bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development and validation of gas chromatography–mass spectroscopy method for determination of prilocaine HCl in human plasma using internal standard methodology
Authors: Kadioglu Yucel , Atila Alptug
Published: June 2007

The accurate determination of prilocaine HCl levels in plasma is important in both clinical and pharmacological/toxicological studies. Prilocaine HCl is quickly hydrolyzed to o‐toluidine, causing methemoglobinemia. For this, the present work describes the methodology and validation of a GC‐MS assay for determination of prilocaine HCl with lidocaine HCl as internal standard in plasma. The validation parameters of linearity, precision, accuracy, recovery, specificity, limit of detection and limit of quantification were studied. The range of quantification for the GC‐MS was 20–250 ng/mL in plasma. Within‐day and between‐day precision, expressed as the relative standard deviation (RSD) were less than 6.0%, and accuracy (relative error) was better than 9.0% (n = 6). The analytical recovery of prilocaine HCl and IS from plasma has averaged 94.79 and 96.8%, respectively. LOQ and LOD values for plasma were found to be 20 and 10 ng/mL, respectively. The GC‐MS method can be used for determination from plasma of prilocaine HCl in routine measurement as well as in pharmacokinetic studies for clinical use. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Separation and determination of psoralen and isopsoralen by microemulsion electrokinetic chromatography
Authors: Zhang Huige , Zhu Jinhua , Qi Shengda , Chen Xingguo , Hu Zhide
Published: June 2007

The use of microemulsion electrokinetic chromatography was proposed to separate psoralen and isopsoralen in Psoralea corylitolia L. and its preparations. After conducting a series of optimizations, baseline separation was obtained for the analytes under the optimum conditions [sodium dodecyl sulfate 1.05% (m/v), ethyl acetate 0.96% (v/v), butan‐1‐ol 0.24% (v/v), 25 mm borate, pH 8.5, applied voltage 17.5 kV and detection at 254 nm]. Regression equations revealed linear relationships (correlation coefficients 0.9997 for psoralen and 0.9999 for isopsoralen) between the peak area of each analyte and the concentration. The limits of detection (defined as a signal‐to‐noise ratio of about 3) were 0.42 µg/mL for psoralen and 0.32 µg/mL for isopsoralen, respectively. The analytes were successfully determined with recoveries ranging from 95.50 to 102.03%. The method has been successfully applied for the analysis of psoralen and isopsoralen in medical samples. Furthermore, a simple and effective extraction method, with methanol in an ultrasonic water bath for 20 min three times, was used for sample preparation. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Identification of estrogenic/anti‐estrogenic compounds in diesel exhaust particulate extract
Authors: Noguchi Keiko , Toriba Akira , Chung Sang Woon , Kizu Ryoichi , Hayakawa Kazuichi
Published: June 2007

Diesel exhaust particulate extract (DEPE) was obtained from diesel exhaust particulates with Soxhlet extraction using dichloromethane. After separating DEPE into 11 fractions by liquid–liquid extraction, the neutral fraction (N) showed anti‐estrogenic activity and the weak acid (phenol) fraction (WAP) showed estrogenic and anti‐estrogenic activities by a yeast two‐hybrid assay system expressing human estrogen receptor α. Both fractions were thoroughly fractionated by silica gel column chromatography and reversed‐phase HPLC. In the WAP fraction, 3‐methyl‐4‐nitrophenol and 2,6‐dimethyl‐4‐nitrophenol were identified by LC‐MS/MS as estrogenic compounds. This is the first study to identify 2,6‐dimethyl‐4‐nitrophenol in DEPE and the first study to show that it is an estrogenic compound. In the N fraction, 1‐hydroxypyrene was also identified by LC‐MS/MS as an anti‐estrogenic compound. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quality evaluation of Radix Stemonae through simultaneous quantification of bioactive alkaloids by high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode array and evaporative light scattering detectors
Authors: Li Song‐Lin , Jiang Ren‐Wang , Hon Po‐Ming , Cheng Ling , Xu Hong‐Xi , Greger Harald , But Paul Pui‐Hay , Shaw Pang‐Chui
Published: June 2007

A high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode array detection and evaporative light scattering detection (HPLC‐DAD‐ELSD) method was developed to simultaneously quantify six major bioactive alkaloids belonging to different structure types in Radix Stemonae, Bai‐Bu in Chinese, a traditionally used antitussive and insecticidal medicinal material in China and other countries of Southeast Asia. Diode array detector (DAD) with the wavelengths at 307 and 260 nm was used to monitor the conjugated system of protostemonine (2) and maistemonine (4), respectively, whereas evaporative light scattering detector (ELSD) was employed to detect croomine (1), stemoninine (3), neotuberostemonine (5) and tuberostemonine (6), the other four analytes with no or poor chromophores. The assay was validated to be sensitive, precise and accurate, with a detection limit of 3.64–0.04 µg/mL depending on the individual analytes. The overall intra‐ and inter‐day variations were less than 9.3%, and the overall recoveries higher than 91.2%, respectively. The correlation coefficients of the calibration curves were better than 0.996 for all analytes. The newly established method was successfully utilized to determine six major components in the genuine sources of Radix Stemonae: Stemona japonica, S. sessilifolia and S. tuberosa. Significant variations of contents of these components were demonstrated in samples of these three species. This simple, rapid, low‐cost and reliable method is suitable for the routine quality control of herbal medicines containing bioactive components with different structure types such as Radix Stemonae. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quantification of pramipexole in human plasma by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry using tamsulosin as internal standard
Authors: Nirogi Ramakrishna V. S. , Kandikere Vishwottam , Shrivastava Wishu , Mudigonda Koteshwara , Maurya Santosh , Ajjala Devender
Published: June 2007

