bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of rituximab on physical function and quality of life in patients with rheumatoid arthritis previously untreated with methotrexate
Authors: Rigby William , Ferraccioli Gianfranco , Greenwald Maria , Zazueta‐Montiel Beatriz , Fleischmann Roy , Wassenberg Siegfried , Ogale Sarika , Armstrong Gillian , Jahreis Angelika , Burke Laura , Mela Christopher , Chen Annie 
Published: December 2010

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the effect of rituximab plus methotrexate (MTX) compared with MTX alone on patient‐reported outcomes (PROs) and health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) in patients with active early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) previously untreated with MTX.MethodsPatients with active early RA were randomized to groups receiving placebo, rituximab 500 mg, or rituximab 1,000 mg. Rituximab was given by intravenous infusion on days 1 and 15. From week 24, patients with a Disease Activity Score in 28 joints–erythrocyte sedimentation rate of ≥2.6 were eligible for retreatment. Physical function was assessed by Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) disability index (DI) and Short Form 36 (SF‐36) scores. Patients achieving a minimal clinically important difference (MCID) for PROs were determined. Additional PROs, including fatigue and pain, were assessed.ResultsA total of 748 patients were randomized and received the study drug. Patient characteristics were well balanced. At week 52, treatment with rituximab in both dose groups showed significant improvements in the HAQ DI compared to the MTX alone group (−0.905 and −0.916 in the rituximab 500 mg plus MTX and 1,000 mg plus MTX groups, respectively, versus −0.628 in the MTX alone group; P < 0.0001). Higher proportions of patients achieved MCID in the HAQ DI in the rituximab plus MTX groups compared to MTX alone. Treatment with rituximab plus MTX led to a significant reduction in the SF‐36 physical component summary for both rituximab dose groups, but did not show statistically significant differences in the SF‐36 mental component summary. Compared to the MTX alone group, both doses of rituximab plus MTX were associated with significant reductions in the patient global assessment of disease activity and pain, and a significantly higher improvement in Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy–Fatigue scores from baseline to 52 weeks.ConclusionsRituximab plus MTX was associated with significant improvement in physical function and HRQOL outcomes compared with MTX alone in patients previously untreated with MTX.
Organic–Organic Heterojunction Interfaces: Effect of Molecular Orientation
Authors: Chen Wei , Qi Dong‐Chen , Huang Han , Gao Xingyu , Wee Andrew T. S. 
Published: December 2010

AbstractOrganic–organic heterojunctions (OOHs) are critical features in organic light‐emitting diodes, ambipolar organic field‐effect transistors and organic solar cells, which are fundamental building blocks in low‐cost, large‐scale, and flexible electronics. Due to the highly anisotropic nature of π‐conjugated molecules, the molecular orientation of organic thin films can significantly affect the device performance, such as light absorption and charge‐carrier transport, as well as the energy level alignment at OOH interfaces. This Feature Article highlights recent progress in the understanding of interface energetics at small molecule OOH interfaces, focusing on the characterization and fabrication of OOH with well‐defined molecular orientations using a combination of in situ low‐temperature scanning tunneling microscopy, synchrotron‐based high‐resolution ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy and near‐edge X‐ray absorption fine structure measurements. The orientation dependent energy level alignments at the OOH interfaces will be discussed in detail.
Synthesis of Methylene‐Bridge Polyarenes through Palladium‐Catalyzed Activation of Benzylic Carbon‐Hydrogen Bond
Authors: Hsiao Chien‐Chi , Lin Yi‐Kuan , Liu Chia‐Ju , Wu Tsun‐Cheng , Wu Yao‐Ting 
Published: December 2010

AbstractIn the presence of palladium(II) acetate [Pd(OAc)2] and an N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligand, fluorene derivatives can be generated in good to excellent yields from 2‐halo‐2′‐methylbiaryls through the benzylic CH bond activation (14 examples; 81–97% yields). The scope and limitations of this protocol have been examined. A wide range of functional groups, such as alkyl, alkoxy, ester, nitrile, and others, is able to tolerate the reaction conditions herein. The cyclization of an isotope‐labelled biphenyl gave the corresponding product with a primary kinetic isotope effect (kH/kD=4.8:1), which indicates that the rate‐determining step of this reaction is the activation of the benzylic CH bond. Moreover, indenofluorenes were also accessed in excellent results from terphenyls (3 examples; 91–92% yields). The cascade reaction of 2,6‐dichloro‐2′‐methylbiphenyl with diphenylacetylene produced 8,9‐diphenyl‐4H‐cyclopenta[def]phenanthrene in 60% yield through the activation of an aryl and a benzylic CH bond.
Metal–Air Batteries with High Energy Density: Li–Air versus Zn–Air
Authors: Lee Jang‐Soo , Tai Kim Sun , Cao Ruiguo , Choi Nam‐Soon , Liu Meilin , Lee Kyu Tae , Cho Jaephil 
Published: December 2010

