bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Differential mechanism of NF‐κB inhibition by two glucocorticoid receptor modulators in rheumatoid arthritis synovial fibroblasts
Authors: Gossye Valerie , Elewaut Dirk , Bougarne Nadia , Bracke Debby , Van Calenbergh Serge , Haegeman Guy , De Bosscher Karolien 
Published: October 2009

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate and compare the molecular mechanisms by which 2 glucocorticoid receptor (GR)–activating compounds, dexamethasone (DEX) and Compound A (CpdA), interfere with the NF‐κB activation pathway in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) synovial cells.MethodsQuantitative polymerase chain reaction was performed to detect the tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα)–induced cytokine gene expression of interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) and to investigate the effects of DEX and CpdA in RA fibroblast‐like synoviocytes (FLS) transfected with small interfering RNA (siRNA) against GR (siGR) compared with nontransfected cells. Immunofluorescence analysis was used to detect the subcellular distribution of NF‐κB (p65) under the various treatment conditions, and active DNA‐bound p65 was measured using a TransAM assay and by chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis of IL‐1β. Signaling pathways were studied via Western blotting of siGR‐transfected cells, compared with nontransfected and nontargeting siRNA–transfected control cells, to detect the regulation of phospho‐IKK, IκBα, phospho‐p38, phospho‐ERK, and phospho‐JNK.ResultsBoth DEX and CpdA efficiently inhibited IL‐1β gene expression in a GR‐dependent manner. In addition, CpdA attenuated the TNFα‐induced nuclear translocation and DNA binding of p65 in RA FLS, via the attenuation of IKK phosphorylation and subsequent IκBα degradation. CpdA also displayed profound effects on TNFα‐induced MAPK activation. The effects of CpdA on TNFα‐induced kinase activities occurred independently of the presence of GR. In sharp contrast, DEX did not affect TNFα‐induced IKK phosphorylation, IκBα degradation, p65 nuclear translocation, or MAPK activation in RA FLS.ConclusionDEX and CpdA display a dissimilar molecular mechanism of interaction with the NF‐κB activation pathway ex vivo. A dual pathway, partially dependent and partially independent of GR (nongenomic), may explain the gene‐inhibitory effects of CpdA in RA FLS.
Identification of RGS1 as a candidate biomarker for undifferentiated spondylarthritis by genome‐wide expression profiling and real‐time polymerase chain reaction
Authors: Gu Jieruo , Wei Yu‐Ling , Wei James C. C. , Huang Feng , Jan Ming‐Shiou , Centola Michael , Frank Mark B. , Yu David 
Published: October 2009

AbstractObjectiveTo compare gene expression profiles between ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and undifferentiated spondylarthritis (uSpA) patients with inflammatory low back pain.MethodsPeripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from patients with AS, patients with uSpA, and healthy subjects were screened using genome‐wide microarrays, followed by validation by real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR).ResultsMicroarray profiling and real‐time PCR assays showed only minor differences between AS patients and healthy subjects. In contrast, 20 genes were strikingly more highly expressed in uSpA patients. Regulator of G protein signaling 1 (RGS1) was identified as the most useful biomarker for distinguishing uSpA patients, and to a lesser extent AS patients, from control subjects (P = 2.3 × 10−7 and 6.7 × 10−3, respectively). These findings were verified in an independent cohort that also included patients with rheumatoid arthritis and patients with mechanical low back pain. The receiver operating characteristic area under the curve values in the first and second cohorts of uSpA patients were 0.99 and 0.93, respectively (P = 1 × 10−4). To evaluate the possible derivation of RGS1, we cultured a monocyte‐derived cell line with a panel of cytokines and chemokines. RGS1 was significantly induced either by tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) or by interleukin‐17 (IL‐17).ConclusionOur findings indicate that uSpA PBMCs carry strikingly more highly expressed genes compared with PBMCs from AS patients or healthy subjects, and that TNFα‐ and IL‐17–inducible RGS1 is a potential biomarker for uSpA, and to a lesser extent for AS, with inflammatory low back pain.
Minimizing operating points for way point tracking of an unstable nonlinear plant
Authors: Liu Guangyu , Yang Ran 
Published: October 2009

AbstractStability analysis of way point tracking of an open loop unstable nonlinear system is overwhelmingly ignored in the literature. Taking a spherical inverted pendulum as an example, the stability issue of way point tracking for an unstable nonlinear system is properly addressed and solved by incorporating nonlinear stabilizing controllers that could minimize the number of operating points. The underlying principle in stability analysis of way point tracking easily extends to other unstable nonlinear systems. Effectiveness of the proposed idea is evaluated in computer simulation. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley and Sons Asia Pte Ltd and Chinese Automatic Control Society
Globally decentralized adaptive backstepping neural network tracking control for unknown nonlinear interconnected systems
Authors: Chen Weisheng , Li Junmin 
Published: October 2009

