bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
FILLER NETWORKING OF A NANOGRAPHITE WITH A HIGH SHAPE ANISOTROPY AND SYNERGISM WITH CARBON BLACK IN POLY(1,4-CIS-ISOPRENE)–BASED NANOCOMPOSITES
Authors: Galimberti Maurizio , Kumar Vineet , Coombs Michele , Cipolletti Valeria , Agnelli Silvia , Pandini Stefano , Conzatti Lucia 
Published: August 2013

ABSTRACTA nanoGraphite (nanoG) having a high surface area and a high shape anisotropy, defined as the ratio between the crystallite dimensions in a direction orthogonal and parallel to structural layers, was used to prepare nanocomposites based on poly(1,4-cis-isoprene) (IR), in the neat polymer matrix and in the presence of carbon black (CB). Tensile and dynamic-mechanical measurements showed that nanoG forms a filler network at a relatively low concentration in neat IR and a hybrid filler network at a lower nanoG concentration in the presence of CB. A synergistic effect between the two carbon allotropes was found: composites containing both fillers present initial modulus values much higher than those calculated through the simple addition of the initial moduli of the composites containing only CB or nanoG.
EFFECT OF PARTICLE SIZE ON ULTRASONIC DEVULCANIZATION OF TIRE RUBBER IN TWIN-SCREW EXTRUDER
Authors: Isayev Avraam I. , Liang Tian , Lewis Todd M. 
Published: August 2013

ABSTRACTUltrasonic devulcanization of tire rubber particles of 10 and 30 meshes by means of a new ultrasonic twin-screw extruder was investigated. The ultrasonic amplitude and devulcanization temperature were varied at a fixed frequency of 40 kHz. The die pressure and ultrasonic power consumption during devulcanization were recorded. The degree of devulcanization was investigated by measuring the cross-link density, gel fraction, and revulcanization behavior. Rubber of 30 mesh exhibited a lower die pressure and higher degree of devulcanization than that of rubber of 10 mesh. Because of the higher level of devulcanization and lower viscosity of devulcanized rubbers at higher amplitudes, the temperature of devulcanized rubbers at the die was reduced with an increase of the ultrasonic amplitude. Generally, the torque at the start of curing and maximum torque on the curing curve measured during revulcanization is higher for rubber of 10 mesh and rubbers devulcanized at a lower temperature. Rheological properties of devulcanized and revulcanized rubbers and mechanical properties of revulcanizates were measured. The complex viscosity of devulcanized and revulcanized rubbers of both meshes as a function of frequency exhibited a power-law behavior, with the power-law index being 0.06 for devulcanized rubbers and 0.02 for revulcanized rubbers. The consistency index of devulcanized and revulcanized rubbers was higher for rubber of 10 mesh; however, both rubbers showed a higher consistency index at a lower temperature. Cole–Cole plots, cross-link density, and gel fraction of devulcanized and revulcanized rubbers, revulcanization behavior, and modulus of revulcanizates separated in two distinct groups based on the level of devulcanization and effect on molecular structure of devulcanized rubber. Revulcanizates with a greater degree of devulcanization exhibited a higher elongation at break, whereas those with a lower degree of devulcanization exhibited higher strength and modulus. Revulcanizates of rubber of 30 mesh exhibited a consistently higher elongation at break. The normalized gel fraction versus normalized cross-link density was described by a unique function independent of the processing conditions and rubber particle size.
The Effects of Recent Sleep Duration, Sleep Quality, and Current Sleepiness on Eyewitness Memory
Authors: Thorley Craig 
Published: August 2013

SummaryThis study examined whether three sleep‐related variables (current sleepiness, the duration of the previous night's sleep and the quality of that sleep) were predictors of an eyewitness's ability to remember central and peripheral details from a crime. Participants first completed a self‐report questionnaire assessing their current sleepiness, then watched a video of a bank robbery, next completed a self‐report questionnaire about their previous night's sleep, and then had their memory of the crime tested. It was found that as the eyewitnesses' sleep quality decreased and their sleepiness increased, their ability to accurately recollect peripheral details from the crime was compromised. This is the first demonstration that variations in sleep prior to witnessing a crime, and sleepiness at the time of a crime, can predict eyewitness memory. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development and Validation of the Spondyloarthritis Radiography Module for Calibration of Readers Using the Modified Stoke Ankylosing Spondylitis Spine Score
Authors: Maksymowych Walter P. , Learch Thomas , Lambert Robert G. , Ward Michael , Haroon Nigil , Inman Robert , Salonen David , Gensler Lianne S. , Weisman Michael H. 
Published: August 2013

