bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Occurrence of Metals in Nepal: A Brief Review
Authors: G.C. Rajendra Bahadur 
Published: December 2013

In Nepal, fairly good amounts of different types of minerals have been reported. More than 85 minerals and their varieties have been known in large concentration in Nepal. The minerals which occur in Nepal is sizeable amounts have not been fully exploited. It is believed that there are areas in Nepal which contain plenty of tentalum, niobium, molybdenum, and rare earth metal ores. Nepal may become a major supplier of these metals if their proper execution is made. Alluvian plains of Nepal are known to have placer gold while the middle region contains copper, iron, zinc, nickel, cobalt etc. A few deposits of lead, zinc and iron have been reported in the snow-capped areas. Economic deposits of iron ore are noticed in phulchoki, near Kathmandu valley. This article gives the summary for the occurrence of most important metals in Nepal. Some important applications of these metals are also included here. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ijasbt.v1i4.9175 Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol. 1(4): 176-179
CCR1 Inhibition Ameliorates the Progression of Lupus Nephritis in NZB/W Mice
Authors: Bignon Alexandre , Gaudin Françoise , Hémon Patrice , Tharinger Hugo , Mayol Katia , Walzer Thierry , Loetscher Pius , Peuchmaur Michel , Berrebi Dominique , Balabanian Karl 
Published: December 2013

Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease, the development of which is characterized by a progressive loss of renal function. Such dysfunction is associated with leukocyte infiltration in the glomerular and tubulointerstitial compartments in both human and experimental lupus nephritis. In this study, we investigated the role of the Ccr1 chemokine receptor in this infiltration process during the progression of nephritis in the lupus-prone New Zealand Black/New Zealand White (NZB/W) mouse model. We found that peripheral T cells, mononuclear phagocytes, and neutrophils, but not B cells, from nephritic NZB/W mice were more responsive to Ccr1 ligands than the leukocytes from younger prenephritic NZB/W mice. Short-term treatment of nephritic NZB/W mice with the orally available Ccr1 antagonist BL5923 decreased renal infiltration by T cells and macrophages. Longer Ccr1 blockade decreased kidney accumulation of effector/memory CD4+ T cells, Ly6C+ monocytes, and both M1 and M2 macrophages; reduced tubulointerstitial and glomerular injuries; delayed fatal proteinuria; and prolonged animal lifespan. In contrast, renal humoral immunity was unaffected in BL5923-treated mice, which reflected the unchanged numbers of infiltrated B cells in the kidneys. Altogether, these findings define a pivotal role for Ccr1 in the recruitment of T and mononuclear phagocyte cells to inflamed kidneys of NZB/W mice, which in turn contribute to the progression of renal injury.
Longitudinal Validation of the Brief Index of Lupus Damage
Authors: Katz Patricia , Trupin Laura , Rush Stephanie , Yazdany Jinoos 
Published: December 2013

ObjectiveTo provide further validation of the Brief Index of Lupus Damage (BILD), assessing its sensitivity to change in disease status and ability to predict mortality risk.MethodsData were from the University of California, San Francisco Lupus Outcomes Study (n = 958), in which the BILD was administered twice, approximately 5 years apart. We examined disease activity and health care utilization among participants who completed the BILD twice (n = 745). We identified increases in disease activity and utilization that would suggest a disease flare between the 2 BILD administrations and compared their occurrence by BILD score increases (0, 1, 2, 3, >3). Deaths were ascertained when annual interviews were attempted. Kaplan‐Meier life‐table analysis compared mortality rates for 4 groups of initial BILD scores (0, 1, 2, ≥3), and differences were tested using a log rank test. Using Cox proportional hazards models, we estimated the risk of death associated with higher BILD scores.ResultsBILD score increases were associated with spikes in disease activity (P = 0.05) and physician visits (P = 0.004) over baseline, and with hospitalizations (P < 0.001) during the intervening years. Of those with BILD score increases >3, 84% were hospitalized prior to the second BILD. During followup, there were 60 deaths (6.3%). BILD scores of 2 (hazard ratio [HR] 6.1, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.3–30.0) and ≥3 (HR 10.8, 95% CI 2.5–46.2) were associated with higher risk of death.ConclusionThis analysis provides evidence of the predictive validity of the BILD and its ability to detect change. While not intended to replace clinical evaluation of disease damage, the BILD appears to be a useful tool for research.
Risk Factors in the Progression of Subclinical Atherosclerosis in Women With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Lertratanakul Apinya , Wu Peggy , Dyer Alan R. , Kondos George , Edmundowicz Daniel , Carr James , Ramsey‐Goldman Rosalind 
Published: December 2013

