bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Oligomer ethylene glycol based electrolytes for dye‐sensitized solar cell
Authors: Lan Zhang , Wu Jihuai , Lin Jianming , Huang Miaoliang 
Published: January 2011

AbstractOligomer ethylene glycol (O‐EG) based electrolytes without volatile components were prepared and used in dye‐sensitized solar cell (DSSC). The characteristics such as viscosity, ionic conductivity, and ionic activation energy of O‐EG based electrolytes including liquid, gel and solid states were investigated and compared. It is found that the gel and solid O‐EG electrolytes have two Ea values with the changed phase state by going with the increased temperature, and they can increase the onset of applied voltage for generating dark current in DSSCs as from 0.222 V with liquid O‐EG electrolyte to 0.420 V with gel and solid O‐EG electrolytes, which results in the enhanced light‐to‐electricity conversion efficiency from 1.4% with liquid to 1.82% with gel and 1.86% with solid electrolytes. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Synthesis and thermal properties of poly(n‐butyl acrylate)/n‐hexadecane microcapsules using different cross‐linkers and their application to textile fabrics
Authors: Alay Sennur , Göde Fethiye , Alkan Cemil 
Published: January 2011

AbstractThis study focused on the preparation, characterization, and determination of thermal properties of microencapsulated n‐hexadecane with poly(butyl acrylate) (PBA) to be used in textiles with heat storage property. Microcapsules were synthesized by emulsion polymerization method, and the particle size, particle size distribution, shape, and thermal storage/release properties of the synthesized microcapsules were analyzed using Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry techniques. Allyl methacrylate, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate, and glycidyl methacrylate were used as cross‐linkers to produce unimodal particle size distribution. MicroPBA microcapsules produced using allyl methacrylate cross‐linker were applied to 100% cotton and 50/50% cotton/polyester blend fabrics by pad‐cure method. The mean particle size of microcapsules ranges from 0.47 to 4.25 μm. Differential scanning calorimetry analysis indicated that hexadecane in the microcapsules melts at nearly 17°C and crystallizes at around 15°C. The contents of n‐hexadecane of different PBA microcapsules were in the range of 27.7–50.7%, and the melting enthalpies for these ratios were between 65.67 and 120.16 J/g, respectively. The particle size and thermal properties of microcapsules changed depending on the cross‐linker type. The cotton and 50/50% cotton/polyester blend fabrics stored 6.56 and 28.59 J/g thermal energy, respectively. The results indicated that PBA microcapsules have the potential to be used as a solid‐state thermal energy storage material in fabrics. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Quantification of thermal material degradation during the processing of biomedical thermoplastics
Authors: Ragaert Kim , Dekeyser Arne , Cardon Ludwig , Degrieck Joris 
Published: January 2011

AbstractThree‐dimensional plotting, a melt‐based technique that involves the guided deposition of extruded filaments, is a promising method for the manufacture of thermoplastic scaffolds for tissue engineering. However, the polymer degrades during processing because of a prolonged residence time at an elevated temperature in the dispensing head before actual extrusion. This thermal degradation has been attributed to random chain scission; in this research, it has been quantified as a function of the residence time for a selection of polylactide‐based polymers. The utilized techniques include thermogravimetric analysis (overall mass loss), differential scanning calorimetry (glass‐transition, melting, and recrystallization temperatures), gel permeation chromatography (molecular mass), and inherent viscosity measurements. Experiments have shown that a static heating interval greater than 6 h is sufficient to destroy the molecular chain integrity of poly(l‐lactide) and poly(d,l‐lactide). Copolymers with poly(ε‐caprolactone) and poly(glycolic acid) are more resilient to thermal loading but are still severely affected. Overall, the differential scanning calorimetry results have been judged to be a good source of complementary data for the quantification of the degradation phenomenon, whereas inherent viscosity measurements have been confirmed to be related to the gel permeation chromatography results, which indicate shortening of the polymer chain. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Surface, tribological, and mechanical characterization of synthetic skins for tribological applications in cosmetic science
Authors: Bhushan Bharat , Tang Wei 
Published: January 2011

