bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Complement in Immune and Inflammatory Disorders: Pathophysiological Mechanisms
Authors: Ricklin Daniel , Lambris John D. 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
Although acute or chronic inflammation is a common component of many clinical disorders, the underlying processes can be highly distinct. In recent years, the complement system has been associated with a growing number of immunological and inflammatory conditions that include degenerative diseases, cancer, and transplant rejection. It becomes evident that excessive activation or insufficient control of complement activation on host cells can cause an immune imbalance that may fuel a vicious cycle between complement, inflammatory cells, and tissue damage that exacerbates clinical complications. Although the exact involvement of complement needs to be carefully investigated for each disease, therapeutic modulation of complement activity emerges as an attractive target for upstream inhibition of inflammatory processes. This review provides an update about the functional and collaborative capabilities of complement, highlights major disease areas with known complement contribution, and indicates the potential for complement as a focal point in immunomodulatory strategies for treating inflammatory diseases.
Effects of simultaneous use of methyl jasmonate with other plant hormones on the level of anthocyanins and biogenic amines in seedlings of common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench)
Authors: Horbowicz Marcin , Kosson Ryszard , Saniewski Marian , Mitrus Joanna , Koczkodaj Danuta 
Published: April 2013

The aim of the study was to assess the impact of auxin (IAA), gibberellin (GA<sub>3</sub>) and cytokinin (kinetin), used solely and in combination with methyl jasmonate (MJ), on the accumulation of anthocyanins and biogenic amines in hypocotyls and cotyledons of common buckwheat (<em>Fagopyru</em><em>m esculentum </em>Moench) seedlings. The obtained results indicate that accumulation of anthocyanins in buckwheat seedlings was dependent on the concentration of the phytohormone applied and the tissue studied. The combined use of MJ and IAA, GA<sub>3</sub> or kinetin partly reversed the effect of strong inhibition of anthocyanin synthesis by MJ. IAA used solely decreased the level of anthocyanins in de-etiolated buckwheat cotyledons. IAA also caused a reduction of putrescine content, both in hypocotyls and cotyledons of buckwheat seedlings. MJ used alone caused high accumulation of 2-phenylethylamine (PEA) in buckwheat cotyledons and hypocotyls. The simultaneous application of MJ and IAA, GA<sub>3</sub> or kinetin also stimulated PEA synthesis in buckwheat tissues, however this effect was significantly lower compared to the use of MJ only. A reverse significant correlation between PEA and anthocyanin contents occurred in buckwheat hypocotyls, but not in cotyledons. It was suggested that the deficiency of L-phenylalanine, a substrate for synthesis of 2-phenylethylamine, may be partly responsible for the decline in anthocyanin content in buckwheat hypocotyls under the influence of MJ.
Prevention of mother‐to‐child transmission of HIV in Latvia, 2008–2011
Authors: Sangirejeva A , Sture G , Zeltina I , Januskevica I , Rozentale B 
Published: April 2013

