bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Menumbuhkan Rasa Cinta Kepada Rasulullah Melalui Peringatan Maulid Nabi Muhammad SAW
Authors: Khaerul Khaerul
Published: April 2024

Peringatan  maulid  Nabi  Muhammad  Saw.  menjadi  salah  satu indikator yang  sangat  penting  dalam menumbuhkan rasa cinta siswa kepada Rasulullah. Metode yang digunakan, dalam pengabdian masyarakat ini dilakukan tiga pendekatan utama agar dapat menumbuhkan rasa cinta siswa kepada Rasulullah. Hasil yang di peroleh, Tiga Pendekatan ini terbukti dapat menumbuhkan rasa cinta siswa kepada Rasulullah.
Pelatihan Efektif Mengelola Sampah Rumah Tangga dengan Metode Komposting
Authors: Ali Rustan , Saad Anwar
Published: April 2024

Kegiatan PKM ini bertujuan meningkatkan pengetahuan dan keterlibatan masyarakat dalam pengelolaan sampah rumah tangga melalui metode komposting. Sasaran kegiatan adalah ibu-ibu pengurus PKK di Kelurahan Bumi Harapan. Metode kegiatan meliputi ceramah, demonstrasi, dan latihan praktis. Meskipun terdapat keterbatasan waktu, kegiatan ini sukses dengan mencapai target peserta, tujuan, dan materi yang direncanakan. Pelatihan ini berhasil meningkatkan pengetahuan dan keterampilan peserta dalam mengolah sampah organik menjadi kompos, memperlihatkan peran aktif perempuan dalam pengelolaan lingkungan.
El ‘boom’ de la ficción sonora en las plataformas: diálogos entre América Latina y España
Authors:   Universitat Oberta de Catalunya, Sáenz Leandro Ronald
Published: April 2024

Dentro de la vibrante oferta radiofónica actual, en España destaca un ecosistema diverso en el que varias cadenas desempeñan un papel crucial en el impulso y revitalización de los formatos dramáticos de ficción. Nombres insignes como RNE, Cadena SER, COPE, Onda Cero y Atresmedia se han situado en la vanguardia contribuyendo al rescate y la difusión de la ficción radiofónica.
Effect of α-tubulin acetylation on the doublet microtubule structure
Authors: Yang Shun Kai , Kubo Shintaroh , Black Corbin Steven , Peri Katya , Dai Daniel , Legal Thibault , Valente-Paterno Melissa , Gaertig Jacek , Bui Khanh Huy
Published: April 2024

Acetylation of α-tubulin at the lysine 40 residue (αK40) by αTAT1/MEC-17 acetyltransferase modulates microtubule properties and occurs in most eukaryotic cells. Previous literatures suggest that acetylated microtubules are more stable and damage resistant. αK40 acetylation is the only known microtubule luminal post-translational modification site. The luminal location suggests that the modification tunes the lateral interaction of protofilaments inside the microtubule. In this study, we examined the effect of tubulin acetylation on the doublet microtubule (DMT) in the cilia of Tetrahymena thermophila using a combination of cryo-electron microscopy, molecular dynamics, and mass spectrometry. We found that αK40 acetylation exerts a small-scale effect on the DMT structure and stability by influencing the lateral rotational angle. In addition, comparative mass spectrometry revealed a link between αK40 acetylation and phosphorylation in cilia.
Dysfunction of Calcyphosine-Like gene impairs retinal angiogenesis through the MYC axis and is associated with familial exudative vitreoretinopathy
Authors: Liu Wenjing , Li Shujin , Yang Mu , Ma Jie , Liu Lu , Fei Ping , Xiang Qianchun , Huang Lulin , Zhao Peiquan , Yang Zhenglin , Zhu Xianjun
Published: April 2024

Familial exudative vitreoretinopathy (FEVR) is a severe genetic disorder characterized by incomplete vascularization of the peripheral retina and associated symptoms that can lead to vision loss. However, the underlying genetic causes of approximately 50% of FEVR cases remain unknown. Here, we report two heterozygous variants in calcyphosine-like gene (CAPSL) that is associated with FEVR. Both variants exhibited compromised CAPSL protein expression. Vascular endothelial cell (EC)-specific inactivation of Capsl resulted in delayed radial/vertical vascular progression, compromised endothelial proliferation/migration, recapitulating the human FEVR phenotypes. CAPSL-depleted human retinal microvascular endothelial cells (HRECs) exhibited impaired tube formation, decreased cell proliferation, disrupted cell polarity establishment, and filopodia/lamellipodia formation, as well as disrupted collective cell migration. Transcriptomic and proteomic profiling revealed that CAPSL abolition inhibited the MYC signaling axis, in which the expression of core MYC targeted genes were profoundly decreased. Furthermore, a combined analysis of CAPSL-depleted HRECs and c-MYC-depleted human umbilical vein endothelial cells uncovered similar transcription patterns. Collectively, this study reports a novel FEVR-associated candidate gene, CAPSL, which provides valuable information for genetic counseling of FEVR. This study also reveals that compromised CAPSL function may cause FEVR through MYC axis, shedding light on the potential involvement of MYC signaling in the pathogenesis of FEVR.
Behind the wheel: exploring gray matter variations in experienced drivers
Authors: Chen Jiangtao , Chen Xiaoyu , Gong Li , Zhang Di , Liu Qiang
Published: April 2024

Background

Driving is a complex skill involving various cognitive activities. Previous research has explored differences in the brain structures related to the navigational abilities of drivers compared to non-drivers. However, it remains unclear whether changes occur in the structures associated with low-level sensory and higher-order cognitive abilities in drivers.

