bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of an external contactless conductivity detector for the analysis of beverages by microchip capillary electrophoresis
Authors: Kubáň Pavel , Hauser Peter C.
Published: July 2005

Quantitative total ionic analysis of alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages was performed by microchip capillary electrophoresis with external contactless conductivity detection. An electrolyte solution consisting of 10.5 mM histidine, 50 mM acetic acid, and 2 mM 18‐crown‐6 at pH 4.1 was used for the determination of NH4+, K+, Ca2+, Na+, and Mg2+. Fast analysis of Cl−, NO3−, and SO42− was achieved in 20 mM 2‐(N‐morpholino)ethanesulfonic acid /histidine electrolyte solution at pH 6.0 and the simultaneous separation of up to 12 inorganic and organic anions was performed in a solution containing 10 mM His and 7 mM glutamic acid at pH 5.75. Limits of detection ranged from 90 to 250 μg/L for inorganic cations and anions, and from 200 to 2000 μg/L for organic anions and phosphate. Calibration curves showed linear dependencies over one to two orders of magnitude when the stacking effect was minimized by injecting standard solutions prepared in background electrolyte solutions. Total analysis times of 35 and 90 s were achieved for the determination of 5 inorganic cations and for the simultaneous determination of 12 inorganic and organic anions, respectively, which represents a considerable reduction of analysis time compared to conventional separation methods used in food analysis.
A fast method for quantitative proteomics based on a combination between two‐dimensional electrophoresis and 15N‐metabolic labelling
Authors: Snijders Ambrosius P. L. , de Vos Marjon G. J. , de Koning Bart , Wright Phillip C.
Published: July 2005

We provide a method for accurate protein quantitation that uses two‐dimensional (2‐D) gel electrophoresis for protein separation, but does not require extensive statistical analysis of staining intensities on gels. Instead, accurate quantitation occurs on the mass spectrometer (MAS) on multiple peptides to provide statistical evidence. In an example study, Sulfolobus solfataricus cells were grown on the carbon sources glucose, fructose and glutamate. The glucose phenotype (reference) was grown on 15N‐enriched medium. Next, the glutamate and the fructose phenotypes are mixed with the reference and two 2‐D gels are created. Staining intensities of gel spots in this case are used for initial, semiquantitative assessment of differential expression. On this basis, spots are selected for accurate quantitation on the MAS. A number of differentially expressed proteins were found, for example: a (25.2 ± 8.2)‐fold upregulation of isocitrate lyase and a (7.14 ± 0.82)‐fold downregulation of glucose dehydrogenase on glutamate compared to glucose. With this protocol, intergel and interlaboratory comparisons are facilitated, since the light and heavy versions of a protein are equally affected by variations in sample preparation and buffer composition. Because the statistical evidence is gathered on the MAS, the need to run vast numbers of gels is removed.
A probabilistic approach for estimating the seismic response of elasto‐plastic SDOF systems
Authors: D'Ambrisi Angelo , Mezzi Marco
Published: July 2005

The seismic response of elasto‐plastic structures to both recorded and generated accelerograms is characterized by a large scattering of the results, even for accelerograms with similar peak ground acceleration values and frequency content. According to current code recommendations a design value of the seismic response of an elasto‐plastic structure can be computed as the mean of the responses to a certain number of spectrum‐fitting generated accelerograms. A more effective probabilistic approach is presented herein. It allows the analyst to calculate a design value of the seismic response characterized by a predefined non‐exceedance probability using a limited number of generated accelerograms. The results of the performed analyses are presented in diagrams that can be used for structural design applications. The applicability of the proposed method is demonstrated in the case of an elasto‐plastic structural system and the results are compared with those obtained applying current code recommendations. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stability analysis of real‐time dynamic substructuring using delay differential equation models
Authors: Wallace M. I. , Sieber J. , Neild S. A. , Wagg D. J. , Krauskopf B.
Published: July 2005

Real‐time dynamic substructuring is an experimental technique for testing the dynamic behaviour of complex structures. It involves creating a hybrid model of the entire structure by combining an experimental test piece—the substructure—with a numerical model describing the remainder of the system. The technique is useful when it is impractical to experimentally test the entire structure or complete numerical modelling is insufficient.

In this paper, we focus on the influence of delay in the system, which is generally due to the inherent dynamics of the transfer systems (actuators) used for structural testing. This naturally gives rise to a delay differential equation (DDE) model of the substructured system. With the case of a substructured system consisting of a single mass–spring oscillator we demonstrate how a DDE model can be used to understand the influence of the response delay of the actuator. Specifically, we describe a number of methods for identifying the critical time delay above which the system becomes unstable.

