bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evidence That Lake Trout Served as a Buffer against Sea Lamprey Predation on Burbot in Lake Erie
Authors: Stapanian Martin A. , Madenjian Charles P.
Published: February 2007

The population of burbot Lota lota in Lake Erie recovered during 1986–2003, mainly because of the control of sea lamprey Petromyzon marinus, which began in 1986. Burbot populations continued to grow during 1996–1998, when sea lamprey control was substantially reduced. We calculated mortality parameters for burbot in Lake Erie by estimating age at capture for 2,793 burbot caught in annual gill-net surveys of eastern Lake Erie from 1994 to 2003. Based on catch-curve analysis, annual mortality in Lake Erie during 1994–2003 was estimated as 33%. Annual mortality of the 1992 year-class of burbot was estimated as 30%. The mortality of burbot during the years of reduced sea lamprey control was not different from that during the 3 years preceding reduced control and was significantly lower than that during the entire portion of the time series in which full sea lamprey control was conducted. These results suggest that the reduction in sea lamprey control did not lead to increased burbot mortality. The catch per gill-net lift of large burbot (total length > 600 mm), the size preferred by sea lampreys, was lower than that of adult lake trout Salvelinus namaycush (age 5 and older; total length > 700 mm) before lampricide application was reduced. Although adult lake trout populations declined, the abundance of large burbot did not change during the period of reduced lampricide application. These results support a hypothesis that a healthy population of adult lake trout can serve as a buffer species, acting to reduce predation of burbot by sea lampreys when sea lamprey populations increase. Burbot attained sexual maturity at a relatively early age (3 or 4 years) and a total length (approximately 500 mm) that was smaller than the preferred prey size for sea lampreys. These characteristics and the buffering effect of the lake trout population enabled growth of the burbot population during the brief period when lamprey control was reduced.
Spiny Dogfish Mortality Induced by Gill-Net and Trawl Capture and Tag and Release
Authors: Rulifson Roger A.
Published: February 2007

The spiny dogfish Squalus acanthias was once classified as an underutilized species along the U.S. East Coast, but it constituted a lucrative fishery in the 1990s until recruitment overfishing caused stock collapse. Coastwide restrictions currently apply; federal stock assessment models use bycatch mortality estimates of 50% for trawling, 75% for gill netting, and 100% for hook-and-line fishing. This study examined mortality at the southern end of commercial fishing operations caused by trawling for 30- and 90-min periods and by gill nets of various mesh sizes set for 19- to 24-h periods. Both experiments used tagged and untagged fish placed in rectangular cages anchored to the seafloor for 48 h. Tags were the Floy SS-94 single-barb nylon dart with a stainless steel wire insert. A total of 635 spiny dogfish were captured by trawl and all were alive, for a 0% initial mortality rate. A total of 2,284 spiny dogfish were collected by gill net for an initial mortality rate of 17.5%. There was no additional mortality in the 480 trawl-caught fish held for 48 h, but there was 33.3% mortality among the 480 gill-net-caught fish held under the same conditions, for an overall gill-net mortality rate of 55.0%. Examination of subsampled catches indicated that 88.6% of gill-net-caught fish had gill-net marks on the head and 41.2% had gill-net marks on the girth but, interestingly, 26.1% of trawl-caught fish had the same markings, indicating prior gill-net capture and release. Female spiny dogfish caught by gill net had a 3.6% abortion rate, compared with zero incidences of those caught by trawl. There was no significant difference in mortality between tagged and untagged fish caught by trawl or by gill net. Tag loss after 48 h was less than 1%.
Project design: tasks that need to be managed
Authors: Hamilton A.
Published: February 2007

In many projects, design is an essential process whose purpose is to create, describe, and communicate that which is to be implemented. Managing the design process normally means setting the design objectives, evaluating design performance and coordinating the associated design activities. A systems approach to managing projects, where all phases are integrated and use the same basic method for planning work activities and tracking performance, is an important aspect of ‘best practice’. Based on techniques generally in use in managing the physical delivery phase, a practical and generic model to managing a project's design is described in this paper. The model, a computerised spreadsheet, which accurately captures design status, is in stark contrast to the often-found practice of subjective assessment as design work progresses.
The rise and rise of time-bar clauses
Authors: Lal H.
Published: February 2007

Time-bar clauses are becoming popular. This paper examines the express time-bar clauses in the FIDIC and NEC3 standard forms of contract and considers whether such clauses are enforceable under English Law. The paper examines the jurisprudential conflict between such clauses and the so-called English Law concept of the ‘prevention principle’. The paper concludes that the ‘real issue’ is not, in fact, the tension between the time-bar clause and the prevention principle but one between the time-bar clause and the ‘freedom of contract’ doctrine. This jurisprudential analysis is supported by a body of (English; Scottish and International) case law.
Briefing: Improving management of people in construction
Authors: Soetanto R. , Price A. , Dainty A.
Published: February 2007

Despite its promised benefits, the task of managing people on construction projects is often fraught with difficulties. A research project was undertaken to investigate employee empowerment, teamwork, leadership and how they interact within the project environment and supply chain context with the aim of enhancing construction project and organisational performance through the adoption of appropriate strategies. The empirical work involved interviews, case studies and a questionnaire survey to understand current practices and to inform the development of tools and guidance which should help to improve both individual and team performance. These can be used in an integrated manner for identifying and learning about problems, and for informing corrective actions to achieve continuous improvement.
Cross SAGD (XSAGD)—An Accelerated Bitumen Recovery Alternative
Authors: Stalder John L.
Published: February 2007

