bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Elgar and Chivalry
Authors: Thomson Aidan
Published: June 2005

The subject of chivalry is a recurring theme in Elgar's works. This reflects both the composer's tastes in Romantic literature and his knowledge of and admiration for Wagner, particularly Parsifal. Parsifal's narrative of regeneration provided Elgar with a dramatic model for more than one early choral work, but its impact was perhaps greatest in a purely instrumental work: the First Symphony (1908). Not only do the Ab-major motto theme of the Symphony and the first theme of the D-major slow movement resemble respectively the Liebesmahl and "Good Friday" motifs of Parsifal (as well as passages from The Apostles and The Dream of Gerontius), but their respective dramatic functions in the Symphony are very similar to their Parsifalian antecedents: in the case of the motto, an ideal with which the music begins and to which it returns; in the case of the slow movement, a passage of transfiguration without which a return is impossible. Consequently, the Symphony can be viewed as a critical response to Parsifal within the supposedly "absolute" genre of the nonprogrammatic symphony. A more problematic discourse on chivalry can be found in Elgar's symphonic study, Falstaff (1913), a work whose subject matter perhaps inevitably prompts comparisons with Richard Strauss's Don Quixote. Whereas one can regard Strauss's work as an ironic critique of the metaphysical, Wagnerian world with which the composer had parted company during the completion of Guntram, Elgar's work reaffirms chivalry and the (objective) value system for which it is a metaphor. The thematically fragmentary death scene reflects the moral incoherence of Falstaff's corrupted version of chivalry as much as it does his passing; by contrast, it is in Prince Hal and the music associated with him that objective morality--albeit laced with pragmatism--survives.
The effect of human chorionic gonadotrophin on the expression of progesterone receptors in human luteal cells in vivo and in vitro
Authors: Duncan W Colin , Gay Eva , Maybin Jacqueline A
Published: June 2005

The human corpus luteum expresses genomic progesterone receptors (PRs) suggesting that progesterone may have an autocrine or paracrine role in luteal function. We hypothesised that the reduction in luteal PR reported in the late-luteal phase augmented progesterone withdrawal and had a role in luteolysis. We therefore tested the hypothesis that luteal rescue with human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) would maintain PR expression. PR was immunolocalised to different cell types in human corpora lutea (n = 35) from different stages of the luteal phase and after luteal rescue with exogenous hCG. There was no change in the staining intensity of theca-lutein cell or stromal cell PR throughout the luteal phase or after luteal rescue. In the late-luteal phase, granulosa-lutein cell PR immunostaining was reduced (P < 0.05) but the trend to reduction was also seen after luteal rescue with hCG (P = 0.055). To further investigate the effect of hCG on granulosa-lutein cell PR expression, an in vitro model system of cultured human luteinised granulosa cells was studied. Cells were cultured for 12–13 days exposed to different patterns of hCG and aminoglutethamide to manipulate progesterone secretion (P < 0.0001). Expression of PR A/B and PR B isoforms was examined by quantitative real-time RT-PCR. PR A/B mRNA was lower (P < 0.05) after 11–13 days of culture than after 7 days of culture. This reduction could not be prevented by hCG in the presence (P < 0.05) or absence (P < 0.05) of stimulated progesterone secretion. The expression of PR B mRNA showed a similar pattern (P = 0.054). Simulated early pregnancy in vivo and hCG treatment of luteinised granulosa cells in vitro did not appear to prevent the down-regulation of PR seen during luteolysis.
Pregnancy-induced decrease in the relaxant effect of terbutaline in the late-pregnant rat myometrium: role of G-protein activation and progesterone
Authors: Gáspár Róbert , Ducza Eszter , Mihályi Attila , Márki Árpád , Kolarovszki-Sipiczki Zoltán , Páldy Eszter , Benyhe Sándor , Borsodi Anna , Földesi Imre , Falkay George
Published: June 2005

The effectiveness of β2-agonists in preterm delivery is reduced by several factors. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of late pregnancy in the uterus-relaxing effect of terbutaline in the ratin vitro.

Rat uterine tissues from late pregnancy (days 15, 18, 20 and 22) were used.In vitroelectrical field-stimulation (EFS) was used to evoke contractions. The radioligand-binding technique, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and radioimmunoassay technique were used to determine the β-adrenergic receptor density and mRNA level and the plasma sex hormone level, respectively. The activated G-protein level of the β-adrenergic receptors was investigated by a radiolabelled GTP binding assay.

EFS-induced contractions were inhibited by terbutaline. This effect decreased towards term with respect to both the EC50and maximal inhibition values. A drop in plasma progesterone level was also detected. Binding studies revealed an increase in β-adrenergic receptor number on the last day of pregnancy, which correlated with the change in receptor mRNA level. The G-protein-activating effect of terbutaline decreased continuously between days 15 and 20. Surprisingly, terbutaline decreased the G-protein activation to below the basal level on day 22. However, progesterone pretreatment set back the uterine action of terbutaline, increased the density of the β2-adrenergic receptors and their mRNA level and increased the G-protein-activating property of terbutaline.