Because of the low damping in many large structures a typical situation is that a substructuring test would operate in an unstable region if additional techniques were not implemented in practice. We demonstrate with an adaptive delay compensation technique that the substructured mass–spring oscillator system can be stabilized successfully in an experiment. The approach of DDE modelling also allows us to determine the dependence of the critical delay on the parameters of the delay compensation scheme. Using this approach we develop an over‐compensation scheme that will help ensure stable experimental testing from initiation to steady state operation. This technique is particularly suited to stiff structures or those with very low natural damping as regularly encountered in structural engineering. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chitosan/gelatin–based films crosslinked by proanthocyanidin
Authors: Kim Sungwoo , Nimni Marcel E. , Yang Zhi , Han Bo
Published: July 2005

Novel polymer networks consisting of crosslinked gelatin/chitosan were prepared by a solution casting technique. Methods for bulk crosslinking were developed to modify the gelatin/chitosan blends with the use of a nontoxic crosslinking reagent, proanthocyanidin (PA). FTIR spectral analyses of the preparations showed network formations of crosslinked gelatin, chitosan, and PA by amide and ester linkages. The crosslinked networks were stable in the aqueous state, and had improved mechanical properties and thermal stability when compared with nonlinked gelatin (G) and chitosan/gelatin (C/G) films. In vitro protease digestion and cell‐culture studies showed that the PA‐crosslinked C/G films are nontoxic and exhibited decreased biodegradation rate and a better ability to support cell adhesion and proliferation than noncrosslinked gelatin or chitosan alone. These results suggest that such a nontoxic crosslinked gelatin/chitosan scaffold can become a promising matrix for tissue‐engineering applications. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2005
Buffer solution can control the porosity of DNA‐chitosan complexes
Authors: Fukushima Tadao , Hayakawa Tohru , Okamura Kazuhiko , Takeda Shoji , Inoue Yusuke , Miyazaki Koji , Okahata Yoshio
Published: July 2005

The current studies examine the pore properties and biological effects of DNA‐chitosan complexes, which may be useful as scaffolds for tissue engineering. The porosity of the DNA‐chitosan complexes was controlled by rinsing them with several different pH 7.2 buffer solutions, including phosphate‐buffered saline (PBS), Tris‐HCl, boric acid, and N‐(2‐hydroxyethyl)piperazine‐N′‐(2‐ethanesufonic acid) (HEPES). Rinsing with PBS resulted in 84% porosity, whereas rinsing with Tris‐HCl produced 94% porosity. It was further found that daunorubicin hydrochloride complex intercalated with and bound to the groove of the DNA‐chitosan complexes, indicating that DNA in the complexes maintains its double‐stranded helical structure. The DNA‐chitosan complexes were not toxic to MG‐63 osteoblast‐like cells and caused only a mild tissue response when implanted subcutaneously in the backs of rats. These results suggest that buffer‐rinsed DNA‐chitosan complexes may be useful as a scaffold material in tissue engineering. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2006
The effect of curing modes on polymerization contraction stress of a dual cured composite
Authors: Feng L. , Suh B. I.
Published: July 2005

Although a lower curing rate is often cited as the reason why a chemical cured (CC) dental composite produces lower polymerization contraction stress (PCS) than a light cured (LC) composite, the exact mechanism is still unclear. In addition, the comparison is often made by using different brands of composites. The comparison's fairness is questionable because the two composites have different compositions and preparation procedures. The goal of the present work was to determine if the curing mode alone can produce different PCS. We formulated a dual cured composite and prepared it the same way for both CC and LC modes. We measured PCS by a strain gauge method, shrinkage by a video‐imagining technique, degree of conversion (DC) by infrared spectroscopy, and flexural modulus by the three‐point bending test. The CC specimens showed lower PCS and lower flexural modulus than the LC specimens, although both possessed an identical chemical composition and physical texture before cure. This finding indicates that the curing mode alone can affect PCS. Because the CC and LC specimens produced a similar shrinkage and DC, the lower modulus is considered to be one of the reasons for the lower stress. Using a structural inhomogeneity model, we explained how a resin composite with an identical DC can have different physical properties such as the modulus. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2006
Bone formation using human adipose tissue‐derived stromal cells and a biodegradable scaffold
Authors: Hattori Hidemi , Masuoka Kazunori , Sato Masato , Ishihara Miya , Asazuma Takashi , Takase Bonpei , Kikuchi Makoto , Nemoto Koichi , Ishihara Masayuki
Published: July 2005

Human adipose tissue, obtained by liposuction, was processed to obtain a fibroblast‐like population of cells or adipose tissue‐derived stromal cells (ATSCs). The ATSCs, as well as bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs), have the capacity for renewal and the potential to differentiate into multiple lineages of mesenchymal tissues. These cells are capable of forming bone when implanted ectopically in an appropriate scaffold. The aim of this study was to evaluate a β‐tricalcium phosphate (β‐TCP) as a scaffold and to compare the potential of osteogenic differentiation of ATSCs with BMSCs. Both cell types were loaded into β‐TCP disk and cultured in an osteogenic induction medium. Optimal osteogenic differentiation in ATSCs in vitro, as determined by secretion of osteocalcin, scanning electron microscope, and histology, were obtained in the culturing with the β‐TCP disk. Furthermore, bone formation in vivo was examined by using the ATSC‐ or BMSC‐loaded scaffolds in nude mice. The present results show that ATSCs have a similar ability to differentiate into osteoblasts and to synthesize bone in β‐TCP disk as have BMSCs. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2006
Volume changes in the gallbladder in association with various radiologic examinations
Authors: Nazaroǧlu Hasan , Akgül Cihan , Bükte Yaşar , Bilici Aslan , Şimşek Masum
Published: July 2005

Purpose

Our aim was to evaluate with sonography the volume changes of the gallbladder after intravenous administration of nonionic, iodinated contrast agents with or without ingestion of contrast agent or water.

