bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of Oral Posaconazole on the Pharmacokinetics of Cyclosporine and Tacrolimus
Authors: Sansone‐Parsons Angela , Krishna Gopal , Martinho Monika , Kantesaria Bhavna , Gelone Steven , Mant Tim G. 
Published: June 2007

Study Objective. To analyze the pharmacokinetic properties of the immuno‐suppressants cyclosporine and tacrolimus when either is coadministered with oral posaconazole.Design. Two single‐center, open‐label pharmacokinetic studies of cyclosporine in a multiple‐dose design and of tacrolimus in a one‐sequence, crossover, single‐ and multiple‐dose design.Setting. One clinical investigative center in the United States and one in the United Kingdom.Subjects. Four adult heart transplant recipients in the cyclosporine study and 36 healthy adult volunteers in the tacrolimus study.Interventions. In the cyclosporine study, patients who took an established cyclosporine dose 3 times/day for 6 weeks or longer were given posaconazole 200 mg/day for 10 days. In the tacrolimus study, subjects received tacrolimus 0.05 mg/kg/day on days 1 and 14 and posaconazole 400 mg twice/day on days 7–14.Measurements and Main Results. In the cyclosporine study, blood samples were collected on day 1 to determine cyclosporine pharmacokinetics and on day 10 to measure the pharmacokinetics of cyclosporine and posaconazole. Coadministration of posaconazole increased cyclosporine exposure and necessitated dosage reductions of 14–29% for cyclosporine in three subjects. In the tacrolimus study, blood samples were collected on days 12–14 to assess posaconazole pharmacokinetics and on days 1 and 14 for as long 72 hours after dosing to evaluate tacrolimus pharmacokinetics. Posaconazole increased the maximum blood concentration and the area under the concentration‐time curve for tacrolimus by 121% and 358%, respectively, on day 14 compared with day 1 (both p=0.001). In both studies, posaconazole pharmacokinetics were unaffected.Conclusion. These findings suggest that the dosage of cyclosporine or tacrolimus should be reduced when posaconazole therapy is started and that plasma levels of the immunosuppressant should be monitored during and at the discontinuation of posaconazole therapy so that dosages are adjusted accordingly. This recommendation is consistent with current standard of care for patients receiving cyclosporine or tacrolimus with concomitant azole antifungal therapy.
Meta‐Analysis of Azelastine Nasal Spray for the Treatment of Allergic Rhinitis
Authors: Lee Todd A. , Pickard A. Simon 
Published: June 2007

Study Objective. To systematically review the efficacy of azelastine nasal spray for the treatment of allergic rhinitis.Design. Meta‐analysis of published randomized controlled trials reported in English.Data Source. Published literature from the PubMed‐MEDLINE database.Patients. Patients aged at least 12 (United States) or 16 years (Europe) with allergic rhinitis or nonallergic vasomotor rhinitis.Measurements and Main Results. A global assessment of efficacy was used to estimate the number needed to treat for azelastine nasal spray compared with placebo or active comparators. The total symptom score was used to compare the effect size between azelastine and placebo. In five comparisons of azelastine and placebo, azelastine was most efficacious, with a summary number needed to treat of 5.0 (95% confidence interval [CI] 3.3–10.0). In reviewing 11 studies of azelastine versus active comparators, we found no significant difference between azelastine and active comparators (number needed to treat 66.7, 95% CI 14.3 to ∞ to 25]). Azelastine was more efficacious than placebo in terms of total symptom score (effect size of 0.36, 95% CI 0.26–0.46).Conclusion. Azelastine nasal spray was more efficacious than placebo in the treatment of allergic rhinitis. No significant differences were observed between azelastine and active comparators for the treatment of allergic rhinitis; however, when azelastine was compared with oral antihistamines as monotherapy, the trend favored azelastine. Because azelastine appears to be as efficacious as oral antihistamines, the choice of treatment for seasonal allergic rhinitis should depend on the patient's preference regarding the route of administration, adverse effects, and the cost of the drug.
Kidney Tissue Reconstruction by Fetal Kidney Cell Transplantation: Effect of Gestation Stage of Fetal Kidney Cells
Authors: Kim Sang-Soo , Gwak So-Jung , Han Joungho , Jae Park Heung , Hyang Park Moon , Won Song Kang , Woo Cho Seung , Rhee Yun Hee , Chung Hyung Min , Kim Byung-Soo 
Published: June 2007