Purpose of the studyThe aim of this study was to describe trends in the management of pregnancies in HIV‐infected women and their outcomes, over a 4‐year period in Latvia on an Infectology Center of Latvia (LIC) basis.MethodsThe study of HIV‐infected women in Latvia giving birth to one or more children between 1 Jan 2008 and 31 Dec 2011.ResultsWe identified 199 HIV‐infected women with 210 pregnancies. Mean age was 27 years, median baseline pregnancy CD4 count was 452 cells/mm3, the baseline pregnancy plasma viral load (VL) was 53,066 copies/ml. Knowledge of HIV status before pregnancy was 60.5%, but 32.5% HIV‐positive diagnosis was confirmed during pregnancy and 7.1% after delivery. One pregnant woman's HIV disease progressed to AIDS and death. Women on antiretroviral therapy (ART) were 82.3%. Maternal monotherapy with the zidovudine (ZDV) rate was 10.4%, dual therapy with nucleoside reverse‐transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) ‐ 2.3%, triple therapy with the protease‐inhibitor (PI) plus NRTI ‐ 87.3%. Median VL at delivery was 1349. A greater proportion of cases 91.5% had a VL <1000 copies/ml, from them 47.4% <40 copies/ml. Vaginal deliveries range was 20.8% of pregnancies and elective cesarean delivery 68.6%. Preterm delivery occurred in 12.1%. Overall mother‐to‐child transmission (MTCT) of HIV rate was 4.3%. Among the 35.5% of mothers initiating ART at 14 weeks’ gestation, MTCT was 1.4%, compared with 1.5% and 3.1% for those initiating ART at <14 weeks (n=67, 31.9%) and >24 weeks (n=32, 15.2%). Among 17.6% women, who did not receive prophylactic ART, MTCT rate was 16.2%. 7 of 9 women giving birth to an HIV‐positive child were diagnosed with HIV before pregnancy, 1 of 9 during pregnancy, 1 of 9 after delivery. From women giving birth to an HIV‐positive child 6 did not receive prophylactic ART, 1 started ART at week 14, 2 after week 14.ConclusionsWomen's low education, recurrent pregnancies, intravenous drug use, vaginal deliveries, not receiving and late initiation of prophylactic ART was independently (p<0.05) associated with an increased risk of MTCT. Strategies are needed to facilitate earlier identification of HIV‐ infected women (also HIV status identification twice during pregnancy). Management of pregnancies in HIV‐infected women according to the LIC guidelines, i.e. ART from week 14, intravenous ZDV during labour, elective cesarean delivery, neonatal ZDV during 6 weeks and no breastfeeding is effective to reduce risk for MTCT.
Prevention of HIV infection transmission from mother to child in Romania ‐ a simultaneous objective and challenge
Authors: Petre C , Draghicenoiu R , Ungurianu R , Tudor A , Mitran M , Benea O , Otelea D , Mardarescu M 
Published: April 2013

The latest WHO data regarding HIV/AIDS infection have revealed the real dimension of this epidemic. In Romania, in 2011 out of 619 new detected cases, 19 represented children between 0–14 years. Vertical transmission was recorded for 16 (2.6%) of these cases. Within this epidemiological context, mother to child transmission continues to represent a top theme, which determined us to continue with the observations initiated in 2000 on this phenomenon.Purpose of the studyThe follow up of the evolution of a certain number of perinatally exposed children to HIV infection throughout 11 years, based on several risk factors: time of birth, time of the mother's and child's diagnosis; type of birth; type of nourishment for the newborn.MethodsDuring 01.01.2000–31.12.2011, 435 children from all around the country were included in the study and assessed at I.N.B.I “Prof. Dr. M. Bals” in Bucharest, with ages between 0–18 months. They were clinically and biologically evaluated until the age of 18 months. Relevant data on the children were recorded: gender, age, time of diagnosis, ART prophylaxis (YES or NO), type of birth and nourishment, CD4 count, VL at the initial time and at the end of the surveillance period. For mothers we focused on: age, environment, level of education, occupation, time of HIV diagnosis, treatment/prophylaxis, type of birth, CD4 and VL at birth (data obtained from medical records or anamnesis).ResultsOut of the surveyed 435 children, 16% were considered infected with HIV. This rate decreased in stages, from 45% in 2005 to 17% in 2010. The main transmission causes were late HIV diagnosis in the mother, lack of prophylaxis/treatment for mothers, natural birth, breastfeeding, lack of prophylaxis in children or tardiness in initiating it.ConclusionsThe rate of HIV transmission is still very high. The elimination of this infection route is globally considered a realistic objective of public health policies. In this sense, the collaboration and active involvement of specialists from various medical and social domains is a necessity.
Target‐Induced Natural Killer Cell Loss as a Measure of NK Cell Responses
Authors: Warren Hilary 
Published: April 2013

