bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nematic–isotropic transition in polymer‐confined and polymer‐free liquid crystal mixtures
Authors: Kuschel F. , Hartmann L. , Bauer M. 
Published: March 2010

AbstractDepending on the processing conditions in liquid crystal (LC) display manufacturing, LC/polymer composite films may exhibit unusual properties with respect to the compositional and phase behavior of the LC constituents. In particular, we have observed extraordinary large shifts of phase transition temperatures in LC/polymer composites, which can not be explained by preferential solvation or adsorption. Therefore, the influence of real manufacturing conditions such as thermal stress, storage in vacuum, and UV irradiation on the nematic–isotropic (n–i) transition temperatures of commercial nematic mixtures was investigated. Shifts of the clearing temperature of up to 88 K, presumably due to partial evaporation or UV degradation, were observed. Furthermore, we found that annealing may lead to the replacement of the nematic phase by the smectic A phase at room temperature in both LC/polymer composites and pure LC samples. Among the tested commercial LC blends, the mixtures E7, MLC‐6650, and L101 showed the smallest stress effects. Practical consequences of our results are discussed. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Sustained release properties of crosslinked and substituted starches
Authors: Onofre Fernanda O. , Wang Ya‐Jane 
Published: March 2010

AbstractHigh amylose corn, waxy corn, and potato starches were crosslinked (XL) to an optimal degree and then substituted with carboxymethyl (CM) and aminoethyl (AE) groups, and their drug release properties, swelling power, and potential interactions with drugs were investigated. Propranolol hydrochloride, sodium diclofenac and acetaminophen were used as model drugs. High amylose starch required a higher XL degree to achieve good sustained release properties, whereas waxy corn required the least XL. Drug release was more governed by the matrix characteristics than by drug properties, and XL‐CM high amylose corn starch displayed a nearly constant drug release for all three drugs tested. Swelling power correlated well with sustained release properties with the better matrices swelling to greater extents. There was a potential interaction between XL‐AE‐starches and diclofenac as indicated by differential scanning calorimetry. Starches from different sources require different types and degrees of modifications to achieve satisfactory sustained release. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
The role of polymerizable organophilic clay during preparing polyethylene nanocomposite via filling polymerization
Authors: Ren Changyi , Du Xiaohua , Ma Li , Wang Yanhui , Tang Tao 
Published: March 2010

AbstractEffect of polymerizable montmorillonites (P‐MMTs) on the morphology of polyethylene/montmorillonites (PE/MMTs) nanocomposites during filling polymerization was studied. The microstructure analysis showed that the P‐MMTs were more exfoliatable than nonpolymerizable MMTs in the preparation of PE/MMTs nanocomposites. By examining the influence of the polymerization condition on the microstructure of the resultant nanocomposites, it was confirmed that the shear force formed by the mechanical stirring was the driving force of the exfoliation dispersion of MMT sheets during the filling polymerization. Comparatively, the shear force on MMT sheets might be increased due to strong interaction between PE chains linked to the surface of P‐MMTs and the solvents molecules, which is the reason that polymerizable clay is more exfoliatable than nonpolymerizable clay. The copolymerization between polymerizable modifier and ethylene was confirmed by NMR measurements. Furthermore, the morphology of the resultant nanocomposites was influenced by the concentration of the dispersed P‐MMTs. The degree of exfoliation of the resultant nanocomposites at a relatively low concentration was higher than that at a high concentration. This is because of the multiscale organization of the organoclay dispersed in the organic medium. High exfoliation degree of MMTs and improved interaction between PE matrix and P‐MMTs in PE/P‐MMTs nanocomposites led to significant improvements in mechanical properties and barrier properties. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
The flocculating properties of chitosan‐graft‐polyacrylamide flocculants (I)—effect of the grafting ratio
Authors: Yuan Bo , Shang Yabo , Lu YaoBo , Qin Zuqun , Jiang Yuxiang , Chen Aimin , Qian Xiaozhi , Wang Guangzhi , Yang Hu , Cheng Rongshi 
Published: March 2010

