bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy study of poly(1‐trimethylsilyl‐1‐propyne) aging
Authors: Khodzhaeva V. L. , Zaikin V. G.
Published: November 2006

The influence of various factors on the aging of poly(1‐trimethylsilyl‐1‐propyne) (PTMSP) during long‐term storage in air was investigated with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Most attention was paid to the differentiation of oxidation, the reduction of the free volume, and the absorption of low‐molecular‐weight compounds from the environment. IR spectra of PTMSP samples stored from 1–2 months to 6.5 years revealed CO, CO, and CH bands that had been earlier attributed to polymer oxidation products. It was established, however, that these bands completely disappeared from IR spectra of the aged samples after their soaking in ethanol. Spectra of dried residues of ethanol extracts displayed all these bands and did not show any bands of polymer chain fragments. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry analysis proved that the residues were composed mainly of various dialkyl phthalates. Special experiments showed that PTMSP films easily absorbed di‐n‐butyl phthalate vapors. IR spectra of the films stored for a long time showed no decrease in double‐bond and methyl group bands. It was concluded that the polymer did not undergo oxidation in air at room temperature for at least 6.5 years. The absorption of plasticizer vapors (and possibly other compounds) from the environment and the reduction of the free volume were the main reasons found for PTMSP aging. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 2523–2527, 2007
Normal stresses in flow of polyvinyl chloride plastisols
Authors: Nakajima N. , Harrell E. R.
Published: November 2006

In the steady state flow of many liquids, such as polymer solutions and melts, the first normal stress difference, N1 = σ11 − σ22, is positive. However, with liquid crystal systems and some colloidal suspensions, negative values of N1 were reported in literature. In our past work with a commercial polyvinyl chloride plastisol, negative values were observed. During the steady state flow, the plastisol undergoes stress‐induced phase separation into an immobilized layer and a mobile phase. The concentration difference between the two phases gives a rise to an osmotic pressure difference, Δπ, which is countered by a normal stress, N, generated by the flow. Because N is balanced with Δπ, N cannot be observed directly. In this work, N is identified as an isotropic and N1, directional. The disturbance among rotating particles in the mobile phase produces two effects; one is an increase of pressure, which is N; the other, N1 is associated with a small volume increase, which is directed towards the opening of the rheometer. The directional expansion is caused by the shear‐stress gradient in the liquid between the rotating particles. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 2769–2775, 2007
Thermal analysis of polymer–water interactions and their relation to gas hydrate inhibition
Authors: Varma‐Nair Manika , Costello Christine A. , Colle Karla S. , King Hubert E.
Published: November 2006

Gas hydrates formed in oil production pipelines are crystalline solids where hydrocarbon gas molecules such as methane, propane, and their mixtures are trapped in a cagelike structure by hydrogen‐bonded water molecules to form undesirable plugs. Methanol and glycol are currently used to prevent these plugs via thermodynamic inhibition. Small amounts of water‐soluble polymers may provide an alternate approach for preventing gas hydrates. In this study, we expand the fundamental understanding of water–polymer systems with differential scanning calorimetry. Nonfreezable bound water was used to quantify polymer–water interactions and relate them to the chemical structure for a series of polymers, including acrylamides, cyclic lactams, and n‐vinyl amides. For good interactions, the water structure needs to be stabilized through hydrophobic interactions. An increased hydrophobicity of the pendant group also appears to favor polymer performance as a gas hydrate inhibitor. Good inhibitors, such as poly(diethyl acrylamide) and poly(N‐vinyl caprolactam), also show higher heat capacities, which indicate higher hydrophobicity, than poor performers such as polyzwitterions, in which hydrophilicity dominated. The phase behavior and thermodynamic properties of dilute polymer solutions were also evaluated through measurements of the heat of demixing and lower critical solution temperature. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 2642–2653, 2007
Studies in the process optimization and characterization of low formaldehyde emission urea‐formaldehyde resin by response surface methodology
Authors: Kumar R. N. , Han Tang Lee , Rozman H. D. , Wan Daud Wan Rosli , Ibrahim Mohammed Sanni
Published: November 2006

Stringent control of formaldehyde emission standards the world over has intensified research and development effort to explore several paths for reducing formaldehyde release. A new generation of low odour resins is currently being developed and some resin manufacturers are now programming formaldehyde and urea additions at two or more stages in the overall reaction. This article reports on the studies conducted on a four‐stage condensation process consisting of the first stage involving a high acid environment followed by an alkaline condensation, a condensation under a pH 6, and finally neutralization to pH 7. A programmed variation consisting of changing “the number of additions” and “the duration between additions” of urea to formaldehyde was considered as an effective method to control the molecular weight, molecular weight distribution, and the oligomeric structures. Response surface methodology was employed to optimize the above conditions to produce particle boards with minimum formaldehyde emission and maximum internal bond strength. The studies showed that sequential addition of urea [“the duration between additions” and the “number of additions”] improved the internal bond strength and reduced formaldehyde emission of the particleboards. Detailed resin characterization in terms of the number and weight average molecular weights, molecular weight distribution, polydispersity, percentages of reactive moieties, and interlinking units present in the oligomer could be stipulated. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 2709–2719, 2007
N‐isopropylacrylamide decomposition process in helium plasma
Authors: Martínez H. , Rodríguez‐Lazcano Y.
Published: November 2006

