bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Anti‐tRNP(ser)sec/SLA/LP autoantibodies. Comparative study using in‐house ELISA with a recombinant 48.8 kDa protein, immunoblot, and analysis of immunoprecipitated RNAs
Authors: Torres‐Collado Antoni Xavier , Czaja Albert J. , Gelpí Carmen 
Published: March 2005

Abstract:Background: Antibodies against tRNP(ser)sec (ribonucleoproteins, RNP) have been described in our laboratory as markers of poor outcome in type 1 autoimmune hepatitis (AIH). The antigenic protein has been sequenced and cloned as a 48.8 kDa protein and identified with soluble liver antigen (SLA) and liver–pancreas (LP) antigen. The aim of this paper was to determine the best assay by which to detect these antibodies in type 1 AIH.Methods: A simple and reliable enzyme linked immunoassay based on prokaryotically expressed protein was compared with an immunoblot assay using prokaryotically‐ and eukaryotically‐expressed proteins and an assay based on immunoprecipitated RNAs from HeLa cell extracts. Eighty‐one sera from 58 patients with type 1 AIH, 168 sera from patients with autoimmune diseases or chronic hepatitis C, and 60 sera from healthy subjects were similarly tested.Results: The specificity of the assays was 100%, but the frequency of seropositivity was higher in the assay based on immunoprecipitated RNAs (44.4%) than in the enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) (16%) and the immunoblot assay with prokaryotically (12.34%) and eukaryotically (14.8%)‐expressed protein. There were no clinical differences between the patients positive by ELISA, immunoblot assay, or immunoprecipitated RNAs.Conclusions: These results suggest that the analysis of the immunoprecipitated RNAs is the most useful, sensitive and specific method to detect anti‐tRNP(ser)sec/SLA/LP autoantibodies.
Radiotherapy for painful bone metastases from hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Seong Jinsil , Koom Woong Sup , Park Hee Chul 
Published: March 2005

Abstract: Background:Painful bone metastases are one of the distressing clinical situations in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The purpose of the study was to evaluate the palliative effect of radiotherapy for painful bone metastases from HCC.Patients and Methods:A retrospective analysis was performed upon 51 patients, who were treated with radiotherapy for painful bone metastases from HCC at 77 sites, from January 1991 to June 2000. Twenty patients (39%) presented synchronous metastases, and the remaining 31 patients (61%) showed metachronous metastases. In addition to bone pain, neurologic symptoms and a palpable mass were presented in 13 (25%) and seven (13%) patients, respectively. Twenty‐one patients (41%) had a solitary metastasis and the most frequent site was the vertebra. The total dose of radiotherapy ranged from 12.5 to 50 Gy (median 30 Gy).Results:On the Wisconsin Brief Pain Questionnaire, relief of pain was achieved at 56 sites (73%). The overall survival rate at 2 years was 4% and the median survival time was 5 months. Univariate analysis showed that tumor stage within the liver and the presence of metastases to organs, other than bones, were significant prognostic factors for survival (P<0.05).Conclusion:In conclusion, radiotherapy provides effective palliation for patients with painful bone metastases from HCC during the substantial median survival time.
A weight gain chart for pregnant women designed in Chile
Authors: Mardones Francisco , Rosso Pedro 
Published: March 2005

AbstractThe weight gain chart for pregnant women, developed by Rosso and Mardones (RM chart, 1997), is analysed and compared with other charts in terms of its usefulness for targeting nutritional interventions aimed at preventing low or high birth weights. The RM chart defines categories of maternal nutritional status in early gestation based on weight/height, expressed either as percentage of standard weight (PSW) or body mass index (BMI), and desirable gestational weight gains for each of these categories. Weight gain recommendations of the RM chart are proportional to maternal height. For underweight women the weight recommendation was derived from actual data, while for overweight and obese women it is based on data extrapolations. Since 1987 the Chilean National Health Service has used the RM chart as a standard in prenatal care in all its clinics, covering approximately 70% of the country's population, mostly middle and low income women. During the 1987–2001 period the proportion of underweight pregnant women and infants with birth weight <3000 g decreased significantly and proportionally. Nevertheless, the proportion of obese pregnant women and infants with birth weight ≥4000 g increased during this period. Multifactorial social changes including a decade of substantial economic growth in the country with improved family income, precludes the possibility of determining the efficacy of the RM chart in this group. However, the widespread use of the RM chart indicates that it is a helpful and easy‐to‐use instrument in the field. Further, by its clear graphical presentation of maternal nutritional status it helps draw the attention of health personnel to women who need special nutritional advice and support.
Regulation of the
Vibrio anguillarum
Metalloprotease EmpA by Posttranslational Modification
Authors: Staroscik Andrew M. , Denkin Steven M. , Nelson David R. 
Published: March 2005