Methods

A total of 191 patients received intravenous injection of 50 ml of nonionic contrast agent (Group A), intravenous injection of 100 ml of contrast medium (Group B), intravenous injection of 100 ml of contrast medium together with ingestion of 1000 ml of a dilute solution of contrast medium (Group C), or 1000 ml of water taken orally (Group D). The gallbladder volume was measured by ultrasonography in the fasting state in all groups, 15 minutes after intravenous injection of contrast medium in Groups A, B, and C and 30 minutes after water ingestion in Group D.

Results

In all groups, the volume of the gallbladder was statistically lower after the procedure than before. There was no significant difference among the groups in terms of this gallbladder volume change.

Conclusions

Intravenous injection of nonionic, iodinated contrast medium or ingestion of water or a dilute solution of contrast medium for various radiological examinations results in contraction of the gallbladder. Contrast‐enhanced radiological examinations may interfere with sonographic evaluation of the gallbladder. If necessary, gallbladder ultrasonographic examination should be repeated with the patient in a fasting state. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 33:214–217, 2005
Contrast‐enhanced power Doppler sonography of malignant ovarian tumors using harmonic flash‐echo imaging: preliminary experience
Authors: Kohzuki Masatomo , Kanzaki Toru , Murata Yuji
Published: July 2005

To investigate the potential usefulness of contrast‐enhanced intermittent harmonic sonography in the diagnosis of ovarian cancer, we evaluated 4 patients with complex adnexal masses suspected of malignancy using intermittent harmonic sonography after injection of a contrast agent. Tumor and/or mural nodule tissue enhancement was detected in all cases of ovarian malignancy. Contrast‐enhanced, intermittent harmonic sonography provides a satisfactory visualization of blood flow in the solid portion of the tumor tissue and may support a diagnosis of ovarian malignancy. Depiction of blood vessels using low MI techniques may be possible with other vascular ultrasonographic contrast agents. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 33:237–247, 2005
Proteomic comparison of two fractions derived from the transsynaptic scaffold
Authors: Phillips Greg R. , Florens Laurence , Tanaka Hidekazu , Khaing Zin Z. , Fidler Lazar , Yates John R. , Colman David R.
Published: July 2005

A fraction derived from presynaptic specializations (presynaptic particle fraction; PPF) can be separated from postsynaptic densities (PSD) by adjusting the pH of Triton X‐100 (TX‐100) extraction of isolated transsynaptic scaffolds. Solubilization of the PPF corresponds to disruption of the presynaptic specialization. We show that the PPF is insoluble to repeated TX‐100 extraction at pH 6.0 but becomes soluble in detergent at pH 8.0. By immunolocalization, we find that the major proteins of the PPF, clathrin and dynamin, are concentrated in the presynaptic compartment. By using multidimensional protein identification technology, we compared the protein compositions of the PPF and the PSD fraction. We identified a total of 341 proteins, 50 of which were uniquely found in the PPF, 231 in the PSD fraction, and 60 in both fractions. Comparison of the two fractions revealed a relatively low proportion of actin and associated proteins and a high proportion of vesicle or intracellular compartment proteins in the PPF. We conclude that the PPF consists of presynaptic proteins not connected to the actin‐based synaptic framework; its insolubility in pH 6 and solubility in pH 8 buffered detergent suggests that clathrin might be an anchorage scaffold for many proteins in the PPF. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Capillary electrophoresis determinative and GC‐MS confirmatory method for water‐soluble organic acids in airborne particulate matter and vehicle emission
Authors: Dabek‐Zlotorzynska Ewa , Aranda‐Rodriguez Rocio , Graham Lisa
Published: July 2005

Urban fine airborne particulate matter (PM2.5) and vehicle emission samples were studied for water‐soluble low‐molecular‐weight carboxylic acids using CE with indirect UV detection. Further identification of these acids was achieved using GC‐MS as their butyl esters (after derivatization with BF3/butanol). Several dicarboxylic acids in the range C2–C10 including straight‐chain, branched‐chain, cis‐ and trans‐unsaturated, and aromatic acids were confirmed by GC‐MS. In addition, aromatic acids such as benzoate, phthalate, terephthalate, isophthalate, and 4‐methylphtalate were present in such samples, but some of these were not well resolved by the used CE method. Oxocarboxylic acids (Cwn with n > 4) were also identified by GC‐MS but not determined by CE due to lack of standards. The rapidity and simplicity of the CE method were clearly demonstrated, and the method was observed to be advantageous for routine monitoring of water‐soluble organic acids in airborne PM2.5 and vehicle emission at low μg/L levels.
Characterization of Azerbaijani and Croatian brown naphthalane
Authors: Alajbeg Andja , Donelli Dubravka , Alajbeg Ivan , Telen Sanda , Šegudović N. , Srića Vlasta , Podolski Štefica , Blažeković Snjezana
Published: July 2005

