bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Screening and analyzing the potential bioactive components from Shaofu Zhuyu decoction, using human umbilical vein endothelial cell extraction and high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry
Authors: Su Shu‐Lan , Yu Li , Hua Yong‐Qing , Duan Jin‐Ao , Deng Hai‐Shan , Tang Yu‐Ping , Lu Yin , Ding An‐Wei
Published: July 2008

In this paper, a useful method for screening and analyzing the potential bioactive components in bioassay‐guided fraction (SF‐11) from Shaofu Zhuyu decoction was developed using human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) extraction and high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with Q‐TOF/MS spectrometry. In addition, the protective effects on HUVEC damage induced by adrenaline in vitro were also investigated. The results showed that SF‐11 significantly inhibited the endothelin (ET) release and reversed the NO secretion of HUVEC (p < 0.05), and promoted the PGI2 release of HUVEC (p < 0.05). Two effective components, paeoniflorin and typhaneoside, from SF‐11 were screened and identified using live cell extract and HPLC coupled with Q‐TOF/MS spectrometry. The compounds, paeoniflorin and typhaneoside, showed significantly inhibiting effects on the ET release and reversing of NO secretion of HUVEC (p < 0.05), with similar effects to SF‐11, and promoting the PGI2 release of HUVEC at the concentration of 0.208 and 0.013 µmol/mL, respectively (p < 0.05). These data indicated that the method of live cell extraction coupled with HPLC‐MS technology is feasible, rapid and useful for screening and analyzing potential bioactive components from TCMs. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparison of hydrophilic interaction and reversed‐phase liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometric detection for the determination of three pharmaceuticals in human plasma
Authors: Apostolou Constantinos , Kousoulos Constantinos , Dotsikas Yannis , Loukas Yannis L.
Published: July 2008

In the present study, hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC) and reversed‐phase liquid chromatography (RPLC) combined with tandem mass spectrometric detection (MS/MS) were evaluated and compared for the determination of donepezil, cetirizine and loratadine in human plasma, in terms of sensitivity and sample preparation procedure. A retention study for the above compounds of various polarities was performed, using both C18 and silica columns, with several aqueous–organic mobile phase ratios, in order to investigate their retention mechanism profile under HILIC and RPLC. Both chromatographic conditions were compared for chromatographic analysis of plasma samples processed with a liquid–liquid extraction (LLE) method for donepezil determination, resulting in significantly higher sensitivity under HILIC. Furthermore, HILIC and RPLC were compared for direct injection, and novel methods including LLE, solid‐phase extraction and protein precipitation protocols were developed. Direct injection technique significantly reduced sample preparation time, increasing at the same time method sensitivity. The current study contributes to broadening the range of analyzable compounds by HILIC‐MS/MS to molecules of medium polarity. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Validation and application of an HPLC‐EC method for analysis of coenzyme Q10 in blood platelets
Authors: Miles Michael V. , Tang Peter H. , Miles Lili , Steele Paul E. , Moye Mark J. , Horn Paul S.
Published: July 2008

Previous studies have indicated that analysis of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) in platelets may be clinically useful. The study objectives are to describe, validate and provide application of an HPLC‐EC method for platelet CoQ10 analysis. This method analyzes oxidized (ubiquinone‐10) and reduced (ubiquinol‐10) forms of CoQ10 using two separate injections with the electrochemical analytical cell set at neutral and oxidizing potentials. Results showed that chromatograms were free of interfering peaks. Calibration curves were constructed over a concentration range 116–2317 nmol/L (r2 = 0.99). The extraction recovery was >95%. The within‐run precision CV% was ≤4.2%, and the day‐to‐day precision was ≤9.9%. Platelets were isolated by differential centrifugation, and frozen at −70°C until analysis. The application of the method was used to compare accumulation of CoQ10 in platelets vs plasma in eight adult volunteers during a 28 day supplementation period (5 mg/kg/day of ubiquinol‐10). Mean platelet total CoQ10 was 164 pmol/109 cells, and ubiquinol‐10:total CoQ10 ratio was 0.56. During supplementation platelet CoQ10 levels were more consistent and predictable than plasma CoQ10 levels. The results indicate that this validated method for platelet ubiquinol‐10 and ubiquinone‐10 analysis is acceptable for use in the clinical laboratory, and that platelet CoQ10 may have important advantages over plasma during CoQ10 supplementation. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method for the quantification of amisulpride with LLOQ of 100 pg/mL using 100 µL of plasma
Authors: Nirogi Ramakrishna , Bhyrapuneni Gopinadh , Kandikere Vishwottam , Mudigonda Koteshwara , Ajjala Devender , Suraneni Ramakrishna , Mukkanti K.
Published: July 2008

A sensitive and selective high‐performance liquid chromatography–positive ion electrospray tandem mass spectrometry method was developed and validated for the quantification of amisulpride in 100 µL of 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 370–242 for amisulpride and m/z 341–112 for the internal standard. The assay exhibited a linear dynamic range with a lower range of 0.1–100 ng/mL and a higher range of 1–500 ng/mL of amisulpride in human plasma. The lower limit of quantification was 0.1 ng/mL with a relative standard deviation of less than 10%. Acceptable precision and accuracy were obtained for both linearity ranges. A run time of 2.0 min for each sample made it possible to analyze more than 275 human plasma samples per day. The validated method has been successfully used to analyze plasma samples for application in pharmacokinetic studies. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High‐performance liquid chromatography assays for desmethoxyyangonin, methysticin, kavain and their microsomal metabolites
Authors: Fu Shuang , Tattam Bruce N. , Duke Colin C. , Ramzan Iqbal
Published: July 2008