Steam-assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) (Butler 1991) has become the preferred in-situ recovery concept for Athabasca bitumen. However, to maintain steam-trap control, rates are limited by the close vertical spacing between the parallel horizontal wells. In Cross SAGD (XSAGD), the injection wells are perpendicular to the producing wells. Sections of the wells near the crossing points are either restricted from the start or later plugged to achieve a significant rate and thermal efficiency advantage over SAGD. This numerical-simulation study shows XSAGD especially advantageous in cases in which low pressure is required.
Synthesis and studies of the biological activity of novel pyrimido fused acridine derivatives
Authors: Patel Bhavesh , Patel Ranjan , Patel Manish
Published: February 2007

Anthranilic acid was reacted with various substituted 6-bromoquinazolinones in the presence of Cu-powder and anhydrous potassium carbonate in DMF to give acid intermediates (Ullmann Type-II condensation). All these acids were then cyclized in phosphorus oxychloride to give 11-chloropyrimido[4,5-b]acridin-4(3H)-ones. All the synthesized compounds were identified by conventional methods (1H-NMR, IR, elemental analysis) and were screened for their antimicrobial activity on some bacterial and fungal cultures. The results were compared with standard bactericides and fungicides. All the synthesized compounds exhibited moderate antibacterial and antifungal activity. .
Synthesis, characterization and correlative biological effects in wheat of a benzoxaza- and a diaza-phosphorus(V) heterocycles
Authors: Făgădar-Cosma Eugenia , Laichici Maria , Făgădar-Cosma Gheorghe , Vlascici Dana
Published: February 2007

Dichloro-p-tolylphosphine, involved in a Mannich type reaction, together with o-aminophenol or 1,2- diaminopropane and acetone generated two phosphorin- 2-oxide ring compounds, namely: hexahydro-3,3,5-trimethyl-2-p-tolyl-1,4,2-diazaphosphorine- 2-oxide and 3,4-dihydro-3,3-dimethyl-2-p-tolyl-2H-1,4,2-benzoxaza- phosphorine-2-oxide. The two compounds were fully characterized by MS, IR, UV, 1H-NMR, and gas chromatography. Anothermain objective of the present study was to examine to what extent the treatments with different concentrations of the above-mentioned diaza- and benzoxaza-compounds affected the content of leaf chlorophyll of a monocotyledonous plant (wheat), in correlation with all the other changes concerning the general development of the tested plants. .
Dependence of Dewar resonance energy of benzenoid molecules on Kekulé structure count
Authors: Gutman Ivan , Radenkovic Slavko
Published: February 2007

The dependence of the Dewar resonance energy (DRE) on the Kekul? structure count (K) was found to be significantly different from that earlier anticipated. Within classes of benzenoid isomers, the DRE increases either as K? for ? ? 0.3 or as (ln K) for ? ? 2. Both functional dependencies result in approximate expressions for DRE of nearly equal accuracy. Approximations of the form DRE ? a K + b and DRE ? a' ln K + b' are somewhat less accurate, but can still be used in usual practical applications of the Dewar resonance energy. .
Determination and structural correlation of pK BH + for meta- and para- substituted benzamides in sulfuric acid solutions
Authors: Stojkovic Goran , Popovski Emil
Published: February 2007

The protonation of some meta and para substituted benzamides in sulfuric acid solutions was studied by UV spectroscopy in the 190-350 nm region. Principal component analysis was applied to separate the effect of protonation from the medium effect. The spectral region 200-350nm was used for the calculation of the ionization ratio from coefficient of the first principal component, which explains about 95-98% of the total variability. The dissociation constants as well as the solvation parameters m* and ? were calculated using the excess acidity method and the Bunnett-Olsen method. The pK BH + values obtained with the H A function (defined by the average m* - values) are in satisfactory agreement with those calculated with the previously mentioned methods. The pK BH + values were correlated with structure using the Hammett (?=-0.91) and Taft approach. It was found that the inductive effect is more relevant than the resonance one for both substituted benzamides (meta and para). .
The effect of perpendicularly oriented magnetic field on the formation of very disperse iron structures
Authors: Nikolic Nebojsa
Published: February 2007

Iron deposits obtained without and with a perpendicularly oriented magnetic field were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). It was found that the iron deposit obtained under a perpendicularly oriented magnetic field had a more highly branched structure than the iron deposit obtained without an applied magnetic field. Comparing the morphologies of these deposits with those of copper deposits, the branching of the iron deposits can essentially be ascribed to the effect of the magnetic field on the magnetic properties of iron. .
Inorganic analysis of herbal drugs. Part II: Plant and soil analysis: Diverse bioavailability and uptake of essential and toxic elements
Authors: Razic Slavica , Djogo Svetlana , Slavkovic Latinka
Published: February 2007

Eleven elements (Cu, Zn, Mn, Fe, K, Ca, Mg, Ni, Cd, Pb and Cr) in seven herbal drugs (Salviae folium, Menthae piperitae folium, Melissae folium, Lavandulae flos, Basilici herba, Marubii herba and Origani herba) and in rhizosphere soil samples were determined. A microwave digestion procedure preceded the measurements by the flame and electrothermal atomic absorption spectroscopy techniques (FAAS, ETAAS). For potentially hazardous elements and their bioavailability, BCF values were also calculated and discussed in order to identify possible sources of specific elements. .
Synthesis, characterization and spectroscopic studies of the dihydrobis(1,2,3-benzotriazolyl)borate anion and its complexes with MCl2·py2
Authors: Siddiqi Khwaja , Umar Ahmad , Nami Shahab , Khan Sadaf
Published: February 2007