ObjectiveTo investigate risk factors in subclinical atherosclerosis progression as measured by coronary artery calcium (CAC) and aorta calcium (AC) in women with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE; cases) and in comparison with a control population.MethodsA cohort of 149 cases and 124 controls participated in the Study of Lupus Vascular and Bone Long‐Term Endpoints. Demographic information, cardiovascular and SLE risk factors, and laboratory assessments were collected at an initial visit. CAC and AC were measured by electron beam computed tomography (CT) or multidetector CT at an initial visit and at a followup visit. Logistic regression models were used to identify predictors of progression in CAC and AC; multivariate models were adjusted for age, hypertension, and total cholesterol to high‐density lipoprotein ratio.ResultsHigher modified Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology Damage Index (SDI) score (odds ratio [OR] 2.15, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.33–3.57), use of a corticosteroid (OR 2.93, 95% CI 1.14–7.86), and use of aspirin (OR 4.23, 95% CI 1.53–11.74) were associated with CAC progression in multivariate models. Presence of SLE (OR 2.64, 95% CI 1.26–5.72), lower C3 (OR 0.54, 95% CI 0.33–0.87), lower C4 (OR 0.49, 95% CI 0.27–0.86), use of a corticosteroid (OR 2.73, 95% CI 1.03–7.64), higher corticosteroid dose (OR 1.77, 95% CI 1.12–3.00), higher lipoprotein(a) (OR 1.80, 95% CI 1.11–2.98), and higher homocysteine (OR 2.06, 95% CI 1.06–4.29) were associated with AC progression in multivariate models.ConclusionHigher disease damage at the first study visit, as measured by the modified SDI, may predict increased risk in CAC progression, whereas higher disease activity at the first study visit, as measured by hypocomplementemia and use of corticosteroids, may predict increased risk in AC progression.
Synthesis and optical properties of poss‐based oxadiazole nanohybrids with three‐dimensional molecular conjugated structure
Authors: Yan Yongxin , Wang Jun , Liu Tianbao , Wang Xin , Su Xinyan , Feng Yan 
Published: December 2013

AbstractA series of oxadiazole‐containing molecular hybrid materials with three‐dimensional structure (P1–P3) was prepared by Heck reaction based on the octavinylsilsesquioxane. All resultant hybrid materials are soluble in common organic solvents and possess good film‐forming property. Their structures and properties were characterized and evaluated by FTIR, 1H‐NMR, 13C‐NMR, 29Si‐NMR, MALDI‐TOF, UV–vis, photoluminescence (PL), cyclic voltammetry, and elemental analysis (EA). The results showed that the substituted arm numbers of hybrids (P2 and P3) with pushing electron groups were efficiently controlled. Moreover, the hybrids possessed a steady blue emission and good electron‐injecting property in film. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40246.
Rapid fabrication of organic/organic photonic bandgap films with tuneable mechanical properties using blended polymer spheres
Authors: Kuo Yu‐Cheng , Chen Meng‐Chu , Lin Tsung‐Te , Shiu Yi‐Ru , Chen Hui 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACTIn this study, the photonic bandgap (PBG) film with tunable mechanical properties and photonic stop band was prepared by a simple and feasible approach. Colloid polymer spheres with a relatively large diameter (approximate Dn of 200 nm) and different glass transition temperatures (Tg) were blended with small polystyrene (PS) latex (Dn = 20 nm) and were subsequently casted on a substrate for 3 h at 50°C for self‐assembly of the PBG film. The monodispersed polymer spheres were synthesized by soap‐free emulsion polymerization in the boiling state. The Tg values of the spheres were predetermined based on the Fox equation, and designed to fall in the region of −34°C to 112°C. Small PS could also be synthesized by this approach using the comonomer, sodium p‐styrenesulfonate (NaSS), to ensure the small diameter. The long‐range ordered structure constructed by embedding the small PS in the PBG film was indirectly confirmed on the basis of SEM analysis, from which the monochromatic film color was determined based on Bragg's diffraction law. Tunable film color was achieved by adjusting the diameter of the spheres, as evaluated using UV–Vis. Tunable mechanical properties of the PBG film were also achieved by varying the Tg of the spheres or the filling ratio of small PS. Based on these approaches, the ultimate tensile strength could be tuned in the region between 0.39 to 4.7 Mpa, and the relative strain could be varied from 1236% to 16%, illustrative of the excellent deformability of the film. Furthermore, by variation of these two parameters, the film properties could be changed from typical elastomer behavior to brittle plastic polymer type behavior, greatly extending the prospective application fields. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40276.
Melt spinning and drawing of polyethylene nanocomposite fibers with organically modified hydrotalcite
Authors: Fambri Luca , Dabrowska Izabela , Pegoretti Alessandro , Ceccato Riccardo 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACTFibers of high density polyethylene (HDPE)/organically modified hydrotalcite (LDH) were produced by melt intercalation in a two‐step process consisting of twin‐screw extrusion and hot drawing. The optimum drawing temperature was 125°C at which the draw ratios up to 20 could be achieved. XRD analysis revealed intercalation with a high degree of exfoliation for the composites with 1–2% of LDH. Higher thermal stability of nanofilled fibers was confirmed by TGA analysis. DSC data indicated that dispersed LDH particles act as a nucleating agent. Crystallization kinetics of the HDPE matrix in the composite fibers is characterized by two transition temperatures, that is, for Regimes I/II at 123°C and for Regimes II/III ranging between 114–119°C as a function of the nanocomposite composition. Fibers with 1–2% of LDH show for the drawing ratios up to 15 a higher elastic modulus, 9.0–9.3 GPa (with respect to 8.0 GPa of the neat HDPE), maintain tensile strength of 0.8 GPa and deformation at break of 20–25%. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40277.
Cellulose/acrylic acid copolymer blends for films and coating applications
Authors: Saarikoski Eve , Rautkoski Hille , Rissanen Marja , Hartman Jonas , Seppälä Jukka 
Published: December 2013

