bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Critical role of microglial CD40 in the maintenance of mechanical hypersensitivity in a murine model of neuropathic pain
Authors: Cao Ling , Palmer Christopher D. , Malon Jennifer T. , De Leo Joyce A. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractWe recently demonstrated a contributing role of spinal cord infiltrating CD4+ T lymphocytes in the maintenance of mechanical hypersensitivity in a rodent model of neuropathic pain, spinal nerve L5 transection (L5Tx). It has been demonstrated that microglia play a role in the etiology of pain states. We hypothesized that infiltrating CD4+ T lymphocytes communicate with microglia via a CD40‐CD154 interaction. Here, we investigated the role of CD40 in the development of mechanical hypersensitivity post‐L5Tx. CD40 KO mice displayed significantly decreased mechanical sensitivity compared with WT mice starting from day 5 post‐L5Tx. Using bone marrow chimeric mice, we further identified a pro‐nociceptive role of CNS microglial CD40 rather than the peripheral leukocytic CD40. Flow cytometric analysis determined a significant increase of CD40+ microglia in the ipsilateral side of lumbar spinal cord post‐L5Tx. Further, spinal cord proinflammatory cytokine (IL‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐12, and TNF‐α) profiling demonstrated an induction of IL‐6 in both WT and CD40 KO mice post‐L5Tx prior to the increase of microglial CD40 expression, indicating a CD40‐independent induction of IL‐6 following L5Tx. These data establish a novel role of microglial CD40 in the maintenance of nerve injury‐induced behavioral hypersensitivity, a behavioral sign of neuropathic pain.
Membrane protein GARP is a receptor for latent TGF‐β on the surface of activated human Treg
Authors: Stockis Julie , Colau Didier , Coulie Pierre G. , Lucas Sophie 
Published: September 2009

AbstractHuman Treg and Th clones secrete the latent form of TGF‐β, in which the mature TGF‐β protein is bound to the latency‐associated peptide (LAP), and is thereby prevented from binding to the TGF‐β receptor. We previously showed that upon TCR stimulation, human Treg clones but not Th clones produce active TGF‐β and bear LAP on their surface. Here, we show that latent TGF‐β, i.e. both LAP and mature TGF‐β, binds to glycoprotein A repetitions predominant (GARP), a transmembrane protein containing leucine rich repeats, which is present on the surface of stimulated Treg clones but not on Th clones. Membrane localization of latent TGF‐β mediated by binding to GARP may be necessary for the ability of Treg to activate TGF‐β upon TCR stimulation. However, it is not sufficient as lentiviral‐mediated expression of GARP in human Th cells induces binding of latent TGF‐β to the cell surface, but does not result in the production of active TGF‐β upon stimulation of these Th cells.
The importance of scavenging reactive oxygen species in anti‐aging medicine
Authors: Siegel Günter , Schmidt Annette , Schäfer Petra , Malmsten Martin , Ringstad Lovisa , Winkler Karl , Just Sören 
Published: September 2009