Abstract
Dialysis and kidney transplantation, current therapies for kidney failure, have limitations such as severe complications, donor shortage, and immune-related problems. The development of an alternative treatment for kidney failure is demanded. The present study shows that the transplantation of fetal kidney cells reconstitutes functional kidney tissue, and that the gestation stage of kidney cells influences the kidney reconstitution. Fetal kidney cells were isolated from metanephroi of rat fetuses at various gestation stages and transplanted into the omentum or kidney of immunodeficient mice. Immunophenotype analysis of fetal kidney cells showed apparent expression of stem cell markers. Three weeks after transplantation, histological analyses of retrieved grafts revealed the formation of kidney structures, including fluorescently labeled transplanted cells, suggesting the potential of fetal kidney cells to reconstitute kidney tissues. The grafts retrieved from omentum contained cystic fluids with concentrated solutes. However, transplanted early fetal kidney cells had also differentiated into nonrenal tissues such as bone and cartilage. In addition, transplantation of fetal kidney cells from a later gestation stage resulted in poor kidney structure formation. Kidney-specific genes were strongly expressed in the earlier cell transplants. The cells at an earlier gestation stage had higher colony forming ability than the cells at a later stage. This study demonstrates the reconstitution of kidney tissue by transplanting fetal kidney cells and the presence of an optimal time window in which fetal kidney cells regenerate kidney tissues.
Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Atrial-Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation Mediated Targeting of Mesenchymal Stromal Cells
Authors: Schweizer Patrick A. , Krause Ulf , Becker Ruediger , Seckinger Anja , Bauer Alexander , Hardt Cornelia , Eckstein Volker , Ho Anthony D. , Koenen Michael , Katus Hugo A. , Zehelein Joerg 
Published: June 2007

Abstract
Sinus node dysfunction and high-degree heart block are the major causes for electronic pacemaker implantation. Recently, genetically modified mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs, also known as “mesenchymal stem cells”) were demonstrated to generate pacemaker function in vivo. However, experimental approaches typically use open thoracotomy for direct cell injection into the myocardium. Future clinical implementation, however, essentially requires development of more gentle methods to precisely and efficiently apply specified stem cells at specific cardiac locations. In a “proof of concept” study, we performed selective power-controlled radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) with eight ablation pulses (30 W, 60 seconds each) to induce heat-mediated lesions at the auricles of the cardiac right atrium of four healthy foxhounds. The next day, allogeneic MSCs (4.3 × 105 cells per kilogram of body weight) labeled with superparamagnetic iron oxide particles (SPIOs) were infused intravenously. Hearts were explanted 8 days later. High numbers of SPIO-labeled cells were identified in areas surrounding the RFCA-induced lesions by Prussian blue staining. Antibody staining revealed SPIO-labeled cells being positive for the typical MSC surface antigen CD44. In contrast, low levels of calprotectin, an antigen found on monocytes and macrophages, indicated negligible infiltration of monocytes in MSC-positive areas. Thus, RFCA allows targeting of MSCs to the cardiac right atrium, adjacent to the sinoatrial node, providing an opportunity to rescue or generate pacemaker function without open thoracotomy and direct injection of MSCs. This method presents a new strategy for cardiac stem cell application leading to an efficient guidance of MSCs into the myocardium.
Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Soil compaction by vibro-replacement: a case study
Authors: Ausilio E. , Conte E. 
Published: June 2007

