bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of electrosynthesized polydihaloanilines
Authors: del Valle M. A. , Díaz F. R. , Torres J. L. , Zamora P. P. , Godoy M. A. , Bernède J. C.
Published: August 2009

The nucleation and growth mechanism of some homopolymers of aniline (six monomers were studied: 3,5‐dichloroaniline, 2,5‐dichloroaniline, 2,6‐dichloroaniline, 2,3‐dichloroaniline, 2,5‐dibromoaniline, and 2,6‐dibromoaniline), synthesized by potentiostatic methods, was determined with a mathematical model that considers different contributions from current–time transients with a gold‐disc electrode. Deconvolution of the transients for the dichlorinated monomers showed IN3Dct and PN3Ddif contributions (where IN3Dct refers to an instantaneous nucleation and three‐dimensional growth mechanism under charge‐transfer control and PN3Ddif refers to a progressive nucleation and three‐dimensional growth mechanism under diffusion control), whereas IN2D and PN3Ddif components and IN2D, IN3Dct, and PN3Ddif components (where IN2D refers to an instantaneous nucleation and two‐dimensional growth mechanism) were needed for 2,5‐dibromoaniline and 2,6‐dibromoaniline, respectively. The percentage of the contribution of the current–time transient to the total charge was worked out for each monomer. The effect of the scan rate on the voltammetric profile during the potentiodynamic electrosynthesis of the polymers was studied too. Curves of the current versus the square root of the potential scan rate were recorded for a selected group of monomers, and the slope was considered an estimation of the diffusion coefficient of the respective monomer. Furthermore, the electrosynthesized polymers were characterized with Fourier transform infrared, ultraviolet–visible, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. Microanalysis, used to establish the ratio of the atomic percentages of P and N for each polymer synthesized at a constant potential, was performed for doped and undoped polymers. This parameter was a measure of the degree of electrochemical doping. The conductivity of the doped and undoped polymers was also measured. Hence, the systematic characterization of this analogue series of monomers allows, before generalization, an adequate experimental design to prepare polymers with the properties required for their use. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Poly(1‐octene) synthesis using high performance supported titanium catalysts
Authors: Kaur Sukhdeep , Naik Dhananjay G. , Singh Gurmeet , Patil Harshad R. , Kothari Ajay V. , Gupta Virendra K.
Published: August 2009

Poly(1‐octene) was synthesized by polymerization of 1‐octene using high performance MgCl2‐supported TiCl4 in combination with triethyl aluminum (TEAl) as cocatalyst in n‐hexane for 2 h. Two catalysts, C1 (diester catalyst) having di‐isobutyl phthalate as internal donor and C2 (monoester catalyst) having ethyl benzoate as internal donor were utilized for the atmospheric polymerizations to evaluate the influence of structurally different internal donors on the productivity, rate of polymerization and molecular weight profiles. The kinetic profile assessed in terms of variation of reaction parameters like temperature, cocatalyst to catalyst molar ratio and monomer concentration was found to be dependent on them. From these kinetic analyses, optimize conditions for polymerizations of 1‐octene using diester as well as monoester catalyst were elucidated. The difference in the performance of diester and monoester catalyst system can be explained in terms of stability of active titanium species and chain transfer process. NMR spectroscopy of synthesized poly(1‐octene) indicate predominantly isotactic nature. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Effect of molecular structure on film blowing ability of thermoplastic zein
Authors: Oliviero M. , Di Maio E. , Iannace S.
Published: August 2009

The aim of this work was to explore the feasibility of preparing thermoplastic films from commercial zein by film blowing technology. Zein, a cereal protein extracted from maize, was plasticized directly in the extruder, without the time‐consuming and expensive solubilization step, usually utilized in literature for this material. Four different batches of zein were investigated, for it has been observed that properties such as the film‐forming ability of natural polymers strongly depend on several factors such as sources, extraction, and drying conditions. Thermal, rheological, and macromolecular structural characteristics were evaluated for the different materials to establish a correlation among molecular structure, rheological behavior in uniaxial elongation, and film blowing processability. Results indicate that the best films were made by using thermoplasticized zein characterized with a pronounced strain hardening and a large content of α‐helices. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Highly crosslinked micron‐sized, monodispersed polystyrene particles by batch dispersion polymerization, Part 1: Batch, delayed addition, and seeded batch processes
Authors: Lee Ki‐Chang , Wi Han‐Ah
Published: August 2009

The seeded batch dispersion polymerization with or without monomer absorption was compared with the batch polymerization and delayed addition by batch polymerization, to prepare the highly crosslinked, monodispersed polystyrene (PS) particles. The seeded batch polymerization was carried out under the variation of styrene (in second stage)/styrene (in PS seed) (St/St) ratio, divinylbenzene (DVB) concentration, and polymerization temperature using 1.9‐μm monodispersed PS seed particles. The experimental results imply that the seeded batch process is more efficient method that could avoid the sensitive particle nucleation step in the presence of the crosslinker than the batch and delayed addition processes. Without monomer absorption, 2.3‐μm uniform crosslinked PS particles with 7 wt % of the DVB were prepared in 1/1 (St/St) ratio. In comparison, with the monomer absorption, monodispersed and smooth‐surfaced PS particles containing 20 wt % of the DVB were formed. A total of 5% weight loss of the crosslinked PS particles determined by TGA occurred from 353.8 to 374.8°C, and the degree of swellability in toluene decreased from 150 to 104.5% with increasing the DVB concentration from 5 to 20 wt % because of the increase of the crosslink density of the particles. The seeded polymerization, especially through monomer absorption procedure, is a novel way to obtain highly crosslinked, monodispersed PS particles. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Effect of adsorbed metal ions and buffer nature on IgG separation from human plasma by column chromatography using an ion exchange resin, Amberlite IRC‐718
Authors: Charef Noureddine , Arrar Lekhmici , Lamaaoui Afaf , Boudjellal Hiba , Baghiani Abderrahmane , Hanachi Nadjet , Boumerfeg Sabah , Khennouf Seddik , Mubarak Mohammad S.
Published: August 2009

