bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anti‐Hu antibodies in Merkel cell carcinoma
Authors: Greenlee John E. , Steffens John D. , Clawson Susan A. , Hill Kenneth , Dalmau Josep
Published: October 2002

Anti‐Hu antibody is an antineuronal autoantibody found in a subset of patients with paraneoplastic neurological disease. The antibody was first associated with small cell carcinoma of the lung and is most often used as a marker for this neoplasm in patients presenting with suspected paraneoplastic syndromes. Here we report a patient with a multifaceted neurological disorder in the setting of Merkel cell carcinoma. The patient's serum contained antibodies against the Hu antigen, and the expression of the Hu antigen was demonstrated in the patient's tumor.
Progressive loss of cardiac sympathetic innervation in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Li Sheng‐Ting , Dendi Raghuveer , Holmes Courtney , Goldstein David S.
Published: October 2002

This study addressed whether cardiac sympathetic denervation progresses over time in Parkinson's disease. In 9 patients without orthostatic hypotension, 6‐[18F]fluorodopamine positron emission tomography scanning was repeated after a mean of 2 years from the first scan. 6‐[18F]fluorodopamine‐derived radioactivity was less in the second scan than in the first scan, by 31% in the left ventricular free wall and 16% in the septum. In Parkinson's disease, loss of cardiac sympathetic denervation progresses in a pattern of loss suggesting a dying‐back mechanism.
Minocycline markedly protects the neonatal brain against hypoxic‐ischemic injury
Authors: Arvin Kara L. , Han Byung H. , Du Yansheng , Lin Sui‐Zhen , Paul Steven M. , Holtzman David M.
Published: October 2002

Hypoxic‐ischemic brain injury in the perinatal period is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Presently, there are no proven effective therapies with which to safeguard the human neonatal brain against this type of injury. Minocycline, a semisynthetic tetracycline, has been shown to be neuroprotective in certain adult ischemic injury/stroke and neurodegenerative disease models. However, minocycline's neuroprotective effects have not been assessed after insults to the neonatal brain. We now report that minocycline administered either immediately before or immediately after a hypoxic‐ischemic insult substantially blocks tissue damage in a rodent model of neonatal hypoxic‐ischemic brain injury. Minocycline treatment prevents the formation of activated caspase‐3, a known effector of apoptosis, as well as the appearance of a calpain cleaved substrate, a marker of excitotoxic/necrotic cell death. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a systemic treatment that can be administered after a hypoxic‐ischemic insult, which provides robust, nearly complete neuroprotection to the developing brain. Our data suggest that minocycline or a related neuroprotective tetracycline may be a candidate to consider in human clinical trials to protect the developing brain against hypoxic‐ischemic–induced damage.
Gene transfer of HSP72 protects cornu ammonis 1 region of the hippocampus neurons from global ischemia: Influence of Bcl‐2
Authors: Kelly Stephen , Zhang Zhijian J. , Zhao Heng , Xu Lijun , Giffard Rona G. , Sapolsky Robert M. , Yenari Midori A. , Steinberg Gary K.
Published: October 2002

We investigated whether HSV gene transfer of HSP72 in vivo and in vitro: (1) protected cornu ammonis 1 region of the hippocampus neurons from global cerebral ischemia; and (2) affected Bcl‐2 expression. HSV vectors expressing HSP72 and β‐galactosidase (reporter) or β‐galactosidase only (control vector) were injected into cornu ammonis 1 region of the hippocampus 15 hours before induction of global cerebral ischemia (n = 10) and sham‐operated rats (n = 8). HSP72 vector–treated rats displayed significantly more surviving transfected neurons (X‐gal‐positive, 31 ± 8) compared with control vector–treated rats (10 ± 4) after global cerebral ischemia. Sham‐operated rats displayed similar numbers of X‐gal–positive neurons (HSP72 vector 18 ± 8 vs control vector 20 ± 7). The percentage of β‐galactosidase and Bcl‐2 coexpressing neurons in HSP72‐treated rats after global cerebral ischemia (84 ± 4%) was greater than that in control vector–treated rats (58 ± 9%). The percentage of β‐galactosidase and Bcl‐2 coexpressing neurons in sham‐operated rats was similar in HSP72 (93 ± 7%) and in control vector–treated rats (88 ± 12%). HSP72 vector transfection led to 12 times as much Bcl‐2 expression as the control vector in uninjured hippocampal neuronal cultures. In injured (oxygen‐glucose deprivation) hippocampal neuron cultures, HSP72 vector transfection led to 2.8 times as much Bcl‐2 expression as control vector. We show that HSP72 overexpression protects cornu ammonis 1 region of the hippocampus neurons from global cerebral ischemia, and that this protection may be mediated in part by increased Bcl‐2 expression.
Premotor cortex is involved in restoration of gait in stroke
Authors: Miyai Ichiro , Yagura Hajime , Oda Ichiro , Konishi Ikuo , Eda Hideo , Suzuki Tsunehiko , Kubota Kisou
Published: October 2002

