bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Publicité et propagande dans l'Allemagne national-socialiste et l'Italie fasciste
Authors: Sennebogen Waltraud
Published: December 2008

Résumé Dans l’Italie fasciste comme dans l’Allemagne national-socialiste, la publicité a été transformée en un moyen d’influencer et d’éduquer le peuple pour le compte d’un régime autoritaire. Ces régimes ont pris le contrôle de l’industrie publicitaire avec fermeté et efficacité. Mises à part des différences mineures, ce processus a mené à une prédominance des institutions en charge de la propagande sur l’industrie de la publicité à la fois en Allemagne et en Italie. De plus, une relation particulière s’est développée entre publicitaires italiens et allemands à la fin des années 1930. La coopération entre publicitaires allemands et italiens s’est renforcée au fil des années, parce que les agences de publicité internationales se sont trouvées quasiment inutiles après le début de la deuxième guerre mondiale. Enfin, une focale resserrée sur les campagnes touristiques italiennes et allemandes montre bien que l’arrière-fond propagandiste de la publicité sous un régime dictatorial ne s’arrête pas à la frontière d’un pays en particulier. La publicité touristique a constitué une autre manière de communiquer des images de propagande à travers le monde.
La publicité italienne et le modèle américain
Authors: De Iulio Simona , Vinti Carlo
Published: December 2008

Résumé Cet article propose d’examiner la transformation des métiers de la publicité en Italie entre l’après-guerre et 1960 en s’interrogeant, en particulier, sur la confrontation entre, d’une part, les méthodes et les pratiques de l’ advertising américain et, d’autre part, les connaissances et les savoir-faire des publicitaires et, notamment, des graphistes italiens s’inspirant de la pensée et de l’esthétique modernistes. À travers l’analyse de multiples sources (presse spécialisée, actes de congrès des organisations professionnelles, « littérature grise », ouvrages monographiques), nous reconstruisons le débat qui a accompagné la diffusion en Italie des agences et des techniques publicitaires américaines. L’examen de ces discussions, qui ont eu lieu dans une période cruciale de l’expansion de l’industrie publicitaire en Italie, aide à mieux comprendre comment et pourquoi certaines pratiques de l’ advertising américain ont été acceptées, d’autres rejetées et d’autres encore intégrées dans la tradition existante, et comment et pourquoi certaines d’entre elles ont engendré des solutions tout à fait nouvelles et originales.
Mao, objet historique
Authors: Roux Alain
Published: December 2008

Résumé La difficulté de ne pas tomber dans le piège de l’« utopie biographique » qui confère après coup une cohésion parfaite à tel ou tel destin est aggravée par la tradition historique chinoise et sa distinction entre « histoire officielle » et « histoire indiscrète » ; encore plus quand il s’agit d’un personnage de premier plan comme Mao Zedong qui, dès 1936, a veillé à construire son image. Les progrès considérables dans la connaissance des écrits et des discours de Mao Zedong, sous l’impulsion notamment de Stuart Schram, et le choc libérateur produit par les ouvrages de Simon Leys ( Les Habits neufs du président Mao ) et de Li Zhisui ( La Vie privée du président Mao ), ainsi que l’évolution politique de la Chine durant ces trente dernières années ont permis de sortir la biographie de Mao du genre hagiographique et de faire de Mao un objet d’histoire. On peut affronter la présentation de la vie de ce despote, qui fut parfois monstrueux, en le situant dans son champ historique.
L'édification du parti-État chinois au village
Authors: Ngo Thi Minh-Hoang
Published: December 2008

Résumé Comment l’État peut-il pénétrer jusqu’au niveau du village ? Tel est le grand problème de la modernisation de l’État chinois au 20 e siècle. Sur ce point, les communistes ont réussi là où les gouvernements antérieurs ont échoué. Comment ? Telle est la question à laquelle cet article apporte des éléments de réponse à partir du cas de la politisation des milices populaires. De 1937 à 1949, les communistes édifièrent un parti-État pénétrant jusque dans les villages en transformant des organisations locales d’autodéfense en des milices populaires institutionnalisées et intégrées à l’organisation d’un parti-État. Ce processus rencontra des résistances importantes chez les miliciens qui ne s’identifiaient pas au parti et à la nation, mais à leur village et à leur lignage. Les communistes créèrent dès lors une élite de miliciens destinée à remplacer les notables locaux et à servir de fer de lance à la révolution et à l’édification d’un parti-État.
La Croix-Rouge française pendant la seconde guerre mondiale
Authors: Le Crom Jean-Pierre
Published: December 2008

Résumé La Croix-Rouge française a subi de plein fouet le choc de la deuxième guerre mondiale, loin du caractère hagiographique qu’elle a pu chercher à donner de cette période de son histoire. La volonté exprimée par Vichy de la marginaliser au profit de structures proprement nationales et plus facilement instrumentalisables comme le Secours national n’a pas été totalement suivie d’effet du fait de l’importance des secours à apporter dans les domaines les plus divers aussi bien qu’en raison des préférences allemandes pour une organisation ne dépendant pas directement de l’État français. C’est finalement vis-à-vis des Allemands que la question de la neutralité s’est posée le plus fortement. Si on cherche vainement les réactions publiques des dirigeants aux oukases allemands, cela ne signifie pas que l’organisation entendue plus globalement n’ait pas cherché à les contrarier, comme le montrent l’action du service des internés civils ou le sauvetage des enfants juifs.
Les rencontres improbables dans « les années 68 »
Authors: Vigna Xavier , Zancarini-Fournel Michelle
Published: December 2008

