bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Surface Activation of a Ferrimagnetic Glass–Ceramic for Antineoplastic Drugs Grafting
Authors: Vernè Enrica , Miola Marta , Ferraris Sara , Bianchi Claudia L. , Naldoni Alberto , Maina Giovanni , Bretcanu Oana
Published: July 2010

A ferrimagnetic glass–ceramic, belonging to the system SiO2–Na2O–CaO–P2O5–FeO–Fe2O3, has been studied as potential carrier for antineoplastic agents, in order to exploit the combination of hyperthermia and chemotherapy. Different material pre‐treatments, such as ultrasonic washing, water, or simulated body fluid dipping, were evaluated to promote the surface activation of the glass–ceramic, i.e., the hydroxyl groups formation on it. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersion spectrometry, and wettability measurements were performed to observe the samples surface modification. The best results in terms of free hydroxyl groups exposition were obtained by dipping the samples in distilled water for 7 days at 37 °C. Two different anticancer drugs were selected in order to test the reactivity of the activated surface: cisplatinum and doxorubicin. The uptake and release of doxorubicin and cisplatinum were evaluated on glass–ceramic powders, by using UV–Visible spectrometry and graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy, respectively. After 1 day of uptake at 37 °C, the quantity of doxorubicin incorporated into the glass–ceramic is 77 ± 7 wt%, while only 42 ± 9.6 wt% of cisplatinum is grafted onto the material surface. For both antitumoral agents, the maximum drug release after soaking in aqueous solutions at 37 °C was obtained in few hours, with a randomly distributed kinetics trend.
Tailoring Cell Behavior on Polymers by the Incorporation of Titanium Doped Phosphate Glass Filler
Authors: Chrzanowski Wojciech , Abou Neel Ensanya A. , Lee Koon‐Y. , Bismarck Alexander , Young Anne M. , Hart Andrew D. , Dalby Matthew J. , Knowles Jonathan C.
Published: July 2010

Understanding tissue response to materials, to enable modulation and guided tissue regeneration is one of the main challenges in biomaterials science. Nowadays polymers, glasses, and metals dominate as biomaterials. Often native properties of those materials are not sufficient and there is a need to combine them, so as to modify and adjust their properties to the application. The primary aim of this study was to improve cell response to polymer (PLDL) using phosphate glass as filler (titanium doped phosphate glass). As a control β‐tricalcium phosphate (TCP) filler was used. Various concentrations of the filler were used (10–40 vol%). Wetting behavior, ζ‐potentials, mechanical and thermal properties, and human cells response to the materials were evaluated. Results showed that with increase in glass filler loading wettability improved, ζ‐potentials dropped, and increase in stiffness of materials was observed. Importantly cell culture experiments showed more developed and well spread cells on the samples with glass content up to 20 vol%. Cells responded much more positively to the glass filled samples than to TCP filled. However, expression of osteocalcin and osteopontin, proteins that indicate formation of the mineralized structures was positive for all the samples including pure PLDL. It was concluded that due to improved wetting behavior, lower ζ‐potentials, and specific chemistry of the glass filler it was possible to alter cells response, improve bioactivity of the polymer, and vary mechanical properties.
Apatite Deposition on NaOH‐Treated PEEK and UHMWPE Films for Sclera Materials in Artificial Cornea Implants
Authors: Pino Monica , Chrzanowski Wojciech , Fabel Derek , Baklar Mohammed , Stingelin Natalie , Tanner Kathleen E.
Published: July 2010

Cornea implants consist of a clear optic portion with a surrounding ring known as the skirt, which needs to integrate with the sclera. However, currently used skirt materials lead to poor tissue integration. Improvements in this respect may be achieved by using a bioactive skirt material that adapts to the metabolic activity of the cornea. Polyether etherketone (PEEK) and ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) might provide interesting alternatives, if they can be rendered bioactive. We, therefore, investigated the potential of surface‐modifying PEEK and UHMWPE films through the use of a two‐step treatment. This process involved a suitable chemical surface modification (via immersion in NaOH), with subsequent formation of apatite layers on the polymers' surfaces through exposure to supersaturated simulated body fluid (1.5 SBF). In the present work the effect of 5 and 10 M NaOH on formation of the apatite layer has been investigated with regard to wettability and topography features. In addition, the chemical stability of the apatite layer formed has been analyzed. Our data demonstrate that with an increase in NaOH concentration the wettability of the polymer increased, whilst some changes to the polymer film topography (increase/decrease in roughness) were observed. Most beneficially, the apatite layer that subsequently was grown on pre‐treated PEEK and UHMWPE films through immersion in 1.5 SBF contained phosphate and carbonate ions, in similar ratios to those found in the apatite in dentine, thus, promising good in vivo bioactivity of these polymer films—a necessity if they are to be integrated into artificial cornea.
Dimer‐Based Three‐Dimensional Photonic Crystals
Authors: Hosein Ian D. , Lee Stephanie H. , Liddell Chekesha M.
Published: July 2010

The self‐assembly of polystyrene dimer‐ and spherocylinder‐shaped colloids is achieved via controlled drying on glass and silicon substrates. 3D monoclinic colloidal crystal structures are determined from scanning electron microscopy images of sections prepared using focused ion‐beam (FIB) milling. Full photonic bandgaps between the eighth and ninth bands are found for a systematic range of colloidal dimer shapes explored with respect to the degree of constituent lobe fusion and radius ratio. The pseudogap between bands 2 and 3 for spherocylinder‐based monoclinic crystals is also probed using normal incidence reflection spectroscopy.
Specific Colorimetric Detection of Proteins Using Bidentate Aptamer‐Conjugated Polydiacetylene (PDA) Liposomes
Authors: Jung Yun Kyung , Kim Tae Won , Park Hyun Gyu , Soh H. Tom
Published: July 2010

