bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Polysaccharides from the Chinese medicinal herb Achyranthes bidentata enhance anti-malarial immunity during Plasmodium yoelii 17XL infection in mice
Authors: Zhu Xiaotong , Pan Yanyan , Zheng Li , Cui Liwang , Cao Yaming 
Published: February 2012

Abstract

Background
Clinical immunity to malaria in human populations is developed after repeated exposure to malaria. Regulation and balance of host immune responses may lead to optimal immunity against malaria parasite infection. Polysaccharides (ABPS) derived from the Chinese herb ox knee Achyranthes bidentata possess immuno-modulatory functions. The aim of this study is to use the rodent malaria model Plasmodium yoelii 17XL (P. y 17XL) to examine whether pretreatment with ABPS will modulate host immunity against malaria infection and improve the outcome of the disease.

Methods
To determine whether ABPS could modulate immunity against malaria, mice were pretreated with ABPS prior to blood-stage infection by P. y 17XL. Host survival and parasitaemia were monitored daily. The effect of pretreatment on host immune responses was studied through the quantitation of cytokines, dendritic cell populations, and natural regulatory T cells (Treg).

Results
Pretreatment with ABPS prior to infection significantly extended the survival time of mice after P. y 17XL infection. At three and five days post-infection, ABPS pretreated mice developed stronger Th1 immune responses against malaria infection with the number of F4/80+CD36+ macrophages and levels of IFN-γ, TNF-α and nitric oxide being significantly higher than in the control group. More importantly, ABPS-treated mice developed more myeloid (CD11c+CD11b+) and plasmacytoid dendritic cells (CD11c+CD45R+/B220+) than control mice. ABPS pretreatment also resulted in modulated expression of MHC-II, CD86, and especially Toll-like receptor 9 by CD11c+ dendritic cells. In comparison, pretreatment with ABPS did not alter the number of natural Treg or the production of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10.

Conclusion
Pretreatment with the immuno-modulatory ABPS selectively enhanced Th1 immune responses to control the proliferation of malaria parasites, and prolonged the survival of mice during subsequent malaria infection.
Improvement in the photoelectrochemical responses of PCBM/TiO2 electrode by electron irradiation
Authors: Yoo Seung Hwa , Kum Jong Min , Ali Ghafar , Heo Sung Hwan , Cho Sung Oh 
Published: February 2012

Abstract
The photoelectrochemical (PEC) responses of electron-irradiated [6, 6]-phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM)/TiO2 electrodes were evaluated in a PEC cell. By coating PCBM on TiO2 nanoparticle film, the light absorption of PCBM/TiO2 electrode has expanded to the visible light region and improved the PEC responses compared to bare TiO2 electrode. The PEC responses were further improved by irradiating an electron beam on PCBM/TiO2 electrodes. Compared to non-irradiated PCBM/TiO2 electrodes, electron irradiation increased the photocurrent density and the open-circuit potential of PEC cells by approximately 90% and approximately 36%, respectively at an optimum electron irradiation condition. The PEC responses are carefully evaluated correlating with the optical and electronic properties of electron-irradiated PCBM/TiO2 electrodes.
Optical and electrical properties of undoped and doped Ge nanocrystals
Authors: Das Samaresh , Aluguri Rakesh , Manna Santanu , Singha Rajkumar , Dhar Achintya , Pavesi Lorenzo , Ray Samit Kumar 
Published: February 2012

Abstract
Size-dependent photoluminescence characteristics from Ge nanocrystals embedded in different oxide matrices have been studied to demonstrate the light emission in the visible wavelength from quantum-confined charge carriers. On the other hand, the energy transfer mechanism between Er ions and Ge nanocrystals has been exploited to exhibit the emission in the optical fiber communication wavelength range. A broad visible electroluminescence, attributed to electron hole recombination of injected carriers in Ge nanocrystals, has been achieved. Nonvolatile flash-memory devices using Ge nanocrystal floating gates with different tunneling oxides including SiO2, Al2O3, HfO2, and variable oxide thickness [VARIOT] tunnel barrier have been fabricated. An improved charge storage characteristic with enhanced retention time has been achieved for the devices using VARIOT oxide floating gate.
Overview of enabling technologies for 3GPP LTE-advanced
Authors: Tran Thien-Toan , Shin Yoan , Shin Oh-Soon 
Published: February 2012