A high‐performance liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry method was developed and validated for the quantification of pramipexole in human plasma. Following liquid–liquid extraction, the analytes were separated using an isocratic mobile phase on a reverse‐phase column and analyzed by MS/MS in the multiple reaction monitoring mode using the respective [M + H]+ ions, m/z 212/152 for pramipexole and m/z 409/228 for the IS. The method exhibited a linear dynamic range of 200–8000 pg/mL for pramipexole in human plasma. The lower limit of quantification was 200 pg/mL with a relative standard deviation of less than 8%. Acceptable precision and accuracy were obtained for concentrations over the standard curve range. A run time of 3.5 min for each sample made it possible to analyze more than 200 human plasma samples per day. The validated method has been successfully used to analyze human plasma samples for application in pharmacokinetic, bioavailability or bioequivalence studies. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Retracted: Determination of scutellarin isomer, a predominant metabolite of scutellarin, in human plasma by HPLC/tandem mass spectrometry and its application to a pharmacokinetic study in Chinese healthy volunteers
Authors: Xia Chun‐hua , Xiong Yu‐qing , Wang Guang‐ji
Published: June 2007

Retraction: The following article from Biomedical Chromatography, “Determination of scutellarin isomer, a predominant metabolite of scutellarin, in human plasma by HPLC/tandem mass spectrometry and its application to the pharmacokinetic study in Chinese healthy volunteers” by Chun‐hua Xia, Yu‐qing Xiong, and Guang‐ji Wang, published online on 21 June 2007 in Wiley Interscience (www.interscience.wiley.com/journal/bmc), has been retracted at the authors' request.
HPLC with diode‐array detection for the simultaneous determination of di(2‐ethylhexyl)phthalate and mono(2‐ethylhexyl)phthalate in seminal plasma
Authors: Mazzeo Pietro , Pasquale Dorina Di , Ruggieri Fabrizio , Fanelli Maria , D'Archivio Angelo Antonio , Carlucci Giuseppe
Published: June 2007

A high‐performance liquid chromatographic method for the simultaneous determination of di(2‐ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) and its major metabolite mono(2‐ethylhexyl)phthalate (MEHP) in seminal plasma was developed and validated. The method involves liquid–liquid extraction followed by isocratic reversed‐phase chromatography with diode‐array detection. The recovery, selectivity, linearity, precision and accuracy of the method were evaluated from the analysis of spiked seminal plasma samples. The effect of mobile‐phase composition and pH on the retention of the target analytes was investigated. The limits of detection were 0.010 and 0.015 µg/mL, for DEHP and MEHP, respectively. This method was used to analyze real samples in support of clinical studies on these potential endocrine disruptors. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Determination and pharmacokinetic comparison of rhein in rats after oral dosed with Da‐Cheng‐Qi decoction and Xiao‐Cheng‐Qi decoction
Authors: Tang Wen‐Fu , Huang Xi , Yu Qin , Qin Feng , Wan Mei‐Hua , Wang Yong‐gang , Liang Mao‐Zhi
Published: June 2007

Da‐Cheng‐Qi decoction (DCQD) is composed of dahuang, houpu, zhishi and mangxiao, while Xiao‐Cheng‐Qi decoction (XCQD) just contains dahuang, houpu, and zhishi. A validated high‐performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method was developed for the determination and pharmacokinetic comparison of rhein in rats. It was performed on a reversed‐phase C18 column (150 × 4.6 mm) with a mobile phase of methanol and 0.2% acetic acid (89:11, v/v) and ultraviolet detection at 254 nm. The assay was linear over the range 30–3000 ng/mL (r2 = 0.9991), with mean percentage recovery of 101.4%. The RSD of intra‐ and inter‐day precision were less than 3.0%, with accuracy in the range 96.8–102.5% for each of the concentrations tested. Following oral administration, rhein plasma levels revealed curves characterized by peaks at 20.5 and 30.1 min corresponding to dosages of 15 mg/kg (XCQD) and 20 mg/kg (DCQD) at mean concentrations of 1184.67 and 1814.27 ng/mL, respectively. The half‐lives of rhein from XCQD and DCQD were 45.3 and 139.6 min, respectively. AUC(0–12h) of rhein after oral dosage with XCQD and DCQD were 3435.68 and 5382.25 µg/L h, respectively. The pharmacokinetic parameters may be used to guide the clinical prescription compatibility of traditional Chinese prescriptions related to dahuang and mangxiao. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Determination of topotecan in human and mouse plasma and in mouse tissue homogenates by reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography
Authors: Vries Nienke A. de , Ouwehand Mariët , Buckle Tessa , Beijnen Jos H. , van Tellingen Olaf
Published: June 2007

A sensitive and selective reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) assay has been developed and validated for quantification of total topotecan in human and mouse plasma and in mouse tissue samples. Isocratic separation was achieved on a Zorbax SB‐C18 column and topotecan was monitored fluorimetrically. Two ranges of calibrations curves were used to determine lower levels of topotecan more accurately. Acceptable accuracy and precision was achieved for all matrices. Topotecan was stable upon repeated freeze–thawing for three cycles or storage for 24 h at ambient temperatures in spiked plasma samples and tissue homogenates, except in heart homogenates. In an additional validation experiment in which 14C‐labeled topotecan was administered to mice, the levels of unchanged topotecan were about 80–90% of the total radioactivity in tissue homogenates collected 10 min after drug administration and virtually similar as in plasma samples. However, results in tissue homogenates obtained 4 h post‐drug administration indicated substantial metabolism of topotecan. This assay is suitable for studying the pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution of topotecan in mice. Our results demonstrate the importance of including all tissues of interest for pharmacokinetic studies in the validation procedure. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Anatomical evaluation of the tibial nerve within the popliteal fossa
Authors: Driban Jeffrey B. , Swanik C. Buz , Barbe Mary F.
Published: June 2007

