bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Grafting hydroxy‐terminated polybutadiene onto nanosilica surface for styrene butadiene rubber compounds
Authors: Pourhossaini M. R. , Razzaghi‐Kashani M. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractHydroxy teminated polybutadiene (HTPB) was grafted onto the surface of nanosilica particles via toluene di‐isocyanate (TDI) bridging to reduce filler–filler interactions and improve dispersion of nanosilica in rubber. Also, this prepolymer as modifier contains double bonds which participate in sulfur curing of styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) matrix to enhance filler/polymer interaction and reinforcement effects of silica. The reactions were characterized by titration and Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy. Thermogravimetric analysis was utilized to evaluate the weight percentage of grafted TDI and HTPB. About 60% of the hydroxyl sites of silica were reacted with excess TDI in the first reaction. In the second reaction, HTPB as desired reactive coating was grafted on the functionalized nanosilica to constitute about 24 wt % of the final modified silica. The sedimentation experiments showed good suspension stability for the modified nanosilica in the organic media. Scanning electron microscopy revealed nanoscale dispersion of modified silica aggregates in the SBR matrix at concentration of about 14 phr. Also, vulcanization characteristics and mechanical properties of compounds demonstrated that HTPB grafting improved dispersion of nanosilica as well as its interaction to the rubber matrix as an efficient reinforcement. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Influence of laser irradiation on the optical and the mechanical properties of Makrofol‐DE polycarbonate
Authors: Hanafy T. A. , Nouh S. A. , Yasein M. N. , El Sayed A. M. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractThe effect of IR laser irradiation on the optical and the mechanical properties of Makrofol‐DE 1‐1 CC polycarbonate films were investigated. Three hundred microns‐thick films of Makrofol‐DE 1‐1 CC polycarbonate were irradiated with 0.00–10.40 J/cm2 of Ga‐As laser pulses, 904 nm, 5 W, and 200‐ns pulse duration. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy measurements showed that (CO) groups degrade under laser irradiation at the studied fluence range. The aliphatic and aromatic (CH) groups exhibited the same behavior, which can be attributed to nature of laser interaction with matter. The Makrofol samples exhibited degradation under the effect of laser irradiation up to 0.94 J/cm2, where crosslinking mechanism started and continued until 7.07 J/cm2. The refractive index had a minimum value at 0.94 J/cm2 and maximum value at 7.07 J/cm2 due to the degradation and crosslinking formation inside the sample, respectively. The decrease in elastic modulus, E, of Makrofol irradiated with 0.47–0.94 and 7.07–10.40 J/cm2 indicates that the sample becomes more flexible, which results from the decrease in interatomic force constants. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Autophagy modulates osteoarthritis‐related gene expression in human chondrocytes
Authors: Sasaki Hiroshi , Takayama Koji , Matsushita Takehiko , Ishida Kazunari , Kubo Seiji , Matsumoto Tomoyuki , Fujita Norifumi , Oka Shinya , Kurosaka Masahiro , Kuroda Ryosuke 
Published: December 2011

