bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Autoimmune disease in a DFNA6/14/38 family carrying a novel missense mutation in WFS1
Authors: Hildebrand Michael S. , Sorensen Jessica L. , Jensen Maren , Kimberling William J. , Smith Richard J.H. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractMost familial cases of autosomal dominant low frequency sensorineural hearing loss (LFSNHL) are attributable to mutations in the wolframin syndrome 1 (WFS1) gene at the DFNA6/14/38 locus. WFS1 mutations at this locus were first described in 2001 in six families segregating LFSNHL that was non‐progressive below 2,000 Hz; the causative mutations all clustered in the C‐terminal domain of the wolframin protein. Mutations in WFS1 also cause Wolfram syndrome (WS), an autosomal recessive neurodegenerative disorder defined by diabetes mellitus, optic atrophy and often deafness, while numerous single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in WFS1 have been associated with increased risk for diabetes mellitus, psychiatric illnesses and Parkinson disease. This study was conducted in an American family segregating autosomal dominant LFSNHL. Two hearing impaired family members also had autoimmune diseases—Graves disease (GD) and Crohn disease (CD). Based on the low frequency audioprofile, mutation screening of WFS1 was completed and a novel missense mutation (c.2576G → A) that results in an arginine‐to‐glutamine substitution (p.R859Q) was identified in the C‐terminal domain of the wolframin protein where most LFSNHL‐causing mutations cluster. The family member with GD also carried polymorphisms in WFS1 that have been associated with other autoimmune diseases. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The electroencephalographic fingerprint of sleep is genetically determined: A twin study
Authors: De Gennaro Luigi , Marzano Cristina , Fratello Fabiana , Moroni Fabio , Pellicciari Maria Concetta , Ferlazzo Fabio , Costa Stefania , Couyoumdjian Alessandro , Curcio Giuseppe , Sforza Emilia , Malafosse Alain , Finelli Luca A. , Pasqualetti Patrizio , Ferrara Michele , Bertini Mario , Rossini Paolo Maria 
Published: August 2008

AbstractHumans have an individual profile of the electroencephalographic power spectra at the 8 to 16Hz frequency during non–rapid eye movement sleep that is stable over time and resistant to experimental perturbations. We tested the hypothesis that this electroencephalographic “fingerprint” is genetically determined, by recording 40 monozygotic and dizygotic twins during baseline and recovery sleep after prolonged wakefulness. We show a largely greater similarity within monozygotic than dizygotic pairs, resulting in a heritability estimate of 96%, not influenced by sleep need and intensity. If replicated, these results will establish the electroencephalographic profile during sleep as one of the most heritable traits of humans. Ann Neurol 2008
Takotsubo cardiomyopathy in acute ischemic stroke
Authors: Yoshimura Sohei , Toyoda Kazunori , Ohara Tomoyuki , Nagasawa Hikaru , Ohtani Noriko , Kuwashiro Takahiro , Naritomi Hiroaki , Minematsu Kazuo 
Published: August 2008

AbstractObjectiveTakotsubo cardiomyopathy, which is characterized by transient left ventricular apical ballooning, is a known complication of subarachnoid hemorrhage. The aim of this study was to identify the clinical characteristics of acute ischemic stroke patients who experienced development of takotsubo cardiomyopathy.MethodsSeven patients who were diagnosed as having takotsubo cardiomyopathy based on their electrocardiographic and echocardiographic findings were studied. They were selected from among 569 consecutive patients who were admitted to our stroke center within 24 hours after onset of acute ischemic stroke. The findings of nine previously published cases were also reviewed.ResultsAll seven patients were women, and six were 75 years or older. The initial National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score ranged from 3 to 28. The culprit infarcts included or were close to the insular cortex in six patients and were located extensively in the vertebrobasilar arterial territory in the other patient. Abnormal findings on electrocardiographic monitoring appeared within 10 hours after stroke onset in five patients and at 6 and 12 days, respectively, in the other two patients. The cardiomyopathy was symptomatic in only two patients. Plasma brain natriuretic peptide levels exceeded the upper normal limit by 10‐fold in all patients. The previously published cases were mostly women and had mainly vertebrobasilar stroke.InterpretationTakotsubo cardiomyopathy is not a rare complication of acute ischemic stroke. It most often occurred soon after stroke onset and was commonly asymptomatic. Female sex and insular damage were predominant features of the stroke patients who experienced development of takotsubo cardiomyopathy. Ann Neurol 2008
Will Rogers phenomenon in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Sormani Maria Pia , Tintorè Mar , Rovaris Marco , Rovira Alex , Vidal Xavier , Bruzzi Paolo , Filippi Massimo , Montalban Xavier 
Published: August 2008