AbstractIn the past decade, there have been exciting developments in the field of lithium ion batteries as energy storage devices, resulting in the application of lithium ion batteries in areas ranging from small portable electric devices to large power systems such as hybrid electric vehicles. However, the maximum energy density of current lithium ion batteries having topatactic chemistry is not sufficient to meet the demands of new markets in such areas as electric vehicles. Therefore, new electrochemical systems with higher energy densities are being sought, and metal‐air batteries with conversion chemistry are considered a promising candidate. More recently, promising electrochemical performance has driven much research interest in Li‐air and Zn‐air batteries. This review provides an overview of the fundamentals and recent progress in the area of Li‐air and Zn‐air batteries, with the aim of providing a better understanding of the new electrochemical systems.
Third‐party postconflict affiliation of aggressors in chimpanzees
Authors: Romero Teresa , de Waal Frans B.M. 
Published: December 2010

AbstractPostconflict management strategies have been defined as any postconflict interaction that mitigates the negative consequences of the preceding agonistic conflict. Although most studies have investigated postconflict interactions between former opponents or between victims and uninvolved bystanders, interactions between aggressors and bystanders have received much less attention. In this study, we examined a database of 1,102 agonistic interactions and their corresponding postconflict periods in two outdoor‐housed groups of captive chimpanzees in order to test the occurrence of postconflict third‐party affiliation of aggressors. Our results confirmed the occurrence of appeasement, i.e. postconflict affiliation by a bystander toward an aggressor, but failed to detect the occurrence of postconflict affiliation directed from aggressors toward bystanders. Appeasement rates did not differ according to the sex of the involved individuals. In addition, appeasement occurred more often in the absence of reconciliation than after its occurrence suggesting that appeasement may act as an alternative to reconciliation when the latter fails to occur. Both study groups showed behavioral specificity for appeasement, i.e. context‐specific use of certain behaviors, supporting the view that chimpanzees exhibit highly visible explicit postconflict affiliation. Am. J. Primatol. 73:397–404, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Amantadine use associated with impulse control disorders in Parkinson disease in cross‐sectional study
Authors: Weintraub Daniel , Sohr Mandy , Potenza Marc N. , Siderowf Andrew D. , Stacy Mark , Voon Valerie , Whetteckey Jacqueline , Wunderlich Glen R. , Lang Anthony E. 
Published: December 2010

AbstractA recent controlled clinical trial suggested a role for amantadine as a treatment for pathological gambling in patients with Parkinson disease (PD). Analyzing data from a large cross‐sectional study of impulse control disorders (ICDs) in PD, amantadine use (n = 728), vs no amantadine use (n = 2,357), was positively associated with a diagnosis of any ICD (17.6% vs 12.4%, p < 0.001) and compulsive gambling specifically (7.4% vs 4.2%, p < 0.001). This amantadine association remained after controlling for covariates of amantadine use, including both dopamine agonist use and levodopa dosage. Further research, including larger clinical trials, is needed to assess the role of amantadine in the development and treatment of ICDs in PD. Ann Neurol 2010
Coupling Effects in Optical Metamaterials
Authors: Liu Na , Giessen Harald 
Published: December 2010

AbstractMetamaterials have become one of the hottest fields of photonics since the pioneering work of John Pendry on negative refractive index, invisibility cloaking, and perfect lensing. Three‐dimensional metamaterials are required for practical applications. In these materials, coupling effects between individual constituents play a dominant role for the optical and electronic properties. Metamaterials can show both electric and magnetic responses at optical frequencies. Thus, electric as well as magnetic dipolar and higher‐order multipolar coupling is the essential mechanism. Depending on the structural composition, both longitudinal and transverse coupling occur. The intricate interplay between different coupling effects in a plasmon hybridization picture provides a useful tool to intuitively understand the evolution from molecule‐like states to solid‐state‐like bands.
Selective O‐allylation of bisphenol A: toward a chloride‐free route for epoxy resins
Authors: van Rijn Jimmy A. , Guijt Marieke C. , Bouwman Elisabeth , Drent Eite 
Published: December 2010

