bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pain evoked by pressure stimulation on the tibia bone – Influence of probe diameter on tissue stress and strain
Authors: Finocchietti S. , Andresen T. , Arendt‐Nielsen L. , Graven‐Nielsen T.
Published: September 2011

The fundamental aspects of bone associated pain in humans are not fully understood. In this study pressure pain applied to the tibia bone was investigated experimentally in humans and by means of computer simulations. In humans, the pressure pain sensitivity and the relation between tissue indentation and pressure intensity were recorded by a computer‐controlled pressure algometer with two different probe sizes (0.03 cm2 and 1.0 cm2). The simulation‐model was validated by the experimental pressure–indentation data and described tissue stress and strain distribution during pressure stimulation. Tissue stress and strain were extracted from the simulation models at the indentation equal to the pressure pain threshold. The pressure pain threshold was higher for the large compared with the small probe size (P < 0.05). This is in accordance with the simulation model where the strain in the interface between subcutaneous adipose tissue and bone was lowest with the large probe compared with the small probe when applying indentations similar to the pressure pain thresholds. For both probes the strain peaked in adipose tissue at 0.29, and in the bone interface it was reduced by 3% (0.03 cm2) and 15% (1.0 cm2), respectively. For both probes the stress peaked at 235 kPa in skin layer, and in the deeper layers it was reduced to 50 kPa. Mechanosensitive nociceptors innervating the periosteum are ideally placed to mediate pain evoked by pressure stimulation on the tibia bone and small diameter probes may be optimal for assessing bone associated pain sensitivity.
Therapy‐related acute lymphoblastic leukemia with t(4;11)(q21;q23) masqueraded as marrow lymphocytosis in a patient with breast cancer
Authors: Chen Yen‐Hsun , Hsieh Yen‐Chuan , Lin Shu‐Hui , Kuo Szu‐Yin , Liu Chiou‐Ping , Hwang Wei‐Shou , Huang Wen‐Tsung , Feng Yin‐Hsun , Chuang Shih‐Sung , Lin Ching‐Nan
Published: September 2011

Therapy‐related acute leukemia develops in patients after chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy for a prior cancer, and most cases are acute myeloid leukemia with a much lower frequency of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). One unique feature of these therapy‐related ALL (t‐ALL) is an increased incidence of chromosome band 11q23 aberrations as compared with de novo ALL. In adult female patients, breast cancer is the most common primary cancer. Herein, we report the case of a 49‐year‐old Taiwanese lady who developed t‐ALL with t(4;11)(q21;q23) 16 months after cyclophosphamide, epirubicin, and 5‐fluorouracil chemotherapy for her breast cancer. The unusual feature is that the t‐ALL was heralded 4 months ago by marrow lymphocytosis comprising atypical small lymphocytes with condensed chromatin mimicking a B‐cell chronic lymphoproliferative disorder. Retrospective studies using additional antibodies for immunophenotyping and PCR‐based clonality study for immunoglobulin gene rearrangement showed that these atypical small lymphocytes shared similar features with the leukemic blasts at the frank leukemic stage. Our results suggest that these atypical small lymphocytes are lymphoblasts in disguise and that the clinicopathological correlations with ancillary pathological studies are important to reach a definitive diagnosis of such an unusual case.
Reading—and Enjoying—“Wiles of Women” Stories as a Feminist
Authors: Najmabadi Afsaneh
Published: September 2011

In a Beautiful Essay, Titled “Justify My Love,” Daniel Boyarin writes, “From almost the first sentence in my first preparatory course in reading the Talmud, I was charmed—in the full antique sense of the word.” So much so that he did not notice that “they [the characters central to the Talmudic narratives] were all men, or that the texts were primarily addressed to me just because I was a Jewish man. I failed to see the exclusions and oppressions that those facts encode and mystify.” Gradually, feminist awareness of these oppressions and exclusions, Boyarin explains, made his life disturbing and untenable, eventually producing a new endeavor, which he calls “to justify my love, that is, both to explain it and to make it just.”

The dilemmas eloquently written about in this essay are in many ways those I have navigated since, as a teenager, I fell in love with the seduction-temptation episode in the Joseph/Yusuf story.
The Uses of Guile in the Shāhnāmah
Authors: Clinton Jerome W.
Published: September 2011

The ShĀhnĀmah Provides an Obvious Starting Point for an Examination of the role of guile in Persian literature. It is the earliest major work in which male and female characters both play significant roles, and in many of its stories guile, by which I mean the whole range of dishonest or deceitful behavior, plays a central role. Rethinking the stories in the Shāhnāmah from this perspective leads to several general conclusions. First, guile is a pervasive presence in the Shāhnāmah. Despite the consistent and ubiquitous condemnation of all forms of dishonesty, and the parallel exhortations to honesty and truth, lies and deceit are familiar weapons in the armory of heroes as well as villains. Second, warriors employ guile, as they do more conventional weapons, when it will yield some advantage over an opponent, and, in particular, when their own strength by itself will not be enough to assure victory. Third, although the ways in which men and women deploy guile varies according to their very different roles in society, men use it as readily as women do. Finally, when a woman does lie or dissimulate, men do not generalize from her behavior to that of all women.
Authoritarian or Democratic: The Uncertain Future of Iran
Authors: Siavoshi Sussan
Published: September 2011

The February 18, 2000 Parliamentary Elections in Iran Resulted in a clear victory for the groups associated with President Khatami's reform programs. The electorate was allowed to reject the forces of authoritarianism and conservatism through a free election, and the media and the experts considered this event to have historic significance. It seemed that the result of the elections convinced more and more people that democratic transition is possible in Iran through the reform of the system without first dismantling the Islamic republic. But soon after the elections there was a crackdown which included the closing down of a large number of newspapers and the arrest of a few prominent journalists, lawyers, and other political activists thus obscuring the future path of the Iranian polity. How are we to understand the character of this polity and is it possible to make educated guesses about its future?
The Changing Concept of the “Intellectual” in Iran of the 1960s
Authors: Nabavi Negin
Published: September 2011

