bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The cytochrome P4503A4 inhibitor clarithromycin increases the plasma concentrations and effects of repaglinide
Authors: Niemi Mikko , Neuvonen Pertti J. , Kivistö Kari T. 
Published: August 2002

ObjectiveOur objective was to study the effects of the macrolide antibiotic clarithromycin on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of repaglinide, a novel short‐acting antidiabetic drug.MethodsIn a randomized, double‐blind, 2‐phase crossover study, 9 healthy volunteers were treated for 4 days with 250 mg oral clarithromycin or placebo twice daily. On day 5 they received a single dose of 250 mg clarithromycin or placebo, and 1 hour later a single dose of 0.25 mg repaglinide was given orally. Plasma repaglinide, serum insulin, and blood glucose concentrations were measured up to 7 hours.ResultsClarithromycin increased the mean total area under the concentration‐time curve of repaglinide by 40% (P < .0001) and the peak plasma concentration by 67% (P < .005) compared with placebo. The mean elimination half‐life of repaglinide was prolonged from 1.4 to 1.7 hours (P < .05) by clarithromycin. Clarithromycin increased the mean incremental area under the concentration‐time curve from 0 to 3 hours of serum insulin by 51% (P < .05) and the maximum increase in the serum insulin concentration by 61% (P < .01) compared with placebo. No statistically significant differences were found in the blood glucose concentrations between the placebo and clarithromycin phases.ConclusionsEven low doses of the cytochrome P4503A4 (CYP3A4) inhibitor clarithromycin increase the plasma concentrations and effects of repaglinide. Concomitant use of clarithromycin or other potent inhibitors of CYP3A4 with repaglinide may enhance its blood glucose–lowering effect and increase the risk of hypoglycemia.Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2001) 70, 58–65; doi: 10.1067/mcp.2001.116511
Integration of Web-Based Computer-Aided Instruction into a Nontraditional Doctor of Pharmacy Program
Authors: Grillo Joseph A. , Stolte Scott K. , Lewis Jeffrey , Robinson Evan T. 
Published: August 2002

The rapid change in technology in recent years has provided the impetus for many instructors to revisit their ideas about learning and student-teacher interactions. Computers offer an easy exchange of text-based and graphic material and increasingly, the ability to observe and hear others in real-time interactions. The use of technology as an instructional delivery tool has, in many cases, changed the way faculty teach. Teaching online can be challenging and it helps to start slowly and work up to the more complicated and involved pedagogical models. This paper discusses studies evaluating the effectiveness of computer-aided instruction (CAI), offers suggestions for developing a web-based CAI program, relates the experiences of one college of pharmacy with CAI, and offers teaching tips for the digital age.
Gellan Film as an Implant for Insulin Delivery
Authors: Li Jing , Kamath Kalpana , Dwivedi Chandradhar 
Published: August 2002

Gellan gum is an anionic polysaccharide produced by the aerobic fermentation of Pseudomonas elodea in batch culture. Gellan undergoes calcium-induced cross-linking to form a three-dimensional network, and this property makes it particularly attractive for the incorporation of biological moieties such as proteins. In this study, a procedure for the preparation of gellan films was developed and optimized, and the characteristics of these films were investigated. In addition, the effects of the concentration of each ingredient in gellan films and in vitro release behavior of fluorescein isothiocyanate dextran from these films was examined. This film device was implanted for insulin delivery in diabetic rats. The blood glucose levels of the diabetic rats implanted with insulin-loaded films were about half of those implanted with blank films, and this therapeutic effect of insulin could last for one week. Both in vitro and in vivo studies indicated that the gellan film could be an ideal candidate in the development of protein delivery systems.
Structural Integrity of Quasi-Isotropic Composite Laminates with Embedded Optical Fibers
Authors: Skontorp Arne 
Published: August 2002