AbstractObjectiveUsing different criteria for classifying patients into various stages of a disease can modify the stage‐specific prognosis, even though the overall disease course remains unchanged. This is known as the “Will Rogers phenomenon,” precluding the use of historical controls for treatment trials. We assessed whether the Will Rogers phenomenon may affect multiple sclerosis (MS) prognosis when applying different diagnostic criteria.MethodsPatients with a clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) suggestive of MS were studied. After 1 year, each patient was classified as CIS or evolved to MS according to two diagnostic criteria (Poser and McDonald). The outcome for prognosis was the time to reach an Expanded Disability Status Scale score ≥ 3.0.Results309 patients were studied for a median period of 84 months. After 1 year, 16% of patients had MS according to Poser and 44% according to McDonald criteria. The probability to reach Expanded Disability Status Scale score ≥ 3.0 at median follow‐up was 11% in CIS patients according to Poser and 7% according to McDonald criteria; it was 46% in MS patients according to Poser and 27% acccording to McDonald criteria. The group with a discordant diagnosis had a worse prognosis than that of CIS patients according to both criteria (p = 0.01), but better than that of MS patients according to both criteria (p = 0.01).InterpretationThe use of different diagnostic criteria may generate spurious improvements in the medium‐term prognosis of MS. This calls for caution in using historical controls for MS trials. Ann Neurol 2008
Rolling‐Circle‐Amplifikation: Anwendungen in der Nanotechnologie und in der Biodetektion mit funktionellen Nucleinsäuren
Authors: Zhao Weian , Ali M. Monsur , Brook Michael A. , Li Yingfu 
Published: August 2008

AbstractDie Rolling‐Circle‐Amplifikation (RCA) ist ein isothermer enzymatischer Prozess, der durch bestimmte DNA‐Polymerasen vermittelt wird. Bei der RCA werden lange einzelsträngige (ss) DNA‐Moleküle mithilfe eines einzelnen DNA‐Primers an einer kurzen ringförmigen ssDNA‐Matrize synthetisiert. Die RCA hat sich als eine Standardamplifikationsmethode für die ultraempfindliche DNA‐Detektion in der Genomik und Diagnostik bewährt. Neuerdings ist es gelungen, die RCA als Verfahren für die Erzeugung von DNA‐Matrizen im großen Maßstab nutzbar zu machen. Die so erzeugten Matrizen können zur Herstellung von periodischen Nanoanordnungen eingesetzt werden. Darüber hinaus wurden verschiedene RCA‐Strategien entwickelt, um repetitive Sequenzen von DNA‐Aptameren und DNAzymen herzustellen, die als Detektionsplattformen für kleine Moleküle und Proteine fungieren. Diese neuen Verfahren machen die RCA zu einer höchst vielseitigen Methode für die Vervielfältigung von DNA, die breite Anwendungsmöglichkeiten in der Genomik, Proteomik, Diagnostik, Biosensorik, Wirkstoffentwicklung und Nanotechnologie finden wird.
Rolling Circle Amplification: Applications in Nanotechnology and Biodetection with Functional Nucleic Acids
Authors: Zhao Weian , Ali M. Monsur , Brook Michael A. , Li Yingfu 
Published: August 2008

AbstractRolling circle amplification (RCA) is an isothermal, enzymatic process mediated by certain DNA polymerases in which long single‐stranded (ss) DNA molecules are synthesized on a short circular ssDNA template by using a single DNA primer. A method traditionally used for ultrasensitive DNA detection in areas of genomics and diagnostics, RCA has been used more recently to generate large‐scale DNA templates for the creation of periodic nanoassemblies. Various RCA strategies have also been developed for the production of repetitive sequences of DNA aptamers and DNAzymes as detection platforms for small molecules and proteins. In this way, RCA is rapidly becoming a highly versatile DNA amplification tool with wide‐ranging applications in genomics, proteomics, diagnosis, biosensing, drug discovery, and nanotechnology.
Mechanical and thermal properties of polypropylene/recycled polyethylene terephthalate/chopped rice husk composites
Authors: Ershad‐Langroudi Amir , Jafarzadeh‐Dogouri Fatemeh , Razavi‐Nouri Mohammad , Oromiehie Abdulrasoul 
Published: August 2008

