bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An inherited disorder with splenomegaly, cytopenias, and vision loss
Authors: Tantravahi Srinivas K. , Williams Lloyd B. , Digre Kathleen B. , Creel Donnell J. , Smock Kristi J. , DeAngelis Margaret M. , Clayton Frederic C. , Vitale Albert T. , Rodgers George M. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractWe describe a novel inherited disorder consisting of idiopathic massive splenomegaly, cytopenias, anhidrosis, chronic optic nerve edema, and vision loss. This disorder involves three affected patients in a single non‐consanguineous Caucasian family, a mother and two daughters, who are half‐sisters. All three patients have had splenectomies; histopathology revealed congestion of the red pulp, but otherwise no abnormalities. Electron microscopic studies of splenic tissue showed no evidence for a storage disorder or other ultrastructural abnormality. Two of the three patients had bone marrow examinations that were non‐diagnostic. All three patients developed progressive vision loss such that the two oldest patients are now blind, possibly due to a cone‐rod dystrophy. Characteristics of vision loss in this family include early chronic optic nerve edema, and progressive vision loss, particularly central and color vision. Despite numerous medical and ophthalmic evaluations, no diagnosis has been discovered. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Niedermolekulare Stabilisatoren von Protein‐Protein‐Wechselwirkungen: ein unterschätztes Konzept in der Wirkstoffentwicklung?
Authors: Thiel Philipp , Kaiser Markus , Ottmann Christian 
Published: February 2012

AbstractDie Modulation von Protein‐Protein‐Wechselwirkungen (PPIs) galt lange Zeit als eine der größten Herausforderungen der Wirkstoffentwicklung. Jedoch hat sich die Ansicht, dass deren zielgerichtete Entwicklung unmöglich ist, in den letzten Jahren grundlegend geändert, und erste Wirkstoffkandidaten befinden sich bereits in klinischer Prüfung. Zurzeit handelt es sich bei der überwiegenden Mehrheit dieser PPI‐Modulatoren um Wechselwirkungsinhibitoren. Allerdings wäre in vielen biologischen Zusammenhängen eine verlängerte Lebensdauer von PPIs wünschenswert, sodass der komplementäre Ansatz – die Stabilisierung von PPIs – zunehmend in den Brennpunkt rückt. Interessanterweise liefert die Natur bereits eindrucksvolle Beispiele für diesen Ansatz, von denen einige schon als Medikamente zugelassen sind. Darüber hinaus konnte kürzlich erstmals gezeigt werden, dass auch eine zielgerichtete Entwicklung niedermolekularer PPI‐Stabilisatoren möglich ist. Somit ist es an der Zeit, die konstruktive Seite der Modulation von PPIs genauer in den Blick zu nehmen.
Small‐Molecule Stabilization of Protein–Protein Interactions: An Underestimated Concept in Drug Discovery?
Authors: Thiel Philipp , Kaiser Markus , Ottmann Christian 
Published: February 2012

AbstractThe modulation of protein–protein interactions (PPIs) has been recognized as one of the most challenging tasks in drug discovery. While their systematic development has long been considered as intractable, this view has changed over the last years, with the first drug candidates undergoing clinical studies. To date, the vast majority of PPI modulators are interaction inhibitors. However, in many biological contexts a prolonged lifespan of a PPI might be desirable, calling for the complementary approach of PPI stabilization. In fact, nature offers impressive examples of this concept and some PPI‐stabilizing natural products have already found application as important drugs. Moreover, directed small‐molecule stabilization has recently been demonstrated. Therefore, it is time to take a closer look at the constructive side of modulating PPIs.
Allenes in Molecular Materials
Authors: Rivera‐Fuentes Pablo , Diederich François 
Published: February 2012

