bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Novel high performance copper clad laminates based on bismaleimide/aluminium borate whisker hybrid matrix
Authors: Gu Aijuan , Liang Guozheng 
Published: October 2006

AbstractA novel method to prepare high performance copper clad laminates (CCLs) was developed by using bismaleimide/aluminum borate (Al18B4O33) whisker hybrid as the matrix. The typical important properties such as thermal, mechanical, and dielectric properties of CCLs were investigated in detail. Results show that the incorporation of surface treated Al18B4O33 whiskers with suitable concentration can noticeably increase the flexural strength and modulus, interlayer shear strength, the heat distortion temperature, as well as dielectric properties of the CCLs. Intensive studies show that the improved concrete strength of the matrix and that in the direction of thickness of CCLs are contributed to the noticeable improvement of mechanical properties of CCLs by using the hybrid matrix. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 1325–1331, 2007
Berberine finishing for developing antimicrobial nylon 66 fibers: % exhaustion, colorimetric analysis, antimicrobial study, and empirical modeling
Authors: Son Young‐A. , Kim Byung‐Soon , Ravikumar K. , Kim Tae‐Kyeong 
Published: October 2006

AbstractBerberine, a natural cationic colorant was successfully employed onto nylon 66 fiber in this research. The effects of three important variables, namely pH, temperature, and liquor ratio were examined on the % exhaustion, color strengths, and color yields of the sample. It has been employed in antimicrobial finishing as a natural agent on nylon 66 due to its characteristics of cationic quaternary ammonium salt. Antimicrobial activity of the sample was studied against Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (ATCC 4352) according to test method KS K 0693‐2001 and the corresponding berberine finished sample showed very effective antimicrobial functions showing about 99.9% of bacterial reduction against above‐mentioned two bacteria. The maximum % exhaustion, color strengths, and color yields were obtained at 98 °C, alkaline condition (pH 11) and lower liquor ratio (20 : 1). An appropriate predictable empirical models were also developed using Excel solver function incorporating interaction effects of all variables to predict the % exhaustion, color strength(K/S), and the satisfactory results (R2 > 0.99) were obtained. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 1175–1182, 2007
Electron‐beam‐induced crosslinking of natural rubber/acrylonitrile–butadiene rubber latex blends in the presence of ethoxylated pentaerythritol tetraacrylate used as a crosslinking promoter
Authors: Chowdhury Rajesh 
Published: October 2006

AbstractA natural rubber latex, an acrylonitrile–butadiene rubber latex, and their 50: 50 blends were exposed to an electron beam in air. A polyfunctional monomer, ethoxylated pentaerythritol tetraacrylate, was used as a crosslinking promoter. Cast films from the irradiated systems were characterized for their gel contents, swelling properties, and tensile strength. An increase in the radiation dose from 0 to 500 kGy resulted in increased crosslinking, as measured by an increase in the gel content and better swelling resistance. The effect of the polyfunctional monomer, ethoxylated pentaerythritol tetraacrylate, as a crosslinking promoter was studied with infrared spectros copy. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 1206–1214, 2007
Habitat mapping and conservation analysis to identify critical streams for Arizona's native fish
Authors: Turner Dale S. , List Michael D. 
Published: October 2006