Résumé Dans cette vaste période de contestation que constituent les années 68, des rencontres improbables se produisent. Celles-ci s’inscrivent dans la longue histoire des intellectuels désireux d’aller au peuple et notamment vers les ouvriers. Mais elles s’accélèrent dans un certain nombre de mobilisations du début des années 1960. En mai-juin 1968, à la faveur de la désectorisation de l’espace social, ces rencontres improbables connaissent trois formes exemplaires : autour des ouvriers s’agrègent ainsi des étudiants, des techniciens et des cadres, des paysans enfin. Celles-ci se prolongent dans les années suivantes, notamment lors de grands conflits, tels Lip ou le Larzac. Toutefois, ces rencontres heurtent les stratégies d’organisations syndicales, notamment la CGT, et connaissent des limites : le métissage social ne s’opère pas dans les zones demeurées en retrait en mai-juin 1968, et il s’avère difficile lorsque ces rencontres exposent les dimensions les plus intimes des individus, et en particulier le rapport au corps.
Enjeu - Histoire des intellectuels, histoire intellectuelle
Authors: Chaubet François
Published: December 2008

Résumé En réaction à la double abstraction manifestée par la traditionnelle histoire des idées et par le structuralisme, l’histoire des intellectuels, à la fin des années 1980, a développé un programme de micro histoire sociale de la vie intellectuelle saisie à travers ses cadres concrets de fonctionnement tels les revues, les maisons d’éditions et les cercles de la sociabilité intellectuelle. Cette histoire culturelle des idées, attentive aux données impliquées par la transmission et la circulation des idées, a cependant délaissé l’examen des réalités langagières. Examiner comment le langage des œuvres modifie l’expérience des acteurs historiques reste un salutaire défi pour l’historien de la culture. Via l’étude des mécanismes de réception des œuvres, à travers celle des controverses, ou par le biais de la construction adéquate du contexte où joue la dialectique des faits moraux et sociaux, l’historien culturel, au carrefour de diverses disciplines voisines (histoire littéraire, sociologie des sciences, histoire conceptuelle du politique) s’inscrit au cœur des sciences humaines.
Formation and Properties of Responsive Siloxane‐Based Polymeric Surfaces with Tunable Surface Reconstruction Kinetics
Authors: Crowe‐Willoughby Julie Ann , Genzer Jan
Published: December 2008

Here, the formation of responsive polymeric materials with tunable response time is reported. These structures are fabricated by chemically modifying poly(vinylmethyl siloxane) (PVMS) networks with alkanethiols bearing a hydrophilic end‐group (COOH or OH). The response time is facilitated by the liquid nature of the PVMS backbone and increases with increase in length of the methylene spacer (CH2)n in the alkanethiol pendent group. While for n = 2 and 6, the surface reconstructs almost instantaneously, specimens with n = 11 resist reconstruction because of strong van der Waals forces, leading to the formation of semi‐crystalline regions. It is demonstrated that the responsive nature of PVMSS(CH2)11OH can be fine‐tuned by varying the temperature; it possesses a faster response at temperatures above the melting point of the S(CH2)11OH moiety.
Mechanical Buckling: Mechanics, Metrology, and Stretchable Electronics
Authors: Khang Dahl‐Young , Rogers John A. , Lee Hong H.
Published: December 2008

Mechanical buckling usually means catastrophic failure in structural mechanics systems. However, controlled buckling of thin films on compliant substrates has been used to advantage in diverse fields such as micro‐/nanofabrication, optics, bioengineering, and metrology as well as fundamental mechanics studies. In this Feature Article, a mechanical buckling model is presented, which sprang, in part, from the buckling study of high‐quality, single‐crystalline nanomaterials. To check the mechanical‐buckling phenomenon down to the nano‐/molecular scale, well‐aligned single‐walled carbon nanotube arrays and cross linked carbon‐based monolayers are transferred from growth substrate onto elastomeric substrate and then they are buckled into well‐defined shapes that are amenable to quantitative analysis. From this nano‐ or molecular‐scale buckling, it is shown that the mechanical moduli of nanoscale materials can easily be determined, even using a model based on continuum mechanics. In addition, buckling phenomena can be utilized for the determination of mechanical moduli of organic functional materials such as poly(3‐hexylthiophene) (P3HT) and P3HT/6,6‐phenyl‐C61‐butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) composite, which are widely used for organic transistors and organic photovoltaics. The results provide useful information for the realization of flexible and/or stretchable organic electronics. Finally, the fabrication and applications of “wavy, stretchable” single‐crystal Si electronics on elastomeric substrates are demonstrated.
Rational Design of Conjugated Polymer Supramolecules with Tunable Colorimetric Responses
Authors: Ahn Dong June , Lee Sumi , Kim Jong‐Man
Published: December 2008

Polydiacetylenes (PDAs), a family of highly π‐conjugated polymers, have unique characteristics associated with their ability to self‐assemble. Disruption of the extensively delocalized enyne backbones of molecularly ordered PDA sidechains induces a blue‐to‐red color change, which has been elegantly applied in the design of chemosensors. Recently, colorimetrically reversible PDAs have received significant attention, not only to gain a better understanding of the fundamentals of PDA chromism, but also to develop methodologies to overcome limitations associated with their colorimetrically irreversible counterparts. In this article, recent progress made in the field of colorimetrically tunable (reversible, stable, or sensitive) PDAs is described. Major emphasis is given to rational design strategies developed in our group. Relevant mechanistic investigations, a diagnostic method to test colorimetric reversibility, as well as future challenges in this area will be also discussed.
Stable and Catalytically Highly Active ansa Compounds with Cycloalkyl Moieties as Bridging Units
Authors: Capapé Alejandro , Raith Alexander , Kühn Fritz E.
Published: December 2008

