bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Acetylcholine inhibits hypoxia‐induced tumor necrosis factor‐α production via regulation of MAPKs phosphorylation in cardiomyocytes
Authors: Li Dong‐Ling , Liu Jin‐Jun , Liu Bing‐Hang , Hu Hao , Sun Lei , Miao Yi , Xu Hai‐Fei , Yu Xiao‐Jiang , Ma Xin , Ren Jun , Zang Wei‐Jin
Published: September 2010

Recent findings have reported that up‐regulation of tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) induced by myocardial hypoxia aggravates cardiomyocyte injury. Acetylcholine (ACh), the principle vagal neurotransmitter, protects cardiomyocytes against hypoxia by inhibiting apoptosis. However, it is still unclear whether ACh regulates TNF‐α production in cardiomyocytes after hypoxia. The concentration of extracellular TNF‐α was increased in a time‐dependent manner during hypoxia. Furthermore, ACh treatment also inhibited hypoxia‐induced TNF‐α mRNA and protein expression, caspase‐3 activation, cell death and the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cardiomyocytes. ACh treatment prevented the hypoxia‐induced increase in p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) and c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) phosphorylation, and increased extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation. Co‐treatment with atropine, a non‐selective muscarinic acetylcholine receptor antagonist, or methoctramine, a selective type‐2 muscarinic acetylcholine (M2) receptor antagonist, abrogated the effects of ACh treatment in hypoxic cardiomyocytes. Co‐treatment with hexamethonium, a non‐selective nicotinic receptor antagonist, and methyllycaconitine, a selective alpha7‐nicotinic acetylcholine receptor antagonist, had no effect on ACh‐treated hypoxic cardiomyocytes. In conclusion, these results demonstrate that ACh activates the M2 receptor, leading to regulation of MAPKs phosphorylation and, subsequently, down‐regulation of TNF‐α production. We have identified a novel pathway by which ACh mediates cardioprotection against hypoxic injury in cardiomyocytes. J. Cell. Physiol. 226: 1052–1059, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Tyrosine phosphorylation modulates store‐operated calcium entry in cultured rat epididymal basal cells
Authors: Zuo Wu‐Lin , Du Jian‐Yang , Huang Jie‐Hong , Li Sheng , Zhang Geng , Chen Si‐Liang , Ruan Ye‐Chun , Cheng Christopher H.K. , Zhou Wen‐Liang
Published: September 2010

Store‐operated calcium entry (SOCE) is essential for many cellular processes. In this study, we investigated modulation of SOCE by tyrosine phosphorylation in rat epididymal basal cells. The intracellular Ca2+([Ca2+]i) measurement showed that SOCE occurred in rat epididymal basal cells by pretreating the cells with thapsigargin (Tg), the inhibitor of sarco‐endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+‐ATPase. To identify the role of Ca2+ channels in this response, we examined the effects of transient receptor potential canonical channel blockers 2‐aminoethoxydiphenyl borate (2‐APB), 1‐[β‐[3‐(4‐methoxyphenyl)pro‐poxy]‐4‐methoxyphenethyl]‐1H‐imidazole hydrochloride(SKF96365), Gd3+, and non‐selective cation channel blocker Ni2+ respectively on SOCE and found that these blockers could inhibit the Ca2+ influx to different extent. Furthermore, we studied the regulation of SOCE by tyrosine kinase pathway. The inhibitor of tyrosine kinase genistein remarkably suppressed the SOCE response, whereas sodium orthovanadate, the inhibitor of tyrosine phosphatase, greatly enhanced it. The results suggest that tyrosine kinase pathway plays a significant role in the initiation of SOCE and positively modulates SOCE in epididymal basal cells. J. Cell. Physiol. 226: 1069–1073, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Hedgehog/GLI1 regulates IGF dependent malignant behaviors in glioma stem cells
Authors: Hsieh Antony , Ellsworth Ron , Hsieh David
Published: September 2010

A population of tumorigenic, chemoresistant, and radioresistant cancer stem cells is postulated to contribute to the aggressive and fatal clinical course of glioblastomas. Activation of the Hedgehog (HH) pathway and increased expression of its downstream effector GLI1 are driving factors of glioma tumorigenicity and glioma stem cell (GSC) biology. In this study, we describe a dependence of insulin‐like growth factor (IGF) signaling on active HH/GLI1 in GSCs. Insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS1) was identified as a target of the GLI1 transcription factor and inhibition of GLI1 was sufficient to obstruct IRS1 protein expression and IGF‐I induced mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) activation. Suppression of GLI1 activity decreased the responsiveness of GSCs to IGF‐I stimulation and constrained IGF‐I dependent GSC proliferation, clonogenicity, invasion, and angiogenesis. In addition, blockade of the HH/GLI1 and IGF pathways countered the intrinsic and acquired resistance of GSCs to temozolomide. These results provide further insight into the oncogenic mechanisms of the HH pathway in glioblastoma and demonstrate a cooperative signaling axis between the HH/GLI1 and IGF pathways to propagate malignant GSC phenotypes. J. Cell. Physiol. 226: 1118–1127, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Distribution and classification of aggrecan‐based extracellular matrix in the thalamus of the rat
Authors: Gáti Georgina , Morawski Markus , Lendvai Dávid , Jäger Carsten , Négyessy László , Arendt Thomas , Alpár Alán
Published: September 2010