AbstractA globally stable decentralized adaptive backstepping neural network tracking control scheme is designed for a class of large‐scale systems with mismatched interconnections. Under the assumption that the subsystems share the reference signals from the other subsystems, neural networks are used to approximate the unknown interconnections dependent on all reference signals such that the NN approximation domain can be determined a priori based on the bounds of reference signals. The proposed control approach can guarantee that all closed‐loop signals are globally uniformly ultimately bounded and that the tracking errors converge to a small residual set around the origin. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley and Sons Asia Pte Ltd and Chinese Automatic Control Society
Prototype formation in autism: Can individuals with autism abstract facial prototypes?
Authors: Gastgeb Holly Zajac , Rump Keiran M. , Best Catherine A. , Minshew Nancy J. , Strauss Mark S. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractPrototype formation is a critical skill for category learning. Research suggests that individuals with autism may have a deficit in prototype formation of some objects; however, results are mixed. This study used a natural category, faces, to further examine prototype formation in high‐functioning individuals with autism. High‐functioning children (age 8–13 years) and adults with autism (age 17–53 years) and matched controls were tested in a facial prototype formation task that has been used to test prototype formation abilities in typically developing infants and adults [Strauss, 1979]. Participants were familiarized to a series of faces depicting subtle variations in the spatial distance of facial features, and were then given a forced choice familiarity test between the mean prototype and the mode prototype. Overall, individuals in the autism group were significantly less likely to select the mean prototype face. Even though the children with autism showed this difference in prototype formation, this pattern was driven primarily by the adults, because the adults with autism were approximately four times less likely to select the mean prototype than were the control adults. These results provide further evidence that individuals with autism have difficulty abstracting subtle spatial information that is necessary not only for the formation of a mean prototype, but also for categorizing faces and objects.
Zeitvariantes Trag‐ und Schädigungsverhalten von mehrfach wiederholt beanspruchtem polymermodifizierten Beton (PCC)
Authors: Heidolf Thorsten 
Published: October 2009

AbstractIm vorliegenden Beitrag werden experimentelle Untersuchungen an polymermodifiziertem Beton unter mehrfach wiederholter Druck‐ und Zugbeanspruchung vorgestellt und mit den Ergebnissen ähnlicher Versuche an Normalbeton und hochfestem Beton verglichen. Besondere Aufmerksamkeit wird dabei dem Formänderungsverhalten und der Steifigkeitsdegradation sowie dem Kriechverhalten und der Mitwirkung des Betons zwischen den Rissen gewidmet. Die signifikante Steifigkeitsdegradation sowie das nichtlineare Langzeitverhalten des Betons zeigen, dass bei der Analyse der Kriechauswirkungen des polymermodifizierten Betons auf das Tragverhalten entsprechender Konstruktionen neben den Gebrauchslasten auch die während der Lastgeschichte aufgetretenen maximalen Beanspruchungssituationen sowie die damit verbundenen Strukturveränderungen zu berücksichtigen sind.Time‐variant Behaviour of Polymer Modified Concrete (PCC) under Repeated Stress with Consideration of Damage. Part 1: Experimental StudiesThe experimental results of the investigations into polymer‐modified concrete with continuously repeated compression or tension load are introduced in the provided work and compared to similar experiments on normal‐ and high‐strength concrete. Special attention is dedicated to the stress‐strain relation and the degradation of stiffness as well as the non‐linear long‐term behaviour and tension‐stiffening. Stiffness degradation and nonlinear creep of polymer‐modified concrete show that maximum strain situations have to be taken into consideration of the behaviour analysis of concrete structures under long‐term loading.
Instandsetzung einer Betonbrücke mit Walzträgern nach dem Prinzip des Kathodischen Korrosionsschutzes
Authors: Dauberschmidt Christoph , Sodeikat Christian , Vestner Stephan 
Published: October 2009

