bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Study on interfacial properties of unidirectional flax/vinyl ester composites: Resin manipulation on vinyl ester system
Authors: Huo Shanshan , Chevali Venkata S. , Ulven Chad A. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractFlax fibers are widely used as reinforcements in bio‐based polymer matrix composites. This study investigated the hydrophilic nature and surface purity of flax fiber that affects fiber/matrix adhesion in combination with hydrophobic structural polymers via matrix modification and the utilization of fiber treatment, specifically in a flax/vinyl ester (VE) composite. A new method to manipulate the vinyl ester system with acrylic resin (AR) was developed to produce flax reinforced. On the other hand, different types of chemical and physical treatments were applied on the flax fiber. FTIR was applied to evaluate the effects of surface treatments. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) was used to analyze the unmodified and modified VE resin system. The surface of untreated and treated flax fibers and their composites were analyzed by scanning electronic microscopy (SEM). Sodium ethoxide‐treated flax/VE with 1% (wt) AR caused the best mechanical performance among all the flax/VE composites evaluated. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Morphology study of immiscible polymer blends in a vane extruder
Authors: Qu Jin‐Ping , Chen Hui‐Zhuo , Liu Shu‐Rong , Tan Bin , Liu Li‐Ming , Yin Xiao‐Chun , Liu Quan‐Jin , Guo Rui‐Biao 
Published: September 2012

AbstractThis study reports the morphology development of polymer blends in a novel vane extruder in which polymer mainly suffers from elongational deformation field. Rapidly cooled samples of polypropylene/polystyrene (PP/PS) are collected in the vane extruder after stable extrusion. Furthermore, the shape and size of the dispersed phase from initial to final stages are analyzed. In addition, in order to compare the final size of the dispersed phase, different immiscible blends, including polypropylene/polyamide and PP/PS, are prepared by vane extruder and twin‐screw extruder, respectively. The results show that the dispersed phase is made to change rapidly from stretched striations to droplets under the strong elongational deformation field in the vane extruder. Furthermore, the droplet size of dispersed phase of blends prepared by vane extruder is much smaller than that prepared by twin‐screw extruder, indicating that the vane extruder is more efficient in mixing for immiscible polymer blends. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Brief Report: Amelioration of collagen‐induced arthritis in mice by lentivirus‐mediated silencing of microRNA‐223
Authors: Li Yuan‐Tsung , Chen Shih‐Yao , Wang Chrong‐Reen , Liu Ming‐Fei , Lin Chi‐Chen , Jou I‐Ming , Shiau Ai‐Li , Wu Chao‐Liang 
Published: September 2012

AbstractObjectiveMicroRNA (miRNA) plays a role in autoimmune diseases. MiRNA‐223 (miR‐223) is up‐regulated in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and is involved in osteoclastogenesis, which contributes to erosive disease. The aim of this study was to test the feasibility of using lentiviral vectors expressing the miR‐223 target sequence (miR‐223T) to suppress miR‐223 activity as a therapeutic strategy in a mouse model of collagen‐induced arthritis (CIA).MethodsLevels of miR‐223 in the synovial tissue of patients with RA or osteoarthritis (OA), as well as in the ankle joints of mice with CIA, were determined by quantitative reverse transcriptase–polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR). Lentiviral vectors expressing miR‐223T (LVmiR‐223T) or luciferase short hairpin RNA (LVshLuc) as a control vector were injected intraperitoneally into mice with CIA. Treatment responses and disease‐related bone mineral density were monitored. Levels of nuclear factor 1A (NF‐1A), a direct target of miR‐223, and macrophage colony‐stimulating factor receptor (M‐CSFR), which is critical for osteoclastogenesis, were measured by immunohistochemistry and quantitative RT‐PCR. Osteoclasts were assessed by tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase staining.ResultsMiR‐223 expression was significantly higher in the synovium of RA patients and in the ankle joints of mice with CIA as compared to OA patients and normal mice. LVmiR‐223T treatment reduced the arthritis score, histologic score, miR‐223 expression, osteoclastogenesis, and bone erosion in mice with CIA. Down‐regulation of miR‐223 with concomitant increases in NF‐1A levels and decreases in M‐CSFR levels was detected in the synovium of LVmiR‐223T–treated mice.ConclusionThis study is the first to demonstrate that lentivirus‐mediated silencing of miR‐223 can reduce disease severity of experimental arthritis. Furthermore, our results indicate that inhibition of miR‐223 activity should be further explored as a therapeutic strategy in RA.
Anti–tumor necrosis factor α treatment of interferon‐α–induced murine lupus nephritis reduces the renal macrophage response but does not alter glomerular immune complex formation
Authors: Bethunaickan Ramalingam , Sahu Ranjit , Liu Zheng , Tang Yi Ting , Huang Weiqing , Edegbe Osarieman , Tao Haiou , Ramanujam Meera , Madaio Michael P. , Davidson Anne 
Published: September 2012

