bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Template‐free electrochemical synthesis and electrochemical supercapacitors application of polyaniline nanobuds
Authors: Shaikh ShoyebMohamad F. , Lim Ji‐Yeon , Mane Rajaram S. , Zate Manohar K. , Han Sung‐Hwan , Joo Oh‐Shim 
Published: October 2012

AbstractOne‐step and template‐free synthesis of polyaniline nanobuds (PANI NBs), synthesized using anodic electrochemical polymerization method, is reported at room temperature onto a conducting indium‐tin‐oxide glass substrate. The PANI NBs are characterized for their structural, morphological, and electrochromic properties. Scanning electron microscopy image reveals NBs type architecture, perpendicular to the substrate surface. These NBs are broader at their bottoms and narrower at the tops. Individual NB has confirmed 30 nm top diameter and 100–200 nm length. Electrochemical supercapacitive behavior of the PANI NBs electrode is investigated by measuring cyclic voltammetry curves. Moderate specific capacitance of 128 F/g is achieved in the potential range of −0.2 to 1.0 V at 10 mV/s sweep rate in 0.5 M H2SO4 electrolyte. Influence of inner and outer charges on a resultant specific capacitance is also investigated. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
The effect of borax‐modified starch on wheat straw‐based paper properties
Authors: Ali Imtiaz , urRehman Shafiq , Hyder Ali Syed , Javaid Asad 
Published: October 2012

AbstractThis study was focused on the improvement of mechanical strength properties of wheat straw‐based paper through modification of wet‐end cationic starch with borax. Borax has been used extensively in many industrial applications for its unique physical and chemical properties. We investigated the strengthening effect of borax‐modified starch (BMS) as wet‐end paper strength additive on the mechanical strength properties especially the tensile strength of wheat straw‐based paper. Hand‐sheets made of typical wheat straw‐based papermaking furnish were investigated. Experimental results showed that BMS substantially increased the strength properties. Tensile index, elongation, tensile energy absorption, and wet tensile index were increased by 17%, 23%, 20%, and 21%, respectively. A short mill trial was also conducted on papermaking machine in which the impact of BMS on wheat straw‐based low grammage paper (<90 gsm) was investigated. The objective of mill trial was to reduce costly virgin softwood pulp content in wheat straw‐based paper recipe. Mill trial results showed similar trends in strength properties as in case of laboratory studies. Virgin softwood pulp was reduced from 30% to 25% in papermaking furnish. Furthermore, no sheet breaks were reported during trial which often happened due to poor strength of paper web. This study strongly suggests that modification of wet‐end cationic starch with borax holds a tremendous potential as wet‐end strength additive. It can provide significantly improved strength properties, reduction in softwood pulp costs, and better papermaking machine performance. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
5,6‐bis(tetradecyloxy)‐2,1,3‐benzoselenadiazole‐based polymers for photovoltaic applications
Authors: Tang Wanjun , Chen Xuewen , Zou Yingping , Liu Bo , Zhong Hong , Pan Chunyue 
Published: October 2012