ObjectiveTo develop and validate a reference image module aimed at calibration of readers using the modified Stoke Ankylosing Spondylitis Spine Score (mSASSS) to assess radiographic progression in spondyloarthritis.MethodsOur working group comprised 6 rheumatologists and 3 musculoskeletal radiologists. The following developmental steps were conducted: 1) review of the literature to identify aspects of the mSASSS requiring methodologic clarity; 2) independent assessment of baseline and 2‐year radiographs from 25 patients using the mSASSS (pilot exercise); 3) development of a training module (the Spondyloarthritis Radiography [SPAR] module) that clarifies definitions, rules, and scoring methodology and a set of reference radiographic images; 4) scoring exercise 1 by 6 readers on 39 patients, where baseline and 2‐year radiographs were scored blinded to time point; and 5) revision of the SPAR module followed by scoring exercise 2 conducted by the same 6 readers on 35 patients. Reliability of status and 2‐year change scores was assessed by the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) method.ResultsICCs for change scores for the radiologist reader pair improved from 0.46 to 0.62 after minimal calibration with the SPAR module. Recalibration from exercise 1 to exercise 2 with the SPAR module led to substantial improvement in interreader reliability for change in mSASSS score from ICC 0.44 (range 0.31–0.62) to ICC 0.62 (range 0.34–0.84). Simultaneous assessment of anteroposterior and lateral lumbar radiographs did not enhance reliability or detection of progression.ConclusionCalibration according to the SPAR module led to improved reliability in the scoring of the mSASSS, even for expert readers.
Effectiveness of Musculoskeletal Education Interventions in People With Low Literacy Levels: A Systematic Review
Authors: Lowe Wendy , Ballinger Claire , Protheroe Jo , Lueddeke Jill , Nutbeam Don , Armstrong Ray , Falzon Louise , Edwards Chris , Russell Cynthia , McCaffery Kirsten , Adams Jo 
Published: August 2013

ObjectiveTo conduct a systematic review to assess the effectiveness of patient education interventions delivered or directed by health professionals for people with musculoskeletal conditions who also have lower levels of literacy.MethodsElectronic databases were searched from 1946 to May 2012. Randomized controlled trials with primary interventions designed specifically for individuals with musculoskeletal conditions and lower levels of literacy were eligible for inclusion. The quality of the study was determined by assessing method of randomization, allocation concealment, creation and maintenance of comparable groups, blinding of patients and providers, control of confounding, and the validity and reliability of outcome measures.ResultsOf the 2,440 studies located using the search strategy, 6 studies met the inclusion criteria. Three public health community studies and 3 rheumatology clinic‐based studies delivered educational programs to people with musculoskeletal conditions who also had lower levels of literacy. Three moderate quality studies suggest that musculoskeletal educational interventions had a small short‐term effect on knowledge and 2 moderate quality studies suggest musculoskeletal interventions had a small effect on self‐efficacy (although results on self‐efficacy were conflicting in 1 of these studies). Only 1 moderate quality study showed a small effect on anxiety and 1 on self‐perceived health and well‐being in people with lower literacy.ConclusionHigh quality evidence is lacking on the effectiveness of musculoskeletal education interventions for people with lower literacy levels. Research programs that test the effectiveness of patient education interventions for arthritis must recruit and engage people with lower levels of literacy.
High Disease Activity May Not Be Sufficient to Escalate Care
Authors: Fraenkel Liana , Cunningham Meaghan 
Published: August 2013