AbstractObjectiveTo analyze the mechanism for the therapeutic effects of tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) inhibition in a murine model of systemic lupus erythematosus.MethodsWe used the (NZB × NZW)F1 (NZB/NZW) mouse model of interferon‐α–induced lupus nephritis and treated mice with TNF receptor type II (TNFRII) Ig after TNFα expression was detected in the kidneys. Autoantibodies were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and autoantibody‐ forming cells were determined using an enzyme‐linked immunospot assay. Activation of splenocytes was analyzed by flow cytometry. Kidneys were harvested and analyzed using flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, ELISA, Western blotting, and real‐time polymerase chain reaction.ResultsTNFRII Ig treatment stabilized nephritis and markedly prolonged survival. Autoantibody production and systemic immune activation were not inhibited, but the renal response to glomerular immune complex deposition was attenuated. This was associated with decreases in renal production of chemokines, renal endothelial cell activation, interstitial F4/80high macrophage accumulation, tubular damage, and oxidative stress. In contrast, perivascular lymphoid aggregates containing B cells, T cells, and dendritic cells accumulated unabated.ConclusionOur data suggest that TNFα is a critical cytokine that amplifies the response of the nephron to immune complex deposition, but that it has less influence on the response of the systemic vasculature to inflammation.
Histamine contributes to increased RANKL to osteoprotegerin ratio through altered nuclear receptor 4A activity in human chondrocytes
Authors: Marzaioli Viviana , McMorrow Jason P. , Angerer Hannes , Gilmore Alyssa , Crean Daniel , Zocco Davide , Rooney Peadar , Veale Douglas , Fearon Ursula , Gogarty Martina , McEvoy Alice N. , Stradner Martin H. , Murphy Evelyn P. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractObjectiveTo elucidate histamine receptor–mediated signaling pathways, transcriptional events, and target gene expression in human cartilage.MethodsHistamine modulation of cartilage destruction was assessed by Safranin O staining and proteoglycan release. H1, H2, H3, and H4 histamine receptor–dependent regulation of transcription factors (nuclear receptor 4A1 [NR4A1], NR4A2, and NR4A3), RANKL, and osteoprotegerin (OPG) messenger RNA (mRNA) levels were measured in primary and SW‐1353 chondrocyte cells using quantitative polymerase chain reaction and selective histamine receptor antagonists. Soluble RANKL and OPG protein levels were determined using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays. NR4A protein levels and transactivity were evaluated by Western blot analysis, immunocytochemistry, and luciferase reporter assays. Stable depletion of NR4A1–3 was achieved by lentiviral transduction of NR4A short hairpin RNA.ResultsPrimary human chondrocyte cells expressed differential steady‐state levels of H1–H4 histamine receptor mRNA. In combination with tumor necrosis factor α, histamine significantly promoted cartilage proteoglycan depletion and release. Histamine modulated the expression of NR4A1–3 orphan receptors in primary and immortalized human chondrocyte cells in a time‐ and concentration‐dependent manner. Histamine selectively signaled through H1 and H2 histamine receptors in chondrocytes to modulate RANKL and NR4A2 expression. The temporal effects of histamine on NR4A2 gene transcription were reduced in cells pretreated with inhibitors directed against protein kinase A, MAPK, and NF‐κB signaling pathways. Histamine modulated the expression of RANKL with modest effects on OPG levels, leading to increased RANKL:OPG mRNA and protein ratios. Stable knockdown of NR4A1–3 expression resulted in reduced endogenous OPG levels and the loss of histamine‐dependent regulation of RANKL expression.ConclusionOur findings indicate that histamine, via H1 and H2 histamine receptors, contributes to joint disease by enhancing the ratio of RANKL to OPG expression through altered NR4A activity in human chondrocyte cells.
Classification of antineutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody vasculitides: The role of antineutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody specificity for myeloperoxidase or proteinase 3 in disease recognition and prognosis
Authors: Lionaki Sophia , Blyth Elizabeth R. , Hogan Susan L. , Hu Yichun , Senior Brent A. , Jennette Caroline E. , Nachman Patrick H. , Jennette J. Charles , Falk Ronald J. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractObjectiveTo compare the usefulness of 3 currently used classification systems in predicting the outcomes of treatment resistance, disease relapse, end‐stage renal disease (ESRD), and death in patients with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)–associated vasculitis (AAV).MethodsThree classification systems were applied to 502 patients with biopsy‐proven AAV: 1) the Chapel Hill Consensus Conference (CHCC) definition with categories for granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) (Wegener's), microscopic polyangiitis (MPA), and kidney‐limited disease; 2) the European Medicines Agency (EMA) system with categories for GPA and MPA; and 3) classification based on ANCA with specificity for myeloperoxidase (MPO ANCA) versus ANCA with specificity for proteinase 3 (PR3 ANCA). Outcomes included treatment resistance, relapse, ESRD, and death. Proportional hazards models were compared between systems using an information‐theoretic approach to rank models by predictive fit. Hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) and P values are reported.ResultsANCA specificity was predictive of relapse, with PR3 ANCA–positive patients almost twice as likely to relapse as those with MPO ANCA (HR 1.89 [95% CI 1.33–2.69], P = 0.0004), and ANCA specificity had the best predictive model fit (model rank 1) compared to the CHCC and EMA systems. The CHCC and EMA systems did not predict relapse. By ANCA specificity, categories of GPA, MPA, and kidney‐limited disease did not distinguish differences in probability of relapse‐free survival. None of the systems predicted treatment resistance, ESRD, or death.ConclusionANCA specificity independently predicts relapse among patients with AAV with renal disease. Classification and diagnostic systems that incorporate ANCA specificity, such as PR3 ANCA–positive MPA and MPO ANCA–positive MPA, provide a more useful tool than the clinical pathologic category alone for predicting relapse.
Smad3 controls β‐1,3‐glucuronosyltransferase 1 expression in rat nucleus pulposus cells: Implications of dysregulated expression in disc disease
Authors: Wu Qianghua , Wang Jianru , Skubutyte Renata , Kepler Christopher K. , Huang Zonggui , Anderson D. Greg , Shapiro Irving M. , Risbud Makarand V. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractObjectiveTo study the regulation of expression of β‐1,3‐glucuronosyltransferase 1 (GlcAT‐1), an important regulator of glycosaminoglycan (GAG) synthesis, by Smad3 in nucleus pulposus (NP) cells.MethodsGlcAT‐1 expression was examined in rat NP and anulus fibrosus (AF) cells treated with transforming growth factor β (TGFβ). The effects of Smad signaling and Smad suppression on GlcAT‐1 were examined in rat NP cells. GlcAT‐1 expression was analyzed in the discs of Smad3‐null mice and in degenerated human NP tissue.ResultsTGFβ increased the expression of GlcAT‐1 in rat NP but not rat AF cells. Suppression of GlcAT‐1 promoter activity was evident with dominant‐negative ALK‐5 (DN‐ALK‐5). Cotransfection with Smad3 strongly induced promoter activity independent of TGFβ. Bioinformatics analysis indicated the presence of several Smad binding sites in the promoter; deletion analysis showed that the region between −274 and −123 bp was required for Smad3 response. DN‐Smad3, Smad 3 small interfering RNA, and Smad7 strongly suppressed basal as well as TGFβ‐induced promoter activity. Induction of promoter activity by Smad3 was significantly blocked by DN‐Smad3; Smad7 had a very small effect. Lentiviral transduction of NP cells with short hairpin RNA Smad3 resulted in a decrease in GlcAT‐1 expression and accumulation of GAG. Compared to wild‐type mice, significantly lower expression of GlcAT‐1 was seen in the discs of Smad3‐null mice. Analysis of degenerated human NP tissue specimens showed no positive correlation between GlcAT‐1 and TGFβ expression. Moreover, isolated cells from degenerated human tissue showed a lack of induction of GlcAT‐1 expression following TGFβ treatment, suggesting an altered response.ConclusionOur findings demonstrate that in healthy NP cells, the TGFβ–Smad3 axis serves as a regulator of GlcAT‐1 expression. However, an altered responsiveness to TGFβ during disc degeneration may compromise GAG synthesis.
1‐Aryl‐4‐Silylmethyl[60]fullerenes: Synthesis, Properties, and Photovoltaic Performance
Authors: Matsuo Yutaka , Oyama Hiromi , Soga Iwao , Okamoto Toshihiro , Tanaka Hideyuki , Saeki Akinori , Seki Shu , Nakamura Eiichi 
Published: September 2012

