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Both cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) homovanillic acid (HVA) and striatal dopamine transporter (DAT) binding on single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) reflect nigrostriatal dopaminergic function, but studies on the relationship between the two have been limited. It is also unknown whether the reported variance in striatal DAT binding among diseases reflects the pathophysiology or characteristics of the subjects. We included 70 patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD), 12 with progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), 12 with multiple system atrophy, six with corticobasal syndrome, and nine with Alzheimer’s disease as disease control, who underwent both CSF analysis and 123I-N-ω-fluoropropyl-2β-carbomethoxy-3β-(4-iodophenyl)nortropane (123I-ioflupane) SPECT. We evaluated the correlation between CSF HVA concentration and the specific binding ratio (SBR) of striatal DAT binding. We also compared the SBR for each diagnosis, controlling for CSF HVA concentration. The correlations between the two were significant in patients with PD (r = 0.34, p = 0.004) and PSP (r = 0.77, p = 0.004). The mean SBR value was the lowest in patients with PSP and was significantly lower in patients with PSP than in those with PD (p = 0.037) after adjusting for CSF HVA concentration. Our study demonstrates that striatal DAT binding correlates with CSF HVA concentration in both PD and PSP, and striatal DAT reduction would be more advanced in PSP than in PD at an equivalent dopamine level. Striatal DAT binding may correlate with dopamine levels in the brain. The pathophysiology of each diagnosis may explain this difference.

CSF tau phosphorylated at threonine 181 (p-tau181) is a widely used biomarker for Alzheimer's disease (AD) and has recently been regarded to reflect amyloid-beta and/or p-tau deposition in the AD brain. Neuronal intranuclear inclusion disease (NIID) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by intranuclear inclusions in neurons, glial cells, and other somatic cells. Symptoms include dementia, neuropathy, and others. CSF biomarkers were not reported. The objective of this study was to investigate whether CSF biomarkers including p-tau181 are altered in patients with NIID.This was a retrospective observational study. CSF concentrations of p-tau181, total tau, amyloid-beta 1-42 (Aβ42), monoamine metabolites homovanillic acid (HVA), and 5-hydroxyindole acetic acid (5-HIAA) were compared between 12 patients with NIID, 120 patients with Alzheimer's clinical syndrome biologically confirmed based on CSF biomarker profiles, and patients clinically diagnosed with other neurocognitive disorders (dementia with Lewy bodies [DLB], 24; frontotemporal dementia [FTD], 13; progressive supranuclear palsy [PSP], 21; and corticobasal syndrome [CBS], 13). Amyloid PET using Pittsburgh compound B (PiB) was performed in six NIID patients.The mean age of patients with NIID, AD, DLB, FTD, PSP, and CBS were 71.3, 74.6, 76.8, 70.2, 75.5, and 71.9 years old, respectively. CSF p-tau181 was significantly higher in NIID (72.7 ± 24.8 pg/mL) compared to DLB, PSP, and CBS and was comparable between NIID and AD. CSF p-tau181 was above the cutoff value (50.0 pg/mL) in 11 of 12 NIID patients (91.7%). Within these patients, only two patients showed decreased CSF Aβ42, and these patients showed negative or mild local accumulation in PiB PET, respectively. PiB PET scans were negative in the remaining 4 patients tested. The proportion of patients with increased CSF p-tau181 and normal Aβ42 (A-T+) was significantly higher in NIID (75%) compared to DLB, PSP, and CBS (4.2%, 4.8%, and 7.7%, respectively). CSF HVA and 5-HIAA concentrations were significantly higher in patients with NIID compared to disease controls.CSF p-tau181 was increased in patients with NIID without amyloid accumulation. Although the deposition of p-tau has not been reported in NIID brains, molecular mechanism of tau phosphorylation or secretion of p-tau may be altered in NIID.

Zinc oxide (ZnO) and ZnO-silver (ZnO-Ag) nanoparticles (NPs) are widely used in different fields, such as biomedicine and food packaging, due to their recognized antibacterial activity and safety for human health. In this paper, ZnO and ZnO-Ag NPs were incorporated into poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT), in two contents (0.5 and 1 wt%), to prepare antibacterial films. The NPs were characterized by TEM and FT-Raman, and the films were analyzed by FT-Raman and FTIR, mechanical properties, SEM–EDS, TGA, DSC, XRD, and antibacterial properties against Escherichia coli. The results indicate that both NPs were physically retained in the polymer structure, with a strong electrostatic interaction between the mixture components, reflecting excellent mechanical behavior. The films showed good thermal stability, without significant changes, and the nanocomposites enhanced PBAT crystallinity from 18 to 23% and 27% for PBAT-ZnO and PBAT-ZnO-Ag films, respectively. The mechanical, thermal, and crystallinity results indicated the excellent potential of NPs in biodegradable films to improve properties and expand applicability. The antimicrobial activity is higher for PBAT-ZnO-Ag films than the pristine PBAT due to the synergic effect between the NPs and the oxidation–reduction potential of each nanoparticle, where the ZnO protect and stabilized the Ag-NPs, acting as an Ag-carrier, enhancing its antimicrobial effects after the film’s preparation and allowing its applicability in biomedical products or food packaging.