These data provide evidence of a pregnancy-induced decrease in activated G-protein level after β2-agonist stimulation. The decrease in plasma progesterone level has a crucial role in this process. The effects of β2-adrenergic receptor agonists in tocolytic therapy may possibly be potentiated with progesterone.
The capability of reprogramming the male chromatin after fertilization is dependent on the quality of oocyte maturation
Authors: Gioia Luisa , Barboni Barbara , Turriani Maura , Capacchietti Giulia , Pistilli Maria Gabriella , Berardinelli Paolo , Mattioli Mauro
Published: June 2005

The present experiments compared the ability of pig oocytes matured eitherin vivoorin vitroto structurally reorganize the penetrated sperm chromatin into male pronucleus (PN) and to carry out, in parallel, the epigenetic processes of global chromatin methylation and acetylation, 12–14 h afterin vitrofertilization (IVF). In addition, PN distribution of histone deacetylase (HDAC), a major enzyme interfacing DNA methylation and histone acetylation, was investigated. The ability of the oocyte to operate an efficient block to polyspermy was markedly affected by maturation. The monospermic fertilization rate was significantly higher forin vivothan forin vitromatured (IVM) oocytes(P< 0.01) which, furthermore, showed a reduced ability to transform the chromatin of penetrated sperm into male PN(P< 0.01). Indirect immunofluorescence analysis of global DNA methylation, histone acetylation and HDAC distribution (HDAC-1, -2 and -3), carried out in monospermic zygotes that reached the late PN stage, showed that IVM oocytes also had a reduced epigenetic competence. In fact, while in about 80% ofin vivomatured and IVF oocytes the male PN underwent a process of active demethylation and showed a condition of histone H4 hyperacetylation, only 40% of IVM/IVF zygotes displayed a similar PN remodelling asymmetry. Oocytes that carried out the first part of maturationin vivo(up to germinal vesicle breakdown; GVBD) and then completed the processin vitro, displayed the same PN asymmetry as oocytes matured entirelyin vivo. A crucial role of HDAC in the establishment of PN acetylation asymmetry seems to be confirmed by the use of HDAC inhibitors as well as by the abnormal distribution of the enzyme between the two PN in IVM zygotes. Collectively, these data demonstrated that some pig IVM oocytes fail to acquire full remodelling competence which is independent from their ooplasmic ability to morphologically reorganize the sperm nucleus into PN.
Mating sequence, dominance and paternity success in captive male tammar wallabies
Authors: Hynes Emily F , Rudd Carl D , Temple-Smith Peter D , Sofronidis George , Paris Damien , Shaw Geoff , Renfree Marilyn B
Published: June 2005

The tammar wallaby (Macropus eugenii) is a small, promiscuous, macropodid marsupial. Females usually produce a single young each year and there is a clear dominance hierarchy between adult males. The dominant male usually mates first and then guards the female to prevent access to her by other males. In this study, agonistic encounters and mating behaviour were observed to determine male dominance hierarchies in six groups of captive tammars consisting of a total of 23 males and 50 females. Mating behaviour was observed immediately post-partum when females were in oestrus and was correlated with plasma testosterone concentrations. Male mating sequences were recorded, and the paternity of offspring was determined by using seven macropodid marsupial microsatellites. Rates of sexual checking and aggression by males housed with females in oestrus in the non-breeding season were lower than in the breeding season. These males also had lower concentrations of testosterone, but were still able to sire young. High testosterone concentrations neither ensured dominance nor appeared to control directly the level of sexual activity. Females usually mated with more than one male. The dominant male most often secured the initial copulation (60%), but the first-mating male did not always secure parentage, with second and third matings resulting in as many young as first matings. Using these data, we were unable to discount first sire, last sire or equal chance models of paternity in this species. Half the young (50%) were sired by the dominant α male, but of the remaining progeny, the β male sired more (35%) than γ and δ males (15%). Dominance therefore is only a moderately effective predictor of paternity in the tammar. Although the dominant males gained most first matings and individually sired half of the offspring, the subdominant males still contributed significantly to the population, at least in captivity.
A guide to issues in microarray analysis: application to endometrial biology
Authors: White Christine A , Salamonsen Lois A
Published: June 2005

Within the last decade, the development of DNA microarray technology has enabled the simultaneous measurement of thousands of gene transcripts in a biological sample. Conducting a microarray study is a multi-step process; starting with a well-defined biological question, moving through experimental design, target RNA preparation, microarray hybridisation, image acquisition and data analysis – finishing with a biological interpretation requiring further study. Advances continue to be made in microarray quality and methods of statistical analysis, improving the reliability and therefore appeal of microarray analysis for a wide range of biological questions. The purpose of this review is to provide both an introduction to microarray methodology, as well as a practical guide to the use of microarrays for gene expression analysis, using endometrial biology as an example of the applications of this technology. While recommendations are based on previous experience in our laboratory, this review also summarises the methods currently considered to be best practice in the field.
Relationship of Gonadal Development to Body Size and Plasma Sex Hormone Concentrations in Female Channel Catfish
Authors: Davis Kenneth B , Simco Bill A , Silverstein Jeffrey T
Published: June 2005

