bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optimized fluorescent labeling to identify memory B cells specific for Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B vaccine antigens ex vivo
Authors: Nair Nitya , Buti Ludovico , Faenzi Elisa , Buricchi Francesca , Nuti Sandra , Sammicheli Chiara , Tavarini Simona , Popp Maximilian W.L. , Ploegh Hidde , Berti Francesco , Pizza Mariagrazia , Castellino Flora , Finco Oretta , Rappuoli Rino , Del Giudice Giuseppe , Galli Grazia , Bardelli Monia 
Published: August 2013

AbstractAntigen‐specific memory B cells generate anamnestic responses and high affinity antibodies upon re‐exposure to pathogens. Attempts to isolate rare antigen‐specific memory B cells for in‐depth functional analysis at the single‐cell level have been hindered by the lack of tools with adequate sensitivity. We applied two independent methods of protein labeling to sensitive and specific ex vivo identification of antigen‐specific memory B cells by flow cytometry: stringently controlled amine labeling, and sortagging, a novel method whereby a single nucleophilic fluorochrome molecule is added onto an LPETG motif carried by the target protein. We show that sortagged NadA, a major antigen in the meningococcal serogroup B vaccine, identifies NadA‐specific memory B cells with high sensitivity and specificity, comparable to NadA amine‐labeled under stringent reaction parameters in a mouse model of vaccination. We distinguish NadA‐specific switched MBC induced by vaccination from the background signal contributed by splenic transitional and marginal zone B cells. In conclusion, we demonstrate that protein structural data coupled with sortag technology allows the development of engineered antigens that are as sensitive and specific as conventional chemically labeled antigens in detecting rare MBC, and minimize the possibility of disrupting conformational B cell epitopes.
Calcium phosphate glasses: Silanation process and effect on the bioactivity behavior of glass‐PMMA composites
Authors: Alonso Lizette Morejón , García‐Menocal José Ángel Delgado , Aymerich Mariona Tarragó , Guichard Julio Ándrés Álvarez , García‐Vallés Maite , Manent Salvador Martínez , Ginebra Maria‐Pau 
Published: August 2013

AbstractThis article presents the results of a study of the efficiency of silanation process of calcium phosphate glasses particles and its effect on the bioactivity behavior of glass‐ poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) composites. Two different calcium phosphate glasses: 44.5CaO‐44.5P2O5‐11Na2O (BV11) and 44.5CaO‐44.5P2O5‐6Na2O‐5TiO2 (G5) were synthesized and treated with silane coupling agent. The glasses obtained were characterized by Microprobe and BET while the efficiency of silanation process was determined using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), X‐ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) and Thermal Analysis (DTA and TG) techniques. The content of coupling agent chemically tightly bond to the silanated glasses ascended to 1.69 ± 0.02 wt % for BV11sil glass and 0.93 ± 0.01 wt % for G5sil glass. The in vitro bioactivity test carried out in Simulated Body Fluid (SBF) revealed certain bioactive performance with the use of both silanated glasses in a 30% (by weight) as filler of the PMMA composites because of a superficial deposition of an apatite‐like layer with low content of CO32− and HPO42− in its structure after soaking for 30 days occurred. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 102B: 205–213, 2014.
Photoembossing of surface relief structures in polymer films for biomedical applications
Authors: Hughes‐Brittain Nanayaa F. , Qiu Lin , Wang Wen , Peijs Ton , Bastiaansen Cees W.M. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractPhotoembossing is a technique used to create relief structures using a patterned contact photo‐mask exposure and a thermal development step. Typically, the photopolymer consists of a polymer binder and a monomer in a 1/1 ratio together with a photo‐initiator, which results in a solid and non‐tacky material at room temperature. Here, new mixtures for photoembossing are presented which are potentially biocompatible. Poly(methyl methacrylate) is used as a polymer binder and two different acrylate monomers trimethylolpropane ethoxylate triacrylate (TPETA) and dipentaerythritol penta‐/hexa‐acrylate (DPPHA) are tested. PMMA‐TPETA had a higher surface relief features. Biocompatibility is evaluated by culturing human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) on films of these photopolymer blends. PMMA with TPETA and PMMA‐DPPHA films showed enhanced cell adhesion compared to PMMA. The cells also showed alignment on surface textured films with the highest degree of alignment on films with 20 μm pitch and 2 μm height. This study shows that photoembossing is a feasible method to produce surface textures on films that can be adopted in the field of tissue engineering to promote cell adhesion and alignment. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 102B: 214–220, 2014.
