bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and clinical features of common LRRK2 mutations in Australians with Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Huang Yue , Halliday Glenda M. , Vandebona Himesha , Mellick George D. , Mastaglia Frank , Stevens Julia , Kwok John , Garlepp Michael , Silburn Peter A. , Horne Malcolm K. , Kotschet Katya , Venn Alison , Rowe Dominic B. , Rubio Justin P. , Sue Carolyn M. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractWe determined the prevalence of two common leucine‐rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) gene mutations in Australian patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). Of 830 affected patients, eight were heterozygous for the G2019S mutation, and two were heterozygous for the R1441H (4,322 G > A) mutation. In addition, one familial patient had a novel A1442P (4,324 G > C) mutation. Haplotype analysis showed that all LRRK2 G2019S‐positive individuals carried the common founder haplotype 1 and a putative founder haplotype for the R1441H mutation carriers. Clinically, patients with LRRK2 mutations had typical levodopa responsive Parkinsonism with tremor being the commonest presenting feature. Patients with the G2019S mutation in our series had a similar age of onset of symptoms when compared with patients with other LRRK2 mutations or sporadic PD, although they were more likely to have a family history of PD (2.4% of Australian patients with familial PD and 0.3% of Australian patients with sporadic PD). Our results demonstrate that the G2019S mutation carriers share the same ancestors who migrated to Australia originally from Europe and that other LRRK2 mutations (R1441H and A1442P) can be found in this population. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society
Antioxidant nutritional quality of tomato
Authors: Frusciante Luigi , Carli Paola , Ercolano Maria R. , Pernice Rita , Di Matteo Antonio , Fogliano Vincenzo , Pellegrini Nicoletta 
Published: April 2007

AbstractRegular consumption of tomatoes has been associated with decreased risk of chronic degenerative diseases. Epidemiological findings confirm the observed health effects are due to the presence of different antioxidant molecules such as carotenoids, particularly lycopene, ascorbic acid, vitamin E and phenol compounds, particularly flavonoids. In this work, eight components contributing to the healthy quality of tomato (i. e. lycopene, β‐carotene, other carotenoids, flavonoids, phenolic acids, vitamins C and E, dry residue) were studied in the framework of breeding programs aiming to develop nutritional superior genotypes. Twelve tomato advanced breeding lines and six open pollinated cultivars were grown in strictly controlled conditions and analysed for their content of antioxidants. Among the 18 genotypes analysed, 10 showed a high level of total carotenoids, 6 high level of β‐carotene, 9 high lycopene levels, 15 high flavonoids and 2 relevant concentration of vitamin E. Based on such data and on a literature survey on tomato composition, an index, called index of antioxidant nutritional quality (IQUAN), was proposed as a tool to address the breeding programs in selecting tomato genotypes with antioxidant nutritional qualities.
Coffee and Maillard products activate NF‐κB in macrophages via H2O2 production
Authors: Muscat Sonja , Pelka Joana , Hegele Jörg , Weigle Bernd , Münch Gerald , Pischetsrieder Monika 
Published: April 2007

AbstractIn this study, we investigated the immunomodulatory activity of coffee and Maillard reaction products on macrophages in vitro. Stimulation of macrophages with coffee, but not with raw coffee extract in PBS, led to a 13‐fold increased nuclear NF‐κB translocation. A Maillard reaction mixture (25 mM D‐ribose/L‐lysine, 30 min at 120°C) increased NF‐κB translocation 18‐fold (in PBS) or six‐fold (in medium). MRPs also induced a two‐fold increased NF‐κB translocation in untransfected human embryonic kidney (HEK) cells as well as in HEK cells stably transfected with the receptor for advanced glycation endproducts (RAGE), indicating that the effect was not RAGE mediated. On the other hand, catalase totally abolished coffee‐ and MRP‐induced NF‐κB translocation. Consequently, up to 366 μM hydrogen peroxide was measured in the coffee preparation and Maillard mixtures used for cell stimulation. Stimulation of macrophages with MRPs did not lead to significantly increased IL‐6 or NO release. Thus, it can be concluded that coffee and MRPs induce NF‐κB translocation in macrophages via the generation of hydrogen peroxide.