Three novel, simple and reproducible high‐performance liquid chromatography quantitative assays with UV detection were developed and validated for three major kavalactones—desmethoxyyangonin, methysticin and kavain—in rat liver microsomes using diazepam as an internal standard; liquid–liquid extraction was used for sample preparation and analysis was performed on a Shimadzu® 10A high‐performance liquid chromatography system. The analysis was carried out in reversed‐phase mode with a Luna® C18column (150 × 2.00 mm, 3 µm) at 40°C. The limit of quantitation was 0.1 µg/mL using 0.25 mL of microsomal solution. The assays were linear over the range 0.1–10 µg/mL for desmethoxyyangonin, methysticin and kavain. Quality control samples exhibited good accuracy and precision with relative standard deviations lower than 15% and recoveries between 85 and 105%. The assays exhibited satisfactory performance with high sensitivity for quantifying desmethoxyyangonin, methysticin and kavain in rat liver microsomes and were successfully used to determine the three kavalactones and their microsomal metabolites. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The anatomy of cardiac looping: A step towards the understanding of the morphogenesis of several forms of congenital cardiac malformations
Authors: Männer Jörg
Published: July 2008

The early embryonic heart of vertebrates is a simple tubular pump. During the early phases of its development, the initially straight embryonic heart tube becomes transformed into a helically wound loop that is normally seen with a counterclockwise winding. This process is named cardiac looping. Such looping not only establishes the basic type of topological left‐right asymmetry of the ventricular chambers but, additionally, is also said to bring the segments of the heart tube and the developing great vessels into an approximation of their definitive topographical relationships. Cardiac looping is, therefore, regarded as the key process in cardiac morphogenesis and pathologists have speculated since the beginning of the 20th century that several forms of congenital cardiac malformations (e.g., with mirror‐imaged arrangement of the ventricular chambers) might result from disturbances in looping morphogenesis. In this article a review is given on (1) differences in the usage of the term cardiac looping; (2) our current knowledge of the dynamically changing anatomy of the looping embryonic heart; and (3) our current knowledge of the role of looping anomalies in the morphogenesis of congenital cardiac malformations. Clin. Anat. 22:21–35, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Omental Morgagni‐Larrey hernia: An anatomical pictorial essay
Authors: Stimec Bojan V. , Milisavljevic Milan , Malikovic Aleksandar , Fasel Jean H.D.
Published: July 2008

This paper reports on a case of an omental diaphragmatic hernia revealed during routine anatomical dissection of an obese 85‐year‐old male with plethoric appearance of the upper body. The hernial mass, with a size of 12 cm × 9 cm, was detected in the anterior mediastinum. It had a long peduncle originating from the transverse colon and passing through the right sternocostal diaphragmatic opening of Morgagni‐Larrey. The whole greater omentum was tightly packed and tumid within the serous hernial sac, but without signs of torquation. To our knowledge, this is the first systematic analysis of the omental hernial anatomy by a step‐by‐step iconography. Clin. Anat. 21:587–591, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The interpectoral fascia flap
Authors: Beer Gertrude M. , Manestar Andrew , Manestar Mirjana
Published: July 2008

Despite the great number of pedicled and free flaps that are available for defect and contour repair, the number of fascia flaps with an axial blood supply are sparse. Such flaps with their gliding function are mandatory, whenever coverage with very thin, well‐vascularized tissue is necessary. To the currently established fascia flaps, (the temporoparietal fascia flap, the radial forearm fascia flap, the lateral arm fascia flap, and the serratus anterior fascia flap), we want to add a new fascia flap, the interpectoral fascia flap. We dissected the interpectoral fascia flap from 20 cadavers. In each of the 40 hemichests, the trunk of the thoracoacromial vessels was selectively injected with red polyurethane and the tissue containing the pectoral branches was separated from the overlying pectoralis major muscle and converted into an independent fascia flap. The maximum flap length was 13.5 cm and the maximum breadth was 10.3 cm. The length of the vascular pedicle before entering the flap was 3.9 cm ± 1.4 cm with a range of 1.5–6.8 cm. Concerning the arc of rotation, all 40 flaps reached the posterior axillary fold, and 29 flaps (73%) reached the mandibular border. This new fascia flap has applications as pedicled and as free flap. The pedicled flap is used in the neck region, in the axillary region and as gliding tissue between the nipple‐areola complex and the pectoralis major muscle. The usage of the fascia flap as a free flap has similar characteristics as the other fascia flaps. Clin. Anat. 21:465–470, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Fetal development of the human gubernaculum with special reference to the fasciae and muscles around it
Authors: Niikura Hitoshi , Okamoto Satoshi , Nagase Satoru , Takano Tadao , Murakami Gen , Tatsumi Haruyuki , Yaegashi Nobuo
Published: July 2008