AbstractThe various ratios of recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) into polypropylene (PP) filled with 40 parts chopped rice husk per hundred part of polymer have been studied. Composites were prepared using a corotating twin screw extruder at temperature zones of 165–215, well below 250°C (rPET mp temperature) and characterized by mechanical and thermal properties. To improve the compatibility between different components, PP grafted with maleic anhydride was added as a coupling agent in all the compositions studied. The results showed that the addition of rPET improved the tensile and flexural modulus and impact strength of the composite while reducing its tensile and flexural strength. The scanning electron microscopy micrographs of samples in the injection direction showed that some particle shaped rPET inside the composites appear as drawn fibrils and some appear as plates. Differential scanning calorimetric studies showed that the addition of rPET particles to the composites decrease the PP crystallization temperatures. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Properties of lignocellulose tamarind fruit fibers
Authors: Maheswari C. Uma , Guduri B. R. , Rajulu A. Varada 
Published: August 2008

AbstractUntreated and alkali‐treated fibers from tamarind fruits were analyzed with Fourier transform infrared, chemical, X‐ray, and thermogravimetric methods. The morphology of the fibers before and after the alkali treatment was studied with scanning electron microscopy. The tensile properties of these fibers before and after the alkali treatment were also studied. The Fourier transform infrared and chemical analyses indicated lowering of the hemicellulose content by the alkali treatment of the fibers. The tensile modulus increased with the alkali treatment. X‐ray diffraction revealed an increase in the crystallinity of the fibers with the alkali treatment. The thermal stability of the fibers increased slightly with the alkali treatment. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Investigating the spinnability in the dry‐jet wet spinning of PAN precursor fiber
Authors: Tan Lianjiang , Chen Huifang , Pan Ding , Pan Ning 
Published: August 2008

AbstractThe spinnability of a spinning solution using DMSO as the solvent was investigated for dry‐jet wet spinning of PAN precursor fiber. Among many variables responsible for spinnability, the coagulating conditions, the air gap length, the nonsolvent content in spinning solution, and the spinning temperature have been viewed as the key factors, and they were investigated in this study. It was found however, unlike in the wet spinning, the spinnability in dry‐jet wet spinning process was barely influenced by the coagulating conditions, likely attributable to the existence of the air gap. However, the spinnability worsened when the air gap was longer than 30 mm. The quality of the spinning solution deteriorated with the increasing water content in it. The spinnability improved when the spinning temperature was maintained between 60 and 72°C and turned down once the temperature was over 72°C. The experimental results indicated that all the factors should be comprehensively considered to ensure good spinnability in dry‐jet wet spinning process. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Influence of an annealing treatment on the solid‐state grafting of styrene onto spherical isotactic polypropylene granules
Authors: Deng Qing‐Tian , Fu Zhi‐Sheng , Sun Fang‐Li , Xu Jun‐Ting , Fan Zhi‐Qiang 
Published: August 2008

AbstractThe main place of solid‐state graft polymerization in polypropylene (PP) granules has been believed to be the amorphous region of PP. In this work, the solid‐phase morphology of nascent spherical PP (N‐PP) granules was found to be markedly changed by an annealing treatment. The crystallinity of PP granules was almost doubled after annealing at 150°C for 12 h, whereas the porosity of the granules was unchanged. Solid‐state grafting polymerizations of styrene initiated by tert‐butyl perbenzoate in both N‐PP and annealed polypropylene (A‐PP) granules were compared under different reaction conditions. The formation of gel in the product could be completely depressed at a low concentration of the initiator when A‐PP granules were used as the matrix and graft‐polymerized at 120°C. Both the introduction of styrene and the annealing treatment of the PP granules led to a depression of polymer degradation in the process of the grafting reaction. However, using A‐PP as the matrix caused an increase in the grafting degree at a relatively high concentration of the initiator. A reduction in the amorphous phase in the PP granules was thought to be the main reason for the effects of the annealing treatment on the structure of the graft polymerization products. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Investigation of dispersion states and rheological properties of SPI in the DMSO/urea
Authors: Xiao Ru , Yin Duan , Gu Lixia 
Published: August 2008