Emission spectroscopy was applied to observe decomposed species of N‐isopropylacrylamide (NIPAAm) exposed to He plasma, which was generated by AC discharge at the pressure of 400 Pa. As the NIPAAm monomer was exposed to He plasma, light emitted from the NIPAAm and plasma was monitored. In the diagnosis measurement, several emission peaks assigned to the Hα and Hβ atomic lines, CH3O, CN(B2Σ‐X2Π), CH(A2Δ‐X2Π), and C3H5, CN, CHO, CH2O, and C4H2+ transitions were observed and measured at various discharge times. The present results show the presence of C4H2 and C4H2+*, which are not manifested in great concentration in the simulation of RF acetylene discharge. The time dependence of the emission intensities was also investigated. When the discharge time of He plasma was increased, the emission intensities of the observed transitions also increased and then gradually decreased. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 2591–2596, 2007
Synthesis and characterization of the soluble fluorescent poly[2‐decyloxy‐5‐(2′‐(6′‐dodecyloxy)naphthyl)‐1,4‐phenylenevinylene]
Authors: Chang Hung‐Te , Lee Hsun‐Tsing , Yeh Mou‐Yung
Published: November 2006

A new soluble fluorescent polymer, poly[2‐decyloxy‐5‐(2′‐(6′‐dodecyl‐oxy)naphthyl)‐1,4‐phenylenevinylene] (DDN‐PPV), with no tolane‐bisbenzyl (TBB) structure defects is prepared by the dehydrohalogenation of 1,4‐bis(bromomethyl)‐2‐decyloxy‐5‐(2′‐(6′‐dodecyloxy)naphthyl)benzene (as monomer) in this study. The aforementioned monomer is synthesized via such chemical reactions as alkylation, bromination, and Suzuki coupling reactions. The structure and properties of the DDN‐PPV are examined by 1H NMR, FTIR, UV/vis, TGA, photoluminescence (PL), and electroluminescence (EL) analyses. The two asymmetric decyloxy and 6′‐dodecyloxynaphthyl substituents on the phenylene ring make the DDN‐PPV soluble in organic solvents and eliminate the TBB structure defects. With the DDN‐PPV acting as a light‐emitting polymer, a device is fabricated with a sequential lamination of ITO/PEDOT/DDN‐PPV/Ca/Ag. The EL spectrum of the device shows a maximum emission at 538 nm. The turn on voltage of the device is about 16.6 V. Its maximum brightness is 14 cd/m2 at a voltage of 18.2 V. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 2734–2741, 2007
A conservation trade‐off? Interspecific differences in seahorse responses to experimental changes in fishing effort
Authors: Curtis Janelle M. R. , Ribeiro Joaquim , Erzini Karim , Vincent Amanda C. J.
Published: November 2006

A 2‐year experimental seining programme and underwater visual censuses were undertaken to quantify the direct effects of active demersal fishing on the population structure and relative abundance of two sympatric seahorse species of conservation concern: the European long‐snouted seahorse, Hippocampus guttulatus Cuvier 1829 and the short‐snouted seahorse, Hippocampus hippocampus L. The influence of habitat preference on population‐level responses to changes in habitat structure following a reduction in fishing effort was also investigated.

It was predicted that the benthic habitat would be more structurally complex after fishing ceased and that seahorse densities would increase in response to reduced fishing mortality. Furthermore, it was predicted that the magnitude of the increase in density would be greater for H. guttulatus than for H. hippocampus, because the former species prefers complex vegetated habitats while the latter species uses sparsely vegetated habitats.

As predicted, the amount of habitat cover increased significantly when seining ceased, primarily through increases in the abundance of drifting macroalgae and unattached invertebrates. Despite similarities in life histories, the two seahorse species responded differently in terms of magnitude and direction to reduced fishing effort: the abundance of H. guttulatus increased significantly while H. hippocampus decreased in abundance.

Results suggest that active demersal fishing may influence the magnitude and direction of the responses of benthic marine fishes to exploitation through its impacts on habitat structure. An increase in habitat cover appeared to favour higher densities of H. guttulatus when seining effort was reduced. By contrast, repeated seining, which maintained less complex habitats, appeared to favour greater abundances of H. hippocampus.

Given differences in habitat preference among benthic marine fishes subject to incidental capture in fisheries, simultaneous attempts to manage populations of sympatric species may require complementary strategies that support the persistence of diverse habitat types.

Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A randomized, sham‐controlled, proof of principle study of transcranial direct current stimulation for the treatment of pain in fibromyalgia
Authors: Fregni Felipe , Gimenes Rafaela , Valle Angela C. , Ferreira Merari J. L. , Rocha Renata R. , Natalle Luane , Bravo Riviane , Rigonatti Sergio P. , Freedman Steven D. , Nitsche Michael A. , Pascual‐Leone Alvaro , Boggio Paulo S.
Published: November 2006

Objective

Recent evidence suggests that fibromyalgia is a disorder characterized by dysfunctional brain activity. Because transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) can modulate brain activity noninvasively and can decrease pain in patients with refractory central pain, we hypothesized that tDCS treatment would result in pain relief in patients with fibromyalgia.