Distinctive Subcellular Akt‐1 Responses to Shear Stress in Endothelial Cells
Authors: Melchior Benoît , Frangos John A. 
Published: August 2013

ABSTRACTEndothelial cells undergo a rapid cell–cell junction inclination following exposure to atheroprotective unidirectional flow. In contrast, atherosclerotic lesions correlate with a heterogeneous distribution of the junctional wall inclination in cells exposed to time‐varying, reversing, and oscillatory flow as well as to low mean shear stress. However, the underlying biochemical events by which endothelial cells distinctively respond to unidirectional versus flow reversal remain unclear. Here, we show that the subcellular distribution of flow‐induced Akt‐1 phosphorylation in endothelial cells lining the mouse aorta varies depending on local hemodynamics. Activated Akt‐1 accumulated in perinuclear areas of cells in regions predisposed to disturbed flow but were localized at the cell–cell junction in regions of high unidirectional laminar shear stress. In flow‐adapted human endothelial cells, reversal in flow direction was associated within minutes with a subcellular concentration of phosphorylated Akt‐1 at the upstream edge of cells. Interestingly, oscillatory flow (with a zero mean shear stress) failed to activate Akt‐1, whereas a unidirectional pulsatile flow of similar amplitude induced an increase in Akt‐1 phosphorylation. Finally, silencing of the G protein αq/11 subunit abrogated both flow‐induced Akt‐1 and GSK‐3β activation. Together, these results characterize the existence of a Gαq/11‐mediated Akt‐1 signaling pathway that is dynamically responsive to flow direction, thereby offering a novel approach to regulating EC dysfunctions in regions subjected to flow reversal. J. Cell. Biochem. 115: 121–129, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Anti‐IL21 receptor monoclonal antibody (ATR‐107): Safety, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamic evaluation in healthy volunteers: A phase I, first‐in‐human study
Authors: Hua Fei , Comer Gail M. , Stockert Lori , Jin Bo , Nowak John , Pleasic‐Williams Susan , Wunderlich David , Cheng John , Beebe Jean S. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractSafety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics (PK), and pharmacodynamics (PD) of ATR‐107, a fully human monoclonal anti‐IL‐21 receptor (IL‐21R) antibody, administered as ascending single doses, subcutaneously or intravenously, was evaluated in a placebo‐controlled, double‐blind trial in healthy subjects. The dose levels were 3–300 mg by SC and 30–120 mg by IV. The most important adverse events were hypersensitivity reactions occurring in three out of six subjects in 300 mg SC cohort and considered as dose limiting toxicity. More than 75% of the subjects who received ATR‐107 developed anti‐drug antibodies (ADAs), which had no discernible impact on PK or safety. The PK of ATR‐107 appeared to be dose ‐proportional. T1/2 was shorter than typical therapeutic antibodies. Bioavailability of ATR‐107 was about 30%. IL‐21R occupancy was measured in circulating B cells in the 60 and 120 mg IV cohort. The data indicated that single dose of ATR‐107 was able to maximally occupy IL‐21Rs through at least Day 42. Further escalation in the FIH study was halted partially due to the high rates of ADA formation. In conclusion, ATR‐107 had a prolonged PD effect measured by IL‐21R occupancy; was highly immunogenic after single dose administration and had PK properties with rapid clearance and low bioavailability.
