Glycolyzed PET waste and castor oil‐based polyols for two‐pack coating systems

Useful coating products may be obtained by chemical valorization (glycolysis) of post‐consumed poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) wastes. Glycolysis of PET waste was carried out using poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) of various molecular weights (200, 400, 600). The depolymerized oligoesters obtained were transesterified with castor oil which results in the formation of saturated hydroxyl‐functional polyester polyols. Two‐pack coating systems were formulated using these resins as base component and melamine formaldehyde resins as hardener component. Cured films were tested for their mechanical and chemical performances. The glycolysis of PET using PEG and polyester polyol formation was characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and the molecular weights were determined using gel permeation chromatography. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry     

Expression of chemokines RANTES, MIP-1alpha and GRO-alpha correlates with inflammation in acute experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis

Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) is an investigator-initiated disorder that serves as an animal model for the common human demyelinating disease multiple sclerosis. Both diseases are typified by disseminated perivascular and submeningeal cuffs in the central nervous system (CNS). It was shown recently that chemokines are integral to the pathogenesis of EAE. In the present study we analyzed the gene expression of three chemokines, RANTES, MIP-1alpha and GRO-alpha, at the onset of acute EAE, and correlated that expression with the intensity of inflammatory changes in the CNS. We showed that all three chemokines are upregulated simultaneously with symptom onset of acute EAE, and that chemokine expression correlates with the intensity of inflammation in the CNS. This consistent relationship supports the hypothesis that chemokines are relevant to leukocyte accumulation in CNS parenchyma.     

Generation of autonomously pathogenic neo-autoreactive Th1 cells during the development of the determinant spreading cascade in murine autoimmune encephalomyelitis

Chronic progression of autoimmune disease is accompanied by the acquisition of autoreactivity to new self-determinants. Recent evidence indicates that this process, commonly referred to as determinant spreading, may be pathogenic for chronicity. Our studies on experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a murine model widely used in multiple sclerosis (MS) studies, have shown that determinant spreading develops as a predictable sequential cascade of neo-autoimmunity during progression to chronic disease. By 7-8 weeks after immunization of (SWR x SJL)F1 mice with the immunodominant myelin proteolipid protein determinant (PLP 139-151), splenocytes consistently respond to the immunodominant myelin basic protein determinant (MBP 87-99). In the present study, we directly address the pathogenicity of neo-autoimmunity resulting from endogenous self-priming during the course of disease. Our results indicate that T cells responding to the spreading MBP 87-99 determinant produce a proinflammatory cytokine profile consistent with type 1 helper T cells (Th1) cells. In addition, splenocytes activated to the spreading MBP 87-99 determinant consistently transfer acute EAE in naive recipients even when T cells reactive to the priming PLP 139-151 immunogen are eliminated by bromodeoxyuridine (BUdR)-mediated photolysis. Our data indicate that endogenous neo-autoantigen priming during chronic autoimmune disease generates type 1 helper T cells (Th1) cells that are autonomously pathogenic. These results provide further evidence supporting the view that determinant spreading is a pathogenic process that leads to chronic progression of autoimmune disease.     

On the Stability of a Nonlinear Viscoelastic Rod Subjected to a Longitudinal Force in the Form of a Random Stationary Process

The stability and reliability of a nonlinear viscoelastic rod under a stochastic excitation is investigated. The loads are assumed to be in the form of random stationary processes. The solution is obtained with the help of a numerical method, which is based on the method of the statistical simulation of random input processes and on the numerical solution of the system of nonlinear and linearized integro-differential equations. These equations describe a nonperturbed and perturbed motion of the rod. The estimation of the stability is carried out with the help of top Lyapunov exponents.     

PCR-based rapid detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in blood from immunocompetent patients with pulmonary tuberculosis

A PCR test based on insertion sequence IS1081 was developed to detect Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex organisms in the peripheral blood. The method was applied to blood samples from immunocompetent individuals with localized pulmonary tuberculosis. Seven of 16 (43.75%) blood samples were found to be positive for the circulating DNA copies of M. tuberculosis complex.     

Cigarette smoking increases sympathetic outflow in humans

OBJECTIVE: To describe a detailed operative procedure for type III laparoscopic radical hysterectomy with bilateral low paraaortic, subaortic and pelvic lymphadenectomy. STUDY DESIGN: Between January 1992 and December 1995, eight patients with cervical carcinoma IA2 or IB1 underwent laparoscopic radical hysterectomy at China Medical College Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan, R.O.C. The procedure of laparoscopic radical hysterectomy was separated into eight segmental steps. RESULTS: No major complications, including ureteral injury and lymphocyst formation, were noted in any case. Mean hospitalization was 6.5 days. The follow-up period ranged from 16 to 62 months. Only one case recurred, in the lung. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic radical hysterectomy is a safe procedure. A complete pelvic and paraaortic lymphadenectomy and type III radical hysterectomy can be performed laparoscopically. This approach allows shorter hospitalization and carries less morbidity than the open type. Short-term follow-up (1.3-5.1 years) indicated a favorable prognosis.     

A digital system for producing X-ray images with a high spatial resolution

A system for detecting X-ray shadowgraphs with a high spatial resolution, in which a shadowgraph formed on a luminophor is transferred to a charge-coupled device (CCD) matrix by using an objective lens, is considered. The signal stored on the CCD matrix is read, converted, and transmitted to the computer for further processing and representation. A 25-lp/mm spatial resolution was obtained for a 10.8 × 10.8-mm input field of the system. The measurements were performed by using a tungsten-wire standard placed on the surface of the input field of the detecting system, when the anode voltage was 45 kV, the anode current was ～2 mA, and the focal distance was 450 mm. It was shown that the 25-lp/mm spatial resolution is not limiting and that it is possible to attain a value of 40 lp/mm or higher.