NSSR1 is regulated in testes development and cryptorchidism and promotes the exon 5‐included splicing of CREB transcripts
Authors: Xiao Ping‐Jie , Hu Lingchuan , Li Jing , Lin Wanming , Chen Xianhua , Xu Ping 
Published: April 2007

AbstractNeural salient serine/arginine rich protein 1 (NSSR1, alternatively SRp38) is a newly identified splicing factor that is highly expressed in neural and reproductive tissues. We showed that the expression of testicular NSSR1 increased significantly during mouse testes development. NSSR1 was mainly expressed in germ cells, but barely detected in Sertoli cells. Testicular NSSR1 was mostly phosphorylated and cytosolic in germ cells. In comparison, pituitary NSSR1 was mostly dephosphorylated and nuclear. In the cryptorchid testes, the dephosphorylated NSSR1 was significantly increased. RT‐PCR analysis demonstrated that the alternative splicing of CREB and CREM genes was altered in the cryptorchid testes. In addition, CREB transcripts were associated with NSSR1 either in testes tissues or cultured GC‐1 cells. Moreover, the studies with NSSR1 over‐expression or silence demonstrated that NSSR1 promoted the exon 5 inclusion of CREB, indicating that NSSR1 is a new factor that regulates the alternative exon 5 inclusion of CREB transcripts. The findings for the first time provide the evidence indicating the potential importance of NSSR1 in testes development, spermatogenesis and cryptorchidism. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 74: 1363–1372, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Increased child abuse in families with twins
Authors: Robarge Joyce P. , Reynolds Zelta B. , Groothuis Jessie R. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractClose spacing of children may be a significant risk factor for subsequent abuse in some families. Twin births are an extreme example of close spacing. Therefore, the authors hypothesized that twin births may predispose to an increased incidence of child abuse. Thirty‐eight families with twins were compared with 97 single birth families and matched for birthdate, maternal age, race, and socioeconomic status. Families with twins experienced a significantly higher incidence of child abuse and neglect than did those with single births (p < .003). A written questionnaire designed to study mothers' feelings and perceptions of support systems showed a significant difference only in greater difficulty in feeding twins as compared with single infants (p < .001). Mothers of abused children were more likely not to answer the questionnaire at all (p < .005). Neither mothers of single births nor those of twins felt that health professionals provided adequate education or support following the birth of their infants.
Craniofacial trauma in the Prehispanic Canary Islands
Authors: Owens L. S. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThe current project is a study of craniofacial trauma in a large sample (n = 896) of Prehispanic Canary Islanders (PCIs). The possible causes and social implications of the trauma found are considered, with reference to archaeological and historical data. Variables include the island, period and ecology, the sex and age of the individuals, the distribution of lesions across the skull (by side and by individual bone) and ante‐mortem tooth loss. The results show a fairly high trauma rate (16%), a low prevalence of peri‐mortem trauma (3.8% of all lesions), higher prevalence of trauma in males than in females (25% vs. 13% of all individuals), more cranial than facial lesions (8.9% vs. 3.5% of all elements) and more lesions on the left side of the skull (6.7% vs. 4.5% of all elements) which suggests that the lesions were sustained through intentional rather than accidental agency. There was no correspondence between trauma prevalence and ecology. The archaeological and historical data support the assertion that the lesions may be the result of skirmishing between groups, using weapons such as slingshots, stones and staves. The presence of edged‐weapon lesions on some individuals suggests that these may have been the victims of contact‐period European groups. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Microscopic examination of ground sections – a simple method for distinguishing between bone and antler?
