bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of a high‐performance liquid chromatography method for simultaneous determination of pioglitazone and felodipine in pig serum: application to pharmacokinetic study
Authors: Palem Chinna Reddy , Gannu Ramesh , Yamsani Shravan Kumar , Yamsani Vamshi Vishnu , Yamsani Madhusudan Rao
Published: November 2010

A simple and sensitive high‐performance liquid chromatographic method was developed and validated for simultaneous estimation of pioglitazone and felodipine in pig serum. The present method consists of protein precipitation, extraction of analytes from pig serum into dichloromethane and separation using reversed‐phase C18 column. Nitrendipine was used as an internal standard and the eluent was monitored by UV detector at 240 nm. The mobile phase used was acetonitrile and 50 mm ammonium acetate buffer at a flow rate of 1 mL/min. The retention times for pioglitazone, felodipine and nitrendipine were found to be 5.12, 10.53 and 7.14 min, respectively. The intraday and inter‐day coefficient of variation and percent error values of assay method were less than 7% and mean recovery was more than 94% for each analyte, and the method was found to be precise, accurate and specific during study. The method was successfully applied for pharmacokinetic study of pioglitazone and felodipine from bioadhesive buccal tablet after buccal administration to pigs. The CMax, TMax, and AUC0–24 of pioglitazone and felodipine from buccal tablet were found to be 394.6 ng/mL, 5.6 h, 2624.2 ng h/mL and 44.4 ng/mL, 5.5 h, 275.8 ng h/mL, respectively. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analysis of primaquine and its metabolite carboxyprimaquine in biological samples: enantiomeric separation, method validation and quantification
Authors: Avula Bharathi , Khan Shabana I. , Tekwani Babu L. , Dhammika Nanayakkara N.P. , McChesney James D. , Walker Larry A. , Khan Ikhlas A.
Published: November 2010

The clinical formulation of primaquine (PQ) is a mixture of (−)‐(R)‐ and (+)‐(S)‐ primaquine enantiomers which may show different pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties. To assess the efficacy and toxicity of primaquine enantiomers, a method using LC‐MSD‐TOF has been developed. The enantiomers were well separated using a Chiralcel OD column (250 × 4.6 mm, 10 µm) with a linear gradient of mobile phase consisting of acetonitrile (0.1% formic acid) and aqueous ammonium formate (20 mm; 0.1% formic acid) adjusted to pH 5.9 at a flow rate of 0.7 mL/min. The method was validated for linearity, precision, accuracy and limits of detection and quantification. The calibration curves were linear with all correlation coefficients being >0.999. The average recoveries of (−)‐(R)‐ and (+)‐(S)‐primaquine and (−)‐(R)‐ and (+)‐(S)‐carboxyprimaquine were 88 and 92%, respectively, in spiked human plasma and 89 and 93% respectively in spiked mouse plasma samples. The RSD of (−)‐(R)‐ and (+)‐(S)‐primaquine and (−)‐(R)‐ and (+)‐(S)‐carboxyprimaquine were 2.15, 1.74, 1.73 and 2.31, respectively, in spiked human plasma and 2.21, 1.09, 1.95 and 1.17% in spiked mouse plasma, respectively. The intra‐day and inter‐day precisions expressed as RSD were lower than 10% in all analyzed quality control levels. The method as reported is suitable for study of the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of the enantiomers of primaquine. The method was successfully applied to study plasma pharmacokinetic profile of enantiomers of primaquine and carboxyprimaquine in mice administered with primaquine in racemic form. The analytical method was found to be linear, accurate, precise and specific. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of phenolic monomers on growth of Acidothermus cellulolyticus
Authors: Joh Lawrence D. , Rezaei Farzaneh , Barabote Ravi D. , Parales Juanito V. , Parales Rebecca E. , Berry Alison M. , VanderGheynst Jean S.
Published: November 2010

Previous studies on biological pretreatment of switchgrass by solid‐state fermentation with Acidothermus cellulolyticus 11B have shown that inhibitory compounds prevent growth on untreated switchgrass. A. cellulolyticus was grown in liquid medium containing cellobiose with phenolic monomers added to determine if the phenolic compounds are one possible source of inhibition. Cinnamic acid derivatives (trans‐p‐coumaric, trans‐ferulic, and hydrocinnamic acids), hydroxybenzoic acids (p‐hydroxybenzoic, syringic, and vanillic acids), benzaldehydes (vanillin and p‐hydroxybenzaldehyde), and condensed tannin monomers (catechin and epicatechin) were tested at levels up to 20 mM. All compounds exhibited a dose‐response relationship and strongly inhibited growth at 20 mM. trans‐p‐Coumaric acid was found to be the strongest inhibitor of A. cellulolyticus growth, with a specific growth rate of 0.004 h−1 at 1 mM (0.18 h−1 without phenolic monomer). GC‐MS and HPLC methods were used to confirm the presence of these phenolic compounds in switchgrass and measure the amounts extracted using different conditions. The amounts of phenolic compounds measured were found to be higher than the threshold for growth inhibition. Leaching with water at 55°C was inefficient at removing bound phenolics, whereas NaOH treatment improved efficiency. Phenolic compounds spiked into alkaline pretreated switchgrass were also found to inhibit growth of A. cellulolyticus in solid‐state fermentation. However, addition of insoluble polyvinylpolypyrrolidone (PVPP) to switchgrass improved growth of A. cellulolyticus in liquid cultures, providing a possible approach for alleviating microbial inhibition due to phenolic compounds in lignocellulose. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2011
Enhanced Functionality for Donor–Acceptor Oligothiophenes by means of Inclusion of BODIPY: Synthesis, Electrochemistry, Photophysics, and Model Chemistry
Authors: Collado Daniel , Casado Juan , González Sandra Rodríguez , Navarrete Juan T. López , Suau Rafael , Perez‐Inestrosa Ezequiel , Pappenfus Ted. M. , Raposo M. Manuela M.
Published: November 2010