Embedded optical fibers are considered for use in structural monitoring of aircraft fiber-reinforced composite structures, such as wings and stabilizers. However, it is crucial that these optical fibers do not themselves significantly degrade the load-bearing ability of the composite. An embedded optical fiber, having a diameter an order of magnitude larger than the reinforcing fibers of a composite, alters the microstructure of the composite and gives rise to perturbations in the stress fields. The present study is an experimental investigation into how the introduction of embedded optical fibers affects the failure modes of a composite laminate. Quasi-isotropic composites with two realistic embedded optical fiber configurations were investigated, i.e. closely spaced optical fibers and optical fiber loops. Closely spaced optical fibers may be necessary near connectors and in some sensing schemes making use of multiple sensors. Similarly, changing the direction of an optical fiber is necessary in some sensing schemes and in cases where a single optical fiber is to be used to monitor a larger area. Static tensile and compressive experiments, as well as fatigue experiments, were conducted to study effects of the embedded optical fibers. Extensive post-failure fractographic examinations were carried out to identify if any failure modes were related to the presence of the optical fibers. Both room temperature dry, and high temperature (90'C) wet conditions were considered. It was found that the embedded optical fibers did not initiate fiber-dominated failure in the composite, and therefore did not cause any significant deterioration of the composite strength, neither in tension nor in compression. However, the damage evolution process was affected by the optical fibers as they were preferred sites for matrix cracking, especially in the hot-and-wet condition. In fatigue, damage grew from the edges of the specimens, not from the optical fibers, and the fatigue life was not affected by the optical fibers.
LANGUAGES FOR REACTIVE SPECIFICATIONS: SYNCHRONY VS ASYNCHRONY
Authors: SHYAMASUNDAR R. K. , RAMESH S. 
Published: August 2002

Asynchronous and Synchronous languages have been in use for the specification of reactive systems. One of the main distinguishing features of these two classes lies in the way nondeterminism is used for the specification of programs. From this viewpoint, we analyze CSP (a typical asynchronous language) and ESTEREL (a synchronous language). The synchronous language Esterel is based on the notions of determinism, input nondeterminacy and parallelism whereas CSP is built on the notions of nondeterminism, concurrency and distribution. The main objectives of the study are to assess: • The role of nondeterminism in the specification of the behaviour and realization of programs: A clear distinction between local and global nondeterminism enables us to distinguish between implementational nondeterminism and environmental/input nondeterminism. The results in this direction would enable one to achieve observable determinism where the implementational choices can be hidden and thus, analyze the program behaviour with reference to the real environmental nondeterminism in the specification. This leads to a proper refinement of specifications and aids in deriving distributed implementations of finite state transition systems that are not necessarily deterministic. • The implementability of asynchronous languages through synchronous languages. The implementability of asynchronous languages in synchronous languages not only provides a realistic implementation but also provides higher level abstractions (such as multi-process interactions) for reactive specifications using features such as broadcast, interrupts, exception handling mechanisms etc.
FINDING SMALL EQUIVALENT DECISION TREES IS HARD
Authors: ZANTEMA HANS , BODLAENDER HANS L. 
Published: August 2002

Two decision trees are called decision equivalent if they represent the same function, i.e., they yield the same result for every possible input. We prove that given a decision tree and a number, to decide if there is a decision equivalent decision tree of size at most that number is NP-complete. As a consequence, finding a decision tree of minimal size that is decision equivalent to a given decision tree is an NP-hard problem. This result differs from the well-known result of NP-hardness of finding a decision tree of minimal size that is consistent with a given training set. Instead our result is a basic result for decision trees, apart from the setting of inductive inference. On the other hand, this result differs from similar results for BDDs and OBDDs: since in decision trees no sharing is allowed, the notion of decision tree size is essentially different from BDD size.
Differences in Dynamic Performance of Molded Polyurethane Foam as a Function of Pad Thickness and Supported Load
Authors: Neal Brian L. 
Published: August 2002

Comfort and durability have evolved into essential performance requirements for the polyurethane foam used in automotive seating. A great variety of tests have been developed in an attempt to measure and predict these properties, both for the foam and the assembled seat. However, the results from these various tests can be quite different depending on the test conditions employed. Furthermore, most tests measure comfort properties at some standard deflection, or pressure, which is nominally designed to represent the average population that will be riding on the seat. Missing from these tests is a recognition that foam comfort properties are not the same at all deflections, and thus performance and perceived comfort will change as a result of the size and shape of the person riding the seat. This research presents information demonstrating the dependence of comfort properties, such as vibrational transmissivity and quasi-static hysteresis, on foam thickness and foam chemistry. In addition, the effect of pressure is demonstrated using various masses for the transmissivity testing. This work will be analyzed and discussed from the perspective that comfort properties may need to be defined relative to the sitting pressure of the person riding on the vehicle seat.
The Application of Electro-Rheological Fluids to Coaxial Twin Rotary Cylinders and a Shock Absorber
Authors: Kobayashi Kazumasa , Okamoto Kazuki , Okada Naoki , Sato Masayuki 
Published: August 2002