Cortical activation during hemiplegic gait was assessed in six nonambulatory patients with severe stroke (four men, two women; four with right and two with left hemiplegia; 57 years old and 3 months after stroke on average), using a near‐infrared spectroscopic imaging system. Each patient performed tasks of treadmill walking (0.2km/hr), alternated with rest every 30 seconds for four repetitions, under partial body weight support, either with mechanical assistance in swinging the paretic leg control (CON) or with a facilitation technique that enhanced swinging of the paretic leg (FT), provided by physical therapists. Gait performance was associated with increased oxygenated hemoglobin levels in the medial primary sensorimotor cortex in the unaffected hemisphere greater than in the affected hemisphere. Both cortical mappings and quantitative data showed that the premotor activation in the affected hemisphere was enhanced during hemiplegic gait. There was also a prominent activation in the presupplementary motor area. Overall cortical activations and gait performance were greater in walking with FT than with CON. These indicate that multiple motor areas including the premotor cortex and presupplementary motor area might play important roles in restoration of gait in patients with severe stroke.
Silica reinforcement of synthetic diene rubbers by sol–gel process in the latex
Authors: Yoshikai Kazumasa , Ohsaki Tetsuro , Furukawa Mutsuhisa
Published: October 2002

Styrene–butadiene rubber (SBR) and nitrile rubber (NBR) were reinforced with silica by the sol–gel method of tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) in latex. The sol–gel reaction proceeded in the mixture of latex, TEOS, water, and a catalyst. The compound that involved silica was crosslinked with the curing agent at 150°C. The amount of TEOS added and the molar ratio of TEOS to water ([H2O]/[TEOS]) in the mixture were related to the silica content in the compounds, particle size, and reinforcing behavior of silica. The particle size and reinforcing behavior of the silica were greatly influenced by the amount of TEOS and [H2O]/[TEOS]. The diameter of the dispersed silica particles in cured rubbers was controlled by the amount of TEOS and [H2O]/[TEOS], which were smaller than 100 nm. By the dispersion of the fine silica in the nanometer‐order level, the tensile strength of the compound was drastically improved. The tensile strength of SBR was over 30 MPa, and of NBR, over 25 MPa. Compounds with a high tensile strength had a high bound rubber fraction and a very strong interaction of the fine silica with rubber. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 85: 2053–2063, 2002
Infrared spectroscopy and electrical properties of ternary poly(acrylic acid)–metal–poly(acrylamide) complexes
Authors: Moharram M. A. , El‐Gendy H. M.
Published: October 2002

Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and electrical measurements were used for the characterization of the interpolymer complexation between poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) and poly(acrylamide) (PAAm) and also the ternary PAA–metal–PAAm complexes. The interpolymer complexes were prepared by adjusting the pH value of the mixture solutions at different PAA weight fractions (WPAA). The ternary complexes were prepared by mixing metal chloride solutions (such as ErCl3 and LaCl3) with different concentrations to PAA–PAAm mixtures and adjusting the pH value for different WPAA. It was found that the IR spectra of the interpolymer complexes showed absorption bands at shifted positions and of intensities different from those of the parent polymers. Also, the examination of the spectra of the ternary metal–polymer complexes revealed that they depend on the nature,
lency, ionic radius, and concentration of the added metal chlorides. Analysis of the electrical results showed that the electrical conductivity of the interpolymer complexes are always lower than those of PAA and PAAm, which was attributed to the decrease in the mobility of the polymer chains as a result of the complexation. Also, the conductivity of the ternary metal complexes showed a dependence on the properties of the additives and were found to decrease with increasing their concentrations. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 85: 2699–2705, 2002
Blends of natural rubber latex and methyl methacrylate‐grafted rubber latex
Authors: Lu Guang , Li Zhi‐Feng , Li Si‐Dong , Xie Jian
Published: October 2002

By mixing natural rubber latex uniformly with methyl methacrylate‐grafted natural rubber latex and then carrying out prevulcanization, we obtained blends with stable viscosities. Under certain blending ratios, the blends maintained good basic properties, and the heat stability time (THS) of the blend increased with the increment of percent content of MG49 latex (C). The relationship between THS and C was THS = 0.36C + 33.0, whereas, the mechanical stability time (TMS) was slightly decreased, and the relationship between TMS and C was TMS = −1.33C + 772.0; The modulus, antiaging properties, and tear strength of the films of the blends increased with the increment of C; the tensile strengths fluctuated on a small scope; the Shore A hardness (H) and breaking set (BS) both increased with the increment of C; their relationships were H = 0.66C + 40.0 and BS = 0.46C + 8.0, respectively. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 85: 1736–1741, 2002
Synthesis of polyaluminocarbosilane and reaction mechanism study
Authors: Cao Feng , Kim Dong‐Pyo , Li Xiao‐Dong , Feng Chun‐Xiang , Song Yong‐Cai
Published: October 2002

Polyaluminocarbosilane (PACS) as the precursor of high‐temperature resistant SiC fibers was synthesized by reacting polycarbosilane (PCS) with aluminum(III)acetylacetonate [Al(AcAc)3] at 310°C in N2 under ambient pressure. The reaction mechanism and the structure of PACS were investigated in detail by FTIR, GPC, GC/MS, ESCA, and elemental analysis. The reaction was proven complex involving the formation of SiOAl and SiAlSi bonds, which were accompanied by the evolution of 3‐methoxy‐2,2‐dimethyl‐oxirane, 2,3‐dihydro‐[1,4]dioxine, pent‐3‐en‐2‐one, and 3‐ethyl‐but‐3‐en‐2‐one, and acetylacetone. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 85: 2787–2792, 2002
Study of the preparation and mechanism of formation of hollow monodisperse polystyrene microspheres by SPG (Shirasu Porous Glass) emulsification technique
Authors: Ma Guang‐Hui , Omi Shinzo , Dimonie Victoria L. , Sudol E. David , El‐Aasser Mohamed S.
Published: October 2002