We have synthesized several new push–pull oligothiophenes based on the boron dipyrromethene (BODIPY) moiety as the electron acceptor and the more well‐known oligothiophenes substituted with N,N‐dialkylamino functions to enhance their electron‐donor ability. A complete characterization of the electronic properties has been carried out; it consists of their photophysical, electrochemical, and vibrational properties. The compounds have been studied after chemical treatment with acids and after oxidation. In this regard, they can be termed as NIR dyes and amphoteric redox electroactive molecules. We have described the presence of dual fluorescence in these molecules and fluorescence quenching either by energy transfer or, in the push–pull molecules, by electron exchange. The combination of electrochemical and proton reversibility along with the interesting optical properties of the new species offer an interesting platform for sensor and material applications.
Geometrically Specific Imino Complexes of the [Re6(μ3‐Se)8]2+ Core‐Containing Clusters
Authors: Tu Xiaoyan , Truong Huong , Alster Eli , Muñoz‐Castro Alvaro , Arratia‐Pérez Ramiro , Nichol Gary S. , Zheng Zhiping
Published: November 2010

The reactions of nitrile complexes of the [Re6(μ3‐Se)8]2+ core‐containing clusters, [Re6(μ3‐Se)8(PEt3)n(CH3CN)6−n]2+ [n=5 (1); n=4, cis‐ (2) and trans‐ (3); n=0 (4)], with organic azides C6H5CH(CH3)N3 and C6H5CH2N3 produced the corresponding cationic imino complexes of the general formula [Re6(μ3‐Se)8(PEt3)n(L)6−n]2+ [L=PhNCHCH3: n=5 (5); n=4, cis‐ (6) and trans‐ (7); n=0 (8) and L=HNCHPh: n=5 (9); n=4, cis‐ (10) and trans‐ (11)]. These novel complexes were characterized by NMR spectroscopy (1H and 31P) and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. A mechanism involving the migration of one of the groups on the azido α‐C atom to the α‐N atom of the azido complex, concerted with the photo‐expulsion of N2, was invoked to rationalize the formation of the imino complexes. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations indicated that due to the coordination with and activation by the cluster core, the energy of the electronic transition responsible for the photo‐decomposition of a cluster‐bound azide is much reduced with respect to its pure organic counterpart. The observed geometric specificity was rationalized by using the calculated and optimized preferred ground‐state conformation of the cluster‐azido intermediates.
Breakup of drops around the edges of Rushton turbine
Authors: Patil Pramod , Kumar Sanjeev
Published: November 2010

A detailed experimental and simulation study has been carried out in the present work to understand drop breakup in regions around the edge of the Rushton turbine in agitated vessels. The effect of impeller speed, impeller size, interfacial tension, and the viscosities of the two phases is studied on drop breakup through their effect on dmax, the size of the largest drop in the system, and the whole size distribution. The measurements were carried out using Galai particle size analyser and optical microscope. Experimental analysis shows that the dmax, maximum stable drop diameter varies with impeller tip velocity to the power −1. The variation of dmax with interfacial tension is studied using different surfactants. The effect of viscosity ratio, achieved by changing the dispersed phase viscosity, on dmax is captured. For the same dmax values obtained from two different dispersed phases show that the wider drop size distribution is observed for higher dispersed phase viscosity.

Une étude expérimentale et de simulation détaillée a été réalisée dans ce travail dans le but de comprendre la rupture de gouttes dans les zones près de l'extrémité de la turbine Rushton dans des cuves agitées. L'effet de la vitesse de l'impulseur, de la taille de l'impulseur, de la tension interfaciale et des viscosités des deux phases est étudié sur la rupture de gouttes par leur effet sur le diamètre de goutte stable maximal, la taille de la plus grosse goutte du système et la distribution pour toute la taille. Les mesures ont été effectuées à l'aide d'un analyseur granulométrique Galai et d'un microscope optique. Une analyse expérimentale démontre que le diamètre de goutte stable maximal varie avec une vélocité du bout de l'impulseur à la puissance ‐1. La variation du diamètre de goutte stable maximal avec la tension interfaciale est étudiée à l'aide de différents surfactifs. L'effet de viscosité relative, atteint en changeant la viscosité de phase dispersée, sur le diamètre de goutte stable maximal est capté. Les mêmes valeurs de diamètre de goutte stable maximal obtenues de deux phases dispersées différentes indiquent que la distribution des plus grosses gouttes est observée pour la viscosité de phase dispersée supérieure. Can. J. Chem. Eng. © 2010 Canadian Society for Chemical Engineering
Thermodynamic, kinetic, and equilibrium studies on phenol removal by use of cashew nut shell
Authors: Senthil Kumar P. , Ramakrishnan K. , Dinesh Kirupha S. , Sivanesan S.
Published: November 2010

