bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Study on morphology of ternary polymer blends. I. Effects of melt viscosity and interfacial interaction
Authors: Hemmati M. , Nazokdast H. , Shariat Panahi H. 
Published: August 2002

AbstractThe morphology of some ternary blends was investigated. In all of the blends polypropylene, as the major phase, was blended with two different minor phases, ethylene–propylene–diene terpolymer (EPDM) or ethylene–propylene–rubber (EPR) as the first minor phase and high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) or polystyrene (PS) as the second minor phase. All the blends were investigated in a constant composition of 70/15/15 wt %. Theoretical models predict that the dispersed phase of a multiphase polymer blend will either form an encapsulation‐type phase morphology or phases will remain separately dispersed, depending on which morphology has the lower free energy or positive spreading coefficient. Interfacial interaction between phases was found to play a significant role in determining the type of morphology of these blend systems. A core–shell‐type morphology for HDPE encapsulated by rubber was obtained for PP/rubber/PE ternary blends, whereas PP/rubber/PS blends showed a separately dispersed type of morphology. These results were found to be in good agreement with the theoretical predictions. Steady‐state torque for each component was used to study the effect of melt viscosity ratio on the morphology of the blends. It was found that the torque ratios affect only the size of the dispersed phases and have no appreciable influence on the type of morphology. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 82: 1129–1137, 2001
Low‐modulus siloxane‐based polyurethanes. I. Effect of the chain extender 1,3‐bis(4‐hydroxybutyl)1,1,3,3‐tetramethyldisiloxane (BHTD) on properties and morphology
Authors: Adhikari Raju , Gunatillake Pathiraja A. , McCarthy Simon J. , Meijs Gordon F. 
Published: August 2002

AbstractA series of eight polyurethane elastomers was prepared using a two‐step bulk polymerization procedure to investigate the effect of the siloxane chain extender 1,3‐bis(4‐hydroxybutyl)1,1,3,3‐tetramethyldisiloxane (BHTD) on polyurethane properties and morphology. All polyurethanes were based on 40 wt % hard segment derived from 4,4′‐methylenediphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) and a mixture of 1,4‐butanediol (BDO) and BHTD in varying molar ratios. The soft segment was based on an 80 : 20 (w/w) mixture of the macrodiols α,ω‐bis(6‐hydroxyethoxypropyl)polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS, MW 965) and poly(hexamethylene oxide) (PHMO, MW 714). Polyurethanes were characterized by size‐exclusion chromatography, tensile testing, differential scanning calorimetry, dynamic mechanical thermal analysis, and FTIR spectroscopy. Clear and transparent polymers were produced in all cases with number‐average molecular weights in the range of 90,000 to 111,000. The ultimate tensile strength decreased only slightly (15%), but Young's modulus and flexural modulus decreased by 76 and 72%, respectively, compared with that of the pure BDO extended polyurethanes as the amount of BHTD was increased to 40 mol %. This change resulted in “softer” and more elastic polyurethanes. Polyurethanes with BHTD contents above 40 mol % were more elastic but had poor tensile and tear strengths. A 60 : 40 molar ratio of BDO : BHTD produced a “soft” polyurethane, which combined good tensile strength and flexibility. The DSC and DMTA results confirmed that the incorporation of BHTD as part of the hard segment yielded polyurethanes with improved compatibility between hard and soft segments. IR data indicated that the amount of hard segments soluble in the soft‐segment phase increased with increasing BHTD, contributing to the improved phase mixing. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 83: 736–746, 2002
Sponge morphological diversity: a qualitative predictor of species diversity?
Authors: Bell James J. , Barnes David K.A. 
Published: August 2002