AbstractDimethylsulfoxide (DMSO)/urea were chosen as a hybrid solvent system to dissolve soy protein. The dispersion status and rheological properties of soy protein isolates (SPI) in the DMSO/urea were studied. The result showed that SPI has relatively high solubility in DMSO/urea blend system and urea served as a key factor of dissolving SPI in the system. SPI in the DMSO/urea hybrid system exhibited different dispersion statuses with increasing of SPI content. The SPI dispersions in the DMSO/urea presented shear thinning or pseudoplastic behavior. The pseudoplastic behavior, the degree of non‐Newtonian flow and the extent of structuralization of SPI dispersion system with increasing SPI content were discussed. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008.
Isothermal oxidation kinetics of unstabilized polypropylene in the molten state
Authors: Sarrabi S. , Colin X. , Tcharkhtchi A. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractThis article is devoted to the elaboration of a nonempirical kinetic model for the thermal oxidation of molten unstabilized polypropylene (PP), which occurs typically at 170–250°C, a current temperature range for PP processing. The validity of the kinetic model has been successfully checked with the kinetic curves of mass changes and ketone group buildup of quasihomogeneously oxidized PP films (≈40 μm thick) at 190, 200, and 230°C in atmospheric air. The orders of magnitude of the model parameters, determined with the kinetic model as an inverse method, are physically reasonable. Large differences obtained between some rate constant values determined in this study for PP and published elsewhere for polyethylene are tentatively explained. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Synthesis and study of the oligo(ether–ester)s based on butylene oxide
Authors: Ahmetli Gulnare , Kocak Ahmet , Soydal Ulku 
Published: August 2008

AbstractUnsaturated oligo(ether–ester) was prepared by ring‐opening polymerization of butylene oxide (BO) with glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) in the presence of cationic catalyst BF3•O(C2H5)2. The effects of mol ratio of the initial components, amount of catalyst, temperature, and reaction times on the copolymerization reaction were examined. Oligo(ether–ester) were achieved in highest yield of 82% after reaction times of 4 h at 0°C. Synthesized copolymer was characterized using spectroscopic (1H NMR and IR) and chemical analysis methods. The thermal degradation and softing points of oligo(ether–ester)‐styrene composites were studied. It is shown that crosslinking of the unsaturated oligo(ether–ester) with styrene takes place through the use of thermostable materials. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008.
Preparation and characterization of a novel series of amphiphilic phospholipids compounds
Authors: Yu Hui , Gu Xiaohua , Qi Xuelian , Chen Xiaoyan , Shen Xinyuan , Duan Yourong 
Published: August 2008

AbstractFor application of phospholipids compounds in drug permeation field, a novel series of amphiphilic phospholipids compounds containing different aliphatic chains as the hydrophobic tail groups and phosphorylcholine as the hydrophilic head groups were synthesized in three steps: preparation of hydroxyalkyl methacrylate by the reaction of various aliphatic chain diols with α‐methacryloyl chloride; preparation of 2‐(2‐oxo‐1,3,2‐dioxaphospholoyloxy)alkyl methacrylate by the reaction of hydroxyalkyl methacrylate with 2‐chloro‐2‐oxo‐1,3,2‐dioxaphospholane; preparation of the amphiphilic phospholipids compounds by the ring‐opening reaction of 2‐(2‐oxo‐1,3,2‐dioxaphospholoyloxy)alkyl methacrylate in the presence of trimethylamine. The chemical structure of the amphiphilic phospholipids compounds were supported by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and 1H NMR. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Behavior of flexible poly(vinyl chloride)/poly(hydroxybutyrate valerate) blends
Authors: Marcilla A. , Garcia‐Quesada J. C. , Gil E. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractBlends of flexible poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) and a poly(hydroxybutyrate valerate) (PHBV) copolymer were prepared and characterized with different techniques. The tensile strength of PVC did not show a marked reduction at PHBV concentrations up to 50 phr, despite a lack of miscibility between the two polymers. The crystallization of the PHBV copolymer was markedly hindered by the presence of PVC, as calorimetric results revealed. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Organic‐acid‐catalyzed sol–gel route for preparing poly(methyl methacrylate)–silica hybrid materials
Authors: Yeh Jui‐Ming , Huang Kuan‐Yeh , Dai Chung‐Feng , Chand B. G. , Weng Chang‐Jian 
Published: August 2008