AbstractObjectiveAutophagy, an evolutionarily conserved process for the bulk degradation of cytoplasmic components, serves as a cell survival mechanism. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the role of autophagy in human chondrocytes and pathophysiology of osteoarthritis (OA).MethodsAutophagy in articular cartilage and primary chondrocytes was assessed using antibodies for the autophagy markers light chain 3 and beclin 1. The states of autophagy under catabolic and nutritional stresses were examined. We also examined the effects of inhibition or induction of autophagy under stimulation with interleukin‐1β. Autophagy was inhibited by small interfering RNA targeting ATG5, and autophagy was induced by rapamycin. The effects of inhibition or induction of autophagy were examined by real‐time polymerase chain reaction for aggrecan, COL2A1, MMP13, and ADAMTS5 messenger RNA. To further examine the mechanism of autophagy regulation in OA human chondrocytes, we investigated whether autophagy modulates apoptosis and reactive oxygen species (ROS).ResultsAutophagy was increased in OA chondrocytes and cartilage. Catabolic and nutritional stresses increased autophagy. In addition, the inhibition of autophagy caused OA‐like gene expression changes, while the induction of autophagy prevented them. Furthermore, the inhibition of autophagy increased the amount of cleaved poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerase and cleaved caspase 9, while the induction of autophagy inhibited these increases. ROS activity was also decreased by induction of autophagy.ConclusionThese observations suggested that increased autophagy is an adaptive response to protect cells from stresses, and that autophagy regulates OA‐like gene expression changes through the modulation of apoptosis and ROS. Further studies about autophagy in chondrocytes will provide novel insights into the pathophysiology of OA.
Destructive role of myeloid differentiation factor 88 and protective role of TRIF in interleukin‐17–dependent arthritis in mice
Authors: Abdollahi‐Roodsaz Shahla , van de Loo Fons A. J. , Koenders Marije I. , Helsen Monique M. , Walgreen Birgitte , van den Bersselaar Liduine A. , Arntz Onno J. , Takahashi Nozomi , Joosten Leo A. B. , van den Berg Wim B. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractObjectiveIncreasing evidence indicates the involvement of Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) in the progression of arthritis; however, the contribution of the two signaling pathways used by TLRs, which are mediated by myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88) and TRIF, remains unclear. The objective of this study was to investigate the specific roles of MyD88 and TRIF in chronic experimental arthritis and the accompanying adaptive immune responses.MethodsChronic arthritis was induced in wild‐type, MyD88−/−, and Triflps2 (TRIF−/−) mice by repetitive intraarticular injections of streptococcal cell wall (SCW) fragments. SCW‐specific T cell and B cell responses, joint swelling, and histopathologic changes were analyzed during chronic arthritis.ResultsBoth MyD88 and TRIF pathways contributed to antigen‐specific T cell proliferation and antibody production, with the MyD88 pathway playing the dominant role. The severity of joint swelling and synovial inflammation, as well as the histopathologic damage to cartilage and bone, was strongly dependent on MyD88 signaling, whereas TRIF was redundant. MyD88 signaling was critical for the development of pathogenic T cell response (i.e., interleukin‐17 [IL‐17] production) in response to SCW antigen. Interestingly, when the T cell–dependent phase was prolonged, TRIF signaling appeared to down‐regulate bone erosion, an effect accompanied by an inhibitory effect on IL‐17 production.ConclusionThis study reveals a central role of MyD88 and a counterregulatory function of TRIF in T cell–driven arthritis. The findings provide a rationale for a pathway‐specific interference in order to block the pathogenic features and to preserve or stimulate the beneficial aspects of TLR signaling.
A phase II, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study evaluating the efficacy and safety of MDX‐1100, a fully human anti‐CXCL10 monoclonal antibody, in combination with methotrexate in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Yellin Michael , Paliienko Igor , Balanescu Andra , Ter‐Vartanian Semen , Tseluyko Vira , Xu Li‐An , Tao Xiaolu , Cardarelli Pina M. , LeBlanc Heidi , Nichol Geoff , Ancuta Codrina , Chirieac Rodica , Luo Allison 
Published: December 2011

AbstractObjectiveCXCL10 (also known as interferon‐γ–inducible 10‐kd protein [IP‐10]) is a chemokine that potentially plays a role in the immunopathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We undertook this phase II study to evaluate the efficacy and safety of MDX‐1100, a fully human, anti‐CXCL10 (anti–IP‐10) monoclonal antibody, in RA patients whose disease responded inadequately to methotrexate (MTX).MethodsPatients with active RA receiving stable doses of MTX (10–25 mg weekly) were randomized to receive intravenous doses of 10 mg/kg MDX‐1100 (n = 35) or placebo (n = 35) every other week. The primary end point was the proportion of patients meeting the American College of Rheumatology 20% improvement criteria (achieving an ACR20 response) on day 85, and patients were followed up for safety to day 141.ResultsThe ACR20 response rate was significantly higher among MDX‐1100–treated patients than among placebo‐treated patients (54% versus 17%; P = 0.0024). Statistically significant differences in the ACR20 response rate between treatments were observed starting on day 43 (P < 0.05). The ACR50 and ACR70 response rates on day 85 did not differ between the groups. Overall, 51.4% of MDX‐1100–treated patients and 30.3% of placebo‐treated patients experienced at least 1 adverse event (AE). No study drug–related serious AEs were reported.ConclusionMDX‐1100 was well tolerated and demonstrated clinical efficacy in RA patients whose disease responded inadequately to MTX. This is the first study to demonstrate clinical efficacy of a chemokine inhibitor in RA and supports the notion of a potential role of IP‐10 in the immunopathogenesis of RA.
Building environmentally sustainable information services: A green is research agenda
Authors: Chowdhury Gobinda 
Published: December 2011