AbstractIn a pilot study, we had reported on the beneficial effects of Ginkgo biloba (EGb 761) on arteriosclerotic nanoplaque formation and size in cardiovascular high‐risk patients who had undergone an aortocoronary bypass operation. Briefly, nanoplaque formation and size, the ratio oxLDL/LDL, and the highly atherothrombotic lipoprotein(a) concentration were substantially reduced, while superoxide dismutase activity and the blood concentration of the vasodilating substances cAMP and cGMP were upregulated. Since the arteriosclerosis prophylactic and well‐aging promotive impact of Ginkgo extract has been proven in this pilot study, we wanted to confirm these beneficial effects through a second observational clinical trial. The measurable variables formerly used were additionally supplemented by a wide, novel biomarker spectrum, through which the latest parameters and markers of plaque stability and progression, oxidative stress, and inflammation were available. In eleven patients with metabolic syndrome in the initial stage, the reduction of arteriosclerotic nanoplaque formation amounted to 14.3±2.9% (p<0.0077) and of nanoplaque size to 23.4±3.7% (p<0.0004), respectively, after 2‐months of treatment with Ginkgo biloba extract. Additionally, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities were upregulated by 19.6±10.0% (p<0.0785) and 11.6±2.3% (p<0.001), respectively, the quotient oxLDL/LDL lowered by 21.0±4.3% (p<0.002), and lipoprotein(a) concentration decreased by 26.3±4.8% (p<0.001) in the patients' blood. The concentration of cAMP and cGMP was augmented by 43.5±12.0% (p<0.001) and 32.9±10.4% (p<0.001), respectively. Surprisingly, we found a lowering of the serum Ca2+ concentration by 5.4±1.6% (p<0.0076) from 2.37±0.03 to 2.24±0.04 mmol/L (p<0.0069). Apart from an additional vasodilatory effect, the lowered extracellular Ca2+ concentration affects nanoplaque formation restrictively, since this is a Ca2+ driven process. Furthermore, we could show a favourable development of the biomarkers 8‐iso‐PGF2α, oxLDL/LDL, SOD, GPx (oxidative stress), hs‐CRP, MPO, TNFα, TGFβ1 (inflammatory status) and MMP‐9 (plaque stability). The markers selected here are suited to provide a comprehensive risk profile for the prevention of arteriosclerosis. Finally, a multiple regression analysis reveals a basis for a mechanistic explanation of nanoplaque reduction under Ginkgo treatment. The arteriosclerosis inhibiting effect is due to an attenuation of the risk factors oxLDL/LDL, Lp(a), and [Ca2+]o as well as to a significant increase in the vasodilator cAMP and cGMP concentration. Thus, Ginkgo with its pleiotropic effects should be assigned a fixed rank among the anti‐aging medical therapeutics as a prophylactic measure, especially in patients with early‐stage metabolic syndrome.
The technology of the Global HIV Vaccine Research Cryorepository
Authors: Ihmig Frank R. , Shirley Stephen G. , Durst Christopher H. P. , Schulz Julia C. , Briesen Hagen V. , Zimmermann Heiko 
Published: September 2009

AbstractThis paper gives an overview of our developments in the fields of cryotechnology and cryoelectronics for managing biological samples stored over liquid nitrogen, fields that are essential to a central cryostorage facility for AIDS related material used in worldwide collaborative research. As a fundamental part of this project we have developed new electronic cryovials and carrier plates attached to Flash memory chips, so that a redundant and portable set of data is present with each sample. The recovery of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) after cryopreservation in the new cryosubstrates showed, especially for small sample volumes (0.1 ml), an increased viability in comparison to the preservation in standard cryovials. The electronic cryosubstrates interface with a dedicated laboratory workflow management system for reproducible and standardized sample processing. This system can read standard operating procedures (SOPs) stored on each sample's memory chip. Finally, we have developed a polymorphic cryoelectronic infrastructure for sample storage tanks. This cryoelectronic system has been integrated in a hermetic storage and semiautomatic handling environment. The new technologies provide state‐of‐the‐art sample identification, documentation and tracking that brings added value to each sample. The first application of these technologies is in a worldwide collaborative research towards the production of an AIDS vaccine. The functionality and versatility of the technologies will lead to an essential optimization of sample and data exchange for global clinical studies by ensuring a high degree of standardization between laboratories.
Studies on Composite Cathode with Nanostructured Ce0.9Sm0.1O1.95 for Intermediate Temperature Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
Authors: Xiao G. , Jiang Z. , Li H. , Xia C. , Chen L. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractA kind of nanostructured Ce0.9Sm0.1O1.95 is prepared by a hydrothermal method. It exhibits large Brunauer‐Emmett‐Teller area (>120 m2 g–1), open mesoporous structure and nanocrystalline sheets. This material shows high activity for oxygen reduction. An area specific resistance below 0.6 Ω cm2 at 600 °C is achieved when it is mixed with Ag paste as a composite cathode in a symmetric cell. This is attributed to its large triple phase boundary area and good ionic conducting property. The influences of microstructure, doping, loading effects of silver nanoparticles and the temperature dependence on oxygen reduction kinetics are investigated by the impedance spectroscopy. Although some further optimisations are still required, this special Ce0.9Sm0.1O1.95 material reported here exhibits promising features of applications in the composite electrodes for intermediate temperature solid oxide fuel cells (IT‐SOFCs).
Structural MRI biomarkers for preclinical and mild Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Fennema‐Notestine Christine , Hagler Donald J. , McEvoy Linda K. , Fleisher Adam S. , Wu Elaine H. , Karow David S. , Dale Anders M. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractNoninvasive MRI biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease (AD) may enable earlier clinical diagnosis and the monitoring of therapeutic effectiveness. To assess potential neuroimaging biomarkers, the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative is following normal controls (NC) and individuals with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or AD. We applied high‐throughput image analyses procedures to these data to demonstrate the feasibility of detecting subtle structural changes in prodromal AD. Raw DICOM scans (139 NC, 175 MCI, and 84 AD) were downloaded for analysis. Volumetric segmentation and cortical surface reconstruction produced continuous cortical surface maps and region‐of‐interest (ROI) measures. The MCI cohort was subdivided into single‐ (SMCI) and multiple‐domain MCI (MMCI) based on neuropsychological performance. Repeated measures analyses of covariance were used to examine group and hemispheric effects while controlling for age, sex, and, for volumetric measures, intracranial vault. ROI analyses showed group differences for ventricular, temporal, posterior and rostral anterior cingulate, posterior parietal, and frontal regions. SMCI and NC differed within temporal, rostral posterior cingulate, inferior parietal, precuneus, and caudal midfrontal regions. With MMCI and AD, greater differences were evident in these regions and additional frontal and retrosplenial cortices; evidence for non‐AD pathology in MMCI also was suggested. Mesial temporal right‐dominant asymmetries were evident and did not interact with diagnosis. Our findings demonstrate that high‐throughput methods provide numerous measures to detect subtle effects of prodromal AD, suggesting early and later stages of the preclinical state in this cross‐sectional sample. These methods will enable a more complete longitudinal characterization and allow us to identify changes that are predictive of conversion to AD. Hum Brain Mapp 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Does upward seepage of river water and storm water runoff determine water quality of urban drainage systems in lowland areas? A case study for the Rhine–Meuse delta
Authors: Vermonden Kim , Hermus Marion A. A. , van Weperen Marije , Leuven Rob S. E. W. , van der Velde Gerard , Smolders Alfons J. P. , Roelofs Jan G. M. , Hendriks A. Jan 
Published: September 2009

