bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Trichostatin A restores Apaf‐1 function in chemoresistant ovarian cancer cells
Authors: Tan Lijun , Kwok Roland P. , Shukla Abhishek , Kshirsagar Malti , Zhao Lili , Opipari Anthony W. , Liu J. Rebecca 
Published: October 2010

AbstractBACKGROUND:Chemoresistance is the major factor limiting long‐term treatment success in patients with epithelial ovarian cancers. Most cytotoxic drugs kill cells through apoptosis; therefore, defective execution of apoptotic pathways results in a drug‐resistant phenotype in many tumor types.METHODS:A panel of ovarian cancer cell lines was screened for expression and function of the apoptosome components Apaf‐1 and caspase‐9. Expression levels were analyzed by immunohistochemistry and immunoblotting; Apaf‐1 function was determined by assessing the ability of endogenous Apaf‐1 to cleave caspase‐9 in the presence or absence of cytochrome c. The effect of the histone deacetylase inhibitor trichostatin A on Apaf‐1 expression and function was evaluated.RESULTS:The authors report here that the resistance of ovarian cancer cells to the proapoptotic effects of chemotherapy is due in part to deficient Apaf‐1 activity. Although Apaf‐1 is expressed in most ovarian cancers, the functional activity is impaired, as Apaf‐1 has a diminished ability to recruit and activate caspase‐9. Treatment of ovarian cancer cells with trichostatin A results in restoration of Apaf‐1 function independent of alterations in Apaf‐1 expression. Furthermore, treating chemoresistant cells with sublethal doses of trichostatin A restores Apaf‐1 function and sensitizes cells to cisplatin‐induced apoptosis.CONCLUSIONS:Targeting intrinsic pathway defects for therapeutic intervention may result in sensitizing tumors to standard chemotherapy or triggering apoptosis in the absence of other apoptotic signals. The identification of drugs that can use Apaf‐1 when it is present, yet can overcome its functional inactivation, may be an important clinical advance. Cancer 2011. © 2010 American Cancer Society.
Structural, optical and dielectric studies on K1‐x(NH4)xH2PO4 mixed crystals grown from z‐cut seeds
Authors: De‐Gao Zhong , Bing Teng , Zheng‐He Yu , Xiao‐Hui Ge , Fei You , Hui Xu , Shi‐Ming Zhang , Yue‐Juan Yu , Jiangtao Ma 
Published: October 2010

AbstractMixed crystals of K1‐x(NH4)xH2PO4(KADP) were grown from KDP (KH2PO4) dominated mixed solutions with varying molar proportion of ADP (NH4H2PO4) addition. It was found that, as the increase of ADP molar concentration, the growth rate along z‐axis of KADP crystal decreased rapidly. The structure of KADP crystals was investigated by powder XRD and the lattice parameter was calculated. The results showed that the lattice parameter c of KADP crystal increased with the molar concentration of ADP. The optical homogeneity of grown KADP crystals was determined with a differential phase‐shifting interferometry. Frequency dependences of the dielectric constant and dielectric loss of KADP crystals were measured at room temperature (290 K). The dielectric constants of KADP crystals were almost invariant with the increase of frequency. In the region of 102∼104Hz, the values of the dielectric loss reduced with the increase of frequency. The piezo‐resonance coupling effect still exists in KADP crystals at room temperature, but shifted to low frequency band. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Synthesis of acceptor‐doped Ba‐Ce‐Zr‐O perovskites
Authors: Gdula‐Kasica K. , Mielewczyk‐Gryn A. , Lendze T. , Molin S. , Kusz B. , Gazda M. 
Published: October 2010

AbstractIn this paper the role of the preparation route on the sintering temperature, microstructure and transport properties of BaCe0.8Y0.1Zr0.1O3‐δsolid solution has been studied. In particular, the samples were synthesized by means of the solid‐state and molten salt synthesis method. The sample properties were investigated by means of X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and impedance spectroscopy. It was found that a good sintering of the samples could be achieved at 1500 °C for MSS preparation method. The ceramic route, even at higher temperatures, does not lead to better conductivity. (© 2010 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
EGR4 displays both a cell‐ and intracellular‐specific localization pattern in the developing murine testis
Authors: Hogarth Cathryn A. , Mitchell Debra , Small Christopher , Griswold Michael 
Published: October 2010

