermal and Specific Rigidity Factors for Ion-Molecule Reactions and Ion Fragmentations
Authors: Troe Jürgen
Published: May 2009

Rate constants for capture-controlled ion-molecule reactions and ion fragmentations are analyzed. It is shown that exothermic ion-molecule reactions governed by long-range potentials (class I reactions) and ion fragmentations and the reverse ion-molecule associations with large contributions from valence potentials (class II reactions) require different treatments. The results are expressed by phase space theory and rigidity factors accounting for the anisotropy of the potentials. Thermal and specific rigidity factors, f
rigid(T) and f
rigid(E,J)respectively, need to be internally consistent. Simplified two-parameter expressions for the two rigidity factors are designed with the hope that fitting of the parameters to limited experimental data allows one to extrapolate to unexplored ranges of conditions.
Shock-Tube Study of the Reactions of Hydrogen Atoms with Benzene and Phenyl Radicals
Authors: Giri Binod R. , Bentz Tobias , Hippler Horst , Olzmann Matthias
Published: May 2009

The reactions of hydrogen atoms with phenyl radicals, H + C6H5 → products (1), and with benzene, H + C6H6 → products (2), have been studied behind reflected shock waves in the temperature range 1200–1350 K with argon as the bath gas. H-atom resonance absorption spectrometry at 121.6 nm was used as detection technique. Hydrogen atoms and phenyl radicals were produced by thermal decomposition of C2H5I and C6H5I, respectively. Low initial concentrations (~1012–1015 cm-3) were employed to suppress consecutive bimolecular reactions as far as possible.The rate coefficients were determined from fits of the H atom concentration-time profiles in terms of a small mechanism. For reaction (1), a temperature-independent rate coefficient k
1
= 1.3×10–10 cm3 s–1 was obtained at pressures around 1.3 bar. For the rate coefficient of reaction (2), the temperature dependence can be expressed as k
2(T) = 5.8×10–10 exp(–8107 K/T) cm3 s–1, and a pressure dependence was not observed between 1.3 and 4.3 bar. The uncertainties of k
1 and k
2 were estimated to be ±40%.
High-level Ab-initio Calculations for Astrochemically Relevant Polyynes (HC2nH), their Isomers (C2nH2) and their Anions (C2nH−)
Authors: Botschwina Peter , Oswald Rainer , Knizia Gerald , Werner Hans-Joachim
Published: May 2009

The astrochemically relevant molecules of type HC2nH, C2nH2 and C2nH− (n = 2−4) have been investigated theoretically by means of both standard and explicitly correlated coupled cluster theory. Equilibrium structures and harmonic vibrational frequencies have been calculated for all nine species. Accurate values for the molar enthalpies of isomerization of the C2nH2 species and for the molar enthalpies of the dissociative electron attachment reactions C2nH2 + e− → C2nH− + H (both at 0 K) are predicted. Both quantities differ substantially from the results of previous hybrid density functional (B3LYP) calculations. The explicitly correlated CCSD(T)-F12a method in conjunction with Dunning’s aug-cc-pVTZ basis is found to yield results in excellent agreement with standard CCSD(T) calculations with much larger basis sets.
Modeling of Rich Premixed C2H4/O2/Ar and C2H4/Dimethoxymethane/O2/Ar Flames
Authors: Dias Veronique , Renard Cedric , Vandooren Jacques
Published: May 2009

Two rich premixed ethylene/oxygen/argon and ethylene/dimethoxymethane/oxygen/argon flat flames burning at 50 mbar were investigated experimentally by using molecular beam mass spectrometry to study the effect of methylal (dimethoxymethane) addition on species concentration profiles (C. Renard, P.J. Van Tiggelen and J. Vandooren, Proc. Combust. Inst., 29 (2002) 1277–1284). The replacement of 5.7% C2H4 by 4.3% C3H8O2, keeping the equivalence ratio equal to 2.50, is responsible for a decrease of the maximum mole fractions of most of the detected intermediate species. If this phenomenon is barely noticeable for C2 to C4 intermediates, it becomes more efficient for C5 to C10 species. Previously, a reaction mechanism has been validated against a premixed rich C2H4/O2/Ar flame (φ = 2.50) which describes in detail the formation of soot precursors and more precisely the main pathways involving benzene (V. Dias, C. Renard, P.J. Van Tiggelen and J. Vandooren, European Combustion Meeting, Orléans, France, p.221, 2003).The aim of this work is to extend this original model by building a sub-mechanism taking into account the formation and the consumption of oxygenated species involved in dimethoxymethane combustion. The new mechanism contains 474 elementary reactions and involves 90 chemical species in order to simulate both ethylene flames with and without methylal addition. The model leads to a good simulation for all species detected in these flames, and underlines the effect of methylal addition on species concentration profiles.According to this mechanism, the two main degradation pathways of methylal (CH3OCH2OCH3) in C2H4/methylal/oxygen/argon flame are:

1) CH3OCH2javascript:filterformular(´3´)OCH3 → CH3OCH2OCH2 → CH3OCH2 → CH2O

2) CH3OCH2OCH3 → CH3OCHOCH3 → CH3OCHO → CH3OCO → CH3O → CH3OH → CH2OH → CH2O

with the first one being the fastest.
A Two-equation Model to Simulate Soot Formation under Shock-tube Conditions
Authors: Marquetand Jens , Riedel Uwe
Published: May 2009

An existing two-equation soot model is extended by nucleation of soot particles from phenyl to improve the model´s results for aromatic fuels. The model describes the soot formation processes by rate equations for the soot concentration and the soot volume fraction. These two equations are solved fully coupled with the rate equations of the gas-phase species resulting from a detailed chemical kinetics model.The soot model is tested under shock-tube conditions for the oxidation of n-heptane and toluene. The maximum volume fraction needed as input to the two-equation model is derived from simulations with a detailed soot model, when no experimental values are given. Therefore a bell-shaped curve is fit to the detailed simulation´s results and the so determined fit parameters are passed to the two-equation model.Two sets of parameters for the simplified model are found, one representing the former version of the model with nucleation solely depending on propargyl and another one additionally including phenyl in the nucleation process. Both parameter sets show good agreement to the experimental values and nearly equal results for the time evolution and temperature dependence during the oxidation of n-heptane. However, during the oxidation of toluene additionally considering particle nucleation from phenyl improves the results compared to the former version of the two-equation model as the soot yield is predicted much better for lower temperatures.
Experimental and Numerical Investigation of Fe(CO)5 Addition to a Laminar Premixed Hydrogen/Oxygen/Argon Flame
Authors: Staude S. , Hecht C. , Wlokas I. , Schulz C. , Atakan Burak
Published: May 2009

Low-pressure, lean, laminar, premixed hydrogen/oxygen/argon flames seeded with iron pentacarbonyl (35−170 ppm Fe(CO)5) were modeled with detailed chemistry and the results were compared to laser-induced fluorescence imaging measurements of iron atom concentration and gas-phase temperature. The model includes recent rate coefficients for the decomposition of iron pentacarbonyl and thermodynamic data. The simulated iron concentrations correspond well with the measurements with only minor discrepancies in the rise of the iron profiles at low Fe(CO)5 concentrations. In addition, it was shown that the mechanism is able to predict the effect of Fe(CO)5 on the flame speed also for lean conditions, where the model was not established yet. The major iron species, aside from atomic iron, in this flame are predicted to be FeOH and Fe(OH)2 with some FeO2 early in the flame. The observed increased flame temperatures in the presence of Fe(CO)5 are attributed to catalytic hydrogen recombination.
Simple Table to Identify Children and Adolescents Needing Further Evaluation of Blood Pressure
Authors: Kaelber David C. , Pickett Frieda
Published: May 2009

OBJECTIVE. The goal was to create a tool to screen more easily for children and adolescents who might have hypertension or prehypertension.

METHODS: We took the existing tables from The Fourth Report on the Diagnosis, Evaluation and Treatment of High Blood Pressure in Children and Adolescents, which contain hundreds of normal and abnormal blood pressure values based on gender, age, and height percentile, and analyzed this data to develop a much simplified table based only on gender and age.