Extracellular matrix molecules take part in functional isolation and stabilization of neuronal compartments but form a vivid interface between neuronal elements at the same time. Previous studies have shown that the accumulation of extracellular matrix, especially its typical phenotypic form, termed perineuronal nets, correlates not only with the functional properties of the single neuron but also with the functional properties of the whole brain area. In contrast to recent advances in investigating neocortex, the present study mapped the occurrence and phenotypic appearance of aggrecan‐based matrix accumulation throughout the rat thalamus. Results showed that divisions of thalamus that relay information to cortical fields known rather for their plastic properties exibit a poor matrix immunoreactivity, whereas matrix accumulation is more enhanced in nuclei connected to primary cortical regions. In addition to perineuronal nets, extracellular matrix condensed in another peculiar form, in 2–5‐μm, large, round or oval structures, as described by Brückner et al. ([ 2008] Neuroscience 151:489–504) as axonal coats (ACs). Multiple labelling experiments showed that specific excitatory afferents were not ensheathed with these structures. At the same time, inhibitory endings were occasionally enwrapped in ACs. Electron microscopic analysis showed that aggrecan‐immunoreactive profiles were present mostly around inhibitory terminals but also in all neuronal compartments. We suggest that aggrecan‐based extracellular matrix is formed by both pre‐ and postsynaptic elements and is preferrably associated with inhibitory terminals in the extracellular space. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cerebrolysin enhances neurogenesis in the ischemic brain and improves functional outcome after stroke
Authors: Zhang Chunling , Chopp Michael , Cui Yisheng , Wang Lei , Zhang Ruilan , Zhang Li , Lu Mei , Szalad Alexandra , Doppler Edith , Hitzl Monika , Zhang Zheng Gang
Published: September 2010

Cerebrolysin is a peptide preparation mimicking the action of neurotrophic factors and has beneficial effects on neurodegenerative diseases and stroke. The present study investigated the effect of Cerebrolysin on neurogenesis in a rat model of embolic middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAo). Treatment with Cerebrolysin at doses of 2.5 and 5 ml/kg significantly increased the number of bromodeoxyuridine‐positive (BrdU+) subventricular zone (SVZ) neural progenitor cells and doublecortin (DCX) immunoreactivity (migrating neuroblasts) in the ipsilateral SVZ and striatal ischemic boundary 28 days after stroke when the treatment was initiated 24 hr after stroke. The treatment also reduced TUNEL+ cells by ∼50% in the ischemic boundary. However, treatment with Cerebrolysin at a dose of 2.5 ml/kg initiated at 24 and 48 hr did not significantly reduce infarct volume but substantially improved neurological outcomes measured by an array of behavioral tests 21 and 28 days after stroke. Incubation of SVZ neural progenitor cells from ischemic rats with Cerebrolysin dose dependently augmented BrdU+ cells and increased the number of Tuj1+ cells (a marker of immature neurons). Blockage of the PI3K/Akt pathway abolished Cerebrolysin‐increased BrdU+ cells. Moreover, Cerebrolysin treatment promoted neural progenitor cell migration. Collectively, these data indicate that Cerebrolysin treatment when initiated 24 and 48 hr after stroke enhances neurogenesis in the ischemic brain and improves functional outcome and that Cerebrolysin‐augmented proliferation, differentiation, and migration of adult SVZ neural progenitor cells contribute to Cerebrolysin‐induced neurogenesis, which may be related to improvement of neurological outcome. The PI3K/Akt pathway mediates Cerebrolysin‐induced progenitor cell proliferation. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effect of posterior tibial slope on knee biomechanics during functional activity
Authors: Shelburne Kevin B. , Kim Hyung‐Joo , Sterett William I. , Pandy Marcus G.
Published: September 2010

Treatment of medial compartment knee osteoarthritis with high tibial osteotomy can produce an unintended change in the slope of the tibial plateau in the sagittal plane. The effect of changing posterior tibial slope (PTS) on cruciate ligament forces has not been quantified for knee loading in activities of daily living. The purpose of this study was to determine how changes in PTS affect tibial shear force, anterior tibial translation (ATT), and knee‐ligament loading during daily physical activity. We hypothesized that tibial shear force, ATT, and ACL force all increase as PTS increases. A previously validated computer model was used to calculate ATT, tibial shear force, and cruciate‐ligament forces for the normal knee during three common load‐bearing tasks: standing, squatting, and walking. The model calculations were repeated with PTS altered in 1° increments up to a maximum change in tibial slope of 10°. Tibial shear force and ATT increased as PTS was increased. For standing and walking, ACL force increased as tibial slope was increased; for squatting, PCL force decreased as tibial slope was increased. The effect of changing PTS on ACL force was greatest for walking. The true effect of changing tibial slope on knee‐joint biomechanics may only be evident under physiologic loading conditions which include muscle forces. © 2010 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 29:223–231, 2011
Multifunctional Hybrid Three‐dimensionally Woven Scaffolds for Cartilage Tissue Engineering
Authors: Moutos Franklin T. , Estes Bradley T. , Guilak Farshid
Published: September 2010

The successful replacement of large‐scale cartilage defects or osteoarthritic lesions using tissue‐engineering approaches will likely require composite biomaterial scaffolds that have biomimetic mechanical properties and can provide cell‐instructive cues to control the growth and differentiation of embedded stem or progenitor cells. This study describes a novel method of constructing multifunctional scaffolds for cartilage tissue engineering that can provide both mechanical support and biological stimulation to seeded progenitor cells. 3‐D woven PCL scaffolds were infiltrated with a slurry of homogenized CDM of porcine origin, seeded with human ASCs, and cultured for up to 42 d under standard growth conditions. These constructs were compared to scaffolds derived solely from CDM as well as 3‐D woven PCL fabric without CDM. While all scaffolds promoted a chondrogenic phenotype of the ASCs, CDM scaffolds showed low compressive and shear moduli and contracted significantly during culture. Fiber‐reinforced CDM scaffolds and 3‐D woven PCL scaffolds maintained their mechanical properties throughout the culture period, while supporting the accumulation of a cartilaginous extracellular matrix. These findings show that fiber‐reinforced hybrid scaffolds can be produced with biomimetic mechanical properties as well as the ability to promote ASC differentiation and chondrogenesis in vitro.