Adsorption of phenol from aqueous solution onto cashew nut shell (CNS) was investigated to assess the possible use of this adsorbent. The influence of various parameters such as contact time, phenol concentration, adsorbent dose, pH, and temperature has been studied. Studies showed that the pH of aqueous solutions affected phenol removal as a result of decrease in removal efficiency with increasing solution pH. The experimental data were analysed by the Langmuir equation. Equilibrium data fitted well with the Langmuir model with maximum monolayer adsorption capacity of 5.405 mg/g. Thermodynamic parameters such as ΔG°, ΔH°, and ΔS° have also been evaluated and it has been found that the sorption process was feasible, spontaneous, and exothermic in nature. The pseudo‐first‐order and pseudo‐second‐order kinetic models were selected to follow the adsorption process. Kinetic parameters, rate constants, equilibrium sorption capacities and related correlation coefficients, for each kinetic model were calculated and discussed. It was shown that the adsorption of phenol could be described by the pseudo‐second‐order equation, suggesting that the adsorption process is presumable a chemisorption. The CNS investigated in this study showed good application potential for the removal of phenol from aqueous solution.
Study of cyclic operation of RO desalination process
Authors: Ali M. Al‐haj , Ajbar A. , Ali E. , Alhumaizi K.
Published: November 2010

The performance of a tubular reverse osmosis (RO) process for water desalination was investigated when the unit was periodically forced. The study was performed using a dynamic model that was developed and validated in a previous work of the authors [Al‐haj Ali et al., Desalination; 245, 194–204 (2009)]. The forcing was carried out through feed pressure using both symmetric and asymmetric rectangular pulses. For a symmetric pulse, it was found that the permeate flow rate increased monotonically with the forcing amplitude. The improvement in the permeate flow rate was limited by the constraints on the operating pressure. For an asymmetric pressure pulse, the permeate flow rate reached a clear maximum for some values of ratio of pulse width to the period. For both pulses, the model predicted that the enhancement in the permeate flow rate was attributed to the reduction in the effect of concentration polarisation. Moreover, the trends obtained with both symmetric and asymmetric shapes were consistent with the experimental results reported in the literature.
Acute hypoxia and exercise improve insulin sensitivity (SI2*) in individuals with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Mackenzie Richard , Maxwell Neil , Castle Paul , Brickley Gary , Watt Peter
Published: November 2010

Background

Hypoxia has been shown to increase glucose uptake in skeletal muscle using the contraction‐stimulated pathway, independent of the actions of insulin. Yet, the same stress has also been linked with causing insulin resistance and hyperglycaemia. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of acute hypoxia with and without exercise on insulin sensitivity ($S{_{{\rm I}}}^{2*}$) in individuals with type 2 diabetes.

Methods

Eight type 2 diabetic patients completed 60 min of the following: (1) normoxic rest; (2) hypoxic rest [O2 = 14.6 (0.4)%]; (3) normoxic exercise and (4) hypoxic exercise [O2 = 14.6 (0.4)%]. Exercise trials were set at 90% of lactate threshold. Each condition was followed by a labelled intravenous glucose tolerance test to provide estimations of insulin sensitivity ($S{_{{\rm I}}}^{2*}$) and β‐cell function.

Results

Two‐compartmental analysis showed that insulin sensitivity ($S{_{{\rm I}}}^{2*}$) was higher following hypoxic rest compared with normoxic rest (p = 0.047). Insulin sensitivity ($S{_{{\rm I}}}^{2*}$) was also higher following hypoxic exercise [4.37 (0.48) × 10−4/min (µU/mL)] compared with normoxic exercise [3.24 (0.51) × 10−4/min (µU/mL)] (p = 0.048). Acute insulin response to glucose was reduced following hypoxic rest versus normoxic rest (p = 0.014).

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that (1) hypoxic‐induced improvements in glucose tolerance in the 4 h following exposure can be attributed to improvements in peripheral insulin sensitivity ($S{_{{\rm I}}}^{2*}$) and (2) exercise and hypoxia have an additive effect on insulin sensitivity ($S{_{{\rm I}}}^{2*}$) in type 2 diabetic patients. Acute hypoxia may therefore improve short‐term glycaemic control in individuals with type 2 diabetes. The application of these findings in the clinic will require further investigation. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Design of Tri‐Substituted Dodecatungstosilicate from a Trilacunary Silicotungstate by Insertion of Manganese Ions of [Mn3(μ3‐O)(2‐Cl‐benzoato)6(py)3]: Synthesis, Structure, Redox and Magnetic Studies
Authors: Dutta Daipayan , Jana Atish D. , Debnath Mainak , Mostafa Golam , Clérac Rodolphe , Tojal Javier G. , Ali Mahammad
Published: November 2010

A mixed‐valent manganese tricapped Keggin polyoxometalate (3) has been designed by insertion of three Mn atoms from [MnIIMnIII2(μ3‐O)(2‐Cl‐benzoato)6(py)3] (1) into the vacant sites of the trilacunary precursor Na10[A‐α‐SiW9O34] (2). This compound exhibits strong antiferromagnetic interaction between the spin carriers of the Mn mixed‐valent trinuclear moiety, which suggests an S = 5/2 ground state.
Monitoring cyclic acyloxonium ion formation in palmitin systems using infrared spectroscopy and isotope labelling technique
Authors: Rahn Anja Katerina Karin , Yaylayan Varoujan Antranik
Published: November 2010