Previous descriptions of human gubernacular embryology failed to follow some basic developmental processes, and surgically relevant structures, such as the iliopubic tract, had not been discussed relative to gubernacular development. We addressed these shortcomings in this study that examined two stage‐groups of human fetuses. At 8–12 weeks of gestation, the gubernaculum arose from the mesonephric fold at or near the gonad. Gubernacular mesenchyme communicated with the subcutaneous tissue via a narrow slit in the rectus aponeurosis. The inguinal fold, containing the inferior epigastric vessels, was separated from the gubernaculum. At 20–25 weeks of gestation, the gubernaculum connected to the testis or uterus. When the testis successfully descended to a peritoneal recess on the lateral side of the umbilical artery, the gubernaculum connected to the testis free of interference by the thick artery and its associated peritoneal fold. This may explain the known asymmetry in testicular descent. The inguinal canal was enclosed by a sheet‐like aponeurosis: its ventromedial part was composed of the rectus sheath and the external oblique aponeurosis, whereas the dorsolateral part consisted of a thick aponeurosis covering or facing the iliopsoas. The former (latter) aponeurosis seemed to develop into the inguinal ligament (the iliopubic tract) in adults. According to the topohistology of the muscles associated with the interfoveolar ligament, we identified muscle fragments around the gubernaculum as derivatives of the transversus and/or internal oblique. Consequently, the inguinal canal contained the cremaster proper developing within the gubernaculum and parts of the abdominal wall muscles mechanically incorporated into the canal. Clin. Anat. 21:547–557, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Shape‐constrained flock animation
Authors: Xu Jiayi , Jin Xiaogang , Yu Yizhou , Shen Tian , Zhou Mingdong
Published: July 2008

We propose a novel shape‐constrained flock animation system for interactively controlling flock navigation in virtual environments. This system is capable of making the spatial distribution of a flock meet static or deforming shape constraints while performing flock simulation. Such a capability can find many applications in the entertainment industry. Given a 3D constraining shape, our system first draws a set of uniform sample points through a 3D surface mosaicing process or a stratified point sampling strategy. Once correspondences between flock members and sample points have been established, points on the target shape are used as homing destinations to guide flock migration. Under a global path control scheme, an effective fuzzy control logic, which dynamically adjusts steering forces and control forces, has been developed to create visually pleasing shape‐constrained flock animations. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Motion adaptation based on character shape
Authors: Lyard Etienne , Magnenat‐Thalmann Nadia
Published: July 2008

With the increasing performances of the graphics hardware, virtual reality applications are reaching a new level of realism. It is now possible to animate entire crowds of virtual avatars, or to display in real‐time highly realistic deformable characters. This new type of applications requires that characters are deformed, either to generate a large number of individuals for creating a crowd, or to match a particular shape. To make the animation fit to the animated character and to prevent self‐collisions, adapting the motion is mandatory. Unlike previous approaches which relied on skeletal models, this paper presents a method considering the actual shape of the character's body to perform the adaptation. Our approach uses spacetime optimization to remove the self‐penetration, and finally re‐establishes the balance of the motion. We also introduce an interpolation scheme based on radial basis functions that can blend pre‐calculated adaptations, and thus achieve real‐time performances. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Generation and visualization of emotional states in virtual characters
Authors: Arellano Diana , Varona Javier , Perales Francisco J.
Published: July 2008

This paper presents an affective model that determines the emotional state of a character according to the personality traits and the experienced emotions. We consider an emotional state as the layer between personality and emotion. The proposed affective model offers a mapping between emotions and emotional states. To evidence emotional states of a virtual character, we can attribute them facial expressions based on their associated emotions. Facial expressions for intermediate emotions are generated automatically from expressions for universal emotions. The experiments show coherent emotional states produced by a simulated story. They also present how the corresponding emotions were represented through dynamic and static facial expressions. Finally, the obtained results demonstrate the satisfactory recognition by a group of people unfamiliar with the work described. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Coronary pressure never lies
Authors: Koolen Jacques J. , Pijls Nico H.J.
Published: July 2008

Fractional Flow Reserve (FFR), calculated by coronary pressure measurement, is the invasive gold standard to assess the hemodynamic significance of a coronary stenosis. FFR reliably indicates whether a stenosis is responsible for inducible ischemia and if percutaneous coronary intervention is appropriate. False positive or negative FFR is rare. Occasionally, however, a clinical or angiographic condition is encountered in which in first instance the FFR measurement contradicts the intuitive feeling of the interventionalist. Further examination in such cases, however, often reveals a clear physiologic explanation and in this manner FFR “lifts the veil”. Two such patients are presented in this case report and the reasons for apparent or actual false positive or negative FFR are discussed. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The revascular active percutaneous interventional device for coronary total occlusions study
Authors: Chamié Daniel , Abizaid Alexandre , Júnior José Ribamar Costa , Feres Fausto , Abizaid Andréa , Staico Rodolfo , Costa Ricardo , Mattos Luiz Alberto P. , Sousa Amanda G.M.R. , Sousa J. Eduardo
Published: July 2008