In spite of the fact that noncolored (nonaromatic) naphthalane containing high sterane content has been proved as bioactive and efficient in the treatment of psoriasis vulgaris, brown naphthalanes, which contain aromatics, are still in use. Thousands of patients, who have been passing through the therapy, deserve thorough and permanent study of brown naphthalanes. For that reason, two frequently used brown naphthalane preparations, one of the Azerbaijani (N1) and the other of the Croatian (N2) origin, were studied. The samples underwent the study by means of GC, OT LC, and normal‐phase HPLC, as separation techniques. In addition, some bulk properties, elemental composition, and group composition by 1H NMR were determined. GC‐MS served in compound types, especially in sterane detection. Both of the samples were found to be unresolved complex mixtures, relatively poor in n‐alkanes. Isoalkanes, cycloalkanes, and aromatic compounds, in a great variety of isomers and homologs, made the majority of both of the samples. N1 was a dark, viscous, nontransparent fluid with a strong petroleum smell. Aromatics, which made 53% mass by OT LC and 54% mass by 1H NMR were found to be composed of mono‐, di‐, and tri+‐aromatic compounds. Tri+‐aromatic compounds were three to four times more abundant in N1 than in N2. Beside hydrocarbons, N1 comprised some organic compounds with polar functional groups. Also, some asphaltenes were found in it. N1 contained well‐presented steranes, which are thought to be bioactive naphthalane ingredients. N2 was a pale brown liquid, with smell similar to gasoline. It contained somewhat lower percentage of aromatics (46% mass) and comparatively lower percentage of tri+ fused aromatics among which carcinogens might be expected. N2 was almost purely composed of hydrocarbons. It seemed to contain low content of steranes due to relatively low upper temperature of the distillation range applied in N2 preparation.
Effects of methyl‐β‐cyclodextrin‐mediated cholesterol depletion in porcine sperm compared to somatic cells
Authors: van Gestel R.A. , Helms J.B. , Brouwers J.F.H.M. , Gadella B.M.
Published: July 2005

In this study, the use of methyl‐β‐cyclodextrin (MBCD) to support capacitation of sperm cells was studied. Sperm were incubated with MBCD or alternatively capacitated in an in vitro fertilization medium. The effects of these incubations on phospholipid scrambling (using merocyanin), cholesterol depletion, GM‐1 localization (using cholera‐toxin B (CTX)), and membrane deterioration were assessed. For comparison, this was also tested in MBCD‐treated MDCK cells. In MDCK cells, upto 71% of cholesterol was depleted, which coincided with a more diffuse CTX staining without any obvious effects on cell viability. In sperm, a similar depletion of 53% cholesterol was found after a 10 mM MBCD treatment. However, no merocyanin response was observed in viable sperm after MBCD treatments (indicating a lack of membrane changes associated with sperm capacitation). In contrast to MDCK, cells >1mM MBCD caused plasma membrane disintegration and rendered sperm immotile. At higher concentrations also acrosome disruption was noted. CTX staining was absent at < 0.1 mM MBCD incubations but appeared at higher MBCD levels and was found to be specific for deteriorated cells that showed morphological signs of acrosome disruption. No significant plasma membrane deterioration, acrosome disruption, and sperm immotility nor CTX staining and only a modest (< 15%) cholesterol depletion were observed in conventionally capacitated sperm, where 40% of the intact sperm showed merocyanin staining. Taken together, the results indicate that membranes of sperm are more sensitive to MBCD‐mediated cholesterol depletion than MDCK cells and that the use of MBCD to support sperm capacitation cannot be recommended due to its spermicidal effects. Mol. Reprod. Dev. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Finite element analysis of flows in secondary settling tanks
Authors: Kleine D. , Reddy B. D.
Published: July 2005

The equations governing unsteady flows in secondary settling tanks, a component of the wastewater treatment process, are analysed using the finite element method. The model corresponding to such liquid–solid flows is highly non‐linear and coupled, and incorporates the effects of turbulence. The results of numerical simulations are compared against experimental results from tests on full‐scale settling tanks, and against results obtained from a finite difference code based on an idealized one‐dimensional flux theory. The results compare well with the test results, over the range of applicability of the model. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structured pseudospectra in structural engineering
Authors: Wagenknecht Thomas , Agarwal Jitendra
Published: July 2005

This paper presents a new method for computing the pseudospectra of a matrix that respects a prescribed sparsity structure. The pseudospectrum is defined as the set of points in the complex plane to which an eigenvalue of the matrix can be shifted by a perturbation of a certain size. A canonical form for sparsity preserving perturbations is given and a computable formula for the corresponding structured pseudospectra is derived. This formula relates the computation of structured pseudospectra to the computation of the structured singular value (ssv) of an associated matrix. Although the computation of the ssv in general is an NP‐hard problem, algorithms for its approximation are available and demonstrate good performance when applied to the computation of structured pseudospectra of medium‐sized or highly sparse matrices.

The method is applied to a wing vibration problem, where it is compared with the matrix polynomial approach, and to the stability analysis of truss structures. New measures for the vulnerability of a truss structure are proposed, which are related to the ‘distance to singularity’ of the associated stiffness matrix. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluating physical function in an adolescent bone tumor population
Authors: Pakulis P. Janine , Young Nancy L. , Davis Aileen M.
Published: July 2005

Background

Survival rates for patients with bone tumors have increased dramatically over the past few decades. Unfortunately, many patients face functional limitations resulting from disease management, but there is little evidence regarding physical functioning in adolescents with bone tumors. This lack is largely due to the absence of a standardized measure for evaluating adolescent sarcoma physical functioning. This review discusses considerations in searching for a measure of adolescent physical functioning, evaluates measures previously used in assessing functional outcome in young sarcoma patients, reviews self‐report measures of pediatric physical functioning, and makes recommendations for future research.