To confirm the possible involvement of acyloxonium ions as reactive intermediates in food related lipids, their formation was monitored in triplamitin, 1,2 dipalmitin, 1‐monopalmitin and specifically labelled tripalmitin (1,1,1‐13C3) using Fourier‐transform IR spectroscopy (FTIR). Reactions were conducted at 100°C using a mixture of ZnCl2 and the lipids. When tripalmitin or 1,2‐dipalmitin samples were heated at 100°C in the presence of ZnCl2 a new band centred at 1651 cm−1 was formed and increased over time. When 13C‐labelled tripalmitin (1,1,1‐13C3) was studied the spectrum exhibited an expected 40 cm−1 shift from 1651 to 1611cm−1 indicating the involvement of the carbonyl carbon in the formation of the band. The 1‐monopalmitin generated a similar but weaker band at higher temperatures and requiring longer times. These observations may indicate that under hydrophobic environment acyloxonium ions are preferentially formed with neighbouring ester groups assisted by the catalytic action of a free hydroxyl group serving as a proton transfer site. In the absence of such a free hydroxyl group tripalmitin undergoes acyloxonium ion formation at a slower rate than 1,2‐dipalmitoyl glycerol, whereas, 1‐monopalmitoyl glycerol due to the absence of a neighbouring ester shows even slower transformation efficiencies. This order of reactivity may however change in the presence of water.
Methodological aspects of spectrum occupancy evaluation in the context of cognitive radio
Authors: López‐Benítez Miguel , Casadevall Fernando
Published: November 2010

Cognitive radio has recently emerged as a promising solution to conciliate the existing conflicts between spectrum demand growth and spectrum underutilisation. The basic underlying idea is to allow unlicensed users to access in an opportunistic and non‐interfering manner some licensed bands temporarily unoccupied by the licensed users. Within the framework of cognitive radio, several spectrum measurement campaigns have been performed in diverse locations and scenarios in order to assess the degree to which allocated spectrum bands are currently being used in real wireless communication systems. Although such measurement campaigns follow similar approaches, there is a lack of common and appropriate evaluation methodology, which would be desirable not only to prevent inaccurate results but also to enable the direct comparison of results from different sources. In this context, this work presents a comprehensive and in‐depth discussion of several important methodological aspects that need to be accounted for when evaluating spectrum occupancy in the context of cognitive radio. Moreover, a quantitative evaluation of the impact of different factors on the obtained results along with various useful guidelines is also provided. The results presented in this work highlight the importance of carefully designing an appropriate methodology when evaluating spectrum occupancy in the context of cognitive radio. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Studies on the metabolism of the α‐pyrrolidinophenone designer drug methylenedioxy‐pyrovalerone (MDPV) in rat and human urine and human liver microsomes using GC–MS and LC–high‐resolution MS and its detectability in urine by GC–MS
Authors: Meyer Markus R. , Du Peng , Schuster Frank , Maurer Hans H.
Published: November 2010

Since the late 1990s, many derivatives of the α‐pyrrolidinophenone (PPP) drug class appeared on the drugs of abuse market. The latest compound was described in 2009 to be a classic PPP carrying a methylenedioxy moiety remembering the classic entactogens (ecstasy). Besides Germany, 3,4‐methylene‐dioxypyrovalerone (MDPV) has appeared in many countries in Europe and Asia, indicating its worldwide importance for forensic and clinical toxicology. The aim of the presented work was to identify the phase I and II metabolites of MDPV and the human cytochrome‐P450 (CYP) isoenzymes responsible for its main metabolic step(s). Finally, the detectability of MDPV in urine by the authors' systematic toxicological analysis (STA) should be studied. The urine samples were extracted after and without enzymatic cleavage of conjugates. The metabolites were separated and identified after work‐up by GC–MS and liquid chromatography (LC)–high‐resolution MS (LC–HR‐MS). The studies revealed the following phase I main metabolic steps in rat and human: demethylenation followed by methylation, aromatic and side chain hydroxylation and oxidation of the pyrrolidine ring to the corresponding lactam as well as ring opening to the corresponding carboxylic acid. Using LC–HR‐MS, most metabolite structures postulated according to GC–MS fragmentation could be confirmed and the phase II metabolites were identified. Finally, the formation of the initial metabolite demethylenyl‐MDPV could be confirmed using incubation of human liver microsomes. Using recombinant human CYPs, CYP 2C19, CYP 2D6 and CYP 1A2 were found to catalyze this initial step. Finally, the STA allowed the detection of MDPV metabolites in the human urine samples. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characterization of Nα‐Fmoc‐protected ureidopeptides by electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS/MS): differentiation of positional isomers
Authors: Ramesh M. , Raju B. , Srinivas R. , Sureshbabu V. V. , Narendra N. , Vasantha B.
Published: November 2010

