bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
New PCR Test That Recognizes All Human Prototypes of Enterovirus: Application for Clinical Diagnosis
Authors: Bourlet Thomas , Caro Valerie , Minjolle Sophie , Jusselin Isabelle , Pozzetto Bruno , Crainic Radu , Colimon Ronald 
Published: April 2003

ABSTRACT
We describe a new PCR test (Penter RT-PCR) that recognizes all 64 prototypes of enterovirus. Sixty clinical samples were analyzed in parallel with this Penter RT-PCR and previously described PCR tests: 34 and 32 samples tested positive, respectively. This assay is suitable for use in clinical diagnosis, and its ability to amplify all known serotypes makes it more useful than other consensus PCR tests.
New Method for Typing
Staphylococcus aureus
Strains: Multiple-Locus Variable-Number Tandem Repeat Analysis of Polymorphism and Genetic Relationships of Clinical Isolates
Authors: Sabat Artur , Krzyszton-Russjan Jolanta , Strzalka Wojciech , Filipek Renata , Kosowska Klaudia , Hryniewicz Waleria , Travis James , Potempa Jan 
Published: April 2003

ABSTRACT

The PCR-based methodology applied to multiple-locus variable numbers of tandem repeat (VNTR) analysis was recently shown to be a useful technique for the molecular typing of clinical isolates of several bacterial species. We have adopted this method for the molecular typing of methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
. Five staphylococcal VNTR loci (
sdr
,
clfA
,
clfB
,
ssp
, and
spa
) were subjected to analysis, and it was shown that the method allows typing of
S
.
aureus
strains with the discriminatory power and reproducibility of pulsed-field gel electrophoresis while at the same time being rapid and applicable to analysis of large numbers of isolates.
Age-adjusted International Prognostic Index predicts autologous stem cell transplantation outcome for patients with relapsed or primary refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma
Authors: Hamlin Paul A. , Zelenetz Andrew D. , Kewalramani Tarun , Qin Jing , Satagopan Jaya M. , Verbel David , Noy Ariela , Portlock Carol S. , Straus David J. , Yahalom Joachim , Nimer Stephen D. , Moskowitz Craig H. 
Published: April 2003

Abstract
Second-line chemotherapy followed by high-dose therapy (HDT) with autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) cures less than half of the patients with relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Prognostic models capable of predicting outcome are essential. In 3 sequential clinical trials, conducted from January 1993 to August 2000, we treated 150 patients with relapsed or primary refractory DLBCL with ifosfamide, carboplatin, and etoposide (ICE) chemotherapy followed by HDT/ASCT for patients with chemosensitive disease. We evaluated the age-adjusted International Prognostic Index at the initiation of second-line therapy (sAAIPI) as a predictor of progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). At a median follow-up of 4 years, the PFS and OS are 28% and 34% by intention to treat and 39% and 45% for only those patients with chemosensitive disease. Three risk groups with different PFS and OS were identified by the sAAIPI: low risk (0 factors), 70% and 74%; intermediate risk (1 factor), 39% and 49%; and high risk (2 or 3 factors), 16% and 18% (P &lt; .001 for both PFS and OS). The sAAIPI also predicts the PFS and OS for patients with ICEchemosensitive disease: low risk, 69% and 83%; intermediate risk, 46% and 55%; and high risk, 25% and 26% (P &lt; .001 PFS and OS). The sAAIPI predicts outcome for patients with relapsed or primary refractory DLBCL in both intent-to-treat and chemosensitive populations. This powerful prognostic instrument should be used to evaluate new treatment approaches and to compare results of different regimens.
Gastric function and its contribution to the postprandial metabolic response of the Burmese pythonPython molurus
Authors: Secor Stephen M. 
Published: April 2003

