bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of a low intensity intervention to increase hearing protector use among noise‐exposed workers
Authors: McCullagh Marjorie C. 
Published: August 2010

AbstractBackgroundFarm operators experience exposure to high noise and high prevalence of noise‐induced hearing loss, but use of hearing protection in this worker group is low. The purpose of this study was to test a brief intervention to increase farm operators' use of hearing protection.MethodsIn this one‐group pre‐ and post‐test study, a random sample of 32 members of a farmers' organization was supplied a variety of hearing protectors. Participants received an assortment of hearing protectors by mail with manufacturer's instructions for use.ResultsMean pre‐intervention hearing protector use when in high noise in this group was 23% (SD 29). Of the 32 participants, 27 (84%) were exposed to hazardous noise during the study period. Post‐intervention mean use of HPDs was 64%, an increase of 41% (t = 5.26, P < 000).ConclusionResults of this study suggest that overall, hearing protectors were acceptable to farm operators, and that a brief mailed intervention is feasible. Am. J. Ind. Med. 54:210–215, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Partner smoking characteristics: Associations with smoking and quitting among blue‐collar apprentices
Authors: Okechukwu Cassandra A. , Nguyen Kim , Hickman Norval J. 
Published: August 2010

AbstractBackgroundStudies suggest that the social context of blue‐collar workers contribute to their low smoking cessation rates. However, little is known on the effect of partner smoking and requests to quit on workers' cessation attempts.MethodsUsing data from a longitudinal smoking cessation intervention, multivariable logistic regression models were constructed to investigate the association of partner smoking characteristics with cessation among blue‐collar apprentices.ResultsSmokers were more likely to have partners who smoke (OR 13.06; 95% CI 8.52–20.01). Partner's request to quit was associated with higher odds of smoking cessation at 1 month (OR 3.74; 95% CI 2.49–5.63) and 6 months (OR 1.90; 95% CI 1.06–3.41) post‐intervention. Having a partner who smoked was associated with lower odds of smoking cessation at 1 month (OR 0.41; 95% CI 0.27–0.62), but not 6 months post‐intervention.ConclusionsResults suggest that smoking cessation interventions that include partner support might improve cessation among blue‐collar smokers. Am. J. Ind. Med. 53:1102–1108, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effect of the clay size on the dispersion morphology and emulsion stability of ABS/layered silicate nanocomposites
Authors: Kim Kwanghyon , Kim Jong Hyun , Chung In Jae 
Published: August 2010

AbstractABS/layered silicate nanocomposites were synthesized through an emulsion polymerization with different sizes of silicates. The particle sizes of Laponite, Cloisite‐Na and Kunipia‐F are about 20–30, 70–150, and 300–500 nm, respectively. When ABS was synthesized by the emulsion polymerization in the presence of Laponite and Cloisite‐Na, ABS/layered silicate nanocomposite emulsion showed a stable suspension without the precipitation of solid particle. On the other hand, ABS/layered silicate nanocomposite synthesized with Kunipia‐F showed the precipitation of large aggregated particles and the phase separation. Smaller sizes of silicates like Laponite and Cloisite‐Na than polymerized particle worked as resided barrier preventing the emulsion particle from coagulation. Larger size of silicate like Kunipia‐F than emulsion particle was not able to enclose the emulsion particle delicately because of its stiffness and large aspect ratio. The monomers inserted into the intercalated Kunipia‐F connected the ABS particles and clay particles. The Kunipia‐F particles anchored ABS particles around them inducing the aggregation and precipitation of ABS particles. ABS copolymer emulsion and aqueous silicate dispersion were mixed to compare with synthesized ABS/layered silicate nanocomposites and showed a stable suspension. With small amount of Laponite or Cloisite‐Na, nanocomposite emulsion of Kunipia‐F was also stabilized. Laponite and Cloisite‐Na worked as a steric stabilizer. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Application of nonisothermal cure kinetics to the interaction of poly(ethylene terephthalate) with alkyd resin varnish
Authors: Dias D. S. , Crespi M. S. , Ribeiro C. A. , Kobelnik M. 
Published: August 2010