AbstractClimate change has become a major area of concern over the past few years and consequently many governments, international bodies, businesses, and institutions are taking measures to reduce their carbon footprint. However, to date very little research has taken place on information and sustainable development in general, and on the environmental impact of information services in particular. Based on the data collected from various research papers and reports, this review article shows that information systems and services for the higher education and research sector currently generate massive greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and it is argued that there is an urgent need for developing a green information service, or green IS in short, that should be based on minimum GHG emissions throughout its lifecycle, from content creation to distribution, access, use, and disposal. Based on an analysis of the current research on green information technology (IT), it is proposed that a green IS should be based on the model of cloud computing. Finally, a research agenda is proposed that will pave the way for building and managing green ISs to support education and research/scholarly activities.
Triclabendazole: An Intriguing Case of Co‐existence of Conformational and Tautomeric Polymorphism
Authors: Tothadi Srinu , Bhogala Balakrishna R. , Gorantla Asha R. , Thakur Tejender S. , Jetti Ram K. R. , Desiraju Gautam R. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractThe crystal polymorphism of the anthelmintic drug, triclabendazole (TCB), is described. Two anhydrates (Forms I and II), three solvates, and an amorphous form have been previously mentioned. This study reports the crystal structures of Forms I (1) and II (2). These structures illustrate the uncommon phenomenon of tautomeric polymorphism. TCB exists as two tautomers A and B. Form I (Z′=2) is composed of two molecules of tautomer A while Form II (Z′=1) contains a 1:1 mixture of A and B. The polymorphs are also characterized by using other solid‐state techniques (differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), PXRD, FT‐IR, and NMR spectroscopy). Form I is the higher melting form (m.p.: 177 °C, ΔHf=≈105±4 J g−1) and is the more stable form at room temperature. Form II is the lower melting polymorph (m.p.: 166 °C, ΔHf=≈86±3 J g−1) and shows high kinetic stability on storage in comparison to the amorphous form but it transforms readily into Form I in a solution‐mediated process. Crystal structure analysis of co‐crystals 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 further confirms the existence of tautomeric polymorphism in TCB. In 3 and 11, tautomer A is present whereas in 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 the TCB molecule exists wholly as tautomer B. The DFT calculations suggest that the optimized tautomers A and B have nearly the same energies. Single point energy calculations reveal that tautomer A (in Form I) exists in two low‐energy conformations, whereas in Form II both tautomers A and B exist in an unfavorable high‐energy conformation, stabilized by a five‐point dimer synthon. The structural and thermodynamic features of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 are discussed in detail. Triclabendazole is an intriguing case in which tautomeric and conformational variations co‐exist in the polymorphs.
Polyhedral Magnetite Nanocrystals with Multiple Facets: Facile Synthesis, Structural Modelling, Magnetic Properties and Application for High Capacity Lithium Storage
Authors: Su Dawei , Horvat Josip , Munroe Paul , Ahn Hyojun , Ranjbartoreh Ali R. , Wang Guoxiu 
Published: December 2011

AbstractPolyhedral magnetite nanocrystals with multiple facets were synthesised by a low temperature hydrothermal method. Atomistic simulation and calculations on surface attachment energy successfully predicted the polyhedral structure of magnetite nanocrystals with multiple facets. X‐ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and high resolution transmission microscopy confirmed the crystal structure of magnetite, which is consistent with the theoretical modelling. The magnetic property measurements show the superspin glass state of the polyhedral nanocrystals, which could originate from the nanometer size of individual single crystals. When applied as an anode material in lithium ion cells, magnetite nanocrystals demonstrated an outstanding electrochemical performance with a high lithium storage capacity, a satisfactory cyclability, and an excellent high rate capacity.
Improvement of cellularity on cell block preparations using the so‐called tissue coagulum clot method during endobronchial ultrasound‐guided transbronchial fine‐needle aspiration
Authors: Yung Rex Chin Wei , Otell Susan , Illei Peter , Clark Douglas P. , Feller‐Kopman David , Yarmus Lonny , Askin Frederic , Gabrielson Edward , Li Qing Kay 
Published: December 2011