Background. Despite the well‐documented benefit of recanalization of an occluded vessel in some symptomatic patients, attempt is only performed in a minority of them. Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of CTO is associated with high incidence of complications and unsuccessful procedure, mainly due to inability to cross the lesion. We sought to evaluate the efficacy and safety of the novel RVT CTO Guidewire Device™ (RVT‐GDW™, ReVascular Therapeutics, Sunnyvale, CA) in this complex scenario. Methods. The RAPID‐CTO study is a non‐randomized, single center, first‐in‐man evaluation of a new guidewire system for treatment of CTO. The RVT‐GDW is a new device designed to provide enhanced penetration and positioning control for crossing CTO via: (1) an 0.014 “guidewire with a mechanically active distal end; (2) a handle attached proximally to the guidewire, with an adjustable torquer, and interfaced to (3) a non‐disposable, battery‐operated, control unit, that provides activation control and audio feedback during the CTO crossing procedure. Per protocol, the RVT‐GDW device was only used after at least 5 min (fluoroscopy time) of attempt with commercially available conventional guidewires to cross the target lesion. Results. A total of 16 patients (16 lesions) were treated with the RVT‐GDW. Mean age was 56.25 years, 56.2% were men, and 25% diabetics. The average duration of occlusion was 4.7 ± 2.1 months. The mean vessel reference diameter was 2.76 ± 0.31 mm and the mean lesion length was 16.64 ± 7.70 mm (range 4.37–35.0 mm). Thirteen patients (81.2%) had “tapered stump” morphology at the proximal end of the occlusion, and a side branch was involved in 12 (75.0%). All lesions had contralateral circulation; bridging collaterals were seen in three (18.7%). Procedural success was achieved in 10 lesions (62.5%), with an average procedural time of 111.43 ± 35.76 min. There were no major adverse cardiac events at both in‐hospital and 30‐day clinical follow‐up. Conclusions. The first‐in‐man RAPID‐CTO study suggests that the novel RVT‐GDW device is technically feasible, safe and effective in crossing chronically occluded coronary arteries. Larger studies are warranted. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Transradial approach for coronary angiography and interventions in patients with coronary bypass grafts: Tips and tricks
Authors: Burzotta Francesco , Trani Carlo , Hamon Martial , Amoroso Giovanni , Kiemeneij Ferdinand
Published: July 2008

Among patients undergoing coronary procedures, patients with coronary artery bypass grafts represent an important, high risk subgroup. Routine transradial approach may be successfully adopted in these patients to reduce access‐site complications. However, transradial cannulation of the grafts may result technically demanding. In this article we discuss the specific technical issues and we present a series of tips and tricks which may facilitate angiography and interventions on both internal mammary and aorto‐coronary grafts. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Localized left atrial administration of tPA for the treatment of mechanical mitral valve thrombosis
Authors: Desai Sapna , Kavinsky Clifford
Published: July 2008

Prosthetic valve thrombosis is a dangerous and unfortunately not uncommon medical situation, often seen as a medical emergency. Patients with previously unseen and more confounding medical problems are presenting, making the decision regarding therapeutic options even more complicated. In this case report, we describe a complicated patient with mechanical mitral valve prosthesis placed secondary to rheumatic heart disease, with multiple co‐morbidities including severe left ventricular dysfunction, permanent artrial fibrillation, left femoral deep vein thrombosis, and non‐sustained ventricular tachycardia, who presented with acute valve thrombosis. The patient' history of hemorrhagic stroke and multiple acute ischemic strokes represented an absolute contraindication to more conventional forms of therapy such as intravenous systemic thrombolytics. In the following case report, we present an unprecedented approach to prosthetic valve thrombosis in this seemingly no‐option patient. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
First percutaneous transcatheter aortic valve‐in‐valve implant with three year follow‐up
Authors: Ruiz Carlos E. , Laborde Jean C. , Condado Jose F. , Chiam Paul T.L. , Condado Jose A.
Published: July 2008

Objectives: This study was conducted to report the clinical, hemodynamic, and iconographic outcomes of the longest survivor of the global CoreValve experience. Background: Early results of percutaneous heart valve (PHV) implantation for severe symptomatic aortic stenosis (AS) have been encouraging, with mid term survival up to 2 years; however longer durability term is unknown. Although a PHV has been implanted in a degenerated surgical bioprosthesis, the feasibility of a PHV‐in‐PHV has not been demonstrated. Methods: A patient with severe refractory heart failure due to severe aortic regurgitation (AR) and moderate AS, underwent CoreValve prosthesis implantation. The PHV was deployed too proximal into the left ventricular outflow tract, resulting in severe AR through the frame struts. Using the first PHV as a landmark, a second CoreValve was then deployed slightly distal to the first, with trivial residual paravalvular leak. Results: The second CoreValve expanded well with proper function. Transvalvular gradient was 8 mmHg. Both coronary ostia were patent. New mild to moderate mitral regurgitation occurred due to impingement of the anterior mitral leaflet by the first PHV. NYHA functional class improved from IV to II, maintained over the past 3 years. Echocardiography at 3 years showed normal functioning CoreValve‐in‐CoreValve prostheses, without AR or paravalvular leaks. Transvalvular gradient was 10 mmHg. Cardiac CT showed stable valve‐in‐valve protheses with no migration. Conclusion: The CoreValve prosthesis has maintained proper function up to 3 years, with no structural deterioration or migration. Treating mixed aortic valve disease with predominant AR is feasible. The concept as well as durability of the first PHV‐in‐PHV has also been demonstrated. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Successful revascularization of re‐stenosis of lower extremity arteries with localized delivery of paclitaxel
Authors: Latif Faisal , Hennebry Thomas A.
Published: July 2008