Ever Since The Appearance of the Notion of the “Intellectual,” Writers and theorists have been preoccupied with attempting to define just what an intellectual is, or ought to be. Is an intellectual a detached observer, one who is free from the immediate concerns of life, and interested primarily in the pursuit of timeless and universal truths, as Julien Benda argued inLa Trahison des clercs,or is an intellectual one who very much engages with society, necessarily challenges power, one who, in Edward Said's words, “is a spirit in opposition” who raises “embarrassing questions … and cannot easily be co-opted by governments or corporations, and whose raison d'être is to represent all those people and issues that are routinely forgotten or swept under the rug”? Sociologists and historians have adopted a variety of approaches to this concept: in a sociological sense, they have applied the term to all those who produce and propagate thought and culture, thus designating a neutral although wide socio-professional category, or in an attempt to narrow down the grouping, they have qualified the word with distinct characteristics, pointing out a certain way of acting in public life.
LEARNING OVERLAPPING COMMUNITIES IN COMPLEX NETWORKS VIA NON-NEGATIVE MATRIX FACTORIZATION
Authors: LAI DARONG , WU XIANGJUN , LU HONGTAO , NARDINI CHRISTINE
Published: September 2011

Community structure is an important topological phenomenon typical of complex networks. Accurately unveiling communities is thus crucial to understand and capture the many-faceted nature of complex networks. Communities in real world frequently overlap, i.e. nodes can belong to more than one community. Therefore, quantitatively evaluating the extent to which a node belongs to a community is a key step to find overlapping boundaries between communities. Non-negative matrix factorization (NMF) is a technique that has been used to detect overlapping communities. However, previous efforts in this direction present: (i) limitations in the interpretation of meaningful overlaps and (ii) lack of accuracy in predicting the correct number of communities. In this paper, a hybrid method of NMF to overcome both limitations is presented. This approach effectively estimates the number of communities and is more interpretable and more accurate in identifying overlapping communities in undirected networks than previous approaches. Validations on synthetic and real world networks show that the proposed community learning framework can effectively reveal overlapping communities in complex networks.
A SHEAF-THEORETIC DESCRIPTION OF KHOVANOV'S KNOT HOMOLOGY
Authors: GILLAM WILLIAM D.
Published: September 2011

We give a description of Khovanov's knot homology theory in the language of sheaves. To do this, we identify two cohomology theories associated to a commutative diagram of abelian groups indexed by elements of the cube {0, 1}n. The first is obtained by taking the cohomology groups of the chain complex constructed by summing along the diagonals of the cube and inserting signs to force d2 = 0. The second is obtained by regarding the commutative diagram as a sheaf on the cube (in the order-filter topology) and considering sheaf cohomology with supports. Included is a general study of sheaves on finite posets, and a review of some basic properties of knot homology in the language of sheaves.
THE ALGEBRA OF RACK AND QUANDLE COHOMOLOGY
Authors: CLAUWENS FRANS
Published: September 2011

This paper presents the first complete calculation of the cohomology of any nontrivial quandle, establishing that this cohomology exhibits a very rich and interesting algebraic structure. Rack and quandle cohomology have been applied in recent years to attack a number of problems in the theory of knots and their generalizations like virtual knots and higher-dimensional knots. An example of this is estimating the minimal number of triple points of surface knots [E. Hatakenaka, An estimate of the triple point numbers of surface knots by quandle cocycle invariants, Topology Appl139(1–3) (2004) 129–144.]. The theoretical importance of rack cohomology is exemplified by a theorem [R. Fenn, C. Rourke and B. Sanderson, James bundles and applications, Proc. London Math. Soc. (3)89(1) (2004) 217–240] identifying the homotopy groups of a rack space with a group of bordism classes of high-dimensional knots. There are also relations with other fields, like the study of solutions of the Yang–Baxter equations.
Lagrangian Stability of a Class of Second‐Order Periodic Systems
Authors: Jiang Shunjun , Fang Fang
Published: September 2011

We study the following second‐order periodic system: x′′ + V′(x) + p(t) = 0 where V(x) has a singularity and p(t) = p(t + 1). Under some assumptions on the V(x) and p(t), by Moser′s twist theorem we obtain the existence of quasiperiodic solutions and boundedness of all the solutions.
Moya Moya Disease in a Child: A Case Report
Authors: Goyal Jagdish P. , Rao Sanjeev S. , Trivedi Sangita
Published: September 2011

We report a case of 8-year-old female child who was admitted at our hospital with complaints of transient ischemic attacks and left-sided hemiparesis. On MR angiography, the child was diagnosed to have Moya Moya disease. Moya Moya disease is a rare cause of cerebral stroke in children. The patient was treated conservatively and referred to a higher centre for specific neurosurgery. Neurosurgical revascularization process leads to favourable outcome.
Diagnostic Challenge of Hepatopulmonary Syndrome in a Patient with Coexisting Structural Heart Disease
Authors: Hurtado-Cordovi Jorge M. , Lipka Seth , Singh Jaspreet , Shahzad Ghulamullah , Mustacchia Paul
Published: September 2011

Hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS) is a severe complication seen in advance liver disease. Its prevalence among cirrhotic patients varies from 4–47 percent. HPS exact pathogenesis remains unknown. Patient presents with signs/symptoms of chronic liver disease, and dypsnea of variable severity. Our patient is a 62 years old white male with a known history of chronic hepatitis C, cirrhosis, ascites, and hypothyroidism who presented to GI/liver clinic complaining of 1 episode BRBPR, and exacerbating dypsnea associated with nausea and few episodes of non-bloody vomit. Physical exam showed, icterus, jaundice, few small spider angiomas on the chest, decrease breath sounds bilateral right more than left, and mild tachycardic. Abdominal exam revealed mid-line scar, moderated size ventral hernia, distention, diffused tenderness, and dullness to percussion. Laboratory result: CBC 5.2/13.2/37.6/83, LFTs 83/217/125/5.2/4.7/7.4, Pt 22.6 INR 1.9 PTT35.4. CT scan showed liver cirrhosis, abdominal varices, and moderated ascites collection around ventral hernia. Calculated A-a gradient was 49.5. Echocardiography revealed patent foramen ovale (PFO) with predominant left to right shunt. In our case, existence of paten foramen ovale (PFO) and atelectasis precludes definitive diagnosis of HPS. Presence of cardiopulmonary shunt could be partially responsible for the patient’s dypsnea exacerbation.
Two‐Point Oscillation for a Class of Second‐Order Damped Linear Differential Equations
Authors: Xiang-Cong Kong , Zhao-Wen Zheng
Published: September 2011

Using the comparison theorem, the two‐point oscillation for linear
differential equation with damping term + is considered, where α, β > 0; f(x), g(x) > 0, and . Results are obtained that 0 < α < 3/2, β > 3 or α > 3/2, β > 2α imply the two‐point oscillation of the equation.
DHA Supplementation during Pregnancy and Lactation Affects Infants' Cellular but Not Humoral Immune Response
Authors: Granot Esther , Jakobovich Einat , Rabinowitz Ruth , Levy Paloma , Schlesinger Michael
Published: September 2011

Background. It is currently recommended that diet of pregnant mothers contain 200–300 mg DHA/day.Aim. To determine whether DHA supplementation during pregnancy and lactation affects infants' immune response.Methods. 60 women in ≥3rd pregnancy studied; 30 randomly assigned to receive DHA 400 mg/day from 12th week gestation until 4 months postpartum. From breast-fed infants, blood obtained for anti-HBs antibodies, immunoglobulins, lymphocyte subset phenotyping, and intracellular cytokine production.Results. CD4+ lymphocytes did not differ between groups, but CD4CD45RA/CD4 (naïve cells) significantly higher in infants in DHA+ group. Proportion of CD4 and CD8 cells producing IFNγsignificantly lower in DHA+ group, with no differences in proportion of IL4-producing cells. Immunoglobulins and anti-HBs levels did not differ between groups.Conclusions. In infants of mothers receiving DHA supplementation, a higher percentage of CD4 naïve cells and decreased CD4 and CD8 IFNγproduction is compatible with attenuation of a proinflammatory response.
Porcelain Atrium: A Case Report with Literature Review
Authors: Leacock Krystle , Duerinckx Andre J. , Davis Bonnie
Published: September 2011

Massive left atrial wall calcification, or porcelain atrium, is very rare. We describe a case of an unusual pattern of cardiac calcification demonstrated on routine preoperative chest X-ray for cataract surgery in a 71-year-old Nigerian woman. Past medical history was significant for mitral stenosis and atrial fibrillation. Radiographic imaging revealed curvilinear high density areas of calcification outlining the left atrium on the chest X-ray. Noncontrast CT scan of the thorax confirmed the left atrial distribution of calcification and, thus, the diagnosis of porcelain left atrium.
NoninvasiveIn VivoQuantification of Neutrophil Elastase Activity in Acute Experimental Mouse Lung Injury
Authors: Kossodo Sylvie , Zhang Jun , Groves Kevin , Cuneo Garry J. , Handy Emma , Morin Jeff , Delaney Jeannine , Yared Wael , Rajopadhye Milind , Peterson Jeffrey D.
Published: September 2011

We developed a neutrophil elastase-specific near-infrared fluorescence imaging agent, which, combined with fluorescence molecular tomographic imaging, allowed us to detect and quantify neutrophil elastase activityin vivo, in real time, and noninvasively in an acute model of lung injury (ALI). Significantly higher fluorescent signal was quantified in mice with LPS/fMLP-induced ALI as compared to healthy controls, correlating with increases in the number of bronchoalveolar lavage cells, neutrophils, and elastase activity. The agent was significantly activatedex vivoin lung sections from ALI but not from control mice, and this activation was ablated by the specific inhibitor sivelestat. Treatment with the specific inhibitor sivelestat significantly reduced lung signal in mice with ALI. These results underscore the unique ability of fluorescence molecular imaging to quantify specific molecular processes in vivo, crucial for understanding the mechanisms underlying disease progression and for assessing and monitoring novel pharmacological interventions.
Center of Mass Compensation during Gait in Hip Arthroplasty Patients: Comparison between Large Diameter Head Total Hip Arthroplasty and Hip Resurfacing
Authors: Bouffard Vicky , Nantel Julie , Therrien Marc , Vendittoli Pascal-André , Lavigne Martin , Prince François
Published: September 2011