AbstractSynthetic skin as an ideal human‐tissue substitute is needed for the research and assessment of hair‐ and skin‐care products. In this study, a systematic study was carried out of the surface, tribological, and mechanical properties of two synthetic skins and rat skin with and without skin‐cream treatment with scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and a nanoindenter. The film thickness, adhesive force, coefficient of friction, surface roughness, and contact angle of the two synthetic skins and rat skin were comparable. The hardness of one synthetic skin was more similar to rat skin. After treatment with skin cream, the trends of the properties of the two synthetic skins and rat skin were similar. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Surface attachment of horseradish peroxidase to nylon modified by plasma‐immersion ion implantation
Authors: Kondyurin Alexey , Nosworthy Neil J. , Bilek Marcela M. M. , Jones Robert , Pigram Paul J. 
Published: January 2011

AbstractThe surface of polyamide (nylon 6) was modified by plasma‐immersion ion implantation (PIII) with nitrogen ions. Structural changes associated with carbonization, oxidation, and depolymerization were observed in the modified surface layer with Fourier transform infrared/attenuated total reflection (FTIR–ATR) spectroscopy, surface energy measurements, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The enzyme activity of surface‐attached horseradish peroxidase was studied with a tetramethylbenzidine colorimetric activity assay. Compared to untreated controls, the PIII‐treated surface showed a higher level of the attached protein with increased longevity of bioactivity. Detection of the immobilized protein layer was made difficult by the presence of amide groups in nylon. Here we demonstrate the potential of combining FTIR–ATR spectroscopy with XPS measurements for this purpose. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 120:2891–2903, 2011
Role of interleukin‐6 in a patient with tumor necrosis factor receptor–associated periodic syndrome: Assessment of outcomes following treatment with the anti–interleukin‐6 receptor monoclonal antibody tocilizumab
Authors: Vaitla Prashantha M. , Radford Paul M. , Tighe Patrick J. , Powell Richard J. , McDermott Elizabeth M. , Todd Ian , Drewe Elizabeth 
Published: January 2011

AbstractIn this report, we describe treatment outcomes in the first case of a patient with tumor necrosis factor receptor–associated periodic syndrome (TRAPS) treated with the anti–interleukin‐6 (anti–IL‐6) receptor monoclonal antibody tocilizumab. Since IL‐6 levels are elevated in TRAPS, we hypothesized that tocilizumab might be effective. The patient, a 52‐year‐old man with lifelong TRAPS in whom treatment with etanercept and anakinra had failed, was administered tocilizumab for 6 months, and the therapeutic response was assessed by measurement of monocyte CD16 expression and cytokine levels. Following treatment, the evolving acute attack was aborted and further attacks of TRAPS were prevented. The patient did not require corticosteroids and showed significant clinical improvement in scores for pain, stiffness, and well‐being. Moreover, the acute‐phase response diminished significantly with treatment. Monocyte CD16 expression was reduced and the numbers of circulating CD14+CD16+ and CD14++CD16− monocytes were transiently decreased. However, cytokine levels were not reduced. This case supports the notion of a prominent role for IL‐6 in mediating the inflammatory attacks in TRAPS, but blockade of IL‐6 did not affect the underlying pathogenesis. These preliminary findings require confirmation.
Tumor necrosis factor blocking therapy alters joint inflammation and hypoxia
Authors: Kennedy Aisling , Ng Chin Teck , Chang Ting Cheng , Biniecka Monika , O'Sullivan Jacintha N. , Heffernan Eric , Fearon Ursula , Veale Douglas J. 
Published: January 2011