Abstract
Arizona's native fish species are among the most imperilled fauna in North America. Knowing the current distribution of native fish and their habitat is critical to their management and conservation, but the last detailed mapping effort was more than 30 years ago and pre‐dated computer mapping techniques.
Current distribution of 34 native fish species was modelled by identifying perennial stream segments for which species presence had been documented. A composite of these single‐species maps displays a pattern of species richness that can inform conservation, especially when overlaid with maps of management status or invasive species.
The map overlays suggest that conservation priorities should include Eagle Creek, the Verde River and its tributaries, Aravaipa Canyon, the Virgin River and Black Draw, which together hold 63% of native fish species. Of the 32 streams that support five or more native species, 28 have at least one non‐native fish species, indicating that a more aggressive programme of removing non‐natives may be critical to maintaining those native populations.
The U.S. Forest Service and Native American tribes administer the majority of occupied stream habitat (30% and 27%, respectively). While private lands hold the third‐highest amount of occupied habitat (19%), they control streams occupied by the greatest total number of native species (30). Conservationists should work more with private land owners, while also coordinating efforts with the U.S. Forest Service and North American tribes.
These data are publicly available (on the Internet, URL: www.azconservation.org) to encourage refinement and use.
Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Valproic acid‐induced fetal malformations are reduced by maternal immune stimulation with granulocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factor or interferon‐γ
Authors: Hrubec Terry C. , Yan Mingjin , Ye Keying , Salafia Carolyn M. , Holladay Steven D. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractValproic acid, a drug commonly used to treat seizures and other psychiatric disorders, causes neural tube defects (NTDs) in exposed fetuses at a rate 20 times higher than in the general population. Failure of the neural tube to close during development results in exencephaly or anencephaly, as well as spina bifida. In mice, nonspecific activation of the maternal immune system can reduce fetal abnormalities caused by diverse etiologies, including diabetes‐induced NTDs. We hypothesized that nonspecific activation of the maternal immune system with interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) and granulocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (GM‐CSF) could reduce valproic acid (VA)‐induced defects as well. Female CD‐1 mice were given immune stimulant prebreeding: either IFN‐γ or GM‐CSF. Approximately half of the control and immune‐stimulated pregnant females were then exposed to 500 mg/kg VA on the morning of gestational day 8. The incidence of developmental defects was determined on gestational day 17 from at least eight litters in each of the following treatment groups: control, VA only, IFN‐γ only, IFN‐γ + VA, GM‐CSF only, and GM‐CSF + VA. The incidence of NTDs was 18% in fetuses exposed to VA alone, compared to 3.7% and 2.9% in fetuses exposed to IFN‐γ + VA, or GM‐CSF + VA respectively. Ocular defects were also significantly reduced from 28.0% in VA exposed groups to 9.8% in IFN‐γ + VA and 12.5% in GM‐CSF + VA groups. The mechanisms by which maternal immune stimulation prevents birth defects remain unclear, but may involve maternal or fetal production of cytokines or growth factors which protect the fetus from the dysregulatory effects of teratogens. Anat Rec Part A, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A novel autoantibody to a 155‐kd protein is associated with dermatomyositis
Authors: Targoff Ira N. , Mamyrova Gulnara , Trieu Edward P. , Perurena Osvaldo , Koneru Bhanu , O'Hanlon Terrance P. , Miller Frederick W. , Rider Lisa G. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractObjectiveIn polymyositis and dermatomyositis (DM), identified autoantibodies occur in <50% of adult patients and in a smaller proportion of children. This study was undertaken as part of a larger effort to define novel autoantibodies that assist in the clinical evaluation of myositis.MethodsSera from children and adults satisfying criteria for idiopathic inflammatory myopathies and from patients with other connective tissue diseases (CTDs), patients with noninflammatory myopathies, and healthy individuals were tested for autoantibodies by immunoprecipitation (IP). A previously unrecognized autoantibody that immunoprecipitated a 155‐kd protein along with a weaker 140‐kd protein was seen. When the presence of this anti‐p155 autoantibody in test sera was suggested based on IP results, it was confirmed by immunoblotting of immunoprecipitates.ResultsSera from 51 of 244 myositis patients (21%), including 30 with juvenile DM (29%), 5 with juvenile CTD–associated myositis (33%), 8 with adult DM (21%), 6 with cancer‐associated DM (75%), and 2 with adult CTD–associated myositis (15%), were found to have anti‐p155 autoantibody. One of 49 patients with lupus, and none of 89 others without myositis, had anti‐p155. Caucasian patients with anti‐p155 had a unique HLA risk factor, DQA1*0301 (odds ratio 5.4, corrected P = 0.004). In adults with anti‐p155, of several clinical features assessed only the frequency of V‐sign rash was increased, but patients with this antibody were clinically distinct from those with autoantibodies to aminoacyl–transfer RNA synthetases.ConclusionA newly recognized autoantibody, anti‐p155, is associated with DM and cancer‐associated DM, and is one of the most common autoantibodies in this condition, occurring as frequently in children as in adults. The clinical features and immunogenetics associated with anti‐p155 differ from those associated with antisynthetases.
Large‐scale gene expression profiling reveals major pathogenetic pathways of cartilage degeneration in osteoarthritis
Authors: Aigner Thomas , Fundel Katrin , Saas Joachim , Gebhard Pia M. , Haag Jochen , Weiss Tilo , Zien Alexander , Obermayr Franz , Zimmer Ralf , Bartnik Eckart 
Published: October 2006