Objective. To compare center of mass (COM) compensation in the frontal and sagittal plane during gait in patients with large diameter head total hip arthroplasty (LDH-THA) and hip resurfacing (HR).Design. Observational study.Setting. Outpatient biomechanical laboratory.Participants. Two groups of 12 patients with LDH-THA and HR recruited from a larger randomized study and 11 healthy controls.Interventions. Not applicable.Main Outcome Measures. To compare the distance between the hip prosthetic joint center (HPJC) and the COM. The ratio (RHPJC-COM) and the variability (CVHPJC-COM) were compared between groups. Hip flexor, abductor, and adductor muscle strength was also correlated between groups while radiographic measurements were correlated with the outcome measures.Results. In the frontal plane, HR shows less variability than healthy controls at push-off and toe-off andRHPJC-COMis correlated with the muscle strength ratios (FRABD) at heel contact, maximal weight acceptance, and mid stance. In the sagittal plane, LDH-THA has a higherRHPJC-COMthan healthy controls at push-off, andCVHPJC-COMis significantly correlated withFRFLEX.Conclusions. One year after surgery, both groups of patients, LDH-THA and HR, demonstrate minor compensations at some specific instant of the gait cycle, in both frontal and sagittal planes. However, their locomotion pattern is similar to the healthy controls.
Disturbances in the Glutathione/Ophthalmate Redox Buffer System in the Woodchuck Model of Hepatitis Virus-Induced Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Andres Ibarra Rafael , Abbas R. , Kombu R. S. , Zhang Guo-Fang , Jacobs G. , Lee Z. , Brunengraber H. , Sanabria J. R.
Published: September 2011

Purpose. The incidence of liver tumors is rising in USA. The purpose of this study was to evaluate liver oxido-reductive status in the presence of chronic liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).Methods. Glutathione species and ophthalmate (OA) concentrations were measured by LC-MS in processed plasma and red blood cells (RBC) from infected Woodchuck with hepatitis virus (WHV). Blood samples were obtained from: (i) infected animals with tumors (WHV+/HCC+), (ii) infected animals without tumors (WHV+/HCC−) and (iii) healthy animals (WHC−/HCC−).Results. The concentration of reduced glutathione (GSH) and the ratio GSH/GSG were lower in plasma from WHV+/HCC+ animals when compared to WHV+/HCC− and WHV−/HCC− (P<0.01). In contrast, the concentration of oxidized glutathione (GSSG) was found to be higher in plasma from WHV+/HCC+ animals when compared to WHV+/HCC− and WHV−/HCC− (P<0.01). The Glutathione species and its ratio from the RBC compartment were similar among all groups. OA concentration in both plasma and RBC was significantly higher from WHV+/HCC+ when compared to WHV+/HCC− and WHV−/HCC− (P<0.01).Conclusions. Disturbances of the glutathione redox buffer system and higher concentrations of OA were found in the WCV+/HCC+ animal model. The role of these compounds as biomarkers of early tumor development in patients with end stage liver disease remains to be determined.
Synchronous Renal Malignancy Presenting as Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections
Authors: Dutta G. , Silver D. , Oliff A. , Harrison A.
Published: September 2011

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and urothelial carcinoma of the upper urinary tract are not uncommon urological malignancies. Their simultaneous occurrence in a patient is, however, extraordinarily rare. We report the case of a patient who underwent unilateral nephrectomy for suspected RCC and diagnosed transitional cell carcinoma of the superior pelvis. Preoperative imaging was suspicious for renal pelvic involvement, which was confirmed upon performing cystoscopy and biopsy of the suspected lesion preoperatively. This preoperative approach was especially appropriate as a nephron saving procedure was being considered prior to the discovery of the synchronous lesion. We discuss this rare simultaneous occurrence of synchronous malignancies in the same kidney.
Hepatobiliary Cystadenoma Revealed by a Jaundice: A Case Report
Authors: Harmouch Taoufiq , Vullierme Marie-pierre , Sauvanet Alain , Paradis Valérie , Amarti Affaf
Published: September 2011

Introduction. Hepatobiliary cystadenomas are rare benign cystic tumors and have a potential for recurrence and malignant transformation. The diagnosis may be very difficult because of absence of typical imaging feature in some cases.Case Presentation. In this paper, the authors discuss a 57-year-old woman who presented a jaundice related to hepatobiliary cystadenoma. Biological and radiological examinations have led to surgery, and the diagnosis is made after a histological examination of surgical specimens.Conclusion. This observation illustrates a hepatobiliary cystadenoma revealed by jaundice. Histology examination contributed to diagnosis. The authors discussed the mechanisms of biliary obstruction and differential diagnoses through a review of the literature.
APOE and FABP2 Polymorphisms and History of Myocardial Infarction, Stroke, Diabetes, and Gallbladder Disease
Authors: Kato Ikuko , Land Susan , Barnholtz-Sloan Jill , Severson Richard K.
Published: September 2011

Dysfunctional lipid metabolism plays a central role in pathogenesis of major chronic diseases, and genetic factors are important determinants of individual lipid profiles. We analyzed the associations of two well-established functional polymorphisms (FABP2A54T andAPOEisoforms) with past and family histories of 1492 population samples.FABP2-T54allele was associated with an increased risk of past history of myocardial infarction (odds ratio (OR) = 1.51). Likewise, the subjects withAPOE4, compared withE2andE3, had a significantly increased risk of past history myocardial infarction (OR = 1.89). The OR associated withAPOE4was specifically increased in women for past history of myocardial infarction but decreased for gallstone disease. Interactions between gender andAPOEisoforms were also significant or marginally significant for these two conditions.FABP2-T54allele may be a potential genetic marker for myocardial infarction, andAPOE4may exert sex-dependent effects on myocardial infarction and gallbladder disease.
Interferometry with Vortices
Authors: Senthilkumaran P. , Masajada Jan , Sato Shunichi
Published: September 2011