AbstractA series of new 5,6‐bis(tetradecyloxy)‐2,1,3‐benzoselenadiazole‐based copolymers (PBDT‐DTBSe, PC‐DTBSe, and PF‐DTBSe) have been first synthesized by Stille or Suzuki coupling polymerization reaction. The synthesized copolymers show good solubility in common organic solvents, such as chloroform, tetrahydrofuran, and chlorobenzene with excellent film‐forming properties. The molecular weight was determined by gel permeation chromatography and the thermal properties were investigated by thermogravimetric analysis. All the copolymers exhibited broad absorption from 350 to 700 nm. The preliminary results showed the device based on the structure of indium tin oxide/PEDOT:PSS/PC‐DTBSe:PC61BM (1 : 2, w/w)/Ca/Al displayed the best photovoltaic performance with a power conversion efficiency of 1.35%, a Voc of 0.87 V, a Jsc of 3.84 mA/cm2 and a fill factor of 40.4%, under illumination of AM 1.5 G (100 mW/cm2). © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Properties of carbon fiber sized with poly(phthalazinone ether ketone) resin
Authors: Liu W. B. , Zhang S. , Hao L. F. , Jiao W. C. , Yang F. , Li X. F. , Wang R. G. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractWe studied thermoplastic poly(phthalazinone ether ketone) (PPEK) resin as a sizing agent on carbon fiber, with emphasis on its thermal stability, surface energy, wetting performance, and interfacial shear strength (IFSS). X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy characterization was carried out to study the chemical structure of sized/unsized carbon fibers. Scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy were used to characterize surface topography. TGA was used to analyze the thermal stability. Meanwhile, contact angle measurement was applied to analyze the compatibility between the carbon fibers and PPEK and the surface energy of carbon fibers. IFSS of carbon fiber/PPEK composite was examined by microbond testing. It is found that carbon fibers uniformly coated with PPEK resin had better thermal stability and compatibility with PPEK resin than the uncoated fiber. The contact angle is 57.01° for sized fibers, corresponding to a surface energy of 49.96 mJ m−2, much smaller than that for unsized ones with contact angle value of 97.05°. The value of IFSS for sized fibers is 51.49 MPa, which is higher than the unsized fibers. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Increasing pneumococcal vaccination for immunosuppressed patients: A cluster quality improvement trial
Authors: Desai Sonali P. , Lu Bing , Szent‐Gyorgyi Lara E. , Bogdanova Anna A. , Turchin Alexander , Weinblatt Michael , Coblyn Jonathan , Greenberg Jeffrey O. , Kachalia Allen , Solomon Daniel H. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractObjectivePneumococcal vaccination is important for patients taking immunosuppressive medications, but prior studies suggest that most patients do not undergo vaccination. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a point‐of‐care paper reminder form as a quality improvement (QI) strategy to increase the numbers of immunosuppressed patients being kept up‐to‐date with pneumococcal vaccination in a rheumatology practice.MethodsSelected rheumatologists at 5 ambulatory practice sites received a point‐of‐care paper reminder form to be applied to patients who were not up‐to‐date with pneumococcal vaccination. Interrupted time‐series analyses were used to measure the effect of the intervention on the pneumococcal vaccination rates among patients, comparing the rates in the intervention group with those in a control group of rheumatologists who did not receive the intervention. Adjusted Cox proportional hazards models were examined to identify independent predictors of being up‐to‐date with pneumococcal vaccination.ResultsWe evaluated a total of 3,717 patients (66.0% with rheumatoid arthritis) who were taking immunosuppressive medications (74.1% women, mean age 53.7 years). Rheumatologists who received the intervention had a significant increase in the rate of patients who were up‐to‐date with pneumococcal vaccination, from 67.6% to 80.0% (P = 0.006), in the time period following the intervention, compared to a rate that remained stable, from 52.3% to 52.0% (P = 0.90), among patients in the nonintervention control group during this same time period. In regression models, positive predictors of being up‐to‐date with pneumococcal vaccination at the patient level included the following: having received the intervention (hazard ratio [HR] 3.58, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 2.46–5.20), having a primary care physician affiliated with Brigham and Women's Hospital (HR 1.68, 95% CI 1.44–1.97), having a diagnosis of diabetes mellitus (HR 1.57, 95% CI 1.02–2.41), and being age 56–65 years at baseline, compared to age ≤45 years (HR 1.24, 95% CI 1.01–1.51).ConclusionA QI strategy involving a simple point‐of‐care paper reminder form significantly increased the rate of being up‐to‐date with pneumococcal vaccination among patients receiving immunosuppressive medications in our rheumatology practices over a 6‐month period.
Anti–müllerian hormone and ovarian reserve in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Mok C. C. , Chan P. T. , To C. H. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractObjectiveTo study the level of anti–müllerian hormone (AMH) and its relationship to age and previous exposure to cyclophosphamide (CYC) in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).MethodsConsecutive female patients ages 18–52 years who had menses at least once during the preceding 12 months and fulfilled ≥4 American College of Rheumatology criteria for SLE were recruited. AMH was determined using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. Serum AMH levels were compared in patients with and without previous use of immunosuppressive agents. The relationship of the AMH level to the patient's age and CYC exposure was studied by linear regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.ResultsA total of 216 patients were studied (mean ± SD age 35.1 ± 10.1 years, mean ± SD SLE duration 7.6 ± 5.9 years). The mean ± SD AMH level was significantly lower in patients previously exposed to CYC therapy than in those who had not been exposed after adjustment for age (1.58 ± 2.92 versus 1.73 ± 2.11 ng/ml; P = 0.04). The median time interval between the AMH assay and the last dose of CYC administered was 6.7 years (interquartile range 3.4–8.5). AMH levels in users versus nonusers of other immunosuppressive agents, including mycophenolate mofetil, azathioprine, and the calcineurin inhibitors, were not statistically different. Linear regression revealed increasing age (beta −0.32, P = 0.02) and each 5 gm of CYC exposure (beta −0.28, P = 0.047) were independently associated with a lower AMH level. In patients ages 30 years and younger, a cumulative CYC dose cutoff of 5.9 gm yielded a sensitivity of 0.75 and a specificity of 0.80 for the prediction of undetectable AMH level on ROC curve analysis.ConclusionAMH is a sensitive marker for ovarian damage due to previous CYC exposure in women with SLE.
