bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Neutropenia in patients receiving anti–tumor necrosis factor therapy
Authors: Hastings Richard , Ding Tina , Butt Sayqa , Gadsby Kate , Zhang Weiya , Moots Robert J. , Deighton Chris 
Published: May 2010

AbstractObjectiveTo examine the rates of and risk factors for neutropenia together with the dynamics of neutrophil and other white cell subset counts in a cohort of patients treated with a tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitor for inflammatory arthritis.MethodsWe performed a retrospective cohort study examining the association between baseline demographics, clinical features, medications used, and development of neutropenia, and behavior of neutrophil and other white cell subset counts during TNF inhibitor therapy.ResultsIn 367 patients (298 [81.2%] with rheumatoid arthritis, 38 [10.4%] with ankylosing spondylitis, and 31 [8.4%] with psoriatic arthritis), 69 (18.8%) had at least one episode of neutropenia (<2.0 × 109/liter) during TNF inhibitor therapy, and of these, 6% developed serious infections secondary to neutropenia. There was no significant difference in disease, demographic, or drug variables between patients with and without neutropenia. However, patients with neutropenia had significantly lower baseline neutrophil counts (4.2 × 109/liter; 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 3.8, 4.6 versus 6.2 × 109/liter; 95% CI 6.0, 6.5), and a previous history of neutropenia while receiving disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs increased the risk while receiving TNF inhibitors (hazard ratio 2.97; 95% CI 1.69, 5.25). A significant drop in mean neutrophil count (1.12 × 109/liter; 95% CI 0.92, 1.32) was observed after 2 weeks of TNF inhibitor therapy. Other white cell subsets tended to significantly increase.ConclusionTNF inhibitor therapy is associated with a significant reduction in peripheral blood neutrophil count, leading to 19% of patients becoming neutropenic. Risk of neutropenia is significantly higher in patients with a low baseline neutrophil count or previous history of neutropenia. We suggest that patients receiving TNF inhibitor therapy would benefit from regular complete blood cell count monitoring.
Clinical relevance of persistently elevated circulating cytokines (tumor necrosis factor α and interleukin‐6) in the long‐term followup of patients with giant cell arteritis
Authors: García‐Martínez Ana , Hernández‐Rodríguez José , Espígol‐Frigolé Georgina , Prieto‐González Sergio , Butjosa Montserrat , Segarra Marta , Lozano Ester , Cid Maria C. 
Published: May 2010

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the clinical relevance of increased circulating cytokines in patients with giant cell arteritis (GCA) after long‐term followup.MethodsWe performed a cross‐sectional evaluation of 54 patients with biopsy‐proven GCA prospectively followed for a median of 5.4 years (range 4–10.5 years). GCA‐related complications, vascular events, relapses, current prednisone dose, time required to achieve a maintenance prednisone dosage <10 mg/day, cumulated prednisone at that point, and adverse effects during followup were recorded. Serum interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) were determined by immunoassay.ResultsAll patients were in clinical remission. Both cytokines were significantly higher in patients than in controls (mean ± SD 21 ± 35 versus 5 ± 11 pg/ml; P < 0.001 for IL‐6 and mean ± SD 32 ± 14 versus 16 ± 9 pg/ml; P < 0.001 for TNFα). No differences were found in patients with or without GCA‐related complications or vascular events during followup. Circulating cytokines were significantly higher in patients who had experienced relapses (mean ± SD 25 ± 39 versus 10 ± 11 pg/ml; P = 0.04 for IL‐6 and mean ± SD 34 ± 15 versus 25 ± 11 pg/ml; P = 0.042 for TNFα). IL‐6 was significantly higher in patients still requiring prednisone (mean ± SD 29 ± 45 versus 13 ± 17 pg/ml; P = 0.008), and TNFα correlated with cumulated prednisone dose (r = 0.292, P = 0.04). No significant relationship was found between elevated cytokines and prednisone adverse effects or patients' quality of life.ConclusionCirculating TNFα and IL‐6 may persist elevated in GCA patients after long‐term followup and remain higher in patients who have experienced more relapsing disease. However, in this patient cohort, elevated circulating cytokines were not associated with increased frequency of GCA complications, vascular events, or treatment‐related side effects.
Testing Metal‐Oxide Nanomaterials for Human Safety
Authors: Landsiedel Robert , Ma‐Hock Lan , Kroll Alexandra , Hahn Daniela , Schnekenburger Jürgen , Wiench Karin , Wohlleben Wendel 
Published: May 2010