Procedure

Electronic databases were searched for studies published between 1980 and 2004. Studies examining physical functioning in adolescent sarcoma patients and those describing measures of pediatric physical functioning were included.

Results

The study includes measures previously used in the adolescent bone tumor literature (Musculoskeletal Tumor Society, Mankin, Groningen Activity Restriction Scale, Toronto Extremity Salvage Score [TESS]), and three measures of pediatric physical function (Functional Disability Inventory, Pediatric Outcomes Data Collection Instrument [PODCI], Activities Scale for Kids [ASK]). The TESS, PODCI, and ASK each met at least four of the outlined applicability and feasibility components.

Conclusion

The search for a measure of physical functioning for adolescent sarcoma patients requires an exploration of many developmental and measurement issues. Based on the sensibility review presented, the TESS, PODCI, and ASK are recommended for further evaluation of content and of the measurement properties of reliability, validity, and responsiveness, prior to their use in evaluating adolescent sarcoma patients. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Risk factors for diabetes insipidus in langerhans cell histiocytosis
Authors: Grois N. , Pötschger U. , Prosch H. , Minkov M. , Arico M. , Braier J. , Henter J‐I. , Janka‐Schaub G. , Ladisch S. , Ritter J. , Steiner M. , Unger E. , Gadner H. ,   for the DALHX‐ and LCH I and II Study Committee
Published: July 2005

Background

Diabetes insipidus (DI) is the most frequent central nervous system (CNS)‐related permanent consequence in Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH), which mostly requires life‐long hormone replacement therapy. In an attempt to define the population at risk for DI, 1,741 patients with LCH registered on the trials DALHX 83 and DALHX 90, LCH I and LCH II were studied.

Results

Overall 212 of 1,741 patients (12%) was reported to have DI. In 102 of 1,741 patients (6%) DI was present at diagnosis of LCH. One thousand one hundred eighty three of 1,539 patients without DI at diagnosis had follow up information. One hundred ten of these (9%) later developed DI. The risk of developing DI was 20% at 15 years after diagnosis. Multisystem disease patients at diagnosis carried a 4.6‐fold risk for DI compared to single system patients. Craniofacial lesions, in particular in the “ear,” “eye,” and oral region were associated with a significantly increased risk for DI (relative hazard rate, RHR 1.7), independent of the extent of disease. No influence of the duration of therapy could be determined, but the duration of initial disease activity (RHR 1.5) and the occurrence of reactivations (RHR 3.5) significantly increased the risk for DI.

Conclusions

Patients with multisystem disease and craniofacial involvement at diagnosis, in particular of the “ear,” “eye,” and the oral region carry a significantly increased risk to develop DI during their course. This risk is augmented when the disease remains active for a longer period or reactivates. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Few but severe viral infections in children with cancer: A prospective RT‐PCR and PCR‐based 12‐month study
Authors: Christensen Merete Stubkjaer , Nielsen Lars Peter , Hasle Henrik
Published: July 2005

Background

Treatment of low‐risk febrile episodes with oral administered antibiotics at home is a new approach in pediatric oncology and protective isolation is loosened in more centers. The impact of viral respiratory infections in febrile diseases in this population is still unclear in terms of occurrence and morbidity.

Procedure

A prospective follow‐up study of all febrile episodes during 12 months in a pediatric oncology department with a high level of protective isolation was set‐up with expanded molecular viral examinations. Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) and PCR diagnostics of ten viruses, two atypical bacteria, and one fungus were performed and clinical information on all infections was registered.

Results

A total of 250 febrile episodes in 66 patients were registered. In all, 198 respiratory secretions, predominantly oral washes, and 165 anal swabs were analyzed. Twenty‐two infections were diagnosed: 7 rhinovirus infections, 4 respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections, 2 herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections, 2 varicella‐zoster‐virus (VZV) infections, 1 influenza B virus infection, 1 parainfluenza virus type 3 infection (PIV3), 1 human metapneumovirus (HMPV) infection, 1 enterovirus infection, 0 adenovirus infections, 0 influenza A virus infections, and 3 non‐viral pneumonias: 1 M. Pneumonia, 1 C. Pneumonia, and 1 P. Carinii. The detected pathogens correlated well to the clinical disease. Patients with viral infections were as affected as patients with bacteria in the blood. One of 19 viral infections was lethal, a RSV pneumonia. C‐reactive protein concentrations were not able to distinguish viral infections from bacteremias.