As an application of the ERF to a practical device, coaxial twin rotary cylinders, in which the rotation of an inner driving cylinder is transmitted to an outer rotary cylinder through the medium of an ERF, was designed, and the revolution rates of both cylinders were examined. As another application, a simple shock absorber having coaxial cylindrical electrodes without the bypass was designed and the falling time of an inner moving rod was measured. The quantitative relationship between the applied electric field and the revolution rate and the falling time was obtained experimentally.
Swelling Properties of Various Polymers Used in Controlled Release Systems
Authors: Vlachou M. , Naseef H. , Efentakis M. , Tarantili P. A. , Andreopoulos A. G. 
Published: August 2002

The effect of powder packing and porosity of specimens on the swelling properties of polymeric materials was studied, in various swelling liquids, such as distilled water and 0.1 N hydrochloric acid solution. Capsules, tablets and films of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, poly(ethylene oxide) and sodium alginate were prepared and their weight uptake after immersion into the above solutions was recorded as a function of time, in order to assess the swelling process. Measurements of some characteristics of the as received powders were also performed as an attempt to classify the specimens prepared according to their porosity. Within the experimental conditions of this work, it was shown that the porosity of polymeric specimens is a dominant factor that controls their swelling behaviour. Increased porosity leads to fast initial rates of weight uptake and high extent of equilibrium swelling. On the other hand, dissolution and possible degradation of polymers susceptible to acid hydrolysis, results in some variations from the above-mentioned behaviour. With respect to the application in controlled release systems, the overall delivery rate from a polymeric specimen is expected to be a function of both swelling and disintegration characteristics of a specimen and, therefore, the weight uptake can be considered a measure of the release only in the case of polymers with low water solubility and increased stability to hydrolysis.
FIRST BETTI NUMBERS OF ABELIAN COVERINGS OF THE COMPLEX PROJECTIVE PLANE BRANCHED OVER LINE CONFIGURATIONS
Authors: TAYAMA IKUO 
Published: August 2002

We prove the following results concerning the first Betti numbers of abelian coverings of CP2 branched over line configurations: (1) An estimate of the first Betti numbers. (2) A characterization of central and general position line configurations in terms of the first Betti numbers of abelian coverings. (3) The first Betti numbers of the abelian coverings of the real line configurations up to 7 components.
Effects of grapefruit juice on the pharmacokinetics of sildenafil
Authors: Jetter Alexander , Kinzig‐Schippers Martina , Walchner‐Bonjean Monika , Hering Ursula , Bulitta Jürgen , Schreiner Philipp , Sörgel Fritz , Fuhr Uwe 
Published: August 2002