Abstract1. To the non‐specialist, problems are often associated with the quantification of sponge species diversity, as colour, shape and size can be highly variable within a single species. These variables can lead to an under‐estimation of the contribution of sponges to the biodiversity of the benthos especially during biological surveys.2. Sponge species diversity (Shannon H′ values), richness (mean number of species) and morphological diversity (Shannon H′ values) were sampled at six sites (6 m depth intervals) on vertical (90°) and inclined surfaces (45°) experiencing different flow regimes at Lough Hyne Marine Nature Reserve (Ireland). Morphological diversity was sampled independently of species diversity. The time taken for the collection of both species and morphological diversity was recorded.3. Morphological diversity was positively correlated with both sponge species diversity (r2=0.87, p<0.05) and sponge species richness (r2=0.70, p<0.05). Linear regression was found to be significant for both the relationships (p<0.05 for each F‐value). A sigmoidal relationship (r2=0.97, p<0.05) was found between morphological and species richness which proved to be significant (F‐value 40.67, p<0.05). Separate Bray–Curtis dendrograms and correspondence analysis of morphological and species community compositions at the six sites showed very similar clustering and four major clusters were identified.4. The results of the present study indicate that sampling of sponge morphological diversity, rather than sponge species diversity and richness may be used as a qualitative estimate of sponge species diversity. Sampling of morphological diversity is much less time consuming, both in the field and laboratory, than collecting species diversity data and no specialist knowledge is required. Consideration is given to the use of such relationships in biological surveys and bio‐monitoring. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Basement membrane of mouse bone marrow sinusoids shows distinctive structure and proteoglycan composition: A high resolution ultrastructural study
Authors: Inoue S. , Osmond D.G. 
Published: August 2002

AbstractVenous sinusoids in bone marrow are the site of a large‐scale traffic of cells between the extravascular hemopoietic compartment and the blood stream. The wall of the sinusoids consists solely of a basement membrane interposed between a layer of endothelial cells and an incomplete covering of adventitial cells. To examine its possible structural specialization, the basement membrane of bone marrow sinusoids has now been examined by high resolution electron microscopy of perfusion‐fixed mouse bone marrow. The basement membrane layer was discontinuous, consisting of irregular masses of amorphous material within a uniform 60‐nm‐wide space between apposing endothelial cells and adventitial cell processes. At maximal magnifications, the material was resolved as a random arrangement of components lacking the “cord network” formation seen in basement membranes elsewhere. Individual components exhibited distinctive ultrastructural features whose molecular identity has previously been established. By these morphological criteria, the basement membrane contained unusually abundant chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan (CSPG) revealed by 3‐nm‐wide “double tracks,” and moderate amounts of both laminin as dense irregular coils and type IV collagen as 1–1.5‐nm‐wide filaments, together with less conspicuous amounts of amyloid P forming pentagonal frames. In contrast, 4.5–5‐nm‐wide “double tracks” characteristic of heparan sulfate proteoglycan (HSPG) were absent. The findings demonstrate that, in comparison with “typical” basement membranes in other tissues, the bone marrow sinusoidal basement membrane is uniquely specialized in several respects. Its discontinuous nature, lack of network organization, and absence of HSPG, a molecule that normally helps to maintain membrane integrity, may facilitate disassembly and reassembly of basement membrane material in concert with movements of adventitial cell processes as maturing hemopoietic cells pass through the sinusoidal wall: the exceptionally large quantity of CSPG may represent a reservoir of CD44 receptor for use in hemopoiesis. Anat Rec 264:294–304, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Characterization of azadirachtin binding to Sf9 nuclei in vitro
Authors: Nisbet Alasdair J. , Mordue (Luntz) A. Jennifer , Grossman Robert B. , Jennens Lyn , Ley Steven V. , Mordue William 
Published: August 2002