Interference of optical beams with optical vortices is often encountered in singular optics. Since interferometry makes the phase observable by intensity measurement, it brings out a host of applications and helps to understand the optical vortex. In this article we present an optical vortex interferometer that can be used in optical testing and has the potential to increase the accuracy of measurements. In an optical vortex interferometer (OVI), a lattice of vortices is formed, and the movement of the cores of these vortices is tracked when one of the interfering beams is deformed. Instead of multiple vortices in an OVI, an isolated single vortex also finds applications in optical testing. Finally, singularity in scalar and vector fields is presented, and the relation between them is illustrated by the superposition of these beams.
Analysis of Electrodeposited Nickel-Iron Alloy Film Composition Using Particle-Induced X-Ray Emission
Authors: Frey Alyssa A. , Wozniak Nicholas R. , Nagi Timothy B. , Keller Matthew P. , Lunderberg J. Mark , Peaslee Graham F. , DeYoung Paul A. , Hampton Jennifer R.
Published: September 2011

The elemental composition of electrodeposited NiFe thin films was analyzed with particle-induced X-ray emission (PIXE). The thin films were electrodeposited on polycrystalline Au substrates from a 100 mM NiSO4, 10 mM FeSO4, 0.5 M H3BO3, and 1 M Na2SO4solution. PIXE spectra of these films were analyzed to obtain relative amounts of Ni and Fe as a function of deposition potential and deposition time. The results show that PIXE can measure the total deposited metal in a sample over at least four orders of magnitude with similar fractional uncertainties. The technique is also sensitive enough to observe the variations in alloy composition due to sample nonuniformity or variations in deposition parameters.
Nondipping in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Sommer Sita , Aral-Becher Billur , Jost Wolfgang
Published: September 2011

Objective. The aim of this study was to identify patients with Parkinson's disease who showed loss or decrease of nocturnal blood pressure fall (nondipper patients) as a marker of autonomic dysfunction. Presence or absence of orthostatic hypotension was considered to investigate whether alterations in circadian blood pressure pattern are associated with posture-related dysregulation of blood pressure.Methods. 40 patients with Parkinson's disease underwent 24-hour blood pressure monitoring. 21 patients were diagnosed with arterial hypertension and received anti-hypertensive drugs. Nondipper patients were defined as having nocturnal decrease of mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure less than 10%. Presence or absence of orthostatic hypotension was determined by Schellong's test.Results. We identified 35 nondipper patients (88%). Nondipping was detected in 20 patients with orthostatic hypotension (95%) and in 15 patients without orthostatic hypotension (79%). 18 patients with hypertensive and 22 patients with normal blood pressure values were detected.Conclusions. In conclusion 24-hour blood pressure monitoring showed a high prevalence of nondipping in 40 patients with Parkinson's disease with and without orthostatic hypotension independent of coexisting arterial hypertension and antihypertensive treatment. 24-hour blood pressure monitoring may be useful to identify non-dipping as a marker of autonomic dysfunction in patients with Parkinson's disease.
Effect of diluents on rapid phase transition of water induced by combustion
Authors: Di Benedetto Almerinda , Cammarota Francesco , Di Sarli Valeria , Salzano Ernesto , Russo Gennaro
Published: September 2011

When exploding CH4/O2/N2 mixtures with high oxygen contents in a nonadiabatic vessel, the pressure–time histories display oscillations of different frequencies and very high pressure peaks (hundreds of bars). We have attributed this anomalous behavior (combustion‐induced rapid phase transition, cRPT) to the occurrence of cycles of condensation/evaporation of water at the vessel walls, followed by superheating of the liquid film due to radiative heat transfer from the flame, which culminates in the water rapid phase transition. We now report a detailed analysis of the role played by the addition of a diluent (CO2, N2, He, and Ar) on the anomalous behavior. The limit values of the diluent concentration at which the cRPT phenomenon is suppressed have been found and correlated to the kinematic viscosity and the thermal diffusivity through the Prandtl number. The less effective diluent has been found to be Ar followed by He, N2, and CO2 in the order listed. © 2011 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2012
Persistence of a monosomic cell line in a fetus with mosaic trisomy 8
Authors: Turchetti Daniela , Pompilii Eva , Magrini Elisabetta , Bonasoni Maria Paola , Pittalis Maria Carla , Segata Maria , Pession Annalisa , Santini Donatella , Pilu Gianluigi , Seri Marco
Published: September 2011

We report on a fetus presenting with an increased nuchal translucency, in which chorionic villus sampling led to the diagnosis of mosaic trisomy 8. Ultrasound scan performed at 15+6 weeks revealed bilateral cleft lip and palate, flat facial profile, and arrhinia. Pregnancy was terminated at 16+6; postmortem examination showed additional findings including hypospadias, bilateral renal dysplasia, and focal portal fibrosis of the liver. In order to confirm the presence of trisomy 8, FISH analysis was performed in abnormal renal and hepatic tissue, which, unexpectedly, showed a higher fraction of cells with only one fluorescent probe signal (43% and 23%, respectively), if compared with normal fetal liver and kidney (3–10%). This finding is consistent with the survival in this fetus of a monosomic cell line after mitotic non‐disjunction, which is in contrast with what is generally thought about mosaic trisomy genesis. We hypothesize that the possible persistence of the monosomic cell line, in addition to the variable distribution of aneuploid cells in the body tissues, could explain the high heterogeneity of mosaic trisomy 8 phenotype. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Sleep apnea in fragile X premutation carriers with and without FXTAS
Authors: Hamlin Alyssa , Liu Ying , Nguyen Danh V. , Tassone Flora , Zhang Lin , Hagerman Randi J.
Published: September 2011

