bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Epidemiologic, Clinical and Socioeconomic Study of Cuban Women with Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Real-González Yanely , Cabrera-Gómez José A. , Romero-García Karina , Corominas Martha Cristófol 
Published: May 2012

Multiple sclerosis is one of the main causes of disability among young Cuban women. The objective of these studies was to evaluate the clinical and social economic status of Cuban women with MS. First, an epidemiological case-control study was conducted among 50 women with clinically definite MS (by Poser criteria). The controls were women ranging from 15 to 65 years who were matched for age. Data collection forms were modified from Boiko's guidelines. Risk factors for MS included having two or more children (OR = 2.84; 95% CI = 1.22–6.59), acute stress (OR = 3.76; 95% CI = 1.64–8.62), and insomnia (OR = 2.95; 95% CI = 1.14–7.14).
A disability and socioeconomic analysis was conducted based on data from the Cuban Computed Register of MS (CUBARMS) of 271 women with clinically definite MS as defined by Poser or McDonald criteria. Most were between 31 and 50 years of age (61.2%) and Caucasian (73.06%). There were antecedents of familial psychiatric diseases (34.69%), neurological disorders (26.57%), general autoimmune diseases (21.7%), and MS (7.85%). Triggered factors at onset of MS were present in 56%, the most frequent being acute stress (52%). 169 patients (62.36%) drank coffee. Main initial symptoms of MS were weakness in limbs (51.66%); numbness of limbs (28.04%); poor balance (20.3%); blurred vision (18.81%); and paresthesias (18.81%). The most frequent symptoms of MS in women at the time of their medical consultation included weakness of limbs (71.59%); numbness (29.15%); paresthesias (28.41%); fatigue (24.73%); poor balance (23.62%); loss of vision (22.51%); rigidity (22.14%); blurred vision (17.71%); incontinence (16.97%); lack of coordination (16.24%); memory disorders (14.39%); and depression (12.92%).
Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores ranged between 1 and 6.5 in 78.6% of patients, while Scripps Neurological Rating Scale (SNRS) scores ranged between 61 and 80 in 69.9%. In terms of social status, 58.3% were married; 33.9% were single or divorced; 32% had a high school education; 29.1% had university-level education, and 21% had secondary education. Over half (53.1%) were unemployed; 18% of female MS patients lived alone, and 48.6% received a monthly income between 100 and 401 pesos. The data gathered in these studies highlight the importance of improving knowledge of MS in Cuba, mainly in the primary care setting, in order to increase early diagnosis. With these data, we expect to achieve a better quality of life for female MS patients, thus improving their socioeconomic and work status. A program is in progress to improve the primary medical attention, disability, handicap, quality of life, and socioeconomic status of Cuban women with MS.
Atom Probe Tomography and Field Ion Microscopy
Authors: Miller M. K. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractAtom probe tomography is a characterization technique for the analysis of the microstructure of materials at the atomic level. The basic concepts of atom probe tomography and field ion microscopy, the implementations of a field ion microscope and a three‐dimensional atom probe, including the state‐of‐the‐art local electrode atom probe, and laser and voltage pulsing methods of field evaporation are outlined in this chapter. Methods of atom probe tomography specimen preparation by electropolishing and focused ion beam methods are described. An overview of data visualization and analysis as well as data mining techniques is presented.
Body mass index and the rheumatoid arthritis swollen joint count: An observational study
Authors: Caplan Liron , Davis Lisa A. , Bright Christina M. , Kerr Gail S. , Lazaro Deana M. , Khan Nasim A. , Richards J. Steuart , Johnson Dannette S. , Cannon Grant W. , Reimold Andreas M. , Mikuls Ted R. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractObjectiveObesity is a prevalent condition and a serious health concern. The relationship between obesity and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) disease activity and severity has not been adequately examined, and there are concerns that periarticular adipose tissue may reduce the utility of the joint examination.MethodsWe used a cross‐sectional study to compare the performance of swollen joint count (SJC) in subjects with RA across body mass index (BMI) strata. Specifically, regression techniques tested for associations of SJC and 7 RA disease activity/severity measures (including high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein level, radiographic changes, and Multidimensional Health Assessment Questionnaire scores) within BMI quartiles. We also evaluated the association of BMI with radiographic evidence of RA in multivariate analyses and the association of BMI with SJC. Clinical and laboratory data from 980 Veterans Affairs Rheumatoid Arthritis registry participants were analyzed using linear and logistic regression.ResultsAssociations were evident between SJC and 6 of the 7 examined RA disease activity/severity measures. SJC predicts RA disease activity/severity in more obese subjects at least as well as in subjects with lower BMIs, and there was a trend toward better performance in individuals with higher BMIs. Subjects with higher BMIs were marginally less likely to be characterized by radiographic changes (odds ratio 0.98, P = 0.051). We found no association between BMI and SJC.ConclusionBMI does not obscure the relationship of SJC and objective disease activity measures. There is a borderline association of higher BMI and the likelihood of radiographic changes characteristic of RA after controlling for clinical characteristics.
Impaired functional status in primary Sjögren's syndrome
Authors: Hackett Katie L. , Newton Julia L. , Frith James , Elliott Chris , Lendrem Dennis , Foggo Heather , Edgar Suzanne , Mitchell Sheryl , Ng Wan‐Fai 
Published: May 2012