Restenosis after percutaneous revascularization techniques is a challenging issue in patients with severe peripheral arterial disease. We report two cases where multiple revascularization techniques had been used previously, but restenosis occurred. We used an irrigation balloon to deliver paclitaxel locally into the tissues to obtain better results. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Long‐term clinical, angiographic, and intravascular ultrasound outcomes of biodegradable polymer‐coated sirolimus‐eluting stents
Authors: Han Yaling , Jing Quanmin , Chen Xuezhi , Wang Shouli , Ma Yingyan , Liu Haiwei , Luan Bo , Wang Geng , Li Yi , Wang Zulu , Wang Dongmei , Xu Bo , Gao Runlin
Published: July 2008

Background: The residual drug carriers on drug‐eluting stents (DES) surfaces are considered to be one of the most significant reasons causing late thrombosis. There is no documented data currently available on the safety/benefit profile beyond 6 months of EXCEL stent, a novel sirolimus‐eluting stent with biodegradable polymer coating, in treating patients with coronary artery disease (CHD). Objective: To evaluate the long‐term efficacy and safety of EXCEL stent on treating CHD patients. Methods: Between February and March 2006, a consecutive cohort of complex patients treated with the EXCEL stent was prospectively enrolled in this single‐center registry. Antiplatelet protocol was 6‐month dual antiplatelet therapy with clopidogrel and aspirin followed by aspirin alone indefinitely. The primary outcome was major adverse cardiac events (MACE) at 12 months. Secondary outcomes included in‐segment and in‐stent late lumen loss and binary restenosis rate measured by quantitative coronary angiography (QCA) analysis at 8 months postindex PCI procedure. Results: A total of 100 patients with 153 lesions were included in this analysis. Most lesions (83.0%) were classified as complex (B2/C). At 12 months, four patients (4.0%) experienced MACE, which were four target‐lesion revascularizations due to in‐stent restenosis (ISR). All patients received follow‐up up to 24 ± 0.4 months and no cardiac death, MI, and in‐stent thrombosis occurred during the 6 months of dual antiplatelet therapy or the subsequent 15 months of aspirin treatment alone. QCA analysis of 112 lesions from 75 patients showed 3.6% (4/112) in‐stent lesion restenosis, 5.4% (6/112) in‐segment lesion restenosis, 0.12 ± 0.34 mm in‐stent late lumen loss, and 0.08 ± 0.35 mm in‐segment late lumen loss. Conclusions: In this single‐center experience with complex patients and lesions, the EXCELTM stent implantation with 6‐month dual antiplatelet treatment proved to markedly reduce the incidence of 24‐month ISR and MACE. These preliminary findings require further validation by large scale, randomized trials. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Does the 3‐gene diagnostic assay accurately distinguish benign from malignant thyroid neoplasms?
Authors: Shibru Daniel , Hwang Jimmy , Khanafshar Elham , Duh Quan‐Yang , Clark Orlo H. , Kebebew Electron
Published: July 2008

BACKGROUND.

A 3‐gene (PCSK2, PLAB, CCND2) assay has been reported to have high accuracy for distinguishing benign from malignant thyroid tumors that are often indeterminate on fine–needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy. The aim of the current study was to determine the diagnostic accuracy of the 3‐gene assay in thyroid tissue and in FNA biopsy for distinguishing benign from malignant thyroid neoplasms.

METHODS.

The messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) expression level of 3 genes (PCSK2, PLAB, CCND2) was analyzed by real‐time quantitative reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction in 261 frozen thyroid tissue samples (138 benign and 123 malignant), and prospectively, in 144 clinical thyroid FNA samples. To determine the diagnostic accuracy of the 3‐gene assay, the area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic curve for each gene individually and in combination was determined.

RESULTS.

PCSK2 and CCND2 mRNA expression levels were found to be significantly different between benign and malignant thyroid tissue samples (P < .0001 and P = .0007, respectively), but PLAB mRNA expression level was not (P = .099). In the thyroid tissue samples, the AUC was 0.67 for PCSK2 and 0.62 for CCND2. In the thyroid FNA samples, PCSK2 and CCND2 were significantly differentially expressed between benign and malignant samples (P = .039 and P = .023, respectively). The AUC was 0.59 for PCSK2 and 0.61 for CCND2.

CONCLUSIONS.

Although PCSK2 and CCND2 were significantly differentially expressed between benign and malignant thyroid tumors both in tissue and in FNA samples, the diagnostic accuracy of the 3‐gene assay was low. These findings demonstrate that it is essential for studies to validate the diagnostic accuracy and clinical utility of emerging candidate diagnostic thyroid cancer markers if they are to be translated into clinically useful markers for making patient care decisions. Cancer 2008. © 2008 American Cancer Society.
Performance status and cytoreductive nephrectomy
Authors: Shuch Brian , La Rochelle Jeff C. , Wu Jon , Klatte Tobias , Riggs Stephen B. , Kabbinavar Fairooz , Belldegrun Arie S. , Pantuck Allan J.
Published: July 2008

BACKGROUND.

An Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (ECOG PS) of 2/3 can quantify cancer patients' well being and may be used to select patients for treatment. The objective of the current study was to investigate the outcomes of cytoreductive nephrectomy (CN) for patients who have an impaired performance status (ECOG PS 2/3).

METHODS.