AbstractNatural killer (NK) cells are an important effector cell of innate immunity. Their interaction with susceptible target cells triggers NK cell cytotoxicity and the release of cytokines. Immunofluorescence flow cytometry–based assays are now the preferred methods for measuring NK cell responses. For these assays, assessment is made on NK cells (CD3–CD56+ CD16+) within the viable lymphocyte gate, defined by the parameters of size (FSC) and granularity (SSC). Accordingly, NK cells that have not dissociated from target cells at the time of measurement, or that have undergone target cell–induced apoptosis, are excluded from the viable lymphocyte gate and therefore from analysis. This unit describes a protocol for assessing NK cell function in response to various target cells (natural killing, antibody‐dependent cell cytotoxicity, and NK cell alloreactivity) based on the loss of NK cells from the lymphocyte gate. This target‐induced NK loss (TINKL) should provide a sensitive measure of NK cell responses in a clinical laboratory setting. Curr. Protoc. Immunol. 101:14.29.1‐14.29.21. © 2013 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Room‐Temperature Nanosoldering of a Very Long Metal Nanowire Network by Conducting‐Polymer‐Assisted Joining for a Flexible Touch‐Panel Application
Authors: Lee Jinhwan , Lee Phillip , Lee Ha Beom , Hong Sukjoon , Lee Inhwa , Yeo Junyeob , Lee Seung Seob , Kim Taek‐Soo , Lee Dongjin , Ko Seung Hwan 
Published: April 2013

AbstractAs an alternative to the brittle and expensive indium tin oxide (ITO) transparent conductor, a very simple, room‐temperature nanosoldering method of Ag nanowire percolation network is developed with conducting polymer to demonstrate highly flexible and even stretchable transparent conductors. The drying conducting polymer on Ag nanowire percolation network is used as a nanosoldering material inducing strong capillary‐force‐assisted stiction of the nanowires to other nanowires or to the substrate to enhance the electrical conductivity, mechanical stability, and adhesion to the substrate of the nanowire percolation network without the conventional high‐temperature annealing step. Highly bendable Ag nanowire/conducting polymer hybrid films with low sheet resistance and high transmittance are demonstrated on a plastic substrate. The fabricated flexible transparent electrode maintains its conductivity over 20 000 cyclic bends and 5 to 10% stretching. Finally, a large area (A4‐size) transparent conductor and a flexible touch panel on a non‐flat surface are fabricated to demonstrate the possibility of cost‐effective mass production as well as the applicability to the unconventional arbitrary soft surfaces. These results suggest that this is an important step toward producing intelligent and multifunctional soft electric devices as friendly human/electronics interface, and it may ultimately contribute to the applications in wearable computers.
Structure‐Properties Relationship in Iron Oxide‐Reduced Graphene Oxide Nanostructures for Li‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Yu Seung‐Ho , Conte Donato E. , Baek Seunghwan , Lee Dong‐Chan , Park Seung‐Keun , Lee Kyung Jae , Piao Yuanzhe , Sung Yung‐Eun , Pinna Nicola 
Published: April 2013

AbstractNon‐aqueous sol‐gel routes involving the reaction of metal oxide precursors in organic solvents (e.g., benzyl alcohol) at moderate temperature and pressure, offer advantages such as high purity, high reproducibility and the ability to control the crystal growth without the need of using additional ligands. In this paper, a study carried out on a series of iron oxide/reduced graphene oxide composites is presented to elucidate a structure‐properties relationship leading to an improved electrochemical performance of such composites. Moreover, it is demonstrated that the easy production of the composites in a variety of temperature and composition ranges, allows a fine control over the final particles size, density and distribution. The materials obtained are remarkable in terms of the particle's size homogeneity and dispersion onto the reduced graphene oxide surface. Moreover, the synthesis method used to obtain the graphene oxide clearly affects the performances of the final composites through the control of the restacking of the reduced graphene oxide sheets. It is shown that a homogeneous and less defective reduced graphene oxide enables good electrochemical performances even at high current densities (over 500 mAh/g delivered at current densities as high as 1600 mA/g). The electrochemical properties of improved samples reach the best compromise between specific capacity, rate capability and cycle stability reported so far.
Stability analysis and controller design in microbial continuous culture with discrete time delay
Authors: Zhu Xi , Gao Jinggui , Feng Enmin , Xiu Zhilong , Jin Sheng 
Published: April 2013