In a previous study, it was found that monodisperse polystyrene (PSt) hollow particles can be prepared under special conditions by combining a Shirasu Porous Glass (SPG) emulsification technique and subsequent suspension polymerization process. That is, a mixture of styrene (St), N,N‐dimethylamino ethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA), hexadecane (HD), and initiator N, N′‐azobis(2,4‐dimethylvaleronitrile) (ADVN) was used as the dispersed phase in an aqueous phase containing poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP), sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), and water‐soluble inhibitor. The dispersed phase was created by pushing the oil phase through the uniform pores of an SPG membrane into the continuous phase to form uniform droplets. Then, the droplets were polymerized at 70°C. It has been puzzling that hollow microspheres were obtained only when sodium nitrite (NaNO2) was used as a water‐soluble inhibitor, while one‐hole particles were formed when hydroquinone (HQ) or diaminophenylene (DAP) was used. In this study, the mechanism of formation of the hollow microspheres was verified by measuring the variation of diameter, molecular weight distribution, and monomer conversion, and by observing morphological changes during the polymerization, as well as by changing the type and amount of hydrophilic monomer, and initiator. It was found that the diameter of the oil droplets decreased, and a large amount of secondary new particles formed immediately after polymerization started in the case of NaNO2. However, there was no such apparent behavior to be observed when HQ or DAP was used. It was determined that the hollow particles formed due to the rapid phase separation between PSt and HD, and as a consequence, a large amount of monomer diffused into the aqueous phase to form the secondary particles. Rapid phase separation confined the HD inside the droplets, a nonequilibrium morphology. On the other hand, one‐hole particles, representing an equilibrium morphology, formed when the phase separation occurred slowly because a lot of monomer existed inside of the droplets to allow mobility of the PSt. The addition of DMAEMA allowed the hollow particles to be formed more easily by decreasing the interfacial tension between the copolymer and aqueous phase. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 85: 1530–1543, 2002
Bioerodible hydrogels based on 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate: Synthesis and characterization
Authors: Chiellini Federica , Petrucci Federica , Ranucci Elisabetta , Solaro Roberto
Published: October 2002

Biocompatible polymers with specific shape and tailored hydrogel properties were obtained by polymerization of mixtures of 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) with 1–8 wt % ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) or tetra(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (TEGDA) as crosslinking agents, by using a redox initiator. Introduction of charged positive and negative groups was easily achieved by direct polymerization of appropriate monomer mixtures and by chemical transformation of preformed hydrogels. Investigation of the swelling behavior of the prepared hydrogels evidenced an appreciable dependence on both solvent type and polymer chemical structure. Additionally, the solvation process resulted in being controlled by solvent diffusion, according to a Fickian II mechanism. The presence of several types of water with different melting behavior was observed in fully swollen hydrogels. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 85: 2729–2741, 2002
Distribution coefficients and diffusivities in three polymers for nineteen aqueous nonvolatile solutes
Authors: Fornasiero F. , Olaya M. M. , Esprester B. , Nguyen V. , Prausnitz J. M.
Published: October 2002

Experimental results at 25°C are reported for infinite‐dilution distribution coefficients for 19 nonvolatile solutes between aqueous solution and three kinds of polymer films, and for their diffusion coefficients in the polymer matrix. The experiments were performed by coupling UV spectroscopy and gravimetric measurements with mass balances. The solutes are aromatic nonvolatile compounds that are of interest in environmental technology and may serve as model compounds for drug‐delivery systems. The polymers are ethylene‐vinyl acetate copolymers with 33 (EVAc33) and 45 (EVAc45) weight percentage vinyl acetate, and poly(vinyl acetate) (PVAc) widely used in drug‐delivery devices. For PVAc, a long time is required to reach equilibrium. Because the required time is too long for reasonable experimental studies, equilibrium distribution coefficients were calculated from finite‐time data by using a diffusion model. The contribution of surface adsorption is shown to be negligible. Infinite‐dilution distribution coefficients Ks, defined as the volume fraction of solute in the polymer divided by that in water, tend to increase with vinyl acetate content; they range from near unity to several hundred. Diffusion coefficients, determined from time‐dependent sorption data, are significantly larger in EVAc copolymers (10−10 to 10−8 cm2/s) than in PVAc (10−12 cm2/s). These data may be useful for design of membrane processes, for controlled delivery of drugs, and for application in packaging and storage of food, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 85: 2041–2052, 2002
Study on the effect of acid‐ or iodine‐doping on the properties of copolymer C1–4poly‐phenylene‐vinylene‐ether
Authors: Alimi K. , Ayachi S. , Mabrouk A. , Molinie P. , Zaidi B. , Bernede J. C. , Ghedira M.
Published: October 2002

In this article, the new red‐colored copolymer, referred to as C1–4poly‐phenylene‐vinylene‐ ether (C1–4PPV‐ether) is built as a PPV polymer with some conjugated links (CHCH) that are changed into ethylic‐ether links ( CH2OCH2) and whose modified phenyl ring is grafted, respectively, in two and five positions with methoxy and butoxy groups. The C1– 4PPV‐ether is doped with protonic acid or iodine. The infrared absorption (IR), optical density, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and electron spin resonance (ESR) show that there is a charge transfer complex formed between the copolymer and the doping species (iodine or acidic dopants). From IR, XPS, and ESR analysis, we deduced that the doping mechanism of the copolymer is, respectively, a protonation of the double links in PPV in the case of the protonic acid doping process and a grafting of the iodine to the ether links in the case of iodine‐doping process. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 85: 1858–1866, 2002
Influences of trans‐polyoctylene rubber on the physical properties and phase morphology of natural rubber/acrylonitrile–butadiene rubber blends
Authors: Nah Changwoon , Han Seung‐Cheol , Jo Byung Wook , Kim Wan Doo , Chang Young‐Wook
Published: October 2002