Methods

Gray matter volume, assessed via voxel-based morphometry analysis of T1-weighted images, is considered a reliable indicator of structural changes in the brain. This study employs voxel-based morphological analysis to investigate structural differences between drivers (n = 22) and non-drivers (n = 20).

Results

The results indicate that, in comparison to non-drivers, drivers exhibit significantly reduced gray matter volume in the middle occipital gyrus, middle temporal gyrus, supramarginal gyrus, and cerebellum, suggesting a relationship with driving-related experience. Furthermore, the volume of the middle occipital gyrus, and middle temporal gyrus, is found to be marginally negative related to the years of driving experience, suggesting a potential impact of driving experience on gray matter volume. However, no significant correlations were observed between driving experiences and frontal gray matter volume.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that driving skills and experience have a pronounced impact on the cortical areas responsible for low-level sensory and motor processing. Meanwhile, the influence on cortical areas associated with higher-order cognitive function appears to be minimal.
Criticidade tecnológica na área de defesa em países em desenvolvimento: conceitos e critérios
Authors: Girardi Rômullo , França Junior José Adalberto , Galdino Juraci Ferreira
Published: April 2024

A gestão tecnológica inclui o planejamento, o direcionamento, o controle e a coordenação do desenvolvimento de capacidades tecnológicas de modo que as organizações possam atingir seus objetivos estratégicos. A crescente relevância da tecnologia no desenvolvimento da expressão militar do poder nacional, ressalta a importância de modelos de gestão tecnológica capazes de auxiliar na identificação e priorização de tecnologias críticas para a obtenção de modernas e eficientes capacidades militares de uma Força Armada. Esse artigo tem o objetivo de explorar o processo de identificação de tecnologias críticas sob a ótica de Forças Armadas de países em desenvolvimento. Para tanto, utilizou-se como estudo de caso o processo de tomada de decisão do Exército Brasileiro (EB) para a obtenção de Sistemas e Materiais de Emprego Militar (SMEM), com enfoque na fase conceitual de mapeamento de tecnologias. Ao servir de base para a referida pesquisa, o estudo de caso possibilitou, adicionalmente, a criação de uma metodologia voltada para as especificidades do setor de defesa brasileiro, em especial para o Sistema de Ciência, Tecnologia e Inovação do Exército (SCTIEx).
Погруженная водная растительность (класс Potamogetonetea Klika in Klika et Novak 1941, союз Potamogetonion Libbert 1931) бассейна реки Дон (в пределах степной зоны)
Authors: Соколова Т.А. , Ермолаева О.Ю. , Середа М.М.
Published: April 2024

По материалам изучения водной растительности, собранным в 2006-2022 гг. в разных водоемах и водотоках бассейна среднего и нижнего течения р. Дон, проведена классификация водной растительности методом Браун-Бланке на основе 34 геоботанических описаний. В составе союза Potamogetonion класса Potamogetonetea выделено 7 ассоциаций: Potamogetonetum pectinati, Potamogetonetum perfoliati, Potamogetonetum nodosi, Рotamogetonetum crispi, Potamo-Ceratophylletum demersi, Potamo pectinati-Myriophylletum spicati, Elodeetum canadensis, - для которых приведены характеристики. Наибольшее распространение получили сообщества ассоциаций Potamogetonetum pectinati и Potamogetonetum perfoliati (отмечены в дельте, нижнем и среднем течении). Реже всего - Рotamogetonetum crispi . Диагностический вид ассоциации Elodeetum canadensis - Elodea canadensis - является инвазионным; он значительно расширил свой ареал в Ростовской области. Дальнейшие исследования водной растительности предполагают обнаружение на данной территории еще 6 ассоциаций в бассейне р. Дон: Potamogetonetum lucentis Hueck 1931, Potamogetonetum natantis Hild 1959, Potamogetono natantis-Polygonetum natantis Knapp et Stoffers 1962, Myriophylletum verticillati Gaudet ex Šumberová in Chytrý 2011, Myriophylletum sibirici Taran 1998, Potamogetonetum berchtoldii Krasovskaya 1959, - так как ценозообразующие виды ассоциаций были отмечены в описаниях. Не исключено, что общая аридизация климата могла привести к уменьшению роли этих видов в южных регионах и данные типы сообществ выпадают из растительного покрова. Флора макрофитов союза Potamogetonion представлена 29 видами из 19 родов 13 семейств. Ценотическое разнообразие союза Potamogetonion исследуемой территории можно оценить как среднее или ниже среднего (половина разнообразия союза еще не выявлена). Полученные данные о флоре и растительности союза Potamogetonion не окончательные, необходимы новые исследования водоемов бассейна р. Дон.
Применение родентицидов и массовая гибель животных на юге России
Authors: Матишов Г.Г. , Стахеев В.В. , Савицкий Р.М.
Published: April 2024