AbstractThe water quality of urban drainage ditches in lowlands in the Rhine‐Meuse delta was analysed with principal component analysis (PCA) during a dry period and a rain storm, and related to the seepage of polluted river water and effective impervious area (EIA). This was done in order to test the hypothesis that seepage of river water and storm water runoff from impervious areas strongly determine the water quality of urban drainage systems along large lowland rivers.Our analysis revealed that upward seepage of groundwater originating from rivers Rhine and Meuse was positively correlated with nitrate, potassium, sodium and chloride and negatively correlated with alkalinity, calcium, magnesium and iron. EIA was correlated with very few environmental variables (i.e. phosphate, pH and iron in the dry period and iron during the rain storm). Nickel and zinc concentrations generally exceeded the maximum allowable concentrations (MAC), while lead and phosphorus concentrations were just above the nutrient standards and MAC in a few locations during the rain storm. To optimize water quality in urban water systems, attention should be paid to all sources of pollution and not only to EIA. The impact of local groundwater seepage originating from large rivers in lowlands on the chemistry of urban water systems is often underestimated and should be taken into account when assessing water quality and improving water quality status. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dynamics of stream nitrate sources and flow pathways during stormflows on urban, forest and agricultural watersheds in central Pennsylvania, USA
Authors: Buda Anthony R. , DeWalle David R. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractUnderstanding the influence of storm events on nitrate (NO3−) dynamics is important for efficiently managing NO3− pollution. In this study, five sites representing a downstream progression of forested uplands underlain by resistant sandstone to karst lowlands with agricultural, urban and mixed land‐use were established in Spring Creek, a 201 km2 mixed land‐use watershed in central Pennsylvania, USA. At each site, stream water was monitored during six storm events in 2005 to assess changes in stable isotopes of NO3− (δ15N‐NO3− and δ18O‐NO3−) and water (δ18O‐H2O) from baseflow to peakflow. Peakflow fractions of event NO3− and event water were then computed using two‐component mixing models to elucidate NO3− flow pathway differences among the five sites. For the forested upland site, storm size appeared to affect NO3− sources and flow pathways. During small storms (<35 mm rainfall), greater event NO3− fractions than event water fractions indicated the prevalence of atmospheric NO3− source contributions at peakflow. During larger storms (>35 mm rainfall), event NO3− fractions were less than event water fractions at peakflow suggesting that NO3− was flushed from stored sources via shallow subsurface flow pathways. For the urbanized site, wash‐off of atmospheric NO3− was an important NO3− source at peakflow, especially during short‐duration storms where event water contributions indicated the prevalence of overland flow. In the karst lowlands, very low fractions of event water and even lower fractions of event NO3− at peakflow suggested the dominance of ground water flow pathways during storms. These ground water flow pathways likely flushed stored NO3− sources into the stream, while deep soils in the karst lowlands also may have promoted NO3− assimilation. The results of this study illustrated how NO3− isotopes and δ18O‐H2O could be combined to show key differences in water and NO3− delivery between forested uplands, karst valleys and fully urbanized watersheds. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In vitro synthesis of polyhydroxyalkanoate catalyzed by class II and III PHA synthases: a useful technique for surface coatings of a hydrophobic support with PHA
Authors: Sato Shun , Minato Masayuki , Kikkawa Yoshihiro , Abe Hideki , Tsuge Takeharu 
Published: September 2009