AbstractSamples of varnish (V), poly(ethylene terephthalate) from recycled soft drink bottles (PET‐R), and varnish/poly(ethylene terephthalate) from recycled soft drink bottles mixtures (VPET‐Rs) were evaluated with differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) to verify their physicochemical properties and thermal behavior. Films from V and VPET‐R were visually similar. The maximum amount of PET‐R that we could add to V without significantly altering its filming properties, such adherence and color in glass sheets, was 2%. The cure process (80–203°C) was identified through the DSC curves. The kinetic parameters, activation energy (E), and Arrhenius parameter (A) for the samples containing 0.5–2% PET‐R were calculated with the Flynn–Wall–Ozawa isoconversional method. With greater amounts of PET‐R added, there was a small change in E for the curing process. A kinetic compensation effect, represented by the equation ln A = −10.5 + 0.29E, was observed for all of the samples. The most suitable kinetic model to describe this curing process was the autocatalytic Sestak–Berggren model, which is applied to heterogeneous systems governed by nucleation and growth. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Synthesis, characterization, and ionic conductivity of nanocomposites: Polyelectrolyte systems
Authors: Cardoso J. , Montiel R. , Manero O. 
Published: August 2010

AbstractThe synthesis, diffraction patterns, thermal stability, and ionic conductivity properties of methacrylate‐type polymers are analyzed here to assess their feasibility as polymer electrolytes. From the parent polymer, poly (N,N‐dimethylaminoethylmethacrylate), herein labeled PDMAEMA, a protonated derivative was used to prepare polymer/Montmorillonite nanocomposites with various clay contents (1, 3, and 5 wt %). AC spectroscopy provided the ionic conductivity data for the polymers and clay–polymer nanocomposites. Evidences of nanocomposite formation are shown using transmission electron microscopy and wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Effect of propylation on the characteristics of corn starch and variation of properties with different degrees of substitution
Authors: Garg Sangeeta , Jana Asim Kumar 
Published: August 2010

AbstractCorn starch was modified by propylation with different degree of substitution (DS). DS of four starch modifications were 0.61, 1.56, 2.27, and 2.51. Samples were characterized by FTIR, XRD, TG‐DTA, swelling power, solubility, water binding capacity, and light transmittance. Results of the systematic physico‐chemical characterization of the starch modification in comparison with the native starch have been documented in the article. Results showed that during propylation, the crystalline structure of starch got destroyed and surface of the starch was eroded. Propylated starch (DS 2.51) showed 85% weight loss at temperatures from 300 to 400°C, whereas the native starch underwent similar weight loss (83%) from 250 to 300°C. Swelling power and water binding capacity of native starch (DS 0.0) were 3.09 g/g and 89.8%, respectively. However, in propylated starch at low DS (DS 0.61), swelling power and water binding capacity increased to 10.55 g/g and 136.8% under same conditions. At high DS (DS 2.51), swelling power was similar to native starch at 65°C, whereas solubility and water binding capacity decreased to below that of native starch. Light transmittance of propylated starch with high DS (DS 2.51) increased dramatically compared with native starch. Propylation improved the hydrophobic transformation and thermal stability of starch at high DS. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Ecological materials and methods in the textile industry: Atmospheric‐plasma treatments of naturally colored cotton
Authors: Demir Aslı , Özdoğan Esen , Özdil Nilgün , Gürel Aynur 
Published: August 2010

