bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Thiophene–Benzothiadiazole Co‐Oligomers: Synthesis, Optoelectronic Properties, Electrical Characterization, and Thin‐Film Patterning
Authors: Melucci Manuela , Favaretto Laura , Zanelli Alberto , Cavallini Massimiliano , Bongini Alessandro , Maccagnani Piera , Ostoja Paolo , Derue Gwennaelle , Lazzaroni Roberto , Barbarella Giovanna 
Published: January 2010

AbstractNewly synthesized thiophene (T) and benzothiadiazole (B) co‐oligomers of different size, alternation motifs, and alkyl substitution types are reported. Combined spectroscopic data, electrochemical analysis, and theoretical calculations show that the insertion of a single electron‐deficient B unit into the aromatic backbone strongly affects the LUMO energy level. The insertion of additional B units has only a minor effect on the electronic properties. Cast films of oligomers with two alternated B rings (B–T–B inner core) display crystalline order. Bottom‐contact FETs based on films cast on bare SiO2 show hole‐charge mobilities of 1 × 10−3–5 × 10−3 cm2 V−1s−1 and Ion/Ioff ratios of 105–106. Solution‐cast films of cyclohexyl‐substituted compounds are amorphous and do not show FET behavior. However, the lack of order observed in these films can be overcome by nanorubbing and unconventional wet lithography, which allow for fine control of structural order in thin deposits.
Usefulness of the discrete choice methodology for marketing decision‐making in new product development: an example from the European functional foods market
Authors: Krystallis Athanasios , Linardakis Michalis , Mamalis Spyridon 
Published: January 2010

AbstractUnderstanding consumer needs should be a high‐priority strategic objective in new product development (NPD). Despite their importance, however, NPD processes do not take full advantage of the consumer survey methodologies available. The authors investigate+ parents” preferences for three new functional children's snacks marketed in Greece. Using a very simple discrete choice experimental design, the authors aim (a) to provide an example of consumer research implementation in food‐related NPD and to assess its marketing value, and (b) to evaluate the quality of the acquired consumer‐related information for marketing decision‐making in food consumer‐led NPD processes against a number of criteria set in the relevant literature. “Functionality” is found to be a statistically significant attribute for all three children's snacks of the research design compared to other attributes such as flavor and price. Parents seem to perceive the functional snack alternative as offering greater utility as compared to its conventional (i.e., nonfunctional) counterpart. Overall, the authors conclude that, despite some inherent weaknesses, the advantage of the discrete choice methodology in connection with consumer‐led food NPD lies in its ability to describe current consumer needs and desires realistically and to contribute to the optimization of existing products. [EconLit Classification: M310, C920, C930, D100]. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Surface modification effects of core–shell rubber particles on the toughening of poly(butylene terephthalate)
Authors: Yang Hoichang , Cho Kilwon 
Published: January 2010

AbstractWe toughened poly(butylene terephthalate) (PBT) by loading core–shell rubber (CSR) type impact modifiers, consisting of a rubbery poly(n‐butyl acrylate) core and a rigid poly(methyl methacrylate) shell. To optimize the dispersion of CSR particles into the PBT matrix during melt compounding, the shell surface was modified with different grafting ratios of glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) reactive with PBT chain ends. In PBT blends with a 20 wt % CSR loading, the dispersed rubbery phases showed discernible shapes depending on the grafted GMA content, from predetermined spheres with 0.25 ± 0.05 μm diameters to their aggregates in the 2–3 μm diameter range. As a result, the interparticle spacing (τ) could be controlled from 0.25 to 4.0 μm in the PBT blends containing the fixed rubber loading. The Izod impact strengths of these samples increased significantly below τ = 0.4 μm. Additional thermal and morphological analyses strongly supported the hypothesis that the marked increase in toughness of the blends was related to less ordered lamellar formation of the PBT matrix under the confined geometry. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Layered double hydroxide/NaSb(OH)6–poly(vinyl chloride) nanocomposites: Preparation, characterization, and thermal stability
Authors: Chen Xue‐Gang , Wu Dai‐Dai , Lv Shuang‐Shuang , Zhang Lu , Ye Ying , Cheng Ji‐Peng 
Published: January 2010

