bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Phenotypic Analysis of Pneumococcal Polysaccharide-Specific B Cells
Authors: Khaskhely Noor , Mosakowski Jason , Thompson Rebecca S. , Khuder Sadik , Smithson S. Louise , Westerink M. A. Julie 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
The phenotype of B cells responsible for the production of anti-pneumococcal polysaccharide Ab has been unclear. Although individuals that respond poorly to the 23-valent pneumococcal polysaccharide (PPS) vaccine, Pneumovax, such as children &lt;2 y, the asplenic, and a subset of common variable immunodeficiency patients, are profoundly deficient or lack IgM memory cells (CD27+IgM+), they are also deficient in the switched memory (CD27+IgM−) compartment. Direct characterization of PPS-specific B cells has not been performed. In this study, we labeled PPS14 and PPS23F with fluorescent markers. Fluorescently labeled PPS were used in FACSAria flow cytometry to characterize the phenotype of PPS-specific B cells obtained from 18 young adults pre- and postimmunization with Pneumovax. The labeled PPS were capable of inhibiting binding of Ab to the native PPS. Similarly, the native PPS were able to inhibit binding of PPS-specific B cells in a flow cytometric assay demonstrating specificity and functionality. Phenotypic analysis of unselected B cells, pre- and postimmunization, demonstrated a predominance of naive CD27−IgM+ cells accounting for 61.5% of B cells. Likewise, the PPS-specific B cells obtained preimmunization consisted primarily of naive, CD27− B cells, 55.4–63.8%. In contrast, the PPS-specific B cells obtained postimmunization were predominantly IgM memory cells displaying the CD27+IgM+, 54.2% for PPS14 and 66% for PPS23F, significantly higher than both unselected B cells and PPS-specific B cells. There was no significant difference in switched memory B cell populations (CD27+IgM−) between groups. These results suggest a dominant role of IgM memory cells in the immune response to pneumococcal polysaccharides.
Efficacy of Rho kinase inhibitor fasudil in secondary Raynaud's phenomenon
Authors: Fava Andrea , Wung Peter K. , Wigley Fredrick M. , Hummers Laura K. , Daya Natalie R. , Ghazarian Sharon R. , Boin Francesco 
Published: January 2012

AbstractObjectiveThe RhoA/Rho kinase pathway plays a pivotal role in cold‐induced vasoconstriction, vascular smooth muscle cells function, and vascular homeostasis. This study evaluates the efficacy of fasudil, a RhoA/Rho kinase inhibitor, to reverse cold‐induced vasospasm in patients with Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) secondary to systemic sclerosis (SSc; scleroderma).MethodsThis is a single‐center, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, randomized, 3‐period crossover study of oral fasudil (40 mg or 80 mg) or placebo administered 2 hours before a standardized cold challenge. The fall in skin temperature after the cold challenge and time to recover 50% and 70% of prechallenge digital skin temperature were used as primary outcomes. Digital blood flow assessed by laser Doppler, time to minimum skin temperature, and rate of skin cooling were also measured.ResultsA total of 17 patients with SSc and RP completed the study. After the cold challenge, skin temperatures and the average time (minutes) to recover 50% (7.9 minutes for placebo, 7.5 minutes for fasudil 40 mg, and 8.2 minutes for fasudil 80 mg; P = 0.791) and 70% (18.2 minutes for placebo, 15.0 minutes for fasudil 40 mg, and 17.1 minutes for fasudil 80 mg; P = 0.654) of prechallenge skin temperature were not significantly different across the 3 groups. The digital blood flow measurements were higher in fasudil‐treated groups than placebo, but differences were not significant (P = 0.693).ConclusionFasudil administered at a single oral dose of 40 mg or 80 mg was not associated with significant benefit in terms of the skin temperature recovery time and the digital blood flow after the cold challenge.
Link between traditional cardiovascular risk factors and inflammation in patients with early arthritis: Results from a French Multicenter Cohort
Authors: Boyer Jean‐Frédéric , Bongard Vanina , Cantagrel Alain , Jamard Bénédicte , Gottenberg Jacques‐Eric , Mariette Xavier , Davignon Jean‐luc , Ferrières Jean , Ruidavets Jean‐Bernard , Dallongeville Jean , Arveiler Dominique , Cambon‐Thomsen Anne , Constantin Arnaud 
Published: January 2012