AbstractThe O‐allylation of bisphenol A (BPA) has been performed with the most selective catalysts for O‐allylation of phenols reported previously. Both the cyclopentadienyl–ruthenium catalysts and the palladium–diphosphine catalysts are capable of selectively performing single and double O‐allylation of BPA. An intriguing solvent effect is observed; the choice of the solvent is of key importance for both conversion and selectivity. The use of an excess of diallyl ether as allylating agent results in relatively high yields of the bisallyl ether of bisphenol A, while maintaining the high selectivity for O‐allylation. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Scope of the allylation reaction with [RuCp(PP)]+ catalysts: changing the nucleophile or allylic alcohol
Authors: van Rijn Jimmy A. , Guijt Marieke C. , de Vries Dwight , Bouwman Elisabeth , Drent Eite 
Published: December 2010

AbstractThe scope of the dehydrative allylation reaction using allyl alcohol as allyl donor with [RuCp(PP)]+ complexes as catalysts is explored. Aliphatic alcohols are successfully allylated with allyl alcohol or diallyl ether, obtaining high selectivity for the alkyl allyl ether. The reactivity of aliphatic alcohols is in the order of primary > secondary ≫ tertiary. The tertiary alcohol 1‐adamantanol reacts extremely slowly in the absence of strong acid, but when HOTs is added, reasonable yields of 1‐adamantyl allyl ether are obtained. The alkyl allyl ether is found to be the thermodynamically favored product over diallyl ether. Apart from alcohols, thiols and indole are also efficiently allylated, while aniline acts as a catalyst inhibitor. Allylation reactions with various substituted allylic alcohols give products with retention of the substitution pattern. It is proposed that a Ru(IV) σ‐allyl species plays a key role in the mechanism of these allylation reactions. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preparation of a new composite by reaction of SnBu3Cl with TiCl4 in the presence of NH4OHphotocatalytic degradation of indigo carmine
Authors: Coelho M. G. , de Andrade F. V. , de Lima G. M. , Augusti R. , Ferreira M. P. , Maria D. A. , Ardisson J. D. 
Published: December 2010

AbstractReactions of SnBu3Cl, TiCl4 and NH4OH in ethanol followed by pyrolysis of the resultant product at 550 °C, either in an atmosphere of oxygen or hydrogen, yielding new SnO2TiO2 based composites. In all, eight products were prepared with weight ratios of SnTiO2 of 0% (1), 5% (2), 15% (3) and 30% (4) in O2 and 0% (5), 5% (6), 15% (7) and 30% (8) in H2. XRD revealed diffraction patterns of TiO2 (anatase) in the composites, but not those of SnO2 due to its insufficient crystallinity. Scanning electron microscopy indicated the presence of Sn metal on the surface of composites 6–8. 119Sn Mössbauer experiments revealed SnO2 in all samples, and increasing amounts of tin in samples 7 and 8, respectively. The composites were used in experiments of photocatalytic degradation of indigo carmine dye. The catalytic experiments monitored by mass spectrometry and electronic spectroscopy revealed that, in the conditions of the experiments, composite 8 displays the highest activity. In addition, degradation products were characterised using electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS and ESI‐MS/MS) data. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Vinyl‐addition copolymerization of norbornene and polar norbornene derivatives using novel bis(β‐ketoamino)Ni(II)/B(C6F5)3/AlEt3 catalytic systems
Authors: Zhou Weihua , He Xiaohui , Chen Yiwang , Chen Muqing , Shi Ling , Wu Qing 
Published: December 2010