Background And ObjectivesBecause of extensive first‐pass metabolism, oral bioavailability of sildenafil reaches only 40%. Formation of the primary metabolite, N‐desmethylsildenafil, is mainly mediated by the cytochrome P450 enzyme CYP3A4. In this study we investigated the influence of grapefruit juice, containing inhibitors of intestinal CYP3A4, on the pharmacokinetics of sildenafil and N‐desmethylsildenafil.MethodsIn a randomized crossover study, 24 healthy white male volunteers received single 50‐mg doses of sildenafil. Two doses each of 250 ml grapefruit juice or water, respectively, were administered 1 hour before and together with the drug. Plasma concentrations of sildenafil and N‐desmethylsildenafil were determined up to 24 hours post dose by use of liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (limit of quantification, 1 ng/ml).ResultsGrapefruit juice changed the area under the sildenafil plasma concentration–time curve from time zero to infinity [AUC(0‐∞)] from 620 [1.53] ng/ml • h to 761 [1.58] ng/ml • h (geometric mean with geometric standard deviation), corresponding to a 23% increase (90% confidence interval, 13%‐33%). N‐Desmethylsildenafil AUC(0‐∞) increased by 24% (90% confidence interval, 17%‐32%). Maximum plasma concentrations (Cmax) of sildenafil and N‐desmethylsildenafil were essentially unchanged. There was a trend toward a prolonged time to reach Cmax during the grapefruit juice period (from a median of 0.75 hour to a median of 1.13 hours), corresponding to an increase by 0.25 hour (90% confidence interval, 0–0.63 hour). Interindividual variability was pronounced in both periods.ConclusionsGrapefruit juice increases sildenafil bioavailability and tends to delay sildenafil absorption. Sildenafil pharmacokinetics may become less predictable with grapefruit juice. Although patients usually will not be endangered by concomitant use of grapefruit juice, it seems advisable to avoid this combination.Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (2002) 71, 21–29; doi: 10.1067/mcp.2002.121236
Assessment of Explanted PTCA Balloons
Authors: Behrend D. , Zinner G. , Sternberg K. , Schroeder M. , Schmitz K. P. , Haubold A. 
Published: August 2002

The data presented here are part of a on-going study to define the surface characteristics and properties of explanted PTCA catheters in a further effort to address some of the ramifications of the re-use issue. PTCA balloon catheter were examined after angioplasty in one hundred and sixty-eight patients ( n = 168). This series included six balloon types from three manufacturers. The fresh fixed and dehydrated balloons were examined at first with light microscopy and then in a scanning electron microscope. X-ray semiquantitative microanalysis and FT-IR-ATR analysis were also performed on the balloons. Because most blood proteins are water soluble, we examined unfixed balloons with a protein silver staining kit for detection of adhered proteins described by Heukeshoven. A further method for protein detection is the Lowry-analysis. With this method water insoluble proteins can be observed. Our study has shown convincingly that all deployed angioplasty catheters were coated with adherent protein layers. Plaque particles were found embedded in the surfaces of most of the balloons examined. Fissuring and micro tearing of balloon surfaces was noted. FT-IR-ATR analyses of the blood contacted balloon surfaces did not show any peaks indicative of proteins on the balloon surface. The silver staining method also did not show any evidence of protein adsorption on the balloons. On the other hand, the Lowry-analysis yielded clear evidence that water insoluble proteins were adherent to the balloon surfaces. The average measured protein concentration was 17 μg/ml.
Symptomatology and Medication Monitoring for Public Mental Health Consumers: A Cultural Perspective
Authors: Lutz Wilma J. , Warren Barbara Jones 
Published: August 2002

BACKGROUND: With the increased focus and impetus on pharmacological interventions, psychiatric mental health nurses have become concerned about consumers’ ability to understand and monitor their symptoms and medications. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship among cultural factors, stressors, moderators, medication monitoring, and psychiatric symptoms in consumers with severe mental disorders. STUDY DESIGN: This study is a cross-sectional analysis of data from a longitudinal research project conducted in Ohio. The sample was comprised of 199 consumers receiving community-based services within the public mental health system. RESULTS: Age, gender, and race were associated with indicators of medication monitoring. The model explained 51% of the variance in depression, 35% in anxiety, and 43% in psychoticism. CONCLUSION: Consumers’ culture is an important facet in the manifestation of psychiatric symptoms and the ability to monitor medications.
Detecting rearrangements in children using subtelomeric FISH and SKY
Authors: Clarkson Blaise , Pavenski Katerina , Dupuis Lucie , Kennedy Shelley , Meyn Stephen , Nezarati Marjan M. , Nie Gloria , Weksberg Rosanna , Withers Stephen , Quercia Nada , Teebi Ahmad S. , Teshima Ikuko 
Published: August 2002

