bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Independent and combined influence of homeownership, occupation, education, income, and community poverty on physical health in persons with arthritis
Authors: Callahan Leigh F. , Martin Kathryn Remmes , Shreffler Jack , Kumar Deepak , Schoster Britta , Kaufman Jay S. , Schwartz Todd A. 
Published: January 2011

AbstractObjectiveTo examine the independent and combined influence of individual‐ and community‐level socioeconomic status (SES) measures on physical health status outcomes in people with self‐reported arthritis.MethodsFrom 2004–2005, 968 participants completed a telephone survey assessing health status, chronic conditions, community characteristics, and sociodemographic variables. Individual‐level SES measures used included homeownership, occupation (professional or not), educational attainment (less than high school, high school degree, and more than high school), and income (<$15,000, $15,000–$45,000, and >$45,000). Community poverty (2000 US Census block group percentage of individuals living below the poverty line [low, medium, and high]) was used as a community‐level SES measure. Outcomes were physical functioning (Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 12 version 2 physical component summary [PCS]), functional disability (Health Assessment Questionnaire [HAQ]), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Health‐Related Quality of Life (HRQOL) Healthy Days physical and limited activity days, and were analyzed via multivariable regressions.ResultsWhen entered separately, all individual‐level SES variables were significantly (P< 0.01) associated with poorer PCS, HAQ, and CDC HRQOL scores. A higher magnitude of effect was seen for household income, specifically <$15,000 per year in final models with all 4 individual SES measures and community poverty. The magnitude of effect for education is reduced and marginally significant for the PCS and number of physically unhealthy days. No effects were seen for occupation, homeownership, and community poverty.ConclusionFindings confirm that after adjusting for important covariates, lower individual‐ and community‐level SES measures are associated with poorer physical health outcomes, while household income is the strongest predictor (as measured by both significance and effect) of poorer health status in final models. Studies not having participant‐reported income available should make use of other SES measures, as they do independently predict physical health.
Substantial variation in qPCR measured mean blood telomere lengths in young men from eleven European countries
Authors: Eisenberg Dan T.A. , Salpea Klelia D. , Kuzawa Christopher W. , Hayes M. Geoffrey , Humphries Steve E. ,   on Behalf of the European Atherosclerosis Research Study II Group
Published: January 2011

AbstractObjectives: Telomeres, repetitive DNA sequences found at the ends of chromosomes, shorten with age in proliferating human tissues and are implicated in senescence. Previous studies suggest that shorter telomeres impair immune and cardiovascular function and result in increased mortality. Although few, prior studies have documented ethnic/population differences in human telomere lengths. The nature and cause(s) of these population differences remain poorly understood.Methods: Here, we extend the work of Salpea et al. (2008) by reporting variation in mean blood telomere lengths (BTL) from 765 individuals from 14 study centers across 11 European countries. Subjects are male students (ages 18–28), half of whom had fathers with myocardial infarction before 55 and the remainder age‐matched controls.Results: Controlling for age and case–control status, telomere lengths averaged 10.20 kilobases (interpolated from qPCR measures) across study centers and ranged from 5.10 kilobases in Naples, Italy to 18.64 kilobases in Ghent, Belgium—a greater than threefold difference across populations. These population level differences in BTLs were neither explained by national level measures of population genetic structure nor by national level ecological analysis of indices of infection/economic status.Conclusions: These findings suggest considerable population variation in BTL in Europe that is not obviously a result of broad measures of population structure or infection/economic exposure measured in early life or in adulthood. Studying telomere dynamics in a wider variety of populations, and with greater attention to lifecycle dynamics, will be important to help elucidate the causes and possible consequences of human population variation in telomere length. Am. J. Hum. Biol., 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc
YKL‐40 and MMP‐9 as serum markers for patients with primary central nervous system lymphoma
Authors: Hottinger Andreas F. , Iwamoto Fabio M. , Karimi Sasan , Riedel Elyn , Dantis Jocelynn , Park Joseph , Panageas Katherine S. , Lassman Andrew B. , Abrey Lauren E. , Fleisher Martin , Holland Eric C. , DeAngelis Lisa M. , Hormigo Adília 
Published: January 2011