ABSTRACT

The zinc metalloprotease EmpA is a virulence factor in the fish pathogen
Vibrio anguillarum
. Previous studies have shown that two strains of
V. anguillarum
regulate
empA
differently. Strain M93Sm exhibits protease activity only in the presence of fish gastrointestinal mucus, while protease activity is detected in NB10 culture supernatant under all stationary-phase conditions. In this study, we use real-time reverse transcription-PCR to show that even in conditions where no protease activity is detected,
empA
transcription occurs. Western blot analysis revealed that EmpA is secreted as a ∼48-kDa proenzyme and that activation occurs extracellularly by the removal of a ∼10-kDa peptide. The presence of stable extracellular pro-EmpA in M93Sm culture supernatants suggests that activation of EmpA is not autolytic.
Novel Dephosphotetrahydromethanopterin Biosynthesis Genes Discovered via Mutagenesis in
Methylobacterium extorquens
AM1
Authors: Chistoserdova Ludmila , Rasche Madeline E. , Lidstrom Mary E. 
Published: March 2005

ABSTRACT

Methylobacterium extorquens
AM1 was used to explore the genetics of dephosphotetrahydromethanopterin (dH
4
MPT) biosynthesis. Strains with mutations in eight “archaeal-type” genes linked on the chromosome of
M. extorquens
AM1 were analyzed for the ability to synthesize dH
4
MPT, and six were found to be dH
4
MPT negative. Putative functions of these genes in dH
4
MPT biosynthesis are discussed.
Women's health groups to improve perinatal care in rural Nepal
Authors: Morrison Joanna , Tamang Suresh , Mesko Natasha , Osrin David , Shrestha Bhim , Manandhar Madan , Manandhar Dharma , Standing Hilary , Costello Anthony 
Published: March 2005

Abstract
Background
Neonatal mortality rates are high in rural Nepal where more than 90% of deliveries are in the home. Evidence suggests that death rates can be reduced by interventions at community level. We describe an intervention which aimed to harness the power of community planning and decision making to improve maternal and newborn care in rural Nepal.

Methods
The development of 111 women's groups in a population of 86 704 in Makwanpur district, Nepal is described. The groups, facilitated by local women, were the intervention component of a randomized controlled trial to reduce perinatal and neonatal mortality rates. Through participant observation and analysis of reports, we describe the implementation of this intervention: the community entry process, the facilitation of monthly meetings through a participatory action cycle of problem identification, community planning, and implementation and evaluation of strategies to tackle the identified problems.

Results
In response to the needs of the group, participatory health education was added to the intervention and the women's groups developed varied strategies to tackle problems of maternal and newborn care: establishing mother and child health funds, producing clean home delivery kits and operating stretcher schemes. Close linkages with community leaders and community health workers improved strategy implementation. There were also indications of positive effects on group members and health services, and most groups remained active after 30 months.

Conclusion
A large scale and potentially sustainable participatory intervention with women's groups, which focused on pregnancy, childbirth and the newborn period, resulted in innovative strategies identified by local communities to tackle perinatal care problems.
Termination of the leprosy isolation policy in the US and Japan : Science, policy changes, and the garbage can model
Authors: Sato Hajime , Frantz Janet E 
Published: March 2005

Abstract
Background
In both the US and Japan, the patient isolation policy for leprosy /Hansen's disease (HD) was preserved along with the isolation facilities, long after it had been proven to be scientifically unnecessary. This delayed policy termination caused a deprivation of civil liberties of the involuntarily confined patients, the fostering of social stigmas attached to the disease, and an inefficient use of health resources. This article seeks to elucidate the political process which hindered timely policy changes congruent with scientific advances.