AbstractThis Minireview provides a critical account of the development of allene‐containing advanced functional materials, starting with the design and synthesis of stable and enantiopure building blocks. A variety of systems, including shape‐persistent macrocycles, foldamers, polymers, charge‐transfer chromophores, dendrimers, liquid crystals, and redox‐switchable chiral chromophores are discussed from the viewpoint of their syntheses, properties, and potential applications. The goal of this Minireview is to inspire new uses of enantiopure allenes for the rational design of advanced materials.
Synthesis and characterization of polysulfone/clay nanocomposite membranes for fuel cell application
Authors: Unnikrishnan Lakshmi , Mohanty Smita , Nayak Sanjay K. , Singh Nishant 
Published: February 2012

AbstractIn the present investigation, polysulfone (PSu) nanocomposites were successfully prepared by solvent casting method. Layered silicates, viz., sodium montmorillonite (NaMMT), Cloisite 93A, and Cloisite 30B were dispersed in PSu to obtain nanocomposite membranes. PSu nanocomposite membranes were tested for mechanical performance, water uptake, thermal properties, X‐ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The nanocomposite membranes showed an increment in tensile properties, whereas a reduction was observed in water uptake. X‐ray diffraction studies confirmed the intercalation of PSu within the silicate galleries. SEM analysis confirmed an increase in the porosity of the membrane with the incorporation of nanoclays. Thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA) thermograms indicated an increase in the thermal stability of PSu nanocomposites. Evaluation of conductivity characteristics and single cell performance revealed improved output for organomodified clay nanocomposites. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Highly water‐selective mixed matrix membranes from natural rubber‐blend‐poly(acrylic acid) (NR‐blend‐PAA) incorporated with zeolite 4A for the dehydration of water–ethanol mixtures through pervaporation
Authors: Amnuaypanich S. , Naowanon T. , Wongthep W. , Phinyocheep P. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractThe mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) were developed from a composite of hydrophobic‐hydrophilic NR‐blend‐PAA with zeolite 4A. A separation performance of the MMMs was investigated by performing the pervaporation dehydration of water–ethanol mixtures. The results showed a dramatically greater flux of water than the ethanol flux indicating that the developed membranes were highly water‐selective. Upon incorporating of zeolite 4A, the flux and separation factor were significantly improved. Increasing the water content in the water–ethanol feed mixtures resulted in an increase in both water and ethanol fluxes leading to a decrease in water separation factor. Similarly a flux‐separation factor trade‐off was observed as raising feed temperature. The water permeance, however, declined when either the feed water concentration or the feed temperature increased. This suggests that the driving force, i.e. the partial pressure difference, has a pronounced effect on the water flux enhancement. Conversely, the driving force was less influential on the ethanol permeance. The activation energies of the permeations obtained from the Arrhenius plots, showed the lower activation energies of water permeation than those of ethanol permeation; this is because water molecules experiences less restrictive passage through the membranes compared with ethanol molecules. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Effects of pluronic F127 on the polymorphism and thermoresponsive properties of PVDF blend membranes via immersion precipitation process
Authors: Du Chun‐Hui , Wu Chun‐Jin , Wu Li‐Guang 
Published: February 2012

AbstractAmphiphilic copolymer Pluronic F127 was used as macromolecular additive to investigate the polymorphism and thermoresponsive properties of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) membranes. Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were conducted to characterize the polymorphism and morphology of PVDF/F127 blend membranes. FTIR results indicated that F127 existed stably in the blend membranes, and lower F127 concentration in the cast solution was in favor of the formation of α‐crystal phase, but higher F127 concentration could promote the formation of β‐ and γ‐crystal phase in PVDF membranes. The results of XRD also confirmed these phenomena. With the increase of F127 in the cast solutions, a more sponge‐like structure appeared at the bottom surface of the membranes as investigated by SEM. PVDF/F127 blend membranes also exhibited good thermoresponsive properties. The water flux of the membranes increased distinctly with the increase of the experimental temperature, decreased with the decrease of the temperature, and the increasing and decreasing curves were almost overlapped. Contact angle measurement and permeation experiment indicated that the blend membranes had good hydrophilicity and fouling resistance. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Characterizations of transparent polyimide nanocomposite films with various equibiaxial stretching ratios: Optical transparency, morphology, and oxygen permeability
Authors: Min Ungki , Yoon Choon Sup , Chang Jin‐Hae 
Published: February 2012

