The Army Training Mix Model

We describe a model for making decisions concerning the proper mix of TADSS (training aids, devices, simulators and simulations) and conventional training resources, and the best modes of using them to maintain soldier and unit proficiency. Given the proficiency standards, the model determines the resources needed, the training methods for using them, and the frequency with which each method needs to be repeated, in order to maintain the standards at minimum cost (sum of equipment procurement costs and operational costs). The model is illustrated with an example problem dealing with the analysis of training systems in a battalion training strategy. Our model has much wider applicability: it can be used for evaluating and determining minimum cost training strategies for other combined arms elements, higher level units and other training scenarios under a variety of circumstances.     

Estimation of trans-resveratrol in herbal extracts and dosage forms by high-performance thin-layer chromatography

A simple, sensitive and precise high-performance thin-layer chromatographic (HPTLC) method of analysis of trans-resveratrol in Polygonum cuspidatum root extracts and in dosage forms was developed and validated. The separation was carried out on a TLC aluminium plates precoated with silica gel 60F-254 as the stationary phase, eluted with chloroform-ethylacetate-formic acid (2.5 : 1 : 0.1) as mobile phase. Densitometric analysis of trans-resveratrol was carried out in the absorbance mode at 313 nm. This system was found to give compact spot for trans-resveratrol (Rf value of 0.40+/-0.03). A good linear regression relationship between peak areas and the concentrations was obtained over the range of 0.5-3.0 microg/spot with correlation coefficient 0.9989. The limit of detection and quantification was found to be 9 and 27 ng/spot. The method was validated for precision and recovery. The spike recoveries were within 99.85 to 100.70%. The RSD values of the precision in the range 0.37-1.84%. The proposed developed HPTLC method can be applied for identification and quantitative determination of trans-resveratrol in herbal extracts and dosage forms.     

A finite characterization ofK-matrices in dimensions less than four

The class of realn × n matricesM, known asK-matrices, for which the linear complementarity problemw – Mz = q, w 0, z 0, w ^T z =0 has a solution wheneverw – Mz =q, w 0, z 0 has a solution is characterized for dimensionsn <4. The characterization is finite and practical. Several necessary conditions, sufficient conditions, and counterexamples pertaining toK-matrices are also given. A finite characterization of completelyK-matrices (K-matrices all of whose principal submatrices are alsoK-matrices) is proved for dimensions <4.Partially supported by NSF Grant MCS-8207217.Research partially supported by NSF Grant No. ECS-8401081.     

Two new 5-deoxyflavonoids from Calliandra inermis

Two new 5-deoxyflavonoids, 7,2',3',4'-tetramethoxyflavone (1) and 7,2',3',4'-tetramethoxyflavanone (2) together with a known flavone 7,4'-dimethoxy-3'-hydroxyflavone (3) were isolated from the whole plant of Calliandra inermis. The structures of these new compounds were elucidated by high resolution electron impact mass spectrometry (HR-EI-MS) and 1D and 2D-NMR spectral studies including 1H-1H correlation spectroscopy (COSY), heteronuclear single quantum coherence (HSQC), heteronuclear multiple bond connectivity (HMBC) and nuclear Overhauser enhancement spectroscopy (NOESY).     

Conformational changes in proteins probed by hydrogen-exchange electrospray-ionization mass spectrometry.

Hydrogen-exchange electrospray-ionization mass spectrometry is demonstrated to be an effective new method for probing conformational changes of proteins in solutions. The method is based on the mass spectrometric measurement of the extent of hydrogen/deuterium exchange that occurs in different protein conformers over defined periods of time. Results are presented in which hydrogen-exchange electrospray-ionization mass spectrometry is used to probe conformational changes in bovine ubiquitin induced by the addition of methanol to aqueous acidic solutions of the protein.     

