bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Airway manifestations in childhood granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Wegener's)
Authors: Fowler Nicole M. , Beach Jocelyn M. , Krakovitz Paul , Spalding Steven J. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractObjectiveGranulomatosis with polyangiitis (Wegener's) (GPA) is a necrotizing granulomatous vasculitis affecting the upper and lower respiratory tract, kidneys, and other small vessels throughout multiple organ systems. Recently, classification criteria for childhood GPA have been proposed and include the addition of airway stenosis. Airway inflammation occurs more frequently in children than adults and often proves difficult to diagnose and treat. Our objectives were to 1) determine the frequency of airway involvement in a cohort of children with GPA as defined by the European League Against Rheumatism/Paediatric Rheumatology International Trials Organisation/Pediatric Rheumatology European Society (EULAR/PRINTO/PRES) criteria, 2) document the frequency of specific airway findings, and 3) review our treatment approach to children with GPA‐related airway disease.MethodsA retrospective chart review was performed on patients ages <18 years with a diagnosis of vasculitis evaluated at the Cleveland Clinic between 2004 and 2010.ResultsTwenty‐eight patients fulfilling the EULAR/PRINTO/PRES classification criteria for the diagnosis of childhood GPA were included in the analysis. There was a mean followup time of 3.1 years. The overall prevalence of any airway disease was 86%, with upper airway involvement in 86% and laryngotracheobronchial (LTB) disease in 50% of patients. LTB disease was present at diagnosis in 36%, while in the remaining 14% it developed on immunosuppressive therapy. Ten patients underwent a successful endoscopic intervention.ConclusionAirway manifestations frequently occur in childhood GPA. Inflammatory changes can occur at any point in the disease course, necessitating diligent surveillance. Endoscopic interventions for LTB stenotic lesions represent a safe and effective therapeutic option.
Outcomes in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus with and without a prolonged serologically active clinically quiescent period
Authors: Steiman Amanda J. , Gladman Dafna D. , Ibañez Dominique , Urowitz Murray B. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractObjectiveSerologically active clinically quiescent (SACQ) systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients' discordance presents a clinical dilemma. Does active serology alone warrant treatment? We explore outcomes in patients with and without a prolonged SACQ period, comparing the rate of damage accrual by Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology Damage Index (SDI) and incidences of renal damage and coronary artery disease (CAD) over a decade.MethodsSACQ was defined as a ≥2‐year sustained period without clinical activity, with persistent serologic activity (increased anti–double‐stranded DNA and/or hypocomplementemia). Antimalarials were permissible and corticosteroids/immunosuppressives were not. The SACQ patients were matched for relevant variables with SLE controls. Change in the SDI and incidences of CAD and renal damage were compared. Descriptive statistics were used; comparisons were made using t‐tests and McNemar's tests.ResultsFifty‐five SACQ patients and 110 controls were identified. The mean ± SD SDI score at 3 years from the start of the SACQ period was 0.70 ± 1.27 in the SACQ patients versus 1.13 ± 1.54 in controls (P < 0.0001), and by 10 years was 1.26 ± 1.68 versus 2.26 ± 2.23 (P = 0.001); the intergroup difference in damage significantly increased over 10 years. Initially, 2 (3.6%) of the SACQ patients had CAD versus 7 (6.4%) of the controls (P = 0.32), with 1 (1.8%) new case in SACQ patients versus 8 (7.3%) new cases in controls over 10 years (P = 0.06). Baseline serum creatinine level did not differ between the groups. By definition, the SACQ patients had no baseline proteinuria versus 13 (12.3%) of the controls (P < 0.0001). By year 10, 2 (3.6%) SACQ patients versus 26 (23.6%) controls had renal damage (P < 0.0001).ConclusionPatients with a prolonged SACQ period accrued less damage over a decade compared to matched controls, supporting management with active surveillance without treatment during an SACQ period.