Authors: Paral V. , Witter K. , Tonar Z. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractBoth bones and antlers have been used throughout history for manufacturing various products. Therefore, archaeologists often have to distinguish between these materials. The more the raw material (bone or antler) has been treated, the more complicated it is to distinguish. For this study, recent macerated and archaeological samples of bone and antler and their products have been compared. Antler is usually very easy to distinguish based on the characteristic surface structure; however, the original surface is not preserved in all artefacts. The inner surface of the diaphysis of long bones is mostly compact with prominent trabeculae and lamellae, whereas, after removal of the spongiosa, the inner surface of antler is characterised by numerous grooves. Sometimes, however, artefacts are found which are composed only of the compact bone substance, without inner and outer surfaces, and it is not possible to distinguish between bones and antlers macroscopically. Haversian systems can be found in histological and ground sections of both bones and antlers. In contrast to bones, antlers have few interstitial lamellae. The osteons of antler seem to be smaller and to consist of fewer layers than those of bone. Inner and outer circumferential lamellae cannot be distinguished in antlers. Although microscopic examination of sectioned samples does not allow distinction between bones and antlers in every case, it represents a valuable additional tool for distinguishing between these two materials in historic artefacts. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fabrication of multiwalled carbon nanotubes with polymer shells through surface RAFT polymerization
Authors: Xu Guoyong , Wang Yusong , Pang Wenmin , Wu Wei‐Tai , Zhu Qingren , Wang Pinghua 
Published: April 2007

AbstractA core–shell hybrid nanostructure, possessing a hard backbone of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) and a soft shell of brush‐like poly(methyl methacrylate), has been successfully prepared via a reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) process using a RAFT agent immobilized on MWNTs. Polymer‐modified MWNTs are easily dispersed in good solvents for the grafted polymer, such as toluene, tetrahydrofuran and CHCl3. This observation has been confirmed by transmission electron microscopy analysis. The content of polymer in the functionalized MWNTs can be well controlled by the feed ratio. It is believed that realizing these hybrid structures, on the basis of such simple grafting, will pave the way for the design, fabrication, optimization and eventual application of more functional carbon nanotube‐related nanomaterials. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry
Desorption of emulsifiers from polystyrene latices followed by spectroscopic techniques
Authors: Stone‐Masui Jeannine H. , Stone William E. E. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThe desorption of emulsifier from the particle surface of latices prepared by emulsion polymerisation has been followed by spectroscopic techniques: transmission IR, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and static secondary ion mass spectrometry (SSIMS) ‐fast atom bombardment mass spectrometry (FAB‐MS).In IR spectra, the extra band at 1710 cm−1 due to carboxylic groups originating from the emulsifier is fortunately visible because it is located within a window of the polystyrene peaks.XPS is a valuable surface method of analysis (contrary to IR). Nevertheless, for the latices considered here, it is impossible to extract from the very intense carbon peak information concerning variation in the carboxyl groups, which amount to less than 1%.Another important method for surface analysis is static‐SIMS, which allows detection of elements and molecular species present in the first few layers with a detection limit which is less than 10−4%. FAB‐MS permits the detection of the parent ion of the emulsifier employed. Freeze‐dried powders of latices extensively purified with mixed‐bed ion‐exchange resins were studied for us using FAB‐MS at UMIST in Manchester (UK).A comparison is made of the results obtained with these three spectroscopic techniques.
Development of morphology in latex particles: The interplay between thermodynamic and kinetic parameters
Authors: Chen Yi‐Cherng , Dimonie Victoria L. , Shaffer Olga L. , El‐Aasser Mohamed S. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractA thermodynamic analysis and a mathematical model were developed to describe the free energy changes corresponding to various possible morphologies in composite latex particles. Two experimental composite latex systems were used to verify and establish limitations of the model. The two latex systems were based on polystyrene/poly(methyl methacrylate), one prepared by conventional seeded emulsion polymerization and the second system by direct emulsification of a solution of a blend of the two polymers. The influence of several experimental parameters on latex particle morphology was investigated. These included monomer/polymer ratio, surfactant type, and initiator type in the seeded emulsion polymerization system. The influence of local viscosity, shear effects, and molecular weights of polymers were investigated in the artificial latex system.
