bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
In Vitro Simulation of the First Technique for Non-invasive Measurement of Volumetric Ophthalmic Artery Blood Flow in Humans
Authors: Siesky Brent , Harris Alon , Kagemann Larry , Moore Danny , Werne Adam , Sheets Clinton W. , Garzozi Hanna J. 
Published: May 2010

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:
To evaluate the accuracy, reproducibility, and variability of volumetric flow measurements taken by color Doppler imaging ultrasound, using an in vitro “phantom” model to simulate the ophthalmic artery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:
An agar flow phantom with two wall-less lumens was constructed to simulate the ophthalmic artery. Velocity and volumetric flow measurements were taken for various flow rates and ultrasound probe positions. The measurements were analyzed for accuracy, reproducibility, and variability.

RESULTS:

Velocity measurements were more accurate than flow measurements (8 of 24 vs 3 of 24 accurate trials). The average coefficient of variation for volumetric blood flow was 11.4% (n = 120). Volumetric flow significantly correlated with velocity (R
2
= 0.408, n = 600,
P
< .001). The highest correlation was achieved using the large lumen with the probe held at 75°, offset to the flow (R
2
= 0.862, n = 75).

CONCLUSION:
Based on an in vitro model, noninvasive color Doppler imaging recordings of volumetric flow measurements in the ophthalmic artery significantly correlated with velocity and higher correlations were found using the larger lumens, although the data showed a lack of high accuracy in measurements of flow and velocity.

[Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging 2010;41:375–382.]
Intratumoral Neoadjuvant Immunotherapy Using IL-12 and Dendritic Cells Is an Effective Strategy To Control Recurrence of Murine Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Immunosuppressed Mice
Authors: Kayashima Hiroto , Toshima Takeo , Okano Shinji , Taketomi Akinobu , Harada Noboru , Yamashita Yo-ichi , Tomita Yukihiro , Shirabe Ken , Maehara Yoshihiko 
Published: May 2010

Abstract
Liver transplantation is accepted as an effective therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, recurrence is one of the most fatal complications. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of intratumoral immunotherapy using IL-12 gene therapy and dendritic cell injection for the purpose of effective treatment for HCC under conditions of immunosuppression. We found that the combined immunotherapy significantly induced sustained and high amounts of intratumoral IL-12 and IFN-γ proteins and that it induced high HCC-specific CTL activity under immunosuppression as compared with each monotherapy or control. The combined immunotherapy also exerted effective antitumor effects on the immunosuppressed host, resulting in significant suppression of growth of the s.c. established tumor and complete suppression of lung and liver metastasis, without rejection of a fully allogeneic skin graft. These antitumor effects were dependent on both T cells and NK cells. Noteworthily, the combined intratumoral immunotherapy and tumor resection (that is, neoadjuvant immunotherapy) resulted in achievement of tumor-free and long-term survival of the some immunosuppressed mice, even when the mice were challenged with i.v. injection of HCC at the time of tumor resection. In contrast, all of the mice treated with neoadjuvant immunotherapy using monotherapy or control therapy suffered from lung and liver metastasis. These results suggest that intratumoral neoadjuvant immunotherapy using IL-12 gene therapy and dendritic cell therapy is a potent effective strategy to control recurrence of HCC in patients after liver transplantation for HCC and may be applicable to general cancer treatment.
Phenotypic Alterations of Dendritic Cells Are Involved in Suppressive Activity of Trichosanthin-Induced CD8+CD28− Regulatory T Cells
Authors: Wang Baolong , Jiao Zhijun , Shao Xiaoyi , Lu Liming , Yang Neng , Zhou Xiaorong , Xin Lijun , Zhou Yun , Chou Kuang-Yen 
Published: May 2010

