bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of learning disability performance in children with cognitive neuropsychological assessment study
Authors: Saidin Fariza , Nath Sudeshna , Yasin Tajbina
Published: April 2024

A neuropsychological evaluation provides comprehensive insights into children’s neurocognitive function. This study assessed learning disability performance in children through neuropsychological assessment, examining cognitive profiles and emotionalbehavioural functioning. The data from 271 respondents using self-administered questionnaires, explored mindfulness-based interventions to address cognitive skills, emotional regulation, and academic performance. Employing a quantitative approach with structural equation modelling and SPSS analysis, we found a significant relationship between children’s emotional-personality behavior and learning disabilities. The regression analysis indicated a negative impact on cognitive ability and learning disability, suggesting reduced motivation to learn. This study highlights the importance of neuropsychological assessment in understanding and addressing learning disabilities in children, influencing their socialization and adjustment in educational settings. It underscores the significance of such assessments in enhancing educational outcomes for children facing learning challenges.
Dilemas do pós-modernismo na cultura de massa
Authors: Victorino Lilian
Published: April 2024

Este livro discute três obras cinematográficas de ficção científica – O homem bicentenário (1999), Inteligência artificial (2002) e Eu, Robô (2005) – unidas pelo discurso comum sobre a transformação técnico-científica do corpo humano. Esses filmes apresentam ao público questões bioéticas ligadas às pesquisas nas áreas de robótica, sistemas operacionais, criogenia, eugenia, bioengenharia, biotecnologia e seus usos em seres humanos. Lilian Victorino analisa de que modo esses filmes levam discursos científicos ao conhecimento popular e quais valores ou ideologias norteiam o pensamento social nas narrativas: importa entender não apenas qual história o filme conta, mas, sobretudo, como essa história é apresentada. Ver e refletir sobre essas obras são pontos de partida para recontar as histórias apresentadas; problematizar o que pode parecer natural para os espectadores é a intenção deste livro.
Morphometric and taxonomic approach to describe Heterospio variabilis (Annelida, Longosomatidae), a new species with three size-dependent morphotypes, from the Gulf of California, Eastern Pacific
Authors: Hernández-Alcántara Pablo , Solis-Weiss Vivianne
Published: April 2024

The Longosomatidae, a poorly known polychaete family, includes only 23 recognized species; in this study, based on morphometric and taxonomic analyses, we describe a new species with three morphotypes: Heterospio variabilis from the Gulf of California, Mexico. The specimens examined exhibit large morphological variations but were clearly separated from close species due to a unique combination of morphological characters: chaetiger 9 as the first elongated chaetiger, four to eight branchial pairs; chaetae from chaetiger 10 forming rings in two rows, posterior row with thin and robust capillaries, anterior row with subuluncini, aristate spines, acicular spines and thick acicular spines. With the discriminant analysis, carried out on 11 morphometric characters, the presence of three morphological groups were recognized (Wilks’ lambda= 0.093, p = 0.0001). However, the variables selected to discriminate the specimens (partial Wilks’ lambda > 0.57) were correlated to their size: number of branchiae, body width, prostomium width, rate length CH9/CH1-CH8, length CH1-CH8 and length CH9 (r > 0.5). So, we concluded that they belong to a single species with three morphotypes: morpho A with eight branchial pairs, morpho B with 5–6–7 pairs and morpho C with 4 pairs. No correlations between the distribution of the distinct morphotypes along the eastern gulf shelf and the environmental conditions where they settle were detected.
Flow Cytometry in Mature T- and NK-cell Neoplasms: A Retrospective Descriptive Study from a Tertiary Care Cancer Centre in Kerala, India
Authors: Vasudevan Jayasudha Arundhathi , Nair Rekha A , Jacob Priya Mary , Simi CM , Narayanan Geetha , Mathew Aleyamma
Published: April 2024

Introduction: Mature T- and NK-cell Neoplasms (MTNKN) constitute around 12% of all non-Hodgkin lymphomas. They have a variable clinical course, ranging from indolent to highly aggressive tumours. Flow cytometry immunophenotyping is crucial for the diagnosis, staging, and classification of MTNKN. Aim: To determine the frequency, morphologic, and immunophenotypic profile of various subtypes of MTNKN diagnosed by flow cytometry. Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective descriptive study conducted at the Department of Pathology, Regional Cancer Centre, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India. All cases of MTNKN diagnosed by flow cytometry in peripheral blood, bone marrow aspirates, or body fluids from January 1, 2010 to June 30, 2020 (10.5 years duration) at the cancer centre were studied. The morphology of tumour cells and immunophenotype by flow cytometry were analysed. Clinical parameters (lymphadenopathy, hepatosplenomegaly, skin lesions, effusions, B symptoms) and follow-up details, including Progression-free Survival (PFS) and Overall Survival (OS), were also noted. Descriptive statistics for continuous variables and frequencies and percentages for categorical variables were obtained. The Kaplan-Meier method for survival plots was used. Results: Mature T- and NK-cell neoplasms constituted 83 cases. The median age of patients was 56 years. The majority of patients were males (n=49). Adult T-cell Leukaemia/Lymphoma (ATLL) (n=50) constituted the most common subtype, followed by Mycosis fungoides/Sezary syndrome (MF/SS) (n=14), T-cell Large Granular Lymphocytic Leukaemia (T-LGLL) (n=7), T-cell Prolymphocytic Leukaemia (T-PLL) (n=4), Aggressive NK-cell Leukaemia (ANKL) (n=3), Hepatosplenic T-cell Lymphoma (HSTL) (n=3), and Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (ALCL) (n=2). OS and PFS at three years were 22.3% and 16.6%, respectively. Conclusion: Mature T- and NK-cell neoplasms presenting as leukaemia is rare. ATLL was the most common subtype of MTNKN. Flower cells, Sezary cells, and prolymphocytes are useful morphological clues for diagnosis. Immunophenotyping by flow cytometry, along with clinicopathologic correlation, is crucial for the diagnosis and subclassification of MTNKN. All subtypes except T-LGLL show inferior PFS and OS.
Impact of Melamine on the Weight of Specimens in Different Stages of Plastination: A Cross-sectional Cadaveric Study
Authors: Makhija Kalpana , Asthana Shweta , Jain Aarushi , Mehra Sandhya
Published: April 2024