AbstractBACKGROUND:Cell block (CB) preparation during the endobronchial ultrasound‐guided transbronchial fine‐needle aspiration (EBUS‐TBNA) procedure plays an important role in the diagnosis of lung cancer and recovery of cellular material for molecular characterization of the tumor. However, the efficiency of the conventional method of CB preparation is suboptimal.METHODS:In the current study, the “tissue coagulum clot” cell block (TCC‐CB) method was used to prepare the CBs and its efficiency was compared with that of the conventional saline rinse cell block (NR‐CB) method. A total of 84 consecutive TCC‐CBs (106 lymph nodes [LNs] and 14 lung lesions) and 28 consecutive cases of NR‐CB (39 LNs and 3 lung lesions) obtained within the same time period were included in the current study.RESULTS:In the TCC‐CB specimens, 94 of 106 LN cases (88.7%) yielded sufficient diagnostic material, as did 11 of 14 lung lesions (78.6%). In the NR‐CB group, which was used as the control, 22 of 39 LN specimens (56.4%) and none of 3 lung specimens (0%) were found to provide sufficient diagnostic material. Although the average size of the LNs in the study group were not significantly different from those in the control group (1.76 cm vs 1.82 cm; P > .05), the overall nondiagnostic rates in the TCC‐CB and NR‐CB groups were 11.2% and 43.6%, respectively (P < .001). The nondiagnostic rates of the lung specimens were 15.4% in the TCC‐CB group and 100% in the NR‐CB group (P < .05). In addition, immunohistochemistry studies and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)/KRAS mutational analyses were performed in 26 and 14 TCC‐CB cases, respectively. With the exception of 1 case, all of them had satisfactory results.CONCLUSIONS:The data from the current study demonstrate that the TCC‐CB method significantly increases the cellular yield of CB preparations without compromising cytomorphological characterization of tumor cells. Cancer (Cancer Cytopathol) 2012;. © 2011 American Cancer Society.
Amplification of Anharmonicities in Multiphoton Vibrational Action Spectra
Authors: Calvo F. , Parneix P. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractThe influence of one or several infrared laser pulses on the stability of bare and argon‐tagged sodium chloride clusters is investigated theoretically by a combination of computational methods involving explicit molecular dynamics and properly calibrated unimolecular rate theories. The fragmentation spectra obtained by varying the laser frequency in the far‐IR range is compared to the linear absorption spectrum resulting from the dipole moment autocorrelation function. Under appropriate laser field parameters, the action spectra are found to resemble the absorption spectra quite accurately in terms of positions, line widths, and even relative intensities. However, the action spectra exhibit residual and systematic redshifts of a few percent, which are partly due to the finite spectral bandwidth but are amplified by the progressive heating by the laser. A quantitative analysis suggests that these anharmonicity effects should generally arise upon multiple photon absorption.
Mouse primitive streak forms in situ by initiation of epithelial to mesenchymal transition without migration of a cell population
Authors: Williams Margot , Burdsal Carol , Periasamy Ammasi , Lewandoski Mark , Sutherland Ann 
Published: December 2011

AbstractBackground: During gastrulation, an embryo acquires the three primordial germ layers that will give rise to all of the tissues in the body. In amniote embryos, this process occurs via an epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) of epiblast cells at the primitive streak. Although the primitive streak is vital to development, many aspects of how it forms and functions remain poorly understood. Results: Using live, 4 dimensional imaging and immunohistochemistry, we have shown that the posterior epiblast of the pre‐streak murine embryo does not display convergence and extension behavior or large scale migration or rearrangement of a cell population. Instead, the primitive streak develops in situ and elongates by progressive initiation EMT in the posterior epiblast. Loss of basal lamina (BL) is the first step of this EMT, and is strictly correlated with ingression of nascent mesoderm. Once the BL is lost in a given region, cells leave the epiblast by apical constriction in order to enter the primitive streak. Conclusions: This is the first description of dynamic cell behavior during primitive streak formation in the mouse embryo, and reveals mechanisms that are quite distinct from those observed in other amniote model systems. Unlike chick and rabbit, the murine primitive streak arises in situ by progressive initiation of EMT beginning in the posterior epiblast, without large‐scale movement or convergence and extension of epiblast cells. Developmental Dynamics 241:270–283, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Hyaluronan is required for cranial neural crest cells migration and craniofacial development
Authors: Casini Paola , Nardi Irma , Ori Michela 
Published: December 2011