AbstractObjectiveTo compare the characteristics of traditional cardiovascular risk factors for untreated patients with early arthritis (EA) and healthy subjects, and to look for a link between cardiovascular risk factors and inflammation in EA patients.MethodsThis multicenter case–control study enrolled 607 patients with EA (ESPOIR cohort) and 1,821 age‐ and sex‐matched controls (World Health Organization MONICA survey). Lipid levels, blood pressure, glucose levels, and exposure to smoking were characterized in patients and controls. Systemic inflammation was quantified in EA patients. Traditional cardiovascular risk factor characteristics were compared between patients with EA and controls. The link between cardiovascular risk factors and inflammation was assessed in EA patients.ResultsMean ± SEM total cholesterol (2.14 ± 0.022 versus 2.34 ± 0.017 gm/liter; P < 0.001), high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (0.60 ± 0.011 versus 0.63 ± 0.007 gm/liter; P = 0.020), and low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (1.28 ± 0.025 versus 1.51 ± 0.016 gm/liter; P < 0.001) were lower in EA patients than in controls. Triglycerides, triglycerides/HDL ratio, and pulse pressure were higher in patients with EA. Diastolic blood pressure and glucose levels were lower in EA patients. Former or current smokers were more frequent in patients with EA. Total and HDL cholesterol levels were negatively associated with C‐reactive protein or serum interleukin‐6 levels.ConclusionTotal, HDL, and LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, diastolic blood pressure, pulse pressure, glucose, and triglycerides/HDL ratio differ between patients with EA and controls. Some of these risk factors appear to be linked to systemic inflammation. Such initial differences could modulate the risk of cardiovascular events later in the course of arthritis.
A study of liquid droplet disintegration for the development of nanostructured coatings
Authors: Tabbara H. , Gu S. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractThermal spray coatings produced from a liquid feedstock are receiving an increasing level of interest due to the advanced, nanostructured coatings which are obtainable by these processes. In this article, a high‐velocity oxy‐fuel (HVOF) thermal spray system is computationally investigated to make a scientific assessment of the liquid droplet behavior on injection. An existing liquid‐fuelled HVOF thermal spray gun is simulated using the computational fluid dynamic approach. The steady‐state gas‐phase dynamics are initialized by the introduction of liquid kerosene and oxygen which react within the combustion chamber producing a realistic compressible, turbulent jet. Discrete‐phase water droplets are injected at the powder injection port. On injection, the water droplets breakup and vaporize, while being entrained through the acceleration barrel of the HVOF system. The results obtained give an insight to the mechanism which control the water droplet sizes and disintegration process, and serve as a fundamental reference for future development of liquid feedstock devices. © 2012 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2012
How culture shapes the body: Cultural consonance and body mass in urban brazil
Authors: Dressler William W. , Oths Kathryn S. , Balieiro Mauro C. , Ribeiro Rosane P. , Dos Santos José Ernesto 
Published: January 2012

AbstractObjectives:The aim of this article is to develop a model of how culture shapes the body, based on two studies conducted in urban Brazil.Methods:Research was conducted in 1991 and 2001 in four socioeconomically distinct neighborhoods. First, cultural domain analyses were conducted with samples of key informants. The cultural domains investigated included lifestyle, social support, family life, national identity, and food. Cultural consensus analysis was used to confirm shared knowledge in each domain and to derive measures of cultural consonance. Cultural consonance assesses how closely an individual matches the cultural consensus model for each domain. Second, body composition, cultural consonance, and related variables were assessed in community surveys. Multiple regression analysis was used to examine the association of cultural consonance and body composition, controlling for standard covariates and competing explanatory variables.Results:In 1991, in a survey of 260 individuals, cultural consonance had a curvilinear association with the body mass index that differed for men and women, controlling for sociodemographic and dietary variables. In 2001, in a survey of 267 individuals, cultural consonance had a linear association with abdominal circumference that differed for men and women, controlling for sociodemographic and dietary variables. In general, as cultural consonance increases, body mass index and abdominal circumference decline, more strongly for women than men.Conclusions:As individuals, in their own beliefs and behaviors, more closely approximate shared cultural models in socially salient domains, body composition also more closely approximates the cultural prototype of the body. Am. J. Hum. Biol. © 2012Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Body mass index versus dual energy x‐ray absorptiometry‐derived indexes: Predictors of cardiovascular and diabetic disease risk factors
Authors: Sharp Dan S. , Andrew Michael E. , Burchfiel Cecil M. , Violanti John M. , Wactawski‐Wende Jean 
Published: January 2012