AbstractNanomaterials can display distinct biological effects compared with bulk materials of the same chemical composition. The physico‐chemical characterization of nanomaterials and their interaction with biological media are essential for reliable studies and are reviewed here with a focus on widely used metal oxide and carbon nanomaterials. Available rat inhalation and cell culture studies compared to original results suggest that hazard potential is not determined by a single physico‐chemical property but instead depends on a combination of material properties. Reactive oxygen species generation, fiber shape, size, solubility and crystalline phase are known indicators of nanomaterials biological impact. According to these properties the summarized hazard potential decreases in the order multi‐walled carbon nanotubes >> CeO2, ZnO > TiO2 > functionalized SiO2 > SiO2, ZrO2, carbon black. Enhanced understanding of biophysical properties and cellular effects results in improved testing strategies and enables the selection and production of safe materials.
Liquid Crystalline Elastomers as Actuators and Sensors
Authors: Ohm Christian , Brehmer Martin , Zentel Rudolf 
Published: May 2010

AbstractThis review collects recent developments in the field of liquid crystalline elastomers (LCEs) with an emphasis on their use for actuator and sensor applications. Several synthetic pathways leading to crosslinked liquid crystalline polymers are discussed and how these materials can be oriented into liquid crystalline monodomains are described. By comparing the actuating properties of different systems, general structure–property relationships for LCEs are obtained. In the final section, how these materials can be turned into usable devices using different interdisciplinary techniques are described.
Efficient Tandem Biocatalytic Process for the Kinetic Resolution of Aromatic β‐Amino Acids
Authors: Wu Bian , Szymański Wiktor , de Wildeman Stefaan , Poelarends Gerrit J. , Feringa Ben L. , Janssen Dick B. 
Published: May 2010

AbstractWe describe a simple and efficient enzymatic tandem reaction for the preparation of enantiomerically pure β‐phenylalanine and its analogues from the corresponding racemates. In this process, phenylalanine aminomutase (PAM) catalyzes the stereoselective isomerization of (R)‐β‐phenylalanines to (S)‐α‐phenylalanines, which are in situ transformed to cinnamic acids by phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL). Preparative scale conversions are done with a mutated PAM with enhanced catalytic activity.
Hydrogen/Deuterium Exchange Reactions of Olefins with Deuterium Oxide Mediated by the Carbonylchlorohydrido‐ tris(triphenylphosphine)ruthenium(II) Complex
Authors: Tse Sunny Kai San , Xue Peng , Lin Zhenyang , Jia Guochen 
Published: May 2010

AbstractThe catalytic properties of several ruthenium, osmium and rhodium hydride complexes for hydrogen/deuterium (H/D) exchange between olefins and deuterium oxide (D2O) were investigated. The most effective catalytic precursor was found to be the carbonylchlorohydridotris(triphenylphosphine)ruthenium(II) complex. Through H/D exchange between metal hydride and D2O, and reversible olefin insertion into an RuH(D) bond, protons attached to olefinic carbons and alkyl chains of olefins can all undergo H/D exchange with D2O. The catalytic reactions can be used to deuterate both terminal and internal olefins, for example, styrene, stilbene and cyclooctene.
NETmix®, a new type of static mixer: Experimental characterization and model validation
Authors: Laranjeira Paulo E. , Martins António A. , Nunes Maria Isabel , Lopes José Carlos B. , Dias Madalena M. 
Published: May 2010

AbstractIn a previous article (Laranjeira et al.), a network model was developed to describe and predict the behavior and performance of NETmix®, a new type of static mixer consisting of a network of interconnected chambers and channels. This work reports experimental results on a transparent prototype NETmix® unit constructed to enable the characterization of the mixing mechanisms at the local scale. Tracer flow visualization experiments show that the mixing characteristics in the NETmix® unit depend on the Reynolds number both for macromixing and micromixing. A critical Reynolds number for the onset of mixing was obtained where oscillating flow in the chambers is observed. Chemical reaction experiments were done using test reactions systems that exhibit mixing effects in the final product distribution and selectivity. Reaction selectivity was shown to depend on the reactants injection scheme. Theoretical predictions obtained with the network model were in agreement with experimental data for high Reynolds numbers. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2011
A new model for estimation of the thermal conductivity of polymer/clay nanocomposites
Authors: Mohaddespour Ahmad , Abolghasemi Hossein , Mostaedi Meisam Torab , Habibzadeh Sajjad 
Published: May 2010