The complexes Mo{η5‐C5H4[CH(CH2)3]‐η1‐CH}(CO)3 (2a) and W{η5‐C5H4[CH(CH2)3]‐η1‐CH}CO)3 (2b) were synthesized by reacting spiro[4.2]bicyclo[4.1]deca‐6,8‐diene (1) with the tri(acetonitrile)tri(carbonyl)metal complexes M(CO)3(CH3CN)3 (M=Mo, W). Thermogravimetric (TGA) measurements confirm that the complexes are stable up to 140 °C in air in the solid state. The complexes 2a and 2b are very active catalysts at room temperature for the epoxidation of cyclooctene with tert‐butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP) as oxidant, reaching TOFs of up to 3650 h−1. Complex 2a achieves a quantitative product yield without formation of any by‐products within 1.5 h, outperforming previously published ansa compounds and performing on par with the cyclopentadienyltri(carbonyl)(halo)‐ or (alkyl)molybdenum compelxes CpMo(CO)3R (R=Hal, Me, Et).
Three‐dimensional simulations of biofilm growth in porous media
Authors: von der Schulenburg D. A. Graf , Pintelon T. R. R. , Picioreanu C. , Van Loosdrecht M. C. M. , Johns M. L.
Published: December 2008

Biofilm growth occurs in a variety of random porous media in a range of industrial processes; prediction of its growth and subsequent influence on hydrodynamics is hence desirable. In this study, we present the first numerical 3D pore‐scale model of biofilm growth in porous media, based on a lattice Boltzmann simulation platform complemented with an individual‐based biofilm model (IbM). We use it to explore the coupled interaction between nutrient mass transport, biofilm growth, and hydrodynamics. Biofilm is shown to be very effective at reducing the permeability of porous media, particularly under nutrient limited conditions. We conclude with a direct comparison of 3D and 2D biofilm growth simulations in porous media and show the necessity of performing the simulations in 3D. © 2008 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2009
Regional differences in craniofacial diversity and the population history of Jomon Japan
Authors: Hanihara Tsunehiko , Ishida Hajime
Published: December 2008

The people associated with the Jomon culture, the Neolithic inhabitants of Japan, are one of the key groups in the population history of East Asia, because they retain many archaic characters that may be traced back to Eurasian Upper Palaeolithic hunter–gatherers. In this study, the regional diversity of the Jomon skeletal series was estimated by applying the R‐matrix method to 34 craniofacial measurements. The patterns of intraregional variation indicate little effect on the genetic structure of the Jomon from long‐term gene flow stemming from an outside source. The regional diversities were further estimated by pooling all individuals into regional aggregates, and by computing the mean variance within local groups in each region. Although the pattern of phenotypic variation differs depending on the unit of analysis, the gradient of the diversity retains its identity. The Hokkaido region, the northernmost part of the Japanese archipelago, has the highest variance, followed by the regions of eastern Japan, while the southwestern regions have the lowest variance. These findings suggest that the Jomon ancestors of the northern part of Japan might have expanded southward to Honshu Island. Global analyses including samples from Eurasia, Africa, and Australia dating roughly to the same chronological periods as those of the Jomon samples, indicate that the Jomon cranial series share part of their ancestral gene pool with early northeastern Asians. The present findings support the archeologically suggested population growth and expansion in the northern half of the Eurasian continent during the late Pleistocene and early Holocene periods. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Environmental and geographic correlates of the taxonomic structure of primate communities
Authors: Kamilar Jason M.
Published: December 2008

Previous research has shown that both environmental and historical factors influence the taxonomic structure of animal communities; yet, the relative importance of these effects is not known for primates. Environmental characteristics shape the possible niches in a community, providing suitable habitats for some species and not others. Therefore, communities found in similar environments should display similar species compositions. Additionally, geography may be viewed as a surrogate for historical processes. For instance, as the geographic distance between communities increases, dispersal between sites is more limited, and the probability of historical vicariance increases. Therefore, communities in close proximity to each other should exhibit similar species compositions. The geographic location, environmental characteristics, and species composition of 168 primate communities were gathered from the literature. Canonical correspondence analyses were conducted to examine the relative effects of geographic distance and environmental variables on the taxonomic structure of communities. In addition, UPGMA cluster analyses were conducted to better visualize the taxonomic similarity of communities. Spatial variables were significant predictors of community structure in all regions. Rainfall patterns explained African, Malagasy, and Neotropical community structure. In addition, maximum temperature was also correlated with community structure in Madagascar and the Neotropics. No climatic variables predicted Asian community structure. These results demonstrate that both historical and environmental factors play a significant role in structuring modern primate communities; yet, the importance of environmental factors depend on the region in question. Am J Phys Anthropol, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A Light‐Resistant Organic Sensitizer for Solar‐Cell Applications
Authors: Yum Jun‐Ho , Hagberg Daniel P. , Moon Soo‐Jin , Karlsson Karl Martin , Marinado Tannia , Sun Licheng , Hagfeldt Anders , Nazeeruddin Mohammad K. , Grätzel Michael
Published: December 2008