During the earthquake of 23 November 1980, the historic centre of the village of San Michele di Serino in Southern Italy was almost completely destroyed. The site investigations carried out after the earthquake revealed the subsoil to consist fundamentally of compressible silty soils with interbedded gravelly layers. To improve the poor ground conditions prior to reconstruction, it was decided to use the vibro-compaction method with the installation of stone columns (vibro-replacement technique). In this study, the degree of soil improvement achieved at the site is assessed by comparing both the profiles of numerous penetration tests performed before and after the treatment, and the respective values of the foundation settlement calculated using the practical method developed by Van Impe and De Beer, which allows the reinforcing and soil compaction effects due to the installation of stone columns to be accounted for in a simple manner. The obtained results prove that remarkable soil compaction was achieved by the treatment, especially in the deep soil layers characterised initially by low penetration resistance. Moreover, it is shown that, if the soil compaction effect is ignored, the settlement of the composite system consisting of stone columns and soil subject to loading could be significantly overestimated. À la suite du tremblement de terre du 23 novembre 1980, le centre historique du village de San Michele di Serino, dans le sud de l'Italie, a été presque complètement détruit. Par la suite, les études menées sur le terrain ont révélé que le sous-sol consistait essentiellement de sol limoneux compressible avec des couches graveleuses intercalées. Pour améliorer les conditions de terrain peu favorables avant la reconstruction, il a été décidé d'utiliser la méthode de vibrocompaction avec l'installation de colonnes de pierre (technique de vibro-remplacement). Dans cette étude, le degré d'amélioration du sol atteint sur le site est é valué en comparant à la fois les profils de nombreux tests de pénétration réalisés avant et après traitement et les valeurs respectives de tassement de la fondation calculées par la méthode pratique développée par Van Impe et De Beer, qui permet de prendre en compte de manière simple les effets de renfort et de compaction du sol dus à l'installation de colonnes de pierre. Les résultats obtenus montrent que le traitement conduit à une excellente compaction du sol, en particulier au niveau des couches profondes caractérisées initialement par une faible résistance à la pénétration. Il est également démontré que, si l'on ignore l'effet de compaction du sol, le tassement du système composite constitué de colonnes de pierre et de sol soumis à la charge pourrait ê tre significativement surestimé.
Densification effect of granular piles on settlement response of treated ground
Authors: Krishna A. Murali , Madhav M. R. , Latha G. Madhavi 
Published: June 2007

The settlement response of ground treated with granular piles (GP) is studied considering the densification effect for uniform monotonic loading. The densification effect is incorporated in the analysis by considering the variation of deformation modulus with distance from the centre of the GP. Two types of variations are considered: linear and exponential. A finite-difference-based numerical method is employed to obtain the settlements of the treated ground with deformation modulus varying with distance around the ambient soil by solving the governing equations developed using an integro-differentiation technique. The influences of various parameters, such as the degree of densification at the near and far ends, the area ratio and the relative stiffness of the granular pile, on the settlement of the ground are quantified. The effect of densification is greater for relatively smaller values of area ratio and relative stiffness of granular pile compared with their respective higher values. On é tudie ici la réponse de tassement pour un terrain traité avec des pieux granulaires (PG), en considérant l'effet de densification pour une charge uniforme monotone. Celui-ci est intégré dans l'analyse en évaluant la variation du module de déformation avec la distance relative au centre du PG. Deux types de variations sont considérées: linéaires et exponentielles. Une méthode numérique basée sur les différences finies est appliquée pour obtenir les tassements du terrain traité, avec un module variant avec la distance autour du sol ambiant, en résolvant les équations régissant le système développées par une technique d'intégro-différenciation. Les influences sur le tassement du terrain de divers paramètres, tels que le degré de densification ´l'extrémité la plus éloignée et la plus proche, le rapport surfacique et la rigidité relative du pieu granulaire, sont également quantifiées. L'effet de la densification est plus important pour les valeurs relativement plus faibles du rapport surfacique et de la rigidité relative du pieu granulaire comparées ´ leurs valeurs respectives plus élevées.
Stabilisation of vertical cut supporting a retaining wall using soil nailing: a case study
Authors: Babu G. L. Sivakumar , Rao R. S. , Dasaka S. M. 
Published: June 2007