Four pairs of positional isomers of ureidopeptides, FmocNH‐CH(R1)‐φ(NH‐CO‐NH)‐CH(R2)‐OY and FmocNH‐CH(R2)‐φ(NH‐CO‐NH)‐CH(R1)‐OY (Fmoc = [(9‐fluorenyl methyl)oxy]carbonyl; R1 = H, alkyl; R2 = alkyl, H and Y = CH3/H), have been characterized and differentiated by both positive and negative ion electrospray ionization (ESI) ion‐trap tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS). The major fragmentation noticed in MS/MS of all these compounds is due to NCH(R)Nbond cleavage to form the characteristic N‐ and C‐terminus fragment ions. The protonated ureidopeptide acids derived from glycine at the N‐terminus form protonated (9H‐fluoren‐9‐yl)methyl carbamate ion at m/z 240 which is absent for the corresponding esters. Another interesting fragmentation noticed in ureidopeptides derived from glycine at the N‐terminus is an unusual loss of 61 units from an intermediate fragment ion FmocNH = CH2+ (m/z 252). A mechanism involving an ion‐neutral complex and a direct loss of NH3 and CO2 is proposed for this process. Whereas ureidopeptides derived from alanine, leucine and phenylalanine at the N‐terminus eliminate CO2 followed by corresponding imine to form (9H‐fluoren‐9‐yl)methyl cation (C14H11+) from FmocNH = CHR+. In addition, characteristic immonium ions are also observed. The deprotonated ureidopeptide acids dissociate differently from the protonated ureidopeptides. The [M − H]− ions of ureidopeptide acids undergo a McLafferty‐type rearrangement followed by the loss of CO2 to form an abundant [M − H − Fmoc + H]− which is absent for protonated ureidopeptides. Thus, the present study provides information on mass spectral characterization of ureidopeptides and distinguishes the positional isomers. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rocking vibration of a rigid circular disc in a transversely isotropic full‐space
Authors: Eskandari‐Ghadi Morteza , Mirzapour Ammar , Ardeshir‐Behrestaghi Azizollah
Published: November 2010

In this paper, forced rocking vibration of a rigid circular disc placed in a transversely isotropic full‐space, where the axis of material symmetry of the full‐space is normal to the surface of the plate, is analytically investigated. Because of using the Fourier series and Hankel integral transforms, the mixed boundary‐value problem is transformed into two separate pairs of integral equations called dual integral equations. The dual integral equations involved in this paper are reduced to Fredholm integral equations of the second kind. With the aid of contour integration, the governing integral equation is numerically evaluated in the general dynamic case. The reduced static case of the dual integral equations is solved analytically and the vertical displacement, the contact pressure and the static impedance/compliance function are explicitly determined, and it is shown that the pressure in between the plate and the full‐space and the compliance function reduced for isotropic half‐space are identical to the previously published solutions. The dynamic contact pressure in between the disc and the space and also the related impedance function are numerically evaluated in general dynamic case and illustrated. It is shown that the singularity exists in the contact pressure at the edge of the disc is the same as the static case. To show the effect of material anisotropy, the numerical evaluations are given for some different transversely isotropic materials and compared. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analytical 3D transient elastodynamic fundamental solution of unsaturated soils
Authors: Ashayeri Iman , Kamalian Mohsen , Jafari Mohammad Kazem , Gatmiri Behrouz
Published: November 2010

Unsaturated soils are considered as porous continua, composed of porous skeleton with its pores filled by water and air. The governing partial differential equations (PDE) are derived based on the mechanics for isothermal and infinitesimal evolution of unsaturated porous media in terms of skeleton displacement vector, liquid, and gas scalar pressures. Meanwhile, isotropic linear elastic behavior and liquid retention curve are presented in terms of net stress and capillary pressure as constitutive relations. Later, an explicit 3D Laplace transform domain fundamental solution is obtained for governing PDE and then closed‐form analytical transient 3D fundamental solution is presented by means of analytical inverse Laplace transform technique. Finally, a numerical example is presented to validate the assumptions used to derive the analytical solution by comparing them with the numerically inverted ones. The transient fundamental solutions represent important features of the elastic wave propagation theory in the unsaturated soils. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cyclophosphamide monotherapy in children with Burkitt lymphoma: A study from the French–African Pediatric Oncology Group (GFAOP)
Authors: Traoré Fousseyni , Coze Carole , Atteby Jean‐Jacques , André Nicolas , Moreira Claude , Doumbe Pierre , Ravelomanana Noeline , Ye Diarra , Patte Catherine , Raquin Marie‐Anne , Raphael Martine , Lemerle Jean
Published: November 2010

Background

The French African Group of Pediatric Oncology was set‐up to improve quality of care for children with cancer. Preliminary observations on the efficacy in Burkitt lymphoma (BL) of a cyclophosphamide monotherapy (CPM) have been published. We report the results of a multicentric prospective study combining first‐line CPM and a multidrug second‐line chemotherapy (SC) for refractory/relapsed patients.

Procedure

Patients ≤18 years with Burkitt or Burkitt‐like lymphoma, were included in six countries (Burkina‐Faso, Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Madagascar, Mali, and Senegal). All patients received three weekly CPM courses (1.2 g/m2 IV with intrathecal methotrexate and hydrocortisone), stage 3/4 patients received three further courses. SC added methotrexate, vincristine, cytarabine, and prednisone.

Results

There were 178 patients included (42 stage 1/2, 134 stage 3/4, and 2 unknown). Isolated facial localization was found in 41 patients, diffuse abdominal involvement in 120 patients including 65 with both. Nine early deaths were reported, toxicity occurred in 136/743 courses (83 patients) and was predominantly hematological. After CPM, complete remission (CR) rate was 47% with a 33% EFS. Because of rapid progression 76/108 eligible patients (85 primary refractory and 23 relapses) received SC resulting in 35.7% CR but a 21% toxic death rate. The OS of the whole strategy was 50.5% and correlated to stage.

Conclusion

A prospective multicentric study on BL was feasible in very low‐income countries. CPM can be recommended in stage 1–2 because of optimal cost/benefit ratio. However, more intensive strategies, still adapted to socio‐economic conditions, are required for advanced stages 3 and 4. Pediatr Blood Cancer. 2010;56:70–76. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Multi‐modal intervention for the inpatient management of sickle cell pain significantly decreases the rate of acute chest syndrome
Authors: Reagan Mary M. , DeBaun Michael R. , Frei‐Jones Melissa J.
Published: November 2010

Introduction

Pain in children with sickle cell disease (SCD) is the leading cause of acute care visits and hospitalizations. Pain episodes are a risk factor for the development of acute chest syndrome (ACS), contributing to morbidity and mortality in SCD. Few strategies exist to prevent this complication.