AbstractObjectiveDespite many research efforts in recent decades, the major pathogenetic mechanisms of osteoarthritis (OA), including gene alterations occurring during OA cartilage degeneration, are poorly understood, and there is no disease‐modifying treatment approach. The present study was therefore initiated in order to identify differentially expressed disease‐related genes and potential therapeutic targets.MethodsThis investigation consisted of a large gene expression profiling study performed based on 78 normal and disease samples, using a custom‐made complementary DNA array covering >4,000 genes.ResultsMany differentially expressed genes were identified, including the expected up‐regulation of anabolic and catabolic matrix genes. In particular, the down‐regulation of important oxidative defense genes, i.e., the genes for superoxide dismutases 2 and 3 and glutathione peroxidase 3, was prominent. This indicates that continuous oxidative stress to the cells and the matrix is one major underlying pathogenetic mechanism in OA. Also, genes that are involved in the phenotypic stability of cells, a feature that is greatly reduced in OA cartilage, appeared to be suppressed.ConclusionOur findings provide a reference data set on gene alterations in OA cartilage and, importantly, indicate major mechanisms underlying central cell biologic alterations that occur during the OA disease process. These results identify molecular targets that can be further investigated in the search for therapeutic interventions.
Activation of nitric oxide signaling by the rheumatoid arthritis shared epitope
Authors: Ling Song , Lai Angela , Borschukova Olga , Pumpens Paul , Holoshitz Joseph 
Published: October 2006

AbstractObjectiveSusceptibility to rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is closely associated with HLA–DRB1 alleles encoding a shared epitope (SE) in positions 70–74 of the HLA–DRβ chain. The mechanistic basis for this association is unknown. Given the proposed pathogenic role of nitric oxide (NO) in RA, this study was undertaken to examine whether the SE can trigger NO signaling events.MethodsThe intracellular levels of NO were measured with the fluorescent NO probe 4,5‐diaminofluorescein diacetate and by the 2,3‐diaminonaphthalene method. NO synthase activity was determined by measuring the rate of conversion of radioactive arginine to citrulline. Levels of cGMP were measured with a commercial enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, and the cytolytic activity of T cells was measured using a standard 51Cr release assay.ResultsLymphoblastoid B cell lines carrying SE‐positive HLA–DR alleles displayed a higher rate of spontaneous NO production compared with SE‐negative cells. L cell transfectants expressing SE‐positive DR molecules on their surface also generated higher levels of NO. Tetrameric HLA–DR molecules containing a DRβ‐chain encoded by the SE‐positive DRB1*0401 allele stimulated fibroblast cells to produce higher levels of NO compared with cells stimulated with a control HLA–DR tetramer. Multimeric hepatitis B core proteins engineered to express region 65–79 encoded by the DRB1*0401 allele, but not the same region encoded by the control allele DRB1*0402, stimulated NO production in fibroblasts. Similarly, synthetic 15‐mer peptides corresponding to the region 65–79 encoded by SE‐positive alleles triggered increased NO levels when incubated with class II major histocompatibility complex–negative cells. The signaling pathway was found to involve NO synthase activation, followed by increased production of cGMP. SE‐triggered increased NO levels inhibited cytolytic elimination of target cells.ConclusionThe SE can trigger NO‐mediated signaling events in opposite cells, and may thereby contribute to RA pathogenesis.
NK026680, a novel suppressant of dendritic cell function, prevents the development of rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis and perinuclear antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody in SCG/Kj mice
Authors: Saiga Kan , Tokunaka Kazuhiro , Ichimura Eiji , Toyoda Eriko , Abe Fuminori , Yoshida Minako , Furukawa Hiroshi , Nose Masato , Ono Masao 
Published: October 2006