AbstractFür die Instandsetzung chloridbelasteter Stahlbetonbauwerke muss bei den so genannten konventionellen Verfahren oftmals Beton in großer Tiefe abgetragen werden. Dies verursacht hohe Kosten, stellt einen erheblichen Eingriff in das Bauwerk dar und führt nicht zuletzt zu Nutzungseinschränkungen während der Instandsetzung. Aus diesem Grund gewinnt der Kathodische Korrosionsschutz (KKS) von Stahl in Beton, eine zum Großteil zerstörungsfreie Instandsetzungsmethode, als wirtschaftliches Instandsetzungsverfahren korrosionsgefährdeter bzw.‐geschädigter Bauteile zunehmend an Bedeutung. Nachfolgend wird die Instandsetzung der Brücke über den Auer Mühlbach in München mit KKS beschrieben. Das Tragsystem der Auer Mühlbachbrücke besteht aus einbetonierten Walzträgern, die mit diskreten Einzelanoden geschützt wurden. Auf Grund der sehr hohen Überschüttung und der verkehrlichen Bedeutung dieser Brücke war der KKS besonders vorteilhaft anwendbar, da es während der gesamten Instandsetzung keinerlei Einschränkungen des Verkehrs gab.Repair of a Concrete‐Bridge with Rolled Section Beams applying the Principle of Cathodic ProtectionWhen repairing reinforced concrete structures containing chlorides by conventional methods, it is often necessary to remove the concrete to great depths. This causes high costs and leads to a significant intervention of the structure, combined with a limitation of use whilst repair measures. This is the reason why Cathodic Protection (CP) of reinforcement in concrete is gaining importance as predominantly non‐destructive, costeffective repair measure of structures susceptible to or damaged by corrosion. Consecutively the repair measure of the bridge over the Auer Mühlbach in Munich using CP is described. The load bearing system of the bridge of Auer Mühlbach consists of rolled section steel beams, which are protected using discrete anodes. Due to the high ground cover and the high importance to the intra‐urban traffic, the application of CP was in particular advantageously as the traffic has not been limited whilst the repair measure.
Lebensdauermanagement von Stahlbetonbauwerken
Authors: Schießl Peter , Mayer Till Felix 
Published: October 2009

AbstractDem Lebensdauermanagement von Infrastrukturbauwerken kommt vor dem Hintergrund knapper Ressourcen eine steigende Bedeutung zu. In diesem Beitrag werden die wesentlichen Bausteine eines modernen Lebensdauermanagementsystems für Stahlbetonbauwerke vorgestellt. Zentrales Element ist eine Lebensdauerbemessung, die in Abhängigkeit von den maßgebenden Schädigungsmechanismen mit unterschiedlichen Detaillierungsgraden durchgeführt werden kann. Dies ermöglicht eine Ausnutzung von Optimierungspotentialen durch Rezepturoptimierung und Bindemittelwahl. Durch geeignete Methoden während der Ausführung und nach Fertigstellung kann die tatsächliche Qualität kontrolliert werden. Die Ergebnisse der Untersuchungen während der Planungs‐ und Ausführungsphase werden in einem Geburtszertifikat zusammengefasst, das die Grundlage für den Wartungsplan bildet. Die Ergebnisse der Inspektionen werden herangezogen, um die Prognose der Zustandsentwicklung während der Nutzung kontinuierlich zuzuschärfen.Life Cycle Management of Concrete StructuresOn the background of scarce public resources, life cycle management of infrastructure systems has gained increasing importance. This paper presents the core components of a state‐ofthe‐art life cycle management system for reinforced concrete structures. A service life design is one of the key elements. Depending on the governing deterioration mechanisms, it can be carried out on different levels of detail and thus enables an optimisation of durability by means of optimised concrete composition and choice of binder. Quality control tools during construction and after completion allow for an assessment of the actual quality. The results of the design and construction stage are then summarised in a so‐called birth certificate which forms the basis for future inspection and maintenance planning. The results of the inspection again can be used to update the original service life design throughout the service life of the structure.
Kathodischer Korrosionsschutz im Beton
Authors: Bruns Michael , Becker Holger , Tritschler Christian , Binder Günter 
Published: October 2009