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the inter‐hamstring position (medial to lateral intertendinous position) of the tibial nerve within the popliteal fossa. A descriptive cadaver model study was performed to permit controlled and direct measures of the tibial nerve. Fourteen embalmed lower extremities (8 left, 6 right) from nine cadavers (4 males, 5 females; 84.3 ± 10.7 years of age) were examined. Nine anatomical variables were measured. All measurements, except the diameter of the tibial nerve at the apex of the popliteal fossa, were performed at the level of the femoral condyles, at their widest medial‐to‐lateral point. The tibial nerve's diameter increased as it descended from the apex (3.95 ± 0.50 mm; CI = 2.94–4.96 mm) to the condyles (4.46 ± 0.92 mm; CI = 2.62–6.31 mm). The distance between the semimembranosus tendon and the biceps femoris tendon in the popliteal fossa (the mid‐intertendinous distance) was 48.50 ± 11.50 mm. The location of the tibial nerve between these two tendons was highly variable: 21.45 ± 8.40 mm lateral of the semimembranosus tendon and 22.60 ± 4.90 mm medial of the biceps femoris tendon. Therefore, in 95% of the patients the tibial N could be located within 48.2% of midpoint of the inter‐hamstring distance. Clin. Anat. 20:694–698, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Sphenoid sinus: An anatomic and endoscopic study in Asian cadavers
Authors: Tan H.K.K. , Ong Y.K.
Published: June 2007

An anatomic and endoscopic study of 48 cadaveric heads (96 sphenoid sinuses) was undertaken to describe the anatomy of the sphenoid sinus in Asians. Sellar type of sphenoid sinus is the most common, present in 53 out of 96 sides (55%). Forty‐five of the 48 heads had a dominant sphenoid cavity, of which 11 contained vital structures from both sides of the sphenoid sinus. The incidence of accessory septae, carotid artery, optic nerve, maxillary nerve, and vidian nerve bulges were 70.8%, 67.7%, 69.8%, 61.5%, and 64.6%, respectively. There is a significantly higher number of overriding ethmoid sinuses in Asian cadavers (46/96 sides) compared to western studies (P < 0.0005). Seven (15%) of these 46 sides were also Onodi positive. The rest of the overriding ethmoid cells were Onodi negative. Surgeons should be aware of the significantly higher number of overriding posterior ethmoid cells in Asian populations during functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS). The optic nerve is at risk during FESS surgery if the sphenoid sinus is sought behind the deepest point of these posterior ethmoid cells. These overriding posterior ethmoid cells may also confuse the unwary surgeon that he has entered the sphenoid sinus where in fact he is still operating in the posterior ethmoid cells. Clin. Anat. 20:745–750, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Bony landmarks as an aid for intraoperative facial nerve identification
Authors: Greyling L.M. , Glanvill R. , Boon J.M. , Schabort D. , Meiring J.H. , Pretorius J.P. , van Schoor A.
Published: June 2007

Identification of the facial nerve trunk is essential during surgery of the parotid gland. Numerous landmarks have been researched and used. The relation between the facial nerve to two constant bony landmarks, the tip of the mastoid process and the central point of the transverse process of the atlas was investigated. Forty cadavers were dissected. A preauricular incision exposed the nerve trunk. Bony landmarks were identified and marked. The distance from the nerve trunk to the mastoid process and the atlas was measured. The mean distance between the mastoid process and nerve for the left was 9.18 ± 2.05 mm and for the right, 9.35 ± 1.67 mm. The mean distance between the atlas and the nerve for the left was 14.31 ± 3.59 mm and for the right, 13.76 ± 4.65 mm. Confidence intervals were determined. The importance of the aforementioned data revolves around minimizing the chance of injury to the facial nerve during surgery. The applicability of these landmarks needs to be studied in the clinical setting. Clin. Anat. 20:739–744, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Asymmetry of the active nonweightbearing foot and ankle range of motion for dorsiflexion‐plantar flexion and its coupled movements in adults
Authors: Ferrario Virgilio F. , Turci Michela , Lovecchio Nicola , Shirai Yuri F. , Sforza Chiarella
Published: June 2007

Asymmetries in ankle range of motion (ROM) have been reported, but often the uninvolved limb is used as a reference in clinical practice. The study wanted to quantify the intraindividual asymmetries in dorsi‐plantar flexion foot and ankle ROM and its coupled foot movements. Active triplanar nonweightbearing ROM of the foot and ankle was recorded in young healthy adults (30 male volunteers, mean age 22.8 years; 35 female volunteers, mean age 23.8 years) using an optoelectronic set‐up. The sagittal plane movement (mean ROM female subjects right side 71.3°, left side 71.4°, P > 0.05; mean ROM male subjects right side 69°, left side 68.9°, P > 0.05; sex difference, P < 0.001) was coupled with frontal (mean ROM female subjects right side 16.6°, left side 14.8°, P > 0.05; male subjects right side 17°, left side 15.3°; P > 0.05; no sex difference) and horizontal (mean ROM female subjects right side 19.6°, left side 18.8°, P < 0.001; male subjects right side 17.6°, left side 16.2°, P < 0.001; sex < 0.001) plane motions. Individual fluctuating asymmetries up to 15° (principal movement), and up to 29° (associated movements) were measured. Overall, 20% of female and 34% of male subjects had principal plane asymmetries >5°, and 50% of the subjects had asymmetries >5° in the associated movements. In young adults, individual asymmetries in ankle joint complex dorsi‐plantar flexion should be taken into account when using the uninvolved, contralateral limb as a reference for clinical examination. Clin. Anat. 20:834–842, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Anatomy of successfully separated thoracopagus–omphalopagus conjoined twins
Authors: Thompson Jess L. , Zarroug Abdallah E. , Matsumoto Jane M.S. , Moir Christopher R.
Published: June 2007