Methods

Thirty‐two patients were randomized to receive sham stimulation or real tDCS with the anode centered over the primary motor cortex (M1) or the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) (2 mA for 20 minutes on 5 consecutive days). A blinded evaluator rated the patient's pain, using the visual analog scale for pain, the clinician's global impression, the patient's global assessment, and the number of tender points. Other symptoms of fibromyalgia were evaluated using the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire and the Short Form 36 Health Survey. Safety was assessed with a battery of neuropsychological tests. To assess potential confounders, we measured mood and anxiety changes throughout the trial.

Results

Anodal tDCS of the primary motor cortex induced significantly greater pain improvement compared with sham stimulation and stimulation of the DLPFC (P < 0.0001). Although this effect decreased after treatment ended, it was still significant after 3 weeks of followup (P = 0.004). A small positive impact on quality of life was observed among patients who received anodal M1 stimulation. This treatment was associated with a few mild adverse events, but the frequency of these events in the active‐treatment groups was similar to that in the sham group. Cognitive changes were similar in all 3 treatment groups.

Conclusion

Our findings provide initial evidence of a beneficial effect of tDCS in fibromyalgia, thus encouraging further trials.
Individualized monitoring of drug bioavailability and immunogenicity in rheumatoid arthritis patients treated with the tumor necrosis factor α inhibitor infliximab
Authors: Bendtzen Klaus , Geborek Pierre , Svenson Morten , Larsson Lotta , Kapetanovic Meliha C. , Saxne Tore
Published: November 2006

Objective

Infliximab, an anti–tumor necrosis factor α (anti‐TNFα) antibody, is effective in the treatment of several immunoinflammatory diseases. However, many patients experience primary or secondary response failure, suggesting that individualization of treatment regimens may be beneficial. This study was undertaken to investigate whether serologic monitoring of infliximab bioavailability and immunogenicity in individual patients would be useful in optimizing treatment regimens to improve efficacy and tolerability.

Methods

To avoid the use of solid‐phase assays, two radioimmunoassays were developed: one for measurement of levels of anti‐infliximab antibody, and a functional one for measurement of TNFα binding due to infliximab. Sera from 106 randomly selected rheumatoid arthritis patients were tested within 6 months of therapy initiation, and associations between findings of serum assays and disease activity, infusion reactions, and treatment failure occurring within 18 months were assessed.

Results

Trough serum infliximab levels after the first 2 intravenous infusions of infliximab at 3 mg/kg varied considerably between patients (range 0–22 μg/ml). At this stage, only 13% of the patients were anti‐infliximab antibody positive. With subsequent infusions, the frequency of antibody positivity rose to 30% and 44% (at 3 months and 6 months, respectively), accompanied by diminished trough levels of infliximab. Indeed, low infliximab levels at 1.5 months predicted antibody development and later treatment failure. There were highly significant correlations between high levels of antibodies and later dose increases, side effects, and cessation of therapy. High baseline disease activity, judged by C‐reactive protein level and Disease Activity Score, was associated with low levels of infliximab at the early stage of treatment and later development of anti‐infliximab antibodies. Cotreatment with methotrexate resulted in slightly reduced antibody levels after 6 months; other disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs and prednisolone had no effect.

Conclusion

Development of anti‐infliximab antibodies, heralded by low preinfusion serum infliximab levels, is associated with increased risk of infusion reaction and treatment failure. Early monitoring may help optimize dosing regimens for individual patients, diminish side effects, and prevent prolonged use of inadequate infliximab therapy.
Effects of chronic growth hormone and insulin‐like growth factor 1 deficiency on osteoarthritis severity in rat knee joints
Authors: Ekenstedt Kari J. , Sonntag William E. , Loeser Richard F. , Lindgren Bruce R. , Carlson Cathy S.
Published: November 2006

Objective

To determine the effects of chronic deficiency of growth hormone (GH) and insulin‐like growth factor 1 (IGF‐1) on osteoarthritis (OA) severity.

Methods

Thirty‐five rats were divided into 4 treatment groups at 4 weeks of age: 1 control group (normal GH/IGF‐1 levels [heterozygous]) and 3 groups of dwarves with a genetic mutation that results in GH deficiency. The first dwarf group received GH for 64 weeks (GH replete) and the second received GH until 14 weeks of age, followed by saline for 50 weeks (adult‐onset GH/IGF‐1 deficiency [AO‐GHD]). The third dwarf group received saline injections only (lifetime GH deficient [GHD]). Sections of the medial knee joint compartment were graded and measured histologically; data were summarized using factor analysis, and treatment effects were assessed using analysis of variance and adjusting for body weight.

Results

Terminal IGF‐1 levels and body weights were significantly affected by treatment (P = 0.002 and P < 0.001, respectively). Factor analysis yielded a total of 5 factors, the first 3 of which were not significantly affected by treatment. Factor 4 (weighted by medial tibial plateau articular cartilage width and area) was significantly affected by treatment (P < 0.012), with larger values in the AO‐GHD group than in the GHD group (P < 0.05). Factor 5 (weighted primarily by articular cartilage structure and loss of toluidine blue staining scores) also was significantly affected by treatment (P < 0.001), and was significantly lower (less severe lesions) in the GH replete group than in all other treatment groups (P < 0.05). Despite the presence of cartilage lesions, osteophytes and subchondral sclerosis were not observed in GH/IGF‐1–deficient animals.