The soil nailing technique has been used in many applications to improve the stability of excavated vertical cuts and existing natural slopes under precarious conditions. In India the method has been adopted in the field using simple technology, which is very cost-effective, and the resulting structures have satisfied stability and serviceability requirements in many situations. This paper reports a case study of stabilising a vertical cut supporting a masonry retaining wall in hilly terrain, which is being developed with considerable investment and infrastructure. The soil in the area is a residual soil, and drained test results show that, although the soil has adequate frictional capacity, the long-term stability of such cuts cannot be ensured. Calculations showed that the vertical cut is marginally safe in the existing condition: therefore soil nailing was used for improvement of stability. The existing stability and design were examined by detailed finite element analysis using the strength reduction method, and remedial measures are validated. The paper reports details of the case study, design considerations, and the methodology used in stabilising the vertical cut. La technique de consolidation par clouage du sol a éeté utilisée dans de nombreuses applications pour améliorer la stabilité de parois d'excavation verticales et de versants naturels existants dans des conditions précaires. En Inde, cette méthode a été adoptée sur le terrain avec unetechnologie simple, ce qui est particuliérement économique, et les structures résultantes ont satisfait aux critéres de stabilité et de praticabilité dans de nombreuses situations. Cet article rapporte une étude de cas sur la stabilisation d'une paroi verticale supportant un mur desouténement de maçonnerie sur un terrain vallonné, quiest développé selon des moyens d'investissement et d'infrastructure importants. Le sol dans cette zone est de type résiduel, et les résultats d'essais drainés montrent que, bien que sol ait une capacité de frottement adéquat, la stabilité à long-terme de telles parois ne peut ^etre garantie. Des calculs ont indiqué que la paroi verticale est peu fiable dans les conditions actuelles, et le clouage du sol a donc été utilisé pour améliorer la stabilité. On a examiné la stabilité et le design existants par une analyse des éléments finis détaillée utilisant la méthode de réduction de résistance, et les mesures correctives sont validées. Cet article donne également une description détaillée de l'étude de cas, des considérations de conception et de la méthodologie appliquée pour stabiliser la paroi verticale.
Experimental investigations on the properties of controlled low-strength material
Authors: Puppala A. J. , Balasubramanyam P. , Madhyannapu R. S. 
Published: June 2007

Controlled low-strength materials (CLSMs) are self-compacting and cementitious fluid-like materials that flow freely under their own weight. They are often used in backfill, pavement bases, structural bases, utility embedment, void-fill, trenching and repair-fill applications. Pavement infrastructure built on CLSM fills often experience distress owing to high settlements and related CLSM cracking as well as CLSM failure during the service life. A research study was initiated to address quality control and assessments of certain proprietary type CLSMs produced in the field. This research showed that both strength and flowability properties of CLSMs supplied by the vendors did not meet the targeted property requirements, although they were advertised to have high design properties. Production of CLSMs by various operators also resulted in the variability of the CLSMs produced in the field. Density, flow and excavatability characteristics of CLSMs are analysed to address the performance-related behaviours of these materials. Statistical variations of CLSMs with respect to vendor, operator and application area were addressed through statistical t-test analysis. Recommendations for better quality assessment practices to evaluate CLSMs are also provided. Les matériaux à faible résistance contrôlée (CLSM) sont des matériaux autocompactants de type fluide cimentaire qui s'écoulent librement sous l'action de leur propre poids. Ils sont souvent utilisés pour des applications de remblayage, de bases de chaussées, de bases structurales, d'encastrement utilitaire, de remplissage interstitiel, de creusement de tranchées et de réparation-remplissage. Les infrastructures de chaussées construites sur des remplissages au CLSM présentent souvent des dommages en raison de forts tassements et du fissurage du CLSM associé de mê me que des défaillances du CLSM pendant la durée de service. L'étude réalisée avait pour objectif d'examiner la question du contrôle de la qualité et de l'évaluation de certains types de CLSM propriétaires produits sur le terrain. Elle a montré que la résistance et l'aptitude à l'écoulement des CLSM fournis par les vendeurs ne remplissaient pas les critères de propriété requis, bien que ces matériaux aient é té annoncés comme ayant des caractéristiques de conception avancée. La production de CLSM par différents opérateurs entra înait é galement une variabilité des CLSM produits sur le terrain. Les propriétés de densité, d'écoulement et d'excavabilité des CLSM sont ici analysées pour examiner les comportements de ces matériaux en rapport avec leurs performances. Les variations statistiques des CLSM en fonction du fournisseur, de l'opérateur et du domaine d'application sont é galement analysées au moyen du test t. L'étude apporte des recommandations en termes d'amélioration des pratiques d'évaluation de la qualité des CLSM.
Some Notes on the Average Duration of an Income Protection Claim
Authors: Cordeiro Isabel Maria Ferraz 
Published: June 2007