Patients who underwent CN for renal cell carcinoma (RCC) between 1989 and 2006 were identified. Patient records were reviewed for age, symptoms, ECOG PS, tumor size, stage, grade, histology, sarcomatoid features, lymph node metastasis, site of metastasis, and the presence of bone metastases (BM) in weight‐bearing structures. The relation of ECOG PS to outcome variables was evaluated.

RESULTS.

Four hundred eighteen patients underwent CN, including 117 patients who had an ECOG PS of 0, 274 patients who had an ECOG PS of 1, and 27 patients who had an ECOG PS of 2/3. Patients who had a worse ECOG PS were younger, had higher tumor classification and grade, and more frequently demonstrated anemia and BM. Only 37.5% of patients who had an ECOG PS of 2/3 experienced an improvement in performance in the postoperative period, and only 57.5% went on to receive systemic therapy, of whom none attained an objective responses. The median disease‐specific survival for patients who had an ECOG PS of 0, 1, and 2/3 was 27 months, 13.8 months, and 6.6 months, respectively (P<.001). Patients who had an ECOG PS of 2/3 could be stratified further by the presence or absence of BM into 2 groups (median disease‐specific survival: 17.7 months and 2.1 months, respectively; P = .006).

CONCLUSIONS.

Surgery in patients who have a poor performance may serve a palliative function but should be performed with caution because of the poor outcome of such patients. ECOG PS is influenced strongly by BM. A subset of patients with an ECOG PS of 2/3 that are symptomatic specifically from BM may derive greater benefit from CN than patients who hare symptomatic because of visceral metastases. Cancer 2008. © 2008 American Cancer Society.
Successful management of severe L‐asparaginase–associated pancreatitis by continuous regional arterial infusion of protease inhibitor and antibiotic
Authors: Morimoto Akira , Imamura Toshihiko , Ishii Rumiko , Nakabayashi Yoshinobu , Nakatani Takuya , Sakagami Junichi , Yamagami Takuji
Published: July 2008

BACKGROUND.

L‐asparaginase is a key drug in the treatment of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and lymphoblastic lymphoma (LBL). However, L‐asparaginase can cause a fatal complication of pancreatitis, and an effective treatment for L‐asparaginase–associated pancreatitis (AAP) has not been developed to date. The authors investigated whether rapidly treating children with AAP by continuous regional arterial infusion (CRAI) of protease inhibitor and antibiotic would quickly resolve AAP.

METHODS.

Between 2000 and 2007, 104 pediatric patients with ALL or LBL were treated at the authors' affiliated hospitals with intensive regimens that included Escherichia coli‐derived L‐asparaginase. Six of 104 patients developed severe AAP. One patient was treated with intravenous infusion of protease inhibitor, and the remaining 5 patients received CRAI of protease inhibitor and antibiotic within 48 hours of the onset of AAP.

RESULTS.

The patient who received intravenous protease inhibitor had pseudocyst formation and developed a subsequent leukemic recurrence after the interruption of chemotherapy for 4.5 months. In the other patients, AAP subsided within 2 to 6 days after the start of CRAI, and serious complications did not emerge. Significantly, chemotherapy could be resumed within 4 weeks (range, 12‐23 days) afterthe onset of AAP, and the patients were in complete remission from 4 months to 44 months with further chemotherapy that excluded L‐asparaginase.

CONCLUSIONS.

The current results indicated that early introduction of CRAI of protease inhibitor and antibiotic is suitable for treating severe AAP. Cancer 2008. © 2008 American Cancer Society.
Synthesis, conversion and comparison of the photocatalytic and electrochemical properties of ZnSe·N2H4 and ZnSe microrods
Authors: Ni Yonghong , Zhang Lei , Zhang Li , Wei Xianwen
Published: July 2008

Novel ZnSe·N2H4 complex microrods with ∼2 μm in length and 100∼200 nm in diameter were successfully prepared by the solvothermal method at 110°C for 10 h, employing ZnAc2·2H2O and Se powders as the reactants, N2H4·H2O as the reductant and medium. Experiments showed that the as‐obtained complex could be further converted into pure hexagonal ZnSe in an ethanol medium at 180 °C for 10 h, and the morphology hardly changed. The as‐prepared products were characterized by X‐ray powder diffraction (XRD), Energy dispersive spectrum (EDS), IR spectrum, Thermogravimetric (TG) analysis and Field emission scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Also, their photocatalytic degradation and electrochemical property were compared. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Effects of surface tension anisotropy on interfacial instability in directional solidification
Authors: Wang Zhijun , Wang Jingcheng , Yang Gencang
Published: July 2008

Effects of surface tension anisotropy on the planar interfacial stability are studied with asymptotic analysis method in both the solidification from undercooled pure melts and the unidirectional solidification of binary alloys. The asymptotic approach developed by Xu is adopted to study the interfacial stability here, which is different from that used by other investigators previously in their works. A simple linear analysis result is obtained, i.e., the surface tension anisotropy may compete to determine interfacial stability near some critical conditions in unidirectional solidification of binary alloys. The exsitstence of the surface tension anisotropy enlarges the instability region of disturbed wave number. And the threshold of instability is strongly affected by surface tension anisotropy, especially at high pulling velocity or high temperature gradient. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Morphology and photoluminescence properties of ZnO nanostructures fabricated with different given time of Ar
Authors: Wang D. D. , Yang J. H. , Yang L. L. , Zhang Y. J. , Lang J. H. , Gao M.
Published: July 2008