Methods

We performed a before‐and‐after prospective multi‐modal intervention. All children with SCD admitted for pain during the 2‐year study period were eligible. The multi‐modal intervention included standardized admission orders, monthly house staff education, and one‐on‐one patient and caregiver education.

Results

A total of 332 admissions for pain occurred during the study period; 159 before the intervention and 173 during the intervention. The ACS rate declined by 50% during the intervention period 25% (39 of 159) to 12% (21 of 173); P = 0.003. Time to ACS development increased from 0.8 days (0.03–5.2) to 1.7 days (0.03–5.8); P = 0.047. No significant difference was found in patient demographics, intravenous fluid amount administered, frequency of normal saline bolus administration, or cumulative opioid amount delivered in the first 24 hr. Patient controlled analgesia‐use was more common after the intervention 52% (82 of 159) versus 73% (126 of 173; P = 0.0001) and fewer patients required changes in analgesic dosing within the first 24 hr after admission (26%, 42 of 159 vs. 16%, 28 of 173; P = 0.015).

Conclusions

A multi‐modal intervention to educate and subsequently change physician's behavior likely decreased the rate of ACS in the setting of a single teaching hospital. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2011;56:262–266. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Neutrophil functions in patients with inherited bone marrow failure syndromes
Authors: Rochowski Andrzej , Sun Chunxiang , Glogauer Michael , Alter Blanche P.
Published: November 2010

Background

The inherited bone marrow failure syndromes (IBMFS) include Fanconi anemia, dyskeratosis congenita, Diamond–Blackfan anemia, and Shwachman–Diamond syndrome (SDS). Previous studies reported decreased neutrophil chemotaxis in patients with SDS; there are no reports of neutrophil function in other IBMFS. In this study we examined neutrophil respiratory burst function in IBMFS patients.

Procedure

Samples from 43 IBMFS patients and 61 healthy family members were collected, shipped, and analyzed within 24 hr. We also studied samples from 12 healthy control persons immediately after collection. Neutrophils were stimulated with phorbol 12‐myristate acetate (PMA) and N‐formyl‐methyonyl‐leucyl‐phenylalanine (fMLP), and respiratory burst analyzed by reduction of dihydro‐rhodamine and cytochrome c.

Results

There was no significant difference in the degree of fMLP or PMA‐driven respiratory burst activity between each of the IBMFS subgroups and their respective family members. There was also no difference in respiratory burst activity between any IBMFS, pooled group of all healthy family members and healthy controls.

Conclusions

Neutrophil respiratory burst activity from IBMFS patients does not differ from that of healthy family members and controls. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2011; 57: 306–309. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Proteomic analysis identifies in vivo candidate matrix metalloproteinase‐9 substrates in the left ventricle post‐myocardial infarction
Authors: Zamilpa Rogelio , Lopez Elizabeth F. , Chiao Ying Ann , Dai Qiuxia , Escobar Gladys P. , Hakala Kevin , Weintraub Susan T. , Lindsey Merry L.
Published: November 2010

This article was originally published in Proteomics 2010, 10, 2214–2223, DOI 10.1002/pmic.200900587
Proteomic analysis of colonic mucosa in a rat model of irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Ding Ying , Lu Bin , Chen Dongbo , Meng Lina , Shen Yan , Chen Shuo
Published: November 2010

This article was originally published in Proteomics 2010, 10, 2620–2630, DOI 10.1002/pmic.200900572
A quantitative investigation of fucosylated serum glycoproteins with application to esophageal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Mann Benjamin , Madera Milan , Klouckova Iveta , Mechref Yehia , Dobrolecki Lacey E. , Hickey Robert J. , Hammoud Zane T. , Novotny Milos V.
Published: November 2010

This article was originally published in Electrophoresis 2010, 31, 1833–1841, DOI 10.1002/elps.201000046
Application of champedak mannose‐binding lectin in the glycoproteomic profiling of serum samples unmasks reduced expression of alpha‐2 macroglobulin and complement factor B in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Seriramalu Ramarao , Pang Wei Wei , Jayapalan Jaime Jacqueline , Mohamed Emida , Abdul‐Rahman Puteri Shafinaz , Bustam Anita Zarina , Khoo Alan Soo‐Beng , Hashim Onn Haji
Published: November 2010

This article was originally published in Electrophoresis 2010, 31, 2388–2395, DOI 10.1002/elps.201000164
Introduction of a disulfide bond leads to stabilization and crystallization of a ricin immunogen
Authors: Compton Jaimee R. , Legler Patricia M. , Clingan Benjamin V. , Olson Mark A. , Millard Charles B.
Published: November 2010