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Tailored Additives to Improve the Electret Performance of Polycarbonates
Authors: Erhard Dominik P. , Lovera Deliani , Jenninger Werner , Wagner Joachim , Altstädt Volker , Schmidt Hans‐Werner
Published: September 2010

An electret is a dielectric material exhibiting a quasi‐permanent electric charge. The aim of this work is to give access to PC electret materials with a distinctly improved electret performance. In this context, the charge storage capabilities of corona charged films of several PC grades were investigated by isothermal potential decay measurements at 90 °C. The most promising PC grade was further improved by a new class of bisimide additives. The best additive at the most efficient concentration in combination with a physical aging step yielded excellent PC electrets maintaining almost their complete applied charge even at 90 °C.

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On Monotone Almost (P, μ) ‐ u. d. Mod 1 Sequence
Authors: Goto Kazuo
Published: September 2010

Using the result of almost u.d. mod 1 and G. Hoheisel [6] and Emdös's result, Akiyama [1] gave a different proof of the Erdös and Turán result [4], i.e., Δ2 log pn changes its sign infinitely many times, where pn is the n‐th prime number and Δ2 f(n) = Δ(Δf(n)), Δf(n) = f(n + 1)‐f(n).

In this paper, we show the neceasary condition for monotone almost uniform distribution mod 1. We give Fejér's type theorem for almost uniform distribution mod 1 and give a similar result of Niederreiter [8]. Also we obtain the converse of its result with some conditions. As an application, we give a simple proof [1] of Erdös and Turán's result using Erdös's result [cf. 3, 9, 10, 11, and 21. Also we obtain the condition of P(n) that Δ2 log P(n) changes its sign infinitely many times.
Means of Power Type and Their Inequalities
Authors: Lukkassen Dag
Published: September 2010

We prove some general results on means of power type and their inequalities. Particularly, we study a new mean and compare this mean with the classical power means. Some results connected to compositions of power means are also presented. Our results are applied to some inequalities in the homogenization theory.
Verification Algorithms for Generalized Singular Values
Authors: Alefeld Götz , Hoffmann Rolf , Mayer Günter , Wildenhain G.
Published: September 2010

By means of interval arithmetic tools we present new algorithms for verifying and enclosing generalized singular values and corresponding vectors for a matrix pair (A, B) ε IRp×n × IRq×n. To this end, we state and prove a fundamental theorem in interval analysis which shows a way how enclosures can be constructed if approximations are known. Furthermore, we perform a careful comparison of the new method with those introduced in [11].
orsions for Manifolds with Boundary and Glueing Formulas
Authors: Burghelea Dan , Friedlander Leonid , Kappeler Thomas
Published: September 2010

We extend the definition of analytic and Reidemeister torsion for closed compact iemannian manifolds, to compact Riemannian manifolds with boundary (M, δ M), given a parallel at bundle F of A‐Hilbert modules of finite type and a decomposition of the boundary δM = ‐M ⊔ δ+M into disjoint components. When F is induced from the universal covering of M, and the fundamental group of M is infinite (cf. [BFKM]), these torsions are known as the L2‐analytic resp. 2‐Reidemeister torsions. If the system (M, δ‐M, δ+M, F) is of determinant class we compute he quotient of the analytic and the Reidemeister torsion and prove gluing formulas for both of hem. In particular we answer positively Conjecture 7.6 in [LL]. If F is induced from a Γ‐principal overing where Γ is a residually finite group, we derive from work of Lück (cf. [L3]), that the system (M, δ‐M, δ+M, F) is of determinant class (cf. Theorem 5.1 in Appendix A).
A Note on the Carleson‐Hunt Theorem
Authors: Trinidad Menárguez M.
Published: September 2010

We present a characterization of the almost everywhere convergence of the partial Fourier series of functions in Lp(T), 1 < p < ∞, in terms of a discrete weak‐type inequality.
On the Jacobian Varieties of Picard Curves: Explicit Addition Law and Algebraic Structure
Authors: Sarlabous Jorge Estrada , Barreiro Ernesto Reinaldo , Barceló Jorge Alejandro Pieiro
Published: September 2010

In this paper a system of coordinates for the effective divisors on the Jacobian Variety of a Picard curve is presented. These coordinates possess a nice geometric interpretation and provide us with an unifying environment to obtain an explicit structure of algebraic variety on the Jacobian as well as an efficient algorithm for the addition of divisors.
Sharp Sobolev Embeddings and Related Hardy Inequalities: The Sub ‐‐ Critical Case
Authors: Triebel Hans
Published: September 2010

The paper deals with sharp embeddings of the spaces B and F into rearrangement‐variant spaces and related Hardy inequalities. Here (1/p, s) belongs to the interior of the shaded invariant spaces region in the Figure
Discrete Dipole Moments and Enhanced Electro‐Rheological Properties of Dumbbell‐Shaped, Non‐Spherical Particles
Authors: Shin Kyomin , Lee Sunmi , Kim Jin‐Joo , Suh Kyung‐Do
Published: September 2010

In this study, uniform dumbbell‐shaped non‐spherical particles are produced by seeded polymerization, and the electro‐rheological (ER) properties are compared to those of spherical‐shaped particles after surface coating with functionalized multiwall carbon nanotubes (f‐MWCNTs). The non‐spherical particles formed linear chains under an applied electric field. The yield stress of the non‐spherical particles is five‐times as high as that of the spherical particles. The enhanced ER properties of the dumbbell‐shaped non‐spherical particles are attributed to the discrete dipole moments, which are found to depend on the morphology.

