bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A New Subset of CD103+CD8α+ Dendritic Cells in the Small Intestine Expresses TLR3, TLR7, and TLR9 and Induces Th1 Response and CTL Activity
Authors: Fujimoto Kosuke , Karuppuchamy Thangaraj , Takemura Naoki , Shimohigoshi Masaki , Machida Tomohisa , Haseda Yasunari , Aoshi Taiki , Ishii Ken J. , Akira Shizuo , Uematsu Satoshi
Published: April 2011

CD103+ dendritic cells (DCs) are the major conventional DC population in the intestinal lamina propria (LP). Our previous report showed that a small number of cells in the LP could be classified into four subsets based on the difference in CD11c/CD11b expression patterns: CD11chiCD11blo DCs, CD11chiCD11bhi DCs, CD11cintCD11bint macrophages, and CD11cintCD11bhi eosinophils. The CD11chiCD11bhi DCs, which are CD103+, specifically express TLR5 and induce the differentiation of naive B cells into IgA+ plasma cells. These DCs also mediate the differentiation of Ag-specific Th17 and Th1 cells in response to flagellin. We found that small intestine CD103+ DCs of the LP (LPDCs) could be divided into a small subset of CD8α+ cells and a larger subset of CD8α− cells. Flow cytometry analysis revealed that CD103+CD8α+ and CD103+CD8α− LPDCs were equivalent to CD11chiCD11blo and CD11chiCD11bhi subsets, respectively. We analyzed a novel subset of CD8α+ LPDCs to elucidate their immunological function. CD103+CD8α+ LPDCs expressed TLR3, TLR7, and TLR9 and produced IL-6 and IL-12p40, but not TNF-α, IL-10, or IL-23, following TLR ligand stimulation. CD103+CD8α+ LPDCs did not express the gene encoding retinoic acid-converting enzyme Raldh2 and were not involved in T cell-independent IgA synthesis or Foxp3+ regulatory T cell induction. Furthermore, CD103+CD8α+ LPDCs induced Ag-specific IgG in serum, a Th1 response, and CTL activity in vivo. Accordingly, CD103+CD8α+ LPDCs exhibit a different function from CD103+CD8α− LPDCs in active immunity. This is the first analysis, to our knowledge, of CD8α+ DCs in the LP of the small intestine.
Stat4 Is Critical for the Balance between Th17 Cells and Regulatory T Cells in Colitis
Authors: Xu Jiangnan , Yang Yu , Qiu Guixing , Lal Girdhari , Yin Na , Wu Zhihong , Bromberg Jonathan S. , Ding Yaozhong
Published: April 2011

Th17 play a central role in autoimmune inflammatory responses. Th1 are also necessary for autoimmune disease development. The interplay of Th1 signals and how they coordinate with Th17 during inflammatory disease pathogenesis are incompletely understood. In this study, by adding Stat4 deficiency to Stat6/T-bet double knockout, we further dissected the role of Stat4 in Th1 development and colitis induction. We showed that in the absence of the strong Th2 mediator Stat6, neither Stat4 nor T-bet is required for IFN-γ production and Th1 development. However, addition of Stat4 deficiency abolished colitis induced by Stat6/T-bet double-knockout cells, despite Th1 and Th17 responses. The failure of colitis induction by Stat4/Stat6/T-bet triple-knockout cells is largely due to elevated Foxp3+ regulatory T cell (Treg) development. These results highlight the critical role of Stat4 Th1 signals in autoimmune responses in suppressing Foxp3+ Treg responses and altering the balance between Th17 and Tregs to favor autoimmune disease.
IL-2 Controls the Stability of Foxp3 Expression in TGF-β–Induced Foxp3+ T Cells In Vivo
Authors: Chen Qian , Kim Yong Chan , Laurence Arian , Punkosdy George A. , Shevach Ethan M.
Published: April 2011

Stimulation of naive mouse CD4+Foxp3− T cells in the presence of TGF-β results in the induction of Foxp3 expression and T suppressor function. However, Foxp3 expression in these induced regulatory T cells (iTreg) is unstable, raising the possibility that iTreg would not be useful for treatment of autoimmune diseases. To analyze the factors that control the stability of Foxp3 expression in iTreg, we generated OVA-specific iTreg from OT-II Foxp3-GFP knockin mice. Following transfer to normal C57BL/6 mice, OT-II GFP+ cells maintained high levels of Foxp3 expression for 8 d. However, they rapidly lost Foxp3 expression upon stimulation with OVA in IFA in vivo. This unstable phenotype was associated with a strong methylation of the Treg-specific demethylated region within the Foxp3 locus. Administration of IL-2/anti–IL-2 complexes expanded the numbers of transferred Foxp3+ iTreg in the absence of Ag challenge. Notably, when the iTreg were stimulated with Ag, treatment with IL-2/anti–IL-2 complexes stabilized Foxp3 expression and resulted in enhanced demethylation of the Treg-specific demethylated region. Conversely, neutralization of IL-2 or disruption of its signaling by deletion of Stat5 diminished the level of Foxp3 expression resulting in decreased suppressor function of the iTreg in vivo. Our data suggest that stimulation with TGF-β in vitro is not sufficient for imprinting T cells with stable expression of Foxp3. Administration of IL-2 in vivo results in stabilization of Foxp3 expression and may prove to be a valuable adjunct for the use of iTreg for the treatment of autoimmune diseases.
Analysis and Modeling of the Variable Region of Camelid Single-Domain Antibodies
Authors: Sircar Aroop , Sanni Kayode A. , Shi Jiye , Gray Jeffrey J.
Published: April 2011