The preparation of sodium dihydrobis(1,2,3-benzotriazolyl)borate was realised by refluxing one mole of sodium borohydride with two moles of 1,2,3-benzotriazole in toluene over a period of 12 h. Its complexes with MCl2?py2 [where M= Mn(II), Fe(II), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and py = Pyridine] were characterized by elemental analysis as well as magnetic, spectroscopic and conductivity measurements. On the basis of these studies, it is proposed that the geometry of all the complexes is octahedral. The ligand field parameters 10 Dq, B and ? show extensive overlap between the M-L orbital. The molar conductance of 10-3Msolutions of the complexes in DMSO suggest them to be non-ionic in nature.
A study concerning the pretreatment of CNTs and its influence on the performance of NIB/CNTs amorphous catalyst
Authors: Hu-Yuan Chang , Li Feng , Hua Li. , Zhang Bin
Published: February 2007

As prepared carbon nanotubes were pretreated with nitric acid (CNTs-HNO3) or ammonia (CNTs-NH3). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) measurements showed that the surface of the nanotubes was functionalized with carboxylic and hydroxyl functional groups after the acid treatment and that basic groups containing nitrogen, such as N-H and C-N, were introduced to the surface of the nanotubes after the ammonia treatment. X-Ray diffraction analysis implied that the nickel residue in the CNTs was effectively removed by acid treatment. However, the nickel residue was only partially eliminated by ammonia pretreatment. NiB amorphous catalysts supported on CNTs-HNO3 and CNTs-NH3 were prepared by the impregnation-chemical reduction method and characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), as well as inductively coupled plasma (ICP) spectroscopy and studied in the selective hydrogenation of acetylene. TEM measurements showed that a high density NiB particles of about 9 nm were homogeneously dispersed on the CNTs-NH3. However, NiB particles (13-23 nm)with amean size of 16 nm were scattered on the CNTs-HNO3.As a result, the activity and selectivity of NiB/CNTs-NH3 were higher than those of NiB/CNTs-HNO3 in the selective hydrogenation of acetylene.
Surface modification of a zeolite and the influence of pH and ionic strength on the desorption of an amine
Authors: Lemic Jovan , Milosevic Sinisa , Vukasinovic Marija , Radosavljevic-Mihajlovic Ana , Kovacevica Dragana
Published: February 2007

The adsorption of stearyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride (SDBAC) on the clinoptilolite-heulandite rich tuff in dependence on the applied temperature was studied. The maximal amount of sorbed SDBAC was 123 mmol/kg in the case of thermally treated zeolite tuff (100?C) and a warm surfactant solution (80?C). The amount and properties of water adsorbed on the organo-zeolite (OZ) as well as the bonding between the organic species and the zeolite were investigated by DTA, TG, DTG and IR analyses. During gradual heating in an oxidizing atmosphere, the adsorbed organic material was oxidized, giving rise to significant exothermic peaks. The adsorption of water vapor decreased with increasing SDBAC loading up to 75 mmol/kg of zeolite, which can be ascribed to an intensification of the hydrophobic characteristics of the surface. With loadings above the 75 mmol/kg, the adsorption of water vapor increased. Desorption of SDBAC from the organo-zeolite under environmentally relevant conditions: distilled water, pH 3 and 10 buffers, as well as aqueous NaCl and CaCl2 solutions, was investigated. OZs with loadings up to their external cation exchange capacity value (75 mmol/kg) were stable under all of the applied conditions.
Influence of chloride ions on the open circuit potentials of chromium in deaerated sulfuric acid solutions
Authors: Jegdic Bore , Drazic Dragutin , Popic Jovan
Published: February 2007

Open circuit potential measurements and cyclic voltammetry of chromium in deaerated aqueous H2SO4 solution of pH 1 without and containing NaCl in the concentration range 0.5 - 4 M revealed that chromium exhibits two stable open circuit potentials having the character of a Wagner-Traud corrosion potential. One, E corr.1, was established on the passive surface formed by exposing Cr previously to air or passivated potentiostacially in a controlled manner, and the second one, E corr,2, at the bare Cr surface obtained by prolonged cathodic activation. There is a small difference in the E corr,1 values as a function of the passive layer properties. Addition of NaCl accelerates the hydrogen evolution reaction on the passive surface to some extent, while the same reaction on the bare surface was not affected by NaCl. On the other hand, presence of NaCl accelerates the anodic reaction on the bare surface, and it activates the dissolution of the passive layer so that the passive currents increase with addition of NaCl. This effect is so large that at concentration of NaCl larger than 3 M, the destruction of the passive layer was so fast that in a matter of seconds the Cr was activated, and the only one stable corrosion potential observed was E corr.2. No pitting of Cr in the presence of NaCl was observed up to the transpassive potentials.
The chemical characteristics of soil which determine phosphorus partitioning in highly calcareous soils
Authors: Topalovic Ana , Pfendt Lidija , Perovic Natalija , Djordjevic Dragana , Trifunovic Snezana , Pfendt Petar
Published: February 2007