Abstract[22,23‐3H2]dihydroazadirachtin was incorporated by Sf9 cells in culture and was bound specifically to the nuclear fraction. The observed association constant of the binding of the radioligand to a purified nuclear fraction was determined to be 0.037 ± 0.008 min–1 using a one‐phase exponential association equation, and binding appeared to be to a single population of sites. The binding was essentially irreversible, and the dissociation constant was estimated to be 0.00065 ± 0.00013 min–1. An association rate constant of 7.3 × 106 M–1 min–1 was calculated from these data. Binding was saturable, and the receptor number and affinity were determined as Bmax = 23.87 ± 1.15 pmol/mg protein, Kd = 18.1 ± 2.1 nM. The order of potency of semisynthetic azadirachtin analogues for competition for the binding site was as follows (IC50 in parentheses): azadirachtin (1.55 × 10–8 M) > dihydroazadirachtin (3.16 × 10–8 M) > dansyl dihydroazadirachtin (7.40 × 10–8 M) > DNP‐azadirachtin (7.50 × 10–8 M) > biotin dihydroazadirachtin (1.27 × 10–7 M) >> 11‐methoxy 22,23‐dihydroazadirachtin (6.67 × 10–7 M). Arch. Insect Biochem. Physiol. 34:461–473, 1997. © 1997 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Vitamin E uncouples joint destruction and clinical inflammation in a transgenic mouse model of rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Bandt Michel De , Grossin Maggy , Driss Fathi , Pincemail Joël , Babin‐Chevaye Catherine , Pasquier Catherine 
Published: August 2002

AbstractObjectiveReactive oxygen species are thought to play a role in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in humans. We postulated that antioxidant treatment could have a beneficial effect in this disease. We therefore investigated the effects of vitamin E in the transgenic KRN/NOD mouse model of RA.MethodsMice were treated by gavage with oral vitamin E (α‐tocopherol). Clinical, histologic, and biochemical parameters were assessed for 6 weeks.ResultsVitamin E treatment did not modify the clinical features of the disease (date of onset or disease intensity, as measured by the articular index), but it did prevent joint destruction, as measured by qualitative and semiquantitative analyses. Redox status did not differ between treated and control mice. White blood cell chemiluminescence was higher in transgenic KRN/NOD mice than in controls, but vitamin E treatment attenuated this difference. Vitamin E treatment of the transgenic animals led to a significant decrease in the levels of interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) but not tumor necrosis factor α.ConclusionVitamin E seems to uncouple joint inflammation and joint destruction in this model of RA, with a beneficial effect on joint destruction. Since many investigations are currently in progress to evaluate the benefit of interventions targeted toward anti‐IL‐1β, our findings suggest opportunities of therapeutic interest in human RA.
Delay to institution of therapy and induction of remission using single‐drug or combination–disease‐modifying antirheumatic drug therapy in early rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Möttönen Timo , Hannonen Pekka , Korpela Markku , Nissilä Martti , Kautiainen Hannu , Ilonen Jorma , Laasonen Leena , Kaipiainen‐Seppänen Oili , Franzen Per , Helve Tapani , Koski Juhani , Gripenberg‐Gahmberg Marianne , Myllykangas‐Luosujärvi Riitta , Leirisalo‐Repo Marjatta 
Published: August 2002

AbstractObjectiveTo study the impacts of 1) the delay from the onset of symptoms to the institution of disease‐modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) therapy, 2) two treatment strategies (treatment with a combination of DMARDs or with a single drug), and 3) the presence of HLA–DRB1 alleles (shared epitope) on the prediction of disease remission after 2 years in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (RA).MethodsIn the FIN‐RACo (FINnish Rheumatoid Arthritis Combination therapy) trial, 195 patients with recent‐onset RA (median duration 6 months) were randomly assigned to receive either 1) a combination of DMARDs (sulfasalazine, methotrexate, hydroxychloroquine, and prednisolone) or 2) a single DMARD with or without prednisolone. The presence of a shared epitope was tested for in 165 of the 178 patients completing the study. The additional variables of age, sex, presence of rheumatoid factor, number of fulfilled American College of Rheumatology criteria for the classification of RA, and length of delay from onset of symptoms to institution of therapy were entered into a logistic regression model to determine the significant predictors for remission at 2 years.ResultsThe delay to therapy (cut point of 4 months) was the only significant predictor for remission in patients treated using the single‐DMARD strategy, while no variable was a significant predictor for remission in those treated using the combination‐DMARD strategy. The frequency of achieving remission in the combination‐DMARD group after 2 years was similar in patients with short (0–4 months) and long (>4 months) delay periods (11 of 26 patients and 22 of 53 patients, respectively [∼42% in each group]), while the corresponding frequencies in the single‐DMARD group were 8 of 23 patients (35%) and 7 of 63 patients (11%) (P = 0.021). The presence of a shared epitope was not related to the induction of remission.ConclusionThe delay of a few months from the onset of symptoms to institution of therapy decreases the ability of the traditional single‐drug strategy to induce remission in early RA.
Temporal arteritis and Chlamydia pneumoniae: Failure to detect the organism by polymerase chain reaction in ninety cases and ninety controls
Authors: Regan Michael J. , Wood Billie Jo , Hsieh Yu‐Hsiang , Theodore Mellisa L. , Quinn Thomas C. , Hellmann David B. , Green W. Richard , Gaydos Charlotte A. , Stone John H. 
Published: August 2002