Introduction: Due to the lack of cadavers, anatomists across the nation are facing trouble in teaching. Plastinated specimens can be used to get around this deficiency and reliance. Aim: To assess the change in weight during plastination using melamine. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional cadaveric study was conducted in the Department of Anatomy at GMC Kota, Rajasthan, India, using nine specimens from cadavers obtained between June 2016 and June 2017. Freshly dissected specimens from a fresh cadaver were used for plastination. The weight reduction after dehydration using acetone (three changes of seven days each), degreasing using xylene (three changes of seven days each), impregnation with a melamine-xylene mixture (10 days in a vacuum), and curing was recorded. Weight was measured using a digital weighing balance and recorded after each step. All statistical analyses were performed using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) in MedCalc software version 22.009. Results: There was a gradual weight loss after each step except for impregnation. The percentage of mean weight after dehydration was 58.59±4.03%, after degreasing was 56.21±2.55%, after impregnation was 66.06±4.69%, and after curing was 48.26±5.39% and p-value was highly significant (<0.05). Conclusion: Continuous reduction in weight without distortion of anatomy resulted in lightweight plastinates which were odorfree and aesthetically pleasing.
Agronomic Performance of Rice Genotypes under Direct Seeded Rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Vinoothna S. , Parimala K. , Pallavi M. , Bharathi Y.
Published: April 2024

The twenty rice genotypes were evaluated for their performance under Dry Direct Seeded Rice (DDSR) system of cultivation. All the growth, yield and yield attributes except for days to 50% flowering showed significant variation among the genotypes indicating variability among the genotypes under study. The genotype WGL 915 recorded maximum plant height, panicle length, 1000 seed weight, seed yield per plant, seed yield per plot and seed yield per ha, while WGL 44 recorded maximum productive tillers per m2. WGL 915, JGL 24423, WGL 1246, JGL 1798 and KNM 733 genotypes recorded higher yields under DDSR system of cultivation among the genotypes under study.
Effect of Different Drying Methods on the Mineral Composition of Three Indigenous Leafy Vegetables
Authors: J.M. Asante , N. Amaglo , P.K Tandoh
Published: April 2024

Leafy vegetables are known to contain high amounts of nutrients and phytochemicals which support growth and development in humans after consumption. Due to their high moisture content at stage of maturity, the rate of perishability is high. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of three drying techniques on the nutritional quality of three indigenous leafy vegetables. The experimental design was a 3x3 factorial arranged in Completely Randomized Design (CRD). The factors were; leafy vegetables at three levels (Amaranthus cruentus, Celosia argentea and Laportea aestuans) and drying methods at three levels (Solar, Oven and Freeze drying). Our results showed that A. cruentus significantly (p < 0.05) had the highest phosphorus (0.79 %), potassium (2.22 %) and magnesium (1.15 %) and C. argentea recorded the least concentrations (0.40, 1.26 and 0.61 %) respectively. The concentration of calcium was in ascending order of A. cruentus < C. argentea < L. aestuans with 2.04 < 2.28 < 3.03 % respectively. Iron and zinc contents were higher in C. argentea than A. cruentus and L. aestuans. Moreover, calcium content in freeze dried vegetables with exception of C. argentea increased as compared to Solar and Oven drying. Also, the concentration of phosphorus was in ascending order of C. argentea < L. aestuans < A. cruentus with 0.44 < 0.60 < 1.04 % respectively for freeze drying. It can therefore be concluded that the three indigenous leafy vegetables are good sources of nutrients and these three drying techniques are for the preservation of their nutrients as well as preventing postharvest losses.
Influence of Biofertigation and Crude Edible Oils Application on Growth Characteristics of Papaya (Carica papaya L.) cv. Red Lady
Authors: Sunitha Ch. , Madhavi M. , Reddy P. Vinaya Kumar , Subbaramamma P. , Sasikala K. , Sekhar V.
Published: April 2024