AbstractEnzymatically treated cellulose was dissolved in a NaOH/ZnO solvent system and mixed together with poly(ethylene‐co‐acrylic acid) (PE‐co‐AA) or poly(acrylamide‐co‐acrylic acid) (PAA‐co‐AA) polymers, in order to improve the properties of dissolved cellulose and to prepare homogeneous cellulose‐based blends for films and coatings. The solution stage properties of the blends were evaluated by rheological methods and the precipitated dry blends were characterized by dynamic mechanical analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, and scanning electron microscopy. Paperboard coating tests done at laboratory scale showed dissolved cellulose/acrylic acid copolymer‐based blends function well as coating materials. All of the tested blends showed a good resistance against grease in the coating trials, having grease resistance from 60 to 69 days despite a very thin (∼2 µm) coating layer. In addition, cellulose/PE‐co‐AA coating showed improved water vapor and oxygen barrier properties when compared with neat dissolved cellulose‐coated paperboard. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40286.
Surface modification of BaTiO3 inclusions in polydicyclopentadiene nanocomposites for energy storage
Authors: Culver Sean P. , Beier Christopher W. , Rafson Jessica P. , Brutchey Richard L. 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACTA new nanocomposite system displaying high breakdown strength, improved permittivity, low dielectric loss, and high thermal stability is presented. Free‐standing nanocomposite films were prepared via a solvent‐free in‐situ polymerization technique whereby 5 vol % BaTiO3 (BT) nanocrystals with tailored surface chemistry were dispersed in dicyclopentadiene (DCPD) prior to initiation of ring opening metathesis polymerization by a second generation Grubbs catalyst. The relative permittivity was enhanced from 1.7 in the neat poly(DCPD) film to a maximum of 2.4 in the composite, while the dielectric loss tangent was minimized below 0.7%. Surface modification of the BT nanocrystals mitigated reduction in breakdown strength of the resulting nanocomposites such that only a 13% reduction in breakdown strength was observed relative to the neat polymer films. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40290.
Bioactive agarose carbon‐nanotube composites are capable of manipulating brain–implant interface
Authors: Lewitus Dan Y. , Smith Karen L. , Landers John , Neimark Alexander V. , Kohn Joachim 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACTComposite electrodes made of the polysaccharide agarose and carbon nanotubes (A‐CNE) have shown potential to be applied as tissue‐compatible, micro‐electronic devices. In this article, A‐CNEs were functionalized using neuro‐relevant proteins (laminin and alpha‐melanocyte stimulating hormone) and implanted in brain tissue for 1 week (acute response) and 4 weeks (chronic response). Qualitative and quantitative analysis of neuronal and immunological responses revealed significant changes in immunological response to implanted materials depending on the type of biomolecule used. The potential to manipulate tissue response through the use of an anti‐inflammatory protein, alpha‐melanocyte stimulating hormone, was shown in the reduction of astroglia presence near the implant site during the glial scar formation. These results suggest that A‐CNEs, which are soft, flexible, and easily made bioactive, have the ability to modify brain tissue response through surface modification as a function of the biomolecule used. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40297.
Simultaneous toughening of PPO/HIPS/Glass fiber reinforced composites with thermoplastic rubbers
Authors: Tang Weihua , Guo Xuejiao , Li Dapeng , Zhu Enwei , Yuan Huilin 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACTSimultaneously reinforced and toughened PPO/HIPS/SEBS/glass fiber (GF) 60/40/5/30 composites were successfully prepared with GF as reinforcing agent and SEBS as toughener. The formulation of PPO/HIPS/SEBS/GF quaternary composites was stepwise optimized by evaluating the effect of GF and SEBS on the processing, mechanical and thermal properties of the composites. The synergistic effects of GF reinforcement and elastomer toughening are attributed to high performance PPO/HIPS/SEBS/GF composites. Among the four elastomers studied, SEBS exhibited as effective toughener for PPO/HIPS matrix and the resulted PPO/HIPS/SEBS/GF composites presented a good combination of mechanical and thermal properties. The optimized PPO/HIPS/SEBS/GF 60/40/5/30 quaternary composites displayed a tensile strength of 123.6 MPa, a bending strength of 149.7 MPa, an unnotched impact strength of 46.6 KJ/m2 and a heat distortion temperature of 148.9°C. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40299.
Ethylene–propylene‐diene terpolymer/halloysite nanocomposites: Thermal, mechanical properties, and foam processing
Authors: Lee Kangsuk , Chang Young‐Wook , Kim Seong Woo 
Published: December 2013

