bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Temperature dependency of elastic moduli and internal dilational and shear frictions of polyetherimide
Authors: Fukuhara Mikio 
Published: September 2003

AbstractTo investigate the thermally activated structural change of polyetherimide, longitudinal and transverse wave velocity, six kinds of elastic parameters (Young's, shear, and bulk moduli, Lamé parameter, Poisson's ratio, and Debye temperature), and dilational and shear internal frictions were simultaneously measured over a temperature range 69–474 K, using the ultrasonic pulse method. All elastic moduli decreased with increasing temperature, suggesting a lowering of molecular bonding strength. From shear internal friction, the 190, 314, 371, 395, and 430 K peaks are interpreted as the γ‐ [derived from –C(O)– motion], β‐ (interplane slippage between benzene rings), β‐ (softening‐glass transition) peaks, and rotational vibration of main benzene rings and a local relaxation of the main chain, respectively. The abrupt increase peak from 449 K in dilational friction would be a low‐temperature side shoulder of the α–glass‐transition peak. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 90: 759–764, 2003
“Orientation induced memory effect” in polyamides and the relationship to hydrogen bonding
Authors: Vasanthan N. 
Published: September 2003

AbstractThe influence of molecular orientation on the “memory effect” of polyamides was investigated by differential scanning calorimetry. Melt crystallization of undrawn and drawn polyamide 6 (N6) and polyamide 66 (N66) fibers showed no difference either in the rate of crystallization or crystallization temperature. We demonstrated that hydrogen bonding does not play a major role in melt crystallization kinetics of polyamides (N6 and N66), and the “memory effect” is only retained for polymers, including N6 and N66, because of insufficient time spent above the melting temperature. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 90: 772–775, 2003
Binary blends of polyethers with fatty acids: A thermal characterization of the phase transitions
Authors: Pielichowski Krzysztof , Flejtuch Kinga 
Published: September 2003

AbstractA series of binary blends of poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO), poly(propylene oxide) (PPO), and polytetrahydrofuran (PTHF), characterized by similar average molecular weights, with selected fatty acids (capric acid, lauric acid, myristic acid, palmitic acid, and stearic acid) were prepared by melt mixing. Differential scanning calorimetry was applied to characterize the phase transitions of melting and crystallization, and a synergistic effect was found to occur for PEO/fatty acid blends, as evidenced by the values of the enthalpy of the phase transition. This effect was probably due to hydrogen bonding between PEO and the fatty (carboxylic) acids, which facilitated the formation of crystalline structures; an analysis of IR spectroscopy data showed a shift in the absorption bands of OH groups. The morphology development of the PEO/carboxylic acid blends, as observed with polarizing light microscopy, could be described as spherulitic growth with spontaneous selection of the lamellar thickness. The textures of the individual fibrils, consisting of stacks of several tens of lamellae corresponding to PPO and PTHF, were less regular than the texture of PEO and showed large macroscopic heterogeneity. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 90: 861–870, 2003
Thermal characteristics of interpenetrating polymer networks composed of poly(vinyl alcohol) and poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide)
Authors: Kim Seon Jeong , Park Sang Jun , Kim In Young , Chung Taek Dong , Kim Hee Chan , Kim Sun I. 
Published: September 2003

AbstractInterpenetrating polymer networks (IPNs) composed of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm) were prepared by the sequential‐IPN method. The thermal characterization of the IPNs was investigated using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and dielectric analysis (DEA). Depression of the melting temperature (Tm) of the PVA segment in IPNs was observed with increasing PNIPAAm content using DSC. DEA was employed to ascertain the glass‐transition temperature (Tg) of IPNs. From the result of DEA, IPNs exhibited two Tg values, indicating the presence of phase separation in the IPNs. The thermal decomposition of IPNs was investigated using TGA and appeared at near 200°C. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 90: 881–885, 2003
Expression of myeloid‐related proteins 8 and 14 in systemic‐onset juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Frosch Michael , Vogl Thomas , Seeliger Stephan , Wulffraat Nico , Kuis Wietse , Viemann Dorothee , Foell Dirk , Sorg Clemens , Sunderkötter Cord , Roth Johannes 
Published: September 2003