AbstractA series of transparent polyimide (PI) nanocomposite films was synthesized from bicyclo(2,2,2)oct‐7‐ene‐2,3,5,6‐tetracarboxylic dianhydride and 1,3‐bis(3‐aminophenoxy) benzene with various organoclay contents via solution intercalation polymerization to poly(amic acid)s, followed by thermal imidization. Varying the organoclay loading in the range 0–1.5 wt % produced variations in the optical transparency, morphology, and oxygen barrier properties of the hybrids. The optimum oxygen barrier properties were observed for the hybrids containing 1.0 wt % Cloisite 30B; these properties were degraded gradually by further increases in the clay content. The PI hybrid films were found to exhibit excellent optical transparency and to be almost colorless. However, the transparency of the hybrid films decreased slightly with increasing organoclay content. Transparent PI hybrid films containing 1.0 wt % Cloisite 30B were stretched equibiaxially with various stretching ratios in the range 100–140% to investigate their optical transparency and oxygen permeability in detail; the variations with equibiaxial stretching ratio of the clay dispersion and morphology were also determined. PI hybrid films with stretching of 120% or greater were found to contain homogeneously dispersed clay in the polymer matrix and exfoliated nanocomposites. The highest barrier to oxygen permeation was found to arise at an equibiaxial stretching ratio of 130%. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Rheological study on tetrafluoroethylene/hexafluoropropylene copolymer and its implication for processability
Authors: Chen Xiao‐Yong , Yuan Wang Zhang , Li Hong , Zhang Yongming 
Published: February 2012

AbstractTetrafluoroethylene/hexafluoropropylene copolymers (FEPs) are widely used in diverse fields due to their outstanding performances in chemical resistance, thermal stability, and insulation. However, their processsability is poor, exhibiting narrow stable flow region and remarkably early melt fracture. Herein, we tried to explore the origin of such poor processability in a rheological way, because melt rheology behaviors are highly related to their processing processes. The shear rheology results indicate that FEPs exhibit multiple flow regions. The flow curve of FEP608 was obtained, and its η0 value was calculated to be 1.70 kPa s−1 at 360°C. Extensional rheological data suggest that FEPs have much lower e and B values when compared with those of common polymers, suggesting their weaker elasticity during extrusion. Based on such rheological results, the poor processability of FEPs is ascribed to their high viscosity induced by special interchain interaction associating with F atom, which can easily cause accumulated elastic energy. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Polycaprolactone/modified bagasse whisker nanocomposites with improved moisture‐barrier and biodegradability properties
Authors: Hassan Mohammad L. , Bras Julien , Hassan Enas A. , Fadel Shaimaa M. , Dufresne Alain 
Published: February 2012

AbstractBagasse whiskers isolated from bleached bagasse pulp were chemically modified with n‐octadecyl isocyanate in the presence of dibutyltin dilaurate as a catalyst. The modified cellulose whiskers were used in ratios from 2.5 to 15% with polycaprolactone (PCL) polymer to prepare nanocomposite films by a solution/casting technique. The prepared nanocomposites were characterized with regard to their biodegradability in soil and moisture‐barrier, moisture sorption, mechanical, thermal, and thermomechanical properties. The use of the modified cellulose whiskers resulted in improvements in the moisture‐barrier, biodisintegration, and tensile properties of PCL. The nanocomposites containing different modified whisker loadings had very low moisture absorption (1.88–2.49%) after 4 weeks of exposure to 75% relative humidity, but these values were slightly higher than that of neat PCL (1.79%). Modified whiskers in the PCL matrix did not noticeably affect the glass‐transition and melting temperatures of PCL. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Oxygen‐barrier properties of poly(lactic acid)/poly(vinyl acetate‐co‐vinyl alcohol) blends as biodegradable films
Authors: Razavi S. M. , Dadbin Susan , Frounchi Masoud 
Published: February 2012