Fractionation of human plasma on ion exchanger resin was performed on Amberlite IRC‐718 saturated with metal ions. Depletion of human immunoglobulin G was carried out by column chromatography using Tris‐HCl, pH 7 at different concentrations. Results showed that, when Cu+2 and Ni+2 were adsorbed on the resin, one or two fractions of purified IgG were obtained, respectively. Whereas Fe+2 and Zn+2, both retain IgG and serum albumin or serum albumin alone. Furthermore, the Ni+2‐resin retention of serum proteins is too strong that the use of 700 mMTris‐HCl cannot liberate any other proteins than nonadsorbed serum albumin. In conclusion, this investigation demonstrates that immobilized metal ion affinity chromatography with Cu2+, Ni2+, and Fe2+ immobilized on Amberlite IRC‐718 has the potential to be developed as part of a process to purify IgG out of untreated human plasma as acceptable adsorption and elution levels of IgG could be achieved. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Flame retardancy, thermal, rheological, and mechanical properties of polycarbonate/polysilsesquioxane system
Authors: Wang Jiangbo , Xin Zhong
Published: August 2009

The polymethylphenylsilsesquioxane (PMPSQ) microspheres were used as an additive for the injection‐molding of polycarbonate (PC) in order to obtain a flame retardant polymer and to damage the other properties of PC as low as possible. The results showed that PMPSQ microspheres were a kind of effective flame retardant by the LOI test and the flame retardancy of PC increased with the increase of PMPSQ content. Thermogravimetric analysis suggested that the PMPSQ could induce crosslinking reactions and accelerate the thermal degradation of PC, sequentially promote the formation of the residue char during degradation. Differential scanning calorimetry measurement showed that the glass transition temperature of PC/PMPSQ system was decreased with the increase of PMPSQ content, which maybe caused by the enlarged free volume of PC‐rich phase. The rheological behaviors including dynamic and steady modes, combined with the analysis of scanning electron microscopy photographs, exhibited that the dispersion and compatibility of PMPSQ in the PC matrix decreased the viscosity of the systems and the addition of PMPSQ microspheres improved the processability of PC, but still there exist aggregation of PMPSQ microspheres in PC matrix, which gave a higher impact strength but a lower flexural modulus and elongation at break than pure PC. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Postembryonic Development of Rectal Pads in Bees (Hymenoptera, Apidae)
Authors: Santos Carolina GonÇAlves , Neves ClÓVis Andrade , Zanuncio JosÉ Cola , Serrão José Eduardo
Published: August 2009

The morphology and development of the digestive tract of insects has been extensively studied, but little attention has been given to the development of the rectal pads. These organs are responsible for absorption of water and salts. In insects where they occur, there are usually six ovoid rectal pads located in the medial‐anterior portion of the rectum. The rectal pad has three types of cells: principal, basal, and junctional. The arrangement of these three cell types delimits an intrapapillary lumen. The aim of the current study is to describe the development of the rectal pads during postembryonic development of Melipona quadrifasciata anthidioides and Melipona scutellaris. Specimens were analyzed at the following developmental stages: white‐, pink‐, brown‐, and black‐eyed pupae, and adult workers. The development of the rectal pad begins as a thickening of the epithelium in white‐eyed pupae at 54 hr. At this stage, there is neither a basal cell layer nor intrapapillary lumen. The basal layers begin to form in the pink‐eyed pupa and are completely formed at the end of the development of the brown‐eyed pupa. In the brown‐eyed pupal stage, the intrapapillary lumen is formed and the junctional cells are positioned and completely differentiated. Necrotic and apoptotic cell death were detected along with cell proliferation in the whole rectum during pupal development, suggesting that the development of the rectal pads involves cell proliferation, death, and differentiation. The rectal pads originate only from the ectoderm. Anat Rec, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Biomechanics of Dromaeosaurid Dinosaur Claws: Application of X‐Ray Microtomography, Nanoindentation, and Finite Element Analysis
Authors: Manning Phillip L. , Margetts Lee , Johnson Mark R. , Withers Philip J. , Sellers William I. , Falkingham Peter L. , Mummery Paul M. , Barrett Paul M. , Raymont David R.
Published: August 2009

Dromaeosaurid theropod dinosaurs, such asVelociraptor, possess strongly recurved, hypertrophied and hyperextensible ungual claws on the pes (digit II) and manus. The morphology of these unguals has been linked to the capture and despatching of prey. However, the mechanical properties or, more importantly, the mechanical potential of these structures have not been explored. Generation of a 3D finite element (FE) stress/strain contour map of aVelociraptormanual ungual has allowed us to evaluate quantitatively the mechanical behavior of a dromaeosaurid claw for the first time. An X‐ray microtomography scan allowed construction of an accurate 3D FE mesh. Analogue material from an extant avian theropod, the pedal digit and claw of an eagle owl (Bubo bubo), was analyzed to provide input data for theVelociraptorclaw FE model (FEM). The resultant FEM confirms that dromaeosaurid claws were well‐adapted for climbing as they would have been resistant to forces acting in a single (longitudinal) plane, in this case due to gravity. However, the strength of the unguals was limited with respect to forces acting tangential to the long‐axis of the claw. The tip of the claw functioned as the puncturing and gripping element of the structure, whereas the expanded proximal portion transferred the load stress through the trabeculae and cortical bone. Enhanced climbing abilities of dromaeosaurid dinosaurs supports a scansorial phase in the evolution of flight. Anat Rec, 292:1397–1405, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Finite Element Analyses of Ankylosaurid Dinosaur Tail Club Impacts
Authors: Arbour Victoria M. , Snively Eric
Published: August 2009