AbstractObjectiveTo analyze which cellular compartments are involved in the initial phase of systemic‐onset juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA), and to investigate the role that myeloid‐related protein 8 (MRP‐8) and MRP‐14, two S‐100 proteins that are primarily expressed in phagocytes, play in the disease.MethodsSkin biopsy samples obtained during patients' acute episodes of systemic‐onset JRA were analyzed by immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization. Concentrations of MRP‐8/MRP‐14 in serum were determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.ResultsBy analyzing biopsy samples from cutaneous rashes during the initial phase of systemic‐onset JRA, we discovered infiltration of leukocytes expressing MRP‐8 and MRP‐14. Surprisingly, keratinocytes also showed de novo synthesis of these proinflammatory proteins, indicating activation of epithelial cells during systemic‐onset JRA. Serum concentrations of MRP‐8/MRP‐14 were 120‐fold higher compared with healthy controls and ∼12‐fold higher compared with patients with other inflammatory diseases. Concentrations of MRP‐8/MRP‐14 in patients with systemic‐onset JRA fell dramatically after remission was induced.ConclusionThe exceptionally high serum levels of MRP‐8 and MRP‐14 in active systemic‐onset JRA make them prime candidates as markers for monitoring disease activity and response to treatment. Since MRP‐8/MRP‐14 exhibit direct effects on leukocyte adhesion to the vascular endothelium, their extensive expression in the epidermis indicates an active role for these S‐100 proteins in the initial phase of this systemic autoimmune disease.
Simultaneous, clonally identical T cell expansion in tonsil and synovium in a patient with rheumatoid arthritis and chronic tonsillitis
Authors: Kawano Mitsuhiro , Okada Kanae , Muramoto Hiroaki , Morishita Hajime , Omura Takayo , Inoue Ryo , Kitajima Susumu , Katano Kenichi , Koni Ichiro , Mabuchi Hiroshi , Yachie Akihiro 
Published: September 2003

AbstractIn some patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the disease improves following tonsillectomy. We describe a 28‐year‐old woman with treatment‐resistant RA and chronic tonsillitis. Initially, her arthritis had been well controlled with methotrexate and corticosteroids, but the RA activity became difficult to control in spite of addition of bucillamine to the treatment regimen and repeated arthrocentesis with infusion of corticosteroid into her swollen joints. Closer examination revealed that the period of exacerbation of her chronic tonsillitis paralleled that of the systemic arthritis, and administration of antibiotics brought transient relief of the systemic symptoms. Her arthritis was ameliorated after successful tonsillectomy and synovectomy, with marked reduction of the serum rheumatoid factor concentration. Analysis of infiltrating T cell clones in tonsil and synovium using T cell receptor Vβ repertoire and third complementarity‐determining region size distribution analysis followed by nucleotide sequencing revealed common clonal T cell expansion in both tissues. This finding suggests the possible involvement of chronic focal infection in refractory RA.
Is a long‐term high‐intensity exercise program effective and safe in patients with rheumatoid arthritis?: Results of a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Zuzana de Jong  , Munneke Marten , Zwinderman Aeilko H. , Kroon Herman M. , Jansen Annemarie , Ronday Karel H. , van Schaardenburg Dirkjan , Dijkmans Ben A. C. , Van den Ende Cornelia H. M. , Breedveld Ferdinand C. , Vlieland Theodora P. M. Vliet , Hazes Johanna M. W. 
Published: September 2003

AbstractObjectiveThere are insufficient data on the effects of long‐term intensive exercise in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We undertook this randomized, controlled, multicenter trial to compare the effectiveness and safety of a 2‐year intensive exercise program (Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients In Training [RAPIT]) with those of physical therapy (termed usual care [UC]).MethodsThree hundred nine RA patients were assigned to either the RAPIT program or UC. The primary end points were functional ability (assessed by the McMaster Toronto Arthritis [MACTAR] Patient Preference Disability Questionnaire and the Health Assessment Questionnaire [HAQ]) and the effects on radiographic progression in large joints. Secondary end points concerned emotional status and disease activity.ResultsAfter 2 years, participants in the RAPIT program showed greater improvement in functional ability than participants in UC. The mean difference in change of the MACTAR Questionnaire score was 2.6 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.1, 5.2) over the first year and 3.1 (95% CI 0.7, 5.5) over the second year. After 2 years, the mean difference in change of the HAQ score was −0.09 (95% CI −0.18, −0.01). The median radiographic damage of the large joints did not increase in either group. In both groups, participants with considerable baseline damage showed slightly more progression in damage, and this was more obvious in the RAPIT group. The RAPIT program proved to be effective in improving emotional status. No detrimental effects on disease activity were found.ConclusionA long‐term high‐intensity exercise program is more effective than UC in improving functional ability of RA patients. Intensive exercise does not increase radiographic damage of the large joints, except possibly in patients with considerable baseline damage of the large joints.
Genome‐wide association study for regions of systemic sclerosis susceptibility in a Choctaw Indian population with high disease prevalence
Authors: Zhou Xiaodong , Tan Filemon K. , Wang Ning , Xiong Momiao , Maghidman Samuel , Reveille John D. , Milewicz Dianna M. , Chakraborty Ranajit , Arnett Frank C. 
Published: September 2003

