bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Site‐Selectively Coated, Densely‐Packed Microprojection Array Patches for Targeted Delivery of Vaccines to Skin
Authors: Chen Xianfeng , Corbett Holly J. , Yukiko Sally R. , Raphael Anthony P. , Fairmaid Emily J. , Prow Tarl W. , Brown Lorena E. , Fernando Germain J. P. , Kendall Mark A. F. 
Published: November 2010

AbstractDensely packed dry‐coated microprojections are shown to deliver vaccines to targeted locations within the skin that are rich in immune cells, thus inducing protective immune responses against a lethal virus challenge. Selectively limiting the antigen coating to the tips of the projections, which penetrate the skin, would significantly reduce the amount of vaccine required in immunization. In this paper a simple technique, dip‐coating the microprojections, is introduced to meet this goal. By increasing the coating solution viscosity, an otherwise strong capillary action is mitigated and the desired controlled coating length on projections is achieved. Following application to the skin, most of the coated vaccine material is rapidly released from the projections (82.6% in mass within 2 min) to the target locations within the skin strata and a potent immune response is induced when a conventional influenza vaccine (Fluvax) is tested in a mouse model. The utility of this coating approach to a variety of molecules representative of vaccines (e.g., chicken egg ovalbumin (OVA) protein, DNA, and fluorescent dyes) is demonstrated. These collective attributes, together with the simplicity of the approach, position the dip‐coating method for practical utility in large vaccination campaigns.
Air/Liquid‐Pressure and Heartbeat‐Driven Flexible Fiber Nanogenerators as a Micro/Nano‐Power Source or Diagnostic Sensor
Authors: Li Zetang , Wang Zhong Lin 
Published: November 2010

AbstractWe present a new approach for fabricating flexible fiber nanogenerators (FNGs) that can be used for smart shirts, flexible electronics, and medical applications. These FNGs are based on carbon fibers that are covered cylindrically by textured zinc oxide (ZnO) thin films. Once subjected to uni‐compression by applying a pressure, the cylindrical ZnO thin film is under a compressive strain, resulting in a macroscopic piezopotential across its inner and exterior surfaces owing to the textured structure of the film, which is the driving force for generating an electric current in the external load. Using such a structure, an output peak voltage of 3.2 V and average current density of 0.15 μA cm−2 are demonstrated. The FNGs rely on air pressure, so that it can work in a non‐contact mode in cases of rotating tires, flowing air/liquid, and even in blood vessels. Pressure‐driven FNGs added to a syringe show potential to harvest energy in blood vessels, gas pipes, and oil pipes, as long as there is a fluctuation in pressure (or turbulence). Heart‐pulse driven FNGs can serve as ultrasensitive sensors for monitoring the behavior of the human heart, which may possibly be applied to medical diagnostics as sensors and measurement tools.
Thermoregulated ligand–palladium‐catalyzed Suzuki reaction in water
Authors: Liu Ning , Liu Chun , Yan Bo , Jin Zilin 
Published: November 2010

AbstractAn efficient and recyclable protocol for the Suzuki reaction in water has been developed based on the cloud point of thermoregulated ligand Ph2P(CH2CH2O)nCH3 (n = 22). This method allows the preparation of a variety of biaryls in high yields and the catalytic system can be recycled four times with high efficiency. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparative study on the molecular and electronic structure of MgCl2· 6 NH3 and MgCl2· 6H2O
Authors: Song Xingfu , Liu Gousheng , Sun Ze , Yu Jianguo 
Published: November 2010