Camelids have a special type of Ab, known as heavy chain Abs, which are devoid of classical Ab light chains. Relative to classical Abs, camelid heavy chain Abs (cAbs) have comparable immunogenicity, Ag recognition diversity and binding affinities, higher stability and solubility, and better manufacturability, making them promising candidates for alternate therapeutic scaffolds. Rational engineering of cAbs to improve therapeutic function requires knowledge of the differences of sequence and structural features between cAbs and classical Abs. In this study, amino acid sequences of 27 cAb variable regions (VHH) were aligned with the respective regions of 54 classical Abs to detect amino acid differences, enabling automatic identification of cAb VHH CDRs. CDR analysis revealed that the H1 often (and sometimes the H2) adopts diverse conformations not classifiable by established canonical rules. Also, although the cAb H3 is much longer than classical H3 loops, it often contains common structural motifs and sometimes a disulfide bond to the H1. Leveraging these observations, we created a Monte Carlo-based cAb VHH structural modeling tool, where the CDR H1 and H2 loops exhibited a median root-mean-square deviation to natives of 3.1 and 1.5 Å, respectively. The protocol generated 8–12, 14–16, and 16–24 residue H3 loops with a median root-mean-square deviation to natives of 5.7, 4.5, and 6.8 Å, respectively. The large deviation of the predicted loops underscores the challenge in modeling such long loops. cAb VHH homology models can provide structural insights into interaction mechanisms to enable development of novel Abs for therapeutic and biotechnological use.
Quantitative Trait Locus Analysis, Pathway Analysis, and Consomic Mapping Show Genetic Variants of Tnni3k, Fpgt, or H28 Control Susceptibility to Viral Myocarditis
Authors: Wiltshire Sean A. , Leiva-Torres Gabriel André , Vidal Silvia M.
Published: April 2011

Coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) infection is the most common cause of viral myocarditis. The pathogenesis of viral myocarditis is strongly controlled by host genetic factors. Although certain indispensable components of immunity have been identified, the genes and pathways underlying natural variation between individuals remain unclear. Previously, we isolated the viral myocarditis susceptibility 1 (Vms1) locus on chromosome 3, which influences pathogenesis. We hypothesized that confirmation and further study of Vms1 controlling CVB3-mediated pathology, combined with pathway analysis and consomic mapping approaches, would elucidate both pathological and protective mechanisms accounting for natural variation in response to CVB3 infection. Vms1 was originally mapped to chromosome 3 using a segregating cross between susceptible A/J and resistant B10.A mice. To validate Vms1, C57BL/6J-Chr 3A/NaJ (a chromosome substitution strain that carries a diploid A/J chromosome 3) were used to replicate susceptibility compared with resistant C57BL/6J (B6). A second segregating F2 cross was generated between these, confirming both the localization and effects of Vms1. Microarray analysis of the four strains (A/J, B10.A, C57BL/6J, and C57BL/6J-Chr 3A/NaJ) illuminated a core program of response to CVB3 in all strains that is comprised mainly of IFN-stimulated genes. Microarray analysis also revealed strain-specific differential expression programs and genes that may be prognostic or diagnostic of susceptibility to CVB3 infection. A combination of analyses revealed very strong evidence for the existence and location of Vms1. Differentially expressed pathways were identified by microarray, and candidate gene analysis revealed Fpgt, H28, and Tnni3k as likely candidates for Vms1.
Deconstructing GSK‐3: The Fine Regulation of Its Activity
Authors: Medina Miguel , Wandosell Francisco
Published: April 2011

Glycogen synthase kinase‐3 (GSK‐3) unique position in modulating the function of a diverse series of proteins in combination with its association with a wide variety of human disorders has attracted significant attention to the protein both as a therapeutic target and as a means to understand the molecular basis of these disorders. GSK‐3 is ubiquitously expressed and, unusually, constitutively active in resting, unstimulated cells. In mammals, GSK‐3α and β are each expressed widely at both the RNA and protein levels although some tissues show preferential levels of some of the two proteins. Neither gene appears to be acutely regulated at the transcriptional level, whereas the proteins are controlled posttranslationally, largely through protein‐protein interactions or by posttranslational regulation. Control of GSK‐3 activity thus occurs by complex mechanisms that are each dependent upon specific signalling pathways. Furthermore, GSK‐3 appears to be a cellular nexus, integrating several signalling systems, including several second messengers and a wide selection of cellular stimulants. This paper will focus on the different ways to control GSK‐3 activity (phosphorylation, protein complex formation, truncation, subcellular localization, etc.), the main signalling pathways involved in its control, and its pathological deregulation.
Cognitive Stimulation for Apathy in Probable Early-Stage Alzheimer's
Authors: Buettner Linda L. , Fitzsimmons Suzanne , Atav Serdar , Sink Kaycee
Published: April 2011