The development of a bidentate aptamer‐functionalized polydiacetylene (PDA) liposome sensor that is capable of specific colorimetric detection of proteins, directly in complex mixtures (e.g., serum), at sub‐micromolar concentrations within 15 min, is reported. In comparison to sensors fabricated with a single aptamer reagent, the conjugation of bidentate aptamer pairs that recognize two distinct exosites of the target protein (thrombin) to the liposome results in significant enhancements of the sensitivity and the specificity. To elucidate the mechanism behind this enhancement, experimental evidence is presented that suggests that the liposomic aggregation triggered by specific, multi‐site binding to the target protein is responsible for the improved colorimetric response. Since the colorimetric protein sensor does not require any power or instrumentation, it offers a promising approach towards molecular diagnostics at point‐of‐care (POC), especially in low‐resource settings.
Aqueous Ethylenediamine for CO2 Capture
Authors: Zhou Shan , Chen Xi , Nguyen Thu , Voice Alexander K. , Rochelle Gary T.
Published: July 2010

Aqueous ethylenediamine (EDA) has been investigated as a solvent for CO2 capture from flue gas. EDA can be used at 12 M (mol kg−1 H2O) with an acceptable viscosity of 16 cP (1 cP=10−3 Pa s) with 0.48 mol CO2 per equivalent of EDA. Similar to monoethanolamine (MEA), EDA can be used up to 120 °C in a stripper without significant thermal degradation. Inhibitor A will effectively eliminate oxidative degradation. Above 120 °C, loaded EDA degrades with the production of its cyclic urea and other related compounds. Unlike piperazine, when exposed to oxidative degradation, EDA does not result in excessive foaming. Over much of the loading range, the CO2 absorption rate with 12 M EDA is comparable to 7 M MEA. However, at typical rich loading, 12 M EDA absorbs CO2 2 times slower than 7 M MEA. The capacity of 12 M EDA is 0.72 mol CO2/(kg H2O+EDA) (for P=0.5 to 5 kPa at 40 °C), which is about double that of MEA. The apparent heat of CO2 desorption in EDA solution is 84 kJ mol−1 CO2; greater than most other amine systems.
The Development of a New Type of Rechargeable Batteries Based on Hybrid Electrolytes
Authors: Zhou Haoshen , Wang Yonggang , Li Huiqiao , He Ping
Published: July 2010

Lithium ion batteries (LIBs), which have the highest energy density among all currently available rechargeable batteries, have recently been considered for use in hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), plug‐in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), and pure electric vehicles (PEV). A major challenge in this effort is to increase the energy density of LIBs to satisfy the industrial needs of HEVs, PHEVs, and PEVs. Recently, new types of lithium–air and lithium–copper batteries that employ hybrid electrolytes have attracted significant attention; these batteries are expected to succeed lithium ion batteries as next‐generation power sources. Herein, we review the concept of hybrid electrolytes, as well as their advantages and disadvantages. In addition, we examine new battery types that use hybrid electrolytes.
Alpha2beta1 integrin is the major collagen‐binding integrin expressed on human Th17 cells
Authors: Boisvert Marc , Chetoui Nizar , Gendron Steve , Aoudjit Fawzi
Published: July 2010

Growing evidence indicates that collagen‐binding integrins are important costimulatory molecules of effector T cells. In this study, we demonstrate that the major collagen‐binding integrin expressed by human Th17 cells is alpha2beta1 (α2β1) or VLA‐2, also known as the receptor for collagen I on T cells. Our results show that human naïve CD4+ T cells cultured under Th17 polarization conditions preferentially upregulate α2β1 integrin rather than α1β1 integrin, which is the receptor for collagen IV on T cells. Double staining analysis for integrin receptors and intracellular IL‐17 showed that α2 integrin but not α1 integrin is associated with Th17 cells. Cell adhesion experiments demonstrated that Th17 cells attach to collagen I and collagen II using α2β1 integrin but did not attach to collagen IV. Functional studies revealed that collagens I and II but not collagen IV costimulate the production of IL‐17A, IL‐17F and IFN‐γ by human Th17 cells activated with anti‐CD3. These results identify α2β1 integrin as the major collagen receptor expressed on human Th17 cells and suggest that it can be an important costimulatory molecule of Th17 cell responses.
MHC class I molecules exploit the low G+C content of pathogen genomes for enhanced presentation
Authors: Calis Jorg J. A. , Sanchez‐Perez Gabino F. , Keşmir Can
Published: July 2010

Distinguishing self from nonself and pathogenic from nonpathogenic is a fundamental challenge to the immune system but whether adaptive immune systems use pathogen‐specific signatures to achieve this is largely unknown. By investigating the presentation of large sets of viruses and bacteria on MHC class I molecules, we analyze whether MHC‐I molecules have a preference for pathogen‐derived peptides. The fraction of potential MHC‐I binders in different organisms can vary up to eight‐fold. We find that this variation can be largely explained by G+C content differences of the organisms, which are reflected in amino acid frequencies. A significant majority of HLA‐A, but not HLA‐B, molecules has a preference for peptides derived from organisms with a low G+C content. Interestingly, a low G+C content seems to be a universal signature for pathogenicity. Finally, we find the same preferences in chimpanzee and rhesus macaque MHC‐I molecules. These results demonstrate that despite the fast evolution of MHC‐I alleles and their extreme polymorphism and diversity in peptide‐binding preferences, MHC‐I molecules can acquire a preference to exploit pathogen‐specific signatures.
Murine model of chronic L. (Viannia) panamensis infection: Role of IL‐13 in disease
Authors: Castilho Tiago M. , Goldsmith‐Pestana Karen , Lozano Caterin , Valderrama Liliana , Saravia Nancy G. , McMahon‐Pratt Diane
Published: July 2010

