bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Connections between real polynomial solutions of hypergeometric-type differential equations with Rodrigues formula
Authors: Weber Hans 
Published: February 2007

Abstract
Starting from the Rodrigues representation of polynomial solutions of the general hypergeometric-type differential equation complementary polynomials are constructed using a natural method. Among the key results is a generating function in closed form leading to short and transparent derivations of recursion relations and addition theorem. The complementary polynomials satisfy a hypergeometric-type differential equation themselves, have a three-term recursion among others and obey Rodrigues formulas. Applications to the classical polynomials are given.
Electron transport in multilayer structures in a strong magnetic field
Authors: Galbova Olga , Kirichenko Olga , Krstovska Danica , Peschansky Valentin 
Published: February 2007

Abstract
A linear response of the electron system of multilayer conducting structures placed in a strong magnetic field to an external action in the form of an electric field and a temperature gradient is studied theoretically. It is shown that joint investigations of the magnetoresistance and the thermo-emf allows new important information on the structure of the electron energy spectrum to be obtained and the presence of Q1D sheets of the Fermi surface to be revealed.
The impact of tourniquet on patient satisfaction in carpal tunnel decompression
Authors: Nagpal Kamal , Gossiel Mohammed , Kumar Hari 
Published: February 2007

Abstract
Release of the transverse carpal ligament can be performed safely under local anesthesia and without the use of tourniquet. There are conflicting reports for the use of tourniquet in carpal tunnel syndrome. The aim of the study was to compare the patient satisfaction with and without tourniquet in patients with carpal tunnel decompression. This was a retrospective study performed in twenty-four patients who underwent bilateral carpal tunnel decompression. All the patients were diagnosed using a combination of clinical history, clinical tests and EMG recordings.
One side was operated with use of tourniquet and other side without. Patient evaluation measure was used to assess the satisfaction score. A telephonic interview was conducted and patients were asked the questions regarding discomfort caused by tourniquet. The results demonstrated that there was a significant difference in discomfort at the tourniquet site at the time of operation (p<0.00017). Long term, there was no apparent difference in functional outcome of patients operated on with or without tourniquet. There was also no significant difference in subjective sensation, grip or use of hand in patients who underwent carpal tunnel release with or without tourniquet. We conclude that we should not use tourniquet in carpal tunnel decompression.
Structural Transformations during Formation of Quasi‐Amorphous BaTiO3
Authors: Ehre D. , Cohen H. , Lyahovitskaya V. , Tagantsev A. , Lubomirsky I. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractA model of structural transformations of amorphous into quasi‐amorphous BaTiO3 is suggested. The model is based on previously published data and on X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy data presented in the current report. Both amorphous and quasi‐amorphous phases of BaTiO3 are made up of a network of slightly distorted TiO6 octahedra connected in three different ways: by apices (akin to perovskite), edges, and faces. Ba ions in these phases are located in the voids between the octahedra, which is a nonperovskite environment. These data also suggest that Ba ions compensate electrical‐charge imbalance incurred by randomly connected octahedra and, thereby, stabilize the TiO6 network. Upon heating, the edge‐to‐edge and face‐to‐face connections between TiO6 octahedra are severed and then reconnected via apices. Severing the connections between TiO6 octahedra requires a volume increase, suppression of which keeps some of the edge‐to‐edge and face‐to‐face connections intact. Transformation of the amorphous thin films into the quasi‐amorphous phase occurs during pulling through a steep temperature gradient. During this process, the volume increase is inhomogeneous and causes both highly anisotropic strain and a strain gradient. The strain gradient favors breaking those connections, which aligns the distorted TiO6 octahedra along the direction of the gradient. As a result, the structure becomes not only anisotropic and non‐centrosymmetric, but also acquires macroscopic polarization. Other compounds may also form a quasi‐amorphous phase, providing that they satisfy the set of conditions derived from the suggested model.