AbstractBackground: Hyaluronan is a crucial glycosaminoglycan of the vertebrate embryonic extracellular matrix able to influence cell behaviour, both by assembling the pericellular matrices and by activating signal transducing receptors such as CD44. Results: We showed that the hyaluronan synthases, Has1 and Has2, and CD44 display a dynamic expression pattern during cranial neural crest cells (NCC) development. By knocking down Has1 and Has2 gene functions, we revealed that hyaluronan synthesized by Has1 and Has2 is necessary for the proper development of the visceral skeleton. Conclusions: The data suggest that hyaluronan helps to maintain the active migratory behaviour of cranial NCC, and that its presence around pre‐chondrogenic NCC is crucial for their survival. CD44 knock down also suggests that the role of hyaluronan in cranial NCC migration could be mediated, at least in part, by the activation of CD44. These findings contribute to the unveiling of the functional relation between NCC and their extracellular environment during craniofacial development. Developmental Dynamics 241:294–302, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Synthesis of Mesoporous Zirconium Organophosphonate Solid‐Acid Catalysts
Authors: Lin Xiu‐Zhen , Yuan Zhong‐Yong 
Published: December 2011

AbstractMesoporous zirconium phosphonate materials with bridged organic groups in the framework were hydrothermally synthesized with 1‐hydroxyethylidene‐1,1‐diphosphonic acid as coupling molecule and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide as template. The mesostructure is wormhole‐like with a specific surface area of 702 m2/g and a uniform pore size of 3.6 nm, and the organophosphonate groups are homogeneously integrated in the network of the obtained solids. The hydroxyethylidene‐bridged mesoporous zirconium phosphonates can serve as solid‐acid catalysts for the synthesis of methyl‐2,3‐O‐isopropylidene‐β‐D‐ribofuranoside from D‐ribose and exhibit high catalytic activity with rapid reaction rate, which are comparable to the catalytic performance when liquid acid HCl or commercial ion‐exchange resin NKC‐9 is used as catalyst. Furthermore, mesoporous zirconium phosphonates show high stability with good reusability without any loss of catalytic activity after five cycles, which demonstrates their potential for industrial applications.
γ‐Linolenic acid production by Arthrospira platensis using different carbon sources
Authors: Golmakani Mohammad‐Taghi , Rezaei Karamatollah , Mazidi Sara , Razavi Seyyed Hadi 
Published: December 2011

AbstractArthrospira platensis (Spirulina) is an important source of pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals such as γ‐linolenic acid (GLnA). Effects of several parameters including carbon source (glucose, ethanol, and acetic acid), type of addition (batch or fed‐batch), light intensity (2.0, 3.5, and 5.0 klx) were investigated in the mixotrophic cultivation of Spirulina (using both light and carbon source). The obtained Spirulina was analyzed in terms of biomass, lipid, and GLnA production. Compared to photoautotrophic conditions (i.e., when using light without external carbon source), the biomass concentration was found to be higher when Spirulina was grown mixotrophically. Similarly, the lipid content as well as the GLnA was found at higher levels when using mixotrophic conditions. Effects of different light intensities under photoautotrophic and mixotrophic conditions were studied. The highest final biomass concentration (2.17 g/L), lipid yield of culture medium (128 mg/L), and GLnA yield of the culture medium (32 mg/L) were obtained at the highest light intensity of 5.0 klx. It was also demonstrated that the biomass, lipid, and GLnA production under different light intensities, using ethanol and acetic acid, could be comparable and even better than those of glucose.Practical applications: Spirulina is an attractive source of functional components such as γ‐linolenic acid (GLnA). Results of this study suggest that carbon sources such as ethanol and acetic acid can also be used for the production of GLnA by Spirulina under mixotrophic cultivation (using light and external carbon source).