Выполнен обзор современных данных о применении в сельском хозяйстве пестицидов и агрохимикатов для борьбы с грызунами. Собрана информация из официальных и литературных источников и фондовых материалов о последствиях применения ядохимикатов для представителей фауны южных регионов Европейской России в 2022 г. В результате анализа полученных сведений установлена гибель 25 видов птиц и 2 видов млекопитающих, как зерноядных, так и хищных. Среди погибших животных отмечены редкие виды, включенные в Красные книги России и южных регионов РФ: дрофа Otis tarda, филин Bubo bubo , черноголовый хохотун Larus ichthyaetus, курганник Buteo rufinus, орлан-белохвост Haliaeetus albicilla, серый журавль Grus grus , болотная сова Asio flammeus. Проблема контроля применения в агроэкосистемах родентицидов и связанной с ними массовой гибели диких животных остается актуальной и открытой. Отсутствие необходимой нормативной базы, должного контроля за применением родентицидов приводит к катастрофическому снижению уровня биологического разнообразия экосистем юга России. Необходимы разработка целевых программ, направленных на изучение влияния применения антикоагулянтов на биоту и здоровье человека, внедрение новых средств, методов использования родентицидов, ориентированных на снижение вреда окружающей среде, контроль у грызунов появления и распространенности мутаций, связанных с резистентностью к родентицидам.
Как Михаил Ломоносов болонским академиком стал
Authors: Ульяхин А.В.
Published: April 2024

В конце своей жизни М. В. Ломоносов удостоился звания почетного члена Академии наук Болонского института. Во многом его избрание было обусловлено высокой оценкой мозаичного искусства, возрождение которого в Российской империи со времен Древней Руси стало возможным благодаря глубокому познанию им химии и физики.
Gender Differences in Financial Literacy: A Study of Trincomalee Campus, Eastern University, Sri Lanka
Authors: Rathakrishnan Shathurshana , Delima Vianny Jeniston , Jayasinghe S. A. D. L. I.
Published: April 2024

To make wise financial decisions and get ready for future financial obligations, people need to be financially literate. This study examines the disparities in financial literacy across genders among the Eastern University of Sri Lanka students at the Trincomalee Campus. The study intends to identify possible gaps and increase understanding of variables impacting financial knowledge in this educational context by comparing the financial literacy skills of male and female students. The study looks at several financial literacy-related topics, such as insurance, investments, savings, individual finances, and financial literacy in general. Results show that there are gender differences in financial literacy, with male students usually having mean scores that are somewhat higher than those of female students in all areas. Nonetheless, significant variation exists within each gender category, suggesting variations in personal literacy skills. Overall, the study emphasizes how critical it is to implement focused interventions to raise financial literacy and guarantee that everyone has fair access to financial education, enabling them to make better financial decisions and maintain better financial health.
Antimicrobial Resistance Profile of Uropathogenic Escherichia coli Isolated in Garaku, Keffi and Mararaban-Gurku Healthcentres, Nasarawa-West Senatorial District, Nasarawa State, Nigeria
Authors: Osayi Eko, Kefas , Boyi Ngwai,Yakubu , Haruna Nkene, Istifanus , Helma Abimiku, Rejoice , Walong Datok, Danladi
Published: April 2024

Aims: This Study is aimed at studying the Antimicrobial Resistance profile of Uropathogenic Escherichia coli isolated in Garaku, Keffi and Mararaban-gurku Healthcentres, Nasarawa-West Senatorial District, Nasarawa State, Nigeria.
Study Design: is a survey research.
Place and Duration of Study: Department of Microbiology, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, between June, 2021 and January,2024.
Methodology: 384 urine samples of patients with suspected cases of UTIs were collected and E. coli was isolated and identified using standard microbiological methods. Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing of the isolates was carried out in accordance with the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) method.
Results: The occurrence of E. coli was 92(24%). The isolates were generally more resistant to Ampicillin (AMP) with 75.0%.  Streptomycin (S) 70.7% Cefotaxime (CTX) 68.5% but less resistant to Ciprofloxacin (9.8%) followed by Gentamicin 17.4%. The commonest resistance phenotype was AMC-AMP-CAZ-CTX-S-SXT (5.4%). Most of the isolates showed multiple antibiotic resistance (MAR) Index of above 0.2 with the commonest MAR Index at GHK, GHG and MCM-g of 0.7(21.4%), 0.4(28.0%) and 0.3(23.1%) respectively. The antibiotics resistant E. coli isolates were grouped into different categories of antibiotic resistance namely: Non Multiple Drug Resistance (NMDR); Excessive Drug Resistance (XDR); Multiple Drug Resistance (MDR) and Pan Drug Resistance (PDR). The occurrence of classes of antibiotic resistance was of the orderMDR75(81.5%) ˃ NMDR9(9.8%) ˃XDR7(7.6%) > PDR 1(1.1%).
Conclusion: with the results from this research, E. coli being non susceptible to many antimicrobials is a clear indication that, prescription of these antimicrobials by physicians and usage by patients must be done with diligence and utmost care and vigorous campaign by stakeholders must be step up to bring to the barest minimum incidences of Antimicrobial resistance.
Microbial Prevalence in Soil Water in the River Deltas of the World
Authors: Ghosh Rajrupa , Acharya Rituparna
Published: April 2024

There is a wide range of diverse soil and aquatic microbes reside in different deltas of the world that mainly exhibit in various forms such as bacteria, fungi, parasites, archaeans, actinomycetes, virus etc. They contribute to the environment in various ways to maintain the balance  of natural elements, bio geological components and also help in protecting the ecological components. Microbes that are living in the soil provide plants along with environmental and natural protection from diseases and pests. They are very much essential for transforming nitrogen and nutrients into the forms that is consumable for plants. Decomposition, production of Oxygen, evolution, as well as symbiosis are the vital roles that are played by different soil and aquatic microbes. Some river deltas show maximum populations of saline soil dependent bacterial and fungal community, where as some river deltas are enriched with some specific microbes that are responsible for soil remediation. In some cases some species of hydrocarbon degrading microorganisms contribute to differences in C, N, P ratios. As the microbes are also responsible for producing different antigens as well as allergens that are mainly causative agents for varying infectious diseases, in need of its curative drugs and antibiotic medicines  some microbes are involved in research studies for production of medicinal drugs and anti-allergens.
A modified cognitive interview procedure for frontline police investigators
Authors: Dando Coral , Wilcock Rachel , Milne Rebecca , Henry Lucy
Published: August 2008