An experiment was carried out to know the influence of biofertigation and crude edible oils application on growth, floral and fruit characteristics of papaya (Carica Papaya L.) cv. Red Lady was carried out at Department of Fruit Science, Dr. YSRHU-College of Horticulture, Venkataramanannagudem, West Godavari district of Andhra Pradesh during 2021-22 and 2022-23. The experiment was carried out in a Factorial RBD with three replications consisted of two factors viz., biofertilizers at three levels (B1: 5 ml each of NFB + PSB + KRB; B2: 2.5 ml each of NFB + PSB + KRB; B3: Without biofertilizer) and crude edible oil at five levels (C1: Ground nut oil @0.5%; C2: Castor oil @0.5%; C3: Mustard oil @0.5%; C4: Ground nut oil + Castor oil + Mustard oil @0.5%; C5: No crude oil spray) with fifteen treatment combinations. Among the treatments studied, the results revealed that the maximum plant height, stem girth, number of leaves per plant at 360 DAT were registered in the plants with biofertigation of 5 ml each of biofertilizers NFB + PSB + KRB (B1), spraying of crude edible oils viz., with ground nut oil + castor oil + mustard oil @0.5% (C4)] and their interaction i.e. plants applied with 5 ml each of biofertilizers NFB+ PSB + KRB along with ground nut oil + castor oil + mustard oil @0.5% (B1C4).
Summary of the Calculation of the Shear Capacity of Perfobond Rib Shear Connectors
Authors: Li Mingxu , Gao Zhiyao
Published: April 2024

The analysis of longitudinal shear resistance based on shear capacity is the basis for assessing the reliability of steel-concrete joint structures. It is of great significance for the longitudinal shear of bridge structures and even for the establishment of a shear-resistant design code for steel-concrete bridge structures based on reliability theory. In this article, a more comprehensive overview of the test methods, the current state of research, and the remaining problems in the field of connectors for perfobond rib shear connectors (PBL) are presented. Firstly, the test methods for PBL connectors are categorized. The applicable characteristics of each test method and their advantages and disadvantages are summarized, and the research progress on the calculation of shear load-capacity in this structure is discussed in detail. Finally, it is concluded that the international research on the shear capacity of PBL connectors is still at a stage where the scope of their adaptation is small. Reasonable and accurate quantification of the sensitivity parameters of the PBL connectors was studied. The normality of the test form and other relevant factors should be taken into account to establish a set of more effective shear capacity calculation methods. This can be used to guide the shear capacity design of the structure more directly.
Phenotypic and Genotypic Virulence Potentials of Listeria monocytogenes Isolated from Different Food Samples in Yola
Authors: Isa Halima , Bashir Mohammed , Kachalla Nafisat Adamu
Published: April 2024

Aim: the aim of this work is to determine the Phenotypic and Genotypic Virulence Potentials of Listeria monocytogenes Isolated from Different Food Samples in Yola.
Study Design:  the study was a randomized study; the samples (sources of organisms) were collected at random from different market and shops within the study area.
Place and Duration of Study: the study was carried out in Yola, the capital of Adamawa State, north eastern Nigeria.
Methodology: phenotypic virulence potentials of the isolates was determined by haemolytic activity on 5% sheep blood agar and biofilm formation ability, using Christensen’s tube method and microtiter plate method  for the qualitative and quantitative biofilm formation respectively. Genotypic virulence determination was done by polymerase chain reaction amplification of plcB, hlyA and actA genes.
Results: All the isolates (100%) were beta haemolytic on 5% sheep blood agar and all the isolates were biofilm formers but with different degree of biofilm formation abilities. Genotypically all the isolates (100%) indicated the presence of all the three virulence genes amplified.
Conclusion: food samples isolates analyzed are potentially virulence pathogenic of L. monocytogenes that can pose food borne listeriosis to high risk individuals in the study area.
Adaptive disturbance rejection control for compartmental systems with application to intraoperative anesthesia influenced by hemorrhage and hemodilution effects
Authors: Volyanskyy Kostyantyn , Haddad Wassim M. , Bailey James M.
Published: February 2008

Compartmental system models involve dynamic states whose values are nonnegative. These models are widespread in biological and physiological sciences and play a key role in understanding these processes. In this paper, we develop a direct adaptive disturbance rejection control framework for compartmental dynamical systems with exogenous bounded disturbances. The proposed framework is Lyapunov based and guarantees partial asymptotic stability of the closed‐loop system, that is, asymptotic stability with respect to part of the closed‐loop system states associated with the plant dynamics. The remainder of the states associated with the adaptive controller gains are shown to be Lyapunov stable. In the case of bounded energy ℒ︁2disturbances, the proposed approach guarantees a nonexpansivity constraint on the closed‐loop input–output map between the plant disturbances and performance variables. Finally, a numerical example involving the infusion of the anesthetic drug propofol for maintaining a desired constant level of depth of anesthesia for surgery in the face of continuing hemorrhage and hemodilution is provided. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Facile Formation of Uniform Shell‐Crosslinked Nanoparticles with Built‐in Functionalities from N‐Hydroxysuccinimide‐Activated Amphiphilic Block Copolymers
Authors: Li Yali , Akiba Isamu , Harrisson Simon , Wooley Karen L.
Published: February 2008

An amphiphilic block copolymer, poly(methylacrylate)82‐block‐poly(N‐(acryloyloxy)succinimide0.29‐co‐(N‐acryloylmorpholine)0.71)155 (PMA82‐b‐P(NAS0.29‐co‐NAM0.71)155), was synthesized by reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization and then was supramolecularly assembled into micelles in aqueous solution, followed by chemical crosslinking throughout the shell region upon the introduction of 2,2′‐(ethylenedioxy)‐bis(ethylamine) as a crosslinker to afford well‐defined shell crosslinked nanoparticles (SCKs). The number‐averaged hydrodynamic diameters of the micelles and SCKs were (17 ± 4) nm and (16 ± 3) nm, respectively, by dynamic light scattering (DLS), and (15 ± 2) nm and (13 ± 2) nm, respectively, by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). In an attempt to narrow the particle size distributions, the dodecyl trithiocarbonate chain end of the block copolymer was replaced by a 2‐cyanoisopropyl moiety. Each nanoparticle system was characterized by DLS, electrophoretic light scattering (ELS), TEM, and small‐angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS). SAXS was of particular importance, as it provided definitive observation and quantification of shell contraction and densification upon shell crosslinking. The direct incorporation of NAS into the block copolymers during their preparation allowed for unique crosslinking chemistry to proceed with added diamino crosslinkers. The primary advantages of this system include the ability to conduct in situ synthesis of SCKs that are crosslinked directly and derivatized easily by adding nucleophilic ligands before, during, or after the crosslinking.
Asymmetric Ring Opening of meso‐Epoxides with Aromatic Amines Catalyzed by a New Proline‐Based N,N′‐Dioxide‐Indium Tris(triflate) Complex
Authors: Gao Bo , Wen Yuehong , Yang Zhigang , Huang Xiao , Liu Xiaohua , Feng Xiaoming
Published: February 2008