AbstractObjectiveSeveral studies have demonstrated that primary Sjögren's syndrome (SS) is associated with reduced productivity; however, the impact of primary SS on daily function is not fully understood. This study aims to assess the physical function of primary SS patients and determine the relationship between the functional impairment experienced by primary SS patients and disease activity, patient‐reported symptoms, and quality of life.MethodsSixty‐nine primary SS patients from a specialist clinical service were assessed for their functional ability (Improved Health Assessment Questionnaire [HAQ]), dryness, pain, and overall primary SS–related symptom burden; systemic disease activity; levels of fatigue, daytime somnolence, anxiety, and depression symptoms; quality of life; and systemic inflammation (erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C‐reactive protein [CRP] level). Data were compared to 69 healthy volunteers matched for age and sex.ResultsPrimary SS patients experienced greater functional impairment than controls (Improved HAQ total scores: mean ± SD 24 ± 25 for primary SS versus 9 ± 19 for controls; P = 0.0002) across all domains of activity. In primary SS, functional impairment was significantly associated with physical fatigue (P < 0.0001, R2 = 0.3), pain (P < 0.0001, R2 = 0.3), depression (P < 0.0001, R2 = 0.3), total symptom burden (P < 0.0001, R2 = 0.3), systemic disease activity (P = 0.002, R2 = 0.15), quality of life (P < 0.0001, R2 = 0.3), dryness (P = 0.002, R2 = 0.12), daytime somnolence (P = 0.02, R2 = 0.08), anxiety score (P = 0.03, R2 = 0.07), and CRP level (P = 0.04, R2 = 0.06). Only CRP level is independently associated with functional impairment (β = 0.38, P = 0.025).ConclusionPrimary SS patients experience significant functional disability compared to age‐matched healthy controls. Impaired function is associated with reduced quality of life and symptoms such as pain, fatigue, and depression, as well as disease activity, illustrating the importance of optimal management of all aspects of the disease.
Physically Based Fatigue Assessment of the Nodular Cast Iron ASTM 80‐55‐06 (EN‐GJS‐600) at Different Testing Frequencies
Authors: Germann Holger , Starke Peter , Eifler Dietmar 
Published: May 2012