Ankylosaurid dinosaurs have modified distal caudal vertebrae (the handle) and large terminal caudal osteoderms (the knob) that together form a tail club. Three‐dimensional digital models of four tail clubs referred to Euoplocephalus tutus were created from computed tomography scans of fossil specimens. We propose to use finite element modeling to examine the distribution of stress in simulated tail club impacts in order to determine the biological feasibility of hypothesized tail clubbing behavior. Results show that peak stresses were artificially high at the rigid constraint. The data suggest that tail clubs with small and average‐sized knobs were unlikely to fail during forceful impacts, but large clubs may have been at risk of fracture cranial to the knob. The modified handle vertebrae were capable of supporting the weight of even very large knobs. Long prezygapophyses and neural spines in the handle vertebrae helped distribute stress evenly along the handle. We conclude that tail swinging‐behavior may have been possible in Euoplocephalus, but more sophisticated models incorporating flexible constraints are needed to support this hypothesis. Anat Rec, 292:1412–1426, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Influence of Sequence Heterochrony on Hadrosaurid Dinosaur Postcranial Development
Authors: Guenther Merrilee F.
Published: August 2009

A goal of modern dinosaur paleobiology is to synthesize the understanding of dinosaurian development and phylogeny. This study explores the Iguanodontia, one clade that includes several taxa for which growth series are preserved. It is hypothesized that analysis of growth series of iguanodontian taxa will reveal important developmental differences at play during the evolution of the clade. Such differences can reflect the impact of sequence heterochrony on iguanodontian evolution. Data were collected on the growth stages of the postcranial skeleton of a basal iguanodontian, Tenontosaurus; a lambeosaurine hadrosaurid, Hypacrosaurus; and two hadrosaurine hadrosaurids, Brachylophosaurus and Maiasaura to test the hypothesis. The event‐pairing method provides a framework for the comparison of ontogenetic sequences among related taxa to detect significant evolutionary changes in developmental sequence. Significant developmental events are identified for the group and then the relative timings of those events in the developmental sequence are compared among the different species. Synapomorphic characters of Hadrosauridae, including the development of a prominent biceps tubercle on the coracoid, appear to be the result of changes in the developmental sequences of hadrosaurid taxa compared to basal iguanodontian taxa. This analysis also recognizes the developmental sequence differences that result in the development of the robust appendicular elements that characterize Lambeosaurinae. This comparative methodology shows that the development of characters such as the well developed supraacetabular process of the ilium results from the early onset of the development of those characters in the lambeosaurine hadrosaurid Hypacrosaurus compared to the hadrosaurines Brachylophosaurus and Maiasaura. Anat Rec, 292:1427–1441, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Evolution of the Respiratory System in Nonavian Theropods: Evidence From Rib and Vertebral Morphology
Authors: Schachner Emma R. , Lyson Tyler R. , Dodson Peter
Published: August 2009

Recent reports of region‐specific vertebral pneumaticity in nonavian theropod dinosaurs have brought attention to the hypothesis that these animals possessed an avian‐style respiratory system with flow‐through ventilation. This study explores the thoracic rib and vertebral anatomy of Sinraptor, Allosaurus, Tyrannosaurus, and Deinonychus; four nonavian theropods that all show well‐preserved thoracic vertebrae and ribs. Comparisons to the osteology and soft tissue anatomy of extant saurians provide new evidence supporting the hypothesis of flow‐through ventilation in nonavian theropods. Analyses of diapophyseal and parapophyseal position and thoracic rib morphology suggest that most nonavian theropods possessed lungs that were deeply incised by the adjacent bicapitate thoracic ribs. This functionally constrains the lungs as rigid nonexpansive organs that were likely ventilated by accessory nonvascularized air sacs. The axial anatomy of this group also reveals that a crocodilian‐like hepatic‐piston lung would be functionally and biomechanically untenable. Taken together with the evidence that avian‐like air sacs were present in basal theropods, these data lead us to conclude that an avian‐style pulmonary system was likely a universal theropod trait. Anat Rec, 292:1501–1513, 2009. 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Pathologic Bone Tissues in a Turkey Vulture and a Nonavian Dinosaur: Implications for Interpreting Endosteal Bone and Radial Fibrolamellar Bone in Fossil Dinosaurs
Authors: Chinsamy Anusuya , Tumarkin‐Deratzian Allison
Published: August 2009

