bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Micro‐ and nanomorphologies of isotactic polystyrene revealed by PLM, AFM, and TEM
Authors: Liu Tianxi , Ma Kuixiang , Liu Zhehui , He Chaobin , Chung Tai‐Shung 
Published: October 2002

AbstractThe spherulitic and lamellar morphologies of isotactic polystyrene (iPS) isothermally crystallized from the glassy state were investigated by polarized light microscopy (PLM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The AFM phase images and TEM bright‐field electron micrographs revealed that the iPS spherulites consist of a number of dominant edge‐on lamellae which continuously grow outward by splaying and branching. By partial melting, the less perfect subsidiary lamellae, which are formed within the framework of the dominant ones due to the growth in restricted spaces and possess lower thermal stability than that of the dominant ones, were directly observed by TEM. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 86: 422–427, 2002
Synthesis and characteristics of the interpenetrating polymer network hydrogel composed of chitosan and polyallylamine
Authors: Shin Mi‐Seon , Kim Seon Jeong , Park Sang Jun , Lee Yong Hee , Kim Sun I. 
Published: October 2002

AbstractA temperature‐ and pH‐dependent hydrogel was studied with interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) hydrogels constructed with water‐insoluble chitosan and polyallylamine. Various IPNs were prepared from different weight ratios of chitosan–polyallylamine. Crosslinked‐IPN hydrogels exhibited relatively high equilibrium water content (EWC) in the range 80–83%. The EWC of IPN hydrogels depended on pH and the amount of complex, which is the content of chitosan and polyallylamine. The differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) thermogram of fully swollen IPN hydrogels appeared between 3 to 4 °C. The IPNs exhibited two glass‐transition temperatures (Tgs), indicating the presence of phase separation in the IPNs as exhibited by dielectric analysis (DEA). © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 86: 498–503, 2002
Cationic UV cure kinetics for multifunctional epoxies
Authors: Boey F. , Rath S. K. , Ng A. K. , Abadie M. J. M. 
Published: October 2002

AbstractTwo epoxy monomers with widely different functionalities (f = 2 and f = 8) were selected for the study and comparison of photocuring kinetics, in the presence of two different photoinitiators. It has been observed that for the same photoinitiator, the optimum concentration is lower for the epoxy monomer with a lower functionality. In terms of photoinitiation efficiency, the photoinitiator based on aromatic sulfonium salts has been determined to be a better candidate. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 86: 518–525, 2002
Formation of short‐lived multinucleated giant cells (MGCS) from cultured gilthead seabream macrophages
Authors: Couso Norma , Castro Rosario , Noya Manuel , Obach Alex , Lamas Jesús 
Published: October 2002

AbstractMonocytes/macrophages obtained from the head kidney and peritoneal cavity of gilthead seabream (Sparus aurata) were cultured using plates from three different manufacturers, and were maintained under different conditions. The effects on the morphology and fusion of monocytes/macrophages of initial cell loading, removal of non‐adherent cells at different times after plating, and addition of serum and antibiotics were evaluated by light microscopy, and transmission (TEM) and scanning (SEM) electron microscopy. Despite variations in adherence, the behaviour and the morphological changes in kidney monocytes/macrophages were similar in all three types of plates. When foetal calf serum (FCS) was added to the incubation medium, most of the cells resembling monocytes/macrophages were connected by cytoplasmic extensions that formed bridges after 24 hr in culture. After 30 hr, the monocytes/macrophages started to fuse, forming multinucleated giant cells (MGCs) which gradually increased in size until the culture was 4–5 days old. After 5 days the MGCs started to die, and after a week most had disappeared from the cultures. Cells incubated with medium without serum showed changes similar to those fed with FCS, but some cells survived for 3 weeks. The addition of fish serum to the medium appeared to accelerate all processes: the monocytes/macrophages and MGCs died after 3 days in culture. Antibiotics had no apparent effect on the cultures. Removal of non‐adherent cells at different times after plating did not appear to affect cell fusion. Coating the wells with extracellular matrix proteins reduced adherence but did not inhibit cell fusion. Curiously, not all macrophages fused with MGCs, and, unlike MGCs, these macrophages phagocytosed sheep red blood cells (SRBCs). Peritoneal macrophages also fused and formed MGCs in culture, similarly to kidney cells. Anat Rec 267:204–212, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Sexual dimorphism in digit‐length ratios of laboratory mice
Authors: Brown Windy M. , Finn Christopher J. , Breedlove S. Marc 
Published: October 2002