Abstract
As the long term evolution (LTE) standard comes to an end, 3rd Generation Partnership Project is discussing further evolution of the LTE to meet the international mobile telecommunications advanced requirements, which is referred to as LTE-Advanced (LTE release 10 and beyond). This article first presents the network infrastructure of the LTE-Advanced, and then provides an in-depth overview of enabling technologies from the physical layer aspects, including carrier aggregation, advanced multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) techniques, wireless relays, enhanced inter-cell interference coordination (eICIC), and coordinated multipoint (CoMP) transmission/reception. In particular, we describe concept and principle of each technology and elaborate important technical details. Moreover, we discuss promising study items of the LTE-Advanced for further enhancement.
The embryonic leaf identity gene FUSCA3 regulates vegetative phase transitions by negatively modulating ethylene-regulated gene expression in Arabidopsis
Authors: Lumba Shelley , Tsuchiya Yuichiro , Delmas Frederic , Hezky Jodi , Provart Nicholas J , Shi Lu Qing , McCourt Peter , Gazzarrini Sonia 
Published: February 2012

Abstract

Background
The embryonic temporal regulator FUSCA3 (FUS3) plays major roles in the establishment of embryonic leaf identity and the regulation of developmental timing. Loss-of-function mutations of this B3 domain transcription factor result in replacement of cotyledons with leaves and precocious germination, whereas constitutive misexpression causes the conversion of leaves into cotyledon-like organs and delays vegetative and reproductive phase transitions.

Results
Herein we show that activation of FUS3 after germination dampens the expression of genes involved in the biosynthesis and response to the plant hormone ethylene, whereas a loss-of-function fus3 mutant shows many phenotypes consistent with increased ethylene signaling. This FUS3-dependent regulation of ethylene signaling also impinges on timing functions outside embryogenesis. Loss of FUS3 function results in accelerated vegetative phase change, and this is again partially dependent on functional ethylene signaling. This alteration in vegetative phase transition is dependent on both embryonic and vegetative FUS3 function, suggesting that this important transcriptional regulator controls both embryonic and vegetative developmental timing.

Conclusion
The results of this study indicate that the embryonic regulator FUS3 not only controls the embryonic-to-vegetative phase transition through hormonal (ABA/GA) regulation but also functions postembryonically to delay vegetative phase transitions by negatively modulating ethylene-regulated gene expression.
Antiviral activity of recombinant ankyrin targeted to the capsid domain of HIV-1 Gag polyprotein
Authors: Nangola Sawitree , Urvoas Agathe , Valerio-Lepiniec Marie , Khamaikawin Wannisa , Sakkhachornphop Supachai , Hong Saw-See , Boulanger Pierre , Minard Philippe , Tayapiwatana Chatchai 
Published: February 2012

AbstractBackgroundAnkyrins are cellular mediators of a number of essential protein-protein interactions. Unlike intrabodies, ankyrins are composed of highly structured repeat modules characterized by disulfide bridge-independent folding. Artificial ankyrin molecules, designed to target viral components, might act as intracellular antiviral agents and contribute to the cellular immunity against viral pathogens such as HIV-1.ResultsA phage-displayed library of artificial ankyrins was constructed, and screened on a polyprotein made of the fused matrix and capsid domains (MA-CA) of the HIV-1 Gag precursor. An ankyrin with three modules named AnkGAG1D4 (16.5 kDa) was isolated. AnkGAG1D4 and MA-CA formed a protein complex with a stoichiometry of 1:1 and a dissociation constant ofKd~ 1 μM, and the AnkGAG1D4 binding site was mapped to the N-terminal domain of the CA, within residues 1-110. HIV-1 production in SupT1 cells stably expressing AnkGAG1D4 in both N-myristoylated and non-N-myristoylated versions was significantly reduced compared to control cells. AnkGAG1D4 expression also reduced the production of MLV, a phylogenetically distant retrovirus. The AnkGAG1D4-mediated antiviral effect on HIV-1 was found to occur at post-integration steps, but did not involve the Gag precursor processing or cellular trafficking. Our data suggested that the lower HIV-1 progeny yields resulted from the negative interference of AnkGAG1D4-CA with the Gag assembly and budding pathway.ConclusionsThe resistance of AnkGAG1D4-expressing cells to HIV-1 suggested that the CA-targeted ankyrin AnkGAG1D4 could serve as a protein platform for the design of a novel class of intracellular inhibitors of HIV-1 assembly based on ankyrin-repeat modules.
Assertive Community Treatment for alcohol dependence (ACTAD): study protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Gilburt Helen , Burns Tom , Copello Alex , Coulton Simon , Crawford Michael , Day Ed , Deluca Paolo , Godfrey Christine , Parrott Steve , Rose Abigail K , Sinclair Julia M A , Wright Christine , Drummond Colin 
Published: February 2012