AbstractEthylene–propylene‐diene terpolymer (EPDM)/halloysite nanotube (HNT) nanocomposites were prepared by melt mixing in an internal mixer using a commercially available maleated semicrystalline EPDM and HNT. Transmission electron microscopy analysis of the EPDM/HNT composites revealed that the HNTs are uniformly dispersed at a nanometer scale in the matrix. Differential scanning calorimeter studies indicated that the HNT caused an increase in the nonisothermal crystallization temperature of the EPDM. Tensile and dynamic mechanical analysis exhibited that a small amount of the HNTs effectively enhanced the stiffness of the EPDM without adversely affecting its elongation‐at‐break. The EPDM/HNT nanocomposites were used to produce foams by using a batch process in an autoclave, with supercritical carbon dioxide as a foaming agent. The nanocomposite foams showed a smaller cell size and higher cell density as compared to the neat EPDM foam, and the nanocomposite with 10 phr HNT produced a microcellular foam with average cell size as small as 7.8 μm and cell density as high as 1.5 × 1010 cell/cm3. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40307.
Neuromuscular Versus Quadriceps Strengthening Exercise in Patients With Medial Knee Osteoarthritis and Varus Malalignment: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Bennell Kim L. , Kyriakides Mary , Metcalf Ben , Egerton Thorlene , Wrigley Tim V. , Hodges Paul W. , Hunt Michael A. , Roos Ewa M. , Forbes Andrew , Ageberg Eva , Hinman Rana S. 
Published: December 2013

ObjectiveTo compare the effects of neuromuscular exercise (NEXA) and quadriceps strengthening (QS) on the knee adduction moment (an indicator of mediolateral distribution of knee load), pain, and physical function in patients with medial knee joint osteoarthritis (OA) and varus malalignment.MethodsOne hundred patients with medial knee pain, mostly moderate‐to‐severe radiographic medial knee OA, and varus malalignment were randomly allocated to one of two 12‐week exercise programs. Each program involved 14 individually supervised exercise sessions with a physiotherapist plus a home exercise component. Primary outcomes were peak external knee adduction moment (3‐dimensional gait analysis), pain (visual analog scale), and self‐reported physical function (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index).ResultsEighty‐two patients (38 [76%] of 50 in the NEXA group and 44 [88%] of 50 in the QS group) completed the trial. There was no significant between‐group difference in the change in the peak knee adduction moment (mean difference 0.13 Nm/[body weight × height]% [95% confidence interval (95% CI) −0.08, 0.33]), pain (mean difference 2.4 mm [95% CI −6.0, 10.8]), or physical function (mean difference −0.8 units [95% CI −4.0, 2.4]). Neither group showed a change in knee moments following exercise, whereas both groups showed similar significant reductions in pain and improvement in physical function.ConclusionAlthough comparable improvements in clinical outcomes were observed with both neuromuscular and quadriceps strengthening exercise in patients with moderate varus malalignment and mostly moderate‐to‐severe medial knee OA, these forms of exercise did not affect the knee adduction moment, a key predictor of structural disease progression.
Methotrexate and Lung Disease in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Meta‐Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Conway Richard , Low Candice , Coughlan Robert J. , O'Donnell Martin J. , Carey John J. 
Published: December 2013

