bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chemiluminescence enhancement of 1,2‐di[3,4,5‐tri(3,4,5‐trihydroxybenzoyloxy)benzoyloxy] benzene in the presence of quaternary ammonium ions
Authors: Nakazono Manabu , Agawa Hiroki , Nanbu Shinkoh , Zaitsu Kiyoshi
Published: July 2009

The chemiluminescence intensity of 1,2‐di[3,4,5‐tri(3,4,5‐trihydroxybenzoyloxy)benzoyloxy] benzene increased in the presence of quaternary ammonium ions, such as acetylcholine chloride, choline chloride or benzyltrimethylammonium chloride. The complex of 1,2‐di[3,4,5‐tri(3,4,5‐trihydroxybenzoyloxy)benzoyloxy] benzene with acetylcholine chloride, choline chloride or benzyltrimethylammonium chloride was investigated by 1H‐NMR spectroscopy. The structure of the complex formed from 1,2‐di[3,4,5‐tri(3,4,5‐trihydroxybenzoyloxy)benzoyloxy] benzene with choline chloride was described by an ab initio quantum chemical calculation. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and luminescence properties of a novel blue emitting phosphor NaMgPO4:Eu2+
Authors: Tang Wanjun , Zheng Yingli
Published: July 2009

A novel blue‐emitting phosphor of Eu2+‐activated NaMgPO4 was prepared by combustion‐assisted synthesis. Sodium dihydrogen phosphate and magnesium nitrate were used as the source of Na, P and Mg, respectively. The ratios of magnesium and phosphorus components that were dissolved into the combustion solution were changed from 1:1 to 1:1.3. Their effect on the crystallinities and photoluminescence spectra of the phosphor particles were investigated. The post‐heated phosphor particles had a broad excitation wavelength that ranged from 240 to 410 nm. The phosphor particles prepared from the combustion solution with a 1:1.2 ratio of magnesium to phosphorus had maximum emission intensity under ultraviolet excitation. The effect of doped Eu2+ concentration on the emission intensity of NaMgPO4:Eu2+ was also investigated.
Simultaneous determination of twelve bioactive constituents in Buyang Huanwu decoction by HPLC‐DAD‐ELSD and HPLC‐TOF/MS
Authors: Liu E‐Hu , Qi Lian‐Wen , Cheng Xiao‐Lan , Peng Yong‐bo , Li Ping
Published: July 2009

Buyang Huanwu Decoction (BYHYD) is a classical traditional Chinese medicinal prescription that has been widely used for treating cerebrovascular illnesses for hundreds of years. In this study, a comprehensive analytical method has been developed for quantitative analysis of the major constituents in BYHWD. This method was based on high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled to a diode array and evaporative light scattering detectors (HPLC‐DAD‐ELSD) on a common reverse‐phase C18 column. HPLC coupled with on‐line time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (HPLC‐TOF/MS) was additionally adopted to provide further validation for the constituents. It was found that 0.3% aqueous formic acid and acetonitrile was the optimum mobile phase for gradient elution. This method, which showed excellent precision and accuracy, was successfully applied to quantify the bioactive constituents in six BYHWD products. The validated HPLC‐DAD‐ELSD method, together with the HPLC‐TOF/MS analysis, provided a new basis for assessing the quality of traditional Chinese medicinal prescription consisting of many bioactive components. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quality control of PET radiopharmaceuticals by high‐performance liquid chromatography with tris(2,2′‐bipyridyl)ruthenium(II) electrogenerated chemiluminescence detection
Authors: Nakao Ryuji , Furutsuka Kenji , Fukumura Toshimitsu , Yamaguchi Masatoshi , Suzuki Kazutoshi
Published: July 2009

A highly sensitive reversed‐phase liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method was investigated to analyze a range of positron emission tomography (PET) radiopharmaceuticals using electrogenerated chemiluminescence (ECL) detection. ECL is based on the reaction of PET molecules with tris(2,2′‐bipyridyl)ruthenium(III) [Ru(bpy)33+], which is generated through the on‐line electro‐oxidation of Ru(bpy)32+. In 21 different radiopharmaceuticals studied, 18 compounds could be detected with detection limits (signal‐to‐noise ratio = 3) of 0.12–72 ng/mL per 20 μL injection. Sufficient reproducibility and linearity were obtained for the quantitative determination of PET molecules in pharmaceutical fluid. This method could be successfully applied to quality control tests of PET radiopharmaceuticals with ultra‐high specific radioactivity. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Measurement of fexofenadine concentration in micro‐sample human plasma by a rapid and sensitive LC‐MS/MS employing protein precipitation: application to a clinical pharmacokinetic study
Authors: Guo Daqing , Zou Jianjun , Zhu Yubing , Lou Sheng , Fan Hongwei , Qin Qun
Published: July 2009

A simple, rapid and sensitive liquid chromatography/positive ion electro‐spray tandem mass spectrometry method (LC‐MS/MS) was developed and validated for the quantification of fexofenadine with 100 μL human plasma employing glipizide as internal standard (IS). Protein precipitation was used in the sample preparation procedure. Chromatographic separation was achieved on a reversed‐phase C18 column (5 μm, 100 × 2.1 mm) with methanol : buffer (containing 10 mmol/L ammonium acetate and 0.1% formic acid; 70 : 30, v/v) as mobile phase. The total chromatographic runtime was approximately 3.0 min with retention time for fexofenadine and IS at approximately 1.9 and 2.1 min, respectively. Detection of fexofenadine and IS was achieved by LC‐MS/MS in positive ion mode using 502.1 → 466.2 and 446.0 → 321.1 transitions, respectively. The method was proved to be accurate and precise at linearity range of 1–600 ng/mL with a correlation coefficient (r) of ≥0.9976. The validated method was applied to a pharmacokinetic study in human volunteers following oral administration of 60 or 120 mg fexofenadine formulations, successfully. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dynamic Equilibria in Solvent‐Mediated Anion, Cation and Ligand Exchange in Transition‐Metal Coordination Polymers: Solid‐State Transfer or Recrystallisation?
Authors: Cui Xianjin , Khlobystov Andrei N. , Chen Xinyong , Marsh Dan H. , Blake Alexander J. , Lewis William , Champness Neil R. , Roberts Clive J. , Schröder Martin
Published: July 2009

