bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Molecular transport of n‐alkanes into PU/PBMA interpenetrating polymer network systems
Authors: Begum Muneera , Siddaramaiah  , Kumar H. , Aminabhavi Tejraj M. 
Published: September 2003

AbstractThe methylene diisocyanate (MDI) and toluene diisocyanate (TDI) based polyurethane/polybutyl methacrylate (PU/PBMA‐50/50) interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) membranes have been prepared. The molecular migration of n‐alkane penetrants such as hexane, heptane, octane, nonane, and decane through PU/PBMA (50/50) membranes has been studied at 25, 40, and 60°C using a weight gain method. From the sorption results, diffusion (D) and permeation (P) coefficients of n‐alkane penetrants have been calculated. Molecular migration depends on membrane‐solvent interactions, size of the penetrants, temperature, and availability of free volume within the membrane matrix. Attempts have been made to estimate the parameters of an empirical equation and these data suggest that molecular transport follows Fickian mode. From a study of temperature dependence of transport parameters, activation energy for diffusion (ED) and permeation (EP) have been estimated from the Arrhenius relation. Furthermore, sorption results have been interpreted in terms of enthalpy (ΔH) and entropy (ΔS) of sorption. The liquid concentration profiles have been computed using Fick's equation with appropriate initial and boundary conditions. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 90: 739–746, 2003
Solution properties of a hyamine based on N,N‐dimethyl diallyl ammonium chloride–acrylamide copolymer
Authors: Tian Li‐Ying , Tang Xiao‐Zhen , Fa‐Xiang Ji  
Published: September 2003

AbstractA hyamine based on N,N‐dimethyl diallyl ammonium chloride–acrylamide copolymer was successfully synthesized in this study. Solution properties of this hyamine including electrical conductivity and viscosity behavior were studied in detail, and effects of temperature and counter ion concentration on electrical conductivity of the solution were also discussed. It was found that a solution of hyamine in water showed a typical viscosity behavior of polyelectrolytes, which followed the Fuoss equation. With the increase of ion radius (cationic ion or anionic ion), or with the increase of salt concentration, the shrinkage degree of the polymer chain increased, with a concomitant decrease in reduced viscosity and intrinsic viscosity and an increase of Huggins constant. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 90: 765–771, 2003
Fractal analysis of worn surfaces of ZnO whisker/natural rubber‐styrene butadiene rubber‐butyl rubber composites
Authors: Zhou Zuowan , Liu Shikai , Chu Longsheng , Gu Lixia 
Published: September 2003

AbstractThe wear resistance of zinc oxide whisker (ZnOw)/natural rubber‐styrene butadiene rubber‐butyl rubber (NR‐SBR‐BR) composites showed that a tetra‐needle like ZnOw, which is treated by a coupling agent, improved the wear resistance of the rubber composites. The topography of the worn surfaces of the ZnOw/NR‐SBR‐BR composites was fractal, and the fractal dimension and abrasion loss decreased synchronously as the ZnOw content increased in the composites. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 90: 667–670, 2003
Optomechanical variations in cold‐drawn thermally treated polypropylene fibers
Authors: Fouda I. M. , El‐Sharkawy F. M. 
Published: September 2003

AbstractA two‐beam polarizing interference microscope with a microstrain device was used for measuring some optical and mechanical parameters for polypropylene (PP) fibers at room temperature (28 ± 1°C). The changes in the molecular orientation were evaluated to obtain orientation factorsf2(θ),f4(θ),f6(θ), 〈P2(cos θ)〉, 〈P4(cos θ)〉, and crystalline and amorphous orientation functionsFcandFa, respectively. The shrinkage factor, uniaxial tension, true stress, molar refractivityR, surface reflectivityR′, the crosslink densityNs, the chain entanglement densityNc, the segment anisotropyγs, and the number of chainsN′ were calculated. In addition, the shrinkage stress was found to increase with the increase of draw ratio. The dielectric constant ε, the dielectric susceptibility η, the average work per chainw′, and the constants of the stress–birefringence equation were obtained. Comparison between Hermans's optical orientation functions and the corrected formulas by de Vries are given. The values of fully oriented refractive indicesn1andn2were found. The generalized Lorentz–Lorenz equation given by de Vries was used to determine the structural parameters of PP fibers. An empirical formula was suggested to correlate the changes in the evaluated parameters with different draw ratios, and its constants were determined. The study demonstrated changes on the molecular orientation factors and evaluated microstructural parameters as a result of an applied cold‐drawing process. Relationships between the calculated parameters and the draw ratios, together with microinterferograms were presented for illustration. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 90: 729–738, 2003
Association of mortality with disease severity in rheumatoid arthritis, independent of comorbidity
Authors: Navarro‐Cano Gregorio , del Rincón Inmaculada , Pogosian Samvel , Roldán José F. , Escalante Agustín 
Published: September 2003