Novel mutant strains of Rhodosporidium toruloides by plasma mutagenesis approach and their tolerance for inhibitors in lignocellulosic hydrolyzate
Authors: Qi Feng , Kitahara Yuki , Wang Zitian , Zhao Xuebing , Du Wei , Liu Dehua 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBACKGROUNDRhodosporidium toruloides can transform carbohydrates from lignocellulosic hydrolyzate into long‐chain fatty acids that contribute to biodiesel production. However R. toruloides cannot survive in lignocellulosic hydrolyzate due to the inhibitory effects of the byproducts co‐produced by hydrolysis.RESULTSTo circumvent the limitation, atmospheric room temperature plasma (ARTP) mutagenesis was utilized to obtain R. toruloides mutant strains M11, M14, and M18 that had strong tolerance for the inhibitory compounds and could grow in lignocellulosic hydrolyzate without detoxification. It was demonstrated that acetic acid and vanillin (phenolic compounds) were major inhibitors that decreased lipid productivity by 30%. Furthermore, acetic acid and vanillin changed the fatty acid composition of the lipids. Among the mutants, M18 exhibited the highest tolerance for all the inhibitory compounds and had near 50% lipid content.CONCLUSIONSThis work provides novel potential strains for biodiesel production using lignocellulosic biomass and a useful foundation for optimization of the pretreatment of lignocellulose. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Enhanced cephalosporin C production with a novel DO‐Stat based carbon resources co‐feeding strategy
Authors: Duan Shengbing , Ni Weijia , Yuan Guoqiang , Zhao Yanli , Liu Fan 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBackgroundTo solve the problems of high by‐product accumulations and low substrate utilization efficiencies in the traditional cephalosporin C (CPC) fermentation process, a novel DO‐Stat based substrates co‐feeding strategy for CPC production by Acremonium chrysogenum (A. chrysogenum) was conducted in a 7 L fermentor using the addition of glucose coupled with soybean oil.RESULTSCompared with the sole soybean oil feeding method, the final CPC concentration was enhanced from 25.3 g L‐1 to a higher level of 31.9 g L‐1 by the novel substrate co‐feeding strategy. The major by‐product of deacetoxycephalosporin C (DAOC) was reduced from 0.32 g L‐1 to a lower level of 0.092 g L‐1, and the final DAOC/CPC ratio (0.28%) reached the CPC fermentation quality standard (below 0.5%). Metabolic flux analysis revealed that the carbon fluxes in the CPC synthesis related route were increased about 2.2‐fold by applying the novel substrate co‐feeding strategy.ConclusionThe results indicated that the co‐feeding of glucose and soybean oil in the main CPC production phase was desirable for CPC fermentation, and led to higher CPC production/yield and substrate utilization efficiencies but less DAOC accumulation. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Enhanced water reduction by turning during sewage sludge composting
Authors: Hong Nian , Chen Jun , Gao Ding , Chen Tong‐Bin , Zhang Xue‐Hong , Cai Lu 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBACKGROUNDTurning can supply oxygen and increase dewatering efficiency during composting. This study was conducted to investigate the influence of turning on water removal and the interactive influence of turning during different phases. Dewatered sewage sludge was composted using control technology for bio‐composting, during which the temperature, free airspace, pile settlement and water reduction were measured and calculated. During the temperature‐increasing and thermophilic phase, turning once and without turning were performed and compared. During the cooling phase, higher (every 2 days) and lower (every 4 days) turning frequencies were used and compared.RESULTSThe results showed that there was a significant difference in water removal between the different turning modes during three phases (P value of temperature increasing, thermophilic and cooling phase, respectively, 0.0122, 0.0092 and 0.0056). Furthermore, the water removal was significantly related to the interaction between different turning modes during the thermophilic phase and cooling phase (P = 0.0092).CONCLUSIONNo turning in the temperature‐increasing phase, turning once in the thermophilic phase, and turning every 4 days in the cooling phase was the most efficient turning strategy for water removal, for which the water reduction was 591.63 kg ton‐1 matrix, significantly higher than those in other treatments. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Pb(II) removal from aqueous solution by Myriophyllum spicatum and its compost: equilibrium, kinetic and thermodynamic study
