bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Canadian Estimates of Health Care Utilization Costs for Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients With and Without Therapy With Biologic Agents
Authors: Ohinmaa Arto E. , Thanh Nguyen X. , Barnabe Cheryl , Martin Liam , Russell Anthony S. , Barr Susan G. , Maksymowych Walter P. 
Published: January 2014

ObjectiveTo provide Canadian estimates of health care utilization costs associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA)–related and non–RA‐related care within 4 treatment strategies and in different physical functioning categories.MethodsIn the Alberta Rheumatoid Arthritis Biologics Pharmacosurveillance Program, clinical data were linked with provincial health care administrative databases to estimate health care costs. A propensity score matching technique was used to evaluate annual costs across 4 treatment strategies: 1) remaining on disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs and not progressing to therapy with a biologic agent (n = 75), 2) progressing to biologic agents (n = 68), 3) initiation and stabilization on a first anti–tumor necrosis factor agent (n = 731), or 4) requiring a switch to another biologic agent (n = 212). Costs were examined across levels of function and by cost attribution category (directly related to RA or not).ResultsOf 1,222 patients, 1,086 had at least 3 months of administrative data. The mean annual total cost per patient was $5,531 (median $2,568), and $2,349 (median $0) was accounted for by hospitalizations, $1,716 (median $1,358) by physician visits, and $1,465 (median $949) by emergency room and other outpatient visits. Of these costs, 41% was directly related to RA itself or associated comorbidities. The importance of physical function as a determinant of health care utilization was evident, with the annual mean cost for those with low functional disability as measured by a Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) score <0.5 was $4,157 compared to $14,225 for those with a HAQ score >2.0 indicating high disability.ConclusionHealth care costs for RA can be minimized by aiming for better disease control and maintaining physical function.
Identification of Risk Factors for Elevated Transaminases in Methotrexate Users Through an Electronic Health Record
Authors: Schmajuk Gabriela , Miao Yinghui , Yazdany Jinoos , Boscardin W. John , Daikh David I. , Steinman Michael A. 
Published: January 2014

ObjectiveTo determine the predictors of elevated transaminases in an incident user cohort of older adult patients with rheumatic diseases receiving methotrexate (MTX) using elements derived from an electronic health record.MethodsUsing a national, administrative database of patients seen through the Veterans Health Administration that included pharmacy and laboratory data, we performed an observational cohort study of veterans ages ≥65 years who were new users of MTX to identify risk factors for elevated transaminases.ResultsWe studied 659 incident users of MTX. We found a 6% incidence of moderate (≥1.5 × the upper limit of normal) elevations in aspartate aminotransferase or alanine aminotransferase over a mean followup period of 7 months. We identified predictors of moderate transaminase elevations to include obesity (per body mass index ≥30 kg/m2), total cholesterol >240 mg/dl, pre‐MTX liver function test (LFT) elevations, use of biologic agents, and lack of folic acid supplementation. A patient with these characteristics and >3 comorbid conditions would be predicted to have a 90% chance of developing a moderate transaminase elevation in the 7 months after starting MTX.ConclusionModerate LFT abnormalities were uncommon in the first 7 months of MTX use, but were more likely to occur in patients with obesity, untreated high cholesterol, pre‐MTX LFT elevations, biologic agent use, and lack of folic acid supplementation. Future work should aim to develop a robust, automated prediction rule for identifying patients at high risk for MTX‐related liver toxicity.
Grain Boundary Phenomena in an Ultrafine‐Grained Al–Zn Alloy with Improved Mechanical Behavior for Micro‐Devices
Authors: Chinh Nguyen Q. , Valiev Ruslan Z. , Sauvage Xavier , Varga Gábor , Havancsák Károly , Kawasaki Megumi , Straumal Boris B. , Langdon Terence G. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractsThe microstructural and mechanical properties of an ultrafine‐grained (UFG) Al–Zn alloy processed by high‐pressure torsion (HPT) are investigated using depth‐sensing indentations, focused ion beam, scanning electron microscopy and scanning transmission electron microscopy. Emphasis is placed on the microstructure and the effects of grain boundaries at room temperature. The experiments show the formation of Zn‐rich layers at the Al/Al grain boundaries that enhance the role of grain boundary sliding leading to unique plastic behavior in this UFG material. The occurrence of significant grain boundary sliding at room temperature is demonstrated by deforming micro‐pillars. Our results illustrate a potential for using UFG materials as advanced functional materials in electronic micro‐devices.
α‐Oligofurans: An Emerging Class of Conjugated Oligomers for Organic Electronics
Authors: Gidron Ori , Bendikov Michael 
Published: January 2014