Efficient Organic Photovoltaic Cells Based on Nanocrystalline Mixtures of Boron Subphthalocyanine Chloride and C60
Authors: Pandey Richa , Gunawan Aloysius A. , Mkhoyan K. Andre , Holmes Russell J. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractThe electrical and structural behavior of uniformly mixed films of boron subphthalocyanine chloride (SubPc) and C60 and their performance in organic photovoltaic cells is explored. Device performance shows a strong dependence on active‐layer donor–acceptor composition, and peak efficiency is realized at 80 wt.% C60. The origin of this C60‐rich optimum composition is elucidated in terms of morphological changes in the active layer upon diluting SubPc with C60. While neat SubPc is found to be amorphous, mixed films containing 80 wt.% C60 show clear nanocrystalline domains of SubPc. Supporting electrical characterization indicates that this change in morphology coincides with an increase in the hole mobility of the SubPc:C60 mixture, with peak mobility observed at a composition of 80 wt.% C60. Organic photovoltaic cells constructed using this optimum SubPc:C60 ratio realize a power conversion efficiency of (3.7 ± 0.1)% under 100 mW cm−2 simulated AM1.5G solar illumination.
Thirty Years of Luminescent Solar Concentrator Research: Solar Energy for the Built Environment
Authors: Debije Michael G. , Verbunt Paul P. C. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractResearch on the luminescent solar concentrator (LSC) over the past thirty‐odd years is reviewed. The LSC is a simple device at its heart, employing a polymeric or glass waveguide and luminescent molecules to generate electricity from sunlight when attached to a photovoltaic cell. The LSC has the potential to find extended use in an area traditionally difficult for effective use of regular photovoltaic panels: the built environment. The LSC is a device very flexible in its design, with a variety of possible shapes and colors. The primary challenge faced by the devices is increasing their photon‐to‐electron conversion efficiencies. A number of laboratories are working to improve the efficiency and lifetime of the LSC device, with the ultimate goal of commercializing the devices within a few years. The topics covered here relate to the efforts for reducing losses in these devices. These include studies of novel luminophores, including organic fluorescent dyes, inorganic phosphors, and quantum dots. Ways to limit the surface and internal losses are also discussed, including using organic and inorganic‐based selective mirrors which allow sunlight in but reflect luminophore‐emitted light, plasmonic structures to enhance emissions, novel photovoltaics, alignment of the luminophores to manipulate the path of the emitted light, and patterning of the dye layer to improve emission efficiency. Finally, some possible ‘glimpses of the future’ are offered, with additional research paths that could result in a device that makes solar energy a ubiquitous part of the urban setting, finding use as sound barriers, bus‐stop roofs, awnings, windows, paving, or siding tiles.
Platinum nanoparticles generated in spherical polyelectrolyte brushes and their high catalytic activity
Authors: Wu Shuang , Zhu Zhongming , Siepenkötter Till , Guo Xuhong 
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACTNano‐sized cationic spherical polyelectrolyte brushes (SPBs) consisting of a solid core of polystyrene and a shell of poly(aminoethyl methacrylate hydrochloride) grafted densely on the core were prepared by photo‐emulsion polymerization. They were found to be ideal nanoreactors to generate platinum (Pt) nanoparticles. Because of Donnan equilibrium, SPBs can concentrate and confine the divalent PtCl62− ions as counterions within the brush layer. The PtCl62− ions were reduced into Pt particles with an average size of 3 nm by sodium borohydride (NaBH4) in situ. The prepared Pt nanoparticles were stably immobilized in SPB and showed high catalytic activity in the reduction of p‐nitrophenol to p‐aminophenol by NaBH4. The results reported here suggest that spherical polyelectrolyte brushes are ideal nanoreactors for the preparation of Pt nanoparticles. © 2011 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Morphological, transport, and adsorption properties of ethylene vinyl acetate/polyurethane/bentonite clay composites
Authors: Dlamini Derrick S. , Mishra Ajay K. , Mamba Bhekie B. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractThe effect of polyurethane (PU) foam on the morphological and transport properties of ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) with 9% vinyl acetate and the potential application of 3%bentonite/28.5% PU/68.5% EVA composites fabricated via the melt‐blending method in heavy‐metal extraction from water systems were investigated. EVA did not swell in water, whereas the PU/EVA blend attained a maximum percentage of deionized water uptake of 2.158 mol %. A 3% bentonite/28.5% PU/68.5% EVA composite blend successfully removed 90% of Pb2+ from an aqueous solution with an initial concentration of 30 mg/L, whereas 3% bentonite/97% EVA could only extract 7.323% of Pb2+ ions. Pb2+ adsorption was found to obey the Langmuir adsorption isotherm and pseudo‐second‐order kinetic model. Thermodynamic studies demonstrated that the adsorption was favorable at room temperature and the uptake of Pb2+ was mostly by physical adsorption, as also indicated by the value n = 2.449 (where n is an empirical parameter indicating transport mode) from the Freundlich adsorption isotherm. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Mechanical properties and morphology of hot drawn polyacrylonitrile nanofibrous yarn