AbstractIn this paper, stability analysis and controller design in microbial continuous culture with discrete time delay are studied. The dissimilation process of glycerol to 1,3‐propanediol cannot avoid the disturbances caused by time delay. Time delay can limit and degrade the achievable performance of controlled systems, and even induce instability. Based on the biodynamic model, some properties of its solutions are discussed. In addition, we investigate how the time‐delay affects the stability of the system. A linear matrix inequalities method is applied to find a feedback controller to ensure the stability of the closed‐loop system. The simulation results indicate that this controller might be feasible for continuous bioprocess control.
Expansion of Access Tunnels and Active‐Site Cavities Influence Activity of Haloalkane Dehalogenases in Organic Cosolvents
Authors: Stepankova Veronika , Khabiri Morteza , Brezovsky Jan , Pavelka Antonin , Sykora Jan , Amaro Mariana , Minofar Babak , Prokop Zbynek , Hof Martin , Ettrich Rudiger , Chaloupkova Radka , Damborsky Jiri 
Published: April 2013

AbstractThe use of enzymes for biocatalysis can be significantly enhanced by using organic cosolvents in the reaction mixtures. Selection of the cosolvent type and concentration range for an enzymatic reaction is challenging and requires extensive empirical testing. An understanding of protein–solvent interaction could provide a theoretical framework for rationalising the selection process. Here, the behaviour of three model enzymes (haloalkane dehalogenases) was investigated in the presence of three representative organic cosolvents (acetone, formamide, and isopropanol). Steady‐state kinetics assays, molecular dynamics simulations, and time‐resolved fluorescence spectroscopy were used to elucidate the molecular mechanisms of enzyme–solvent interactions. Cosolvent molecules entered the enzymes' access tunnels and active sites, enlarged their volumes with no change in overall protein structure, but surprisingly did not act as competitive inhibitors. At low concentrations, the cosolvents either enhanced catalysis by lowering K0.5 and increasing kcat, or caused enzyme inactivation by promoting substrate inhibition and decreasing kcat. The induced activation and inhibition of the enzymes correlated with expansion of the active‐site pockets and their occupancy by cosolvent molecules. The study demonstrates that quantitative analysis of the proportions of the access tunnels and active‐sites occupied by organic solvent molecules provides the valuable information for rational selection of appropriate protein–solvent pair and effective cosolvent concentration.
Advanced Oxidative Removal of Nitric Oxide from Flue Gas by Homogeneous Photo‐Fenton in a Photochemical Reactor
Authors: Liu Y. , Pan J. , Du M. , Tang A. , Wang Q. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractIn this work, advanced oxidation removal of nitric oxide (NO) from flue gas by homogeneous Photo‐Fenton was investigated in a photochemical reactor and the effects of several influencing factors on NO removal were evaluated. The gas‐liquid reaction products were determined. The reaction pathways of NO removal are also preliminarily discussed. It was found that with the increase of Fe2+ concentration, NO removal efficiency first increased and then decreased. Increasing H2O2 concentration and UV radiation intensity greatly increased NO removal efficiency, but the growth rates gradually became smaller. NO removal efficiency greatly reduced with the increase of gas flow and NO concentration, and only slightly decreased with the increase of solution temperature, but significantly increased with the increase of initial solution pH value. The main anion product in the liquid phase was NO3–. With respect to removal of NO using homogeneous Photo‐Fenton, ·OH oxidation was the main reaction pathway, and H2O2 oxidation was the secondary reaction pathway.
A regression‐based performance prediction framework for synchronous iterative algorithms on general purpose graphical processing unit clusters
Authors: Pallipuram Vivek K. , Smith Melissa C. , Raut Nimisha , Ren Xiaoyu 
Published: April 2013