RESULTS. In our simplified table we reduced the number of values from 476 to 64 and have only one threshold value of abnormal systolic and diastolic blood pressure, by gender, for each year of life (ages 3 to ≥18). This table makes it easy to identify abnormal blood pressure values in almost any potential care or screening setting. This approach is ideal when blood pressure is measured outside a physician's office or even at intake in a pediatrician's office, when the height percentile (which is required for the use of current tables) may not be easily obtainable.

CONCLUSIONS. This screening tool can quickly and easily identify children and adolescents whose blood pressure readings merit further evaluation by a physician and rule out abnormal blood pressure in children and adolescents.
A Prospective Comparison of Diaphragmatic Ultrasound and Chest Radiography to Determine Endotracheal Tube Position in a Pediatric Emergency Department
Authors: Kerrey Benjamin Thomas , Geis Gary Lee , Quinn Andrea Megan , Hornung Richard William , Ruddy Richard Michael
Published: May 2009

BACKGROUND. Investigators report endotracheal tube misplacement in up to 40% of emergent intubations. The standard elements of confirmation have significant limitations. Diaphragmatic ultrasound is a potentially viable addition to the confirmatory process. Our primary hypothesis is that ultrasound is equivalent to chest radiography in determining endotracheal tube position within the airway in emergent pediatric intubations.

METHODS. We enrolled a prospective, convenience sample from all intubated patients in our emergency department. The primary outcome was the agreement between diaphragmatic ultrasound and chest radiography for endotracheal tube position. On ultrasound, tracheal placement equaled bilateral diaphragmatic motion, bronchial placement equaled unilateral diaphragmatic motion, and esophageal placement equaled no or paradoxical diaphragmatic motion during delivery of positive pressure. Study sonographers were blind to radiographic results. Our secondary outcome was the timeliness of ultrasound versus chest radiography results. Our institutional review board approved this study with a waiver of informed consent.

RESULTS. One hundred twenty-seven patients were enrolled. In 24 (19%) patients, the endotracheal tube was in the mainstem bronchus on chest radiography. There were no esophageal intubations in the sample. Ultrasound and chest radiography agreed on endotracheal tube placement in 106 patients (94 tracheal and 12 mainstem), for an overall agreement of 0.83. The sensitivity of ultrasound for tracheal placement was 0.91. The specificity of ultrasound for mainstem intubation was 0.50. Thirty-four patients had a second ultrasound by a separate, blinded sonographer; 33 of 34 of the results of the second sonographer were in agreement with the initial sonogram, for an interrater agreement of 97%. Clinically useful chest radiography results took a median of 8 minutes longer to achieve than ultrasound results.

CONCLUSIONS. Diaphragmatic ultrasound was not equivalent to chest radiography for endotracheal tube placement within the airway. However, ultrasound results were timelier, detected more misplacements than standard confirmation alone, and were highly reproducible between sonographers.
On the naturality of the Mathai-Quillen formula
Authors: Lakos Gyula
Published: May 2009

We give an alternative proof for the Mathai-Quillen formula for a Thom form using its natural behaviour with respect to fiberwise integration. We also study this phenomenon in general context.
On size-biased generalized logarithmic series distribution
Authors: Hassan Anwar , Mir Khurshid
Published: May 2009

In this paper a size-biased generalized logarithmic series distribution (SBGLSD), a particular case of the weighted generalized logarithmic series distribution, taking the weights as the variate values is defined. The moments and recurrence relation of SBGLSD are obtained. We have also established the relationship between the moments of size-biased generalized logarithmic series distribution and size-biased generalized geometric series distribution (SBGGSD). Bayesian estimation of SBGLSD is discussed and a comparison is made with the generalized logarithmic series distribution (GLSD) by using the Monte Carlo simulation technique.
Warped product semi-slant submanifolds of a locally product Riemannian manifold
Authors: Sahin Bayram
Published: May 2009

In [20], it was shown that there are no warped product semi-slant submanifolds of Kaehler manifolds. In this paper, we show that there exists a class of non-trivial warped product semi-slant submanifolds of a locally product Riemannian manifold contrary to Kaehlerian case. Then, we give a characterization, an example and investigate the geometry of warped product semi-slant submanifolds in a locally product Riemannian manifold.
The Pons Asinorum in higher dimensions
Authors: Hajja Mowaffaq
Published: May 2009