Phosphorus fractions from three highly calcareous soils (average, 24.9 ? 4.8 %CO3 2-) from sampling sites with a Mediterranean climate were isolated by sequential extraction. In order to provide a more reliable basis for the definition of the obtained P-fractions, principal component analysis was applied and from the chemical characteristics of the 14 investigated soils, those characteristics which define the content and association features of the P-fractions were assessed. The soils are characterized by a relatively high pH (8.0 - 8.2) and by significantly differing contents of organic mater, acid-soluble Mg and total P. These differences affected the various association features of the P-fraction with the soil constituents. The NH4F-P fraction (isolated with 0.5 M NH4F, pH 8.2) is defined by the contents of the main metals of the oxide-hydroxide- clay associations (Al, Fe,Mn) or by the the redox potential (Eh) of Mn. The accumulation of NaOH-phosphorus (extractable with 0.1M NaOH) depended on the constituents of the oxide-hydroxide-clay association, the humic substances and Eh-related factors. In those soils in which NaOH-Pis defined by the oxide-hydroxide-clay association, the participation of Fe as a bridge-forming metal is proposed. The main part of total P, i.e., ?P = TP - (NH 4F-P + NaOH-P) is defined by the status of Mn- and Fe-humic complexes or by the concentration of hydroxyl-ions.
Uranium(VI) adsorption on surfactant modified heulandite/clinoptilolite rich tuff
Authors: Matijasevic Srdjan , Dakovic Aleksandra , Tomasevic-Canovic Magdalena , Stojanovic Mirjana , Iles Deana
Published: February 2007

The adsorption of uranium(VI) on heulandite/clinoptilolite rich zeolitic tuff modified with different amounts (2, 5 and 10 meq/100 g) of hexadecyltrimethyl ammonium (HDTMA) ion was investigated. The organozeolites were prepared by ion exchange of inorganic cations at the zeolite surface with HDTMA ions, and the three prepared samples were denoted as OA-2, OA-5 and OA-10. The maximal amount of HDTMAin the organozeolite OA-10 (10 meq/100 g) was equal to the external cation exchange capacity of the starting material. The results showed that uranium( VI) adsorption on unmodified zeolitic tuff was low (0.34 mg uranium(VI)/g adsorbent), while for the organozeolites, the adsorption increased with increasing amount of HDTMA at the zeolitic surface. The highest adsorption indexes were achieved for the organozeolite OA-10, in which all the surface inorganic cations had been replaced with HDTMA. An investigation of the adsorption of uranium(VI) ions onto organozeolite OA-10 at different pH values (3, 6 and 8) showed that the adsorption index increased with increasing amount of adsorbent in the suspension. Since uranium(VI) speciation is highly dependent on pH, from the adsorption isotherms, it can be seen that uranium(VI) adsorption on organozeolite OA-10 at pH 6 and 8 is well described by a Langmuir type of isotherm, while at pH 3, it corresponds to a Type III isotherm. .
Verbal aptitude and the use of grammar information in Serbian language
Authors: Lalovic Dejan
Published: February 2007

The research presented in this paper was an attempt to find differences in the use of grammatical information carried by the function words in Serbian. The aim was to determine the level of word processing at which grammatical information shows its differential effects in groups of subjects who themselves differ in verbal ability. For this purpose, the psycholinguistic tasks applied were grammatically primed reading aloud and grammatically primed grammatical classification with an appropriate control of extra-linguistic factors that may have affected aforementioned tasks. Verbal aptitude was assessed in a psychometric manner, and the subjects were divided into "high verbal" and "low verbal" groups. Taking into account statistical control of extra-linguistic factors, the results indicate that groups of high verbal and low verbal subjects cannot be differentiated based on reading aloud performance. The high verbal subjects, however, were more efficient in grammatical classification than low verbal subjects. The results also indicated that the presence of grammatical information embedded in function words-primes had a stronger effect on word processing in low verbal group. Such pattern of results testify to the advantage of high verbal subjects in lexical and post lexical processing, while no differences were established in the word recognition processes. The implications of these findings were considered in terms of test construction for the assessment of verbal ability in Serbian language. .
Moral education through literature
Authors: Pantic Natasa
Published: February 2007

This paper examines a variety of perspectives on the role of literature in moral education. These proceed from general considerations to more specific issues that remain contested to the present day, such as distinction between individual and social morality. Others bring any literature under suspicion in the post-structuralist era, such as the cultural relativity of morality, distinctions between aesthetic and moral dimensions of literary works, and between moral awareness and behavior. The discussion is illustrated through considerations of the place of literature in English moral education from the Victorians to the present day. The discussion of dilemmas that policy makers and educators face today focuses on three dilemmas that often serve to question a possibility of justifying the morally educative power of literature: cultural relativism in literature and ideology (and its implications for the canon), the distinction between an aesthetic and moral power of literature, and finally, the doubts about the transferability of moral awareness acquired through literature to actual moral conduct. .
Controlled Synthesis of Various Hollow Cu Nano/MicroStructures via a Novel Reduction Route
Authors: Liu Y. , Chu Y. , Zhuo Y. , Dong L. , Li L. , Li M.
Published: February 2007

Hollow Cu nano/microstructures are prepared by reduction of CuSO4 · 5 H2O with glucose by using a mild hydrothermal process. The X‐ray powder diffraction and energy‐dispersive X‐ray analysis indicate that the products are pure Cu and of cubic phase. The morphology of the products can be controlled between nanotubes and microspheres assembled from hollow nanoparticles by adjusting the concentration of sodium dodecyl sulfate. A series of experiments confirm that the concentration of the glucose and NaOH also play important roles in the formation of the hollow Cu nano/microstructures.
Electroactive Films of Multicomponent Building Blocks
Authors: Yildiz I. , Mukherjee J. , Tomasulo M. , Raymo F. M.
Published: February 2007