SUMMARYHeterogeneous performance prediction models are valuable tools to accurately predict application runtime, allowing for efficient design space exploration and application mapping. The existing performance models require intricate system architecture knowledge, making the modeling task difficult. In this research, we propose a regression‐based performance prediction framework for general purpose graphical processing unit (GPGPU) clusters that statistically abstracts the system architecture characteristics, enabling performance prediction without detailed system architecture knowledge. The regression‐based framework targets deterministic synchronous iterative algorithms using our synchronous iterative GPGPU execution model and is broken into two components: the computation component that models the GPGPU device and host computations and the communication component that models the network‐level communications. The computation component regression models use algorithm characteristics such as the number of floating‐point operations and total bytes as predictor variables and are trained using several small, instrumented executions of synchronous iterative algorithms that include a range of floating‐point operations‐to‐byte requirements. The regression models for network‐level communications are developed using micro‐benchmarks and employ data transfer size and processor count as predictor variables. Our performance prediction framework achieves prediction accuracy over 90% compared with the actual implementations for several tested GPGPU cluster configurations. The end goal of this research is to offer the scientific computing community, an accurate and easy‐to‐use performance prediction framework that empowers users to optimally utilize the heterogeneous resources. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Revealing the Origins of Electrophilic Reactivity and Regioselectivity of Linear Acenes Using Interaction Energy Decomposition Potentials
Authors: Pinter Balazs , Skara Gabriella , Hajgató Balázs , Geerlings Paul , De Proft Frank 
Published: April 2013

AbstractThe intrinsic electrophilic reactivity of linear acenes up to octacene was investigated by using interaction energy potentials and their components, namely Pauli repulsion, orbital interaction, and electrostatic interaction potentials using the Ziegler–Rauk decomposition scheme. We found that the shared regions above C1 and C2 of the outer ring are slightly more attractive towards an incoming electrophile than the inner ring secondary carbon atoms, mostly due to a more advantageous electrostatic interaction. This result agrees with the stability order of prereactive π complexes formed between anthracene and the electrophilic HCl. Decomposition potentials determined in the bond formation regime indicate that longer acenes become more reactive because of the increasing orbital interaction. In addition, the orbital interaction potentials, which represent the overall effect of the high lying reactive orbital, exhibit straightforward patterns, predicting strongly preferred inner ring secondary carbon atoms over outer ring carbon atoms. Such an orbital‐interaction controlled regioselectivity shows up in the total interaction energy potentials when the electrostatic interaction is scaled down, predicting the functionalization of acenes with electrophiles on the inner secondary carbon atoms, in agreement with the experimental regioselectivity. Upon analyzing the stability of transition states for the addition of HCl to anthracene, the Pauli repulsion shows up to be an important factor in controlling the stability of the transition states and favoring functionalization along the central C9 and C10 positions to outer ring carbon atoms. The resonance stabilization concept, which is generally accepted to account for the regioselectivity of higher acenes, could not be evidenced by our analysis.
Unusual Skeletal Rearrangement of Unsaturated Seven‐Membered Lactams into Fused Pyrrolidinolactones
Authors: Álvarez Silvia , Domínguez Gema , Gradillas Ana , Pérez‐Castells Javier 
Published: April 2013

AbstractUnsaturated ϵ‐lactams undergo a novel process involving a skeletal reorganization to give fused pyrrolidine‐lactones by reaction with aromatic α‐bromo ketones in the presence of 1,4‐diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane and a base. The process involves the formation of an ammonium salt and subsequently a nitrogen ylide, which initiates the rearrangement reaction. This species reduces undesired side‐reactions such as double‐bond shifts or Morita–Baylis–Hilman‐type processes. The resulting products are structurally related to kainoids and the transformation of the lactone moiety in the rearranged product paves the way to the synthesis of these potentially bioactive natural products and their derivatives.
Transparent Graphene Electrodes for Highly Efficient III–V Multijunction Concentrator Solar Cells
Authors: Chang Jieun , Suh Myoung‐Gyun , Heo Jinseong , Kim Dongho , Kim Joosung , Lee Sang‐Moon , Chung Hyun‐Jong , Kim Yungi 
Published: April 2013

AbstractTransparent graphene electrodes in III–V multijunction concentrator solar cells improved the cell efficiency by reducing the resistive power loss at high irradiance levels. The conversion efficiency of the solar cell increased by 13.8 % as a result of the decreased series resistance. Moreover, the irradiance level at which the maximum efficiency was reached increased upon using the graphene electrodes. This allows the solar cells to operate at higher concentration ratios, which can lead to a better performance and lower cost of the photovoltaic devices.