The catalytic asymmetric ring opening of meso‐epoxides with aromatic amines was achieved using a new proline‐based N,N′‐dioxide‐indium tris(triflate) complex in high yields (up to 99%) with excellent enantioselectivities (up to 99% ee) under mild conditions. The coordination ability of N,N′‐dioxide 1c was investigated by X‐ray and NMR analysis. A plausible seven‐coordinate transition state model was proposed. The chiral N,N′‐dioxides surveyed were synthesized from proline through only three conventional steps. The procedure could be run on a gram‐scale without any loss of enantioselectivity. This protocol provides a highly practical and useful tool for the bulky preparation of optically pure β‐amino alcohols.
A New Pyridyl Bis(oxazoline) Ligand Prepared from D‐Glucosamine for Asymmetric Alkynylation of Imines
Authors: Irmak Mustafa , Boysen Mike M. K.
Published: February 2008

A new carbohydrate‐based pyridyl bis(oxazoline) has been prepared from D‐glucosamine via simple steps. With this ligand enantioselectivities up to 99% were achieved in copper(I)‐catalysed alkynylations of imines.
Modeling steam distillation of essential oils: Application to lavandin super oil
Authors: Cerpa Manuel G. , Mato Rafael B. , José Cocero María
Published: February 2008

Steam distillation of essential oil was studied to develop a phenomenological model able to reproduce oil recovery yield vs. collected floral water volume of aromatic plants with oil glandular trichomes. The model considers three stages in the oil obtaining process: (1) thermal oil exudation from the glandular trichomes, (2) vapor–liquid equilibrium at the interface, considering individual oil components, and (3) vapor phase oil mass transfer. Oil exudation was confirmed by SEM, and first order release kinetics was assumed for this stage. Lavandin super oil steam distillation experimental data were collected at a bench scale plant, using different steam flows and bed porosities. Experimental data were used to correlate model parameters: (1) the thermal exudation rate constant (0.072 min−1), and (2) the oil spots average thickness in the oil‐aqueous layer (115 μm). The average oil recovery yield was 1.36 ± 0.14% w/w. The main compounds of essential oil were identified and quantified by GC/MS. © 2008 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2008
Day 14 bone marrow biopsy in predicting complete remission and survival in acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: Hussein Kebede , Jahagirdar Balkrishna , Gupta Pankaj , Burns Linda , Larsen Karen , Weisdorf Daniel
Published: February 2008

We retrospectively analyzed 194 previously untreated acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients to evaluate the role of Day 14 bone marrow (BM) biopsy in predicting complete remission (CR). Sixty‐seven percent received induction therapy. Achieving Day 14 BM ≤5% blasts was strongly predictive of Day 28 CR with 90% sensitivity and 79% positive predictive value; but weak 43% specificity and 29% negative predictive value. Day 14 BM biopsy is highly sensitive in predicting CR, but did not predict overall survival. Some patients with BM blast >5% at Day 14 may still achieve a Day 28 CR, and not necessarily need reinduction therapy though high risk cytochemical or cytogenetic phenotype predicts a need for retreatment. Am. J. Hematol., 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Spontaneous abortion and maternal work in greenhouses
Authors: Settimi Laura , Spinelli Angela , Lauria Laura , Miceli Giuseppe , Pupp Nicoletta , Angotzi Giuliano , Fedi Aldo , Donati Serena , Miligi Lucia , Osborn John , Figà‐Talamanca Irene
Published: February 2008

Background

A positive association between maternal occupational exposure to pesticide and spontaneous abortion has been reported in some studies. Work in greenhouses may imply exposure of pregnant women to pesticides continuously and at elevated level.

Methods

A total of 717 women working in greenhouses provided information on 973 pregnancies, including 110 spontaneous abortions. These pregnancies were classified as exposed or not exposed according to maternal occupation, re‐entry activities and application of pesticides in greenhouses during at least 1 month in the first trimester of pregnancy. The ORs for spontaneous abortion were estimated through a generalised estimate equations model for all orders of pregnancy together, and through a logistic regression model limited to first pregnancies.

Results

Increased risks of spontaneous abortion were found for maternal re‐entry activities within 24 hr after pesticides were applied (all orders of pregnancy: OR 3.2, 95% CI 1.3–7.7; first pregnancies: OR 3.8, 95% CI 1.0–13.9) and for those who applied pesticides (all orders of pregnancy: OR 2.6, 95% CI 1.0–6.6; first pregnancies: OR 3.7, 95% CI 0.7–20,6)

Conclusions

The observed results support the hypothesis of an association between maternal work in greenhouses and spontaneous abortion. The main limitations of the study are lack of information on the specific chemicals used and the small number of pregnancies heavily exposed to pesticides. Am. J. Ind. Med. 51:290–295, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mortality among U.S. underground coal miners: A 23‐year follow‐up
Authors: Attfield M.D. , Kuempel E.D.
Published: February 2008

Background

The mortality experience over 22–24 years of 8,899 working coal miners initially medically examined in 1969–1971 at 31 U.S. coal mines was evaluated.