AbstractObjectiveTo examine the effect of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) blocking therapy on hypoxia in vivo, macroscopic and microscopic inflammation, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) results in patients with inflammatory arthritis.MethodsPatients with inflammatory arthritis (n = 20) underwent full clinical assessment, arthroscopy, synovial biopsy, and MRI before and after initiation of biologic therapy. Macroscopic synovitis/vascularity was assessed with a visual analog scale, and tissue PO2 (tPO2) was measured at arthroscopy using a Licox probe. Cell‐specific markers (CD4, CD8, CD68, CD20, and CD19) and blood vessel maturity were quantified by immunohistologic analysis and dual‐immunofluorescence factor VIII/α‐smooth muscle actin staining, respectively. Contiguous gadoteric acid–enhanced MRI of the target knee was used to assess synovial enhancement.ResultsBiologic therapy responders showed a significant increase of tPO2 in vivo (P < 0.05). This response was associated with significant reductions in 28‐joint Disease Activity Score using the C‐reactive protein level (DAS28‐CRP) (P = 0.012), macroscopic synovitis (P = 0.017), macroscopic vascularity (P = 0.05), CD4+ T cells (P < 0.041), and CD68+ macrophages (P < 0.011). Blood vessel numbers were also reduced in responders; however, this did not reach statistical significance. Strong inverse correlations were demonstrated between changes in tPo2 levels and changes in DAS28‐CRP (r = −0.53, P < 0.001), CD4 (r = −0.44, P < 0.026), CD68 (r = −0.46, P < 0.003), and macroscopic vascularity (r = −0.314, P = 0.049) after therapy. Furthermore, changes in inflammation as measured by MRI showed a strong inverse correlation with tPO2 levels (r = −0.688, P < 0.002) and positive correlations with CRP levels (r = 0.707, P = 0.001), macroscopic synovitis (r = 0.457, P = 0.056), macroscopic vascularity (r = 0.528, P= 0.017), CD4 (r = 0.553, P < 0.032), and CD68 (r = 0.670, P < 0.002) after therapy.ConclusionThis is the first study to show that successful biologic therapy significantly improves in vivo synovial hypoxia. Changes are strongly associated with changes in macroscopic and microscopic measures of joint inflammation and MRI improvement. These data further strengthen the concept that hypoxia is an important event driving synovial inflammation.
Type I interferon–dependent CD86high marginal zone precursor B cells are potent T cell costimulators in mice
Authors: Wang John H. , Wu Qi , Yang PingAr , Li Hao , Li Jun , Mountz John D. , Hsu Hui‐Chen 
Published: January 2011

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the role of CD86high marginal zone (MZ) precursor B cells in type I interferon (IFN)–induced T cell–dependent responses in autoimmune BXD2 mice.MethodsConfocal microscopic imaging was used to determine the location of plasmacytoid dendritic cells (DCs), MZ precursor B cells, and CD4 T cells in the spleens of BXD2 and BXD2‐Ifnar−/− mice. Immunohistochemical staining was used to determine IgGbright cells in the spleens of BXD2 and BXD2‐Ifnar−/− mice. Enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay was used to determine serum levels of IFNα and autoantibodies, and 4‐hydroxy‐3‐nitrophenylacetyl hapten (NP)–chicken γ‐globulin (CGG) (NP‐CGG)– or NP‐Ficoll–induced anti‐NP2 antibody titers. Real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to determine the levels of type I IFN transcripts. T cell proliferation was measured using 3H‐thymidine. The expression of CD86 and CD80 was determined by fluorescence‐activated cell sorting analysis.ResultsThe deletion of type I IFN receptor abrogated the development of IgGbright cells and suppressed a T cell–dependent antibody response. Type I IFN signaling was associated with the expression of CD86, but not CD80, on follicular, MZ, and MZ precursor B cells. However, MZ precursor B cells demonstrated the highest expression of CD86 and the highest capacity for T cell costimulation with intact type I IFN receptor. This effect was blocked by an antibody that neutralizes CD86. In IFN receptor–intact BXD2 mouse spleens, MZ precursor B cells clustered at the T cell–B cell border. CD86 deletion suppressed germinal center formation, autoantibody production, and development of autoimmune diseases in BXD2 mice.ConclusionType I IFN can promote autoimmune responses in BXD2 mice through up‐regulation of CD86high expression on MZ precursor B cells and trafficking of MZ precursor B cells to the T cell–B cell border to provide costimulation of CD4 T cells.
Genome‐wide association study of rheumatoid arthritis in Koreans: Population‐specific loci as well as overlap with European susceptibility loci
Authors: Freudenberg Jan , Lee Hye‐Soon , Han Bok‐Ghee , Shin Hyoung Do , Kang Young Mo , Sung Yoon‐Kyoung , Shim Seung‐Cheol , Choi Chan‐Bum , Lee Annette T. , Gregersen Peter K. , Bae Sang‐Cheol 
Published: January 2011