We report on similar pathological bone microstructure in an extant turkey vulture (Cathartes aura) and a nonavian dinosaur from Transylvania. Both these individuals exhibit distinctive periosteal reactive bone deposition accompanied by endosteal bone deposits in the medullary cavity. Our findings have direct implications on the two novel bone tissues recently described among nonavian dinosaurs, radial fibrolamellar bone tissue and medullary bone tissue. On the basis of the observed morphology of the periosteal reactive bone in the turkey vulture and the Transylvanian dinosaur, we propose that the radial fibrolamellar bone tissues observed in mature dinosaurs may have had a pathological origin. Our analysis also shows that on the basis of origin, location, and morphology, pathologically derived endosteal bone tissue can be similar to medullary bone tissues described in nonavian dinosaurs. As such, we caution the interpretation of all endosteally derived bone tissue as homologous to avian medullary bone. Anat Rec, 292:1478–1484, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Unearthing the Anatomy of Dinosaurs: New Insights Into Their Functional Morphology and Paleobiology
Authors: Dodson Peter , Laitman Jeffrey T.
Published: August 2009

The meek shall inherit the earth. Triceratops horridus encounters Tyrannosaurus rex. Late Cretaceous of Montana, 65 million years before present. The encounter did not come out the way many thought it would. This young Tyrannosaurus had insufficient respect for a powerful and dangerous adversary. In this special issue we explore recent advances in understanding the anatomy and paleobiology of dinosaurs, including Tyrannosaurus, using powerful modern anatomical techniques. Painting by Wayne D. Barlowe from The Horned Dinosaurs by Peter Dodson (1996), Princeton University Press. Reproduced with permission of the artist.
Influence of cell cycle on ecdysteroid receptor in CHO‐K1 cells
Authors: Betanska Katarzyna , Czogalla Susan , Spindler‐Barth Margarethe , Spindler Klaus‐Dieter
Published: August 2009

CHO‐K1 cells are routinely used for characterization of ecdysone receptor (EcR) function, because these vertebrate cells are devoid of endogenous ecdysone receptor protein. Moreover, the endogenous expression of RXR, the vertebrate orthologue of Ultraspiracle (Usp), the most important heterodimerization partner, is neglectable. In contrast to insect cells, there is also no influence of moulting hormone on CHO‐K1 cells on cell proliferation either in the absence or presence of transiently expressed EcR. In contrast to Usp, which is exclusively found in nuclei, EcR is heterogeneously distributed between cytoplasm and nuclei in non‐synchronized cells. Synchronization of CHO‐K1 cells by nocodazole revealed that the cell cycle influences receptor concentration with lowest amounts in late S‐phase and G2/M phase and intracellular distribution of the receptor protein showing a minimum of receptors present in nuclei during S‐phase. EcR, but not Usp reduces cyclin D1 expression and cyclin D1 concentration is impaired by cyclin D1. Coimmunoprecipitation studies reveal physical interaction of EcR and cyclin D1. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Transcriptional activity of ecdysone receptor isoforms is regulated by modulation of receptor stability and interaction with Ab‐ and C‐domains of the heterodimerization partner ultraspiracle
Authors: Ruff Heike , Tremmel Christian , Spindler‐Barth Margarethe
Published: August 2009

The stability of ecdysone receptor (EcR) expressed in a heterologous system is regulated in an isoform‐specific manner and modified by ligand and heterodimerization partner. Transcriptional activities of various receptor complexes with Usp and ligand as determined by reporter assays are the result of two effects: change in receptor concentration and altered transcriptional capability. Transcriptional activity of EcR‐A is low when compared to EcR‐B1 independent of the absence or presence of Ultraspiracle (Usp). Ligand increased the concentration of EcR‐A, but had no effect on the transcriptional capability, in contrast to EcR‐B1, which is not stabilized by hormone or Usp, but the transcriptional capability is enhanced by heterodimerization and ligand. Exchange of the AB‐domain of Usp by the activation domain (AD) of Vp16 revealed that the N‐terminus of Usp inhibited transcriptional activity only with EcR‐B isoforms, whereas the hexapeptide in the AB‐domain of wild type Usp adjacent to the C‐domain of Usp harbours an activating function. Deletion of the C‐domain of Usp did not affect the stability of the receptor complex, but reduced the transcriptional capability of heterodimers with all EcR‐isoforms, indicating that the stability of the receptor, which is important for termination of the hormone signal transduction, is regulated in a cooperative manner by the AB‐domains of EcR and Usp, and ligand. We show the active role of Usp in modulation of the transcriptional activity of the heterodimer in an isoform‐specific manner by the inhibitory N‐terminus, the activating hexapeptide in the AB‐domain, and the C‐domain of Usp. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Synthesis and Cytotoxicity Studies of New Cryptophycin Analogues
Authors: Liu Wen Lu , Zhang Jian Cun , Jiang Fa Qin , Fu Lei
Published: August 2009

Two analogues of cryptophycin were synthesized and biologically evaluated for their in‐vitro cytotoxicities against several solid tumors and leukemia cell lines. The results revealed that both analogues exhibited a broad range of cytotoxic activity with observed IC50 values in the μM‐range, and compound 4 was more effective than compound 3 in most assays studied.
International multicenter psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis reliability trial for the assessment of skin, joints, nails, and dactylitis
Authors: Chandran Vinod , Gottlieb Alice , Cook Richard J. , Duffin Kristina Callis , Garg Amit , Helliwell Philip , Kavanaugh Arthur , Krueger Gerald G. , Langley Richard G. , Lynde Charles , McHugh Neil , Mease Philip , Olivieri Ignazio , Rahman Proton , Rosen Cheryl F. , Salvarani Carlo , Thaci Diamant , Toloza Sergio M. A. , Wong Maxine Yat Wing , Zhou Qian M. , Gladman Dafna D.
Published: August 2009

Objective

Clinical trials in psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) involve assessment of the skin and joints. This study aimed to determine whether assessment of the skin and joints in patients with PsA by rheumatologists and dermatologists is reproducible.

