bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Isothermal crystallization kinetics and melting behavior of polyamide 11/silica nanocomposites prepared by in situ melt polymerization
Authors: Zhang Yunsheng , Wang Biaobing , Hu Guosheng 
Published: July 2011

AbstractPolyamide 11 (PA 11)/silica nanocomposites were prepared via in situ melt polymerization by the dispersion of hydrophobic silica in 11‐aminoundecanoic acid monomer. Their isothermal crystallization process and melting behaviors were analyzed by differential scanning calorimetry. The isothermal crystallization kinetics was analyzed by the Avrami equation. The obtained data showed that the model of nucleation and growth of PA 11 was not affected after the incorporation of silica and was a mixture with two‐dimensional, circular, three‐dimensional growth with thermal nucleation. Double and single melting peaks were observed depending on the crystallization temperature. The equilibrium melting point of samples was evaluated, and the spherulites growth kinetics parameters and fold surface free energy were further calculated according to the classical theories. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Photopolymerization of 1‐adamantyl acrylate pohotoinitiated by free radical photoinitiators
Authors: Wang Kemin , Cui Rong , Gu Juming , Yu Qiang , Ma Guiping , Nie Jun 
Published: July 2011

Abstract1‐Adamantyl acrylate was synthesized by reacting of 1‐adamantanol with acryloyl chloride in the presence of tertiary amine. The structure of monomer was characterized by FTIR and 1H NMR spectroscopy. The influence of photoinitiator and monomer types on the photopolymerization kinetics of this monomer was investigated by real‐time infrared spectroscopy (RTIR). In the UV curing system, the introduction of 1‐adamantyl acrylate could significantly reduce the polymerization shrinkage. Thermogravimetric analysis of 1‐adamantyl acrylate indicated that 1‐adamantyl acrylate polymer has higher thermal stability than that of general commercial products. The results indicated that the synthesized monomer has good curing performance. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Investigation of melting behaviors and crystallinity of linear polyamide with high‐aliphatic content
Authors: Kaya Ethem , Mathias Lon J. 
Published: July 2011

AbstractThe melting behaviors and crystal structures of a long alkyl chain polyamide and nylon 18 18, were investigated under annealing and isothermal crystallization conditions. Nylon 18 18 showed multiple melting peaks in differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) thermograms depending on thermal history of the samples. The origin of the multiple melting peaks may be a result of a melting and recrystallization mechanism during DSC scans. Wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction patterns showed two new diffraction peaks, which appeared at 0.44 and 0.37 nm, and are characteristic peaks of α‐form (triclinic structure) of even–even nylons with increasing annealing temperature. The intensities of these peaks increased, and they split further apart, with elevated annealing temperatures. The solid‐state 15N CP/MAS NMR spectra of the nylon 18 18 samples that had been quenched and annealed also confirmed the α‐crystalline form. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Objective physical activity measurement in the osteoarthritis initiative: Are guidelines being met?
Authors: Dunlop Dorothy D. , Song Jing , Semanik Pamela A. , Chang Rowland W. , Sharma Leena , Bathon Joan M. , Eaton Charles B. , Hochberg Marc C. , Jackson Rebecca D. , Kwoh C. Kent , Mysiw W. Jerry , Nevitt Michael C. , Hootman Jennifer M. 
Published: July 2011

AbstractObjectiveOsteoarthritis (OA) clinical practice guidelines identify a substantial therapeutic role for physical activity, but objective information about the physical activity of this population is lacking. The aim of this study was to objectively measure levels of physical activity in adults with knee OA and report the prevalence of meeting public health physical activity guidelines.MethodsCross‐sectional accelerometry data from 1,111 adults with radiographic knee OA (49–84 years old) participating in the Osteoarthritis Initiative accelerometry monitoring ancillary study were assessed for meeting the aerobic component of the 2008 Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans (≥150 minutes/week moderate‐to‐vigorous–intensity activity lasting ≥10 minutes). Quantile regression was used to test median sex differences in physical activity levels.ResultsAerobic physical activity guidelines were met by 12.9% of men and 7.7% of women with knee OA. A substantial proportion of men and women (40.1% and 56.5%, respectively) were inactive, having done no moderate‐to‐vigorous activity that lasted 10 minutes or more during the 7 days. Although men engaged in significantly more moderate‐to‐vigorous activity (average daily minutes 20.7 versus 12.3), they also spent more time in no or very‐low‐intensity activity than women (average daily minutes 608.2 versus 585.8).ConclusionDespite substantial health benefits from physical activity, adults with knee OA were particularly inactive based on objective accelerometry monitoring. The proportions of men and women who met public health physical activity guidelines were substantially less than those previously reported based on self‐reported activity in arthritis populations. These findings support intensified public health efforts to increase physical activity levels among people with knee OA.
Development of SNAP‐Tag Fluorogenic Probes for Wash‐Free Fluorescence Imaging
Authors: Sun Xiaoli , Zhang Aihua , Baker Brenda , Sun Luo , Howard Angela , Buswell John , Maurel Damien , Masharina Anastasiya , Johnsson Kai , Noren Christopher J. , Xu Ming‐Qun , Corrêa Ivan R. 
Published: July 2011