ObjectiveRheumatoid arthritis (RA) treatment regimens are not adjusted in response to active disease as frequently as indicated. The objective of this study was to examine how disease activity and patients' illness beliefs combine to predict future treatment changes in patients who are currently under the care of a rheumatologist.MethodsWe interviewed RA patients at baseline and at 2, 4, and 6 months. We examined the association of disease activity (Routine Assessment of Patient Index Data 4) and 5 specific illness beliefs (consequences, treatment control, symptom burden, concern, and emotional impact) with future escalation of treatment using logistic regression. Analyses were adjusted for age, current biologic agent use, and disease duration. Disease activity and illness beliefs were dichotomized at the median to create 4 dummy variables (e.g., low disease activity + high illness belief) in order to examine the combined impact of disease activity and illness beliefs on escalation.ResultsTwenty‐nine percent of the participants (n = 41 of 142) had an escalation of treatment during the followup period. When examined separately, disease activity and 4 of the illness beliefs (consequences, symptom burden, concern, and emotional impact) were associated with future escalation. High disease activity was predictive of future escalation only when combined with high levels of consequences, concern, and emotional impact. The combinations of high disease activity and high consequences, concern, and emotional impact were much stronger predictors of future escalation than either factor in isolation.ConclusionThe findings suggest that patients' illness beliefs are an important determinant of treatment decisions, which are not fully captured by disease activity measures alone.
Usefulness of Power Doppler Ultrasound for Prediction of Re‐Therapy With Rituximab in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Prospective Study of Longstanding Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients
Authors: Reiche B. E. , Ohrndorf S. , Feist E. , Messerschmidt J. , Burmester G. R. , Backhaus M. 
Published: August 2013

ObjectiveTo assess the value of gray‐scale (GS) and power Doppler (PD) ultrasound (US) in detecting inflammatory/destructive changes and for prediction of necessity of re‐therapy with rituximab (RTX) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) over 1 year of followup.MethodsGSUS and PDUS were performed to assess synovitis, tenosynovitis, and erosions on the clinically dominant hand and forefoot of 20 patients with RA before and after therapy with RTX. US parameters were compared with clinical (Disease Activity Score in 28 joints, tender/swollen joint counts, and patients' visual analog scale of disease activity) and laboratory parameters (C‐reactive protein level and erythrocyte sedimentation rate). Results were compared for patients with and without re‐therapy with RTX.ResultsSignificant decreases in clinical and laboratory parameters were observed after 6 and 12 months. US synovitis scores significantly decreased after 6 and 12 months (P < 0.05 for each). Regarding patients who received re‐therapy between 6 and 9 months after the start of therapy (n = 9), a fair therapy response was still detectable before re‐therapy. In these patients, PD‐positive synovitis was the only parameter that increased up to the 6‐month examination. All patients negative for rheumatoid factor and anti–cyclic citrullinated peptide (n = 4) were in the group of patients receiving a second course of treatment. Seropositive patients showed a better response to treatment with less need for re‐therapy.ConclusionResponse to therapy was measurable by clinical and laboratory parameters as well as by US. Since PDUS was able to detect the onset of disease activity before worsening of clinical symptoms occurred, PDUS is most helpful in evaluating disease activity and making earlier therapy decisions.
Splicing biomarkers of disease severity in myotonic dystrophy
Authors: Nakamori Masayuki , Sobczak Krzysztof , Puwanant Araya , Welle Steve , Eichinger Katy , Pandya Shree , Dekdebrun Jeannne , Heatwole Chad R. , McDermott Michael P. , Chen Tian , Cline Melissa , Tawil Rabi , Osborne Robert J. , Wheeler Thurman M. , Swanson Maurice S. , Moxley Richard T. , Thornton Charles A. 
Published: August 2013

ObjectiveTo develop RNA splicing biomarkers of disease severity and therapeutic response in myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) and type 2 (DM2).MethodsIn a discovery cohort, we used microarrays to perform global analysis of alternative splicing in DM1 and DM2. The newly identified splicing changes were combined with previous data to create a panel of 50 putative splicing defects. In a validation cohort of 50 DM1 subjects, we measured the strength of ankle dorsiflexion (ADF) and then obtained a needle biopsy of tibialis anterior (TA) to analyze splice events in muscle RNA. The specificity of DM‐associated splicing defects was assessed in disease controls. The CTG expansion size in muscle tissue was determined by Southern blot. The reversibility of splicing defects was assessed in transgenic mice by using antisense oligonucleotides to reduce levels of toxic RNA.ResultsForty‐two splicing defects were confirmed in TA muscle in the validation cohort. Among these, 20 events showed graded changes that correlated with ADF weakness. Five other splice events were strongly affected in DM1 subjects with normal ADF strength. Comparison to disease controls and mouse models indicated that splicing changes were DM‐specific, mainly attributable to MBNL1 sequestration, and reversible in mice by targeted knockdown of toxic RNA. Splicing defects and weakness were not correlated with CTG expansion size in muscle tissue.InterpretationAlternative splicing changes in skeletal muscle may serve as biomarkers of disease severity and therapeutic response in myotonic dystrophy. Ann Neurol 2013;74:862–872
Catalytic behavior of Co(II) complexes with 2‐(benzimidazolyl)‐6‐(1‐(arylimino)ethyl)pyridine ligands on isoprene stereospecific polymerization
Authors: Wang Geng , Jiang Xiubo , Zhao Weizhen , Sun Wen‐Hua , Yao Wei , He Aihua 
Published: August 2013