AbstractDie Schleusenbrücken in Iffezheim (Rhein) weisen 30 Jahre nach ihrer Herstellung an den Wand‐ und Bodenflächen im Inneren der Hohlkästen teilweise bereits erhebliche Schäden infolge chloridinduzierter Korrosion auf. Statische Untersuchungen zeigten, dass Tragwerksreserven im Bauwerk aktivierbar und zusätzliche Ertüchtigungen durch Verstärkungsmaßnahmen relativ einfach möglich sind.Eine herkömmliche Instandsetzung mittels Abtrag und Reprofilierung des chloridbelasteten Betons ist aufgrund der geringen Hohlkastenabmessungen praktisch nicht durchführbar. In einem der Hohlkästen wurde daher eine Kathodische‐Korrosionsschutz( KKS)‐Probeinstallation durchgeführt, mit der die Anwendbarkeit des KKS in diesem Fall anhand von zwei Anodensystemen (leitfähige Beschichtung und Titanmischoxid‐Kernanoden) überprüft werden sollte.Die Testinstallation zeigte, dass der Schutz der Bewehrung durch den Einsatz von Kernanoden sicher erreicht werden kann. Im Fall der leitfähigen Beschichtung wurde bei der Installation offenbar ein hochohmiger Kurzschluss zwischen Anode und Bewehrung erzeugt, so dass diese Testinstallation nicht weiter ausgewertet werden konnte. Auf Grundlage der KKS‐Probeinstallation beantragte der Bauherr (WSA Freiburg) eine Zustimmung im Einzelfall für die KKS Installation mit Kernanoden bei dem zuständigen Bundesministerium für Verkehr, Bau und Stadtentwicklung (BMVBS).Trotz der Tatsache, dass für die Gesamtmaßnahme etwa 2050 Kernanoden erforderlich werden, ist auch bei konservativen Kostenansätzen eine Sanierung im Vergleich zum Neubau überaus wirtschaftlich.
A molecular model of chromatin organisation and transcription: how a multi‐RNA polymerase II machine transcribes and remodels the β‐globin locus during development
Authors: Wong Hua , Winn Peter J , Mozziconacci Julien 
Published: October 2009

AbstractWe present a molecular model of eukaryotic gene transcription. For the β‐globin locus, we hypothesise that a transcription machine composed of multiple RNA polymerase II (PolII) assembles using the locus control region as a foundation. Transcription and locus remodelling can be achieved by pulling DNA through this multi‐PolII ‘reading head’. Once a transcription complex is formed, it may engage an active gene in several rounds of transcription. Observed intergenic sense and antisense transcripts may be the result of PolII pulling the DNA through the reading head whilst searching for the promoter of a gene. Support for this hypothesis is provided using various data from the literature. In the model, DNA is packed in a 30‐nm chromatin fibre, thus gene regulatory regions separated by kilobases are close in space. This, and the need to store transcription‐induced supercoiling, may explain why functionally interacting regions are often separated by many kilobases.
Copper and Zinc Binding to Amyloid‐β: Coordination, Dynamics, Aggregation, Reactivity and Metal‐Ion Transfer
Authors: Faller Peter 
Published: October 2009

AbstractThe metal ions copper, zinc and iron have been shown to be involved in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Cu, Zn and Fe ions are proposed to be implicated in two key steps of AD pathology: 1) aggregation of the peptide amyloid‐β (Aβ), and 2) production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced by Aβ. There is compelling evidence that Cu and Zn bind directly to Aβ in AD. This formation of Cu/Zn–Aβ complexes is thought to be aberrant as they have been detected only in AD, but not under healthy conditions. In this context, the understanding of how these metal ions interact with Aβ, their influence on structure and oligomerization become an important issue for AD. Moreover, the mechanism of ROS production by Cu–Aβ in relation to its aggregations state, as well as the metal‐transfer reaction from and to Aβ are crucial in order to understand why Aβ oligomers are highly toxic and why Aβ seems to bind Cu and Zn only in AD.
Interactions of KLA Amphipathic Model Peptides with Lipid Monolayers
Authors: Erbe Andreas , Kerth Andreas , Dathe Margitta , Blume Alfred 
Published: October 2009

AbstractInteractions of the cationic amphipathic peptide KLALKLALKALKAALKLA‐NH2 (KLAL) and its double D‐amino acid replacement analogues l11k12‐KLAL and k9a10‐KLAL with lipid monolayers of anionic POPG, zwitterionic POPC and mixtures thereof at the air/water interface were investigated by infrared reflection– absorption spectroscopy (IRRAS). At high surface pressure (>30 mN m−1) all peptides incorporated into lipid monolayers containing at least 25 % anionic POPG, and adopted an α‐helical conformation. Creation of free surface by expansion of the monolayers resulted in an additional adsorption of peptides from the subphase, but now in a β‐sheet conformation; this led to the coexistence of peptides in two distinctly different conformations within the lipid monolayer. The β‐sheets bound to the free surface could be squeezed out of the film by compressing the film to low surface areas, whereas the α‐helices remained bound to the lipids until the film collapsed. When bound to the lipid monolayer, the helical axis of the peptides is oriented almost parallel to the surface of the monolayer.
Bailout stenting for critical coarctation in premature/critical/complex/early recoarcted neonates
Authors: Gorenflo Matthias , Boshoff Derize E. , Heying Ruth , Eyskens Benedicte , Rega Filip , Meyns Bart , Gewillig Marc 
Published: October 2009