Abstract
The nature and differentiation of regulatory CD8+CD28− T cells are poorly understood. In this study, we demonstrate that native Ag trichosanthin (Tk), a highly purified linear peptide isolated from a Chinese medicinal herb, is able to induce strong suppression of OVA-specific lymphoproliferation at low concentrations via activation of IL-4/IL-10–secreting CD8+CD28− regulatory T cells (Tregs). To elucidate the underlying mechanisms, we firstly identified two types of mouse inbred strains, high susceptible (HS) and low susceptible, for the Tk-related suppression. They are H-2d (or H-2b) and H-2k, respectively. The suppression is evoked only if bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BDCs) instead of purified T cells are treated with Tk in an OVA-specific T-BDC interaction. Moreover, a special pattern of cytokine/transcription factors (IL-4+IL-10+IFN-γ−Gata3+T-bet−) during suppressed OVA-specific T cell proliferation was observed in HS C57BL/6 but not in low-susceptible C3H/He mice. Consistently, the percentage of CD8+CD28− Tregs preferentially expanded from 5.5 to 26.1% in the presence of Tk, an occurrence that was also detected only in HS C57BL/6 mice. These expanded Tregs were able to induce a strong inhibition of one-way MLCs, which indicated that the Tk-induced hyporeaction and the activation of CD8+CD28− Tregs might be under the influence of different genetic backgrounds. Additionally, obvious alterations of phenotypic parameters of BDCs after Tk stimulation were also identified, including enhanced production of IL-10, decreased secretion of IL-12, and detection of Jagged1, a Notch ligand on BDCs. Collectively, our data suggest that the changed APC-related factors are essential, at least in part, for the activation and differentiation of Tk-induced CD8+CD28− Tregs.
Constitutive CD40L Expression on B Cells Prematurely Terminates Germinal Center Response and Leads to Augmented Plasma Cell Production in T Cell Areas
Authors: Bolduc Anna , Long Eugene , Stapler Dale , Cascalho Marilia , Tsubata Takeshi , Koni Pandelakis A. , Shimoda Michiko 
Published: May 2010

AbstractCD40/CD40L engagement is essential to T cell-dependent B cell proliferation and differentiation. However, the precise role of CD40 signaling through cognate T–B interaction in the generation of germinal center and memory B cells is still incompletely understood. To address this issue, a B cell-specific CD40L transgene (CD40LBTg) was introduced into mice with B cell-restricted MHC class II deficiency. Using this mouse model, we show that constitutive CD40L expression on B cells alone could not induce germinal center differentiation of MHC class II-deficient B cells after immunization with T cell-dependent Ag. Thus, some other MHC class II-dependent T cell-derived signals are essential for the generation of germinal center B cells in response to T cell-dependent Ag. In fact, CD40LBTg mice generated a complex Ag-specific IgG1 response, which was greatly enhanced in early, but reduced in late, primary response compared with control mice. We also found that the frequency of Ag-specific germinal center B cells in CD40LBTg mice was abruptly reduced 1 wk after immunization. As a result, the numbers of Ag-specific IgG1 long-lived plasma cells and memory B cells were reduced. By histology, large numbers of Ag-specific plasma cells were found in T cell areas adjacent to Ag-specific germinal centers of CD40LBTg mice, temporarily during the second week of primary response. These results indicate that CD40L expression on B cells prematurely terminated their ongoing germinal center response and produced plasma cells. Our results support the notion that CD40 signaling is an active termination signal for germinal center reaction.
Substrate Fate in Activated Macrophages: A Comparison between Innate, Classic, and Alternative Activation
Authors: Rodríguez-Prados Juan-Carlos , Través Paqui G. , Cuenca Jimena , Rico Daniel , Aragonés Julián , Martín-Sanz Paloma , Cascante Marta , Boscá Lisardo 
Published: May 2010

Abstract
Macrophages play a relevant role in innate and adaptive immunity depending on the balance of the stimuli received. From an analytical and functional point of view, macrophage stimulation can be segregated into three main modes, as follows: innate, classic, and alternative pathways. These differential activations result in the expression of specific sets of genes involved in the release of pro- or anti-inflammatory stimuli. In the present work, we have analyzed whether specific metabolic patterns depend on the signaling pathway activated. A [1,2-13C2]glucose tracer-based metabolomics approach has been used to characterize the metabolic flux distributions in macrophages stimulated through the classic, innate, and alternative pathways. Using this methodology combined with mass isotopomer distribution analysis of the new formed metabolites, the data show that activated macrophages are essentially glycolytic cells, and a clear cutoff between the classic/innate activation and the alternative pathway exists. Interestingly, macrophage activation through LPS/IFN-γ or TLR-2, -3, -4, and -9 results in similar flux distribution patterns regardless of the pathway activated. However, stimulation through the alternative pathway has minor metabolic effects. The molecular basis of the differences between these two types of behavior involves a switch in the expression of 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-bisphosphatase (PFK2) from the liver type-PFK2 to the more active ubiquitous PFK2 isoenzyme, which responds to Hif-1α activation and increases fructose-2,6-bisphosphate concentration and the glycolytic flux. However, using macrophages targeted for Hif-1α, the switch of PFK2 isoenzymes still occurs in LPS/IFN-γ–activated macrophages, suggesting that this pathway regulates ubiquitous PFK2 expression through Hif-1α-independent mechanisms.
Live Cell Imaging Reveals Continuous STAT6 Nuclear Trafficking
Authors: Chen Hui-Chen , Reich Nancy C. 
Published: May 2010