We studied changes in apathy among 77 community-dwelling older persons with mild memory loss in a randomized clinical trial comparing two nonpharmacological interventions over four weeks. The study used a pre-post design with randomization by site to avoid contamination and diffusion of effect. Interventions were offered twice weekly after baseline evaluations were completed. The treatment group received classroom style mentally stimulating activities (MSAs) while the control group received a structured early-stage social support (SS) group. The results showed that the MSA group had significantly lower levels of apathy (P<.001) and significantly lower symptoms of depression (P<.001). While both groups improved on quality of life, the MSA group was significantly better (P=.02) than the SS group. Executive function was not significantly different for the two groups at four weeks, but general cognition improved for the MSA group and declined slightly for the SS group which produced a significant posttest difference (P<.001). Recruitment and retention of SS group members was difficult in this project, especially in senior center locations, while this was not the case for the MSA group. The examination of the data at this four-week time point shows promising results that the MSA intervention may provide a much needed method of reducing apathy and depressive symptoms, while motivating participation and increasing quality of life.
Aging and the Social Cognitive Determinants of Physical Activity Behavior and Behavior Change: Evidence from the Guide to Health Trial
Authors: Anderson-Bill Eileen Smith , Winett Richard A. , Wojcik Janet R. , Williams David M.
Published: April 2011

Part oneof this study investigated the effect of aging on social-cognitive characteristics related to physical activity (PA) among adults in the baseline phase of a health promotion intervention. Participants' questionnaire responses and activity logs indicated PA levels and self-efficacy declined with age, while social support and the use of self-regulatory behaviors (e.g., goal setting, planning, and keeping track) increased. With age participants were also less likely to expect PA to interfere with their daily routines and social obligations. Part two of the study was among overweight/obese, inactive participants completing the intervention; it examined whether improvements in psychosocial variables might counteract declining PA associated with age. After treatment, participants were more active and decreased body weight regardless of age, and improved self-efficacy, outcome expectations, and self-regulatory behaviors. In a causal model, increases in self-efficacy at 7-months lead to increased PA levels and, albeit marginally, weight loss at 16 months; increased PA was associated with greater weight loss. Aging adults who were more confident exercised more and as a result lost more weight. This longitudinal study suggests interventions that offset the effect of aging on self-efficacy may be more successful in helping older participants become more active and avoid weight gain.
On the structural changes in the Brewer-Dobson circulation after 2000
Authors: Bönisch H. , Engel A. , Birner Th. , Hoor P. , Tarasick D. W. , Ray E. A.
Published: April 2011

Abstract. In this paper we present evidence that the observed increase in tropical upwelling after the year 2000 may be attributed to a change in the Brewer-Dobson circulation pattern. For this purpose, we use the concept of transit times derived from residual circulation trajectories and different in-situ measurements of ozone and nitrous dioxide. Observations from the Canadian midlatitude ozone profile record, probability density functions of in-situ N2O observations and a shift of the N2O-O3 correlation slopes, taken together, indicate that the increased upwelling in the tropics after the year 2000 appears to have triggered an intensification of tracer transport from the tropics into the extratropics in the lower stratosphere below about 500 K. This finding is corroborated by the fact that transit times along the shallow branch of the residual circulation into the LMS have decreased for the same time period (1993–2003). On a longer time scale (1979–2009), the transit time of the shallow residual circulation branch show a steady decrease of about −1 month/decade over the last 30 yr, while the transit times of the deep branch remain unchanged. This highlights that changes in the upwelling across the tropical tropopause are not sufficient as an indicator for changes in the entire Brewer-Dobson circulation.
A comparison of the present and last interglacial periods in six Antarctic ice cores
Authors: Masson-Delmotte V. , Buiron D. , Ekaykin A. , Frezzotti M. , Gallée H. , Jouzel J. , Krinner G. , Landais A. , Motoyama H. , Oerter H. , Pol K. , Pollard D. , Ritz C. , Schlosser E. , Sime L. C. , Sodemann H. , Stenni B. , Uemura R. , Vimeux F.
Published: April 2011

Abstract. We compare the present and last interglacial periods as recorded in Antarctic water stable isotope records now available at various temporal resolutions from six East Antarctic ice cores: Vostok, Taylor Dome, EPICA Dome C (EDC), EPICA Dronning Maud Land (EDML), Dome Fuji and the recent TALDICE ice core from Talos Dome. We first review the different modern site characteristics in terms of ice flow, meteorological conditions, precipitation intermittency and moisture origin, as depicted by meteorological data, atmospheric reanalyses and Lagrangian moisture source diagnostics. These different factors can indeed alter the relationships between temperature and water stable isotopes. Using five records with sufficient resolution on the EDC3 age scale, common features are quantified through principal component analyses. Consistent with instrumental records and atmospheric model results, the ice core data depict rather coherent and homogenous patterns in East Antarctica during the last two interglacials. Across the East Antarctic plateau, regional differences, with respect to the common East Antarctic signal, appear to have similar patterns during the current and last interglacials. We identify two abrupt shifts in isotopic records during the glacial inception at TALDICE and EDML, likely caused by regional sea ice expansion. These regional differences are discussed in terms of moisture origin and in terms of past changes in local elevation histories, which are compared to ice sheet model results. Our results suggest that elevation changes may contribute significantly to inter-site differences. These elevation changes may be underestimated by current ice sheet models.
Seasonal climate impacts on the grape harvest date in Burgundy (France)
Authors: Krieger M. , Lohmann G. , Laepple T.
Published: April 2011