AbstractThe lengths of the index finger (2D) and ring finger (4D) are sexually dimorphic in humans, and men have a smaller 2D:4D ratio compared to women. Prenatal androgens appear to be important in the development of the 2D:4D sex difference, since it has been reported in children as young as 2 years old, and since humans exposed to supernormal prenatal androgen levels display a smaller 2D:4D ratio. We tested whether another mammalian species in which the process of peripheral sexual differentiation is androgen‐dependent might also show a sex difference in digit ratios. The 2D:4D ratio of adult outbred mice was calculated for both the left and right rear paws. A sex difference was observed in the right rear paw: female mice had a larger 2D:4D ratio than did males. We also found this difference in prepubescent weanling mice. This sex difference is in the same direction as that observed in humans, and suggests that sexual dimorphism in digit length ratios is a feature common to many, if not all, mammals. The mouse may therefore be a useful animal model for studying the factors that influence finger length patterns, which have recently been correlated with several specific behaviors and disease predispositions in humans. Anat Rec 267:231–234, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Alterations in carbohydrate and fatty acid levels of Lymantria dispar larvae caused by a microsporidian infection and potential adverse effects on a co‐occurring endoparasitoid, Glyptapanteles liparidis
Authors: Hoch Gernot , Schafellner Christa , Henn Michael W. , Schopf Axel 
Published: October 2002

AbstractInfection of Lymantria dispar host larvae by the entomopathogenic microsporidium Vairimorpha sp. has a negative impact on the performance of the endoparasitic braconid Glyptapanteles liparidis. To investigate possible causes for this effect, we studied to what extent nutritional host suitability is altered by the microsporidium. Therefore, we analyzed carbohydrates and fatty acids in host larvae after Vairimorpha infection and/or parasitism by G. liparidis. Trehalose levels were significantly reduced in the hemolymph of infected hosts. After day five post infection, it was detected only in traces. Four to six days later, the glycogen resources were depleted in infected larvae. Parasitism by G. liparidis, on the other hand, led to increased hemolymph trehalose levels during the early endoparasitic phase but to a significant decrease at the end of its larval development. No effect of parasitism on the glycogen content was ascertained. Hemolymph levels of the fatty acids analyzed, such as palmitic, stearic, oleic, linoleic, and linolenic acid, were significantly reduced in microsporidia‐infected L. dispar. Vairimorpha sp. develops as an intracellular parasite in the fat body of the host larva and synthesis of trehalose and fatty acids may be disturbed. Moreover, microsporidia may also harness metabolites or energy produced by host cells. We conclude that the microsporidia‐induced decrease in hemolymph carbohydrates and fatty acids adversely affects growth and development of parasitoid larvae. Arch. Insect Biochem. Physiol. 50:109–120, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Content and composition of phosphoglycerols and neutral lipids at different developmental stages of the eggs of the codling moth, Cydia pomonella (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)
Authors: Forte Silvina N. , Ferrero Adriana A. , Alonso Telma S. 
Published: October 2002

AbstractPhosphoglycerol, triacylglycerol, diacylglycerol, and free fatty acid content was studied in eggs of the codling moth Cydia pomonella at the white, red ring, and black head developmental stages. The composition of total phosphoglycerols and of the three classes of neutral lipids was also analyzed. The highest total lipid content was found in eggs at the white stage, the amount decreasing during development mainly as a result of a diminution in the quantity of phosphoglycerols, which account for approximately 50% of total content at all stages of egg development. The amount of triacylglycerols and free fatty acids changes significantly during development, whereas only minor changes were found in diacyglycerol levels. The total phosphoglycerol acyl composition of eggs at the white and red ring stages is similar, whereas differences are evident at the black head stage of development. Triacylglycerols and free fatty acids are enriched in saturated fatty acids in all analyzed stages. The acyl profile of diacylglycerols is different at each stage. The unsaturation index decreases in diacylglycerols and free fatty acids as a function of egg development. The results of the present paper suggest that triacylglycerols may constitute an important source of energy during the final period of egg development while phosphoglycerols may function as fuel during the beginning. Phosphoglycerols could be precursors for the triacylglycerol biosynthesis that takes place between white and red ring stages. Arch. Insect Biochem. Physiol. 50:121–130, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Purification and characterization of a digestive alkaline protease from the larvae of Spilosoma obliqua
Authors: Anwar Adil , Saleemuddin M. 
Published: October 2002