A ligand consisting of a 2,2′‐bipyridine core and two 4,4′‐bipyridinium arms terminated by a thiol group is prepared following a multistep synthetic procedure. Two of these ligands assemble around a single CuI center as a result of the tetrahedral coordination of their 2,2′‐bipyridine cores by the metal. Both the ligand and the complex adsorb spontaneously on the surface of polycrystalline‐gold electrodes. The surface coverage of the films prepared by immersing a gold substrate into a solution of the ligand increases from monolayer to multilayer values with immersion time. Instead, the complex can only form monolayers. The cyclic voltammograms of the resulting films show the characteristic response for the reversible reduction of the 4,4′‐bipyridinium dications to their radical cations. In the case of the complex, a wave for the monoelectronic oxidation of the metal center can also be observed. The back reduction wave, however, is markedly broader and appears at significantly lower potentials. Model studies in solution indicate that this response is a result of the presence of free thiol groups and is consistent with a change in the coordination geometry of the metal. Specifically, the oxidation of the CuI center to a CuII ion is, presumably, accompanied by the folding of one of the thiol groups back to interact with the metal. Thus, oxidation/reduction cycles of the metal center can, in principle, be exploited to control reversibly large amplitude molecular motions at the electrode/solution interface in the shape of the folding/unfolding of oligomethylene chains.
Inside Cover: Layer‐by‐Layer Constructed Macroporous Architectures (Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 10/2007)
Authors: Ma Yujie , Dong Wen‐Fei , Hempenius Mark A. , Möhwald Helmuth , Vancso G. Julius
Published: February 2007

Colloidal particles of manganese carbonate covered with multilayers of high‐molar‐mass double‐stranded DNA and cationic poly(ferrocenylsilane) (PFS) polyelectrolytes (SEM image shown) are described in the Communication by W.‐F. Dong, G. J. Vancso, et al. on page 1702 ff. The macroporous structures, confirmed also by AFM (inset image), were constructed by simple sequential supramolecular assembly controlled by the persistence‐length mismatch of the constituents. Upon MnCO3 core removal porous capsules were obtained.
Correlation between increased hyaluronan localized in arthritic synovium and the presence of proliferating cells. A role for macrophage‐derived factors
Authors: Wells Alvin F. , Klareskog Lars , Lindblad Staffan , Laurent Torvard C.
Published: February 2007

Objective. To determine whether the increased levels of circulating hyaluronan seen in patients with arthritis also occur locally.

Methods. Biopsy specimens of normal synovium and synovium from patients with various arthropathies were studied using histochemical and immunohistochemical staining procedures, to determine the tissue distribution of hyaluronan and infiltrating cells.

Results. Hyaluronan was found in increased concentrations in inflamed tissues, and was co‐localized in sites containing Ki‐67 + cells. In vitro analyses showed that macrophage‐released factors increased hyaluronan production by fibroblasts. Hydrocortisone inhibited this in vitro production of hyaluronan.

Conclusion. Edema and swelling seen in inflamed joints may be due to the presence of large amounts of hyaluronan. One possible mechanism of action of corticosteroids in the alleviation of acute joint inflammation may occur via the inhibition of hyaluronan production.
Increased production of endothelin‐1 in patients with inflammatory arthritides
Authors: Miyasaka Nobuyuki , Hirata Yukio , Ando Kenji , Sato Kazuto , Morita Hideho , Shichiri Masayoshi , Kanno Kazuo , Tomita Kimio , Marumo Fumiaki
Published: February 2007

Objective. Endothelin‐1 (ET‐1) is a potent vasoconstrictive peptide, but its precise mechanism of action in vivo has remained unknown.

Methods. We measured ET‐1 activity by radioimmunoassay, in both plasma and synovial fluid from patients with inflammatory arthritides.

Results. ET‐1–like immunoreactivity was found in synovial fluid, at levels severalfold higher than those in plasma. Reverse‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography showed an elution profile corresponding to actual ET‐1. A single class of high‐affinity binding sites for ET‐1 in cultured synovial cells was also detected. Furthermore, ET‐1 induced mild DNA synthesis in synovial cells.

Conclusion. Taken together, these results indicate that ET‐1 might contribute to the synovial proliferation seen in inflammatory arthritides, in an autocrine/paracrine manner.
An electronic method for measuring joint tenderness in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Atkins Christopher J. , Zielinski Adam , Klinkhoff Alice V. , Chalmers Andrew , Wade John , Williams Danny , Schulzer Michael , Cioppa Giovanni Della
Published: February 2007

Objective. To test the precision of a new electronic method for measuring joint tenderness.

Method. Joint tenderness was measured in 30 patients with rheumatoid arthritis, using an electronic dolorimeter. The results were compared with joint tenderness counts, which were made according to the American Rheumatism Association (ARA) methods.

Results. The intra‐observer variability using the electronic method was significantly decreased compared with the conventional ARA joint tenderness counts.

Conclusion. The electronic method is more efficient for use in clinical trials than is the conventional ARA joint tenderness count.
Arthritis and hypertension in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Kaplan David , Ginzler Ellen M. , Feldman Joseph
Published: February 2007

Objective. The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) who have, as part of their disease, persistent rheumatoid‐like arthritis are less likely to be hypertensive than are other patients with SLE.