AbstractIn this study, a series of organic–inorganic hybrid sol–gel materials consisting of a poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) matrix and dispersed silica (SiO2) particles were successfully prepared through an organic‐acid‐catalyzed sol–gel route with N‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidone as the mixing solvent. The as‐synthesized PMMA–SiO2 nanocomposites were subsequently characterized with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The solid phase of organic camphor sulfonic acid was employed to catalyze the hydrolysis and condensation (i.e., sol–gel reactions) of tetraethyl orthosilicate in the PMMA matrix. The formation of the hybrid membranes was beneficial for the physical properties at low SiO2 loadings, especially for enhanced mechanical strength and gas barrier properties, in comparison with the neat PMMA. The effects of material composition on the thermal stability, thermal conductivity, mechanical strength, molecular permeability, optical clarity, and surface morphology of the as‐prepared hybrid PMMA–SiO2 nanocomposites in the form of membranes were investigated with thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, dynamic mechanical analysis, gas permeability analysis, ultraviolet–visible transmission spectroscopy, and atomic force microscopy, respectively. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Effects of interfacial modification on the thermal, mechanical, and fire properties of high‐impact polystyrene/microencapsulated red phosphorous
Authors: Chang Suqin , Xie Tingxiu , Yang Guisheng 
Published: August 2008

AbstractIn this study, polystyrene (PS)‐encapsulated magnesium hydroxide‐microencapsulated red phosphorus (MHRP) was prepared by in situ polymerization of styrene on the surface of MHRP in a high speed mixer. The encapsulated MHRP flame retardant was successfully applied in the fire resistance to HIPS by melt blending in a corotating twin‐screw extruder. The effects of PS‐encapsulated MHRP on the properties of HIPS composites were studied by mechanical, thermal, and combustion tests (HBR, LOI, UL‐94, and cone calorimetry). The experimental results showed that compared to the composites containing untreated MHRP, the thermal, mechanical, and flame‐ retardant properties of those containing PS‐encapsulated MHRP were found to be prominently improved. This improvement was mostly attributed to an effective dispersion of the encapsulated filler and a good interfacial compatibility between the filler and the matrix. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Ionic polymer‐metal composites made from radiation grafted FEP‐g‐styrene‐SO3H membranes
Authors: Rao S. S. , Ojha P. K. , Rath S. K. , Palla K. B. , Patri M. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractIonic polymer‐metal composites have been made from radiation grafted fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP) membranes. Membranes have been synthesized by grafting of styrene on FEP films followed by sulfonation. These membranes were then used to fabricate IPMCs. Chemical plating of silver has been done to form the microelectrodes. Influence of degree of grafting on actuation, surface resistance, and tensile properties of the IPMC have been evaluated. It has been observed that on increasing the degree of grafting surface resistance, tensile strength, and elongation of IPMC decrease while degree of actuation and modulus increase. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Magnetic and electrical resistivity tomography investigations in a Roman legionary camp site (Legio IV Scythica) in Zeugma, Southeastern Anatolia, Turkey
Authors: Drahor M. G. , Berge M. A. , Kurtulmuş T. Ö. , Hartmann M. , Speidel M. A. 
Published: August 2008

AbstractMagnetic and electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) surveys were carried out in the area of a Roman military installation located near the Zeugma archaeological site in southeastern Turkey. Magnetic gradiometer surveys were performed in the northern part of this area and covered 8.52 ha; measurements were obtained using a FM‐36 fluxgate gradiometer on a 0.5 × 1 m grid. The visualized data revealed the general orientation of the Roman military settlement, which appeared as regular structures in the magnetic images. In addition, ERT surveys were performed in some areas that had shown regular magnetic anomalies. Resistivity data were interpreted using the robust inversion algorithm in two‐dimensional and three‐dimensional forms. Resistivity tomography studies showed that the archaeological structures lay close to the surface. There was considerable agreement between the results of the magnetic and ERT survey methods. Trial trenches were excavated in promising areas to test the geophysical results. A range of distinctive elements of military settlement, such as walls, pipes, roads, foundations and also metallic objects (a large assemblage of Roman military helmets and armour) were discovered during the excavations. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.