SUMMARYThe large intact prey ingested by Burmese pythons require considerable processing by the stomach before passage into the small intestine. To investigate the function and cost of gastric digestion and its contribution to postprandial metabolic response for the Burmese python, I examined the rate of gastric digestion, the postprandial profile of gastric pH and the effects of decreasing gastric workload on the metabolic cost of digestion, referred to as specific dynamic action (SDA). Ingested meal mass (equivalent to 25% of snake body mass) was reduced by 18% within 1 day postfeeding, by which time intragastric pH had decreased from 7.5 to 2. Gastric pH was maintained at 1.5 for the next 5–7 days, after which it returned to 7.5. The SDA generated by digesting an intact rat meal was reduced by 9.1%, 26.0%, 56.5% and 66.8%,respectively, when pythons were fed steak, ground rat, liquid diet or ground rat directly infused into the small intestine. The production of HCl and enzymes and other gastric functions represent an estimated 55% of the python's SDA generated from the digestion of an intact rodent meal. Additional contributors to SDA include protein synthesis (estimated 26%),gastrointestinal upregulation (estimated 5%) and the activities of the pancreas, gallbladder, liver, kidneys and intestines during digestion(estimated 14%). Operating on a `pay before pumping' principle, pythons must expend endogenous energy in order to initiate acid production and other digestive processes before ingested nutrients can be absorbed and channeled into metabolic pathways.
Aquatic turning performance by the whirligig beetle: constraints on maneuverability by a rigid biological system
Authors: Fish Frank E. , Nicastro Anthony J. 
Published: April 2003

SUMMARYTurning performance is constrained by morphology, where the flexibility of the body and the mobility and position of the control surfaces determine the level of performance. The use of paddling appendages in conjunction with the rigid bodies of aquatic arthropods could potentially limit their turning performance. Whirligig beetles (Coleoptera: Gyrinidae) are rigid-bodied, but these aquatic insects can swim rapidly in circular patterns. Turning performance of swimming whirligig beetles (Dineutes horni) was assessed by videotaping beetles in a small (115 mm diameter) arena at 500 frames s–1 and 1000 frames s–1. Curved trajectories were executed as continuous powered turns. Asymmetrical paddling of the outboard legs was used to power the turn. Turns were produced also by abduction of the inboard elytra and vectored thrust generated from sculling of the wing at 47.14 Hz. The abducted elytra increased drag and acted as a pivot. Swimming speeds varied from 0.06 m s–1 to 0.55 m s–1 (4.7–44.5 L s–1). Relative minimum radius was 24%of body length. Maximum rate of turn was 4428 degrees s–1 with maximum centripetal acceleration of 2.86 g. Turning radius was weakly associated with swimming velocity,although minimum values of the radius showed no correlation with velocity. Turning rate was also related indirectly to radius and directly to centripetal acceleration. Compared to vertebrates with flexible bodies, the relative turning radius of whirligig beetles is constrained by a rigid body and use of drag-based propulsive mechanisms. However, these mechanisms permit continuous turning, and the size of the beetle permits higher turn rates with lower centripetal accelerations.
New Morphology-controlled Poly(aniline) Synthesis Using Anionic Porphyrin Aggregate as a Template
Authors: Hatano Tsukasa , Takeuchi Masayuki , Ikeda Atsushi , Shinkai Seiji 
Published: April 2003

Abstract
It was found that 5,10,15,20-tetrakis(4-sulfonatophenyl)porphyrin (TPPS), which is known to aggregate in a one-dimensional direction in water, acted as a template for electrochemical polymerization of aniline on ITO electrode. Examinations using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and UV–vis spectroscopy established that J-aggregated TPPS molecules were entrapped in the resultant poly(aniline). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observation established that poly(aniline) grew up to a nanosized rod-like structure, reflecting the aggregation structure of TPPS. It is a very novel and important finding that poly(aniline), which has been believed to result in only “rigid” film, can be morphologically controlled using a “template method”.
Identification of the first non‐Jewish mutation in familial Dysautonomia
Authors: Leyne Maire , Mull James , Gill Sandra P. , Cuajungco Math P. , Oddoux Carole , Blumenfeld Anat , Maayan Channa , Gusella James F. , Axelrod Felicia B. , Slaugenhaupt Susan A. 
Published: April 2003