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A Practical Approach to the Development of Inkjet Printable Functional Ionogels—Bendable, Foldable, Transparent, and Conductive Electrode Materials
Authors: Delaney Joseph T. , Liberski Albert R. , Perelaer Jolke , Schubert Ulrich S.
Published: September 2010

Ionic liquid gels, or ionogels, are semi‐conductive, flexible materials, offering a host of tunable physical properties, gaining an increasing level of scientific interest. One of the challenges of this emerging category of materials is that the structure–process–property relationships are still empirically driven. In this study, a simple, practical approach is laid out to prepare standardized libraries of these materials, for the purpose of selecting transparent, flexible conductive formulations that can be dispensed using inkjet printing. The net result of this was the optimization of a PEG‐DMA ionogel formulation exhibiting an optical transparency that was greater than 94% from near‐UV to near‐IR from a 150 µm thick films, and a resistivity of 12.4 Ω · m.

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Mathematical Modeling of MWD and CBD in Polymerizations with Macromonomer Reincorporation and Chain Running
Authors: Ferreira Luis Carlos , Nele Márcio , Costa Marcos A.S. , Pinto José Carlos
Published: September 2010

A model is proposed for the computation of MWD and CBD when the simultaneous formation of LCB and SCB is possible. LCBs are produced through incorporation of unsaturated polymer chains. SCBs are produced through chain running as a series of spontaneous chain transfer and reinsertion steps. The model was solved numerically with the help of orthogonal adaptive collocation techniques. It is shown that ten collocation points are sufficient to provide accurate numerical solutions for the evolution of MWDs and CBDs. The model can be used successfully to represent experimental data available for ethylene polymerizations performed with nickel catalysts and butadiene polymerizations performed with neodymium catalysts.

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Boundary element methods for Dirichlet boundary control problems
Authors: Of Günther , Phan Thanh Xuan , Steinbach Olaf
Published: September 2010

In this article we discuss the application of boundary element methods for the solution of Dirichlet boundary control problems subject to the Poisson equation with box constraints on the control. The solutions of both the primal and adjoint boundary value problems are given by representation formulae, where the state enters the adjoint problem as volume density. To avoid the related volume potential we apply integration by parts to the representation formula of the adjoint problem. This results in a system of boundary integral equations which is related to the Bi‐Laplacian. For the related Dirichlet to Neumann map, we analyse two different boundary integral representations. The first one is based on the use of single and double layer potentials only, but requires some additional assumptions to ensure stability of the discrete scheme. As a second approach, we consider the symmetric formulation which is based on the use of the Calderon projector and which is stable for standard boundary element discretizations. For both methods, we prove stability and related error estimates which are confirmed by numerical examples. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Advanced Monitoring and Control of Multi‐monomer System in Emulsion Polymerization
Authors: Gomes Vincent G.
Published: September 2010

A control framework was developed for real‐time implementation of optimal control of emulsion polymerization with multiple monomers by integrating model‐based algorithms with software engines. The developed system was applied for controlling conversion, particle size, molar mass, and polymer composition using model predictive control (MPC) based on mechanistic models for emulsion polymerization. The control formulation was extended to account for existing process constraints on the input, input moves, and solids content. On experimental testing, the developed control scheme was found to achieve the desired objectives without violating the process constraints and showed good robustness in rejecting disturbances. Improvements in the process operation and polymer property control were noted on implementing the developed multi‐variable MPC for molar mass and product composition. The system facilitated efficient control of fundamental polymer attributes with semi‐batch operation.

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Synthesis and electromagnetic interference shielding properties of iron oxide/polypyrrole nanocomposites
Authors: Azadmanjiri J. , Hojati‐Talemi P. , Simon G.P. , Suzuki K. , Selomulya C.
Published: September 2010

Magnetic nanocomposites were prepared by an in situ oxidative polymerization method to encapsulate different loadings of iron oxide nanoparticles (MNP) by a conductive polymer, polypyrrole (PPy), and were blended into an epoxy resin matrix. The morphology, DC conductivity, magnetic, and electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding behaviors of samples dispersed in the resin were characterized, the latter by use of a vector network analyzer in a frequency range of 0.1–18 GHz. Nanocomposites based on the use of MNP/PPy composite nanoparticles in which the magnetic and conducting phases coexist in intimate contact showed a marked increase in the absorption 10.10 dB at the maximum frequency limit (17–18 GHz) of the instrument, in comparison with the absorption bands for PPy particles only (7.5 dB) or MNP only (2.6 dB) or physical blends of MNP and PPy particles (3.6 dB) in the resin. The mechanism of this enhancement is discussed based on electromagnetic theory. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2011. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers
Electrically conducting polypropylene/polyaniline‐grafted‐short glass fiber composites: Microstructure and dynamic mechanical analysis
Authors: Valerio‐Cárdenas Cintya , Romo‐Uribe Angel , Cruz‐Silva Rodolfo
Published: September 2010