AbstractA novel layered double hydroxide/NaSb(OH)6‐based nanocomposite (Sb‐LDH) has been prepared via intercalation of thio‐antimonite (SbS33−) and reconstruction of LDH using Mg‐Al LDH as precursors. It is composed of LDH nanolayers with thickness of 25 nm and NaSb(OH)6 nanoparticles with diameter of 3–25 nm. The presence of NaSb(OH)6 will decrease the decomposition intensity and hinder the decomposition of Mg‐Al LDH because of the potential synergetic effect. When applied to poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) composites, both Mg‐Al LDH and Sb‐LDH can enhance the thermal stability and increase the decomposition temperature of PVC. Compared with Mg‐Al LDH, Sb‐LDH results in higher decomposition temperatures and whiteness and higher initial and long‐term stabilities due to the presence of NaSb(OH)6, which can react with HCl and coordinate with Cl in the PVC chains. Because Mg‐Al LDH will accelerate the dehydrochlorination of PVC driving by the Lewis acid such as AlCl3, the thermal stability of PVC decreases with increasing nanofiller loading. When 1 wt % Sb‐LDH was added, the color change time and Congo red time of PVC composites are 140 min and 154 min, respectively. With enhanced thermal stabilization, this novel LDH nanocomposite could gain promising application in thermal stabilizer for PVC resins. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Influence of temperature and penetration depth on photopolymerization of n‐butyl acrylate using a narrow channel reactor
Authors: Nekkanti V. , Jachuck R. J. J. 
Published: January 2010

AbstractThe influence of temperature and reactor size on photopolymerization kinetics of n‐butyl acrylate (n‐BA) using narrow channel reactors has been investigated. Experimental results have shown that increase in temperature and decrease in size of the reactor increases the monomer conversion. The effect of temperature was studied by immersing the reactor in a water bath maintained at different temperatures. A narrow channel glass reactor, 900 mm long, with diameters 1.5 mm, 1.0 mm, and 0.5 mm respectively were used to study the effect of light penetration depth on the rate of polymerization and molecular weights of the polymer produced. The degree of branching in the polymer produced was also estimated and compared with published data. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Synthesis and properties of copolymer epoxy resins prepared from copolymerization of bisphenol A, epichlorohydrin, and liquefied Dendrocalamus latiflorus
Authors: Wu Chiou‐Chang , Lee Wen‐Jau 
Published: January 2010

AbstractDendrocalamus latiflorus Munro (ma bamboo) was liquefied in phenol and polyhydric alcohol (polyethylene glycol/glycerol cosolvent) with H2SO4 as catalyst. Liquefied bamboos reacted with bisphenol A and epichlorohydrin were then employed to prepare copolymer epoxy resins. The curing property and thermal property of copolymer epoxy resins were investigated. The results showed that copolymer epoxy resins could cure at room temperature after the hardener was added, and its curing process was an exothermic reaction. Comparison showed that copolymer epoxy resins prepared with phenol‐liquefied bamboo as raw material had higher heat released than those prepared with polyhydric alcohol‐liquefied bamboo during curing. The DSC analysis showed that heat treatment could enhance the crosslinking of copolymer epoxy resins cured at room temperature. However, resins prepared with polyhydric alcohol‐liquefied bamboo had a lower glass transition temperature. The TGA analysis showed that resins prepared with phenol‐liquefied bamboo had better thermal stability. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Rheological, morphological, and heat seal properties of linear low density polyethylene and cyclo olefine copolymer (LLDPE/COC) blends
Authors: Lamnawar K. , Vion‐Loisel F. , Maazouz A. 
Published: January 2010