Abstract

Background
Alcohol dependence is a significant and costly problem in the UK yet only 6% of people a year receive treatment. Current service provision based on the treatment of acute episodes of illness and emphasising personal choice and motivation results in a small proportion of these patients engaging with alcohol treatment. There is a need for interventions targeted at the population of alcohol dependent patients who are hard to engage in conventional treatment. Assertive Community Treatment (ACT), a model of care based on assertive outreach, has been used for treating patients with severe mental illnesses and presents a promising avenue for engaging patients with primary alcohol dependence. So far there has been little research on this.

Methods/Design
In this single blind exploratory randomised controlled trial, a total of 90 alcohol dependent participants will be recruited from community addiction services. After completing a baseline assessment, they will be assigned to one of two conditions: (1) ACT plus care as usual, or (2) care as usual. Those allocated to the ACT plus care as usual will receive the same treatment that is routinely provided by services, plus a trained key worker who will provide ACT. ACT comprises intensive and assertive contact at least once a week, over 50% of contacts in the participant's home or local community, and comprehensive case management across social and health care, for a period of one year. All participants will be followed up at 6 months and 12 months to assess outcome post randomisation. The primary outcome measures will be alcohol consumption: mean drinks per drinking day and percentage of days abstinent measured by the Time Line Follow Back interview. Secondary outcome measures will include severity of alcohol dependence, alcohol related problems, motivation to change, social network involvement, quality of life, therapeutic relationship and service use. Other outcome variables are treatment engagement including completion of assessment, detoxification and aftercare.

Discussion
Results of this trial will help clarify the potential beneficial effects of ACT for people with alcohol dependence and provide information to design a definitive trial.

Trial registration number
ISRCTN: ISRCTN22775534
Hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn caused by anti-D and anti-S alloantibodies: a case report
Authors: Yousuf Rabeya , Abdul Aziz Suria , Yusof Nurasyikin , Leong Chooi-Fun 
Published: February 2012

Abstract

Introduction
Hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn is most commonly caused by anti-D alloantibody. It is usually seen in Rhesus D (RhD)-negative mothers that have been previously sensitized. We report here a case of hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn in a newborn baby caused by anti-D and anti-S alloantibodies, born to a mother who was RhD negative, but with no previous serological evidence of RhD alloimmunization.

Case presentation
A one-day-old Chinese baby boy was born to a mother who was group A RhD negative. The baby was jaundiced with hyperbilirubinemia, but with no evidence of infection. His blood group was group A RhD positive, his direct Coombs' test result was positive and red cell elution studies demonstrated the presence of anti-D and anti-S alloantibodies. Investigations performed on the maternal blood during the 22 weeks of gestation showed the presence of anti-S antibodies only. Repeat investigations performed post-natally showed the presence of similar antibodies as in the newborn and an anti-D titer of 1:32 (0.25 IU/mL), which was significant. A diagnosis of hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn secondary to anti-D and anti-S was made. The baby was treated with phototherapy and close monitoring. He was discharged well after five days of phototherapy.

Conclusions
This case illustrates the possibility of an anamnestic response of allo-anti-D from previous sensitization in a RhD-negative mother, or the development of anti-D in mid-trimester. Thus, it highlights the importance of thorough antenatal ABO, RhD blood grouping and antibody screening, and if necessary, antibody identification and regular monitoring of antibody screening and antibody levels for prevention or early detection of hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn, especially in cases of mothers with clinically significant red cell alloantibody.
Replicated associations of TNFAIP3, TNIP1 and ETS1 with systemic lupus erythematosus in a southwestern Chinese population
Authors: Zhong Hua , Li Xiao-lan , Li Ming , Hao Li-xia , Chen Rong-wei , Xiang Kun , Qi Xue-bin , Ma Runlin Z , Su Bing 
Published: February 2012

Abstract

Introduction

Recent genome-wide and candidate gene association studies in large numbers of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients have suggested approximately 30 susceptibility genes. These genes are involved in three types of biological processes, including immune complex processing, toll-like receptor function and type I interferon production, and immune signal transduction in lymphocytes, and they may contribute to the pathogenesis of SLE. To better understand the genetic risk factors of SLE, we investigated the associations of seven SLE susceptibility genes in a Chinese population, including FCGR3A, FCGR2A, TNFAIP3, TLR9, TREX1, ETS1 and TNIP1.