Leishmania (Viannia) organisms are the most prevalent etiologic agents of human cutaneous leishmaniasis in the Americas. Nevertheless, our knowledge of the immunological mechanisms exploited by L. (Viannia) organisms remains limited and the mechanisms underlying disease are not well understood. Here, we report the development of a BALB/c mouse model of L. (V.) panamensis infection that is able to reproduce chronic disease, with persistent infection and clinically evident lesions for over 1 year. The immune response of the mouse resembles that found for L. (V.) panamensis‐infected patients with chronic and recurrent lesions, presenting a mixed Th1/Th2 response with the presence of TNF‐α, IFN‐γ, IL‐10 and IL‐13. Using immunodeficient mice, the critical role for IL‐13 and/or IL‐4Rα in determining susceptibility to chronic infection was evident. With the induction of healing in the immunodeficient mice, increases in IFN‐γ and IL‐17 were found, concomitant with parasite control and elimination. Specifically, increases in CD4+ (but not CD8+) T cells producing IFN‐γ were observed. These results suggest that IL‐13 represents an important target for disease control of L. (V.) panamensis infection. This murine model should be useful to further understand the pathology associated with chronic disease and to develop methods for the treatment and prevention of leishmaniasis caused by L. (Viannia) parasites.
Concomitant type I IFN receptor‐triggering of T cells and of DC is required to promote maximal modified vaccinia virus Ankara‐induced T‐cell expansion
Authors: Frenz Theresa , Waibler Zoe , Hofmann Janin , Hamdorf Matthias , Lantermann Markus , Reizis Boris , Tovey Michaël G. , Aichele Peter , Sutter Gerd , Kalinke Ulrich
Published: July 2010

Virus‐induced expansion of CD8+ T cells may be promoted by type I IFN receptor (IFNAR)‐triggering of T cells, depending on the pathogen tested. We studied modified vaccinia virus Ankara (MVA), a promising vaccine vector candidate, which was derived from conventional vaccinia virus (VACV) by more than 570 consecutive in vitro passages. In adoptive transfer experiments, we verified that VACV expressing the gp33 epitope of lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (VACVgp33) induced largely IFNAR‐independent expansion of gp33‐specific T cells. On the contrary, MVAgp33‐induced T‐cell expansion was IFNAR dependent. Interestingly, under the latter conditions, T‐cell activation was IFNAR independent, whereas T‐cell apoptosis was enhanced in the absence of IFNAR. To address whether MVA‐induced T‐cell expansion was solely affected by IFNAR‐triggering of T cells, expansion of endogenous T cells was studied in conditional mice with a T‐cell‐ or DC‐specific IFNAR deletion. Interestingly, both mouse strains showed moderately reduced T‐cell expansion, whereas mice with a combined T‐cell‐ and DC‐specific IFNAR ablation showed massively reduced T‐cell expansion similar to that of IFNAR−/− mice. These results are compatible with the model that IFN‐inducing viruses such as MVA confer virus‐specific CD8+ T‐cell expansion by concomitant IFNAR‐triggering of DC and of T cells.
Chemistry of 4‐Hydroxy‐2‐cyclopentenone Derivatives
Authors: Roche Stéphane P. , Aitken David J.
Published: July 2010

The 4‐hydroxy‐2‐cyclopentenone moiety is a highly valued molecular scaffold; it is bestowed with a wide‐ranging chemical reactivity profile which synthetic chemists have exploited increasingly over the last few decades. This review summarises the methods available for the preparation ofsimple building blocks which contain this core, then illustrates the diversity of chemical transformations which can be conducted with them, by highlighting applications in multi‐step syntheses of complex target molecules.
Influence of gusset plate connections and braces on the seismic performance of X‐braced frames
Authors: Roeder Charles W. , Lehman Dawn E. , Clark Kelly , Powell Jacob , Yoo Jung‐Han , Tsai Keh‐Chyuan , Lin Chih‐Han , Wei Chih‐Yu
Published: July 2010

Braced frames are one of the most economical and efficient seismic resisting systems yet few full‐scale tests exist. A recent research project, funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF), seeks to fill this gap by developing high‐resolution data of improved seismic resisting braced frame systems. As part of this study, three full‐scale, two‐story concentrically braced frames in the multi‐story X‐braced configuration were tested. The experiments examined all levels of system performance, up to and including fracture of multiple braces in the frame. Although the past research suggests very limited ductility of SCBFs with HSS rectangular tubes for braces recent one‐story tests with improved gusset plate designs suggest otherwise. The frame designs used AISC SCBF standards and two of these frames designs also employed new concepts developed for gusset plate connection design. Two specimens employed HSS rectangular tubes for bracing, and the third specimen had wide flange braces. Two specimens had rectangular gusset plates and the third had tapered gusset plates. The HSS tubes achieved multiple cycles at maximum story drift ratios greater than 2% before brace fracture with the improved connection design methods. Frames with wide flange braces achieved multiple cycles at maximum story drift greater than 2.5% before brace fracture. Inelastic deformation was distributed between the two stories with the multi‐story X‐brace configuration and top story loading. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The geology of the area around Mynydd Mawr, Nantlle, Caernarvonshire
Authors: Cattermole P. , Jones A.
Published: July 2010