AbstractThe efficient nucleophilic addition of aryl Grignard reagents (aryl=4‐MeOC6H4, 4‐Me2NC6H4, Ph, 4‐CF3C6H4, and thienyl) to C60 in the presence of DMSO produced 1,2‐arylhydro[60]fullerenes after acid treatment. The reactions of the anions of these arylhydro[60]fullerenes with either dimethylphenylsilylmethyl iodide or dimethyl(2‐isopropoxyphenyl)silylmethyl iodide yielded the target compounds, 1‐aryl‐4‐silylmethyl[60]fullerenes. The properties and structures of these 1‐aryl‐4‐silylmethyl[60]fullerenes (aryl=4‐MeOC6H4, thienyl) were examined by electrochemical studies, X‐ray crystallography, flash‐photolysis time‐resolved microwave‐conductivity (FP‐TRMC) measurements, and electron‐mobility measurements by using a space‐charge‐limited current (SCLC) model. Organic photovoltaic devices with a polymer‐based bulk heterojunction structure and small‐molecule‐based p–n and p–i–n heterojunction configurations were fabricated by using 1‐aryl‐4‐silylmethyl[60]fullerenes as an electron acceptor. The most efficient device exhibited a power‐conversion efficiency of 3.4 % (short‐circuit current density: 8.1 mA/ cm2, open‐circuit voltage: 0.69 V, fill factor: 0.59).
Aortic rupture and sac expansion after endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm
Authors: Holt P J E , Karthikesalingam A , Patterson B O , Ghatwary T , Hinchliffe R J , Loftus I M , Thompson M M 
Published: September 2012