AbstractHigh density polyethylene– and polypropylene–clay nanocomposites are synthesized by melt blending, in which polyethylene glycol and polypropylene glycol are used as compatibilizers to increase the space of galleries. The morphology properties of nanocomposites are explored by X‐ray diffraction and transition electron microscopy. The thermal conductivity coefficient (K) of nanocomposites is also measured along with the thermal stability. A conventional model based on developed Maxwell‐Garnett formula is also established to predict the thermal conductivity of polymer/clay nanocomposites with clay loading. Morphology results indicate that two intercalated and exfoliated structures are formed. The established model satisfactorily predicts the K values of nanocomposites for low range of clay content. Thermogravimetric analysis shows remarkable thermal stability of nanocomposites with 10 wt % of clay content. The deviation of our model from experimental result for 10 wt % of clay can be attributed to the intercalated structure of layered silicates into the matrices. Although the K values do not considerably increase in 5 wt % with respect to the increase occurs for 10 wt % of clay, but it increases about 28 and 37% at 50°C for high density polyethylene– and polypropylene–clay nanocomposites, respectively. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Effects of pigments on the UV degradation of wood‐flour/HDPE composites
Authors: Du Hua , Wang Weihong , Wang Qingwen , Zhang Zhengming , Sui Shujuan , Zhang Yanhua 
Published: May 2010

AbstractThe effects of different color pigments on the durability of wood‐flour/high‐density polyethylene composites (WF/HDPE) were evaluated by UV‐accelerated weathering tests. WF/HDPE composites were dyed using three different color inorganic pigments, which were added at 2% based on the weight of the composite. Samples were weathered in Q‐panel UV aging equipment for 1500 h. All samples showed significant fading and color changes in exposed areas. Changes in surface chemistry were studied using spectroscopic techniques. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was used to verify the occurrence of surface oxidation. Changes in carbonyl groups (CO), PE crystallinity, cellulose CO, and lignin aromatic CC were detected by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The results indicate that surface oxidation occurred immediately within exposure 250 h for all samples; the surface of the control WF/HDPE composites was oxidized to a greater extent than that of the dyed WF/HDPE. This suggests that the addition of pigments to the WF/HDPE composites results in less weather‐related damage. The surface configuration observed by scanning electron microscopy revealed that WF/HDPE composites degraded significantly on accelerated UV aging, with dense cracking apparent on the exposed surface. Carbon black had a more positive effect on color stability than the other pigments. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Synthesis and characterization of multiblock copolymer ionomers containing phthalazinone ether ketone and fluorene ether ketone moieties
Authors: Li Xiuhua , Xiao Daili , Meng Yuezhong 
Published: May 2010

AbstractTwo series of sulfonated multiblock copoly(ether‐ketone)s containing phthalazinone ether ketone and fluorene ether ketone moieties have been synthesized successfully by two‐step polycondensation. The water uptakes of the copolymers with varying sized sulfonated poly(phthalazinone ether ketone) block as hydrophilic blocks are moderate. In this series, polymer 10a gave the proton conductivity of 1.20 × 10−3 S/cm with IEC of 1.03. The water uptakes of the copolymers with varying sized sulfonated poly(fluorene ether ketone) blocks as hydrophilic blocks are high than 300%. These copolymers showed better proton conductivity. The copolymers with sulfonated poly(phthalazinone ether ketone) blocks had strong alcohol resistance at refluxing temperature. Whereas the copolymers containing sulfonated poly(fluorene ether ketone) hydrophilic blocks were dissolved in methanol and ethanol. The cast films of the title ionomers were transparent, ductile, and flexible. Moreover, these copolymers demonstrated greatly improved oxidative and thermal stabilities. Especially, the copolymers comprising sulfonated poly(phthalazinone ether ketone) hydrophilic blocks and poly(fluorene ether ketone) hydrophobic blocks is a promising proton exchange membrane material for proton exchange membrane fuel cell used methanol or ethanol as fuel. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Structure and pervaporation performance of novel quaternized poly(vinyl alcohol)/γ‐aminopropyltriethoxysilane hybrid membranes
Authors: Zhang Qiu Gen , Liu Qing Lin , Meng Xiao Juan , Broadwell Ian 
Published: May 2010