Methods

Ten rheumatologists and 9 dermatologists from 7 countries met for a combined physical examination exercise to assess 20 PsA patients (11 men, mean age 51 years, mean PsA duration 11 years). Each physician assessed 10 patients according to a modified Latin square design that enabled the assessment of patient, assessor, and order effect. Tender joint count (TJC), swollen joint count (SJC), dactylitis, physician's global assessment (PGA) of PsA disease activity (PGA‐PsA), psoriasis body surface area (BSA), Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI), Lattice System Physician's Global Assessment of psoriasis (LS‐PGA), National Psoriasis Foundation Psoriasis Score (NPF‐PS), modified Nail Psoriasis Severity Index (mNAPSI), number of fingernails with nail changes (NN), and PGA of psoriasis activity (PGA‐Ps) were assessed. Variance components analyses were carried out to estimate the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), adjusted for the order of measurements.

Results

There is excellent agreement (ICC ≥0.80) on the mNAPSI, substantial agreement (0.6 ≥ ICC < 0.80) on the TJC, PASI, and NN, moderate agreement (0.4 ≥ ICC < 0.60) on the PGA‐Ps, LS‐PGA, NPF‐PS, and BSA, and fair agreement (0.2 ≥ ICC < 0.40) on the SJC, dactylitis, and PGA‐PsA. The only measure that showed a significant difference between dermatologists and rheumatologists was dactylitis (P = 0.0005).

Conclusion

There is substantial to excellent agreement on the TJC, PASI, NN, and mNAPSI among rheumatologists and dermatologists.
Does the weather really matter? A cohort study of influences of weather and solar conditions on daily variations of joint pain in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Smedslund Geir , Mowinckel Petter , Heiberg Turid , Kvien Tore Kristian , Hagen Kåre Birger
Published: August 2009

Objective

To explore how reported joint pain in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) relates to weather and solar variables.

Methods

A prospective cohort study was conducted in Norway on 36 patients with stable RA. Daily reports of pain in the morning on a visual analog scale for 84 consecutive days were correlated (using time‐series methodology) with records of atmospheric and solar variables for the same days.

Results

Pain was significantly associated with 3 or more external variables in 6 (17%) of the patients, with 1 or 2 external variables in 16 (44%) of the patients, and no associations were observed in 14 (39%) of the patients. The multivariate model explained between 19% and 64% of the variance in pain (R2) in the patients with associations to at least 3 weather/solar variables. The patients differed in the variables they responded to and in which direction, except for consistent negative associations between pain and ultraviolet light dose, and between pain and solar radio flux/sunspot count. The associations were mostly with same‐day weather, but also lagged up to 3 days. We were not able to fit a statistically significant model at the group level.

Conclusion

Weather sensitivity seems to be a continuum and a highly individual phenomenon in patients with RA. In the present sample, pain was significantly associated with 3 or more weather variables in 1 out of 6 patients, for whom the magnitude of weather sensitivity might significantly influence pain reporting in clinical care and research.
Elevated expression of interleukin‐7 receptor in inflamed joints mediates interleukin‐7–induced immune activation in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Hartgring Sarita A. Y. , van Roon Joel A. G. , Wijk Marion Wenting‐van , Jacobs Kim M. G. , Jahangier Zalima N. , Willis Cynthia R. , Bijlsma Johannes W. J. , Lafeber Floris P. J. G.
Published: August 2009

Objective

To evaluate the expression and functional ability of the high‐affinity interleukin‐7 receptor (IL‐7Rα) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

Expression of IL‐7Rα and IL‐7 was determined in synovial tissue from RA patients and was compared with that in synovial tissue from patients with undifferentiated arthritis (UA) and osteoarthritis (OA). IL‐7Rα expression on CD4 T cells, CD19 B cells, and CD14 monocyte/macrophages from RA synovial tissue, synovial fluid, and peripheral blood was also assessed. The proliferative capacity of IL‐7Rαbright and IL‐7Rαdim/− T cells was measured. In addition, we examined IL‐7R blockade with soluble human IL‐7Rα (hIL‐7Rα) in the prevention of immune activation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells.

Results

We found significantly higher IL‐7Rα expression in RA and UA synovial tissue than in OA synovial tissue, and the level of IL‐7Rα expression correlated significantly with the levels of CD3 and IL‐7 expression. CD4 T cells from RA synovial fluid and synovial tissue strongly expressed IL‐7Rα. A substantial percentage of B cells and macrophages from RA synovial fluid and synovial tissue also expressed IL‐7Rα, although less prominently than T cells. We found that peripheral blood IL‐7Rαbright T cells that did not express FoxP3 were highly proliferative as compared with IL‐7Rαdim/− T cells that did express high levels of FoxP3. Soluble hIL‐7Rα inhibited IL‐7–induced proliferation and interferon‐γ production by mononuclear cells from RA patients.

Conclusion

Our data suggest that enhanced expression of IL‐7Rα and IL‐7 in RA patients contributes significantly to the joint inflammation by activating T cells, B cells, and macrophages. The inhibition of IL‐7R–mediated immune activation by soluble hIL‐7Rα further indicates an important role of IL‐7Rα in inflammatory responses in RA, suggesting IL‐7Rα as a therapeutic target for immunotherapy in RA.
Nuclear autoantigen CENP‐B transactivation of the epidermal growth factor receptor via chemokine receptor 3 in vascular smooth muscle cells
Authors: Robitaille Geneviève , Christin Marie‐Soleil , Clément Isabelle , Senécal Jean‐Luc , Raymond Yves
Published: August 2009

Objective

We have previously found that the CENP‐B nuclear autoantigen, which is specifically targeted by autoantibodies in the limited cutaneous form of systemic sclerosis, behaved as a potent migratory factor for human pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs). Other recent studies have shown that several disease‐associated autoantigens induced cell migration by interacting with various chemokine receptors. Prompted by this hypothesis, we undertook this study to determine whether CENP‐B interacts with chemokine receptors on the surface of human PASMCs, to explore the relevant signaling pathways, and to characterize the effects of anti–CENP‐B binding on SMC stimulation.

