bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
IL‐2‐activated haploidentical NK cells restore NKG2D‐mediated NK‐cell cytotoxicity in neuroblastoma patients by scavenging of plasma MICA
Authors: Kloess Stephan , Huenecke Sabine , Piechulek Daniel , Esser Ruth , Koch Joachim , Brehm Claudia , Soerensen Jan , Gardlowski Tanja , Brinkmann Andrea , Bader Peter , Passweg Jakob , Klingebiel Thomas , Schwabe Dirk , Koehl Ulrike 
Published: September 2010

AbstractNK group 2D (NKG2D)‐expressing NK cells exhibit cytolytic activity against various tumors after recognition of the cellular ligand MHC class I chain‐related gene A (MICA). However, release of soluble MICA (sMICA) compromises NKG2D‐dependent NK‐cell cytotoxicity leading to tumor escape from immunosurveillance. Although some molecular details of the NKG2D‐MICA interaction have been elucidated, its impact for donor NK (dNK) cell‐based therapy of solid tumors has not been studied. Within an ongoing phase I/II trial, we used allogeneic IL‐2 activated dNK cells after haploidentical stem cell transplantation for immunotherapy of patients with high‐risk stage IV neuroblastoma. NKG2D levels on activated dNK cells increased strongly when compared with freshly isolated dNK cells and correlated with enhanced NK‐cell cytotoxicity. Most importantly, elevated sMICA levels in patients plasma correlated significantly with impaired dNK‐cell‐mediated cytotoxicity. This effect could be reversed by high‐dose infusion of activated dNK cells, which display high levels of surface NKG2D. Our data suggest that the provided excess of NKG2D leads to clearance of sMICA and preserves cytotoxicity of dNK cells via non‐occupied NKG2D. In conclusion, our results identify this tumor immune escape mechanism as a target to improve immunotherapy of neuroblastoma and presumably other tumors.
Immunoproteasomes are essential for survival and expansion of T cells in virus‐infected mice
Authors: Moebius Jacqueline , van den Broek Maries , Groettrup Marcus , Basler Michael 
Published: September 2010

AbstractImmunoproteasomes containing the IFN‐inducible subunits β1i (LMP2), β2i (MECL‐1) and β5i (LMP7) alter proteasomal cleavage preference and optimize the generation of peptide ligands of MHC class I molecules. Here, we report on an unexpected new function of immunoproteasome subunits for the survival and expansion of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells during viral infection of mice. The effect of immunoproteasome subunit deficiency on T‐cell survival upon adoptive transfer was most prominent for the lack of LMP7 followed by MECL‐1 and LMP2. The survival of T cells in uninfected mice or the homeostatic expansion after transfer into RAG‐2−/− mice was not affected by the lack of the immunosubunits. Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV)‐specific CD8+ T cells lacking LMP7 or MECL‐1 started to divide after transfer into LCMV‐infected mice but experienced a considerable cell loss within 2 days after transfer. We provide strong evidence that the loss of immunoproteasome‐deficient T cells after transfer is not a consequence of graft rejection by the host, but instead is based on the requirement for immunoproteasomes for the survival of T cells in LCMV‐infected mice. Therefore, the immunoproteasome may qualify as a potential new target for the suppression of undesired proinflammatory T‐cell responses.
Was the ancestral MHC involved in innate immunity?
Authors: Levasseur Anthony , Pontarotti Pierre 
Published: September 2010

AbstractUnderstanding the nature of MHC class I presentation preferences is a challenging prospect. Large sets of peptide–MHC‐class I complexes have been screened for their binding affinities and recent studies have shown that HLA‐A share a preference for binding peptides derived from pathogens; however, no mechanism explaining the observed preferences has been demonstrated so far. In this issue of the European Journal of Immunology, a study demonstrates that HLA‐A, but not HLA‐B, preferentially recognises peptides enriched in amino acids encoded by sequences with low G+C content, and therefore recognises peptides associated with pathogens – low G+C content being a general feature of lower organisms. The authors of the study provide exciting results contributing to the understanding of the nature of MHC‐I presentation preferences and MHC‐I evolution. Although significant results are presented by the authors, here, we challenge the interpretation whereby HLA‐A has been evolutionarily selected for such a function and appeal for the use of comparative phylogenetic methods to substantiate it. We propose a method to ascertain whether ancestral MHC recognised peptides from pathogens and hence was involved in the non‐specific recognition of such organisms. Moreover, we suggest that ancestral MHC may have been involved in innate immune responses before being recruited for adaptive immunity.
Lead(II) Complexes of Lateral Macrobicyclic Receptors That Incorporate a Crown Moiety and a Pyridine Head Unit
Authors: Esteban‐Gómez David , Enríquez‐Pérez Teresa , Ferreirós‐Martínez Raquel , Mato‐Iglesias Marta , Platas‐Iglesias Carlos , de Blas Andrés , Rodríguez‐Blas Teresa 
Published: September 2010