The solution properties of a series of transition‐metal–ligand coordination polymers [ML(X)n]∞ [M=AgI, ZnII, HgII and CdII; L=4,4′‐bipyridine (4,4′‐bipy), pyrazine (pyz), 3,4′‐bipyridine (3,4′‐bipy), 4‐(10‐(pyridin‐4‐yl)anthracen‐9‐yl)pyridine (anbp); X=NO3−, CH3COO−, CF3SO3−, Cl−, BF4−; n=1 or 2] in the presence of competing anions, metal cations and ligands have been investigated systematically. Providing that the solubility of the starting complex is sufficiently high, all the components of the coordination polymer, namely the anion, the cation and the ligand, can be exchanged on contact with a solution phase of a competing component. The solubility of coordination polymers is a key factor in the analysis of their reactivity and this solubility depends strongly on the physical properties of the solvent and on its ability to bind metal cations constituting the backbone of the coordination polymer. The degree of reversibility of these solvent‐induced anion‐exchange transformations is determined by the ratio of the solubility product constants for the starting and resultant complexes, which in turn depend upon the choice of solvent and the temperature. The extent of anion exchange is controlled effectively by the ratio of the concentrations of incoming ions to outgoing ions in the liquid phase and the solvation of various constituent components comprising the coordination polymer. These observations can be rationalised in terms of a dynamic equilibrium of ion exchange reactions coupled with Ostwald ripening of crystalline products. The single‐crystal X‐ray structures of [Ag(pyz)ClO4]∞ (1), {[Ag(4,4′‐bipy)(CF3SO3)]⋅CH3CN}∞ (2), {[Ag(4,4′‐bipy)(CH3CN)]ClO4⋅ 0.5 CH3CN}∞ (3), metal‐free anbp (4), [Ag(anbp)NO3(H2O)]∞ (5), {[Cd(4,4′‐bipy)2(H2O)2](NO3)2⋅4 H2O}∞ (6) and {[Zn(4,4′‐bipy)SO4(H2O)3] ⋅2 H2O}∞ (7) are reported.
Docetaxel and irinotecan in recurrent or metastatic head and neck cancer
Authors: Argiris Athanassios , Buchanan Ashley , Brockstein Bruce , Kolesar Jill , Ghebremichael Musie , Pins Michael , Hahn Kristine , Axelrod Rita , Forastiere Arlene
Published: July 2009

BACKGROUND:

Docetaxel and irinotecan have single‐agent antitumor activity in squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN). The authors sought to evaluate their combination in the treatment of patients with recurrent or metastatic SCCHN.

METHODS:

Eligibility criteria included recurrent or metastatic SCCHN with measurable disease, good performance status, and adequate laboratory parameters. Patients received docetaxel 35 mg/m2and irinotecan 60 mg/m2, intravenously, on Days 1 and 8, every 21 days, until disease progression. The authors assessed UGT1A1 genotype, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in serum, and cyclooxygenase‐2 and VEGF in baseline tumor tissue.

RESULTS:

Fifty‐two patients were analyzable: 20 chemotherapy naive (Group A) and 32 previously treated with 1 chemotherapy regimen (Group B); 73% of patients had distant metastasis, and 60% were paclitaxel‐exposed. In Group A, 3 (15%) patients achieved a partial response; in Group B, 1 (3%) patient achieved a partial response. Median progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival were 3.3 and 8.2 months in Group A and 1.9 and 5.0 months in Group B, respectively. Common serious toxicities were diarrhea, fatigue, and anorexia. Patients with high serum VEGF had a median PFS of 2.8 months versus 1.7 months for patients with low VEGF (P= .085).

CONCLUSIONS:

Docetaxel and irinotecan had acceptable toxicities, but efficacy results in unselected patients with recurrent or metastatic SCCHN did not suggest an advantage over docetaxel alone or platinum‐based regimens. Cancer 2009. © 2009 American Cancer Society.
Autoregulatory effects of serotonin on proliferation and signaling pathways in lung and small intestine neuroendocrine tumor cell lines
Authors: Drozdov Ignat , Kidd Mark , Gustafsson Bjorn I. , Svejda Bernhard , Joseph Richard , Pfragner Roswitha , Modlin Irvin M.
Published: July 2009

BACKGROUND:

Survival rates for gastrointestinal (GI) and bronchopulmonary (BP) neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) have not altered significantly (5‐year survival rate: GI NETs, 64.1%; BP NETs, 87%‐89%) in 30 years (from 1973 to 2004). No effective or specific antineoplastic agents are available to date, although somatostatin analogs inhibit NET 5‐hydroxytryptophan (5‐HT) secretion. Given the expression of 5‐HT receptors on NETs, the authors hypothesized that 5‐HT autoregulated NET proliferation.

METHODS:

Proliferation was evaluated in 3 NET cell lines using 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide uptake; in addition, real‐time polymerase chain reaction analyses and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay studies were performed to delineate 5‐HT–mediated signaling pathways. To determine the receptor and role of endogenous 5‐HT production, the effects of ketanserin (5‐HT receptor subtypes 2A and 2C [5‐HT2A/2C]); ondansetron (5‐HT3); and the suicide inhibitor of the rate‐limiting enzyme for 5‐HT synthesis, tryptophan hydroxylase (7‐HTP) were investigated.