Authors: Hosseini Ravandi S. A. , Hassanabadi E. , Tavanai H. , Abuzade R. A. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractIn this study PAN nanofibrous yarn was produced by two‐nozzle conjugated electrospinning method. The nanofibrous yarns were drawn continuously in boiling water with drawing ratios of 1, 2, 3, and 4. The morphology of drawn yarns was investigated by scanning electron microscopy and tested for tensile properties as well as untreated yarn. The results showed that the nanofiber alignment in the yarn axis direction, the tensile strength, and tensile modulus of yarn increases as a result of drawing while the tensile strain and work of rapture decrease. X‐ray diffraction patterns of the produced yarns were analyzed as well. It was found that crystallinity index increases as the draw ratio increases. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Gamma‐radiation initiated synthesis of Psyllium and acrylic acid‐based polymeric networks for selective absorption of water from different oil–water emulsions
Authors: Kumar Kiran , Kaith B. S. , Jindal Rajeev , Mittal Hemant 
Published: December 2011

AbstractRemoval of water from the crude petroleum during its extraction and refining process is one of the major problems faced by petroleum industries, so in this study a superabsorbent has been synthesized from Psyllium and acrylic acid based polymers under the influence of gamma radiations using hexamine as a crosslinker. After optimizing various reaction parameters, the optimized superabsorbent has been tested for its selective water absorption capacity from different oil–water emulsions as a function of time, temperature, pH, and NaCl concentration. The synthesized superabsorbent has been found to be highly selective toward water absorption with maximum percent swelling of 8560% in petrol–water emulsion. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Poly(methyl methacrylate)/montmorillonite nanocomposites prepared with a novel reactive phosphorus–nitrogen‐containing monomer of N‐(2‐(5,5‐dimethyl‐1,3,2‐dioxaphosphinyl‐2‐ylamino)ethyl)‐ acrylamide and its thermal and flame retardant properties
Authors: Huang Guobo , Wang Xu , Fei Zhengdong , Liang Huading , Ye Yuyuan 
Published: December 2011

AbstractA novel reactive phosphorus–nitrogen‐containing monomer, N‐(2‐(5,5‐dimethyl‐1,3,2‐dioxaphosphinyl‐2‐ylamino)ethyl)‐acrylamide (DPEAA), was synthesize and characterized. Flame retardant poly(methyl methacrylate)/organic‐modified montmorillonite (PMMA‐DPEAA/OMMT) nanocomposites were prepared by in situ polymerization by incorporating methyl methacrylate, DPEAA, and OMMT. The results from X‐ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed that exfoliated PMMA‐DPEAA/OMMT nanocomposites were formed. Thermal stability and flammability properties were investigated by thermogravimetric analysis, cone calorimeter, and limiting oxygen index (LOI) tests. The synergistic effect of DPEAA and montmorillonite improved thermal stability and reduced significantly the flammability [including peak heat release rates (PHRR), total heat release, average mass loss rate, etc.]. The PHRR of PMMA‐DPEAA/OMMT was reduced by about 40% compared with pure PMMA. The LOI value of PMMA‐DPEAA/OMMT reached 27.3%. The morphology and composition of residues generated after cone calorimeter tests were investigated by scanning electronic microscopy (SEM), TEM, and energy dispersive X‐ray (EDX). The SEM and TEM images showed that a compact, dense, and uniform intumescent char was formed for PMMA‐DPEAA/OMMT nanocomposites after combustion. The results of EDX confirmed that the carbon content of the char for PMMA‐DPEAA/OMMT nanocomposites increased obviously by the synergistic effect of DPEAA and montmorillonite. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Synthesis and structural characterization of novel chiral nanostructured poly(esterimide)s containing different natural amino acids and 4,4′‐thiobis(2‐tert‐butyl‐5‐methylphenol) linkages