Abstract. In this study, we analyse the climatic impacts on the grape harvest date (GHD) in Burgundy (France) on interannual and decadal time scales. We affirm that the GHD is mainly influenced by the local April-to-August temperature (AAT) and provide the spatial expansion of this relationship. The spatial correlation pattern yields similar results for the instrumental and pre-instrumental period, indicating the consistency of the pre-instrumental field data with the instrumental GHD-spring/summer relationship. We find a previously undocumented second climate impact on the GHD. The winter temperature is significantly correlated with the GHD on decadal-to-multidecadal time scales and affects the GHD independently of the AAT. A multiple linear regression model, with AAT and decadal winter temperature as predictors, was found to be the best model to describe the GHD time series for the instrumental period. Stability tests of the correlations over time yield that both impacts on the GHD, AAT and decadal winter temperature, strengthen during the instrumental period. Using partial correlation analysis, we demonstrate that this is partly caused by a change in the winter–spring/summer temperature relationship. Summarising, the GHD is well suited to reconstruct interannual variations of the spring/summer temperature over large parts of Europe, even if the changing winter–spring/summer relation might affect the reconstruction in a second order. For decadal time scales, the December-to-August temperature shows the strongest relationship to the GHD and, therefore, proposes that the GHD can be used for European temperature reconstructions beyond the spring/summer season. Finally, we argue that our findings regarding the changed winter–spring/summer relation are relevant for physical and biological systems in several ways and should be analysed by other long-term proxy data and available model simulations.
From precipitation to groundwater baseflow in a native prairie ecosystem: a regional study of the Konza LTER in the Flint Hills of Kansas, USA
Authors: Steward D. R. , Yang X. , Lauwo S. Y. , Staggenborg S. A. , Macpherson G. L. , Welch S. M.
Published: April 2011

Abstract. Methods are developed to study hydrologic interactions across the surficial/groundwater interface in a native prairie ecosystem. Surficial ecohydrologic processes are simulated with the USDA's EPIC model using daily climate data from the Kansas Weather Data Library, vegetation and soil data from the USDA, and current land-use management practices. Results show that mean annual precipitation (from 1985–2005) is partitioned into 13% runoff regionally and 14% locally over the Konza LTER, lateral flow through soil is 1% regionally and 2% locally, groundwater recharge is 11% regionally and 9% locally, and evapotranspiration accounts for the remaining 75%. The spatial distribution of recharge was used in a regional Modflow groundwater model that was calibrated to existing groundwater observations and field measurements gathered for this study, giving a hydraulic conductivity in the Flint Hills region of 1–2 m day−1 with a local zone (identified here) of 0.05–0.1 m day−1. Simple log-log relations correlate the enhanced recharge beneath ephemeral upland streams and baseflow in perennial lowland streams to the unknown resistance of the streambeds. Enhanced recharge due to stream transmission loss (the difference between terrestrial runoff and streamflow) represents a small fraction of streamflow in the ephemeral upland and the resistance of this streambed is 100 000 day. Long-term baseflow in the local Kings Creek watershed (2% of the groundwater recharge over the watershed) is met when the resistance of the lowland streambed is 1000 day. The coupled framework developed here to study surficial ecohydrological processes using EPIC and groundwater hydrogeological processes using Modflow provides a baseline hydrologic assessment and a computational platform for future investigations to examine the impacts of climate change, vegetative cover, soils, and management practices on hydrologic forcings.
Application of Weighted Semivariogram Model (WSVM) based on fitness to experimental semivariogram on estimation of rainfall amount
Authors: Wu S.-J. , Chen P.-H. , Yang J.-C.
Published: April 2011

Abstract. This study presents a weighted semivariogram model (WSVM) which is intended to reduce the uncertainties in the selection of the best-fit semivariogram model and associated parameters. The proposed WSVM is based on the combined forecast method, providing the weighted average semivariogram by summing up the product of estimated semivariograms and weighted factors, which are related with the inverse of the objective function value associated with the optimal parameters of theoretical semivariogram models (TSVMs). A WSVM can save computation time in the estimation of rainfall amount without the identification of the best-fit TSVM commonly carried out by the cross-validation. Ten rainstorm events recorded at fourteen rain-gauges in North Taiwan's Shinmen reservoir catchment are used to develop and validate this model by comparing the estimated rainfall amount by the Kriging method with the WSVM and TSVM, respectively. The results of the model validation indicate that the proposed WSVM not only reduces the uncertainty of failing to select the best-fit TSVM, but also effectively provides more the accurate and reliable estimated rainfall amount than TSVM.
Analysing the maximum level of customer satisfaction in grocery stores: the influence of feature advertising
Authors:   Universidad de Castilla-la Mancha. Área de Comercialización e Investigación de Mercados. Facultad de Ciencias Sociales. Avenida de los Alfares, 44. Cuenca (Spain) 16071. Email:MariaPilar.Martinez@uclm.es, Martínez Ruiz Maria Pilar , Jiménez Zarco Ana Isabel ,   Universitat Oberta de Catalunya. Estudis d’Economia i Empresa. Avinguda del Tibidabo 39-43. 08035 Barcelona (Spain). Email: ajimenezz@uoc.edu, Izquierdo Yusta Alicia ,   Universidad de Burgos. Área de Comercialización e Investigación de Mercados. Facultad de Ciencias Económicas. Plaza Infanta Elena, s/n. 09001 Burgos (Spain). Email: aliciaiz@ubu.es
Published: April 2011