The current investigative interviewing model for police officers in England and Wales recommends the use of the cognitive interview (CI). However, there is much to suggest that police officers do not regularly fully apply the procedure and that when they do, it is often poorly applied. Research has indicated that this is particularly the case with non‐specialist police investigators who believe the CI is too cumbersome, complex and time consuming for the types of witness interviews they conduct. With this in mind the present study investigated a CI procedure that had been substantially modified in an attempt to enhance its forensic practicability while retaining the demonstrated superiority of the CI. Employing the mock witness paradigm, the modified procedure was compared to both the current CI model and a structured interview (SI). Results revealed that the modified CI was more effective than the SI, while being as effective as the current CI, despite being significantly shorter in duration and, we argue, less demanding for the interviewer. Hence, the proposed modified CI may well be an effective practical alternative for frontline investigators. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Excess maternal transmission of markers in TCOF1 among cleft palate case‐parent trios from three populations
Authors: Sull Jae Woong , Liang Kung‐Yee , Hetmanski Jacqueline B. , Fallin M. Daniele , Ingersoll Roxanne G. , Park Ji Wan , Wu‐Chou Yah‐Huei , Chen Philip K. , Chong Samuel S. , Cheah Felicia , Yeow Vincent , Park Beyoung Yun , Jee Sun Ha , Jabs Ethylin W. , Redett Richard , Scott Alan F. , Beaty Terri H.
Published: August 2008

Isolated cleft palate is among the most common human birth defects. The TCOF1 gene has been suggested as a candidate gene for cleft palate based on animal models. This study tests for association between markers in TCOF1 and isolated, nonsyndromic cleft palate using a case‐parent trio design considering parent‐of‐origin effects. Case‐parent trios from three populations (comprising a total of 81 case‐parent trios) were genotyped for single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the TCOF1 gene. We used the transmission disequilibrium test and the transmission asymmetry test on individual SNPs. When all trios were combined, the odds ratio for transmission of the minor allele, OR(transmission), was significant for SNP rs15251 (OR = 2.88, P = 0.007), as well as rs2255796 and rs2569062 (OR = 2.08, P = 0.03; OR = 2.43, P = 0.041; respectively) when parent of origin was not considered. The transmission asymmetry test also revealed one SNP (rs15251) showing excess maternal transmission significant at the P = 0.005 level (OR = 6.50). Parent‐of‐origin effects were assessed using the parent‐of‐origin likelihood ratio test on both SNPs and haplotypes. While the parent‐of‐origin likelihood ratio test was only marginally significant for this SNP (P = 0.136), analysis of haplotypes of rs2255796 and rs15251 suggested excess maternal transmission. Therefore, these data suggest TCOF1 may influence risk of cleft palate through a parent‐of‐origin effect. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Vertical transmission of a mutation in exon 1 of the WT1 gene: Lessons for genetic counseling
Authors: Regev Miriam , Kirk Richard , Mashevich Maya , Bistritzer Zvi , Reish Orit
Published: August 2008

We present a vertical transmission of a nonsense mutation in exon 1 of the Wilms' tumor WT1 gene, from a mother who had Wilms' tumor in infancy and decreased fertility at adulthood, to her son who displayed genitourinary (GU) anomalies, gonadal dysgenesis with gonadoblastoma foci, and intra‐abdominal Mullerian derivatives. No Wilms' tumor was detected up to the age of 6 years in the son. Sequence analysis of constitutional DNA of the WT1 gene revealed a heterozygous c.327C > A sequence change in exon 1 leading to a premature stop codon at amino acid 109. This mutation demonstrates the lack of correlation between genotype–phenotype and mutation position in the WT1 gene, the presence of intra‐familial variability, and the effect of gender on severity of GU anomalies. We suggest that detection of a GU defect in the presence of parental history of Wilms' tumor be followed up by screening of constitutional DNA for WT1 mutations. Explorative laparoscopy for sex organ evaluation and gonadal assessment for possible gonadoblastoma should be considered when constitutional mutation is detected in males with GU anomalies. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Williams syndrome in a preterm infant with phenotype of Alagille syndrome
Authors: Shah Prakesh S. , Murthy Prashanth , Skidmore David , Shaffer Lisa G. , Bejjani Bassem A , Chitayat David
Published: August 2008

We report on a preterm infant born at 31 weeks of gestation with a phenotype suggestive of Alagille syndrome, yet microarray analysis identified a deletion on 7q11.23 at the Williams syndrome locus. The infant died on day 18 of life with overwhelming sepsis. This case illustrates the importance of microarray analysis in diagnosing genetic conditions, especially in preterm babies whose facial and other clinical manifestations have not fully developed. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Duplication of the Rubinstein–Taybi region on 16p13.3 is associated with a distinctive phenotype
Authors: Marangi Giuseppe , Leuzzi Vincenzo , Orteschi Daniela , Grimaldi Maria E. , Lecce Rosetta , Neri Giovanni , Zollino Marcella
Published: August 2008