AbstractFamilial Dysautonomia is an autosomal recessive disease with a remarkably high carrier frequency in the Ashkenazi Jewish population. It has recently been estimated that as many as 1 in 27 Ashkenazi Jews is a carrier of FD. The FD gene has been identified as IKBKAP, and two disease‐causing mutations have been identified. The most common mutation, which is present on 99.5% of all FD chromosomes, is an intronic splice site mutation that results in tissue‐specific skipping of exon 20. The second mutation, R696P, is a missense mutation that has been identified in 4 unrelated patients heterozygous for the major splice mutation. Interestingly, despite the fact that FD is a recessive disease, normal mRNA and protein are expressed in patient cells. To date, the diagnosis of FD has been limited to individuals of Ashkenazi Jewish descent and identification of the gene has led to widespread diagnostic and carrier testing in this population. In this report, we describe the first non‐Jewish IKBKAP mutation, a proline to leucine missense mutation in exon 26, P914L. This mutation is of particular significance because it was identified in a patient who lacks one of the cardinal diagnostic criteria for the disease–pure Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry. In light of this fact, the diagnostic criteria for FD must be expanded. Furthermore, in order to ensure carrier identification in all ethnicities, this mutation must now be considered when screening for FD. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Brief communication: Y‐chromosome haplotypes in Egypt
Authors: Lucotte G. , Mercier G. 
Published: April 2003

AbstractWe analyzed Y‐chromosome haplotypes in the Nile River Valley in Egypt in 274 unrelated males, using the p49a,f TaqI polymorphism. These individuals were born in three regions along the river: in Alexandria (the Delta and Lower Egypt), in Upper Egypt, and in Lower Nubia. Fifteen different p49a,f TaqI haplotypes are present in Egypt, the three most common being haplotype V (39.4%), haplotype XI (18.9%), and haplotype IV (13.9%). Haplotype V is a characteristic Arab haplotype, with a northern geographic distribution in Egypt in the Nile River Valley. Haplotype IV, characteristic of sub‐Saharan populations, shows a southern geographic distribution in Egypt. Am J Phys Anthropol 121:000–000, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Comparative morphology of the pollical distal phalanx
Authors: Shrewsbury M.M. , Marzke M.W. , Linscheid R.L. , Reece S.P. 
Published: April 2003

AbstractFunctional analysis of human pollical distal phalangeal (PDP) morphology is undertaken to establish a basis for the assessment of fossil hominid PDP morphology. Features that contribute to the effectiveness of grips involving the distal thumb and finger pulp areas include: 1) distal thumb interphalangeal joint morphology, facilitating PDP conjunct pronation with flexion; 2) differentiation of a proximal, mobile pulp region from a distal, stable pulp region, providing for firm precision pinch grips and precision handling of objects; and 3) asymmetric attachment of the flexor pollicis longus (FPL) tendon fibers, favoring PDP conjunct pronation. A proportionately larger size of the ulnar vs. radial ungual spine suggests differential loading intensity of the ulnar side of the proximal ungual pulp and supporting nail bed. Stresses at the distal interphalangeal joint are indicated by the presence of a sesamoid bone within the volar (palmar) plate, which also increases the length of the flexor pollicis longus tendon moment arm. Dissections of specimens from six nonhuman primate genera indicate that these human features are shared variably with individuals in other species, although the full pattern of features appears to be distinctively human. Humans share variably with these other species all metric relationships examined here. The new data identify a need to systematically review long‐standing assumptions regarding the range of precision and power manipulative capabilities that might reasonably be inferred from morphology of the distal phalangeal tuberosity and from the FPL tendon insertion site on the PDP. Am J Phys Anthropol 121:000–000, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Brief communication: Study of noncarious cervical tooth lesions in samples of prehistoric, historic, and modern populations from the South of France
Authors: Aubry M. , Mafart B. , Donat B. , Brau J.J. 
Published: April 2003

AbstractNoncarious tooth lesions (NCTL) are frequent findings in contemporary dental practices. Unlike other dental and periodontal diseases, NCTL have not been studied in an anthropological context. The purpose of the present study was to compare the prevalence of NCTL in three archaeological samples from the Copper Age and Middle Ages and in subjects examined in three dental practices. Both archaeological samples and dental‐practice subjects were from southern France. In the archaeological sample group, no NCTL were detected in 3,927 teeth from 259 individuals. In the dental‐practice group, prevalence rates were in agreement with current epidemiological data. Our data also suggest that prevalence of NCTL increases with age and is higher in females. Premolars were the most affected tooth type. Occurrence of NCTL has long been attributed to toothbrushing and to erosion by intrinsic and extrinsic acids. More recently, occlusal stress associated with tooth flexure has been implicated. The reasons underlying the total absence of NCTL in archaeological samples are discussed. The most likely explanations involve differences in lifestyle, diet, and dental condition. Am J Phys Anthropol 121:000–000, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The electrochemistry of some ferrocene derivatives: redox potential and substituent effects
Authors: Batterjee Suzan M. , Marzouk M. I. , Aazab M. E. , El‐Hashash M. A. 
Published: April 2003