AbstractObjective:To evaluate YKL‐40 and MMP‐9 proteins as tumor biomarkers in serum samples from patients with primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL).Methods:In this prospective longitudinal study, serum samples from consecutive patients with histologically confirmed PCNSL were collected concurrently with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans at multiple time points and were analyzed for levels of YKL‐40 and MMP‐9 by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Marker levels were correlated to disease status and survival.Results:Forty‐five patients with PCNSL were accrued. Median follow‐up for survivors was 25 months, and 21 (47%) died during the study. A total of 230 serum samples were collected, and 93% had corresponding MRI scans. PCNSL patients without evidence of radiographic disease (29 patients, 131 samples) had significantly lower levels of serum YKL‐40 and MMP‐9 than patients with active tumor (n = 34 patients, 84 samples; p = 0.03 and 0.01, respectively). There was a significant inverse correlation between survival and doubling of the YKL‐40 level (hazard ratio, 1.7; p = 0.01).Interpretation:In patients with PCNSL, serum levels of YKL‐40 and MMP‐9 are associated with radiographic disease status. Longitudinal increase in serum levels of YKL‐40, but not MMP‐9, predicts survival in patients with PCNSL. ANN NEUROL 2011
Necessity of acceleration‐induced nonlocality
Authors: Mashhoon B. 
Published: January 2011

AbstractThe purpose of this paper is to explain clearly why nonlocality must be an essential part of the theory of relativity. In the standard local version of this theory, Lorentz invariance is extended to accelerated observers by assuming that they are pointwise inertial. This locality postulate is exact when dealing with phenomena involving classical point particles and rays of radiation, but breaks down for electromagnetic fields, as field properties in general cannot be measured instantaneously. The problem is corrected in nonlocal relativity by supplementing the locality postulate with a certain average over the past world line of the observer.
Nanoparticles in Biological Systems
Authors: Stark Wendelin J. 
Published: January 2011

AbstractUnderstanding the behavior of nanoparticles in biological systems opens up new directions for medical treatments and is essential for the development of safe nanotechnology. This Review discusses molecules and nanoparticles when in contact with cells or whole organisms, with a focus on inorganic materials. The interaction of particles with biology unravels a series of new mechanisms not found for molecules: altered biodistribution, chemically reactive interfaces, and the combination of solid‐state properties and mobility. Externally guided movement of medicaments by using functional nanomagnets brings mechanics into drug design. In subsequent sections, the role of inertness and bioaccumulation is discussed in regard to the long‐term safety of nanoparticles.
Selective oxidation of olefins and aromatic alcohols with tert‐butylhydroperoxide catalyzed by polymer‐anchored transition‐metal complexes
Authors: Islam S. M. , Singha Roy Anupam , Mondal Paramita , Mondal Sanchita , Mubarak Manir , Hossain Dildar , Sarkar Saikat 
Published: January 2011

AbstractThree polymer‐anchored metal complexes (Co, Cu, and Pd) were synthesized and characterized. The catalytic performance of these complexes was tested for the oxidation of olefins and aromatic alcohols. These complexes showed excellent catalytic activity and high selectivity. These complexes selectively gave epoxides and aldehydes from olefins and alcohols, respectively. Individually, the effect of various solvents, oxidants, substrate oxidant molar ratios, temperatures, and catalyst amounts for the oxidation of cyclohexene and benzyl alcohol were studied. Under optimized reaction conditions, 96, 81, and 71% conversions of cyclohexene and 86, 79, and 73% conversions of benzyl alcohol were obtained with Co(II), Cu(II), and Pd(II) catalysts, respectively. The catalytic results reveal that these complexes could be recycled more than five times without much loss in activity. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Studies on novel semi‐2‐IPNs from polyetherimide and citraconimide
Authors: Gupta Preshi , Alam Sarfaraz 
Published: January 2011