We report on a 16‐year‐old girl with a multiple congenital anomalies/mental retardation condition, in which a 1.7 Mb tandem duplication of chromosome region 16p13.3 was detected by array‐CGH. Mental retardation was moderate (IQ 45), with very limited speech. She had tall stature with relative microcephaly. Clinical manifestations included distinctive facial appearance with deep set eyes, narrow palpebral fissures, wide nasal bridge, long philtrum, rounded nasal tip, thin upper lip, protruding mandible and abnormal auricles, hand and foot anomalies. The causal 16p13.3 duplication is one of the smallest reported so far, and includes the CBP gene, whose haploinsufficiency is responsible for the Rubinstein–Taybi syndrome. By comparing clinical manifestations of our patient with those of patients carrying similar rearrangements, we could infer that 16p13.3 microduplications encompassing the Rubinstein–Taybi region result in a recognizable clinical condition, most likely representing a single gene disorder. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
New evidence for the correlation of the p.G130V mutation in the GJB2 gene and syndromic hearing loss with palmoplantar keratoderma
Authors: Iossa Sandra , Chinetti Viviana , Auletta Gennaro , Laria Carla , De Luca Maria , Rienzo Monica , Giannini Pasquale , Delfino Mario , Ciccodicola Alfredo , Marciano Elio , Franzé Annamaria
Published: August 2008

The GJB2 gene located on chromosome 13q12 and encoding the connexin 26 (Cx26) protein, a transmembrane protein involved in cell–cell attachment of almost all tissues, including the skin, causes autosomal recessive and sometimes dominant nonsyndromic sensorineural hearing loss. GJB2 mutations have also been identified in syndromic disorders exhibiting hearing loss associated with skin problems. Recently, a new mutation, p.G130V in the GJB2 gene has been reported as causative for Vohwinkel syndrome. In this case the p.G130V mutation was found in two patients (son and father) with palmoplantar keratoderma. The father also showed also skin constrictions of the 2nd and 3rd toes of the right foot. Here, we report on another family with palmoplantar keratoderma associated with a dominant form of hearing loss confirming the genotype–phenotype correlation between the mutation p.G130V and the skin abnormalities observed in syndromic disorders with hearing loss as described by [Snoeckx et al. (2005) Hum Mutat 26:60–65]. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Abnormal vestibular responses to vertical head motion in cerebellar ataxia
Authors: Liao Ke , Walker Mark F. , Leigh R. John
Published: August 2008

Falls pose an important problem to neurologists caring for patients with cerebellar disorders. Normal human gait is characterized by prominent up‐and‐down linear head movements (vertical translations). Thus, we asked whether patients with cerebellar gait ataxia showed abnormal responses of otolithic vestibuloocular reflexes to this motion. Compared with healthy subjects, all cerebellar patients showed impaired otolith‐ocular responses. Neurologists often test the rotational vestibuloocular reflexes in cerebellar patients, but our results indicate that vestibular responses to vertical linear motion are severely affected. Impairment of the corresponding otolith‐spinal reflexes may contribute substantially to falls. Ann Neurol 2008
Detection of JC virus DNA fragments but not proteins in normal brain tissue
Authors: Perez‐Liz Georgina , Del Valle Luis , Gentilella Antonio , Croul Sidney , Khalili Kamel
Published: August 2008

Objective

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a fatal demyelinating disease of the white matter affecting immunocompromised patients that results from the cytolytic destruction of glial cells by the human neurotropic JC virus (JCV). According to one model, during the course of immunosuppression, JCV departs from its latent state in the kidney and after entering the brain, productively infects and destroys oligodendrocytes. The goal of this study was to test the hypothesis that JCV may reside in a latent state in a specific region of the brains of immunocompetent (non‐PML) individuals without any neurological conditions.

Methods

Gene amplification was performed together with immunohistochemistry to examine the presence of JCV DNA sequences and expression of its genome in five distinct regions of the brain from seven immunocompetent non‐PML individuals.

Results

Although no viral proteins were expressed in any of these cases, fragments of the viral DNA were present in various regions of normal brain. Laser‐capture microdissection showed the presence of JCV DNA in oligodendrocytes and astrocytes, but not in neurons.

Interpretation

The detection of fragments of viral DNA in non‐PML brain suggests that JCV has full access to all regions of the brain in immunocompetent individuals. Thus, should the immune system become impaired, the passing and/or the resident virus may gain the opportunity to express its genome and initiate its lytic cycle in oligodendrocytes. The brain as a site of JCV latency is a possibility. Ann Neurol 2008; 64:379–387
Maintenance of Wakefulness Test, obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, and driving risk
Authors: Philip Pierre , Sagaspe Patricia , Taillard Jacques , Chaumet Guillaume , Bayon Virginie , Coste Olivier , Bioulac Bernard , Guilleminault Christian
Published: August 2008

Objective

Sleepiness at the wheel is a major risk factor for traffic accidents. Because of the potential medical and legal implications, in this study, we evaluated the correlation between subjective and objective measures of sleepiness and driving performances in patients suffering from excessive daytime sleepiness.

Methods

Thirty‐eight untreated sleep apnea patients (mean age ± standard deviation, 51 ± 9 years; mean apnea–hypopnea index ± standard deviation, 41 ± 25), and 14 healthy control subjects (mean age ± standard deviation, 46 ± 9 years) were included in the study. Nocturnal polysomnography, mean sleep latency as measured by four 40‐minute Maintenance of Wakefulness Test (MWT) trials, Epworth Sleepiness Scale, Karolinska Sleepiness Scale, and the number of inappropriate line crossings during a 90‐minute real‐life driving session were analyzed.