Conclusions

The applied sampling method was acceptable and molecular diagnosis of viruses, atypical bacteria and P. Carinii increased the microbiological verification of infections by 35%. Viral infections were few in our protected population but caused severe infectious complications in these patients. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Paraneoplastic syndrome and intrathoracic Castleman disease
Authors: Hung Iou‐Jih , Lin Jainn‐Jim , Yang Chao‐Ping , Hsueh Chuen
Published: July 2005

We report two cases of intrathoracic Castleman disease presenting with paraneoplastic syndrome. Patient 1 was a 10‐year‐old girl with short stature. She was found to have delayed bone age, slow growth velocity, and iron‐deficiency anemia, which was refractory to treatment. Thrombocytosis and hypergammaglobulinemia were later detected. Chest X‐ray revealed a hilar mass. Patient 2 was a 14‐year‐old boy who had severe cough, progressive mucocutaneous erosion, and dermatitis. Chest X‐ray showed a mediastinal mass. Sections of skin biopsy showed findings consistent with pemphigus disease. In each case, the histological diagnosis of Castleman disease was made. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2006; 47:616–620. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The role of radiotherapy in the treatment of childhood intracranial germinoma: Long‐term survival and late effects
Authors: Strojan Primož , Zadravec Lorna Zaletel , Anžič Jožica , Korenjak Roman , Jereb Berta
Published: July 2005

Background

The aim of the present report was to evaluate the role of radiotherapy in the treatment of childhood intracranial germinoma in view of long‐term survival and functional outcome.

Procedure

Nine children with histologically verified intracranial germinomas treated in Slovenia between 1983 and 1995 were reviewed. The four boys and five girls were 8.8–16.9 years old (median, 11.3 years). Five tumors were suprasellar, three were in the pineal region, and one patient had bifocal disease. Two patients had disseminated tumor. All patients received radiotherapy: six to the tumor bed, one to the whole brain, and two to the whole central nervous axis (CNA). The doses to the tumor bed ranged from 30 to 46 Gy (median, 44 Gy) and to the CNA were 24 and 34.5 Gy. Five patients received neoadjuvant cyclophosphamide and three patients, all with β‐human chorionic gonadotropin secreting tumors, received neoadjuvant cisplatin‐based chemotherapy.

Results

Six patients are alive 12.8–21.8 years (median, 19 years) from diagnosis. The causes of death in three patients were disseminated disease, toxicity of salvage chemotherapy, and secondary etoposide‐induced leukemia. All patients with suprasellar tumors presented with overt endocrinopathy. Results of psychological evaluation were subnormal in one out of five patients tested. Estimate of mental deterioration due to therapy ranged from 0% to 30% (median, 15%). Emotional disorder was registered in four patients and psycho‐organic syndrome in three.

Conclusions

Our results on long‐term survival and functional outcome confirm the efficacy and relative safety of limited‐field and reduced‐dose radiotherapy for childhood intracranial germinoma when supplemented with chemotherapy. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Temozolomide and oral VP‐16 for children and young adults with recurrent or treatment‐induced malignant gliomas
Authors: Korones David N. , Smith Amy , Foreman Nicholas , Bouffet Eric
Published: July 2005

Background

Children and young adults with recurrent or treatment‐induced malignant gliomas have limited responses to temozolomide or oral VP‐16 when either is administered as a single agent. We postulated that a combination of these two drugs for patients with recurrent or treatment‐induced malignant gliomas might result in better and more prolonged responses. A retrospective analysis was performed on patients treated with the combination of temozolomide and VP‐16.

Procedure

Eleven patients with recurrent or treatment‐induced malignant gliomas were treated with varying combinations of temozolomide (150–210 mg/m2/d for 5 days) and oral VP‐16 (50 mg/m2/d for 4–12 days). Responses were assessed by MRI scan, and data on clinical course and toxicity were retrospectively obtained from the medical record.

Results

The median age of the 11 patients was 17 years (range 5–23 years). Diagnoses included recurrent brain stem glioma (2), recurrent anaplastic astrocytoma (2), and glioblastoma (7) (3 treatment‐induced, 2 malignant transformations of lower grade tumors, 1 recurrence, and 1 second tumor arising 10 months after diagnosis of medulloblastoma). All 11 patients had received radiotherapy (including 4 who received craniospinal radiation), and 7 had prior chemotherapy. Nine patients were treated at first recurrence, two at second recurrence. One patient had a complete response (CR), six had partial responses (PR), and four had progressive disease (PD). The median progression‐free survival for the seven responding patients was 6 months (range 4–15+ months). There was one grade 4 neutropenia, but no other grade 3 or 4 toxicities.

Conclusions

These data suggest there is activity of temozolomide in combination with oral VP‐16 for children and young adults with recurrent malignant gliomas. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prolonged severe pancytopenia preceding the cutaneous lesions of juvenile xanthogranuloma
Authors: Hara Takuya , Ohga Shouichi , Hattori Sagano , Hatano Miho , Kaku Noriyuki , Nomura Akihiko , Takada Hidetoshi , Kokuba Hisashi , Ohshima Koichi , Hara Toshiro
Published: July 2005

We report a case of juvenile xanthogranuloma (JXG) having progressive pancytopenia for 6 months until the proliferating skin lesions. A 2‐month‐old infant presented recurrent fever, anemia, and hepatosplenomegaly mimicking hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) or juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia (JMML). At 8 months of age, the biopsy of a growing papule on the elbow made the diagnosis. Bone marrow (BM) specimens showed clustering foamy cells including hemophagocytosis by histiocytes. Treatment with etoposide followed by vinblastine plus prednisolone (PSL) therapy improved the disease. Although JXG is a benign non‐Langerhans cell histiocytosis, the multisystem‐visceral form should be considered as a potential aggressive disease when associated with BM failure in early infancy. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Quantitative assessment of ventricular function in sickle cell disease: Effect of long‐term erythrocytapheresis
Authors: Raj Ashok B. , Condurache Tania , Bertolone Salvatore , Williams David , Lorenz Douglas , Sobczyk Walter
Published: July 2005

Background

Previous studies on cardiac function in patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) demonstrated abnormalities of systolic and diastolic function including elevated left ventricular myocardial performance index (LVMPI) on chronic transfusion protocols. LVMPI has been validated as a useful and easy non‐invasive measure of overall cardiac function. Up to now, there are no reported studies on cardiac function in patients with SCD maintained on long‐term erythrocytapheresis (LTE).