AbstractA series of chitosan‐graft‐polyacrylamide copolymers have been prepared as flocculants for waste water treatment. The results indicated that the grafting ratio was one of the key factors for the flocculating effects. The copolymers with various grafting ratios showed different flocculating properties. To observe every detail of this effect, the specific refractive index increment measurement (SRIIM) method was used to determine the grafting ratio at the beginning of this study. Interestingly, it was found that as the grafting ratio increased, the flocculating effect increased until it reached its maximum point. At that point, it decreased. This result was discussed in terms of the cooperative effects of the charge neutralization and bridging flocculating mechanisms. A structure model of chitosan‐g‐polyacrylamide copolymer flocculants has been proposed. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Preparation of acetylated chitosan sponges (chitin sponges)
Authors: Ko Jung A , Kim Bum Keun , Park Hyun Jin 
Published: March 2010

AbstractAcetylated chitosan sponges (chitin sponges) were prepared according to acetylation time (25, 50, 75, and 100 h). As the acetylation time increased, the degree of acetylation increased, and a 75‐h acetylation time produced the highest degree of acetylation (DA). The surface morphologies of samples were examined by scanning electron microscopy. Sponge samples were shown by a water uptake ability test to have higher water absorption abilities. An in vitro biodegradation test showed that sponges with a higher DA were more susceptible to lysozyme hydrolysis. Acetylated chitosan sponges were further shown by an in vitro fibroblast proliferation test to have a higher degree of cell viability on increasing the DA, with 75 h exhibiting the maximum effect. The results showed that the wound healing effect of chitosan sponges can be controlled by the DA. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Performance of graphite filled composite based on benzoxazine resin
Authors: Kimura Hajime , Ohtsuka Keiko , Matsumoto Akihiro 
Published: March 2010

AbstractIn this study, we aimed to prepare and characterize graphite filled composites based on benzoxazine resin for the bipolar plate in fuel cell. Three kinds of graphite (synthetic graphite, natural graphite, and expanded graphite) were used for the preparation of the graphite filled composites. The composites were prepared by means of the compression molding of mixtures of graphite and benzoxazine resin. The properties of the graphite filled composites based on benzoxazine resin were estimated by mechanical property, gas permeability, and electrical conductivity. As a result, it was found that graphite filled composites based on benzoxazine resin showed good gas impermeability, electrical conductivity and mechanical property compared with those of the graphite filled composites based on the conventional phenolic resin. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Sorption mechanism in organic solutions of uncharged polymers
Authors: Sabzi Fatemeh , Ayatollahi Fatemeh , Boushehri Ali 
Published: March 2010

AbstractIn this work, we use the vapor‐sorption equilibrium data to show the degree of solvent upturn in each solvent‐polymer system. For this purpose, 20 isothermal data sets for five polymer + solvent binaries have been used in the temperature range of 298–413 K. Solvents studied are benzene, pentane, hexane, toluene, and chlorobenzene. Homopolymers studied are: polystyrene, poly(vinyl acetate), polyisobutylene, and polyethylene. According to these data sets, solvent weight fraction in the polymer is plotted against solvent vapor activity that is calculated assuming an ideal gas phase of pure solvent vapor neglecting the vapor pressure of the polymer. We use the Flory‐Huggins theory to obtain dimensionless interaction parameter, χ. Also the Zimm‐Lundberg clustering theory and non‐ideality thermodynamic factor, Γ are used to interpret the equilibrium data. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
POM/PU/carbon nanofiber composites produced by water‐mediated melt compounding: Structure, thermomechanical and dielectrical properties
Authors: Siengchin S. , Psarras G. C. , Karger‐Kocsis J. 
Published: March 2010

AbstractBinary and ternary composites composed of polyoxymethylene (POM), polyurethane (PU), and carbon nanofiber (CNF) were produced by water‐mediated melt compounding. PU latex and/or aqueous CNF dispersion were introduced into the molten POM in laboratory kneader to prepare toughened and/or nanoreinforced POM composites. The crystallization of the POM‐based systems was studied by polarized optical microscopy. The dispersion of the CNF was inspected in scanning electron microscopy. The mechanical and thermomechanical properties of the composites were determined by dynamic‐mechanical analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, short‐time creep‐, stress relaxation‐, and uniaxial static tensile tests. The dielectric response of the nanocomposites was investigated by means of broadband dielectric spectroscopy at ambient temperature. CNF worked as reinforcement (i.e., increased the stiffness, resistance to creep, tensile strength, and reduced the elongation at break), and also improved the thermo‐oxidative stability of POM. PU alone had an adverse effect to the above listed properties, which could be enhanced again by additional incorporation of CNF. Dielectric spectroscopy proved to be a useful tool to get deeper understanding on morphological changes caused by the additives. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
A rapid biodiversity assessment methodology tested on intertidal rocky shores
Authors: O'hara Timothy D. , Addison Prue F. E. , Gazzard Ruth , Costa Trudy L. , Pocklington Jacqueline B. 
Published: March 2010