AbstractThe rheological and morphological properties of linear low‐density polyethylene/cyclo olefin copolymer (LLDPE/COC) blends were investigated, as were their peel seal characteristics when heat sealed to films of either polyethylene (PE) or polyethylene terephtalate (PET). Three blend systems, with COC volume percentages of 5, 10, and 15%, were melt blended in a twin‐screw extruder. A partial phase miscibility/compatibility was initially suggested by Cole–Cole and equivalent plots of the dynamic rheological properties and subsequently confirmed by scanning electron microscopy. The investigation of the systems' heat sealing properties pointed out an interesting industrial potential for PET sheets covered with a fine layer of a LLDPE/COC blend before heat sealing to a PE film for packaging applications. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Investigating the micellization behavior of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide: As affected by the contents of poly(ethylene oxide) and temperature of the system
Authors: Baloch Musa Kaleem , Rauf Abdur , Ahmad Farzana , Durani Gulrez Fatima , Hameed Gulzar 
Published: January 2010

AbstractThe micellization behavior of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) is investigated in the absence and presence of poly(ethylene oxide) employing surface tension, light scattering, and viscosity and conductance measurement. It has been concluded that the critical micellization concentration (CMC) of CTAB in the presence of polymer increases with the increase in polymer concentration. The three ranges of interaction among the polymer and CTAB with respect to concentration of CTAB are identified at surface tension plot and noted to depend upon polymer concentration. The effect of temperature over these interactions and CMC of CTAB has been investigated. It is observed that the CMC, ΔH, and flow activation energy of the system increases with the increase in polymer concentration whereas CMC of CTAB decreases with the temperature. RH and Rg/RH values determined by light scattering also indicate such type of behavior. The CMC values have also been obtained by viscosity and conductivity measurement. The results and conclusions drawn through all the techniques were consistent. New methodology has also been introduced to interpret the data obtained by surface tension, viscosity, and conductance measurement, and get information about the point of interaction and saturation of polymer with surfactant, which was noted to be very useful and informative. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Up‐regulation of cytokines and chemokines predates the onset of rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Kokkonen Heidi , Söderström Ingegerd , Rocklöv Joacim , Hallmans Göran , Lejon Kristina , Rantapää Dahlqvist Solbritt 
Published: January 2010

AbstractObjectiveTo identify whether cytokines, cytokine‐related factors, and chemokines are up‐regulated prior to the development of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).MethodsA nested case–control study was performed in 86 individuals who had donated blood samples before experiencing any symptoms of disease (pre‐patients) and 256 matched control subjects (1:3 ratio). In 69 of the pre‐patients, blood samples were also obtained at the time of the diagnosis of RA. The plasma levels of 30 cytokines, related factors, and chemokines were measured using a multiplex system.ResultsThe levels of several of the cytokines, cytokine receptors, and chemokines were significantly increased in individuals before disease onset compared with the levels in control subjects; i.e., those representing signs of general immune activation (interleukin‐1β [IL‐1β], IL‐2, IL‐6, IL‐1 receptor antagonist, and tumor necrosis factor), activation of Th1 cells (interferon‐γ, IL‐12), Th2 cells (IL‐4, eotaxin), Treg cells (IL‐10), bone marrow–derived factors (IL‐7, granulocyte–macrophage colony‐stimulating factor, and granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor), as well as chemokines (monocyte chemotactic protein 1 and macrophage inflammatory protein 1α). The levels were particularly increased in anti–cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody– and rheumatoid factor–positive individuals, and the concentration of most of these increased further after disease onset. The concentration of IL‐17 in individuals before disease onset was significantly higher than that in patients after disease onset. Individuals in whom RA subsequently developed were discriminated from control subjects mainly by the presence of Th1 cells, Th2 cells, and Treg cell–related cytokines, while chemokines, stromal cell–derived cytokines, and angiogenic‐related markers separated patients after the development of RA from individuals before the onset of RA.ConclusionIndividuals in whom RA later developed had significantly increased levels of several cytokines, cytokine‐related factors, and chemokines representing the adaptive immune system (Th1, Th2, and Treg cell–related factors); after disease onset, the involvement and activation of the immune system was more general and widespread.
The association of a nonsynonymous single‐nucleotide polymorphism in TNFAIP3 with systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis in the Japanese population
Authors: Shimane Kenichi , Kochi Yuta , Horita Tetsuya , Ikari Katsunori , Amano Hirofumi , Hirakata Michito , Okamoto Akiko , Yamada Ryo , Myouzen Keiko , Suzuki Akari , Kubo Michiaki , Atsumi Tatsuya , Koike Takao , Takasaki Yoshinari , Momohara Shigeki , Yamanaka Hisashi , Nakamura Yusuke , Yamamoto Kazuhiko 
Published: January 2010