The thermal properties of isotactic polypropylene (iPP) reinforced with polyaniline‐grafted‐short glass fibers (PAn‐g‐SGF) at 10, 20, and 30 wt% concentration and iPP blended with 5 wt% PP‐grafted‐maleic anhydride (PP‐gMA) and 30 wt% of PAn‐g‐SGF were investigated. iPP crystallizes into a spherulitic morphology, the microfiller promoted larger spherulite size and higher dynamic modulus, but the overall degree of crystallinity decreased as the concentration of PAn‐g‐SGF increased. The melting temperature, Tm, was not influenced by the microfiller. However, the crystallization temperature, Tc, as determined by DMA, first decreased reaching a minimum at ca. 20 wt%, and then increased, in contrast with Tc determined by DSC, it increased as concentration increased. The initial reduction in Tc observed by DMA seems to be associated with the crystallites growing from the microfiller into the matrix, the overall molecular dynamics then being less affected. On the other hand, increase in Tc above 20 wt% concentration suggests that the percolation threshold could be responsible for these results. Addition of the maleic anhydride copolymer produced higher shear modulus, transition temperatures, and activation energy, suggesting higher interaction between microfiller and polymer matrix. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2011. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers
Preparation of thermoplastic elastomer nanocomposites based on polyamide‐6/polyepichlorohydrin‐co‐ethylene oxide
Authors: Naderi Ghasem , Razavi‐Nouri Mohammad , Taghizadeh Ehsan , Lafleur Pierre G. , Dubois Charles
Published: September 2010

This work is aimed at determining the effect of nanoclay and polyepichlorohydrin‐co‐ethylene oxide (ECO) content on the microstructure and mechanical properties of PA6/ECO thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs). TPE nanocomposites were prepared in a laboratory mixer using polyamide 6 (PA6), ECO, and an organoclay by a two‐step melt mixing process. First, the PA6 was melt blended with Cloisite 30B and then mixed by ECO rubber. X‐ray diffraction results and transmission electron microscopy image showed that the nanoclay platelets were nearly exfoliated in both the phases. The SEM photomicrograph of PA6 with ECO showed that the elastomer particles are dispersed throughout the polyamide matrix and the size of rubber particles is less than 3 μm. Introduction of organoclay in the PA6 matrix increased the size of dispersed rubber particles in comparison with the unfilled but otherwise similar blends. The nanoscale dimension of the dispersed clay results in an improvement of the tensile modulus of the nanocomposites. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2011. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers
Synthesis of polymers containing regularly distributed tetrathia‐[7]‐elicene units along the backbone
Authors: Fenili Fabio , Rigamonti Clara , Bossi Alberto , Ferruti Paolo , Manfredi Amedea , Maiorana Stefano , Baldoli Clara , Cauteruccio Silvia , Licandro Emanuela , Ranucci Elisabetta
Published: September 2010

A tetrathia‐[7]‐helicene bearing in the 2 and 13 positions cyanovinyl groups was used as comonomer in the Michael‐type polyaddition reaction with N,N′‐bis(β‐mercaptoethyl)piperazine. This led to a new polymer bearing tetrathia‐[7]‐helicene units regularly distributed along the polymer backbone, which may be regarded as the first example of a new family of potentially useful nonlinear optical materials. All products were structurally characterized by 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy. Differential scanning calorimetry characterizations revealed the presence, in both monomeric and polymeric helicenes, of glass‐transition like temperatures, associated to some conformational variation of the helicene units. The optical properties, the film formation and the morphology of the polymer‐containing tetratia‐[7]‐helicenes were also investigated. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2010
Hierarchically organized micellization of thermoresponsive rod‐coil copolymers based on poly[oligo(ethylene glycol) methacrylate] and poly(ε‐caprolactone)
Authors: Luzón Mario , Corrales Teresa , Catalina Fernando , San Miguel Verónica , Ballesteros Carmen , Peinado Carmen
Published: September 2010

A series of amphiphilic triblock copolymers, poly[oligo(ethylene glycol) methacrylate]x‐block‐poly(ε‐caprolactone)‐block‐poly[oligo(ethylene glycol) methacrylate]x, POEGMACo(x), were synthesized. Formation of hydrophobic domains as cores of the micelles was studied by fluorescence spectroscopy. The critical micelle concentrations in aqueous solution were found to be in the range of circa 10−6 M. A novel methodology by modulated temperature differential scanning calorimetry was developed to determine critical micelle temperature. A significant concentration dependence of cmt was found. Dynamic light scattering measurements showed a bidispersed size distribution. The micelles showed reversible dispersion/aggregation in response to temperature cycles with lower critical solution temperature between 75 and 85 °C. The interplay of the two hydrophobic and one thermoresponsive macromolecular chains offers the chance to more complex morphologies. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2010
Multiarm star polymers with POSS at the periphery
Authors: Gungor Eda , Bilir Cigdem , Hizal Gurkan , Tunca Umit
Published: September 2010

Azide end‐functionalized polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS‐N3) was incorporated into the periphery of well‐defined alkyne‐polystyrene50‐poly(divinyl benzene) (alkyne‐PS50‐polyDVB) and alkyne‐poly(tert‐butyl acrylate)43‐poly(divinyl benzene) (alkyne‐PtBA43‐polyDVB) multiarm star polymers via highly efficient azide‐alkyne click reaction, resulting in POSS‐PS50‐polyDVB and POSS‐PtBA43‐polyDVB multiarm star block copolymers respectively, in the solution of tetrahydrofuran/N,N‐dimethyl formamide, CuBr/N,N,N′,N″,N″‐pentamethyldiethylenetriamine (PMDETA) at room temperature for 24 h. Linear precursors and star polymers obtained in this study were characterized 1H NMR, gel permeation chromatography (GPC), and triple detection GPC (TD‐GPC). Absolute molecular weight, hydrodynamic radius, and intrinsic viscosity ([η]) values for all star polymers were determined by TD‐GPC. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2010
Synthesis and properties of copolymers of methyl methacrylate with 2,3,4,5,6‐pentafluoro and 4‐trifluoromethyl 2,3,5,6‐tetrafluoro styrenes: An intrachain interaction between methyl ester and fluoro aromatic moieties
Authors: Lou Liping , Koike Yasuhiro , Okamoto Yoshiyuki
Published: September 2010