Abstract
The STAT6 transcription factor is essential for the development of protective immunity; however, the consequences of its activity can also contribute to the pathogenesis of autoimmune disease. Tyrosine phosphorylation is known to activate STAT6 in response to cytokine stimulation, but there is a gap in our understanding of the mechanisms by which it enters the nucleus. In this study, live cell imaging was used in conjunction with photobleaching techniques to demonstrate the continual nuclear import of STAT6, independent of tyrosine phosphorylation. The protein domain required for nuclear entry includes the coiled coil region of STAT6 and functions similarly before or after cytokine stimulation. The dynamic nuclear shuttling of STAT6 seems to be mediated by the classical importin-α–importin-β1 system. Although STAT6 is imported to the nucleus continually, it accumulates in the nucleus following tyrosine phosphorylation as a result of its ability to bind DNA. These findings will impact diagnostic approaches and strategies to block the deleterious effects of STAT6 in autoimmunity.
TNF Production in Macrophages Is Genetically Determined and Regulates Inflammatory Disease in Rats
Authors: Gillett Alan , Marta Monica , Jin Tao , Tuncel Jonatan , Leclerc Patrick , Nohra Rita , Lange Stefan , Holmdahl Rikard , Olsson Tomas , Harris Robert A. , Jagodic Maja 
Published: May 2010

Abstract
Dysregulation of TNF is an important pathophysiological phenotype for many diseases. Recently, certain genetically regulated loci have been identified to regulate several inflammatory diseases. We hypothesized that a region on rat chromosome 4 known to regulate experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, experimental arthritis and experimental autoimmune neuritis harbors a gene regulating central inflammatory molecules, such as TNF. We therefore mapped TNF production using linkage analysis in the 12th generation of an advanced intercross line between DA and PVG.AV1 rats, which differ in susceptibility to several inflammatory conditions. A single TNF-regulating quantitative trait locus with a logarithm of odds score of 6.2 was identified and its biological effect was confirmed in a congenic rat strain. The profound TNF regulation mapped in congenic strains to the macrophage population. Several TLR signaling cascades led to the same reduced proinflammatory phenotype in congenic macrophages, indicating control of a convergence point for innate inflammatory activity. The decreased TNF potential and reduced proinflammatory macrophage phenotype in congenic rats was also associated with reduced clinical severity in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, pristane-induced arthritis and sepsis experimental models. Determination of genes and mechanisms involved in this genetically determined TNF regulation will be valuable in understanding disease pathogenesis and aid treatment development.
The kinetics of nitrogen utilization in the oceanic mixed layer: Nitrate and ammonium interactions at nanomolar concentrations
Authors: Harrison W. G. , Harris L. R. , Irwin B. D. 
Published: May 2010