This report seeks to establish the prevalence of sleep apnea in patients with the fragile X mental retardation 1 (FMR1) premutation with and without fragile X‐associated tremor/ataxia syndrome (FXTAS) and to determine any correlation between CGG repeat and FMR1 mRNA levels with sleep apnea prevalence. Demographic and medical data from 430 (229 males, 201 females) participants were used in this analysis. Participants included premutation carriers with (n = 118) and without FXTAS (n = 174) as well as controls without the premutation (n = 123). Logistic regression models were employed to estimate the odds ratio of sleep apnea relative to controls, adjusted for age and gender, and also to examine potential association with CGG size and FMR1 mRNA expression level. The observed proportion of sleep apnea in premutation carriers with and without FXTAS and controls are 31.4% (37/118), 8.6% (15/174), and 13.8% (17/123), respectively. The adjusted odds of sleep apnea for premutation carriers with FXTAS is about 3.4 times that compared to controls (odds ratio, OR = 3.4, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.8–7.4; P = 0.001), and similarly relative to premutation carriers without FXTAS (OR = 2.9, 95% CI 1.2–6.9; P = 0.014). The risk of sleep apnea was not different between controls and premutation carriers without FXTAS. The presence of sleep apnea is not associated with CGG repeat numbers nor FMR1 mRNA expression level among premutation carriers. Our data supports a higher prevalence and risk of sleep apnea in patients with FXTAS. We recommend that all patients diagnosed with FXTAS be screened for sleep apnea given the negative and perhaps accelerative impact sleep apnea may have on their FXTAS progression. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Analysis of octopamine in human doping control samples
Authors: Thevis Mario , Koch Anja , Sigmund Gerd , Thomas Andreas , Schänzer Wilhelm
Published: September 2011

The biogenic amine octopamine [4‐(2‐amino‐1‐hydroxyethyl)phenol] is prohibited in sports owing to its stimulating and performance‐enhancing properties. Adverse analytical findings in athletes' doping control samples commonly result from surreptitious applications; however, the occurrence of octopamine in nutritional supplements and in selected invertebrates as well as the assumption that its N‐methylated analog synephrine [4‐(1‐hydroxyethyl‐2‐methylamino)phenol, not banned by anti‐doping authorities but currently monitored in prevalence studies) might be converted in‐vivo into octopamine have necessitated a study to investigate the elimination of synephrine and octopamine present in over‐the‐counter products. Urine samples collected after administration of nutritional supplements containing octopamine and/or synephrine as well as urine samples collected after therapeutic application of octopamine‐ or synephrine‐containing drugs were analyzed using a validated solid‐phase extraction‐based procedure employing a weak cation exchange resin and liquid chromatographic/tandem mass spectrometric detection with electrospray ionization and multiple reaction monitoring. In the case of therapeutic octopamine application, the urinary concentration of the target compound increased from baseline levels below the lower limit of detection to 142 µg/mL, while urine samples collected after synephrine as well as dietary supplement administration did not yield any evidence for elevated renal excretion of octopamine. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
LC‐ESI‐MS/MS determination of paclitaxel on dried blood spots
Authors: Nageswara Rao R. , Satyanarayana Raju S. , Mastan Vali R. , Sarma V. U. M. , Girija Sankar G.
Published: September 2011

A simple and rapid high‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometric assay for determination of paclitaxel on rat dried blood spots was developed and validated. The extracted sample was chromatographed without further treatment using a reverse‐phase Oyster ODS3, 4.6 × 50 mm, 3 µm column with mass spectrometry detection. The mobile phase comprised of acetonitrile–water, 60:40 v/v, with a flow rate of 0.4 mL/min was used. The calibration was linear over the range 0.2–20 ng/mL. The limits of detection and quantification were 0.08 and 0.2 ng/mL, respectively. The intra‐ and inter‐day precision (CV%) and accuracy (relative error %) were less than 10 and 12%, respectively. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Purification and electrophoretic characterization of bovine conglutinin
Authors: Dec Marta , Wernicki Andrzej , Puchalski Andrzej , Urban‐Chmiel Renata , Grąz Marcin
Published: September 2011

In this study a two‐stage procedure for purification of conglutinin using affinity and ion‐exchange chromatography was developed. To isolate conglutinin from bovine serum, its unique ability to bind to complement component iC3b was exploited. Incubation of bovine serum with chromatographic beads (TSK, Toyopearl HW‐75 F) at 37 °C allows for iC3b deposition and subsequent binding of conglutinin. A single protein fraction eluted with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) was then separated on an ion‐exchange column in an NaCl gradient. The purification was evaluated by SDS–PAGE and western blotting. Conglutinin analyzed by SDS–PAGE under reducing conditions showed two main bands at 41 and 47 kDa and eight weaker bands. Nonreduced conglutinin appeared as a ladder pattern composed of many fractions ranging from 34 to 630 kDa. The bands at 34, 153, 174, 247, 338 and 387 kDa displayed the highest optical density. In the native conglutinin profile four fractions were observed, and the pI of this protein was below 8.5. The presence of sugar residues in the conglutinin molecule was detected using Schiff's reagent. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quantitative determination of lisinopril in human plasma by high performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry and its application in a pharmacokinetic study
Authors: Qin Feng , Wang Dan , Yang Shuyan , Jing Lijuan , Xiong Zhili , Li Famei
Published: September 2011

A rapid, selective and sensitive high‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC‐MS/MS) method was developed to determine lisinopril in human plasma. Sample pretreatment involved a one‐step protein precipitation with methanol of 0.1 mL plasma. Analysis was performed on an Inertsil ODS‐3 column (2.1 × 50 mm i.d., 3 µm) with mobile phase consisting of methanol–water (containing 0.2% formic acid; 55:45, v/v). The detection was performed on a triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometer in multiple reaction monitoring mode via an electrospray ionization source. Each plasma sample was chromatographed within 2.5 min. The linear calibration curves for lisinopril were obtained in the concentration range of 1.03–206 ng/mL (r2 ≥ 0.99) with a lower limit of quantification of 1.03 ng/mL. The intra‐ and inter‐day precisions (relative standard deviation) were not higher than 11%, and accuracy (relative error) was within ±6.8%, determined from quality control samples for lisinopril, which corresponded to the guidance of the Food and Drug Administration. The method described herein was fully validated and successfully applied to the pharmacokinetic study of lisinopril tablets in healthy male volunteers after oral administration. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Simultaneous isolation of artemisinin and its precursors from Artemisia annua L. by preparative RP‐HPLC
Authors: Tian Na , Li Juan , Liu Shuoqian , Huang Jianan , Li Xun , Liu Zhonghua
Published: September 2011