The CRISPR/Cas9 system is widely used for targeted mutagenesis in many organisms including plants. For application of this system, tissue culture methods need to be established. In this study, detailed methods for introduction of mutations in tomato and Nicotiana benthamiana plants using the CRISPR/Cas9 system are described. The methods include tissue culture protocols for tomato and N. benthamiana. We also demonstrate the methodology to generate Cas9-free genome edited tomato plants and use of one single guide RNA (sgRNA) to edit two orthologs in N. benthamiana. The examples of editing the PHYTOENE DESATURASE (PDS) genes in these plants are also provided. The Cas9-free tomato line was obtained when tomato plants were cultured on a non-selective medium after transformation with the CRISPR/Cas9 system. Two orthologs of PDS in N. benthamiana were mutated using a sgRNA, because these orthologs contain the same nucleotide sequences with PAM motif. These mutations were inherited to the next generation. The mutations in the PDS genes resulted in an albino phenotype in tomato and N. benthamiana plants. These results demonstrate that the non-selective method is one of the ways to obtain Cas9-free genome editing in tomato plants and that the two orthologs can be edited by one sgRNA in N. benthamiana.

Background and ObjectivesCSF tau phosphorylated at threonine 181 (p-tau181) is a widely used biomarker for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and has recently been regarded to reflect amyloid-beta (Aβ) and/or p-tau deposition in the AD brain. Although it is important to know how this biomarker reacts in other neurocognitive diseases, CSF p-tau181 in patients with neuronal intranuclear inclusion disease (NIID) has not been studied.MethodsCSF concentrations of p-tau181, total tau, amyloid-beta 1-42 (Aβ42), monoamine metabolites homovanillic acid (HVA), and 5-hydroxyindole acetic acid (5-HIAA) were compared between 12 patients with NIID, 120 patients with symptomatic AD biologically confirmed based on CSF biomarker profiles, and patients clinically diagnosed with other neurocognitive disorders (dementia with Lewy bodies [DLB], 24; frontotemporal dementia [FTD], 13; progressive supranuclear palsy [PSP], 21; and corticobasal syndrome [CBS], 13). Amyloid PET using Pittsburgh compound B (PiB) was performed in six NIID patients.ResultsCSF p-tau181 concentration was significantly higher in NIID (72.7 ± 24.8 pg/mL) compared to DLB, PSP, and CBS and was comparable between NIID and AD. CSF p-tau181 was above the cutoff value (50.0 pg/mL) in 11 of 12 NIID patients (91.7%). Within these patients, only two patients showed decreased CSF Aβ42, and these patients showed negative or mild local accumulation in PiB PET, respectively. PiB PET scans were negative in the remaining 4 patients tested. CSF HVA and 5-HIAA concentrations were significantly higher in patients with NIID compared to disease controls.DiscussionCSF p-tau181 was increased in patients with NIID without amyloid accumulation. Although the deposition of p-tau has not been reported in NIID brains, molecular mechanism of tau phosphorylation or secretion of p-tau may be altered in NIID.

Target activation-induced cytidine deaminase (Target-AID), a novel CRISPR/Cas9-based genome-editing tool, confers the base-editing capability on the Cas9 genome-editing system. It involves the fusion of cytidine deaminase (CDA), which catalyzes cytidine (C) to uridine (U) substitutions, to the mutated nickase-type nCas9 or deactivated-type dCas9. To confirm and extend the applicability of the Target-AID genome-editing system in tomatoes (Solanum lycopersicum L.), we transformed the model tomato cultivar “Micro-Tom” and commercial tomato cultivars using this system by targeting SlDELLA, which encodes a negative regulator of the plant phytohormone gibberellic acid (GA) signaling pathway. We confirmed that the nucleotide substitutions were induced by the Target-AID system, and we isolated mutants showing high GA sensitivity in both “Micro-Tom” and the commercial cultivars. Moreover, by successfully applying this system to ETHYLENE RECEPTOR 1 (SlETR1) with single sgRNA targeting, double sgRNA targeting, as well as dual-targeting of both SlETR1 and SlETR2 with a single sgRNA, we demonstrated that the Target-AID genome-editing system is a promising tool for molecular breeding in tomato crops. This study highlights an important aspect of the scientific and agricultural potential of the combinatorial use of the Target-AID and other base-editing systems.