Gut eingestellt: Eine stabile farbstoffsensibilisierte Solarzelle mit einem molekular entworfenen organischen Farbstoff hat, selbst nachdem sie 1000 h bei 60 °C Licht ausgesetzt war, noch eine Effizienz von 90 %. Diese bemerkenswerte Stabilität spiegelt sich auch in den Werten für die Leerlaufspannung (Voc), die Leerlauf‐Photostromdichte (Jsc) und den Füllfaktor wider, die ebenfalls kaum abnehmen (siehe Bild).

magnified image
Ex Uno Plures (“Out of One, Many”): New Paradigms for Expanding the Range of Polyolefins through Reversible Group Transfers
Authors: Sita Lawrence R.
Published: December 2008

One catalyst, many materials: The chemistry of polyolefins has been thoroughly explored, and it sometimes seems as if any given polymer structure can be obtained by derivatization of the coordination catalyst. But this one catalyst, one material concept is self‐limiting. Recently introduced bimolecular group‐transfer reactions make a wide range of polyolefin materials accessible from a single catalyst by simple variation of reaction parameters.

magnified image

The “mature” status presently enjoyed by polyolefins prepared with homogeneous (soluble) single‐site catalysts through the transition‐metal‐catalyzed coordination polymerization of ethene and 1‐alkenes brings with it a common impression that it is now routinely possible to obtain, with a high degree of confidence, any desired stereochemical microstructure or copolymer composition through iterative optimization employing a set of mutationally related synthetic derivatives generated from an initial molecular design. The dominant reliance on this “one catalyst, one material” strategic approach to discovery is intrinsically self‐limiting, however, owing to the limited pool of molecular structures that can be reasonably synthesized and drawn upon. Recently, non‐chain‐terminating, reversible group‐transfer processes have been purposefully introduced to olefin coordination polymerization. These processes, which are highly competitive with propagation, can be controlled externally and now provide the basis for new “one catalyst, many materials” paradigms that have the potential to greatly expand the reach of polyolefin materials for the 21st century.
Synthesis, Structure, and Complexation Properties of Partially and Completely Reducedmeso‐Octamethylporphyrinogens (Calix[4]pyrroles)
Authors: Blangy Valeria , Heiss Christoph , Khlebnikov Vsevolod , Letondor Christophe , Stoeckli‐Evans Helen , Neier Reinhard
Published: December 2008

New tricks for an old dog: Calixpyrroles bind anions efficiently and can be transformed into transition‐metal complexes only under forcing conditions. Reducing the macrocycle creates a ligand that easily forms classical Werner complexes with copper, nickel, and palladium ions. The metal complexes present an array of four directed hydrogen bonds, which specifically bind the counterions (see picture; blue N, white H, green Cl, red Cu, Ni, or Pd).

magnified image
Highly efficient bimetallic iron‐palladium catalyzed Michael‐type Friedel–Crafts reactions of indoles with chalcones
Authors: Gao Yue‐Hua , Yang Lei , Zhou Wei , Xu Li‐Wen , Xia Chun‐Gu
Published: December 2008

Iron–palladium is a superior bimetallic catalyst in the presence of acetylacetone (Acac) with remarkable synergistic effect for the Michael‐type Friedel–Crafts reactions of indoles with chalcones. This catalytic system has the advantages of mild reaction conditions, smaller amount of metal salts, high yields of the desired products and operational simplicity, which make it a useful and promising process for the synthesis of indole derivatives. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preparation of polypropylene–clay nanocomposites by the co‐intercalation of modified polypropylene and short‐chain amide molecules
Authors: Ratnayake U. N. , Haworth B. , Hourston D. J.
Published: December 2008

The effect of short‐chain amide (AM) molecules on the intercalation of montmorillonite clay has been investigated by the melt blending of polypropylene (PP) with clay in the presence of AM molecules such as 13‐cis‐docosenamide (erucamide). Polypropylene–clay nanocomposites (PPCNs) were prepared by the co‐intercalation of maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene (PP–MA) and an AM compound. The resulting nanocomposite structures were characterized with X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy, whereas the thermal characterization of the PPCNs was conducted by thermogravimetric analysis. XRD results showed that the AM molecules intercalated into clay galleries and increased the interlayer spacing, a result confirmed by surface energy (contact angle) and melt flow index measurements. This additive allowed the formation of an intercalated nanocomposite structure, but an exfoliated PPCN structure was also formed with the use of AM with a PP–MA‐based compatibilizer. A new preparation method for PPCNs was, therefore, developed by the co‐intercalation of AM and PP–MA; this resulted in a significantly improved degree of intercalation and dispersion. The enhanced thermal stability of PPCN, relative to pure PP, further demonstrated the improved clay dispersion in the nanocomposite structures prepared by this method. A possible mechanism for the co‐intercalation of AM and PP–MA into the clay galleries is proposed, based on hydrogen bonding between these additives and the silicate layers. Consideration is also given to possible chemical reactions and physical interactions in this rather complex system. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Preparation of polyelectrolyte complex membranes based on sodium cellulose sulfate and poly(dimethyldiallylammonium chloride) and its permeability properties
Authors: Li Ming‐Ming , Yao Shan‐Jing
Published: December 2008