AbstractSpermatogenesis is an intricately regulated process of cellular differentiation transforming spermatogonial stem cells to spermatozoa. Elimination of the transcription factor EGR4 generates subfertile male mice yet the expression and function of EGR4 in the mammalian testis has yet to be fully investigated. We performed in situ hybridization and immunofluorescence to identifyEgr4transcript and protein localization in the developing murine testis. EGR4 was detected in both germ and somatic cells in the neonatal testis but was specific to germ cells inside the seminiferous epithelium from juvenile development onward. EGR4 also displayed distinct intracellular localization patterns within specific cell populations of the testis. In addition,Egr4‐deficient testis tubules regress from relatively normal to Sertoli cell and undifferentiated spermatogonia only over time. Taken together, these data suggest thatEgr4may regulate spermatogenesis at multiple steps, with roles in the dividing Sertoli cells, peritubular myoid cells, and the meiotic and elongating haploid germ cell populations. Developmental Dynamics 239:3106–3114, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
SWAP‐70 controls formation of the splenic marginal zone through regulating T1B‐cell differentiation
Authors: Chopin Michaël , Quemeneur Laurence , Ripich Tatsiana , Jessberger Rolf 
Published: October 2010

AbstractT1 and T2 transitional B cells are precursors for marginal zone B cells (MZB), which surround splenic follicles. MZB are essential for marginal zone formation, are central to the innate immune response, and contribute to adaptive immunity. Differentiation, migration, and homing of MZB and their precursors remain to be fully understood. We show that SWAP‐70, a RhoGTPase‐interacting and F‐actin‐binding protein with functions in cell polarization, migration, and adhesion regulates MZB development and marginal zone formation. The percentage of MZB in spleen of Swap70−/− mice was reduced to about one‐third of that found in WT mice. Swap70−/− T1 cells accumulated in integrin ligandhigh regions of the splenic red pulp and failed to efficiently develop into T2 cells. Adoptive transfer and mixed BM chimera experiments demonstrated this to be a B‐cell intrinsic phenotype. T‐cell‐independent antibody production was not impaired, however, and thus suggests that this process does not require correct homing of MZB precursors. B‐cell adhesion through αLβ2 and α4β1 integrins was hyper‐activated in vitro and on tissue sections, and S1P‐stimulated chemokinesis of MZB was reduced in the absence of SWAP‐70. Thus, SWAP‐70 acts as a regulator of the adhesion process, particularly important for differentiation control of B‐cell precursors and their contribution to splenic tissue formation.
Constant TCR triggering suggests that the TCR expressed on intestinal intraepithelial γδ T cells is functional in vivo
Authors: Malinarich Frano H. , Grabski Elena , Worbs Tim , Chennupati Vijaykumar , Haas Jan D. , Schmitz Susanne , Candia Enzo , Quera Rodrigo , Malissen Bernard , Förster Reinhold , Hermoso Marcela , Prinz Immo 
Published: October 2010

AbstractIntestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes carrying the γδ TCR (γδ iIEL) are involved in the maintenance of epithelial integrity. γδ iIEL have an activated phenotype, characterized by CD69 expression and increased cell size compared with systemic T lymphocytes. As an additional activation marker, the majority of γδ iIEL express the CD8αα homodimer. However, our knowledge about cognate ligands for most γδ TCR remains fragmentary and recent advances show that γδ T cells including iIEL may be directly activated by cytokines or through NK‐receptors, TLR and other pattern recognition receptors. We therefore asked whether the TCR of γδ iIEL was functional beyond its role during thymic selection. Using TcrdH2BeGFP (Tcrd, T‐cell receptor δ locus; H2B, histone 2B) reporter mice to identify γδ T cells, we measured their intracellular free calcium concentration in response to TCR‐crosslinking. In contrast to systemic γδ T cells, CD8αα+ γδ iIEL showed high basal calcium levels and were refractory to TCR‐dependent calcium‐flux induction; however, they readily produced CC chemokine ligand 4 (CCL4) and IFN‐γ upon TCR triggering in vitro. Notably, in vivo blocking of the γδ TCR with specific mAb led to a decrease of basal calcium levels in CD8αα+ γδ iIEL. This suggests that the γδ TCR of CD8αα+ γδ iIEL is constantly being triggered and therefore functional in vivo.
Targeting SIRP‐α protects from type 2‐driven allergic airway inflammation
Authors: Raymond Marianne , Quang Van Vu , Rubio Manuel , Welzenbach Karl , Sarfati Marika 
Published: October 2010

