bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relations between Russia, Turkey and Iran in the context of military-political ties with the Syrian Arab Republic
Authors: Kasyanenko Aleksandr Vladimirovich
Published: February 2024

The subject of the study is the political relations that arose as a result of Russia’s initiation of the «triple format» on the Syrian issue. The purpose of the study is to comprehensively analyze the development of the Astana format in the context of military-political relations with the Syrian Arab Republic in the political aspect. The methodological basis of the study consists of descriptive, comparative, typological and systematic methods. Descriptive and systematic methods made it possible to provide a holistic picture of the political processes related to the combination of factors that provoked military-political conflicts in Syria. The typology made it possible to study the processes occurring in Syria during the chronological period: from the moment of the Syrian color revolution to the present. The use of a systematic approach made it possible to present the Syrian crisis as an integral system of interacting elements. The scientific novelty of the study is determined by the fact that new sources were involved in the work, which relate to the diverse aspects of military-political relations with the Syrian Arab Republic in the context of the Syrian crisis. The practical significance of the work lies in the fact that the materials presented in it can be used for the political and diplomatic resolution of crisis situations that help preserve the integrity and sovereignty of states, preventing armed intervention in their internal processes. Based on these circumstances, it seems that the plans of the Western community, including the United States, provided for the elimination of countries as distinctive states with their own sovereignty, aimed at pursuing a policy of a bipolar world order. It was in this aspect that these countries used such a mechanism of influence as provoking “color revolutions.”
Reward contingency gates selective cholinergic suppression of amygdala neurons
Authors: Kimchi Eyal Y , Burgos-Robles Anthony , Matthews Gillian A , Chakoma Tatenda , Patarino Makenzie , Weddington Javier C , Siciliano Cody , Yang Wannan , Foutch Shaun , Simons Renee , Fong Ming-fai , Jing Miao , Li Yulong , Polley Daniel B , Tye Kay M
Published: February 2024

Basal forebrain cholinergic neurons modulate how organisms process and respond to environmental stimuli through impacts on arousal, attention, and memory. It is unknown, however, whether basal forebrain cholinergic neurons are directly involved in conditioned behavior, independent of secondary roles in the processing of external stimuli. Using fluorescent imaging, we found that cholinergic neurons are active during behavioral responding for a reward – even prior to reward delivery and in the absence of discrete stimuli. Photostimulation of basal forebrain cholinergic neurons, or their terminals in the basolateral amygdala (BLA), selectively promoted conditioned responding (licking), but not unconditioned behavior nor innate motor outputs. In vivo electrophysiological recordings during cholinergic photostimulation revealed reward-contingency-dependent suppression of BLA neural activity, but not prefrontal cortex. Finally, ex vivo experiments demonstrated that photostimulation of cholinergic terminals suppressed BLA projection neuron activity via monosynaptic muscarinic receptor signaling, while also facilitating firing in BLA GABAergic interneurons. Taken together, we show that the neural and behavioral effects of basal forebrain cholinergic activation are modulated by reward contingency in a target-specific manner.
Spatial–temporal order–disorder transition in angiogenic NOTCH signaling controls cell fate specification
Authors: Kang Tae-Yun , Bocci Federico , Nie Qing , Onuchic José N , Levchenko Andre
Published: February 2024

Angiogenesis is a morphogenic process resulting in the formation of new blood vessels from pre-existing ones, usually in hypoxic micro-environments. The initial steps of angiogenesis depend on robust differentiation of oligopotent endothelial cells into the Tip and Stalk phenotypic cell fates, controlled by NOTCH-dependent cell–cell communication. The dynamics of spatial patterning of this cell fate specification are only partially understood. Here, by combining a controlled experimental angiogenesis model with mathematical and computational analyses, we find that the regular spatial Tip–Stalk cell patterning can undergo an order–disorder transition at a relatively high input level of a pro-angiogenic factor VEGF. The resulting differentiation is robust but temporally unstable for most cells, with only a subset of presumptive Tip cells leading sprout extensions. We further find that sprouts form in a manner maximizing their mutual distance, consistent with a Turing-like model that may depend on local enrichment and depletion of fibronectin. Together, our data suggest that NOTCH signaling mediates a robust way of cell differentiation enabling but not instructing subsequent steps in angiogenic morphogenesis, which may require additional cues and self-organization mechanisms. This analysis can assist in further understanding of cell plasticity underlying angiogenesis and other complex morphogenic processes.
Secreted dengue virus NS1 from infection is predominantly dimeric and in complex with high-density lipoprotein
Authors: Chew Bing Liang Alvin , Ngoh An Qi , Phoo Wint Wint , Chan Kitti Wing Ki , Ser Zheng , Tulsian Nikhil K , Lim Shiao See , Weng Mei Jie Grace , Watanabe Satoru , Choy Milly M. , Low Jenny G. , Ooi Eng Eong , Ruedl Christiane , Sobota Radoslaw M. , Vasudevan Subhash G. , Luo Dahai
Published: February 2024