AbstractNaturally colored cotton, in accordance with currently increasing interest in ecological textile products and methods, has increased in popularity. Commerce is another of the primary reasons along with interest in environmentally friendly and niche‐concept approaches. However, the color palette is limited; no bleaching or dyeing process is used. Instead, only a pretreatment to make the fibers hydrophilic is necessary. This can be induced with several different methods. In this respect, atmospheric‐plasma treatments have emerged as an alternative. In this study, knitted and naturally colored cotton fabrics were treated with argon and air atmospheric plasma. The hydrophilicity, wickability, surface friction coefficient, air permeability, water vapor permeability, thermal conductivity, thermal resistance, and fastness were investigated. The surfaces of untreated and plasma‐treated fabrics were analyzed with Fourier transform infrared/attenuated total reflectance and scanning electron microscopy to detect and compare the chemical and morphological modifications. The results revealed that atmospheric‐plasma treatments are capable of modifying the surface of naturally colored cotton fabrics without any important loss in the color strength or fastness and thermal properties. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Anisotropic mechanical behavior of magnetically oriented iron particle reinforced foams
Authors: Sorrentino L. , Aurilia M. , Forte G. , Iannace S. 
Published: August 2010

AbstractReinforced foams were prepared by exposing a polyurethane matrix filled with iron particles to a magnetic field during the foaming process. The magnetic field induced an alignment of the iron particles along the field direction, giving rise to columnar structures similar to fibrils, as observed by SEM and microtomographic 3D reconstructions.The anisotropic reinforcement induced by the fibrils improved the mechanical performances, yielding a threefold increase of both elastic modulus and yield stress in the alignment direction, whereas minor effects were observed in the transversal direction. In this case, the mechanical properties were comparable with those of randomly filled foams or, in some cases, of unfilled foam.The reinforcing efficiency of fibrils was evaluated through a theoretical model, based on the combination of the mechanics of foams with two micromechanical models for aligned short fibers composites (Halpin‐Tsai and Cox‐Krenchel). The theoretical predictions based on the Halpin‐Tsai equations showed a good agreement with the experimental data, whereas the model derived from Cox‐Krenchel equations overestimated data. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Preparation, crystallization, and properties of biodegradable poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate)/organomodified montmorillonite nanocomposites
Authors: Yang Fang , Qiu Zhaobin 
Published: August 2010

AbstractIntercalated and exfoliated nanocomposites of biodegradable poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) (PBAT) and Cloisite 30B (C30B) were fabricated by a solution‐casting method to study the effects of the clay loading on the crystallization behavior, thermal stability, and dynamic mechanical properties of PBAT in PBAT/C30B nanocomposites. X‐ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy results indicated the formation of exfoliated nanocomposites at low clay loadings (<5 wt %) and a mixture of exfoliated and intercalated nanocomposites with a clay content of 8 wt % throughout the PBAT matrix. Nonisothermal melt crystallization studies indicated that C30B enhanced the crystallization of PBAT, apparently because of a heterogeneous nucleation effect. Moreover, an attempt was made to quantitatively study the influence of the presence of C30B and its contents on the nucleation activity of PBAT in the PBAT/C30B nanocomposites. The thermal stability of PBAT decreased slightly in the nanocomposites. However, the storage modulus of PBAT apparently increased with the C30B loading increasing in the PBAT/C30B nanocomposites. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Phase morphology and thermomechanical analysis of poly(styrene‐co‐acrylonitrile)/ethylene–propylene–diene monomer blends: Uncompatibilized and reactively compatibilized blends with two mixing sequences
Authors: Taheri Mona , Morshedian Jalil , Ali Khonakdar Hossein 
Published: August 2010

AbstractThe phase morphology developing in immiscible poly(styrene‐co‐acrylonitrile) (SAN)/ethylene–propylene–diene monomer (EPDM) blends was studied with an in situ reactively generated SAN‐g‐EPDM compatibilizer through the introduction of a suitably chosen polymer additive (maleic anhydride) and 2,5‐dimethyl‐2,5‐di‐(t‐butyl peroxy) hexane (Luperox) and dicumyl peroxide as initiators during melt blending. Special attention was paid to the experimental conditions required for changing the droplet morphology for the dispersed phase. Two different mixing sequences (simple and two‐step) were used. The product of two‐step blending was a major phase surrounded by rubber particles; these rubber particles contained the occluded matrix phase. Depending on the mixing sequence, this particular phase morphology could be forced or could occur spontaneously. The composition was stabilized by the formation of the SAN‐g‐EPDM copolymer between the elastomer and addition polymer, which was characterized with Fourier transform infrared. As for the two initiators, the blends with Luperox showed better mechanical properties. Scanning electron microscopy studies revealed good compatibility for the SAN/EPDM blends produced by two‐step blending with this initiator. Dynamic mechanical thermal analysis studies showed that the two‐step‐prepared blend with Luperox had the best compatibility. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Miniaturized biocatalysis on polyacrylate‐based capillary monoliths
Authors: Elsner Christian , Ernst Claudia , Buchmeiser Michael R. 
Published: August 2010