Results

The number of inappropriate line crossings correlated with MWT scores (Spearman's P: r = −0.339; p < 0.05), Karolinska Sleepiness Scale scores measured at halfway in total driving distance (P: r = 0.367; p < 0.01), and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (P: r = 0.389; p < 0.01). We found a significant difference in the number of inappropriate line crossings among the four groups defined by MWT scores (very sleepy [0–19 minutes], sleepy [20–33 minutes], alert [34–40 minutes], and controls) (Kruskal–Wallis test: H = 11.319; p < 0.01). Very sleepy and sleepy patients had more inappropriate line crossings than the control drivers (p < 0.05).

Interpretation

In addition to subjective sleepiness scales, the MWT can be used to assess driving ability in untreated sleep apnea patients. Ann Neurol 2008
Fractal analysis of polypropylene composite filled with nano‐calcium carbonate
Authors: Yuan Shaoyan , Xu Hong , Gu Hongchen
Published: August 2008

Polypropylene (PP) and nano‐calcium carbonate (CaCO3) composites were prepared by melt mixing in a corotating twin‐screw extruder. Transmission electron microscopy study and particle size analysis revealed the dispersion and the size distribution of CaCO3in PP. With the increase of loading of filler, CaCO3nanoparticles densely aggregated together and the dispersion of filler became bad. The fractal dimensions of the composites were determined using fractal concept. The fractal dimensions ofDandDkdescribed the irregularities of the shape of an object and the distributions of particle populations, respectively. TheDandDkvalues were influenced by the content of filler, i.e., theDvalues increased, and theDkvalues decreased with the increase of loading of filler. When the loading of filler was low, the values ofDandDkof PP composites differ slightly than the counterparts of PP/PP‐g‐MA (50 wt %) blend. For 20 wt %, they were almost identical. This fact showed that the fractal dimension was correlated with the dispersion. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Influence of polluted atmospheres on the natural aging of poly(vinyl chloride) stabilized with epoxidized sunflower oil
Authors: Gallouze Nadia , Belhaneche‐Bensemra Naima
Published: August 2008

Semirigid and plasticized poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) samples, stabilized with epoxidized sunflower oil (ESO), Zn, and Ca stearates, were exposed in Algiers (hot, Mediterranean climate) for 12 months in three sites where the concentrations of atmospheric pollutants (NOx, O3, hydrocarbons) are known. The evolution of the mechanical properties (tensile test and shore D hardness) was followed according to the aging time. The modification structure of polymer was investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The results have shown that all the considered properties were affected. Furthermore, it seems that the O3 exerted the most deleterious effect, followed by hydrocarbons and then by NOx. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
p‐Acetylbenzylidene triphenylarsonium ylide initiated radical polymerization of methyl acrylate
Authors: Tiwari S. P. , Gehlot C. L. , Srivastava A. K.
Published: August 2008

Polymerization of methyl acrylate (MA), initiated by p‐acetyl benzylidene triphenylarsonium ylide (p‐ABTAY) in dioxan at (60 ± 1)°C for 1 h, follows nonideal kinetics (Rp ∝ [I]0.21[M]1.40) due to primary radical termination as well as degradative chain transfer reaction. The polymerization proceeded upto 20.49% conversion without gelation and results in the polymer of high molecular weight 98,000. The overall activation energy and the value of kp2/kt are 14 kJ mol–1 and 18.75 × 10–6 L mol–1 s–1, respectively. The ylide dissociates to form phenyl radical, which initiates the polymerization of MA. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Simultaneous measurement of resistance and viscoelastic responses of carbon black‐filled high‐density polyethylene subjected to dynamic torsion
Authors: Zhou Jianfeng , Song Yihu , Shangguan Yonggang , Zheng Qiang
Published: August 2008

The conduction and viscoelastic responses to temperature are measured simultaneously for carbon black (CB) filled high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) subjected to dynamic torsion. PTC/NTC transition was correlated with the loss tangent peak and the quasi modulus plateau, which was ascribed to the filler network. The bond‐bending model of elastic percolation networks was used to reveal the structural mechanisms for the cyclic resistance changes at different temperatures. The resistance changes at lower temperatures depended on the deformation of the polymer matrix, while the changes in melting state were mainly attributed to the rearrangement of the CB network. A simple scaling law is derived to relate resistance and dynamic storage modulus in the melting region. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Porous versus novel compact Ziegler–Natta catalyst particles and their fragmentation during the early stages of bulk propylene polymerization
Authors: Vestberg Torvald , Denifl Peter , Wilén Carl‐Eric
Published: August 2008

The effect of the porosity of Ziegler–Natta catalyst particles on early fragmentation, nascent polymer morphology, and activity were studied. The bulk polymerization of propylene was carried out with three different heterogeneous Ziegler–Natta catalysts under industrial conditions at low temperatures, that is, with a novel self‐supported catalyst (A), a SiO2‐supported catalyst (B), and a MgCl2‐supported catalyst (C), with triethyl aluminum as a cocatalyst and dicyclopentyl dimethoxy silane as an external donor. The compact catalyst A exhibited no measurable porosity and a very low surface area (<5 m2/g) by Brunauer–Emmet–Teller analysis, whereas catalysts B and C showed surface areas of 63 and 250 m2/g, respectively. The surface and cross‐sectional morphologies of the resulting polymer particles at different stages of particle growth were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The compact catalyst A showed homogeneous and instantaneous fragmentation already in the very early stages of polymerization, which is typically observed for porous MgCl2‐supported Ziegler–Natta catalysts. Moreover, the compact catalyst particles gave rise to almost perfectly spherical polymer particles with a smooth surface. In contrast, the silica‐supported catalyst B gave rise to particles having a cauliflower morphology, and the second reference catalyst C produced fairly spherical polymer particles with a rough surface. All of the three catalysts exhibited similar activities of 450 g of polypropylene/g of catalyst after 30 min of polymerization, and most interestingly, the comparative kinetic data presented indicated that the reaction rates were not influenced by the porosity of the catalyst. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008.
Protein separation by cellulose acetate/sulfonated poly(ether imide) blend ultrafiltration membranes
Authors: Nagendran A. , Mohan D.
Published: August 2008