From the initial consideration of the store attributes that the marketing literature has identified as key in order that grocery retailers manage to design their differentiation strategies, this work identifies the main factors underlying the above mentioned attributes. The goal is to analyze which of these factors exert a bigger influence on the highest level of customer satisfaction. With this intention, we have examined a sample of 422 consumers who had carried out their purchase in different types of store formats in Spain, considering the influence of feature advertising on the clientele behavior. Interesting conclusions related to the aspects that most impact on the maximum level of customer satisfaction depending on the influence of feature advertising stem from this work.
An image is worth a thousand words: the effects of visual health warnings in the decrease of tobacco consumption: a research from the perspective of social marketing
Authors:   Facultad de Ciencias Económicas y Empresariales, Campus de Cartuja s/n. 18071. Granada. jrey@ugr.es, Rey Pino Juan Miguel , Lacave García Blanca ,   Facultad de Ciencias Económicas y Empresariales, Glorieta de Carlos Cano s/n 11008. Cádiz. blanca.lacave@uca.es, Viedma del Jesús María Isabel ,   Facultad de Ciencias Económicas y Empresariales, Campus de Cartuja s/n. 18071. Granada. iviedma@ugr.es, Gallopel-Morvan Karine ,   Institute de Gestion de Rennes, 11 rue Jean Macé. 35708 Rennes Cedex 7. karine.gallopel@univ-rennes1.fr
Published: April 2011

Tobacco is considered a high-risk product, associated with multiple illnesses and representing an indisputable threat for Public Health. Amongst the measures proposed by the World Health Organisation and the European Commission for controlling its use, is the employment of health warnings about the dangers of tobacco consumption. In Spain, these warnings only contain text messages. The present study focuses on assessing the efficacy of current text warnings, and on studying the potential impact of a library of images created by the European Commission on consumer behavior. This research takes place within a network of projects currently developed in France and the United Kingdom and presents results obtained in Spain by using qualitative methodology -in depth interviews-.
Genetic Structure of Sympatric Sexually and Parthenogenetically Reproducing Population ofChara canescens(Charophyta)
Authors: Schaible Ralf , Bergmann Ingo , Schubert Hendrik
Published: April 2011

Individuals that reproduce parthenogenetically do not have to produce males and can therefore produce twice as many female offspring. With this twofold reproduction advantage of asexual reproduction, the question of how sex persists in the short term remains unresolved. In the dioecious charophyteChara canescens, both parthenogenetically reproducing females and sexually reproducing females and males occur sympatrically at only one site in Europe: Neusiedler See-Seewinkel (Austria). By means of four nuclear species-specific microsatellite loci, we examined the interaction between coexisting sexuals and parthenogens by analysing the population structure and gene flow between both reproduction systems. Using a Bayesian assignment method, we found that the sites encompassed two genetically distinct clusters of individuals. The first cluster included genotypes of sexual individuals, which are genetically distinct from a second cluster which included parthenogenetic individuals and few sexually reproducing males, which are genetically identical to the parthenogenetic individuals. However, an analysis of the population genetic structure found no differences with respect to genotypic variation, clonal diversity, and population differentiation between the sympatric parthenogenetically and the sexually reproducing populations. The results indicated that the parthenogenetic individuals cannot outcompete the sexually reproducing individuals.
Downregulation of the Adenosine A2b Receptor by RNA Interference Inhibits Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cell Growth
Authors: Xiang Hong-Jun , Chai Fu-Lu , Wang De-Sheng , Dou Ke-Feng
Published: April 2011

To investigate the biological effect of adenosine A2b receptor (A2bR) on the human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line HepG2, three A2bR siRNA constructs were transiently transfected into HepG2 cells. The results showed that A2bR siRNA reduced the levels of A2bR mRNA and protein. In order to further detect the function of A2bR, we established a stable hepatocellular carcinoma cell line (HepG2) expressing siRNA targeting the adenosine A2b receptor. Targeted RNAi significantly inhibited tumor cell growth in vitro, and flow cytometry (FCM) showed that significantly more cells expressing A2bR siRNA were in the G0/G1 phase compared to the untransfected group ((89.56%±3.15%) versus (56.19%±1.58%), P<0.01). These results indicated that silencing the expression of adenosine A2b receptor in HepG2 cells can suppress cell growth effectively by blocking the cell cycle. Downregulation of adenosine A2b receptor gene expression with RNA interference could be a new approach to hepatocellular carcinoma therapy.
Manual lymph drainage improving upper extremity edema and hand function in patients with systemic sclerosis in edematous phase
Authors: Bongi Susanna Maddali , Del Rosso Angela , Passalacqua Mauro , Miccio Sara , Cerinic Marco Matucci
Published: April 2011

Objective

In systemic sclerosis (SSc; scleroderma) patients in edematous phase, hand edema is often present. Manual lymph drainage (MLD) stimulates the lymphatic system and reduces edema. Our aim was to evaluate the efficacy of MLD in reducing edema and in improving functionality of the hands and perceived quality of life (QOL) in SSc patients in edematous phase.

Methods

Of 35 SSc patients with edematous hands, 20 were treated with MLD according to the Vodder technique once a week for 5 weeks (intervention group), and 15 served as the observation group. Patients were evaluated at enrollment, at the end of treatment (T1), and after 9 weeks of followup (T2) by volumetric test (assessing hand volume), the Hand Mobility in Scleroderma (HAMIS) test, and 4 visual analog scales (VAS; scored 0–10) evaluating the perception of hand edema and pain and their interference on daily activities. QOL and disability were assessed by the physical synthetic index (PSI) and mental synthetic index (MSI) of the Short Form 36 (SF‐36) and by the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ).