In this study, polyelectrolyte complex (PELC) membranes prepared by the simultaneous interfacial reaction between aqueous solutions of sodium cellulose sulfate (NaCS) as polyanion and poly(dimethyldiallylammonium chloride) (PDMDAAC) as polycation were proposed. The preparation conditions were optimized. The influence of two important factors, molecular weight (MW) of PDMDAAC and reaction time on the membrane formation procedure and permeability was investigated. Membranes with the preparation conditions as NaCS 3.5% (w/v), PDMDAAC (MW = 200–350 kDa) 7.0% (w/v), the reaction time 30 min, hold a favorable performance, and steady state in water flux experiment. To testify the feasibility of the membrane used in salt separation, membrane performances and selectivity of the inorganic salts as well as their relations to the preparation conditions, the operation parameters, the species of inorganic salts, etc., were investigated in the pressure‐driven experiments. The results showed that this single‐layer PELC membrane afforded higher rejections of divalent ions (SO) to that of monovalent ions (Cl−), which indicated the potential application of this membrane system in the salt rejection process. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Poly(ethylene glycol)‐based hydrogels as cartilage substitutes: Synthesis and mechanical characteristics
Authors: Rakovsky A. , Marbach D. , Lotan N. , Lanir Y.
Published: December 2008

Cartilage substitutes are needed to replace cartilage tissue, damaged in accidents or by pathologies (e.g., osteoarthritis). Treatment by total hip replacement has disadvantages, particularly due to immunological reaction to the implant's wear debris. One promising alternative is to replace damaged cartilage with substitutes based on hydrogel‐type material, designed to mimic the structure and properties of cartilage. The development of such a substitute must consider a wide spectrum of requirements. In this study, we addressed one aspect of this development namely the preparation and investigation of hydrogels exhibiting the required mechanical characteristics. To this aim, poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) hydrogels and amphiphilic interpenetrating polymer networks (IPNs) of PEG with poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) were prepared and characterized for their mechanical and swelling properties. Twenty‐seven types of hydrogels were synthesized, differing in their composition: PEG molecular weight, crosslink density, and PMMA volume fraction. The properties measured were water content, compression modulus, strength, fatigue durability, and poroelastic properties (hydraulic permeability and equilibrium modulus). All were investigated as functions of hydrogel's composition. Results show that lower PEGMw, higher crosslink densities and higher PMMA fraction, all lead to higher modulus and lower water content, and that these properties can be controlled independently by proper choice of ingredients. Introduction of IPN greatly improved the hydrogels' strength. No reduction in the compression modulus resulting from fatigue damage was evident. Poroelastic properties varied nonmonotonously with structural characteristics. Seven types of the hydrogels were found to fit cartilage in their water content, modulus, and poroelastic properties. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Controlled delivery of diclofenac sodium from calcium alginate beads loaded with a drug–resin complex
Authors: Saxena Sutanjay , Bajpai S. K.
Published: December 2008

This study focused on a detailed investigation of the release of the nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug diclofenac sodium from strong anion resin particles, entrapped in ionotropically crosslinked alginate beads, in simulated gastric and intestinal fluids at 37°C. The percentage drug released from the beads in media of various pH values in 6 h was nearly 68.8 ± 2.6%, whereas, for the same duration, the drug–resin complex particles released 87.6 ± 3.2% drug. The amount of drug released from the beads depended on the composition of the beads, their degree of crosslinking, and the size of the crosslinker ions. Finally, the value of the release exponent was found to be 0.56, which thus indicated the diffusion‐controlled mechanism of drug release from the alginate beads © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009
Stereological Estimates of Alveolar Number and Size and Capillary Length and Surface Area in Mice Lungs
Authors: Knust Juliane , Ochs Matthias , Gundersen Hans Jørgen G. , Nyengaard Jens R.
Published: December 2008

The major function of the lung is gas exchange and depends on alveolar and capillary parameters such as surface area and volume. The number of alveoli may report on the nature of structural changes in lung parenchyma during development, illness or changing environmental factors. We therefore developed an efficient and easily applicable stereological design for estimating and monitoring these structural parameters in the mouse lung. The estimation of volume fractions of different lung compartments has been carried out by point counting. A combination of cycloid grids superimposed on vertical sections was used to estimate the capillary surface area with isotropic test lines. Capillary length could be measured using the harmonic mean of the surface weighted diameter. The Euler characteristic applied in the physical fractionator with varying but known sampling fractions (Horovitz‐Thompson estimator) enabled us to estimate alveolar number. In adult mice lungs, we obtained total values for alveolar number of 2.31 × 106 alveoli in a pair of lungs, alveolar surface area of 82.2 cm2, capillary surface area of 124 cm2, and capillary length of 1.13 km. All values are corrected for tissue shrinkage. With this study we present a highly efficient combination of several design‐based stereological tools for the unbiased estimation of alveolar number and volume as well as length, surface area, and diameter of capillaries in the mice lung. Anat Rec, 292:113–122, 2009. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The Three‐Dimensional Arrangement of the Myocytes Aggregated Together Within the Mammalian Ventricular Myocardium
Authors: Smerup Morten , Nielsen Eva , Agger Peter , Frandsen Jesper , Vestergaard‐Poulsen Peter , Andersen Johnnie , Nyengaard Jens , Pedersen Michael , Ringgaard Steffen , Hjortdal Vibeke , Lunkenheimer Paul P. , Anderson Robert H.
Published: December 2008

A 3‐D helical arrangement of aggregates of myocytes in a pig's heart revealed by diffusion tensor MRI. See Smerup et al., on page 1, of this issue.
Preparing for adulthood: Health care transition counseling for youth with arthritis
Authors: Scal Peter , Horvath Keith , Garwick Ann
Published: December 2008

Objective

To determine the proportion of adolescents with arthritis who receive health care transition services and to compare the rates with those reported for adolescents with other special health care needs and adolescents with diabetes.