Methods

To demonstrate the expression of specific chemokine receptors by human PASMCs at both the messenger RNA and protein levels, reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction, immunoblotting, and flow cytometry analyses were performed. Desensitization studies and specific inhibitors were used to further identify the CENP‐B target on the surface of human PASMCs.

Results

Our data strongly suggested that CENP‐B used chemokine receptor 3 (CCR3) to mediate human PASMCs signaling. Moreover, several lines of evidence indicated that CENP‐B binding subsequently stimulated the cross‐talk between CCR3 and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) via a matrix metalloprotease–dependent mechanism that involved the processing of heparin‐binding EGF‐like growth factor. Transactivation of the EGFR through CCR3 was found to be a critical pathway that elicits MAP kinase activation and secretion of cytokines such as interleukin‐8. Finally, anti–CENP‐B autoantibodies were found to abolish this signaling pathway, thus preventing CENP‐B from transactivating EGFR and exerting its cytokine‐like activities toward vascular smooth muscle cells.

Conclusion

The identification of CENP‐B as a CCR3 ligand opens up new perspectives for the study of the pathogenic role of anti–CENP‐B autoantibodies.
Neurologic signs and symptoms in fibromyalgia
Authors: Watson Nathaniel F. , Buchwald Dedra , Goldberg Jack , Noonan Carolyn , Ellenbogen Richard G.
Published: August 2009

Objective

To determine the type and frequency of neurologic signs and symptoms in individuals with fibromyalgia (FM).

Methods

Persons with FM (n = 166) and pain‐free controls (n = 66) underwent systematic neurologic examination by a neurologist blinded to disease status. Neurologic symptoms lasting at least 3 months were assessed with a standard questionnaire. We used logistic regression to evaluate the association of neurologic symptoms and examination findings with FM status. Within the FM group we examined the correlation between self‐reported symptoms and physical examination findings.

Results

Age‐ and sex‐adjusted estimates revealed that compared with the control group, the FM group had significantly more neurologic abnormalities in multiple categories, including greater dysfunction in cranial nerves IX and X (42% versus 8%) and more sensory (65% versus 25%), motor (33% versus 3%), and gait (28% versus 7%) abnormalities. Similarly, the FM group had significantly more neurologic symptoms than the control group in 27 of 29 categories, with the greatest differences observed for photophobia (70% versus 6%), poor balance (63% versus 4%), and weakness (58% versus 2%) and tingling (54% versus 4%) in the arms or legs. Poor balance or coordination, tingling or weakness in the arms or legs, and numbness in any part of the body correlated with appropriate neurologic examination findings in the FM group.

Conclusion

This blinded, controlled study demonstrated neurologic physical examination findings in persons with FM. The FM group had more neurologic symptoms than did the controls, with moderate correlation between symptoms and signs. These findings have implications for the medical evaluation of patients with FM.
Decline in rheumatoid vasculitis prevalence among US veterans: A retrospective cross‐sectional study
Authors: Bartels Christie , Bell Carolyn , Rosenthal Ann , Shinki Kazuhiko , Bridges Alan
Published: August 2009

Objective

To examine trends in the prevalence of rheumatoid vasculitis in a national US population comprising both hospitalized and ambulatory patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

In this serial cross‐sectional study, we analyzed data on hospitalized and ambulatory patients spanning 22 years (1985–2006) and 10 years (1997–2006), respectively, to determine the prevalence of rheumatoid vasculitis, as defined by the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision. Our search encompassed data collected on a predominantly male study population during 10 million hospitalizations and outpatient visits, and included annual data on >37,000 RA patients. To test for a decrease in rheumatoid vasculitis prevalence, breakpoint analysis was performed using stepwise Chow and Durbin‐Watson tests.

Results

There was a clear decline in the prevalence of rheumatoid vasculitis, and this decline remained evident even after accounting for a decreased number of hospitalizations among RA patients. Peak prevalence occurred among hospitalized patients in the 1980s, and prevalence gradually declined throughout the 1990s. Furthermore, simultaneous breakpoints representing a significant drop in rheumatoid vasculitis prevalence between the years 2000 and 2001 were demonstrated for both inpatients (P < 0.000) and outpatients (P < 0.003). The prevalence of vasculitis dropped 53% among inpatients and 31% among outpatients between 2000 and 2001.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrate a significant decline in rheumatoid vasculitis prevalence after 2000 in this nationwide sample of hospitalized and ambulatory patients. The clear, consistent drop in prevalence provides an opportunity for the formulation of causal hypotheses, including consideration of the impact of biologic agents used to treat RA, on rheumatoid vasculitis.
Inhibition of interleukin‐6 receptor directly blocks osteoclast formation in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Axmann Roland , Böhm Christina , Krönke Gerhard , Zwerina Jochen , Smolen Josef , Schett Georg
Published: August 2009

Objective

To investigate the efficacy of a murine anti–interleukin‐6 receptor (anti–IL‐6R) antibody in directly blocking tumor necrosis factor (TNF)– and RANKL‐mediated osteoclastogenesis in vitro and in vivo.