It is still a major challenge to simultaneously isolate artemisinin and its precursors, especially dihydroartemisinic acid and artemisinic acid, from herbal Artemisia annua. A rapid, economical and automatical chromatographic separation process to isolate and purify artemisinin, dihydroartemisinic acid and artemisinic acid at the same time on a preparative scale was developed. The procedure included solvent extraction of ground Artemisia annua leaves by refluxing and purification of crude extract by preparative reverse‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography (RP‐HPLC). Fractions containing artemisinin and its precursors were collected and identified by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. High purity of artemisinin, dihydroartemisinic acid and artemisinic acid was obtained by preparative HPLC with a C18 column and 60% acetonitrile in water as the mobile phase. The techniques described here are useful tools for the preparative‐scale isolation of artemisinin and its precursors in a fast, cost‐effective and environmental friendly manner. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reductive Elimination of ArCF3 from Bidentate PdII Complexes: A Computational Study
Authors: Anstaett Philipp , Schoenebeck Franziska
Published: September 2011

The reductive eliminations of ArCF3 from PdII complexes bearing small‐ and large‐bite‐angle phosphane ligands have been investigated using computational methods. QM/QM′ and QM/MM studies were applied and complemented with CP2 K molecular dynamics investigations. The ligand substituents were varied and a decomposition analysis was performed to allow us to gain insights into the steric and electronic properties of the ligands. The greater reactivity of Xantphos‐derived (Xantphos=4,5‐bis(diphenylphosphino)‐9,9‐dimethylxanthene) complexes in the reductive elimination of ArCF3 is primarily due to the lower repulsive effect of the phoshine substituents in the transition state than in the reactant complex, combined with the increased electronic interaction in the transition state. For DPPE (1,2‐bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane), the steric effect of the ligand substituents is greater in the transition state, leading to a higher reaction barrier overall for reductive elimination. There is no direct correlation of the reactivity with the bite angle of the reactant complexes. Only for complexes with large ligand substituents may the bite angle of the Pd complexes be used as a guide for reactivity.
Is Electronegativity a Useful Descriptor for the Pseudo‐Alkali Metal NH4?
Authors: Whiteside Alexander , Xantheas Sotiris S. , Gutowski Maciej
Published: September 2011

Molecular ions in the form of “pseudo‐atoms” are common structural motifs in chemistry, with properties that are transferrable between different compounds. We have determined one such property—the electronegativity—for the “pseudo‐alkali metal” ammonium (NH4), and evaluated its reliability as a descriptor versus the electronegativities of the alkali metals. The computed properties of ammonium’s binary complexes with astatine and of selected borohydrides confirm the similarity of NH4 to the alkali metal atoms, although the electronegativity of NH4 is relatively large in comparison to its cationic radius. We have paid particular attention to the molecular properties of ammonium (angular anisotropy, geometric relaxation and reactivity), which can cause deviations from the behaviour expected of a conceptual “true alkali metal” with this electronegativity. These deviations allow for the discrimination of effects associated with the molecular nature of NH4.
ChemInform Abstract: Ni‐Catalyzed Ketene Cycloaddition: A System that Resists the Formation of Decarbonylation Side Products.
Authors: Kumar Puneet , Troast Dawn M. , Cella Rodrigo , Louie Janis
Published: September 2011

In the title reaction, 2,4‐cyclohexadienones are formed instead of products which arise from decarbonylation of the ketenes.
ChemInform Abstract: Gold and Broensted Acid Catalyzed Hydride Shift onto Allenes: Divergence in Product Selectivity.
Authors: Bolte Benoit , Gagosz Fabien
Published: September 2011

Cyclic and benzyl allenyl ethers can be transformed into various spiro tetrahydrofurans and tetrahydropyrans following a hydride shift / cyclization sequence.
ChemInform Abstract: Preparation of Unsymmetrical Dialkyl Acetylenedicarboxylates and Related Esters by Enzymatic Transesterification.
Authors: Sultan Nisrine , Thomas Coralie , Blanco Luis , Deloisy Sandrine
Published: September 2011

Symmetrical acetylene dicarboxylates undergo an unexpected highly selective mono‐transesterification with various alcohols in the presence of Candida rugosa lipase.
ChemInform Abstract: Chemoselective Protection and Deprotection of Aldehydes Using Solid Supported Reagent (Silica Chloride) under Solvent‐Free Conditions.
Authors: Datta Bandita , Pasha M. A.
Published: September 2011

Silica chloride is found to be a highly efficient catalyst for both protection and deprotection of aldehydes.
ChemInform Abstract: Asymmetric Neutral Amination of Nitroolefins Catalyzed by Chiral Bifunctional Ammonium Salts in Water‐Rich Biphasic Solvent.
Authors: Wang Lijia , Shirakawa Seiji , Maruoka Keiji
Published: September 2011

A highly efficient organocatalyzed asymmetric amination of nitroolefins is presented.
ChemInform Abstract: Modular Amino Acid Amide Chiral Ligands for Enantioselective Addition of Diethylzinc to Aromatic Aldehydes.
Authors: Gou Shaohua , Ye Zhongbin , Chang Jing , Gou Guangjun , Feng Mingming
Published: September 2011