ZnO nanostructures were grown on Au‐coated Si (100) substrates by carbonthermal reduction method with the help of Ar at the beginning of growth. The structural and optical properties of ZnO nanostructures strongly depended on the supply time of Ar. When the given time of Ar gas current was 90s, sample was ZnO nanowires with hexagonal morphology. The Raman spectroscopy revealed the low level of oxygen vacancies and Zn interstitials in samples. Room temperature photoluminescence (PL) spectra exhibited the intensity of green emission increased on the condition of rich oxygen (decrease given time of Ar) and the nanowire had strongest intensity of UV emission compared with other nanostructures. Green emission is ascribed to the electron transition from the bottom of the conduction band to the antisite defect OZn level. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Microstructure investigation of equal channel angular pressed aluminium by X‐ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy
Authors: Korchef A. , Njah N. , Kolsi A. W.
Published: July 2008

In the present work, investigations on the microstructure of a commercial purity 1100 aluminum that had been subjected to moderate to strong deformation (strains of 1 to 4) by equal channel angular pressing (ECAP) were carried out using X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microcopy (SEM). A significant grain refinement and development of heterogeneous microstructure after ECAP were observed. High precision XRD and SEM investigations provided useful results on the dissolution of coherent iron rich precipitates, previously formed in the aluminium matrix, by ECAP deformation process. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Crystal structure and optical properties of 4‐nitrophenyl 4‐butoxybenzoate
Authors: Franklin S. , Balasubramanian T. , Padmini V. , Sulochana N.
Published: July 2008

The title compound, C17H17N1O5, has been synthesized and characterized by single crystal X‐ray analysis and UV‐Vis spectra. The crystals are monoclinic, P 21/c, a = 17.994 (5) Å, b = 4.0592 (9) Å, c = 21.625 (5) Å, β = 99.634 (5)°, V = 1557.2 (6) Å3 and Z = 4. The molecule has an almost stretched form with a molecular length of 17.505 Å and an imbricated structure known for liquid crystals. The structure contains no direction‐specific intermolecular interactions like aromatic π‐π stacking and C‐H… π(arene) other than two weak C‐H…O hydrogen bonds. Good optical transmittance in the entire visible region of the UV‐Vis spectrum suggests that it is a potential candidate for optoelectronic applications. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
A solvothermal route to tellurium based thin films
Authors: Ma Jianmin , Liu Xiaodi , Wu Liyan , Zheng Wenjun
Published: July 2008

Tellurium thin film was prepared via a solvothermal route on glass substrates modified by exchaning the positive charge with high charge. It was characterized by SEM and XRD. The possible growth of tellurium thin film was proposed. It is expected that this method would be extended to other functional thin films. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Addressing difficulties in using XRD intensity for structural study of thin films
Authors: Ramadan A. A. , Abd El‐Mongy A. A. , El‐Shabiny A. M. , Mater A. T. , Mostafa S. H. , El‐Sheheedy E. A. , Hashem H. M.
Published: July 2008

The problem of structure investigation of thin films using laboratory XRD diffraction intensities was discussed as a matter of debate. Is the variation in relative intensities of the diffraction patterns due to crystallographic preferred orientation, lattice defects or both? The answer to this question shows a discrepancy in the literatures. The present work is an attempt to propose a possible approach to judge the most probable answer. Thin films of SnO2 were prepared by spray pyrolysis technique using solution of different SnCl2 concentrations (molarity); at fixed substrate temperature and deposition time. The theoretically calculated integrated intensities together with the experimentally obtained and calculated XRD data (relative intensities, texture coefficients and profile analysis) were considered together in order to get the proper picture of the structure characteristics of the prepared films. The complete picture can be assembled by integration and correlation of all the crystallographic information that are extracted from the diffraction pattern including not only the observed intensities but also the size/strain analysis and lattice parameters. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
X‐ray diffraction refinement of the crystal structure of anosovite prepared from leucoxene
Authors: Grass V. , Istomin P. , Nazarova L.
Published: July 2008

The crystal structure of anosovite, (Ti1.69Al0.26Fe0.05)3+(Ti0.97Zr0.03)4+O5, prepared by carbothermal reduction of leucoxene under vacuum at 1450°C has been refined by Rietveld method using powder X‐ray diffraction data. It was found that it represents slightly monoclinically deformed pseudobrookite type structure with lattice parameters a = 9.8111 Å, b = 3.7509 Å, c = 9.9468 Å, β = 90.628°. (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Synthesis, characterization and crystal structure of a porous crystalline material
Authors: Zhou Chun‐Sheng , Zhang Guo‐Chun
Published: July 2008

An exploration of the nickel‐malate‐bpp system under hydrothermal conditions, has led to the isolation of a novel framework {[Ni(Hmal)(bpp)]·5H2O}n (1) (Hmal = malate dianion, bpp = 1,3‐bi(4‐pyridyl)propane). Single‐crystal X‐ray analyses reveal that it crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Pccn. a = 21.141(3) Å, b = 10.4028(16) Å, c = 19.250(3) Å. The Ni(II) ions are linked into an extended helical chain via Hmal molecules. Further these chains are united together through the bridging bpp to form a 3D porous framework, which exhibits an unusual NbO‐type topological network. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Cross‐sectional and surface Raman mapping of thick GaN layers
Authors: Korbutowicz R. , Tłaczała M. , Kovač J. , Irmer G. , Srnanek R.
Published: July 2008