2,3,4,5,6‐Pentafluoro and 4‐trifluoromethyl 2,3,5,6‐tetrafluoro styrenes were readily copolymerized with methyl methacrylate (MMA) by a free radical initiator. The copolymers were soluble in tetrahydrofuran and acetone. The films obtained were transparent and flexible. The glass transition temperatures (Tgs) of the copolymers were found positively deviated from the Gordon–Taylor equation. The positive deviation could be accounted for by dipole–dipole intrachain interaction between the methyl ester group of MMA and the highly fluorinated aromatic moiety, which resulted in a decrease in the segmental mobility of the polymer chains and the enhanced Tg values of the copolymers. The water absorption of PMMA was greatly decreased by copolymerization of MMA with the highly fluorinated styrenes. With as little as 10 mol % of pentafluoro styrene content in the copolymer, the water absorption was decreased to one‐third of that for pure PMMA. The fluorinated styrenes‐MMA copolymers were thermally stable up to 420 °C under air and nitrogen atmospheres. With 50 mol % of MMA in the copolymer, the copolymer was still stable up to 350 °C. Since these copolymers contain a large number of fluorine atoms, the light absorption in the region of the visible to near infrared is decreased in comparison with nonfluorinated polymers. Thus, these copolymers may be suitable for application in optical devices, such as optical fibers and waveguides. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2010
Polymerization of epoxidized vegetable oil derivatives: Ionic‐coordinative polymerization of methylepoxyoleate
Authors: Del Rio E. , Galià M. , Cádiz V. , Lligadas G. , Ronda J. C.
Published: September 2010

Ring‐opening polymerization of epoxidized methyloleate (EMO) with various ionic‐coordinative initiators have been studied and compared with other internal epoxy monomers: benzyl 9,10‐epoxyoleoylether and cis‐4,5‐epoxyoctane. The structure and molecular weight of the resulting polymers have been studied by 1H‐ and 13C‐NMR, MALDI‐TOF‐MS, and size exclusion chromatography analysis. Polymers with higher molecular weight than those obtained with conventional cationic catalyst are obtained. These materials have been found to consist of a complex mixture of cyclic and linear polymer chains with different chain ends that can be related to the catalyst nature and the occurrence of two main polymerization mechanisms, the cationic and the ionic‐coordinative. In the polymerization of EMO, transesterification by‐side reactions leading to ester linkages in the main chain have been identified. These undesired reactions have been suppressed by copolymerization with small amounts of tetrahydrofuran with no substantial decrease in the polymer yield and molecular weight. Finally, the polymerization of EMO has been tested in a larger scale to prepare a renewable resource‐based polyether as starting material to produce polyether polyols for polyurethane applications. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2010
Dynamic crystallization behavior, morphology, and physical properties of highly concentrated poly(vinylidene fluoride)/silver nanocomposites
Authors: Chae Dong Wook , Hong Soon Man
Published: September 2010

The effects of the inclusion of silver (Ag) nanoparticles on the physical properties, the crystallization behavior under shear, and the consequential crystalline morphology of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) were investigated. Ag nanoparticles were melt compounded with PVDF in weight fractions of 20, 50, and 90 wt % (15.3 vol %). In the melt rheology, the presence of 20 wt % Ag nanoparticles had little effect on the dynamic viscosity of PVDF, but further addition increased it with the loading level. In Cole–Cole plot, all the melts gave a single master curve independent of the presence of Ag nanoparticles. As Ag loading level was increased, the overall crystallization process under shear was accelerated by reducing both induction time and crystallization time. The degree of acceleration was more notable at higher crystallization temperatures. The induction time and the crystallization time of 90 wt % loaded nanocomposites were promoted by 53.5 and 3.7%, respectively, at 145 °C and by 62 and 26.3%, respectively, at 160 °C, compared with those of pure PVDF. For the isothermal crystallization measured by differential scanning calorimeter, the critical Ag concentration, where overall crystallization was not promoted by further addition, occurred between 50 and 90 wt %. Both wide angle X‐ray diffraction profiles and Fourier transform infrared spectra of the samples crystallized under shear displayed the peaks for only α‐form crystals without new peak or peak shift regardless of the Ag loading and crystallization temperature. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys, 2010
Main Species and Physicochemical Processes in Cold Atmospheric‐pressure He + O2 Plasmas
Authors: Liu Ding‐Xin , Rong Ming‐Zhe , Wang Xiao‐Hua , Iza Felipe , Kong Michael G. , Bruggeman Peter
Published: September 2010

The main species and chemical processes in low‐temperature atmospheric‐pressure He + O2 plasmas are identified using a comprehensive global model. The simulation results highlight the significance of Penning processes at low oxygen concentration, and the increasingly important role of electron attachment as the oxygen concentration increases. With increasing the oxygen concentration, the electron energy dissipation shifts from elastic collisions with He to dissociative excitation and attachment of O2 molecules, and large ions (${\rm O}_{3}^{ + } $, ${\rm O}_{4}^{ + } $) become the dominant charged species. Generation and loss of ROS (O, O(1D), O(1S), O2(a1Δg), O2(b1∑), O3) relevant for biomedical applications are discussed.