The birth of conjoined twins occurs in approximately 1 in 50,000 to 1 in 100,000 deliveries, and the majority are either stillborn or die early in life. Approximately 184 successful separations have been described. The authors describe the preoperative radiologic evaluation of a set of thoracopagus–omphalopagus twins and their successful surgical separation. Preoperative radiologic imaging demonstrated that the twins did not share myocardium, but an ectopic cordis was present. The inferior vena cavae entered the right atria at more acute angles than normal. The liver was fused, two gallbladders were present, and there was a large bridging portal vein that crossed the hepatic isthmus of one twin to the conjoined twin's portal venous system. Replaced hepatic arteries originated from the superior mesenteric arteries. Each twin had separate kidneys, colons, and rectums. Preoperative tissue expansion was necessary, and the twins were separated at 5½ months of life. Successful separation of twins conjoined by several organ systems requires a multispecialty approach. Preoperative knowledge of shared anatomy is necessary for adequate preparation and planning. Despite meticulous preoperative investigations, certain anatomy can only be discovered at the time of surgery, and the ability to adjust to these findings is imperative. Clin. Anat. 20:814–818, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Towards a Protocol for Solution Structure Determination of Copper(II) Proteins: the Case of CuIIZnII Superoxide Dismutase
Authors: Bertini Ivano , Felli Isabella C. , Luchinat Claudio , Parigi Giacomo , Pierattelli Roberta
Published: June 2007

We have developed an optimized protocol to solve the solution structure of copper(II) proteins. After assignment, proton–proton NOEs are used for the shell where 1H spectra are conveniently observed. In a shell closer to the metal ion, 13C NMR spectra with band‐selective homonuclear decoupling provide the assignment of all nuclei except for those of the metal ligands. A convenient method for the measurement of 13C longitudinal‐relaxation rates (R1) of carbonyls and carboxylate moieties is proposed. 1H NOEs and 1H and 13C R1 data are sufficient to produce a good/reasonable solution structure, as demonstrated for a monomeric species of superoxide dismutase, a 153‐residue protein.
Chronic total occlusion treatment in post‐CABG patients: Saphenous vein graft versus native vessel recanalization—Long‐term follow‐up in the drug‐eluting stent era
Authors: Meliga Emanuele , García‐García Héctor M. , Kukreja Neville , Daemen Joost , Tanimoto Shuzou , Ramcharitar Steve , van Mieghem Carlos A.G. , Sianos Georgios , van der Ent Martin , van der Giessen Willem J. , de Feyter Pim , van Domburg Ron , Serruys Patrick W.
Published: June 2007

Objective:

To compare the postprocedural and long‐term clinical outcomes of two groups of patients, all presenting with chronic saphenous vein graft (SVG) occlusion, who underwent either SVG or native vessel reopening.

Background:

Chronic total occlusions (CTO) treatment in patients who underwent previous surgical revascularization is a dilemma and the choice of performing native vessel or SVG recanalization is not always easy.

Methods:

Between July 2002 and October 2004, a total of 260 patients were successfully treated for a CTO. Of them, we selected all patients (n = 24) who had previous bypass surgery with graft occlusion. Of this final group, 13 patients underwent a percutaneous graft recanalization while 11 underwent native vessel reopening.

Results:

Primary end points were in‐hospital and 3‐year rates of death, myocardial infarction, target lesion revascularization, and target vessel revascularization. No events occurred in either group during the in‐hospital period. Cumulative 3‐year event‐free survival in the native vessel and SVG group was 81.8% and 83.9% respectively (P = NS). One death and one TVR occurred in each group.

Conclusion:

In selected cases, SVG reopening instead of the native vessel is feasible. In such a high‐risk population, drug‐eluting stent implantation in both SVG and native CTO lesions is associated with good long‐term outcomes. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Device closure of muscular ventricular septal defects in infants less than one year of age using the Amplatzer devices: Feasibility and outcome
Authors: Diab Karim A. , Cao Qi‐ Ling , Mora Bassem N. , Hijazi Ziyad M.
Published: June 2007

Objectives:

In this study, we evaluated the feasibility, safety, and outcome of device closure of muscular ventricular septal defects (mVSD) in infants less than 1 year of age using the Amplatzer devices.

Background:

Closure of mVSDs continues to represent a surgical challenge with significant morbidity. Hence, device closure is becoming an attractive and reliable alternative. However, little is known about the feasibility of this procedure in small infants.

Methods:

Between July 1999 and September 2006, device closure of mVSD was attempted in 20 infants ranging in age from 3 days to 12 months (median ± SD; 4.6 ± 3.8) and in weight from 3.2 to 8.9 kg (4.6 ± 1.9) under TEE guidance by percutaneous or hybrid (perventricular) techniques. The size of the VSD as assessed by TEE ranged from 3 to 11 mm (6.0 ± 2.2) and the Qp:Qs ratio ranged from 0.7 to 8.8 (2.8 ± 2.3).

Results:

The device was successfully placed in 19/20 infants and it ranged in size from 4 to 14 mm (8.0 ± 2.6). It was percutaneously deployed in 11/19 and by the hybrid approach in 8/19. There were 30 devices placed in 19 infants with multiple devices placed in 5/19 infants. Fluoroscopy times ranged from 11 to 136 min (41 ± 28) and procedure times ranged from 57 to 291 min (178 ± 68). The success rate as defined by complete closure or a trivial shunt was 84% immediately and 100% at 1‐year follow‐up. Major complications occurred in 4/20 patients: wire perforation and hemopericardium (n = 1), device migration (n = 1), transient electromechanical dissociation (n = 1), and mediastinitis (n = 1). At a median follow‐up of 3.8 years, all patients improved and had no hemodynamically significant VSDs. No major complications were encountered in patients with multiple devices.