AbstractThe interplay between innate and adaptive immune responses is essential for the establishment of allergic diseases. CD47 and its receptor, signal regulatory protein α (SIRP‐α), govern innate cell trafficking. We previously reported that administration of CD47+/+ but not CD47−/− SIRP‐α+ BM‐derived DC (BMDC) induced airway inflammation and Th2 responses in otherwise resistant CD47‐deficient mice. We show here that early administration of a CD47‐Fc fusion molecule suppressed the accumulation of SIRP‐α+ DC in mediastinal LN, the development of systemic and local Th2 responses as well as airway inflammation in sensitized and challenged BALB/c mice. Mechanistic studies highlighted that SIRP‐α ligation by CD47‐Fc on BMDC did not impair Ag uptake, Ag presentation and Ag‐specific DO11.10 Tg Th2 priming and effector function in vitro, whereas in vivo administration of CD47‐Fc or CD47‐Fc‐pretreated BMDC inhibited Tg T‐cell proliferation, pinpointing that altered DC trafficking accounts for defective Th priming. We conclude that the CD47/SIRP‐α axis may be harnessed in vivo to suppress airway SIRP‐α+ DC homing to mediastinal LN, Th2 responses and allergic airway inflammation.
Diels–Alder Cycloaddition in Protein Chemistry
Authors: Palomo Jose M. 
Published: October 2010

AbstractThe Diels–Alder reaction is probably, together with aldol condensation, the most commonly used reaction in chemistry. The Diels–Alder approach, which involves a diene and a dienophile not present in any biomolecule, allows a chemoselective reaction without the need of protecting groups. Moreover, water has an extraordinary rate‐accelerating effect on the reaction process. Thus, this chemical approach has been recognized as a promising procedure for protein bioconjugation. In this review some of the most recent advances in the application of the Diels–Alder reaction in selective surface modification, immobilization and biocatalysis will be discussed.
Investigation of the pH gradient formation and cathodic drift in microchip isoelectric focusing with imaged UV detection
Authors: Xu Zhongqi , Okabe Noboru , Arai Akihiro , Hirokawa Takeshi 
Published: October 2010

AbstractThis paper reports the protein analysis by using microchip IEF carried on an automated chip system. We herein focused on two important topics of microchip IEF, the pH gradient and cathodic drift. The computer simulation clarified that the EOF could delay the establishment of pH gradient and move the carrier ampholytes (CAs) to cathode, which probably caused a cathodic drift to happen. After focusing, the peak positions of components in a calibration kit with broad pI were plotted against their pI values to know the actual pH gradient in a microchannel varying time. It was found that the formed pH gradient was stable, not decayed after readily steady state, and migrated to cathode at a rate of 10.0 μm/s that determined by the experimental conditions such as chip material, internal surface coating and field strength. The theoretical pH gradient was parallel with the actual pH gradient, which was demonstrated in two types of microchip with different channel lengths. No compression of pH gradient was observed when 2% w/v hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose was added in sample and electrolytes. The effect of CAs concentration on current and cathodic drift was also explored. With the current automatic chip system, the calculated peak capacity was 23–48, and the minimal pI difference was 0.20–0.42 for the used single channel microchip with the effective length of 40.5 mm. The LOD for the analysis of CA‐I and CA‐II was around 0.32 μg/mL by using normal imaged UV detection, the detected amount is ca. 0.07 ng.
Wenn Vernetzte sich vernetzen
Authors: Wagner Dorothea 
Published: October 2010

AbstractEin Erfolgsmodell wird zwanzig: Die Graduiertenkollegs der DFG haben eine neue Kultur des Promovierens in Deutschland begründet. Weitere Impulse könnten sie durch einen intensiveren Austausch untereinander erhalten, wie das Beispiel der Informatik zeigt.
Reliable protein structure refinement using a physical energy function
Authors: Lin Matthew S. , Head‐Gordon Teresa 
Published: October 2010

AbstractIn the past decade, significant progress has been made in protein structure prediction. However, refining models to a level of resolution that is comparable with experimental results and can be used in studies like enzymatic activity still remains a major challenge. We have previously demonstrated that our modular protein–solvent energy function, uniquely involving a potential of mean force description for hydrophobic solvation, works well in protein globular structure prediction and loop modeling. In this work, we couple protein–solvent energy function with our global optimization method stochastic perturbation with soft constraints and use them to refine a collection of template models from submitted predictions to recent Critical Assessment of Techniques for Protein Structure Prediction blind prediction contests. A prediction protocol based on a selection of structures with the lowest energy is able to successfully refine all of the test proteins, and, more importantly, our energy function does not show degradation in prediction when sampling is exhausted. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2011
Exploratory MCDA for handling deep uncertainties: the case of intelligent speed adaptation implementation
Authors: van der Pas J. W. G. M. , Walker W. E. , Marchau V. A. W. J. , Van Wee G. P. , Agusdinata D. B. 
Published: October 2010