Severe dengue infections are characterized by endothelial dysfunction shown to be associated with the secreted nonstructural protein 1 (sNS1), making it an attractive vaccine antigen and biotherapeutic target. To uncover the biologically relevant structure of sNS1, we obtained infection-derived sNS1 (isNS1) from DENV-infected Vero cells through immunoffinity purification instead of recombinant sNS1 (rsNS1) overexpressed in insect or mammalian cell lines. We found that isNS1 appeared as an approximately 250 kDa complex of NS1 and ApoA1 and further determined the cryoEM structures of isNS1 and its complex with a monoclonal antibody/Fab. Indeed, we found that the major species of isNS1 is a complex of the NS1 dimer partially embedded in a High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) particle. Cross-linking mass spectrometry (XL-MS) studies confirmed that the isNS1 interacts with the major HDL component ApoA1 through interactions that map to the NS1 wing and hydrophobic domains. Furthermore, our studies demonstrated that the sNS1 in sera from DENV-infected mice and a human patient form a similar complex as isNS1. Our results report the molecular architecture of a biological form of sNS1 which may have implications for the molecular pathogenesis of dengue.CryoEM structures of secreted dengue virus NS1 protein reveal dimers in complex with high-density lipoprotein.
Dynamic 1D Search and Processive Nucleosome Translocations by RSC and ISW2 Chromatin Remodelers
Authors: Kim Jee Min , Carcamo Claudia C. , Jazani Sina , Xie Zepei , Feng Xinyu A. , Yamadi Maryam , Poyton Matthew , Holland Katie L. , Grimm Jonathan B. , Lavis Luke D. , Ha Taekjip , Wu Carl
Published: February 2024

Eukaryotic gene expression is linked to chromatin structure and nucleosome positioning by ATP-dependent chromatin remodelers that establish and maintain nucleosome-depleted regions (NDRs) near transcription start-sites. Conserved yeast RSC and ISW2 remodelers exert antagonistic effects on nucleosomes flanking NDRs, but the temporal dynamics of remodeler search, engagement and directional nucleosome mobilization for promoter accessibility are unknown. Using optical tweezers and 2-color single-particle imaging, we investigated the Brownian diffusion of RSC and ISW2 on free DNA and sparse nucleosome arrays. RSC and ISW2 rapidly scan DNA by one-dimensional hopping and sliding respectively, with dynamic collisions between remodelers followed by recoil or apparent co-diffusion. Static nucleosomes block remodeler diffusion resulting in remodeler recoil or sequestration. Remarkably, both RSC and ISW2 use ATP hydrolysis to translocate mono-nucleosomes processively at ∼30 bp/sec on extended linear DNA under tension. Processivity and opposing push-pull directionalities of nucleosome translocation shown by RSC and ISW2 shape the distinctive landscape of promoter chromatin.
Paradoxical dominant negative activity of an immunodeficiency-associated activating PIK3R1 variant
Authors: Tomlinson Patsy R , Knox Rachel G , Perisic Olga , Su Helen , Brierley Gemma V , Williams Roger L , Semple Robert K
Published: February 2024

PIK3R1 encodes three regulatory subunits of class IA phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), each associating with any of three catalytic subunits, namely p110α, p110β, or p110δ. Constitutional PIK3R1 mutations cause diseases with a genotype-phenotype relationship not yet fully explained: heterozygous loss-of-function mutations cause SHORT syndrome, featuring insulin resistance and short stature attributed to reduced p110α function, while heterozygous activating mutations cause immunodeficiency, attributed to p110δ activation and known as APDS2. Surprisingly, APDS2 patients do not show features of p110α hyperactivation, but do commonly have SHORT syndrome-like features, suggesting p110α hypofunction. We sought to investigate this. In dermal fibroblasts from an APDS2 patient, we found no increased PI3K signalling, with p110δ expression markedly reduced. In preadipocytes, the APDS2 variant was potently dominant negative, associating with Irs1 and Irs2 but failing to heterodimerise with p110α. This attenuation of p110α signalling by a p110δ-activating PIK3R1 variant potentially explains co-incidence of gain-of-function and loss-of-function PIK3R1 phenotypes.
Uncovering the BIN1-SH3 interactome underpinning centronuclear myopathy
Authors: Zambo Boglarka , Edelweiss Evelina , Morlet Bastien , Negroni Luc , Pajkos Mátyás , Dosztányi Zsuzsanna , Ostergaard Soren , Trave Gilles , Laporte Jocelyn , Gogl Gergo
Published: February 2024

Truncation of the protein-protein interaction SH3 domain of the membrane remodeling Bridging Integrator 1 (BIN1, Amphiphysin 2) protein leads to centronuclear myopathy. Here, we assessed the impact of a set of naturally observed, previously uncharacterized BIN1 SH3 domain variants using conventional
in vitro
and cell-based assays monitoring the BIN1 interaction with dynamin 2 (DNM2) and identified potentially harmful ones that can be also tentatively connected to neuromuscular disorders. However, SH3 domains are typically promiscuous and it is expected that other, so-far unknown partners of BIN1 exist besides DNM2, that also participate in the development of centronuclear myopathy. In order to shed light on these other relevant interaction partners and to get a holistic picture of the pathomechanism behind BIN1 SH3 domain variants, we used affinity interactomics. We identified hundreds of new BIN1 interaction partners proteome-wide, among which many appear to participate in cell division, suggesting a critical role of BIN1 in the regulation of mitosis. Finally, we show that the identified BIN1 mutations indeed cause proteome-wide affinity perturbation, signifying the importance of employing unbiased affinity interactomic approaches.
Oral bacteriophages: metagenomic clues to interpret microbiomes
Authors: Banar Maryam , Rokaya Dinesh , Azizian Reza , Khurshid Zohaib , Banakar Morteza
Published: February 2024