The influence of trans‐polyoctylene rubber (TOR) on the mechanical properties, glass‐transition behavior, and phase morphology of natural rubber (NR)/acrylonitrile–butadiene rubber (NBR) blends was investigated. With an increased TOR level, hardness, tensile modulus, and resilience increased, whereas tensile strength and elongation at break tremendously decreased. According to differential scanning calorimetry and dynamic mechanical analysis, there were two distinct glass‐transition temperatures for a 50/50 NR/NBR blend, indicating the strongly incompatible nature of the blend. When the TOR level was increased, the glass transition of NBR was strongly suppressed. NBR droplets of a few micrometers were uniformly dispersed in the continuous NR phases in the NR/NBR blends. When TOR was added to a 50/50 NR/NBR blend, TOR tended to be located in the NR phase and in some cases was positioned at the interfaces between the NBR and NR phases. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 86: 125–134, 2002
Properties of bioriented nylon 6 films related to film production technology
Authors: Bianchi F. , Cantagallo S. , Consolati G. , Laporta M. , Pegoraro M. , Tieghi G. , Zanderighi L.
Published: October 2002

Four production steps, extrusion, blowing, stabilization, and finishing, are involved in the manufacture of biorented nylon 6 films. The films obtained after each step were studied by wide‐angle diffraction X‐rays, IR analysis, and density measurements. Orientation in the amorphous phase was evaluated by thermal retraction. Free volume was investigated by positron annihilation spectroscopy. Mechanical properties were tested by tensile tests, and permeability was tested with isopiestic permeameters. Quenching, after extrusion, generated an unstable γ crystalline phase and an amorphous phase. Blowing transformed the unstable γ phase into the thermodynamically stable α phase and increased the chain orientation; stabilization increased α phase crystals, favored hydrogen bond formation and, therefore, the mechanical properties, leaving unchanged the chain orientation; the final treatment increased the mechanical properties. The film permeabilities to O2, N2, and CO2 were practically unchanged after each production step; this result may be explained by considering that the nanoholes, present in the films and responsible for the diffusion inside the polymer, maintained practically constant their radius, whereas their number concentration decreased slowly after thermomechanical treatments. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 86: 559–571, 2002
Recycling of acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene and high‐impact polystyrene from waste computer equipment
Authors: Brennan L. B. , Isaac D. H. , Arnold J. C.
Published: October 2002

Acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene (ABS) and high‐impact polystyrene (HIPS) are two of the plastics most frequently used as outer casings for computer equipment such as monitors, keyboards, and other similar components. We assessed the effects of the recycling and blending of ABS and HIPS on mechanical properties. We found that the effects of recycling on ABS and HIPS were similar, in that changes in glass‐transition temperatures, tensile strengths, and tensile moduli were negligible, but strains to failure and impact strengths were reduced considerably. Blending proportions of ABS and HIPS caused no more deterioration in properties than occurred as a result of the recycling process, and the presence of small proportions of one material in the other actually restored significant amounts of ductility, as seen by increases in the strains to failure. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 86: 572–578, 2002
Oligolactate‐grafted dextran hydrogels: Detection of stereocomplex crosslinks by X‐ray diffraction
Authors: de Jong S. J. , van Nostrum C. F. , Kroon‐Batenburg L. M. J. , Kettenes‐van den Bosch J. J. , Hennink W. E.
Published: October 2002

Physically crosslinked hydrogels are formed upon mixing equal amounts of aqueous solutions of dextran grafted with L‐lactic acid oligomers and dextran grafted with D‐lactic acid oligomers. In this paper, the dex‐lactate hydrogels are analyzed by X‐ray diffraction to provide evidence that hydrogel formation occurred through stereocomplex formation. First, the stereocomplex formation of monodisperse lactic acid oligomers was studied and comparison with published results of poly(lactic acid) was made. It was clearly demonstrated that stereocomplexes were formed between oligomers of opposite chirality. The data for these monodisperse lactic acid oligomers were used to interpret the results obtained with the dex‐lactate hydrogels. X‐ray diffraction measurements demonstrated that in the hydrogels stereocomplexes were formed between the lactic acid oligomers of opposite chirality. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 86: 289–293, 2002
Synthesis and photopolymerization of acrylic acrylate copolymers
Authors: Valette Ludovic , Massardier Valérie , Pascault Jean‐Pierre , Magny Benoit
Published: October 2002

