bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
MAL Protein Controls Protein Sorting at the Supramolecular Activation Cluster of Human T Lymphocytes
Authors: Antón Olga M. , Andrés-Delgado Laura , Reglero-Real Natalia , Batista Alicia , Alonso Miguel A. 
Published: April 2011

Abstract
T cell membrane receptors and signaling molecules assemble at the immunological synapse (IS) in a supramolecular activation cluster (SMAC), organized into two differentiated subdomains: the central SMAC (cSMAC), with the TCR, Lck, and linker for activation of T cells (LAT), and the peripheral SMAC (pSMAC), with adhesion molecules. The mechanism of protein sorting to the SMAC subdomains is still unknown. MAL forms part of the machinery for protein targeting to the plasma membrane by specialized mechanisms involving condensed membranes or rafts. In this article, we report our investigation of the dynamics of MAL during the formation of the IS and its role in SMAC assembly in the Jurkat T cell line and human primary T cells. We observed that under normal conditions, a pool of MAL rapidly accumulates at the cSMAC, where it colocalized with condensed membranes, as visualized with the membrane fluorescent probe Laurdan. Mislocalization of MAL to the pSMAC greatly reduced membrane condensation at the cSMAC and redistributed machinery involved in docking microtubules or transport vesicles from the cSMAC to the pSMAC. As a consequence of these alterations, the raft-associated molecules Lck and LAT, but not the TCR, were missorted to the pSMAC. MAL, therefore, regulates membrane order and the distribution of microtubule and transport vesicle docking machinery at the IS and, by doing so, ensures correct protein sorting of Lck and LAT to the cSMAC.
Multiple Perspectives on Tobacco Use among Youth with Mental Health Disorders and Addictions
Authors: Morris Chad D. , May Mandy G. , Devine Karen , Smith Shawn , DeHay Tamara , Mahalik John 
Published: April 2011

Purpose. Youth and young adults with mental health disorders and addictions are at a high risk of becoming nicotine dependent, and at least half will die of tobacco-related diseases. In comparison to the general population, this population also faces neurobiological and psychosocial vulnerabilities. There is a critical need for community services and research targeting tobacco interventions for these individuals. Methods. A concurrent mixed methods study was conducted by collecting data from in-depth key informant interviews, focus groups, and a survey. Qualitative key informant interviews with healthcare professionals (n = 11) and youth focus groups (n = 32) were conducted by using semi-structured questioning regarding barriers and facilitators to tobacco interventions. Content analysis was used to code transcripts and categorize themes. Survey data were also collected from 230 smokers ages 13 to 17 years (n = 62) and young adults ages 18 to 25 years (n = 40) at three community mental health centers. The survey inquired about tobacco use, motivation to quit, history of quit attempts, and treatment preferences. Results. Five thematic categories were identified in both the adult key informant interviews and the focus groups with youth: (1) motivation to quit, (2) cessation treatment needs, (3) social influence, (4) barriers to treatment, and (5) tobacco-free policy. Among those surveyed, 44% currently smoked. Youth and young adult survey respondents who smoked were often motivated to quit, few had used proven tobacco cessation aids, but there was interest in access to nicotine replacement therapy. Conclusion. Merged qualitative and quantitative findings support past literature regarding youth in the general population but also expand upon our knowledge of issues specific to youth and young adults with mental health disorders and addictions. Findings suggest interventions warranting further attention in community treatment settings. (Am J Health Promot 2011;25[5 Supplement]:S31-S37.)
The Pittsburgh STOP Program: Disseminating an Evidence-Informed Intervention for Low-Income Pregnant Smokers
Authors: Cluss Patricia A. , Levine Michele D. , Landsittel Douglas 
Published: April 2011