AbstractA series of novel semi‐2‐interpenetrating polymeric networks (semi‐2‐IPNs) were prepared through blending in solution using two different polyimides, biscitraconamic acid as a precursor of biscitraconimide (MBMI) with various proportions of polyetherimide (PEI) to achieve optimum properties. Biscitraconamic acid was prepared by reacting citraconic anhydride (CA), 3,3',4,4'‐benzophenone tetracarboxylic dianhydride (BTDA) and bis(3‐aminopropyl)phenyl phosphine (BAPPP) and it was characterized by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), FTIR, and 1H‐NMR spectroscopy. Both biscitraconamic acid and PEI were blended in N,N‐dimethylacetamide (DMAc) solution, casted and thermally cured up to 300°C to give semi‐2‐IPNs. The MBMI/PEI semi‐IPN systems were characterized by UV‐Vis spectroscopy, FTIR spectroscopy and thermal techniques. The phase morphology, isothermal aging, and water uptake of semi‐IPN systems have also been studied. The morphological studies on phase distribution were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Thermal performance of MBMI/PEI semi‐IPN systems were evaluated by DSC and thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA). All the compositions of semi‐IPN polyimide system were stable up to 400°C and their thermal stability increased with increase in the content of PEI. Isothermal aging studies done at 300°C for various time periods showed good thermo‐oxidative stability. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Preparation and characterization of polybutadiene/allylisobutyl polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane nanocomposites by anionic polymerization
Authors: Liao Mingyi , Zhang Xiaojuan , Fan Cheng , Wang Liying , Jin Meihua 
Published: January 2011

AbstractPolybutadiene (PB)/Allylisobutyl Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxane (A‐POSS) nanocomposites have been prepared by using A‐POSS and butadiene (Bd) as comonomers, n‐BuLi as initiator, cyclohexane as solvent, ethyltetrahydrofurfuryl ether as structure modifier through the anionic polymerization technique. The reaction conditions, the kind and content of the modifier and POSS, etc. affecting the copolymerization process and the microstructure of the nanocomposites were also investigated. The results showed that POSS incorporation obviously decreased the rate of polymerization and the molecular weight of the copolymers, increased polydispersity index of the copolymers. The reaction conditions (the reaction time and reaction temperature) had little effect on copolymerization. However, the addition of the modifier could increase the rate of polymerization significantly. In particular, the POSS incorporation resulted in dramatically increasing the content of 1,2‐units in PB. POSS and the modifier had the excellent cooperative effect modifying the microstructure of the PB. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Investigations of chromatic transformations of polydiacetylene with aromatic compounds
Authors: Scoville S. P. , Shirley W. M. 
Published: January 2011

AbstractThermochromic changes of 10,12‐pentacosadiynoic acid (PCDA) were investigated in combination with four aromatic compounds, benzene, furan, thiophene, and cyclopentadiene, with subsequent exposure to UV radiation. Using Raman spectroscopy and solid‐state Fluorometry, no differences were observed between benzene, furan, or thiophene from the PCDA itself, with respect to the blue to red color change, which took place from 80°C to 100°C. However, the addition of cyclopentadiene exhibited the color change at a significantly higher temperature, ranging from 180°C to 200°C. Lack of new products formed during the initial mixing period was ruled out by analysis using solid‐state NMR MAS and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), with only monomer peaks at 69.61°C for the PCDA and 72.37°C for PCDA in combination with cyclopentadiene, as recorded by the DSC. It is believed that a chemical bond between PCDA and cyclopentadiene is formed after polymerization from catalysis by the UV radiation. Solid‐state NMR MAS revealed a chemical shift peak of 131.55 ppm for the PCDA and a much larger peak at 130.84 ppm for the PCDA and cyclopentadiene. The DSC exhibited melting point peaks at 193.26°C and 194.88°C for PCDA and PCDA with cyclopentadiene, respectively. Because the color change involves CC bond rotation of side groups, stressing π‐bond overlap, the cyclopentadiene bond is thought to prevent rotation by steric hindrance until a higher temperature or melting occurs at the DSC stated temperature of 194.88°C. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Regioselective and green synthesis of nitro aromatic compounds using polymer‐supported sodium nitrite/KHSO4
Authors: Karimi Zarchi Mohammad Ali , Rahmani Fahimeh 
Published: January 2011