Conclusion:

In infants less than 1 year of age, percutaneous and perventricular device closure of mVSDs is technically feasible and highly effective with low morbidity. Long term safety and efficacy needs to be assessed. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Percutaneous selective pulmonary artery bands (Joeys) in a pulmonary overcirculation model
Authors: Boucek Mark M. , Chan Kak‐Chen , Bright Janice M.
Published: June 2007

Background:

Control of distal pulmonary artery (PA) pressure and flow is a critical step in palliating infants with complex congential heart disease. Surgical procedures to protect or isolate the pulmonary circulation carry significant risk and can be unpredictable. Interventional control of pulmonary pressure/flow with an intravascular device (band) could reduce risk and improve regulation of pulmonary flow.

Methods:

Internal pulmonary bands were created from woven nitinol to create an internal orifice estimated to reduce distal pulmonary arterial pressure by 50%. Two designs were tested, a single eccentric lumen and two symmetrical lumens. The devices were approximately 7‐mm long and the external diameter varied to suit the pulmonary arterial lumen size. A total of 15 devices were implanted in seven lambs with a stented ductus arteriosus to create high pulmonary pressure/flow. Four lambs were followed with devices and stent in place for a mean of 37 ± 13 days.

Results:

Fourteen of 15 devices were successfully implanted. One was acutely removed since the size was too large. Both device designs created greater than a 50% reduction in distal pulmonary pressure. Main PA pressure was 70/38, mean 50 ± 13 mm Hg, and distal PA pressure 25/16, mean 20 ± 7 mm Hg (P < 0.05). Angiography demonstrated protection of the internal banded pulmonary segments from overcirculation. Late follow‐up showed that the device lumen(s) remained patent. Histology showed the vessel media to be intact but there was intimal proliferation where the device approximated the wall. There were no thrombotic emboli detected.

Conclusion:

Percutaneous internal banding of the pulmonary arteries was feasible and successful in lambs with high pulmonary flow/pressure analogous to infants with complex congenital heart disease. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Contemporary management of acute lower extremity ischemia following percutaneous coronary and cardiac interventional procedures using femoral access—A case series and discussion
Authors: Klein Andrew J. , Messenger John C. , Casserly Ivan P.
Published: June 2007

New onset of acute lower extremity ischemia following percutaneous coronary and cardiac interventional procedures using femoral access is an important clinical entity that requires emergent assessment to determine the precise etiology and institute appropriate therapy. We report four cases of this clinical event from our catheterization laboratories that serve to highlight the most frequent etiologies, the importance of immediate diagnostic angiography, and the potential for endovascular techniques to effectively manage this complication. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Endovascular treatment of intra‐aortic balloon pump‐induced acute limb ischemia
Authors: Klein Andrew J. , Messenger John C. , Casserly Ivan P.
Published: June 2007

The development of acute limb ischemia in patients following intra‐aortic balloon pump (IABP) placement remains a frequent event that presents a significant management challenge. We report two recent cases of this clinical event from our institution, which demonstrate that endovascular therapies may be used to treat acute limb ischemia in this setting without requiring removal of the IABP. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Possible Existence of Alkali Metal Orthocarbonates at High Pressure
Authors: Čančarević Željko P. , Schön J. Christian , Jansen Martin
Published: June 2007

We investigate the possible existence of crystalline alkali metal orthocarbonates, A4CO4, where A=Li, Na, K, Rb, and Cs. We study the equilibrium between the possible modifications of the orthocarbonate A4CO4 and the binary mixture of the possible modifications of the alkali oxide A2O and those of the alkali metal carbonate A2CO3 as function of pressure. In all cases, the orthocarbonate should be stable at sufficiently high pressure ranging from 22–32 GPa (Rb4CO4) to 200–220 GPa (Cs4CO4).
Systematic Synthesis of Lanthanide Phosphate Nanocrystals
Authors: Huo Ziyang , Chen Chen , Chu Deren , Li Haohang , Li Yadong
Published: June 2007

Uniform LnPO4⋅x H2O (Ln=Y, La–Nd, Sm–Lu) nanocrystals that have controllable 0D (spherelike), 1D (rodlike), and 2D (polygonlike) structures have been systematically synthesized by means of a hydrothermal method by using a mixed solvent of water and ethanol. Transmission electron microscopy images and SEAD (selected area electron diffraction) patterns revealed that the products are highly crystalline and have structurally uniform shapes. IR, Raman, and electron energy loss spectroscopies gave spectra that indicated that an amount of oleic acid molecules were presented at the surface of individual nanocrystals. These nanocrystals have hydrophobic surfaces and could be easily dispersed in nonpolar solvents. Moreover, a creditable synthetic mechanism for nucleation, growth, and shape evolution has been proposed. Eu3+ doped products were also prepared by using the same synthetic process. The Eu3+ doped products exhibited an orange‐red luminescence that is ascribed to an electron transition within the 4f shell. Analysis of the photoluminescent spectra revealed that the optical properties are strongly dependent on their morphologies.
High‐Efficiency Electrophosphorescent Copolymers Containing Charged Iridium Complexes in the Side Chains
Authors: Du Bin , Wang Lei , Wu HongBin , Yang Wei , Zhang Yong , Liu RanSheng , Sun MingLiang , Peng Junbiao , Cao Yong
Published: June 2007