The concentration‐dependent uptake of nitrate (NO3) and its inhibit ion by ammonium (NH4) were surveyed in surface waters of the North Atlantic Ocean. Low‐level NO3 determinations combined with conventional tracer methods provided the first comprehensive data set on NO3 utilization kinetics at nanomolar concentrations. Uptake followed saturation kinetics described by the Michaelis‐Menten equation. The half‐saturation parameter for uptake (KN) ranged 2–3 orders of magnitude, covarying with ambient NO3 concentrations. KN concentrations in oceanic waters averaged ~20–30 nM. NH4 half‐saturation parameters could only be approximated (i.e. KA + A), but observations suggested that KA and KN were of similar magnitude in oceanic waters. Maximum uptake rates of nitrate, pm(N), and ammonium, pm(A), covaried, but pm(A) almost always exceeded p,(N); in oceanic waters, the disparity was an order of magnitude or greater. Most of the variability in pm(N) and pm(A) could be explained by variations in phytoplankton biomass and temperature. The slope of the uptake vs. concentration relationship, a, was also investigated but was highly variable and could not be related to any of the oceanographic properties observed; αA was generally greater than αN. Kinetics analysis showed that NH4 is preferentially utilized over NO3 over the full spectrum of nitrogen concentrations, nanomolar to micromolar.The inhibition of NO3 uptake by NH4 was also parameterized using the Michaelis‐Menten expression. The inhibition half‐saturation parameter (Ki) covaried with KN, but Ki concentrations in oceanic waters (~40– 50 nM) always exceeded Kn. Maximum inhibition (Im) was rarely complete (i.e. Imn < 1), even at 2,000 nM ammonium. Overall, results suggest that nitrogen utilization parameters currently used in ecosystem models of the open ocean should be re‐examined.
Field investigation of winter thermo‐ and hydrodynamics in a small Karelian lake
Authors: Bengtsson Lars , Malm Joakim , Terzhevik Arkady , Petrov Michail , Boyarinov Pjotr , Glinsky Alexander , Palshin Nikolqj 
Published: May 2010

During late winter (18 March–7 April 1994), temperature and current measurements were made in Lake Vendyurskoe, Russia, including three surveys at six cross sections of the lake. Also, the temperature profile evolution was registered with two thermistor chains at two stations (bottom depths of 7.6 and 11.5 m) until the time of ice breakup. Temperature gradients were measured just below the ice cover and in the upper 10‐cm layer of the bottom sediments.The isotherms were found to be almost horizontal and evenly spaced vertically, so no conditions for large‐scale, density‐induced currents existed. The heat flux from sediments to water ranged from 0.6 to 2.0 W m−2. These values were inversely related to the depth. The heat flux from water to ice ranged from 0.7 to 1.2 W m−2. When water heating from solar radiation penetration became apparent, this flux increased by a factor of two. When solar radiation increased, convection occurred in the upper layers of the water column. When solar radiation heating became significant at the beginning of spring, the average net heat flux at the ice‐water interface during daytime was 7.7 W m−2. Weak currents (few mm s−1) with a seiche‐like character were observed, which most likely resulted from ice‐cover oscillations.
The role of photochemical degradation of dissolved organic carbon in regulating the UV transparency of three lakes on the Pocono Plateau
Authors: Morris Donald P. , Hargreaves Bruce R. 
Published: May 2010

The role of photochemical degradation of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) on UV transparency (280–400 nm) was investigated in three Pocono Plateau lakes. Diffuse attenuation coefficients (KdUV) in the epilimnia of these lakes varied seasonally (39–81% decline from maximum Kd320nm), with minimum KdUV values occurring near summer solstice. Declines in KdUV corresponded to reductions in UV absorbance by dissolved material (adUV), caused by declines in both DOC concentration and UV (ad : [DOC]). The seasonal decline in KdUV was also accompanied by substantial increases in an absorption coefficient ratio (ad250nm : ad365nm) and decreases in spectral slopes (S).Experimental studies of photochemical degradation were also performed using filtered lake water and natural sunlight. Exposure to solar radiation produced a number of changes in optical parameters and DOC that resembled those observed in the water column: adUV (−35 to −52%), UV absorptivity (−31 to −48%), ad250nm : ad365nm (0 to +39%), spectral slope, S (0 to −27%), and DOC concentration (0 to −20%).Changes in adUV were correlated with absorbed UV dose. The derived rate constants were used in a model to estimate the contribution of photochemical degradation of DOC to water column declines in KdUV. Results suggest that rates of photochemical degradation were sufficient to account for the summer reductions in KdUV observed in the three lakes.
The effects of clay dispersion on the mechanical, physical, and flame‐retarding properties of wood fiber/polyethylene/clay nanocomposites
Authors: Lee Yoon H. , Kuboki Takashi , Park Chul B. , Sain Mohini , Kontopoulou Marianna 
Published: May 2010