Methods
Examination of historical materials, supplemented by personal interviews. The role that science played in the process of policy making was scrutinized with particular reference to the Garbage Can model.

Results
From the vantage of history, science remained instrumental in all period in the sense that it was not the primary objective for which policy change was discussed or intended, nor was it the principal driving force for policy change. When the argument arose, scientific arguments were employed to justify the patient isolation policy. However, in the early post-WWII period, issues were foregrounded and agendas were set as the inadvertent result of administrative reforms. Subsequently, scientific developments were more or less ignored due to concern about adverse policy outcomes. Finally, in the 1980s and 1990s, scientific arguments were used instrumentally to argue against isolation and for the termination of residential care.

Conclusion
Contrary to public expectations, health policy is not always rational and scientifically justified. In the process of policy making, the role of science can be limited and instrumental. Policy change may require the opening of policy windows, as a result of convergence of the problem, policy, and political streams, by effective exercise of leadership. Scientists and policymakers should be attentive enough to the political context of policies.
Comparative performance of the 16S rRNA gene in DNA barcoding of amphibians
Authors: Vences Miguel , Thomas Meike , van der Meijden Arie , Chiari Ylenia , Vieites David R 
Published: March 2005

Abstract
Background
Identifying species of organisms by short sequences of DNA has been in the center of ongoing discussions under the terms DNA barcoding or DNA taxonomy. A C-terminal fragment of the mitochondrial gene for cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) has been proposed as universal marker for this purpose among animals.

Results
Herein we present experimental evidence that the mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene fulfills the requirements for a universal DNA barcoding marker in amphibians. In terms of universality of priming sites and identification of major vertebrate clades the studied 16S fragment is superior to COI. Amplification success was 100% for 16S in a subset of fresh and well-preserved samples of Madagascan frogs, while various combination of COI primers had lower success rates.COI priming sites showed high variability among amphibians both at the level of groups and closely related species, whereas 16S priming sites were highly conserved among vertebrates. Interspecific pairwise 16S divergences in a test group of Madagascan frogs were at a level suitable for assignment of larval stages to species (1–17%), with low degrees of pairwise haplotype divergence within populations (0–1%).

Conclusion
We strongly advocate the use of 16S rRNA as standard DNA barcoding marker for vertebrates to complement COI, especially if samples a priori could belong to various phylogenetically distant taxa and false negatives would constitute a major problem.
Silica Sampling and Analysis: Legal Issues Evolving from Regulatory Standards and the Role of ASTM E 1132
Authors: Abrams AL 
Published: March 2005

Abstract
Regulation of crystalline silica is a current priority on the rulemaking agendas of both the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA). OSHA's draft standard has raised issues concerning which sampling and analytical procedures will be incorporated into the new regulation, and utilization of ASTM E 1132 is being considered as part of a comprehensive regulatory scheme for respirable crystalline silica. Citations supported by governmental determinations form the basis for “negligence per se” findings in tort litigation and constitute evidence of overexposure relative to worker's compensation and personal injury claims. This paper analyzes health issues associated with crystalline silica exposure, the rise of silica-related tort litigation, regulatory developments at the federal governmental level, the role of voluntary consensus standards, and recommendations for remedial action to minimize risk of harm to workers and the general public.
Spatial Variations in Material Properties of Segmental Retaining Wall (SRW) Units, Part I: Observed Variations
Authors: Chan C , Hover KC , Folliard KJ 
Published: March 2005

Abstract
An experimental program was conducted to examine the variations and distribution of measured properties in Segmental Retaining Wall (SRW) units. Flexural strength, flexural elastic modulus, and rate of absorption tests were conducted on specimens extracted from various split face SRW units and whose locations within the parent blocks were known. In general, material existing in regions at the bottommost layer of a block (i.e., material first deposited during casting) and farthest away from the split face displayed highest flexural strengths and elastic moduli and lowest absorptions out of all sampling locations considered. On the other hand, material in the middle layer and closest to the split face displayed lowest flexural strength and elastic moduli and highest absorptions. In addition, the SRW material also exhibited anisotropy with respect to flexural elastic modulus among samples taken at the same location within a block. These observations suggest that the blocks cannot be considered homogeneous throughout and that attention must be paid to possible spatial variations in measured properties when sampling specimens for testing.
Ultrathin Films to Modify Mechanical and Tribological Behavior of MEMS Components
Authors: Rymuza Z 
Published: March 2005