Abstract
Conservation managers require biodiversity assessment tools to estimate the impact of human activities on biodiversity and to prioritize resources for habitat protection or restoration. Large‐scale programs have been developed for freshwater ecosystems which grade sites by comparing measured versus expected species richness. These models have been applied successfully to habitats that suffer from systemic pressures, such as poor water quality. However, pressures in other habitats, such as rocky intertidal shores, are known to induce more subtle changes in community composition.
This paper tests a biodiversity assessment methodology that uses the ANOSIM R statistic to quantify the biological dissimilarity between a site being assessed and a series of reference sites selected on the basis of their similar environmental profile. Sites with high R values for assemblage composition have an anomalous assemblage for their environmental profile and are potentially disturbed.
This methodology successfully identified moderate to heavily perturbed sites in a pilot study on 65 rocky intertidal sites in south‐eastern Australia. In general, measures based on percentage cover (flora and sessile invertebrates) were more sensitive than abundance (fauna). Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of fetuses in a study of intravenous immunoglobulin as preventive therapy for congenital heart block: Results of a multicenter, prospective, open‐label clinical trial
Authors: Friedman Deborah M. , Llanos Carolina , Izmirly Peter M. , Brock Brigit , Byron John , Copel Joshua , Cummiskey Karen , Dooley Mary Anne , Foley Jill , Graves Cornelia , Hendershott Colleen , Kates Richard , Komissarova Elena V. , Miller Michelle , Paré Emmanuelle , Phoon Colin K. L. , Prosen Tracy , Reisner Dale , Ruderman Eric , Samuels Philip , Yu Jerry K. , Kim Mimi Y. , Buyon Jill P. 
Published: March 2010

AbstractObjectiveThe recurrence rate of anti‐SSA/Ro–associated congenital heart block (CHB) is 17%. Sustained reversal of third‐degree block has never been achieved. Based on potential reduction of maternal autoantibody titers as well as fetal inflammatory responses, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) was evaluated as preventive therapy for CHB.MethodsA multicenter, prospective, open‐label study based on Simon's 2‐stage optimal design was initiated. Enrollment criteria included the presence of anti‐SSA/Ro antibodies in the mother, birth of a previous child with CHB/neonatal lupus rash, current treatment with ≤20 mg/day of prednisone, and <12 weeks pregnant. IVIG (400 mg/kg) was given every 3 weeks from week 12 to week 24 of gestation. The primary outcome was the development of second‐degree or third‐degree CHB.ResultsTwenty mothers completed the IVIG protocol before the predetermined stopping rule of 3 cases of advanced CHB in the study was reached. CHB was detected at 19, 20, and 25 weeks; none of the cases occurred following the finding of an abnormal PR interval on fetal Doppler monitoring. One of these mothers had 2 previous children with CHB. One child without CHB developed a transient rash consistent with neonatal lupus. Sixteen children had no manifestations of neonatal lupus at birth. No significant changes in maternal titers of antibody to SSA/Ro, SSB/La, or Ro 52 kd were detected over the course of therapy or at delivery. There were no safety issues.ConclusionThis study establishes the safety of IVIG and the feasibility of recruiting pregnant women who have previously had a child with CHB. However, IVIG at low doses consistent with replacement does not prevent the recurrence of CHB or reduce maternal antibody titers.
Therapeutic control of B cell activation via recruitment of Fcγ receptor IIb (CD32B) inhibitory function with a novel bispecific antibody scaffold
Authors: Veri Maria‐Concetta , Burke Stephen , Huang Ling , Li Hua , Gorlatov Sergey , Tuaillon Nadine , Rainey G. Jonah , Ciccarone Valentina , Zhang Tengfei , Shah Kay , Jin Linda , Ning Lida , Minor Tamara , Moore Paul A. , Koenig Scott , Johnson Syd , Bonvini Ezio 
Published: March 2010