ABSTRACTAnhydrous magnesium chloride is the preferred raw material for electrolytic production of magnesium metal; however, it is not possible to fully dehydrate magnesium chloride by heating in air because of hydrolytic decomposition. The dehydration should be carried out in hydrogen chloride gas atmosphere, or by a process where the intermediate hexammoniate magnesium chloride (MgCl2·6 NH3) is calcined at high temperature to remove the six crystal ammonia. The most popular process to prepare MgCl2·6 NH3 is an organic solvent process which is energy efficient and exhibits good quality control. Recently, we prepared high‐purity anhydrous MgCl2 by a coupling reactive crystallization (CRC) process. In this study, quantum chemistry calculations based on the method of density functional theory (DFT) were used to determine the molecular and electronic structure of MgCl2·6 NH3 and MgCl2·6H2O at the levels of B3LYP/6‐31G* and B3LYP/6‐311G*, respectively. These results were compared with available experimental results. The DFT results show that for model MgCl2·6H2O, the bond lengths of R[OMg] and O atom Mulliken charges can be classified into three levels, each level has two crystals of water. As a result, the six crystal water will be removed by three steps, two crystals of water in each step. However, for model MgCl2·6 NH3, the bond lengths of R[NMg] and N atom Mulliken charges are classified into two levels, four crystal ammonia will be removed in the first step and two crystal ammonia will be removed in the second step. The calculations are verified by TG and DTA data from the literature and by our experiments. This study is significant for better understanding the thermal decomposition mechanism and laboratory preparation of MgCl2·6 NH3 and anhydrous MgCl2. Copyright © 2010 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Systemic lupus erythematosus serum deposits C4d on red blood cells, decreases red blood cell membrane deformability, and promotes nitric oxide production
Authors: Ghiran Ionita C. , Zeidel Mark L. , Shevkoplyas Sergey S. , Burns Jennie M. , Tsokos George C. , Kyttaris Vasileios C. 
Published: November 2010

AbstractObjectiveSystemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is characterized by intravascular activation of the complement system and deposition of complement fragments (C3 and C4) on plasma membranes of circulating cells, including red blood cells (RBCs). The aim of this study was to address whether this process affects the biophysical properties of RBCs.MethodsSerum and RBCs were isolated from patients with SLE and healthy controls. RBCs from healthy universal donors (type O, Rh negative) were incubated with SLE or control serum. We used flow cytometry to assess complement fragment deposition on RBCs. RBC membrane deformability was measured using 2‐dimensional microchannel arrays. Protein phosphorylation levels were quantified by Western blotting.ResultsIncubation of healthy universal donor RBCs with sera from patients with SLE, but not with control sera, led to deposition of C4d fragments on the RBCs. Complement‐decorated RBCs exhibited significant decreases in both membrane deformability and flickering. Sera from SLE patients triggered a transitory Ca++ influx in RBCs that was associated with decreased phosphorylation of β‐spectrin and with increased phosphorylation of band 3, two key proteins of RBC cytoskeleton. Finally, incubation with SLE sera led to the production of nitric oxide by RBCs, whereas this did not occur with control sera.ConclusionOur data suggest that complement activation in patients with SLE leads to calcium‐dependent cytosketeletal changes in RBCs that render them less deformable, probably impairing their flow through capillaries. This phenomenon may negatively affect the delivery of oxygen to the tissues.
The PTPN22 R263Q polymorphism is a risk factor for rheumatoid arthritis in Caucasian case–control samples
Authors: Rodríguez‐Rodríguez Luis , Taib Wan Rohani Wan , Topless Ruth , Steer Sophia , González‐Escribano María F. , Balsa Alejandro , Pascual‐Salcedo Dora , González‐Gay Miguel A. , Raya Enrique , Fernandez‐Gutierrez Benjamín , González‐Álvaro Isidoro , Bottini Nunzio , Witte Torsten , Viken Marte K. , Coenen Marieke J. H. , van Riel Piet L. C. M. , Franke Barbara , den Heijer Martin , Radstake Timothy R. D. J. , Wordsworth Paul , Lie Benedicte A. , Merriman Tony R. , Martín Javier 
Published: November 2010