AbstractThe coordinative properties towards lead(II) of two lateral macrobicyclic receptors that incorporate either a 1,10‐diaza‐[15]crown‐5 (L7) or a 4,13‐diaza‐[18]crown‐6 (L8) fragment are reported. Spectrophotometric titrations performed in acetonitrile solution indicate only the formation of mononuclear complexes in solution. The X‐ray crystal structures of the two receptors show that the conformation adopted by the ligand is imposed by the presence of intramolecular hydrogen‐bonding interactions that involve the secondary amine groups and the pivotal nitrogen atoms. The solid‐state structure of [Pb(L7)(NCS)](SCN)·0.5H2O shows that the metal ion is asymmetrically coordinated inside the macrobicyclic cavity. The PbII ion is coordinated to the nitrogen atom of the pyridine unit, the two secondary amine atoms, two oxygen atoms of the crown moiety, and a nitrogen atom of an isothiocyanate group. The distances between the PbII ion and the two pivotal nitrogen atoms as well as one of the oxygen atoms of the crown moiety are too long (>2.92 Å) to be considered unequivocal bonds, and should be regarded only as weak interactions. The protonation constants of L7 and L8 as well as the stability constants of their PbII complexes were investigated by using potentiometric titrations in 95 % methanol (I = 0.1 M, nBu4NClO4, 25 °C). The two receptors undergo two protonation processes in the pH range investigated (2.0 < pH < 12.0), which correspond to the protonation of the nitrogen atoms of the oxa–aza moiety. The log KPbL value obtained for L7 [9.906(1)] is approximately 1.1 log K units higher than the one determined for L8 [8.75(1)].
Synthesis of Mono(perfluoroalkyl) Cyclodextrins via Cross Metathesis
Authors: Řezanka Michal , Eignerová Barbara , Jindřich Jindřich , Kotora Martin 
Published: September 2010

AbstractRuthenium–carbene complex catalyzed cross metathesis of monoallyl α‐, β‐, and γ‐cyclodextrins with perfluoroalkylpropenes resulted in the formation of the corresponding perfluoroalkylated cyclodextrins. The reactions proceeded under standard reaction conditions and yielded the desired compounds in reasonable yields. Dynamic light scattering measurements proved the ability of the prepared compounds to aggregate in water solution forming nanoparticles in the range of tens and thousands of nanometers.
Highly Enantioselective Michael Addition of Acetone to Nitro Olefins Catalyzed by Chiral Bifunctional Primary Amine‐Thiophosphoramide Catalyst
Authors: Lu Aidang , Liu Tao , Wu Ronghua , Wang Youming , Zhou Zhenghong , Wu Guiping , Fang Jianxin , Tang Chuchi 
Published: September 2010

AbstractA series of bifunctional primary amine‐thiophosphoramides were synthesized, which proven to be effective organocatalysts for the asymmetric Michael reaction of acetone to both aryl and alkyl nitro olefins in the presence of phenol as a protic additive. The corresponding adducts were obtained in excellent chemical yields (up to >99 %) with excellent enantioselectivities (up to 97 % ee).
Experimental study on transient and steady‐state dynamics of bedforms in supply limited configuration
Authors: Dreano Julie , Valance Alexandre , Lague Dimitri , Cassar Cyril 
Published: September 2010