Conclusion

These results indicate that chronic GH/IGF‐1 deficiency causes an increased severity of articular cartilage lesions of OA without the bony lesions normally seen in this disease.
Relationship of antiphospholipid antibodies to cardiovascular manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Farzaneh‐Far Afshin , Roman Mary J. , Lockshin Michael D. , Devereux Richard B. , Paget Stephen A. , Crow Mary K. , Davis Adrienne , Sammaritano Lisa , Levine Daniel M. , Salmon Jane E.
Published: November 2006

Objective

Although antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) are associated with arterial and venous thrombosis in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), the extent to which they influence other cardiovascular manifestations is either controversial or uncertain. We undertook this study to examine the relationships of aPL with valvular, myocardial, and arterial disease in SLE.

Methods

Two hundred patients in an SLE registry, recruited at the time of outpatient visits, underwent comprehensive interviews, physical examinations, laboratory assessments, echocardiography to assess left ventricular (LV) and valvular status, carotid ultrasonography to detect atherosclerosis (discrete plaque), and radial applanation tonometry to measure arterial stiffness.

Results

Antiphospholipid antibodies were present(defined as IgG or IgM anticardiolipin ≥40 IU/ml or the presence of lupus anticoagulant) in 42 patients (21%). Mitral valve nodules and moderate‐to‐severe mitral regurgitation were more common in aPL‐positive patients (both 14.3% versus 4.4%; P = 0.02). Thirty‐one percent of patients with high titers of IgG aPL (>80 IU/ml) had mitral valve nodules, compared with 20% of patients with mildly to moderately elevated levels of IgG aPL (16–80 IU/ml) and 4% of patients without IgG aPL (overall P < 0.001). Levels of soluble tumor necrosis factor receptors were higher in the presence of both aPL and mitral valve nodules. LV dimensions, systolic function, and carotid artery stiffness as well as prevalences of Raynaud's phenomenon, pulmonary hypertension, and atherosclerosis were similar in aPL‐positive and aPL‐negative patients.

Conclusion

Antiphospholipid antibodies in SLE are associated with mitral valve nodules and significant mitral regurgitation, possibly due to valvular endothelial cell activation. However, in this population, they are not associated with evidence of myocardial hypertrophy, systolic dysfunction, coronary or carotid atherosclerosis, or other vascular abnormalities.
Rheumatoid arthritis association with the FCRL3 –169C polymorphism is restricted to PTPN22 1858T–homozygous individuals in a Canadian population
Authors: Newman William G. , Zhang Qing , Liu Xiangdong , Walker Erin , Ternan Heather , Owen Julie , Johnson Ben , Greer Wenda , Mosher Dianne P. , Maksymowych Walter P. , Bykerk Vivian P. , Keystone Edward C. , Amos Christopher I. , Siminovitch Katherine A.
Published: November 2006

Objective

Variants in genes encoding the Fc receptor–like 3 (FcRL‐3) and the class II major histocompatibility complex (MHC) transactivator proteins have been associated with an increased risk of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in Japanese and Nordic populations, respectively. The aim of this study was to investigate these associations in a Canadian Caucasian cohort of RA cases and healthy controls.

Methods

A total of 1,187 RA patients and 462 healthy controls were genotyped for FCRL3 and MHC2TA gene variants associated with RA. Epistasis between the FCRL3 –169C and the PTPN22 1858T variants was also examined.

Results

An association was detected between RA and both the FCRL3 –169C allele (OR 1.19, P = 0.023) and the homozygous genotype (OR 1.41, P = 0.027), but association of the MHC2TA promoter region variant (–168G) with RA was not replicated. Stratification of the RA cohort by PTPN22 genotypes revealed the FCRL3 risk variant and RA association was stronger in the patient subgroup lacking PTPN22 1858T variants (P = 0.004) and was not detectable in the subgroup with PTPN22 1858T variants (P = 0.52). The PTPN22 association with RA was greater in the absence than in the presence of the FCRL3 –169C allele (P = 0.0008 versus P = 0.001). The PTPN22 1858T variant also increased the risk of autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD) in the RA patients, whereas the FCRL3 risk variant was protective against AITD.

Conclusion

Our findings support an association of RA with an FCRL3 functional polymorphism and reveal that this association is stronger in the absence of PTPN22 risk genotypes. These findings support a genetic heterogeneity across RA populations, suggesting that both the FCRL3 and PTPN22 genes play roles in RA susceptibility, but in different individuals.
Fear avoidance and prognosis in back pain: A systematic review and synthesis of current evidence
Authors: Pincus Tamar , Vogel Steven , Burton A. Kim , Santos Rita , Field Andy P.
Published: November 2006

Objective

Fear of pain, which is hypothesized to result in avoidance behavior, has been described as an obstacle to recovery in populations of patients with low back pain. However, the evidence to support the link between high levels of fear at early stages of pain and poor prognosis has yet to be systematically assessed. We undertook this review to explore current evidence and to propose further development of theoretical models.

Methods

We performed a systematic literature review of all prospective inception cohorts of patients with acute low back pain that measured fear of pain (often described as fear avoidance) at baseline.