A novel approach to the direct construction of tricyclic nitrogen heterocycles based on gold-catalyzed cascade cyclization of aminoallenynes is described. The expected biscyclization reaction of hydroxyisobutyryl-protected aminoallenynes was efficiently promoted by a catalytic amount of BrettPhosAuNTf₂ in the presence of iPrOH to produce 1, 2-dihydrobenzo[cd]indole derivatives in good yields. When the reaction was combined with Friedel–Crafts acylation or palladium-catalyzed N-arylation, the resulting tricyclic products were efficiently converted into nitrogen-containing polycyclic aromatic compounds (N-PACs) with highly conjugated π-electron systems. A newly obtained hexacyclic indolium salt showed characteristic concentration-dependent absorption and emission properties.

O foco deste estudo foi realizar a síntese e dopagem do Óxido de Zinco (ZnO) e do Dióxido de Titânio (TiO2) com a Prata (Ag), visando a ação biocida de sua inserção na blenda de Polipropileno com Alta Resistência do Fundido (HMSPP) obtido por meio do processo de irradiação gama (γ) e o elastômero termoplástico Estireno-Butadieno/Etileno-Estireno (SEBS). As concentrações escolhidas para estudo foram de 0,3% e 1% de cada partícula na blenda HMSPP/SEBS. Para a realização dos testes foram obtidos filmes finos (aprox. 0,07 mm de espessura) utilizando-se o processamento no estado fundido no equipamento extrusora mono-rosca com acessório de filme. As amostras foram caracterizadas por: Microscopia Eletrônica de Varredura (MEV), Microscopia Eletrônica de Transmissão (MET), Espalhamento de Luz Dinâmico (DLS) e testes biocidas com as bactérias Escherichia coli ATCC 8739 e Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538 e com os fungos Candida albicans ATCC 10231 e Aspergillus niger ATCC6275, seguindo a norma JIZ 2801 e a norma INCQS 65.3210.006. Na micrografia de TEM constatou-se a presença de nanopartículas menores que 30 nm. Na superfície do filme também foi constatado a presença de aglomerados. Estes aglomerados são formados pelas nanopartículas com tamanho médio de 150 nm. Nos resultados de DRX constatou-se que os filmes de PP/SEBS/ nanopartículas retiveram as nanopartículas em função de sua concentração e corroboraram com os resultados de EDS. As nanopartículas atuaram como agente nucleante modificando a cristalinidade dos filmes conforme evidenciado por DSC. As micrografias de MEV demonstraram que as partículas de TiO2 e TiO2/Ag; ZnO e ZnO/Ag estão localizadas próximas à superfície, melhorando assim a sua possível interação com o meio microbiano. A atividade biocida avaliada nos filmes apresentou um resultado positivo , portanto satisfatório, principalmente dos filmes que possuem partículas dopadas com prata ZnO/Ag e TiO2/Ag. Identificou-se um aumento da atividade biocida dentre as concentrações estudadas, após o processo de esterilização realizado por irradiação gama. Isso pode explicar-se em razão da formação de grupos hidroxila na superfície dos filmes, a ocorrência de radiólise devido a umidade do óleo e do polímero, alteração da band-gap dos óxidos metálicos devido a incorporação da prata. The focus of this study was the synthesis and doping of Zinc Oxide (ZnO) and Titanium Dioxide (TiO2) with silver (Ag) for biocide activity on the blend of High Melt Strength Polypropylene (HMSPP) obtained by Gamma Irradiation Process (γ) and the thermoplastic elastomer Styrene-Ethylene/ButadieneStyrene (SEBS). The selected concentrations for this study were 0.3 wt% and 1 wt% for each particle on the blend of HMSPP/SEBS. For the tests were obtained thin films (~ 0.07 mm of thickness) utilizing the melting processing on the equipment of single-screw extruder with film accessory. The samples was characterized by: Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) and Biocide Tests with the bacteria of Escherichia coli ATCC 8739 and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538 and with the funghi of Candida albicans ATCC 10231 e Aspergillus niger ATCC6275, following the norm of JIZ 2801 and INCQS 65.3210.006. On TEM micrograph was found the presence of nanoparticles smaller than 30nm . On the film surface was also found clusters. The clusters are formed by nanoparticles with average size of 150nm. In the results of DRX were found the HMSPP/SEBS/nanoparticles retained the nanoparticles in function of the concentration and corroborate the EDS results. The nanoparticles acts as nucleant agent modifying the crystallinity of the films according to DSC. The SEM micrograph demonstrate the TiO2 TiO2/Ag; ZnO e ZnO/Ag particles were localized near of the surface, improving thus the possible interaction with microbial medium. On the tests of biocide activity realized on the films were obtained a satisfactory result in reference of biocide tests, mainly on the films with nanoparticles doped with silver ZnO/Ag and TiO2/Ag and also an increase of biocide activity in some studied concentrations, after the sterilization process by gamma irradiation. This fact can explain on the formation of the hydroxyl groups on the surface of the films, the radiolysis occurrence due the moisture from the oil and the polymer, band-gap alteration due the silver incorporation on the metallic oxides.