AbstractFor the fatigue assessment of the nodular cast iron ASTM 80‐55‐06 (EN‐GJS‐600) stress‐controlled fatigue tests were performed at testing frequencies of f = 5 and 150 Hz. Mechanical (f = 5 Hz), temperature, electrical resistance, and frequency (f = 150 Hz) measurements during cyclic loading provide the possibility to get detailed information about fatigue processes like cyclic hardening or graphite‐matrix debonding. Temperature measurements are well suitable to evaluate the influence of the testing frequency on the cyclic deformation behavior. Increasing testing frequencies result in higher values of the change in temperature caused by the increasing heat dissipation per second. On the basis of the measured data from only three fatigue tests the fatigue life calculation method “PHYBALLIT” (Load Increase Tests) can be applied on the investigated cast iron. Woehler (S–N) curves calculated for testing frequencies of 5 and 150 Hz yield an excellent accordance with conventionally determined ones. The application of this short‐time procedure leads to enormous scientific and economic advantages.
Hierarchical Polymer Microlattice Structures
Authors: Doty Robert E. , Kolodziejska Joanna A. , Jacobsen Alan J. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractIn this paper, we describe a rapid method for fabricating a low density polymer microlattice with structural organization on two length scales. The topology of this hierarchical cellular structure is achieved through the in situ formation of a microlattice with small‐scale lattice members (≈100 µm diameter) within a microlattice with approximately 12 times larger feature sizes. Compression experiments suggest that an increase in the specific plateau stress is realized by the introduction of hierarchy.
Rapid Synthesis of Wettability Gradient on Copper for Improved Drop‐Wise Condensation
Authors: Huang Zhi , Lu Yuxuan , Qin Hanshi , Yang Bing , Hu Xuejiao 
Published: May 2012

AbstractWe describe a simple method of making wettability gradients for the first time on copper using temperature controlled surface oxidation. The temperatures of the sample copper sheet are controlled to change from 330 to 620 K for a distance of 36 mm, with the presence of oxygen (air). Cone‐like Cu2O nanostructures are grown on the sample surface due to surface oxidation. Since the rate of oxidation varies with temperatures, the heights of the produced nanocones increase gradually from the cold end to the hot end, which create a wettability gradient in between, with water contact angles changing from 88° (the cold end) to 18° (the hot end). The same method can also be used for copper wires and tubes. Due to the extensive use of metal materials in industry, the technique presented here may have great importance for practical applications. The produced wettability gradient on copper, as an example, is demonstrated to be able to enhance water condensation rate up to 30%, depending on the direction of the gradient relative to gravity.
Multiple Self‐Assembly Functional Structures Based on Versatile Binding Sites of β‐Lactoglobulin
Authors: Hendler Netta , Belgorodsky Bogdan , Mentovich Elad D. , Richter Shachar , Fadeev Ludmila , Gozin Michael 
Published: May 2012

AbstractIn recent years, research in the field of protein‐based fibrils gained a great attention due to use of these materials as building blocks for construction of functional synthetic biofilms. Yet, efficient and general methodology for preparation of orderly‐doped fibrils with desired properties, made of protein‐dopant/ligand complexes, still remains a significant challenge. In this manuscript, it is demonstrated that the β‐lactoglobulin (β‐Lg) protein can form stable and well‐defined complexes with linear retinoic acid, discotic protoporphyrine IX and spherical carboxyfullerene ligands (dopants). Upon heating these β‐Lg complexes under acidic conditions, formation of orderly‐doped fibrils, which partially preserved ligand‐specific stoichiometries and modes of binding (of the parent protein‐dopant complexes), is observed. These results present a new synthetic methodology, which complements other reported approaches for preparation of the protein‐based doped fibrils, by surface functionalization and by post‐assembly modulation techniques. A combination of ordered self‐assembly nano‐structures, with chemical versatility of the orderly‐doped protein‐based fibrils, represents a new method for construction of novel multifunctional materials in a bottom‐up fashion. Preparation of composite β‐Lg‐complex fibrils by the co‐assembly process, using β‐Lg building blocks that already incorporate various organic ligands inside, is unprecedented.
Polymer Microparticles Exhibit Size and Shape Dependent Accumulation around the Nucleus after Endocytosis
Authors: Kolhar Poornima , Mitragotri Samir 
Published: May 2012