The
Pons Asinorum
, or the
Bridge of Asses
, refers to Proposition 5 of Book I of Euclid’s
Elements
. This proposition and its converse, Proposition 6, state that two sides of a triangle are equal if and only if the opposite angles are equal. Analogues of these propositions for higher dimensional
d
-simplices are considered in this paper, and satisfactory results are obtained for orthocentric
d
-simplices. These results do not hold for non-orthocentric
d
-simplices, thus supporting the point of view that orthocentric
d
-simplices and not arbitrary ones are the adequate generalization of triangles.
Stability of multi-degree-of-freedom Duffing oscillators
Authors: Ribeiro P.
Published: May 2009

Different methods of examining the stability of periodic solutions of non-linear multi-degree-of-freedom systems are compared in this paper. The methods are particularly suited for solutions computed with the harmonic balance method and the non-linear systems considered are represented by systems of coupled Duffing-type equations; that is, with cubic non-linear expressions. The latter systems appear frequently in models of thin-walled structures, particularly in straight beams and flat plates. In the first method reviewed in this paper the harmonic balance procedure is applied to define an eigenvalue problem, from which the characteristic exponents are determined. If the real part of any of these characteristic exponents is greater than zero, then the solution is unstable. The second method relies on the sign of the determinant of a Jacobian matrix; a matrix that is also often used to solve the equations of motion. The last method is based on a perturbation procedure and with it a closed-form expression for stable regions is achieved. The advantages and shortcomings of the different methods are discussed.
Role of vegetation in sustainability of infrastructure slopes
Authors: Glendinning S. , Loveridge F. , Starr-Keddle R. E. , Bransby M. F. , Hughes P. N.
Published: May 2009

Many aspects of the performance of infrastructure slopes are affected by vegetation, but many are conventionally overlooked by engineers. This paper explores in detail the engineering aspects associated with vegetation on infrastructure slopes and the conflicts that must be managed in order to maintain safety and serviceability. It also examines the importance of roadside corridors as grassland habitats and the difficulties of managing and maintaining the diversity of species using safe and economic management practices. The biodiversity of roadside grassland habitats is discussed in this paper, but it is expected that these findings will offer general lessons for the vegetation management of infrastructure slopes.
Full-scale testing to assess climate effects on embankments
Authors: Hughes P. N. , Glendinning S. , Mendes J. , Parkin G. , Toll D. G. , Gallipoli D. , Miller P. E.
Published: May 2009

A unique facility for engineering and biological research has been established with the aim of improving fundamental understanding of the effects of climate change on slopes. This paper describes the building and monitoring of a full-scale embankment representative of UK infrastructure, the planting and monitoring of representative vegetation, and the construction of a system of sprinklers and covers to control climate. A summary of the results of the first experiments simulating predicted future UK climate and the response of the embankment is also presented. The information that has begun to be gathered is providing data related to the failure modes anticipated as a result of climate change and hence on the sustainability of UK infrastructure slopes.
Briefing: UK–India research network
Authors: Dempsey Nicola , Raman Shibu
Published: May 2009

While much media focus is on the rise of China as an economic powerhouse, less attention is being paid to the current unprecedented urban growth in India. The rapid demographic growth in and around India's urban areas is changing the physical dimensions of cities such as size, shape, density, land use, layout and building types. Planned and unplanned housing development is putting intense pressure on existing urban infrastructure to support the quality of life of increasing numbers of residents. There is therefore an urgent need to examine the sustainability of India's diverse urban forms, with specific focus on planning, poverty, infrastructure and governance. An emerging international research network, CityForm-India, aims to address some of these issues. The network brings together academic and non-academic experts from the UK, India and Europe to share knowledge and explore how urban sustainability might best be achieved in India's urban areas.
Resilience to flooding: lessons from international comparison
Authors: Lamond J. E. , Proverbs D. G.
Published: May 2009