Results

We reviewed 9 studies reported between 2001 and 2006. Several of these had acceptable/good methodology. Three studies, of which at least 1 had excellent methodology, showed no link between measures of fear at baseline and poor prognosis in the short term (3 months) or the long term (12 months). Three studies with acceptable methodology showed weak evidence for such a link, but the effect sizes were small. The only study with acceptable methodology to find a clear link suggested that fear of movement was linked to long‐term pain.

Conclusion

Despite the prevalent focus on fear of pain at early stages of back pain, there is little evidence to link such fear states with poor prognosis. There is some evidence to suggest that fear may play a role when pain has become persistent. There is a growing consensus that distress/depression plays an important role at early stages, and clinicians should focus on these factors.
The functional variant of the inhibitory Fcγ receptor IIb (CD32B) is associated with the rate of radiologic joint damage and dendritic cell function in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Radstake Timothy R. D. J. , Franke Barbara , Wenink Mark H. , Nabbe Karin C. A. M. , Coenen Marieke J. H. , Welsing Paco , Bonvini Ezio , Koenig Scott , Berg Wim B. van den , Barrera Pilar , van Riel Piet L. C. M.
Published: November 2006

Objective

Fcγ receptors (FcγRs) recognize immune complexes (ICs) and coordinate the immune response by modulating the functions of dendritic cells (DCs). The purpose of this study was to unravel the role of the inhibitory FcγRIIb in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) by studying the effect of the FCGR2B 695T>C polymorphism on susceptibility to RA, severity of the disease, and DC function.

Methods

Genotyping was performed in RA patients (n = 246) and healthy blood donors (n = 269). The patients' demographic data, disease severity, and disease progression were assessed over a followup of 6 years. DCs were cultured for flow cytometry to determine the expression of FcγRs. For detection of FcγRIIb (CD32B), a unique anti‐FcγRIIb antibody (2B6–fluorescein isothiocyanate [FITC]) was used. The capacity for antigen uptake by DCs was studied by assessing the uptake of FITC‐labeled ICs. Levels of cytokine production by DCs were measured during lipopolysaccharide‐mediated cell activation in the presence and absence of ICs.

Results

Although no role of the FCGR2B variant in RA susceptibility was demonstrated, this variant was associated with a nearly doubled rate of radiologic joint damage during the first 6 years of RA. Multiple regression analysis showed that FCGR2B was by far the strongest predictor of joint damage identified to date. DCs from patients carrying this variant failed to display the inhibitory phenotype normally observed upon IC‐mediated triggering of inflammation and displayed diminished FcγRII‐mediated antigen uptake compared with wild‐type DCs. However, the levels of FcγRs were not affected, suggesting that the FCGR2B variant alters the function rather than regulation of proteins.

Conclusion

This study is the first to show that a single genetic variant, the FCGR2B 695T>C polymorphism, is a critical determinant of disease severity in RA and radically changes DC behavior. Our results underscore the key role of DCs in the progression of RA and reveal FcγRIIb as an important potential therapeutic target in RA and other autoimmune conditions.
Immunohistochemical evidence of a cytokine and chemokine network in three patients with Erdheim‐Chester disease: Implications for pathogenesis
Authors: Stoppacciaro Antonella , Ferrarini Marina , Salmaggi Chiara , Colarossi Cristina , Praderio Luisa , Tresoldi Moreno , Beretta Angelo A. , Sabbadini Maria Grazia
Published: November 2006

Objective

Erdheim‐Chester disease (ECD) is a rare form of non–Langerhans' cell histiocytosis (LCH) of unknown etiology, characterized by diffuse histiocyte infiltration of bones and soft tissue. The purpose of this study was to assess cell proliferation and expression of cytokines, chemokines, and chemokine receptors that may potentially be important in histiocyte accumulation in ECD lesions.

Methods

Biopsies were performed on 3 patients with ECD. The diagnosis of the disease was based on clinical signs including typical radiologic osteosclerosis, and on the detection of foamy CD68+,CD1a− non–Langerhans' cell histiocytes on histologic examination. The expression of the proliferation marker Ki‐67 as well as of selected chemokine/chemokine receptor pairs and cytokines was analyzed by immunohistochemistry.

Results

In all samples, Ki‐67 was undetectable in CD68+ histiocytes. Conversely, these cells expressed the chemokines CCL2 (monocyte chemotactic protein 1), CCL4/macrophage inflammatory protein 1β (MIP‐1β), CCL5/RANTES, CCL20/MIP‐3α, and CCL19/MIP‐3β, and their counter‐receptors CCR1, CCR2, CCR3, CCR5, CCR6, and CCR7. Moreover, ECD histiocytes expressed interferon‐γ–inducible 10‐kd protein (CXCL10), which is specifically induced by interferon‐γ, and interleukin‐6 and RANKL, which are both implicated in bone remodeling. Finally, all cases showed a Th1‐type lymphocyte infiltrate.