Most channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus do not spawn until age 3, which makes the process of genetic selection for desired characteristics time consuming. A simple method for identifying earlier-maturing fish would speed up the selection process. Two- and three-year-old females (U.S. Department of Agriculture [USDA]-103 strain) were used to correlate body weight and plasma sex hormone concentrations with gonadal development. We also examined the potential of reducing the time to maturation with exogenous estrogen. The USDA-103 females are known to spawn at age 2 in a higher percentage than other strains. The body weight of 2-year-old USDA-103 females ranged from 436 to 884 g, and the gonadosomatic index (GSI) ranged from 0.34% to 6.64%. A population of 2-year-old USDA-103 fish that had been hormonally sex-reversed to females (SR103) weighed from 400 to 1,400 g and had GSIs ranging from 1% to 10%. Three-year-old SR103 females weighed from 1,300 to 2,800 g and had GSIs ranging from 2% to 14%. Only about 10% of the 2-year-old SR103 females had GSI values similar to the expected level for fish ready to spawn. Plasma estrogen concentration was a more reliable predictor of GSI than was body weight. Body size was significantly correlated with GSI in 2-year-old USDA-103 and SR103 females but not in 3-year-old SR103 fish; plasma estrogen was highly correlated with GSI in fish of both ages. Plasma estrogen, testosterone, and GSI were markedly lower in 2-year-old fish than in 3-year-old fish in both populations of USDA females. Oral administration of estrogen to 2-year-old USDA-103 females increased plasma estrogen but did not increase ovarian development.
To House or Not to House: The Effects of Providing Housing to Homeless Substance Abusers in Treatment
Authors: Milby Jesse B. , Schumacher Joseph E. , Wallace Dennis , Freedman Michelle J. , Vuchinich Rudy E.
Published: June 2005

Objectives. Housing typically is not provided to homeless persons during drug abuse treatment. We examined how treatment outcomes were affected under 3 different housing provision conditions.

Methods. We studied 196 cocaine-dependent participants who received day treatment and no housing (NH), housing contingent on drug abstinence (ACH), or housing not contingent on abstinence (NACH). Drug use was monitored with urine testing.

Results. The ACH group had a higher prevalence of drug abstinence than the NACH group (after control for treatment attendance), which in turn had a higher prevalence than the NH group. All 3 groups showed significant improvement in maintaining employment and housing.

Conclusions. The results of this and previous trials indicate that providing abstinence-contingent housing to homeless substance abusers in treatment is an efficacious, effective, and practical intervention. Programs to provide such housing should be considered in policy initiatives.
Occupational Injury and Absence From Work Among African American, Hispanic, and Non-Hispanic White Workers in the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth
Authors: Strong Larkin L. , Zimmerman Frederick J.
Published: June 2005

Objectives. We examined how race and ethnicity influence injury and illness risk and number of days of work missed as a result of injury or illness.

Methods. We fit logistic regression and negative binomial regression models using generalized estimating equations with data from 1988 to 2000 on currently employed African American, Hispanic, and non-Hispanic White participants in the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth.

Results. Occupational factors—having a blue-collar occupation, working full-time, having longer tenure, working 1 job versus 2, and working the late shift—were associated with increased odds of an occupational injury or illness. Although racial/ethnic minority workers were no more likely than Whites to report an occupational injury or illness, they reported missing more days of work. African American and Hispanic men missed significantly more days of work than non-Hispanic White men, and African American women missed significantly more days of work than non-Hispanic White women.

Conclusions. Factors associated with occupational health are multifaceted and complex. Our findings suggest that race/ethnicity influences the duration of work absence owing to injury or illness both indirectly (by influencing workers’ occupational characteristics) and directly (by acting independently of occupational factors).
Adolescent Birth Rates, Total Homicides, and Income Inequality In Rich Countries
Authors: Pickett Kate E. , Mookherjee Jessica , Wilkinson Richard G.
Published: June 2005

Income inequality has been associated with both homicides and births to adolescents in the United States and with homicides internationally. We found that adolescent birth rates and general homicide rates were closely correlated with each other internationally (r= 0.95) and within the United States (r = 0.74) and with inequality internationally and within the United States. These results, coupled with no association with absolute income, suggested that violence and births to adolescents may reflect gender-differentiated responses to low social status and could be reduced by reducing income inequality.
In Vitro Model for Modulation of Helper T Cell Differentiation and Activation
Authors: Heo Yong
Published: June 2005

Influence of immunotoxicants on helper T cell reactivities can be investigated by assessing acquisition of IL‐4‐ or IFN‐γ‐producing ability in vitro with antigen‐primed naive or precursor helper T cells from the spleens of DO11.10 ovalbumin‐specific transgenic mice. The in vitro differentiation model is believed to be close to the in vivo environmental conditions in which differentiation occurs. The effect of immunotoxicants on helper T cell activity can also be evaluated by antigen‐specific activation of cloned type‐1 or type‐2 helper T cells in vitro, since the two subsets of helper T cells can be distinguished by patterns of cytokine secretion. This in vitro model will help investigators to examine the ability of toxicants to modulate helper T cell–mediated cellular or humoral immunity.
Chemical Cleavage of Proteins in Solution
Authors: Crimmins Dan L. , Mische Sheenah M. , Denslow Nancy D.
Published: June 2005