This paper presents research results of biocidal effect of thermoplastic- polyester-elastomer (TPE-E) with incorporation of hybrid Ag/ZnO/SiO2 NPs (silver/Zinc oxide/SiO2 nanoparticles). These results were compared with various gamma-irradiated doses and processing techniques including extrusion, injection molding and compression molding. In all these processing techniques the TPE-E was mixed with mineral oil and Ag/ZnO/SiO2 nanoparticles. The TPE-E nanocomposites were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetry analysis (TGA), Infrared FT spectroscopy (FTIR), surface enhanced Raman technique (SERS), FESEM (Field emission scanning electron microscopy), Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), TEM (transmission electronic microscopy) and antimicrobial test. Antibacterial activity against E. coli and S. aureus, are reported and these results showed potential application in health care products.

Low-density-polyethylene (LDPE) and Linear-low-density-polyethylene (LLDPE) nanocomposites films containing silver nitrate (AgNO3) and surfactant oleic acid (AO) were manufactured via extrusion and subsequently characterised. The films were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDX), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Further, the antibacterial properties of the films were investigated against Escherichia coli (Gram-negative) and Staphylococcus aureus (Gram-positive) bacteria. The results indicated that LDPE nanocomposite films containing AgNPs have the potential to be used in antimicrobial packaging for food applications.

In this study, the nanoparticles of Zinc oxide (ZnO) and Zinc oxide doped with Silver (ZnO/Ag) were synthesized in laboratory. The incorporation of these nanoparticles in the blend of high melt strength polypropylene (HMSPP) and styrene–ethylene/butadiene–styrene (SEBS) was carried by melt processing. The obtained materials were evaluated by X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman Spectroscopy, Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), biocidal tests against the bacteria Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The nanoparticles showed size between 150 and 200 nm and spherical form. HMSPP/SEBS/AgNPs/ZnO films incorporated with the nanoparticles have demonstrated biocidal effect against the bacteria E. coli and S. aureus when irradiated at 12.5 kGy.

Chronic wounds are skin injuries with failed healing. They have become a public health problem that affects more than 2% of the population and the presence of bacteria resistances difficult of treatment. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is opportunist pathogens and the treatment is difficult and requires a long period of treatment. Hydrogels are structure polymeric tridimensional and biocompatible. They have been used as a controlled delivery system for treatment of topic infection. Studies have reported calcium carbonate and silver ion can improve the mechanical properties and biocide activity of hydrogel. Here in this study, hydrogels loaded CaCO3-Ag were prepared using poly (N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone), poly (ethylene glycol), agar, calcium carbonate, silver nitrate followed gamma irradiation with 25 kGy dose. The gel fraction, behavior swelling and biocide action against P. aeruginosa was investigated. The degree of swelling of the hydrogel loaded CaCO3-Ag was 12% higher than the unloaded and exhibited antibacterial effects against P. aeruginosa and biofilm.

The natural nanoparticles of CaCO3, from eggshell and CaCO3/Ag, were investigated as candidates for biocide nanoparticles in a blend of thermoplastic elastomer, styrene–ethylene/butadiene–styrene (SEBS), and polyolefin, high-melt-strength polypropylene (HMSPP). The nanoparticles with silver (Ag) were synthesized by metal precursor method, and before the application in the polymer matrix, the nanoparticles were analyzed on dynamic lighting scattering (DLS) and Raman spectroscopy. After DLS and Raman analyses, the nanoparticles were evaluated in biocide tests against P. aeruginosa and S. auerus. The aim of this investigation was the blending and the injection molding in dumbbell samples with the nanoparticles. The characterizations were carried out by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetry analysis, mechanical tests, X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive scanning and biocide tests. Correlation between size and particle distribution on the polymer was founded. However, samples at higher concentrations (>1 wt%) do not show biocide activity.