Purpose. Prenatal smoking is a preventable risk factor for poor perinatal outcomes and is more prevalent in pregnant smokers of low socioeconomic status (SES). We describe the intervention model and factors associated with quitting from the Pittsburgh STOP Program, an evidence-informed dissemination intervention for low-SES pregnant smokers. Setting. STOP is delivered in community health care clinics serving economically disadvantaged women. Participants. Participants were 856 pregnant women who were current smokers (93%) and recent quitters (7%). Most were white (59%) or black (35%), single (74%), young (mean age = 25), and experiencing an unplanned pregnancy (84%); 90% were insured by Medicaid/uninsured. Methods. An evidence-informed intervention for community pregnant women was delivered individually in a single-group pre-post evaluation design. Measures were demographics, participation and retention, smoking status, satisfaction, and cost. Analyses included descriptive statistics and logistic regression. Results. Participants attended an average of 4.7 sessions. Dropout rate after the first session was 5%. Over 11% of smokers quit; 48% of preenrollment spontaneous quitters remained abstinent. Factors significantly associated with quitting included race, mother's age, nicotine dependence, and number of sessions attended. Limitations. STOP is a community program with self-selected participants and no control group. Conclusion. Low-income pregnant smokers will engage in an evidence-informed cessation program tailored for this group, with quit rates that compare to controlled research results. (Am J Health Promot 2011;25[5 Supplement]:S75-S81.)
A National Mass Media Smoking Cessation Campaign: Effects by Race/Ethnicity and Education
Authors: Vallone Donna M. , Niederdeppe Jeff , Richardson Amanda Kalaydjian , Patwardhan Pallavi , Niaura Raymond , Cullen Jennifer 
Published: April 2011

Purpose. To assess the effectiveness of a large-scale, national smoking cessation media campaign, the EX campaign, across racial/ethnic and educational subgroups. Design. A longitudinal random-digit-dial panel study conducted prior to and 6 months following the national launch of the campaign. Setting. The sample was drawn from eight designated media markets in the United States. Subjects. The baseline survey was conducted on 5616 current smokers, aged 18 to 49 years, and 4067 (73% follow-up response rate) were resurveyed at the 6-month follow-up. Measures. The primary independent variable is confirmed awareness of the campaign advertising, and the outcome variables are follow-up cessation-related cognitions index score and quit attempts. Analysis. Multivariable logistic and linear regression analyses were conducted within racial/ethnic and educational strata to assess the strength of association between confirmed awareness of campaign advertising and cessation-related outcomes. Results. Confirmed awareness of campaign advertising increased favorable cessation-related cognitions among Hispanics and quit attempts among non-Hispanic blacks, and increased favorable cessation-related cognitions and quit attempts among smokers with less than a high school education. Conclusions. These results suggest that the EX campaign may be effective in promoting cessation-related cognitions and behaviors among minority and disadvantaged smokers who experience a disproportionate burden of tobacco-related illness and mortality. (Am J Health Promot 2011;25[5 Supplement]:S38–S50.)
A Parametrical Analysis on the Elastic Anisotropy of Woven Hierarchical Tissues
Authors: Chen Qiang , Pugno Nicola M. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractIn this paper, the elastic properties of 2‐D woven hierarchical tissues are modeled, considering matrix transformation and stiffness averaging, assuming the warp and fill yarns (level 0) an orthotropic material. The tissue at level 1 is considered as the fabric composed of warp and fill yarns at level 0. Warp and fill yarns at level 1 are defined as “pieces” of such 1‐level tissue and have a different mismatch between the inclination of their longitudinal axes and those of the composing sub‐fibers. Similarly, based on warp and fill yarns at level 1, we generate warp and fill yarns at level 2 and thus tissues with two hierarchical levels, and so on. We compare our theory with experiments on tendons from the literature and on leaves performed by ourselves. The result shows the possibility of designing a new class of hierarchical 2‐D scaffolds by tailoring the elastic anisotropy, better matching the anisotropy of the biological tissues and thus maximizing their regeneration at each hierarchical level.
A study of the three‐dimensional particle size segregation structure in a rotating drum
Authors: Huang A. N. , Kuo H. P. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractThree‐dimensional particle size segregation structures of binary mixtures of six different size ratios (SR = 1.42–3.37) in a rotating drum are studied. The formation of two smaller particle satellites around the central smaller‐particle rich band after the band formation core‐thickening mechanism is reported for the first time. The binary mixtures of six SRs show three satellite shapes, including the small bump shape, the axe shape, and the hemisphere shape. Except for the binary mixture of SR = 2.01 with the axe satellite shape, the satellite size increases with the increasing of the SR value at the same bed depth. The degrees of mixing of binary mixtures of six different SRs at different bed depths are analyzed using the Lacey mixing index. The degree of mixing at the bed surface and close to the drum cylindrical wall can be explained by the drift‐diffusional model of Savage (1993). © 2011 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2012
Synthesis and characterization of conductive nanoblends based on poly(aniline‐co‐3‐aminobenzoic acid) in the presence of poly(styrene‐alt‐maleic acid)
Authors: Zareh Ehsan Nazarzadeh , Moghadam Peyman Najafi 
Published: April 2011