Methods. A retrospective chart analysis of 662 patients with SLE seen in a university clinic was performed.

Results. Data analysis revealed that hypertension and persistent arthritis were inversely correlated, particularly in those patients without nephritis and particularly in black patients.

Conclusion. We conclude that rheumatoid‐like arthritis in patients with SLE is protective against hypertension, and speculate that this protection is conferred by a higher frequency of the DR4 allele.
Hair product use in systemic lupus erythematosus. A case‐control study
Authors: Petri Michelle , Allbritton Jill
Published: February 2007

Objective. We sought to determine if hair product use is associated with the development of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and whether SLE patients who use hair products have more severe disease.

Method. A questionnaire on hair product use was administered to 218 members of the Hopkins Lupus Cohort, 178 first‐ or second‐degree relatives, and 186 best friends of the patients.

Results. There was no significant difference in exposure to hair dye or hair permanent in SLE patients before the diagnosis of SLE as compared with controls, nor were there any significant differences in measures of SLE disease activity in patients who used hair products after their diagnosis versus those who did not.

Conclusion. Exposure to hair dyes and hair permanents is not associated with the development of lupus. No hair product is associated with SLE disease activity after diagnosis.
Phenotypic and functional similarities between 5‐azacytidine‐treated t cells and a t cell subset in patients with active systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Richardson Bruce C. , Strahler John R. , Pivirotto T. Scott , Quddus Jawaid , Bayliss Garry E. , Gross Laura A. , O'Rourke Kenneth S. , Powers Daniel , Hanash Samir M. , Johnson Marcia A.
Published: February 2007

Objective. Antigen‐specific CD4+ T cells treated with DNA methylation inhibitors become autoreactive, suggesting a novel mechanism for autoimmunity. To test whether this mechanism might be involved in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), phenotypic markers for the autoreactive cells were sought.

Methods. Cloned normal T cells were treated with the DNA methylation inhibitor 5‐azacytidine (5‐azaC) and studied for altered gene expression. T cells from patients with active SLE were then studied for a similar change in gene expression, and cells expressing the marker were tested for autoreactivity.

Results. 5‐azaC‐treated normal T cells had increased CD11a (leukocyte function‐associated antigen 1α) expression relative to other membrane molecules. A T cell subset with similar CD11a expression was found in patients with active SLE. This subset contained cells that spontaneously lysed autologous macrophages, with a specificity similar to that of 5‐azaC‐treated cells.

Conclusion. The model of 5‐azaC‐induced autoreactivity may have relevance to SLE.
Reactive fibromyalgia syndrome
Authors: Greenfield Stuart , Fitzcharles Mary‐Ann , Esdaile John M.
Published: February 2007

Objective. To determine the frequency of a precipitating event occurring prior to the onset of fibromyalgia syndrome, in a consecutive series of patients. Outcome in patients in whom there was a causative factor was compared with that in patients with primary fibromyalgia.

Methods. Records of patients presenting over a 4‐year period who fulfilled criteria for fibromyalgia were reviewed, and patients were classified as having reactive fibromyalgia if a specific event prior to the onset of illness could be identified. Outcome features, including employment status and disability compensation, were compared in patients with reactive fibromyalgia versus those with primary fibromyalgia.

Results. Twenty‐nine of 127 patients (23%) with a primary rheumatologic diagnosis of fibromyalgia reported having trauma, surgery, or a medical illness before the onset of fibromyalgia, and were classified as having reactive fibromyalgia. Patients in this group were more disabled than those with primary fibromyalgia, resulting in loss of employment in 70%, disability compensation in 34%, and reduced physical activity in 45%

Conclusion. The development of fibromyalgia after a precipitating event may represent the onset of a prolonged and disabling pain syndrome with considerable social and economic implications.
T Cell receptor γ variable gene locus polymorphism in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Chaouni Ilham , Lefranc Marie‐Paule , D'Angeac Arnaud Dupuy , Zanin Carole , Pellet Florence , Clot Jacques , Combe Bernard , Sany Jacques , Rème THIERRY
Published: February 2007

Objective. We sought new susceptibility markers for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) among the T cell receptor γ (TCRγ) genes.

Methods. We analyzed restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLP) of the first variable subgroup of TCRγ genes in a group of French control subjects and a group of French RA patients.

Results. No significant difference in Eco RI RFLP was found between the 2 study populations: Allele frequencies were virtually identical. There was no polymorphism using Hind III.

Conclusion. These results exclude TCRV γI polymorphism as a disease susceptibility marker in RA.
The effect of food on the absorption of methotrexate sodium tablets in healthy volunteers
Authors: Kozloski Gary D. , De Vito Joseph M. , Kisicki James C. , Johnson Jerry B.
Published: February 2007

Objective. To examine the effect of food on the absorption and bioavailability of low‐dose orally administered methotrexate sodium tablets.

Methods. In this randomized, 2‐way crossover study, a 7.5‐mg dose of methotrexate (three 2.5‐mg tablets) was administered to 12 healthy male volunteers after an overnight fast or within 10 minutes of consuming a high fat‐content breakfast. Serum methotrexate concentrations over the next 24 hours were used to determine the area under the concentration–time curve (AUC), the maximum concentration, the time to maximum concentration (tmax), and the serum half‐life for each phase.

Results. Food delayed the tmax by approximately 30 minutes, but the extent of absorption, as measured by the AUC, for both phases was similar.

