bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of three ergonomic measures on productivity, physical work demands, and workload in gypsum bricklayers
Authors: van der Molen Henk F. , Kuijer P. Paul F.M. , Formanoy Margriet , Bron Lennart , Hoozemans Marco J.M. , Visser Bart , Frings‐Dresen Monique H.W. 
Published: January 2010

AbstractBackgroundThis study evaluated the effects of a combination of three ergonomic measures designed to reduce the risk of low back complaints among gypsum bricklayers. The measures focused on optimizing working height and reducing carrying distances.MethodsA within‐subjects (N = 10) controlled field study was used to compare the effects of working with the ergonomic measures with those of working with conventional working methods at the worksite during the course of a full working day. Productivity, work demands, and workload were assessed.ResultsNo effects were found on productivity, total work time, duration of tasks, duration of carrying, or energetic or biomechanical workload. However, the duration and frequency of working between knee and hip height during a working day increased by 25% and 15%, respectively, due to the ergonomic measures. During the finishing task, the duration and frequency of working below knee level decreased significantly by 4 min and 71 times, respectively.ConclusionThe limited impact of the ergonomic measures argues for additional measures to reduce the risk of low back complaints. Am. J. Ind. Med. 53: 608–614, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Nanogels of poly(acrylic acid): Uptake and release behavior with fluorescent oligothiophene‐labeled bovine serum albumin
Authors: Argentiere Simona , Blasi Laura , Ciccarella Giuseppe , Barbarella Giovanna , Cingolani Roberto , Gigli Giuseppe 
Published: January 2010

AbstractNanometer‐sized poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) hydrogels were synthesized by emulsion polymerization of methyl acrylate and subsequent acidic hydrolysis. The nanohydrogel was characterized by spectroscopic methods (FTIR and 1H‐NMR) and scanning probe techniques, and their pH‐dependent swelling behavior was studied by dynamic light scattering. To determine the suitability of PAA nanogels as pH‐sensitive carriers for biomedical applications, uptake and release of an oligothiophene fluorophore and its albumin conjugated from PAA nanogels were investigated as a function of pH by absorption and photoluminescence measurements. It was observed that uptake and release processes of both the oligothiophene and its conjugate could be controlled by changing the pH of the external solution. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Macroporous bead modification with polyethylenimines of different molecular weights as polycationic ligands
Authors: González Natalia P. , Strumia Miriam C. , Alvarez Igarzabal Cecilia I. 
Published: January 2010

AbstractPolyethylenimines (PEIs) with different molecular weights [number‐average molecular weights (Mn′s) = 60,000, 1200, and 423] were coupled onto macroporous beads. These rigid and spherical beads were prepared by the crosslinking of 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate. The PEI attachment was carried out through epoxy groups yielded in a previous activation step with epichlorohydrin on matrix hydroxyl groups. Different initial concentrations of PEI were assayed. The supports so obtained were characterized by several techniques (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and mercury intrusion porosimetry). All of the PEI‐containing beads were used to analyze the influence that the molecular weight, the shape of the polycationic ligand (PEI), and the degree of coupling onto the matrices may have had on the efficiency of the retention of the bovine serum albumin protein used as a model biomolecule. In these assays, the PEI‐modified beads with Mn = 60,000 showed better results than those modified with PEIs with Mn's of 1200 and 423. The presence of sparse and long chains of PEI 60,000 onto the matrix, by reason of their highest accessibility toward the large protein, may have resulted in a better disposition of functional groups, whereas more short chains in the other PEIs (Mn's = 1200 and 423) used as ligands would not have. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Coimmobilization of malic enzyme and alanine dehydrogenase on organic–inorganic hybrid gel fibers and the production of L‐alanine from malic acid using the fibers with coenzyme regeneration
Authors: Nakane Koji , Suye Shin‐Ichiro , Ueno Tomoya , Ohno Yoko , Ishikawa Tomoko , Ogihara Takashi , Ogata Nobuo 
Published: January 2010

AbstractMalic enzyme (EC 1.1.1.39) and alanine dehydrogenase (EC 1.4.1.1) were entrap‐immobilized on hybrid gel fibers of cellulose acetate (CA) and zirconium (Zr) alkoxide by air‐gap wet spinning. The production of L‐alanine from malic acid with coenzyme regeneration was examined with the enzymes immobilized on the fibers. The productivity of L‐alanine of the immobilized enzymes decreased to approximately one‐fifth of that of free enzymes, but the CA–Zr‐fiber‐immobilized enzymes retained a high level of productivity after repeated use. Reduced form of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) recycling also occurred effectively for the enzymes immobilized on the fiber. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Preparation and properties of polylactide–silica nanocomposites
Authors: Zhu Aiping , Diao Huaxin , Rong Qianping , Cai Auyun 
Published: January 2010

AbstractPoly(lactic acid) (PLA)/SiO2 nanocomposites were prepared via melt mixing with a Haake mixing method. To improve the dispersion of nanoparticles and endow compatibility between the polymer matrix and nanosilica, SiO2 was surface‐modified with oleic acid (OA). The interfacial adhesion of the PLA nanocomposites was characterized by field‐emission scanning electron microscopy. The storage modulus and glass‐transition temperature values of the prepared nanocomposites were measured by dynamic mechanical thermal analysis. The linear and nonlinear dynamic rheological properties of the PLA nanocomposites were measured with a parallel‐plate rheometer. The effects of the filling content on the dispersability of the OA–SiO2 nanoparticles in the PLA matrix, the interface adhesion, the thermomechanical properties, the rheological properties, and the mechanical properties were investigated. Moreover, the proper representation of the oscillatory viscometry results provided an alternative sensitive method to detect whether aggregation formed in the polymeric nanocomposites. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Kinetic analysis of the imidization of poly(styrene‐co‐maleic anhydride) with aniline in the melt
Authors: Liu He‐Yang , Yao Zhen , Cao Kun , Li Bo‐Geng 
Published: February 2010

AbstractOn the basis of the competitive reactions of intermediate poly(styrene‐co‐N‐phenyl maleamic acid) (SNPMA) to produce either poly(styrene‐co‐maleic anhydride) (SMA) or poly(styrene‐co‐N‐phenyl maleimide) (SNPMI), the imidization kinetics of SMA with aniline in the molten state were investigated by a novel approach. The volatiles emitted during the reaction of SNPMA were monitored online with both thermogravimetric analysis and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) integrated technology. The experimental results directly and definitely indicate that the amidization reaction from SMA to SNPMA in the melt was reversible. Moreover, the kinetic parameters of the competitive reactions of SNPMA in the melt to produce either SMA or SNPMI were determined by FTIR analysis and then compared with those parameters in solution that were obtained in our previous study. It was also implied that the forward ring‐opening reaction of SMA in the melt was nearly instantaneous and that the rates of the competitive reactions of SNPMA to produce either SMA or SNPMI were crucial for the total imidization of SMA. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Mechanical and antibacterial properties of modified nano‐ZnO/high‐density polyethylene composite films with a low doped content of nano‐ZnO
Authors: Li Shu‐Cai , Li Ya‐Na 
Published: February 2010

AbstractNano‐ZnO/high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) composite films were prepared via melt blending and a hot compression‐molding process. The properties, including ultraviolet absorption, mechanical and antibacterial properties of the films, and plasticizing behavior of the composites, were investigated. The results show that the absorbance in the ultraviolet region of the HDPE films was enhanced after the addition of modified nano‐ZnO to the HDPE matrix. Also, we found that improvement in the HDPE films of the tensile strength and elongation at break was achieved by the incorporation of modified ZnO nanoparticles up to 0.5 wt % in contrast with the original nano‐ZnO/HDPE composite films. Antibacterial testing was carried out via plate counting, and the results indicate that the HDPE films doped with modified ZnO nanoparticles showed favorable antibacterial activity, especially for Staphylococcus aureus. However, the low doped content of modified nano‐ZnO in the HDPE matrix made the balance torque of the composites increase slightly. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Graft polymerization of acrylic acid onto polypropylene monofilament by RF plasma
Authors: Saxena Shalini , Ray Alok R. , Gupta Bhuvanesh 
Published: January 2010

AbstractPlasma‐induced graft polymerization of acrylic acid onto polypropylene monofilament was carried out to introduce carboxyl groups on its surface. The monofilament was treated with oxygen plasma to create hydroperoxide groups and subsequent graft polymerization of acrylic acid on exposed filament was carried out. An increase in the plasma power led to higher graft levels. It was observed that the hydroperoxide build up on PP surface follows linear increase with the increase in the plasma treatment time only up to 180 s beyond which it slowed down significantly. The formation of oxygenated species was ascertained by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and the peroxide content was measured by the 2′‐diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH) estimation. The grafting was observed to be considerably influenced by the plasma exposure time, plasma power, reaction temperature, monomer concentration and the storage temperature. A maximum in the degree of grafting was observed at 40% monomer concentration beyond which grafting tended to decrease very fast. The grafting was also found to be maximum at 50°C followed by a sharp decrease, subsequently. The storage of the exposed filament at −80°C led to the identical grafting all along the 16 days. However, the storage at 25°C showed significant reduction in the degree of grafting. The atomic force microscopy showed that surface morphology is transformed into a nonhomogeneous one after the plasma exposure, but tends to flatten out after the grafting process in the form of globular structures. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Investigation on synergic activity of N‐benzylimine aminothioformamide binary accelerator system in sulfur vulcanization of natural rubber
Authors: Thomas S. P. , Ettolil M. J. 
Published: February 2010

AbstractThis study explored the possibility of preparing a new thio accelerator, N‐benzylimine aminothioformamide to investigate its synergic accelerator activity in three conventional binary accelerator systems, N‐cyclohexyl benzothiazyl sulfenamide, mercapto benzothiazyl disulfide, and tetramethylthiuram disulfide in the sulfur vulcanization of natural rubber. Each system was found effective in reduction of cure time as a further proof of the nucleophilic mechanism suggested in the earlier reports. The vulcanizates of the mixes of the three systems were experimented for evaluating their physicomechanical properties. Most of the properties were found better than those of the reference mixes. Crosslinks were also evaluated for correlating the properties. Based on the evaluated properties, optimum dosage of the new binary systems were derived. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Enhancement of dispersion of carbon nanotube and physical properties of poly(styrene‐co‐acrylonitrile)/multiwalled carbon nanotube nanocomposite via surface initiated ATRP
Authors: Choi Won Seok , Ryu Sung Hun 
Published: January 2010

AbstractDispersion behavior of multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT), rheological and mechanical properties of various MWCNT/poly(styrene‐co‐acrylonitrile) (SAN) nanocomposites were investigated. MWCNT/SAN nanocomposites were prepared by three different methods; MWCNT/SAN melt blending, MWCNT/SAN in situ atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) and functionalized‐MWCNT/SAN in situ ATRP. Formation of SAN onto the surface of MWCNT and the molecular weight of grafted‐SAN were confirmed by fourier transform infrared spectra, 1H‐NMR and 13C‐NMR. Crossover frequency of storage and loss modulus from rheological measurement and dynamic mechanical analysis showed that functionalized MWCNT/SAN in situ ATRP nanocomposite showed more uniform dispersion of MWCNT. Improved mechanical and electrical properties were observed for functionalized MWCNT/SAN in situ ATRP nanocomposite. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Synthesis and characterization of novel hybrid polyoxazoline‐grafted multiwalled carbon nanotubes
Authors: Jeon Jong‐Hwan , Lee Seung‐Hwa , Lim Jung‐Hyurk , Kim Kyung‐Min 
Published: January 2010

AbstractThe novel hybrid polyoxazoline‐grafted multiwalled carbon nanotubes (POZO‐grafted MWNTs) were synthesized by the reaction of partially hydrolyzed polyoxazolines (Hydrolyzed‐POZO) and MWNTs having carboxylic acid groups (MWNT‐COOH) in the presence of DCC as a condensing agent. Hydrolyzed‐POZO (degree of hydrolysis, 20.2 mol % by 1H‐NMR) were produced from the hydrolysis of polyoxazolines in an aqueous NaOH solution at reflux for 72 h. MWNT‐COOH were prepared by acid treatment of pristine MWNTs. The composition, structure, thermal property, and surface morphology of the novel hybrid POZO‐grafted MWNTs were fully characterized by FT‐IR, Raman, 1H‐NMR, DSC, TGA, SEM, and TEM. The obtained POZO‐grafted MWNTs are well soluble in various organic solvents and water. It was observed that the glass transition temperature (Tg) of POZO‐grafted MWNTs was lower than that of Hydrolyzed‐POZO due to the absence of hydrogen bonding interactions between Hydrolyzed‐POZO itself caused by the incorporation with MWNTs. It was also found that Hydrolyzed‐POZO was homogeneously attached to the surfaces of MWNTs through the “grafting‐to” method. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Tumor necrosis factor α blockade exacerbates murine psoriasis‐like disease by enhancing Th17 function and decreasing expansion of Treg cells
Authors: Ma Hak‐Ling , Napierata Lee , Stedman Nancy , Benoit Stephen , Collins Mary , Nickerson‐Nutter Cheryl , Young Deborah A. 
Published: January 2010

AbstractObjectivePatients with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis respond well to tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) blockers in general; however, there is now mounting evidence that a small cohort of patients with rheumatoid arthritis who receive TNFα blockers develop psoriasis. This study was undertaken to explore the mechanisms underlying TNFα blockade–induced exacerbation of skin inflammation in murine psoriasis‐like skin disease.MethodsSkin inflammation was induced in BALB/c scid/scid mice after they received CD4+CD45RBhighCD25− (naive CD4) T cells from donor mice. These mice were treated with either anti–interleukin‐12 (anti–IL‐12)/23p40 antibody or murine TNFRII‐Fc fusion protein and were examined for signs of disease, including histologic features, various cytokine levels in the serum, and cytokine or FoxP3 transcripts in the affected skin and draining lymph node (LN) cells. In a separate study, naive CD4+ T cells were differentiated into Th1 or Th17 lineages with anti‐CD3/28 magnetic beads and appropriate cytokines in the presence or absence of TNFα. Cytokine gene expression from these differentiated cells was also determined.ResultsNeutralization of TNFα exacerbated skin inflammation and markedly enhanced the expression of the proinflammatory cytokines IL‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐17, IL‐21, and IL‐22 but suppressed FoxP3 expression in the skin and reduced the number of FoxP3‐positive Treg cells in the draining LNs. TNFα also demonstrated a divergent role during priming and reactivation of naive T cells.ConclusionThese results reveal a novel immunoregulatory role of TNFα on Th17 and Treg cells in some individuals, which may account for the exacerbation of skin inflammation in some patients who receive anti‐TNF treatments.
Adenosine A1 receptors regulate bone resorption in mice: Adenosine A1 receptor blockade or deletion increases bone density and prevents ovariectomy‐induced bone loss in adenosine A1 receptor–knockout mice
Authors: Kara Firas M. , Doty Stephen B. , Boskey Adele , Goldring Steven , Zaidi Mone , Fredholm Bertil B. , Cronstein Bruce N. 
Published: January 2010

AbstractObjectiveAccelerated osteoclastic bone resorption plays a central role in the pathogenesis of osteoporosis and other bone diseases. Because identifying the molecular pathways that regulate osteoclast activity provides a key to understanding the causes of these diseases and developing new treatments, we studied the effect of adenosine A1 receptor blockade or deletion on bone density.MethodsThe bone mineral density (BMD) in adenosine A1 receptor–knockout (A1R‐knockout) mice was analyzed by dual x‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) scanning, and the trabecular and cortical bone volume was determined by microfocal computed tomography (micro‐CT). The mice were ovariectomized or sham‐operated, and 5 weeks after surgery, when osteopenia had developed, several parameters were analyzed by DXA scanning and micro‐CT. A histologic examination of bones obtained from A1R‐knockout and wild‐type mice was carried out. Visualization of osteoblast function (bone formation) after tetracycline double‐labeling was performed by fluorescence microscopy.ResultsMicro‐CT analysis of bones from A1R‐knockout mice showed significantly increased bone volume. Electron microscopy of bones from A1R‐knockout mice showed the absence of ruffled borders of osteoclasts and osteoclast bone resorption. Immunohistologic analysis demonstrated that although osteoclasts were present in the A1R‐knockout mice, they were smaller and often not associated with bone. No morphologic changes in osteoblasts were observed, and bone‐labeling studies revealed no change in the bone formation rates in A1R‐knockout mice.ConclusionThese results suggest that the adenosine A1 receptor may be a useful target in treating diseases characterized by excessive bone turnover, such as osteoporosis and prosthetic joint loosening.
Association of 25‐hydroxyvitamin D with prevalent osteoarthritis of the hip in elderly men: The osteoporotic fractures in men study
Authors: Chaganti R. K. , Parimi N. , Cawthon P. , Dam T. L. , Nevitt M. C. , Lane N. E. 
Published: January 2010

AbstractObjectiveTo examine the cross‐sectional association of serum levels of 25‐hydroxyvitamin D, or 25(OH)D, with prevalent radiographic hip osteoarthritis (OA) in elderly men.MethodsIn a cohort of 1,104 elderly men from the Osteoporotic Fractures in Men Study, 25(OH)D serum levels were determined by mass spectrometry, followed by pelvic radiographs ∼4.6 years later. Categories of vitamin D levels were defined as follows: deficiency as ≤15 ng/ml, insufficiency as 15.1–30 ng/ml, and sufficiency as >30 ng/ml. Radiographs were assessed for severity of hip OA using a summary grade of 0–4 for individual features of hip OA. Logistic regression was used to assess associations of serum 25(OH)D levels with prevalent radiographic hip OA; covariates included age, clinic site, season at the time of blood withdrawal, self‐reported hip pain for >30 days, timed 6‐meter walk, presence of at least 1 coexisting condition, and self‐rated health status.ResultsMen with radiographic hip OA had a slower 6‐meter walking time (P < 0.0001), reported more hip pain (P = 0.0001), had a lower vitamin D level (P = 0.0002), and had a higher prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency (P = 0.002) and vitamin D deficiency (P = 0.012) compared with controls. Higher 25(OH)D levels were associated with a lower prevalence of radiographic hip OA (odds ratio [OR] 1.39 per 1 SD decrease in 25[OH]D, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.11–1.74) after adjusting for age, season, and clinic site. Men with vitamin D insufficiency had an increased likelihood of prevalent radiographic hip OA (OR 2.19, 95% CI 1.21–3.97) compared with men with sufficient levels of 25(OH)D, and in men with vitamin D deficiency, there was a tendency toward an increased likelihood of radiographic hip OA (OR 1.99, 95% CI 0.83–4.74).ConclusionMen with vitamin D deficiencies are twice as likely to have prevalent radiographic hip OA, and therefore vitamin D therapy to augment skeletal health in the elderly is warranted.
A novel heat‐shock protein coinducer boosts stress protein Hsp70 to activate T cell regulation of inflammation in autoimmune arthritis
Authors: Wieten Lotte , van der Zee Ruurd , Spiering Rachel , Wagenaar‐Hilbers Josée , van Kooten Peter , Broere Femke , van Eden Willem 
Published: January 2010

AbstractObjectiveStress proteins, such as members of the heat‐shock protein (HSP) family, are up‐regulated by cells in inflamed tissue and can be viewed functionally as “biomarkers” for the immune system to monitor inflammation. Exogenous administration of stress proteins has induced immunoregulation in various models of inflammation and has also been shown to be effective in clinical trials in humans. This study was undertaken to test the hypothesis that boosting of endogenous HSP expression can restore effective immunoregulation through T cells specific for stress proteins.MethodsStress protein expression was manipulated in vivo and in vitro with a food component (carvacrol), and immune recognition of stress proteins was studied.ResultsCarvacrol, a major compound in the oil of many Origanum species, had a notable capacity to coinduce cellular Hsp70 expression in vitro and, upon intragastric administration, in Peyer's patches of mice in vivo. As a consequence, carvacrol specifically promoted T cell recognition of endogenous Hsp70, as demonstrated in vitro by the activation of an Hsp70‐specific T cell hybridoma and in vivo by amplified T cell responses to Hsp70. Carvacrol administration also increased the number of CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ T cells, systemically in the spleen and locally in the joint, and almost completely suppressed proteoglycan‐induced experimental arthritis. Furthermore, protection against arthritis could be transferred with T cells isolated from carvacrol‐fed mice.ConclusionThese findings illustrate that a food component can boost protective T cell responses to a self stress protein and down‐regulate inflammatory disease, i.e., that the immune system can respond to diet.