Methods

We used data from the 2005–2006 National Survey of Children with Special Health Care Needs. A parent/guardian identified youth ages 12–17 years with arthritis (n = 1,052), diabetes (n = 389), and special health care needs (n = 18,189). Four questions examined the extent to which providers discussed health care transition issues, including 1) transfer of care to adult providers, 2) health care needs of adults, 3) acquiring health insurance, and 4) encouraging self‐care responsibility. Bivariate comparisons assessed the associations between sociodemographic characteristics and health care transition services, and multivariate regression models compared outcomes between conditions.

Results

Many adolescents with arthritis are being encouraged to assume self‐care responsibilities (74.8%); fewer discussed how health needs will change in adulthood (52.1%), acquiring insurance (22.5%), or transferring care to a provider who sees adults (19.0%). These results are similar to youth with other special health care needs, but behind youth with diabetes.

Conclusion

Among this sample of US adolescents, many report discussions about health care needs and self‐management, but few are addressing critical aspects of the transition to adult‐oriented health care.
Pain induced by injection of hypertonic saline into the infrapatellar fat pad and effect on coordination of the quadriceps muscles
Authors: Hodges Paul W. , Mellor Rebecca , Crossley Kay , Bennell Kim
Published: December 2008

Objective

Musculoskeletal conditions of the knee involve changes in sensorimotor function, but it is unclear whether these changes are a cause or result of pain. Induction of experimental pain may help solve this issue. Although this is commonly achieved by injection of hypertonic saline into muscle, muscle is commonly not the source of pain. This study investigated whether pain induced by injection of saline into the infrapatellar fat pad changes motor control of the quadriceps muscles of the knee.

Methods

Ten participants performed a standardized task involving ascending and descending a series of steps. Electromyographic activity (EMG) of vastus medialis obliquus (VMO) and vastus lateralis (VL) was recorded with surface electrodes. Trials were conducted without pain, with anterior knee pain induced by injection (0.25 ml) of hypertonic saline (5%) into the infrapatellar fat pad, with anticipation of pain associated with unpredictable electrical shocks to the knee, and 20 minutes after pain cessation. EMG onset and amplitude were analyzed.

Results

When participants ascended the steps with pain, the onset of VMO EMG was delayed relative to that of VL, in contrast to simultaneous or earlier activation of VMO EMG in the pre‐ and postpain trials. VL EMG amplitude was decreased significantly from the control condition.

Conclusion

These data show that alterations in coordination of knee muscle activity can be caused by pain, even when it is of nonmuscle origin. Treatment of pain is therefore important to facilitate performance of the quadriceps muscles, which are essential for locomotor and functional tasks as well as for knee stability.
Musculoskeletal sonography in juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Demirkaya Erkan , Özçakar Levent , Türker Türker , Haghari Sama , Ayaz Nuray Aktay , Bakkaloǧlu Ayşin , Özen Seza
Published: December 2008

Objective

To demonstrate the role of sonography in depicting periarticular changes in juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and to find out whether certain tendons in juvenile SLE patients were different from those of healthy controls.

Methods

Thirty juvenile SLE patients (27 female, 3 male) were recruited for this study. Sonographic evaluations were performed in the knee, ankle, elbow, wrist, and metacarpophalangeal (MCP) joints on the nondominant sides of the individuals. For comparison, 32 healthy volunteers were included as a control group.

Results

Knee effusion was observed more frequently in the juvenile SLE group compared with the control group (P = 0.00). When tendon thickness measurements were compared between the groups, flexor and extensor tendons of the third finger (at MCP joint level) of juvenile SLE patients were found to be thinner (P = 0.04 and P = 0.03, respectively). Tendon thickness values did not correlate with disease duration or SLE disease activity index scores (P > 0.05).

Conclusion

The main findings of our study were relevant with 1) increased involvement of the knee, ankle, hand extensor tendons, wrist, elbow, and hand flexor tendons (in decreasing order of frequencies) in juvenile SLE, and 2) decreased extensor/flexor tendon thicknesses in the hands of juvenile SLE patients. Physicians should be aware of the potentially disabling scenario of tendon pathologies. Defining the extent of joint and tendon pathologies in juvenile SLE may guide us in the management of the disease.
Differences in long‐term disease activity and treatment of adult patients with childhood‐ and adult‐onset systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Hersh Aimee O. , von Scheven Emily , Yazdany Jinoos , Panopalis Pantelis , Trupin Laura , Julian Laura , Katz Patricia , Criswell Lindsey A. , Yelin Edward
Published: December 2008

Objective

To compare differences in long‐term outcome between adults with childhood‐onset (age at diagnosis <18 years) systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and with adult‐onset SLE.

Methods

Data were derived from the University of California Lupus Outcomes Study, a longitudinal cohort of 885 adult subjects with SLE (90 childhood‐onset [cSLE], 795 adult‐onset [aSLE]). Baseline and 1‐year followup data were obtained via structured 1‐hour telephone interviews conducted between 2002 and 2006. Using self‐report data, differences in organ involvement and disease morbidity, current disease status and activity, past and current medication use, and number of physician visits were compared, based on age at diagnosis of SLE.