AbstractObjectiveRecently, a functional PTPN22 variant (R263Q; rs33996649) was found to be associated with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This study was undertaken to analyze the influence of this polymorphism on the risk of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).MethodsRA patients (n = 5,579) were recruited from outpatient clinics from 6 different countries (Spain, New Zealand, the UK, Norway, The Netherlands, and Germany). Healthy controls (n = 5,392) were recruited from the same areas. There was 100% power to detect an effect equivalent to that observed in SLE. Samples were genotyped for the PTPN22 R263Q (rs33996649) and PTPN22 R620W (rs2476601) polymorphisms using a TaqMan 5′‐allele discrimination assay. The effect of the R263Q variant was analyzed in isolation and in combination with the effect of R620W, using Unphased and Stata 10 software. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were determined.ResultsThe minor allele A of PTPN22 R263Q was significantly associated with a lower risk of RA in the pooled analysis of the 6 populations (P = 0.016, Mantel‐Haenszel pooled OR 0.80 [95% CI 0.67–0.96]), independent of the effect of the R620W polymorphism. Both polymorphisms had an additive effect. The more RA risk alleles carried (R263Q G allele, R620W T allele), the higher the RA risk (for 2 versus 1 risk allele P = 0.014, OR 1.28 [95% CI 1.05–1.55], for 3 versus 1 risk allele P = 6.67 × 10−11, OR 2.01 [1.63–2.48], and for 4 versus 1 risk allele P = 6.50 × 10−11, OR 3.55 [2.42–5.20]).ConclusionOur findings indicate that the minor allele of the PTPN22 R263Q polymorphism is associated with a lower risk of RA. This association is independent of the well‐established association between PTPN22 R620W and RA. Both polymorphisms have an additive effect on the risk of RA.
Octacalcium phosphate crystals induce inflammation in vivo through interleukin‐1 but independent of the NLRP3 inflammasome in mice
Authors: Narayan Sharmal , Pazar Borbola , Ea Hang‐Korng , Kolly Laeticia , Bagnoud Nathaliane , Chobaz Véronique , Lioté Frédéric , Vogl Thomas , Holzinger Dirk , Kai‐Lik So Alexander , Busso Nathalie 
Published: November 2010

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the mechanisms involved in inflammatory responses to octacalcium phosphate (OCP) crystals in vivo.MethodsOCP crystal–induced inflammation was monitored using a peritoneal model of inflammation in mice with different deficiencies affecting interleukin‐1 (IL‐1) secretion (IL‐1α–/–, IL‐1β–/–, ASC–/–, and NLRP3–/–mice) or in mice pretreated with IL‐1 inhibitors (anakinra [recombinant IL‐1 receptor antagonist] and anti–IL‐1β). The production of IL‐1α, IL‐1β, and myeloid‐related protein 8 (MRP‐8)–MRP‐14 complex was determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Peritoneal neutrophil recruitment and cell viability were determined by flow cytometry. Depletion of mast cells or resident macrophages was performed by pretreatment with compound 48/80 or clodronate liposomes, respectively.ResultsOCP crystals induced peritoneal inflammation, as demonstrated by neutrophil recruitment and up‐modulation of IL‐1α, IL‐1β, and MRP‐8–MRP‐14 complex, to levels comparable with those induced by monosodium urate monohydrate crystals. This OCP crystal–induced inflammation was both IL‐1α– and IL‐1β–dependent, as shown by the inhibitory effects of anakinra and anti–IL‐1β antibody treatment. Accordingly, OCP crystal stimulation resulted in milder inflammation in IL‐1α–/–and IL‐1β–/–mice. Interestingly, ASC–/–and NLRP3–/–mice did not show any alteration in their inflammation status in response to OCP crystals. Depletion of the resident macrophage population resulted in a significant decrease in crystal‐induced neutrophil infiltration and proinflammatory cytokine production in vivo, whereas mast cell depletion had no effect. Finally, OCP crystals induced apoptosis/necrosis of peritoneal cells in vivo.ConclusionThese data indicate that macrophages, rather than mast cells, are important for initiating and driving OCP crystal–induced inflammation. Additionally, OCP crystals induce IL‐1–dependent peritoneal inflammation without requiring the NLRP3 inflammasome.
Precision Synthesis of Hybrid Block Copolymers by Organotellurium‐Mediated Successive Living Radical and Cationic Polymerizations
Authors: Mishima Eri , Yamada Takeshi , Watanabe Hiroshi , Yamago Shigeru 
Published: November 2010

AbstractLiving cationic polymerization reactions using organotellurium compounds as initiators are reported. Polymerization of vinyl ethers in the presence of an organotellurium initiator and a Lewis acid, such as In(OTf)3and BF3⋅OEt2, affords well‐controlled poly(vinyl ether)s with predetermined molecular weights and narrow molecular‐weight distributions. Poly(meth)acrylates possessing organotellurium group at the ω‐polymer end, which are prepared using organotellurium‐mediated controlled/living radical polymerization (TERP), are used as macroinitiators for living cationic polymerization. The one‐pot, two‐step reaction of the macroinitiator with vinyl ether under radical and cationic conditions gives well‐controlled AB diblock copolymers. ABA triblock copolymers with controlled structures are also synthesized from a bifunctional organotellurium initiator.
Solid‐phase Total Synthesis of (−)‐Apratoxin A and Its Analogues and Their Biological Evaluation
Authors: Doi Takayuki , Numajiri Yoshitaka , Takahashi Takashi , Takagi Motoki , Shin‐ya Kazuo 
Published: November 2010