Bacteriophages are bacterial viruses that are distributed throughout the environment. Lytic phages and prophages in saliva, oral mucosa, and dental plaque interact with the oral microbiota and can change biofilm formation. The interactions between phages and bacteria can be considered a portion of oral metagenomics. The metagenomic profile of the oral microbiome indicates various bacteria. Indeed, there are various phages against these bacteria in the oral cavity. However, some other phages, like phages against Absconditabacteria, Chlamydiae, or Chloroflexi, have not been identified in the oral cavity. This review gives an overview of oral bacteriophage and used for metagenomics. Metagenomics of these phages deals with multi-drug-resistant bacterial plaques (biofilms) in oral cavities and oral infection. Hence, dentists and pharmacologists should know this metagenomic profile to cope with predental and dental infectious diseases.
The economic importance of Euterpe Oleracea Mart. (açaí), for the Arióca Pruanã/Oeiras do Pará extraction reserve
Authors: Alves Lenize Mayane Silva , Oliveira João Batista dos Santos , Santana Carla Luciana Vanzeler , Dias Samantha Valente , Lobato Paula Emanuelly Pantoja , Veiga Mediane Ferreira , Ramos Camila Dias , Nogueira Ádria Vitória Monteiro
Published: February 2024

Brazil is among the countries responsible for supplying the açaí market in the world, and this fruit is used in the production of numerous products used for the most different purposes. Açaí, like other Amazonian products, has been gaining notoriety in the international economy not only for its Amazon benefits, but for the economic alternative of producing new market niches for large industries. Pará is the largest producer of açaí at the national level, with a turnover of more than R$460 million year. In the state, the largest production of the fruit is in the municipalities of Limoeiro do Ajuru (42 thousand tons) and Oeiras do Pará (26.5 thousand tons). In this sense, this research aimed to analyze the importance of açaí cultivation for farmers who live in the Arióca Pruanã extractive reserve, and what are the economic benefits that the sale of this fruit brings to the municipality's economy. The present research had as methodological framework the exploratory field investigation carried out in the extractive reserve Arióca Pruanã, at the points of collection of the fruit of the middlemen, as well as an interview with the community located in the reserve that maintains its way of life, from management to commercialization, becoming a fundamental part of the dynamic chain of production and distribution of açaí. The survey was conducted from June to August 2021. A questionnaire was developed and applied to 20 producers and 15 middlemen representing two different classes of individuals working in this trade: 20 to farmers and 15 to middlemen. The research identified that there are 2 main categories of agents that sell açaí within the reserve and that the açaí marketed comes from the floodplain areas surrounding the reserve. And that both the Oeiras and the Arióca rivers have potential for mass production of açaí. One of the main problems that weakens this production is the lack of technical assistance and projects aimed at family farming.
Application of Stacked Ensemble Techniques for Classifying Recurrent Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Prognosis
Authors: Acquah Joseph , Owusu Damianus Kofi , Anafo Abdulzeid Yen
Published: February 2024

A feature selection technique should, in theory, be able to reliably extract pertinent features, identify non-linear feature interactions, scale linearly with the number of features and dimensions, and permit the integration of known sparsity structure. Identifying a machine learning algorithm that performs best given varied distributions may be quite challenging because not all machine learning algorithms are equally created, even though many of them suit very well for a given task. The heterogeneous ensemble feature selection (HETR-EFS) technique learns to combine the feature subsets provided by base feature selectors in an ensemble. Similarly, the stacked ensemble (SE) technique learns how to best combine base classifier models to form a strong model. As a prognostic model for classifying Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma {HNSCC} recurrence patterns, this study sought to identify the combination of SE classification model and EFS technique that fit optimally when the same ML classifiers for EFS and SE learning are used. Four SE classification models; in which first one used two base classifiers: gradient boosting machine (GBM) and distributed random forest (DRF); second one used three base classifiers: GBM, DRF, and deep neural network (DNN); third one used four base classifiers: GBM, DRF, DNN, and generalized linear model (GLM); and fourth one used five base classifiers: GBM, DRF, DNN, GLM, and Naïve bayes (NB), were developed based on various EFS techniques, using GBM meta-classifier in each case. The results showed that implementing SE technique consisting of five base classifiers on heterogeneous ensemble feature (HETR-EF) subset achieved better performance than achieved on other EF subsets and implementing this SE technique on HETR-EFs achieved better performance compared to other SE techniques implemented on HETR-EFs and other feature subsets used. Thus, learning SE technique having five base classifiers on HETR-EFs is clinically appropriate as a prognostic model for classifying and predicting HNSCC patients’ recurrence data.
Optimizing Nutrient Uptake in Rice Crops through Integrated Organic Manure Application: A Comprehensive Analysis of Grain and Straw Composition
Authors: Shukla Arvind Kumar , Singh Ram Ratan , Mishra Tripti , Tripathi Kaushlendra Mani , Mishra Suraj , Kumar Dharmendra
Published: February 2024