Preparation and modification of monodisperse hydrogel microspheres
Authors: Kawaguchi Haruma , Fujimoto Keiji , Saito Mizue , Kawasaki Tatsuji , Urakami Yujiro 
Published: April 2007

AbstractMonodisperse hydrogel microspheres were prepared by precipitation polymerization of acrylamide and comonomers in ethanol and propan‐2‐ol and their mixtures. The size of the microspheres varied from 0.2 to 1.3 μm as a function of the solubility parameter of the dispersants. The applicability of the three‐component solubility parameter approach by Paine was examined. Seeded polymerization of styrene using the seed microspheres mentioned above yielded unique composite microspheres whose surface property changed gradually with the content of styrene.
Mini‐emulsion formation and polymerization of styrene
Authors: Pan Zu‐Ren , Fan Hong , Weng Zhi‐Xue , Huang Zhi‐Ming 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThe morphology of an anionic emulsifier/long chain fatty alcohol complex and its change during the formation process were studied. The main factors affecting the morphology, such as various types of anionic emulsifiers and fatty alcohols, their molar ratios and the addition of styrene, were investigated. It was discovered that the rod‐like particles of the complex had a length of 0.1 ‐0‐2 μm and diameter of 0.01‐0.02 μm. A model of a rod‐like particle or molecular aggregate was proposed. Both water‐soluble and oil‐soluble initiators were used to study the kinetics of styrene mini‐emulsion polymerization and polystyrene latex size characteristics.
Preparation of micron‐size monodisperse poly(methyl methacrylate) particles using poly(2‐oxazoline) macromonomer
Authors: Kobayashi Shiro , Uyama Hiroshi , Choi Jang Hyun , Matsumoto Yasuhiro 
Published: April 2007

AbstractMicron‐size monodisperse poly(methyl methacrylate) particles were prepared by dispersion copolymerization of methyl methacrylate with a hydrophilic poly(2‐oxazoline) macromonomer in an aqueous methanol solution. The macromonomer acted as a comonomer as well as a stabilizer. As the macromonomer concentration increased, the diameter of the particles decreased. The macromonomer with higher molecular weight, or with more hydrophilic nature, stabilized the particles more effectively The diameter of the particles was dependent on the initiator concentration. Under the conditions giving monodisperse particles, the particle volume increased linearly with the yield of the particles and the particle number was almost constant during the copolymerization. From ESCA analysis of the particle surface, poly(2‐oxazoline) chains were enriched on the surface.
polyimides containing s‐triazine rings in the main chain: Synthesis and characterization
Authors: Sarwade Bhimrao D. , Wadgaonkar Prakash P. , Mahajan Sudhakar S. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractEight s‐triazine‐containing polyimides were synthesized by solution polycondensation of diisocyanates having an s‐triazine ring with pyromellitic dianhydride in dimethylacetamide. Polyimides derived from meta‐oriented diisocyanates were amorphous and soluble in dipolar aprotic solvents while those based on para‐oriented diisocyanates were semicrystalline and insoluble in organic solvents. However, all the polyimides were soluble in concentrated sulphuric acid. The polyimides showed similar patterns of decomposition with no weight loss below 300°C in air.
Polyethylene toughened by caco3 particles—percolation model of brittle‐ductile transition in hdpe/caco3 blends
Authors: Fu Qiang , Wang Guiheng 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThe percolation model is used to interpret the brittle‐ductile transition of HDPE/CaCO3 blends. The percolation threshold (θsc) for HDPE/CaCO3 blends is found to be 0.52, which is equal to π/6. The critical exponent (g) is found to be 0.83 for HDPE/CaCO3 blends. The toughening efficiency of blends which have monodisperse, highly asymmetrical particles, strong interphase adhesion and high matrix toughness is greater. The brittle‐ductile transition in polymer blends seems to be a universal percolation phenomenon.