Described in this unit are five basic protocols that are widely used for specific and efficient chemical cleavage of proteins in solution. Cyanogen bromide (CNBr) cleaves at methionine (Met) residues; BNPS‐skatole cleaves at tryptophan (Trp) residues; formic acid cleaves at aspartic acid‐proline (Asp‐Pro) peptide bonds; hydroxylamine cleaves at asparagine‐glycine (Asn‐Gly) peptide bonds, and 2‐nitro‐5‐thiocyanobenzoic acid (NTCB) cleaves at cysteine (Cys) residues. Because the above loci are at relatively low abundance in most proteins, digestion with these agents will yield relatively long peptides.
Application of Amide Proton Exchange Mass Spectrometry for the Study of Protein‐Protein Interactions
Authors: Mandell Jeffrey G. , Baerga‐Ortiz Abel , Croy Carrie H. , Falick Arnold M. , Komives Elizabeth A.
Published: June 2005

This protocol describes amide proton exchange experiments that probe for changes in solvent accessibility at protein‐protein interfaces. The simplest version of the protocol, termed the “on‐exchange” experiment, detects protein‐protein interfaces by taking advantage of the fact that solvent deuterium oxide (D2O) molecules are excluded from the surface of a protein to which another protein is bound. A more complete version of the experiment can also be performed in which the rate of surface deuteration is initially measured separately for each of the proteins involved in the interaction, after which the deuterated proteins are allowed to complex and the rate of “off‐exchange” (i.e., replacement of surface deuterons by protons from solvent H2O molecules) at the resulting protein‐protein interface is measured. This version of the experiment yields additional kinetic information that can help to define the solvent‐inaccessible “core” of the interface.
Bioverfügbarkeit oral applizierter Wirkstoffe: zeitabhängig revidiert
Authors: Larsen Tim , Link Andreas
Published: June 2005

Faustregeln: Die Entscheidung über das Schicksal eines Wirkstoffkandidaten nach grober Abschätzung seiner oralen Bioverfügbarkeit hängt von der Aussagekraft der Selektionsparameter ab. Eine retrospektive Analyse ergab, dass Lipophilie, Anteil an polarer Oberfläche und Zahl der H‐Brückendonoren marktgängiger Arzneimittel über die Jahre relativ konstant blieben und offenbar die wichtigsten physikochemischen Determinanten sind.
Improvement of the water selectivity of ULTEM poly(ether imide) pervaporation films by an allylamine‐plasma‐polymerized layer
Authors: Kaba M. , Raklaoui N. , Guimon M.‐F. , Mas A.
Published: June 2005

The wettability and surface energy of extruded ULTEM poly(ether imide) films strongly increased (the water contact angle varied from 75 to 38° and the surface energy varied from 45.3 to 59.5 mJ m−2, respectively) with the deposition of an allylamine‐plasma‐polymerized layer and were characterized with X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy according to the experimental parameters. Pervaporation tests for dehydrating the water/ethanol azeotropic mixture were performed at 40°C with nontreated and plasma‐treated ULTEM films for 15, 30, 60, and 120 min. No significant difference was noticed in the total flow (ca. 2.5 g/m2 h) among the various films. However, for the 30‐min duration, a great increase in the water selectivity from 850 to 10,850 was measured, and it was related to the higher N/C ratio and the presence of amide groups on the surface. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 97: 2088–2096, 2005
Plasma induced grafting of PSt onto titanium dioxide powder. II
Authors: Zhong Shaofeng , Meng Yuedong , Ou Qiongrong , Shu Xingsheng
Published: June 2005

Grafting of polystyrene (PSt) onto titanium dioxide powder was investigated in this study. The graft polymerization reaction was induced by N2 plasma treatment of the surfaces of the titanium dioxide powder. IR and XPS results showed that PSt was grafted onto the titanium dioxide powder. The crystal structure of the titanium dioxide powder observed by XRD spectra was unchanged after plasma graft polymerization. In the grafting reaction, the grafting yield increased with the plasma power, the plasma treatment time, and the grafting reaction, but it increased first then decreased after reaching 50°C. The type of monomers also has an effect on the grafting yield. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 97: 2112–2117, 2005
Melt spinning of poly(L‐lactic acid) and its biodegradability
Authors: Nishimura Yoshiro , Takasu Akinori , Inai Yoshihito , Hirabayashi Tadamichi
Published: June 2005

The melt spinning and melt drawing of poly(L‐lactic acid) (PLLA) were carried out with a melt‐spinning machine, and the mechanical properties, structure, and biodegradability of PLLA fiber were investigated. PLLA fiber with a tensile strength of 0.81 GPa was successfully obtained through two steps of drawing at a draw ratio of 18 in hot water. This fiber had enough tensile strength for common engineering use. The fiber could be degraded under controlled composting conditions at 70°C for 1 week. In scanning electron microscopy observations of the fiber, a regular pattern of cracks running along the vertical direction to the fiber axis was clearly observed. This suggested that the PLLA fiber built up a highly ordered structure arranged along the direction of the fiber axis. After the fiber was left to lie in the ground for 1 year, however, the surface of the fiber was still smooth, and the tensile strength did not decrease much. This PLLA fiber could not be hydrolyzed after 1 month of steeping in a buffer solution at 37°C, but it was rapidly hydrolyzed at more than 60°C. It was suggested that the degradation (hydrolysis) rate of PLLA depended on the glass‐transition temperature. Upon hydrolysis at 80°C for 48 h, a regular crack along the vertical direction to the fiber axis was found that was very similar to that observed in degradation under composting conditions. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 97: 2118–2124, 2005
Viscoelastic characterization of uncured NR/Cel II compositions
Authors: Martins Agnes F. , Visconte Leila L. Y. , Nunes Regina C. R.
Published: June 2005