AbstractFifteen ferrocene derivatives I–IX (four of which have been prepared for the first time: II, IIIf, V and VIII) have been prepared by Friedel–Crafts acetylation, Claisen condensation, Michael reaction, and ring closure by hydrazine hydrate. The anodic behaviour of these compounds has been studied by cyclic voltammetry at a platinum electrode in an aprotic solvent. All these substituted ferrocenes exhibit a reversible one‐electron oxidation reduction centred at each iron centre, and the effect of substituents on the half‐wave oxidation potential is discussed in terms of their electronic properties. Linear correlations have been observed between these potentials and the Hammett σx constant for the substituents. Cyclic voltammetry has been carried out for ferrocene derivatives IIIa, V and IX. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Interfacial properties of PP/PP composites
Authors: Kitayama T. , Utsumi S. , Hamada H. , Nishino T. , Kikutani T. , Ito H. 
Published: April 2003

AbstractAll‐polypropylene (PP/PP) composites, consisting of homoisotactic PP fibers and a propylene–ethylene random copolymer matrix, were manufactured. The interfacial morphologies and mechanical deformation of the composites were investigated. It was found that a transcrystalline layer was formed in the matrix depending on the molding conditions. This layer is composed of two regions with different morphologies: In one region close (<300 nm) to the fibers, lamellae exist very densely and the c‐axes of the crystal lattices are oriented along the longitudinal direction of the fiber. In the other region, a little away (>300 nm) from the fiber, a cross‐hatched structure was observed. The well‐developed transcrystalline layer could be highly elongated, and no debonding was observed at the fiber/matrix interface by the tensile stress in the direction perpendicular to the fiber. It is conceivable that this is the reason for the observed improvement of the transverse tensile properties in the PP/PP composite with a transcrystalline layer. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 88: 2875–2883, 2003
Glass‐transition temperatures and rheological behavior of methyl methacrylate–styrene random copolymers
Authors: Liu Guodong , Zhang Liucheng , Yao Yanmei , Yang Liting , Gao Jungang 
Published: April 2003

AbstractPoly(methyl methacrylate‐ran‐styrene) copolymers were synthesized under monomer‐starved conditions by emulsion copolymerization. The glass‐transition temperatures (Tg's) of the copolymers were measured by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and torsional braid analysis (TBA). The results showed that the methyl methacrylate–styrene random copolymers produced an asymmetric Tg versus composition curve, which could not even be interpreted by the Johnston equation with different contributions of dyads to the Tg of the copolymer considered. A new sequence distribution equation concerning different contributions of triads was introduced to predict the copolymer's Tg. The new equation fit the experimental data exactly. Also, the Tg determined by TBA (TgTBA) was higher than the one determined by DSC (TgDSC) and the difference was not constant. The rheological behavior of the copolymers was also studied. TgTBA − TgDSC increased with increasing flow index of the melt of the copolymer, and the reason was interpreted. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 88: 2891–2896, 2003
Effect of different isocyanates on the properties of soy‐based polyurethanes
Authors: Javni Ivan , Zhang Wei , Petrović Zoran S. 
Published: April 2003

AbstractNew types of polyurethanes were prepared by reacting soybean oil‐based polyol and different isocyanates. The polyurethanes can be used as foams, elastomers, coatings, adhesives, etc. Their properties strongly depend on crosslinking density and the structure of isocyanates. Aromatic triisocyanates impart the highest density, glass transition, modulus, and tensile strength, but have the lowest elongation at break, swelling in toluene, and impact resistance. Aliphatic triisocyanates and diisocyanates give rubbery materials with the highest elongation at break, highest swelling, and the lowest tensile strength. Polyurethanes with aromatic and cycloaliphatic diisocyanates were similar in properties, with values between those of the two groups. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 88: 2912–2916, 2003
Chemical preparation of conducting polyfuran/poly(2‐chloroaniline) composites and their properties: A comparison of their components, polyfuran and poly(2‐chloroaniline)
Authors: Gök Ayşegül , Sarı Bekir , Talu Muzaffer 
Published: April 2003