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is the staple food of more than 60 percent of the world’s population and is considered the “global grain”. It is the main staple food in the Asia and the Pacific region. This study was conducted to ascertain the Impact of Various Treatment Combinations on the Nutrient Uptake of rice grains and straw. The field experiments were carried out at the research Farm of Acharya Narendra Deva University of Agriculture & Technology, Kumarganj, Ayodhya (U.P.) during Kharif, 2021-22. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with 3 replications having 8 treatments. The eight treatments combinations were: T1(Absolute Control), T2 (Bio decomposed compost 1q/ha+50%RDF), T3 (Bio decomposed compost 1.5 q/ha+50%RDF), T4 (Bio decomposed compost 1q/ha+50% RDF + Root dipping with bio decomposed compost wash 10 ml/ lit of water), T5 (Bio decomposed compost 1.5 q/ha+50%RDF + Root dipping with bio decomposed wash 10 ml/lit of water), T6 (Bio decomposed compost 1q/ha+50%RDF+foliar application of bio decomposed compost wash of 10 ml/ lit of water), T7 (Bio decomposed compost 1.5 q/ha+50%RDF + foliar application of bio decomposed compost wash of 10 ml/ lit of water), T8 (100% RDF). As per findings, Nutrient uptake of N, P and K by grain of Rice varied from 44.32 kg ha-1 to 77.03 kg ha-1, 11.90 kg ha-1 to 20.85 kg ha-1, and 22.16 kg ha-1 to 45.17 kg ha-1. In Rice straw, N, P and K uptake varied from 20.16 kg ha-1 to 36 kg ha-1, 8.17 kg ha-1 to 15.62 kg ha-1, and 66.67 kg ha-1 to 100.55 kg ha-1. The application of organic manures significantly influenced nutrient uptake, attributed to enhanced photosynthesis, increased biomass, and improved nutrient availability. The findings align with previous research, emphasizing the positive impact of organic manure on nutrient uptake in rice crops. These studies contribute valuable insights into optimizing agricultural practices for enhanced nutrient management and sustainable crop production.
Incidence and Severity of Vine Rot and Wilt Disease of Telfairia occidentalis Caused by Athelia rolfii in Southern, Nigeria
Authors: Ismaila Uwaidem Yakubu , Okon Okon Godwin , Lovina Udoh , Oluwaseun Adenike
Published: February 2024

Telfairia occidentalis is an important vegetable crop that is intensively grown in Southern Nigeria for its utilization in home dishes and commercialization. However, its production is being limited by vine rot infection caused by Athelia rolfsii. Information on the epidemiology in growing regions is important for the disease management. Hence, this study was conducted to investigate the incidence and severity of vine rot disease of Telfairia occidentalis in commercial fields across Abak, Akwa Ibom State. A total of nine established T. occidentalis fields in three locations, including the Cross River Basin Development Authority, Abak-Irrigation Project, were visited during the peak of dry season (November – December), 2021 and raining season (June - August), 2022 respectively. The fields were scored for vine rot disease incidence and severity using a well described scale. Random samples from symptomatic plants were collected and taken to the laboratory for fungi isolation and identification. Koch postulate was carried out to confirm the causal agents on one susceptible genotype of T. occidentalis in the study area. Overall number of plants showing varying levels of symptoms reaches 84% and total values for mean incidences’ rate (3.31 ± 0.06      and 3.19 ± 0.06) were recorded for both sampling period respectively. The result of this study revealed that the prevalent fungal pathogen that is responsible for vine rot and wilt disease of T. occidentalis in the study is A. rolfsii and presented information on the level and severity of infection that is indicative of the need to implement appropriate control measures for A. rolfsii disease in the study area.
Exploring Microbial Solutions: A Comprehensive Study on Isolating, Characterizing, and Selecting Zinc-Solubilizing Fungi from Rhizospheric Soil
Authors: Chanu Pukhrambam Helena , Yadav Janardan
Published: February 2024

This study investigates the zinc solubilization potential of fungal isolates and their antagonistic activity against rice pathogens to address zinc deficiency and disease incidence in rice cultivation. Rhizospheric soil samples were collected, and zinc-solubilizing fungi were isolated and purified. Molecular characterization identified Talaromyces sp, Talaromyces versatilis, Talaromyces pinophilus, and Aspergillus terreus as zinc solubilizers. Qualitative and quantitative assays revealed varying solubilization efficiencies among isolates over time, with Talaromyces versatilis exhibiting the highest zinc solubilization. In inhibition assays conducted against rice pathogens, fungal isolates exhibited antagonistic potential, with Talaromyces versatilis demonstrating the highest percentage of inhibition. These findings underscore the potential of fungi as bio-based solutions for improving zinc nutrition and disease management in rice cultivation.
Addressing Adverse Events: Insights from Health Managers and Strategies to Support Second Victims, in Healthcare Institutions
Authors: Vergilio Jorge Fernando Dias , Braz Karen Ferreira Fernandes , Sanches Leide da Conceição , Rodacoski Giseli Cipriano , Ribeiro Elaine Rossi
Published: February 2024

Introduction: The second victims are the healthcare professionals involved in an unexpected adverse event in patient care.

Aims: To apprehend the perception of healthcare managers regarding the assumptions related to the second victim and understand the strategies adopted by healthcare managers for the support and assistance of the second victim.

Study Design:  This is qualitative research.

Place and Duration of Study: It was conducted in a healthcare institution in the southeastern region of São Paulo, Brazil over a period of two months.