AbstractObjectiveTo perform a genome‐wide association study (GWAS) in Koreans in order to identify susceptibility loci for rheumatoid arthritis (RA).MethodsWe generated high‐quality genotypes for 441,398 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 801 RA cases and 757 controls. We then tested 79 markers from 46 loci for replication in an independent sample of 718 RA cases and 719 controls.ResultsGenome‐wide significance (P < 5 × 10–08) was attained by markers from the major histocompatibility complex region and from the PADI4 gene. The replication data showed nominal association signals (P < 5 × 10–02) for markers from 11 of the 46 replicated loci, greatly exceeding random expectation. Genes that were most significant in the replication stage and in the combined analysis include the known European RA loci BLK, AFF3, and CCL21. Thus, in addition to the previously associated STAT4 alleles, variants at these three loci may contribute to RA not only among Europeans, but also among Asians. In addition, we observed replication signals near the genes PTPN2, FLI1, ARHGEF3, LCP2, GPR137B, TRHDE, and CGA1. Based on the excess of small P values in the replication stage study, we estimate that more than half of these loci are genuine RA susceptibility genes. Finally, we systematically analyzed the presence of association signals in Koreans at established European RA loci, which showed a significant enrichment of European RA loci among the Korean RA loci.ConclusionGenetic risk for RA involves both population‐specific loci as well as many shared genetic susceptibility loci in comparisons of Asian and European populations.
Enhanced molecular chaperone activity of the small heat‐shock protein αB‐crystallin following covalent immobilization onto a solid‐phase support
Authors: Garvey Megan , Griesser Stefani S. , Griesser Hans J. , Thierry Benjamin , Nussio Matthew R. , Shapter Joseph G. , Ecroyd Heath , Giorgetti Sofia , Bellotti Vittorio , Gerrard Juliet A. , Carver John A. 
Published: January 2011

AbstractThe well‐characterized small heat‐shock protein, αB‐crystallin, acts as a molecular chaperone by interacting with unfolding proteins to prevent their aggregation and precipitation. Structural perturbation (e.g., partial unfolding) enhances the in vitro chaperone activity of αB‐crystallin. Proteins often undergo structural perturbations at the surface of a synthetic material, which may alter their biological activity. This study investigated the activity of αB‐crystallin when covalently bound to a support surface; αB‐crystallin was immobilized onto a range of solid material surfaces, and its characteristics and chaperone activity were assessed. Immobilization was achieved via a plasma‐deposited thin polymeric interlayer containing aldehyde surface groups and reductive amination, leading to the covalent binding of αB‐crystallin lysine residues to the surface aldehyde groups via Schiff‐base linkages. Immobilized αB‐crystallin was characterized by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, and quartz crystal microgravimetry, which showed that ∼300 ng cm−2 (dry mass) of oligomeric αB‐crystallin was bound to the surface. Immobilized αB‐crystallin exhibited a significant enhancement (up to 5000‐fold, when compared with the equivalent activity of αB‐crystallin in solution) of its chaperone activity against various proteins undergoing both amorphous and amyloid fibril forms of aggregation. The enhanced molecular chaperone activity of immobilized αB‐crystallin has potential applications in preventing protein misfolding, including against amyloid disease processes, such as dialysis‐related amyloidosis, and for biodiagnostic detection of misfolded proteins. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 95: 376–389, 2011
Oxidation of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons with Hydrogen Peroxide in the Presence of Transition Metal Mono‐Substituted Keggin‐Type Polyoxometalates
Authors: Estrada Ana C. , Simões Mário M. Q. , Santos Isabel C. M. S. , Neves M. Graça P. M. S. , Cavaleiro José A. S. , Cavaleiro Ana M. V. 
Published: January 2011