AbstractIn this article, we describe electrically conductive nanoblends containing poly(aniline‐co‐3‐ aminobenzoic acid) (PANABA), poly(styrene‐alt‐maleic acid) (PSMAC), and polystyrene. PANABA copolymers on a nanoscale were prepared under ultrasonic irradiation by the oxidative copolymerization of aniline and 3‐aminobenzoic acid at different molar ratios. PSMAC was also prepared in our laboratory. The obtained conductive nanoblends formed films with good homogeneity and flexibility. The conductivity of the obtained nanoblends was measured with a four‐probe method. The maximum electrical conductivity obtained was 0.60 S/cm. The characterization of the obtained copolymers and nanoblends was carried out by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy, and X‐ray diffraction. Scanning electron microscopic images were taken from the obtained nanoblends. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
A new biosynthetic material and its potential application domains
Authors: Mocanu Georgeta , Mihai Doina , Ionescu Corina , Voicu Anca , Moscovici Misu 
Published: April 2011

AbstractA polysaccharide was obtained by fermentation of glycerol in the presence of Pseudomonas spp. bacteria. It was characterized by FTIR spectroscopy, SEC chromatography, conductimetric titrations, and viscometric measurements; its emulsifying activity was tested using various mixtures of a hydrocarbon compound and polymer solution. Based on this polysaccharide, new crosslinked ionic derivatives were synthesized and characterized; their interaction with lysozyme was studied. From the data presented, one can suggest some applications for this new, less expensive polysaccharide—it could be used as a thickener and specific bioemulsifier, while its derivatives—as a support for controlled release of biomolecules. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Fabrication and absorption intensity analyses of Er2O3 nanoparticles suspended in polymethyl methacrylate
Authors: Chandra Sreerenjini , Gruber John B. , Burdick Gary W. , Sardar Dhiraj K. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractNanoparticles suspended in polymeric host materials are found to have tremendous potential for various photonic and biological applications due to their unique material properties. Polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) is known to be one of the best vinyl polymers owing to its excellent dimensional quality, weather resistance, easiness of synthesis, resistance to laser damage, and high mechanical strength. In this article, we describe a methodology to fabricate thin discs of nanocrystalline erbium oxide (Er2O3) suspended in PMMA (Er2O3/PMMA). The optical transparency of PMMA was confirmed in the ultraviolet, visible, and the near‐infrared regions of the electromagnetic spectrum, making it possible to observe only the Er2O3 spectra over the wavelength investigated. The room‐temperature absorption spectrum of Er2O3/PMMA has been taken in the 400 to 820 nm wavelength region. Analysis of the spectrum reveals a consistent agreement between our experimental data and those reported earlier for Er3+ in nanocrystalline Er3+ : Y2O3. A solid solution exists between Er2O3 and Er3+ : Y2O3 in terms of their physical properties. Therefore, our experimental results conclude that the presence of PMMA does not significantly alter the crystal symmetry as well as the co‐ordination environment of the Er3+ ions in Er2O3. Our results also emphasize that the Er2O3/PMMA may have future possibilities for numerous technological applications. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Synthesis and characterization of bile acid‐based poly β amino esters for paclitaxel delivery
Authors: Gangwal Jitendra J. , Kulkarni Mohan G. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractNew biodegradable poly β amino esters were synthesized by the polymerization of Deoxycholic acid (DOCA) in all the structural planes by 1, 4 addition of Trimethylene dipiperidine (TMDP) to diacrylates of Deoxycholyl glycol, Methyl deoxycholate and Trimethylolpropane deoxycholate esters. 1H‐NMR, 13C‐NMR and IR studies confirmed presence of amine and Deoxycholyl units in polymers. XRD and TGA studies indicated that all the polymers were amorphous and thermostable up to 300°C. DSC studies revealed glass transition temperature (Tg) in the range 70–80°C. All the polymers degraded very slowly in the buffers of pH 1.1, 7.4 and 10 because of the hydrophobic nature of Deoxycholate units. These polymers also exhibited pH sensitivity due to the incorporation of amines along with Deoxycholate units in the backbone. P‐Nitroaniline (PNA) release followed anomalous release kinetics. Paclitaxel (PTX) loaded nanospheres prepared from these polymers were spherical and uniform in the size range 75–250 nm and 0.4–1μ depending upon the method of preparation. PTX loading was in the range 60–90%, while release (up to 20–60%) was sustained over a period of 100 h. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Fabrication and characterization of poly‐γ‐glutamic acid nanofiber
Authors: Tajima Takeharu , Ueno Seiichiro , Yabu Naoyasu , Sukigara Sachiko , Ko Frank 
Published: April 2011