ObjectiveMethotrexate has shown efficacy for the treatment of several diseases, especially rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methotrexate has also been implicated as a causative agent in interstitial lung disease. Patients with RA may develop pulmonary manifestations of their disease and are at increased risk of respiratory infection. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relative risk (RR) of pulmonary disease among patients with RA treated with methotrexate.MethodsWe searched the PubMed and Cochrane databases (publication dates January 1, 1990 to February 1, 2013) for double‐blind, randomized, controlled trials of methotrexate versus placebo or active comparator agents in adults with RA. Studies with <100 subjects or with a duration of <24 weeks were excluded. Two investigators independently searched both databases, and all of the investigators reviewed the selected studies. We compared differences in the RR using the Mantel‐Haenszel random‐effects method.ResultsA total of 22 studies with 8,584 participants met the inclusion criteria. Heterogeneity across studies was not significant (I2 = 3%), allowing combination of the trial results. Methotrexate was associated with an increased risk of all adverse respiratory events (RR 1.10, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.02−1.19) and respiratory infection (RR 1.11, 95% CI 1.02−1.21). Patients treated with methotrexate were not at increased risk of death due to lung disease (RR 1.53, 95% CI 0.46−5.01) or noninfectious respiratory events (RR 1.02, 95% CI 0.65−1.60). A subgroup analysis of studies in which pneumonitis was described revealed an increased risk associated with methotrexate (RR 7.81, 95% CI 1.76−34.72).ConclusionOur study demonstrated a small but significant increase in the risk of lung disease in patients with RA treated with methotrexate compared with other disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs and biologic agents.
RFC1 80G>A Is a Genetic Determinant of Methotrexate Efficacy in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Human Genome Epidemiologic Review and Meta‐Analysis of Observational Studies
Authors: Kung Tabitha N. , Dennis Jessica , Ma YiQing , Xie Gang , Bykerk Vivian , Pope Janet , Thorne Carter , Keystone Edward , Siminovitch Katherine A. , Gagnon France 
Published: December 2013

ObjectiveAssociations have been reported between candidate genes and the response to methotrexate (MTX) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, but most of the studies have been small and have yielded conflicting results. This study was undertaken to provide a systematic review of all genetic variant associations with MTX efficacy and toxicity, and to conduct a meta‐analysis evaluating the most commonly studied single‐nucleotide polymorphism for which prior cumulative analysis has been lacking.MethodsA systematic review and meta‐analysis were performed to identify genetic variant associations with MTX efficacy and toxicity. Studies were identified from the Medline, EMBase, HuGENet Navigator, and Cochrane Library databases through December 2012, and from the 2009–2011 abstracts of the American College of Rheumatology and the European League Against Rheumatism annual meeting proceedings. Additional unpublished genotype data from a Canadian cohort of patients with early RA were also included.ResultsAmong the 87 identified studies examining genetic associations with MTX efficacy and toxicity, the reduced folate carrier 1 gene (RFC1) variant 80G>A (Arg27His, rs1051266) was selected for random‐effects meta‐analysis. RFC1 80G>A was associated with MTX efficacy in both the recessive model (odds ratio [OR] 1.42, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.04–1.93) and the additive model (OR 1.28, 95% CI 1.10–1.49). Restriction of the sensitivity analyses to studies that involved Caucasian subjects only and that used similar outcome measures (MTX failure versus nonfailure) maintained and improved the associations in both models. No significant association between RFC1 80G>A and MTX toxicity was detected.ConclusionIn these analyses of available data from observational studies, RFC1 80G>A was found to be associated with MTX efficacy, but not toxicity, in RA patients. This variant merits further prospective analysis as a potential predictor of MTX efficacy. Variability in the definitions of response in pharmacogenetic studies is a source of data heterogeneity that should be addressed.