Atherosclerosis and risk for dementia
Authors: van Oijen Marieke , Jan de Jong Frank , Witteman Jacqueline C. M. , Hofman Albert , Koudstaal Peter J. , Breteler Monique M. B. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjectiveAtherosclerosis has been implicated in the development of dementia and its major subtypes, Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia. However, support for this association mainly comes from cross‐sectional studies. We investigated the association of atherosclerosis with dementia and subtypes of dementia during long follow‐up, with various noninvasive measures of atherosclerosis.MethodsThis study was based on 6,647 participants in the Rotterdam Study, a population‐based prospective cohort study among 7,983 elderly subjects. At baseline (1990–1993) and at the third survey (1997–1999), common carotid intima media thickness, carotid plaques, and peripheral arterial disease (measured as ankle–brachial index) were measured. During follow‐up (mean, 9.0 years), 678 subjects developed dementia. We estimated the associations of different measures of atherosclerosis with risk for dementia and subtypes of dementia by means of Cox proportional hazard models. Analyses were repeated and stratified on duration of follow‐up. To evaluate competing risk for mortality, we examined the association between measures of atherosclerosis and risk for dementia or mortality by combining the two in a single outcome measure.ResultsWe found that atherosclerosis, predominantly carotid atherosclerosis, was associated with an increased risk for dementia during short follow‐up. This association attenuated with longer follow‐up, likely because of the strong association between atherosclerosis and mortality. The associations did not differ across apolipoprotein E genotypes.InterpretationOur findings suggest that atherosclerosis is associated with an increased risk for dementia. Stronger associations between atherosclerosis and mortality may attenuate the association between atherosclerosis and dementia in prospective cohort studies with long follow‐up periods. Ann Neurol 2007
Tribological and mechanical properties of carbon‐nanofiber‐filled polytetrafluoroethylene composites
Authors: Shi Yijun , Feng Xin , Wang Huaiyuan , Lu Xiaohua , Shen Jianyi 
Published: February 2007

AbstractThe effects of various filler concentrations (0.1, 0.5, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, and 3 wt %) on the tribological and mechanical properties of carbon‐nanofiber (CNF)‐filled polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) composites were studied. Moreover, the influence of various loads (50, 100, 150, and 200 N) and sliding velocities (0.692 and 1.39 m/s) on the friction and wear behaviors of the PTFE composites was investigated. The results showed that the friction coefficients of the PTFE composites decreased initially up to a 0.5 wt % filler concentration and then increased, whereas the antiwear properties of the PTFE composites increased by 1–2 orders of magnitude in comparison with those of pure PTFE. The composite with a 2 wt % filler concentration had the best antiwear properties under all friction conditions. The friction coefficients of the CNF/PTFE composites decreased with increases in the load and sliding velocity, whereas the wear volume loss of the PTFE composites increased. At the same time, the results also indicated that the mechanical properties of the PTFE composites increased first up to a 1 wt % filler concentration and then decreased as the filler concentration was increased above 1 wt %. In comparison with pure PTFE, the impact strength, tensile strength, and elongation to break of the PTFE composites increased by 40, 20, and 70%, respectively, at a 1 wt % filler concentration. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 104: 2430–2437, 2007
Reactive extrusion of recycled poly(ethylene terephthalate) with polycarbonate by addition of chain extender
Authors: Tang Xianwen , Guo Weihong , Yin Guorong , Li Binyao , Wu Chifei 
Published: February 2007

AbstractPoly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) resin is one of the most widely used engineering plastic with high performance, but the poor impact strength limits its applications for the notch sensitivity. In this research, toughened PET alloy was prepared by blending recycled PET with polycarbonate (PC) and MDI (methylenediphenyl diisocyanate). Intrinsic viscosity and melt viscosity measurements proved increase of the molecular weights of PET via chain‐extending reaction. FTIR and DMA results proved that some PET–PC copolymers were produced and the compatibility of PET phase and PC phase was improved. In addition, the reaction induced by MDI also affected the crystallization behaviors of PET, as observed from DSC results, and the crytallinity of PET decreased with the increase of MDI content. For all of these effects of MDI of increasing of molecular weight, improving of compatibility, and limiting the crystallization behaviors of PET/PC alloy, the notched‐impact strength was greatly improved from 17.3 to 70.5 kJ/m2. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 104: 2602–2607, 2007
Synthesis, 1H‐NMR characterization, and biodegradation behavior of aliphatic–aromatic random copolyester