Estimation of twelve bacopa saponins in Bacopa monnieri extracts and formulations by high-performance liquid chromatography

A simple and sensitive reversed phase high performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method has been developed for the simultaneous determination of twelve bacopa saponins present in the extracts of the Indian Medicinal Plant, Bacopa monnieri. The separation was achieved on a reversed phase C(18) column (Luna C(18)), 5 mum by isocratic elution with 0.05 M sodium sulphate buffer (pH 2.3) and acetonitrile (68.5 : 31.5, v/v) as the mobile phase at a flow rate of 1.0 ml/min with an operating temperature of 30 degrees C. The method was validated for linearity, precision, intra- and inter-day precision and accuracy. Several Bacopa samples (plant materials, extracts and commercial formulations) were successfully analyzed. Major bacopasaponins were bacosides A(3) (3), bacopaside II (4), bacopaside I (5), bacopaside X (6), bacopasaponin C (7), bacopaside N2 (9) and the minor components were bacopasaponin F (1), bacopasaponin E (2), bacopaside N1 (8) bacopaside III (10), bacopaside IV (11) and bacopaside V (12). The total saponin content in the samples, plant materials and extracts varied from 5.1 to 22.17% and 1.47 to 66.03 mg/capsule or tablet in the commercial formulations.     

Solid phase synthesis of aromatic oligoamides: application to helical water-soluble foldamers

Synthetic helical aromatic amide foldamers and in particular those based on quinolines have recently attracted much interest due to their capacity to adopt bioinspired folded conformations that are highly stable and predictable. Additionally, the introduction of water-solubilizing side chains has allowed to evidence promising biological activities. It has also created the need for methods that may allow the parallel synthesis and screening of oligomers. Here, we describe the application of solid phase synthesis to speed up oligomer preparation and allow the introduction of various side chains. The synthesis of quinoline-based monomers bearing protected side chains is described along with conditions for activation, coupling, and deprotection on solid phase, followed by resin cleavage, side-chain deprotection, and HPLC purification. Oligomers having up to 8 units were thus synthesized. We found that solid phase synthesis is notably improved upon reducing resin loading and by applying microwave irradiation. We also demonstrate that the introduction of monomers bearing benzylic amines such as 6-aminomethyl-2-pyridinecarboxylic acid within the sequences of oligoquinolines make it possible to achieve couplings using a standard peptide coupling agent and constitute an interesting alternative to the use of acid chloride activation required by quinoline residues. The synthesis of a tetradecameric sequence was thus smoothly carried out. NMR solution structural studies show that these alternate aminomethyl-pyridine residues do not perturb the canonical helix folding of quinoline monomers in protic solvents, contrary to what was previously observed in nonprotic solvents.     

Structural characterization of intact antibodies by high‐resolution LTQ Orbitrap mass spectrometry

Recombinant monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) can be heterogeneous due to modifications that can occur during expression, purification or during storage. These large multichain proteins (～150 kDa) are structurally challenging for detailed characterization to identify the sites of modifications. We report the use of LTQ Orbitrap mass spectrometry to accurately measure the average masses of individual glycoforms by direct infusion of an intact antibody. To identify the site‐specific modification of methionines in the antibody caused by forced oxidation, we used a ‘middle‐down’ approach. The antibody was subjected to limited digestion using the endoproteinase Lys‐C and reduced to generate Fab heavy chain, single chain Fc and light chain fragments (～25 kDa each). These species were subjected to on‐line liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) analysis using an LTQ Orbitrap, where these large precursors were dissociated by higher‐energy collisions in the C‐trap. High resolution and accuracy achieved for resulting fragments allowed us to show in a site‐specific manner that only the methionines in the Fc heavy chain were oxidized under the studied conditions. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Development and evaluation of on-line nanoliter flow analysis of protein digests by pneumatic-splitter electrospray liquid chromatography mass spectrometry

We have developed a novel approach to characterize protein digests by pneumatic-splitter electrospray ionization liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (PSESI-LCMS). This technique involves an interfacing of a pneumatic splitter that can dynamically generate and control a steady split flow rate of nanoliters per minute. An average PSESI-LCMS analysis, depending on the desired split ratio, consumes less than 200 femtomoles of sample. A tryptic digest map of a glycoprotein, fetuin, and a Lys-C digest map of a recombinant neurotrophin protein, neurotrophin-3, are reported here for this investigation.