Methods

A total of 20 SNPs spanning the seven SLE susceptibility genes were genotyped in a sample of 564 unrelated SLE patients and 504 unrelated healthy controls recruited from Yunnan, southwestern China. The associations of SNPs with SLE were assessed by statistical analysis.

Results

Five SNPs in two genes (TNFAIP3 and ETS1) were significantly associated with SLE (corrected P values ranging from 0.03 to 5.5 × 10-7). Through stratified analysis, TNFAIP3 and ETS1 showed significant associations with multiple SLE subphenotypes (such as malar rash, arthritis, hematologic disorder and antinuclear antibody) while TNIP1 just showed relatively weak association with onset age. The associations of the SNPs in the other four genes were not replicated.

Conclusions

The replication analysis indicates that TNFAIP3, ETS1 and TNIP1 are probably common susceptibility genes for SLE in Chinese populations, and they may contribute to the pathogenesis of multiple SLE subphenotypes.
Erectile dysfunction is frequent in systemic sclerosis and associated with severe disease: a study of the EULAR Scleroderma Trial and Research group
Authors: Foocharoen Chingching , Tyndall Alan , Hachulla Eric , Rosato Edoardo , Allanore Yannick , Farge-Bancel Dominique , Caramaschi Paola , Airó Paolo , Nikolaevna Starovojtova M , Pereira da Silva José António , Stamenkovic Bojana , Riemekasten Gabriela , Rednic Simona , Sibilia Jean , Wiland Piotr , Tarner Ingo , Smith Vanessa , Onken Anna T , Abdel Atty Mohamed Walid Ahmed , Distler Oliver , Morović-Vergles Jadranka , Himsel Andrea , de la Peña Lefebvre Paloma Garcia , Hügle Thomas , Walker Ulrich A 
Published: February 2012

Abstract

Introduction

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is common in men with systemic sclerosis (SSc) but the demographics, risk factors and treatment coverage for ED are not well known.

Method

This study was carried out prospectively in the multinational EULAR Scleroderma Trial and Research database by amending the electronic data-entry system with the International Index of Erectile Function-5 and items related to ED risk factors and treatment. Centres participating in this EULAR Scleroderma Trial and Research substudy were asked to recruit patients consecutively.

Results

Of the 130 men studied, only 23 (17.7%) had a normal International Index of Erectile Function-5 score. Thirty-eight per cent of all participants had severe ED (International Index of Erectile Function-5 score ≤ 7). Men with ED were significantly older than subjects without ED (54.8 years vs. 43.3 years, P < 0.001) and more frequently had simultaneous non-SSc-related risk factors such as alcohol consumption. In 82% of SSc patients, the onset of ED was after the manifestation of the first non-Raynaud's symptom (median delay 4.1 years). ED was associated with severe cutaneous, muscular or renal involvement of SSc, elevated pulmonary pressures and restrictive lung disease. ED was treated in only 27.8% of men. The most common treatment was sildenafil, whose efficacy is not established in ED of SSc patients.

Conclusions

Severe ED is a common and early problem in men with SSc. Physicians should address modifiable risk factors actively. More research into the pathophysiology, longitudinal development, treatment and psychosocial impact of ED is needed.
Solvothermal Synthesis and Magnetic Properties of La-Substituted Barium Ferrite
Authors: Zheng Xiaoying , Du Yunchen , Wang Yu , Cui Ying , He Xiong , Han Xijiang 
Published: February 2012

Abstract
A series of La-substituted barium ferrite (Ba1−xLaxFe12O19, 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.2) have been prepared through a solvothermal route and routine high-temperature calcination. Compared with some existing techniques, this solvothermal method shows some advantages in simplicity and low cost, and the obtained products exhibit high-purity crystalline phase, small particle size, and strong magnetic properties.
Inorganic Frameworks Made by Combining Paddle-wheel Diruthenium(II, III) Complexes and Polyoxometalate Clusters
Authors: Sawada Yuki , Yamamoto Yuma , Nishio Masaki , Kosaka Wataru , Hayashi Yoshihito , Miyasaka Hitoshi 
Published: February 2012