RESULTS:

Exogenously added 5‐HT stimulated proliferation in atypical BP NET NCI‐H720 cells (+50%; half‐maximal stimulatory concentration [EC50] = 10 nM), in typical BP NET NCI‐H727 cells (+40%; EC50 = 0.01 nM), and in GI NET KRJ‐I cells (+60%; EC50 = 25 nM). In NCI‐H720 cells, proliferation was inhibited by ketanserin (half‐maximal inhibitory concentration [IC50] = 0.06 nM) and ondansetron (IC50 = 0.4 nM) and also was inhibited by 7‐HTP (IC50 = 0.3 nM). In NCI‐H727 cells, ketanserin and 7‐HTP inhibited proliferation (IC50 = 0.3 nM and IC50 = 2.3 nM, respectively), whereas ondansetron had no effect. In KRJ‐I cells, ketanserin (IC50 = 0.1 nM) and 7‐HTP (IC50 = 0.6 nM), but not ondansetron, inhibited proliferation. In all cell lines, 5‐HT activated proliferation through extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1 (ERK1) and ERK2 phosphorylation and c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK)‐mediated pathways (c‐JUN and Ki‐67 transcription). An autoregulatory effect was indicated by the 7‐HTP–mediated inhibition of extracellular 5‐HT and downstream effects on NET proliferation.

CONCLUSIONS:

Lung and GI NET proliferation was autoregulated by 5‐HT through alterations in ERK and JNK signaling. Targeting NET cells with 5‐HT2 receptor antagonists and 7‐HTP reversed proliferation. The current results indicated that 5‐HT2 receptor subtype‐specific antagonists may represent a viable antiproliferative therapeutic strategy. Cancer 2009. © 2009 American Cancer Society.
The role of angiocidin in sarcomas
Authors: Liebig Catherine , Wilks Jonathan A. , Feig Barry W. , Wang Thomas N. , Wilson Mariya , Herdman Ann V. , Albo Daniel
Published: July 2009

BACKGROUND:

Angiocidin, first identified as a tumor‐associated thrombospondin‐1 (TSP‐1) receptor, is a key mediator of tumor progression. TSP‐1, an extracellular protein produced by stromal cells, up‐regulates gelatinases and tumor cell invasion in epithelial malignancies. The authors recently developed 2 angiocidin‐inhibitory peptides that block angiocidin–TSP‐1 binding. They hypothesized that angiocidin mediates increased gelatinase expression and tumor cell invasion in sarcomas through its interaction with TSP‐1.

METHODS:

Angiocidin, TSP‐1, and gelatinase expression was evaluated in low‐grade and high‐grade sarcoma specimens. The authors established 3 distinct cell lines from a patient with an extraskeletal osteosarcoma: EXOS‐N (normal mesenchymal), EXOS‐P (primary osteosarcoma), and EXOS‐M (lung metastasis). Each was evaluated for angiocidin, gelatinase, and gelatinase inhibitor (tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase) expression and for invasive capacity. Their responsiveness to TSP‐1 was determined. The role of angiocidin in up‐regulating gelatinase expression and invasion was studied using the authors' angiocidin‐inhibitory peptides.

RESULTS:

Expression of angiocidin, TSP‐1, and gelatinases correlated with tumor grade. Angiocidin expression, gelatinase activity, and invasiveness in the EXOS cell lines correlated with phenotype; EXOS‐N cells did not express angiocidin or gelatinases and were not invasive; EXOS‐M cells were 5 times more invasive than EXOS‐P cells and exhibited greater angiocidin and gelatinase expression. EXOS cell gelatinase activity and invasiveness increased 4‐ to 5‐fold in response to TSP‐1. Inhibition of angiocidin with the authors' inhibitory peptides blocked TSP‐1–promoted increases in gelatinase activity and tumor cell invasion.

CONCLUSIONS:

Angiocidin promotes gelatinase up‐regulation and tumor cell invasion in sarcomas. Angiocidin‐inhibitory peptides are potent inhibitors of sarcoma cell invasion in vitro, suggesting a potential therapeutic role for these peptides in the treatment of sarcomas. Cancer 2009. © 2009 American Cancer Society.
Optical and Magnetic Properties of Conjugate Structures of PbSe Quantum Dots and γ‐Fe2O3 Nanoparticles
Authors: Etgar Lioz , Leitus Gregory , Fradkin Leonid , Assaraf Yehuda G. , Tannenbaum Rina , Lifshitz Efrat
Published: July 2009

An investigation of the optical and magnetic properties of a unique hydrogen‐linked conjugate nanostructure, comprised of superparamagnetic γ‐Fe2O3 nanoparticles (NPs) and near‐infrared PbSe nanocrystal quantum dot (NQD) chromophores, is reported. The results show retention of the NQDs’ emission quantum efficiency and radiative lifetime, and only a small red shift of its band energy, upon conjugation to the dielectric surroundings of γ‐Fe2O3 NPs. The study also shows the sustainability of the superparamagnetism of the NPs after conjugation, with only a slight decrease of the ferromagnetic–superparamagnetic transition temperature with respect to that of the individual NPs. Thus, the conjugate nanostructure can be considered as a useful medical platform when PbSe NQDs act as fluorescent tags, while the γ‐Fe2O3 NPs are used as a vehicle driven by an external magnetic field for targeted delivery of tags or drugs.
3D Imaging of the Single Microdischarge Development in Coplanar Barrier Discharges in Synthetic Air at Atmospheric Pressure
Authors: Hoder T. , Šíra M. , Kozlov K. V. , Wagner H.‐E.
Published: July 2009