Abstract
Possible methods to control mechanical and tribological behavior of contacting/sliding surfaces in MEMS devices are discussed. Two types of ultrathin films were investigated as possible candidates to use as self-lubricating and wear resistant coatings on MEMS components manufactured using silicon. The techniques of deposition and the results of mechanical and tribological studies on micro/nano-scales of these films are presented and discussed. Wear-resistant coatings were deposited and tested multilayer films being the combinations of the single layers produced using TiN, CrN, and NbN.
Effect of different skin permeation enhancers on tack of a pressure sensitive adhesive
Authors: Lahootifard F. , Taghizadeh S. Mojtaba 
Published: March 2005

AbstractSolutions of an acrylic copolymer pressure sensitive adhesive with different concentrations of propylene glycol (PG) and oleic acid (OA) were cast on a PET film. A rolling ball tack test was carried out on the adhesive coated tapes with different thicknesses. The results were explained on the basis of the surface (energy and roughness) and viscoelastic properties of the copolymer, which were related to the glass‐transition temperature. The 60‐μm PG samples with an approximately equal glass‐transition temperature and surface energy did not have a significantly different tack value. The tack value of the 30‐μm tapes decreased with PG concentrations above 15% (w/w), which was related to an increase in the surface roughness with a more prominent effect at the lower thickness. OA, which improved both the surface and viscoelastic properties, increased the tack value up to 15% (w/w). However, the tack value decreased above 15% (w/w). This was explained on the basis of OA large crystals, which can decrease viscoelastic energy dissipations and form a mechanically weak surface layer. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 96: 1287–1291, 2005
Effects of modifiers in organoclays on the curing reaction of liquid‐crystalline epoxy resin
Authors: Shen Min‐Min , Lu Man‐Geng , Chen Yong‐Lie , Ha Cheng‐Yong 
Published: March 2005

AbstractThe effects of three organoclays (Cloisite 10A, 93A, and 30B) with different modifiers on the curing reaction of a liquid‐crystalline epoxy (LCE) resin based on 4,4′‐diglycidyloxybiphenyl and the curing agent sulfanilamide were studied. The curing kinetics of the LCE and clay composites were analyzed with differential scanning calorimetry. The Flyann–Wall–Ozawa and Kissinger–Akahira–Sunose methods were used to calculate the activation energies at different conversions. All three alkylammonium ions lowered the reaction activation energy and catalyzed the epoxy ring‐opening reaction with the diamine curing agent. 30B, with two hydroxy groups of quaternary ammonium, showed the highest catalysis because the hydroxy groups facilitated the curing process. 10A and 93A had similar catalytic abilities. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 96: 1329–1334, 2005
Reactions of hydroxyalkyl esters with phenyl isocyanate
Authors: Lubczak Renata , Lubczak Jacek 
Published: March 2005

AbstractIn a reaction between 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate and phenyl isocyanate (PI), we did not obtain the expected urethane ester monomer but products of its subsequent conversion, namely, ethylene dimethacrylate and ethylene bis(phenylcarbamate). The effects of the structures of various hydroxyalkyl esters on the transformation of the products of their reaction with PI into their respective diesters and alkanediyl bis(phenylcarbamates) were observed with standard spectral methods (IR, 1H‐NMR) and chromatographic and classical separation techniques. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 96: 1357–1367, 2005
Formation of Fluorinated 1‐Oxaspiro[2.5]octa‐4,7‐dienes from Polyfluorinated Cyclohexa‐2,5‐dienones with Diazomethane and Reactions with Aryl and2‐Chloroethyl Isocyanates
Authors: Kovtonyuk Vladimir N. , Kobrina Ljubov S. , Kataeva, Olga M. , Haufe Günter 
Published: March 2005