Acrylate‐functionalized copolymers were synthesized by the modification of poly(butyl acrylate‐co‐glycidyl methacrylate) (BA/GMA) and poly(butyl acrylate‐co‐methyl methacrylate‐co‐glycidyl methacrylate). 13C‐NMR analyses showed that no glycidyl methacrylate block longer than three monomer units was formed in the BA/GMA copolymer if the glycidyl methacrylate concentration was kept below 20 mol %. We chemically modified the copolymers by reacting the epoxy group with acrylic acid to yield polymers with various glass‐transition temperatures and functionalities. We studied the crosslinking reactions of these copolymers by differential scanning calorimetry to point out the effect of chain functionality on double‐bond reactivity. Films formed from acrylic acrylate copolymer precursors were finally cured under ultraviolet radiation. Network heterogeneities such as pendant chains and highly crosslinked microgel‐like regions greatly influenced the network structure and, therefore, its viscoelastic properties. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 86: 753–763, 2002
Crystallinity morphology and dynamic mechanical characteristics of PBT polymer and glass fiber‐reinforced composites
Authors: Park Chan‐Seok , Lee Ki‐Jun , Kim Seong Woo , Lee Young Kwan , Nam Jae‐Do
Published: October 2002

The crystalline morphologies of PBT (poly butylene terephthalate) and its glass fiber reinforced composite systems were investigated in a thin‐film form by polarized optical microscopy and wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction. Three different types of PBT morphology were identified in the Maltese cross pattern: 45° cross pattern (usual type) by solvent crystallization, 90° cross pattern (unusual type) by melt crystallization at low crystallization temperature, and mixed type by melt crystallization at crystallization temperatures higher than 160°C. The glass fibers increased the number density of spherulites and decreased the size of crystallites acting as crystallization nucleation sites without exhibiting trans‐crystallinity at the vicinity of the glass fiber surfaces. Finally, the storage modulus was analyzed by using a dual‐phase continuity model describing the modulus by the power‐law sum of the amorphous‐ and crystalline‐phase moduli. The crystalline‐phase modulus was extracted out from the PBT polymer and composite systems containing different amount of crystallinity. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 86: 478–488, 2002
Three‐dimensional architecture of the myosalpinx in the mare as revealed by scanning electron microscopy
Authors: Germanà Antonino , Cassata Rosa , Cristarella Santo , Scirpo Aurelio , Muglia Ugo
Published: October 2002

The three‐dimensional architecture of the myosalpinx in the mare was investigated by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) after removal of interstitial connective tissue with NaOH digestion. In the extramural portion of the tubo‐uterine junction (TUJ), isthmus, and ampulla, the myosalpinx architecture is represented by a unique muscular structure which runs from the mesosalpinx to the base of the inner mucous folds. This unique muscular structure consists mainly of bundles of muscular fibers independent of one another, which show a multiple spatial arrangement and form a complex network. Such a muscular architecture is likely more suitable for stirring rather than pushing the embryos and gametes through the Fallopian tube. Anat Rec 267:235–241, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Association between tumor necrosis factor receptor II and familial, but not sporadic, rheumatoid arthritis: Evidence for genetic heterogeneity
Authors: Dieudé Philippe , Petit Elisabeth , Cailleau‐Moindrault Séverine , Osorio José , Pierlot Céline , Martinez Maria , Fauré Sabine , Alibert Olivier , Lasbleiz Sandra , De Toma Claudia , Bardin Thomas , Prum Bernard , Cornélis François ,   European Consortium on Rheumatoid Arthritis Families
Published: October 2002

Objective

Tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) binds the receptors TNFRI and TNFRII. Results of genome scans have suggested thatTNFR2is a candidate rheumatoid arthritis (RA) locus. A case–control study in a UK Caucasian population has shown an association between aTNFR2genotype (196R/R in exon 6) and familial, but not sporadic, RA. The present study was undertaken to test this association in the French Caucasian population.

Methods

To test for an association in sporadic RA, 100 families were genotyped for the 196M/R polymorphism and analyzed using the transmission disequilibrium test and haplotype relative risk. To test for an association in familial RA, RA index cases from 100 affected sibpair (ASP) families were genotyped for 196M/R. Linkage analysis was performed with 3TNFR2microsatellite markers.

Results

TheTNFR2196R/R genotype was not associated with sporadic RA (odds ratio [OR] 0.59,P= 0.72), but was associated with familial RA (OR 4.0,P= 0.026). The association was most marked in the context ofTNFR2“twin‐like” RA sibs (affected sibs sharing bothTNFR2haplotypes) (OR 9.2,P= 0.0017). Linkage analysis results were consistent with the association; most of theTNFR2linkage evidence was found in the subgroup of families with 196R/R ASP index cases.

Conclusion

This study is the first to replicate evidence of the involvement ofTNFR2in RA genetic heterogeneity. Our data refine the initial hypothesis, to suggest that aTNFR2recessive factor, in linkage disequilibrium with the 196R allele, plays a major role in a subset of families with multiple cases of RA.
Knee pain reduces joint space width in conventional standing anteroposterior radiographs of osteoarthritic knees
Authors: Mazzuca Steven A. , Brandt Kenneth D. , Lane Kathleen A. , Katz Barry P.
Published: October 2002

Objective

A suspected, but heretofore undemonstrated, limitation of the conventional weight‐bearing anteroposterior (AP) knee radiograph, in which the joint is imaged in extension, for studies of progression of osteoarthritis (OA) is that changes in knee pain may affect extension, thereby altering the apparent thickness of the articular cartilage. The present study was undertaken to examine the effect of changes in knee pain of varying magnitudes on radiographic joint space width (JSW) in the weight‐bearing extended and the semiflexed AP views, in which radioanatomic positioning of the knee was carefully standardized by fluoroscopy.