AbstractIn vitro synthesis of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) on a hydrophobic support, i.e. highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG), was performed using class II PHA synthase (PhaC1Pp) from Pseudomonas putida and class III PHA synthase (PhaECAv) from Allochromatium vinosum. Using PhaC1Pp and 3‐hydroxyoctanoyl‐CoA, a poly(3‐hydroxyoctanoate) [P(3HO)] film was formed on the hydrophobic support with a thickness of a few nanometers, as revealed by atomic force microscopy (AFM). A poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate) [P(3HB)] film was also formed using PhaECAv and 3‐hydroxybutyryl‐CoA. AFM observations of the HOPG surface during P(3HB) film formation revealed that polymerized P(3HB) covered HOPG surface within the reaction time, resulting in the formation of a homogeneous ultra‐thin film. This method of ultra‐thin PHA film formation on a hydrophobic support may be applicable to the surface‐coating technique of materials with biodegradable, bioabsorbable, and biocompatible PHAs. Copyright © 2009 Society of Chemical Industry
An evaluation of GMCP‐SA as a replacement for ITLC‐SG when measuring the levels of radiochemical impurities in 99mTc radiopharmaceuticals by thin‐layer chromatography
Authors: Millar Alistair M. , Beattie Lynn A. , Craig Fiona , O'Brien Lesley M. 
Published: September 2009

AbstractBackground: The European Pharmacopoeia and radiopharmaceutical manufacturers specify Instant Thin‐Layer Chromatography Silica Gel impregnated glass fibre (ITLC‐SG) as the stationary phase for measuring the radiochemical purity (RCP) of most technetium‐99m (99mTc) radiopharmaceuticals. During 2008, The Pall Corporation stopped manufacturing ITLC‐SG. A replacement is required. Aim: To evaluate Varian's Glass Microfibre Chromatography Paper impregnated with salicic acid (GMCP‐SA) as a replacement. Experimental: Samples of six 99mTc radiopharmaceuticals (albumin nanocolloid, colloidal tin, exametazime, medronate, pentetate and succimer) were prepared containing levels of radiochemical impurities between 0 and 10%. Samples were tested using ITLC‐SG and GMCP‐SA with the mobile phase specified in the pharmacopoeia or by the manufacturer. Analysis was performed by thin‐layer radiochromatogram scanning. Results: For measuring the RCP of albumin nanocolloid, colloidal tin, exametazime and succimer, GMCP‐SA is a suitable replacement for ITLC‐SG. For medronate, GMCP‐SA is suitable for measuring colloidal 99mTc impurity despite producing slightly higher values than ITLC‐SG, but unsuitable for measuring 99mTc pertechnetate impurity due to significant over‐estimation. For pentetate, GMCP‐SA is suitable for measuring colloidal 99mTc impurity but gives slightly higher values for 99mTc pertechnetate impurity than ITLC‐SG. Conclusion: GMCP‐SA is a suitable alternative to ITLC‐SG for analysing some 99mTc radiopharmaceuticals but is not a universal replacement. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparative analysis of volatile constituents in Citrus Reticulata Blanco using GC–MS and alternative moving window factor analysis
Authors: Yu Lianfang , Li Xiaoru , Liu Shaoyin , Xu Guangwei , Liang Yizeng 
Published: September 2009