AbstractWhile the field of organic electronics has developed extensively in recent years, it remains limited by number of materials available. Further expansion requires the innovation of new types of π‐conjugated backbones, but suitable candidates are discovered only very rarely. The recent introduction of a new class of conjugated materials, long α‐oligofurans, was therefore greeted with considerable interest. α‐Oligofurans possess many of the properties required to excel in applications as organic electronic materials, can be manufactured from renewable resources, and are expected to be biodegradable. This Minireview provides an account of long oligofurans from the perspectives of their synthesis, molecular properties, chemical reactivity, and use in electronic devices.
Chemosensing Ensembles for Monitoring Biomembrane Transport in Real Time
Authors: Ghale Garima , Lanctôt Adrienne G. , Kreissl Hannah T. , Jacob Maik H. , Weingart Helge , Winterhalter Mathias , Nau Werner M. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractThe efficacy of drugs and biomolecules relies on their ability to pass through the bilayer. The development of methods to directly and sensitively monitor these membrane transport processes has remained an experimental challenge. A macrocyclic host (p‐sulfonatocalix[4]arene or cucurbit[7]uril) and a fluorescent dye (lucigenin or berberine) are encapsulated as a chemosensing ensemble inside liposomes, which allows for a direct, real‐time fluorescence monitoring of the passage of unlabeled bioorganic analytes. This in vitro assay is transferable to different channel proteins and analytes, has potential for fluorescence‐based screening, e.g., of channel modulators, and yields the absolute kinetics of translocation. Using this new biophysical method, we observed for the first time direct rapid translocation of protamine, an antimicrobial peptide, through the bacterial transmembrane protein OmpF.
Micro‐nanostructured silicone‐carbon composite coatings with superhydrophobicity and photoluminescence prepared by oxidative chemical vapor deposition
Authors: Shen Zhimei , Hou Chengcheng , Liu Shishuai , Guan Zisheng 
Published: January 2014

ABSTRACTTransparent, superhydrophobic, and colored silicone–carbon composite coatings were prepared by oxidative chemical vapor deposition (oCVD) of bulk silicone at ambient pressure. The colors, wettability, morphologies, and transparency of the coatings can be easily varied via changing both the concentration of gaseous oxygen and the deposition temperature. Typically, the black, brown, and yellow silicone–carbon composite coatings with different superhydrophobicity and transparency were achieved under oxygen‐deficient atmospheres. Furthermore, the colored samples showed photoluminescence when they were excited by ultraviolet (UV) light, which is due to the fluorescence of carbons embedded inside the as‐prepared coatings. In addition, more regular papillae and nanofibers with excellent superhydrophobicity were obtained at higher deposition temperatures. Our method was believed to develop a new strategy for fabricating multifunctional silicone–carbon composite coatings. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40400.
Imidazolium and deep eutectic ionic liquids as epoxy resin crosslinkers and graphite nanoplatelets dispersants
Authors: Mąka Honorata , Spychaj Tadeusz , Kowalczyk Krzysztof 
Published: January 2014

ABSTRACTTwo types of ionic liquids (IL), i.e., molecular ionic 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium thiocyanate ([BMIM]SCN) and deep eutectic solvent (DES) based on choline chloride and tris(hydroxymethyl)propane, as well as their mixture have been used as epoxy resin curing agents. [BMIM]SCN showed the highest catalytic activity toward epoxy resin polymerization as compared to up today used ILs. Curing process of epoxy resin was investigated at ambient temperature (storage time up to more than 60 days) and elevated temperatures (80–200°C) using rheometry and DSC techniques. Thermomechanical analysis allowed to determine an influence of IL type and content on composites crosslinking density, glass transition temperature, and tan δ values. Graphite nanoplatelets (GNP) was dispersed in DES and then in DES/IL/epoxy resin composition prepared, cast, and cured to obtain nanocomposite material. Electrical volume resistivity of the nanocomposites with 0.25–1 wt % GNP increased with nanofiller content up to the highest value of 2.8 × 106 Ω · cm. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40401.
“One‐pot” synthesis of well‐defined functional copolymer and its application as tumor‐targeting nanocarrier in drug delivery
Authors: Wang Chenhong , Qiao Lei , Yan Husheng , Liu Keliang 
Published: January 2014