Strata ranging from Arvonian to Llanvirnian are described. These rocks outcrop in a number of cylindrical or periclinal folds trending NE‐SW. The lowest rocks are voicanic and pass upwards into mainly coarse marine sedimentary rocks intercalated with thin turf bands and ignimbrites. These lowest Cambrian rocks must have been deposited in vcry shallow water while the ignimbrites would have been laid down on land. The slates of the Nantlle slate belt are overlain, in part conformably, by the Cymmffyrch (Bronllwyd) Grit of upper Lower Cambrian‐Middle Cambrian age, and this is overlain by thick Upper Cambrian slates and quartzites in the east of the area. No Arenig rocks are exposed as the Ffestiniog slates are immediately overlain by Llanvirnian.

Two sets of folds are seen: the first (F1) phase includes mainly cylindrical or periclinal folds with steep limbs and an associated axial planar cleavage (S1) which are the basis of the regional structure. Later (F3) small‐scale folds produced flexure of the (F1) folds and associated with the later movements is an S3 crenulation cleavage. The riebeckite microgranite of Mynydd Mawr is briefly described.
APPLICATION OF GEOMEMBRANE TO CONTROL PIPING OF SANDY SOIL UNDER CONCRETE CANAL LINING (CASE STUDY: MOGHAN IRRIGATION PROJECT, IRAN)
Authors: Rahimi Hassan , Abbasi Nader , Shantia Hassan
Published: July 2010

Fine sandy soils have always been known as one of those problematic soils which will erode rapidly and cause piping due to water flow. This phenomenon has caused the destruction of many concrete canal linings around the world. In the present study, the history of the design, construction and operation of a canal in the Moghan Irrigation and Drainage Network, in north‐west Iran, is reviewed and the main causes of destruction of the concrete lining of the canal are discussed. Based on the results of geotechnical studies, it was found that the canal was constructed on wind‐blown deposits consisting of very fine to fine sand and loess. During operation of the canal, the fine, clean sandy subgrade soil was highly eroded due to water seeping under the canal lining, causing severe piping and consequently destruction of the lining. Following field and laboratory investigations, the main cause of the problem was diagnosed as “physical dispersivity” of the subgrade soil, and application of a geomembrane under the concrete lining was chosen as the most economical and practical measure to remedy the problem. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characterization of murine SIRT3 transcript variants and corresponding protein products
Authors: Yang Yongjie , Hubbard Basil P. , Sinclair David A. , Tong Qiang
Published: July 2010

SIRT3 is one of the seven mammalian sirtuin homologs of the yeast SIR2 gene. SIRT3 possesses NAD+‐dependent protein deacetylase activity. Recent studies indicate that the murine SIRT3 gene expresses different transcript variants, resulting in three possible SIRT3 protein isoforms with various lengths at the N‐terminus: M1 (aa 1–334), M2 (aa 15–334), and M3 (aa 78–334). The transcript variants 1 and 3 can only produce M3 protein, while M1 and M2 proteins are translationally initiated from different in‐frame ATG sites in transcript 2. Here we report that three transcript variants of the mouse SIRT3 gene are broadly expressed in various mouse tissues. By expressing these SIRT3 isoforms in HEK293 cells through transient transfection, we confirmed recent reports that two longer murine SIRT3 proteins (M1 and M2) are targeted to mitochondria with higher efficiency than the shorter M3 isoform. Additionally, the M1 and M2 proteins are processed into a mature form. Using Edman degradation we identify Ile38 (majority) or Val42 as the N‐terminal amino acid of the mature M1 isoform, and Met78 or Val79 as the N‐terminal amino acid of the M3 isoform. Interestingly, we found that even upon mutation of the M2 ATG site in the M1 cDNA, a processed mature protein could still be produced. In terms of deacetylase activity, we found that although only the mature protein derived from M1 or M2 proteins were active against acetylated peptide substrates, all three forms had equal deacetylase activity towards a full‐length native protein substrate, acetyl CoA synthetase 2. J. Cell. Biochem. 111: 1051–1058, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Sepsis downregulates myostatin mRNA levels without altering myostatin protein levels in skeletal muscle
Authors: Smith Ira J. , Aversa Zaira , Alamdari Nima , Petkova Victoria , Hasselgren Per‐Olof
Published: July 2010