Results

Average disease duration for the cSLE and aSLE subgroups was 16.5 and 13.4 years, respectively, and mean age at followup was 30.5 and 49.9 years, respectively. When compared with aSLE subjects, cSLE subjects had a higher frequency of SLE‐related renal disease, whereas aSLE subjects were more likely to report a history of pulmonary disease. Rates of clotting disorders, seizures, and myocardial infarction were similar between the 2 groups. At followup, cSLE subjects had lower overall disease activity, but were more likely to be taking steroids and other immunosuppressive therapies. The total number of yearly physician visits was similar between the 2 groups, although cSLE subjects had a higher number of nephrology visits.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates important differences in the outcomes of patients with cSLE and aSLE, and provides important prognostic information about long‐term SLE disease activity and treatment.
Blocking vascular endothelial growth factor with soluble Flt‐1 improves the chondrogenic potential of mouse skeletal muscle–derived stem cells
Authors: Kubo Seiji , Cooper Gregory M. , Matsumoto Tomoyuki , Phillippi Julie A. , Corsi Karin A. , Usas Arvydas , Li Guangheng , Fu Freddie H. , Huard Johnny
Published: December 2008

Objective

To investigate the effect of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) stimulation and the effect of blocking VEGF with its antagonist, soluble Flt‐1 (sFlt‐1), on chondrogenesis, using muscle‐derived stem cells (MDSCs) isolated from mouse skeletal muscle.

Methods

The direct effect of VEGF on the in vitro chondrogenic ability of mouse MDSCs was tested using a pellet culture system, followed by real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and histologic analyses. Next, the effect of VEGF on chondrogenesis within the synovial joint was tested, using genetically engineered MDSCs implanted into rat osteochondral defects. In this model, MDSCs transduced with a retroviral vector to express bone morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP‐4) were coimplanted with MDSCs transduced to express either VEGF or sFlt‐1 (a VEGF antagonist) to provide a gain‐ and loss‐of‐function experimental design. Histologic scoring was used to compare cartilage formation among the treatment groups.

Results

Hyaline‐like cartilage matrix production was observed in both VEGF‐treated and VEGF‐blocked (sFlt‐1–treated) pellet cultures, but quantitative PCR revealed that sFlt‐1 treatment improved the expression of chondrogenic genes in MDSCs that were stimulated to undergo chondrogenic differentiation with BMP‐4 and transforming growth factor β3 (TGFβ3). In vivo testing of articular cartilage repair showed that VEGF‐transduced MDSCs caused an arthritic change in the knee joint, and sFlt‐1 improved the MDSC‐mediated repair of articular cartilage, compared with BMP‐4 alone.

Conclusion

Soluble Flt‐1 gene therapy improved the BMP‐4– and TGFβ3‐induced chondrogenic gene expression of MDSCs in vitro and improved the persistence of articular cartilage repair by preventing vascularization and bone invasion into the repaired articular cartilage.
Recovery: What does this mean to patients with low back pain?
Authors: Hush Julia M. , Refshauge Kathryn , Sullivan Gerard , De Souza Lorraine , Maher Christopher G. , McAuley James H.
Published: December 2008

Objective

To explore patients' perceptions of recovery from low back pain, about which little is known.

Methods

A qualitative study was conducted in which 36 participants, either recovered or unrecovered from low back pain, participated in focus groups. Interviews were audiorecorded and transcribed verbatim. Framework analysis was used to identify emergent themes and domains of recovery.

Results

Patients' views of recovery encompassed a range of factors that can be broadly classified into the domains of symptom attenuation, improved capacity to perform a broad scope of self‐defined functional activities, and achievement of an acceptable quality of life. An interactive model is proposed to describe the relationships between these domains, cognitive appraisal of the pain experience, and self‐rated recovery. Pain attenuation alone was not a reliable indicator of recovery.

Conclusion

The construct of recovery for typical back pain patients seeking primary care is more complex than previously recognized and is a highly individual construct, determined by appraisal of the impact of symptoms on daily functional activities as well as quality of life factors. These findings will be valuable for reassessing how to optimize measures of recovery from low back pain by addressing the spectrum of factors patients consider meaningful.
Successful treatment of idiopathic recurrent pericarditis in children with interleukin‐1β receptor antagonist (anakinra): An unrecognized autoinflammatory disease?
Authors: Picco Paolo , Brisca Giacomo , Traverso Francesco , Loy Anna , Gattorno Marco , Martini Alberto
Published: December 2008

Recurrent pericarditis occurs in association with various medical conditions, but in most cases the condition appears to be idiopathic. Although high‐dose steroid treatment is often effective, it may have serious side effects. Herein we describe 3 children with recurrent pericarditis who were treated at our hospital, during flares, with the interleukin‐1β receptor antagonist anakinra, with immediate response. Pericarditis recurred when anakinra treatment was discontinued, and no further episodes occurred after it was resumed. Idiopathic recurrent pericarditis shares several features with autoinflammatory diseases, and anakinra has been efficacious in the treatment of the latter diseases. The findings in these patients suggest that idiopathic recurrent pericarditis may be a previously unrecognized autoinflammatory disease.
Stimulation of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors attenuates collagen‐induced arthritis in mice
Authors: van Maanen Marjolein A. , Lebre Maria C. , van der Poll Tom , LaRosa Gregory J. , Elbaum Daniel , Vervoordeldonk Margriet J. , Tak Paul P.
Published: December 2008

Objective

The parasympathetic nervous system, through the vagus nerve, can down‐regulate inflammation in vivo by decreasing the release of cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), by activated macrophages. The vagus nerve may exert antiinflammatory actions via a specific effect of its principal neurotransmitter, acetylcholine, on the α7 subunit of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (α7nAChR) on macrophages. The present study was undertaken to obtain insight into the role of the cholinergic antiinflammatory pathway in arthritis.