Authors: Mallakpour S. , Soltanian S. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractPyromellitic dianhydride (benzene‐1,2,4,5‐tetracarboxylic dianhydride) (1) was reacted with several amino acids in acetic acid and the resulting imide‐acid [N,N′‐(pyromellitoyl)‐bis‐L‐amino acid diacid] (4a–4d) was obtained in high yield. The direct polycondensation reaction of these diacids with 4,4′‐thiobis(2‐tert‐butyl‐5‐methylphenol) (5) was carried out in a system of tosyl chloride(TsCl), pyridine, and N,N‐dimethyl formamide (DMF) to give a series of novel optically active poly(esterimide)s. Step‐growth polymerization was carried out by varying the time of heating and the molar ratio of TsCl/diacid, and the optimum conditions were achieved. These new chiral polymers were characterized with respect to chemical structure and purity by means of specific rotation experiments, FTIR, 1H‐NMR, X‐ray diffraction, elemental, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM) techniques. These polymers are readily soluble in many polar organic solvents like DMF, N,N‐dimethyl acetamide, dimethyl sulfoxide, N‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidone, and protic solvents such as sulfuric acid. TGA showed that the 10% weight loss temperature in a nitrogen atmosphere was more than 390°C; therefore, these new chiral polymers have useful levels of thermal stability associated with good solubility. Furthermore, study of the surface morphology of the obtained polymers by FE‐SEM showed that each polymers exhibit nanostructure morphology. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Synthesis, structure, and thermo‐physical properties of Fe2O3.Al2O3 and polyethylene nanocomposites
Authors: Vakhshouri Amir Reza , Azizov Akif , Aliyeva Reyhan , Bagirova Shefeq 
Published: December 2011

AbstractIn this study, Fe2O3.Al2O3/polyethylene composites were prepared using a two‐step process. In the first step, PE is synthesized using titanium based metallocene catalyst system. While the synthesized PE was subsequently purified, hydrated alumina filled PE (MHFP) composites was formed by the hydrolysis of methylaluminoxane (MAO). In the second step, Fe2O3.Al2O3/PE was prepared via thermal decomposition of ferric formate in a high temperature solution of MHFP composite. The structure, morphology, and thermal properties of the composites were characterized using the XRD, FTIR, SEM‐EDX, TGA, and DSC analytical techniques. Results showed that the incorporation of a suitable amount of Fe2O3.Al2O3 into the composites enhances the thermal stability. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Effect of some substituted anilines‐formaldehyde polymers on mild steel corrosion in hydrochloric acid medium
Authors: Shukla Sudhish Kumar , Quraishi Mumtaz Ahmad 
Published: December 2011

AbstractThe influence of linear copolymer of amines and formaldehyde namely poly(aniline‐formaldehyde) (Inh1), poly(o‐toluidene‐formaldehyde) (Inh2), and poly(p‐chloroaniline‐formaldehyde) (Inh3) on corrosion of mild steel in hydrochloric acid was evaluated by weight loss measurements, linear polarization, Tafel polarization, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. These polymers showed very high inhibition efficiency at very low concentrations. Results obtained showed that all inhibitors are mixed inhibitors and participate in reaction probably in the form of metal inhibitor complex on metal surface. Atomic force microscopic studies reveal that the surface of metal is quite unaffected after use of inhibitor in hydrochloric acid solution. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Capricious bioinvasions versus uncoordinated management strategies: how the most unlikely invaders can prosper under the current UK legislation framework
Authors: Morgan Eilir H. , Richardson Christopher A. 
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACT

Bioinvasions are known to be highly unpredictable and context‐dependent, varying both spatially and temporally, particularly in areas of intense anthropogenic activity and disturbance. Even the most unlikely invader can rapidly become problematic in the absence of frequent, coherent, and flexible management strategies. Using the recent spread of the Chilean oyster (Ostrea chilensis Philippi 1845) within a designated Special Area of Conservation, the paper describes what can happen to seemingly innocuous non‐native species under the often complicated and uncoordinated current UK legislation framework.
Following >30 years of containment at Tal y Foel (North Wales, UK), O. chilensis, a species with a highly‐reduced natural dispersal capacity, has now spread over a range of >30 km of shoreline. Alternative vectors, including rafting and several anthropogenic activities, are likely to have facilitated the dispersal of O. chilensis away from Tal y Foel.
Areas of high oyster densities (maximum = 232 oysters m‐2) have become established both close to and distant from the site of original introduction. The presence of all year classes throughout the observed age range (≤7 and ≤9 years old in the intertidal and subtidal populations, respectively) confirms regular annual recruitment in the area. Information is now urgently required regarding the factors that promote the persistence and spread of O. chilensis within its new environment, as well as the impacts of its increasing localized dominance on the native biodiversity and ecosystem function.