In this work three types of equipments were used, namely, rubber process analyzer (RPA 2000), Mooney viscometer, and dynamic mechanical thermal analyzer, to characterize natural rubber mixtures containing different amounts of regenerated celulose (Cel II) as filler. The RPA 2000 is a new dynamic rheological tester that can analyze raw polymers and masterbatches as well as rubber compounds before, during, and after cure. The Mooney viscometer is probably the most widely used method for measuring shearing viscosity of unvulcanized rubbers or rubber compositions. DMTA is used to assess filler–rubber interactions. In the present investigation, RPA tests on unvulcanized natural rubber and regenerated cellulose (Cel II) mixtures were carried out using strain and frequency sweeps, and the Mooney viscosities were determined using the relaxation accessory and the small rotor. DMTA data were taken at a fixed frequency and temperature sweep. The filler content was increased up to 30 phr. Compositions were prepared by cocoagulation of natural latex and cellulose xanthate mixtures. The results showed a good dispersion of the filler in the rubber matrix and its large influence on rheological and dynamic properties of the resulting compositions. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 97: 2125–2131, 2005
Hydroxylation of pendant vinyl groups of poly(3‐hydroxy undec‐10‐enoate) in high yield
Authors: Eroğlu Mehmet S. , Hazer Baki , Ozturk Turan , Caykara Tuncer
Published: June 2005

Poly(3‐hydroxy undec‐10‐enoate) (PHU) was synthesized by feeding Pseudomonas oleovarans with 10‐undecenoic acid and nearly 100% hydroxylation of double bonds of PHU was achieved by hydroboration–oxidation reaction using 9‐borobicyclononane. The disappearance of vinyl signals of PHU in proton and 13C NMR spectra was observed. Acetylation of hydroxylated PHU was conducted for molecular weight measurements. Molecular weight and polydispersity of hydroxylated PHU were found to be 10,000 and 1.23, respectively, while that of the originals was 32,000 and 2.42. Decomposition temperatures of original and hydroxylated PHU were 280 and 200°C, respectively. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 97: 2132–2139, 2005
Effect of layering pattern on dynamic mechanical properties of randomly oriented short banana/sisal hybrid fiber–reinforced polyester composites
Authors: Idicula Maries , Malhotra S. K. , Joseph Kuruvilla , Thomas Sabu
Published: June 2005

Dynamic mechanical test methods have been widely employed for investigating the structures and viscoelastic behavior of polymeric materials to determine their relevant stiffness and damping characteristics for various applications. Randomly oriented short banana/sisal hybrid fiber–reinforced polyester composites were prepared by keeping the volume ratio of banana and sisal 1 : 1 and the total fiber loading 0.40 volume fraction. Bilayer (banana/sisal), trilayer (banana/sisal/banana and sisal/banana/sisal), and intimate mix composites were prepared. The effect of layering pattern on storage modulus (E′), damping behavior (tan δ), and loss modulus (E″) was studied as a function of temperature and frequency. Bilayer composite showed high damping property while intimately mixed and banana/sisal/banana composites showed increased stiffness compared to the other pattern. The Arrhenius relationship has been used to calculate the activation energy of the glass transition of the composites. The activation energy of the intimately mixed composite was found to be the highest. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 97: 2168–2174, 2005
The mechanism and technology parameters optimization of alkali‐H2O2 one‐bath cooking and bleaching of hemp
Authors: Qu Li‐Jun , Zhu Shi‐Feng , Liu Ming‐Jun , Wang Shan‐Yuan
Published: June 2005

Hemp is cooked and bleached in alkali‐H2O2 one‐bath. The analysis of physical and chemical properties related to acid, alkali, and hydrogen peroxide about various types of components in hemp such as hemicelluloses and pectin, and lignin components makes it ascertained. In this one‐bath process, alkali and H2O2 have cooperative effects to remove most proportions of the noncellulosic components efficiently. The additive MgSO4 and a stabilizer of H2O2 as auxiliary agents are introduced to protect cellulose from degradation and, meanwhile, they improve the efficiency of H2O2. The universal rotatable composite experiment design is employed to get the highly precise equation, in which the variables of NaOH and H2O2 concentrations, and the processing time are considered to be the main technological parameters of this alkali‐H2O2 one‐bath process. The residual gum content and residual lignin content of hemp fiber are the evaluation indexes. Based on regression equations, the figures are plotted to analyze the influences of parameters on the evaluation indexes; the optimization multicriteria mathematical model is simultaneously established to obtain the optimum parameters. Finally, an experiment is carried out to further test the acceptance of the calculated optimum values. It is shown that, for the hemp taken from Anhui Province of China, this alkali‐H2O2 one‐bath process can substantially remove gum and lignin from raw hemp. NaOH 10.5 g/L, H2O2 9.8 g/L, and the processing time of 127 min with 0.1% MgSO4 + 2.7 g/L stabilizer of H2O2 at 100°C are recommended to be the optimum parameters; then, a compromise is achieved among the lowest lignin content, the residual gum content, and the best strength and whiteness of hemp fiber. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 97: 2279–2285, 2005
Compliant phase reduces polymerization shrinkage in dental composite resin
Authors: Lee Valerie A. , Rawls H. Ralph
Published: June 2005