AbstractThe similarities and differences of essential oil components in Album Citri Reticulatae (ACR), Cylindricae Citri Reticulatae (CCR), Folium Citri Reticulatae (FCR), Exocarpium Citri Grandis (ECG), Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae Viride (PCRV) and Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae (PCR) were investigated by GC–MS combined with a chemometric method named alternative moving window factor analysis (AMWFA). And temperature‐programmed retention indices (PTRIs) were used together with mass spectra for identification of the essential oil components. In essential oils of ACR, CCR, FCR, ECG, PCRV and PCR, 28, 26, 61, 62, 52 and 48 components were determined representing 93.13, 94.44, 93.53, 87.67, 99.03 and 98.03% of the total relative content, respectively. Also, the essential oils significantly differed both qualitatively and quantitatively. There were 14 common components among ACR, CCR, FCR, ECG, PCRV and PCR, their abundance varied in the ranges from 32.39% in FCR to 94.66% in PCRV. The results obtained may be helpful to the further study of pharmacological activity for their potential utilization as therapeutical agents.
Direct characterization of aqueous extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa using HPLC with diode array detection coupled to ESI and ion trap MS
Authors: Rodríguez‐Medina Inmaculada C. , Beltrán‐Debón Raúl , Molina Vicente Micol , Alonso‐Villaverde Carlos , Joven Jorge , Menéndez Javier A. , Segura‐Carretero Antonio , Fernández‐Gutiérrez Alberto 
Published: September 2009

AbstractThe phenolic fraction and other polar compounds of the Hibiscus sabdariffa were separated and identified by HPLC with diode array detection coupled to electrospray TOF and IT tandem MS (DAD‐HPLC‐ESI‐TOF‐MS and IT‐MS). The H. sabdariffa aqueous extract was filtered and directly injected into the LC system. The analysis of the compounds was carried out by RP HPLC coupled to DAD and TOF‐MS in order to obtain molecular formula and exact mass. Posterior analyses with IT‐MS were performed and the fragmentation pattern and confirmation of the structures were achieved. The H. sabdariffa samples were successfully analyzed in positive and negative ionization modes with two optimized linear gradients. In positive mode, the two most representative anthocyanins and other compounds were identified whereas the phenolic fraction, hydroxycitric acid and its lactone were identified using the negative ionization mode.
Comparison of the volatile constituents of different parts ofCortex magnolia officinalisby GC‐MS combined with chemometric resolution method
Authors: Xu Xiao‐Na , Tang Zhong‐Hai , Liang Yi‐Zeng , Zhang Liang‐Xiao , Zeng Mao‐Mao , Deng Jia‐Hui 
Published: September 2009

AbstractVolatile compositions of different parts (stem, branch and root barks) ofCortex magnolia officinalis, cultivated in China, were investigated for the first time by GC‐MS with the help of heuristic evolving latent projection (HELP). Identification of components was conducted by similarity matching to NIST mass library but also assisted by comparison of temperature‐programmed retention indices (PTRIs) with the data web available. A total of 90, 82 and 76 volatile compounds in the essential oils of the three samples taken from the same batch aforementioned were qualitatively and quantitatively determined, representing 84.03, 83.68 and 83.10% of the total content, respectively. Among the constituents determined, there were 50 components coexisting. Eudesmol and its isomers were shown to be the principal compounds in the studied samples, accounting for 47.66, 36.74 and 36.31%, respectively. The three kinds of isomers (α‐, β‐ and γ‐eudesmol) in houpo volatile oils have been tentatively qualified and quantified simultaneously for the first time. By comparative analysis, significant qualitative and semi‐quantitative differences and similarities were observed among the three samples. The results achieved provide a scientific evidence for further exploitation ofMagnoliabark and clinical medication.
Self‐Assembled Polyaniline Nanotubes with Rectangular Cross‐Sections
Authors: Ding Zhongfen , Currier Robert P. , Zhao Yusheng , Yang Dali 
Published: September 2009

AbstractNanomaterials made from the conducting polymer polyaniline (PANI) have very unique applications due to their high surface area and ease of processing. The link between synthesis conditions and morphology of PANI nanomaterials has been the subject of numerous investigations in recent years. Formation mechanisms for different morphologies have also been proposed. In this work, we report a self‐assembly method to make high yield PANI nanotubes with rectangular holes and outer contours by qualitatively and purposely controlling reaction rate. We find that aggregation of detectable and separable reaction intermediates is directly correlated with PANI nanotubes formation, consistent with the observation of oligoaniline precipitates reported in the literature. Control over intermediate aggregates morphology is studied systematically. By controlling the reaction rate through adjusting acid and oxidant concentrations, we can slow down the aggregation rate of the intermediates to largely enhance the yield of nanotubes with rectangular cross‐sections. To understand the correlation between the intermediates aggregation and the morphology of the resulting PANI tubes, the morphologies of intermediate aggregates and final nanotubes were characterized using SEM, STEM, and TEM. Open circuit potential (OCP) was used to monitor the polymerization process. Molecular weight distribution results were also obtained for the intermediate aggregates and the final products. Based on our study, we propose a simple PANI nanotube formation mechanism.magnified image