AbstractTwo approaches for the solid‐phase total synthesis of apratoxin A and its derivatives were accomplished. In synthetic route A, the peptide was prepared by the sequential coupling of the corresponding amino acids on trityl chloride SynPhase Lanterns. After cleavage from the polymer‐support, macrolactamization of 10, followed by thiazoline formation, provided apratoxin A. This approach, however, resulted in low yield because the chemoselectivity was not sufficient for the formation of the thiazoline ring though its analogue 33 was obtained. However, in synthetic route B, a cyclization precursor was prepared by solid‐phase peptide synthesis by using amino acids 13–15 and 18. The final macrolactamization was performed in solution to provide apratoxin A in high overall yield. This method was then successfully applied to the synthesis of apratoxin analogues. The cytotoxic activity of the synthetic derivatives was then evaluated. The epimer 34 was as potent as apratoxin A, and O‐methyl tyrosine can be replaced by 7‐azidoheptyl tyrosine without loss of activity. The 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition of 38 with phenylacetylene was performed in the presence of a copper catalyst without affecting the thiazoline ring.
Nonsyndromic cleft lip and palate: CRISPLD genes and the folate gene pathway connection
Authors: Chiquet Brett T. , Henry Robin , Burt Amber , Mulliken John B. , Stal Samuel , Blanton Susan H. , Hecht Jacqueline T. 
Published: November 2010

AbstractBACKGROUNDNonsyndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate (NSCLP) is a common birth defect that has a multifactorial etiology. Despite having substantial genetic liability, <15% of the genetic contribution to NSCLP has been delineated. In our efforts to dissect the genetics of NSCLP, we found that variation in the CRISPLD2 (cysteine‐rich secretory protein LCCL domain containing 2) gene is associated with NSCLP and that the protein is expressed in the developing murine craniofacies. In addition, we found suggestive linkage of NSCLP (LOD > 1.0) to the chromosomal region on 8q13.2–21.13 that contains the CRISPLD1 gene. The protein products of both CRISPLD1 and CRISPLD2 contain more cysteine residues than comparably sized proteins. Interestingly, the folic acid pathway produces endogenous cysteines, and variation in genes in this pathway is associated with NSCLP. Based on these observations, we hypothesized that variation in CRISPLD1 contributes to NSCLP and that both CRISPLD genes interact with each other and genes in the folic acid pathway.METHODSSingle nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in CRISPLD1 were genotyped in our non‐Hispanic white and Hispanic multiplex and simplex NSCLP families.RESULTSThere was little evidence for a role of variation for CRISPLD1 alone in NSCLP. However, interactions were detected between CRISPLD1/CRISPLD2 SNPs and variation in folate pathway genes. Altered transmission of one CRISPLD1 SNP was detected in the NHW simplex families. Importantly, interactions were detected between SNPs in CRISPLD1 and CRISPLD2 (15 interactions, 0.0031 ≤p < 0.05).CONCLUSIONThese novel findings suggest that CRISPLD1 plays a role in NSCLP through the interaction with CRISPLD2 and folate pathway genes. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Maternal smoking, passive tobacco smoke, and neural tube defects
Authors: Suarez Lucina , Ramadhani Tunu , Felkner Marilyn , Canfield Mark A. , Brender Jean D. , Romitti Paul A. , Sun Lixian 
Published: November 2010

AbstractBACKGROUNDAlthough cigarette smoke is a well‐established toxin and harmful to the developing embryo, the evidence for an independent effect on the occurrence of neural tube defects (NTDs) is mixed. In this study, we examined the relation between NTDs and maternal exposures to cigarette smoke, including passive smoke exposure.METHODSWe used cases and controls from the large, multistate, population‐based National Birth Defects Prevention Study. A total of 1041 NTD cases and 5862 live birth controls, delivered during 1997 to 2004, were available for analyses. Mothers were interviewed by telephone between 6 weeks and 24 months after delivery. Participation rates were 71% for NTD case mothers and 69% for control mothers.RESULTSCompared with nonsmokers (and also not exposed to passive cigarette smoke), mothers exposed only to passive smoke had an increased NTD odds ratio (OR, 1.7; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.4–2.0), adjusted for race–ethnicity, and study center. There was no increased OR for mothers who actively smoked 24 or fewer cigarettes per day. Mothers who smoked 25 or more cigarettes per day had an elevated OR (OR, 1.6; 95% CI, 0.9–3.0), but the OR adjusted for race–ethnicity, and center was compatible with the null.CONCLUSIONResults suggest that maternal exposure to passive smoke is associated with NTDs. Women who plan on becoming pregnant should minimize their exposure to passive smoke and refrain from smoking. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effects of neferine on the pharmacokinetics of amiodarone in rats
Authors: Wan Jiadao , Zhao Libo , Xu Chuan , Zhang Shaohui , Zhang Zhixin , Zeng Cheng , Chang Mujun , Xiao Junhua , Wang Jialing 
Published: November 2010