Commercially available dental composite resins undergo polymerization shrinkage during curing, setting up internal stress that can result in debonding at the tooth‐composite interface, tooth fracture and composite failure. Debonding can also lead to marginal leakage and recurrent decay. The presence of a compliant phase, in this case polybutadiene in aggregate form with fumed silica, is shown to reduce polymerization shrinkage in the bis‐GMA/TEGDMA resin system. The addition of a small amount of the plasticizer triphenylethylene promoted additional reduction in cure shrinkage by reducing the glass transition temperature, Tg. A trend toward reduced cure shrinkage was noted as the polybutadiene : silica ratio decreased within each molecular weight of polybutadiene tested. The optimal formulation tested was determined to be 0.25 wt. % triphenylethylene in bis‐GMA with aggregates formed from polybutadiene of molecular weight 2–3 million, in a polybutadiene : silica ratio of 0.005. Shrinkage reduction in this system was ∼ 42% without loss of Knoop hardness. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 97: 2306–2310, 2005
Characterization of the 5′ regulatory region of the Drosophila Dmdop1 dopamine receptor‐gene
Authors: Kehren Verena , Baumann Arnd
Published: June 2005

The pharmacological and functional properties of many biogenic‐amine receptors have been thoroughly investigated. In contrast, knowledge about the transcriptional regulation of receptor genes is limited. Here we describe the structural and functional properties of the promoter region of a dopamine receptor‐gene (Dmdop1) from Drosophila. The transcriptional start site was identified by 5′‐RACE (5′‐rapid amplification of cDNA ends) cloning and primer‐extension analysis. A consensus site for transcriptional initiation (INR element) is located 494 bp upstream of the ATG codon of the open reading‐frame. The promoter neither contains TATA‐ nor CAAT boxes but several GC‐rich elements. Relative promoter activity was monitored by CAT reporter‐gene analysis in different neuronal cell lines. The Dmdop1 promoter contains one activating (–454/+125) and two silencing regions (–1481/–454 and +125/+495). Interestingly, one silencing region harbours a CRE (cAMP responsive element) site. Since the DmDOP1 receptor leads to cAMP production in cells, the CRE site might contribute to the receptors' own expression by cAMP‐dependent transcription factors. Arch. Insect Biochem. Physiol. 59:118–131, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Molecular biology of the invertebrate dopamine receptors
Authors: Mustard Julie A. , Beggs Kyle T. , Mercer Alison R.
Published: June 2005

Dopamine is found in the nervous systems of both vertebrates and invertebrates. However, the specific actions of dopamine depend on the dopamine receptor type that is expressed in the target cell. As in mammals, different subtypes of dopamine receptors have been cloned and characterized from invertebrates, and these receptor subtypes have different structural and functional properties. Understanding how these receptors respond to dopamine and in which cells each receptor type is expressed is key to our understanding of the role of dopamine signaling. Comparison of the amino acid sequences and experimentally determined functional properties suggest that there are at least three distinct types of dopamine receptors in invertebrates. This review focuses on invertebrate dopamine receptors for which the genes have been isolated and identified, and examines our current knowledge of the functional and structural properties of these receptors, and their pharmacology and expression. Arch. Insect Biochem. Physiol. 59:103–117, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prevalence of and risk factors for low bone mineral density and vertebral fractures in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Bultink Irene E. M. , Lems Willem F. , Kostense Piet J. , Dijkmans Ben A. C. , Voskuyl Alexandre E.
Published: June 2005

Objective

To examine the prevalence of and risk factors for low bone mineral density (BMD) and vertebral fractures in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Methods

We studied 107 SLE patients. Demographic and clinical data were collected, and radiographs of the thoracic and lumbar spine and BMD measurements by dual x‐ray absorptiometry were performed. Vertebral deformities were scored according to the method of Genant et al: fractures were defined as a reduction of ≥20% of the vertebral body height. Osteoporosis was defined as a T score less than −2.5 SD and osteopenia as a T score less than −1.0 SD in at least 1 region of measurement.

Results

Osteopenia was present in 39% of the patients and osteoporosis in 4% (93% female; mean age 41.1 years). In multiple regression analysis, low BMD in the spine was associated with a low body mass index (BMI), postmenopausal status, and 25‐hydroxyvitamin D deficiency. Low BMD in the hip was associated with low BMI and postmenopausal status. At least 1 vertebral fracture was detected in 20% of the patients. Vertebral fractures were associated with ever use of intravenous methylprednisolone and male sex.

Conclusion

Risk factors for low BMD in SLE patients are low BMI, postmenopausal status, and vitamin D deficiency. While osteoporosis defined as a low T score was found in only 4% of the patients, osteoporotic vertebral fractures were detected in 20%. The high prevalence of low BMD and vertebral fractures implies that more attention must be paid to the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis and fractures in SLE.
Frequency of osteopenia in children and young adults with childhood‐onset systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Lilleby Vibke , Lien Gunhild , Frey Frøslie Kathrine , Haugen Margaretha , Flatø Berit , Førre ØYstein
Published: June 2005

Objective

To determine the frequency of osteopenia in patients with childhood‐onset systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) compared with that in healthy matched controls, and to evaluate the relationship between disease‐related variables and bone mineral mass.