AbstractBackground: Surgical repair of critical coarctation can be problematic in premature, critical, complex, or early postoperative neonates. Objectives: We aimed to review our experience with stent implantation to defer urgent surgery to an elective time. Methods: Fifteen neonates with severe aortic coarctation: five premature‐hypotrophic (1,400–2,000 g), six critical and complex cardiac malformation, four early (1 day [0–2 days]; median [range]) after surgical coarctectomy or complex arch reconstruction. Bare coronary stents (diameter 4.0 [3.5–5.0] mm; length 10 [8–16] mm) were used. Stents were removed surgically depending on clinical needs. Results: Adequate aortic flow was obtained in 15 patients. The femoral artery was preserved in 13/15 patients. Two deaths occurred before stent removal and were nonprocedure related. In patients with simple stented coarctation, the stent was removed after 2.8 [0.2–5.0] months. In complex cardiac malformation, stents were finally removed 3.0 [0.2–78] months after implantation. Surgical technique: simple coarctectomy end‐to‐end in eight, extensive arch patch reconstruction in four. One patient is awaiting stent removal. The final maximum systolic velocity (cw‐Doppler) across the aortic arch was 1.7 [1.2–2.5] m/sec. Conclusions: In premature/critical/complex neonates with severe coarctation, bailout stenting followed by early or late surgical coarctectomy appears a promising concept. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Guidance on Safety/Health for Process Intensification including MS Design; Part I: Reaction Hazards
Authors: Klais O. , Westphal F. , Benaïssa W. , Carson D. 
Published: October 2009

AbstractThe implementation of process intensification by multiscale equipment will have a profound impact on the way chemicals are produced. The shift to higher space‐time yields, higher temperatures, and a confined reaction volume comprises new risks, such as runaway reactions, decomposition, and incomplete conversion of reactants. Simplified spreadsheet calculations enable an estimation of the expected temperature profiles, conversion rates, and consequences of potential malfunction based on the reaction kinetics. The analysis illustrates that the range of optimal reaction conditions is almost congruent with the danger of an uncontrolled reaction. The risk of a spontaneous reaction with hot spots can be presumed if strong exothermic reactions are carried out in micro‐designed reactors. At worst, decomposition follows the runaway reaction with the release of noncondensable gases. Calculations prove that a microreactor is not at risk in terms of overpressure as long as at least one end of the reactor is not blocked.
Shape‐Persistent Oligothienylene–Ethynylene‐Based Dendrimers: Synthesis, Spectroscopy and Electrochemical Characterization
Authors: Mishra Amaresh , Ma Chang‐Qi , Janssen René A. J. , Bäuerle Peter 
Published: October 2009

AbstractA series of novel structurally well‐defined oligothienylene–ethynylene‐based dendritic macromolecules up to the 3rd generation (G3) were successfully synthesized by a combination of Pd‐catalyzed Sonogashira‐type cross‐coupling and oxidative homocoupling steps. Oxidative homocoupling of dendrons successfully afforded dendrimers up to the 2nd generation (G2). In contrast, the G3 dendrimer was effectively prepared by a four‐fold Sonogashira‐type cross‐coupling reaction. All compounds showed broad and structureless absorption and emission spectra arising from the presence of different π‐conjugated chromophores. With increasing generation, a bathochromic shift of the π–π* absorption band and an increase of the absorption coefficient were observed. The insertion of ethynylene groups into the conjugated dendrimer backbone resulted in a hypsochromic shift compared to all‐thiophene dendrimers reported earlier by our group. All dendritic compounds are fluorescent and showed moderate quantum efficiencies due to an effective intramolecular charge‐transfer (ICT) process. Cyclic voltammetry measurements also revealed the presence of multiple π‐conjugative pathways that show very broad oxidation waves for higher generations. HOMO–LUMO energy levels of these dendrons and dendrimers were estimated from optical and redox measurements and the calculated band gaps were within the range of 3.3 to 2.4 eV, typical for oligo‐ and polythiophenes. Electrochemical polymerizations of several desilylated compounds were performed and characterization of the films is reported. Preliminary bulk heterojunction solar cells that utilise these ethynylated dendrimers as the donor and [6,6]‐phenyl‐C61‐butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM[60]) as the acceptor showed moderate efficiencies ranging from 0.18–0.64 %.