AbstractPoly‐γ‐glutamic acid (γ‐PGA) is a natural polymer that is widely recognized as a component in the viscous filaments of fermented soybean (natto). γ‐PGA is known for its superior biodegradability, biocompatibility and water retention characteristics. Crosslinked γ‐PGA is commonly used as a hydrogel, but it is not used in the fiber form because it is soluble in water. In this study, we demonstrate the use of γ‐PGA‐Na for production of water insoluble γ‐PGA nanofibers by electrospinning. This result was accomplished using an aqueous solvent containing 10 wt % of an oxazoline component polymer as the crosslinking agent and by heat treatment. The crosslinking reaction was evaluated by solid‐state NMR. The nanofiber webs showed a high level of moisture absorption capability while retaining their fibrous shape. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Regioselective catalyzed modification of poly(methylhydro)siloxane using RuRh and RuPt bimetallic dendrimer‐encapsulated nanoparticles
Authors: Peng Xiaohong , Pan Qinmin , Lu Xiaoran 
Published: April 2011

AbstractRuRh and RuPt bimetallic dendrimer‐encapsulated nanoparticles (DENs) were successfully prepared by a two‐step process involving co‐complexation, using ruthenium and rhodium or ruthenium and platinum complex ions with partially quaternized fifth‐generation poly(amidoamine) (G5‐Q), and then coreduction with NaBH4. UV–vis, transmission electron microscope, and laser scattering analyses were used to characterize the bimetallic alloy DENs. The regioselective synthesis of multifunctional hybrid poly(methylhydro)siloxane was achieved by the RuRh and RuPt alloy nanoparticle catalysts. The experimental results showed that the RuRh and RuPt bimetallic DENs presented higher catalytic activity than physical mixtures of their monometallic DENs, respectively. This should be due to synergistic electronic effect of RuRh and RuPt alloy catalysts. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011.
Intracellular peptide delivery using amphiphilic lipid‐based formulations
Authors: Weiss Amélie , Neuberg Patrick , Philippot Stéphanie , Erbacher Patrick , Weill Claire O. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractPeptides, highly diverse by their nature, are important biochemical and pharmaceutical tools: ligands for cellular receptors, transcription factors, immunosuppressants, vaccines, etc. As the majority of their targets are intracellular, peptides need to cross the plasma membrane and gain access to the cytoplasm. However, due to their physicochemical properties, most peptides need to be entrapped by a molecular vehicle to be able to reach the cytosol compartment. In this study, we present new biological tools to enhance intracellular peptides delivery. Based on electrostatic interactions, two complementary types of amphiphilic molecules have been designed as delivery vehicles. A diverse set of fluorescently labeled peptides have successfully been delivered. This opens the avenue for the use of peptides combined to delivery vehicles as therapeutic aids. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2011;108: 2477–2487. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Simultaneous measurements of cytoplasmic viscosity and intracellular vesicle sizes for live human brain cancer cells
Authors: Margraves Charles , Kihm Kenneth , Yoon Sang Youl , Choi Chang Kyoung , Lee Seong‐ho , Liggett Jason , Baek Seung Joon 
Published: April 2011