Methods

Fifteen patients with knee OA underwent a washout of their analgesic/nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID) agents (duration 5 half‐lives), after which standing AP and semiflexed AP knee radiographs of both knees were obtained. Examinations were repeated 1–12 weeks later (median 4.5 weeks, mean 6.0 weeks), after resumption of analgesic/NSAID therapy. Knee pain was measured with the pain subscale of the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis (WOMAC) Index (Likert scale). JSW was measured with a pair of calipers and a magnifying lens. Mixed model analyses of variance were used to test the significance of changes in pain and JSW within and between 2 groups of knees with mild‐to‐moderate radiographic severity of OA: (a) “flaring knees,” in which the patient rated standing knee pain as severe or extreme after the washout and in which pain decreased to any degree after resumption of analgesics and/or NSAIDs (n = 12) and (b) “nonflaring knees,” in which standing knee pain was absent, mild, or moderate after the washout or did not decrease after resumption of treatment (n = 15).

Results

After reinstitution of treatment, WOMAC pain scores decreased significantly in both flaring and nonflaring knees (−44%; P < 0.0001 and −18%; P < 0.01, respectively). After adjustment for the within‐subject correlation between knees, mean JSW (±SEM) in the extended view of the flaring OA knee increased significantly from the first to second examination (0.20 ± 0.06 mm; P = 0.005). In contrast, the change in adjusted mean JSW in the extended view of the nonflaring OA knee was negligible (−0.04 ± 0.04 mm) and significantly smaller than that observed in flaring knees (P < 0.01). Mean JSW in the semiflexed AP view was unaffected by the severity or responsiveness of standing knee pain in flaring and nonflaring OA knees.

Conclusion

JSW in weight‐bearing extended‐view radiographs of highly symptomatic OA knees can be altered significantly by changes in joint pain. In clinical trials and in epidemiologic studies of OA progression that use this radiographic technique, longitudinal variations in pain may confound changes in the apparent thickness of the articular cartilage.
Does the label “fibromyalgia” alter health status, function, and health service utilization? A prospective, within‐group comparison in a community cohort of adults with chronic widespread pain
Authors: White Kevin P. , Nielson Warren R. , Harth Manfred , Ostbye Truls , Speechley Mark
Published: October 2002

Objective

To determine if assigning the label of fibromyalgia (FM) to individuals with chronic widespread pain has a significant effect on long‐term health status, function, and health service utilization.

Methods

In the London Fibromyalgia Epidemiology Study, 100 individuals with FM were identified by screening 3,395 non‐institutionalized adults. Only 28 of the 100 had been previously diagnosed with FM; for 72, the diagnostic label was new. All 28 with prediagnosed FM were female compared with 58 of the 72 newly diagnosed cases. In a prospective, within‐group comparison, we compared previously non‐labeled FM cases at study entry (prelabeling) and at 18 and 36 months followup (postlabeling) with respect to general health status, fibromyalgia‐related symptoms, and all items from the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) (including total FIQ score, and several measures of health service utilization) to see if health status, function, and health services utilization had changed, using paired t‐tests. We also compared percentage reporting work disability at baseline and 18 months using Pearson's χ2.

Results

Fifty‐six (78%) of the original 72 newly diagnosed FM cases were available for reassessment at 18 months, and 43 (60%) at 36 months. Although physical functioning decreased slightly over time, there also was a statistically significant improvement in satisfaction with health, and newly diagnosed FM cases reported fewer symptoms and major symptoms over the long term. No other differences in clinical status or health service use occurred over time.

Conclusion

The FM label does not have a meaningful adverse affect on clinical outcome over the long term. Further research is necessary to document the short‐ and long‐term effect of labeling in the chronic pain patient.
Modulation of multiple experimental arthritis models by collagen‐induced arthritis quantitative trait loci isolated in congenic rat lines: Different effects of non–major histocompatibility complex quantitative trait loci in males and females
Authors: Remmers Elaine F. , Joe Bina , Griffiths Marie M. , Dobbins David E. , Dracheva Svetlana V. , Hashiramoto Akira , Furuya Takefumi , Salstrom Jennifer L. , Wang JianPing , Gulko Pércio S. , Cannon Grant W. , Wilder Ronald L.
Published: October 2002

Objective

Collagen‐induced arthritis (CIA) is a model of inflammatory arthritis with many similarities to rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We previously mapped in F2 offspring of CIA‐susceptible DA and CIA‐resistant F344 rats, 5 quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for which F344 alleles were associated with reduced CIA severity. In the present study, we sought to characterize the independent arthritis‐modulating effects of these 5 QTLs.

Methods

CIA‐regulatory regions were transferred from the F344 genome to the DA background or vice versa by repeated backcrossing. The arthritis‐modulating effects of the transferred alleles were determined by comparing the severity of experimentally induced arthritis in congenic rats with that in DA rats.

Results

Congenic lines with either the F344 major histocompatibility complex (MHC) on the DA background or the DA MHC on the F344 background were resistant to CIA, confirming both MHC and non‐MHC contributions to the genetic regulation of CIA. F344 alleles at the Cia3 and Cia5 regions of chromosomes 4 and 10 reduced CIA severity relative to that observed in DA rats. F344 Cia4 and Cia6 regions of chromosomes 7 and 8 failed to significantly alter CIA severity. Arthritis‐modifying effects of Cia4 and Cia6 were, however, detected in pristane‐induced and/or Freund's incomplete adjuvant oil–induced arthritis. The arthritis‐modifying effects of the non‐MHC CIA‐regulatory loci differed in males and females.