Myostatin is a negative regulator of muscle mass and has been reported to be upregulated in several conditions characterized by muscle atrophy. The influence of sepsis on myostatin expression and activity is poorly understood. Here, we tested the hypothesis that sepsis upregulates the expression and downstream signaling of myostatin in skeletal muscle. Because sepsis‐induced muscle wasting is at least in part regulated by glucocorticoids, we also determined the influence of glucocorticoids on myostatin expression. Sepsis was induced in rats by cecal ligation and puncture and control rats were sham‐operated. In other experiments, rats were injected intraperitoneally with dexamethasone (10 mg/kg) or corresponding volume of vehicle. Surprisingly, myostatin mRNA levels were reduced and myostatin protein levels were unchanged in muscles from septic rats. Muscle levels of activin A, follistatin, and total and phosphorylated Smad2 (p‐Smad2) were not influenced by sepsis, suggesting that myostatin downstream signaling was not altered during sepsis. Interestingly, total and p‐Smad3 levels were increased in septic muscle, possibly reflecting altered signaling through pathways other than myostatin. Similar to sepsis, treatment of rats with dexamethasone reduced myostatin mRNA levels and did not alter myostatin protein levels. Fasting, an additional condition characterized by muscle wasting, reduced myostatin mRNA and activin A protein levels, increased myostatin protein, and did not influence follistatin and p‐Smad2 levels. Of note, total and p‐Smad3 levels were reduced in muscle during fasting. The results suggest that sepsis and glucocorticoids do not upregulate the expression and activity of myostatin in skeletal muscle. The role of myostatin may vary between different conditions characterized by muscle wasting. Downstream signaling through Smad2 and 3 is probably regulated not only by myostatin but by other mechanisms as well. J. Cell. Biochem. 111: 1059–1073, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Gender differences in β‐adrenoceptor system in cardiac hypertrophy due to arteriovenous fistula
Authors: Dent Melissa R. , Tappia Paramjit S. , Dhalla Naranjan S.
Published: July 2010

This study was undertaken to determine alterations in the β‐adrenoceptor (β‐AR) signaling system in male and female rats at 4 weeks after the induction of arteriovenous (AV) fistula or shunt. AV shunt produced a greater degree of cardiac hypertrophy and larger increase in cardiac output in male than in female animals. Increases in plasma levels of norepinephrine and epinephrine (EPI) due to AV shunt were also higher in male than females. While no difference in the β1‐AR affinity was seen in males and females, AV shunt induced increase in β1‐AR density in female rats was higher than that in males. Furthermore, no changes in basal adenylyl cyclase (AC) V/VI mRNA levels were seen; however, the increase in EPI‐stimulated AC activities was greater in AV shunt females than in males. AV shunt decreased myocardial β1‐AR mRNA level in male rats and increased β2‐AR mRNA level in female hearts; an increase in Gi‐protein mRNA was detected only in male hearts. Although GRK2 gene expression was increased in both sexes, an increase in GRK3 mRNA was seen only in AV shunt female rats. β‐arrestin1 mRNA was elevated in females whereas β‐arrestin 2 gene expression was increased in both male and female AV shunt rats. While these data demonstrate gender associated differences in various components of the β‐AR system in cardiac hypertrophy due to AV shunt, only higher levels of plasma catecholamines may account for the greater increase in cardiac output and higher degree of cardiac hypertrophy in males. J. Cell. Physiol. 226: 181–186, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Role of hypoxia‐induced fibronectin‐integrin β1 expression in embryonic stem cell proliferation and migration: Involvement of PI3K/Akt and FAK
Authors: Lee Sang Hun , Lee Yu Jin , Han Ho Jae
Published: July 2010

Cell migration is largely dependent on integrin (IN) binding to the extracellular matrix, and several signaling pathways involved in these processes have been shown to be modified by hypoxia. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the influence of hypoxia on fibronectin (FN) and IN β1 expression in mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) and their signaling pathways to modulate proliferation. FN and IN β1 expression were significantly increased in hypoxic mESCs by 24 h. Hypoxia also increased cell attachment, which was accompanied by concomitant increases in the binding level of FN and IN β1. Hypoxia‐induced FN expression was mediated by increased phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K)/Akt and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) phosphorylation, and hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α (HIF‐1α) expression. Moreover, under hypoxic conditions, focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and Src phosphorylation were increased in a time‐dependent fashion; these increases were blocked by IN β1 antibody. In addition, the hypoxia induced increase of F‐actin distribution and cell migration (activation of matrix metalloproteinase‐2 and ‐9) was inhibited by IN β1 antibody. Indeed, hypoxia increased the level of cell‐cycle regulatory protein and DNA synthesis. In conclusion, hypoxia increases the proliferation and migration of mESCs via FN‐IN β1 production through the PI3K/Akt, mTOR, and HIF‐1α pathways, followed by FAK activation. J. Cell. Physiol. 226: 484–493, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Synthesis of [2‐13C, 4‐13C]‐(2R,3S)‐catechin and [2‐13C, 4‐13C]‐(2R,3R)‐epicatechin
Authors: Sharma Pradeep K. , He Min , Romanczyk Leo J. , Schroeter Hagen
Published: July 2010

The first synthesis of doubly labeled, [2‐13C, 4‐13C]‐(2R,3S)‐catechin 15 and [2‐13C, 4‐13C]‐(2R,3R)‐epicatechin 18 starting from labeled 2‐hydroxy‐4, 6‐bis(benzyloxy)acetophenone 3 and labeled 3, 4‐bis(benzyloxy)‐benzaldehyde 7 are described. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Labeling of PKC412 – a fermentative radiolabeling
Authors: Burtscher P. , Haecker H. , Moenius T.
Published: July 2010

Addition of [3‐14C]D/L‐tryptophan to the fermentation broth allowed radiofermentative labeling of staurosporine. The approach providing [4c,7a‐14C2]staurosporine in a range from 700 to 1300 MBq/mmol was straightforward and easy to handle as well as safe from a radioprotection point of view. The presented example underlines that close cooperation of microbiologists and radiochemists is a requisite for the success of this approach. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis and evaluation of a11C‐labelled angiotensin II AT2receptor ligand
Authors: Åberg Ola , Stevens Marc , Lindh Jonas , Wallinder Charlotta , Hall Håkan , Monazzam Azita , Larhed Mats , Långström Bengt
Published: July 2010