AbstractConductive homopolymers and composites of poly(2‐chloroaniline) (P2ClAn) and polyfuran (PFu) were synthesized chemically in hydrous and anhydrous media, and their properties were investigated. The polymers and composites were characterized by Fourier infrared spectroscopy, ultraviolet‐visible absorption spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, scanning electron microscopy, magnetic susceptibility, and conductivity measurements. It was found that the PFu/P2ClAn composite is thermally more stable than both the P2ClAn/PFu composite and the homopolymers. It was determined from Gouy scale measurements that conducting mechanisms of homopolymers and composites are polaron and bipolaron in nature. It was observed that the conductivity and magnetic susceptibility values changed with a changing amount of the guest polymer in the prepared composites. The conductivity (3.21 × 10−2 S/cm) of the P2ClAn/PFu (55.8% m/m) composite was found to be higher than the conductivities of both homopolymers (σPFu = 1.44 × 10−5 S/cm; σP2ClAn = 1.32 × 10−3 S/cm). It was determined that the composites synthesized had different conductivities and morphological and thermal properties from changing synthesis order. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 88: 2924–2931, 2003
Effect of crosslinked structure on SO2 gas sorption properties in amino‐functional copolymers
Authors: Matsuguchi Masanobu , Sakurada Katsuya , Sakai Yoshiro 
Published: April 2003

AbstractSO2 gas sorption properties were examined for poly(styrene‐co‐chloromethyl styrene) functionalized with N,N‐dimethyl‐1,3‐propanediamine (DMPDA). The DMPDA‐functional copolymers were prepared under various reaction conditions. Two types of SO2 sorption behaviors were observed for these DMPDA‐functional copolymers: SO2 sorption capacity was very high irrespective of slow sorption/desorption rates (type I), and the sorption/desorption rates were very fast while SO2 sorption capacity was small (type II). Fourier transform infrared analysis and dielectric loss measurement revealed that the type II sorption behavior was obtained for the highly crosslinked DMPDA‐functional copolymers. The degree of crosslinking was affected by both the solvent used to react DMPDA with the copolymer and the percent conversion of the chloromethyl styrene group. It was confirmed that DMPDA‐functional copolymers having a highly crosslinked structure are suitable materials in quartz crystal microbalance (QCM)‐type polymeric SO2 gas sensors. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 88: 2982–2987, 2003
Inhibition of furin‐like enzymes blocks interleukin‐1α/oncostatin M–stimulated cartilage degradation
Authors: Milner J. M. , Rowan A. D. , Elliott S.‐F. , Cawston T. E. 
Published: April 2003

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the role of furin‐like enzymes in the proteolytic cascades leading to cartilage breakdown and to examine which collagenase(s) contribute to collagen degradation.MethodsBovine nasal cartilage was stimulated to resorb with the addition of interleukin‐1α (IL‐1α)/oncostatin M (OSM) in the presence or absence of a furin inhibitor, Dec‐RVKR‐CH2Cl, or selective matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP‐1) inhibitors. Collagen and proteoglycan levels were determined by assay of hydroxyproline and sulfated glycosaminoglycan, respectively. Collagenase and gelatinase activity were measured using 3H‐acetylated collagen and gelatin zymography, respectively.ResultsThe addition of Dec‐RVKR‐CH2Cl to stimulated cartilage reduced the release of collagen fragments and the levels of active collagenase and MMP‐2, suggesting that furin‐like enzymes are involved in the cascades leading to activation of procollagenases. At MMP inhibitor concentrations that selectively inhibit MMP‐1, no inhibition of collagen release was observed, but increasing the concentration to the 50% inhibition concentration for MMP‐13 resulted in a 50% blockage of collagen release. The addition of Dec‐RVKR‐CH2Cl to resorbing cartilage also partially blocked proteoglycan release, thus demonstrating a role for furin‐activated enzymes in the pathways leading to proteoglycan degradation.ConclusionFurin‐like enzymes are involved in cascades leading to activation of procollagenases and degradation of collagen. MMP‐13, which can be activated by furin‐processed membrane‐type 1 MMP‐1, appears to be a major collagenase involved in collagen degradation induced by IL‐1α/OSM. Furin‐like enzymes also appear to play a role in the pathways leading to proteoglycan degradation. These findings are of importance when considering proteinase inhibition as a target for therapeutic intervention in arthritic diseases.