The rheumatoid arthritis synovial fluid citrullinome reveals novel citrullinated epitopes in apolipoprotein E, myeloid nuclear differentiation antigen, and β‐actin
Authors: van Beers Joyce J. B. C. , Schwarte Carla M. , Stammen‐Vogelzangs Judith , Oosterink Els , Božič Borut , Pruijn Ger J. M. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractObjectiveTo generate a catalog of citrullinated proteins that are present in the synovia of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and to elucidate their relevance for the anti–citrullinated protein antibody response in RA.MethodsPolypeptides isolated from the synovial fluid of patients with RA were identified by mass spectrometry. Three proteins (apolipoprotein E [Apo E], myeloid nuclear differentiation antigen [MNDA], and β‐actin) were studied in more detail, using immunoprecipitation and Western blotting. The presence of autoantibodies to synthetic peptides derived from these proteins in sera from patients with RA, sera from patients with other diseases, and sera from healthy control subjects was studied by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).ResultsRA synovial fluid samples displayed several distinct patterns of citrullinated proteins. Using mass spectrometry, (fragments of) 192 proteins were identified, including 53 citrullinated proteins, some of which contained multiple citrullinated residues. In addition to previously reported citrullinated proteins in RA synovia (e.g., vimentin and fibrinogen), a series of novel citrullinated proteins, including Apo E, MNDA, β‐actin, and cyclophilin A, was identified. Immunoprecipitation experiments confirmed the citrullination of Apo E and MNDA. ELISAs demonstrated the presence of autoreactive citrullinated epitopes in Apo E, MNDA, and β‐actin.ConclusionSynovial fluid samples from the inflamed joints of patients with RA contain many citrullinated proteins. Citrullinated Apo E, MNDA, and β‐actin are novel antigens identified in RA synovial fluid, and only a limited number of their citrullinated epitopes are targeted by the immune system in RA.
Propensity‐adjusted association of methotrexate with overall survival in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Wasko Mary Chester M. , Dasgupta Abhijit , Hubert Helen , Fries James F. , Ward Michael M. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractObjectiveWhile medications used to treat rheumatoid arthritis (RA) may affect survival in RA, few studies take into account the propensity for medication use, which may reflect selection bias in treatment allocation in survival models. We undertook this study to examine the relationship between methotrexate (MTX) use and mortality in RA, after controlling for individual propensity scores for MTX use.MethodsWe studied 5,626 RA patients prospectively for 25 years to determine the risk of death associated with MTX use, modeled in time‐varying Cox regression models. We used the random forest method to generate individual propensity scores for MTX use at study entry and during followup in a time‐varying manner; these scores were included in the multivariate model. We also investigated whether selective discontinuation of MTX immediately prior to death altered the risk of mortality, and we examined the association of duration of MTX use with survival.ResultsDuring followup, 666 patients (12%) died. MTX use was associated with reduced risk of death (adjusted hazard ratio 0.30 [95% confidence interval 0.09–1.03]). Selective MTX cessation immediately before death did not account for the protective association of MTX use with mortality. Only MTX use for >1 year was associated with lower risks of mortality, but associations were not stronger with longer durations of use.ConclusionMTX use was associated with a 70% reduction in mortality in RA.
Tumor necrosis factor–costimulated T lymphocytes from patients with systemic sclerosis trigger collagen production in fibroblasts
Authors: Hügle Thomas , O'Reilly Steven , Simpson Rachel , Kraaij Marina D. , Bigley Venetia , Collin Matthew , Krippner‐Heidenreich Anja , van Laar Jacob M. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractObjectiveThe role of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) in systemic sclerosis (SSc) remains controversial. The present study was undertaken to investigate the influence of TNF receptor (TNFR)–costimulated lymphocytes on collagen expression in fibroblasts.MethodsTNFR expression on mononuclear cells from the dermis and blood of SSc patients was assessed by flow cytometry. Peripheral blood CD3+ lymphocytes were activated with CD3/CD28 beads and costimulated with TNFR‐selective variants. Expression of interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), soluble IL‐6 receptor (sIL‐6R), IL‐10, and IL‐13 was detected by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay or quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction. Healthy fibroblasts were incubated with conditioned media from TNFR‐costimulated T lymphocytes, and type I collagen expression was quantified.ResultsTNFRI and TNFRII were up‐regulated on dermal T lymphocytes from patients with diffuse cutaneous SSc. TNFRII expression correlated with skin thickening. After CD3/CD28 activation, peripheral blood lymphocytes from SSc patients produced more IL‐6, sIL‐6R, and IL‐13 compared to healthy lymphocytes. Costimulation with TNFRI‐selective ligands and soluble TNF further increased IL‐6 expression, whereas costimulation with TNFRII led to greater release of sIL‐6R. IL‐10 expression, which normally occurs after TNFRII costimulation, was impaired in SSc T cells. Supernatants of TNF‐costimulated SSc lymphocytes induced higher type I collagen expression in fibroblasts, which was partially reversible by dual inhibition of IL‐6 and IL‐13. Expression of TNFR and IL‐6 in the dermis was reversible in a patient who received lymphoablative therapy prior to autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.ConclusionTNF‐costimulated T lymphocytes from SSc patients have a propensity to secrete profibrotic cytokines, while the ability to produce IL‐10 is weakened. These results suggest that T lymphocytes in SSc support fibrosis, but might lack the capacity to resolve inflammation.
Bakterien – eher Partner als Feinde
Authors: Bosch Thomas C. G. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractFür lange Zeit galt die Aufmerksamkeit der medizinischen Mikrobiologie ganz den krankheitserregenden Bakterien und Infektionskrankheiten; die Bedeutung der mit dem Wirt ständig assoziierten gutartigen Bakterien blieb weitgehend unerkannt. Heute wissen wir, daß alle vielzelligen Organismen von Hydra bis zum Menschen sich aus einer Vielzahl von mikrobiellen und eukaryotischen Arten zusammensetzen, die sich während der Stammesgeschichte sehr wahrscheinlich auch zusammen entwickelt haben. Bei der Kommunikation in einem solchen Metaorganismus kommt dem angeborenen Immunsystem und insbesondere den antimikrobiellen Peptiden eine entscheidende Rolle zu.
Wiesen und Wälder im südlichen Hunsrück
Authors: Petrischak Hannes 
Published: October 2012