AbstractObjectiveSystemic sclerosis (SSc) is a complex, multisystem connective tissue disease in which genetic factors contribute to disease susceptibility. The aim of this study was to localize chromosome regions associated with susceptibility to SSc in a relatively isolated and homogenous population of Choctaw Indians with a high prevalence of SSc.MethodsA genome‐wide microsatellite screen at 10 cM resolution (400 markers) was performed in 20 Choctaw patients with SSc and 76 ethnically matched controls. Based on the results of the initial screen, fine‐scale microsatellite mapping at ≤1 cM resolution was performed in 10 selected chromosome regions. Allele and marker haplotype frequencies were compared between SSc patients and controls.ResultsFrom the genome‐wide screen, 12 markers showed evidence of highly significant associations with SSc in this population (P < 0.01), while 5 other markers showed significant associations (0.01 < P < 0.05). Among these markers, loci D5S410, D6S422, D15S978, and D20S107 are near the SPARC, MHC, FBN1, and TOPOI genes, respectively, confirming the results of our previous studies, which used different markers. D1S2800 and D14S63 have been reported to show linkage to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in family‐based studies, and D1S206, D6S422, and D6S264 are loci on 1p21.2, 6p22.3, and 6q23‐27, respectively, which are in regions reported as showing linkage to SLE and other autoimmune diseases. Other markers showing unique associations with SSc were D7S510 (7p12‐11), D7S661 (7q35), D8S514 (8q24.12), D19S221 (19p13.2), D19S220 (19q13.2), D22S423 (22q13.1), DXS1068 (Xp11.4), and DXS8055 (Xq21‐23). Further analysis with fine‐scale microsatellite mapping revealed at least 14 potential haplotypes associated with SSc.ConclusionOur findings indicate that a number of genetic loci may contribute to the high prevalence of SSc in the Choctaw and are consistent with the paradigm that some autoimmune rheumatic diseases are likely to share genetic determinants.
Antagonist of monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 ameliorates the initiation and progression of lupus nephritis and renal vasculitis in MRL/lpr mice
Authors: Hasegawa Hitoshi , Kohno Masashi , Sasaki Miho , Inoue Atsushi , Ito Mitsuko R. , Terada Miho , Hieshima Kunio , Maruyama Hiroki , Miyazaki Jun‐ichi , Yoshie Osamu , Nose Masato , Fujita Shigeru 
Published: September 2003

AbstractObjectiveTo examine whether chemokine antagonists inhibit the initiation and progression of lupus nephritis in MRL/lpr mice.MethodsNH2‐terminal–truncated monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP‐1)/CCL2 or thymus and activation–regulated chemokine (TARC)/CCL17 analogs were inserted into the pCXN2 expression vector and transfected into a nonmetastatic fibroblastoid cell line, MRL/N‐1, established from an MRL/gld mouse.ResultsMCP‐1 antagonist– or TARC antagonist–transfected MRL/N‐1 cells were injected subcutaneously into MRL/lpr mice ages 7 weeks (before the onset of lupus nephritis) and 12 weeks (at the early stage of the disease). After 8 weeks, mice bearing the MCP‐1 antagonist showed markedly diminished infiltration of macrophages and T cells, glomerular hypercellularity, glomerulosclerosis, crescent formation, and vasculitis compared with control mice. This seemed to be due to decreased production of interferon‐γ and interleukin‐2 in the kidney. In contrast, there was no significant difference in renal damage between mice bearing TARC antagonist and control mice.ConclusionWe established a new system using MRL/N‐1 cells that allows long‐term observation of the effects of chemokine antagonists on lupus nephritis in MRL/lpr mice. We also showed that the MCP‐1 antagonist ameliorated the initiation and progression of lupus nephritis and of renal vasculitis, which might provide a new approach to the treatment of the disease.
Vegfb gene knockout mice display reduced pathology and synovial angiogenesis in both antigen‐induced and collagen‐induced models of arthritis
Authors: Mould Arne W. , Tonks Ian D. , Cahill Marian M. , Pettit Allison R. , Thomas Ranjeny , Hayward Nicholas K. , Kay Graham F. 
Published: September 2003