Results

In the intervention group, hand volume, the HAMIS test, and the 4 VAS were improved significantly at the end of treatment (P < 0.001). The results were maintained at T2 (P < 0.001). The HAQ and the PSI and MSI of the SF‐36 also improved significantly at T1 (P < 0.001), but only PSI improvement was maintained at T2 (P < 0.001). In the observation group, no improvement at T1 and at T2 was observed.

Conclusion

In SSc, MLD significantly reduces hand edema and improves hand function and perceived QOL.
Neutron and X‐Ray Techniques for Biological and Biomaterials Studies
Authors: Willumeit Regine
Published: April 2011

The study of biological and biomaterials with X‐rays and neutrons provides an important contribution to the understanding of the structure–function relationship in natural and artificial materials. Aside from the fundamental knowledge gained by these insights—which is of value already in itself—it helps to create new materials which are either bio‐inspired or modified such that they can interact in an optimized way with the biological environment. Usually the methods applied are noninvasive and deliver information about the structure of the specimen or material parameters, in some cases even in vivo. In this paper, an overview of most recent developments in the field of biological and biomaterials studies with neutron and X‐rays is given.
Comparison of the Consequences of Shot Peening Treatment Methods on the Surface Layer Characteristics of Ti6246
Authors: Feldmann Goetz G. , Hennig Wolfgang , Haubold Thomas , Zinn Wolfgang , Scholtes Berthold
Published: April 2011

Shot peening, as a technique to enhance the surface characteristics of rotating parts in aircraft engines is well known as a way to prevent the initiation and propagation of cracks. However, shot peening generally increases the surface roughness and therefore, reduces aerodynamic efficiency on aerofoil. This paper aims to compare different shot peening procedures as regards roughness, hardness, residual stress magnitude and depth in Ti6246, in order to identify a method, which leads to the required mechanical properties, but keeps the increase of surface roughness to a minimum. Therefore, Ti6246 specimens, processed similarly to integral bladed compressor disks, are treated with defined target intensity and coverage. The changes in surface roughness, residual stress, and hardness are measured and discussed.
Highly Sensitive Glucose Biosensors Based on Organic Electrochemical Transistors Using Platinum Gate Electrodes Modified with Enzyme and Nanomaterials
Authors: Tang Hao , Yan Feng , Lin Peng , Xu Jianbin , Chan Helen L. W.
Published: April 2011

Organic electrochemical transistors with glucose oxidase‐modified Pt gate electrodes are successfully used as highly sensitive glucose sensors. The gate electrodes are modified with nanomaterials (multi‐wall carbon nanotubes or Pt nanoparticles) for the first time, which results in a dramatic improvement in the sensitivity of the devices. The detection limit of the device modified with Pt nanoparticles on the gate electrode is about 5 nM, which is three orders of magnitude better than a device without the nanoparticles. The improvement of the device performance can be attributed to the excellent electrocatalytic properties of the nanomaterials and more effective immobilization of enzyme on the gate electrodes. Based on the same principle, many other types of enzyme sensors with high sensitivity and low cost are expected to be realized by modifying the gate electrodes of organic electrochemical transistors with specific enzymes and nanomaterials.
Critical Role of Triplet Exciton Interface Trap States in Bilayer Films of NPB and Ir(piq)3
Authors: Jankus Vygintas , Winscom Chris , Monkman Andrew P.
Published: April 2011

Investigations are carried out into triplet transfer in bilayer films of NPB (N,N´‐diphenyl‐N,N´‐bis(1‐naphthyl)‐1,1´‐biphenyl‐4,4˝‐diamine) and Ir(piq)3 (Iridium (III) Tris(1‐phenylisoquinoline) using laser light pulses to excite the upper surface of the NPB, and thereafter observing the decay dynamics in the Ir(piq)3 layer situated beneath the NPB. The NPB layer thickness is varied from 13 nm to 80 nm. The results show that up to 200 ns after excitation, the multiexponential decay of directly excited Ir(piq)3 is observed, thereafter the decay is monoexponential. It is concluded that this monoexponential decay after 200 ns is due to triplets that are transferred to the Ir(piq)3 via migration from the NPB. The thicker the NPB layer the longer it takes for the reservoir of NPB triplets to deplete via the Ir(piq)3, with the result that the apparent monoexponential lifetime of the Ir(piq)3 increases as the thickness of the NPB films increases. Based on time resolved spectra and decays, it is concluded that triplets arriving from NPB are trapped at interface sites of Ir(piq)3 and do not migrate directly to the bulk states of Ir(piq)3. A model based on exciton diffusion kinetics, including the presence of interface trap sites, is described, which accurately predicts this behavior.
Fe3O4 Nanoparticles Confined in Mesocellular Carbon Foam for High Performance Anode Materials for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Kang Eunae , Jung Yoon Seok , Cavanagh Andrew S. , Kim Gi‐Heon , George Steven M. , Dillon Anne C. , Kim Jin Kon , Lee Jinwoo
Published: April 2011