AbstractParticulate drug delivery has received significant attention in the last few decades. The effect of particle properties such as size, shape and surface properties on particle‐cell interaction has been studied. Here, intracellular accumulation and subsequent spatial segregation of spherical and rod shaped microparticles is investigated. It is observed that both spherical and rod shaped particles exhibit perinuclear accumulation. However, when the cells are fed with binary mixtures of particles, they spatially segregate in the cytoplasm based on their shape and size. Larger particles exhibit preferential accumulation closer to the nucleus. These results have potential implications in understanding the biophysical forces operating in the cells that impact the intracellular organization of drug carriers as well as organelles.
Nanopatterning of Anionic Nanoparticles based on Magnetic Prussian‐Blue Analogues
Authors: Coronado Eugenio , Forment‐Aliaga Alicia , Pinilla‐Cienfuegos Elena , Tatay Sergio , Catala Laure , Plaza José A. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractPrussian‐blue analogues (PBA) are a family of molecule‐based magnetic compounds of general formula AxMy[M’(CN)6]z, whose magnetic properties can be tuned by an external stimulus. This tunability makes PBA good candidates for their integration into new electronic or spintronic devices. As a previous step to accomplish this integration, PBA need to be deposited onto surfaces in controllable ways and if possible into specific positions on the surface. Even though the study of PBA has traditionally been limited to bulk, lately they have also been processed as nanoparticles (NPs). Here an efficient approach is presented for the accurate deposition and organization of PBA‐NPs of different sizes (from ∼6 to ∼25 nm) over silicon surfaces. The approach used in this work, relies on a combination of surface functionalization with local oxidation nanolithography (LON) and uses electrostatic interactions between PBA‐NPs and a charged self‐assembled monolayer patterned on specific parts of the silicon surface. By using atomic force microscopy (AFM), magnetometry, infrared spectroscopy (IR) and auger electron spectroscopy (AES) we show that the deposition process does not affect NPs properties. In addition, we present a study on the evolution of AFM nanolithographed SiO2 patterns under sonication.
Copper‐Catalyzed Domino Synthesis of Isoquinolino[2,3‐a]quinazolinones
Authors: Liu Tao , Zhu Chongyu , Yang Haijun , Fu Hua 
Published: May 2012

AbstractA copper‐catalyzed domino method for synthesis of isoquinolino[2,3‐a]quinazolinones has been developed using readily available, substituted methyl 2‐(2‐haloobenzamido)benzoates and nitriles as the starting materials. The domino process comprises an Ullmann‐type C‐arylation, intramolecular addition of NH with CN, and nucleophilic attack of amino to ester group. The inexpensive, convenient and efficient copper‐catalyzed method should provide a new and useful strategy for constructing nitrogen heterocycles.
Non‐Aqueous and Hybrid Li‐O2 Batteries
Authors: Black Robert , Adams Brian , Nazar L. F. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractWith the increasing importance of electrified transport, the need for high energy density storage is also increasing. Possible candidates include Li‐O2 batteries, which are the subject of rapidly increasing focus worldwide despite being in their infancy of understanding. This excitement owes to the high energy density of Li‐O2 (up to 2‐3 kWh kg−1), theoretically much higher compared to that of other rechargeable systems, and the open “semi‐fuel” cell battery configuration that uses oxygen as the positive electrode material. To bring Li‐O2 batteries closer to reality as viable energy storage devices, and to attain suitable power delivery, understanding of the underlying chemistry is essential. Several concepts have been proposed in the last year to account for the function and target future design of Li‐O2 batteries and these are reviewed. An overview is given of the efforts to understand oxygen reduction/evolution and capacity limitations in these systems, and of electrode and electrolyte materials that are suitable for non‐aqueous and hybrid (nonaqueous/aqueous) cells.
A one‐step approach for esterification of zein with methanol
Authors: Wheelwright Walt V. K. , Easteal Allan J. , Ray Sudip , Nieuwoudt Michél K. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractZein (corn protein) was reacted with methanol in the presence of para‐toluenesulphonic acid under mild conditions to give a material formed by esterification of predominantly the amide groups of the protein. The formation of methyl zeinate was confirmed by proton NMR. The new signal appeared at 3.67 ppm in zein methylation product, which is absent for pure zein can be assigned to the protons of the CH3 group of an ester. The strong CO stretching vibration due to the presence of ester group in the region of 1739 cm−1 in case of methylated zein was also noticed from FTIR studies. The increase in the C : N atom ratio in the zein methylation product obtained from elemental analysis results further indicates the conversion of a significant proportion of the CONH2 groups in zein to COOCH3 groups in the esterified product. The methylated product had glass transition temperature about 20°C lower than that of the unmodified zein. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Polyvinylidene chloride supported L‐prolineamide as recoverable catalyst for asymmetric aldol reaction between ketone and aromatic aldehyde
Authors: Zhang Xuan , Zhao Wenshan , Yang Lili , Cui Yuanchen 
Published: May 2012