Methodology: The 12 participants were managerial professionals of the institution who responded to a semi-structured interview. The information was analyzed according to Bardin's theoretical framework.

Results: The group of participants consists of managers with different levels of experience, contributing to a diversity of experiences in the field of work, with 83.33% having more than 10 years of professional training. The following categories were apprehended: Safety culture and professional practice, Management and the practice of support, and Healthcare managers and competencies in approaching the second victim. The study highlighted that the second victim management process depends on defining roles and proactive attitudes, involving managers and healthcare professionals, as well as preparing professionals to enhance patient safety and provide appropriate attention to the second victim.

Conclusions: The results suggest, based on the meanings that were apprehended, that the experience of being actors involved in patient safety and adverse events related to the second victim is still in its early stages, and there are paradigms to be shattered and different concepts to be reflected upon. In addition, the institution should prepare its managers and senior management professionals to be welcoming, through continuing education.
Evaluating the Therapeutic Efficacy of L-Lysine Aescinat Supplementation on Neurological Outcomes in Patients with Spinal Fractures and Traumatic Spine Injuries: A Prospective Cohort Study from Tbilisi, Georgia
Authors: Gogichashvili Koka , Malazonia Zviad , Kldiashvili Tornike , Maxwell Ciara Francesca
Published: February 2024

This prospective study aimed to comprehensively investigate the impact of L-Lysine aescinat supplementation on the neurological outcomes of patients recovering from spinal fractures and traumatic spine injuries. A total of 32 patients were recruited and categorised into two groups: Group A (n=16), receiving L-Lysine aescinat supplementation, and Group B (N=16), serving as the control group without L-Lysine aescinat administration. The primary objective was to assess changes in the Karnofsky performance scale, a functional and well-being neurological assessment tool especially for those undergoing operations or with chronic illness, over a follow up period of one month in order to determine if L-Lysine aescinat had an immediate effect on recovery in the post-operative period. Urinary dysfunction was noted, alongside the location of the fracture, type of surgery and if there were any significant comorbidities.
Musculoskeletal Effects of Prolonged Use of Safety Footwear among Construction Workers in Selected Sites of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria
Authors: Kingsley-Elewa Chinyere Jessica , Awanye Amaka M. , Okachi Wejie C.
Published: February 2024

Occupational injuries and work-related musculoskeletal disorders are among the significant issues affecting the construction industry. This work evaluated the musculoskeletal effects of prolonged use of safety footwear on the field construction workers of selected construction sites of a company in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The study used a Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire as the primary tool. The study revealed the short-term and long-term effects of repeated use of safety footwear for long periods. The gender distribution of the respondents showed that (76%) were male while (24 %) were female. The research also reported that (84.8%) of the respondents experienced ankle pain, (49.6 %) suffered hip pain, (34.8%) suffered neck pain and (34.8%) suffered lower back pain respectively from prolonged use of safety footwear which ranged from mild, moderate to severe pain. Chi-square test and correlation analysis at p-value (0.05) were conducted for the test hypotheses with a decision to reject the null hypothesis (H0) if p <0.05. The results showed p-values of (0.707), (0.434); (0,288), 0.066); (0.159), (0.828), and therefore the null hypotheses were not rejected for hypotheses 1, 2, and 3. The study revealed that 35.6 % of respondents were not trained to use safety boots properly. The study further recommends that organizations should ensure work rotation and break periods for workers, and adequate training, education, and awareness programs should be conducted in organizations to enlighten workers on the proper usage and hazards of safety footwear. Employers and decision influencers (managers and safety supervisors) should also be educated about foot health and safety footwear choices that will meet workers' requirements in the work environment, improve working conditions for workers, and impact the high level of MSDs repeatedly reported in the construction industry.
Preparation and characterization of thermoplastic vulcanizate/silica nanocomposites
Authors: Wu Tzong‐Ming , Chu Mu‐Shun
Published: September 2005

This article describes the preparation, characterization, and properties of thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV)/silica nanocomposites. The nanocomposites were prepared by the melt blending of TPV and maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene (mPP) into organically modified SiO2 (m‐SiO2), treated with n‐hexadecyl trimethylammonium bromide as a grafting agent for TPV during the melt mixing. The thermal stability and storage modulus of the 1 wt % m‐SiO2 containing TPV/mPP/m‐SiO2 nanocomposite were higher than those of pristine TPV. The most important observation was obtained from dynamic mechanical analysis, which revealed that the glass‐transition temperature of the polypropylene phase of the nanocomposites increased (in comparison with that of virgin TPV), whereas the ethylene–propylene–diene monomer phase remained almost the same. The adhesion strength between the TPV/mPP/m‐SiO2 nanocomposites and steel also increased with increasing m‐SiO2 content. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 98: 2058–2063, 2005
Structured polyurethanes for oil uptake
Authors: Yang Jae Soo , Cho Sung Man , Kim Byung Kyu , Narkis Moshe
Published: September 2005

In an attempt to develop a desirable resin formulation for spilled oil absorption, segmented polyurethanes of various types and lengths of hard and soft segments have been synthesized and tested for X‐ray diffraction, thermal, mechanical, and dynamic mechanical properties in addition to oil and water absorptions. Significant oil absorption was obtained with ether type polyol of high molecular weight, especially with short hard segments of long‐chain diamines. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 98: 2080–2087, 2005
Selection of a mixture of initiators for batch polymerization using neural networks
Authors: Fernandes Fabiano A. N.
Published: September 2005