As well as providing valuable, up‐to‐date information on the recent spread of this non‐native species, the paper highlights discrepancies in the current UK legislation framework that allow for the successful establishment and spread of even the most unlikely invaders. the formation of a comprehensive and dedicated EU legal framework for managing invasives is advocated that also promotes coherence and continuity with impending legislative instruments concerning other relevant sectors. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Brief Report: Genotype, phenotype, and clinical course in five patients with PAPA syndrome (pyogenic sterile arthritis, pyoderma gangrenosum, and acne)
Authors: Demidowich Andrew P. , Freeman Alexandra F. , Kuhns Douglas B. , Aksentijevich Ivona , Gallin John I. , Turner Maria L. , Kastner Daniel L. , Holland Steven M. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractObjectiveTo describe the genotypes, phenotypes, immunophenotypes, and treatments of PAPA syndrome (pyogenic sterile arthritis, pyoderma gangrenosum, and acne), a rare autoinflammatory disease, in 5 patients.MethodsClinical information was gathered from medical records and through interviews with 5 patients from 4 kindreds. PSTPIP1 (CD2BP1) exon 10 and exon 11 sequencing was performed in each patient. Neutrophil granule content and cytokine levels were determined in plasma and stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from patients and controls.ResultsWe identified 2 previously described PAPA syndrome–associated PSTPIP1 mutations, A230T and E250Q, and a novel change, E250K. Disease penetrance was incomplete, with variable expressivity. The cutaneous manifestations included pathergy, cystic acne, and pyoderma gangrenosum. Interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) and circulating neutrophil granule enzyme levels were markedly elevated in patients compared to those in controls. PBMC stimulation studies demonstrated impaired production of IL‐10 and enhanced production of granulocyte–macrophage colony‐stimulating factor. Good resolution of pyoderma gangrenosum was achieved in 3 patients with tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) blockade treatment.ConclusionThis analysis of 5 patients demonstrates that mutations in PSTPIP1 are incompletely penetrant and variably expressed in the PAPA syndrome. Neutrophil granule proteins are markedly elevated ex vivo and in the plasma, and elevated levels might be compatible with a diagnosis of PAPA syndrome. TNFα blockade appears to be effective in treating the cutaneous manifestations of PAPA syndrome.
Down‐regulation of microRNA‐34a* in rheumatoid arthritis synovial fibroblasts promotes apoptosis resistance
Authors: Niederer Fabienne , Trenkmann Michelle , Ospelt Caroline , Karouzakis Emmanuel , Neidhart Michel , Stanczyk Joanna , Kolling Christoph , Gay Renate E. , Detmar Michael , Gay Steffen , Jüngel Astrid , Kyburz Diego 
Published: December 2011

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the expression and effect of the microRNA‐34 (miR‐34) family on apoptosis in rheumatoid arthritis synovial fibroblasts (RASFs).MethodsExpression of the miR‐34 family in synovial fibroblasts with or without stimulation with Toll‐like receptor (TLR) ligands, tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), hypoxia, or 5‐azacytidine was analyzed by real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Promoter methylation was studied by combined bisulfite restriction analysis. The effects of overexpression and silencing of miR‐34a and miR‐34a* on apoptosis were analyzed by annexin V/propidium iodide staining. Production of X‐linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein (XIAP) was assessed by real‐time PCR and immunohistochemistry analysis. Reporter gene assay was used to study the signaling pathways of miR‐34a*.ResultsBasal expression levels of miR‐34a* were found to be reduced in synovial fibroblasts from RA patients compared to osteoarthritis patients, whereas levels of miR‐34a, miR‐34b/b*, and miR‐34c/c* did not differ. Neither TNFα, IL‐1β, TLR ligands, nor hypoxia altered miR‐34a* expression. However, we demonstrated that the promoter of miR‐34a/34a* was methylated and showed that transcription of the miR‐34a duplex was induced upon treatment with demethylating agents. Enforced expression of miR‐34a* led to an increased rate of FasL‐ and TRAIL‐mediated apoptosis in RASFs. Moreover, levels of miR‐34a* were highly correlated with expression of XIAP, which was found to be up‐regulated in RA synovial cells. Finally, we identified XIAP as a direct target of miR‐34a*.ConclusionOur data provide evidence of a methylation‐specific down‐regulation of proapoptotic miR‐34a* in RASFs. Decreased expression of miR‐ 34a* results in up‐regulation of its direct target XIAP, thereby contributing to resistance of RASFs to apoptosis.