ABSTRACTA one‐pot synthesis is developed for PEG600‐b‐poly(glycerol monoacrylate) (PEG600‐b‐PGA), by which folate and superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) are assembled to form folic acid‐conjugated magnetic nanoparticles (FA‐MNPs) as a tumor targeting system. The synthesis consists of a “click” reaction and atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) to obtain the well‐defined furan‐protected maleimido‐terminated PEG600‐b‐poly(solketal acrylate) (PEG600‐b‐PSA) copolymer. After deprotection, the key copolymer N‐maleimido‐terminated PEG600‐b‐PGA is successfully conjugated with thiol derivatives of folate and FITC, respectively. FA‐MNPs are developed by assembling of the resulting polymer FA‐PEG600‐b‐PGA with SPIONs, and characterized for their size, surface charge, and superparamagnetic properties. To investigate the cellular uptake of the nanoparticles by Hela cells and φ2 cells using fluoresce technique, FA‐FITC‐MNPs are also obtained by assembling of FA‐PEG600‐b‐PGA, FITC‐PEG600‐b‐PGA with SPIONs. Qualitative and quantitative determinations of FA‐FITC‐MNPs show that the particles specifically internalized to Hela cells. No significant cytotoxicity is observed for these two kinds of cell lines. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40405.
Effect of the molecular weight between crosslinks of thermally cured epoxy resins on the CO2‐bubble nucleation in a batch physical foaming process
Authors: Ito Akihiro , Semba Takeshi , Taki Kentaro , Ohshima Masahiro 
Published: January 2014

ABSTRACTEpoxy resins (bisphenol A type epoxy resins/2‐ethyl‐4‐methylimidazole) consisting of oligomers with different molecular weights were foamed using a temperature‐quench physical foaming method with CO2. The resulting cell morphologies could be classified into four types: non‐foamed structure, cracked structure, star‐shaped structure, and sphere‐shaped structure. The effects of the gel fraction and molecular weight between crosslinks (MC) on the cell morphology were investigated for the preparation of microcellular epoxy foams. MC was calculated by measuring the plateau rubber modulus of the rheological properties and the weight uptake of acetone. By varying the molecular weight of the epoxy oligomers and the cure time, the MC of the epoxy was controlled to modulate the cell morphology. The experiments elucidated the threshold MC value that permits CO2‐bubble nucleation: CO2‐bubble nucleation in the epoxy resin could be induced when the distance between the crosslinking points exceeded the critical size of bubble nucleus. Based on this information, the microcellular epoxy foam was prepared by maintaining MC above 104g mol−1 and the complex modulus above 6 × 108 Pa. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40407.
Enhancing the mechanical and thermal properties of polyacrylonitrile through blending with tea polyphenol
Authors: Feng Lei , Li Jin‐Fan , Ye Jia‐Ru , Song Wei , Jia Jun , Shen Qing 
Published: January 2014

ABSTRACTSeveral polyacrylonitrile (PAN)/tea polyphenol (TP) blends were prepared with various mixing weight ratios (percentage). With a commercial acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene (ABS) as reference, the results show that the PAN/TP blends with 12.5 wt % TP had a better antiwear ability and similar hardness to those of ABS. All of the prepared PAN/TP blends showed a lower impact strength than the referenced ABS. However, some values were indeed higher than those reported for engineering materials in the literature, for example, polystyrenes and some ABS blends. Differential scanning calorimetry, differential thermogravimetry, and dynamic mechanical analysis indicated that the PAN/TP blends had enhanced the thermal stability compared to the pure PAN. Fourier transform infrared spectral analysis suggested that the H bonds increased in the PAN/TP blends. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40411.
Design and synthesis of zero–zero‐birefringence polymers using N‐methylmaleimide
Authors: Beppu Shotaro , Iwasaki Shuhei , Shafiee Houran , Tagaya Akihiro , Koike Yasuhiro 
Published: January 2014