AbstractObjectiveNK026680 is a newly identified type of immunosuppressive agent that inhibits dendritic cell (DC) functions and consequently reduces the mortality of mice with experimental acute graft‐versus‐host disease. This study was undertaken to evaluate NK026680 suppression of DC functions in preventing development of rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis (RPGN) and perinuclear antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (pANCA) in SCG/Kj mice.MethodsOral administration of NK026680 to SCG/Kj mice began when mice were 8–10 weeks old, before the onset of disease, and continued for 56 days. The efficacy of NK026680 was evaluated using the mortality of mice, the results of urinalysis, histopathologic evaluation for glomerular injury, and immunofluorescence staining for the detection of immune complex (IC) deposition in glomeruli, and by assessing lymphadenopathy and measuring autoantibody titers.ResultsOral administration of NK026680 at a dosage of 25 mg/kg once daily or 50 mg/kg once daily significantly suppressed 1) spontaneous mortality, 2) proteinuria and hematuria, 3) blood urea nitrogen levels, 4) glomerular damage characterized histopathologically, 5) IC deposition in glomeruli, 6) the development of pANCA and anti‐DNA antibodies, and 7) lymphadenopathy.ConclusionThe newly identified DC inhibitor, NK026680, prevented the onset of RPGN, autoantibody production, and lymphadenopathy in SCG/Kj mice, suggesting a crucial role for DC function in these autoimmune phenotypes. NK026680 may be a potent immunosuppressive agent for the treatment of ANCA‐associated renovascular disorders.
Expansion of toll‐like receptor 9–expressing B cells in active systemic lupus erythematosus: Implications for the induction and maintenance of the autoimmune process
Authors: Papadimitraki Eva D. , Choulaki Christianna , Koutala Eleni , Bertsias George , Tsatsanis Christos , Gergianaki Irini , Raptopoulou Amalia , Kritikos Heraklis D. , Mamalaki Clio , Sidiropoulos Prodromos , Boumpas Dimitrios T. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractObjectiveToll‐like receptors (TLRs) are pattern‐associated receptors in innate immunity that may be involved in the recognition of self antigens and the production of pathogenic autoantibodies. This study was undertaken to examine the expression and function of various TLRs in subpopulations of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).MethodsThe expression of TLRs in PBMCs from 50 SLE patients with active disease (SLE Disease Activity Index [SLEDAI] score ≥8; n = 26) or inactive disease (SLEDAI score <8; n = 24) and 20 healthy controls was studied by flow cytometry. TLR expression was assessed on various subpopulations of PBMCs (TLR‐2 and TLR‐4 by membrane staining; TLR‐3 and TLR‐9 by intracellular staining). TLR function was accessed by stimulating PBMCs with specific ligands.ResultsThe proportion of B cells and monocytes expressing TLR‐9 was higher among patients with active SLE (mean ± SD 49.5 ± 24.4% and 30.7 ± 24.1%, respectively) than among patients with inactive disease (22.8 ± 19.6% and 14.3 ± 8.4%, respectively; P = 0.02 and P = 0.03). Among B cells, the proportion of plasma cells and memory B cells expressing TLR‐9 was increased in patients with active SLE. Increased percentages of TLR‐9–expressing B cells correlated with the presence of anti–double‐stranded DNA antibodies (P = 0.007). Treatment with serum from patients with active disease increased the percentage of TLR‐9–expressing plasma cells in serum from healthy controls. Enhanced induction of HLA–DR after TLR‐9 stimulation was documented in B cells from patients with active disease.ConclusionIn patients with active SLE, the proportion of peripheral blood memory B cells and plasma cells expressing TLR‐9 is increased. Endogenous nucleic acids released during apoptotic cell death may stimulate B cells via TLR‐9 and contribute to SLE pathogenesis.
B cell depletion therapy in systemic lupus erythematosus: Effect on autoantibody and antimicrobial antibody profiles
Authors: Cambridge G. , Leandro M. J. , Teodorescu M. , Manson J. , Rahman A. , Isenberg D. A. , Edwards J. C. 
Published: October 2006