Methods

Bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content (BMC) were measured in a cohort of 70 patients with childhood‐onset SLE (mean ± SD disease duration 10.8 ± 8.3 years, mean ± SD age 26.4 ± 9.9 years) and 70 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls. BMD and BMC of the femoral neck, lumbar spine, total body, and distal one‐third of the radius were measured by dual x‐ray absorptiometry. We investigated the relationship between BMC and the following disease variables: cumulative dose of corticosteroids, organ damage, current use of corticosteroids, use of cyclophosphamide, age at disease onset, and disease activity at the time of diagnosis. Biochemical markers of bone metabolism were also measured.

Results

BMD values for the lumbar spine and femoral neck were significantly lower in patients than in healthy controls. The reduction in BMD of the lumbar spine was significantly greater than that of the total body. In multiple linear regression analyses, a higher cumulative corticosteroid dose was significantly associated with lower BMC of the lumbar spine and femoral neck. Decreased lumbar spine BMC was also related to male sex.

Conclusion

The frequency of osteopenia was higher in patients with childhood‐onset SLE than in matched controls. The lumbar spine was the most seriously affected skeletal site, followed by the femoral neck. The cumulative dose of corticosteroids was shown to be an important explanatory variable for BMC values in the lumbar spine and femoral neck.
Dysregulation of chemokine receptor expression and function by B cells of patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome
Authors: Hansen Arne , Reiter Karin , Ziprian Till , Jacobi Annett , Hoffmann Andreas , Gosemann Mirko , Scholze Jürgen , Lipsky Peter E. , Dörner Thomas
Published: June 2005

Objective

To assess whether abnormal chemokine receptor expression and/or abnormal responsiveness to the cognate ligands might underlie some of the disturbances in B cell homeostasis characteristic of primary Sjögren's syndrome (SS).

Methods

Chemokine receptor expression by CD27− naive and CD27+ memory B cells from patients with primary SS and healthy control subjects was analyzed using flow cytometry, single‐cell reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR), and migration assays.

Results

In contrast to healthy subjects, significantly higher expression of both surface CXCR4 and CXCR4 messenger RNA (mRNA) was seen in peripheral blood B cells from patients with primary SS. These differences were most prominent in CD27− naive B cells (P ≤ 0.0006). In addition, significantly higher frequencies of CD27− naive B cells from patients with primary SS expressed mRNA for the inhibitory regulator of G protein signaling 13 (P = 0.001). Expression of CXCR5 by peripheral CD27+ memory B cells was moderately diminished in patients with primary SS compared with healthy controls (P = 0.038). No significant differences were noted in the expression of CXCR3, CCR6, CCR7, and CCR9 between B cells from healthy controls and those from patients with primary SS. Transmigration assays of blood B cells from patients with primary SS and healthy controls showed comparable responses of CD27− naive B cells but significantly diminished responses of activated primary SS CD27+ memory B cells to the ligands of CXCR4 and CXCR5, CXCL12 (P = 0.032), and CXCL13 (B lymphocyte chemoattractant; B cell–attracting chemokine 1; P = 0.018), respectively, when compared with those from healthy controls. Finally, compared with controls, peripheral reduction but glandular accumulation of CXCR4+,CXCR5+,CD27+ memory B cells was identified in patients with primary SS.

Conclusion

In primary SS, overexpression of CXCR4 by circulating blood B cells does not translate into enhanced migratory response to the cognate ligand, CXCL12. This migratory response may be modulated by intracellular regulators. Retention of CXCR4+,CXCR5+, CD27+ memory B cells in the inflamed glands seems to contribute to diminished peripheral CD27+ memory B cells in primary SS.
Weight loss reduces knee‐joint loads in overweight and obese older adults with knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Messier Stephen P. , Gutekunst David J. , Davis Cralen , DeVita Paul
Published: June 2005

Objective

To determine the relationship between change in body mass and knee‐joint moments and forces during walking in overweight and obese older adults with knee osteoarthritis (OA) following an 18‐month clinical trial of diet and exercise.

Methods

Data were obtained from 142 sedentary, overweight, and obese older adults with self‐reported disability and radiographic evidence of knee OA who underwent 3‐dimensional gait analysis. Gait kinetic outcome variables included peak knee‐joint forces and peak internal knee‐joint moments. Mixed regression models were created to predict followup kinetic values, using followup body mass as the primary explanatory variable. Baseline body mass was used as a covariate, and thus followup body mass was a surrogate measure for change in body mass (i.e., weight loss).