AbstractSometimes experts, decisionmakers, and analysts are confronted with policy problems that involve deep uncertainty. Such policy problems occur when (1) the future is not known well enough to predict future changes to the system, (2) there is not enough knowledge regarding the appropriate model to use to estimate the outcomes, and/or (3) there is not enough knowledge regarding the weights stakeholders currently assign to the various criteria or will assign in the future. This paper presents an MCDA approach developed to deal with conditions of deep uncertainty, which is called Exploratory Multi‐Criteria Decision Analysis (EMCDA). EMCDA is based on exploratory modelling, which is a modelling approach that allows policy analysts to explore multiple hypotheses about the future world (using different consequence models, different scenarios, and different weights). An example of a policy problem that can benefit from this methodology is decision making on innovations for improving traffic safety. In order to improve traffic safety, much is expected from Intelligent Speed Adaptation (ISA), an in‐vehicle system that supports the driver in keeping an appropriate speed. However, different MCDA studies on ISA give different results in terms of the estimates of real‐world safety benefits of ISA and the willingness of stakeholders (e.g. the automotive industry) to supply ISA. The application of EMCDA to the implementation of ISA shows that it is possible to perform an MCDA in situations of deep uncertainty. A full analysis taking into account the complete uncertainty space shows that the best policy is to make mandatory an ISA system for young drivers (less than 24 years of age) that restricts them from driving faster than the speed limit. Based on different assumptions, the analysis also shows that ISA policies should not target older drivers. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Abdominal wall malformations in a 15‐year fetopathological study: accuracy of prenatal ultrasonography diagnosis
Authors: Joó József Gábor , Csatlós Éva , Rigó János 
Published: October 2010

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate the characteristics and diagnostic accuracy of prenatal ultrasonography in the diagnosis of abdominal wall malformations.MethodThe characteristics of 113 pregnancies terminated due to abdominal wall malformations were analyzed.ResultsIn cases of gastroschisis and omphalocele, similar female dominance was observed. Among the associated malformations, those affecting the cardiovascular system and the extremities were especially common. Regarding the diagnostic accuracy of prenatal sonography, autopsy confirmed sonographic diagnoses in 91% of omphalocele cases and 79% of gastroschisis.ConclusionPrenatal sonographic diagnosis is more accurate in omphaloceles than in gastroschisis. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Is ultrasound alone enough for prenatal screening of trisomy 18? A single centre experience in 69 cases over 10 years
Authors: Lai S. , Lau W. L. , Leung W. C. , Lai F. K. , Chin R. 
Published: October 2010

AbstractObjectivesTo evaluate ultrasound scan and other prenatal screening tests for trisomy 18 in a regional obstetric unit and to review the management approach for women with positive trisomy 18 screening results.MethodsPrenatal diagnosis databases were accessed to identify fetuses that had confirmed trisomy 18 karyotypes or were at high risk for trisomy 18 on second‐trimester biochemical screening or first‐trimester combined screening tests over a period of 10 years from 1 September 1997 to 30 September 2007.ResultsSixty‐nine women were confirmed to have trisomy 18 fetuses by karyotyping either prenatally (n = 61) or postnatally/post‐miscarriage (n = 8) during the study period. The detection rate of ultrasound scan ≤14 weeks and 18 to 21 weeks to detect trisomy 18 was 92.7 and 100%, respectively. A total of 80 and 87% of fetuses had two or more ultrasound abnormalities detected in the ≤14 weeks and 18 to 21 weeks anomaly scans, respectively. Forty‐eight women screened positive for trisomy 18 by second‐trimester biochemical screening with human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) and alpha fetoprotein (AFP). Only one was true positive (positive predictive value = 1/48 or 2%). Eleven women screened positive for trisomy 18 by first‐trimester combined screening with nuchal translucency scan and maternal serum for pregnancy‐associated plasma protein A (PAPP‐A) and hCG between 11 and 13 + 6 weeks. Three were true positive (positive predictive value = 3/11 or 27%). All four cases with positive screening had ultrasound abnormalities.ConclusionsUltrasound scan for fetal anomalies is the most effective screening test for trisomy 18. A policy of conservative management for women with positive second‐trimester biochemical screening or first‐trimester combined screening for trisomy 18 is reasonable in the absence of ultrasound fetal abnormalities. Unnecessary invasive tests can be avoided. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Design of new amphiphilic triblock copoly(2‐oxazoline)s containing a fluorinated segment
Authors: Kempe Kristian , Baumgaertel Anja , Hoogenboom Richard , Schubert Ulrich S. 
Published: October 2010