Conclusion. These results demonstrate that the bioavailability of low‐dose orally administered methotrexate sodium tablets is not influenced by food.
Connective tissue activation. xxxv. detection of connective tissue activating peptide–iii isoforms in synovium from osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis patients: patterns of interaction with other synovial cytokines in cell culture
Authors: Castor C. W. , Smith E. M. , Hossler P. A. , Bignall M. C. , Aaron B. P.
Published: February 2007

Objective. To determine whether extracts of unincubated osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) synovial tissue contain connective tissue activating peptide–III (CTAP‐III) isoforms and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), and whether such extracts have growth‐promoting activity, and to determine whether binary combinations of CTAP‐III with other cytokines reported to be present in synovial tissue lead to synergistic, additive, or inhibitory effects on growth.

Methods. Acid–ethanol extracts of human synovium were examined for growth‐promoting activity by measuring formation of 14C‐glycosaminoglycan (14CGAG) and 3H‐DNA in synovial cell cultures; PGE2 was measured by enzyme immunoassay, and CTAP‐III isoforms were identified by Western blotting of extracted proteins separated by sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Growth‐promoting activity of CTAP‐III and other cytokines was tested in synovial cultures treated with the agonists singly and in binary combination, by measuring changes in synthesis of 14C‐GAG and 3H‐DNA.

Results. Platelet‐derived CTAP‐III and a cleavage isoform with the electrophoretic mobility of CTAP‐III–des 1–15/neutrophil‐activating peptide–2 (NAP‐2) and PGE2 were found in biologically active extracts of synovial samples from patients with RA and OA. Five growth factors (recombinant epidermal growth factor [rEGF], recombinant interleukin‐1β [rIL‐1β], basic fibroblast growth factor [bFGF], PGE1, and PGE2) in binary combination with CTAP‐III showed synergism in stimulating GAG synthesis; two (recombinant platelet‐derived growth factor type BB [rPDGF‐BB] and recombinant transforming growth factor β [rTGFβ]) had an additive effect. In combination with CTAP‐III, rEGF and rPDGF‐BB had a synergistic effect in promoting DNA synthesis, rTGFβ and rbFGF had an additive effect, and rIL‐1β, PGE1, and PGE2 were antagonistic.

Conclusions. The results suggest that, in addition to endogenous factors, CTAP‐III and other plateletderived cytokines may play roles in regulating synovial cell metabolism in RA and OA, and that combinations of growth factors may be more significant than single agents in amplification or suppression of important cell functions.
Peptide‐containing nerves in labial salivary glands in sjögren's syndrome
Authors: Konttinen YRJÖ T. , Hukkanen Mika , Kemppinen Pertti , Segerberg Margaretha , Sorsa Timo , MalmstrÖM Maria , Rose Sam , Itescu Silviu , Polak Julia M.
Published: February 2007

Objective. The presence and spatial distribution of peptide‐containing nerves in labial salivary glands from 10 Sjögren's syndrome patients were compared with those in salivary glands from 7 healthy controls.

Methods. Immunoperoxidase staining was used to demonstrate vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP)–immunoreactive (IR) fibers, postganglionic sympathetic fibers containing the C‐flanking peptide of neuropeptide Y (CPON), and sensory fibers containing calcitonin gene–related peptide (CGRP) and substance P.

Results. Acini, intralobular ducts, small arteries, and postcapillary veins were richly innervated by VIP‐IR fibers, whereas CPON‐, CGRP‐, and substance P–IR fibers were restricted to blood vessels. Peptide‐containing nerves were found surrounding, but not in the middle of, the highly inflamed mononuclear cell areas.

Conclusion. This topologic distribution suggests involvement of VIP‐IR fibers in vascular, motor, and secretory components of the reflex salivary secretion, whereas the distribution and the vasoactive actions of CPON, CGRP, and substance P suggest a role in the regulation of the salivary gland circulation, and thus of transcapillary flow. Excessive release may contribute to a neurogenic inflammation. Local depletion and absence of trophic neuropeptide stimuli may contribute to acinar atrophy.
Comparison of azathioprine, methotrexate, and the combination of both in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Willkens Robert F. , Urowitz Murray B. , Stablein Donald M. , Mckendry Robert J. R. , Berger Robert G. , Box Jane H. , Fiechtner Justus J. , Fudman Edward J. , Paul Hudson N. , Marks Cara R. , Brooks Raye , Rooney Theodore W. , Rubin Bernard R. , Schmid Frank R. , Segal Allen M. , Thomas James W. , Goldstein Alben G. , Yunus Muhammad B. , Wortmann Robert L. , Sherrer Yvonne R. S.
Published: February 2007

Objective. To compare the relative safety and efficacy of azathioprine (AZA), methotrexate (MTX), and the combination of both in the treatment of active rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods. Two hundred twelve patients with active RA were entered into a 24‐week prospective, controlled, double‐blind, multicenter trial and were randomly assigned to 1 of 3 treatment groups.

Results. One hundred fifty‐eight patients finished 24 weeks of the study. There were no remissions seen but response rates were greater than 30% for all outcome measures. Combination therapy was not statistically superior to MTX therapy alone, but both combination therapy and MTX alone were superior to AZA alone when patients were analyzed by intent‐to‐treat and with withdrawals treated as therapy failures. If only patients who continued taking the therapy were analyzed, the mean improvement was greater for AZA therapy than for MTX, while the combination remained the most active. Adverse effects on the gastrointestinal tract and elevations of liver enzyme levels were the most frequent causes for discontinuations.