Authors: Milojković Jelena V. , Mihajlović Marija L. , Stojanović Mirjana D. , Lopičić Zorica R. , Petrović Marija S. , Šoštarić Tatjana D. , Ristić Mirjana Đ. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBACKGROUNDLead is one of the frequent contaminants of industrial wastewater. Since it has been shown that aquatic plants can be used for the removal of heavy metals, herein Pb(II) biosorption by Myriophyllum spicatum and its compost were investigated. Effects of pH, ionic strength and contact time were analyzed using a batch experiment. Biomasses were characterized chemically and by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and X‐ray diffraction techniques.RESULTSThe adsorption process of both biosorbents followed a pseudo‐second‐order kinetic model. Compost exhibits better Pb(II) removal from solution (71%) compared with the plant (61%). Lead binding capacities for M. spicatum and its compost were 0.234 mmol g‐1 and 0.287 mmol g‐1 at pH 5.0, respectively. Lead binding takes place mainly through an ion exchange mechanism, but chemisorption via identified functional groups cannot be neglected. The Langmuir, Freundlich and Sips adsorption models for compost were applied. The Sips isotherm model gave the best fit with the equilibrium experimental data. The sorption process by compost was endothermic and spontaneous.CONCLUSIONAquatic weed compost as a low cost biosorbent with high biosorption capacity can potentially be used for the removal of lead from wastewaters. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Sonographic measurement criteria for the diagnosis of internal jugular phlebectasia in children
Authors: Eksioglu Ayse Secil , Senel Saliha , Cinar Gokce , Karacan Can Demir 
Published: August 2013

ABSTRACTBackgroundTo establish sonographic (US) criteria for the diagnosis of internal jugular phlebectasia (IJP) in children and to determine reliable cutoff values of US measurements with high specificity and sensitivity.MethodsWe used B‐mode US for the measurement of internal jugular vein transverse (T) and anteroposterior (AP) diameter, and cross‐sectional area (CSA) at rest and during the Valsalva maneuver (VM) in 21 patients, aged 15 months to 16 years, diagnosed with IJP, and compared the results with those of 88 healthy children. Receiver operating characteristics curves were used to determine the optimal cutoff values.ResultsPatients with IJP had higher T, AP diameters, and CSA at rest and during VM than controls on the same side (p < 0.001). Receiver operating characteristics curves showed that CSA during the VM on both sides yielded the best results (cutoff value 220 mm2 with 92.3% sensitivity, 92% specificity on the right side; 188 mm2 with 90% sensitivity, 87.5% specificity on the left side). AP diameter offered better specificity and sensitivity (≥85%) than T diameter during VM on both sides.ConclusionsWe suggest using an AP diameter >15 mm as a cutoff point for both sides for the diagnosis of IJP in daily practice. US measurement of the jugular vein diameter might help increasing clinicians' awareness of clinically unrecognized cases of IJP and identifying borderline cases that require follow‐up. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 41:486–492, 2013;
Catastrophic mitral prosthesis dehiscence diagnosed by three‐dimensional transesophageal echocardiography
Authors: Ciobanu Andrea O. , Griffin Steven C. , Bennett Sean , Vinereanu Dragos 
Published: August 2013

ABSTRACTIn emergency situations, real‐time three‐dimensional transesophageal echocardiography (RT 3‐dimensional TEE) may provide unique anatomic insights on prosthetic valves when two‐dimensional imaging is inconclusive. We report the case of a 76‐year‐old woman, in cardiogenic shock, who had undergone mitral valve replacement 3 months ago. RT 3‐dimensional TEE revealed almost total, catastrophic prosthesis dehiscence following infective endocarditis, the prosthesis being perpendicular to the normal mitral plane. Corrective surgery was not feasible, and the patient died shortly after admission. Although the outcome was unfortunate, RT 3‐dimensional TEE helped rapidly reach a definitive diagnosis, essential for decision‐making. Three‐dimensional TEE should be used as a complementary technique in difficult cases. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 42:249–251, 2014
Characterizing moisture exchange between the Hawaiian convective boundary layer and free troposphere using stable isotopes in water
Authors: Bailey Adriana , Toohey Darin , Noone David 
Published: August 2013

AbstractThe subtropical convective boundary layer (CBL) plays a critical role in climate by regulating the vertical exchange of moisture, energy, trace gases, and pollutants between the ocean surface and free troposphere. Yet bulk features of this exchange are poorly constrained in climate models. To improve our understanding of moisture transport between the boundary layer and free troposphere, paired measurements of water vapor mixing ratio and the stable isotope ratio 18O/16O are used to evaluate moist convective mixing and entrainment processes near the Big Island of Hawaii. Profile data from the island's east side are consistent with moist adiabatic processes below the trade wind temperature inversion. In contrast, profiles on the west side follow moist adiabatic lapse rates within discrete stable layers, suggesting moist convection sets the humidity structure of even the unsaturated regions around the island. Above the trade wind inversion, the transition from well‐mixed boundary layer to free troposphere is characterized by a simple mixing line analysis, so long as the thermodynamic properties of the air mass at CBL top are known. Deviations from the mixing line identify thermodynamic boundaries in the atmospheric profile, which can persist from one day to the next. These findings indicate residual layers form during strong mixing events and regulate vertical moisture transport for multiple days at a time. Basic assumptions that synoptic‐scale transport controls isotope ratios at CBL top are therefore not sufficient for describing moisture exchange between the boundary layer and free troposphere in the subtropics.