Conclusion

These congenic lines confirmed the existence and location of genes that regulate the severity of experimental arthritis in rats. Mechanisms responsible for the sex‐specificity of individual arthritis‐regulatory loci may explain some of the sex differences observed in RA and other autoimmune diseases in humans.
Effect of an exogenous trigger on the pathogenesis of lupus in (NZB × NZW)F1 mice
Authors: Yoshida Hideo , Satoh Minoru , Behney Krista M. , Lee Chee‐Gun , Richards Hanno B. , Shaheen Victoria M. , Yang Jun‐Qi , Singh Ram R. , Reeves Westley H.
Published: October 2002

Objective

This study examined the interactions between exogenous and endogenous factors shaping the phenotype of lupus in autoimmune (NZB × NZW)F1 mice exposed to pristane, a model environmental trigger.

Methods

Frequencies of various autoantibodies in untreated NZB/NZW mice were determined by various means (immunoprecipitation, enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA], Crithidia luciliae kinetoplast staining). Pristane or saline was administered intraperitoneally to 9–12‐week‐old NZB/NZW mice, followed by serial studies of autoantibodies, total Ig levels (ELISA), and proteinuria (dipstick).

Results

Besides antichromatin/DNA responses, NZB/NZW mice spontaneously produced novel autoantibodies against the double‐stranded RNA binding protein RNA helicase A (RHA). In contrast, NZB/NZW mice (n = 70) did not produce autoantibodies against the nuclear RNP (nRNP), Sm, Ro, or La antigens. Pristane exposure synergistically activated the production of antichromatin/DNA antibodies and dramatically accelerated renal disease. Production of anti‐nRNP/Sm and Su autoantibodies also was induced, indicating that the unresponsiveness of NZB/NZW mice to these antigens can be overcome. Curiously, pristane treatment did not enhance the production of anti‐RHA, suggesting that these autoantibodies are regulated differently than anti‐DNA/chromatin and Sm. In contrast to previous reports that suggest a critical role of deficient interleukin‐12 (IL‐12) production in the pathogenesis of lupus, there was overproduction of IL‐12 in the peritoneal cavity of pristane‐treated NZB/NZW mice, and their spleen cells also produced large amounts of IL‐12.

Conclusion

These data lead us to propose that environmental influences exacerbate autoimmune manifestations in genetically lupus‐susceptible mice through their stimulatory effects on proinflammatory cytokines, such as IL‐12.
Diminished peripheral blood memory B cells and accumulation of memory B cells in the salivary glands of patients with Sjögren's syndrome
Authors: Hansen Arne , Odendahl Marcus , Reiter Karin , Jacobi Annett M. , Feist Eugen , Scholze Jürgen , Burmester Gerd R. , Lipsky Peter E. , Dörner Thomas
Published: October 2002

Objective

To delineate the mechanism of the abnormalities in B cell biology found in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome (SS).

Methods

The distribution of peripheral B cell subpopulations in 21 patients with primary SS was analyzed by immunofluorescence labeling and flow cytometry. Immunoglobulin rearrangements were analyzed in single B cells isolated from the peripheral blood and parotid glands by fluorescence‐activated cell sorting.

Results

A significant reduction in the number of peripheral CD27+ memory B cells was found in SS patients, including a significantly reduced number of CD27+/IgD+/IgM+/CD5+ memory B cells. Remarkably, SS patients with secondary lymphoma uniquely exhibited an increase in CD27‐expressing peripheral B cells, including CD27high plasmablasts. Molecular analysis for mutated Ig gene rearrangements confirmed that CD27 expression distinguished naive and memory cells in SS. In contrast to the peripheral blood, the majority of parotid B cells from 1 patient examined exhibited both the mutational status and phenotype of memory B cells. Accordingly, the mutational frequencies of VH rearrangements were significantly greater in parotid B cells than in peripheral blood B cells, whereas the VH gene repertoire appeared to be very similar between the compartments.

Conclusion

These data indicate that there is an accumulation/retention of memory B cells in the inflamed salivary glands of SS patients. It is possible that preferential accumulation of CD27+ memory B cells in the inflamed parotid gland explains their reduction in the peripheral blood.
Information architecture for the Web: The IA matrix approach to designing children's portals
Authors: Large Andrew , Beheshti Jamshid , Cole Charles
Published: October 2002

The article presents a matrix that can serve as a tool for designing the information architecture of a Web portal in a logical and systematic manner. The information architect begins by inputting the portal's objective, target user, and target content. The matrix then determines the most appropriate information architecture attributes for the portal by filling in the Applied Information Architecture portion of the matrix. The article discusses how the matrix works using the example of a children's Web portal to provide access to museum information.
No effect of extremely low‐frequency magnetic field observed on cell growth or initial response of cell proliferation in human cancer cell lines
Authors: Yoshizawa Hiroaki , Tsuchiya Takehiro , Mizoe Hiroki , Ozeki Hidemi , Kanao Seiichi , Yomori Hiroyuki , Sakane Chiharu , Hasebe Setsu , Motomura Toshio , Yamakawa Taku , Mizuno Fumio , Hirose Hideki , Otaka Yoshihisa
Published: October 2002