A process for purifying aqueous solutions containing macromolecular proteins such as bovine serum albumin (BSA), egg albumin (EA), pepsin, and trypsin has been investigated. Protein removal from food and biorelated industrial waste streams are gaining increased visibility due to environmental concern and saving precious materials. Ultrafiltration (UF) processes are largely being applied for protein separation from aqueous streams. In this work, an attempt has been made to separate the valuable proteins using cellulose acetate (CA)/sulfonated poly(ether imide) (SPEI) blend UF membranes prepared in the absence and presence of the additive, polyethyleneglycol (PEG600) in various compositions. The blend membranes were subjected to the determination of pore statistics and molecular weight cut‐off (MWCO). Porosity and pore size of the membranes increased with increasing concentrations of SPEI and PEG600 in the casting solution. Similarly, the MWCOs of the blend membranes ranged from 20 to greater than 69 kDa, depending on the various polymer blend compositions. Surface morphology of the blend membranes were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy. Studies were carried out to find the rejection and permeate flux of proteins. On increasing the concentration of SPEI and PEG600, the rejection of proteins is decreasing, whereas the permeate flux has an increasing trend. The effect of hydrophilicity of SPEI on fouling of protein for CA/SPEI blend membranes was also discussed. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Electrospun nano‐scaled glass fiber reinforcement of bis‐GMA/TEGDMA dental composites
Authors: Gao Yi , Sagi Sriramaraju , Zhang Lifeng , Liao Yiliang , Cowles David M. , Sun Yuyu , Fong Hao
Published: August 2008

The objective of this study was to investigate the electrospun nano‐scaled glass fiber reinforcement of 2,2′‐bis[4‐(methacryloxypropoxy)‐phenyl]‐propane/triethylene glycol dimethacrylate (Bis‐GMA/TEGDMA) dental composites. The hypothesis was that incorporation of the surface‐silanized electrospun nano‐scaled glass fibers into Bis‐GMA/TEGDMA dental composites would result in substantial improvement on mechanical properties. To test the hypothesis, photo‐cured Bis‐GMA/TEGDMA dental composites filled with various mass fractions of surface‐silanized electrospun nano‐scaled glass fibers were systematically fabricated; and their mechanical properties were then evaluated. The results indicated that small mass fraction substitutions (1, 2.5, 5, and 7.5%) of conventional dental filler with the surface‐silanized electrospun nano‐scaled glass fibers, significantly improved the flexural strength, elastic modulus, and work of fracture values of 70% (mass fraction) filled composites, by as much as 44%, 29%, and 66%, respectively. The mechanical properties of the composites could be further improved by optimizing the chemical compositions and the surface treatment methods of the fibers. We envision that the electrospun nano‐scaled glass fibers could be utilized to develop the next generation dental composites, which would be particularly useful for large posterior restorations. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Morphology and mechanical properties of catalytic coke/polypropylene composites
Authors: Muangmaithong Kingkan , Praserthdam Piyasan , Thongyai Supakanok , Wacharawichanant Sirirat
Published: August 2008

Polypropylene (PP) composites with filler of catalytic coke (CC) or fresh catalyst (FC) of Ni/SiO2.MgO were prepared by melt mixing technique in a twin screw extruder. The catalytic coke, that has the fibril of carbon, is the waste from petrochemical industry and can be obtain cheaply in high volume. The composites were examined by assessing their mechanical properties, thermal properties, and the morphology of fracture surface of the PP matrix. The improvement of some mechanical properties of the CC filler such as Young's modulus and slightly improvement of tensile strength were observed whereas the elongation at break and toughness decreased with the increase in CC or FC. Both degradation temperature of CC or FC composites decreased with increased filler content but lesser in the case of CC. The structures of fracture surfaces were supported by the results from mechanical properties measurement. The CC composite in PP matrix (CCPP) exhibits the fibrils and the plastic deformation of the matrix, while the FC composite in PP matrix (FCPP) presents similar fracture roughness as the nascent PP. The catalytic coke can be utilized as the filler to improve the Young's modulus while the fresh catalyst cannot be utilized as filler because of the adverse effects. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Synthesis and characterization of polyparaphenylene from cis‐dihydrocatechol
Authors: Li Song , Li Zibiao , Fang Xiaobin , Chen Guo‐Qiang , Huang Yuanming , Xu Kaitian
Published: August 2008