The productivity in batch processes is related to reduction of the time required to complete each batch. An increase in productivity can be achieved by running the polymerization isothermally using a mixture of initiators with different decomposition rates. The amount of each initiator in the mixture can be optimized to increase productivity while not exceeding the maximum heat release that the cooling system is capable of compensating for. In this work, neural networks are used to search for the optimum operating condition of the reactor. The procedure to find the best neural network topology is presented as well as its application. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 98: 2088–2093, 2005
Model peptides mimic the structure and function of the N‐terminus of the pore‐forming toxin sticholysin II
Authors: Casallanovo Fábio , de Oliveira Felipe J. F. , de Souza Fernando C. , Ros Uris , Martínez Yohanka , Pentón David , Tejuca Mayra , Martínez Diana , Pazos Fabiola , Pertinhez Thelma A. , Spisni Alberto , Cilli Eduardo M. , Lanio María E. , Alvarez Carlos , Schreier Shirley
Published: September 2005

To investigate the role of the N‐terminal region in the lytic mechanism of the pore‐forming toxin sticholysin II (St II), we studied the conformational and functional properties of peptides encompassing the first 30 residues of the protein. Peptides containing residues 1–30 (P1–30) and 11–30 (P11–30) were synthesized and their conformational properties were examined in aqueous solution as a function of peptide concentration, pH, ionic strength, and addition of the secondary structure‐inducing solvent trifluoroethanol (TFE). CD spectra showed that increasing concentration, pH, and ionic strength led to aggregation of P1–30; as a consequence, the peptide acquired β‐sheet conformation. In contrast, P11–30 exhibited practically no conformational changes under the same conditions, remaining essentially structureless. Moreover, this peptide did not undergo aggregation. These differences clearly point to the modulating effect of the first 10 hydrophobic residues on the peptides aggregation and conformational properties. In TFE both the first ten hydrophobic peptides acquired α‐helical conformation, albeit to a different extent, P11–30 displayed lower α‐helical content. P1–30 presented a larger fraction of residues in α‐helical conformation in TFE than that found in St II's crystal structure for that portion of the protein. Since TFE mimics the membrane environment, such increase in helical content could also occur upon toxin binding to membranes and represent a step in the mechanism of pore formation. The peptides conformational properties correlated well with their functional behavior. Thus, P1–30 exhibited much higher hemolytic activity than P11–30. In addition, P11–30 was able to block the toxin's hemolytic activity. The size of pores formed in red blood cells by P1–30 was estimated by measuring the permeability to PEGs of different molecular mass. The pore radius (0.95 ± 0.01 nm) was very similar to that of the pore formed by the toxin. The results demonstrate that the synthetic peptide P1–30 is a good model of St II conformation and function and emphasize the contribution of the toxin's N‐terminal region, and, in particular, the hydrophobic residues 1–10 to pore formation. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 84: 169–180, 2006

This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com
Responding to persons with mental illnesses: police perspectives on specialized and traditional practices
Authors: Sellers Courtenay L. , Sullivan Christopher J. , Veysey Bonita M. , Shane Jon M.
Published: September 2005

Persons with mental illnesses increasingly come into contact with police in the community due to changes in local and national policies and police responsibility for maintaining order. Recently, specialized intervention strategies have been advanced to ensure that persons with mental illnesses are not inappropriately arrested and moved into the criminal justice system. This study builds on previous research undertaken on police perceptions of dealing with persons with mental illnesses in the community and effectiveness of response (see Borum et al., 1998). A subsample of 182 officers from the Newark, NJ, Police Department was surveyed and added to a sample of 452 officers from three agencies with specialized responses to persons with mental illnesses. The authors conclude that, despite a non‐specialized response to this population, the actual and perceived effectiveness of Newark's strategy is similar to (and in some cases better than) that which is observed in the agencies with specialized response programs. Implications for implementing specialized responses for persons with mental illnesses are discussed. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Eyewitness testimony: tracing the beliefs of Swedish legal professionals
Authors: Granhag Pär Anders , Strömwall Leif A. , Hartwig Maria
Published: September 2005

This paper examines beliefs held by Swedish legal professionals about eyewitness testimony. In a survey including questions about 13 key issues of eyewitness testimony, three groups were investigated: police officers (n = 104), prosecutors (n = 158), and judges (n = 251). The response rate was 74%. Examples of findings are that the beliefs were in line with scientific findings concerning the weapon focus effect, but were not in line for simultaneous vs. sequential lineups. Between‐group differences were found for seven items. Judges were much more sceptical than police officers about the reliability and completeness of children's testimonies. The groups seldom agreed about one answer alternative, and they reported not being up to date about scientific research on eyewitness testimony. The results suggest that some important research findings have reached those working on the field. However, they hold many wrongful beliefs about eyewitness testimony, beliefs that might compromise the accuracy of legal decisions. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
La5Mo6O21: A Novel Ternary Reduced Molybdenum Oxide Containing {MoIV}3 Clusters and Isolated MoV Centers.
Authors: Gall P. , Gougeon P.
Published: September 2005