AbstractIntracellular vesicles, comprised of protein clusters, were individually tracked inside human brain cancer cells and characterized to simultaneously determine the average vesicle size and effective cytoplasmic viscosity. The cells were transfected with a TGF‐β superfamily gene, non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drug‐Activated Gene‐1 (NAG‐1) tagged with green fluorescent proteins (GFPs). Using total internal reflection fluorescent microscopy (TIRFM) the individual movements of the vesicles were categorized into either Brownian, caged, or directional type motion. In the near‐field region confined by the evanescent wave field of TIRFM, the hindrance of these vesicles was created by interactions with the glass coverslip and/or sub‐cellular structures. Measured particle motions were compared with theoretical predictions of hindered motion to estimate the unknown size and viscosity parameters using a nonlinear regression technique. For the tested human brain cancer cells, the average vesicle size and effective intracellular fluid viscosity were calculated to be 496 nm and 0.068 Pa s, respectively. This finding suggests that most of the hindrance experienced by vesicles can be due to non‐hydrodynamic interactions with microtubules and other intracellular structures. It should be also noted that this method provides a way to examine changes in vesicle size due to outside stimulus such as drug interaction, cytotoxicity, etc., unlike standard measurement techniques which require fixing the cells themselves. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2011;108: 2504–2508. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Quaternary conformational stability: The effect of reversible self‐association on the fibrillation of two insulin analogs
Authors: Ludwig D. Brett , Webb Jonathan N. , Fernández Cristina , Carpenter John F. , Randolph Theodore W. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractUnder conditions relevant to the manufacturing of insulin (e.g., pH 3, room temperature), biosynthetic human insulin (BHI), and Lispro insulin (Lispro) require a nucleation step to initiate aggregation. However, upon seeding with preformed aggregates, both insulins rapidly aggregate into nonnative fibrils. Far ultraviolet circular dichroism (far‐UV CD) and second derivative Fourier transform infrared (2D‐FTIR) spectroscopic analyses show that the fibrillation process involves a change in protein secondary structure from α‐helical in native insulin to predominantly β‐sheet in the nonnative fibrils. After seeding, Lispro aggregates faster than BHI, likely because of a reduced propensity to reversibly self‐associate. Composition gradient multi‐angle light scattering (CG‐MALS) analyses show that Lispro is more monomeric than BHI, whereas their conformational stabilities measured by denaturant‐induced unfolding are statistically indistinguishable. For both BHI and Lispro, as the protein concentration increases, the apparent first‐order rate constant for soluble protein loss decreases. To explain these phenomena, we propose an aggregation model that assumes fibril growth through monomer addition with competitive inhibition by insulin dimers. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2011;108: 2359–2370. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
T lymphocyte activation in visceral adipose tissue of patients with oesophageal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Lysaght J , Allott E H , Donohoe C L , Howard J M , Pidgeon G P , Reynolds J V 
Published: April 2011

AbstractBackgroundVisceral adipose tissue may fuel obesity-associated chronic inflammation and tumorigenesis. T cells may be important in visceral adipose tissue in driving inflammation, but they have not yet been characterized in patients with cancer. This study aimed to characterize T lymphocytes in visceral adipose tissue and peripheral blood from patients with oesophageal adenocarcinoma.MethodsOmental fat was taken from 35 patients with oesophageal adenocarcinoma at the start of surgery. Flow cytometry was performed to assess T cell activation status and cytokine production in omentum and peripheral blood.ResultsA large population of lymphocytes was present in the omentum. Omental CD4+ and CD8+ T cells displayed significantly enhanced expression of the T cell activation markers CD69 (P &lt; 0·001) and CD107a (CD8+ T cells: P &lt; 0·01), and significantly decreased CD62L expression (P &lt; 0·05), compared with blood. Significantly higher proportions of CD45RO+ T cells compared with CD45RA+ T cells were present in omentum (P &lt; 0·001 and P = 0·012 for CD4+ and CD8+ cells respectively). Interferon γ was the most abundant cytokine expressed by omental T cells, with a significantly higher level than in blood and subcutaneous adipose tissue (P &lt; 0·01).ConclusionVisceral adipose tissue is a rich source of activated proinflammatory CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. It may fuel chronic inflammation via T cell-mediated pathways.