AbstractPolymer supported reagents have become the subject of considerable and increasing interest as insoluble materials in the organic synthesis. Use of polymeric reagents simplifies routine nitration of aromatic compounds because it eliminates traditional purification. In this article, the use of readily available cross‐linked poly(4‐vinylpyridine) supported sodium nitrite, [P4‐Me] NO2, as an efficient polymeric nitrating agent in the presence of KHSO4 is described. A good range of available aromatic compounds were also subjected to nitration in the presence of [P4‐Me] NO2/KHSO4. This reagent is regioselective and chemoselective nitrating polymeric reagent for activated aromatic rings. In this procedure, the work‐up is easy, and the spent polymeric reagent is easily regenerated and reused. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Preparation, structural, and electrical studies of polyaniline/ZnFe2O4 nanocomposites
Authors: Prasanna Gunderi Dhananjaya , Jayanna Halepoojar Siddalingappa , Prasad Vishnu 
Published: January 2011

AbstractPolyaniline/ZnFe2O4 nanocomposites were synthesized by a simple and inexpensive one‐step in situ polymerization method in the presence of ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles. The structural, morphological, and electrical properties of the samples were characterized by wide angle X‐ray diffraction (WAXD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). WAXD and SEM revealed the formation of polyaniline/ZnFe2O4 nanocomposites. Infrared spectroscopy indicated that there was some interaction between the ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles and polyaniline. The dc electrical conductivity measurements were carried in the temperature range of 80 to 300 K. With increase in the doping concentration of ZnFe2O4, the conductivity of the nanocomposites found to be decreasing from 5.15 to 0.92 Scm−1 and the temperature dependent resistivity follows ln ρ(T) ∼ T−1/2 behavior. The nanocomposites (80 wt % of ZnFe2O4) show a more negative magnetoresistance compared with that of pure polyaniline (PANI). These results suggest that the interaction between the polymer matrix PANI and zinc nanoparticles take place in these nanocomposites. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Properties of bacterial cellulose produced in grape medium by native isolate Gluconacetobacter sp
Authors: Rani M. Usha , Udayasankar K. , Appaiah K. A. Anu 
Published: January 2011

AbstractDuring the production of grape wine, the occurrence of thick leathery pellicle at the air‐liquid interface was found as a contaminant. The pellicle produced was investigated with a view to use as biodegradable polymer. The bacterium that is responsible for the pellicle production was isolated, characterized and identified as Gluconacetobacter sp. Pellicle was produced in pasteurized grape extract as well as in HS medium by the isolated organism in static conditions. The purified film was subjected for Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and C13 solid NMR spectroscopy analysis, which confirmed the pellicle to be a cellulosic material. Scanning Electron Micrograph showed ultra fine network structure along with cells. The films were tested for its physicomechanical characters, barrier and thermal properties. The films of 25‐μ thickness showed very high tensile strength (41.158 MPa) and elongation of 0.987 mm. The thermal properties of the films were characterized by Differential scanning calorimetry and Thermo gravimetric analysis. The melt peak temperature was found to be 111.65°C. The percentage of weight loss was found to be 20% at 327.86°C. Barrier properties (oxygen transmission rate and water vapor transmission rate), indicated a high oxygen barrier but low water barrier. This is the first report on the barrier properties of bacterial cellulose from Gluconacetobacter sp. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Topographical and chemical characterization of polymer surfaces modified by physical and chemical processes
Authors: Barish Jeffrey A. , Goddard Julie M. 
Published: January 2011