AbstractObjectiveGenome‐wide association (GWA) studies in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in Caucasian populations have independently identified risk variants in and near the tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα)–induced protein 3 gene (TNFAIP3), which is crucial for the regulation of TNF‐mediated signaling and Toll‐like receptor signaling. The aim of this study was to assess the role of TNFAIP3 in the development of SLE and RA in Japanese subjects.MethodsWe selected 2 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from previous GWA studies. Rs2230926 is a nonsynonymous SNP in TNFAIP3 and is associated with SLE, while rs10499194 is an intergenic SNP associated with RA. We then performed 2 independent sets of SLE case–control comparisons (717 patients and 1,362 control subjects) and 3 sets of RA case–control comparisons (3,446 patients and 2,344 control subjects) using Japanese subjects. We genotyped SNPs using TaqMan assays.ResultsWe observed a significant association between rs2230926 and an increased risk of SLE and RA in the Japanese population (for SLE, odds ratio [OR] 1.92, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.53–2.41, P = 1.9 × 10−8; for RA, OR 1.35, 95% CI 1.18–1.56, P = 2.6 × 10−5). The intergenic SNP rs10499194 was also associated with SLE and RA, while the risk allele for RA in Caucasians was protective against the diseases in our population.ConclusionWe demonstrated a significant association between the nonsynonymous variant in TNFAIP3 and the risk for SLE and RA in the Japanese population. TNFAIP3, similar to STAT4 and IRF5, may be a common genetic risk factor for SLE and RA that is shared between the Caucasian and Japanese populations.
Proliferative remodeling of the spatial organization of human superficial chondrocytes distant from focal early osteoarthritis
Authors: Rolauffs Bernd , Williams James M. , Aurich Matthias , Grodzinsky Alan J. , Kuettner Klaus E. , Cole Ada A. 
Published: January 2010

AbstractObjectiveHuman superficial chondrocytes show distinct spatial organizations, and they commonly aggregate near osteoarthritic (OA) fissures. The aim of this study was to determine whether remodeling or destruction of the spatial chondrocyte organization might occur at a distance from focal (early) lesions in patients with OA.MethodsSamples of intact cartilage (condyles, patellofemoral groove, and proximal tibia) lying distant from focal lesions of OA in grade 2 joints were compared with location‐matched nondegenerative (grade 0–1) cartilage samples. Chondrocyte nuclei were stained with propidium iodide, examined by fluorescence microscopy, and the findings were recorded in a top‐down view. Chondrocyte arrangements were tested for randomness or significant grouping via point pattern analyses (Clark and Evans Aggregation Index) and were correlated with the OA grade and the surface cell densities.ResultsIn grade 2 cartilage samples, superficial chondrocytes were situated in horizontal patterns, such as strings, clusters, pairs, and singles, comparable to the patterns in nondegenerative cartilage. In intact cartilage samples from grade 2 joints, the spatial organization included a novel pattern, consisting of chondrocytes that were aligned in 2 parallel lines, building double strings. These double strings correlated significantly with an increased number of chondrocytes per group and an increased corresponding superficial zone cell density. They were observed in all grade 2 condyles and some grade 2 tibiae, but never in grade 0–1 cartilage.ConclusionThis study is the first to identify a distinct spatial reorganization of human superficial chondrocytes in response to distant early OA lesions, suggesting that proliferation had occurred distant from focal early OA lesions. This spatial reorganization may serve to recruit metabolically active units as an attempt to repair focal damage.
Blocking ERK‐1/2 reduces tumor necrosis factor α–induced interleukin‐18 bioactivity in rheumatoid arthritis synovial fibroblasts by induction of interleukin‐18 binding protein A
Authors: Marotte Hubert , Ahmed Salahuddin , Ruth Jeffrey H. , Koch Alisa E. 
Published: January 2010