ABSTRACTZero–zero‐birefringence polymers which exhibit no orientational birefringence and no photoelastic birefringence may be suitable candidates for the components of optical devices. To develop zero–zero‐birefringence polymers, a novel copolymerization system is required. We investigated two types of birefringence of poly(N‐methylmaleimide) (PMeMI) and showed that PMeMI exhibits positive orientational and photoelastic birefringence. On the basis of the results, we calculated the optimal composition for compensating both types of birefringence by solving three equations which describe the relationship between birefringence properties and weight fraction of monomers. When the copolymer compositions were MMA/BzMA/MeMI = 86/8/6 and 88/8/4 (wt %), zero–zero‐birefringence polymers were obtained. By using MeMI as a comonomer, these zero–zero‐birefringence polymers have a much higher glass transition temperature (Tg) than those of previous researches. Also, this polymer film has high transparency comparable with that of PMMA film. Therefore, we conclude that we successfully prepared zero–zero‐birefringence polymers using N‐substituted maleimide and that N‐substituted maleimide is a promising material for zero–zero‐birefringence polymers for optical devices. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40423.
Biodegradable polymersomes from four‐arm PEG‐b‐PDLLA for encapsulating hemoglobin
Authors: Li Wenliang , Zhang Wenjing , Yang Xiuyun , Xie Zhigang , Jing Xiabin 
Published: January 2014

ABSTRACTA series of four‐arm star block copolymers poly(ethylene glycol)‐block‐poly(d,l‐lactide) (PEG‐PDLLA) with different hydrophobic length were synthesized by ring‐opening polymerization of lactide and characterized using 1H NMR and gel permeation chromatography (GPC). These copolymers could self‐assemble in aqueous solution to form the vesicle structure with controlled size and morphologies. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and DLS show the polymersomes are spherical with diameter of 70∼500 nm. The polymersomes made by direct hydration of copolymer thin films in water exhibit the controllable ability of encapsulating hemoglobin under mild condition. The hemoglobin content in the polymersomes could reach to 35 wt %. More importantly, the encapsulated hemoglobin keeps its own bioactivity and is capable of binding oxygen. This hemoglobin‐encapsulated four‐arm PEG‐PLA polymersomes could have the potential to be applied as an artificial oxygen carrier for transfusion. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40433.
Human Secreted Stabilin‐1−Interacting Chitinase‐like Protein Aggravates the Inflammation Associated With Rheumatoid Arthritis and Is a Potential Macrophage Inflammatory Regulator in Rodents
Authors: Xiao Weichun , Meng Geng , Zhao Yanmei , Yuan Huihui , Li Tingting , Peng Yanyan , Zhao Yong , Luo Ming , Zhao Wenming , Li Zhanguo , Zheng Xiaofeng 
Published: January 2014

ObjectiveTo study the relationship between the human secreted protein stabilin‐1−interacting chitinase‐like protein (SI‐CLP) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA).MethodsThe expression of SI‐CLP in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and synovial fluid from patients with RA and the effects of cytokines on SI‐CLP expression were examined by Western blotting. Fluorescence‐activated cell sorting analysis was performed to investigate the binding between SI‐CLP and cells. Bone marrow–derived macrophages were isolated from wild‐type and SI‐CLP−/− mice, and real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction was performed to detect the levels of messenger RNA for cytokines or SI‐CLP in SI‐CLP− or cytokine‐treated macrophages. Histologic studies were conducted to evaluate inflammation and the expression of interleukin‐12 (IL‐12), IL‐13, and SI‐CLP in lesions. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays were used to detect the cytokine levels in bone marrow–derived macrophages. Rats or mice with collagen‐induced arthritis (CIA) and SI‐CLP−/− mice were used to study the function of SI‐CLP in RA.ResultsSI‐CLP expression was increased in PBMCs and detectable in synovial fluid from patients with RA. Administration of SI‐CLP to rats with CIA aggravated arthritis‐associated inflammation. SI‐CLP was specifically attached to the surface protein of macrophages, which elevated the expression of IL‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐12, and IL‐13 in macrophages and mouse bone marrow–derived macrophages, up‐regulating ERK phosphorylation. Moreover, SI‐CLP was up‐regulated by both IL‐12 and IL‐13 through JNK and JAK/STAT signaling, respectively. Knockout of SI‐CLP resulted in a decrease in the expression of IL‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐12, and IL‐13 and lower susceptibility to CIA compared with wild‐type mice. SI‐CLP treatment also aggravated arthritis‐related inflammation in wild‐type and SI‐CLP−/− mice.ConclusionSI‐CLP functions as a regulator of the inflammatory response by macrophages. The decrease in inflammation‐associated cytokine levels resulting from SI‐CLP knockout may explain the lower susceptibility to CIA in SI‐CLP−/− mice.
Decreased Interleukin‐20 Expression in Scleroderma Skin Contributes to Cutaneous Fibrosis
Authors: Kudo Hideo , Jinnin Masatoshi , Asano Yoshihide , Trojanowska Maria , Nakayama Wakana , Inoue Kuniko , Honda Noritoshi , Kajihara Ikko , Makino Katsunari , Fukushima Satoshi , Ihn Hironobu 
Published: January 2014