AbstractObjectives:The body mass index (BMI), a ratio of weight/height2, dominates estimation of adiposity in population studies. BMI, however, does not distinguish among fat, muscle, or bone mass. Accordingly, its usage to assess and manage obesity in the population is limited. This study compares the use of BMI with direct measures of fat‐ and lean‐mass to predict established cardiovascular and diabetes risk factors: blood pressure, lipids, and glucose.Methods:The entire Buffalo Police Department was the object of recruitment to a baseline study of physiological and psychological stress. Four hundred nine officers constitute the sample for this analysis. Regression methods focusing on explained variance in blood pressure, high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, and blood glucose compare the use of BMI to that of fat‐ and lean‐mass indexes derived from dual energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DEXA).Results:DEXA indexes explain 1.6%–3.3% (P < 0.05, all risk factors) more variance than BMI. Fat mass drives the association for blood pressure, trunk lean mass for HDL cholesterol, and both for blood glucose. High degrees of multicollinearity complicate interpretation of predictive models jointly containing BMI and DEXA indexes.Conclusions:In police officers, DEXA indexes are better predictors of cardiovascular disease and diabetes risk factors. However, populations with different distributions of fitness, diet, and health conditions may demonstrate differentfeatures. In contrast to BMI, DEXA‐derived measurements suggest avenues to explore metabolic processes, which relate to an index's underlying association with risk and may suggest more effective intervention strategies. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Notch‐1 mediates hypoxia‐induced angiogenesis in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Gao Wei , Sweeney Catherine , Connolly Mary , Kennedy Aisling , Ng Chin Teck , McCormick Jennifer , Veale Douglas J. , Fearon Ursula 
Published: January 2012

AbstractObjectiveTo examine the effect of hypoxia on Notch‐1 signaling pathway components and angiogenesis in inflammatory arthritis.MethodsThe expression and regulation of Notch‐1, its ligand delta‐like protein 4 (DLL‐4) and downstream signaling components (hairy‐related transcription factor 1 [HRT‐1], HRT‐2), and hypoxia‐inducible factor 1α (HIF‐1α) under normoxic and hypoxic conditions (1–3%) were assessed in synovial tissue specimens from patients with inflammatory arthritis and controls and in human dermal microvascular endothelial cells (HDMECs) by immunohistology, dual immunofluorescence staining (Notch‐1/factor VIII), Western blotting, and real‐time polymerase chain reaction. In vivo synovial tissue oxygen levels (tissue PO2) were measured under direct visualization at arthroscopy. HDMEC activation under hypoxic conditions in the presence of Notch‐1 small interfering RNA (siRNA), the γ‐secretase inhibitor DAPT, or dimethyloxalylglycine (DMOG) was assessed by Matrigel tube formation assay, migration assay, invasion assay, and matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP‐2)/MMP‐9 zymography.ResultsExpression of Notch‐1, its ligand DLL‐4, and HRT‐1 was demonstrated in synovial tissue, with the strongest expression localized to perivascular/vascular regions. Localization of Notch‐1 to synovial endothelium was confirmed by dual immunofluorescence staining. Notch‐1 intracellular domain (NICD) expression was significantly higher in synovial tissue from patients with tissue PO2 of <20 mm Hg (<3% O2) than in those with tissue PO2 of >20 mm Hg (>3% O2). Exposure of HDMECs to 3% hypoxia induced HIF‐1α and NICD protein expression and DLL‐4, HRT‐1, and HRT‐2 messenger RNA expression. DMOG directly induced NICD expression, while Notch‐1 siRNA inhibited hypoxia‐induced HIF‐1α expression, suggesting that Notch‐1/HIF‐1α signaling is bidirectional. Finally, 3% hypoxia–induced angiogenesis, endothelial cell migration, endothelial cell invasion, and proMMP‐2 and proMMP‐9 activities were inhibited by Notch‐1 siRNA and/or the γ‐secretase inhibitor DAPT.ConclusionOur findings indicate that Notch‐1 is expressed in synovial tissue and that increased NICD expression is associated with low in vivo tissue PO2. Furthermore, Notch‐1/HIF‐1α interactions mediate hypoxia‐induced angiogenesis and invasion in inflammatory arthritis.
Regulation of inflammatory responses and fibroblast‐like synoviocyte apoptosis by calcineurin‐binding protein 1 in mice with collagen‐induced arthritis
Authors: Yi Jun‐Koo , Kim Hei‐Jung , Yu Dong‐Hoon , Park Seo‐Jin , Shin Mi‐Jung , Yuh Hyung‐Soo , Bae Ki‐Beom , Ji Young‐Rae , Kim Na‐Ri , Park Si‐Jun , Kim Jae‐Young , Lee Hyun‐Shik , Lee Sang‐Gyu , Yoon Du Hak , Hyun Byung‐Hwa , Kim Wan‐Uk , Ryoo Zae‐Young 
Published: January 2012