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Ubiquitin as potential cerebrospinal fluid marker of Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease
Authors: Steinacker Petra , Rist Wolfgang , Swiatek‐de‐Lange Magdalena , Lehnert Stefan , Jesse Sarah , Pabst Alice , Tumani Hayrettin , von Arnim Christine A. F. , Mitrova Eva , Kretzschmar Hans A. , Lenter Martin , Wiltfang Jens , Otto Markus
Published: September 2010

This article was originally published in Proteomics 2010, 10, 81–89, DOI 10.1002/pmic.200900246
Identification of complement C3f‐desArg and its derivative for acute leukemia diagnosis and minimal residual disease assessment
Authors: Liang Tingting , Wang Na , Li Wei , Li Ailing , Wang Jie , Cui Jiuwei , Liu Nian , Li Yan , Li Ling , Yang Guozi , Du ZhongHua , Li Dan , He Kun , Wang Guanjun
Published: September 2010

This article was originally published in Proteomics 2010, 10, 90–98, DOI 10.1002/pmic.200900513
Differential expression proteomics of human colorectal cancer based on a syngeneic cellular model for the progression of adenoma to carcinoma
Authors: Roth Udo , Razawi Hanieh , Hommer Julia , Engelmann Katja , Schwientek Tilo , Müller Stefan , Baldus Stephan E. , Patsos Georgios , Corfield Anthony P. , Paraskeva Christos , Hanisch Franz‐Georg
Published: September 2010

This article was originally published in Proteomics 2010, 10, 194–202, DOI 10.1002/pmic.200900614
The loss of phenol sulfotransferase 1 in hepatocellular carcinogenesis
Authors: Yeo Marie , Na Young Mi , Kim Dong Kyu , Kim Young Bae , Wang Hee Jeong , Lee Jung A. , Cheong Jae Youn , Lee Kwang Jae , Paik Young‐Ki , Cho Sung Won
Published: September 2010

This article was originally published in Proteomics 2010, 10, 266–276, DOI 10.1002/pmic.200900721
Immunoproteomics of the active degradome to identify biomarkers for Trichomonas vaginalis
Authors: Ramón‐Luing Lucero A. , Rendón‐Gandarilla Francisco J. , Cárdenas‐Guerra Rosa E. , Rodríguez‐Cabrera Norma A. , Ortega‐López Jaime , Avila‐González Leticia , Angel‐Ortiz Claudia , Herrera‐Sánchez Carmen N. , Mendoza‐García Manuela , Arroyo Rossana
Published: September 2010

This article was originally published in Proteomics 2010, 10, 435–444, DOI 10.1002/pmic.200900479
Adjuvant effects of ambient particulate matter monitored by proteomics of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid
Authors: Kang Xuedong , Li Ning , Wang Meiying , Boontheung Pinmanee , Sioutas Constantinos , Harkema Jack R. , Bramble Lori A. , Nel Andre E. , Loo Joseph A.
Published: September 2010

This article was originally published in Proteomics 2010, 10, 520–531, DOI 10.1002/pmic.200900573
Distinct proteomic features of two fibrogenic liver cell populations: Hepatic stellate cells and portal myofibroblasts
Authors: Bosselut Nelly , Housset Chantal , Marcelo Paulo , Rey Colette , Burmester Thorsten , Vinh Jöelle , Vaubourdolle Michel , Cadoret Axelle , Baudin Bruno
Published: September 2010

This article was originally published in Proteomics 2010, 10, 1017–1028, DOI 10.1002/pmic.200900257
Data management and functional annotation of the Korean reference plasma proteome
Authors: Jeong Seul‐Ki , Lee Eun‐Young , Cho Jin‐Young , Lee Hyoung‐Joo , Jeong An‐Sung , Cho Sang Yun , Paik Young‐Ki
Published: September 2010

This article was originally published in Proteomics 2010, 10, 1250–1255, DOI 10.1002/pmic.200900371
Pathway analysis of dilated cardiomyopathy using global proteomic profiling and enrichment maps
Authors: Isserlin Ruth , Merico Daniele , Alikhani‐Koupaei Rasoul , Gramolini Anthony , Bader Gary D. , Emili Andrew
Published: September 2010

This article was originally published in Proteomics 2010, 10, 1316–1327, DOI 10.1002/pmic.200900412
Evaluation of blood collection tubes using selected reaction monitoring MS: Implications for proteomic biomarker studies
Authors: Randall Sarah A. , McKay Matthew J. , Molloy Mark P.
Published: September 2010

This article was originally published in Proteomics 2010, 10, 2050–2056, DOI 10.1002/pmic.200900517
High‐abundance protein depletion: Comparison of methods for human plasma biomarker discovery
Authors: Polaskova Veronika , Kapur Amit , Khan Alamgir , Molloy Mark P. , Baker Mark S.
Published: September 2010

This article was originally published in Electrophoresis 2010, 31, 471–482, DOI 10.1002/elps.200900286
Identification of candidate biomarkers in ovarian cancer serum by depletion of highly abundant proteins and differential in‐gel electrophoresis
Authors: Andersen John D. , Boylan Kristin L. M. , Xue Feifei S. , Anderson Lorraine B. , Witthuhn Bruce A. , Markowski Todd W. , Higgins LeeAnn , Skubitz Amy P. N.
Published: September 2010