In nowadays, polypropylene (PP) based nanocomposites containing organically modified montmorillonite (MMT), have gained great attention in the automobilistic industries, construction, paints, packageing, plastic components of the telecommunication industries. The HMSPP (high melt strength polypropylene) is a polypropylene modified by irradiation process, under acetylene atmosphere, in which irradiation occurs in 60Co gamma source. However, when those materials are submitted to environmental ageing nanocomposites demonstrated high decomposition level after 1 year. This fact can be due to presence the metallic ions present in the montmorillonite. The HMS-PP and the Cloisite 20A (MMT) were mixed in twin-screw extruder using maleic anhydride as compatibilizer. In this work two formulations of nanocomposites at 0.1 and 5 wt% of clay were submitted to the environmental and thermal ageing to analyze the effects of degradation on the HMSPP nanocomposites. The evaluation of thermal properties was analyzed by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and the chemical alterations were investigated by Carbonyl Index (CI), through Fourier Transformed Infrared (FTIR) technique. The basal distance was measured by X-ray diffraction (DRX) and the clay elements were analyzed by X-ray Fluorescence (WDXRF). The aim of this work was to understand the effects of degradation of the HMS-PP/clay nanocomposites.

Targeted editing of single base pairs is achieved in monocot rice and dicot tomato using Target-AID (Cas9 activation-induced cytidine deaminase fusion). We applied a fusion of CRISPR-Cas9 and activation-induced cytidine deaminase (Target-AID) for point mutagenesis at genomic regions specified by single guide RNAs (sgRNAs) in two crop plants. In rice, we induced multiple herbicide-resistance point mutations by multiplexed editing using herbicide selection, while in tomato we generated marker-free plants with homozygous heritable DNA substitutions, demonstrating the feasibility of base editing for crop improvement.

O entendimento dos mecanismos de degradação que agem sob os nanocompósitos poliméricos frente ao intemperismo (luz UV, calor, oxigênio, chuva ácida, entre outros), é o ponto chave para o desenvolvimento de novos aditivos e novas aplicações. Para este trabalho a síntese do nanocompósito foi realizada no estado fundido, utilizando-se uma extrusora de dupla rosca. A matriz polimérica utilizada foi o HMS-PP (polipropileno com alta resistência do fundido) sintetizado por irradiação gama e a argila Montmorilonita. Para melhor compatibilização entre a matriz e a nanocarga, foi utilizada o agente compatibilizante andrido maléico. Para os ensaios de envelhecimento ambiental e acelerado em estufa, os corpos de prova foram confeccionados por meio de termoprensagem. A caracterização dos efeitos da adição de argila e do envelhecimento nos nanocompósitos, presupôs o emprego das técnicas de ensaios mecânicos, Calorimetria Diferencial Exploratória (DSC), Termogravimetria (TGA), Espectroscopia no Infravermelho por Transformada de Fourier (FT-IR), Espectrometria de Fluorescêcia de Raios X por Dispersão de Comprimento de Onda (WDXRF), Microscopia Eletrônica de Varredura (MEV), Índice de Fluidez (IF), Difração de Raios-X (DRX) e Espectroscopia de Energia Dispersiva (EDS). Foram ensaiadas amostras com 0,1; 1; 3; 5 e 10% de argila. A amostra com porcentagem de 5% de argila demonstrou uma melhor estabilidade frente ao ensaio de envelhecimento ambiental e no envelhecimento acelerado em estufa. Por outro lado na amostra com maior porcentagem de argila (10%) ocorreu o inverso, sob ensaio ambiental houve maior degradação e sob envelhecimento acelerado em estufa, manteve-se resistente até 56 dias de envelhecimento. Nas porcentagens estudas (menor que ≤ 3%) de argila, pode-se constatar um equilíbrio entre o efeito barreira da argila e a ação dos íons metálicos que aceleram o processo degradativo. The understanding of degradation mechanism action on the polymer nanocomposites in face of weathering (UV light, heat, acid rain, among others), is the key for development of new additives and new applications. In this work the nanocomposite synthesis was carried in molten state, using twin-screw extruder. The polymer matrix was the HMS-PP (high melt polypropylene) synthesized by gamma irradiation and the nanometric inorganic component was the montmorillonite clay. For better compatibilization between the matrix and clay, it were used maleic anhydride as coupling agent. For environment and in oven accelerated aging assays, the dumbbell samples were prepared under hot pressing. The characterization of clay addition effects and aging effects on the nanocomposites, required the use of techiniques of Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Thermogravimetry (TGA), Fourier Transformed Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), Xray Fluorescence (WDXRF), Scanning Eletron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive Spetroscopy (EDS) and mechanical properties. Samples with 0.1; 1; 3; 5; 10 % of clay were tested. The sample with 5% of clay showed better stability on the environmental assay and accelerated aging in oven assay. On the other hand, the sample with higher percent of clay (10%), was more degraded under on environmental aging than under accelerated aging in stove. In this case, became more resistant until 56 days of assay. On the studied concentrations (less than ≤ 3%) of clay, it can be seen an equilibrium between barrier effect and metallic ions action accelerating the degradative process.