AbstractThe reactions of four polyfluorinated cyclohexa‐2,5‐dienones 1a–1d, additionally substituted with an electron withdrawing substituent at the 4‐position, with diazomethane give mixtures of two diastereomeric fluorinated 1‐oxaspiro[2.5]octa‐4,7‐dienes 2 and 3. Compounds 2a/3a and 2b/3b react with aryl and 2‐chloroethyl isocyanates in the presence of lithium chloride or sodium pentafluorophenoxide to form fluorinated dihydro‐1,3‐benzoxazol‐2(3H)‐ones 5a–5c as the major products. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2005)
Capillary electrophoresis‐mass spectrometry in impurity profiling of pharmaceutical products
Authors: Visky Dora , Jimidar Ilias , Van Ael Willy , Vennekens Tom , Redlich Dirk , De Smet Maurits 
Published: March 2005

AbstractGenerally reversed‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography (RP‐HPLC) methods are extensively applied during quality control of pharmaceutical products. Since capillary electrophoresis (CE) is based on a different separation principle and consequently results in a unique selectivity compared to RP‐HPLC, it can advantageously be used as an orthogonal technique. CE equipped with a mass spectrometer detector provides even more information that can be helpful for identification and structural elucidation purposes. CE‐MS was recently implemented in the method development approach to support impurity profiling of pharmaceutical products. In this paper the application of CE‐electrospray ionization (ESI)‐MS/MS to the impurity profiling of galantamine hydrobromide in stressed Reminyl® Extended Release (ER) capsules is discussed. Reminyl® ER samples were stressed at different storing conditions. The impurity profile of these samples was compared with the current RP‐HPLC and chiral CE method, but also with CE‐ESI‐MS/MS. The combination of these three methods provided valuable data that allowed understanding comprehensively the impurity profile of these samples. Two impurities were detected at concentrations lower than 0.05%, which did not occur in nonstressed samples. Chromatographic data and the fragmentation patterns of galantamine and related compounds were also examined for identification of these two degradation products.
Study on Tribological Properties of Polytetrafluoroethylene Drawn Uniaxially at Different Temperature
Authors: Liu Xiao‐Xia , Li Tong‐Sheng , Liu Xu‐Jun , Lv Ren‐Guo 
Published: March 2005

AbstractSummary: Wear behavior correlations with morphology have been established from polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) drawn at 200, 327, and 375 °C with draw ratio about 4. The friction coefficient and wear rate for PTFE drawn at 327 °C are lower and the wear rate is lower than that of undrawn PTFE by about 30%. The structures of samples were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), DSC, and wide angle X‐ray diffraction (WAXD). Results indicate that the debris morphologies of samples are different. The differences in the tribological behavior of undrawn and drawn samples were attributed to the improvement of the degree of the crystalline, fibrillation, and orderliness by drawing, especially, for PTFE drawn at 327 °C. The orderliness of molecular arrangement along the drawn direction is also higher for PTFE drawn at 327 °C than those of PTFE drawn at 200 and 375 °C, respectively. Therefore, the intensity of covalent bond along drawn direction is higher. The shear resistance and the deformability of the material are greatly improved and the size of the wear breakage unit decreases, which results in a good tribological property for PTFE drawn at 327 °C.SEM morphology of fractured surface perpendicular to the draw direction for PTFE drawn at 327 °C.magnified imageSEM morphology of fractured surface perpendicular to the draw direction for PTFE drawn at 327 °C.
Insertion of Polypyrrole Chains into Montmorillonite Galleries by a Solvent‐Free Mechanochemical Route
Authors: Yoshimoto Shoji , Ohashi Fumihiko , Kameyama Tetsuya 
Published: March 2005

AbstractSummary: Non‐ionic pyrrole was directly intercalated into unmodified montmorillonite (MMT) and organically modified MMT galleries by adsorption, and subsequently polymerized within the interlamellar spaces by a mechanochemical route under solvent‐free conditions. XRD analysis revealed the successful intercalation of pyrrole into unmodified MMT and organically modified MMT clay galleries by mechanochemical grinding. After in situ polymerization, the XRD and FT‐IR analyses confirmed the insertion of polypyrrole chains between both MMT galleries.X‐ray powder diffraction patterns of (A) pyrrole‐intercalated MMT and (B) pyrrole‐intercalated C18‐MMT.imageX‐ray powder diffraction patterns of (A) pyrrole‐intercalated MMT and (B) pyrrole‐intercalated C18‐MMT.