A convenient approach to novel charged Ir polymers for optoelectronic devices to achieve red emission was developed. 2‐(Pyridin‐2‐yl)benzimidazole units grafted into the side chains of macroligands (PFCz and PFP) served as ligands for the formation of charged Ir complex pendants with 1‐phenylisoquinoline (1‐piq). The charged Ir polymers (PFPIrPiq and PFCzIrPiq) showed exclusive Ir(1‐piq)2{N‐[2‐(pyridin‐2‐yl)benzimidazole]hexyl}+BF4− (IrPiq) emission, with the peak at 595 nm. The best device performances were obtained from PFCzIrPiq4 with the device configuration of ITO/PEDOT:PSS/PFCzIrPiq4+PBD (30 wt %)/TPBI/Ba/Al (PBD: 5‐(4‐tert‐butylphenyl)‐2‐(biphenyl‐4‐yl)‐1,3,4‐oxadiazole; TPBI: 1,3,5‐tris‐(2‐N‐phenylbenzimidazolyl)benzene). A maximum external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 7.3 % and a luminous efficiency (LE) of 6.9 cd A−1 with a luminance of 138 cd m−2 were achieved at a current density of 1.9 mA cm−2. The efficiencies remained as high as EQE=3.4 % and LE=3.3 cd A−1 with a luminance of 3770 cd m−2 at a current density of 115 mA cm−2. The single‐layer devices based on charged Ir polymers also showed high efficiency with the high work‐function metal Ag as cathode. The maximum external quantum efficiencies of the devices were 0.64 % and 0.66 % for PFPIrPiq2 and PFPIrPiq10, respectively. A possible mechanism of an electrochemical cell associated with its electrochemical redox pathway for single‐layer devices has been proposed. The results showed that the charged Ir polymers are promising candidate materials for polymer optoelectronic devices.
New Metal‐Organic Frameworks with Large Cavities: Selective Sorption and Desorption of Solvent Molecules
Authors: Wang Yan , Huang Yong‐Qing , Liu Guang‐Xiang , Okamura Taka‐aki , Doi Mototsugu , Sheng Yue‐Wei , Sun Wei‐Yin , Ueyama Norikazu
Published: June 2007

Five novel transition metal complexes [CdII3(tpba‐2)2(SCN)6]⋅6 THF⋅3 H2O (1), [CuII3(tpba‐2)2(SCN)6]⋅6 THF⋅3 H2O (2), [NiII3(tpba‐2)2(SCN)6]⋅6 THF⋅3 H2O (3), [CdII2(tpba‐2)(SCN)3]ClO4 (4), [CuI3(SCN)6(H3tpba‐2)] (5) [TPBA‐2 = N′,N′′,N′′′‐tris(pyrid‐2‐ylmethyl)‐1,3,5‐benzenetricarboxamide, THF=tetrahydrofuran] were obtained by reactions of the corresponding transition metal salts with TPBA‐2 ligand in the presence of NH4SCN using layering or solvothermal method, respectively. The results of X‐ray crystallographic analysis showed that complexes 1, 2 and 3 are isostructural and have the same 2D honeycomb network structure with Kagomé lattice, in which all the MII (M = Cd, Cu, Ni) atoms are six‐coordinated, and the TPBA‐2 ligands adopt cis,cis,cis conformation while the thiocyanate anions act as terminal ligands. Capsule‐like motifs are found in 1, 2 and 3, in which six THF molecules are hosted, and the results of XPRD and solid‐state 13C NMR spectral measurements showed that the compound 1 can selectively desorb and adsorb THF molecules occurring along with the re‐establishment of its crystallinity. In contrast to 1, 2 and 3, complex 4 has different 2D network structure, resulting from TPBA‐2 ligands with cis,trans,trans conformation, thiocyanate anions serving as end‐to‐end bridging ligands, and the incomplete replacement of perchlorate anions, which further link the 2D layers into 3D framework by the hydrogen bonds. In complex 5, the CuII atoms are reduced to CuI during the process of solvothermal reaction, and the CuI atoms are connected by thiocyanate anions to form a 3D porous framework, in which the protonated TPBA‐2 ligands are hosted in the cavities as templates.
Asymmetric Hydrogenation Routes to Deoxypolyketide Chirons
Authors: Zhou Jianguang , Ogle James W. , Fan Yubo , Banphavichit(Bee) Vorawit , Zhu Ye , Burgess Kevin
Published: June 2007

Asymmetric hydrogenations of monoenes and dienes were performed to obtain terminal deoxypolyketide fragments A and the corresponding internal chirons B and C. The chiral N‐heterocyclic carbene catalyst 1 was used throughout. Modest selectivities for hydrogenations of simple monoenes relayed into high selectivities for preparations of the terminal deoxypolyketide fragments in which either two hydrogenations or one and an optically pure starting material were used. Curiously, the face selectivities for hydrogenation of α,β‐unsaturated esters were consistently opposite to those that had been observed for styrene and stilbene derivatives in previous work, and to closely related allylic alcohol and ether derivatives in this work. Plausible mechanisms for this differing behavior were deduced by using DFT calculations. It appears that the origin of the unusual stereoselectivity for the ester derivatives is transient metal‐coordination of the ester carbonyl whereas there is no evidence that the allylic alcohol or ethers coordinate. The routes developed to α,ω‐functionalized internal deoxypolyketide fragments are extremely practical. These begin with the Roche ester being converted into alkene and, in one case, diene derivatives. Catalyst control prevails in the hydrogenations of these substrates, but there is a significant “substrate vector” (a term we used to describe the influence of the substrate on a catalyst‐controlled reaction). This is determined by minimization of 1,3‐allylic strain and, in some cases, syn pentane interactions. This substrate vector can be constructively paired with the (dominant) catalyst vector by use of the appropriate enantiomer of 1. In the hydrogenation of a diene derivative, two chiral centers could be formed simultaneously with overall 11:1.0 selectivity; this is the first time this has been achieved in any asymmetric synthesis of a deoxypolyketide fragment. Throughout, diastereoselectivities of the crude material in the syntheses of α,ω‐functionalized internal deoxypolyketide fragments were in excess of 11:1.0 and chromatographically purified samples could be isolated in high yields with dr (dr=diastereomeric ratio) values consistently in excess of 40:1.0.
Control of Electron Transfer in a Conjugated Porphyrin Dimer by Selective Excitation of Planar and Perpendicular Conformers
Authors: Winters Mikael U. , Kärnbratt Joakim , Blades Holly E. , Wilson Craig J. , Frampton Michael J. , Anderson Harry L. , Albinsson Bo
Published: June 2007