AbstractThe oxygen‐barrier properties of poly(lactic acid) (PLA)/poly(vinyl acetate‐co‐vinyl alcohol) [P(VAc‐co‐VA)] were investigated. P(VAc‐co‐VA)s with vinyl alcohol (VA) contents of 5, 10, and 15 mol % were prepared with the acid‐catalyzed hydrolysis of poly(vinyl acetate). The obtained copolymers with various contents of VA were blended with PLA at 5/95, 10/90, and 15/85 compositions. Films of the blends were prepared by a solution‐casting method with chloroform as the cosolvent. Although the blend with 5% VA in the copolymer appeared to be miscible, the blends with 10 and 15% VA content in the copolymer were immiscible, as verified by dynamic mechanical analysis. The oxygen‐barrier properties of the PLA films were enhanced when they were blended with P(VAc‐co‐VA). There was a reduction of about 40% in permeability with the addition of only 5% P(VAc‐co‐VA). The reduction in the permeability was more noticeable at higher VA contents. Also, the incorporation of P(VAc‐co‐VA) into PLA improved the elongation at break of the films significantly. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Ordered mesoporous carbons with various pore sizes: Preparation and naphthalene adsorption performance
Authors: Wang Keliang , Huang Bichun , Liu Dongmei , Ye Daiqi 
Published: February 2012

AbstractOrdered mesoporous carbons (OMCs) with tunable pores were synthesized by a soft‐template method with F127 as a template and boric acid as a pore regulator agent. The prepared samples were characterized by small‐angle X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and N2 adsorption–desorption. The results show that the OMCs had well ordered, two‐dimensional (2D) hexagonal structures and the pore sizes were finely tunable in the range 3.4–4.7 nm when boric acid was used as the pore regulator agent. The adsorption experiments showed that the OMCs had a strong adsorption affinity to naphthalene and the maximum adsorption amount was shown to reach up to 303.2 mg/g. Furthermore, the mesopore volume between 2 and 3.5 nm of OMCs was crucial to the adsorption capacity, and OMCs with pore sizes of 2–3.5 nm were much more favorable for the naphthalene adsorption process. The adsorption isotherms of naphthalene on OMCs matched well with the Langmuir adsorption isotherm. Theoretical studies showed that the adsorption kinetics of naphthalene on OMCs accounted well for the use of the Langmuir adsorption kinetics equation. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Study of the dimensional instabilities of laminated polypropylene films during heating treatments
Authors: Ponçot M. , Martin J. , Hiver J. M. , Verchère D. , Dahoun A. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractEnsuring the geometrical stability of organic coatings is a key challenge for steel/polymer composites produced by the automotive industry to reduce the cars' weight. During the thermal treatment of painting, which exceeds the melting temperature of the organic part of the laminated film, polymer shrinkage may occur. It induces uncovered parts of the steel sheet which would present negative corrosion behavior in use. Two original and innovative experiments were presented. They enable to measure the deformation induced by the shrinkage and then to identify the microstructural mechanisms responsible for its appearance. Main results show strong influences of the macromolecular chains orientation induced by the film extrusion process and of the postheating parameters used to perform the painting curing. Raman spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry are used both to perform analysis of the microstructure evolution during heating treatments in terms of crystals melting, crystalline macromolecular chains disorientation, and volume damage healing. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
High‐velocity impact behavior of glass fiber‐reinforced polyester filled with nanoclay
Authors: Esfahani Javad Moftakharian , Esfandeh Masoud , Sabet Ali Reza 
Published: February 2012

AbstractThis study investigates the effects of nanoclay particles on impact and flexural properties of glass fiber‐reinforced unsaturated polyester (UP) composites. UP‐reinforced nanocomposite containing 1.5 and 3 wt % nanoclay was used to manufacture laminated composite panels using glass fiber woven roving by hand lay‐up method. X‐ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy analysis confirmed intercalation and exfoliation of the nanoclay in the UP resin. Flexural test results indicated better performance for the specimens containing 1.5 wt % nanoclay reinforcements. However, Izod impact test results showed a decrease with increase in nanoclay content. High‐velocity impact tests were carried out on a gas gun in velocity range of 90–220 m/s using harden steel hemispherical tip projectile. Highest performance in ballistic limit and energy absorption were obtained for specimens containing 1.5 wt % nanoclay. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Preparation of PBAS core‐shell structured polymer by seeded emulsion polymerization and investigation in AS resin toughness
Authors: Zhao Haiyan , Liu Xinran , Fu Nian , Zhang Qingxin , Wang Nongyue , He Lianqi , Qu Xiongwei 
Published: February 2012