The evolution of the luminosity of the coplanar barrier discharge in the single‐filament mode was studied by the technique of cross‐correlation spectroscopy and intensified high‐speed CCD camera. For the first time 3D‐spatially and temporally resolved investigations of the luminosity of second positive (at 337.1 nm) and first negative (at 391.5 nm) system of molecular nitrogen in this discharge type were realized. Although the coplanar barrier discharge is sometimes referred to as a pure surface discharge, it shows clear 3D structure. From these experimental data, the propagation of the cathode‐directed ionizing wave in the space above the gap is clearly seen. Also, a second ionizing wave propagating towards anode later on has been detected, too. The diffuse spots created by impact of ionizing waves onto the dielectrics and their propagation on the dielectric surface is described. The results for the coplanar barrier discharge are compared with corresponding experimental results obtained for the volume barrier discharge and basic similarities are pointed out (© 2009 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Synthetic Aspects of Porphyrin Dendrimers
Authors: Maes Wouter , Dehaen Wim
Published: July 2009

This Microreview presents a concise overview of the different synthetic approaches that have been applied to porphyrin dendrimers over the years, with the porphyrin macrocycle(s) being embedded variously as the dendritic cores, at the peripheries, within the branching units, or spread throughout entire dendritic architectures. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)
No increases in biomarkers of genetic damage or pathological changes in heart and brain tissues in male rats administered methylphenidate hydrochloride (Ritalin) for 28 days
Authors: Witt Kristine L. , Malarkey David E. , Hobbs Cheryl A. , Davis Jeffrey P. , Kissling Grace E. , Caspary William , Travlos Gregory , Recio Leslie
Published: July 2009

Following a 2005 report of chromosomal damage in children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) who were treated with the commonly prescribed medication methylphenidate (MPH), numerous studies have been conducted to clarify the risk for MPH‐induced genetic damage. Although most of these studies reported no changes in genetic damage endpoints associated with exposure to MPH, one recent study (Andreazza et al. [2007]: Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 31:1282–1288) reported an increase in DNA damage detected by the Comet assay in blood and brain cells of Wistar rats treated by intraperitoneal injection with 1, 2, or 10 mg/kg MPH; no increases in micronucleated lymphocyte frequencies were observed in these rats. To clarify these findings, we treated adult male Wistar Han rats with 0, 2, 10, or 25 mg/kg MPH by gavage once daily for 28 consecutive days and measured micronucleated reticulocyte (MN‐RET) frequencies in blood, and DNA damage in blood, brain, and liver cells 4 hr after final dosing. Flow cytometric evaluation of blood revealed no significant increases in MN‐RET. Comet assay evaluations of blood leukocytes and cells of the liver, as well as of the striatum, hippocampus, and frontal cortex of the brain showed no increases in DNA damage in MPH‐treated rats in any of the three treatment groups. Thus, the previously reported observations of DNA damage in blood and brain tissue of rats exposed to MPH for 28 days were not confirmed in this study. Additionally, no histopathological changes in brain or heart, or elevated serum biomarkers of cardiac injury were observed in these MPH‐exposed rats. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 2010. Published 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Examination for adjoint boundary conditions in initial water elevation estimation problems
Authors: Kurahashi T.
Published: July 2009

I present here a method of generating a distribution of initial water elevation by employing the adjoint equation and finite element methods. A shallow‐water equation is employed to simulate flow behavior. The adjoint equation method is utilized to obtain a distribution of initial water elevation for the observed water elevation. The finite element method, using the stabilized bubble function element, is used for spatial discretization, and the Crank–Nicolson method is used for temporal discretizations. In addition to a method for optimally assimilating water elevation, a method is presented for determining adjoint boundary conditions. An examination using the observation data including noise data is also carried out. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
El Niño Southern Oscillation link to the Blue Nile River Basin hydrology
Authors: Abtew Wossenu , Melesse Assefa M. , Dessalegne Tibebe
Published: July 2009

The objective of this study is to evaluate the relationships of El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) indices and the Blue Nile River Basin hydrology using a new approach that tracks cumulative ENSO indices. The results of this study can be applied for water resources management decision making to mitigate drought or flood impacts with a lead time of at least few months. ENSO tracking and forecasting is relatively easier than predicting hydrology. ENSO teleconnections to the Blue Nile River Basin hydrology were evaluated using spatial average basin rainfall and Blue Nile flows at Bahir Dar, Ethiopia. The ENSO indices were sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies in region Niño 3·4 and the Southern Oscillation Index (SOI). The analysis indicates that the Upper Blue Nile Basin rainfall and flows are teleconnected to the ENSO indices. Based on event correspondence and correlation analysis, high rainfall and high flows are likely to occur during La Niña years and dry years are likely to occur during El Niño years at a confidence level of 90%. Extreme dry and wet years are very likely to correspond with ENSO events as given above. The great Ethiopian famine of 1888–1892 corresponds to one of the strongest El Niño years, 1888. The recent drought years in Ethiopia correspond to strong El Niño years and wet years correspond to La Niña years. In this paper, a new approach is proposed on how to classify the strength of ENSO events by tracking consecutive monthly events through a year. A cumulative SST index value of ≥5 and cumulative SOI value of ≤ −7 indicate strong El Niño. A cumulative SST index value of ≤−5 and cumulative SOI index of ≥7 indicate strong La Niña. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sources of dissolved organic carbon during stormflow in a headwater agricultural catchment
Authors: Morel B. , Durand P. , Jaffrezic A. , Gruau G. , Molenat J.
Published: July 2009