AbstractThe purpose of the present study is to investigate experimentally the development of bedforms in a configuration where the sediment supply is limited. The experimental setup is a rectangular closed duct combining an innovative system to control the rate of sediment supply Qin
, and a digitizing system to measure in real time the 3D bedform topography. We carried out different sets of experiments with two sediment sizes (100 µm and 500 µm) varying both the sediment supply and the water flow rate to obtain a total of 46 different configurations. After a transient phase, steady sub‐centimeter bedforms of various shapes have been observed: barchans dunes, straight transverse dune, linguoid transverse dunes and bedload sheets. Height, spacing, migration speed, and mean bed elevation of the equilibrium bedforms were measured. For a given flow rate, two regimes were identified with fine sediment: (i) a monotonic increasing regime where the equilibrium bedform height and velocity increase with the sediment supply rate Qin and (ii) an invariant regime for which both parameters are almost independent of Qin. For coarse sediment, only the first regime is observed. We interpret the saturation of height and velocity for fine sediment bedforms as the transition from a supply‐limited regime to a transport‐limited regime in which the bedload flux has reached its maximum value under the prevailing flow conditions. We also demonstrate that all experiments can be rescaled if the migration speed and height of the bedforms are, respectively, divided and multiplied by the cube of the shear velocity. This normalization is independent of grain size and of bedform morphology. These experimental results provide a new quantification of the factors controlling equilibrium height and migration speed of bedforms in supply‐limited conditions against which theoretical and numerical models can be tested.
Field measurement of nickel sediment toxicity: Role of acid volatile sulfide
Authors: Nguyen Lien T.H , Burton G. Allen , Schlekat Chris E , Janssen Colin R 
Published: September 2010

AbstractA field experiment was performed in four freshwater systems to assess the effects of Ni on the benthic macroinvertebrate communities. Sediments were collected from the sites (in Belgium, Germany, and Italy), spiked with Ni, and returned to the respective field sites. The colonization process of the benthic communities was monitored during a nine-month period. Nickel effect on the benthos was also assessed in the context of equilibrium partitioning model based on acid volatile sulfides (AVS) and simultaneously extracted metals (SEM). Benthic communities were not affected at (SEM − AVS) ≤ 0.4 µmol/g, (SEM − AVS)/fraction of organic carbon (fOC) &lt; 21 µmol/g organic carbon (OC). Sediments with (SEM − AVS) &gt; 2 µmol/g, (SEM − AVS)/fOC &gt; 700 µmol/g OC resulted in clear adverse effects. Uncertainty about the presence and absence of Ni toxicity occurred at (SEM − AVS) and (SEM − AVS)/fOC between 0.4 to 2 µmol/g and 21 to 700 µmol/g OC, respectively. The results of our study also indicate that when applying the SEM:AVS concept for predicting metal toxicity in the field study, stressors other than sediment characteristics (e.g., sorption capacity), such as environmental disturbances, should be considered, and the results should be carefully interpreted. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2011;30:162–172. © 2010 SETAC
Influence of season, location, and feeding strategy on bioaccumulation of halogenated organic contaminants in Arctic marine zooplankton
Authors: Hallanger Ingeborg G , Ruus Anders , Herzke Dorte , Warner Nicholas A , Evenset Anita , Heimstad Eldbjørg S , Gabrielsen Geir W , Borgå Katrine 
Published: September 2010

AbstractThe influence of season, location, feeding strategy, and trophic position on concentration, compositional pattern, and bioaccumulation factors (BAFs) of halogenated organic contaminants (HOCs; polychlorinated biphenyls, chlorinated pesticides, and brominated flame retardants) was investigated within an Arctic zooplankton food web. Water (dissolved fraction) and seven Arctic marine pelagic zooplankton species (including herbivores, omnivores, and predators) were sampled in May, July, and October 2007 at two stations in Kongsfjorden, Svalbard, Norway. The HOC concentrations in both water and zooplankton generally decreased from May to October. The HOC concentrations and patterns among zooplankton species were explained by their feeding strategies, roughly categorized as herbivores, omnivores, and predators, and not stable isotope-derived trophic position. Field-derived BAFs varied greatly, with higher BAFs in May compared with July and October. Furthermore, BAFs differed among the species according to their feeding strategies. The relationship between BAFs from the different seasons and KOW (octanol:water partitioning coefficient) showed comparable intercepts and different slopes between May and October, with all relationships diverging from the assumed 1:1 relationship between BAF and KOW. Differences in HOC concentrations and BAFs from herbivores to predators showed that biomagnification occurred in zooplankton. The results suggest that concentrations and patterns of HOCs in zooplankton species are influenced not only by equilibrium partitioning with water but also by feeding strategy. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2011;30:77–87. © 2010 SETAC
Optimisation of the Microporous Layer for a Polybenzimidazole‐Based High Temperature PEMFC – Effect of Carbon Content
Authors: Lobato J. , Cañizares P. , Rodrigo M. A. , Úbeda D. , Pinar F. J. , Linares J. J. 
Published: September 2010