AbstractObjectiveTo exploit the physiologic Fcγ receptor IIb (CD32B) inhibitory coupling mechanism to control B cell activation by constructing a novel bispecific diabody scaffold, termed a dual‐affinity retargeting (DART) molecule, for therapeutic applications.MethodsDART molecules were constructed by pairing an Fv region from a monoclonal antibody (mAb) directed against CD32B with an Fv region from a mAb directed against CD79B, the β‐chain of the invariant signal‐transducing dimer of the B cell receptor complex. DART molecules were characterized physicochemically and for their ability to simultaneously bind the target receptors in vitro and in intact cells. The ability of the DART molecules to negatively control B cell activation was determined by calcium mobilization, by tyrosine phosphorylation of signaling molecules, and by proliferation and Ig secretion assays. A DART molecule specific for the mouse ortholog of CD32B and CD79B was also constructed and tested for its ability to inhibit B cell proliferation in vitro and to control disease severity in a collagen‐induced arthritis (CIA) model.ResultsDART molecules were able to specifically bind and coligate their target molecules on the surface of B cells and demonstrated a preferential simultaneous binding to both receptors on the same cell. DART molecules triggered the CD32B‐mediated inhibitory signaling pathway in activated B cells, which translated into inhibition of B cell proliferation and Ig secretion. A DART molecule directed against the mouse orthologs was effective in inhibiting the development of CIA in DBA/1 mice.ConclusionThis innovative bispecific antibody scaffold that simultaneously engages activating and inhibitory receptors enables novel therapeutic approaches for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and potentially other autoimmune and inflammatory diseases in humans.
Follistatin‐like protein 1 is a mesenchyme‐derived inflammatory protein and may represent a biomarker for systemic‐onset juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Wilson David C. , Marinov Anthony D. , Blair Harry C. , Bushnell Daniel S. , Thompson Susan D. , Chaly Yury , Hirsch Raphael 
Published: March 2010

AbstractObjectiveTo examine both the source of follistatin‐like protein 1 (FSTL‐1) and the factors that induce its expression in arthritis, and to determine whether juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA) is characterized by overexpression of FSTL‐1.MethodsFSTL‐1 expression patterns were analyzed by immunohistochemical staining of joint tissue derived from mice with collagen‐induced arthritis. Induction of FSTL‐1 secretion was assessed in osteoblasts, adipocytes, and human fibroblast‐like synoviocytes in response to transforming growth factor β (TGFβ), interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), and IL‐6. In addition, sera and synovial fluid from children with oligoarticular, polyarticular, or systemic‐onset JRA were assayed for FSTL‐1 using a custom enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. FSTL‐1 concentrations in these patients were assessed for correlations with the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and platelet count.ResultsImmunohistochemical staining of murine joint sections demonstrated expression of FSTL‐1 in all cell types of the mesenchymal lineage, including osteocytes, chondrocytes, adipocytes, and fibroblasts. FSTL‐1 could be induced in osteoblasts, adipocytes, and human fibroblast‐like synoviocytes by TGFβ, IL‐1β, TNFα, and IL‐6. The IL‐1β response was significantly greater than the TNFα response (P < 0.05). In human serum and synovial fluid, only those samples from children with the systemic‐onset JRA subtype had elevated concentrations of FSTL‐1. The synovial fluid concentrations of FSTL‐1 were 2–3‐fold higher than the serum concentrations. The elevation in serum FSTL‐1 concentrations seen in children with systemic‐onset JRA correlated closely with elevations in the ESR and platelet count.ConclusionThese findings demonstrate that the arthritic joint matrix is a major source of FSTL‐1 and that IL‐1β is a central mediator of FSTL‐1 secretion. Furthermore, FSTL‐1 may represent a useful biomarker of disease activity in systemic‐onset JRA.
Reversing interleukin‐2 inhibition mediated by anti–double‐stranded DNA autoantibody ameliorates glomerulonephritis in MRL‐lpr/lpr mice
Authors: Song Ying‐Chyi , Tang Shye‐Jye , Lee Tai‐Ping , Hung Wen‐Chien , Lin Shu‐Chi , Tsai Chang‐Youh , Ng Wailap Victor , Wu Ming‐Fang , Sun Kuang‐Hui 
Published: March 2010