Among 9 ligands tested, the derivative AAA is found to be the most efficient one and the e.e.
ChemInform Abstract: InBr3‐Catalyzed Deoxygenation of Carboxylic Acids with a Hydrosilane: Reductive Conversion of Aliphatic or Aromatic Carboxylic Acids to Primary Alcohols or Diphenylmethanes.
Authors: Sakai Norio , Kawana Keita , Ikeda Reiko , Nakaike Yumi , Konakahara Takeo
Published: September 2011

A variety of carboxylic acids is converted to primary alcohols applying InBr3 as a catalyst and tetramethyldisoxane as a reducing agent [cf.
ChemInform Abstract: The First Heterogeneous Sonogashira Coupling Reaction of Aryl Halides with Terminal Alkynes Catalyzed by Diatomite‐Supported Palladium(II) Salophen Complex.
Authors: Bahramian Bahram , Bakherad Mohammad , Keivanloo Ali , Bakherad Zohre , Karrabi Behzad
Published: September 2011

The new catalyst is air‐stable and can be reused at least 5 times without any decrease in activity.
ChemInform Abstract: Dual IGF‐1R/SRC Inhibitors Based on a N′‐Aroyl‐2‐(1H‐indol‐3‐yl)‐2‐oxoacetohydrazide Structure.
Authors: Schmidt Stefanie , Preu Lutz , Lemcke Thomas , Totzke Frank , Schaechtele Christoph , Kubbutat Michael H. G. , Kunick Conrad
Published: September 2011

Benzoic acid hydrazides (III) and (VI) are reacted with indolyloxoacetyl chloride (IV) to afford N,N′‐diacylated hydrazides (V) and (VII).
ChemInform Abstract: Phosphonium Ion Tagged Chiral Phosphoric Acids and Their Application in Friedel—Crafts Reactions of Indoles.
Authors: Hermeke Julia , Toy Patrick H.
Published: September 2011

The new CPA is used in reactions of indoles with enamides (II) and β,γ‐unsaturated α‐keto esters (IV) to give alkylated indoles.
ChemInform Abstract: Stereoselective Synthesis of Polyoxygenated Linear Diaza‐Triquinanes via Intramolecular 1,3‐Dipolar Cycloaddition of Sugar‐Derived Hex‐5‐enals.
Authors: Li Yunfeng , Meng Yao , Meng Xiangbao , Li Zhongjun
Published: September 2011

Cycloaddition of various chiral hexenals with pyrazolidinones results in the stereoselective formation of diaza‐triquinane derivatives.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis of Benzimidazoles by Phosphine‐Mediated Reductive Cyclization of ortho‐Nitro‐anilides.
Authors: Duchek Jan , Vasella Andrea
Published: September 2011

The reactions of ortho‐nitroanilides and the pyridine‐derived analogue (XI) afford the 2‐substituted benzimidazoles and imidazopyridine respectively.
ChemInform Abstract: Cascade Formation of Isoxazoles: Facile Base‐Mediated Rearrangement of Substituted Oxetanes.
Authors: Burkhard Johannes A. , Tchitchanov Boris H. , Carreira Erick M.
Published: September 2011

A novel synthesis of formylisoxazoles is presented, involving a tertiary amine‐mediated cascade Henri addition—elimination—rearrangement reaction of nitroalkanes (I), (IV) or (VI) with oxetanone (II).
ChemInform Abstract: Reactions of 2‐Benzylidenemalononitrile and 2‐Nitro‐3‐phenylacrylonitrile with Aryl Azides.
Authors: Nosachev S. B. , Shchurova N. A. , Tyrkov A. G.
Published: September 2011

Reactions of the title nitriles with aryl azides in Et2O give mixtures of regioisomeric triazoles, whilst aziridine derivatives are formed in refluxing CHCl3.
ChemInform Abstract: Model Route to 5‐Bromo‐3,4‐dihydro‐4‐hydroxy‐7,9,10‐trimethoxy‐1,3‐dimethyl‐1H‐naphtho[ 2,3‐c]pyran: A Potential Precursor to Extended Quinones.
Authors: Mei Mawonga N. , Hugo Victor I. , Green Ivan R.
Published: September 2011

The main purpose of the bromine atom at position 4′ is to favor cyclization at position 2′.
ChemInform Abstract: Diastereoselective Three‐Step Route to o‐(6‐Nitrocyclohex‐3‐en‐1‐yl)phenol and Tetrahydro‐6H‐benzo[c]chromen‐6‐ol Derivatives from Salicylaldehydes.
Authors: Lanari Daniela , Ballini Roberto , Palmieri Alessandro , Pizzo Ferdinando , Vaccaro Luigi
Published: September 2011

Cyclocondensation of salicylic aldehydes (I) with acetoacetate proceeds under solvent‐free conditions in the presence of a solid‐phase catalyst to give 3‐acetylcoumarins (III) [3‐nitrocoumarins (X) are formed analogously].
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis of Novel 1,2,4‐Oxadiazoles and Analogues as Potential Anticancer Agents.
Authors: Kumar Dalip , Patel Gautam , Chavers Angela K. , Chang Kuei‐Hua , Shah Kavita
Published: September 2011

The key step in the synthesis of oxadiazoles (III) involves coupling of amidoxime (I) with a carboxylic acid (II) followed by thermal cyclization.
ChemInform Abstract: Synthesis and Antitumor Activity of 2‐Amino‐3‐cyano‐6‐(1H‐indol‐3‐yl)‐4‐phenylpyridine Derivatives in vitro.
Authors: Zhang Fan , Zhao Yanfang , Sun Li , Ding Lu , Gu Yucheng , Gong Ping
Published: September 2011

The title derivatives (IV) and (VI) are prepared by a one‐pot reaction between an aromatic aldehyde, indolylethanone, malononitrile, and ammonium acetate.