Nanocomposites of High Melt Strength Polypropylene (HMSPP) were obtained in organoclay concentrations of 0.1, 5 and 10 wt% using the montmorillonite (MMT). The clay was dispersed through the melting intercalation technique using a twin-screw extruder. The dumbbell samples were manufactured and settled in device for natural ageing assay. The mechanical properties (elongation and rupture strength) were evaluated and the thermal behavior was investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The morphology of the nanocomposites was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Nanocomposites HMSPP/MMT showed intense cracks at the surface after 3 months of environmental ageing but not as deeply as in the HMSPP. The carbonyl index (CI) was calculated using infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) technique in which the nanocomposites showed CI values lower than the HMSPP.

A nitride layer was formed on a SiC surface by plasma nitridation using pure nitrogen as the reaction gas at the temperature from 800°C to 1400°C. The surface was characterized by XPS. The XPS measurement showed that an oxinitride layer was formed on the SiC surface by the plasma nitridation. The high process temperature seemed to be effective to activate the niridation reaction. A SiO2 film was deposited on the nitridation layer to form SiO2/nitride/SiC structure. The interface state density of the SiO2/nitride/SiC structure was lower than that of the SiO2/SiC structure. This suggested that the nitridation was effective to improve the interface property., Article, Materials Science Forum, Vols. 778-780, pp. 631-634 (2014)

Polyethylene is widely used for packing applications. Different grades of polyethylene, LLDPE and LDPE play a major role in the film blowing industry. The use of nanoclay in polymer matrices (non-polar) requires the use of a compatibilizer agent, ethylene graft maleic anhydride copolymer (PE-g-MA), which acts as a bridge for nanoclay-matrix-interaction. In our study, blown films of LLDPE, LDPE, and their blends were produced using a twin screw extruder. The combination of PEs as matrix, montmorillonite (MMT) and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) intended to improve mechanical and thermal properties. Nanocomposites films with 1 wt% of montmorillonite and 0.5–1.0 wt% silver nanoparticles were prepared by blow extrusion and evaluated. Nanoclay intercalation/exfoliation degree was investigated by X-ray diffraction spectroscopy (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Mechanical and thermal properties were evaluated. The results showed optimum dispersion at intercalation/exfoliation levels for polyethylene nanocomposite (PENC), slight increasing in mechanical and especially improvement in thermal properties.

This paper presents a study on biocidal effect of polymer nanocomposite films of gamma irradiated polypropylene (PP) and silver nanoparticles. The modified polypropylene was obtained from isotactic polypropylene (iPP) in pellets form by irradiation with gamma rays in the presence of acetylene. A new morphology with long chain branching of PP and distinct rheology is obtained by this process. The blend of 50/50wt% neat PP and PP modified by gamma radiation were further mixed using a twin screw extruder. The AgNPs were infused into this polymer blend at different concentrations of: 0.1%; 0.25%; 0.5%; 1.0%; 1.0% (PVP), 2.0% and 4.0% by wt%. These polymer nanocomposites were characterized by Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), thermogravimetric analysis (TG), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), cytotoxicity test and Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion techniques. The bactericidal effect of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) were assessed in detail.

High melt strength polypropylene (HMSPP) is produced by y-radiation process to improve the melt viscosity suitable for melt blow film process. The melt strength (MS) properties of a polymer increases with molecular weight and with long chain branching due to the increase chain entanglement levels in the polymer. The main scope of this study is to evaluate the stability of HMSPP prepared by gamma radiation with doses of 5, 12.5 and 20 kGy in comparison with virgin PP. The samples were subjected to the natural aging for a period of one year. These polymers were characterized by: Thermogravimetry analysis (TGA), Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Scanning electron microscopy (SEM). These results show predominantly chain scissions degradation mechanism, owing to the reactivity of the tertiary carbon of macro chains. The chemi-crystallization caused by degradation processes (thermal and photodegradation) was detected in HMSPP.

Polymer nanocomposite films of polypropylene and AgNPs were prepared by melt extrusion using twin-screw extruder. These polymer nanocomposites were further modified by y-irradiation in acetylene at dose of 12.5 kGy The AgNPs (silver nanoparticles) used in this study were synthetized using sonochemical method from silver nitrate precursor. The polymer nanocomposites were evaluated using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-Ray diffraction (XRD), FTIR spectroscopy and Scanning electron microscopy (SEM). We have also studied the antibacterial activity of these polymer nanocomposite films against two different groups of bacteria-Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus; gram-positive bacteria) and Escherichia coli (E. coli; gram-negative bacteria).