AbstractThe ability to specifically attach chemical probes to individual proteins represents a powerful approach to the study and manipulation of protein function in living cells. It provides a simple, robust and versatile approach to the imaging of fusion proteins in a wide range of experimental settings. However, a potential drawback of detection using chemical probes is the fluorescence background from unreacted or nonspecifically bound probes. In this report we present the design and application of novel fluorogenic probes for labeling SNAP‐tag fusion proteins in living cells. SNAP‐tag is an engineered variant of the human repair protein O6‐alkylguanine‐DNA alkyltransferase (hAGT) that covalently reacts with benzylguanine derivatives. Reporter groups attached to the benzyl moiety become covalently attached to the SNAP tag while the guanine acts as a leaving group. Incorporation of a quencher on the guanine group ensures that the benzylguanine probe becomes highly fluorescent only upon labeling of the SNAP‐tag protein. We describe the use of intramolecularly quenched probes for wash‐free labeling of cell surface‐localized epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) fused to SNAP‐tag and for direct quantification of SNAP‐tagged β‐tubulin in cell lysates. In addition, we have characterized a fast‐labeling variant of SNAP‐tag, termed SNAPf, which displays up to a tenfold increase in its reactivity towards benzylguanine substrates. The presented data demonstrate that the combination of SNAPf and the fluorogenic substrates greatly reduces the background fluorescence for labeling and imaging applications. This approach enables highly sensitive spatiotemporal investigation of protein dynamics in living cells.
Correlates on MSCT of paravalvular aortic regurgitation after transcatheter aortic valve implantation using the medtronic corevalve prosthesis
Authors: Schultz Carl J. , Tzikas Apostolos , Moelker Adriaan , Rossi Alexia , Nuis Rutger‐Jan , Geleijnse Marcel M. , van Mieghem Nicolas , Krestin Gabriel P. , de Feyter Pim , Serruys Patrick W. , de Jaegere Peter P. 
Published: July 2011

AbstractBackground: To investigate the causes of paravalvular aortic regurgitation (PAR) after the implantation of the Medtronic CoreValve prosthesis (MCRS). Methods and Results: Fifty‐six patients underwent MSCT before TAVI with a MCRS and PAR was assessed with transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) between 5 and 10 days after TAVI. The aortic annulus smallest and largest orthogonal diameters and the mean diameter from the area were determined on MSCT on an axial image at the nadir of all three native leaflets. PAR was related to relevant anatomical structures on MSCT according to a clockface in the orientation of the parasternal short axis view on TTE. PAR ≥ 1 was present in 25% of the patients and was associated with a larger annulus, a lower degree of over sizing and with more aortic root calcification. On MSCT post TAVI malapposition was seen predominantly at the aorto‐mitral fibrous continuity and the aspect of the largest diameter of the aortic annulus on the inside curve of the ascending aorta. PAR was predominantly seen at these two anatomic locations and less frequent in the area that contains the ventricular membranous septum and the area between the non‐ and right coronary sinus. Conclusions: Mild to moderate PAR is common after TAVI with the MCRS. The availability of additional (larger) prosthesis sizes in combination with improved sizing based on mean annulus diameter (e.g., DCSA) may help to reduce PAR. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Percutaneous treatment of severe diffuse stenosis in heavily calcified infrarenal abdominal aorta using iliac extender endoprosthesis
Authors: Chehab Bassem , Vamanan Karthik , Gupta Kamal 
Published: July 2011