Fe3O4 nanocrystals confined in mesocellular carbon foam (MSU‐F‐C) are synthesized by a “host–guest” approach and tested as an anode material for lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs). Briefly, an iron oxide precursor, Fe(NO3)3·9H2O, is impregnated in MSU‐F‐C having uniform cellular pores ∼30 nm in dia­meter, followed by heat‐treatment at 400 °C for 4 h under Ar. Magnetite Fe3O4 nanocrystals with sizes between 13–27 nm are then successfully fabricated inside the pores of the MSU‐F‐C, as confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dark‐field scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and nitrogen sorption isotherms. The presence of the carbon most likely allows for reduction of some of the Fe3+ ions to Fe2+ ions via a carbothermoreduction process. A Fe3O4/MSU‐F‐C nanocomposite with 45 wt% Fe3O4 exhibited a first charge capacity of 1007 mA h g−1 (Li+ extraction) at 0.1 A g−1 (∼0.1 C rate) with 111% capacity retention at the 150th cycle, and retained 37% capacity at 7 A g−1 (∼7 C rate). Because the three dimensionally interconnected open pores are larger than the average nanosized Fe3O4 particles, the large volume expansion of Fe3O4 upon Li‐insertion is easily accommodated inside the pores, resulting in excellent electrochemical performance as a LIB anode. Furthermore, when an ultrathin Al2O3 layer (<4 Å) was deposited on the composite anode using atomic layer deposition (ALD), the durability, rate capability and undesirable side reactions are significantly improved.
A Composite Formation Route to Well‐Crystalline Manganese Oxide Nanocrystals: High Catalytic Activity of Manganate–Alumina Nanocomposites
Authors: Kim Tae Woo , Yoo Hana , Kim In Young , Ha Hyung‐Wook , Han Ah Reum , Chang Jong‐San , Lee Ji Sun , Hwang Seong‐Ju
Published: April 2011

Manganese oxide nanocrystals are combined with aluminum oxide nanocrystals to improve their crystallinity via calcination without a significant increase of crystal size. A nanocomposite, consisting of two metal oxides, can be synthesized by the reaction between permanganate anions and aluminum oxyhydroxide keggin cations. The as‐prepared manganese oxide–aluminum oxide nanocomposite is X‐ray amorphous whereas heat‐treatment gives rise to the crystallization of an α‐MnO2 phase at 600 °C and Mn3O4/Mn2O3 and γ‐Al2O3 phases at 800 °C. Electron microscopy and N2 adsorption‐desorption‐isotherm analysis clearly demonstrate that the as‐prepared nanocomposite is composed of a porous assembly of monodisperse primary particles with a size of ∼20 nm and a surface area of >410 m2 g−1. Of particular interest is that the small particle size of the as‐prepared nanocomposite is well‐maintained up to 600 °C, a result of the prevention of the growth of manganate grains through nanoscale mixing with alumina grains. The calcined nanocomposite shows very‐high catalytic activity for the oxidation of cyclohexene with an extremely high conversion efficiency of >95% within 15 min. The present results show that the improvement of the crystallinity without significant crystal growth is very crucial for optimizing the catalytic activity of manganese oxide nanocrystals.
Tailoring Nanostructured, Graded, and Particle‐Reinforced Al Laminates by Accumulative Roll Bonding
Authors: Göken Mathias , Höppel Heinz Werner
Published: April 2011

Accumulative roll bonding (ARB) is a very attractive process for processing large sheets to achieve ultrafine‐grained microstructure and high strength. Commercial purity Al and many Al alloys from the 5xxx and the precipitation strengthened 6xxx alloy series have been successfully processed by the ARB process into an ultrafine‐grained state and superior ductility have been achieved for some materials like technical purity Al. It has also been shown that the ARB process can be successfully used to produce multi‐component materials with tailored properties by reinforcement or grading, respectively. This allows optimizing the properties based on two or more materials/alloys. For example, to achieve high corrosion resistance and good visual surface properties it is interesting to produce a composite of two different Al alloys, where for example a high strength alloy of the 5xxx series is used as the core material and a 6xxx series alloy as the clad material. It has been shown that such a composite achieves more or less the same strength as the core material although 50% of the composite consists of the significant softer clad alloy. Furthermore, it has been found, that the serrated yielding which typically appears in 5xxx series alloys and limits applications as outer skin materials completely disappears. Moreover, the ARB process allows many other attractive ways to design new composites and graded material structures with unique properties by the introduction of particles, fibres and sheets. Strengthening with nanoparticles for example is a very attractive way to improve the properties and accelerate the grain refining used in the severe plastic deformation process. With an addition of only 0.1 vol.‐% Al2O3 nanoparticles a significantly accelerated grain refinement has been found which reduces the number of ARB passes necessary to achieve the maximum in strength. The paper provides a short review on recent developments in the field of ARB processing for producing multicomponent ultrafine‐grained sheet materials with tailored properties.
Selective Dye Loading at the Heterojunction in Polymer/Fullerene Solar Cells
Authors: Honda Satoshi , Ohkita Hideo , Benten Hiroaki , Ito Shinzaburo
Published: April 2011