Authors: Chen Xirong , Chen Wei , Zhu Guixiang , Huang Fengxing , Zhang Jingchang 
Published: February 2007

AbstractAliphatic‐aromatic copolyesters of poly(butylene adipate‐co‐butylene terephthalate) have been synthesized by polycondensation. Molecular weights and thermal properties have been measured. The four samples of copolyesters, with aromatic contents, varying from 40 to 60 mol %, were investigated by 1H‐NMR spectroscopy to determine copolymers composition and microstructure. For all samples, the biodegradation experiment was carried out in compost, to study copolyesters degradation behavior. Using 1H‐NMR, we noticed that the average sequence length and content of the aliphatic unit decrease and those of the aromatic unit increase. The molecular weights of the samples distinctly drop after composting. In all degraded samples, the trace of growing microorganisms was found on their surfaces by scanning electron microscopy. In combination with the results, the degradation behavior has been studied in the middle stage of copolyester degradation. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 104: 2643–2649, 2007
A macrophage marker, siglec‐1, is increased on circulating monocytes in patients with systemic sclerosis and induced by type i interferons and toll‐like receptor agonists
Authors: York Michael R. , Nagai Taro , Mangini Alyson J. , Lemaire Raphaël , van Seventer Jean Maguire , Lafyatis Robert 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjectiveMicroarray analyses of peripheral blood leukocytes have shown that patients with systemic lupus erythematosus express increased levels of type I interferon (IFN)–regulated genes. In this study we examined gene expression by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) to better understand the dysregulation of the immune system in this disease.MethodsPBMC gene expression was analyzed by microarray and confirmed by real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Surface protein expression of Siglec‐1 was analyzed by flow cytometry in PBMCs from healthy control subjects and patients with SSc, and in control PBMCs that were cultured in vitro with Toll‐like receptor (TLR) agonists.ResultsSSc patients showed increased expression of a cluster of IFN‐regulated genes, including Siglec‐1 (CD169, sialoadhesin). This result was verified and extended by real‐time PCR, showing that a subset of the SSc patients expressed strikingly increased levels of Siglec‐1 messenger RNA (mRNA). Flow cytometry of PBMCs from SSc patients and healthy controls showed increased Siglec‐1 surface protein expression, which was restricted to CD14+ monocytes. In vitro studies showed that type I IFN and certain TLR agonists, including TLR‐7 and TLR‐9, induced Siglec‐1 mRNA and protein expression. Moreover, TLR induction of surface Siglec‐1 was shown to be type I IFN–dependent. Increased numbers of Siglec‐1+ cells were observed by immunohistochemistry in the skin of SSc patients compared with healthy controls.ConclusionIncreased expression of Siglec‐1 in circulating SSc monocytes and tissue macrophages suggests that type I IFN–mediated activation of monocytes occurs in SSc, possibly through TLR activation of IFN secretion. These observations indicate a potential role for type I IFN–activated monocyte/macrophages in the pathogenesis of SSc.
Early effects of rituximab on the synovial cell infiltrate in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Vos Koen , Thurlings Rogier M. , Wijbrandts Carla A. , van Schaardenburg Dirkjan , Gerlag Daniëlle M. , Tak Paul P. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjectiveTo study the specific effects of rituximab treatment on the synovium in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) early after initiation of treatment.MethodsSeventeen RA patients underwent an arthroscopic synovial biopsy procedure directly before and 1 month after receiving 2 infusions of the chimeric anti‐CD20 monoclonal antibody rituximab (1,000 mg on days 1 and 15; both without methylprednisolone premedication). Immunohistochemical analysis was performed to characterize the cell infiltrate. Stained tissue sections were analyzed by digital image analysis. Statistical analysis was performed using Wilcoxon's signed rank test.ResultsNo significant change in the Disease Activity Score 28‐joint assessment was found at 4 weeks after the first rituximab infusion. At 2 and 4 weeks after infusion, B cells in peripheral blood were almost completely depleted. Most B cells in the synovium were found in large lymphocyte aggregates. Interestingly, a significant reduction in B cell numbers at sites of inflammation was observed 4 weeks after treatment (median 26 cells/mm2 [interquartile range 4–150] before treatment and 11 cells/mm2 [interquartile range 0–29] after treatment; P < 0.02). B cells disappeared completely in 3 patients, whereas there was partial depletion in 11 patients. In the other 3 patients, no B cells were present in biopsy tissues obtained either pretreatment or posttreatment. No reductions in other synovial cell populations were observed at 4 weeks.ConclusionRituximab treatment leads to a rapid and significant decrease in synovial B cell numbers, but not in all patients. Whether the variable tissue response is related to the clinical response over time remains to be clarified.