AbstractObjectiveTo examine the reported correlation between the presence of Chlamydia pneumoniae in temporal artery biopsy specimens and the diagnosis of temporal arteritis (TA).MethodsAmong 90 possible cases of TA identified at our institution between 1968 and 2000, 79 of the positive biopsy specimens (88%) demonstrated giant cells and the other 11 cases (12%) had other histopathologic features compatible with TA; by chart review, all 90 patients were confirmed to have met the American College of Rheumatology classification criteria for TA. Controls had negative temporal artery biopsy specimens during the same 32‐year time period and their postbiopsy disease courses were not compatible with TA. Controls were matched with each case by sex, year of biopsy, and age within 10 years. The biopsy specimens from all cases and controls were reevaluated and readings were confirmed in a masked manner by an experienced eye pathologist. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analyses for C pneumoniae were performed on the 180 samples using 2 different sets of PCR primers (which target 2 different genes). A primer set targeting the ompA gene (CP1‐CP2/CPC‐CPD) was used to perform a nested PCR, followed by confirmation of the findings with primers targeting the 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene (Cpn90/Cpn91) in a touchdown‐enzyme time‐release PCR. We used positive and negative controls, as well as controls made from infected and noninfected HEp‐2 cells, suspended in a formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded matrix.ResultsSeventy‐six percent of the 180 cases and controls were women. The mean age of the cases was 72.0 years (range 53–90), and that of the controls was 70.4 years (range 51–86). Eighty percent of the control samples were obtained by temporal artery biopsy performed within 1 year of the biopsies performed on the matched cases. Using the CP1‐CP2/CPC‐CPD primer set, only 1 TA case sample (1% of all case samples) was positive for the ompA gene. One control sample was also positive using these primers. With the Cpn90/Cpn91 primers, none of the cases and none of the controls were positive for the 16S rRNA gene.ConclusionThe results of this study using sensitive and specific PCR analyses do not support a role for C pneumoniae in the pathogenesis of TA.
Methods for measuring search engine performance over time
Authors: Bar‐Ilan Judit 
Published: August 2002

AbstractThis study introduces methods for evaluating search engine performance over a time period. Several measures are defined, which as a whole describe search engine functionality over time. The necessary setup for such studies is described, and the use of these measures is illustrated through a specific example. The set of measures introduced here may serve as a guideline for the search engines for testing and improving their functionality. We recommend setting up a standard suite of measures for evaluating search engine performance.
Effect of electrical stimulation on musculoskeletal systems; A meta‐analysis of controlled clinical trials
Authors: Akai Masami , Hayashi Kunihiko 
Published: August 2002

AbstractThis study was a meta‐analysis to examine whether electrical stimulation has specific effects in the healing of musculoskeletal repair process and in the diminution of symptoms with bone and joint disorders. Using MEDLINE (1966–1999) and EMBASE (1985–1999) a search for articles was carried out with four medical subject headings. Data were extracted from all the accessed articles and additionally collected from appropriate journal lists. A total of 20 randomized controlled trials on bones was identified which assessed healing of fractures, bone graft, and other conditions; and 29 randomized controlled trials on soft tissues and joints were also found, dealing with healing of skin wounds or dermal ulcers, soft tissue injury, and other conditions. Using criteria through which the quality of studies was assessed, the content of the articles was reorganized into a tabular form. The majority of the identified articles reported positive findings, but all the trials showed methodological flaws to some extent. Because of heterogeneity of the studies and the various outcome measurements, pooling of only part of the data was performed. The combined results of 12 trials on bones and 16 trials on soft tissues, the cases in which major endpoints were mainly union or healing rate, revealed statistically significant effects. The studies in this review had some methodological limitations, and the selected pooled trials do not constitute acceptable proof that electrical stimulation has specific effects on health. However, one cannot ignore the statistically significant positive findings reported in the trials, from which extracted data were able to be combined. Bioelectromagnetics 23:132–143, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Use of spot measurements for assessing residential ELF magnetic field exposure: A validity study
Authors: Eskelinen Tuomo , Keinänen Jari , Salonen Heidi , Juutilainen Jukka 
Published: August 2002