AbstractThe preparation of poly(n‐butyl acrylate)/poly(acrylonitrile‐co‐styrene), i.e., poly(BA)/poly(AN‐co‐St) (PBAS) core‐shell structured modifier with controlled particle size was reported, and the mechanical properties of AS/PBAS blends were investigated. The modifier was prepared at a solid content of 50 wt % by a two‐stage sequential emulsion polymerization. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) was used to monitor the particle diameters and showed that the particles grew without significant secondary nucleation occurring. The morphology was confirmed by means of transmission electron microscopy (TEM). According to the research on mechanical properties of the AS/PBAS blends, a remarkable toughening effect of PBAS on AS resin was found. By means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observation, the toughening mechanism was proposed to be crazing caused by rubber particles and shear yielding of AS matrix. Uniform dispersion of rubber particles in AS matrix was attributed to the good compatibility between AS and PBAS modifier. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Design, Synthesis, and Biological Evaluation of Bromophenol Derivatives as Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase 1B Inhibitors
Authors: Jiang Bo , Shi Dayong , Cui Yongchao , Guo Shuju 
Published: February 2012

Abstract3‐Bromo‐4,5‐bis(2,3‐dibromo‐4,5‐dihydroxybenzyl)‐1,2‐benzenediol (BDB) is a bromophenol purified from the marine red alga Rhodomela confervoides and exhibits potent protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) inhibition (IC50 = 1.7 µmol/L). In an effort to improve the PTP1B inhibitory activity, a series of derivatives were designed, synthesized, and evaluated in vitro. The preliminary structure–activity relationship indicated that the tricyclic scaffold and multi‐bromine atoms (four to five) attached to the aryl rings are important for PTP1B inhibition. Among these, compound 26 exhibited remarkable inhibitory activity against PTP1B with an IC50 of 0.89 µmol/L, which was approximately two‐fold more potent than the initial lead compound BDB.
Pregnancy outcome in women exposed to leflunomide before or during pregnancy
Authors: Cassina M. , Johnson D. L. , Robinson L. K. , Braddock S. R. , Xu R. , Jimenez J. L. , Mirrasoul N. , Salas E. , Luo Y. J. , Jones K. L. , Chambers C. D. ,   for the Organization of Teratology Information Specialists Collaborative Research Group
Published: February 2012

AbstractObjectiveFindings from animal studies have suggested that leflunomide may be a human teratogen. In the only human cohort study published to date, an increase in adverse outcomes in pregnancies after exposure to leflunomide was not detected. The aim of the present analysis was to expand on the previously published data with a description of birth outcomes among women who did not meet the previous cohort study criteria but who were exposed to leflunomide either during pregnancy or prior to conception.MethodsData on pregnancy exposures and outcomes were collected from 45 pregnant women who had contacted counseling services of the Organization of Teratology Information Specialists in the US or Canada between 1999 and 2009. Sixteen women were exposed to leflunomide during the first trimester of pregnancy and 29 women were exposed preconception.ResultsAll 16 of the pregnancies with leflunomide exposure during pregnancy and 27 (93%) of the pregnancies with exposure prior to conception resulted in liveborn infants. There were 2 infants with major malformations from mothers who were exposed during pregnancy, and no malformations reported in the preconception group. There was a potential known alternative etiology for at least some of the defects observed.ConclusionThese data provide additional reassurance to women who inadvertently become pregnant while taking leflunomide and who undergo the washout procedure, as well as women who discontinue the medication prior to conception but have no prepregnancy documentation of drug clearance. However, until more conclusive data become available, women receiving leflunomide should be advised to use contraceptive methods and avoid pregnancy.