Conclusion

Our data indicate that, similar to LCH, ECD lesions are characterized by a complex cytokine and chemokine network, which may orchestrate histiocyte activation and accumulation through an autocrine loop and contribute to the pathogenesis of the disease.
Structure of the impact factor of journals included in the Social Sciences Citation Index: Citations from documents labeled “editorial material”
Authors: González Lidia , Campanario Juan Miguel
Published: November 2006

We investigated how citations from documents labeled by the Institute for Scientific Information (ISI) as “editorial material” contribute to the impact factor of academic journals in which they were published. Our analysis is based on records corresponding to the documents classified by the ISI as editorial material published in journals covered by the Social Sciences Citation Index between 1999 and 2003 (50,273 records corresponding to editorial material published in 2,374 journals). The results appear to rule out widespread manipulation of the impact factor by academic journals publishing large amounts of editorial material with many citations to the journal itself as a strategy to increase the impact factor.
Development of measures of online privacy concern and protection for use on the Internet
Authors: Buchanan Tom , Paine Carina , Joinson Adam N. , Reips Ulf‐Dietrich
Published: November 2006

As the Internet grows in importance, concerns about online privacy have arisen. The authors describe the development and validation of three short Internet‐administered scales measuring privacy‐related attitudes (Privacy Concern) and behaviors (General Caution and Technical Protection). In Study 1, 515 people completed an 82‐item questionnaire from which the three scales were derived. In Study 2, scale validity was examined by comparing scores of individuals drawn from groups considered likely to differ in privacy‐protective behaviors. In Study 3, correlations between the scores on the current scales and two established measures of privacy concern were examined. The authors conclude that these scales are reliable and valid instruments suitable for administration via the Internet, and present them for use in online privacy research.
Using the h‐index to rank influential British researchers in information science and librarianship
Authors: Oppenheim Charles
Published: November 2006

The recently developed h‐index has been applied to the literature produced by senior British‐based academics in librarianship and information science. The majority of those evaluated currently hold senior positions in UK information science and librarianship departments; however, a small number of staff in other departments and retired “founding fathers” were analyzed as well. The analysis was carried out using the Web of Science (Thomson Scientific, Philadelphia, PA) for the years from 1992 to October 2005, and included both second‐authored papers and self‐citations. The top‐ranking British information scientist, Peter Willett, has an h‐index of 31. However, it was found that Eugene Garfield, the founder of modern citation studies, has an even higher h‐index of 36. These results support other studies suggesting that the h‐index is a useful tool in the armory of bibliometrics.
Relevance judgment in epistemic and hedonic information searches
Authors: Xu Yunjie
Published: November 2006

Research in information science now regards users' relevance judgment as subjective perception. However, user‐centered studies in the extant literature mainly focus on relevance judgment in problem solving contexts in which the situational relevance of a document is the main concern for users. This study investigates users' relevance judgment in non‐problem‐solving contexts, i.e., when users search information for epistemic value or entertainment. It is posited that informative relevance and affective relevance should be the main concerns for users. Based on H. P. Grice's (1975, 1989) communication theory and Y. Xu and Z. Chen's (2006) framework, this study tests the significance of topicality, novelty, reliability, understandability, and scope to informative relevance and affective relevance in non‐problem‐solving contexts. This empirical study finds novelty, reliability, and topicality to be key aspects of informative relevance.
Which factors explain the Web impact of scientists' personal homepages?
Authors: Barjak Franz , Li Xuemei , Thelwall Mike
Published: November 2006

In recent years, a considerable body of Webometric research has used hyperlinks to generate indicators for the impact of Web documents and the organizations that created them. The relationship between this Web impact and other, offline impact indicators has been explored for entire universities, departments, countries, and scientific journals, but not yet for individual scientists—an important omission. The present research closes this gap by investigating factors that may influence the Web impact (i.e., inlink counts) of scientists' personal homepages. Data concerning 456 scientists from five scientific disciplines in six European countries were analyzed, showing that both homepage content and personal and institutional characteristics of the homepage owners had significant relationships with inlink counts. A multivariate statistical analysis confirmed that full‐text articles are the most linked‐to content in homepages. At the individual homepage level, hyperlinks are related to several offline characteristics. Notable differences regarding total inlinks to scientists' homepages exist between the scientific disciplines and the countries in the sample. There also are both gender and age effects: fewer external inlinks (i.e., links from other Web domains) to the homepages of female and of older scientists. There is only a weak relationship between a scientist's recognition and homepage inlinks and, surprisingly, no relationship between research productivity and inlink counts. Contrary to expectations, the size of collaboration networks is negatively related to hyperlink counts. Some of the relationships between hyperlinks to homepages and the properties of their owners can be explained by the content that the homepage owners put on their homepage and their level of Internet use; however, the findings about productivity and collaborations do not seem to have a simple, intuitive explanation. Overall, the results emphasize the complexity of the phenomenon of Web linking, when analyzed at the level of individual pages.
Relativistic Fe line emission and highly photoionized absorption in GROJ1655‐40
Authors: Díaz Trigo M. , Parmar A. , Miller J. M. , Kuulkers E.
Published: November 2006

We report on two XMM‐Newton and simultaneous INTEGRAL observations of the microquasar GRO J1655‐40 during its 2005 outburst. The source was most probably in its high‐soft state during both observations. There is evidence for the presence of both a relativistically broadened Fe line providing strong support for the existence of a spinning black hole, and a highly photo‐ionized absorber. The photo‐ionized absorber is responsible for strong K absorption lines of Fe XXV and Fe XXVI in the EPIC pn spectra. The parameters of the highly‐ionized absorber were different during the two observations. A less ionized absorber is present in the second observation, where the 0.5–200 keV luminosity of GRO J1655‐40 decreased by around a half. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Variability of the Fe K line relativistic component in a sample of Seyfert 1 galaxies
Authors: De Marco B. , Cappi M. , Dadina M. , Palumbo G. G. C.
Published: November 2006