Results

There was a significant direct association between followup body mass and peak followup values of compressive force (P = 0.001), resultant force (P = 0.002), abduction moment (P = 0.03), and medial rotation moment (P = 0.02). A weight reduction of 9.8N (1 kg) was associated with reductions of 40.6N and 38.7N in compressive and resultant forces, respectively. Thus, each weight‐loss unit was associated with an ∼4‐unit reduction in knee‐joint forces. In addition, a reduction in body weight of 9.8N (1 kg) was associated with a 1.4% reduction (0.496 Nm) in knee abduction moment.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that each pound of weight lost will result in a 4‐fold reduction in the load exerted on the knee per step during daily activities. Accumulated over thousands of steps per day, a reduction of this magnitude would appear to be clinically meaningful.
Involvement of lysosomal cathepsins in the cleavage of DNA topoisomerase I during necrotic cell death
Authors: Pacheco Fabio J. , Servin Jacqueline , Dang David , Kim Jim , Molinaro Christine , Daniels Tracy , Brown‐Bryan Terry A. , Imoto‐Egami Mizue , Casiano Carlos A.
Published: June 2005

Objective

Autoantibodies to DNA topoisomerase I (topo I) are associated with diffuse systemic sclerosis (SSc), appear to be antigen driven, and may be triggered by cryptic epitopes exposed during in vivo topo I fragmentation. These autoantibodies recognize topo I and fragments of this autoantigen generated during apoptosis and necrosis. We undertook this study to determine whether lysosomal cathepsins are involved in topo I fragmentation during necrosis.

Methods

Topo I cleavage during necrosis was assessed by immunoblotting of lysates from L929 fibroblasts exposed to tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) and the broad caspase inhibitor Z‐VAD‐FMK, and by immunoblotting of lysates from endothelial cells treated with HgCl2. Purified topo I and L929 nuclei were incubated with cathepsins B, D, G, H, and L, and topo I cleavage was detected by immunoblotting. The intracellular localization of cathepsin L activity and topo I in necrotic cells was examined using fluorescence microscopy.

Results

Treatment of L929 cells with TNFα and Z‐VAD‐FMK induced caspase‐independent cell death with necrotic morphology. This cell death involved topo I cleavage into fragments of approximately 70 kd and 45 kd. This cleavage profile was reproduced in vitro by cathepsins L and H and was inhibited by the cathepsin L inhibitor Z‐FY‐CHO. During necrosis, cathepsin L activity diffused from lysosomes into the cytoplasm and nucleus, whereas topo I partially relocalized to the cytoplasm. Z‐FY‐CHO delayed necrosis and partially blocked topo I cleavage. The topo I cleavage fragments were also detected in necrotic endothelial cells and recognized by SSc sera containing anti–topo I antibodies.

Conclusion

These results implicate cathepsins, particularly cathepsin L, in the cleavage of topo I during necrosis. This cleavage may generate potentially immunogenic fragments that could trigger anti–topo I immune responses in SSc.
Requirement of activation of complement C3 and C5 for antiphospholipid antibody–mediated thrombophilia
Authors: Pierangeli Silvia S. , Girardi Guillermina , Vega‐Ostertag Mariano , Liu Xiaowei , Espinola Ricardo G. , Salmon Jane
Published: June 2005

Objective

Antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) have been shown to induce thrombosis, activate endothelial cells, and induce fetal loss. The pathogenesis of aPL‐induced thrombosis, although not completely understood, may involve platelet and endothelial cell activation as well as procoagulant effects of aPL directly on clotting pathway components. Recent studies have shown that uncontrolled complement activation leads to fetal death in aPL‐treated mice. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that aPL are responsible for activation of complement, thus generating split products that induce thrombosis.

Methods

To study thrombus dynamics and adhesion of leukocytes we used in vivo murine models of thrombosis and microcirculation, in which injections of aPL were used.

Results

Mice deficient in complement components C3 and C5 were resistant to the enhanced thrombosis and endothelial cell activation that was induced by aPL. Furthermore, inhibition of C5 activation using anti‐C5 monoclonal antibodies prevented thrombophilia induced by aPL.

Conclusion

These data show that complement activation mediates 2 important effectors of aPL, induction of thrombosis and activation of endothelial cells.
Symmetry‐breaking in mammalian cell cohort migration during tissue pattern formation: Role of random‐walk persistence
Authors: Huang S. , Brangwynne C.P. , Parker K.K. , Ingber D.E.
Published: June 2005

Coordinated, cohort cell migration plays an important role in the morphogenesis of tissue patterns in metazoa. However, individual cells intrinsically move in a random walk‐like fashion when studied in vitro. Hence, in the absence of an external orchestrating influence or template, the emergence of cohort cell migration must involve a symmetry‐breaking event. To study this process, we used a novel experimental system in which multiple capillary endothelial cells exhibit spontaneous and robust cohort migration in the absence of chemical gradients when cultured on micrometer‐scale extracellular matrix islands fabricated using microcontact printing. A computational model suggested that directional persistence of random‐walk and dynamic mechanical coupling of adjacent cells are the critical control parameters for this symmetry‐breaking behavior that is induced in spatially‐constrained cell ensembles. The model predicted our finding that fibroblasts, which exhibit a much shorter motility persistence time than endothelial cells, failed to undergo symmetry breaking or produce cohort migration on the matrix islands. These findings suggest that cells have intrinsic motility characteristics that are tuned to match their role in tissue patterning. Our results underscore the importance of studying cell motility in the context of cell populations, and the need to address emergent features in multicellular organisms that arise not only from cell‐cell and cell‐matrix interactions, but also from properties that are intrinsic to individual cells. Cell Motil. Cytoskeleton 61:201–213, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.