This article was originally published in Electrophoresis 2010, 31, 599–610, DOI 10.1002/elps.200900441
Differential characterization of biogenic amine‐producing bacteria involved in food poisoning using MALDI‐TOF mass fingerprinting
Authors: Fernández‐No Inmaculada C. , Böhme Karola , Gallardo José M. , Barros‐Velázquez Jorge , Cañas Benito , Calo‐Mata Pilar
Published: September 2010

This article was originally published in Electrophoresis 2010, 31, 1116–1127, DOI 10.1002/elps.200900591
CE‐ESI‐MS/MS as a rapid screening tool for the comparison of protein–ligand interactions
Authors: Hoffmann Thomas , Martin Markus M.
Published: September 2010

This article was originally published in Electrophoresis 2010, 31, 1248–1255, DOI 10.1002/elps.200900585
Human pyruvate kinase M2: A multifunctional protein
Authors: Gupta Vibhor , Bamezai Rameshwar N.K.
Published: September 2010

Glycolysis, a central metabolic pathway, harbors evolutionary conserved enzymes that modulate and potentially shift the cellular metabolism on requirement. Pyruvate kinase, which catalyzes the last but rate‐limiting step of glycolysis, is expressed in four isozymic forms, depending on the tissue requirement. M2 isoform (PKM2) is exclusively expressed in embryonic and adult dividing/tumor cells. This tetrameric allosterically regulated isoform is intrinsically designed to downregulate its activity by subunit dissociation (into dimer), which results in partial inhibition of glycolysis at the last step. This accumulates all upstream glycolytic intermediates as an anabolic feed for synthesis of lipids and nucleic acids, whereas reassociation of PKM2 into active tetramer replenishes the normal catabolism as a feedback after cell division. In addition, involvement of this enzyme in a variety of pathways, protein–protein interactions, and nuclear transport suggests its potential to perform multiple nonglycolytic functions with diverse implications, although multidimensional role of this protein is as yet not fully explored. This review aims to provide an overview of the involvement of PKM2 in various physiological pathways with possible functional implications.
Effects of flammability characteristics of methane with three inert gases
Authors: Wu Siou‐Yuan , Lin Nung‐Kai , Shu Chi‐Min
Published: September 2010

In the chemical industries the three most common accidents are due to toxic releases, fires, and explosions, with most occurring in the form of fires and explosions. The reasons for these accidents predominantly arise out of a lack of awareness of flammability properties of flammable substances. To evaluate the fire/explosion hazards involved and ensure the safety and optimal operation of reactors, vessels or storage tanks, it is necessary to recognize the flammability characteristics of flammable materials. By means of a 20‐L‐Apparatus, we investigated the flammability and explosion characteristics of methane with three different inert gases (CO2, N2, and Ar) at 1 atm. 30 and 100°C, and many air concentrations. Our test results determined that the inert influence on methane by CO2 is better than N2 and Ar. The results of this article include graphs that show the lower and upper flammability regions and the explosion characteristics for these inerted systems. The flammability ranges include results for 30 and 100°C. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog, 2010
Synthesis and conformational analysis of salivary proline‐rich peptide P‐B
Authors: Kamysz Elżbieta , Sikorska Emilia
Published: September 2010

The 57‐amino acid human salivary polypeptide P‐B has been synthesized by the solid‐phase method using 9‐fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl (Fmoc) strategy. The circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and molecular modeling methods have been used for conformational studies of P‐B. Examination of the CD spectra of P‐B showed the content of the secondary structure to be independent of temperature over the range 0–60 °C at pH = 7 as well as over the pH range of 2–12 at 37 °C. P‐B adopts predominantly unordered structure with locally appearing β‐turns. The cumulative results obtained using the CD and FTIR spectroscopic techniques indicate the percentage of the polyproline type‐II (PPII) helix being as low as about 10%. Similarly, the molecular dynamics (MD) simulations reveal only a short PPII helix in theC‐terminal fragment of the peptide (Pro51–Pro54), which constitutes 7%. Copyright © 2010 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Identification of spathulenol in Salvia mirzayanii and the immunomodulatory effects
Authors: Ziaei Akram , Ramezani Mohammad , Wright Louwrance , Paetz Christian , Schneider Bernd , Amirghofran Zahra
Published: September 2010

The methanol extract of Salvia mirzayanii has shown an immunomodulatory effect on peripheral blood lymphocytes. Bioassay‐guided fractionation using a lymphocyte proliferation assay on Salvia mirzayanii was performed in order to purify and identify the active compounds. Fractionation of the methanol extract and purification of the components using normal column chromatography and preparative thin layer chromatography resulted in identification of the bioactive compound, spathulenol, with an immunoinhibitory effect. Identification of this compound was performed by 1D and 2D NMR methods and HRMS. Treatment of activated lymphocytes with a concentrated fraction containing 62% of spathulenol (SP) showed a decrease in the proliferation of lymphocytes with an IC50 of 85.4 ± 11.08 µg/mL. Flow cytometry analysis using annexin V and propidium iodide staining of the stimulated peripheral blood lymphocytes in the presence of SP demonstrated a dose dependent increase in the percentage of apoptotic cells (IC50; 77.2 ± 5.31 µg/mL). No significant increase in caspase 3 activity in a 20 h treatment of stimulated lymphocytes compared with the control was observed. In conclusion, this study identified the possible activity of spathulenol as one of the immunomodulatory compounds present in Salvia mirzayanii. SP showed the capacity to inhibit proliferation in the lymphocytes and to induce apoptosis in these cells possibly through a caspase‐3 independent pathway. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.