Increasing dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentrations have been reported during the last 15 years in streams from the United Kingdom, Northern Europe and North America. Identifying the sources of DOC and the controls of the delivery to the stream is important to understand the significance of these trends. This relies on the availability of observations of DOC dynamics during storm events, since much of the DOC export from soils to streams occurs during high flows. This study analyses DOC data for eight storm events during winter 2005–2006 in a small agricultural experimental catchment—the Kervidy‐Naizin experimental catchment—located in Western France. A four end‐member mixing approach was applied to the eight monitored storm events to identify DOC sources and quantify their respective contribution to DOC stream fluxes, using DOC, nitrate, sulphate and chloride as tracers. The results show that DOC concentrations in the stream at the outlet of this catchment increase markedly during storm events. The slope of the linear regression between DOC concentration and discharge was not constant for the eight events and depended on pre‐event hydrological conditions. Between 64 and 86% of the DOC that enter the stream during storms originated from the upper layers of the riparian wetland soils. The variation of the delivery of DOC seems to be controlled by hydrological processes only, the wetland soils acting as a non‐limiting store. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tectonic control of erosion and sedimentation in the Amazon Basin of Bolivia
Authors: Baby Patrice , Guyot Jean Loup , Hérail Gérard
Published: July 2009

The western Amazon drainage basin, which extends from southern Colombia to northern Bolivia, comprises the Cordillera Oriental of the Andes and its adjacent foreland basin system. In northern Bolivia, the orogenic wedge of the eastern Andes is very large, and its forward propagation controls the morphology of the Madeira drainage basin. We consider here the erosion and sedimentation mass balance in this part of the Amazon Basin, estimated on the basis of recent sediment yield data, within the current tectonic and geomorphic framework. The total suspended sediment (TSS) flux exported from the present orogenic wedge of northern Bolivia has been estimated at 500–600 million t year−1. More than 50% of the total sediment load crossing the Madeira foreland basin system is deposited. The rest of the sediments (less than 46%) reaches the eastern Amazon Basin, bypassing the Brazilian craton to the north. The average mass of sediment that has been deposited from the late Miocene to the present in the Madeira foreland basin sedimentation system is less than that intercepted today, by a factor of about 2·4. These results can be interpreted as an increase in Bolivian foreland basin flexural subsidence over time, associated with crust thickening and orogenic loading, and accentuated by the growing mass of retained sediments. They are consistent with the uplift rates of the Cordillera Oriental, obtained from fission‐track dating, which began increasing significantly around 10–15 Ma. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Physiologically based pharmacokinetic modeling of cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine in male rats
Authors: Krishnan Kannan , Crouse Lee C.B. , Bazar Matthew A. , Major Michael A. , Reddy Gunda
Published: July 2009

A physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model for simulating the kinetics of cyclotrimethylene trinitramine (RDX) in male rats was developed. The model consisted of five compartments interconnected by systemic circulation. The tissue uptake of RDX was described as a perfusion‐limited process whereas hepatic clearance and gastrointestinal absorption were described as first‐order processes. The physiological parameters for the rat were obtained from the literature whereas the tissue : blood partition coefficients were estimated on the basis of the tissue and blood composition as well as the lipophilicity characteristics of RDX (logP = 0.87). The tissue : blood partition coefficients (brain, 1.4; muscle, 1; fat, 7.55; liver, 1.2) obtained with this algorithmic approach were used without any adjustment, since a focused in vitro study indicated that the relative concentration of RDX in whole blood and plasma is about 1 : 1. An initial estimate of metabolic clearance of RDX (2.2 h−1 kg−1) was obtained by fitting PBPK model simulations to the data on plasma kinetics in rats administered 5.5 mg kg−1 i.v. The rat PBPK model without any further change in parameter values adequately simulated the blood kinetic data for RDX at much lower doses (0.77 and 1.04 mg −1 i.v.), collected in this study. The same model, with the incorporation of a first order oral absorption rate constant (Ka 0.75 h−1), reproduced the blood kinetics of RDX in rats receiving a single gavage dose of 1.53 or 2.02 mg kg−1. Additionally, the model simulated the plasma and blood kinetics of orally administered RDX at a higher dose (100 mg kg−1) or lower doses (0.2 or 1.24 mg kg−1) in male rats. Overall, the rat PBPK model for RDX with its parameters adequately simulates the blood and plasma kinetic data, obtained following i.v. doses ranging from 0.77 to 5.5 mg kg−1 as well as oral doses ranging from 0.2 to 100 mg kg−1. Published in 2009 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In‐vitro and in‐vivo evaluation of a new Ti‐15Mo‐1Bi alloy
Authors: Lee Jing‐Wei , Lin Dan‐Jae , Ju Chien‐Ping , Yin Hsiang‐Shu , Chuang Cheng‐Chung , Lin Jiin‐Huey Chern
Published: July 2009

The newly developed Ti‐15Mo‐1Bi alloy not only possesses all the desirable mechanical properties inherent to β‐Ti Mo alloys, but may even enjoy better clinical applicability with the addition of bismuth element, which has long been administered as antibacterial and antitumor medicines. A significantly higher viability of 3T3 cells was demonstrated when they were grown on Ti‐15Mo‐1Bi alloy than on Ti‐15Mo and Ti‐6Al‐4V. Cells incubated in the medium conditioned by Bi powder at 37°C for 96 h exhibited viability similar to that in the blank group and higher than that in the Ni conditioned group. In vivo experiments using 6 mm × 2 mm metal pin implanted into the epicondyle of rabbit femur revealed superior potential of new bone growth and better persistence of the deposited bony tissue with the Ti‐15Mo‐1Bi alloy in contrast to that with Ti‐6Al‐4V. The difference is evident at 12th week and become even more prominent after 26 weeks, with the new bone area measuring 249% of that around Ti‐6Al‐4V alloy. In summary, Ti‐15Mo‐1Bi alloys show no cytotoxicity in the in‐vitro test and demonstrates superior ability to retain bone in the in‐vivo implantation experiment as compared with Ti‐6Al‐4V alloys. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2009
Optimization of kinetic data for two‐stage batch adsorption of Pb(II) ions onto tripolyphosphate‐modified kaolinite clay
Authors: Unuabonah E.I. , Adebowale K.O.
Published: July 2009

BACKGROUND: Most adsorption studies consider only the adsorption of pollutants onto low cost adsorbents without considering how equilibrium and kinetic data can be optimized for the proper design of adsorption systems. This study considers the optimization of kinetic data obtained for the removal of Pb(II) from aqueous solution by a tripolyphosphate modified kaolinite clay adsorbent.