AbstractNovel hybrid organic–inorganic membranes were prepared via sol–gel reactions of quaternized poly(vinyl alcohol) (q‐PVA) and γ‐aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTEOS) for pervaporation dehydration of an 85 wt % ethanol solution. The physicochemical structure of the hybrid membranes was characterized by FTIR, XRD, SEM, TG, and TEM. Nanofractal objects originated from self‐assembly of ammonium groups on the q‐PVA chains and amino groups in APTEOS can be observed on the surface of the hybrid membranes. When APTEOS/PVA ratio is 5% (wt/wt), the hybrid membrane has specific nervate networks on its surface and exhibits the highest separation factor. The hybrid membranes have better pervaporation performance than pristine q‐PVA membrane, and their permeation flux was found to increase linearly with increasing APTEOS content. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Preparation of porous silk fibroin microparticles by a water‐in‐oil emulsification‐diffusion method
Authors: Baimark Yodthong , Srihanam Prasong , Srisuwan Yaowalak , Phinyocheep Pranee 
Published: May 2010

AbstractPorous silk fibroin (SF) microparticles were prepared by a simple one‐step water‐in‐oil emulsification‐diffusion method. Aqueous SF solution and organic phase solvent were used as water and oil phases, respectively. Four organic solvents with different water solubility were studied, i.e., ethyl acetate, diethyl ether, dichloromethane, and chloroform. Influences of organic phase solvent, water/oil volume ratio, and SF concentration on SF microparticle characteristics were investigated. It was found that shape of the SF microparticles depended upon the type of organic phase solvent. The SF microparticles with hollow or bowl‐like shape were fabricated when organic solvents with higher water solubility, which are ethyl acetate and diethyl ether, were used as the continuous oil phase. While using organic solvents with lower water solubility, i.e., dichloromethane and chloroform resulted in the spherical shape SF microspheres. The water/oil volume ratios and the SF concentrations did not affect on the bowl‐like and spherical shapes of SF microparticles. Results from scanning electron microscope shows that all the SF microparticle matrices were porous structures. Using ethyl acetate and diethyl ether as the oil phase gave larger SF microparticle sizes than using dichloromethane and chloroform. The influences of water/oil volume ratio and the SF concentration showed slightly effect on the sizes of SF microparticles. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Dynamic mechanical properties of castor oil‐based polyurethane/epoxy graft interpenetrating polymer network composites
Authors: Chen Shoubing , Wang Qihua , Pei Xianqiang , Wang Tingmei 
Published: May 2010

AbstractA series of graft interpenetrating polymer networks (IPNs) were prepared from epoxy (EP) and castor oil‐based polyurethane (PU). The dynamic mechanical properties, as well as the tensile and impact strength, of the IPNs were studied systematically. Results revealed that PU/EP IPNs showed improved damping properties compared with that of EP matrix. In addition, the PU content and testing frequencies had much influence on the damping properties of the IPNs. The IPN composites showed better damping properties with higher PU content or under higher testing frequencies. Mechanical analysis showed that the tensile strength of IPN composites was higher than that of pure EP. However, higher PU content (beyond 5 wt %) impaired the impact strength of the IPNs. It is expected that PU/EP IPNs may be potentially used as structural damping materials. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Hydrothermal Synthesis of Platinum‐Group‐Metal Nanoparticles by Using HEPES as a Reductant and Stabilizer
Authors: So Man‐Ho , Ho Chi‐Ming , Chen Rong , Che Chi‐Ming 
Published: May 2010