AbstractCopolymerization of norbornene (NBE) and polar norbornene derivatives undergoes vinyl polymerization by using novel catalyst systems formed in situ by combining bis(β‐ketoamino)Ni(II) complexes {Ni[R1C(O)CHC(NR3)R2]2 (Rl = R2 = CH3, R3 = naphthyl, 1; R1 = R2 = CH3, R3 = C6H5, 2; R1 = C6H5, R2 = CH3, R3 = naphthyl, 3; Rl = R2 = CH3, R3 = 2, 6‐(CH3)2C6H3, 4; R1 = R2 = CH3, R3 = 2, 6‐′Pr2C6H3
5; R1 = C6H5, R2 = CH3, R3 = 2, 6‐′Pr2C6H3, 6)} and B(C6F5)3/AlEt3 in toluene. The 1/B(C6F5)3/AlEt3 catalytic system is effective for copolymerization of NBE with NBEOCOCH3 and NBECH2OH, respectively, and copolymerization activity is followed in the order of NBECH2OH > NBEOCOCH3 > NBECN. The molecular weights of the obtained poly(NBE/NBECH2OH) reached 5.97 × 104 to 2.07 × 105 g/mol and the NBECH2OH incorporation ratios reached 7.0–55.4 mol % by adjusting the comonomer feedstock composition. The copolymerization of NBE and NBE CH2OH also depend on catalyst structures and activity of catalyst followed in the order of 2 > 1 > 3 > 5 > 4 > 6. The molecular weights and NBECH2OH incorporation ratios of poly(NBE/NBECH2OH) were adjustable to be 1.91–5.37 × 105 g/mol and 9.5–41.1 mol % OH units by using catalysts 1–6. The achieved copolymers were confirmed to be vinyl‐addition type, noncrystalline and have good thermal stability (Td = 380–410°C). © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Efficacy of hindered amines in woodflour‐polypropylene composites compatibilized with vinyltrimethoxysilane after accelerated weathering and moisture absorption
Authors: Bouza R. , Abad M. J. , Barral L. , Lasagabaster A. , Pardo S.‐G. 
Published: December 2010

AbstractIn this work, the aim was to analyze the efficacy of hindered amine light stabilizers (HALS) in woodflour‐polypropylene composites compatibilized with vinyltrimethoxysilane after moisture absorption and accelerated weathering. Moisture uptake of materials decreased with incorporation of silane due to diminished accessibility of water molecules to reactive regions. In dynamic mechanical experiments performed on wet samples, a marked reduction in the storage modulus in the glassy and rubbery zone was observed, since water has a plasticizing effect. After sample weathering, in a xenon‐arc apparatus, the changes in chemical structure and physical properties after exposure were analyzed by attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR‐FTIR) spectroscopy, color measurement, flexural properties, and morphological analysis by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The data showed that HALS maintain the brightness of the materials after aging and prevent sample whitening. They also reduced color loss after aging and the SEM micrographs revealed that they inhibit surface cracking during weathering. Although a slight decline in the mechanical properties was not completely avoided, the combination of the additives studied (UV absorbers and HALS) successfully prevented the deterioration of surface materials by UV radiation. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
α‐Al2O3 improves the properties of gel polyacrylonitrile nanocomposite electrolytes used as electrolyte materials in rechargeable lithium batteries
Authors: Hwang Jiunn‐Jer , Peng Hsueh‐Hsin , Yeh Jui‐Ming 
Published: December 2010

AbstractIn this investigation, a series of gel polyacrylonitrile (PAN)/α‐Al2O3 nanocomposite electrolyte materials that incorporate various fractions of PAN, α‐Al2O3 inorganic powders, propylene carbonate and ethylene carbonate as cosolvents, and LiClO4 were prepared. X‐ray diffraction revealed that the gel nanocomposite electrolyte materials contained amorphous PAN in which was uniformly dispersed α‐Al2O3. The gel PAN/α‐Al2O3 nanocomposite electrolytes had lower glass‐transition temperatures (as determined by dynamic mechanical analysis) and higher conductivity than a similar electrolyte prepared in the absence of α‐Al2O3. The conductivity of the PAN/α‐Al2O3 nanocomposite films was inversely proportional to the size of the α‐Al2O3 particles and directly proportional to (I) the amount of α‐Al2O3 (up to 7 wt %), (II) the F value [LiClO4/CH2CH(CN) ratio], and (III) the amount of plasticizer (propylene carbonate/ethylene carbonate = 1 : 1). Cyclic voltammetry revealed that adding α‐Al2O3 significantly increased the electrochemical stability of the composite electrolyte system. A rechargeable lithium battery prepared using this gel nanocomposite electrolyte system exhibited good cyclability and a stable capacity. The coulombic efficiency for the recharge/discharge process was approximately 75%, even after 100 cycles. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Enhancement of photocatalytic degradation activity of poly(vinyl chloride)‐TiO2 nanocomposite film with polyoxometalate
Authors: Yang Changjun , Tian Lihong , Ye Liqun , Peng Tianyou , Deng Kejian , Zan Ling 
Published: December 2010