Procedures

We recorded LVMPI in 22 patients with SCD aged 3–20 years and we compared the results between non‐transfused patients (NT‐SCD) and patients on LTE (T‐SCD).

Results

Males with SCD had higher mean LVMPI than females (P = 0.04). There were significant differences among T‐SCD, severe NT‐SCD, and mild NT‐SCD patients with respect to hemoglobin (Hb) levels (P = .003) and TR velocity (P = .03). T‐SCD patients showed elevated LVMPI compared to NT‐SCD patients with severe and mild disease (P = 0.002). Pair‐wise comparisons demonstrated that T‐SCD patients had LVMPI that was significantly higher than NT‐SCD (mild) patients (P = 0.01).

Conclusions

Our study demonstrates that patients SCD on LTE have cardiac dysfunction based on elevated LVMPI. This may be a reflection of the global severity of disease. Our findings merit further investigation with serial monitoring of LVMPI on a larger number of patients with SCD. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Evaluation of prefractionation methods as a preparatory step for multidimensional based chromatography of serum proteins
Authors: Barnea Eilon , Sorkin Raya , Ziv Tamar , Beer Ilan , Admon Arie
Published: July 2005

Prefractionations of proteins prior to their proteolysis, chromatography, and MS/MS analyses help reduce complexity and increase the yield of protein identifications. A number of methods were evaluated here for prefractionating serum samples distributed to the participating laboratories as part of the human Plasma Proteome Project. These methods include strong cation exchange (SCX) chromatography, slicing of SDS‐PAGE gel bands, and liquid‐phase IEF of the proteins. The fractionated proteins were trypsinized and the resulting peptides were resolved and analyzed by multidimensional protein identification technology coupled to IT MS/MS. The MS/MS spectra were clustered, combined, and searched against the IPI protein databank using Pep‐Miner. The identification results were evaluated for the efficacy of the different prefractionation methodologies to identify larger numbers of proteins at higher confidence and to achieve the best coverage of the proteins with the identified peptides. Prefractionation based on SCX resulted in the largest number of identified proteins, followed by gel slices and then the liquid‐phase IEF. An important observation was that each of the methods revealed a set of unique proteins, some identified with high confidence. Therefore, for comprehensive identification of the serum proteins, several different prefractionation approaches should be used in parallel.
Efficient prefractionation of low‐abundance proteins in human plasma and construction of a two‐dimensional map
Authors: Cho Sang Yun , Lee Eun‐Young , Lee Joon Seok , Kim Hye‐Young , Park Jae Myun , Kwon Min‐Seok , Park Young‐Kew , Lee Hyoung‐Joo , Kang Min‐Jung , Kim Jin Young , Yoo Jong Shin , Park Sung Jin , Cho Jin Won , Kim Hyon‐Suk , Paik Young‐Ki
Published: July 2005

Human plasma is the most clinically valuable specimen, containing not only a dynamic concentration range of protein components, but also several groups of high‐abundance proteins that seriously interfere with the detection of low‐abundance potential biomarker proteins. To establish a high‐throughput method for efficient depletion of high‐abundance proteins and subsequent fractionation, prior to molecular analysis of proteins, we explored how coupled immunoaffinity columns, commercially available as multiple affinity removal columns (MARC) and free flow electrophoresis (FFE), could apply to the HUPO plasma proteome project. Here we report identification of proteins and construction of a human plasma 2‐DE map devoid of six major abundance proteins (albumin, transferrin, IgG, IgA, haptoglobin, and antitrypsin) using MARC. The proteins were identified by PMF, matching with various internal 2‐DE maps, resulting in a total of 144 nonredundant proteins that were identified from 398 spots. Tissue plasminogen activator, usually present at 10–60 ng/mL plasma, was also identified, indicative of a potentially low‐abundance biomarker. Comparison of representative 2‐D gel images of three ethnic groups (Caucasian, Asian‐American, African‐American) plasma exhibited minor differences in certain proteins between races and sample pretreatment. To establish a throughput fractionation of plasma samples by FFE, either MARC flow‐through fractions or untreated samples of Korean serum were subjected to FFE. After separation of samples on FFE, an aliquot of each fraction was analyzed by 1‐D gel, in which MARC separation was a prerequisite for FFE work. Thus, a working scheme of MARC → FFE → 1‐D PAGE → 2‐D‐nanoLC‐MS/MS may be considered as a widely applicable standard platform technology for fractionation of complex samples like plasma.
Anionic copolymerization of styrenic‐tipped macromonomers: A route to novel triblock–comb copolymers of styrene and isoprene
Authors: Christodoulou Spiros , Iatrou Hermis , Lohse David J. , Hadjichristidis Nikos
Published: July 2005