Methods

A cohort life‐table analysis was undertaken on underlying causes of death, and proportional hazards models were fitted to both underlying, and underlying and contributing causes of death.

Results

Elevated mortality from nonviolent causes, nonmalignant respiratory disease (NMRD), and accidents was observed, but lung cancer and stomach cancer mortality were not elevated. Smoking, pneumoconiosis, coal rank region, and cumulative coal mine dust exposure were all predictors of mortality from nonviolent causes and NMRD. Mortality from nonviolent causes and NMRD was related to dust exposure within the complete cohort and also for the never smoker subgroup. Dust exposure relative risks for mortality were similar for pneumoconiosis, NMRD, and chronic airways obstruction.

Conclusions

The findings confirm and enlarge upon previous results showing that exposure to coal mine dust leads to increased mortality, even in the absence of smoking. Am. J. Ind. Med. 51:231–245, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Job strain predicts survey response in healthcare industry workers
Authors: Cifuentes Manuel , Boyer Jon , Gore Rebecca , d'Errico Angelo , Scollin Patrick , Tessler Jamie , Lerner Debra , Kriebel David , Punnett Laura , Slatin Craig
Published: February 2008

Objectives

To examine the effect of job strain on survey response.

Methods

1,613 health care workers received a self‐administered questionnaire. Thirty percent of them completed the survey on personal time without any personal monetary compensation. Working conditions were extracted by job title from the national database O*NET 6.0. Job strain was defined as the ratio of job demands to job control. Two complementary models (multi‐level logistic and binomial pseudo Poisson regressions) were used to model individual survey response as a function of individual level demographic variables (age and gender), job‐level socioeconomic status (SES) and job strain, and facility type (third level).

Results

Survey response was associated with higher SES and with less job strain. The association of SES and survey response was mediated by job strain.

Conclusion

Employees' exposure to job strain may be an important influence on survey response, at least for workers who are not compensated for their time in completing a survey. Am. J. Ind. Med. 51:281–289, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Two new Brazilian patients with Gómez–López‐Hernández syndrome: Reviewing the expanded phenotype with molecular insights
Authors: Gomy Israel , Heck Benjamin , Santos Antônio Carlos , Figueiredo Maria Silvia L. , Martinelli Carlos E. , Nogueira Maria Priscila C. , Pina‐Neto João M.
Published: February 2008

Gómez–López‐Hernández (GLH) syndrome or cerebello‐trigeminal dysplasia is a neurocutaneous syndrome whose etiology is unknown at the present time. We report two additional Brazilian patients, including the oldest one known to date (age 29). Here, we review the expanded phenotype in four patients with new clinical, psychiatric, radiological, and molecular investigations. One patient may have hypomania within the bipolar spectrum disorder with onset in childhood and adolescence. Primary growth hormone (GH) deficiency was ruled out in all patients, although one of them might have developed secondary GH deficiency due to partial hypopituitarism following severe hydrocephalus. Brain magnetic resonance angiography disclosed no azygous anterior cerebral artery (ACA) but only normal variants. Molecular analysis of the lysosomal acid phosphatase gene (ACP2) was performed, but no pathogenic mutations were identified. We present an overview of the phenotypic features of all patients described to date. There are currently 12 unrelated patients reported in the literature, 5 of whom are Brazilian. We discuss new molecular insights and speculate about the pathogenesis of GLH syndrome. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Second case of Beare–Stevenson syndrome with an FGFR2 Ser372Cys mutation
Authors: Fonseca Renata , Costa‐Lima Marcelo A. , Cosentino Viviana , Orioli Iêda M.
Published: February 2008

Beare–Stevenson syndrome is characterized by cutis gyrata, acanthosis nigricans, skin furrows, skin tags, craniosynostosis, Crouzonoid‐like features in some cases and cloverleaf skull in others, anogenital anomalies, and prominent umbilical stump. Reported causes are an FGFR2 Tyr375Cys mutation in nine cases and an FGFR2 Ser372Cys mutation in one case. Here, we report on a second patient with the FGFR2 Ser372Cys mutation. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Costello syndrome associated with novel germline HRAS mutations: An attenuated phenotype?
Authors: Gripp Karen W. , Innes A. Micheil , Axelrad Marni E. , Gillan Tanya L. , Parboosingh Jillian S. , Davies Christine , Leonard Norma J. , Lapointe Monique , Doyle Daniel , Catalano Sarah , Nicholson Linda , Stabley Deborah L. , Sol‐Church Katia
Published: February 2008