RESULTS: Modification of kaolinite clay with pentasodium tripolyphosphate increases its cation adsorption capacity (CEC) and specific surface area (SSA) from 7.81 to 78.9 meq (100 g)−1 and 10.56 to 13.2 m2 g−1 respectively. X‐ray diffraction patterns for both unmodified and tripolyphosphate‐modified kaolinite clay suggest the modification is effective on the surface of the clay mineral. Kinetic data from the batch adsorption of Pb(II) onto the tripolyphosphate‐modified kaolinite clay adsorbent were optimized to a two‐stage batch adsorption of Pb(II) using the pseudo‐second‐order kinetic model. Mathematical model equations were developed to predict the minimum operating time for the adsorption of Pb(II). Results obtained suggest that increasing temperature and decreasing percentage Pb(II) removal by the adsorbent enhanced operating time of the adsorption process. The use of two‐stage batch adsorption reduces contact time to 6.7 min from 300 min in the single‐stage batch adsorption process for the adsorption of 2.5 m3 of 500 mg L−1 Pb(II) under the same operating conditions.

CONCLUSION: Results show the potential of a tripolyphosphate‐modified kaolinite clay for the adsorption of Pb(II) from aqueous solution and the improved efficiency of a two‐stage batch adsorption process for the adsorption of Pb(II) even at increased temperature. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Obtaining leadership support for medical safety programs: A practical approach
Authors: Lundstrom Tammy , Pugliese Gina , Bartley Judene
Published: July 2009

Development of an educational presentation that describes a comprehensive program for the hospital board is the first step.
From the end of the world to the top of the world
Authors: Borg Douglas J.
Published: July 2009

I've been on the road a bit this summer. Because of the kind generosity of my London broker, Lloyd and Partners, Ltd., I've been allowed the unique opportunity to have an insider's view of the London market. I observed an interesting renewal situation and sat with underwriters in their boxes amid the hallowed (at least to us insurance geeks) trappings of Lloyd's. I spent several lovely days in Hanover with my long‐time lead reinsurer, Hanover Re, while trying desperately to keep up with my own work back home. It's been stimulating and thought‐provoking, and I know I won't ever view the purchase of insurance in the same way.
Detection and characterization of focal hepatic tumors: A comparison of T2‐weighted MR images before and after the administration of gadoxectic acid
Authors: Kim Young Kon , Kwak Hyo Sung , Kim Chong Soo , Han Young Min
Published: July 2009

Purpose

To evaluate if T2‐weighted images (T2WI) after administration of gadoxetic acid have diagnostic capability comparable to precontrast T2WI in the detection and characterization of focal liver lesions.

Materials and Methods

Eighty patients with 128 liver lesions (71 hepatocellular carcinomas, 35 metastases, and 22 hemangiomas) underwent gadoxetic acid‐enhanced T1WI and precontrast and postcontrast turbo spin echo‐short tau inversion recovery (TSE‐STIR) and respiratory triggered (RT)‐TSE. The sensitivity for malignancy with combining T2WIs and enhanced T1WIs was evaluated and percentage of signal intensity loss (PSIL) and lesion‐liver contrast to noise ratio (CNR) were calculated for T2WIs. Lesion characterization with T2WIs as solid and nonsolid was evaluated using kappa statistics.

Results

The PSIL was higher with TSE‐STIR than with RT‐TSE (P = 0.0001). The malignancy‐liver CNRs on postcontrast T2WIs were higher than on precontrast T2WIs (P = 0.0001). Sensitivity for malignancy by combining postcontrast T2WIs and T1WIs (93.0% [hepatocellular carcinoma, HCC]; 97.1% [metastases]) was comparable to sensitivity of combining precontrast T2WIs and postcontrast T1WIs (91.6% [HCC]; 88.6% [metastases]). Kappa values for T2WIs indicated excellent agreement (k = 0.935).

Conclusion

Gadoxetic acid‐enhanced T2WIs showed a comparable diagnostic capability to precontrast T2WIs for the detection and characterization of hepatic tumors. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2009;30:437–443. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Using RAPD markers to predict polyphenol content in aerial parts of Echinacea purpurea plants
Authors: Chen Chung Li , Chuang Su Jean , Chen Junne Jih , Sung Jih Min
Published: July 2009

BACKGROUND: Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench is in increasing demand worldwide owing to its medicinal value, resulting from the combined effects of several phytochemicals. In the present study, the polymerase chain reaction‐amplified randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers generated from 45 pre‐selected primers were used to predict the contents of total phenol, caffeoyl phenol and alkamide8 + 9 (alkamide 8+ alkamide 9) in aerial parts of 70 E. purpurea accessions through stepwise regression analysis. The contents of these phytochemicals were also analyzed chemically.

RESULTS: In the first trial, 16 polymorphic fragments generated by pre‐selected RAPD primers showed significant correlations with the examined phytochemical traits in 59 accessions. Phytochemical traits in leaves and florets of another 11 accessions were further analyzed chemically, and the data were compared to the phytochemical data predicted using the regression equations derived from first trial. Statistical analyses revealed significant correlations in total phenol level between predicted and actual values for leaves and florets in these 11 accessions.