We present the analysis of X‐ray spectral variability made on a sample of 7 Seyfert 1 bright galaxies, using XMM‐Newton data. From the “XMM‐Newton Science Archive” we selected those bright Seyfert 1 showing one or more prominent flares in their 2–10 keV light curves. For each of them we extracted spectra in 3 different time intervals: before, during and after the flare. We fitted them with a simple power law and then shifted a narrow emission and absorption line template across the 2.5–10 keV data, in order to investigate the presence of line‐like features with a confidence level greater than 99%. Some highly significant features were detected in 3 out of 7 sources studied. In particular, the 3 sources, namely PG 1211+143, NGC 4051 and NGC 3783, showed the presence of a variable emission feature in the 4.5–5.8 keV band, characterized by an increase of its intensity after the flare peak. Because of the observed variability pattern, this feature seems to be ascribable to a reverbered redshifted relativistic component of the Fe K line. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Power spectra from ‘spotted’ accretion discs
Authors: Pecháček T. , Dovčiak M. , Karas V.
Published: November 2006

We are carrying out a project to calculate power spectra of variability, assuming a model of a ‘spotted’ accretion disc near a black hole. We consider relativistic effects that change photon energy and produce light‐bending and time‐delays acting on the X‐ray signal received by an observer. We assume that the life‐time and the intrinsic emissivity of individual.aring events are described in terms of a simple stochastic process. This allows us to give approximate analytical formulae and compare them with numerical computations. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Magnetic flares in Active Galactic Nuclei: modeling the iron Kα line
Authors: Goosmann R. W. , Czerny B. , Mouchet M. , Karas V. , Dovčiak M. , Ponti G. , Różańska A. , Dumont A.‐M.
Published: November 2006

The X‐ray spectra of Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN) are complex and vary rapidly in time as seen in recent observations. Magnetic flares above the accretion disk can account for the extreme variability of AGN. They also explain the observed iron Kα fluorescence lines. We present radiative transfer modeling of the X‐ray reflection due to emission from magnetic flares close to the marginally stable orbit. The hard X‐ray primary radiation coming from the flare source illuminates the accretion disk. A Compton reflection/reprocessed component coming from the disk surface is computed for different emission directions. We assume that the density structure remains adjusted to the hydrostatic equilibrium without external illumination because the flare duration is only a quarter‐orbit. The model takes into account the variations of the incident radiation across the hot spot underneath the flare source. The integrated spectrum seen by a distant observer is computed for flares at different orbital phases close to the marginally stable orbit of a Schwarzschild black hole and of a maximally rotating Kerr black hole. The calculations include relativistic and Doppler corrections of the spectra using a ray tracing technique. We explore the practical possibilities to map out the azimuthal irradiation pattern of the inner accretion disks and conclude that the next generation of X‐ray satellites should reveal this structure from iron Kα line profiles and X‐ray lightcurves. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
X‐ray spectra and polarization from accreting black holes: polarization from an orbiting spot
Authors: Dovčiak M. , Karas V. , Matt G.
Published: November 2006

The polarization from a spot orbiting around Schwarzschild and extreme Kerr black holes is studied. We assume different models of local polarization. Firstly, as a toy model we set the local polarization vector either normal to the disc plane, or perpendicular to the toroidal magnetic field. Then we examine the more realistic situation with a spot arising due to the emission from the primary source above the disc. We employ either Rayleigh single scattering or Compton multiple scattering approximations. The time dependence of the degree and angle of polarization during the spot revolution is examined as a function of the observer's inclination angle and black hole angular momentum. The gravitational and Doppler shifts, lensing effect as well as time delays are taken into account. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
An ionized disc reflection component for the X‐ray spectrum of NGC 4051 and IRAS13224–3809?
Authors: Ponti G. , Miniutti G. , Fabian A. C. , Cappi M. , Palumbo G. G. C.
Published: November 2006

A spectral variability study of the two Narrow Line Seyfert 1 galaxies NGC 4051 and IRAS13224–3809 is presented. Both sources show a high degree of flux and spectral variability. The nuclear emission, lightly absorbed by warm material, has been decomposed into a direct power law emission and an ionized disc reflection plus constant emission from distant material. The ionized disc reflection component does not follow the variations of the primary component. Its flux is linearly correlated with the one of the power law component only at low fluxes, while it is almost constant at medium high‐flux. This behavior is expected when the light bending effect is important. If so, most of the primary emission comes from only a few gravitational radii from the black hole. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Relativistic Fe Kα features in the XMM‐Newton spectrum of the intermediate Seyfert galaxy 4U 1344‐60
Authors: Jiménez‐Bailón E. , Piconcelli E. , Sánchez‐Portal M. , Guainazzi M. , Martocchia A. , Motch M. , Schroder A. , Bianchi S. , Matt G.
Published: November 2006