Costello syndrome is a rare congenital disorder typically characterized by severe failure‐to‐thrive, cardiac abnormalities including tachyarrhythmia and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, distinctive facial features, a predisposition to papillomata and malignant tumors, neurologic abnormalities, developmental delay, and mental retardation. Its underlying cause is de novo germline mutations in the oncogene HRAS. Almost all Costello syndrome mutations affect one of the glycine residues in position 12 or 13 of the protein product. More than 80% of patients with Costello syndrome share the same underlying mutation, resulting in a G12S amino acid change. We report on two patients with novel HRAS mutations affecting amino acids 58 (T58I) and 146 (A146V), respectively. Despite facial features that appear less coarse than those typically seen in Costello patients, both patients show many of the physical and developmental problems characteristic for Costello syndrome. These novel HRAS mutations may be less common than the frequently reported G12S change, or patients with these changes may be undiagnosed due to their less coarse facial features. In addition to the findings previously known to occur in Costello syndrome, one of our patients had hypertrophic pyloric stenosis. This led us to review the medical histories on a cohort of proven HRAS mutation positive Costello syndrome patients, and we found a statistically significantly (P < 0.001) increased frequency of pyloric stenosis in Costello syndrome (5/58) compared to the general population frequency of 2–3/1,000. Thus we add hypertrophic pyloric stenosis to the abnormalities seen with increased frequency in Costello syndrome. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effects of ultraviolet irradiation treatment on the surface properties and adhesion of moso bamboo (Phyllostachys pubescens)
Authors: Lu Kun‐Tsung , Fan Ssu‐Yuan
Published: February 2008

The poor adhesion of bamboo coatings is a serious issue in the bamboo industry. To overcome this problem it is necessary to modify the actual surface of the bamboo before finishing. A study on the surface properties and adhesion of moso bamboo (Phyllostachys pubescens) were investigated with various UV irradiation conditions including irradiation time and dose using different UV lamps. Two types of wood coatings, i.e., solvent‐borne nitrocellulose (NC) lacquer and waterborne polyurethane (PU) coating, were used in the study, and 180° peel strength and shear strength tests for measuring adhesion of films were conducted. The results revealed that the wettability and the carbonyl group concentration of the bamboo surface were increased. This was particularly apparent for an irradiation time less than 15 s with a mercury UV lamp (H‐lamp), rated at an intensity of 100 W/cm kept at a distance of 15 cm. In all the treatments, the greenish appearance of moso bamboo was retained and the adhesion was improved. Especially, using solvent‐borne NC lacquer finishing, the higher‐dose (under a mercury UV lamp combined with metal halide lamp; H + M‐lamps) irradiated bamboo had the best adhesion, while, for waterborne PU coating, the H‐lamp irradiated one showed the best improvement. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Synthesis and characterization of novel semi‐interpenetrating polymer network electrolyte based on crosslinked P(GMA‐co‐AN)/PEO
Authors: Luo Dan , Li Yang , Li Weili , Yang Mujie
Published: February 2008

A new solid polymer electrolyte based on semi‐interpenetrating polymer networks (semi‐IPN) of crosslinked poly(glycidyl methacrylate‐co‐acrylonitrile)/poly(ethylene oxide) (P(GMA‐co‐AN)/PEO) was synthesized with diethylenetriamine (DETA) as the crosslinking agent and characterized. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectra suggested the formation of semi‐IPN structure by crosslinking and revealed the interactions of Li+ ions with both the ether oxygen in PEO chain and the nitrogen atom in AN segments. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and X‐ray diffraction pattern (XRD) measurements showed that crystallization of the semi‐IPN polymer electrolyte was greatly impeded. Measurement of mechanical properties revealed that tensile strength of the polymer electrolyte was increased after crosslinking. Results of electrochemistry tests suggested that the new polymer electrolyte exhibited a high‐ionic conductivity (10−4 S/cm) at room temperature, and an Arrhenius‐like behavior of the conductivity was observed. And the semi‐IPN polymer electrolyte with less content of PEO exhibited lower ion conductivity. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Preparation of organic/inorganic hybrid nanomaterials using aggregates of star block copolymer consisting of poly(stearyl methacrylate) and poly(3‐(trimethoxysilyl) propyl methacrylate) as precursor
Authors: Zhou Junfeng , Wang Li , Dong Xiaochen , Yang Qiang , Deng Libo , Huo Jia , Tan Qiaohua , Liu Qingquan
Published: February 2008

A series of star block copolymer consisting of poly(stearyl methacrylate) and poly(3‐(trimethoxysilyl)propyl methacrylate) was synthesized via atom transfer radical polymerization technique. The resultant polymers were characterized by gel permeation chromatography and 1H NMR. The copolymer can self‐assemble into the aggregates in selective solvents, the resulting aggregates can be used as precursor to prepare hybrid nanomaterials conveniently via the hydrolysis reaction of Si(OCH3)3 groups and the condensation reaction of Si(OH)3 groups. Moreover, the effect of the star copolymer‐solvent interaction on the aggregation behavior was also discussed. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Effect of the nature of crosslinking agent on the unusual metal ion specificity and selectivity of N,N‐bis(2‐aminoethyl)polyacrylamide
Authors: Bindu M. , Mathew Beena
Published: February 2008