AbstractObjectiveOur previous study demonstrated that anti–double‐stranded DNA (anti‐dsDNA) antibodies involved in lupus nephritis down‐regulate the production of interleukin‐2 (IL‐2) in T cells, which in turn, contributes to the defective production of cytotoxic cells and to activation‐induced cell death in vitro. To reveal novel molecular targets for lupus therapy, the molecular mechanisms of IL‐2 down‐regulation by anti‐dsDNA were studied.MethodsAnti‐dsDNA monoclonal antibody (mAb) 9D7 was used to study the molecular mechanisms of IL‐2 production in vitro. Treatment with arginine‐rich peptide, a penetration inhibitor, was used to verify the effect of internalization of anti‐dsDNA on the production of IL‐2. The signaling pathway for IL‐2 expression induced by anti‐dsDNA was analyzed by using kinase inhibitors. The therapeutic effects of these inhibitors were evaluated in MRL‐lpr/lpr mice.ResultsInhibition of IL‐2 production in activated Jurkat cells and human T cells pretreated with mAb 9D7 was reversed by treatment with the arginine‐rich peptide. Levels of pAkt and phosphorylated glycogen synthase kinase 3 (pGSK‐3) were reduced in activated Jurkat cells that had been pretreated with mAb 9D7. The inhibition of IL‐2 production by mAb 9D7 was counteracted by pretreating the cells with LiCl (a GSK‐3 inhibitor). However, IL‐2 reduction was not recovered in the cells pretreated with ERK and JNK inhibitors. Furthermore, MRL‐lpr/lpr mice injected with LiCl or with arginine‐rich peptide restored the IL‐2 production and reduced the manifestations of lupus.ConclusionThese findings suggest that penetration of T cells by anti‐dsDNA may inhibit IL‐2 production by activating GSK‐3. Moreover, blocking GSK‐3 activation as well as inhibiting anti‐dsDNA penetration is a potential therapeutic approach for lupus.
Asymptomatic myocardial ischemic disease in antiphospholipid syndrome: A controlled cardiac magnetic resonance imaging study
Authors: Sacré Karim , Brihaye Benoit , Hyafil Fabien , Serfaty Jean‐Michel , Escoubet Brigitte , Zennaro Maria‐Christina , Lidove Olivier , Laissy Jean‐Pierre , Papo Thomas 
Published: March 2010

AbstractObjectiveAntiphospholipid syndrome (APS) may cause coronary thrombosis. This study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of silent myocardial disease in patients with APS, using late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMRI).MethodsTwenty‐seven consecutive patients with APS and 81 control subjects without known cardiovascular disease underwent CMRI. The prevalence of occult myocardial ischemic disease, as revealed by LGE, was compared between patients with APS and controls, and factors associated with myocardial disease were identified in patients with APS.ResultsMyocardial ischemic disease, as characterized by LGE on CMRI, was present in 8 (29.6%) of 27 patients with APS, and imaging with LGE showed a typical pattern of myocardial infarction (MI) in 3 patients (11.1%). The myocardial scarring revealed on CMRI was not detected by electrocardiography or echocardiography. Although both patients with APS and control subjects shared a low risk of cardiovascular events, as calculated with the Framingham risk equation (mean ± SD 5.1 ± 8.2% and 6.5 ± 7.6%, respectively, for the absolute risk within the next 10 years; P = 0.932), the prevalence of myocardial ischemia was more than 7 times higher in patients with APS (P = 0.0006 versus controls). No association was found between myocardial disease in patients with APS and classic coronary risk factors. The presence of myocardial scarring tended to be more closely associated with specific features of APS, such as duration of the disease, presence of livedo, and positivity for anti–β2‐glycoprotein I antibodies.ConclusionThe finding of a significant and unexpectedly high prevalence of occult myocardial scarring in patients with APS indicates the usefulness of CMRI with LGE for the identification of silent myocardial disease in such patients.