AbstractThe oxidation of anthracene, naphthalene, 1‐ethylnaphthalene, and 2‐ethylnaphthalene with environmentally benign hydrogen peroxide has been studied in the presence of the tetrabutylammonium salts of iron and manganese mono‐substituted Keggin‐type polyoxometalates [XW11M(H2O)O39]n− (X=P, Si, or B, M=MnIII or FeIII). The reactions were performed under homogeneous conditions at 80 °C, using acetonitrile as the solvent. For all the catalysts studied, anthracene was selectively oxidized to 9,10‐anthraquinone at 100 % conversion in the presence of [BW11Mn(H2O)O39]6−. The oxidation of 1‐ethylnaphthalene and 2‐ethylnaphthalene occurs mainly at the alkyl substituent, along with the formation of phthalic anhydrides, which resulted from aromatic ring oxidation, with iron substituted anions. Naphthalene could not be oxidized with the conditions used. To understand the reaction pathways, the oxidation of several products was performed in the presence of [PW11Fe(H2O)O39]4−. Under the conditions used, the oxidation of vinylnaphthalene derivatives gave rise to mainly carbon–carbon double‐bond cleavage, affording the corresponding naphthaldehydes in high yields (>67 %). Possible reaction pathways are presented and the role of different catalysts is discussed.
Continued azacitidine therapy beyond time of first response improves quality of response in patients with higher‐risk myelodysplastic syndromes
Authors: Silverman Lewis R. , Fenaux Pierre , Mufti Ghulam J. , Santini Valeria , Hellström‐Lindberg Eva , Gattermann Norbert , Sanz Guillermo , List Alan F. , Gore Steven D. , Seymour John F. 
Published: January 2011

AbstractBACKGROUND:In the AZA‐001 trial, azacitidine (75 mg/m2/d subcutaneously for Days 1‐7 of every 28‐day cycle) demonstrated improved survival compared with conventional care regimens in patients with International Prognostic Scoring System‐defined intermediate‐2‐ or high‐risk myelodysplastic syndrome and World Health Organization‐defined acute myeloid leukemia with 20% to 30% bone marrow blasts.METHODS:This secondary analysis of the AZA‐001 phase 3 study evaluated the time to first response and the potential benefit of continued azacitidine treatment beyond first response in responders.RESULTS:Overall, 91 of 179 patients achieved a response to azacitidine; responding patients received a median of 14 treatment cycles (range, 2‐30). Median time to first response was 2 cycles (range, 1‐16). Although 91% of first responses occurred by 6 cycles, continued azacitidine improved response category in 48% of patients. Best response was achieved by 92% of responders by 12 cycles. Median time from first response to best response was 3.5 cycles (95% confidence interval [CI], 3.0‐6.0) in 30 patients who ultimately achieved a complete response, and 3.0 cycles (95% CI, 1.0‐3.0) in 21 patients who achieved a partial response.CONCLUSIONS:Continued azacitidine therapy in responders was associated with a quantitative increase in response to a higher response category in 48% of patients, and therefore may enhance clinical benefit in patients with higher‐risk MDS. Cancer 2011. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
Patient‐reported receipt of and interest in smoking‐cessation interventions after a diagnosis of cancer
Authors: Cooley Mary E. , Emmons Karen M. , Haddad Robert , Wang Qian , Posner Marshall , Bueno Raphael , Cohen Tiffany‐Jen , Johnson Bruce E. 
Published: January 2011

AbstractBACKGROUND:Smoking cessation is essential after the diagnosis of cancer to enhance clinical outcomes. Although effective smoking‐cessation treatments are available, <50% of smokers with cancer report receiving treatment. Reasons for the low dissemination of such treatment are unclear.METHODS:Data were collected from questionnaires and medical record reviews from 160 smokers or recent quitters with lung or head and neck cancer. Descriptive statistics, Cronbach alpha coefficients, and logistic regression were used in the analyses. The median age of participants was 57 years, 63% (n = 101) were men, 93% (n = 149) were white, and 57% (n = 91) had lung cancer.RESULTS:Eight‐six percent (n = 44) of smokers and 75% (n = 82) of recent quitters reported that healthcare providers gave advice to quit smoking. Sixty‐five percent (n = 33) of smokers and 47% (n = 51) of recent quitters reported that they were offered assistance from their healthcare providers to quit smoking. Fifty‐one percent (n = 26) of smokers and 20% (n = 22) of recent quitters expressed an interest in a smoking‐cessation program. An individualized smoking‐cessation program was the preferred type of program. Among smokers, younger patients with early stage disease and those with partners who were smokers were more interested in programs.CONCLUSIONS:Although the majority of patients received advice and were offered assistance to quit smoking, approximately 50% of smokers were interested in cessation programs. Innovative approaches to increase interest in cessation programs need to be developed and tested in this population. Cancer 2011. © 2011 American Cancer Society.