Metal ion desorbed crosslinked N,N‐bis(2‐aminoethyl)polyacrylamides showed enhanced specificity for the desorbed metal ion, and these polymers selectively rebind the desorbed metal ion from a mixture of metal ions. For this, polyacrylamide with 8 mol % divinylbenzene (DVB) and N,N′‐methylene‐bisacrylamide (NNMBA) crosslinking were prepared by solution polymerization. Diethylenetriamino functions were incorporated into the polymers by polymer analogous reactions. The complexing ability of the amino polymers were investigated toward various transition metal ions like Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), and Zn(II). Polymeric ligand and metal complexes were characterized by various spectral methods. The removal of the metal ion from the polymer matrix resulted in a memory for the desorbed metal ion. On rebinding, these polymers specifically rebind the desorbed metal ion and from a mixture of metal ions, it showed selectivity to the desorbed metal ion. Thus, the Cu(II) desorbed polymer specifically and selectively rebind Cu(II) ion from a mixture of Cu(II) and other metal ion. This selectivity is higher in the rigid DVB‐crosslinked system, resulting from the high rigidity of the crosslinked matrix compared to the semirigid NNMBA‐crosslinked system. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Benzimidazole derivatives and their complexes as accelerators for curing of epoxy resin
Authors: Reddy P. V. , Samuelson Sakuntala , Gowda N. M. Nanje , Sathyanarayana D. N.
Published: February 2008

Bisphenol‐A‐based epoxy resin was cured with an anhydride hardener in the presence of benzimidazoles and their complexes as accelerators. Investigations have revealed an appreciable reduction in the cure and gel times. The kinetic studies based on DSC showed that the rate of curing increases with enhanced concentration of accelerators. The coefficient of thermal expansion has been reduced considerably in the presence of the benzimidazole. The electrical properties of the cured epoxy resin system were unaffected by lower concentrations of benzimidazoles. A mechanism for curing has been proposed with 1,3‐bis(2‐benzimidazolyl)benzene as accelerator based on IR studies, which indicate the involvement of the secondary and tertiary nitrogen of the benzimidazole in the crosslinking of the resin system. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Study of curing of layered silicate/trifunctional epoxy nanocomposites by means of FTIR spectroscopy
Authors: Pagès P. , Lacorte T. , Lipinska M. , Carrasco F.
Published: February 2008

A study was conducted on the curing process of a nanocomposite consisting of a trifunctional epoxy resin, a hardener containing reactive primary amine groups, and montmorillonite (MMT) nanoparticles, previously treated with octadecyl ammonium. Three levels of MMT content were used: 2, 5, and 10%. The curing was carried out following the cycle: 4 h at 100°C, 2 h at 150°C, and 2 h at 200°C. Isothermal trials were also considered at three levels (120, 150, and 200°C) to conduct a kinetic study. The curing conversion was determined by FTIR spectroscopy by selecting the suitable bands for epoxide and primary amine functional groups. The study demonstrated that the MMT nanoparticles accelerate the curing process, especially at the initial stages of the thermal cycle, being this influence quasi negligible at the end of the cycle. Curing conversions were also evaluated by differential scanning calorimetry and compared to those obtained by FTIR spectroscopy. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
PMMA‐grafted‐silica/PVC nanocomposites: Mechanical performance and barrier properties
Authors: Zhu Aiping , Cai Aiyun , Zhang Jie , Jia Huawei , Wang Jingqing
Published: February 2008

Poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC)/SiO2 nanocomposites were prepared via melt mixture using a twin‐screw mixing method. To improve the dispersion degree of the nanoparticles and endow the compatibility between polymeric matrix and nanosilica, SiO2 surface was grafted with polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). The interfacial adhesion was enhanced with filling the resulting PMMA‐grafted‐SiO2 hybrid nanoparticles characterized by scanning electron microscopy. Both storage modulus and glass transition temperature of prepared nanocomposites measured by dynamic mechanical thermal analysis were increased compared with untreated nanosilica‐treated PVC composite. A much more efficient transfer of stresses was permitted from the polymer matrix to the hybrid silica nanoparticles. The filling of the hybrid nanoparticles caused the improved mechanical properties (tensile strength, notched impact strength, and rigidity) when the filler content was not more than 3 wt %. Permeability rates of O2 and H2O through films of PMMA‐grafted‐SiO2/PVC were also measured. Lower rates were observed when compared with that of neat PVC. This was attributed to the more tortuous path which must be covered by the gas molecules, since SiO2 nanoparticles are considered impenetrable by gas molecules. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Synthesis, characterization, and properties for Hg2+ of new chelating resin containing sulfoxide and 3‐aminopyridine
Authors: Ji Chunnuan , Qu Rongjun , Wang Chunhua , Sun Changmei , Chen Hou , Sun Yanzhi , Liu Jie
Published: February 2008

A new chelating resin (PVESO‐AP) containing sulfoxide and 3‐aminopyridine (AP) was synthesized by using chloromethylated polystyrene‐co‐divinylbenzene (PS‐Cl) as material. Its structure was characterized by infrared spectra and elemental analysis. The adsorption capacities of the newly formed resin for Hg2+, Ag+, Cu2+, Zn2+, Cd2+, and Ni2+ were determined at pH 2 and 5. In addition, the adsorption selective coefficients for Hg2+ in several binary mixture systems were investigated by batch experiment method. The results showed that this resin had high adsorption selectivity for Hg2+. The adsorption kinetics and isothermal of PVESO‐AP for Hg2+ at different temperatures were also investigated. The adsorption kinetics showed that the apparent activation energy Ea was 13.71 kJ/mol. The results also showed that the Langmuir model was better than the Frundlich model to describe the isothermal process of PVESO‐AP resin for Hg2+. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Effect of solvent on the properties of thermoplastic polyurethane/clay nanocomposites prepared by solution mixing
Authors: Dan Cheol Ho , Kim Young Doo , Lee Minho , Min Byong Hun , Kim Jeong Ho
Published: February 2008