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Sm5Ga3.
Authors: Feng Guo‐Hua , Lacroix‐Orio Laurence , Tillard Monique , Belin Claude
Published: September 2005

For Abstract see ChemInform Abstract in Full Text.
Optimization and pharmacotechnical evaluation of compression‐coated colon‐specific drug delivery system of triphala using factorial design
Authors: Momin Munira , Pundarikakshudu K.
Published: September 2005

The purpose of the present investigation was to achieve successful delivery specifically to the colon using guar gum as a compression coat over a core tablet of triphala. In this study, guar gum along with hydroxy propyl methyl cellulose (HPMC) was used as a compression‐coating polymer. The drug delivery system was based on the gastrointestinal transit time concept, assuming colon arrival time to be 6 h. Rapidly disintegrating core tablets containing 100‐mg triphala extract were compression coated with guar gum and HPMC. A 32 full factorial design was applied for optimization of the formulation. Both variables, the proportion of guar gum in polymer blend (X1) and coat weight of the tablet (X2), had an influence on the percent drug release after 4 h of dissolution of tablet in the presence of rat cecal content (Y240) and difference in percent drug release between 4 h and 10 h of dissolution of tablet in the presence of rat cecal content (YD).The results revealed that for protecting the rapidly disintegrating core of triphala in the physiological conditions of stomach and upper intestine, the core tablet should be coated with 50% of guar gum in coat formulation and higher coat weight. The proportion of guar gum exhibited predominant action as compared to coat weight. In vivo performance was assessed via an x‐ray roentgenography study by placing barium sulfate as an x‐ray opaque material instead of triphala. The guar gum–HPMC coating was found to be a promising drug delivery system for drugs such as triphala and sennosides to be delivered to the colon. Drug Dev. Res. 65:34–42, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Transition Metal Catalyzed [2+2+2] Cycloaddition and Application in Organic Synthesis
Authors: Kotha Sambasivarao , Brahmachary Enugurthi , Lahiri Kakali
Published: September 2005

The [2+2+2] cycloaddition strategy is complementary to the well known Diels–Alder reaction for the generation of polycyclic compounds. This [2+2+2] approach is atom‐economical and, with the availability of new catalysts to effect the [2+2+2] cycloaddition reaction, synthesis of a wide variety of highly functionalized polycycles is possible. This review deals with some recent advances relating to [2+2+2] cycloaddition reactions involving the syntheses both of polycycles and of heterocycles. More specifically, syntheses of various biologically active molecules, unusual amino acids, and theoretically interesting molecules are described. An attempt has also been made to give an overview of recent advances in the achievement of chemo‐, regio‐, and stereoselectivity in cyclotrimerization reactions. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2005)
The Intramolecular Aromatic Electrophilic Substitution of Aminocyclopropanes Prepared by the Kulinkovich–de Meijere Reaction
Authors: Larquetoux Laurent , Ouhamou Nouara , Chiaroni Angèle , Six Yvan
Published: September 2005

This article describes new examples of intramolecular Kulinkovich–de Meijere reactions applied to carboxylic amides bearing an olefin moiety and an aromatic ring at a suitable position. Upon heating, the aminocyclopropanes thus obtained undergo intramolecular aromatic electrophilic substitution to afford polycyclic systems. Among the various starting materials prepared, best results are obtained from indole and phenol derivatives. In each case, a benzylic quaternary centre is introduced at the newly‐formed ring junction. On one example, the efficiency of the cyclisation has been dramatically improved using a catalytic amount of para‐toluenesulfonic acid. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2005)
Regioselective Synthesis of Silylated Pyrazolines and Indazolines by Reaction of Pyrazolium and Indazolium Salts with Silyllithium Reagents
Authors: González‐Nogal Ana M. , Calle Mariola , Calvo Luis A. , Cuadrado Purificación , González‐Ortega Alfonso
Published: September 2005

Pyrazolium salts react with dimethylphenylsilyl‐ and tert‐butyldiphenylsilyllithium to give, in general, only one of the two possible 5‐silyl‐3‐pyrazolines. On the other hand, indazolium and isoindazolium salts lead to 3‐silylindazolines and occasionally to compounds resulting from the opening or expansion of the heterocyclic ring. All of these compounds are interesting synthons in organic chemistry. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2005)
On the ignition of fuel beds by firebrands
Authors: Manzello Samuel L. , Cleary Thomas G. , Shields John R. , Yang Jiann C.
Published: September 2005

An experimental apparatus has been built to investigate the ignition of fuel beds as a result of impact with burning firebrands. The apparatus allowed the ignition and deposition of both single and multiple firebrands onto the target fuel bed. The moisture content of the fuel beds used was varied, and the fuels considered were pine needle beds, shredded paper beds and crevices constructed of cedar shingles. Firebrands were simulated by machining wood (Pinus ponderosa) into small disks of uniform geometry and the size of the disks was varied. Firebrand simulation was necessary because it is difficult to capture and characterize firebrands from an actual burning object. The firebrand ignition apparatus was installed into the fire emulator/detector evaluator to investigate the influence of an air flow on the ignition propensity of fuel beds. The results of this study are presented and compared with relevant studies in the literature. Published in 2005 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A new set of molecular mechanics parameters for hydroxyproline and its use in molecular dynamics simulations of collagen‐like peptides
Authors: Park Sanghyun , Radmer Randall J. , Klein Teri E. , Pande Vijay S.
Published: September 2005