AbstractWe developed a synthetic concept for the immobilization of enzymes onto monolithic supports. In addition, we elaborate on a generally applicable method for the rapid screening of the activity of such immobilized enzymes. For these purposes, we prepared monolithic acrylate‐based systems by electron‐beam (EB)‐triggered free‐radical polymerization within the confines of 200‐μm capillary columns. Aiming for protein immobilization, we subjected the polyacrylate‐based monoliths to EB‐mediated grafting processes to introduce functional surface‐located groups suited for the subsequent generation of functional units that themselves could bind different proteins. For the generation of the functional units, we used ring‐opening metathesis polymerization and free‐radical polymerization. The produced systems were tested for their ability to bind or repel proteins as exemplified by the use of the serine protease trypsin, which was used to catalyze the hydrolysis of N‐α‐benzoyl‐L‐arginine ethyl ester (BAEE). Finally, the monolith‐immobilized trypsin systems were used for enzymatic peptide synthesis purposes, such as the acyl transfer of BAEE to amino acid amides. Complementarily, we used an immobilized trypsin variant, which we additionally subjected to on‐column chemical modification with succinic anhydride to alter its synthetic properties. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Adsorption and electroanalytical studies of a poly‐o‐toluidine Zr(IV) phosphate nanocomposite for zinc(II) dimethyldithiocarbamate
Authors: Khan Asif Ali , Akhtar Tabassum 
Published: August 2010

AbstractThe adsorption behavior of zinc(II) dimethyldithiocarbamate (Ziram) was studied on the surface of a poly‐o‐toluidine Zr(IV) phosphate nanocomposite cation exchanger. A spectrophotometric method based on the conversion of Ziram into a copper dimethyldithiocarbamate complex was applied for the study of Ziram at the maximum absorption wavelength of 437 nm. A Ziram‐ sensitive membrane electrode was fabricated with poly‐o‐toluidine Zr(IV) phosphate (an electroactive composite material). The sensitivity of Ziram for the composite cation‐exchange material was monitored with potentiometric methods. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Synthesis and comparative solution properties of a cationic polyelectrolyte and its corresponding polyzwitterion from 1,1‐diallyl‐4‐methoxycarbonylpiperidinium chloride
Authors: Al‐Muallem Hasan A. 
Published: August 2010

AbstractThe quaternary ammonium monomer 1,1‐diallyl‐4‐methoxycarbonylpiperidinium chloride was synthesized in good yield. On polymerization in water using t‐butylhydroperoxide as initiator, a cationic polyelectrolyte (CPE) with a five‐membered cyclic structure on the polymeric backbone was obtained. On acid hydrolysis, followed by basification, the CPE gave the corresponding polybetaine (PB). The solution properties of these polymers were investigated by potentiometric and viscometric techniques. The PB demonstrated “antipolyelectrolyte” behavior. The basicity constant of the carboxylate functionality in the polyzwitterionic polymers was ‘apparent’ in a 0.1 N NaCl solution and followed the modified Henderson‐Hasselbalch equation. It was found that as the degree of protonation (α) of the whole macromolecule increases, the protonation of the amine nitrogen becomes increasingly more difficult. Unlike other polyzwitterions/polybetaines, the PB was soluble in salt‐free water. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Dysregulated expression of CXCR4/CXCL12 in subsets of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Wang Andrew , Guilpain Philippe , Chong Benjamin F. , Chouzenoux Sandrine , Guillevin Loïc , Du Yong , Zhou Xin J. , Lin Fangming , Fairhurst Anna‐Marie , Boudreaux Christopher , Roux Christian , Wakeland Edward K. , Davis Laurie S. , Batteux Frederic , Mohan Chandra 
Published: August 2010