Abstract

Background
Long-term concerns about the durability of endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) remain after the publication of controlled trials. Increased expertise in endograft technology, case selection and postoperative reintervention has created a need for reappraisal of the longer-term efficacy of EVAR using contemporary data.

Methods
Patients undergoing infrarenal EVAR between 2004 and 2010 were studied prospectively. Morphological compliance with manufacturers' instructions for use (IFU) was established using three-dimensional computed tomography. The primary outcome measures were all-cause and aneurysm-related mortality, postoperative rupture, reintervention and sac expansion. These adverse events were reported using Kaplan–Meier survival analysis, with comparison within, or outside IFU by the log rank test.

Results
Some 478 patients of median age 76 years had a median aneurysm diameter of 62·9 mm. Median follow-up was 44 (range 11–94) months; 198 (41·4 per cent) were compliant with IFU. The 30-day mortality rate was 2·1 per cent (10 of 478 patients): nine (2·0 per cent) of 455 patients who had elective and one (4 per cent) of 23 patients who had non-elective surgery. Aneurysm-related mortality was 0·897 deaths per 100 person-years, and all-cause mortality was 8·558 deaths per 100 person-years, with significantly lower survival outside IFU (P = 0·012). Two patients had a late rupture (0·138 per 100 person-years), of whom one died. There were 6·120 reinterventions per 100 person-years, with no difference for aneurysms treated outside IFU (P = 0·136). Primary sac expansion occurred in 6·721 per 100 person-years and secondary sac expansion in 4·142 per 100 person-years.

Conclusion
In this series EVAR had a lower aneurysm-related mortality rate than demonstrated in early controlled trials, and with lower sac expansion rates than reported from image repositories. Data from earlier studies should be applied to current practice with caution.
Determination of limonin in dog plasma by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry and its application to a pharmacokinetic study
Authors: Liu Shi‐jia , Zhou Ling , Zhang Jun , Yu Bo‐yang , Li Chang‐yin , Liu Zi‐xiu , Ju Wen‐zheng 
Published: September 2012

ABSTRACTA highly sensitive liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry method was developed and validated for the determination of limonin in beagle dog plasma using nimodipine as internal standard. The analyte and internal standard (IS) were extracted with ether followed by a rapid isocratic elution with 10 mm ammonium acetate buffer–methanol (26:74, v/v) on a C18 column (150 × 2.1 mm i.d.) and subsequent analysis by mass spectrometry in the multiple reaction monitoring mode. The precursor to product ion transitions of m/z 469.4 → 229.3 and m/z 417.2 → 122.0 were used to measure the analyte and the IS. The assay was linear over the concentration range of 0.625–100 ng/mL for limonin in dog plasma. The lower limit of quantification was 0.312 ng/mL and the extraction recovery was >90.4% for limonin. The inter‐ and intra‐day precision of the method at three concentrations was less than 9.9%. The method was successfully applied to pharmacokinetic study of limonin in dogs. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The stable o‐phthalaldehyde‐ferrocene/6‐ferrocenyl‐1‐hexanethiol pre‐column derivatization high‐performance liquid chromatography of dimethylarginine by novel dual fluorescence and electrochemical detector
Authors: Suzuki Katsuhiro , Katayama Masatoki , Takamatsu Kiyoshi , Kaneko Satoru , Ishikawa Hiromichi , Tsukimura Takahiro , Togawa Tadayasu 
Published: September 2012