Three11C‐radiolabelled high‐affinity nonpeptide AT2receptor‐selective ligands were synthesized and one of these was evaluated as positron emission tomography (PET) tracer. The labelling reaction was performed via palladium(0)‐mediated aminocarbonylation of the aryl iodide substrate using [11C]carbon monoxide as the labelled precursor. As an example, starting with 10.0 GBq [11C]carbon monoxide, 1.10 GBq of the productN‐butoxycarbonyl‐3‐[4‐(N‐benzyl‐[11C]carbamoyl)‐phenyl]‐5‐isobutylthiophene‐2‐sulphonamide [11C]4d was obtained in 36% decay‐corrected radiochemical yield (from [11C]carbon monoxide), 42 min from end of bombardment with a specific activity of 110 GBq·µmol−1. TheN‐isopropyl‐[11C]carbamoyl‐analogue [11C]4c (radiochemical purity >95%) was studied employing autoradiography, organ distribution, and small animal PET.In vitroautoradiography showed specific binding in the pancreas and kidney. Organ distribution in six rats revealed a high uptake in the liver, intestine, kidney, and adrenals. Small animal PET showed rapid and reversible uptake in the kidneys followed by accumulation in the urinary bladder suggesting fast renal excretion of the tracer. In addition, high accumulation was also seen in the liver. For future studies, more metabolically stable tracers will need to be developed. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first attempt of the use of PET imaging for the detection of expressed, fully functional AT2receptors in living subjects. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A method for the preparation of [13C6]‐labelled 2‐substituted naphthalenes
Authors: Ellames George J. , Herbert John M.
Published: July 2010

A reliable route is described for the preparation of various 2‐substituted derivatives of [1,2,3,4,4a,8a‐13C6]‐naphthalene via the bromide 10. The approach is used to prepare [naphthalene‐1,2,3,4,4a,8a‐13C6]‐2‐(2‐bromoethyl)naphthalene (1), a key intermediate in the synthesis of labelled SR57746A, Xaliproden (2). Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
SVM based prediction of RNA‐binding proteins using binding residues and evolutionary information
Authors: Kumar Manish , Gromiha M. Michael , Raghava Gajendra P. S.
Published: July 2010

RNA‐binding proteins (RBPs) play crucial role in transcription and gene‐regulation. This paper describes a support vector machine (SVM) based method for discriminating and classifying RNA‐binding and non‐binding proteins using sequence features. With the threshold of 30% interacting residues, RNA‐binding amino acid prediction method PPRINT achieved the Matthews correlation coefficient (MCC) of 0.32. BLAST and PSI‐BLAST identified RBPs with the coverage of 32.63 and 33.16%, respectively, at the e‐value of 1e‐4. The SVM models developed with amino acid, dipeptide and four‐part amino acid compositions showed the MCC of 0.60, 0.46, and 0.53, respectively. This is the first study in which evolutionary information in form of position specific scoring matrix (PSSM) profile has been successfully used for predicting RBPs. We achieved the maximum MCC of 0.62 using SVM model based on PSSM called PSSM‐400. Finally, we developed different hybrid approaches and achieved maximum MCC of 0.66. We also developed a method for predicting three subclasses of RNA binding proteins (e.g., rRNA, tRNA, mRNA binding proteins). The performance of the method was also evaluated on an independent dataset of 69 RBPs and 100 non‐RBPs (NBPs). An additional benchmarking was also performed using gene ontology (GO) based annotation. Based on the hybrid approach a web‐server RNApred has been developed for predicting RNA binding proteins from amino acid sequences (http://www.imtech.res.in/raghava/rnapred/). Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Acidic/caustic alternating corrosion on carbon steel pipes in heat exchanger of ethylene plant
Authors: Gong Y. , Yang C. , Yao C. , Yang Z.‐G.
Published: July 2010

Caustic embrittlement, a kind of stress corrosion cracking (SCC), is always encountered on materials under stresses amid caustic environment. Acidic corrosion is another familiar degradation on materials contacting acidic media. However, it has been seldom studied what effect would be resulted in on materials that are exposed to an acidic/caustic alternating environment. In this paper, failure events were discovered on the carbon steel pipes under such an alternating service condition due to frequent sharp fluctuations of the heat medium's (process water) pH values in a heat exchanger. What is more, even chloride ions and sulfur element were detected, i.e., pitting corrosion was involved as well. In order to identify the causes of the failure, matrix materials of the pipes were examined, failure defects on pipe surfaces were investigated, particularly the process water was thoroughly inspected via a series of characterization methods. Based on the analysis results, a novel four‐level mechanism from microscopic scale to macroscopic scale was tentatively proposed to explain such an acidic/caustic alternating corrosion.
Preparation of poly(phenylsilsesquioxane) (PPSQ) particles with ladder structure and the thermal stability of PP/PPSQ composites
Authors: Wang Xinlong , Li Jin , Wu Lianghu
Published: July 2010