Effect of different solvents on the clay dispersion and the final properties of the thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPUs)/clay nanocomposites prepared via solution mixing was studied. The polyether‐ and polyester‐based TPUs were used along with organically modified clays (C30B, C25A, and C15A) and the pristine montmorillonite (PM). Dimethylacetamide (DMAc) and tetrahydrofuran (THF) were used as solvents for solution mixing. Nanocomposites containing C30B prepared from DMAc solution showed the better clay dispersion than the ones from THF solution, while THF gave the better dispersion of clays for nanocomposites containing C15A. Morphologies of the nanocomposites were observed to be determined not only by the state of clay dispersion in different solvents but also by the interaction between the polymer and the specific clay. Affinity between solvents and clays becomes important when there is no specific interaction between the clay and the polymer of interest, or when the interaction between the two is rather weak. The compatibility between clays and polymers becomes dominating if there exists a specific interaction between the two. FTIR analysis was conducted to study the interactions involved in the nanocomposites. Dynamic mechanical properties measurement was also carried out to see the effect of solvents. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Rendering synthetic fabrics acid printable using chitosan and binder
Authors: Hakeim O. A. , El‐Gabry L. , Abou‐Okeil A.
Published: February 2008

In this study chitosan samples of different nature, prepared by hydrolysis with HCL and modification by reaction with dimethylaminobenzaldehyde in methanol were applied to acrylic and polyester fabrics by pad‐dry‐cure method in presence and absence of binder (acrylate based copolymer). The pretreated samples were printed with acid dye. The effect of acid hydrolysis, modification, and concentration of chitosan on the color strength of the prints was investigated. The printed fabrics were evaluated for color yield and fastness properties. The color strength of the prints in presence of binder was three times higher than in its absence. The enhancment in color strength was relies mainly on N% of chitosan. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Quantifying Scholarly Impact: IQp Versus the Hirsch h
Authors: Antonakis John , Lalive Rafael
Published: February 2008

Hirsch's (2005) h index of scholarly output has generated substantial interest and wide acceptance because of its apparent ability to quantify scholarly impact simply and accurately. We show that the excitement surrounding h is premature for three reasons: h stagnates with increasing scientific age; it is highly dependent on publication quantity; and it is highly dependent on field‐specific citation rates. Thus, it is not useful for comparing scholars across disciplines. We propose the scholarly “index of quality and productivity” (IQp) as an alternative to h. The new index takes into account a scholar's total impact and also corrects for field‐specific citation rates, scholarly productivity, and scientific age. The IQp accurately predicts group membership on a common metric, as tested on a sample of 80 scholars from three populations: (a) Nobel winners in physics (n = 10), chemistry (n = 10), medicine (n = 10), and economics (n = 10), and towering psychologists (n = 10); and scholars who have made more modest contributions to science including randomly selected (b) fellows (n = 15) and (c) members (n = 15) of the Society of Industrial and Organizational Psychology. The IQp also correlates better with expert ratings of greatness than does the h index.
Tragsicherheitsprüfung von Granitsäulen in der Katholischen Kirche “St. Joseph” in Mannheim
Authors: Bißwurm Axel , Steffens Klaus , Steiner Josef
Published: February 2008

Die Erkundung und Beurteilung von Schäden an Bauwerken und Bauteilen sind zentrale und verantwortungsvolle Aufgaben des Tragwerksplaners. Viel zu oft werden Entscheidungen ohne ausreichende Voruntersuchungen getroffen. Ein nicht genau definierbarer Tragwerkszustand, der ein mögliches Versagen nicht mit ausreichender Sicherheit ausschließen kann, ist nicht akzeptabel, auch wenn dieser Zustand schon über viele Jahre hinweg Bestand hat. Der hier geschilderte Fall der St. Josephskirche in Mannheim beschreibt den Zustand von Granitsäulen, die infolge von Kriegseinwirkungen geschädigt wurden. Erst jetzt, über 60 Jahre nach Kriegsende, wurde das Ausmaß der Schäden als Folge von Brandeinwirkungen und der möglichen Beeinträchtigung der Standsicherheit in vollem Umfang erkannt, so dass die Kirche vorübergehend nicht genutzt werden durfte. Da die Beurteilung der Standsicherheit der Säulen mit rechnerischen Methoden nicht möglich war, wurde der Nachweis unter Zuhilfenahme von Bauteilversuchen geführt.
Restaurierung antiker Tempel: Experimentelle Untersuchungen zum Ausziehverhalten von Verankerungen im Marmor
Authors: Kourkoulis Stavros , Papanicolopulos Stefanos‐Aldo , Marinelli Aikaterini , Vayas Ioannis
Published: February 2008

Bei der Restaurierung antiker griechischer Tempel werden einzelne Marmorblöcke zu einem Bauteil, beispielsweise einem Architrav, zusammengebaut. Wegen der Forderung nach Reversibilität der Eingriffe erfolgt dies an der Akropolis von Athen durch Anwendung von in Zementmörtel eingelassenen Titanstäben mit Gewinde in vorgebohrten Löchern. Diese Art der Restaurierung entspricht einer Teil sanierung der Architrave. Im hier vorliegenden Beitrag werden experimentelle Untersuchungen zum Ausziehverhalten dieser Verankerungsstäbe vorgestellt. Die Versuche werden an einer speziell entworfenen Versuchsanordnung durchgeführt. Das Versagen erfolgt bei allen Versuchen an der Grenzfläche zwischen Mörtel und Bohrlochwand. Es zeigt sich, dass die Gewindeform das Tragverhalten entscheidend beeinflusst. Ferner werden mögliche Grenzzustände definiert.