AbstractObjectiveTo measure the extent to which mortality in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is associated with disease severity, independent of the presence of coexistent diseases (comorbidity).MethodsWe measured disease severity and comorbidity among RA patients attending scheduled appointments at a rheumatology clinic. We used the Duke Severity of Illness Checklist (DUSOI), a clinical judgment‐based measure of the severity of disease. We disaggregated the DUSOI into an RA component (RADUSOI), which we used to measure RA disease severity, together with a physician‐rated 10‐point global RA severity assessment. We measured comorbidity using the non‐RA component of the DUSOI (COMDUSOI) and using the Charlson Comorbidity Index. Patients were contacted periodically for up to 6 years, during which we recorded deaths. We estimated the effect of disease severity and comorbidity on mortality using Kaplan‐Meier survival curves, Cox proportional hazards models, and logistic regression with receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve analysis.ResultsThe sample comprised 779 patients. Followup ranged from 0.1 year to 6.3 years (mean 2.52 years), for an observation period of 2,315 patient‐years. Seventy‐five patients died (9.6%), for a total mortality of 3.2 per 100 patient‐years (95% confidence interval 2.6–4.1). Both disease severity and comorbidity displayed significant bivariate associations with mortality. In multivariate Cox models adjusted for age, sex, and disease duration, the RADUSOI and global RA severity scores were associated with mortality independent of either the COMDUSOI or Charlson Comorbidity scores. The area under the ROC curve for a logistic model on mortality increased from 0.79 with age, sex, and disease duration included, to 0.84 after adding RA severity and comorbidity (P ≤ 0.005 for the increase in ROC area).ConclusionRA disease severity is significantly associated with mortality regardless of the presence of comorbid disease. Combined with each patient's age, sex, and disease duration, information on RA severity and comorbidity allows an accurate prediction of mortality among patients with RA.
Systemic sclerosis Th2 cells inhibit collagen production by dermal fibroblasts via membrane‐associated tumor necrosis factor α
Authors: Chizzolini Carlo , Parel Yann , De Luca Carmelina , Tyndall Alan , Åkesson, Anita , Scheja Agneta , Dayer Jean‐Michel 
Published: September 2003

AbstractObjectiveIn systemic sclerosis (SSc; scleroderma), T cells infiltrate organs undergoing fibrotic changes and may participate in dysregulated production of collagen by fibroblasts. The objective of this study was to functionally characterize T cells infiltrating skin lesions in early SSc and investigate their capacity to affect production of type I collagen and interstitial collagenase (matrix metalloproteinase 1 [MMP‐1]) by dermal fibroblasts.MethodsFour‐color cytometric analysis was used to characterize subset distribution and production of interferon‐γ (IFNγ) and interleukin‐4 (IL‐4) in T cell lines generated from the skin of patients with SSc. T cell clones were generated, and their capacity to modulate collagen and MMP‐1 production by fibroblasts derived from patients with SSc and from normal individuals was assessed. Neutralizing reagents were used to identify T cell mediators involved in fibroblast modulation.ResultsThe skin of individuals with early‐stage SSc contained T cells preferentially producing high levels of IL‐4. Cloned CD4+ Th2‐like cells inhibited collagen production by normal fibroblasts. Th2 cell‐dependent inhibition was, at least in part, contact‐dependent, was essentially mediated by tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), and was dominant over the enhancement induced by profibrotic IL‐4 and transforming growth factor β cytokines. The simultaneous induction of MMP‐1 production confirmed the specificity of these observations. To be inhibitory, Th2 cells required activation by CD3 ligation. Th2 cells were less potent than were Th1 cells in inhibiting collagen production by normal fibroblasts via cell‐to‐cell interaction, and SSc fibroblasts were resistant to inhibition.ConclusionThese findings indicate that, despite their production of IL‐4, Th2 cells reduce type I collagen synthesis by dermal fibroblasts because of the dominant effect of TNFα, and suggest that strategies based on TNFα blockade aimed at controlling fibrosis in SSc may be unwise.
Favorable preliminary experience with etanercept in two patients with the hyperimmunoglobulinemia D and periodic fever syndrome
Authors: Takada Kazuki , Aksentijevich Ivona , Mahadevan Vijayabhanu , Dean Jane A. , Kelley Richard I. , Kastner Daniel L. 
Published: September 2003