RTA1‐33/44‐198 is a catalytically inactive, single‐domain derivative of the ricin toxin A‐chain (RTA) engineered to serve as a stable protein scaffold for presentation of native immunogenic epitopes (Olson et al., Protein Eng Des Sel 2004;17:391–397). To improve the stability and solubility of RTA1‐33/44‐198 further, we have undertaken the design challenge of introducing a disulfide (SS) bond. Nine pairs of residues were selected for placement of the SS‐bond based on molecular dynamics simulation studies of the modeled single‐domain chain. Disulfide formation at either of two positions (R48C/T77C or V49C/E99C) involving a specific surface loop (44–55) increased the protein melting temperature by ∼5°C compared with RTA1‐33/44‐198 and by ∼13°C compared with RTA. Prolonged stability studies of the R48C/T77C variant (>60 days at 37°C, pH 7.4) confirmed a >40% reduction in self‐aggregation compared with RTA1‐33/44‐198 lacking the SS‐bond. The R48C/T77C variant retained affinity for anti‐RTA antibodies capable of neutralizing ricin toxin, including a monoclonal that recognizes a human B‐cell epitope. Introduction of either R48C/T77C or V49C/E99C promoted crystallization of RTA1‐33/44‐198, and the X‐ray structures of the variants were solved to 2.3Å or 2.1 Å resolution, respectively. The structures confirm formation of an intramolecular SS‐bond, and reveal a single‐domain fold that is significantly reduced in volume compared with RTA. Loop 44 to 55 is partly disordered as predicted by simulations, and is positioned to form self‐self interactions between symmetry‐related molecules. We discuss the importance of RTA loop 34 to 55 as a nucleus for unfolding and aggregation, and draw conclusions for ongoing structure‐based minimalist design of RTA‐based immunogens. Proteins 2011. Published 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Nonsingular fast terminal sliding‐mode control for nonlinear dynamical systems
Authors: Yang Liang , Yang Jianying
Published: November 2010

This paper investigates fast finite‐time control of nonlinear dynamics using terminal sliding‐mode (TSM) scheme. Some new norms of fast TSM strategies are proposed, and a faster convergence rate is established in comparison with the conventional fast TSM. A novel concept of nonsingular fast TSM, which is able to avoid the possible singularity during the control phase, is adopted in the robust high‐precision control of uncertain nonlinear systems. Numerical simulation on a two‐link rigid robot manipulator demonstrates the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Temporal variations in organic carbon utilization by consumers in a lowland river
Authors: Hladyz S. , Nielsen D. L. , Suter P. J. , Krull E. S.
Published: November 2010

Understanding temporal trophic interactions in riverine food webs is essential for predicting river ecosystem function and improving management of these ecosystems. Temporal changes in energy flows through riverine food webs are readily assumed but are rarely tested. Temporal variability in food webs from two reaches of a lowland river (Ovens River, south‐eastern Australia) with differing levels of floodplain connectivity were examined over 12 months. We investigated how seasonal changes, flow variability and floodplain connectivity influence (i) stable isotope signatures of basal organic carbon sources (terrestrial sources: trees and grasses; aquatic sources: seston, biofilm and filamentous algae) and consumers (macroinvertebrates and fish) and (ii) the relative proportions of organic carbon sources contributing to consumer biomass using mixing models. We hypothesized (i) that during high flows, increased floodplain connectivity would increase the lateral exchange of terrestrial carbon subsidies to main channel consumers and (ii) that during low flow periods, main channel consumers would derive the majority of their carbon from aquatic benthic sources. Results indicated that isotope signatures for basal sources and for most of the consumers varied temporally and spatially. Mixing models indicated that increased floodplain connectivity did not increase terrestrial subsidies to consumers during high flows. Seston was the primary source during high flows whilst terrestrial vegetation increased in importance during low flows. Filamentous algae was also important during low flows for some consumers. These findings indicate that it is essential to include temporal variability in order to understand energy flows in lowland rivers, thus allowing for the dynamic nature of these ecosystems. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The shortest distance in random multi‐type intersection graphs
Authors: Barbour A.D. , Reinert G.
Published: November 2010

Using an associated branching process as the basis of our approximation, we show that typical inter‐point distances in a multi‐type random intersection graph have a defective distribution, which is well described by a mixture of translated and scaled Gumbel distributions, the missing mass corresponding to the event that the vertices are not in the same component of the graph. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Random Struct. Alg., 39, 179–209, 2011
On the three‐arm non‐inferiority trial including a placebo with a prespecified margin
Authors: Hida Eisuke , Tango Toshiro
Published: November 2010

Three‐arm trials including the experimental treatment, an active reference treatment and a placebo are recommended in the guidelines of the ICH and EMEA/CPMP as a useful approach to the assessment of assay sensitivity. Generally, the acceptable non‐inferiority margin Δ has been defined as the maximum clinically irrelevant difference between treatments in many two‐arm non‐inferiority trials. However, many recent articles discussing three‐arm trials have considered a design with unknown Δ which is the prespecified fraction f of unknown effect size of the reference drug, where the prespecified fraction f is treated as if it were a revised margin. Therefore, these methods cannot be applied to the case where the acceptable non‐inferiority margin must be a prespecified difference between treatments.

In this paper, we propose a statistical test procedure for three‐arm non‐inferiority trials with the margin Δ defined as a prespecified difference between treatments under the situation that the primary endpoints are normally distributed with a common, but unknown, variance. In addition, we derive the optimal allocation that minimizes the total sample size. The proposed method is illustrated with data on a randomized controlled trial on major depressive disorder. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Empirical likelihood ratio test for median and mean residual lifetime
Authors: Zhou Mai , Jeong Jong‐Hyeon
Published: November 2010

Prompted by several recent papers on the inference on median and mean residual life time, we note that the testing involving the mean or median residual life function in censored survival data can be obtained by an easy application of the general empirical likelihood ratio test. This approach has several advantages: (1) There is no need to estimate the variance/covariance at all, which may become prohibitively complicated for other procedures that require the estimation of such. (2) When inverting the tests to obtain confidence regions/intervals, this procedure inherits all the good properties of a likelihood ratio test. (3) Free software implementation of the test is readily available. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Elevated umbilical cord serum TARC/CCL17 levels predict the development of atopic dermatitis in infancy
Authors: Miyahara H. , Okazaki N. , Nagakura T. , Korematsu S. , Izumi T.
Published: November 2010

Cite this as: H. Miyahara, N. Okazaki,T. Nagakura, S. Korematsu and T. Izumi,Clinical & Experimental Allergy, 2011 (41) 186–191.