ABSTRACTPolymerization behaviors of isoprene under different polymerization conditions with 2‐(1‐methyl‐2‐benzimidazolyl)‐6‐(1‐(arylimino)ethyl) pyridine cobalt(II) dichloride and ethylaluminum sesquichloride or diethylaluminum chloride catalyst system were evaluated. The effects of temperature, solvents, [Al]/[Co] molar ratio, and the structure of cocatalysts on the catalyst activity and the characteristics of polyisoprenes (PIs) were investigated and optimum conditions for synthesizing stereoselective PIs were obtained. The results showed that pre‐catalyst activity was strongly influenced by polymerization temperature, [Al]/[Co] molar ratio and solvents, and the kinds of solvents and cocatalysts affected the microstructures of PIs greatly. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 39703.
Preparation and properties of dopamine reduced graphene oxide and its composites of epoxy
Authors: Hu Xinli , Qi Rongrong , Zhu Jian , Lu Jiaqi , Luo Yu , Jin Jieyu , Jiang Pingkai 
Published: August 2013

ABSTRACTTo improve the thermal and mechanical properties and further to expand its applications of epoxy in electronic packaging, reduced graphene oxide/epoxy composites have been successfully prepared, in which dopamine (DA) was used as reducing agent and modifier for graphene oxide (GO) to avoid the environmentally harmful reducing agents and address the problem of aggregation of graphene in composites. Further studies revealed that DA could effectively eliminate the labile oxygen functionality of GO and generate polydopamine functionalized graphene oxide (PDA‐GO) because DA would be oxidated and undergo the rearrangement and intermolecular cross‐linking reaction to produce polydopamine (PDA), which would improve the interfacial adhesion between GO and epoxy, and further be beneficial for the homogenous dispersion of GO in epoxy matrix. The effect of PDA‐GO on the thermal and mechanical properties of PDA‐GO/epoxy composites was also investigated, and the incorporation of PDA‐GO could increase the thermal conductivity, storage modulus, glass transition (Tg), and dielectric constant of epoxy. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 39754.
Online conductivity and stability in the emulsion polymerization of n‐butyl methacrylate: Batch versus semibatch systems
Authors: Zhao Funian , David Sudol E. , Daniels Eric S. , Klein Andrew , El‐Aasser Mohamed S. 
Published: August 2013