The diagnostic significance of soluble CD163 and soluble interleukin‐2 receptor α‐chain in macrophage activation syndrome and untreated new‐onset systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis
Authors: Bleesing Jack , Prada Anne , Siegel David M. , Villanueva Joyce , Olson Judyann , Ilowite Norman T. , Brunner Hermine I. , Griffin Thomas , Graham Thomas B. , Sherry David D. , Passo Murray H. , Ramanan Athimalaipet V. , Filipovich Alexandra , Grom Alexei A. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjectiveMacrophage activation syndrome is characterized by an overwhelming inflammatory reaction driven by excessive expansion of T cells and hemophagocytic macrophages. Levels of soluble interleukin‐2 receptor α (sIL‐2Rα) and soluble CD163 (sCD163) may reflect the degree of activation and expansion of T cells and macrophages, respectively. This study was undertaken to assess the value of serum sIL‐2Rα and sCD163 in diagnosing acute macrophage activation syndrome complicating systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).MethodsEnzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay was used to assess sIL‐2Rα and sCD163 levels in sera from 7 patients with acute macrophage activation syndrome complicating systemic JIA and 16 patients with untreated new‐onset systemic JIA. The results were correlated with clinical features of established macrophage activation syndrome, including ferritin levels.ResultsThe median level of sIL‐2Rα in the patients with macrophage activation syndrome was 19,646 pg/ml (interquartile range [IQR] 18,128), compared with 3,787 pg/ml (IQR 3,762) in patients with systemic JIA (P = 0.003). Similarly, the median level of sCD163 in patients with macrophage activation syndrome was 23,000 ng/ml (IQR 14,191), compared with 5,480 ng/ml (IQR 2,635) in patients with systemic JIA (P = 0.017). In 5 of 16 patients with systemic JIA, serum levels of sIL‐2Rα or sCD163 were comparable with those in patients with acute macrophage activation syndrome. These patients had high inflammatory activity associated with a trend toward lower hemoglobin levels (P = 0.11), lower platelet counts, and significantly higher ferritin levels (P = 0.02). Two of these 5 patients developed overt macrophage activation syndrome several months later.ConclusionLevels of sIL‐2Rα and sCD163 are promising diagnostic markers for macrophage activation syndrome. They may also help identify patients with subclinical macrophage activation syndrome.
Regulation of matrix metalloproteinase gene expression by a retinoid X receptor–specific ligand
Authors: Burrage Peter S. , Huntington Jonathan T. , Sporn Michael B. , Brinckerhoff Constance E. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the effects of LG100268 (LG268), a synthetic ligand for the nuclear hormone receptor retinoid X receptor, on the expression of matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP‐1) and MMP‐13 induced by proinflammatory cytokines in a chondrocyte model.MethodsSW‐1353 human chondrosarcoma cells were used to study the effects of LG268 on interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β)–stimulated MMP production and collagen degradation. Gene expression was determined by quantitative real‐time reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction, and protein levels were determined by Western blot analysis. Collagen degradation was determined by an in vitro matrix destruction assay. The effects of LG268 on nuclear protein binding and histone acetylation were determined by electrophoretic mobility shift assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation assay, respectively.ResultsLG268 treatment specifically antagonized the IL‐1β–mediated induction of MMP‐1 and MMP‐13 heterogeneous nuclear RNA, messenger RNA, and protein. The inhibitory effect of LG268 was found to be due to a decrease in the rate of MMP‐1 and MMP‐13 transcription. LG268 treatment also prevented the in vitro degradation of a type I collagen matrix by IL‐1β–treated SW‐1353 cells. The inhibitory effect of LG268 on MMP‐1 and MMP‐13 transcription appears to be mediated, at least in part, through modulation of histone modification in regions of the MMP‐1 and MMP‐13 promoters that contain binding sites for activator protein 1 transcription factors.ConclusionThese data indicate that LG268 treatment selectively inhibits inflammatory cytokine–induced production of MMP‐1 and MMP‐13 at the level of gene transcription and blocks collagen destruction by proinflammatory cytokine–stimulated chondrocytic cells. This study is among the first to describe how rexinoids affect gene expression, and the findings suggest that the rexinoid class of compounds may have a future role in preventing the irreversible collagen destruction seen in the arthritides.
Expression and proinflammatory role of proteinase‐activated receptor 2 in rheumatoid synovium: Ex vivo studies using a novel proteinase‐activated receptor 2 antagonist
Authors: Kelso Elizabeth B. , Ferrell William R. , Lockhart John C. , Elias‐Jones Iona , Hembrough Todd , Dunning Lynette , Gracie J. Alastair , McInnes Iain B. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjectiveSerine proteinases activate the G protein–coupled receptor, proteinase‐activated receptor 2 (PAR‐2), via cleavage and exposure of a tethered ligand. PAR‐2 is known to exert proinflammatory actions in a murine model of arthritis, since PAR‐2–deficient mice exhibit strikingly reduced articular inflammation. This study was undertaken to examine synovial PAR‐2 expression and to determine the effect of a novel PAR‐2 antagonist on synovial cytokine production, in order to investigate the hypothesis that PAR‐2 plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).MethodsUsing a monoclonal antibody to human PAR‐2, expression in RA synovium and cultured synovial fibroblasts was characterized. The novel PAR‐2 antagonist, ENMD‐1068, was added to primary cultures of RA synovial tissue, from which spontaneous cytokine release was measured.ResultsPAR‐2 was substantially up‐regulated in RA synovium compared with control synovial tissue from patients with osteoarthritis or seronegative inflammatory arthritis, neither of which exhibited significant PAR‐2 expression. Importantly, spontaneous release of tumor necrosis factor α and interleukin‐1β from RA synovium was substantially inhibited by ENMD‐1068, in a dose‐dependent manner.ConclusionThese findings identify PAR‐2 as a novel upstream regulator of proinflammatory cytokine production in RA and indicate its potential as a novel therapeutic target in inflammatory arthritis.
Increased collagen and aggrecan degradation with age in the joints of Timp3−/− mice
Authors: Sahebjam Solmaz , Khokha Rama , Mort John S. 
Published: February 2007

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the in vivo effect of an imbalance between metalloproteinases and their inhibitors, tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs), in mouse articular cartilage.MethodsHind joints of Timp3−/− and wild‐type mice were examined by routine staining and by immunohistochemical analysis using antibodies specific for type X collagen and for the neoepitopes produced on proteolytic cleavage of aggrecan (… VDIPEN and … NVTEGE) and type II collagen. The neoepitope generated on cleavage of type II collagen by collagenases was quantitated in sera by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.ResultsArticular cartilage from Timp3‐knockout animals (ages ≥6 months) showed reduced Safranin O staining and an increase in …VDIPEN content compared with cartilage from heterozygous and wild‐type animals. There was also a slight increase in … NVTEGE content in articular cartilage and menisci of Timp3−/− animals. Chondrocytes showed strong pericellular staining for type II collagen cleavage neoepitopes, particularly in the superficial layer, in knockout mice. Also, there was more type X collagen expression in the superficial zone of articular cartilage, especially around clusters of proliferating chondrocytes, in the knockout mice. More type II collagen cleavage product was found in the serum of Timp3−/− mice compared with wild‐type animals. This increase was significant in 15‐month‐old animals.ConclusionThese results indicate that TIMP‐3 deficiency results in mild cartilage degradation similar to changes seen in patients with osteoarthritis, suggesting that an imbalance between metalloproteinases and TIMP‐3 may play a pathophysiologic role in the development of this disease.