AbstractObjectiveThe hyperimmunoglobulinemia D and periodic fever syndrome (HIDS; MIM 260920) is caused by recessive mutations in the mevalonate kinase gene (MVK), which encodes an enzyme involved in cholesterol and nonsterol isoprenoid biosynthesis. HIDS is characterized by persistently elevated polyclonal IgD and recurrent febrile episodes. Although abnormalities in tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) are not the primary cause of HIDS, plasma TNFα levels are elevated in HIDS patients during attacks and thus may be a therapeutic target. This study assessed the effects of etanercept, a soluble p75 TNFα receptor‐Fc fusion protein, in 2 patients with HIDS.MethodsWe performed biochemical and molecular genetic analyses on 2 girls with periodic episodes of fever, skin rash, abdominal pain, and arthralgia, of whom 1 had elevated levels of serum IgD. After the diagnosis of HIDS was made, treatment with etanercept was initiated in both patients. Clinical response was recorded in a standardized diary, and serum levels of cytokines and their decoy receptors were serially measured in 1 of the 2 patients.ResultsUrinary mevalonate levels were elevated in both girls. Patient 1 was heterozygous for a known MVK missense mutation (V377I) and a novel mutation that led to skipping of exon 3. Patient 2 was found to have V377I and a new missense mutation, S329R. Neither patient had mutations in TNFRSF1A or MEFV, the genes for the TNF receptor–associated periodic syndrome and familial Mediterranean fever, respectively. Etanercept reduced the frequency and severity of symptoms in both patients, whereas the levels of serum IgD and urine mevalonate remained unchanged.ConclusionOur favorable experience with etanercept for the treatment of HIDS suggests that further investigation of this therapy is warranted.
Rheumatoid fibroblast‐like synoviocytes overexpress the chemokine stromal cell–derived factor 1 (CXCL12), which supports distinct patterns and rates of CD4+ and CD8+ T cell migration within synovial tissue
Authors: Bradfield Paul F. , Amft Nicole , Vernon‐Wilson Elizabeth , Exley Andrew E. , Parsonage Greg , Rainger G. Ed , Nash Gerard B. , Thomas Andrew M. C. , Simmons David L. , Salmon Mike , Buckley Christopher D. 
Published: September 2003

AbstractObjectiveA characteristic feature of the inflammatory infiltrate in rheumatoid arthritis is the segregation of CD4 and CD8 T lymphocyte subsets into distinct microdomains within the inflamed synovium. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that chemokines in general and stromal cell–derived factor 1 (SDF‐1; CXCL12) in particular are responsible for generating this distinctive microcompartmentalization.MethodsWe examined how synovial CD4/CD8 T cell subsets interacted in coculture assays with fibroblasts derived from chronic inflammatory synovial lesions and normal synovial tissue as well as from fetal lung and adult skin. We used the ability of T cells to migrate beneath fibroblasts (a process called pseudoemperipolesis) as an in vitro marker of T cell accumulation within synovial tissue.ResultsRheumatoid fibroblast‐like synoviocytes (FLS) displayed a unique ability to support high levels of CD4 and CD8 T cell pseudoemperipolesis. Nonrheumatoid FLS as well as fetal lung fibroblasts supported low levels of pseudoemperipolesis, while skin‐derived fibroblasts were unable to do so. CD8 T cells migrated under fibroblasts more efficiently and at a higher velocity than CD4 T cells, a feature that was intrinsic to CD8 T cells. Rheumatoid fibroblasts constitutively produced high levels of SDF‐1 (CXCL12), which was functionally important, since blocking studies showed reductions in T cell pseudoemperipolesis to levels seen in nonrheumatoid FLS. Rheumatoid fibroblasts also constitutively produced high levels of vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM‐1; CD106), but this did not contribute to T cell pseudoemperipolesis, unlike the case for B cells, which require SDF‐1 (CXCL12)–CXCR4 and CD49d–VCAM‐1 (CD106) interactions. Importantly, only combinations of rheumatoid FLS and rheumatoid‐derived synovial fluid T cells supported pseudoemperipolesis when examined ex vivo, confirming the in vivo relevance of these findings.ConclusionThese studies demonstrate that features intrinsic to both fibroblasts (the production of SDF‐1) and CD8/CD4 T cells (the expression of CXCR4) are responsible for the characteristic pattern of T lymphocyte accumulation seen in the rheumatoid synovium. These findings suggest that the SDF‐1/CXCR4 ligand/receptor pair is likely to play an important functional role in T lymphocyte accumulation and positioning within the rheumatoid synovium.
Predicting the onset of widespread body pain among children
Authors: Jones Gareth T. , Silman Alan J. , Macfarlane Gary J. 
Published: September 2003