Methods

To inhibit the cholinergic antiinflammatory pathway, mice were subjected to unilateral cervical vagotomy or sham surgery, after which arthritis was induced with type II collagen. In a separate study, nicotine was added to the drinking water of mice with collagen‐induced arthritis (CIA). In addition, we investigated the effects of intraperitoneally (IP)–injected nicotine and the specific α7nAChR agonist AR‐R17779.

Results

Clinical arthritis was exacerbated by vagotomy and ameliorated by oral nicotine administration. Moreover, oral nicotine inhibited bone degradation and reduced TNFα expression in synovial tissue. Both IP‐injected nicotine and AR‐R17779 ameliorated clinical arthritis and reduced synovial inflammation. This was accompanied by a reduction of TNFα levels in both plasma and synovial tissue. The effect of AR‐R17779 was more potent compared with that of nicotine and was associated with delayed onset of the disease as well as with protection against joint destruction.

Conclusion

These data provide the first evidence of a role of the cholinergic antiinflammatory pathway in the murine CIA model of rheumatoid arthritis.
Identification of a novel susceptibility locus for juvenile idiopathic arthritis by genome‐wide association analysis
Authors: Hinks Anne , Barton Anne , Shephard Neil , Eyre Steve , Bowes John , Cargill Michele , Wang Eric , Ke Xiayi ,   British Society of Paediatric and Adolescent Rheumatology Study Group, Kennedy Giulia C. , John Sally , Worthington Jane , Thomson Wendy
Published: December 2008

Objective

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is a chronic rheumatic disease of childhood. Two well‐established genetic factors known to contribute to JIA susceptibility, HLA and PTPN22, account for less than half of the genetic susceptibility to disease; therefore, additional genetic factors have yet to be identified. The purpose of this study was to perform a systematic search of the genome to identify novel susceptibility loci for JIA.

Methods

A genome‐wide association study using Affymetrix GeneChip 100K arrays was performed in a discovery cohort (279 cases and 184 controls). Single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) showing the most significant differences between cases and controls were then genotyped in a validation sample of cases (n = 321) and controls, combined with control data from the 1958 UK birth cohort (n = 2,024). In one region in which association was confirmed, fine‐mapping was performed (654 cases and 1,847 controls).

Results

Of the 112 SNPs that were significantly associated with JIA in the discovery cohort, 6 SNPs were associated with JIA in the independent validation cohort. The most strongly associated SNP mapped to the HLA region, while the second strongest association was with a SNP within the VTCN1 gene. Fine‐mapping of that gene was performed, and 10 SNPs were found to be associated with JIA.

Conclusion

This study is the first to successfully apply a SNP‐based genome‐wide association approach to the investigation of JIA. The replicated association with markers in the VTCN1 gene defined an additional susceptibility locus for JIA and implicates a novel pathway in the pathogenesis of this chronic disease of childhood.
CTLA‐4 (CD152) controls homeostasis and suppressive capacity of regulatory T cells in mice
Authors: Kolar Paula , Knieke Karin , Hegel J. Kolja E. , Quandt Dagmar , Burmester Gerd‐R. , Hoff Holger , Brunner‐Weinzierl Monika C.
Published: December 2008

Objective

CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells (known as Treg cells) suppress unwanted and autoreactive T cell responses. Treg cells express the costimulatory molecule CTLA‐4 intracellularly, but the mechanisms by which Treg cells exploit CTLA‐4 signaling remain unclear. The present study was undertaken to investigate the role of CTLA‐4 in controlling the homeostasis and suppressive function of Treg cells.

Methods

Murine Treg cells were analyzed by flow cytometry for coexpression of CTLA‐4 and typical Treg cell–expressed molecules, and the influence of CTLA‐4 on T cell proliferation, suppression, and apoptosis was investigated by in vitro assays. To analyze the importance of CTLA‐4 in Treg cell–mediated suppression in vivo, wild‐type Treg cells were transferred into CTLA‐4–deficient mice displaying lymphoproliferation, and survival was monitored over time.

Results

A strong correlation between expression of forkhead box P3 and ex vivo expression of CTLA‐4 in Treg cells was observed. Inhibition of CTLA‐4 signaling in Treg cells during in vitro stimulation increased cell cycling and led to enhanced activation‐induced cell death (AICD), which was mediated by CD95/CD95 ligand–induced activation of caspases. Blockade of CTLA‐4 signaling resulted in impairment of the suppressive capacity of Treg cells. Despite these effects, high amounts of Treg cells persisted in CTLA‐4–deficient mice. Results of transfer experiments in CTLA‐4–deficient mice showed that the mice had a significantly prolonged lifespan when CTLA‐4–competent Treg cells were injected.

Conclusion

Expression of CTLA‐4 on Treg cells serves to control T cell proliferation, to confer resistance against AICD, and to maintain the suppressive function of Treg cells.