AbstractSevere, concentric calcific stenosis of the infrarenal abdominal aorta (IAA) is an uncommon but technically challenging problem. In diffuse, heavily calcific lesions are generally not treated with balloon expandable or self‐expanding stents. There is concern of aortic rupture, incomplete apposition, and underexpansion. Such lesions are mostly treated with aortobifemoral or extra‐anatomic bypass surgery. Using three case examples, we describe the feasibility of endovascular treatment for severely calcific IAA with use of iliac extender limbs of commercially available aortic stent grafts and discuss the role of preprocedural CT scan in case planning. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Mechanisms and Efficiency of the Simultaneous Removal of Metals and Cyanides by Using Ferrate(VI): Crucial Roles of Nanocrystalline Iron(III) Oxyhydroxides and Metal Carbonates
Authors: Filip Jan , Yngard Ria A. , Siskova Karolina , Marusak Zdenek , Ettler Vojtech , Sajdl Petr , Sharma Virender K. , Zboril Radek 
Published: July 2011

AbstractThe reaction of potassium ferrate(VI), K2FeO4, with weak‐acid dissociable cyanides—namely, K2[Zn(CN)4], K2[Cd(CN)4], K2[Ni(CN)4], and K3[Cu(CN)4]—results in the formation of iron(III) oxyhydroxide nanoparticles that differ in size, crystal structure, and surface area. During cyanide oxidation and the simultaneous reduction of iron(VI), zinc(II), copper(II), and cadmium(II), metallic ions are almost completely removed from solution due to their coprecipitation with the iron(III) oxyhydroxides including 2‐line ferrihydrite, 7‐line ferrihydrite, and/or goethite. Based on the results of XRD, Mössbauer and IR spectroscopies, as well as TEM, X‐ray photoelectron emission spectroscopy, and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller measurements, we suggest three scavenging mechanisms for the removal of metals including their incorporation into the ferrihydrite crystal structure, the formation of a separate phase, and their adsorption onto the precipitate surface. Zn and Cu are preferentially and almost completely incorporated into the crystal structure of the iron(III) oxyhydroxides; the formation of the Cd‐bearing, X‐ray amorphous phase, together with Cd carbonate is the principal mechanism of Cd removal. Interestingly, Ni remains predominantly in solution due to the key role of nickel(II) carbonate, which exhibits a solubility product constant several orders of magnitude higher than the carbonates of the other metals. Traces of Ni, identified in the iron(III) precipitate, are exclusively adsorbed onto the large surface area of nanoparticles. We discuss the relationship between the crystal structure of iron(III) oxyhydroxides and the mechanism of metal removal, as well as the linear relationship observed between the rate constant and the surface area of precipitates.
The Prognostic Value of Early Left Ventricular Longitudinal Systolic Dysfunction in Asymptomatic Subjects With Cardiovascular Risk Factors
Authors: Di Salvo Giovanni , Di Bello Vitantonio , Salustri Alessandro , Antonini‐Canterin Francesco , La Carrubba Salvatore , Materazzo Carlo , Badano Luigi , Caso Pio , Pezzano Antonio , Calabrò Raffaele , Carerj Scipione ,   on behalf of the Research Group of the Italian Society of Cardiovascular Echography (SIEC).
Published: July 2011

AbstractBackground:Early diagnosis of left ventricular (LV) dysfunction represents a major challenge in asymptomatic subjects with cardiovascular (CV) risk factors. Tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) has emerged as an important tool with clinical relevance in several cardiac diseases.Hypothesis:To evaluate the prognostic ability of TDI in detecting early longitudinal ventricular dysfunction in a large group of asymptomatic subjects with CV risk factors (RsF), normal LV systolic function, and normal diastolic function.Methods:A total of 554 subjects (mean age 55 ± 13 years, 39% men) formed our study population: controls, 144 healthy subjects; group 1, 163 subjects with 1 CV RsF; group 2, 147 subjects with 2 CV RsF; group 3, 100 subjects with ≥3 CV RsF. All subjects underwent a comprehensive standard echo‐Doppler evaluation, including posterior wall TDI study. Follow‐up data were available in all the studied samples (mean 28 ± 16 mo).Results:Upon follow‐up, 18 individuals (3.2%) developed a first overt CV event. The presence of a peak systolic velocity <7.5 cm/second showed a significant additional predictive value compared with the presence of CV RsF (P<0.001).Conclusions:Tissue Doppler imaging is able to identify early longitudinal LV systolic abnormalities in the presence of apparently normal systolic and diastolic function. It demonstrated a significant additional prognostic value compared with the simple presence of coexisting CV RsF. These findings could be clinically relevant in identifying asymptomatic subjects with CV RsF who need early, tailored preventive treatment. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.The authors have no funding, financial relationships, or conflicts of interest to disclose.
Influence of Low‐Dose Aspirin (81 mg) on the Incidence of Definite Stent Thrombosis in Patients Receiving Bare‐Metal and Drug‐Eluting Stents
Authors: Lotfi Amir , Cui Jiang , Wartak Siddharth , Columbo Jesse , Mulvey Scott , Davis Mary , Schweiger Marc , Giugliano Gregory R. 
Published: July 2011

AbstractBackground:Dual antiplatelet therapy with aspirin plus clopidogrel is the mainstay of therapy in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). However, the optimal dose of aspirin following PCI has not been established.Hypothesis:There is no difference for definite stent thrombosis in patients taking low dose versus standard aspirin.Methods:Low‐dose (81 mg) aspirin was used as part of a standard dual antiplatelet therapy in patients receiving bare‐metal stents (BMS) or drug‐eluting stents (DES) at a large tertiary medical center. We retrospectively analyzed 5368 consecutive cases treated with stent placement and dual antiplatelet therapy. The incidence of definite stent thrombosis (DST) at our institution was compared to DST as reported in a large, published cohort of 24 trials and 12973 patients. We stratified DST events into early (<30 days) and late (>30 days) timing and also stratified by stent type. The effect of aspirin dosing was evaluated using χ2, Cochran‐Mantel‐Haenszel, and homogeneity testing.Results:A total of 5187 patients underwent 7604 stent implantations during the study period. The cumulative incidence of DST was 0.60% (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.42%–0.84%) at 30 days and 0.76% (95% CI, 0.56%–1.03%) at 1 year. The overall incidence of DST during the study period was not different based on type of stent (0.53% for DES and 0.75% for BMS, P = 0.36). Compared to the historic, standard‐dose aspirin (162–325 mg) cohort, DST in our low‐dose aspirin (81 mg) cohort was not significantly different at either 30 days (0.72% vs 0.60%, P = 0.39) or at 1 year (1.08% vs 0.76%, P = 0.07). There was no appreciable interaction of aspirin dose on the incidence of DST, controlling for stent type, or timing of the event.Conclusions:Low‐dose aspirin therapy in combination with clopidogrel following implantation of either BMS or DES in our cohort does not appear to increase the risk of DST compared to a higher‐dose aspirin regimen. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.The authors have no funding, financial relationships, or conflicts of interest to disclose.
Hospital‐level variation in the quality of urologic cancer surgery
Authors: Gore John L. , Wright Jonathan L. , Daratha Kenn B. , Roberts Kenneth P. , Lin Daniel W. , Wessells Hunter , Porter Michael 
Published: July 2011

AbstractBACKGROUND:Unexplained variation in outcomes after common surgeries raises concerns about the quality and appropriateness of surgical care. Understanding variation in surgical outcomes may identify processes that could affect the quality of surgical and postoperative care. The authors of this report examined hospital‐level variation in outcomes after inpatient urologic oncology procedures.METHODS:Patients who underwent radical cystectomy, radical nephrectomy, and radical prostatectomy were identified from the Washington State Comprehensive Hospital Abstract Reporting System for the years 2003 through 2007. The postoperative length of stay (LOS) was measured, and LOS that exceeded the 75th percentile was classified as prolonged. The occurrence of Agency for Healthcare Quality patient safety indicators (PSIs), readmissions, and deaths also were measured. Analyses were adjusted for patient age and comorbidity in random effects, multilevel, multivariable models that assessed hospital‐level outcomes.RESULTS:The authors identified 853 patients from 37 hospitals who underwent cystectomy, 3018 patients who underwent nephrectomy from 51 hospitals, and 8228 patients who underwent prostatectomy from 51 hospitals. Complications captured by PSIs were rare. Hospital‐level variation was most profound for LOS outcomes after nephrectomy and prostatectomy (variance in prolonged LOS, 8.1% and 26.7%, respectively), thromboembolic events after nephrectomy (8% of variance), and mortality after cystectomy (7.1% of variance).CONCLUSIONS:Hospital‐level variation confounds the care of urologic cancer patients in the state of Washington. The authors concluded that transparent reporting of surgical outcomes and local quality‐improvement initiatives should be considered to ameliorate the observed variation and improve the quality of cystectomy, nephrectomy, and prostatectomy care. Cancer 2011;. Published 2012 by the American Cancer Society.
Bevacizumab and daily temozolomide for recurrent glioblastoma
Authors: Desjardins Annick , Reardon David A. , Coan April , Marcello Jennifer , Herndon James E. , Bailey Leighann , Peters Katherine B. , Friedman Henry S. , Vredenburgh James J. 
Published: July 2011

AbstractBACKGROUND:The authors performed a phase 2 trial of combined protracted daily temozolomide and biweekly bevacizumab for patients with recurrent glioblastoma who had previously received radiation therapy and temozolomide.METHODS:There was no limit on the number of previous disease progressions or previous regimens allowed. Thirty‐two adult patients were enrolled. Patients received temozolomide 50 mg/m2 daily and bevacizumab 10 mg/kg intravenously every 14 days. Patients underwent physical examination and brain magnetic resonance imaging every 8 weeks.RESULTS:The authors observed a 6‐month progression‐free survival (PFS) rate of 18.8% (95% confidence interval [CI], 7.6%‐33.7%) and a median PFS of 15.8 weeks. The median overall survival (OS) was 37 weeks, the 6‐month OS rate was 62.5% (95% CI, 43.5%‐76.7%), and the 12‐month OS rate was 31.3% (95% CI, 16.4%‐47.3%). Nine patients (28%) had a radiographic response, and 7 patients (22%) had disease progression within the first 8 weeks of treatment. Patterns of progression were available for 21 patients. The authors observed that 52% of patients (n = 11) progressed locally, 38% (n = 8) progressed with a diffuse pattern, and 10% (n = 2) progressed at a distant site. Two patients discontinued therapy secondary to toxicity (prolonged thrombocytopenia and grade 4 pancreatitis). One patient experienced grade 5 pneumonia.CONCLUSIONS:The current study demonstrated that a regimen of combined daily temozolomide and biweekly bevacizumab had some activity and was well tolerated. However, the results obtained in this study were inferior to those observed in studies of bevacizumab monotherapy and of combined irinotecan and bevacizumab therapy. The current patient population was more heterogeneous and was pretreated more heavily than patients in previous studies. Cancer 2012;. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
PD‐L1 blockade overrides Salmonella typhimurium‐mediated diabetes prevention in NOD mice: No role for Tregs
Authors: Newland Stephen A. , Phillips Jenny M. , Mastroeni Pietro , Azuma Miyuki , Zaccone Paola , Cooke Anne 
Published: July 2011

AbstractIncreasingly, evidence suggests that there is a strong environmental component to the development of the autoimmune disease type 1 diabetes. Our previous data showed that NOD mice are protected from developing diabetes after infection with Salmonella typhimurium and there is some evidence that changes within the DC compartment play a crucial role in this protective effect. This paper further characterises this Salmonella‐modulated protective phenotype. We find that, contrary to other infection‐mediated models of type 1 diabetes protection, there was no expansion of Foxp3+ Tregs. Furthermore, transcriptome analysis of DCs identified a distinct Salmonella‐induced signature in which the inhibitory receptor PD‐L1 was up‐regulated. This was confirmed by flow cytometry. In vivo blockade of the PD1/PD‐L1 interaction was found to ablate the protective function of Salmonella infection. These data provide evidence for a novel regulatory DC phenotype proficient at controlling autoreactive T cells for an extended duration in the NOD mouse model of diabetes.
TLR9 regulation by proteolysis: A friend or a foe
Authors: Manoury Bénédicte 
Published: July 2011

AbstractIntracellular TLRs sense viral and bacterial nucleic acids from a wide variety of pathogens. Previous studies have shown that TLR9 requires processing for signalling. Following proteolysis, a fragment corresponding to the C‐terminal part of TLR9 was shown to bind MyD88 and to induce signalling when cells were stimulated with TLR9 ligands. In this issue of the European Journal of Immunology, a study provides evidence that another proteolytic fragment of TLR9 is generated, different to that described previously, consisting of amino acids 1–723 which mediates inhibition of TLR9 signalling. These results suggest that proteolysis undoubtedly is a key step in TLR9 regulation.