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the role of vascular endothelial growth factor B (VEGF‐B) in 2 mouse models of arthritis, antigen‐induced arthritis (AIA) and collagen‐induced arthritis (CIA).MethodsFor AIA studies, monarticular AIA was induced by methylated bovine serum albumin (mBSA) priming of Vegfb gene knockout (Vegfb−/−) and wild‐type (Vegfb+/+) mice, followed by intraarticular injection of mBSA or saline control 8 days later. CIA was induced in Vegfb−/− and Vegfb+/+ mice by intradermal injection of chick type II collagen in adjuvant. Arthritis was monitored in both models using defined criteria (clinical and histologic). Angiogenesis was measured by synovial vessel density in diseased and control joints.ResultsIn AIA studies, Vegfb+/+ mice displayed significant knee joint swelling and synovial inflammation 7 days after intraarticular injection of antigen. Synovial inflammation was associated with angiogenesis, since vessel density in AIA synovium was significantly higher in arthritic than in control joints from the same animal. Knee joint swelling, synovial inflammation, and inflammation‐associated vessel density in arthritic joints were reduced in Vegfb−/− mice compared with arthritic joints from Vegfb+/+ mice. Similarly, in CIA, both disease incidence and mean clinical severity scores were significantly reduced in Vegfb−/− mice compared with Vegfb+/+ mice. Mean histologic severity scores and mean synovial vessel density were reduced in diseased joints from Vegfb−/− mice when compared with diseased joints from Vegfb+/+ mice.ConclusionThe reduction in inflammation‐associated synovial angiogenesis in Vegfb−/− mice implicates VEGF‐B in pathologic vascular remodeling in inflammatory arthritis. VEGF‐B may be an attractive target in the design of anti‐angiogenic therapies for rheumatoid arthritis.
HLA–DQA1 is not an apparent risk factor for microchimerism in patients with various autoimmune diseases and in healthy individuals
Authors: Artlett Carol M. , O'Hanlon Terrence P. , Lopez Ana M. , Song Yeong Wook , Miller Frederick W. , Rider Lisa G. 
Published: September 2003

AbstractObjectiveMicrochimeric cells have been identified in lesions and peripheral blood of patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) and idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM), and HLA–DQA1*0501 is a risk factor for these diseases in some populations. Furthermore, DQA1*0501 has been associated with T lymphocyte microchimerism in SSc. To better define the strength of this association, we assessed the relationship among DQA1 alleles and microchimerism.MethodsDNA from whole peripheral blood or magnetically sorted T cells was tested for microchimeric cells by polymerase chain reaction of the Y chromosome or of HLA–Cw in 87 SSc patients, 28 juvenile IIM patients, and 88 healthy controls. Thirty‐seven mother–son pairs were also analyzed for microchimerism and DQA1*0501.ResultsWe were unable to demonstrate that DQA1*0501 is associated with microchimerism in T lymphocytes or in whole peripheral blood DNA in patients with SSc or juvenile IIM or in healthy individuals. In the 37 mother–son pairs, we were unable to demonstrate an association of DQA1*0501 with microchimerism in peripheral blood DNA or T lymphocytes, and compatibility between the donor's and recipient's HLA alleles did not influence microchimerism in the recipient.ConclusionThese data suggest that HLA–DQA1 alleles do not appear to play a role in the persistence of microchimerism in the peripheral blood or T lymphocytes of patients with selected autoimmune diseases or in healthy individuals.
Doppler ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging of synovial inflammation of the hand in rheumatoid arthritis: A comparative study
Authors: Terslev L. , Torp‐Pedersen S. , Savnik A. , von der Recke P. , Qvistgaard E. , Danneskiold‐Samsøe B. , Bliddal H. 
Published: September 2003