Urban resilience is a key focus of current approaches to flood management. The notion of resilience encompasses pre-disaster planning and warning systems, emergency handling procedures and post-disaster reconstruction. Both human and physical systems are involved at all stages. The success of resilience programmes relies on the cooperation of floodplain populations—for example, increasing the installation of structural flood-resistant and resilient features requires significant commitment from property owners. Knowledge of common features of floodplain populations can therefore aid understanding of the ways in which such cooperation can be achieved. A review of international literature relating to flood proofing of homes and the attitudes of floodplain residents reveals that there are many barriers to overcome in encouraging the installation of resilient measures. Many of these barriers are common across surveyed populations: any proposed scheme must contend with informational barriers, emotional constraints, aesthetic considerations and timing issues. Other barriers depend on local circumstances, finance and regulatory regimes. Lessons can be learned from successful schemes that have overcome some or all of these problems if care is exercised in interpreting the scheme benefits in relation to the identified barriers.
Levels of governance in post-disaster urban planning
Authors: Hewitt J. , Potangaroa R. , Wilkinson S.
Published: May 2009

Despite the rapidly expanding body of research in the field of recovery management, evidence shows that the operational framework of post-disaster planning remains largely incomprehensible and impractical. This paper examines the proposition that Habraken's theory of a hierarchical control model of urban change provides a sound basis for the development of a simpler and more efficient management model. The model identifies ‘levels’ within the physical structure of the urban environment, assembles them into a hierarchy and peoples them with agents of change. Both built form and human agency exert control over the process of change, with the degree of control corresponding to position within the hierarchy. The paper explores the relevance of this model, which is based on the assumption of continuing incremental urban change, in the very different context of post-disaster recovery. Preliminary testing of the proposition has been completed. This involved three surveys of post-disaster reconstruction activity in Banda Aceh, conducted over a two-year period following the 2004 Asian tsunami. The surveys were based on a questionnaire incorporating Habraken's hierarchical model. The results indicate a high degree of recognition of the levels of the hierarchy, and of convergence of recovery-phase priorities. The paper concludes with an assessment of the model's potential contribution to recovery management.
From Reacting to Predicting Technologies: A Novel Performance Monitoring Technique Based on Detailed Dynamic Models
Authors: Manenti Flavio
Published: May 2009

Performance monitoring has the main aim to analyze operating process unit efficiencies especially to lower variable costs, increase profitability, and improve the supply chain optimization in terms of enterprise resource planning (ERP), production accounting, and optimal scheduling of maintenances. Nevertheless, the industrial state of the art is based on approximated techniques for data reconciliation and performance monitoring, which make use of the plant historical database and adopt regressive methods to predict trends of future efficiencies, whereas more reliable performance monitoring techniques are needed to obtain an effective ERP. On this subject, the paper shows how the process performance monitoring is fast moving from reacting towards predicting methodologies and proposes a novel promising technique based on unsteady detailed models to tackle this issue.
Conservative evaluation of the uncertainty in the LAGEOS-LAGEOS II Lense-Thirring test
Authors: Iorio Lorenzo
Published: May 2009

We deal with the test of the general relativistic gravitomagnetic Lense-Thirring effect currently being conducted in the Earth’s gravitational field with the combined nodes Ω of the laser-ranged geodetic satellites LAGEOS and LAGEOS II. One of the most important sources of systematic uncertainty on the orbits of the LAGEOS satellites, with respect to the Lense-Thirring signature, is the bias due to the even zonal harmonic coefficients J
ℓ of the multipolar expansion of the Earth’s geopotential which account for the departures from sphericity of the terrestrial gravitational potential induced by the centrifugal effects of its diurnal rotation. The issue addressed here is: are the so far published evaluations of such a systematic error reliable and realistic? The answer is negative. Indeed, if the difference ΔJ
ℓ among the even zonals estimated in different global solutions (EIGEN-GRACE02S, EIGEN-CG03C, GGM02S, GGM03S, ITG-Grace02, ITG-Grace03s, JEM01-RL03B, EGM2008, AIUB-GRACE01S) is assumed for the uncertainties δJ
ℓ instead of using their more-or-less calibrated covariances $$
\sigma _{J_\ell }
$$, it turns out that the systematic error δμ in the Lense-Thirring measurement is about 3 to 4 times larger than in the evaluations so far published based on the use of the covariances of one model at a time separately, amounting up to 37% for the pair EIGEN-GRACE02S/ITG-Grace03s. The comparison among the other recent GRACE-based models yields bias as large as about 25–30%. The major discrepancies still occur for J
4; J
6 and J
8, which are just to which the zonals the combined LAGEOS/LAGOES II nodes are most sensitive.