AbstractA digestive protease from Spilosoma obliqua (Lepidoptera: Arctiidae) fifth instar larval guts was purified and characterized. The protease was purified using ammonium sulfate fractionation, ion‐exchange chromatography, and hemoglobin‐sepharose affinity chromatography. The purification procedure resulted in a 37‐fold increase in the specific activity of the protease. Protease thus obtained was found to be electrophoretically pure under native and denaturing conditions. The purified protease had a molecular mass of 90 kDa as determined by gel filtration, and a pH optimum of 11.0. The purified protease optimally hydrolyzed casein at 50°C. A Km of 2 ×10–6 M was obtained using BApNA as a substrate for the purified alkaline protease. The ability of S. obliqua protease and bovine trypsin to hydrolyze various synthetic substrates (BApNA, BAEE, and BAME), and the inhibition patterns of S. obliqua and bovine trypsin with “classical” trypsin inhibitors are also reported. Arch. Insect Biochem. Physiol. 51:1–12, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The beneficial effect of interleukin‐12 on arthritis induced by group B streptococci is mediated by interferon‐γ and interleukin‐10 production
Authors: Puliti Manuela , von Hunolstein Christina , Bistoni Francesco , Mosci Paolo , Orefici Graziella , Tissi Luciana 
Published: October 2002

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the effect of interleukin‐12 (IL‐12) administration on the evolution of systemic infection and septic arthritis induced by group B streptococci (GBS) in mice.MethodsCD1 mice were inoculated intravenously with arthritogenic strain 1/82 of type IV GBS. Exogenous murine IL‐12 was administered intraperitoneally 18 hours or 5 days after infection with 1 × 107 GBS, at doses ranging from 0.5 to 2.5 μg per mouse. Mice were monitored daily for survival and for signs of arthritis. In a subsequent set of experiments, mice were killed at selected times for examination of bacterial clearance, histopathologic changes in the joints, and cytokine production.ResultsIL‐12 administration before the onset of clinical signs had a beneficial effect on GBS‐induced arthritis and was clearly dose‐dependent. The 2.5‐μg dose per mouse totally prevented death from GBS‐induced arthritis. The decrease in pathology was associated with a reduction of the bacterial burden and a change in the cytokine profile. In particular, systemic and joint levels of interferon‐γ (IFNγ) and IL‐10 significantly increased in mice treated with IL‐12, whereas a decrease in IL‐6 and IL‐1β production was observed. The beneficial effects of IL‐12, in terms of the incidence and severity of articular lesions, were reversed by coadministration of anti‐IFNγ or anti–IL‐10–neutralizing antibodies.ConclusionThe findings of this study demonstrate that IL‐12 is important in controlling the cytokine production that leads to the evolution of GBS‐induced experimental arthritis. The amelioration of articular lesions is mostly attributable to IL‐12–induced IFNγ, but with a relevant participation of IL‐12–induced IL‐10.
Identification of citrullinated rheumatoid arthritis‐specific epitopes in natural filaggrin relevant for antifilaggrin autoantibody detection by line immunoassay
Authors: Union Ann , Meheus Lydie , Humbel René Louis , Conrad Karsten , Steiner Guenter , Moereels Henri , Pottel Hans , Serre Guy , De Keyser Filip 
Published: October 2002