Conducting polymer polyparaphenylene (PPP) was synthesized from cis‐dihydrocatechol (DHCD) obtained from bacterial transformation of benzene. Results showed that the DHCD to DHCD‐DA (diacetate) synthesis process produced some byproducts as impurities including trace amounts of phenol, quinone, and phenyl acetate derived from phenol. These impurities played a negative role in the polymerization process of DHCD‐DA to P(DHCD‐DA). In this study, a distillation fractionation method was employed to obtain monomer DHCD‐DA with high purity and high yield. Four different polymerization methods using the purified DHCD‐DA, including bulk polymerization initiated by different catalyst systems, solution polymerization as well as emulsion polymerization, were compared. A very high P(DHCD‐DA) yield of 92% with a molecular weight of 84,500 was obtained under an optimized condition using the bulk polymerization process initiated by (di)benzoyl peroxide (BPO) and ferrous sulfate. A standard curve was established to evaluate the aromatization degree of P(DHCD‐DA) to PPP under different temperatures based on the intensity of FTIR absorption and functional groups on the PPP. The glass transition temperature and the crystallinity of PPP increased with the degree of aromatization of the prepolymer P(DHCD‐DA). Thermal analysis indicated that the PPP possessed high thermal stability both in nitrogen and in air atmospheres. All these results would help the synthesis of PPP. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Modeling the stress‐relaxation behavior of wool fibers
Authors: Liu H. L. , Yu W. D. , Jin H. B.
Published: August 2008

The stress‐relaxation behavior of wool fibers after a pretreatment with a chemical solution is particularly important for evaluating the efficiency of the pretreatment. In this study, three viscoelastic models, including the Maxwell, two Maxwell unit, and modified two Maxwell unit models, were established first. To verify the feasibility of the models, stress‐relaxation experiments for wool fibers were performed. The wool fibers were pretreated with a sodium bisulfite solution (1 and 3%) at various temperatures (293, 298, 303, 308, 313, and 318 K). Then, the experimental values were fitted to the three models to obtain the rate constants of relaxation. The activation energy of the wool fibers was calculated with the Arrhenius equation. The results showed that the modified two Maxwell unit model provided the best fit for the experimental data of the wool fibers. The stress‐relaxation process of the wool fibers could be divided into two stages, a rapid stage followed by a slow stage. The rapid relaxation of stress was attributed to the weak bonds in the wool fibers, and the following slow relaxation stage was attributed to strong bonds. The Arrhenius equation could describe the stress‐relaxation process of the wool fibers very well. Furthermore, the activation energy decreased in the presence of sodium bisulfite. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Rheological and thermal properties of poly(ethylene oxide)/multiwall carbon nanotube composites
Authors: Abraham T. N. , Ratna Debdatta , Siengchin S. , Karger‐Kocsis J.
Published: August 2008

Poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) based nanocomposites were prepared by the dispersion of multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in aqueous solution. MWCNTs were added up to 4 wt % of the PEO matrix. The dynamic viscoelastic behavior of the PEO/MWCNT nanocomposites was assessed with a strain‐controlled parallel‐plate rheometer. Prominent increases in the shear viscosity and storage modulus of the nanocomposites were found with increasing MWCNT content. Dynamic and isothermal differential scanning calorimetry studies indicated a significant decrease in the crystallization temperature as a result of the incorporation of MWCNTs; these composites can find applications as crystallizable switching components for shape‐memory polymer systems with adjustable switching temperatures. The solid‐state, direct‐current conductivity was also enhanced by the incorporation of MWCNTs. The dispersion level of the MWCNTs was investigated with scanning electron microscopy. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Synthesis and characterization of new monomeric and polymeric phthalocyanines
Authors: Bilgin A. , Yağcı Ç. , Mendi A. , Yıldız U.
Published: August 2008

Monomeric (M = 2Li or 2H) and polymeric (M = 2H, Zn, Cu, Co, or Ni), where M is metal or hydrogen, phthalocyanines were prepared by the tetramerization reaction of bisphthalonitrile monomer with appropriate materials. The electrical conductivities of the polymeric phthalocyanines, which were measured as gold sandwiches, were found to be 10−10–10−7 S/cm in vacuo and in air. The binding property of a Co‐containing polymeric phthalocyanine (10) toward alkali, alkaline‐earth, and some heavy cations was studied in tetrahydrofuran. The extraction affinity of 10 for K+ was found to be the highest in the heterogeneous phase extraction experiments. The disaggregation property of a Ni‐containing polymeric phthalocyanine (11) was investigated with K+, Na+, and NH4+ cations. The intrinsic viscosities of all polymers were also measured by means of viscometry. All the novel compounds were characterized with elemental analysis, ultraviolet–visible, Fourier transform infrared, NMR, and mass spectrometry spectral data, and differential thermal analysis/thermogravimetry. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Microspheres of new alternating copolyesters derived from glycolic acid units for controlled drug release
Authors: Martínez‐Palau Meritxell , Franco Lourdes , Puiggalí Jordi
Published: August 2008

Two new copolyesters consisting of an alternating disposition of glycolic acid units and 4‐hydroxybutyric or 6‐hydroxyhexanoic units were assayed in the form of microspheres as drug delivery systems. Despite their similar chemical constitutions, great differences in properties such as the melting point and glass‐transition temperature were found between the two polymers. Microspheres could be successfully prepared by the oil/water emulsification/solvent evaporation method and revealed different morphological features depending on the polymer matrix. The encapsulation and release of triclosan in a cell medium and in a Sörensen solution were evaluated. The release profiles, which were clearly different in both polymers when the hydrophobic cell medium was employed, indicated that the release reached an asymptotic value that was always lower than the maximum release expected for the drug loading. No significant degradation occurred during drug release. The charged microspheres of both polymers were highly crystalline, and the incorporation of drug particles into the polymer crystalline domains was feasible. No trace of single triclosan crystals was found in differential scanning calorimetry or X‐ray synchrotron experiments. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008