AbstractDer südliche Hunsrück wird charakterisiert durch mehrere parallel von Südwest nach Nordost verlaufende Höhenrücken aus hartem Taunusquarzit, die dicht bewaldet sind. Die Geschichte dieser Wälder ist eng mit der Verhüttung von Eisenerzen in der Region von der Zeit der Kelten bis ins 19. Jahrhundert hinein verbunden. Eine bemerkenswerte Artenvielfalt weisen die mageren Bergwiesen auf, die über Jahrhunderte hinweg extensiv genutzt wurden und nun durch Nutzungsaufgabe oder ‐intensivierung gefährdet sind. Von besonderer Bedeutung sind in diesem Zusammenhang die Borstgrasrasen. Zu den botanischen Kostbarkeiten zählen unter anderem Arnika (Arnica montana), Wilde Narzisse (Narcissus pseudonarcissus) und Bärwurz (Meum athamanticum). Zahlreiche Schmetterlingsarten, die zum Teil stark gefährdet sind, fliegen hier noch in individuenreichen Populationen.
Zugang zur Artenvielfalt im Schulunterricht
Authors: Jülch Cordula , Bergmann Hans‐Heiner 
Published: October 2012

AbstractEine Schulklasse von 27 Schülern im Alter von 13–14 Jahren eines Wolfenbütteler Gymnasiums hat innerhalb von zwei Schulstunden Ende April 2008 in einem Stadtpark Reviere von Singvögeln kartiert. Sie haben dies in Kleingruppen und arbeitsteilig durchgeführt. Entscheidend war die Vorbereitung in einer sechsteiligen Unterrichtsreihe. Die Ergebnisse sind mit der Unteren Naturschutzbehörde diskutiert worden. Bei den Schülern ließen sich nach dem Projekt Lernzuwachs und gesteigertes Interesse an der Vogelwelt nachweisen.
Palolo‐rising: Ein Fest für einen Wurm
Authors: Kronberg Marie , Kronberg Inge 
Published: October 2012

AbstractKann ein Wurm berühmt sein? Ja, wenn fast in jedem Zoologie‐Lehrbuch von ihm erzählt wird, und erst recht, wenn Einheimische bei seinem Erscheinen ein Fest feiern. Die Rede ist vom Palolowurm (Palola viridis) vor den Küsten der Südpazifischen Inselwelt. Bei den Einheimischen gilt er roh oder geröstet als Delikatesse, die Wissenschaft interessiert sich mehr für sein synchrones alljährliches Schwärmverhalten.
Jahresringe: die Uhr in der Tür
Authors: Högermann Christiane 
Published: October 2012