Raman scattering spectroscopy was utilized for investigation of the structural properties of thick GaN layers. These layers with thickness ∼ 40 μm have been grown by HVPE technique on the sapphire substrates. The investigations have been focused on the strain distribution in GaN layer cross‐section as a function of distance from an interface sapphire/GaN and mapping of the surface and of the inner layer, near the sapphire/GaN interface. From the observed phonon shifts in the Raman spectra strain differences lower than 6.4×10–4corresponding to stress differences of 240 MPa were estimated across the thick GaN epitaxial layer. The measurements exhibit that strain in the layer causes changes in the Raman spectra and allow determining the relaxation process in the crystal. The obtained results confirmed, that the mode frequencies in the measured Raman spectra in both directions (parallel or perpendicular to the growth direction) for layer thicknesses over 30 µm are comparable with typical values for bulk material and match the low strain in the structure due to relaxation processes. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Characterization of reactive DC magnetron sputtered TiAlN thin films
Authors: Subramanian B. , Ashok K. , Kuppusami P. , Sanjeeviraja C. , Jayachandran M.
Published: July 2008

Thin films of about 1μm Titanium Aluminum Nitride (TiAlN) were deposited onto mild steel substrates by reactive direct current (DC) magnetron sputtering using a target consisting of equal segments of titanium and aluminum. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis showed that the TiAlN phase had preferred orientations along 111 and 200 with the face‐centered cubic structure. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) analyses indicated that the films were uniform and compact. Photoluminescence (PL) spectra reveal that TiAlN thin films are of good optical quality. Laser Raman studies revealed the presence of characteristic peaks of TiAlN at 312.5, 675, and 1187.5 cm–1. (© 2008 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Adaptive synchronization of GLHS with unknown parameters
Authors: Wang Yan‐Wu , Guo Li‐Lin , Xiao Di , Xiao Jiang‐Wen
Published: July 2008

In this paper, an adaptive controller for the synchronization of two generalized Lorenz hyperchaos systems (GLHSs) is designed by using the Lyapunov method. In the synchronization schema, the parameters of the drive system are unknown and different from those of the response system. By introducing update laws for both the control coefficients and the parameters of the response system, the adaptive controller proposed in this paper is brand new compared with the former relative works. The proposed adaptive controller is feasible for any possible parameters of GLHS. Numerical simulation is carried out to verify and illustrate the analytical result. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Circuit theory of paralleling switching converters
Authors: Huang Yuehui , Tse Chi K.
Published: July 2008

This paper studies the various paralleling styles for dc–dc switching converters from a circuit theoretic viewpoint. The study begins with a systematic classification of the types of parallel‐connected dc–dc converters. In the classification, converters are modeled as current sources or voltage sources. From Kirchhoff's laws, the possible connection styles for paralleling current sources and voltage sources are derived, leading to the identification of three types of configurations for paralleling dc–dc converters. Then, control arrangements are classified according to the presence of current‐sharing and voltage‐regulation loops. Moreover, detailed operating principles with and without a current‐sharing loop for the three basic paralleling connections to obtain both current sharing and voltage regulation are given. Applying small‐signal analysis to the practical circuits, the inherent characteristics of each scheme are expounded. The roles of the current‐sharing loop and origins of current‐sharing errors are highlighted. Characteristics for all the schemes are obtained in terms of their performances in current sharing and voltage regulation. Finally, an experiment prototype is built to validate the analysis. The results clearly show the properties of the various paralleling schemes. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Crystal Structure, Electronic Structure, and Solid‐State Electrochemistry of Cluster Complexes of M3Se74+(M = Mo, W) with Noninnocento‐Phenanthroline and Se22–Ligands
Authors: Gushchin Artyom L. , Sokolov Maxim N. , Peresypkina Eugenia V. , Virovets Alexandr V. , Kozlova Svetlana G. , Zakharchuk Nina F. , Fedin Vladimir P.
Published: July 2008

The crystal, molecular, and electronic structure as well as the electrochemical behavior ofo‐phenanthroline complexes [M3Se7(o‐phen)3]X4(M = Mo, W; X = Cl, Br) were investigated. Recrystallization of [Mo3Se7(o‐phen)3]Br4from concentrated hydrochloric acid gave crystals corresponding to [Mo3(μ3‐Se)(μ2‐Se2)3(o‐phen)3]Cl4·12H2O, for which X‐ray analysis was performed. The bromide is isostructural. Solid‐state cyclic voltammetry shows that [M3Se7(o‐phen)3]Br4(M = Mo, W) undergoes reversible three‐electron reduction, which is phen‐centered with strong delocalization on the metal. DFT calculations for {[Mo3Se7(o‐phen)3]Br}3+, [Mo3Se7(o‐phen)3]4+, and {[Mo3Se7(o‐phen)3]Br}0support the correct formulation of the reduction process. Strong interactions between the Cl–or Br–and Se2ligands of the M3Se7cluster, observed in the crystal, can be described as donor–acceptor covalent bonding and are important enough to influence the redox behavior of the cluster.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)