The following triblock–comb copolymers of isoprene (I) and styrene (S)—PS‐b‐(PI‐g‐PI)‐b‐PS, PS‐b‐[PI‐g‐(PI‐b‐PS)]‐b‐PS, and (PS‐g‐PS)‐b‐(PI‐g‐PI)‐b‐(PS‐g‐PS) (where PS is polystyrene and PI is polyisoprene)—with PS contents of 20–30% were synthesized with high‐vacuum techniques and the anionic copolymerization of styrenic‐tipped macromonomers with I and S. The macromonomers, prepared by the reaction of living PI or PS with 4‐(chlorodimethylsilyl) styrene, were used without isolation. Molecular characterization by size exclusion chromatography, size exclusion chromatography/two‐angle laser light scattering, and NMR spectroscopy indicated that the triblock–comb copolymers had high molecular and compositional homogeneity. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 43: 4030–4039, 2005
Effect of carbon nanotubes on the crystallization and properties of polypropylene
Authors: Leelapornpisit Weawkamol , Ton‐That Minh‐Tan , Perrin‐Sarazin Florence , Cole Kenneth C. , Denault Johanne , Simard Benoit
Published: July 2005

The effect of different concentrations of single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) on the nonisothermal crystallization kinetics, morphology, and mechanical properties of polypropylene (PP) matrix composites obtained by melt compounding was investigated by means of X‐ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, optical and scanning electron microscopy, and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis. Microscopy showed well‐dispersed nanotube ropes together with small and large aggregates. The modulus was found to increase by about 75% at a level of 0.5 wt % nanotubes. The SWNTs displayed a clear nucleating effect on the PP crystallization, favoring the α crystalline form rather than the β form. The crystallization kinetics analysis showed a significant increase in activation energy on incorporating nanotubes. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 43: 2445–2453, 2005
Solid‐phase microextraction gas chromatography/mass spectrometry: a new method for species identification of truffles
Authors: Gioacchini Anna Maria , Menotta Michele , Bertini Luana , Rossi Ismaela , Zeppa Sabrina , Zambonelli Alessandra , Piccoli Giovanni , Stocchi Vilberto
Published: July 2005

This study describes a rapid method to identify different truffle species by analysis of their volatile compound fraction using static headspace solid‐phase microextraction gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. The volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were extracted using a new 2‐cm 50/30 µm DVB/CAR/PDMS fiber placed for 10 min in the headspace of the truffle sample with the vial maintained at 20°C (in a thermostatically controlled analysis room). The mass spectra of the VOC chromatograms were represented as ‘fingerprints’ of the analysed samples. Next, stepwise factorial discriminant analysis afforded a limited number of characteristic fragment ions that allowed a classification of the truffle species studied. This new method provides an effective approach to rapid quality control and identification of truffle species by analysis of their volatile fraction. Moreover, this method offers the advantage of minimizing thermal, mechanical, and chemical modifications of the truffles, thereby reducing the risk of analytical artifacts. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assessment of the plasma desorption time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry technique for pesticide adsorption and degradation on ‘as‐received’ treated soil samples
Authors: Thomas J. P. , Nsouli B. , Darwish T. , Fallavier M. , Khoury R. , Wehbé N.
Published: July 2005

The assessment of the plasma desorption time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (PD‐TOFMS) technique as a tool for direct characterization of pesticides adsorbed on agricultural soil is made for the first time in this study. Pellets of soils impregnated by solutions of three pesticides, namely norflurazon, malathion and oxyfluorfen, as well as deposits of these solutions onto aluminum surfaces, were investigated to this end. The yield values of the most characteristic peaks of the negative ion mass spectra were used to determine both the lowest concentrations detected on soils and limits of detection from thin films. The lowest values on soils are for malathion (1000 ppm range), and the largest for norflurazon (20 000 ppm), which is close to the limit of detection (LOD) found for the pesticide on the aluminum substrate (∼0.2 µg · cm−2). Different behaviors were observed as a function of time of storage in the ambient atmosphere or under vacuum; norflurazon adsorbed on soil exhibited high stability for a long period of time, and a rapid degradation of malathion with the elapsed time was clearly observed. The behavior of oxyfluorfen was also investigated but segregation processes seem to occur after several days. Although by far less sensitive than conventional methods based on extraction processes and used for real‐world analytical applications, this technique is well suited to the study of the transformations occurring at the sample surface. A discussion is presented of the future prospects of such experiments in degradation studies. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The ability of ‘family friendly’ organizational resources to predict work–family conflict and job and family satisfaction
Authors: Brough Paula , O'Driscoll Michael P. , Kalliath Thomas J.
Published: July 2005

The effectiveness of organizational interventions in reducing the adverse consequences of work–family conflict has produced mixed findings. This paper examines the relationship between the use of organizational ‘family friendly’ resources (such as crèche facilities, flexible working hours, and job sharing), with levels of work–family conflict, and job and family satisfaction over time. Using structural equation modelling, these associations were tested in 398 employed men and women who each completed a self‐report questionnaire administered on two occasions. The use of organizational interventions directly predicted increased levels of concurrent (Time 1) work–family interference and increased levels of subsequent (Time 2) job satisfaction. Both organizational interventions and family interventions (i.e. support) positively predicted subsequent family satisfaction. The research demonstrates that the provision of organizational ‘family‐friendly’ practices will produce improved psychological outcomes for employees. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.