AbstractObjectiveCXCR4 is a chemokine with multiple effects on the immune system. In murine lupus models, we demonstrated that monocytes, neutrophils, and B cells overexpressed CXCR4 and that its ligand, CXCL12, was up‐regulated in diseased kidneys. We undertook this study to determine whether CXCR4 expression was increased in peripheral blood leukocytes from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and whether CXCL12 expression was increased in kidneys from patients with SLE.MethodsPeripheral blood leukocytes from 31 SLE patients, 8 normal controls, and 9 patients with rheumatoid arthritis were prospectively analyzed by flow cytometry for CXCR4 expression. Biopsy samples (n = 14) from patients with lupus nephritis (LN) were immunostained with anti‐CXCL12 antibody.ResultsCD19+ B cells and CD4+ T cells from SLE patients displayed a >2‐fold increase (P = 0.0001) and >3‐fold increase (P < 0.0001), respectively, in median CXCR4 expression compared with that in controls (n = 7–8). Moreover, CXCR4 expression on B cells was 1.61‐fold higher in patients with SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) scores >10 (n = 8) than in patients with SLEDAI scores ≤10 (n = 16) (P = 0.0008), 1.71‐fold higher in patients with class IV LN (n = 5) than in patients with other classes of LN (n = 7) (P = 0.02), and 1.40‐fold higher in patients with active neuropsychiatric SLE (NPSLE) (n = 6) than in patients with inactive NPSLE (n = 18) (P = 0.01). CXCL12 was significantly up‐regulated in the tubules and glomeruli of kidneys in patients with LN (n = 14), with the percentage of positive cells correlating positively with the severity of LN.ConclusionCXCR4 appears to be up‐regulated in multiple leukocyte subsets in SLE patients. The heightened expression of CXCR4 on B cells in active NPSLE and of CXCL12 in nephritic kidneys suggests that the CXCR4/CXCL12 axis might be a potential therapeutic target for SLE patients with kidney and/or central nervous system involvement.
Interleukin‐20 antibody is a potential therapeutic agent for experimental arthritis
Authors: Hsu Yu‐Hsiang , Chang Ming‐Shi 
Published: August 2010

AbstractObjectiveInterleukin‐20 (IL‐20) is a proinflammatory cytokine involved in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We investigated whether anti–IL‐20 antibody treatment would modulate the severity of the disease in a collagen‐induced arthritis (CIA) rat model.MethodsWe generated a CIA model by immunizing rats with bovine type II collagen. Rats with CIA were treated subcutaneously with anti–IL‐20 antibody 7E, with the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blocker etanercept, or with 7E in combination with etanercept. Arthritis severity was determined according to the hind paw thickness, arthritis severity score, degree of cartilage damage, bone mineral density, and cytokine production, which were evaluated using radiologic scans, microfocal computed tomography, and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. To analyze gene regulation by IL‐20, rat synovial fibroblasts (SFs) were isolated and analyzed for the expression of RANKL, IL‐17, and TNFα. We also used real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis and flow cytometry to determine IL‐20–regulated RANKL in mouse osteoblastic MC3T3‐E1 cells and Th17 cells.ResultsIn vivo, treatment with 7E alone or in combination with etanercept significantly reduced the severity of arthritis by decreasing the hind paw thickness and swelling, preventing cartilage damage and bone loss, and reducing the expression of IL‐20, IL‐1β, IL‐6, RANKL, and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in synovial tissue. In vitro, IL‐20 induced TNFα expression in SFs from rats with CIA. IL‐20 markedly induced RANKL production in SFs, osteoblasts, and Th17 cells.ConclusionSelectively blocking IL‐20 inhibited inflammation and bone loss in rats with CIA. Treatment with 7E combined with etanercept protected rats from CIA better than treatment with etanercept alone. Our findings provide evidence that IL‐20 is a novel target and that 7E may be a potential therapeutic agent for RA.