The aim this study was to use nanocomposites of polypropylene (PP), montmorillonite (MMT) and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), prepared by melt intercalation in a twin-screw extruder, as a food packaging bactericide material. The use of nanoclay and nanosilver as additives for polymer matrices requires, in some cases (with non-polar matrices) the use of a compatibilizer agent which will act as a bridge or permanent buffer for nanoclay-nanosilver-matrix interaction. As compatibilizer agent it has been used a propylene graft maleic anhydride copolymer (PP-g-MA). The nanocomposites were evaluated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-Rays diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and determination of antibacterial activity. The results indicate the formation of microstructures predominantly exfoliated. Further, the antibacterial properties of the films were investigated against Escherichia coli (Gram-negative) and Staphylococcus aureus (Gram-positive) ba...

The Polypropylene (PP) was initially modified by γ radiation or high melt strength PP. HMS-PP/ Cloisite 20 nanocomposites processed by melt mixing in twin-screw extruder derived samples to evaluate under environmental and thermal degradation conditions. PP-g-MA was the compatibilizing agent. The tests were conducted on dumbbell shaped samples under two different ageing conditions of degradation: environmental exposition and accelerated exposition. The morphology of aged samples was evaluated by XRD. TEM microscopy showed intercalation and exfoliation. Thermal degradation was studied by TGA. The DSC and the results showed decrease of melting point and increased crystallization under ageing conditions. The FTIR results showed the increase of carbonyl index related to the surface oxidation of the nanocomposites.

輪ギク2品種（岩の白扇、秀芳の力）と肥後ギク4品種（端正、鳳輦、千尋の海、曙の光）の生育に及ぼすキタネグサレセンチュウの影響を、セルトレイおよび鉢を用いた試験で調査した。その結果、キクの根数、根長および根の生体重に及ぼす線虫寄生の影響は「岩の白扇」で最も大きく、根は顕著に褐変し、草丈の伸長は抑制された。「秀芳の力」では、線虫接種20日後の根内線虫個体数は他の5品種より多くなったが、根の褐変程度は小さく、根と草丈に対する有意な成長阻害は認められなかった。肥後ギク4品種では、接種5日後に比べて、20日後の苗1本あたりの根内線虫数の品種間差異は小さく、根の生育に及ぼす線虫の影響はほとんど認められなかった。以上およびその他の実験結果などから、キタネグサレセンチュウに対して、「岩の白扇」は宿主として好適な感受性品種、「秀芳の力」は好適な耐性品種、肥後ギク4品種は不適な耐性品種に区分された。

In this study, new design concepts were structured by DOE based on internal flow evaluation by CFD to realize the efficiency improvement, reliability improvement and cost reduction of a medium or small capacity hydro turbine. As a part of new concepts, shroudless type and shroud liner type runner shape were adopted. In shroud liner type, shroud line of meridional plane shape inclines at 45 degrees to rotational axis. By adopting shroud less type, runner can be made not by casting but by cutting work. For medium or small hydroelectric power plant, cost reduction is strongly required in comparison with larger scale hydro one. By adopting shroud liner type, efficiency was improved because of mitigating secondary flow. In addition, to improve reliability, shroud partial band was bonded at inlet of runner. This plays a role to prevent runner blade from breaking by tip rubbing. By using high-speed video camera and CFD analysis, it was clarified that runner outlet cavitation is caused by jet which is leakage in the tip clearance region and that leakage flow of outlet is larger than leakage flow of inlet. Moreover, by using the three-hole Pitot tube, the runner outlet flow distribution was measured and the validity of the design point was verified. Finally, by measurement of pressure on the wall of the stationary parts such as the guide vane, it was clarified that the total pressure loss of guide vane increases in stream-wise direction in low mass flow rate. In this report, the development of the shroudless Francis turbine based on the loss mechanism and flow investigation was described.

Background An association between Chlamydia pneumoniae (Cpn) infection and coronary artery disease has been reported and examined by different techniques. However, its immunoreactivity in coronary artery plaques of patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and its relation with serology are less well defined. Methods We divided 40 coronary plaque specimens from 40 patients who underwent thrombectomy or directional coronary atherectomy into an ACS group (n = 22) and a non-ACS group (n = 18). Cpn in specimens was detected immunohistochemically and compared quantitatively. Serum immunoglobulin (Ig)A and IgG antibodies to Cpn and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) were measured. The relation between serology and immunohistochemical analysis was also investigated. Results Cpn immunopositive cells per square millimeter (Cpn + cells/mm 2 ) in the ACS group were significantly more numerous than in the non-ACS group (median 7.44 vs 1.50, P = .0018). Cpn IgA seropositivity rates and titers in the ACS group were significantly higher than those in the non-ACS group (86.3% vs 22.2%, P = .0002; median titer 1.403 vs 0.545, P = .003). There were no differences in IgG antibodies between the 2 groups. The hs-CRP values (in milligrams per liter) in ACS group were significantly higher than in non-ACS group (median 2.8 vs 1.2, P = .0019). Serum IgA titers in patients with at least 5 Cpn + cells/mm 2 in the specimens were significantly higher than in patients with fewer Cpn + cells (median 1.52 vs 0.86, P = .026). There was no difference in serum hs-CRP values in patients with more Cpn + cells but a trend to an increase. Conclusion Immunohistology frequently detected Cpn in coronary plaques; Cpn + cells were more prevalent in plaques associated with ACS, and Cpn IgA but not IgG titers were increased with ACS and with high densities of Cpn + cells within plaque.