ObjectiveTo clarify the role of interleukin‐20 (IL‐20) in the regulatory mechanism of extracellular matrix expression and to determine the contribution of IL‐20 to the phenotype of systemic sclerosis (SSc).MethodsProtein and messenger RNA (mRNA) levels of collagen, Fli‐1, IL‐20, and IL‐20 receptor (IL‐20R) were analyzed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) array, immunoblotting, immunohistochemical staining, enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, and real‐time PCR.ResultsPCR array revealed that IL‐20 decreased gene expression of α2(I) collagen (0.03‐fold), Smad3 (0.02‐fold), and endoglin (0.05‐fold) in cultured normal dermal fibroblasts. Fli‐1 protein expression was induced by IL‐20 (∼2‐fold). The inhibition of collagen by IL‐20, the induction of Fli‐1 by IL‐20, and the reduction of Smad3 and endoglin by IL‐20 were also observed in SSc fibroblasts. Serum IL‐20 levels were reduced only slightly in SSc patients but were significantly decreased in patients with scleroderma spectrum disorders (the prodromal stage of SSc) compared with those in normal subjects (111.3 pg/ml versus 180.4 pg/ml; P < 0.05). On the other hand, IL‐20 mRNA expression in SSc skin was decreased compared with that in normal skin (P < 0.05), which may result in the induction of collagen synthesis in SSc dermal fibroblasts. IL‐20R was expressed in normal and SSc fibroblasts. Moreover, IL‐20 supplementation by injection into the skin reversed skin fibrosis induced by bleomycin in mice (∼0.5‐fold).ConclusionIL‐20 reduces basal collagen transcription via Fli‐1 induction, while down‐regulation of Smad3 and endoglin may cancel the effect of transforming growth factor β in SSc fibroblasts. To confirm the therapeutic value of IL‐20 and IL‐20R, their function and expression in vivo should be further studied.
Integrating microalgae production with anaerobic digestion: a biorefinery approach
Authors: Uggetti Enrica , Sialve Bruno , Trably Eric , Steyer Jean‐Philippe 
Published: January 2014

AbstractIn the energy and chemical sectors, alternative production chains should be considered in order to simultaneously reduce the dependence on oil and mitigate climate change. Biomass is probably the only viable alternative to fossil resources for production of liquid transportation fuels and chemicals since, besides fossils, it is one of the only available sources of carbon‐rich material on Earth. Over recent years, interest in microalgae biomass has grown in both fundamental and applied research fields. The biorefinery concept includes different technologies able to convert biomass into added‐value chemicals, products (food and feed) and biofuels (biodiesel, bioethanol, biohydrogen). As in oil refinery, a biorefinery aims at producing multiple products, maximizing the value derived from differences in biomass components, including microalgae. This paper provides an overview of the various microalgae‐derived products, focusing on anaerobic digestion for conversion of microalgal biomass into methane. Special attention is paid to the range of possible inputs for anaerobic digestion (microalgal biomass and microalgal residue after lipid extraction) and the outputs resulting from the process (e.g. biogas and digestate). The strong interest in microalgae anaerobic digestion lies in its ability to mineralize microalgae containing organic nitrogen and phosphorus, resulting in a flux of ammonium and phosphate that can then be used as substrate for growing microalgae or that can be further processed to produce fertilizers. At present, anaerobic digestion outputs can provide nutrients,CO2and water to cultivate microalgae, which in turn, are used as substrate for methane and fertilizer generation. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd