bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Avaliação da resistência de aderência à tração e microestrutura de argamassas de cimento Portland novas e envelhecidas
Authors: Barreto Matheus de Faria e Oliveira , Gontijo Marcelo Robert Fonseca , Teles Carolina Parreiras , Araújo Fabiana Faria de
Published: July 2024

Entende-se por resistência de aderência de uma argamassa, a capacidade desta em absorver tensões normais e tangenciais à superfície de interface argamassa/base. A aderência é significativamente influenciada pelas condições da base, como a porosidade e absorção de água, resistência mecânica, textura superficial e pelas próprias condições de execução do assentamento de componentes da base. A capacidade de aderência da interface base-argamassa depende, ainda, da capacidade de retenção de água, da consistência e do teor de ar incorporado da argamassa. Para este trabalho foram construídos quatro painéis de alvenaria e aplicados sobre três deles argamassa de chapisco com traço de (1:3) de cimento Portland e areia lavada de rio e posteriormente aplicados em um painel argamassa de revestimento com traço (1:6) de cimento Portland e areia lavada de rio, em outro painel argamassa de revestimento com traço (1:1:4) de cimento, cal e areia e no terceiro painel argamassa de revestimento com traço (1:2:8) de cimento, cal e areia. Além disso, no quarto painel de alvenaria foi aplicado sobre ele argamassa de chapisco rolado industrializado e posteriormente aplicada argamassa de revestimento com traço (1:2:8) de cimento Portland, cal e areia lavada de rio. Além disso, foi comparada a resistência de aderência à tração de argamassas de cimento Portland envelhecidas naturalmente pelo processo de carbonatação. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a resistência de aderência à tração de argamassas novas aplicadas como revestimento em diversas situações de utilização e de argamassas envelhecidas (carbonatadas).
Ways of Defining the Internet and Social Media in Islamic Referenced Books
Authors: KOBAZA Oğuz Selim
Published: July 2024

İnternet ve internete bağlı teknolojiler, iletişimde çığır açarak gündelik hayatın vazgeçilemez bir ögesi hâline gelmiştir. Sosyal medya mecralarının ortaya çıkışıyla birlikte dünyanın her yerinde hayat tarzlarından zihniyetlere kadar
yaşamın akışı içindeki tüm alanlarda değişim ve dönüşüm deneyimlenmiştir. Söz konusu süreçte internet ve internete bağlı teknolojiler pek çok araştırmacı tarafından olumlu ve olumsuz etkileriyle ele alınmıştır. İnternet, iletişimi
kolaylaştırması, iletişim imkânlarının artışını sağlaması, zaman ve mesafelerden bağımsız olarak bilgiye erişimi daha rahat hâle getirmesi vb. gibi olumlu özelliklere sahiptir. Bunun yanında internete ve sosyal medya mecralarına
bağımlılık, zararlı içeriklere maruz kalma, dikkat dağınıklığı, dijital gözetim, veri güvenliği ihlâlleri, kişisel mahremiyetin sınırlanması vb. olumsuz etkiler de uzun süredir tartışılmaktadır. Ayrıca internet ve internete bağlı
teknolojilerin etkileri dini perspektiften de değerlendirilmektedir. Dinin insan davranışlarını biçimlendiren normatif yapısı, internet ve sosyal medyanın kullanımına ilişkin pek çok açıdan sınırlar koymakta ve dolayısıyla bu araçların
kullanım pratiklerini de şekillendirmektedir. Bu bağlamda genel olarak internetin ve sosyal medyanın, insanları dinen sakıncalı görülen veya yasaklanmış eylemlere yönlendirdiğine; çocukları, aile bireylerini ve toplumu olumsuz
etkilediğine, ahlaki yozlaşmaya ve dini değerlerden uzaklaşmaya vb. neden olduğuna dair pek çok görüş ileri sürülmektedir. Bu çalışmanın konusunu İslami referansları barındıran kitaplarda internet ve sosyal medyanın tanımlanış
biçimleri oluşturmaktadır. Çalışma nitel bir araştırmadır ve İslami referansların bulunduğu kitaplarda sosyal medya ve internetle ilgili yapılmış tanımlamalardan hareketle sosyal medya ve internetin tanımlanış biçimlerini ortaya
koymak amaçlanmıştır. Çalışma kapsamında sosyal medyayı dini referanslarla ele alan pek çok kitabın bulunması çalışmanın sınırlılığını oluşturmaktadır. Bu nedenle internet ve sosyal medyayı konu edinen ve İslami referansları barındıran
Gençler İçin Sosyal Medya İlmihali, Müslüman’ın Ahlakını Yok Eden Teknoloji: İnternet, İnternet Fıkhı ve Sosyal İmtihanımız başlıklı dört kitap çalışmada amaçlı örneklem yöntemiyle belirlenmiştir. Söz konusu kitaplardaki internet
ve sosyal medyayla ilgili tanımlamalar doküman incelemesi yöntemi ile incelenmiştir. İnternet ve sosyal medya kavramları ayrı ayrı tanımlanmakla birlikte her iki kavramın birbirinin yerine kullanıldığı ve tanımlandığı da görülmüştür.
Tanımlamaların internet ve sosyal medya kavramlarını olumlu ve olumsuz bağlamda ele alan tanımlamalar olduğu gözlemlenmiştir. Bu tanımlamalarda internet ve sosyal medyanın İslami faaliyetlerden insan ilişkilerine kadar geniş bir
perspektifte ele alındığı tespit edilmiştir.
Ishaq Efendi al-Kharpûtî and an Evaluation on His Work Titled Risala Sual and Cawab
Authors: GEMİ Ahmet , SAYLAN Osman
Published: July 2024

Müslümanların Anadolu’ya gelmesi ile birlikte Harput bölgesinde birçok önemli âlim yetişmiş olup söz konusu bölge ve çevresinde farklı alanlarda faaliyetlerde bulunmuşlardır. Harputlu İshak Efendi de Harput ve muhitinde şöhret bulan,
dini faaliyetlerde bulunan ve Osmanlı Döneminin alim ve bürokratlarından olan önemli bir şahsiyettir. 1803 yılında Harput’un Perçene köyünde dünyaya gelmiştir. Arap dili, tefsir, kelam, tasavvuf, felsefe gibi alanlarla meşgul olmuştur.
Bu alanlarla ilgili önemli eserler kaleme almıştır. Bunun yanında Arap dilinin önemli temel kaynaklarından olan ve uzun zamandır medreselerde okutulan eserlerin kolaylıkla anlaşılması için önemli bir eser de kaleme almıştır. Bu
eserin adı, Risâle-i Soru ve Cevap veya Mecmû‘atü’l-kavâ‘îd’dir. Risâle-i Soru ve Cevap adlı eser; geçmişten günümüze kadar medreselerde sarf ve nahiv alanlarında okutulan Emsile, Binâ, Maksûd, İzzî, Avâmil, İzhâr ve Kâfiye eserlerini
kapsamaktadır. Ayrıca bu eser mantık, vaz‘ (aruz ilmi), belagat gibi ilimleri de kapsamaktadır. Sorgulayıcı bir tarz benimseyen İshak Efendi, eserlerinde soru-cevap tekniğini kullanmıştır. Soru-cevap tekniği, öğrenmede etkili olan
tekniklerin başında gelmektedir. Sokrates’ten günümüze kadar kullanılan bu yöntem, şüphesiz dil eğitiminde de önemli bir yer kapsamaktadır. Bu çalışmada Harputlu İshak Efendi’nin hayatı ele alınacak ve Arap dili alanında kaleme
aldığı Risâle-i Soru ve Cevap adlı eserinin üzerine bir değerlendirme yapılacaktır.
God of Transhumanism
Authors: GÜÇLÜER Fatımanur , YAZOĞLU Ruhattin
Published: July 2024

Teknolojinin ilerlemesiyle insanlık bilimde son elli yılda ciddi bir mesafe kat etmiştir. Bu hızlı ilerleyiş günlük hayat, eğitim, hukuk, sanat, siyaset gibi alanlarda köklü değişimlere sebep olmuştur. Avantaj ya da dezavantajları
tartışılan ileri teknoloji beraberinde birçok yeni kavramı da beraberinde getirmiştir. Menşei çoğunlukla batı düşüncesine dayanan, insanlığa kendini süper sağlık, süper yaşam ve süper zekâ sloganıyla sunan transhümanizm kavramı
bu yeni kavramlardan biridir. Hümanizmin bir devam formu olarak nitelenebilecek olan transhümanizm ideolojisi insan merkeziyetçiliği esasına dayanmaktadır. Transhümanizm insanın bedensel ve bilişsel olarak iyileştirilmesi ve geliştirilmesi
gerektiğine inanır. Transhümanizm eylemleri ve hedefleri açısından din düşünürlerinin de dikkatini çekmektedir. Tanrı inancını insanlık tarihi kadar geçmişe götürmek mümkündür. İnanma ihtiyacıyla dünyaya gelen insan, yaşadığı toplumun
dinî ya da kültürel vasıflarıyla yetişmiş, tüm bunlar insanın evreni anlamlandırmada kendisine yardımcı olmuştur. Rönesans, aydınlanma, sanayileşme ve neticede teknolojikleşme süreçleri ile birlikte Tanrı kavramından ulûhiyet vasıfları
alınmış, bu vasıflar bilime ve insana atfedilmeye başlanmıştır. Kendisi de genel itibariyle evrimsel teoriyi ve materyalist düşünceyi temel edinmiş bir hareket olan transhümanizmde Tanrının konumu çalışmamızın temelini teşkil etmektedir.
Çalışmamızda transhümanizmde Tanrı anlayışını temellendirebilmek adına konuyu seküler transhümanistlerin Tanrı anlayışı, dindar transhümanistlere göre Tanrı anlayışı ve transhümanizmi din karşıtı bir hareket olarak gören teologlara
göre Tanrı anlayışı olmak üzere üç farklı bakış açısıyla değerlendirmeye çalışacağız.
On the Historical Course of the Concepts of Veliyyullah and Evliyâullah in Hadith Sources: A Critical Approach
Authors: ORUÇHAN Osman
Published: July 2024

Bu makalede, tasavvuf dünyasında kendisine Allah’ın dostu denilen, normal bir insanda bulunmayan olağanüstü özellikleri bulunduğu iddia edilen veliyyullâh/evliyâullâh vb. kavramların, dinin temel dayanaklarından olan hadislerin yer
aldığı temel hadis kaynaklarında de nasıl ve hangi oranda geçtiğinin tespiti amaçlanmıştır. Bu amacı gerçekleştirmek üzere temel hadis kaynaklarının kaleme alındığı ikinci asırdan dördüncü asrın sonuna kadar tasnif edilen hadis
kitapları tedkik edilmiştir. Makalede, ilgili kelimelerin tespit edildiği hadis kaynakları, yazarlarının ölüm tarihleri esas alınarak sınıflandırılmıştır. Diğer taraftan ilgili kavramlara belirtilen anlamların yüklendiği alanla
ilişkisini tespit edebilmek amacıyla zühd/tasavvuf konulu olanlar başta olmak üzere diğer bazı eserler de incelememize dâhil edilmiştir. Bu kaynaklar seçilirken isnâdı bulunan hadis rivayetleri içeren kaynaklar tecih edilmiştir.
Yaptığımız araştırmalar neticesinde görülmüştür ki söz konusu hadis kaynaklarının önemli bir bölümünde ilgili kavramlara hiç yer verilmemiş, diğerlerinde de oldukça az yer verilmiştir. Diğer eserlerde, özellikle zühd/tasavvuf alanıyla
ilgili olanlarda hadis kaynaklarına nazaran daha fazla rivayet bulunduğu tespit edilmiştir. Makalede ulaştığımız tespitlere göre veliyyullah vb. kavramların önemli bir bölümü anlamlı bir şekilde ilgili dönemde yaşayan zahit ve
mutasavvıflarla ilişkili bulunmuştur. Bunun bir kanıtı olarak hicrî ikinci asırda yazılan birkaç hadis kaynağında veliyyullah vb. bir kavram bulunmadığı halde aynı dönemde bir zühd kitabı olan Abdullah b. Mübârek’in eserinde bu
tür hadislerin bulunması gösterilebilir. Diğer taraftan bu türden bazı hadis ravilerinin Şîî olması, söz konusu rivayetlerin Şia’nın siyasi/dini anlamdaki velâyet anlayışıyla ilişkisinin araştırılmasının gerekliliğine işaret etmektedir.
Hadis kaynaklarındaki rivayetlerde bulunan veliyyullah vb. kavramların bazıları sûfîlerin tarzını yansıtsa da bazıları Kur’an’da yer aldığı şekliyle, genel anlamda bütün Müminleri kapsayacak şekilde kullanıldığı tespit edilmiştir.
Suhrawardi's Thought of Comprehension
Authors: ABDULAZİZ Veysi
Published: July 2024

İslam felsefesinde idrak düşüncesi genel olarak nefs teorileri kapsamında ele alınmıştır. İdrak kavramı, insanda mevcut olan bitkisel, hayvanî ve insanî nefs türleri içerisinde hayvanî nefs kapsamında incelenmektedir. İnsanda mevcut
olan idrak kuvveleri dokunma, tatma, koklama, işitme ve görme olan dış idrak güçleri ve hiss-i müşterek (ortak duyu), hayal, vehim, zâkire/hafıza ve mutehayyile/müfekkire olan iç idrak güçleri diye bir tasnife tabi tutulmuştur.
Dış idrak güçleriyle mevcut âlem fiziksel olarak idrak edilirken iç idrak güçleriyle de dışarıdan elde edilen bilgiler yorumlanır. Çalışmamızda insanın mahiyeti ve özelliklerinin incelendiği nefs düşüncesinde idrakin yerinin tespiti
ve nefsle olan ilişkisinin boyutları Sühreverdî’nin İşrâkî tarzdaki bakış açısıyla ele alınmıştır. Çalışmanın amacı; olgu ve olaylar karşısında insanda meydana gelen idrakin nasıl gerçekleştiği, idrak güçlerinin işlevlerini nasıl
yerine getirdiği ve insana etkisini ortaya koymaktır. Bu bağlamda çalışmada, nefs nedir, idrak kuvvelerinin görevleri nelerdir ve idrak nasıl gerçekleşir gibi sorulara cevap aranmıştır. Çalışmada, Sühreverdî’nin eserleri taranarak
ilgili konuda elde edilen bilgiler temel alınmıştır. Elde edilen bulgularda filozofun tasavvuruna göre, yönetici nur olan nefsin akıl dâhil insanın idrak kuvvelerini yöneten cisimsiz bir cevher olduğu öne çıkmaktadır. İnsanın mevcut
âlem hakkında dış idrak kuvveleri vasıtasıyla bilgi sahibi olması ve bu bilgiyi manevî âleminde etkin olan iç idrak kuvveleri vasıtasıyla yorumladığı filozofun temel tezleri arasında olduğu görülmektedir. Sühreverdî’nin, nefsin
idrak güçleri düşüncesinde, eserlerinde de zikrettiği Antik Yunan filozoflarından ve Doğulu müteellih bilgeler diye tanıttığı düşünürlerden etkilendiği İslam felsefesinde ise en çok İbn Sînâ’dan etkilendiği görülmektedir.
A Text-Centred Rhetorical Analysis of 1 Thessalonians 2:17–20
Authors: Prinsloo HJ
Published: July 2024

This article analyses 1 Thessalonians 2:17–20 from a rhetorical perspective. Instead of the typical approach used to analyse the letter in terms of ancient rhetorical theory, this article explains that Paul’s rhetorical strategy is best observed by a close reading of the text itself; it is called a text‑centred rhetorical analysis that follows a minimum theoretical approach. Accordingly, the overall rhetorical strategy is identified, followed by an outline of the dominant and supportive arguments, including the supportive strategies, and completed by identifying the rhetorical techniques. Moreover, this article highlights how Paul effectively adapts the ancient letter style to achieve his rhetorical objectives. It remains critical to understand the urgency of the missionaries not only to convey their loving concern but to exhort them to endure faithfully to the immanent parousia.
Length-Weight Relationship and Condition Factor of Synodontis schall (Bloch & Schneider, 1801), from Roseires Reservoir, Sudan
Authors: Hamid Abdalla Mustafa , Khalid Abdel Moneim , Adam Ahmed El Bedawi , Alttagi Zeinab ElAmin Alsharif , Shuaib Mujtaba El Khair , Abdalla Mutasim Yousif Mohamed
Published: July 2024

This study was carried out to investigate the length-weight relationship and condition factor of the Mochokid catfish S. schall, a commercially important fish species in the Roseires reservoir on the Blue Nile, Sudan. A total of 643 specimens were collected using the multi-filament gillnets of mesh sizes (4.0, 8.0, 10.0, and 12.0 cm) and twine (No. 2 and 12) during the period from November 2015 to October 2016; Samples were collected from four sites namely: Awal Bab, Elregiba, Kirma, and Wad El Mahi.; The length and weight of sampled fish were measured and recorded on the sampling sites and used to determine a length-weight relationship. The growth coefficient (b) ranged from 1.196 to 2.649, with moderate to high correlations (r) between 0.437 and 0.798. Values of (b) were less than 3 indicating a negative allometric growth pattern, whereas weight increased at a lower rate than length. The condition factor (K) ranged from 1.966 ± 0.696 to 3.856 ± 3.856, suggesting the fish were in good health condition throughout the sampling sites. The findings of this study provide valuable insights into the biological aspects of S. schall, which can form the basis of sustainable management and conservation policy for the fishery resource of this economically important fish species in the Roseires reservoir.
A Comprehensive Analysis of Outcome of Colectomy in Colorectal Cancer Patients: An Insight from Private Center from the North of Brazil
Authors: Silva Charles Cruz e , Conceição Weany Jeniffer Costa da , Morais Paulo Victor Ataliba , Machado Suellen Emilliany Feitosa , Vanetta Raissa Norat
Published: July 2024

Aims: to analyze results of partial or total colectomies conducted in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients at a private hospital in Belém, Pará, Brazil.
Study Design: The study was cross-sectional, retrospective and descriptive. Place and duration of the study: the study analyzed medical records of CRC patients subjected to either partial or total colectomy at a hospital in Belém between 2018 and 2022.
Methods: The research abided by ethical norms including the Norms for Research Involving Humans of the Health National Center. The target population was composed of CRC patients of both sexes. The definitive International Classification Diseases (ICD) C18 and C19 and the following keywords “colorectal cancer”, “colon cancer”, “partial colectomy” and “total colectomy” were used to search the medical records. The analyzed variables were: epidemiologic factors, pre-operative variables, peri-operative and post-operative variables, bleeding, oncological factors, presence of compromised lymph nodes, and early and late complications.
Results: After searching the hospital records, it was found that 414 patients were hospitalized with CRC between 2018 and 2022. Of these, 288 were not considered for the study due to the exclusion criteria and, therefore, 122 patients were included in the research. Fistulas were the most common early complication and recurrence the most common late complication with significant association to the presence of positive lymph nodes to pathological staging (p=0.025). Early deaths were most recurrent in stage IV (p=0.003). No statistical relevance was found between the type of colectomy and the presence of early (p=0.906) and late (p=0.237) complications. As for surgeries, conventional surgeries were related to higher rates of complications and prolonged admission.
Conclusion: Negative outcomes for CRC patients are related to pathological staging and patients with positive lymph nodes presented the worst results. In addition, robotic surgery and laparoscopy were related to faster recovery and lessened early complications.
Objective prevalence of insomnia in the São Paulo, Brazil epidemiologic sleep study
Authors: Castro Laura S. , Poyares Dalva , Leger Damien , Bittencourt Lia , Tufik Sergio
Published: May 2013

Objective

Using polysomnography, the gold standard for sleep assessment, this study aimed to describe the objective prevalence of insomnia in the São Paulo, Brazil, Epidemiologic Sleep Study cohort of 1,101 adults (20–80 years old).

Methods

Objective insomnia was defined by meeting 1 of the following criteria: sleep onset latency >30 minutes (sleep initiating insomnia), wake after sleep onset lasting >30 minutes (sleep maintenance insomnia), total sleep time <360 minutes and a terminal wakefulness >30 minutes (insomnia with too short duration of sleep or early morning awakening), or a combination of the previous quantitative criteria (mixed disorder). Using validated questionnaires based on Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition (DSM‐IV) criteria, subjective insomnia was categorized into 3 groups: good sleepers, insomnia symptoms, and DSM‐IV insomnia.

Results

A total of 1,042 subjects participated in the study (95% response rate). The prevalence of objective insomnia was 32%. The subjective prevalence of insomnia symptoms was 45%, and the subjective prevalence of DSM‐IV insomnia was 15%. Sociodemographic factors were similar in both the objective insomnia and the DSM‐IV insomnia groups. Age, but not psychiatric symptoms, was predictive of objective insomnia. The subjective criteria were not adequately sensitive (36%) to identify objective insomnia, but were adequately specific (77%) to rule out polysomnography noninsomnia.

Interpretation

The prevalence of objective insomnia assessed by polysomnography was higher than the prevalence of subjective insomnia according to DSM‐IV–validated questionnaires. Clinical trials.gov ID: NCT00596713. Ann Neurol 2013;74:537–546
Evaluation of olefinic block copolymer blends with amorphous polyolefins—effect of different unsaturated and saturated hydrocarbon tackifier resins on blend miscibility
Authors: Raja P. Rajesh , Wilson J. K. , Peters M. A. , Croll S. G.
Published: May 2013

Blends of ethylene–octene based olefinic block copolymer (OBC) with two amorphous polyolefin (APO) polymers [atactic propylene homopolymer (PP) and ethylene–propylene copolymer (PE–PP)] were evaluated at three different ratios. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) evaluations were performed to determine the blend miscibility characteristics. Viscoelastic properties of both OBC blends with PP polymer, and OBC blends with PE–PP copolymer showed incompatibility. Analysis revealed that both blends formed two phase morphologies. The effect of three unsaturated aliphatic hydrocarbon resins with varying aromatic content and two saturated hydrocarbon resins with different chemistries were evaluated as compatibilizing agent for OBC/PP and OBC/PE–PP blends. A 1 : 1 polymer blend ratio of OBC/PP and OBC/PE–PP was selected to better understand the influence of resin addition at three different levels 20, 30, and 40 wt %. The fully aliphatic unsaturated resin seems to improve the miscibility of the OBC/PP blends at higher resin addition levels, but reduced the miscibility as the aromatic content of the resin increases. However, OBC/PE–PP blends showed improved miscibility with increasing aromatic content. A ternary phase morphology was particularly observed for both OBC/PP and OBC/PE–PP blends with highly aromatic (14%) unsaturated hydrocarbon resin, in which OBC formed the continuous phase, and PP, PE–PP, and unsaturated hydrocarbon resins formed the dispersed phase. Interestingly, we did not observe much difference in miscibility characteristics between the two saturated resin chemistries in both blend systems (OBC/PP and OBC/PE–PP). The Harkins spreading coefficient concept was used to better understand the ternary blend dispersed phase morphology. Spreading coefficients indicate that the free hydrocarbon resins (both unsaturated and saturated) were encapsulated by the amorphous PP or amorphous PE–PP polymer in the dispersed phase for the respective blend compositions. Overall OBC–PP and OBC/PE–PP blends showed better miscibility characteristics with both saturated aliphatic hydrocarbon resins, irrespective of the difference in resin chemistries. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 2624–2644, 2013
Synthesis and characterization of emulsion‐type curing agent of water‐borne epoxy resin
Authors: Sun Haixiang , Ni Weiliang , Yuan Bingbing , Wang Tiantian , Li Peng , Liu Yunqi , Wang Lintong
Published: May 2013

Self‐emulsified water‐borne epoxy curing agent of nonionic type was prepared using triethylene tetramine (TETA) and derivative of epoxy resin as a capping agent, which was synthesized by liquid epoxy resin (E51) and polyethylene glycol (PEG), and the curing agent possessed emulsification and curing properties at the same time. The curing agent with good property of emulsifying liquid epoxy resin could be obtained under the condition of the molar ratio of PEG : E51 : TETA as 0.8 : 1 : 3.5 at 80°C for 5 h. The mean particle size of the emulsion liquid was about 220 nm with the prepared curing agent and epoxy resin at the mass ratio of 1 : 3. The structure of the emulsion‐type curing agent was confirmed by FTIR and 1H NMR spectra, and the mechanism of cured film formation was also analyzed by SEM photographs. The cured film prepared by the emulsion‐type curing agent and epoxy resin under ambient cure conditions showed good properties even at high staving temperature. This study provides useful suggestions for the application of the water‐borne epoxy resins in coating industry. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 2652–2659, 2013
Influences of extractant on the hydrophilicity and performances of HDPE/PE‐b‐PEG blend membranes prepared via thermally induced phase separation (TIPS) process
Authors: Shi Jun‐Li , Fang Li‐Feng , Zhang Hong , Liang Zhi‐Ying , Zhu Bao‐Ku , Zhu Li‐Ping
Published: May 2013

Blending the block copolymer into the membrane matrix is a convenient and efficient way for membrane modification. In this study, HDPE/PE‐b‐PEG membranes were prepared via TIPS process, and the extractant effect was investigated. An interesting finding was that a non‐polar extractant (n‐hexane) was more conducive to the surface enrichment of PEG chains than a polar solvent (ethanol). The reason was deemed to be the combined effect of entropy drive, interfacial energy, and the swelling behavior. Besides, membrane performances related to the surface chemical properties were studied. Results suggested that the prepared blend membranes extracted by n‐hexane showed enhanced hydrophilicity, anti‐fouling property and water flux. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 2680–2687, 2013
Extraction of Heavy Metals from Contaminated Soil by Two Amaranthus spp.
Authors: Ko Chun‐Han , Chang Fang‐Chih , Wang Ya‐Nang , Chung Chin‐Yi
Published: May 2013

Two medicinal species of amaranth, Amaranthus viridis L. and A. caudatus L. were evaluated for their ability to uptake heavy metals from a contaminated soil. Twenty healthy plants of each species were transplanted to plastic pots containing the soil contaminated with elevated concentrations of Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn. The plants were harvested after 45 days. Below‐ and above‐ground tissues (roots and shoots) were analyzed separately to determine metals concentrations. Compared with the control group, the effects of S,S‐ethylenediaminedisuccinic acid (S,S‐EDDS) on the uptake of Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn by two medicinal plants were also investigated. The initial contaminant concentrations of Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn in soil were 2.34, 30.53, 16.14, 20.99, 35.77, and 102.31 mg/kg, respectively. The results of metal accumulation with EDDS application showed that EDDS was more efficient at solubilizing Cu and Zn than the control group. Translocation of metals from roots to shoots was most pronounced for Cu and Zn. The only metal that did not result in a transfer factor (TF) ≥0.3 for at least one of the two test species was Pb. The enrichment factor (E) was also low for Pb. The lower TF and E for Pb illustrated the tendency of that metal to remain bound to soil particles and not transfer into plant tissues. These data suggest that these two medicinal species of Amaranthus could be hyperaccumulators of several of these metals, and were particularly effective in accumulating Zn and Cu. Pb and Cd, while accumulated in measurable amounts, did not decrease significantly in the soil, suggesting these species may not be the best choice for plants to be used when bioremediating Pb‐ or Cd‐contaminated areas.
An Ecological Engineering Pond Aquaculture Recirculating System for Effluent Purification and Water Quality Control
Authors: Liu Xingguo , Xu Hao , Wang Xiaodong , Wu Zongfan , Bao Xuteng
Published: May 2013

Water pollution arising from traditional pond aquaculture is a major problem facing China. A series of combined ecological engineering facilities composed of an ecological ditch, an ecological pond, and a subsurface flow constructed wetland together with three series‐connected culture ponds were designed as an ecological engineering pond aquaculture recirculating system (EPAS) to control water quality and pollution from the effluent. Results from running experiment of the system revealed that, the mean removal rates of the ammonia nitrogen (NH4+‐N), total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), potassium permanganate index (CODMn), and chlorophyll a (Chl‐a) during the experiment period were 44.2, 47.6, 63.4, 61.5, and 83.0 by the ecological engineering facilities, respectively. With the fish density of 0.82 kg/m3 and daily water exchanges of 9.6%, the NH4+‐N, TN, TP, CODMn, and Chl‐a in the culture ponds were kept below 0.799 ± 0.129, 3.015 ± 0.427, 0.443 ± 0.131, 7.172 ± 2.071 mg/L, and 3.098 ± 1.046 µg/L, respectively, which were significantly lower than those in the control pond (p < 0.05). Compared with traditional static pond aquaculture, the EPAS constructed in this study could increase unit output from 0.75 to 0.82 (mean value) kg/m3, and reduce the feed coefficient by 8.2%. These data implied that the EPAS might improve the water quality and provide a good culture environment, thus contributing to improve the culture efficacy.
Axl/Gas6 pathway positively regulates FLT3 activation in human natural killer cell development
Authors: Park Il‐Kyoo , Trotta Rossana , Yu Jianhua , Caligiuri Michael A.
Published: May 2013

Activation of the fibromyalgia syndrome‐like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) by its ligand, FLT3 ligand (FL), strongly augments the development of natural killer (NK) cells from human CD34+ hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) in the presence of IL‐15, compared with NK‐cell development in the presence of IL‐15 alone. In this study, we observed that blocking the receptor tyrosine kinase Axl/Gas6 pathway with a soluble Axl‐IgG1 Fc fusion protein (Axl‐Fc) in the presence of FL significantly diminished the absolute number of CD3−CD56+ NK cells derived from human CD34+ HPCs. Axl‐Fc reduced the expression levels of the IL‐2/15 receptor β chain (CD122) and γ chain (CD132) induced by activation of FLT3 and consequently reduced the frequency of NK precursor cells responding to IL‐15. Furthermore, Axl‐Fc diminished FL‐induced FLT3 phosphorylation and impeded the physical interaction between Axl and FLT3 in CD34+ HPCs. Collectively, our data suggest that the Axl/Gas6 pathway contributes to normal human NK‐cell development at least in part via its positive regulatory effect on FLT3 signaling in CD34+ HPCs.
Matrix metalloproteinase 13 modulates intestinal epithelial barrier integrity in inflammatory diseases by activating TNF
Authors: Vandenbroucke Roosmarijn E. , Dejonckheere Eline , Van Hauwermeiren Filip , Lodens Sofie , De Rycke Riet , Van Wonterghem Elien , Staes An , Gevaert Kris , López‐Otin Carlos , Libert Claude
Published: May 2013

Several pathological processes, such as sepsis and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), are associated with impairment of intestinal epithelial barrier. Here, we investigated the role of matrix metalloproteinase MMP13 in these diseases. We observed that MMP13−/− mice display a strong protection in LPS‐ and caecal ligation and puncture‐induced sepsis. We could attribute this protection to reduced LPS‐induced goblet cell depletion, endoplasmic reticulum stress, permeability and tight junction destabilization in the gut of MMP13−/− mice compared to MMP13+/+ mice. Both in vitro and in vivo, we found that MMP13 is able to cleave pro‐TNF into bioactive TNF. By LC‐MS/MS, we identified three MMP13 cleavage sites, which proves that MMP13 is an alternative TNF sheddase next to the TNF converting enzyme TACE. Similarly, we found that the same mechanism was responsible for the observed protection of the MMP13−/− mice in a mouse model of DSS‐induced colitis. We identified MMP13 as an important mediator in sepsis and IBD via the shedding of TNF. Hence, we propose MMP13 as a novel drug target for diseases in which damage to the gut is essential.
Experimental study of the seismic behavior of partially concrete‐filled steel bridge piers under bidirectional dynamic loading
Authors: Yuan Huihui , Dang Ji , Aoki Tetsuhiko
Published: May 2013

The seismic behavior of steel bridge piers partially filled with concrete under actual earthquake conditions was investigated by using 20 square section specimens subjected to static cyclic loading tests and single‐directional and bidirectional hybrid loading tests. Acceleration records of two horizontal NS and EW directional components for hard (GT1), medium (GT2), and soft grounds (GT3), obtained during the 1995 Kobe earthquake, were adopted in dynamic tests. Experimental results clearly showed that maximum and residual displacements under actual earthquake conditions cannot be accurately estimated by conventional single‐directional loading tests, especially for GT2 and GT3. A modified admissible displacement was proposed on the basis of bidirectional loading test results. The concrete fill can effectively improve the seismic resistance performance if the concrete inside the steel bridge piers is sufficiently high in quantity. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of frying in different culinary fats on the fatty acid composition of silver carp
Authors: Naseri Mahmood , Abedi Elahe , Mohammadzadeh Behrooz , Afsharnaderi Azam
Published: May 2013

The influence of frying with four different oils (sunflower oil, soybean oil, olive oil, and corn oil) on the fatty acid composition of silver carp was evaluated. The fat content of the fillets increased after frying while the moisture content decreased in all evaluated samples. Mean saturated (SFA), monounsaturated (MUFA), polyunsaturated (PUFA) fatty acids, ∑ω3, and ∑ω6 contents of raw fish were 26.1 ± 0.5, 52.1 ± 1.1, 15.1 ± 0.6, 8.9 ± 0.1, and 6.1 ± 0.4%, respectively. Frying led to exchange of fatty acids between the silver carp lipid and frying fats. As a result of interactions, MUFA, PUFA, ∑ω6, and PUFA/SFA ratio of samples fried in sunflower, soybean, and corn oil significantly increased while the amounts of SFA decreased. Frying had a negative effect on the ∑ω3/ω6 ratio but reduction in olive oil‐fried samples is the least among the other samples. Except in soybean oil, long‐chain ω3‐PUFA content of samples was not affected by frying.
Influence of magnetic field strength and image registration strategy on voxel‐based morphometry in a study of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Marchewka Artur , Kherif Ferath , Krueger Gunnar , Grabowska Anna , Frackowiak Richard , Draganski Bogdan ,   The Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: May 2013

Multi‐centre data repositories like the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) offer a unique research platform, but pose questions concerning comparability of results when using a range of imaging protocols and data processing algorithms. The variability is mainly due to the non‐quantitative character of the widely used structural T1‐weighted magnetic resonance (MR) images. Although the stability of the main effect of Alzheimer's disease (AD) on brain structure across platforms and field strength has been addressed in previous studies using multi‐site MR images, there are only sparse empirically‐based recommendations for processing and analysis of pooled multi‐centre structural MR data acquired at different magnetic field strengths (MFS). Aiming to minimise potential systematic bias when using ADNI data we investigate the specific contributions of spatial registration strategies and the impact of MFS on voxel‐based morphometry in AD. We perform a whole‐brain analysis within the framework of Statistical Parametric Mapping, testing for main effects of various diffeomorphic spatial registration strategies, of MFS and their interaction with disease status. Beyond the confirmation of medial temporal lobe volume loss in AD, we detect a significant impact of spatial registration strategy on estimation of AD related atrophy. Additionally, we report a significant effect of MFS on the assessment of brain anatomy (i) in the cerebellum, (ii) the precentral gyrus and (iii) the thalamus bilaterally, showing no interaction with the disease status. We provide empirical evidence in support of pooling data in multi‐centre VBM studies irrespective of disease status or MFS. Hum Brain Mapp 35:1865–1874, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A satellite perspective on cloud water to rain water conversion rates and relationships with environmental conditions
Authors: Sorooshian Armin , Wang Zhen , Feingold Graham , L'Ecuyer Tristan S.
Published: May 2013

A two‐year satellite remote sensing data set from the NASA A‐Train is used to examine conversion rates of cloud water to rain water for warm maritime clouds with different ranges of mean cloud‐layer radar reflectivity and rain rate. Recent work has demonstrated the utility of a novel procedure that relies on the differing sensitivities of passive MODIS measurements and active CloudSat radar measurements to estimate warm cloud conversion rates and associated time scales. That work is extended here to examine regional differences in conversion rates, including sensitivity to environmental parameters such as atmospheric stability and the presence of different aerosol types defined based on values of aerosol optical depth, fine mode fraction, and Ångstrom Exponent. Among eight subregions examined, the tropical Pacific Ocean is characterized by the highest average conversion rate while subtropical stratocumulus cloud regions (far northeastern Pacific Ocean, far southeastern Pacific Ocean, Western Africa coastal region) exhibit the lowest rates. Conversion rates are generally higher at reduced values of lower tropospheric static stability (LTSS). When examining data in two selected ranges for LTSS, higher conversion rates are coincident with higher LWP and factors covarying or rooted in the presence of aerosol types exhibiting lower aerosol index values.
Biomedical applications of sodium MRI in vivo
Authors: Madelin Guillaume , Regatte Ravinder R.
Published: May 2013

In this article we present an up‐to‐date overview of the potential biomedical applications of sodium magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in vivo. Sodium MRI is a subject of increasing interest in translational imaging research as it can give some direct and quantitative biochemical information on the tissue viability, cell integrity and function, and therefore not only help the diagnosis but also the prognosis of diseases and treatment outcomes. It has already been applied in vivo in most human tissues, such as brain for stroke or tumor detection and therapeutic response, in breast cancer, in articular cartilage, in muscle, and in kidney, and it was shown in some studies that it could provide very useful new information not available through standard proton MRI. However, this technique is still very challenging due to the low detectable sodium signal in biological tissue with MRI and hardware/software limitations of the clinical scanners. The article is divided in three parts: 1) the role of sodium in biological tissues, 2) a short review on sodium magnetic resonance, and 3) a review of some studies on sodium MRI on different organs/diseases to date.J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2013;38:511–529. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Molecular epidemiology of KI and WU polyomaviruses in healthy blood donors, south‐eastern France
Authors: Touinssi Mhammed , Galicher Vital , de Micco Philippe , Biagini Philippe
Published: May 2013

The epidemiology of human polyomaviruses KI (KIPyV) and WU (WUPyV) in healthy populations is described poorly in the literature. The frequency of KIPyV and WUPyV viraemia was evaluated in a cohort of blood donors from south‐eastern France. Plasma samples (n = 640) were investigated for the presence of KIPyV/WUPyV DNA using a conserved real‐time PCR detection system (VP2 gene). Three plasma samples (3/640; ∼0.5%) exhibited a positive fluorescence signal, with a low viral load (<500 copies/ml plasma); no additional amplicons were identifiable by agarose gel analysis. Sequencing highlighted the KIPyV origin of the three amplified sequences and the occurrence of point mutations. The sustained detection of KIPyV DNA in two serial samples (9 months) was in favor of a possible persistence of the virus in blood of healthy individuals. Further studies will be needed in order to explore both the prevalence and potential clinical impact of KIPyV/WUPyV on infected hosts. J. Med. Virol. 85:1444–1446, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Endostatin Inhibits Callus Remodeling during Fracture Healing in Mice
Authors: Holstein Joerg H. , Karabin‐Kehl Bianca , Scheuer Claudia , Garcia Patric , Histing Tina , Meier Christoph , Benninger Emanuel , Menger Michael D. , Pohlemann Tim
Published: May 2013

Information on the impact of endogenous anti‐angiogenic factors on bone repair is limited. The hypothesis of the present study was endostatin, an endogenous inhibitor of angiogenesis, disturbs fracture healing. We evaluated this hypothesis in a closed femoral fracture model studying two groups of mice, one that was treated by a daily injection of 10 µg recombinant endostatin subcutaneously (n = 38) and a second one that received the vehicle for control (n = 37). Histomorphometric analysis showed a significantly increased callus formation in endostatin‐treated animals at 2 and 5 weeks post‐fracture. This was associated with a significantly higher callus tissue fraction of cartilage and fibrous tissue at 2 weeks and a significantly higher fraction of bone at 5 weeks post‐fracture. Biomechanical testing revealed a significantly higher torsional stiffness in the endostatin group at 2 weeks. For both groups, we could demonstrate the expression of the endostatin receptor unit integrin alpha5 in endothelial cells, osteoblasts, osteoclasts, and chondrocytes at 2 weeks. Immunohistochemical fluorescence staining of CD31 showed a lower number of blood vessels in endostatin‐treated animals compared to controls. The results of the present study indicate endostatin promotes soft callus formation but inhibits callus remodeling during fracture healing most probably by an inhibition of angiogenesis. © 2013 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 31:1579–1584, 2013.
Youth Sexual Exploitation (United Kingdom)
Authors: McClelland Gabrielle Tracy , Newell Robert
Published: May 2013

This article highlights the importance of examining physical and psychological health in the context of youth sexual exploitation by drawing on findings from an empirical research study undertaken between 2006 and 2011. Data were drawn from interviews with 24 sexually exploited young people and 61 professionals working in agencies supporting sexually exploited young people. A sequential mixed‐method approach was employed to address the research study aims using interviews and a questionnaire survey.

A significant range of physical and psychological health problems were reported alongside risks to health and barriers to health support for sexually exploited young people. Intentional self‐harm and substance abuse were concordant themes from phases 1 and 2. Psychosocial vulnerability factors appear to undermine health and affect health‐seeking behavior. Novel themes that emerged from this study included taxonomy of risk behaviors related to health.
Risk, Fitness to Practice, and Disabled Health Care Students
Authors: Walker Stuart , Dearnley Christine , Hargreaves Janet , Walker Elizabeth A.
Published: May 2013

The United Kingdom Equality Act of 2010 poses challenges to regulators, educators, and employers to ensure that disabled people are not excluded from health care professions on the basis of their impairment. Professional bodies must also anticipate the needs of disabled people and facilitate inclusion.

In this article, we discuss some of the current tensions that exist between U.K. antidiscrimination legislation and the professional and statutory regulatory bodies that govern registration of health and social care practitioners in the United Kingdom. We present research that used a mixed methods approach to explore the tensions between higher education and placement providers in the health sector.

Disabled students and health professionals engaged in semistructured interviews, and a survey explored the knowledge, skills, and attitudes of professional staff from a range of disciplines and institutions. Findings suggest that the negative feelings disabled students report are also evident in responses from health care professionals.

Notions of risk emerge as a key issue from the data. We discuss whether the risk is perceived or actual and develop models to challenge existing preconceptions about the risk posed by disabled students when training as health care professionals. Finally, we suggest that while work clearly needs to be done in this area, some of this work can be addressed through the development of an inclusive curriculum for all health care practitioners. This article proposes an educational model of risk with which to guide this process.
A simple, fast, and sensitive method for the measurement of serum nicotine, cotinine, and nornicotine by LC–MS/MS
Authors: Yuan Chao , Kosewick Justin , Wang Sihe
Published: May 2013

The measurement of nicotine and its metabolites has been used to monitor tobacco use. A high‐sensitivity method (<1 ng/mL) is necessary for the measurement in serum or plasma to differentiate nonsmokers from passive smokers. Here, we report a novel LC–MS/MS method to quantify nicotine, cotinine, and nornicotine in serum with high sensitivity. Sample preparation involved only protein precipitation, followed by online turbulent flow extraction and analysis on a porous graphitic carbon column in alkaline conditions. The chromatography time was 4 min. No significant matrix effects or interference were observed. The lower limit of quantification was 0.36, 0.32, and 0.38 ng/mL for nicotine, cotinine, and nornicotine, respectively, while accuracy was 91.6–117.1%. No carryover was observed up to a concentration of 48 , 550, and 48 ng/mL for nicotine, cotinine, and nornicotine, respectively. Total CV was <6.5%. The measurement of nicotine and cotinine was compared with an independent LC–MS/MS method and concordant results were obtained. In conclusion, this new method was simple, fast, sensitive, and accurate. It was validated to measure nicotine, cotinine, and nornicotine in serum for monitoring tobacco use.
Prediction of retention indices for frequently reported compounds of plant essential oils using multiple linear regression, partial least squares, and support vector machine
Authors: Yan Jun , Huang Jian‐Hua , He Min , Lu Hong‐Bing , Yang Rui , Kong Bo , Xu Qing‐Song , Liang Yi‐Zeng
Published: May 2013

Retention indices for frequently reported compounds of plant essential oils on three different stationary phases were investigated. Multivariate linear regression, partial least squares, and support vector machine combined with a new variable selection approach called random‐frog recently proposed by our group, were employed to model quantitative structure–retention relationships. Internal and external validations were performed to ensure the stability and predictive ability. All the three methods could obtain an acceptable model, and the optimal results by support vector machine based on a small number of informative descriptors with the square of correlation coefficient for cross validation, values of 0.9726, 0.9759, and 0.9331 on the dimethylsilicone stationary phase, the dimethylsilicone phase with 5% phenyl groups, and the PEG stationary phase, respectively. The performances of two variable selection approaches, random‐frog and genetic algorithm, are compared. The importance of the variables was found to be consistent when estimated from correlation coefficients in multivariate linear regression equations and selection probability in model spaces.
Application of dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction followed by HPLC–MS/MS for the trace determination of clotrimazole in environmental water samples
Authors: Zgoła‐Grześkowiak Agnieszka , Grześkowiak Tomasz
Published: May 2013

A method for the analysis of clotrimazole was developed with dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction for sample pre‐concentration and HPLC–MS/MS for analysis. A linear ion trap was used for the confirmation of clotrimazole identity in the samples. The developed method enables the analysis of clotrimazole in river water and sewage effluent from wastewater treatment plants with a LOQ of 0.7 ng/L. Environmental monitoring of clotrimazole was undertaken. Samples from river water and sewage effluents were analysed over a one‐year period. Clotrimazole was found in every tested sample with concentration range from 1 to 31 ng/L. The amount of clotrimazole in tested samples was highly dependent on sampling season. The highest results were obtained in summer and autumn.