Although it is known that a single peptide can be recognized by CTL restricted to two MHC class I alleles, there is no direct evidence for presentation of a single peptide by two MHC class I molecules. Furthermore, it is unclear whether such peptides are presented to the same T cell or to different T cells. Our previous study suggested that CTL recognition of the human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) Pol HIV-B35-SF2-24 epitope (IPLTEEAEL) occurs via both HLA-B35 and HLA-B51 restriction. Here we provide the first direct evidence that a single CTL clone can recognize this peptide presented by both HLA-B35 and HLA-B51. Furthermore, we directly purified this peptide eluted from both HLA-B*3501 and HLA-B*5101 molecules isolated from target cells infected with HIV-1 recombinant vaccinia virus. These results demonstrate that HIV-B35-SF2-24 is a naturally processed peptide which is presented by both HLA-B*3501 and HLA-B*5101. TCR analysis of one CTL clone suggested that it is a single clone. B*3501-SF2-24-tetrameric complexes inhibited both HLA-B*3501- and HLA-B*5101-restricted recognition of this clone, suggesting that the TCR of this clone cross-recognize the structure of both HLA class I-peptide complexes.

High melt strength polypropylene Nanocomposites (NC-HMSPP) were obtained with concentrations of 0.1 and 5 wt% of Cloisite 20A. The melt intercalation, using twin screw extruder was done to homogenize the nanocomposite in presence of polypropylene graft maleic anhydride (PP-g-MA) compatibilizer agent. In this work, the manufactured dumbbell samples were settled in device for natural ageing assay. The period of exposition was January to December of 2012. The effects of environmental ageing was determined by carbonyl index (FT-IR) and the results showed that nanocomposites were more stable than HMSPP. The mechanical properties (elongation and rupture strength) were evaluated and the thermal behavior was investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and X ray diffraction (DRX). The morphology was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) in which the nanocomposites showed intense cracks on the surface.

Ebstein's anomaly is a rare congenital cardiac anomaly showing significant clinical manifestations with a high mortality rate in the neonatal period. The prognosis of the patient is essentially determined by the severity in morphological changes, however, high pulmonary vascular resistance in the neonatal period may aggravate tricuspid regurgitation and lead to functional pulmonary atresia. We describe a critically ill neonate with morphologically mild Ebstein's anomaly who was successfully managed with intensive care including isoproterenol administration for functional pulmonary atresia. Isoproterenol is a potent pulmonary vasodilator with inotropic and chronotropic effects, and seemed to decrease the pulmonary vascular resistance allowing increased antegrade blood flow to the pulmonary artery and improved cardiac output. If tachycardia is not present, isoproterenol administration is recommended in critically ill neonates with anatomically mild Ebstein's anomaly and no associated cardiac defects.

Although an association between Chlamydia pneumoniae (Cpn) or Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection and coronary atherosclerosis has been reported, such an association is less clear for acute coronary syndromes (ACS). The purpose of this study was to investigate the pathogenic roles of Cpn and CMV infection of coronary plaques in ACS. We divided 38 coronary plaque specimens obtained from 38 patients who underwent directional coronary atherectomy or thrombectomy into an ACS group (n = 21) and a non-ACS group (n = 17). Cpn and CMV in specimens were stained using immunohistochemical techniques and analyzed quantitatively. The detection rate for either Cpn- or CMV-positive cells in ACS patients was slightly higher compared with non-ACS patients. Detection rates for both Cpn- and CMV-positive cells were significantly higher in ACS patients than in non-ACS patients (P = 0.010). Furthermore, the density of Cpn- and CMV-positive cells in plaques was significantly higher in ACS patients than in non-ACS patients (P < 0.003). The results indicate that the presence and severity of Cpn and CMV infection in coronary plaques are greater in patients with ACS compared with non-ACS patients. We conclude that infection with Cpn and CMV in coronary plaques may be involved in the pathogenesis of ACS.