CONCLUSION: RAPD markers coupled with stepwise regression analysis can be considered as an initial screening method for identifying E. purpurea accessions with high total phenol content in aerial parts of the plants prior to assessing their agronomic performance in the field. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
Alternating Copolymerization of Carbon Dioxide and Propylene Oxide Catalyzed by Cobalt Schiff Base Complex
Authors: Niu Yongsheng , Li Hongchun , Chen Xuesi , Zhang Wanxi , Zhuang Xiuli , Jing Xiabin
Published: July 2009

Cobalt 2,4‐dinitrophenolate (complex 1) based upon a N,N,O,O‐tetradentate Schiff base ligand framework was prepared. X‐ray diffraction analysis confirmed that complex 1 was triclinic species with a six‐coordinated central cobalt octahedron in the solid. Asymmetric alternating copolymerization of carbon dioxide (CO2) with racemic propylene oxide (rac‐PO) proceeded effectively by complex 1 in conjunction with (4‐dimethylamino)pyridine (DMAP), yielding a perfectly alternating and bimodal molecular weight distribution PO/CO2 poly(propylene carbonate) (PPC) with a small amount of cyclic carbonate byproducts.

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Branched Base‐Amplifying Oligomers Enhancing UV‐Curing of Epoxy Resins
Authors: Aoki Ken'ichi , Ichimura Kunihiro
Published: July 2009

This paper describes the preparation and the enhancing effect on anionic UV‐curing of epoxy resins of three and four‐armed oligomers bearing 9‐fluorenylmethyl carbamate residues, which displayed the autocatalytic formation of primary amino residues triggered by a photogenerated amine. The branched oligomers were readily synthesized by the Michael addition of the corresponding polythiol with 9‐fluorenylmethyl 2‐acryloyloxyethylcarbamate, which were obtained from 9‐fluorenylmethanol and commercially available 2‐isocyanatoethyl acrylate. Films of poly(glycidyl methacrylate) and a glycidylated novolac resin doped with a photobase generator exhibited boosted photosensitivity leading to photoinsolubilization in the presence of the base‐amplifying oligomers. The more marked effect of the branched oligomers on UV‐curing of epoxy resins was demonstrated by using films of a fluid epoxy, which were converted into hard films after UV exposure and post‐exposure baking, whereas no hardening occurred in the absence of the oligomers.

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Magnetic Latex Particles in Nanobiotechnologies for Biomedical Diagnostic Applications: State of the Art
Authors: Elaissari Abdelhamid
Published: July 2009

Summary: The main objective of this short state‐of‐the art is to report on the preparation of reactive magnetic latexes for biomedical applications. The main advantage of colloidal magnetic particles is their separation upon applying an external permanent magnetic field. Then magnetic particles bearing reactive groups or specific receptors are used in biomedical diagnosis such as immunoassay, molecular diagnosis for specific capture and detection of nucleic acids, viruses extraction and detection, cell sorting and more recently in numerous biotechnological applications. The preparation of magnetic latexes requires the use of well‐defined iron oxide nanoparticles in appropriate medium. In this direction, aqueous ferrofluids were largely used to prepare functional magnetic latexes, whereas few approaches have been devoted to the use of organic ferrofluids.
Phase Transitions in Pure and Hybrid Hydrogels: A Fluorescence Study
Authors: Aktaş Demet Kaya , Evinguür Gülşen Akın , Pekcan OÖnder
Published: July 2009

Summary: Recent observations on phase transitions around the critical point showed that the critical exponents differed drastically from percolation results and classical results for pure hydrogel systems, depending on monomer concentration. In addition to pure hydrogels, the sol‐gel phase transition during radical crosslinking copolymerization of acrylamide (AAm) and N‐isopropylacrylamide (NIPA) hybrid was studied by using the steady state fluorescence (SSF) technique. N,N′‐methylenebis(acrylamide) (BIS) and ammonium persulfate (APS) were used as crosslinker and initiator, respectively. Pyranine (trisodium 8‐hydroxypyrene‐1,3,6‐trisulfonate acid, HPTS) was added as a fluoroprobe for monitoring the polymerization. It was observed that pyranine binds to AAm and NIPA chains on the initiation of the polymerization, thus the fluorescence spectra of the bonded pyranines shift to shorter wavelengths. Fluorescence spectra of the bonded pyranines allowed to monitor the sol‐gel phase transition without disturbing the system mechanically and to test the universality of the sol‐gel transition as a function of polymer concentration ratios. The observations around the gel point of PAAm‐PNIPA hybrid show that the gel fraction exponent β obeyed the percolation result.
Swelling Behavior of Chemically Ion‐Doped Hydrogels
Authors: Alveroglu Esra , Gelir Ali , Yilmaz Yasar
Published: July 2009

Summary: Poly(acrylamide‐co‐N,N′‐methylenebisacrylamide) gels were synthesized in the presence of pyranine fluoroprobe (trisodium 8‐hydroxypyrene‐1,3,6‐trisulfonate). Pyranine binds to polymer chains through its OH group via radical addition. Thus, the final gels were doped with the pyranines having SO ions as side groups and Na+ as counter‐ions. The swelling behavior of gels prepared with varying amounts of pyranine and monomer concentrations were studied. The swelling ratio of the synthesized gels did not exceed 35 except the 2 M gel containing 10−2 M pyranine which are the concentrations for the abnormal swelling behavior. At this particular concentration of monomer (acrylamide) and pyranine, the mass ratio m/m0, the mass of the swollen gel to the mass of the dried gel, reaches about 1300; a stepwise behavior was observed in the swelling kinetics. The swelling kinetics of polyacrylamide gels containing unbound (free) pyranine were compared with the swelling behavior of the gels containing chemically bound pyranine.
Adhesives for Low‐Energy Surfaces
Authors: Agirre Amaia , Nase Julia , Creton Costantino , Asua José M.
Published: July 2009