AbstractNanoscale changes to the surface of polymeric materials enables changes in materials' adhesion, wettability, printability, chemical functionality, and bioactivity, while maintaining desirable bulk properties. Polymer surface modification is therefore used in applications such as antimicrobial or non‐fouling materials, biosensors, and active packaging. The range of available modification and analytical techniques used across laboratories prevents accurate comparison of techniques in terms of their effects on surface chemistry and topography. It was therefore our goal to evaluate the effects of four surface modification techniques (chromic acid, piranha solution, ultraviolet irradiation, and oxygen plasma) on polyethylene films. Changes in surface chemistry and topography were quantified using attenuated total reflectance (ATR) Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy (AFM), contact angle measurement, and direct measurement of available surface carboxylic acids. Roughness increased in the order: piranha (57.7 nm); oxygen plasma (76.3 nm); UV irradiation (76.4 nm); chromic acid (120 nm). Hydrophobicity decreased in the order: piranha (77.20), chromic acid (73.50), oxygen plasma (61.70), UV irradiation (58.70). Functionalization (by IR absorbance intensity between 1680–1780 cm−1) increased in the order: oxygen plasma (0.06), piranha (0.09), chromic acid (0.34), UV irradiation (0.50). By analyzing these methods using consistent analytical techniques, side‐by‐side comparisons have been accurately made. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Effect of the extensional flow on the properties of oriented nanocomposite films for twist wrapping
Authors: Dintcheva Nadka Tzankova , Marino Rosamaria , La Mantia Francesco Paolo 
Published: January 2011

AbstractIn this study, we examined the mechanical behavior of nanocomposite films based on polyethylene (PE) and pristine PE films. The films were prepared by film blowing and were then cold‐drawn at low temperature. The experimental results show that cold drawing significantly enhanced the orientation; with increasing draw ratio (DR), the elastic modulus and tensile strength of the PE films strongly increased, particularly in the presence of the organoclay. To obtain polymeric films suitable for twist wrapping, the films must be sufficiently stiff so that no shrinkage or elastic recovery occur during or after twisting. The elongation at break and the yield strain sharply decreased with orientation, mainly in films upon drawing. According to the mechanical behavior, the twist angle increased with increasing DR and, particularly, with the addition of nanoclay, probably because of the applied DR, which reduced the nanoparticle size and, as a consequence, hindered the applied torsional elastic recovery. Therefore, the nanocomposite film with a higher DR was particularly suitable for twist‐wrapping applications. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Varus–valgus alignment: Reduced risk of subsequent cartilage loss in the less loaded compartment
Authors: Moisio Kirsten , Chang Alison , Eckstein Felix , Chmiel Joan S. , Wirth Wolfgang , Almagor Orit , Prasad Pottumarthi , Cahue September , Kothari Ami , Sharma Leena 
Published: January 2011

AbstractObjectiveVarus–valgus alignment has been linked to subsequent progression of osteoarthritis (OA) within the mechanically stressed (medial for varus, lateral for valgus) tibiofemoral compartment. Cartilage data from the off‐loaded compartment are sparse. The purpose of this study was to examine our hypotheses that neutral and valgus (versus varus) knees each have reduced odds of cartilage loss in the medial subregions and that neutral and varus (versus valgus) knees each have reduced odds of cartilage loss in the lateral subregions.MethodsPatients with knee OA underwent knee magnetic resonance imaging at baseline and 2 years. The mean cartilage thickness was quantified within 5 tibial and 3 femoral subregions. We used logistic regression with generalized estimating equations to analyze the relationship between baseline alignment and subregional cartilage loss at 2 years, adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, and disease severity.ResultsA reduced risk of cartilage loss in the medial subregions was associated with neutral (versus varus) alignment (external tibial, central femoral, external femoral) and with valgus (versus varus) alignment (central tibial, external tibial, central femoral, external femoral). A reduced risk of cartilage loss in the lateral subregions was associated with neutral (versus valgus) alignment (central tibial, internal tibial, posterior tibial) and with varus (versus valgus) alignment (central tibial, external tibial, posterior tibial, external femoral).ConclusionNeutral and valgus alignment were each associated with a reduction in the risk of subsequent cartilage loss in certain medial subregions and neutral and varus alignment with a reduction in the risk of cartilage loss in certain lateral subregions. These results support load redistribution as an in vivo mechanism of the long‐term alignment effects on cartilage loss in knee OA.