AbstractObjectiveCalcineurin‐binding protein 1 (CABIN‐1) regulates calcineurin phosphatase activity as well as the activation, apoptosis, and inflammatory responses of fibroblast‐like synoviocytes (FLS), which actively participate in the chronic inflammatory responses in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, the mechanism of action of CABIN‐1 in FLS apoptosis is not clear. This study was undertaken to define the regulatory role of CABIN‐1 in FLS from mice with collagen‐induced arthritis (CIA).MethodsTransgenic mice overexpressing human CABIN‐1 in joint tissue under the control of a type II collagen promoter were generated. Expression of human CABIN‐1 (hCABIN‐1) in joints and FLS was determined by reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) and Western blot analysis. The expression of cytokines, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), and apoptosis‐related genes in FLS was determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, gelatin zymography, and RT‐PCR, respectively. Joints were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and with tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase for histologic analysis.ResultsHuman CABIN‐1–transgenic mice with CIA had less severe arthritis than wild‐type mice with CIA, as assessed according to hind paw thickness and histologic features. The milder arthritis was accompanied by significantly enhanced apoptosis in transgenic mice, evidenced by a significantly greater number of TUNEL‐positive cells in synovial tissue. Expression of inflammatory cytokines and MMPs in the transgenic mice with CIA was reduced, and they exhibited decreased Akt activation and increased expression of p53, caspase 3, caspase 9, and Bax.ConclusionOur findings demonstrate that hCABIN‐1 plays a critical role in promoting apoptosis of FLS and in attenuating inflammation and cartilage and bone destruction in RA. These results help elucidate the pathogenic mechanisms of RA and suggest that CABIN‐1 is a potential target for treatment of this disease.
Disruption of embryonic vascular development in predictive toxicology
Authors: Knudsen Thomas B. , Kleinstreuer Nicole C. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractToxicity testing in the 21st century is moving toward using high‐throughput screening assays to rapidly test thousands of chemicals against hundreds of molecular targets and biological pathways, and to provide mechanistic information on chemical effects in human cells and small model organisms. First‐generation predictive models for prenatal developmental toxicity have revealed a complex web of biological processes with many connections to vasculogenesis and angiogenesis. This review examines disruption of embryonic vascular development as a potential adverse outcome pathway leading to developmental toxicity. We briefly review embryonic vascular development and important signals for vascular development (local growth factors and cytokines such as vascular endothelial growth factor‐A and TGF‐beta, components in the plasminogen activator system, and chemotactic chemokines). Genetic studies have shown that perturbing these signals can lead to varying degrees of adverse consequences, ranging from congenital angiodysplasia to fetal malformations and embryolethality. The molecular targets and cellular behaviors required for vascular development, stabilization and remodeling are amenable to in vitro evaluation. Evidence for chemical disruption of these processes is available for thalidomide, estrogens, endothelins, dioxin, retinoids, cigarette smoke, and metals among other compounds. Although not all compounds with developmental toxicity show an in vitro vascular bioactivity signature, many ‘putative vascular disruptor compounds’ invoke adverse developmental consequences. As such, an adverse outcome pathway perspective of embryonic vascular development can help identify useful information for assessing adverse outcomes relevant to risk assessment and efficient use of resources for validation. Birth Defects Research (Part C) 93:312–323, 2011. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Identifying Firm Capabilities as Drivers of Environmental Management and Sustainability Practices – Evidence from Small and Medium‐Sized Manufacturers
Authors: Hofmann Kay H. , Theyel Gregory , Wood Craig H. 
Published: January 2012