AbstractObjectiveTo identify immunodominant epitopes in natural filaggrin that are reactive with antifilaggrin autoantibodies (AFA) in the sera of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and to explore their use in a diagnostic assay format.MethodsBased on the results of epitope mapping of human natural filaggrin as well as molecular modeling and computational chemistry, synthetic peptides together with recombinant citrullinated filaggrin were evaluated by a line immunoassay (LIA) for AFA detection. Diagnostic performance was assessed using 336 RA and 253 disease control sera and was compared with that of reference methods.ResultsSeveral immunoreactive epitopes were identified in natural filaggrin, all of which contained at least 1 citrulline residue. Three antigenic substrates, including 2 synthetic peptides and recombinant citrullinated filaggrin showing maximal reactivity on LIA, were finally selected. Using the 3‐antigen LIA3, overall sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value for RA were 65.2%, 98.0%, and 89.1%, respectively, compared with 61.9%, 98.8%, and 92.8% using the 2‐antigen LIA2 (without recombinant protein). Thirty‐seven percent of the rheumatoid factor (RF)‐negative RA samples (30 of 81) were AFA‐positive by LIA2, and 52 of 54 RF‐positive control samples had no AFA detected on LIA2. Higher specificity and sensitivity were obtained by LIA2 versus anti‐RA33 immunoblot, whereas good agreement was observed with antikeratin antibody testing. LIA performed significantly better than AFA immunoblotting using natural filaggrin, at a specificity level of 99% (P = 0.0047).ConclusionCitrullinated residues are present in immunoreactive epitopes of natural human filaggrin. AFA can be readily detected by citrullinated peptides in an LIA‐based test, resulting in high specificity and positive predictive value for RA. The LIA could serve as a user‐friendly alternative to existing immunofluorescence tests and AFA immunoblot techniques. Given its complementarity to RF, this test can be a valuable tool in the differential diagnosis of arthritis.
Demethylation of ITGAL (CD11a) regulatory sequences in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Lu Qianjin , Kaplan Mariana , Ray Donna , Ray Doreen , Zacharek Sima , Gutsch David , Richardson Bruce 
Published: October 2002

AbstractObjectiveInhibition of T cell DNA methylation causes autoreactivity in vitro and a lupus‐like disease in vivo, suggesting that T cell DNA hypomethylation may contribute to autoimmunity. The hypomethylation effects are due, in part, to overexpression of lymphocyte function–associated antigen 1 (LFA‐1) (CD11a/CD18). Importantly, T cells from patients with active lupus have hypomethylated DNA and overexpress LFA‐1 on an autoreactive subset, suggesting that the same mechanism could contribute to human lupus. The present study investigated the nature of the methylation change that affects LFA‐1 expression in vitro and in human lupus.MethodsBisulfite sequencing was used to determine the methylation status of the ITGAL promoter and flanking regions in T cells from lupus patients and healthy subjects, and in T cells treated with DNA methylation inhibitors. “Patch” methylation of promoter sequences in reporter constructs was used to determine the functional significance of the methylation changes.ResultsHypomethylation of specific sequences flanking the ITGAL promoter was seen in T cells from patients with active lupus and in T cells treated with 5‐azacytidine and procainamide. Patch methylation of this region suppressed ITGAL promoter function.ConclusionDNA methylation changes occur in specific sequences that regulate LFA‐1 expression in lupus T cells and in the hypomethylation model, indicating that altered methylation of specific genes may play a role in the pathogenesis of lupus.
Quantitative computed tomography of the lumbar spine, not dual x‐ray absorptiometry, is an independent predictor of prevalent vertebral fractures in postmenopausal women with osteopenia receiving long‐term glucocorticoid and hormone‐replacement therapy
Authors: Rehman Q. , Lang T. , Modin G. , Lane N. E. 
Published: October 2002