AbstractObjectiveTo compare the quantitative and qualitative information obtained by Doppler ultrasound (US) measurements of the wrist joints and the small joints of the hand with the information obtained by postcontrast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and to correlate the imaging results with clinical observations in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).MethodsTwenty‐nine consecutive RA patients were studied; 196 joints (29 wrist and 167 finger joints) were examined by both US and MRI. Parameters of inflammation were the color fraction and the resistance index (RI) obtained with color Doppler US and the thickness of enhanced synovium (in mm) and the MRI score obtained with postcontrast MRI. Clinical examination and measurements of the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C‐reactive protein (CRP) level were performed on the same day as the imaging studies.ResultsThere was a highly significant association between US indices of inflammation and postcontrast MRI scores. The mean values for both the color fraction and the RI were significantly different in the group without joint swelling compared with the other groups. The mean RI values were significantly different in the group without joint tenderness compared with the other groups. The mean thickness of enhanced synovium on postcontrast MRI was significantly different between the group without joint swelling and the other groups, but this difference was statistically significant only for the comparison of the group without joint tenderness versus the group with maximum tenderness. No association between the MRI or US estimates of inflammation and values on the visual analog scale for pain, Health Assessment Questionnaire, duration of morning stiffness, ESR, or CRP was found.ConclusionEstimates of synovial inflammatory activity by Doppler US and postcontrast MRI were comparable. Estimation of synovial inflammatory activity by the RI and color fraction parameters of US appears to be a promising method of detecting and monitoring inflammatory activity in patients with RA.
Expression of bone morphogenetic protein 6 in healthy and osteoarthritic human articular chondrocytes and stimulation of matrix synthesis in vitro
Authors: Bobacz K. , Gruber R. , Soleiman A. , Erlacher L. , Smolen J. S. , Graninger W. B. 
Published: September 2003

AbstractObjectiveTo elucidate the role of bone morphogenetic protein 6 (BMP‐6) in human articular cartilage, we investigated whether BMP‐6 is expressed in adult human articular chondrocytes and analyzed the potential stimulatory effects of BMP‐6 on these cells. In addition, we investigated whether osteoarthritic (OA) and normal cartilage chondrocytes behave differently.MethodsEndogenous expression of the BMP‐6 gene was examined by reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction. BMP‐6 protein was detected by Western immunoblotting. Chondrocytes were grown as monolayer cultures for 7 days in a chemically defined serum‐free medium, in the absence or presence of recombinant BMP‐6. Proteoglycan (PG) synthesis was measured by 35S‐sulfate incorporation into newly synthesized macromolecules. Cell proliferation was assessed by 3H‐thymidine incorporation.ResultsBMP‐6 was expressed in both healthy and OA chondrocytes at the messenger RNA and protein levels. Total PG synthesis was significantly increased after BMP‐6 stimulation of healthy (mean ± SEM 191 ± 11%; P < 0.001) and OA (150 ± 25%; P < 0.03) chondrocyte cultures. A direct comparison between healthy and OA samples revealed no significant difference. The proliferation rates of normal and OA chondrocytes were not affected by BMP‐6 treatment.ConclusionBMP‐6 is endogenously expressed in chondrocytes obtained from OA and normal adult human articular cartilage. Furthermore, BMP‐6 has the potential to stimulate total PG synthesis in human articular chondrocytes derived from normal as well as OA joints. We conclude that the presence of BMP‐6 in adult human articular cartilage indicates a functional role for this growth factor in the maintenance of joint integrity.
Judgingmens rea: the tension between folk concepts and legal concepts of intentionality
Authors: Malle Bertram F. , Nelson Sarah E. 
Published: September 2003

AbstractConcepts such asintention,motive, orforethoughthave generated a great deal of doubt, dispute, and confusion in legal decision making. Here we argue for an empirically based strategy of defining and using suchmens reaconcepts. Instead of the standard approach of settling these concepts by theoretical argument and the debaters' own intuitions, we rely on social psychological research to determine the meaning and significance of folk concepts concerningmens rea. We demonstrate the reliable and systematic use of people's concept of intentionality, contrast it with the bewildering variety of related legal concepts, and apply the folk model of intentionality to debated distinctions between intention and intentionality, desire and intention, and belief and intention. This folk‐conceptual approach promises clarity ofmens reaconcepts and a reconciliation of the legal and layperson's view of human behavior. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.