ABSTRACTFirms increasingly need to consider environmental issues as a result of stricter governmental regulation and due to growing pressures from a broad range of stakeholders. The literature on environmental management is vast but not much is known about firm‐specific capabilities that facilitate the adoption of environmental practices and environmental collaboration. Drawing on the dynamic capabilities literature, this study identifies the adoption of advanced technology, experiences with inter‐firm relations and capacity for product innovation as three capabilities that support firms' efforts to become ‘greener’. Descriptive statistics portray the diffusion of the related management practices among 294 small and medium‐sized manufacturers from the United States. Based on regression analysis, the authors provide evidence for a relationship between the underlying capabilities and environmental management practices. Consequently, the results point to additional benefits of known strategic capabilities and suggest how firms should approach sustainability initiatives by developing certain competencies first. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Defining Eco‐efficiency: A Case Study on the Finnish Forest Industry
Authors: Koskela Marileena , Vehmas Jarmo 
Published: January 2012

ABSTRACTEnvironmental reporting is a tool of corporate environmental management that can also be used as research material. The aim of this paper is to produce a comprehensive definition of eco‐efficiency based on the literature and then compare it with definitions identified in the environmental reports published by selected companies. In addition, this paper presents a conceptual framework of the relationship between environmental and economic performance in the companies. Three Finnish companies in the forest industry are selected as case companies. This analysis reviews environmental reports published by the companies from 1998 to 2007. In short, eco‐efficiency can be seen either as an indicator of environmental performance, or as a business strategy for sustainable development. The case companies very seldom give an exact definition of eco‐efficiency in their environmental reports. However, different aspects of eco‐efficiency are often referred to. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Biosorption and desorption of lanthanum(III) and neodymium(III) in fixed‐bed columns with Sargassum sp.: Perspectives for separation of rare earth metals
Authors: Oliveira Robson C. , Guibal Eric , Garcia Oswaldo 
Published: January 2012

AbstractRare earth (RE) metals are essentials for the manufacturing of high‐technology products. The separation of RE is complex and expensive; biosorption is an alternative to conventional processes. This work focuses on the biosorption of monocomponent and bicomponent solutions of lanthanum(III) and neodymium(III) in fixed‐bed columns using Sargassum sp. biomass. The desorption of metals with HCl 0.10 mol L−1 from loaded biomass is also carried out with the objective of increasing the efficiency of metal separation. Simple models have been successfully used to model breakthrough curves (i.e., Thomas, Bohart‐Adams, and Yoon‐Nelson equations) for the biosorption of monocomponent solutions. From biosorption and desorption experiments in both monocomponent and bicomponent solutions, a slight selectivity of the biomass for Nd(III) over La(III) is observed. The experiments did not find an effective separation of the RE studied, but their results indicate a possible partition between the metals, which is the fundamental condition for separation perspectives. © 2012 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2012
PEGylation of bovine serum albumin using click chemistry for the application as drug carriers
Authors: Li Xiao‐Yuan , Li Tai‐Hang , Guo Jin‐Shan , Wei Ying , Jing Xia‐Bin , Chen Xue‐Si , Huang Yu‐Bin 
Published: January 2012

AbstractMonomethyl poly(ethylene glycol) (mPEG)‐modified bovine serum albumin (BSA) conjugates (BSA‐mPEG) were obtained by the mild Cu(I)‐mediated cycloaddition reaction of azided BSA (BSA‐N3) and alkyne‐terminated mPEG. The structure and characteristics of BSA‐mPEG conjugates were thoroughly investigated. There were about two PEG chains conjugated onto each BSA molecule as determined by matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight (MALDI‐TOF) analysis. The intrinsic nonspecific binding ability of BSA was used for adsorption and sustained release of both rifampicn and 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU). The helical structures of BSA were preserved to a large extent after modification and drug adsorption on BSA was confirmed via circular dichroism spectroscopy. Drugs adsorbed onto the conjugated formulation to a lesser extent than on BSA due to mPEG modification. The in vitro release of both rifampicin and 5‐FU, however, indicated that BSA‐mPEG can function as a drug carrier. Overall, the click reaction provided a convenient tool for the pegylation of BSA. The biological activity of the BSA‐mPEG conjugates, including the drug transportation capacity and biocompatibility, were largely retained. © 2012 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog.,, 2012