AbstractObjectiveTo determine factors associated with, and the predictors of, widespread body pain in children.MethodsA population‐based prospective study was conducted among school children in Northwest England. At baseline, subjects completed a self‐report questionnaire on widespread body pain. Information was collected on behavioral and emotional factors, other somatic symptoms, and measures of physical activity/inactivity. Children who were free of widespread pain were contacted again 12 months later to determine any new onset of widespread pain. Regression analyses were used to identify the factors that were associated with the reporting of widespread pain at baseline, and to determine the factors that predicted the new onset of symptoms at followup among those children free of widespread pain at baseline. Results were expressed as relative risks (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI).ResultsA total of 1,440 children (96%) agreed to participate in the survey at baseline, and of those eligible, 1,081 (88%) participated at followup. The reporting of widespread pain (prevalence 14.6%) and its new onset at the 12‐month followup (prevalence 7.7%) was common. At baseline, symptoms were associated with adverse behavioral and emotional factors (RR 2.5, 95% CI 1.8–3.6), with the report of other common childhood somatic symptoms (e.g., frequent headache; RR 3.5, 95% CI 2.2–5.5), and with high levels of sports activity (RR 1.9, 95% CI 1.3–2.9). Furthermore, all of these factors (in the absence of widespread pain at baseline) increased the likelihood of symptom onset at followup.ConclusionChildren who report behavioral problems or other somatic symptoms are at increased risk, at least in the short term, of developing chronic widespread pain. It remains to be determined whether these are long‐term risk factors for the onset of such symptoms, and whether they could be predictors of the development of other functional syndromes.
Elevated triglycerides and low levels of high‐density lipoprotein as markers of disease activity in association with up‐regulation of the tumor necrosis factor α/tumor necrosis factor receptor system in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Svenungsson Elisabet , Gunnarsson Iva , Fei Guo‐Zhong , Lundberg Ingrid E. , Klareskog Lars , Frostegård Johan 
Published: September 2003

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate how blood lipid levels are related to disease activity, clinical characteristics, and serum levels of tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) and its soluble type 1 and 2 receptors, sTNFR1 and sTNFR2, in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).MethodsFasting blood samples were obtained from an unselected cohort of SLE patients at Karolinska Hospital (n = 208, mean ± SD age 45.7 ± 14.2 years). Disease activity was estimated using the SLE Disease Activity Measure (SLAM). Levels of circulating TNFα, sTNFR1, and sTNFR2 were determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Blood lipid levels obtained after overnight fasting were analyzed by routine chemistry.ResultsTriglyceride (TG) levels were associated with the SLAM score (r = 0.48, P < 0.0001) and with the activities of TNFα (r = 0.29, P = 0.0001), sTNFR1 (r = 0.38, P < 0.0001), and sTNFR2 (r = 0.40, P < 0.0001). High‐density lipoprotein (HDL) levels were negatively associated with the SLAM score (r = −0.27, P = 0.0003) and with the activities of TNFα (r = −0.15, P = 0.04) and sTNFR2 (r = −0.19, P = 0.01). High levels of TGs, total cholesterol, TNFα, sTNFR1, and sTNFR2 all showed close correlations with the presence of nephritis and arterial disease (P < 0.05). In multiple logistic regression models, the TNFα activity and TG levels were independent determinants (P = 0.003 for both) of active disease (SLAM score ≥7).ConclusionDyslipoproteinemia with high TG/low HDL levels correlates with disease activity in SLE, and enhanced activity in the TNFα/sTNFR system seems to be an important underlying factor. Both dyslipoproteinemia and enhanced activity of the TNFα system are closely related to cardiovascular and renal manifestations in SLE, and thus both may serve as markers of more severe disease.
The guilty mind and criminal sentencing: integrating legal and empirical inquiry as illustrated by capital sentencing
Authors: Schopp Robert F. , Patry Marc W. 
Published: September 2003