Summary:The wetting and adhesive properties of model pressure‐sensitive adhesives synthesised by miniemulsion polymerization were investigated. Wetting experiments of aqueous solutions of three different emulsifiers showed that Silwet L‐77 (nonionic ethoxylated trisiloxane) was the best wetting agent. Probing adhesive properties, two different structure modifications of the polymer were investigated: a change in the polymer microstructure by the addition of a chain transfer agent and the introduction of a hydrophobic monomer into the polymer backbone. An addition of chain transfer agent was sufficient to obtain a polymer with a significantly different microstructure and, consequently, enhanced adhesion energy but reduced shear resistance. On the other hand, stearyl acrylate (SA) was employed as the hydrophobic monomer and the synthesis was carried out in miniemulsion polymerization which enables the incorporation of hydrophobic compounds without any diffusion limitations. There were almost no differences in the polymer microstructure, whereas, some differences were observed in adhesion properties.
Extraction mechanism study of the microwave cardio‐graph (MCG)
Authors: Zheng Jun , Huang Yong , Qian Jian
Published: July 2009

We developed a sensitive microwave cardio‐graph (MCG) meter that can extract time‐domain heart moving signals. In this article, we first describe the structure of the system, and then analyze the extracting principle focusing on the key step: the carrier‐wave cancellation and its effect, and finally present the graphs captured by this apparatus under various conditions. From the experiment results, we can see that (1) the MCG signals captured in this way are characteristic, steady, and repeatable; (2) there is no obvious correspondence in position between the peak and valley points of MCG and the P, Q, and R points of ECG; (3) if the distance between the two antennas changes, the MCG waveform tends to repeat periodically. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 51: 2348–2354, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.24598
Application of microgenetic algorithm for nonuniform mesh artificial anisotropy alternating‐direction‐implicit‐finite‐difference time‐domain method
Authors: Zhang Yan , Lü Shan‐Wei , Zhang Jun
Published: July 2009

A new method to reduce the numerical dispersion of the conventional alternating‐direction‐implicit finite‐difference time‐domain (ADI‐FDTD) method is proposed. First, the numerical formulations are modified with the artificial anisotropy, and the numerical dispersion relation is derived. Second, the relative permittivity tensor of the artificial anisotropy can be obtained by the microgenetic algorithm (MGA), which is a genetic algorithm with a very small population. Then, the capabilities and potentialities of this new method are demonstrated numerically using two nonuniform‐mesh examples. The numerical results of the proposed method are compared with those of the FDTD method and the conventional ADI‐FDTD method, respectively. Furthermore, the reduction of the numerical dispersion is investigated as the objective function of the MGA. It is found that this new method is accurate and efficient by choosing proper objective function. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 51: 2301–2304, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.24601
An improved formalism for the Crank‐Nicolson finite‐difference time‐domain by conformal mapping method
Authors: Yang Yang , Chen Ru Shan , Ye Zhenbao
Published: July 2009

In this article, a three‐dimensional (3‐D) Crank‐Nicolson finite‐difference time‐domain (CN‐FDTD) method combined with conformal mapping method is used to analyze the cavities with curved surface. The improved formalism in the CN‐FDTD is described and both time‐domain waveforms and resonant frequencies are presented. The numerical simulations of the typical examples show that the time step with this CN‐FDTD method is 10 times larger than the Courant‐Friedrich‐Levy condition without the large loss of accuracy. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 51: 2378–2382, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.24613
Compact miniaturized stepped impedance low‐pass filter with sharp cutoff characteristic
Authors: Fu Shu‐Hong , Tong Chuang‐Ming , Li Xi‐Min , Zhang Wei , Shen Kai
Published: July 2009

A novel compact miniaturized stepped impedance low‐pass filter using an improved split ring resonator defected ground structure is proposed. This filter has the advantages of compact size, easy fabrication. When compared with conventional SIR, it has a sharp cutoff characteristic with low insertion loss. It is quite useful for common planar circuits and devices. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 51: 2257–2258, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.24619
Sampled long‐period fiber grating filters with narrow stop bands
Authors: Dong Xinyong , Pan Ningning , Shum Ping , Chan Chi Chiu
Published: July 2009

Band‐stop fiber‐optic filters based on sampled long‐period gratings (S‐LPGs) have been fabricated and studied experimentally. Comparison between transmission spectra of the proposed S‐LPGs and normal LPGs have been carried out. It has been found that S‐LPGs possess much narrower stop bands than the corresponding normal LPGs, though their transmission spectra are similar. Experimental results also show that S‐LPGs have the same strain and temperature sensitivities as normal LPGs written in the same fiber. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 51: 2401–2403, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.24627
Analytical and numerical computation of prolate spheroidal shell capacitance
Authors: Momoh Omonowo D. , Sadiku Matthew N. O. , Akujuobi Cajetan M.
Published: July 2009

This article presents analytical and numerical methods of computing the capacitance of a prolate spheroidal shell. Detailed and comprehensive equations for determining the exact results were developed. Also, an explicit finite difference (FD) numerical technique for solving Laplace's equation in prolate spheroidal coordinates systems for an axially symmetric geometry has been developed. Consequently, the FD results were used to compute the capacitance of the spheroidal shell in an easy to understand manner. This was achieved using the Dirichlet boundary conditions on the prolate spheroidal surfaces. The capacitance results obtained using FD did agree with those obtained using analytical method. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 51: 2361–2365, 2009; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/mop.24630