AbstractNew amphiphilic triblock copoly(2‐oxazoline)s, containing hydrophobic domains with fluorine‐containing blocks, were synthesized. Using microwave radiation as heating source, triblock copolymers with narrow molar mass distributions were obtained by the sequential addition of 2‐ethyl‐2‐oxazoline, 2‐(1‐ethylheptyl)‐2‐oxazoline, and 2‐(2,6‐difluorophenyl)‐2‐oxazoline. The polymers obtained were characterized by size exclusion chromatography, 1H NMR spectroscopy and matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF MS). To investigate the incorporation of all three monomers into the triblock copolymers, a model polymer was prepared with shorter blocks exhibiting a suitable length to be measured in the reflector mode of a MALDI‐TOF MS. In addition, kinetic investigations on the homopolymerizations of all monomers were performed in nitromethane at 140 °C, yielding the polymerization rates under these conditions. DSC measurements of poly(2‐(1‐ethylheptyl)‐2‐oxazoline) and poly(2‐(2,6‐difluorophenyl)‐2‐oxazoline)) revealing glass transitions at about 33 and 120 °C, respectively. The thermal analysis of a blend of the two polymers showed two glass transitions revealing demixing, which could be an indicating for the immiscibility of the two components in the block copolymers. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2010
Carbazole‐based conjugated polymers incorporating push/pull organic dyes: Synthesis, characterization, and photovoltaic applications
Authors: Hsu So‐Lin , Chen Chia‐Min , Wei Kung‐Hwa 
Published: October 2010

AbstractWe have synthesized and characterized two new carbazole‐based conjugated polymers, PCDCN and PCDTA, incorporating two strong light‐absorbing organic dyes. These polymers exhibit relatively low band gaps (∼1.5 eV) and broad absorption ranges (from 300 to 700 nm). We fabricated polymer solar cells incorporating these polymers as donors and [6,6]‐phenyl‐C71‐butyric acid methyl ester (PC71BM) as the acceptor. At a blending ratio of 1:4, we obtained power conversion efficiencies, under simulated AM 1.5 (100 mW/cm2) conditions, of 2.31% and 2.47% for the PCDCN‐ and PCDTA‐based devices, respectively. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2010
Aqueous MADIX/RAFT polymerization of diallyldimethylammonium chloride: Extension to the synthesis of poly(DADMAC)‐based double hydrophilic block copolymers
Authors: Destarac Mathias , Guinaudeau Aymeric , Geagea Roland , Mazieres Stephane , Van Gramberen Eric , Boutin Cecile , Chadel Samy , Wilson James 
Published: October 2010

AbstractMacromolecular design by interchange of xanthates/reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer polymerization (MADIX/RAFT) of diallyldimethylammonium chloride (DADMAC) using the hydrophobic O‐ethyl‐S‐(1‐methoxycarbonyl) ethyl dithiocarbonate MADIX/RAFT mediating agent, Rhodixan A1, was investigated. Attempts to obtain an efficient control of DADMAC polymerization in a water/ethanol mixture failed because of significant chain transfer to ethanol. The use of a water‐soluble Rhodixan A1‐terminated acrylamide oligomer as the MADIX/RAFT agent enabled the controlled polymerization of DADMAC in water at 50 °C using the cationic azo initiator V‐50. An excellent agreement was found between experimental and theoretical Mn values throughout polymerization and over a broad range of initial concentration of xanthate. Polydispersity indexes (PDIs) at the end of the polymerization were abnormally high for a process showing a linear increase of Mn with monomer conversion (1.8 < PDI < 2.0). This feature was explained by the measurement of a high transfer constant to xanthate (Cx = 18.8 ± 1.6) but a low interchange transfer constant (Cex = 1.5). Nevertheless, poly(acrylamide)–poly(DADMAC) double hydrophilic block copolymers (DHBCs) of controlled Mn and composition could be successfully synthesized for the first time. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2010