A donor–acceptor system is presented in which the electron‐transfer rates can be sensitively controlled by means of excitation wavelength and temperature. The electron donor is a butadiyne‐linked zinc porphyrin dimer that is connected to a C60 electron acceptor. The broad distribution of conformations allowed by the butadiyne linker makes it possible to selectively excite perpendicular or planar donor conformers and thereby prepare separate initial states with driving forces for electron transfer that differ by almost 0.2 eV. This, as well as significant differences in electronic coupling, leads to distinctly different rate constants for electron transfer, which in consequence can be controlled by changing excitation wavelength. By extending the system with a secondary donor (ferrocene), a second, long‐range charge‐separated state can be formed. This system has been used to test the influence of conformational heterogeneity on electron transfer mediated by the porphyrin dimer in the ground state. It was found that if the dimer is forced to a planar conformation by means of a bidentate ligand, the charge recombination rate increased by an order of magnitude relative to the unconstrained system. This illustrates how control of conformation of a molecular wire can affect its behaviour.
Micelle‐Induced Versatile Performance of Amphiphilic Intramolecular Charge‐Transfer Fluorescent Molecular Sensors
Authors: Wang Jiaobing , Qian Xuhong , Qian Junhong , Xu Yufang
Published: June 2007

A series of amphiphilic intramolecular charge‐transfer fluorescent molecular sensors AS1–3, equipped with a rod‐shaped hydrophobic 2‐phenylbenzoxazole fluorophore and a hydrophilic tetraamide Hg2+‐ion receptor, have been prepared. These sensor molecules could be incorporated into the hydrophobic sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) micelle, which is confirmed by the clear spectral blue shift and emission enhancement observed at the critical micelle concentration of SDS. Systematic examination of the sensor–Hg2+ complexation, by using both UV/visible and fluorescence spectroscopy, indicates that SDS significantly modulates both the binding event and signal transformation of these sensor molecules. The potential advantages are fourfold: 1) SDS substantially increases the Hg2+‐ion association constant and results in an amplified sensitivity. 2) SDS initiates spectral features which facilitate Hg2+‐ion analysis, for example, in addition to the strengthened fluorescence of the free sensors AS1–3, the original “on–off” response of AS2 toward the Hg2+ ion is transformed into a self‐calibrated two‐wavelength ratiometric signal, while for AS3, Hg2+‐ion complexation in the presence of SDS results in a 180 nm blue shift, which is preferred to the 51 nm spectral shift obtained without SDS. 3) Thermoreversible tuning of the dynamic detection range is realized. 4) Highly specific Hg2+‐ion identification could be achieved by using the SDS‐induced fingerprint emission (358 nm) of the AS2–Hg2+ complex. Altogether, this work demonstrates a convenient and powerful strategy that remarkably elevates the performance of a given fluorescent molecular sensor. It also implies that for a specific utilization, much attention should be paid to the microenvironment in which the sensor resides, as the behavior of the sensor might be different from that in the bulk solution.
Highly Selective Recognition of Diols by a Self‐Regulating Fine‐Tunable Methylazacalix[4]pyridine Cavity: Guest‐Dependent Formation of Molecular‐Sandwich and Molecular‐Capsule Complexes in Solution and the Solid State
Authors: Gong Han‐Yuan , Wang De‐Xian , Xiang Jun‐Feng , Zheng Qi‐Yu , Wang Mei‐Xiang
Published: June 2007

The molecular recognition of methylazacalix[4]pyridine (MACP‐4; 1) towards various diols was investigated by using 1H NMR spectroscopic and X‐ray diffraction analysis. As a unique macrocyclic host molecule that undergoes conformational inversions very rapidly in solution, MACP‐4 has been shown to self‐regulate its conformation, through the formation of different conjugations of the four bridging nitrogen atoms with their adjacent pyridine rings, to form a cavity that best fits the guest species through intermolecular hydrogen‐bond, CH⋅⋅⋅π, and π–π interactions between the host and guest. As a consequence, depending upon the diol structure and geometry, MACP‐4 forms a 1:1 molecular sandwich, 2:1 molecular capsule, and 1:2 butterfly‐layered complex with the guests. As a result of favorable enthalpy and entropy effects, MACP‐4 exhibits excellent selectivity in the recognition of resorcinol, thus resulting in a very stable 1:1 sandwich complex with resorcinol with a binding constant of 6000 M−1. The dynamic 1H NMR spectroscopic study demonstrated that the 1,3‐alternate conformation of the macrocyclic ring of the MACP‐4⋅resorcinol complex (1⋅3) is stable at low temperature (T<243 K), and its conformational inversion requires a larger activation energy (ΔG≠=(45.5±2.2) kJ mol−1). In the presence of an excess amount of resorcinol, however, the conformational inversion of the MACP‐4⋅resorcinol complex proceeds more readily with a decreased activation energy (ΔG≠=(33.5±1.5) kJ mol−1) owing most probably to the favorable enthalpy effect of the [3⋅⋅⋅1⋅⋅⋅3]≠ transition state.
Phase 2 study of cetuximab in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Zhu Andrew X. , Stuart Keith , Blaszkowsky Lawrence S. , Muzikansky Alona , Reitberg Donald P. , Clark Jeffrey W. , Enzinger Peter C. , Bhargava Pankaj , Meyerhardt Jeffrey A. , Horgan Kerry , Fuchs Charles S. , Ryan David P.
Published: June 2007

BACKGROUND.