AbstractPlatinum‐group‐metal (Ru, Os, Rh, Ir, Pd and Pt) nanoparticles are synthesized in an aqueous buffer solution of 4‐(2‐hydroxyethyl)‐1‐piperazineethanesulfonic acid (HEPES) (200 mM, pH 7.4) under hydrothermal conditions (180 °C). Monodispersed (monodispersity: 11–15 %) metal nanoparticles were obtained with an average particle size of less than 5 nm (Ru: 1.8±0.2, Os: 1.6±0.2, Rh: 4.5±0.5, Ir: 2.0±0.3, Pd: 3.8±0.4, Pt: 1.9±0.2 nm). The size, monodispersity, and stability of the as‐obtained metal nanoparticles were affected by the HEPES concentration, pH of the HEPES buffer solution, and reaction temperature. HEPES with two tertiary amines (piperazine groups) and terminal hydroxyl groups can act as a reductant and stabilizer. The HEPES molecules can bind to the surface of metal nanoparticles to prevent metal nanoparticles from aggregation. These platinum‐group‐metal nanoparticles could be deposited onto the surface of graphite, which catalyzed the aerobic oxidation of alcohols to aldehydes.
Repairing topological inconsistency of mesh sequences
Authors: Feng Wei , Zhang Hongxin , Huang Jin , Wang Caoyu , Bao Hujun 
Published: May 2010

AbstractWe propose a novel approach for repairing topological inconsistency of mesh sequences with a few user interactions. The main idea of our approach is to leverage curve skeletons to detect the inconsistency of a mesh sequence. The skeleton of one mesh in the sequence is edited by user, which produces a prototype skeleton. We propagate this prototype using graph matching in‐between frames. By using temporal coherence cues, the matching procedure can be dramatically accelerated. Finally, the mesh sequence is repaired according to the inconsistencies by comparing matched skeletons and original skeletons. As demonstrated in the results, our approach avoids manually editing in all meshes, and is able to output a mesh sequence with consistent topology. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Eyelid kinematics for virtual characters
Authors: Steptoe William , Oyekoya Oyewole , Steed Anthony 
Published: May 2010

AbstractWhen compared to gaze, animation of the eyelids has been largely overlooked in the computer graphics literature. Eyelid movement plays an important part both in conveying accurate gaze direction and in improving the visual appearance of virtual characters. Eyelids have two major motion components: lid saccades that follow the vertical rotation the eyes, and blinking. Derived from literature in ophthalmology and psychology, this paper presents parametric models for both motion types, and emphasizes their dynamic temporal behaviour. Experimental validation classifies model‐generated animation as similar to that encoded from expensive motion captured data, and significantly exceeding linearly interpolated animation. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rigging transfer
Authors: Seo Jaewoo , Seol Yeongho , Wi Daehyeon , Kim Younghui , Noh Junyong 
Published: May 2010

AbstractRealistic character animation requires elaborate rigging built on top of high quality 3D models. Sophisticated anatomically based rigs are often the choice of visual effect studios where life‐like animation of CG characters is the primary objective. However, rigging a character with a muscular‐skeletal system is very involving and time‐consuming process, even for professionals. Although, there have been recent research efforts to automate either all or some parts of the rigging process, the complexity of anatomically based rigging nonetheless opens up new research challenges. We propose a new method to automate anatomically based rigging that transfers an existing rig of one character to another. The method is based on a data interpolation in the surface and volume domain, where various rigging elements can be transferred between different models. As it only requires a small number of corresponding input feature points, users can produce highly detailed rigs for a variety of desired character with ease. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Animation transplantation
Authors: Süßmuth Jochen , Zollhöfer Michael , Greiner Günther 
Published: May 2010

AbstractWe present a novel method to animate a static geometry by cloning a captured animation sequence. More precisely, given a sequence of range scans of a deforming object which has been captured by a real‐time 3D scanner, we describe a novel algorithm to clone the animation of the recorded geometry onto another triangle mesh. To achieve this, we reconstruct a coherent animated mesh of the input sequence using a template deformation approach. Then we employ a new algorithm for robust marker‐less non‐rigid registration to deform one frame of the generated animation such that it matches a different 3D model. The resulting registration is further used to find correspondences between the animation and the target object which are in turn used to transfer the animation of the recorded sequence onto the target shape. Transferring the entire geometry of the animations results in very convincing facial expressions since even the smallest expression wrinkles are preserved. We evaluate the robustness and the performance of the proposed algorithms using a variety of data sets, including facial animations and whole body animations. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.