The poly(phenylsilsesquioxane) (PPSQ) particles were prepared with both basic and acidic catalyzed processes and the PP/PPSQ composites were prepared by melt blending method. Studies on PPSQ by Infrared (IR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), 29Si cross polarized (CP) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy showed that the structure of PPSQ was ladder structure. The results of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) confirmed that the prepared PPSQ particles were about 2 µm with narrow size distributions. The morphology and thermal stability of PP/PPSQ composites were characterized by SEM, XRD, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The SEM result showed that the particles were well dispersed in the PP matrix and the XRD revealed that the addition of PPSQ influences the crystallinity and crystal orientation of PP. The thermogravimetric analysis results of the PP/PPSQ composites indicated that the incorporation of PPSQ can improve the thermal stability of PP. The Flynn–Wall–Ozawa method was employed to analyze the TGA data and the kinetic results showed that the apparent activation energy for PP/PPSQ composites was much higher than that of neat PP, suggesting that the PPSQ influences the mechanisms of pyrolysis of PP. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Uncross‐linked polypropylene (PP)/ethylene‐propylene‐diene (EPDM)/multi walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) and dynamically vulcanized PP/EPDM/MWCNT nanocomposites
Authors: Min Kyoung‐Tae , Kim Gue‐Hyun
Published: July 2010

In this study, relatively large amounts of polypropylene (PP), ethylene‐propylene‐diene (EPDM), and multi‐walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) were melt‐mixed with and without DCP. Dynamically vulcanized PP/EPDM (TPV)/MWCNT nanocomposites were prepared by two methods: the MWCNTs were added either before or after the dynamic vulcanization of the blends. The effects of composition, rotor speed, and dynamic vulcanization on their surface resistivity were investigated. The surface resistivity of uncross‐linked PP/EPDM/MWCNT nanocomposites increases with increasing the content of EPDM. At PP/EPDM (70/30 wt%) nanocomposite with 1.5 phr MWCNT, slightly lower surface resistivity is obtained by increasing the rotor speed during mixing. However, for PP/EPDM (50/50 wt%) and PP/EPDM (30/70 wt%) nanocomposites, surface resistivity decreases with increasing the rotor speed from 30 to 60 rpm. But further increase in rotor speed (90 rpm) leads to an increase of surface resistivity. When the MWCNTs were added after the dynamic vulcanization of the blends, the surface resistivity of TPV70/MWCNTnanocomposite is lower than that of uncross‐linked PP/EPDM/MWCNT nanocomposite. However, when the MWCNTs were added before the dynamic vulcanization of the blends, the surface resistivity of TPV70/MWCNT nanocomposite is >1012 Ω/square. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis of poly(arylene ether sulfone)‐block‐sulfonated polybutadiene: the selective post‐sulfonation of block copolymers as proton exchange membranes
Authors: Zhao Yuan , Yin Jie
Published: July 2010

A series of poly(arylene ether sulfone)‐block‐sulfonated polybutadiene (PAES‐b‐sPB) with different ion exchange capacities (IECs) were synthesized and evaluated as proton exchange membranes (PEMs) for possible applications in fuel cells. These sulfonated block copolymers were synthesized via condensation reaction between modified PAES and PB prepolymers, followed by selective post‐sulfonation of PB blocks using acetyl sulfate as the sulfonating reagent. The sulfonic groups were only attached onto PB blocks due to the high reactivity of double bonds to acetyl sulfate. The success of synthesis and selective post‐sulfonation were all confirmed by the Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra. PAES‐b‐sPB had good film‐forming ability and thermal stability. Mechanical properties of membranes varied with the sulfonation. The presence of sulfonic groups increased the tensile strength and Young's modulus but decreased the elongation at break. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images showed large ionic aggregates in membranes. Phase separation as well as the interconnected sulfonate groups which only localized on flexible PB blocks led to these ionic domains. The proton conductivity increased with the increasing IEC and temperature. With relatively low IEC, most membranes still exhibited sufficient proton conductivity. The above results indicated this strategy could be a prospective choice to prepare novel PEMs. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characterization of the proteomes associating with three distinct membrane raft sub‐types in murine sperm
Authors: Asano Atsushi , Nelson Jacquelyn L. , Zhang Sheng , Travis Alexander J.
Published: July 2010

Mammalian sperm are transcriptionally and translationally inactive. To meet changing needs in the epididymis and female tract, they rely heavily on post‐translational modifications and protein acquisition/degradation. Membrane rafts are sterol and sphingolipid‐enriched micro‐domains that organize and regulate various pathways. Rafts have significance in sperm by transducing the stimulus of sterol efflux into changes in intracellular signaling that confer fertilization competence. We recently characterized three biochemically distinct sub‐types of sperm rafts, and now present profiles for proteins targeting to and associating with these sub‐types, along with a fraction largely comprised of “non‐raft” domains. Proteomics analysis using a gel‐based LC‐MS/MS approach identified 190 strictly validated proteins in the raft sub‐types. Interestingly, many of these are known to be expressed in the epididymis, where sperm membrane composition matures. To investigate potential roles for rafts in epididymal protein acquisition, we compared the expression and localization of two different sterol‐interacting proteins, apolipoprotein‐A1 (apoA1) and prominin‐1 (prom1) in sperm from different zones. We found that apoA1 was gradually added to the plasma membrane overlying the acrosome, whereas prom1 was not, suggesting different mechanisms for raft protein acquisition. Our results define raft‐associating proteins, demonstrate functional similarities and differences among raft sub‐types, and provide insights into raft‐mediated epididymal protein acquisition.
Development of selected reaction monitoring‐MS methodology to measure peptide biomarkers in prostate cancer
Authors: Yocum Anastasia K. , Khan Amjad P. , Zhao Rong , Chinnaiyan Arul M.
Published: July 2010