ABSTRACTMonomethylarginine, asymmetric dimethylarginine and symmetric dimethylarginine were separated on a Wakopak Combi ODS with an acetonitrile–100 mm potassium phosphate buffer (pH 7.0; 1:1, v/v). Dimethylarginines were derived from o‐phthalaldehyde for the fluorescence detector and from 6‐ferrocenyl‐1‐hexanethiol for the electrochemical detector. The detection limits of the dimethylarginines in spiked plasma were 0.3–0.5 pmol by electrochemical detection and 1–2 pmol by fluorescence detection. The detection limits were improved over 30 times by electrochemical detection and 10 times by fluorescence detection compared with previous reports. In previous derivatization liquid chromatography, the reaction solutions, o‐phthalaldehyde, 2‐mercaptethanol and dimethylarginines were unstable and required quick derivatization at 4°C. By our proposed pre‐column methods, the dimethylarginines were derivatized at room temperature and the fluorescent products were stable for 6 h. The manipulation performance was greatly advanced compared with previous LC reports. This is the first report on stable and sensitive dimethylarginines by dual detection. The selectivity was also improved by dual detection. The proposed method was applied to preliminary monitoring of dimethylargines in plasma and urine. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
2′‐Deoxyribonucleoside Phosphoramidate Triphosphate Analogues as Alternative Substrates for E. coli Polymerase III
Authors: Giraut Anne , Abu El‐asrar Rania , Marlière Philippe , Delarue Marc , Herdewijn Piet 
Published: September 2012

AbstractThermostable bacterial polymerases like Taq, Therminator and Vent exo− are able to perform DNA synthesis by using modified DNA precursors, a property that is exploited in several therapeutic and biotechnological applications. Viral polymerases are also known to accept modified substrates, and this has proven crucial in the development of antiviral therapies. However, non‐thermostable polymerases of bacterial origin, or engineered variants, that have similar substrate tolerance and could be used for synthetic biology purposes remain to be identified. We have identified the α subunit of Escherichia coli polymerase III (Pol III α) as a bacterial polymerase that is able to recognise and process as substrates several pyrophosphate‐modified dATP analogues in place of its natural substrate dATP for template‐directed DNA synthesis. A number of dATP analogues featuring a modified pyrophosphate group were able to serve as substrates during enzymatic DNA synthesis by Pol III α. Features such as the presence of potentially chelating chemical groups and the size and spatial flexibility of the chemical structure seem to be of major importance for the modified leaving group to play its role during the enzymatic reaction. In addition, we could establish that if the pyrophosphate group is altered, deoxynucleotide incorporation proceeds with an efficiency varying with the nature of the nucleobase. Our results represent a great step towards the achievement of a system of artificial DNA synthesis hosted by E. coli and involving the use of altered nucleotide precursors for nucleic acid synthesis.
Progress and Prospects of Pyrrole‐Imidazole Polyamide–Fluorophore Conjugates as Sequence‐Selective DNA Probes
Authors: Vaijayanthi Thangavel , Bando Toshikazu , Pandian Ganesh N. , Sugiyama Hiroshi 
Published: September 2012

AbstractRecently, the versatility of N‐methylpyrrole (Py)‐N‐methylimidazole (Im) polyamide conjugates, which have been developed from the DNA‐binding antibiotics distamycin A and netropsin, has been shown. These synthetic small molecules can permeate cells to bind with duplex DNA in a sequence‐specific manner, and hence can influence gene expression in vivo. Accordingly, several reports demonstrating the sequence specificity and biological activity of Py‐Im polyamides have accumulated. However, the benefits of Py‐Im polyamides, in particular those conjugated with fluorophores, has been overlooked. Moreover, clear directions for the employment of these attractive artificial small molecules have not yet been shown. Here, we present a detailed overview of the current and prospective applications of Py‐Im polyamide–fluorophore conjugates, including sequence‐specific recognition with fluorescence emission properties, and their potential roles in biological imaging.