AbstractWe articulate an interpretation of mens rea that is broader than the traditional special sense but narrower than the traditional general sense. Mens rea in this intermediate sense addresses the guilty mind required by the sentencing criteria for specific criminal sentences for particular offenses. We advance an analytic structure for the integration of legal and empirical inquiry regarding standards of culpability that establish eligibility for capital punishment under contemporary United States legal doctrine. This structure addresses legal standards of culpability directly as well as indirectly in the form of evolving standards of decency. The general form of this analysis should be applicable more generally to sentencing provisions that address culpability as a sentencing consideration for other criminal sentences. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Voluntariness, intention, and the defence of mental disorder: toward a rational approach
Authors: McSherry Bernadette 
Published: September 2003

AbstractThis article addresses how mental disorder may be used in common law countries to negate the requirements of voluntariness and intention in serious criminal offences as well as to provide the basis for current versions of the insanity defence. The notion that mental disorder can cause conduct to become completely involuntary or unintentional is questionable, given current thinking in the behavioral sciences. This article argues that different forms of mental disorder should be subsumed within a separate defence of mental disorder. Providing that a range of dispositional options is available, the law in this complex area would be simplified and brought into line with current psychological notions of goal‐directed behavior. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Low‐grade urothelial carcinoma: Reappraisal of the cytologic criteria on ThinPrep®
Authors: Xin Wei , Raab Stephen S. , Michael Claire W. 
Published: September 2003

AbstractThe diagnostic criteria for low‐grade urothelial lesions that have been described in the past were based on urinary specimens prepared by the cytospin method. Recognizing the recent popularity of the ThinPrep® methodology and the cytologic alterations it introduces to the cellular features, we sought to evaluate the reproducibility of these criteria in ThinPrep urinary samples. One hundred twenty‐six ThinPrep urinary specimens with a tissue diagnosis of low‐grade urothelial carcinoma (LGUC) and 45 negative controls were evaluated. Three pathologists blindly reviewed the slides separately and the consensus on each feature was used in the study. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine which criteria in combination were most predictive of low‐grade urothelial carcinoma. All specimens were evaluated for the following 18 features: nucleus/cytoplasm ratio, irregular nuclear border, cytoplasm homogeneity, cell clusters, high cellularity, prominent nucleoli, granular nuclear chromatin, hyperchromasia, acute inflammation, vesicular chromatin, nuclear molding, nuclear eccentricity, elongated nuclei, necrosis, anisonucleosis, irregular bordered fragments, absent cytoplasmic collar, and peripheral palisading. High nucleus‐to‐cytoplasm ratio, irregular nuclear borders, and homogeneous cytoplasm (combination sensitivity of 59% and specificity of 100%) were the best predictive features for LGUC. Minor predictive criteria were eccentric nuclei and nuclear molding. ThinPrep provides well preserved, cleaner specimens without significantly altering the morphology. The three key criteria applied in cytospin specimens to diagnose LGUC were reproducible in ThinPrep specimens. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2003;29:125–129. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Essential oil composition of Callistemon viminalis leaves from India
Authors: Srivastava S. K. , Ahmad Ateeque , Syamsunder K. V. , Aggarwal K. K. , Khanuja S. P. S. 
Published: September 2003

AbstractThe leaves of Callistemon viminalis, on hydrodistillation, gave 0.45% of an oil on a fresh weight basis. GC and GC–MS analysis of the oil resulted in the identiﬁcation of 42 constituents, representing 99.5% of the oil. 1,8‐Cineole (61.7%), α‐pinene (24.2%) and menthyl acetate (5.3%) were the major components. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Volatile leaf oil constituents of Lantana camara L from Nigeria
Authors: Oyedeji O. A. , Ekundayo O. , König W. A. 
Published: September 2003

AbstractThe composition of the volatile oil from the leaves of Lantana camara was investigated in detail by GC and GC–MS techniques. β‐Caryophyllene (24.6%), α‐humulene (19.5%), sabinene (8.8%), germacrene D (5.7%) and cubebol (5.7%) were among the principal components. A total of 56 compounds, which accounted for 91.3% of the oil, were analysed. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.