An effect on the tumor promotion process, as represented by accelerated cell growth, has been indicated as one example of areas that demonstrate the possibility of biological effects of extremely‐low frequency magnetic fields. We, therefore, exposed the five cell lines (HL‐60, K‐562, MCF‐7, A‐375, and H4) derived from human tumors to a magnetic field for 3 days to investigate the effects on cell growth. Prior to exposure or sham exposure, the cells were precultured for 2 days in low serum conditions. The number of growing cells was counted in a blind manner. To investigate the effect on the initial response of cell proliferation, two cell lines were synchronized in G1 phase by serum starvation and then exposed to a magnetic field for 18 h (H4 cells) or 24 h (MCF‐7 cells), both with and without serum stimulation. The rate of DNA synthesis, taken as a measure of the cell proliferation, was determined by following the incorporation of [3H]‐thymidine into the DNA. Three different magnetic field polarizations at both 50 and 60 Hz were used: linearly polarized (vertical); circularly polarized; and an elliptically polarized field. Magnetic field flux densities were set at 500, 100, 20 and 2 μT (rms) for the vertical field and at 500 μT (rms) for the rotating fields. No effect of magnetic field exposure was observed on either cell growth or the initial response of cell proliferation. Bioelectromagnetics 23:355–368, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Artificial static and geomagnetic field interrelated impact on cardiovascular regulation
Authors: Gmitrov Juraj , Ohkubo Chiyoji
Published: October 2002

Spreading evidence suggests that environmental and artificial magnetic fields have a significant impact on cardiovascular system. The modulation of cardiovascular regulatory mechanisms may play a key role in observed effects. The objective was to study interrelated impacts of artificial static magnetic field (SMF) and natural geomagnetic field (GMF) on arterial baroreceptors. We studied baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) in conscious rabbits before and after 40 min of sham (n = 20) or application of Nd2‐Fe14‐B alloy magnets (n = 26) to the sinocarotid baroreceptor region in conjunction with GMF disturbance during the actual experiment, determined by K‐ and Ak‐indexes from a local geomagnetic observatory. SMF at the position of baroreceptors was 0.35 T. BRS was estimated from peak responses of mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate expressed as percentages of the resting values preceding each pair of pressure (phenylephrine) and depressor drug (nitroprusside) injections. We observed a significant increase in BRS for the nitroprusside depressor test (0.78 ± 0.1 vs. 1.15 ± 0.14 bpm/mmHg%, initial value vs. SMF exposure, P < .0002) and a tendency for phenylephrine pressor test to increase in BRS. Prior to SMF exposure, a significant positive correlation was found between actual K index values and MAP (t = 2.33, P = .025, n = 46) and a negative correlation of the K index with BRS (t = −3.6, P = .001, n = 46). After SMF exposure we observed attenuation of the geomagnetic disturbance induced a decrease in BRS. Clinical trials should be performed to support these results, but there is a strong expectation that 0.35 T SMF local exposure to sinocarotid baroreceptors will be effective in cardiovascular conditions with arterial hypertension and decreased BRS, due to a favorable SMF effect on the arterial baroreflex. Magnets to the sinocarotid triangle along with modification of the pharmacotherapy for hypertension should be especially effective on days with intense geomagnetic disturbance, in moderating sympathetic activation and baroreceptor dysfunction. Bioelectromagnetics 23:329–338, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
My favorite cell—Paramecium
Authors: Plattner Helmut
Published: October 2002

A Paramecium cell has a stereotypically patterned surface, with regularly arranged cilia, dense‐core secretory vesicles and subplasmalemmal calcium stores. Less strikingly, there is also a patterning of molecules; for instance, some ion channels are restricted to certain regions of the cell surface. This design may explain very effective and selective responses, such as that to Ca2+ upon stimulation. It enables the cell to respond to a Ca2+ signal precisely secretion (exocytosis) or by changing its ciliary activity. These responses depend on the location and/or type of signal, even though these two target structures co‐exist side‐by‐side, and normally only limited overlap occurs between the different functions. Furthermore, the patterning of exocytotic sites and the possibility of synchronous exocytosis induction in the sub‐second time range have considerably facilitated analyses, and thus led to new concepts of exocytotic membrane fusion. It has been possible to dissect complicated events like overlapping Ca2+ fluxes produced from external sources and from internal stores. Since molecular genetic approaches have become available for Paramecium, many different gene products have been identified only some of which are known from “higher” eukaryotes. Although a variety of basic cellular functions are briefly addressed to demonstrate the uniqueness of this unicellular organism, this article focuses on exocytosis regulation. BioEssays 24:649–658, 2002. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Is human aging still mysterious enough to be left only to scientists?
Authors: de Grey Aubrey D.N.J. , Baynes John W. , Berd David , Heward Christopher B. , Pawelec Graham , Stock Gregory
Published: October 2002

The feasibility of reversing human aging within a matter of decades has traditionally been dismissed by all professional biogerontologists, on the grounds that not only is aging still poorly understood, but also many of those aspects that we do understand are not reversible by any current or foreseeable therapeutic regimen. This broad consensus has recently been challenged by the publication, by five respected experimentalists in diverse subfields of biogerontology together with three of the present authors, of an article (Ann NY Acad Sci 959, 452–462) whose conclusion was that all the key components of mammalian aging are indeed amenable to substantial reversal (not merely retardation) in mice, with technology that has a reasonable prospect of being developed within about a decade. Translation of that panel of interventions to humans who are already alive, within a few decades thereafter, was deemed potentially feasible (though it was not claimed to be likely). If the prospect of controlling human aging within the foreseeable future cannot be categorically rejected, then it becomes a matter of personal significance to most people presently alive. Consequently, we suggest that serious public debate on this subject is now warranted, and we survey here several of the biological, social and political issues relating to it. BioEssays 24:667–676, 2002. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.