AbstractObjectiveTo determine which measurement of bone mineral density (BMD) predicts vertebral fractures in a cohort of postmenopausal women with glucocorticoid‐induced osteoporosis.MethodsWe recruited 114 subjects into the study. All had osteopenia of the lumbar spine or hip, as demonstrated by dual x‐ray absorptiometry (DXA), and were receiving long‐term glucocorticoids and hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Measurements of BMD by DXA of the lumbar spine, hip (and subregions), and forearm (and subregions), quantitative computed tomography (QCT) of the spine and hip (n = 59), and radiographs of the thoracolumbar spine were performed on all subjects to assess prevalent vertebral fractures. Vertebral fracture prevalence, as determined by morphometry, required a ≥20% (or ≥4‐mm) loss of vertebral body height. Demographic information was obtained by questionnaire. Multiple regression and classification and regression trees (CART) analyses were used to assess predictors of vertebral fracture.ResultsTwenty‐six percent of the study subjects had prevalent fractures. BMD of the lumbar spine, total hip and hip subregions, as measured by QCT, but only the lumbar spine and total hip, as measured by DXA, were significantly associated with prevalent vertebral fractures. However, only lumbar spine BMD as measured by QCT was a significant predictor of vertebral fractures. CART analysis showed that a BMD value <0.065 gm/cm3 was associated with a 7‐fold higher risk of fracture than a BMD value ≥0.065 gm/cm3.ConclusionIn postmenopausal women with osteoporosis induced by long‐term glucocorticoid treatment who are also receiving HRT, BMD of the lumbar spine as measured by QCT, but not DXA, is an independent predictor of vertebral fractures.
FLICE‐inhibitory protein expression in synovial fibroblasts and at sites of cartilage and bone erosion in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Schedel Jörg , Gay Renate E. , Kuenzler Peter , Seemayer Christian , Simmen Beat , Michel Beat A. , Gay Steffen 
Published: October 2002

AbstractObjectiveRheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by a hyperplastic synovial tissue, inflammatory infiltrates, and a progressive destruction of cartilage and bone. FLICE‐inhibitory protein (FLIP) prevents the association of caspase 8 with FADD and thus exerts an antiapoptotic effect through inhibition of Fas‐mediated apoptosis. We undertook this study to examine the expression of FLIP in RA, osteoarthritic (OA), and normal synovial tissues.MethodsWe investigated the expression of FLIP (long form) in 5 RA, 2 OA, and 2 normal synovial tissue samples. A 393‐bp fragment was amplified from complementary DNA obtained from cultured RA synovial fibroblasts (RASF) by reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR). Using in situ hybridization, the expression of FLIP messenger RNA (mRNA) in paraffin‐embedded synovial tissue sections was investigated semiquantitatively by analyzing the lining layer, the sublining, and sites of invasion. Immunohistochemistry with anti‐CD68 antibodies was performed on serial tissue sections to further characterize the cell types expressing FLIP. In addition, quantitative expression of FLIP was measured by real‐time PCR.ResultsRT‐PCR revealed the expression of FLIP mRNA in all RA and OA samples tested. Using in situ hybridization in synovial tissue, FLIP was detected in all 5 RA samples and in 1 of 2 OA samples, but in neither of the 2 normal control samples. In RA, FLIP expression could be found in both the lining and sublining layers; most importantly, it could also be identified at sites of cartilage invasion and bone destruction. Moreover, quantitative PCR analysis showed 50% higher FLIP expression in RASF than in OASF.ConclusionThe expression of antiapoptotic FLIP in RA synovial tissue and in synovial fibroblasts suggests the idea of a novel pathway in RA that potentially extends the lifespan of cartilage‐ and bone‐degrading synovial cells, thus contributing to the progression of joint destruction.
One‐year open‐label trial of thalidomide in ankylosing spondylitis
Authors: Huang Feng , Gu Jieruo , Zhao Wei , Zhu Jian , Zhang Jianglin , Yu David Tak Yan 
Published: October 2002

AbstractObjectivesTo test in a large open study whether thalidomide is potentially useful in treating ankylosing spondylitis, and to see if thalidomide induces any change in expression of genes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC).MethodsThirty male patients with treatment‐refractory ankylosing spondylitis were recruited into a 12‐month open study using thalidomide at a dosage of 200 mg/day. Seven indices were measured as primary outcome measures, and 6 other indices as secondary outcome measures. Transcripts in the PBMC of some of these patients were first screened with microarray, and then measured with reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction.ResultsTwenty‐six patients completed the study. Of these, 80% showed a >20% improvement in 4 of 7 primary indices. Sharp declines in several parameters were noticed at 3–6 months. Nine patients became pain‐free. There was also a statistically significant decrease in tumor necrosis factor α transcripts in the PBMC.ConclusionThalidomide is a reasonably promising drug in treatment‐resistant ankylosing spondylitis.