AbstractThe etiology of mental retardation (MR), often presenting as developmental delay in childhood, is unknown in approximately one‐half of cases. G‐banding is the standard method for investigating those suspected of having a chromosomal etiology; however, detection of structural abnormalities is limited by the size and pattern of the G‐bands involved. Rearrangements involving subtelomeric regions have been shown to cause MR and this has generated interest in investigating the prevalence of these rearrangements using telomere‐specific probes. In addition, because cryptic interchromosomal rearrangements may not be small or confined to chromosomal ends, spectral karyotyping (SKY) using chromosome‐specific painting probes may be of value. We report here a study using these two FISH‐based techniques in 50 children with idiopathic MR or developmental delay and normal GTG‐banded karyotypes. Our objective was to assess the prevalence of cryptic rearrangements in this population using subtelomeric FISH and SKY. Three rearrangements were detected by subtelomeric FISH: a derivative 5 from a maternal t(5;21); a recombinant 11 from a paternal pericentric inversion; and a 2q deletion that was also present in the mother. Only the derivative 5 was detected by SKY. SKY did not detect any interstitial interchromosomal rearrangement. The prevalence of clinically significant cryptic rearrangements by subtelomeric FISH and SKY was thus 4% (95% confidence interval 0.5–13.7) and 2% (95% CI 0.05–10.7), respectively. This study supports the view that G‐banding does not detect all clinically significant chromosomal abnormalities and that subtelomeric FISH and SKY can detect some of these abnormalities. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Kallmann syndrome in a patient with congenital spherocytosis and an interstitial 8p11.2 deletion
Authors: Vermeulen Stefan , Messiaen Ludwine , Scheir Petra , De Bie Sylvia , Speleman Frank , De Paepe Anne 
Published: August 2002

AbstractWe describe the hitherto smallest interstitial 8p11.2 deletion in a patient with congenital spherocytosis, dysmorphic features, and growth delay in association with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and anosmia. The latter features are characteristic for Kallmann syndrome. In contrast to the previously reported patients with 8p deletions, the present patient showed normal intelligence. Congenital spherocytosis is one of the most common hereditary hemolytic anemias. One of the three loci for congenital spherocytosis was assigned to chromosome 8p (located between 8p11.1 and 8p21) and mutations in or loss of the ankyrin‐1 gene (ANK1) were identified. Molecular analysis confirmed the de novo loss of ANK1 in our patient. Kallmann syndrome, which is characterized by hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and anosmia, can be X‐linked, autosomal dominant, or autosomal recessive. So far only the X‐linked KAL1 gene has been identified. The present finding suggests an autosomal locus for Kallmann syndrome at 8p11.2. The simultaneous occurrence of congenital spherocytosis, Kallmann syndrome phenotype, dysmorphic features, and growth delay in this patient points to a new contiguous gene syndrome. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Expression of osteopontin at sites of bone erosion in a murine experimental arthritis model of collagen‐induced arthritis: Possible involvement of osteopontin in bone destruction in arthritis
Authors: Ohshima Shiro , Kobayashi Hideyuki , Yamaguchi Norihiko , Nishioka Katsuhiro , Umeshita‐Sasai Mitsuko , Mima Toru , Nomura Shintaro , Kon Shigeyuki , Inobe Manabu , Uede Toshimitsu , Saeki Yukihiko 
Published: August 2002

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the involvement of osteopontin (OPN) in bone destruction in a murine experimental arthritis model of collagen‐induced arthritis (CIA).MethodsThe expression of OPN was examined at both the messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein levels in various arthritic lesions in mice with CIA by in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry, respectively. In addition, the expression of αvβ3 integrin, a receptor for OPN, the ligation of which is thought to be essential for bone resorption by osteoclasts, was examined by immunohistochemistry. Plasma concentrations of OPN were measured at different time points in the course of CIA by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.ResultsOPN mRNA was detected mainly at sites of bone erosion in arthritic lesions, where activated osteoclasts were present; OPN protein was also detected at sites of bone erosion. In the arthritic synovium, OPN was predominantly expressed in the synovial lining layer, but not in lymphoid aggregates. In addition, αvβ3 integrin was detected coincident with OPN at sites of bone erosion (bone–pannus junction). Plasma OPN levels were markedly elevated at the time points that corresponded to arthritis flares, and higher levels were maintained during the progression of arthritis.ConclusionOPN may mediate bone resorption by osteoclasts in arthritis through ligation with its receptor, αvβ3 integrin. OPN may be a useful therapeutic target molecule in the prevention of bone destruction in arthritis.