AbstractObjectiveTo examine the mechanism of regulation of interleukin‐18 (IL‐18) bioactivity by IL‐18 binding protein (IL‐18BP) induction.MethodsLevels of IL‐18 and IL‐18BPa in synovial fluid samples from patients with osteoarthritis (OA) or rheumatoid arthritis (RA) were determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs), followed by calculation of free IL‐18. IL‐18 and IL‐18BPa synthesis in RA synovial fibroblasts that had been treated with proinflammatory and antiinflammatory cytokines were assessed by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction and ELISA, respectively, followed by IL‐18 bioactivity determination using KG‐1 cells. Chemical signaling inhibitors were used for determination of the signal transduction pathways involved in IL‐18BPa/IL‐18 regulation. Tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα)–induced caspase 1 activity was determined by a colorimetric assay.ResultsIL‐18BPa was lower in RA synovial fluid than in OA synovial fluid (P < 0.05; n = 8), and free IL‐18 was higher in RA synovial fluid than in OA synovial fluid. TNFα induced RA synovial fibroblast IL‐18BPa and IL‐18 in a time‐dependent manner (P < 0.05). Evaluation of signaling pathways suggested that TNFα induced IL‐18 production through the ERK‐1/2, protein kinase Cδ (PKCδ), and Src pathways, whereas IL‐18BPa synthesis was mediated through the NFκB, PKC, Src, and JNK pathways. Furthermore, addition of exogenous IL‐18BPa‐Fc reduced the RA synovial fibroblast phosphorylation of ERK‐1/2 induced by TNFα.ConclusionThese results suggest that IL‐18BPa reduces IL‐18 bioactivity induced by TNFα, by regulating the ERK‐1/2 pathway in RA synovial fibroblasts. Targeting IL‐18 bioactivity by induction or addition of IL‐18BPa may provide another therapeutic option in the management of RA.
Smoking increases rheumatoid arthritis susceptibility in individuals carrying the HLA–DRB1 shared epitope, regardless of rheumatoid factor or anti–cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody status
Authors: Bang So‐Young , Lee Kyoung‐Ho , Cho Soo‐Kyung , Lee Hye‐Soon , Lee Kyung Wha , Bae Sang‐Cheol 
Published: January 2010

AbstractObjectiveSmoking is associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in individuals with the HLA–DRB1 shared epitope (SE). SE alleles have been shown to be predominantly associated with anti–cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti‐CCP)–positive RA. These risk factors have not been identified for anti‐CCP–negative RA. The aim of this study was to investigate whether SE‐containing HLA–DRB1 alleles, smoking, or the combination of these factors contributes to the development of RA, depending on the presence or absence of serologic markers, in a Korean population.MethodsAll of the patients with RA (n =1,482) and all of the control subjects (n = 1,119) were Korean. Four‐digit HLA–DRB1 typing was performed by a conventional polymerase chain reaction–sequence‐based typing method. Information about smoking history was obtained through a questionnaire. The patients with RA were tested for anti‐CCP antibodies and rheumatoid factor (RF).ResultsThe SE alleles had significant effects on anti‐CCP antibody and RF formation. The DRB1*0901 allele was associated with the presence of anti‐CCP antibodies (odds ratio [OR] 2.49) and RF (OR 2.09). SE alleles and smoking were associated with both anti‐CCP–positive and anti‐CCP–negative RA. The combination of smoking and double copies of the SE allele increased the risk of anti‐CCP–positive RA 36.11‐fold and increased the risk of anti‐CCP–negative RA 12.29‐fold, compared with the risk among nonsmokers not carrying SE alleles. Interactions between SE alleles and smoking were observed for both anti‐CCP–positive and RF‐positive RA, although the associations of RF‐positive RA could be consequences of the underlying anti‐CCP antibody status.ConclusionWe demonstrated that the combination of SE alleles and smoking is associated with RA susceptibility regardless of anti‐CCP antibody or RF status, but that the combination shows stronger effects in anti‐CCP–positive/RF‐positive patients with RA than in anti‐CCP–negative/RF‐negative patients with RA. The SE–smoking interactions were present in anti‐CCP–positive and RF‐positive RA.