Background
Thymus‐and‐activation‐regulated chemokine (TARC; CCL17) is related to both allergy and pregnancy, but the relationships of maternal and umbilical cord blood CCL17 to atopic dermatitis (AD) development have not yet been examined.

Objective
Seventy paired full‐term and normal vaginal delivery newborns and their mothers were enrolled in this study.

Methods
To elucidate the pathogenesis and fetomaternal inheritance of AD in infancy, CCL17, IFN‐γ‐inducible protein 10 kDa (IP‐10; CXCL10), soluble HLA‐G (sHLA‐G), IgE and eosinophil counts were examined using sera from 70 paired umbilical cord and maternal blood samples.

Results
Serum CCL17 (rs=0.340, P<0.001) and sHLA‐G (rs=0.600, P<0.001) levels showed high correlations between umbilical cord and maternal blood. Umbilical cord serum levels of CCL17 from neonates destined to develop AD in infancy were higher than in those from neonates who showed no signs of AD during infancy (median 1586.9 vs. 819.6 pg/mL, P<0.001). Serum levels of CCL17 were higher in mothers with AD than in those without AD (median 909.6 vs. 214.1 pg/mL, P<0.001). High umbilical cord serum levels of CCL17 were associated with infantile AD development even in 62 neonates born to mothers without AD (median 1514.4 vs. 740.6 pg/mL, P<0.001) and 38 neonates born to mothers with no allergies (median 1624.2 vs. 740.6 pg/mL, P<0.001). The summary estimates for umbilical cord serum CCL17 in the diagnosis of infantile AD were: sensitivity 85.7% (95% confidence interval: 72.8–98.7), specificity 73.8% (60.5–87.1), positive predictive value 68.6% (53.2–84.0) and negative predictive value 88.6% (78.0–99.1).

Conclusion and Clinical Relevance
These findings suggest that the umbilical cord blood CCL17 may be involved in the pathogenesis of infantile AD and in fetomaternal inheritance. Serum levels of CCL17 from umbilical cord blood may be a predictive marker for AD in infancy.
Prediction of post‐operative cardiopulamonary function using perfusion scintigraphy in patients with bronchogenic carcinoma
Authors: Larsen K. R. , Lund J. O. , Svendsen U. G. , Milman N. , Petersen B. N.
Published: November 2010

Both ventilation and perfusion scintigraphy are accurate predictors of post‐operative ventilatory function. Previous attempts to predict post‐operative exercise capacity after lung resection using radioisotope scintigraphy are few and results are conflicting. We studied 32 patients before and 6 months after pulmonary resection for bronchogenic carcinoma to assess the value of lung perfusion scintigraphy for the prediction of post‐operative forced lung volumes and parameters on maximum exercise, including maximum ventilation and maximum oxygen uptake. Nine patients were lost to follow‐up, and these patients differed from the reinvestigated patients only in the staging of the pulmonary carcinoma and not in preoperative lung function or exercise capacity. We found a clear relationship between the values predicted from a preoperative perfusion scintigraphy, spirometry and a maximum exercise study and the observed values measured 6 months post‐operatively. The method underestimated the postoperative values of both spirometric and exercise measurements, especially in the higher range. Only in a few cases were the post‐operative observed values less than the predicted values, and in these cases the difference was without clinical significance. Unexpected post‐operative respiratory insufficiency was not observed. In conclusion, in patients in whom a pulmonary resection was performed, not only the post‐operative spirometric values, but also the more functional related maximum exercise data can be predicted through the knowledge of a preoperative perfusion scintigraphy.
Plasma nitric oxide metabolite in women with primary Raynaud's phenomenon and in healthy subjects
Authors: Ringqvist Å. , Leppert J. , Myrdal U. , Ahlner J. , Ringqvist I. , Wennmalm Å.
Published: November 2010

Primary Raynaud's phenomenon (PRP) is characterized by cold‐ or stressinduced transient attacks of impaired skin circulation in fingers and/or toes. PRP displays seasonal variation with less severe symptoms in the summer. The aetiology has not been clarified. The aims of the present study were (a) to assess the influence of cold exposure on the plasma levels of the nitric oxide (NO) metabolite, nitrate, in patients with PRP and in healthy control subjects; and (b) to investigate whether there is a seasonal variation in these plasma levels. In a group of women with PRP and matched control subjects, venous blood was sampled before and at the end of a 40‐min period of whole‐body cooling. The study was performed with the same protocol on two occasions; once in the winter and once in the summer. A seasonal variation was detected with higher plasma levels of nitrate in the winter than in the summer, both in PRP and in control subjects. However, the plasma level of nitrate was not changed in response to cold exposure on any occasion, either in the patient or in the control group. Our study indicates that NO formation is up‐regulated in response to cold weather in both study groups. However, NO formation does not seem to be increased in response to wholebody cooling, either in PRP patients or in healthy subjects. Further investigations are required to reveal whether the observed seasonal variation in NO formation is a universal phenomenon in man.