AbstractA series of prolineamide modified by polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC) was synthesized and used as green recoverable organocatalysts for the asymmetric Aldol reactions between various ketones and aromatic aldehydes. The effects of solvent and catalyst dosage on the catalytic performances of as‐synthesized organocatalysts were investigated. It was found that as‐synthesized PVDC‐supported L‐prolineamides possessed good catalytic performance for the asymmetric Aldol reactions between cyclohexanone and a variety of aromatic aldehydes, affording high yields of up to 99%, excellent diastereoselectivities of up to above 8 : 92 d.r. value, and high enantioselectivities of up to above 92.3% e.e. value. In general, the catalytic performance of as‐synthesized organocatalysts closely depended on the catalyst dosage and solvent type as well. Particularly, as‐synthesized organocatalyst 1c, at a dosage of 5 mol % in 10 μL of water, exhibited high catalytic activity and stereoselectivity for the asymmetric Aldol reaction between cyclohexanone and p‐nitrobenzaldehyde at room temperature. In the meantime, it could be easily recovered and recycled, while the activity and enantioselectivity were nearly completely retained even after five cycles of recovery, showing promising application as an efficient green organocatalyst for the aforementioned asymmetric Aldol reactions. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Synthesis and thermal properties of bismaleimides with mesogen aromatic amide–ester and flexible polymethylenic group
Authors: Fache Bernard , Gallot Bernard , Gelin Marie Pierre , Milano Jean Claude , Pham Quang Trung 
Published: May 2012

AbstractFour bismaleimides with mesogen “amide–ester” aromatic and flexible polymethylenic group variable length (8 ≤ n ≤ 11) were synthesized in two stages, producing yields exceeding 80%. These bismaleimides (BMIs) were obtained after several purifications by dissolution—precipitation in dimethylformamide–methanol (1/4) with over 94% purity (high‐performance liquid chromatography). These pure BMIs were characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and elemental analysis and studied by differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, polarized light microscopy, and X‐ray diffraction. Solubilities and thermal properties show effects of parity. The even BMIs are more difficult to solubilize than the odd BMI. The melting points of the even BMI (approximately, 220°C) are far higher than those of odd BMI (approximately, 160°C). Crosslinking temperatures of even BMI are close to 230°C, whereas odd BMI crosslinking temperatures are higher (approximately, 250°C). Even BMIs give rise to a liquid crystal state upon melting. Under the same conditions, odd BMIs give rise to an amorphous state; however, after crosslinking, the four bismaleimides give rise to an ordered liquid crystal state of smectic type. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Photoactive behavior of polyacrylonitrile fibers based on silver and zirconium co‐doped titania nanocomposites: Synthesis, characterization, and comparative study of solid‐phase photocatalytic self‐cleaning
Authors: Moafi Hadi Fallah , Shojaie Abdollah Fallah , Zanjanchi Mohammad Ali 
Published: May 2012

AbstractSilver and zirconium co‐doped and mono‐doped titania nanocomposites were synthesized and deposited onto polyacrylonitrile fibers via sol–gel dip‐coating method. The resulted coated‐fibers were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and BET surface area measurement. Photocatalytic activity of the TiO2‐coated and TiO2‐doped coated fibers were determined by photomineralization of methylene blue and Eosin Y under UV–vis light. The progress of photodegradation of dyes was monitored by diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. The XRD results of samples indicate that the TiO2, Ag‐TiO2, Zr‐TiO2, and Ag‐Zr‐TiO2 consist of anatase phase. All samples demonstrated photo‐assisted self‐cleaning properties when exposed to UV–vis irradiation. Evaluated by decomposing dyes, photocatalytic activity of Ag–Zr co‐doped TiO2 coated fiber was obviously higher than that of pure TiO2 and mono‐doped TiO2. Our results showed that the synergistic action between the silver and zirconium species in the Ag‐Zr TiO2 nanocomposite is due to both the structural and electronic properties of the photoactive anatase phase. These results clearly indicate that modification of semiconductor photocatalyst by co‐doping process is an effective method for increasing the photocatalytic activity. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013