AbstractA novel photodegradable poly(vinyl chloride)‐polyoxometalate/TiO2 (PVC‐POM/TiO2) nanocomposite film was prepared by embedding nano‐TiO2 photocatalyst modified by POM into the commercial PVC plastic. The solid‐phase photocatalytic degradation behavior of as‐prepared film under UV light irradiation was investigated and compared with those of the PVC‐TiO2 film and the pure PVC film, with the aid of FTIR spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and weight loss monitoring. The results show that PVC‐POM/TiO2 nanocomposite film has a high photocatalytic activity. The optimal ratio of POM to TiO2 is found to be 2 wt %, the degradation rate of PVC‐POM/TiO2 film is 1.5 times higher than that of PVC‐TiO2 film under the identical conditions. The enhancement of photocatalytic activity is due to the achievement of a rapid photogenerated charge separation with the assistance of POM which can mediate photogenerated electron transfering from TiO2 conduction band to dioxygen. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Overshooting effect of poly(dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate) hydrogels
Authors: Li Cancan , Xu Ling , Zhai Maolin , Peng Jing , Li Jiuqiang 
Published: December 2010

AbstractAn overshooting effect was observed during the swelling procedure of poly(dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate) (PDMAEMA) gel for the first time. The effects of the temperature, ionic strength, and pH on the overshooting effect of the PDMAEMA gel were investigated. We found that the overshooting effect of the gel could not be eliminated by changing the temperature; however, the overshooting effect was indiscernible in high‐concentration NaCl solutions (>0.2 mol/L) and basic (pH 11.9) and acidic solutions (pH = 2.1). The overshooting effect of the PDMAEMA gel was attributed to the dynamic conformational changes of the side chains of dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA) units during the swelling of the gels. In the presence of NaCl or NaOH, the stretching of the macromolecular chains of the gels was disrupted. While in acidic solution, the protonation of tertiary amino groups in the DMAEMA units made the side chains of the DMAEMA units change from the cyclic conformation to the stretched one; this was analyzed with the aid of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Synthesis and liquid‐crystalline properties of poly(4‐vinylpyridinium) bromides N‐substituted with dialkyloxyterphenyl groups
Authors: Santos‐Martell Rocio Guadalupe , Larios‐López Leticia , Rodríguez‐González Rosa Julia , Donnio Bertrand , Guillon Daniel , Navarro‐Rodríguez Dámaso 
Published: December 2010

AbstractPoly(4‐vinylpyridine)s (P4VPs) fully and partially quaternized with dialkyloxyterphenyl groups were synthesized and characterized. These new polymers developed both liquid‐crystalline (LC) properties and a light emission (luminescence) in the blue region. The mesomorphic behavior of the polymers was initially characterized by differential scanning calorimetry and polarizing optical microscopy and was further corroborated by X‐ray diffraction analyses. The X‐ray diffraction patterns showed in the low‐angles region several equidistant diffraction peaks (d001, d002, d003, …) and in the wide‐angles region a broad peak typical of nonordered mesophases. From d001 and the length of the monomers, we deduced that the molecular arrangement in the mesophase corresponded to a double‐layered stacking of molecules with mesogens tilted with respect to the smectic plane and the backbones sandwiched between. In this arrangement, the different parts of mesogens are segregated from one another in layered domains. The longer smectic periods observed for copolymers indicated that the nonsubstituted pyridine cycles were sandwiched between two smectic layers. The emission spectra of these polymers were characterized by a broad signal centered at 365 nm. The combination of LC properties with luminescence in the polymers is interesting for the preparation of thin films with aligned emitters, particularly for linearly polarized light emission. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Preparation and characterization of triple polymer‐coated controlled‐release urea with water‐retention property and enhanced durability
Authors: Tao Shuming , Liu Jun , Jin Kemo , Qiu Xiaoyun , Zhang Yuan , Ren Xueqin , Hu Shuwen 
Published: December 2010

AbstractTriple polymer coated with controlled‐release water retention fertilizer (TCWF) and enhanced mechanical property was developed by coating polyethylene (first layer), poly (acrylic acid‐co‐acrylamide) superabsorbent (second layer), and poly (butyl methacrylate) (third layer) consecutively on the granule core urea in the fluidized‐bed coater. The inner layer possessed controlled‐release property, the middle layer had water absorbent characteristic, and the thin outer layer aimed to protect the fragile layer of the superabsorbent. The relationship between the thickness of coating layer and the nutrient releasing properties was established. The effects of polymerization parameters on the water absorbency of the superabsorbent were studied and optimized as well. The nutrients release behaviors of this triple‐coated urea in both water and soil were investigated and compared. The results showed that TCWF not only performed as a good controlled‐release fertilizer but also had excellent water retention capacity. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011