Recently, the importance of proline ring pucker conformations in collagen has been suggested in the context of hydroxylation of prolines. The previous molecular mechanics parameters for hydroxyproline, however, do not reproduce the correct pucker preference. We have developed a new set of parameters that reproduces the correct pucker preference. Our molecular dynamics simulations of proline and hydroxyproline monomers as well as collagen‐like peptides, using the new parameters, support the theory that the role of hydroxylation in collagen is to stabilize the triple helix by adjusting to the right pucker conformation (and thus the right ϕ angle) in the Y position. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem 26: 1612–1616, 2005
Extracting long‐period climate fluctuations from tree‐ring chronologies over timescales of centuries to millennia
Authors: Helama Samuli , Timonen Mauri , Lindholm Markus , MeriläInen Jouko , Eronen Matti
Published: September 2005

For a long time, tree‐rings have been thought of as containing almost no variation at timescales of centuries and millennia, i.e. at low frequencies. Here, we show that this might be an issue of data analysis rather than an actual lack of variability. A data set of subfossil and living Scots pines from northern Fennoscandia was examined by means of their ring‐width time series. The premise was that the growth trends of individual time series could be quantitatively determined and decomposed into their different elements. It was shown that not all the components of growth trends were invariant over long periods of time, and that consequently the use of a single‐curve standardization (i.e. Regional Curve Standardization, RCS) may result in temporally inflated and deflated indices of ring‐widths. Observed non‐climatic bias in tree‐ring indices was probably due to gradually changing conditions in the pine population of the forest‐limit ecotone. Changes in population density seem to have hampered the previous attempts at palaeoclimate reconstruction by masking the actual low‐frequency climate variability. A new approach, expected to yield unbiased tree‐ring indices, was proposed. The new chronology constructed by this approach showed consistency with multi‐centennial variations that are based on independent palaeoclimate evidence. Copyright © 2005 Royal Meteorological Society.
Kinetic analysis of solid‐state reactions: Precision of the activation energy calculated by integral methods
Authors: Pérez‐Maqueda L. A. , Sánchez‐Jiménez P. E. , Criado J. M.
Published: September 2005

The integral methods are extensively used for the kinetic analysis of solid‐state reactions. As the Arrhenius integral function [p(x)] does not have an exact analytical solution, different approximated equations have been proposed in the literature for performing the kinetic analysis of experimental integral data. Since the first approximation of Van Krevelen, a large number of equations have been proposed with the objective of increasing the precision in the determination of the Arrhenius integral, as checked from the standard deviation of the approximated function with regard to the real exact value of the integral. However, the main application of these equations is the determination of the kinetic parameters, in particular activation energies, and not the computation of the Arrhenius integral. A systematic analysis of the errors involved in the determination of the activation energy from these integral methods is still missing. A comparative study of the precision of the activation energy as a function of x and T computed from the different integral methods has been carried out. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Chem Kinet 37: 658–666, 2005
Validierung der Beständigkeit von ZrO2‐Minikugeln gegenüber Heißdampfsterilisation
Authors: Woydt M. , Engler M. , Moesle P.
Published: September 2005

Minikugeln finden Anwendung in Lagern von Zahnarztbohrern. Diese Lager werden zusammen mit den Bohrspitzen heißdampfsterilisiert und werden daher ungeschmiert betrieben. In der vorliegenden Arbeit wird anhand von Raman Streuexperimenten gezeigt, dass durch Heißdampfsterilisationen in Y2O3 stabilisierten ZrO2‐Minikugel eine Phasenumwandlung von tetragonalem nach monoklinem ZrO2 stattfindet. Diese Umwandlung führt letztendlich zu einem Versagen der ZrO2‐Minikugel unter den tribologischen Beanspruchungen in einem Zahnarztbohrer. Werden die ZrO2‐Minikugel dagegen durch CeO2 stabilisiert, sind solche Phasenumwandlungen durch Heißdampfsterilisationen nicht zu beobachten. Anschließende tribologische Experimente belegen, dass im Sol‐Gel Verfahren hergestellte, CeO2 stabilisierte ZrO2‐Minikugeln wälzbeständig sind, wenn große Poren bei der Herstellung vermieden werden können.
Herstellung einer komplexen Titan‐Knochenschraube aus Metallpulverspritzguss
Authors: Aust E. , Limberg W. , Gerling R. , Oger B. , Ebel Th.
Published: September 2005

Das Metallpulverspritzgießen (Metal Injection Moulding: MIM) ist eine junge Urformtechnologie, die sich hervorragend für die Herstellung von kleinen, geometrisch komplexen Bauteilen aus Metall‐Legierungspulver eignet. Diese innovative Fertigungstechnologie wurde für die MIM‐technische Herstellung einer komplexen Knochenschraube aus Metallpulver der biokompatiblen Titan‐Legierung Ti Al6 Nb7 genutzt. In dieser Arbeit werden die MIM‐technischen Rahmenbedingungen zur Herstellung der Schraube vorgestellt, sowie die Ergebnisse aus mechanischen und chemischen Bauteilprüfungen diskutiert, die dieses komplexe Spritzgussteil für ein hoch belastetes Implantat qualifizieren.