AbstractAmiodarone, an iodinated benzofuran derivative with predominantly class III anti‐arrhythmic effects, is used to treat supraventricular and ventricular arrhythmias. The purpose of this study was to assess the potential of neferine, an effective anti‐pulmonary fibrosis drug isolated from the embryo of Nelumbo nucifera Gaertner's seeds, to alter the pharmacokinetic profile of amiodarone. Experimental Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly divided into two groups. In groups 1 and 2, amiodarone was given to rats by intragastric and intravenous administration, respectively, while neferine was co‐administratered by intragastric administration. Blood samples were collected from the orbital venous plexus at indicated time points and were analyzed for amiodarone concentration using RP‐HPLC. The geometric mean ratio for Cmax and AUC0–96 was calculated. There were no significant differences between the pharmacokinetics parameters of amiodarone administered intravenously or intragastrically and the control (without neferine) group (with ratios of 0.7–1.4 in all experimental groups), suggesting that neferine had no effect on amiodarone plasma pharmacokinetics. The dosage regimen of amiodarone does not need to be taken into consideration when combined with neferine. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Towards Practical Baeyer–Villiger‐Monooxygenases: Design of Cyclohexanone Monooxygenase Mutants with Enhanced Oxidative Stability
Authors: Opperman Diederik J. , Reetz Manfred T. 
Published: November 2010

AbstractBaeyer–Villiger monooxygenases (BVMOs) catalyze the conversion of ketones and cyclic ketones into esters and lactones, respectively. Cyclohexanone monooxygenase (CHMO) from Acinetobacter sp. NCIMB 9871 is known to show an impressive substrate scope as well as exquisite chemo‐, regio‐, and enantioselectivity in many cases. Large‐scale synthetic applications of CHMO are hampered, however, by the instability of the enzyme. Oxidation of cysteine and methionine residues contributes to this instability. Designed mutations of all the methionine and cysteine residues in the CHMO wild type (WT) showed that the amino acids labile towards oxidation are mostly either surface‐exposed or located within the active site, whereas the two methionine residues identified for thermostabilization are buried within the folded protein. Combinatorial mutations gave rise to two stabilized mutants with either oxidative or thermal stability, without compromising the activity or stereoselectivity of the enzyme. The most oxidatively stabilized mutant retained nearly 40 % of its activity after incubation with H2O2 (0.2 M), whereas the wild‐type enzyme's activity was completely abolished at concentrations as low as 5 mM H2O2. We propose that oxidation‐stable mutants might well be a “prerequisite” for thermostabilization, because laboratory‐evolved thermostability in CHMO might be masked by a high degree of oxidation instability.
Photochemical Water Decomposition in the Troposphere: DFT Study with a Symmetrized Kohn–Sham Formalism
Authors: Minaev Boris F. , Zakharov Ivan I. , Zakharova Olga I. , Tselishtev Alexei B. , Filonchook Anton V. , Shevchenko Alexandr V. 
Published: November 2010

AbstractPhotochemical reaction of the electronically excited NO2* species with the water molecule is studied in terms of a new version of density functional theory by selecting the specific 2A′′ symmetry of the whole system, which is different from the ground‐state pattern. The excited  2A2 state of the NO2 molecule is found to be distorted to the equilibrium structure ONO., which poses the 2A′′ symmetry in the Cs point group. With the B3LYP functional it is shown that such an electronically excited NO2* molecule, generated by visible light (λ=420 nm), can react with water vapor to produce OH+HONO species, an important source of tropospheric hydroxyl radicals. This photochemical process can be considered as a possible mechanism of atmosphere self‐cleaning.