Selective dye loading at the polymer/fullerene interface was studied for ternary blend bulk heterojunction solar cells, consisting of regioregular poly(3‐hexylthiophene) (RR‐P3HT), a fullerene derivative (PCBM), and a silicon phthalocyanine derivative (SiPc) as a light‐harvesting dye. The photocurrent density and power conversion efficiency of the ternary blend solar cells were most improved by loading SiPc with a content of 4.8 wt%. The absorption and surface energy measurements suggested that SiPc is located in the disordered P3HT domains at the RR‐P3HT/PCBM interface rather than in the PCBM and crystal P3HT domains. From the peak wavelength of SiPc absorption, the local concentration of SiPc ([SiPc]Local) was estimated for the RR‐P3HT:PCBM:SiPc ternary blends. Even for amorphous films of regiorandom P3HT (RRa‐P3HT) blended with PCBM and SiPc, [SiPc]Local was higher than the original content, suggesting dye segregation into the RRa‐P3HT/PCBM interface. For RR‐P3HT:PCBM:SiPc blends, [SiPc]Local increased with the increase in the P3HT crystallinity. Such interfacial segregation of dye molecules in ternary blend films can be rationally explained in terms of the surface energy of each component and the crystallization of P3HT being enhanced by annealing. Notably, the solvent annealing effectively segregated dye molecules into the interface without the formation of PCBM clusters.
Waldenström macroglobulinemia: 2011 update on diagnosis, risk stratification, and management
Authors: Gertz Morie A.
Published: April 2011

Disease overview: Waldenström macroglobulinemia (WM) is a lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma with immunoglobulin M (IgM) monoclonal protein. Clinical features include anemia, thrombocytopenia, hepatosplenomegaly, and lymphadenopathy. Diagnosis: Presence of IgM monoclonal protein associated with ≥10% clonal lymphoplasmacytic cells in bone marrow confirms the diagnosis. Risk stratification: Age, hemoglobin level, platelet count, β2‐microglobulin, and monoclonal IgM concentrations are characteristics required for prognosis. Risk adapted therapy: Not all patients who fulfill WM criteria require therapy; these patients can be observed until symptoms develop. Rituximab‐based therapy is used in virtually all US patients with WM and can be combined with alkylating agent or purine nucleoside analogue, or both. The preferred Mayo Clinic nonstudy therapeutic induction is rituximab, cyclophosphamide, and dexamethasone. Future stem cell transplantation should be considered in induction therapy selection. Management of refractory disease: Bortezomib, thalidomide, lenalidomide, and bendamustine have all been shown to have activity in WM. Given WM's natural history, reduction of complications will be a priority for future treatment trials. Am. J. Hematol. 86:411–416, 2011. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cerebroretinal microangiopathy with calcifications and cysts: Characterization of the skeletal phenotype
Authors: Toiviainen‐Salo Sanna , Linnankivi Tarja , Saarinen Anne , Mäyränpää Mervi K. , Karikoski Riitta , Mäkitie Outi
Published: April 2011

Cerebral cysts and calcifications with leukoencephalopathy and retinal vascular abnormalities are diagnostic hallmarks of cerebroretinal microangiopathy with calcifications and cysts (CRMCC). Previous studies have suggested that skeletal involvement is also common, but its characteristics remain unknown. This study aimed to assess the skeletal phenotype in CRMCC. All Finnish patients with features consistent with CRMCC and for whom radiographs were available were included. Clinical information pertinent to the skeletal phenotype was collected from hospital records, and all plain radiographs were reviewed for skeletal features. Bone mineral density (BMD) was measured by DXA. In one patient, bone biopsies were obtained for bone histology and histomorphometric analyses. The LRP5 gene was analyzed for mutations by direct sequencing. Our results show that the skeletal phenotype in CRMCC includes (1) compromised longitudinal growth pre‐ and postnatally, (2) generalized osteopenia or early onset low turnover osteoporosis with fragility fractures, and (3) metaphyseal abnormalities that may lead to limb deformities such as short femoral neck or genua valga. DXA measurements in three patients showed low BMD, and bone biopsies in the fourth patient with pathological fractures and impaired fracture healing showed low‐turnover osteoporosis, with reduced osteoclast and osteoblast activity. Direct sequencing of all LRP5 coding exons and exon–intron boundaries in six patients with CRMCC revealed no putative mutations. We conclude that the CRMCC‐associated bone disease is characterized by low BMD and pathological fractures with delayed healing, metaphyseal changes, and short stature pre‐ and postnatally. LRP5 is not a disease‐causing gene in CRMCC. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cadaveric comparison of canine fossa vs transnasal maxillary sinus access
Authors: Feldt Brent Alan , McMains Kevin Christopher , Weitzel Erik Kent
Published: April 2011

Objective:

Anatomic limitations complicate complete eradication of debris from the maxillary sinus using an exclusively transnasal (TN) endoscopic technique. Creation of a canine fossa trephination (CFT) permits a more direct approach than removal via the maxillary ostium.

Methods:

Microdebrider eradication of debris completely filling the maxillary sinus was performed on 5 thawed fresh‐frozen cadaver heads (10 sides) using a TN or CFT approach. Postdebridement computed tomography (CT) scanning assessed remaining debris. Additional outcome measures included time of debris removal, number of different angled blades utilized, and clogging.

Results:

A significantly greater amount of debris was left after the TN approach compared with CFT (3.88 cm3 vs 2.88 cm3, p = 0.015). Median blade utilization was significantly higher with the TN approach vs CFT (4 vs 1, p < 0.002). Time for debris eradication with CFT was similar regardless of expertise (323.4 vs 272.4 seconds, p = 0.21), but the TN approach showed a statistical difference in time‐to‐completion (698.8 vs 438.51 seconds, p = 1.7 × 10−5).

Conclusion:

Controversy surrounds the appropriate application of CFT due to disease process and approach‐related morbidity. Rhinologists should have numerous well‐studied options at their disposal. This model suggests that maxillary debris removal is accomplished more thoroughly with fewer microdebrider blades when a CFT approach is employed. © 2011 ARS‐AAOA, LLC.