Methods

The efficacy of a murine antibody against IL‐6R in blocking osteoclast differentiation of mononuclear cells stimulated with RANKL was tested. In addition, arthritic human TNFα–transgenic mice were treated with anti–IL‐6R antibody, and osteoclast formation and bone erosion were assessed in arthritic paws.

Results

Blockade of IL‐6R dose dependently reduced osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption in monocyte cultures stimulated with RANKL or RANKL plus TNF. In human TNFα–transgenic mice, IL‐6R blockade did not inhibit joint inflammation, but it strongly reduced osteoclast formation in inflamed joints as well as bone erosion in vivo. Neither the cell influx into joints nor the synovial expression of IL‐6 and RANKL changed with IL‐6R blockade, while the synovial expression of IL‐1 was significantly reduced. In contrast, TNF‐mediated systemic bone loss was not inhibited by IL‐6R blockade.

Conclusion

These data suggest that blockade of IL‐6R directly affects osteoclast formation in vitro and in vivo, suggesting a direct and specific effect of anti–IL‐6R therapy on osteoclasts independently of its antiinflammatory effects. This effect adds significantly to the structure‐sparing potential of pharmacologic blockade of IL‐6R in arthritis.
Loss of β1 integrin in mouse fibroblasts results in resistance to skin scleroderma in a mouse model
Authors: Liu Shangxi , Kapoor Mohit , Denton Christopher P. , Abraham David J. , Leask Andrew
Published: August 2009

Objective

Activated adhesive signaling is a hallmark of fibroblasts isolated from the scars of scleroderma (systemic sclerosis) lesions. Beta‐1 integrin plays a key role in adhesive signaling. The aim of the present study was to examine the role of β1 integrin in a mouse model of skin scleroderma using mice bearing a fibroblast‐specific deletion of β1 integrin.

Methods

Cutaneous sclerosis was induced by subcutaneous injection of bleomycin. Control groups were treated with phosphate buffered saline. Mice bearing a fibroblast‐specific deletion of β1 integrin and control mice were investigated. Dermal thickness, collagen production, and the number of α‐smooth muscle actin–positive cells were determined. The quantity of the collagen‐specific amino acid hydroxyproline was also measured.

Results

Bleomycin treatment induced marked cutaneous thickening and fibrosis in control mice. Conversely, the deletion of β1 integrin resulted in resistance to bleomycin‐induced fibrosis.

Conclusion

Expression of β1 integrin by fibroblasts is required for fibrogenesis. Inhibition of β1 integrin may be a viable method to alleviate the development of cutaneous sclerosis.
SIRT1 regulation of apoptosis of human chondrocytes
Authors: Takayama Koji , Ishida Kazunari , Matsushita Takehiko , Fujita Norifumi , Hayashi Shinya , Sasaki Ken , Tei Katsumasa , Kubo Seiji , Matsumoto Tomoyuki , Fujioka Hiroyuki , Kurosaka Masahiro , Kuroda Ryosuke
Published: August 2009

Objective

SIRT1 is known to inhibit apoptosis and to promote survival of various types of cells. However, the roles of SIRT1 in apoptosis of human chondrocytes have never been reported. We undertook this study to investigate the relationship of SIRT1 to apoptosis of human chondrocytes, which is a characteristic feature of osteoarthritis (OA).

Methods

The expression of SIRT1 in human chondrocytes was examined by reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction, immunoblotting, and immunohistology of human cartilage samples. The expression of SIRT1 under catabolic, mechanical, and nutritional stresses was investigated by immunoblotting. To examine the effect of SIRT1 on apoptosis, SIRT1 was inhibited by small interfering RNA (siRNA) and activated by resveratrol during nitric oxide (NO)–induced apoptosis. TUNEL staining and immunoblotting of cleaved poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerase (PARP) were performed to detect apoptosis. To examine the mechanisms of apoptosis, we used immunoblotting to determine the levels of cleaved caspases and mitochondria‐related apoptotic signaling proteins, Bax and Bcl‐2, in the mitochondrial fraction.

Results

SIRT1 expression was confirmed in human chondrocytes and human cartilage samples. All catabolic, mechanical, and nutritional stresses inhibited SIRT1 expression. SIRT1 inhibition by siRNA for SIRT1 increased the percentage of TUNEL‐positive cells and increased the amounts of cleaved PARP and cleaved caspases 3 and 9 induced by NO. In contrast, treatment with resveratrol decreased the percentage of TUNEL‐positive cells and decreased the amounts of cleaved PARP and cleaved caspases 3 and 9 induced by NO. Furthermore, in the mitochondrial fraction, SIRT1 inhibition by siRNA for SIRT1 increased the amount of Bax but reduced the amount of Bcl‐2, while resveratrol reduced the amount of Bax but increased the amount of Bcl‐2.