AbstractObjectiveAutoantibody production in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is associated with abnormalities of B cell function and phenotype. Clinical responses to B cell depletion therapy (BCDT), based on rituximab, are encouraging. Therefore, we undertook this study to investigate the effect of BCDT on antibody profiles.MethodsSerial sera from 16 patients with active, refractory SLE were assayed for antinucleosome antibodies, anti–double‐stranded DNA (anti‐dsDNA), anti–extractable nuclear antigen, anti–tetanus toxoid, and antibodies to pneumococcal capsular polysaccharide for at least 1 year following BCDT. Anti‐dsDNA antibodies derived from the VH4.34 immunoglobulin germ line gene (9G4+) were also measured.ResultsAll patients achieved peripheral B cell depletion and improved clinically for at least 3 months. Antinucleosome and anti‐dsDNA antibodies decreased to a mean ± SD of 64 ± 37% and 38 ± 33% of baseline values, respectively, by 6–8 months post‐BCDT. Levels of other autoantibodies and antimicrobial antibodies were generally unchanged. In the 9 of 16 patients who were still well at 1 year, anti‐dsDNA antibodies fell to 42 ± 36% of baseline values at 6–8 months and to 37 ± 33% at 10–14 months. In patients who had disease flares within 1 year of BCDT, levels of these antibodies decreased to 60 ± 40% and 83 ± 93% of baseline values at 6–8 months and at 10–14 months, respectively. Circulating anti‐dsDNA antibodies were positive for 9G4 expression in 4 of 6 patients tested, and flares in 2 of these patients were accompanied by rises in 9G4+ anti‐dsDNA antibodies.ConclusionThese observations suggest that B cell clones committed to producing antinucleosome and anti‐dsDNA antibodies, including the VH4.34 subpopulation of anti‐dsDNA antibodies, have a relatively rapid turnover compared with B cell clones producing other antibodies. There was also a trend toward a greater and more sustained decrease in anti‐dsDNA antibodies in patients with clinical benefit lasting >1 year.
Simultaneous assessment of short‐term gastrointestinal benefits and cardiovascular risks of selective cyclooxygenase 2 inhibitors and nonselective nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs: An instrumental variable analysis
Authors: Schneeweiss Sebastian , Solomon Daniel H. , Wang Philip S. , Rassen Jeremy , Brookhart M. Alan 
Published: October 2006

AbstractObjectiveTo simultaneously assess the short‐term reduction in risk of gastrointestinal (GI) complications and increase in risk of acute myocardial infarction (MI) by celecoxib compared with rofecoxib and several nonselective nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) using instrumental variable analysis.MethodsA population of 49,711 Medicare beneficiaries ages 65 years and older who initiated nonselective NSAID or selective cyclooxygenase 2 inhibitor therapy between January 1, 1999, and December 31, 2002, was identified. The increase in risk of GI complications and MI within 180 days after initiation of NSAID (rofecoxib, diclofenac, ibuprofen, and naproxen compared with celecoxib) therapy was assessed using instrumental variable analysis.ResultsCompared with nonselective NSAIDs, celecoxib reduced the risk of GI complications by 1.4 per 100 users but increased the risk of MI by 0.3 per 100 users. Rofecoxib decreased GI complications by 1.1 per 100 users and increased the risk of MI by 0.3 per 100 users. Using celecoxib as the reference exposure showed an increase in the MI risk for rofecoxib (risk difference [RD] 1.40, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] −0.20, 3.01) and diclofenac (RD 6.07, 95% CI −0.02, 12.15). The RD for naproxen as well as its upper 95% CI was the lowest of all NSAIDs (RD −0.30, 95% CI −2.74, 2.14) and there was no significant difference in GI complication rates among all NSAIDs.ConclusionIn this instrumental variable analysis, diclofenac and rofecoxib had the least favorable benefit–risk balance among NSAIDs in older adults.
Synthesis, Solution Thermodynamics, and X‐ray Study of CuII [12]Metallacrown‐4 with GABA Hydroxamic Acid: An Unprecedented Crystal Structure of a [12]MC‐4 with a γ‐Aminohydroxamate
Authors: Tegoni Matteo , Ferretti Luca , Sansone Francesco , Remelli Maurizio , Bertolasi Valerio , Dallavalle Francesco 
Published: October 2006

AbstractThe solution equilibria of γ‐aminobutanehydroxamic acid (GABAha) with H+ and Cu2+ were investigated by potentiometry, titration calorimetry, spectrophotometry, NMR spectroscopy, and ESI‐MS. The thermodynamic parameters of the CuII [12]metallacrown‐4 obtained for GABAha were compared with those of the corresponding complexes of (S)‐α‐Alaha and β‐Alaha. The stability (−ΔG0) sequence was β‐Alaha≫α‐Alaha>GABAha, whereas the order of formation enthalpies (−ΔH0) was β‐Alaha≫GABAha>α‐Alaha. These data were interpreted on the basis of the dimensions of the chelate rings and the planarity of the metallamacrocycles. The CuII [12]metallacrown‐4 ([12]MC‐4) complex of GABAha was isolated and its crystal structure, which is the first reported for a [12]MC‐4 of a γ‐aminohydroxamic acid, fully supports the structural features interpreted from the thermodynamic data.