ABSTRACTA homemade resistance probe (R) and a torroidal probe (T), which work on different principles to measure conductivity, were used as online sensors to monitor conductivity during the course of emulsion polymerizations of n‐butyl methacrylate (BMA). Six batch emulsion polymerizations of BMA (20% solids content) were carried out using sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) as surfactant. To compare latex stability and conductivity profiles, the SLS concentration was varied (5, 6, 8, 10, 20, and 30 mM). Seven semibatch emulsion polymerizations of BMA (40% solids content) were also run. All semibatch polymerizations had the same seed stage, while different amounts of SLS were fed during the feed stage. During these reactions, the conductivity curves obtained from the two different probes overlapped if the SLS concentration was high enough (20 and 30 mM); on the other hand, the two curves diverged if the SLS concentration was low. Since the final conductivity values obtained from the two probes were not the same in most of the reactions, the ratio between them (R/T) was used to correlate conductivity to latex stability. A blender test and turbidity measurements were carried out to estimate the mechanical stability and the electrolyte stability of the prepared latexes, respectively. The results showed that R/T varied linearly with the latex stability. These results showed that latex stability could be predicted through online conductivity measurements. Moreover, the reason for an observed increase in conductivity during these emulsion polymerization reactions was also investigated. This increase was related to the disappearance of monomer droplets, which demonstrated that the conductivity measurements could also be used to aid in the study the kinetics of the emulsion polymerization process. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 4001–4013, 2013
Investigation of Steric Influences on Hydrogen‐Bonding Motifs in Cyclic Ureas by Using X‐Ray, Neutron, and Computational Methods
Authors: McCormick Laura J. , McDonnell‐Worth Ciaran , Platts James A. , Edwards Alison J. , Turner David R. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractA series of urea‐derived heterocycles, 5N‐substituted hexahydro‐1,3,5‐triazin‐2‐ones, has been prepared and their structures have been determined for the first time. This family of compounds only differ in their substituent at the 5‐position (which is derived from the corresponding primary amine), that is, methyl (1), ethyl (2), isopropyl (3), tert‐butyl (4), benzyl (5), N,N‐(diethyl)ethylamine (6), and 2‐hydroxyethyl (7). The common heterocyclic core of these molecules is a cyclic urea, which has the potential to form a hydrogen‐bonding tape motif that consists of self‐associative (8) dimers. The results from X‐ray crystallography and, where possible, Laue neutron crystallography show that the hydrogen‐bonding motifs that are observed and the planarity of the hydrogen bonds appear to depend on the steric hindrance at the α‐carbon atom of the N substituent. With the less‐hindered substituents, methyl and ethyl, the anticipated tape motif is observed. When additional methyl groups are added onto the α‐carbon atom, as in the isopropyl and tert‐butyl derivatives, a different 2D hydrogen‐bonding motif is observed. Despite the bulkiness of the substituents, the benzyl and N,N‐(diethyl)ethylamine derivatives have methylene units at the α‐carbon atom and, therefore, display the tape motif. The introduction of a competing hydrogen‐bond donor/acceptor in the 2‐hydroxyethyl derivative disrupts the tape motif, with a hydroxy group interrupting the NH⋅⋅⋅OC interactions. The geometry around the hydrogen‐bearing nitrogen atoms, whether planar or non‐planar, has been confirmed for compounds 2 and 5 by using Laue neutron diffraction and rationalized by using computational methods, thus demonstrating that distortion of O‐C‐N‐H torsion angles occurs to maintain almost‐linear hydrogen‐bonding interactions.
Hydrothermal Synthesis of Nickel Oxide Nanosheets for Lithium‐Ion Batteries and Supercapacitors with Excellent Performance
Authors: Mondal Anjon Kumar , Su Dawei , Wang Ying , Chen Shuangqiang , Wang Guoxiu 
Published: August 2013

AbstractNickel oxide nanosheets have been successfully synthesized by a facile ethylene glycol mediated hydrothermal method. The morphology and crystal structure of the nickel oxide nanosheets were characterized by X‐ray diffraction, field‐emission SEM, and TEM. When applied as electrode materials for lithium‐ion batteries and supercapacitors, nickel oxide nanosheets exhibited a high, reversible lithium storage capacity of 1193 mA h g−1 at a current density of 500 mA g−1, an enhanced rate capability, and good cycling stability. Nickel oxide nanosheets also demonstrated a superior specific capacitance of 999 F g−1 at a current density of 20 A g−1 in supercapacitors.
Structure‐Guided Rational Design of α/β‐Peptide Foldamers with High Affinity for BCL‐2 Family Prosurvival Proteins
Authors: Smith Brian J. , Lee Erinna F. , Checco James W. , Evangelista Marco , Gellman Samuel H. , Fairlie W. Douglas 
Published: August 2013

AbstractWe have used computational methods to improve the affinity of a foldamer ligand for its target protein. The effort began with a previously reported α/β‐peptide based on the BH3 domain of the proapoptotic protein Puma; this foldamer binds tightly to Bcl‐xL but weakly to Mcl‐1. The crystal structure of the Puma‐derived α/β‐peptide complexed to Bcl‐xL was used as the basis for computational design of variants intended to display improved binding to Mcl‐1. Molecular modelling suggested modification of three α residues of the original α/β backbone. Individually, each substitution caused only a modest (4‐ to 15‐fold) gain in affinity; however, together the three substitutions led to a 250‐fold increase in binding to Mcl‐1. These modifications had very little effect on affinity for Bcl‐xL. Crystal structures of a number of the new α/β‐peptides bound to either Mcl‐1 or Bcl‐xL validated the selection of each substitution. Overall, our findings demonstrate that structure‐guided rational design can be used to improve affinity and alter partner selectivity of peptidic ligands with unnatural backbones that bind to specific protein partners.