Conclusion. Both combination therapy and MTX alone were superior to therapy with AZA alone for active RA but were not statistically different in their effect on outcome assessment.
Inhibition of the production of proinflammatory cytokines and immunoglobulins by interleukin‐4 in an ex vivo model of rheumatoid synovitis
Authors: Miossec Pierre , Briolay Jérǒme , Dechanet Julie , Wijdenes John , Martinez‐Valdez Hector , Banchereau Jacques
Published: February 2007

Objective. To assess the spontaneous production of proinflammatory cytokines and immunoglobulins in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) synovitis and modulation by interleukin‐4 (IL‐4).

Methods. We developed an ex vivo model of RA synovitis using pieces of RA synovium, and have studied the regulation of the production of IL‐1β, IL‐6, tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), IgM, and IgG.

Results. Spontaneous production of proinflammatory cytokines in vitro was active, with prolonged cytokine gene transcription and translation. IL‐6 was produced at higher levels than either IL‐1β or TNFα, and explants produced more IgG than IgM. In contrast, IL‐4 and interferon‐γ were undetectable. When pieces of synovium were incubated in the presence of IL‐4, reduction of spontaneous proinflammatory cytokine and Ig production was observed.

Conclusion. These results extend the observations of the antiinflammatory properties of IL‐4 to an ex vivo situation, and provide the rationale for the clinical use of IL‐4 in RA.
Platelet‐activating factor inhibits proteoglycan synthesis and enhances neutrophil‐mediated proteoglycan degradation in cartilage explants
Authors: Kowanko Ingeborg C. , Bates Edna J. , Ferrante Antonio
Published: February 2007

Objective. Platelet‐activating factor (PAF), which stimulates the release of tissue‐destructive enzymes and reactive oxygen metabolites from neutrophils, was investigated for its role in neutrophil‐mediated cartilage breakdown.

Methods. Bovine cartilage explants were incubated with or without human neutrophils, PAF, and other reagents. Cartilage damage was measured as either proteoglycan degradation (percent release of 35S‐labeled proteoglycan from 35S‐labeled cartilage) or inhibition of proteoglycan synthesis (rate of incorporation of 35S into proteoglycan).

Results. PAF increased neutrophil‐mediated proteoglycan degradation in the 2–20 μM range. Three specific PAF‐receptor antagonists, WEB2086, CV3988, and CV6209, reversed this effect of PAF. These antagonists also reduced the enhancement of neutrophilmediated cartilage damage caused by granulocyte–macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (GM‐CSF) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα). The results suggest that there may be a positive feedback mechanism whereby cytokine‐primed neutrophils produce PAF, which amplifies the release of other tissue‐damaging substances from neutrophils. In the absence of neutrophils, PAF (2–20 μM) inhibited the synthesis of proteoglycan by bovine cartilage. Neutrophils also inhibit proteoglycan synthesis, but PAF probably is not involved in this effect of neutrophils because the PAF receptor antagonists had no consistent effect.

Conclusion. PAF increases neutrophil‐mediated cartilage proteoglycan degradation in vitro. GM‐CSF and TNFα enhancement of neutrophil damage to cartilage is partly due to PAF. PAF alone inhibits cartilage proteoglycan synthesis.
Mast cell changes in scleroderma
Authors: Irani Anne‐Marie A. , Gruber Barry L. , Kaufman Lee D. , Bashar Kahaleh M. , Schwartz Lawrence B.
Published: February 2007

Objective.To analyze the concentration and distribution of the MCT(tryptase‐positive, chymase‐negative) and MCTC(tryptase‐positive, chymase‐positive) types of mast cell in cutaneous lesions of scleroderma.

Methods.Biopsy specimens were obtained from skin lesions in 24 patients with scleroderma, and subjected to double immunohistochemical analysis using mouse monoclonal anti‐tryptase and anti‐chymase antibodies.

Results.Dermal mast cell concentrations were below the normal range in 12 of the specimens, most of which were obtained between 1 and 4 years after disease onset. All other specimens contained normal concentrations of mast cells. MCTcells were present in 12 specimens and comprised between 8% and 100% of the total mast cells. Extracellular tissue deposits of tryptasepositive and/or chymase‐positive granular material were observed in 8 specimens, suggesting possible mast cell degranulation.

Conclusion.These findings are in contrast to those in normal skin, where MCTCcells are essentially the only type of mast cell present in the dermis. The results suggest that mast cells are involved in the pathogenesis of cutaneous lesions in scleroderma.
T cell receptor vβ repertoire of double‐negative α/β t cells in patients with systemic sclerosis
Authors: Sakamoto Akemi , Sumida Takayuki , Maeda Toshiro , Itoh Michihiro , Asai Takayoshi , Takahashi Hidenori , Yoshida Shouji , Koike Takao , Tomioka Hisao , Yoshida Sho
Published: February 2007

Objective. To analyze the T cell receptor Vβ gene on double‐negative (DN) α/β T cells, which are increased in number, on peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) from patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc).

Methods. The DN α/β T cells were sorted by flow cytometry from PBL obtained from 3 patients with SSc. The Vβ repertoire was analyzed by polymerase chain reaction.

Results. Only 1 or 2 Vβ genes (Vβ5/7, 5, or 17) were predominantly expressed on DN α/β T cells from these 3 patients.

Conclusion. The Vβ repertoire on DN α/β T cells in PBL from patients with SSc is rather restricted.