AbstractIn diesem Jahr feierte das historische Rathaus von Osnabrück seinen 500. Geburtstag. Es ist neben dem Rathaus von Münster von besonderer historischer Bedeutung, da hier 1648 durch den Schluss des Westfälischen Friedens der 30jährige Krieg beendet wurde. Anlässlich dieses Jubiläums wurden nicht nur die historischen Ereignisse rekapituliert, sondern auch eine bis dahin unbekannte naturwissenschaftliche Besonderheit der Öffentlichkeit zugänglich gemacht: das ungewöhnlich hohe Alter des Bauholzes der Rathaustür.
Das Anfertigen eines Blutausstriches
Authors: Hauk Andrea 
Published: October 2012

AbstractDie Komponenten des Blutes können mit Hilfe des Blutausstriches in quantitativer, qualitativer und morphologischer Hinsicht charakterisiert werden. Die Anfertigung eines guten Blutausstriches ist recht simpel, doch einige Tipps sollte man hierbei beachten.
Was lernen Schülerinnen und Schüler beim Experimentieren?
Authors: Hammann Marcus , Mayer Jürgen 
Published: October 2012

AbstractViele Biologen stellen in der Ausbildung von Studierenden fest, dass deren Fähigkeiten und Fertigkeiten des Experimentierens ausgesprochen gering sind, obwohl sie in ihrem naturwissenschaftlichen Unterricht zahlreiche Experimente durchgeführt haben. Warum ist davon so wenig hängen geblieben? Was könnte man besser machen, um experimentell gut geschulten wissenschaftlichen Nachwuchs auszubilden?
Wie Pflanzen den programmierten Zelltod kontrollieren
Authors: Brennicke Axel 
Published: October 2012

AbstractZur Verteidigung gegen Schmarotzer wie Pilze und Bakterien setzen Pflanzen neben vielen anderen Maßnahmen den programmierten Zelltod ein. Dabei tötet die Pflanze rund um den Infektionsort ihre eigenen Zellen und lässt so den Schädling verhungern. Bisher war unklar, wie die Pflanze diese Todeszone begrenzt. Die Identifizierung von Rezeptoren für das Hormon Salicylsäure zeigt jetzt, dass diese in einem gegenläufigen Mechanismus sowohl den Zelltod auslösen als auch begrenzen.
Vorbereitungen auf den Winter: Haus‐Besuche von Faltern, Kröten und Spinnen
Authors: Petrischak Hannes 
Published: October 2012

AbstractWenn die Tage kürzer und kälter werden, zieht es viele Tiere in die Nähe des Menschen. Die letzten Tagfalter des Jahres tanken noch einmal an überreifem Obst auf, bevor sie Verstecke aufsuchen oder wie Zugvögel nach Süden aufbrechen. Gärten, Schuppen, Dachböden und Keller sind Ziel ganz unterschiedlicher Tierarten auf der Suche nach geeigneten Überwinterungsplätzen.
A new marker design for a robust marker tracking system against occlusions
Authors: Álvarez Hugo , Leizea Ibai , Borro Diego 
Published: October 2012

ABSTRACTMarker systems are a widely used optical tracking method that does not support occlusions. Thus, this paper proposes a new marker design to overcome the problem of marker occlusions. It is highly adaptable, because it can be used by any marker tracking system that uses its central area to codify the digital identification. Our proposal takes advantage of an untapped frame to place some textures that will be tracked during marker occlusion. In addition, these textures are customizable, which lets users make their own designs. Two tracking methods are combined to offer a robust tracking, updating the six degrees of freedom of the camera in real time. The first one is a fast technique based on temporal coherence, whereas the second one is a robust technique based on appearance, which is used as a recovery mode. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hardware‐accelerated dynamic clustering of virtual crowd members
Authors: Haciomeroglu Murat , Ozcan Cumhur Yigit , Barut Oner , Seckin Levent , Sever Hayri 
Published: October 2012

ABSTRACTIn this study, a hardware‐accelerated dynamic clustering of moving virtual entities technique is proposed. By clustering virtual entities, both clustered and unclustered virtual agents became more aware of other agents’ topological configurations. Clustering is based on their continuously changing velocity and position vectors. The proposed clustering technique efficiently uses graphics processor's parallel processing capabilities. Therefore, almost no additional central processing unit overhead is required to bring the clustering information into the simulation. In addition, in this paper, how cluster information can be used on top of the proposed virtual human steering technique is explained. The results show that by using the dynamic clustering, the number of collision in the simulation reduces, and the velocities of the the agents in the simulation increase. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.