Arylidene polymers XIX: Synthesis and properties of aromatic polyphosphate from diarylidenecycloalkanones
Authors: Aly Kamal I. , El‐Zohry Maher F. , Abd‐Alla Mohamed A. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractPolyphosphate esters were synthesized by interfacial polymerization of 2,5‐bis(p‐hydroxybenzylidene)cyclopentanone, 2,5‐divanillylidenecyclopentanone, 2,6‐bis(p‐hydroxybenzylidene)cyclohexanone, 2,6‐divanillylidenecyclohexanone or 2,7‐bis(p‐hydroxybenzylidene)cycloheptanone with phenyl phosphorodichloridate. The resulting polymers were characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, solubility and viscometry measurements. The thermal properties of the polymers were evaluated by TGA measurements and correlated with their structural units. The crystallinity of all the polyphosphate esters was tested by X‐ray analysis.
Calibration of thermal field‐flow fractionation using broad molecular weight standards
Authors: Nguyen Myhuoug T. , Beckett Ronald 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThermal field‐flow fractionation (ThFFF) is a new elution‐based separation method for determining molecular weight distributions of polymers. Calibration can be achieved using monodisperse standards of the specific polymer of interest. In order to expand the range of polymer types for which absolute molecular weight data can be obtained using ThFFF a calibration procedure has been developed and tested which uses only broad molecular weight polymer samples. The method requires two polydisperse molecular weight standards of the required polymer whose average molecular weight (normally M̄w) is measured by an independent method (e.g. light scattering). From the average molecular weight data and the ThFFF elution pattern (fractogram) the required calibration constants can be calculated.The method has been tested using the polystyrene‐tetrahydrofuran system and gave satisfactory results when checked against a series of monodisperse polystyrene standards. This calibration approach should expand the applicability of ThFFF to include a wide range of polymer types.
Diffusion of water and alcohol in chemically modified polyurethane
Authors: Sreenivasan K. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractDiffusion of methanol and water in polyurethane and polyurethane chemically modified by grafting different acrylic monomers was carried out. The absorption of these two molecules was found to vary with the nature and percentage grafting of the monomers. The possible use of chemically modified polyurethanes as membranes having high selectivity towards the interaction of alcohol and water is highlighted.
Some factors affecting the electrical properties of carbon‐black‐loaded butyl rubber during vulcanization
Authors: Abdel‐Bary E. M. , Hassan H. H. , El‐Lawindy A. M. , Abu‐Assy M. K. , El‐Tantawy F. K. 
Published: April 2007

AbstractButyl rubber mixtures loaded with 70 phr general purpose furnace black (GPF) and tetramethyl thiuram disulphide (TMTD)/S as vulcanizing system were prepared. The kinetics of their electrical conductivity development during the vulcanization process were followed by using an especially devised system. It was found that the increase in the electrical conductivity during vulcanization obeys an exponential growth function with time constant τ, which markedly decreases with increasing vulcanization temperature as well as with the efficiency of the vulcanizing system. After completion of the vulcanization process, about 80 min, the samples obtained possess reasonable stability and reproducibility of electrical conductivity.
Polymerization of vinyl monomers initiated by zwitterionic polymer in aqueous solution
Authors: Liaw Der‐Jang , Lee Kueir‐Rarn 
Published: April 2007

AbstractThe polymerization of vinyl monomers, mainly styrene and methyl methacrylate, initiated by zwitterionic poly[3‐dimethyl(methacryloyloxy‐ethyl)ammonium propane sulfonate], [poly(DMAPS)], in aqueous solution was studied under vacuum at 85°C. An initiation mechanism involving hydrogen atom transfer is proposed. The effects of the efficiency of grafting. pH, water content and betaine polymer content on the polymerization were investigated. The conversion of vinyl monomers in poly(DMAPS) is lower than that in poly [3‐dimethyl(acryloyloxyethyl)ammonium propane sulfonate], which may be due to steric hindrance of the methyl group on the α‐carbon of the former.