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to evaluate residential short term “spot” measurements as surrogates for long term personal magnetic field (MF) exposure. In an epidemiological study on birth weight and pregnancy delay, MF exposure was assessed by taking five spot measurements in each room. For a subsample of 30 subjects 24 h personal MF measurements were made, and the following exposure metrics were calculated: 24 h arithmetic mean, 24 h median, percentage of time above 0.15 μT, and percentage of time above 0.29 μT. The 24 h exposure metrics were used as gold standards, when evaluating the validity of various summary measures calculated from spot measurements for assessing personal exposure. Based on Spearman correlation coefficient (r), specificity and sensitivity, the average of the spot measurements of a residence resulted in least exposure measurement error (misclassification). Also the above bed spot value correlated better with the 24 h metrics than any room average. Spot measurements performed about equally well in predicting different types of exposure metrics. Bioelectromagnetics 23:173–176, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Modularity in vertebrate brain development and evolution
Authors: Redies Christoph , Puelles Luis 
Published: August 2002

AbstractEmbryonic modularity and functional modularity are two principles of brain organization. Embryonic modules are histogenetic fields that are specified by position‐dependent expression of patterning genes. Within each embryonic module, secondary and higher‐level pattern formation takes places during development, finally giving rise to brain nuclei and cortical layers. Defined subsets of these structures become connected by fiber tracts to form the information‐processing neural circuits, which represent the functional modules of the brain. We review evidence that a group of cell adhesion molecules, the cadherins, provides an adhesive code for both types of modularity, based on a preferentially homotypic binding mechanism. Embryonic modularity is transformed into functional modularity, in part by translating early‐generated positional information into an array of adhesive cues, which regulate the binding of functional neural structures distributed across the embryonic modules. Brain modularity may provide a basis for adaptability in evolution. BioEssays 23:1100–1111, 2001. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a survival factor for tumour cells: Implications for anti‐angiogenic therapy
Authors: Harmey Judith H. , Bouchier‐Hayes David 
Published: August 2002

AbstractAngiogenesis is central to both the growth and metastasis of solid tumours. Anti‐angiogenic strategies result in blood vessel regression accompanied by tumour cell apoptosis. Radiotherapy and many chemotherapeutic agents kill tumours by inducing apoptotic cell death. We propose that, in addition to its role as an angiogenic factor, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) can act as a survival factor for tumour cells protecting them from apoptosis. Thus anti‐angiogenics, in particular those directed against VEGF, have multiple anti‐tumour effects. We suggest that anti‐VEGF strategies prevent vessel growth and block a tumour cell survival factor, VEGF, rendering tumour cells more sensitive to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. In addition, as chemotherapy and radiotherapy have been shown to increase VEGF expression, anti‐VEGF strategies may overcome therapy‐ induced tumour cell resistance. BioEssays 24:280–283, 2002. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.; DOI 10.1002/bies.10043
Scale‐free networks in biology: new insights into the fundamentals of evolution?*
Authors: Wolf Yuri I. , Karev Georgy , Koonin Eugene V. 
Published: August 2002

AbstractScale‐free network models describe many natural and social phenomena. In particular, networks of interacting components of a living cell were shown to possess scale‐free properties. A recent study(1) compares the system‐level properties of metabolic and information networks in 43 archaeal, bacterial and eukaryal species and claims that the scale‐free organization of these networks is more conserved during evolution than their content. BioEssays 24:105–109, 2002. Published 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.