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and ligand expression is frequently seen in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). A phase 2 study was performed with cetuximab, a chimeric monoclonal antibody that binds specifically to EGFR, in patients with advanced HCC.

METHODS.

Eligibility criteria included unresectable or metastatic measurable HCC, an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status ≤2, Cancer of the Liver Italian Program (CLIP) score ≤3, and adequate organ functions. The initial dose of cetuximab was 400 mg/m2 given intravenously followed by weekly intravenous infusions at 250 mg/m2. Each cycle was defined as 6 consecutive weekly treatments. EGFR expression was assayed by immunohistochemistry and trough serum concentrations of cetuximab were determined during the first cycle.

RESULTS.

Thirty patients were enrolled and assessable for efficacy and toxicity. No responses were seen. Five patients had stable disease (median time, 4.2 months; range, 2.8–4.2 months). The median overall survival was 9.6 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 4.3–12.1 months) and the median progression‐free survival (PFS) was 1.4 months (95% CI, 1.2–2.6 months). The treatment was generally well tolerated. No treatment‐related grade 4–5 toxicities occurred. Grade 3 (according to the National Cancer Institute's Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events [version 3.0]) aspartate aminotransferase, hypomagnesemia, and fever without neutropenia were noted in 1 patient (3.3%) each. On Week 6 of Cycle 1, arithmetic mean serum cetuximab concentrations for patients with Child‐Turcotte‐Pugh (CTP) A and CTP B disease were 47.6 mcg/mL and 66.9 mcg/mL, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS.

Although cetuximab could be safely administered with tolerable toxicity profiles, it demonstrated no antitumor activity in HCC in this phase 2 study. Cetuximab trough concentrations were not notably altered in patients with mild to moderate hepatic dysfunction. © 2007 American Cancer Society. Cancer 2007. ©2007 American Cancer Society.
A discussion on volume change in the plastic phase
Authors: Botta A. S. , Paccola R. R. , Venturini W. S. , Coda H. B.
Published: June 2007

This technical note discusses the possibility of using a more simplified scheme to estimate the plastic multiplier when some material shows volume changes, e.g. soil, balsa wood foam and other similar materials. Two procedures regarding volume changes during the plastic phase are discussed here. The first one is the classic procedure applied to non‐associative plasticity, for which a Drucker–Prager‐like surface is adopted to represent the plastic potential. For the second procedure, the plastic potential is not explicitly known, however, its orthogonal direction is chosen respecting a plastic volume change parameter similar to Poisson's ratio. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sky blue, but what blue? A new evaluation of the colors of the sky for artists and designers
Authors: Smith Ken
Published: June 2007

This study describes a process of relating the perceptual analysis of the colors of the terrestrial atmosphere to currently available pigments used in artists' painting systems. This process sought to discover how the colors of the sky could be defined and simulated by these pigments. The author also describes how confusion over the bewildering choice of suitable pigments on offer in the market place can be clarified. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 32, 249–255, 2007
Color changes in architectural limestones from pollution and cleaning
Authors: Grossi Carlotta M. , Brimblecombe Peter , Esbert Rosa M. , Alonso Francisco Javier
Published: June 2007

This article investigates the impact of sulfur dioxide attack, deposition of dark particles in urban environments and laser cleaning with Nd:YAG 1064 nm on color change in a range of ornamental limestones. We have used the CIELAB and CIELCH systems to compare the relative importance of the variation of each coordinate for the color change. Sulfur dioxide and dark particle deposition seems to increase the chroma, most particularly in the yellow component. Particle deposition also leads to an obvious darkening of stone surfaces. Laser irradiation at 1064 nm affects the red component of limestone, particularly if they already possess a reddish color. In general, the more intense the original color of the stone the greater are the chromatic changes, but the direction change of the color‐parameter affected by a particular process remains the same. It has always been apparent in an atmosphere heavily polluted with soot that the main changes to light‐colored stones are the exponential decrease in the parameter L* (darkening–blackening). This has important aesthetic and social implications. However, in the near future it may be that in cleaner atmospheres, perhaps more dominated by organic pollutants, a yellowing process may be of greater concern. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 32, 320–331, 2007
Ancient historical scripture and color vision
Authors: Vimal Ram Lakhan Pandey , Pandey‐Vimal Manju‐Uma Chaturvedi
Published: June 2007

Current information on the ancient historical research in color vision is not complete. We found scriptural evidence for (a) Rig‐Vedic yogis having subjective experience of color during meditation with eyes closed, which was accentuated by hallucinogenic drug “soma” and “Indra” and sleep deprivation, (b) eye‐balls being pressed to induce color, and (c) rainbow‐colors. Rig‐Vedic period was about 4000 B.C.–2000 B.C. as verified by archaeologists during the excavation in Indus‐Sarasvati cities like Mohenjo Daro and Harappa, where depictions engraved on soapstone seals were found that strongly resemble yogi‐like figures. We conclude that ancient historical research in color vision should be revised based on Rig‐Veda. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 32, 332–333, 2007