Conclusion

These results indicate that SIRT1 regulates apoptosis in human chondrocytes through the modulation of mitochondria‐related apoptotic signals. Further research on SIRT1 might contribute to resolving the pathogenesis of OA.
Study on the resonance Rayleigh scattering and resonance non‐linear scattering spectra of ion‐association complexes of [PdI4]2−‐protein systems and their analytical applications
Authors: Luo Jia‐Gang , Liu Zhong‐Fang , Kong Ling , Hu Xiao‐Li , Liu Shao‐Pu
Published: August 2009

In an acid medium solution, proteins such as bovine serum albumin, human serum albumin, ovalbumin, hemoglobin, lysozyme,γ‐globulin,α‐chymotrypsin and papain could react with [PdI4]2−by virtue of electrostatic attraction and hydrophobic force to form ion‐association complexes. As a result, the resonance Rayleigh scattering (RRS) and resonance nonlinear scattering such as second‐order scattering (SOS) and frequency doubling scattering (FDS) intensities were enhanced greatly and new scattering spectra appeared. The maximum scattering peaks of RRS, SOS and FDS were at 367, 720 and 370 nm, respectively. The enhanced RRS, SOS and FDS intensities were directly proportional to the concentrations of proteins. The detection limits for the different proteins were 2.4–11.8 ng/mL for RRS method, 9.5–47.9 ng/mL for SOS method and 4.6–18.5 ng/mL for FDS method. In this work, the influences of the interaction of [PdI4]2−with proteins on spectral characteristics of RRS, SOS and FDS were investigated and the optimum conditions were tested. Meanwhile, the effects of coexisting substances were tested and the results showed that the method exhibited a good selectivity. Based on the above research, a highly sensitive, simple and rapid method for the determination of trace amounts of proteins by resonance light scattering technique has been developed. It can be applied to the determination of proteins in tablet, human serum and urine samples. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Electrochemiluminescence of an electrocatalytic action of etimicin on Tris(2,2′‐bipyridyl)ruthenium(II) immobilized in Nafion modified carbon paste electrode
Authors: Zhuang Yafeng , Zhang Jintao
Published: August 2009

A sensitive electrochemiluminescence (ECL) detection of etimicin at Tris(2,2′‐bipyridyl)ruthenium(II) [Ru(bpy)32+]–Nafion modified carbon paste electrodes was developed. The immobilized Ru(bpy)32+ shows good electrochemical and photochemical activities. Electrochemical and electrochemiluminescence characterizations of the modified carbon electrodes were made by means of cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impendence spectroscopy. The modified electrode showed an electrocatalytic response to the oxidation of etimicin, producing a sensitized ECL signal. The ECL sensor showed a linear response to etimicin in the range of 8.0–160.0 ng mL−1 with a detection limit of 6.7 ng mL−1. This method for etimicin determination possessed good sensitivity and reproducibility with a coefficient of variation of 5.1% (n = 7) at 100 ng mL−1. The ECL sensor showed good selectivity and long‐term stability. Its surface could be renewed quickly and reproducibly by a simple polish step. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Significant improvement in photoluminescence of ZnSe(S) alloyed quantum dots prepared in high pH solution
Authors: Zan Feng , Ren Jicun
Published: August 2009

In this paper, we described a simple approach for aqueous synthesis of highly luminescent ZnSe(S) alloyed quantum dots (QDs) in the presence of 3‐mercaptopropionic acid as stabilizers using zinc chloride and NaHSe as precursors. The synthesis conditions were systematically investigated. We observed that the pH value of the Zn precursor solution had significant influence on the optical properties and the structure of the as‐prepared ZnSe(S) QDs. The optimal pH value and molar ratio of Zn2+ to HSe− were 12.0 and 25 : 1 respectively. Under the optimal conditions, we prepared highly photoluminescent ZnSe(S) QDs at up to 31% quantum yield (compared with Rhodamine 6G). The characterization of HRTEM and XRD showed that the ZnSe(S) QDs had good monodispersity and nice crystal structure. The fluorescence life time spectra demonstrated that ZnSe(S) QDs had a long lifetime in contrast to fluorescent dyes. Compared with the currently used organometallic approach, our method was ‘green’, the reaction condition was mild and the as‐prepared ZnSe(S) QDs were water‐soluble. More importantly, our method was low cost, and was very suitable for large‐scale synthesis of highly luminescent ZnSe(S) QDs for the future applications. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
IgLON cell adhesion molecules regulate synaptogenesis in hippocampal neurons
Authors: Hashimoto Takashi , Maekawa Shohei , Miyata Seiji
Published: August 2009

IgLON cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) belonging to the immunoglobulin superfamily comprise of LAMP, neurotrimin (Ntm), OBCAM, and Kilon. In the present study, we performed the single and double transfection of IgLON gene constructs into hippocampal neurons in vitro and evaluated synaptic number. The quantitative analysis showed that the single over‐expression of LAMP or OBCAM increased synaptic number, while the over‐expression of Kilon reduced synaptic number and Ntm had no effects. The double over‐expression of Kilon‐Ntm, Kilon‐OBCAM, LAMP‐Ntm, and Ntm‐OBCAM decreased synaptic number and that of Kilon‐LAMP and LAMP‐OBCAM had no effect. These results suggest that IgLON CAMs participate in regulating synapse formation in hippocampal neurons. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chemical Approaches to DNA Nanotechnology
Authors: Endo Masayuki , Sugiyama Hiroshi
Published: August 2009

Due to its self‐assembling nature, DNA is undoubtedly an excellent molecule for the creation of various multidimensional nanostructures and the placement of functional molecules and materials. DNA molecules behave according to the programs of their sequences. Mixtures of numbers of DNA molecules can be placed precisely and organized into single structures to form nanoarchitectures. Once the appropriate sequences for the target nanostructure are established, the predesigned structure can be built up by self‐assembly of the designed DNA strands. DNA nanotechnology has already reached the stage at which the organization of desired functional molecules and nanomaterials can be programmed on a defined DNA scaffold. In this review, we will focus on DNA nanotechnology and describe the potential of synthetic chemistry to contribute to the further development of DNA nanomaterials.