Abstract
The reactions of a pivalate-bridged paddle-wheel diruthenium(II, III) complex, [Ru2II,III(piv)4(THF)2]BF4, with two kinds of polyoxometalates (POMs), (TBA)2[Mo6O19] and (TBA)3[H3V10O28] (TBA: tetra-n-butylammonium cation), led to the formation of one- and two-dimensional inorganic frameworks composed of [–{Ru2}n–(POM)–]− repeating units with n = 1 and 2, respectively.
Phosphine-catalyzed [3 + 2] and [3 + 3] Annulations of Azomethine Imines with Ethyl 2-Butynoate
Authors: Liu Jun , Liu Honglei , Na Risong , Wang Guiyong , Li Zhen , Yu Hao , Wang Min , Zhong Jiangchun , Guo Hongchao 
Published: February 2012

Abstract
The phosphine-catalyzed [3 + 2] and [3 + 3] annulation reactions of azomethine imines and ethyl 2-butynoate were developed, providing 1,2-dinitrogen-containing heterocycles tetrahydropyrazolopyrazolones and tetrahydropyrazolopyridazinones in moderate to good yields.
Controlled Assembly of Ultrasmall Iron Oxide Nanoparticles on Carbon Nanotubes: Facile Preparation and Interfacially Induced Ferromagnetism
Authors: Xu Jiaoxing , Wang Ning , Guan Lunhui 
Published: February 2012

Abstract
Ultrasmall (&lt;5 nm) γ-Fe2O3 nanocrystals with tunable loading density on the carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were solvothermally synthesized using bifunctional phenol as capping ligand and dually as surfactant that favored uniform attachment. With the interfacial charge transfer, the nanosize-dependently superparamagnetic γ-Fe2O3 nanoparticles transform to weak ferromagnetism at room temperature.
Making amends for adverse events arising during hospital care
Authors: Neale Graham 
Published: February 2012

Making amends for adverse events arising during hospital care, in a manner that will satisfy most people, is difficult. In this issue of Clinical Risk, the Chief Solicitor with Welsh Health Legal Services describes the progress of the NHS Redress Scheme initiative in Wales, an important step forward. The aim of this review is to examine the manner in which errors in hospital practice are addressed for patients who desire compensation, how the issues of making amends have been managed, and how these may affect what may be regarded as a prime recompense – that of improving the quality and safety of healthcare.
Modeling Hydraulic Fractures in Finite Difference Simulators Using Amalgam LGR (Local Grid Refinement)
Authors: Abdelmoneim S. S. , Rabee R.. , Shehata A. M. , Aly A.. 
Published: February 2012

Abstract
Hydraulic fracturing allows numerous, otherwise unproductive, low permeability hydrocarbon formations to be produced. The interactions between the fractures and the heterogeneous reservoir rock, however, are quite complex, which makes it quite difficult to model production from hydraulically-fractured systems. Various techniques have been applied in the simulation of hydraulically fractured wells using finite difference simulators most of these techniques are limited by the gnd dimensions and computing time and hardware restrictions. Most of the current analytical techniques assume a single rectangular shaped fracture m a single phase homogeneous reservoir, the fracture is limited to the block size and the fracture properties are adjusted using permeability multiplier. The current work demonstrates how to model these systems with a smaller grid block size which allows you to apply sensitivity to the fracture length and model the fracture with enhanced accuracy. It also allows you to study the effect of reservoir heterogeneity on the fractured well performance. It is proposed to apply amalgam LGR technique to decrease the grid size to the dimensions of the hydraulic fracture without dramatically increasing the number of gnd blocks which would cause a great increase in the computing time and the model size with no added value. This paper explains how the amalgam LGR is designed and compares between standard LGRs and the proposed design and a case study is presented from an anonymous field in Egypt to illustrate how to use this technique to model the hydraulically fractured well. The simulation model is matched to available production data by changing fracture lengths. Then the model is used to predict future response from the wells. The advantage of this technique is that it allows hydraulically fractured reservoirs to be modeled with less grid size which will lead to more realistic models and more accurate predictions: however, the most usefid application of this technique may come in the fracture modeling stage. With this tool, various fracture geometries and scenarios can be tested in the simulator, and the most economic scenarios selected and implemented. This will cause better fracture placement, and ultimately greater production.