Prostate cancer is a leading cause of cancer‐related death. The current modality of diagnosis, the measurement of serum PSA, not only suffers from lack of specificity, but does not distinguish clinical cases in which current treatment measures would be most successful, i.e. aggressive, life‐threatening tumors. A multiplexed MS methodology, selected reaction monitoring‐MS/MS coupled with stable isotope dilution (SID), was developed and tested in both cells lines and clinical tissue samples. Standard curves were generated for two peptides representing PSA and one peptide from each of two additional orthogonally validated biomarkers, AMACR and EZH2. The standard curves show high reproducibility, sensitivity, and good linearity. All four peptides were then measured in six clinically relevant cell lines and are in agreement with the biochemical characteristics of each individual cell line. The SID selected reaction monitoring‐MS/MS methodology was then transferred to tissue samples, in which the assay shows potential to differentiate benign disease from localized cancer and localized cancer from aggressive metastatic disease. These results establish the preliminary development of a rational targeted MS platform that strives to bridge the gap between discovery and validation of biomarkers for the detection of prostate cancer.
Facilitating online support groups for cancer patients: the learning experience of psycho‐oncology clinicians
Authors: Stephen Joanne E. , Christie Glenda , Flood Karen , Golant Mitch , Rahn Michelle , Rennie Heather , Speca Michael , Taylor‐Brown Jill , Turner Jill
Published: July 2010

Objective: Counsellor familiarity and engagement with technology‐mediated communication represents an important factor in the ability to implement support programs to cancer patients. This study describes the experiences of a cohort of expert psycho‐oncology counsellors who learned to facilitate online support groups (OSGs) and identifies the important elements of their learning experience that led to their engagement.

Procedure and method: Six psycho‐oncology counsellors were trained to facilitate OSGs and later facilitated OSGs in their own practice context. They subsequently reflected on and discussed their experiences with OSGs over time: in a panel discussion within 6 months of training, and in two focus groups. A participatory method was used to describe and interpret key elements of the learning process.

Results and discussion: Three themes of the counsellors' learning experience emerged: immersion in experiential learning, perceptions of clinical value and benefit, and overcoming challenges with adapted skills. Counsellors described components of their experiential learning: co‐facilitating online cancer support groups with an expert, debriefing online, and participating in an online peer supervision group, as critical to their becoming engaged. Despite initial challenges, the counsellors learned new skills, and adapted known clinical skills, to the text‐only environment.

Conclusion: With appropriate training and practice over time, counsellors familiar with delivering face‐to‐face support groups to cancer patients became skilled and engaged in leading OSG's for cancer patients. Learning to facilitate OSGs shifted practice by significantly expanding the scope of services they were able to provide their patients and has implications for expanding access to support services. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding in a Patient With Defective Hemostasis Successfully Treated with Ankaferd Blood Stopper
Authors: Purnak Tugrul , Ozaslan Ersan , Beyazit Yavuz , Haznedaroglu Ibrahim C.
Published: July 2010

Acute gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding is one of the most frequent causes for hospitalization and responsible for a major cause of morbidity and mortality among patients. Ankaferd Blood Stopper (ABS) is a herbal extract attained from five different plants Thymus vulgaris, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Vitis vinifera, Alpinia officinarum and Urtica dioica. Here we report a challenging upper GI bleeding case with a low platelet count and defective hemostasis treated endoscopically with ABS as an adjunctive drug. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In vitro anticariogenic effects of aerial parts of Potentilla recta and its phytochemical profile
Authors: Tomczyk Michał , Wiater Adrian , Pleszczyńska Małgorzata
Published: July 2010

This study, for the first time, investigated the in vitro inhibitory effects of Potentilla recta extracts and subfractions obtained with solvents of different polarity (aqueous, 50% ethanol, diethyl ether, ethyl acetate and n‐butanol) against cariogenic Streptococcus spp. strains. It was found that the tested samples inhibited the growth of oral streptococci. Furthermore, all five P. recta preparations exhibited an inhibitory effect on water‐insoluble α‐(1→3)‐,α‐(1→6)‐linked glucan (mutan) and artificial dental plaque formation. The ethyl acetate fraction showed the highest antibiofilm activities especially against S. sobrinus GCM 20381, with minimum mutan and biofilm inhibition concentrations of 6.25 and 25 µg/mL, respectively. The phytochemical profile of active constituents in the investigated samples was analysed. The high polyphenolics (total phenol, phenolic acids, tannins, proantocyanidins, flavonoids) content were found. The ethyl acetate fraction showed the highest concentration of total polyphenol content which may correlate with the high cariogenic activity of this subfraction. The results demonstrate that P. recta extracts and subfractions could become useful supplements for pharmaceutical products as new anticariogenic agents in a wide range of oral care products. Further studies are necessary to clarify the precise bioactive constituents of P. recta responsible for the anticariogenic properties. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Discrete‐time control for switched positive systems with application to mitigating viral escape
Authors: Hernandez‐Vargas Esteban , Colaneri Patrizio , Middleton Richard , Blanchini Franco
Published: July 2010

This paper has been motivated by the problem of viral mutation in HIV infection. Under simplifying assumptions, viral mutation treatment dynamics can be viewed as a positive switched linear system. Using linear co‐positive Lyapunov functions, results for the synthesis of stabilizing, guaranteed performance and optimal control laws for switched linear systems are presented. These results are then applied to a simplified human immunodeficiency viral mutation model. The optimal switching control law is compared with the law obtained through an easily computable guaranteed cost function. Simulation results show the effectiveness of these methods. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.