We present the analysis of optical and X‐ray XMM‐Newton data of the source 4U 1344‐60. On the basis of the optical data we propose to classify 4U 1344‐60 as a Seyfert 1.5 galaxy and we measured a redshift value z = 0.012 ± 0.001. The observed X‐ray spectrum is complex. The continuum emission can be described as a power law obscured by two neutral absorption components. 4U 1344‐60 exhibits a broad and skewed iron line at 6.4 keV most likely originated in a few gravitational radius of an accretion disc. The analysis also reveals the presence of two narrow emission line‐like features at ∼4.9 keV and ∼5.3 keV. Assuming that hot spots on the surface of the accretion disc, orbiting very close to the black hole is responsible of these emission lines, the accretion disc would present an inclination of 20° and the active regions would be located in the 6–10 R g radius range. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Suzaku observations of iron lines and reflection in AGN
Authors: Reeves J. N. , Fabian A. C. , Kataoka J. , Kunieda H. , Markowitz A. , Miniutti G. , Okajima T. , Serlemitsos P. , Takahashi T. , Terashima Y. , Yaqoob T.
Published: November 2006

Initial results on the iron K‐shell line and reflection component in several AGN observed as part of the Suzaku Guaranteed Time program are reviewed. This paper discusses a small sample of Compton‐thin Seyferts observed to date with Suzaku; namely MCG‐5‐23‐16, MCG‐6‐30‐15, NGC4051, NGC3516, NGC2110, 3C 120 and NGC2992. The broad iron Kα emission line appears to be present in all but one of these Seyfert galaxies, while the narrow core of the line from distant matter is ubiquitous in all the observations. The iron line in MCG‐6‐30‐15 shows the most extreme relativistic blurring of all the objects, the red‐wing of the line requires the inner accretion disk to extend inwards to within 2.2R g of the black hole, in agreement with the XMM‐Newton observations. Strong excess emission in the Hard X‐ray Detector (HXD) above 10 keV is observed in many of these Seyfert galaxies, consistent with the presence of a reflection component from reprocessing in Compton‐thick matter (e.g. the accretion disk). Only one Seyfert galaxy (NGC 2110) shows neither a broad iron line nor a reflection component. The spectral variability of MCG‐6‐30‐15, MCG‐5‐23‐16 and NGC 4051 is also discussed. In all 3 cases, the spectra appear harder when the source is fainter, while there is little variability of the iron line or reflection component with source flux. This agrees with a simple two component spectral model, whereby the variable emission is the primary power‐law, while the iron line and reflection component remain relatively constant. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
The broad iron line physics: summary and outlook
Authors: Tanaka Y.
Published: November 2006

A brief overview of the ESAC/XMM‐Newton Science Operations Centre Workshop on “Variable and Broad Iron Lines around Black Holes” is presented. Following the relativistic disk‐line theory of accreting black holes, ASCA discovered such broad iron lines from several AGN. XMM‐Newton and Chandra confirmed the ASCA results, but also found more complexities. It was pointed out that poor modelling of the continuum may mimic broad iron line, if ionized absorbers are present. This degeneracy between the broad line and the continuum shape was shown to be resolved by separately determining the continuum and the reflection component with use of an accurate hard X‐ray spectrum obtained with Suzaku. As a result, the relativistic broad iron lines are now robust. Time variations of the primary continuum and the reflection component are often decoupled, the latter varying little. This is explained by the light bending model that applies in the region near to an extreme Kerr hole. The red‐ and/or blueshifted transient iron line features were found with XMM‐Newton, some of which revealed a possible quasi‐periodicity. Such transient features are important dynamical probes of the black hole vicinity. The remaining issues are briefly mentioned. Finally, there is no doubt that the broad line physics continues to be extremely important. Prospects for the future development are discussed, which justify large next‐generation missions. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Virulenzfaktoren als Panzerknacker
Authors: Hille‐Rehfeld Annette
Published: November 2006

Pflanzen schließen ihre Spaltöffnungen, um das Eindringen von Bakterien zu verhindern. Als Anpassung an diesen Abwehrmechanismus geben pathogene Bakterien Virulenzfaktoren ab, die bewirken, dass sich die Spaltöffnungen erneut öffnen.
Hydrogen in Polar Intermetallics. Binary Pnictides of Divalent Metals with Mn5Si3‐Type Structures and Their Isotypic Ternary Hydride Solutions.
Authors: Leon‐Escamilla E. Alejandro , Corbett John D.
Published: November 2006

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
The Magnetic and Transport Properties of the New GdTiSb Compound.
Authors: Guzik A.
Published: November 2006

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Magnetic Susceptibility, Specific Heat and Magnetic Structure of CuNi2(PO4)2.
Authors: Escobal Jaione , Pizarro Jose L. , Mesa Jose L. , Larranaga Aitor , Rodriguez Fernandez Jesus , Arriortua Maria I. , Rojo Teofilo
Published: November 2006

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.
Isothermal Section of the Fe—Pt—Nd Phase Diagram at 900 °C.
Authors: Xu Chengfu , Gu Zhengfei , Cheng Gang , Ma Lei , Zhou Bo
Published: November 2006

ChemInform is a weekly Abstracting Service, delivering concise information at a glance that was extracted from about 200 leading journals. To access a ChemInform Abstract, please click on HTML or PDF.