Cordeiro (2002a) has presented a multiple state model for Income Protection (formerly known as Permanent Health Insurance) which enables us to analyse claims by cause of disability. In that paper average claim durations conditioned on recovery have been calculated.Since, when an Income Protection claim is reported, the insurance company never knows whether it will end in recovery, in death or in expiry, to analyse only average claim durations conditioned on recovery could be misleading, specially for the people responsible for the claims control process.The main purpose of this paper is to calculate average claim durations conditioned on death and average claim durations not conditioned on any particular mode of claim termination. We calculate these claim durations for different deferred periods, causes of disability and ages at the beginning of sickness and we analyse the results obtained.
A Commented Synopsis of the Report of the Committee for the National Tire Efficiency Study
Authors: Pottinger Marion G. , Walter Joseph D. , Eagleburger John D. 
Published: June 2007

Abstract
The Congress of the United States petitioned the Transportation Research Board of the National Academy of Sciences to study replacement passenger car tire rolling resistance in 2005 with funding from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The study was initiated to assess the potential for reduction in replacement tire rolling resistance to yield fuel savings. The time required to realize these savings is less than the time required for automotive and light truck fleet replacement. Congress recognized that other factors besides fuel savings had to be considered if the committee’s advice was to be a reasonable guide for public policy. Therefore, the study simultaneously considered the effect of potential rolling resistance reductions in replacement tires on fuel consumption, wear life, scrap tire generation, traffic safety, and consumer spending for tires and fuel. This paper summarizes the committee’s report issued in 2006. The authors, who were members of the multidisciplinary committee, also provide comments regarding technical difficulties encountered in the committee’s work and ideas for alleviating these difficulties in further studies of this kind. The authors’ comments are clearly differentiated so that these comments will not be confused with findings, conclusions, and recommendations developed by the committee and contained in its final report.
Modeling Transient Rolling Resistance of Tires
Authors: Luchini John R. , Popio James A. 
Published: June 2007

Abstract
The transient rolling resistance of several tires is predicted from the behavior of each tire on an equilibrium test. The objective of the study was to determine if model predictions would fall within the lab-to-lab experimental error described in the J-2452 test standard. The model used for this study, to predict the results of J-2452 from J-1269 data, was presented in Ref. [1]. The study used data from one tire to establish the model parameters. Then those parameters were used with tire and rolling resistance measurements from 12 other tires of another size. These tires were from four samples of each of three different tire constructions (tread patterns) and manufacturer. The reasons for the differences between the predictions and the test results were investigated and two significant sources of error were identified. First, the simplistic assumption that one set of heat-transfer parameters would apply to all tires was found to be inadequate. Second, the matrix of test conditions and regression model in J-1269, which must be used to extrapolate to the test conditions of J-2452, is inadequate. The modeling work in this article also found some of the details of the test protocols that may have significant effects on reported rolling resistance.