By‐product from decoction process of Hibiscus sabdariffa L. calyces as a source of polyphenols and dietary fiber
Authors: Sáyago‐Ayerdi Sonia G , Velázquez‐López Carolina , Montalvo‐González Efigenia , Goñi Isabel 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBACKGROUNDDietary fiber (DF) and antioxidant compounds are widely used as functional ingredients. The market in this field is competitive and the search for new types of quality ingredients for the food industry is intensifying. The aim of this study was to evaluate the composition and antioxidant activity of by‐products generated during the decoction of calyces of four Mexican Hibiscus sabdariffa L. cultivars (‘Criolla’, ‘China’, ‘Rosalis’ and ‘Tecoanapa’) in order to assess them as a source of functional ingredients.RESULTSSome calyx components were partially transferred to the beverage during the decoction process, while most were retained in the decoction residues. These by‐products proved to be a good source of DF (407.4–457.0 g kg−1 dry matter) and natural antioxidants (50.7–121.8 µmol Trolox equivalent g−1 dry matter).CONCLUSIONThe decoction process extracted some soluble carbohydrates, ash and some extractable polyphenols. The DF content changed in the dried residues, which could be considered as high‐DF materials with a high proportion of soluble DF (∼20% of total DF) and considerable antioxidant capacity. These by‐products could be used as an antioxidant DF source. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Changes in growth, essential oil yield and composition of geranium (Pelargonium graveolens L.) as affected by growing media
Authors: Rezaei Nejad Abdolhossein , Ismaili Ahmad 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBACKGROUNDUsing proper growing medium is known to be an effective way to improve crop growth and yield. However, the effects of growing media on geranium essential oil have scarcely ever been examined in detail. In this research, the effects of different growing media (soil, sand, pumice, perlite and perlite + cocopeat) on growth, oil yield and composition of geranium were studied.RESULTSGrowth was significantly improved in soilless‐grown plants compared with soil‐grown plants. Oil yield of soilless‐grown plants (except for pumice) was about threefold higher than that of soil‐grown plants. The increase in oil yield was correlated with higher leaf dry weight (r2 = 0.96), as oil content was not affected. The citronellol/geranium ratio of oil was clearly affected by growing media, ranging from 5:1 in soil culture to 3:1 in soilless culture. The latter is acceptable for perfumery.CONCLUSIONCompared with soil, soilless media could produce higher yields of high‐quality geranium oil that fits market requirements. Growth, oil yield and composition of plants grown in sand (a cheap and abundant growing medium) were not significantly different from those of plants grown in perlite and perlite + cocopeat. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Hydroformylation of vegetable oils and the potential use of hydroformylated fatty acids
Authors: Vanbesien Théodore , Hapiot Frédéric , Monflier Eric 
Published: August 2013

AbstractHydroformylation consists in adding a formyl group over a double bond. This reaction can be applied successfully to oils from natural resources as they are constituted of triacylglycerols or fatty acids derivatives containing at least one internal unsaturation. Herein we report on hydroformylation of vegetable oils and the potential applications of the resulting hydroformylated compounds in the field of bio‐sourced chemicals, especially polymers, lubricants and plasticizers.
Increasing seed oil content in Brassica species through breeding and biotechnology
Authors: Rahman Habibur , Harwood John , Weselake Randall 
Published: August 2013

AbstractIncreasing the seed oil content of Brassica species and other major oilseed crops is of paramount importance in maintaining a future supply of vegetable oil for a growing global population. Currently, commercially‐available Brassica species with enhanced seed oil content have all been developed through plant breeding. Many quantitative trait loci including gene interactions are involved in the control of seed oil content. Despite this complexity, manipulation of specific steps in storage lipid biosynthesis using genetic engineering has resulted in transgenic lines of Brassica napus with increased seed oil content. Recent studies suggest that engineering of seed oil content can be guided using methods in metabolic analysis.