AbstractIn this study, nanosized clay particles were introduced into wood fiber/plastic composites (WPCs) to improve their mechanical properties and flame retardancy, which are especially important in various automotive and construction applications. A high degree of exfoliation for nanoclay in the wood fiber/high density polyethylene (HDPE) composites was successfully achieved with the aid of maleated HDPE (PE‐g‐MAn), through a melt blending masterbatch process. The structures and morphologies of the composites were determined using X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), respectively. This article presents the effects of clay content and degree of clay dispersion on the mechanical and physical properties and flame retardancy of wood fiber/HDPE composites that contained a small amount of clay, in the range of 3–5 wt %. We concluded that achieving a higher degree of dispersion for the nanosized clay particles is critical to enhance the mechanical properties and the flame retardancy of WPCs when small amounts of clay are used. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Mass DSC/TG and IR ascertained structure and color change of polyacrylonitrile fibers in air/nitrogen during thermal stabilization
Authors: Sun Tongqing , Hou Yongping , Wang Haojing 
Published: May 2010

AbstractThe structure evolution was studied by mass spectrum (MS), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetry (TG), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The results indicated that the CN and CC groups appeared gradually with the increase of the temperature in air and nitrogen. The CO groups appeared because of oxidative reaction in air. The CN, CC and CO groups were all chromophores. The effect of conjugated CN and CC on the absorption of the visible light was shifted to longer wavelengths and indicated π‐π* transition. There was a strong bathochromic effect as the number of CC bonds were increased. The effect of CO and –NH2 on the absorption of the visible light was shifted to longer wavelengths and indicated n‐π* transition. Oxygen could facilitate chemical reactions in air. Hence, the color of PAN in air was deeper than in nitrogen at the same temperature. The structural change of PAN in air was faster and more complex than in nitrogen. PAN fibers treated in air turned black after 230°C. However, PAN fibers turned black at 350°C in nitrogen. The MS and FTIR indicated that cyclization occurred before dehydrogenation during stabilization in air and nitrogen. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Flocculated decolorization of vinylsulfone reactive dye solutions with a β‐cyclodextrin‐based copolymer
Authors: Tian Xiuzhi , Wu Dan , Zhang Jing , Wang Shugen , Jiang Xue 
Published: May 2010

AbstractA β‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD)‐based copolymer (β‐CD–maleic anhydride–N‐trimethylaminoethylmethacrylate chloride) with good thermal stability was designed and synthesized for flocculated decolorization of Reactive Brilliant Blue KN‐R solutions. Jar tests indicated that with the optimal stirring mode as 120 rpm for 5 min and then 40 rpm for 5 min with a flocculant‐to‐dye ratio of 2 : 5 (w/w), a pH of 8–10, and a temperature of 20°C, the maximum color removal reached. It is reported first in this article that, in addition to the polymer bridge and charge neutralization, the covalent bond of the reactive dye to the target flocculant molecules, which had a similar chemical structure to that of cellulose, contributed to the mechanism of flocculated decolorization. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Mechanical properties and morphology of polylactide, linear low‐density polyethylene, and their blends
Authors: Singh Gursewak , Bhunia H. , Rajor Anita , Jana R. N. , Choudhary Veena 
Published: May 2010

AbstractMelt blending of linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) and polylactide (PLA) was performed in an extrusion mixer with post extrusion blown film attachment with and without compatibilizer‐grafted low density polyethylene maleic anhydride. The blend compositions were optimized for tensile properties as per ASTM D 882‐91. On the basis of this, LLDPE 80 [80 wt % LLDPE and 20 wt % poly(L‐lactic acid) (PLLA)] and MA‐g‐low‐density polyethylene 80/4 (80 wt % LLDPE, 20 wt % PLLA, and 4 phr compatibilizer) were found to be an optimum composition. The blends were characterized according to their mechanical, thermal, and morphological behavior. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy revealed that the presence of compatibilizer enhanced the blend compatibility to some extent. The morphological characteristics of the blends with and without compatibilizer were examined by scanning electron microscopy. The dispersion of PLLA in the LLDPE matrix increased with the addition of compatibilizer. This blend may be used for packaging applications. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010