AbstractThis work aims at studying the role of the microporous layer (MPL) in electrodes prepared for high temperature PBI‐based PEMFC. The two main components of this layer are carbon black and a polymeric binder (Teflon). This work addresses the effect of the MPL carbon amount on the performance of a high temperature PEMFC. Thus, gas diffusion layers (GDLs) containing MPL with different carbon contents (from 0.5 to 4 mg cm–2) were prepared. Firstly, they were physically characterised by Hg‐porosimetry measuring pore size distribution, porosity, tortuosity and mean pore size. Permeability measurements were also performed. The higher the carbon content was the lower both porosity and permeability were. Afterwards, electrodes were prepared with these GDLs and were electrochemically characterised. Electrochemical surface area (ESA) was determined and fuel cell performance was evaluated under different fuel and comburent stoichiometries, supporting these results with impedance spectra. This made it possible to see the benefits of the MPL inclusion in the electrode structure, with a significant increase in the fuel cell performance and ESA. Once the goodness of the MPL was confirmed, result analysis led to an optimum MPL composition of 2 mg cm–2 of carbon for both electrodes, anode and cathode.
Diagnostic significance of humoral immune responses to recombinant antigens of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in patients with pleural tuberculosis
Authors: Sumi S. , Radhakrishnan V.V. 
Published: September 2010

AbstractMycobacterium tuberculosis bacilli are seldom demonstrated in tuberculous pleural effusion (TPE) by conventional bacteriological methods. In this study, an indirect enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was developed to detect IgG against four mycobacterial recombinant antigens (ESAT‐6, PlcA, HspX and Tb8.4) in 69 pleural fluids of patients with TPE and 71 patients with malignant pleural effusion. To increase the sensitivity of the assay, a multi‐antigen cocktail containing all the above antigens were also used. IgG positivity in ELISA for PlcA, HspX, Tb8.4, ESAT‐6 antigens and multi‐antigen complex were 49.3, 60.8, 49.3, 53.6 and 75.4% respectively. Each one of the above four antigens and their multi‐antigen cocktail were highly specific in distinguishing tuberculous and malignant pleural effusion. This new generation immunoassay will serve as a useful marker for the diagnosis of pleural tuberculosis patients in whom M. tuberculosis bacilli were not demonstrated by bacteriological methods. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 24:283–288, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Serum KL‐6 levels in lung cancer patients with or without interstitial lung disease
Authors: Miyazaki Kunihiko , Kurishima Koichi , Kagohashi Katsunori , Kawaguchi Mio , Ishikawa Hiroichi , Satoh Hiroaki , Hizawa Nobuyuki 
Published: September 2010

AbstractBackground: It is not known whether lung cancer patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD) might have higher serum levels of KL‐6, a high molecular weight glycoprotein classified as a polymorphic epithelial mucin. In addition, prognosis of these patients with elevated serum KL‐6 levels might be poorer than that with normal KL‐6 levels, but it has not been well clarified. Methods: Serum KL‐6 levels in 273 lung cancer patients with or without ILD, and prognostic significance of elevated serum KL‐6 levels in these patients were studied using uni‐ and multivariate analyses. Results: Serum KL‐6 levels were elevated (>500 U/ml) in 73.5% of lung cancer patients with ILD and in 33.7% of those without ILD. Serum KL‐6 levels in lung cancer patients with ILD were significantly higher than those without ILD. In lung cancer patients with ILD, elevated serum KL‐6 has no prognostic significance, but in those without ILD, however, it was one of the unfavorable prognostic factors. Conclusions: Elevated serum KL‐6 levels can be observed in lung cancer patients both with and without ILD. Having ILD has strong prognostic impact in patients with lung cancer. In those without ILD, however, elevated KL‐6 levels may be related to poor prognosis. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 24:295–299, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Matrix metalloproteinase‐9 and paraoxonase 1 Q/R192 gene polymorphisms and the risk of coronary artery stenosis in Iranian subjects
Authors: Fallah Soudabeh , Seifi Morteza , Ghasemi Asghar , Firoozrai Mohsen , Samadikuchaksaraei Ali 
Published: September 2010

AbstractPurpose: To investigate the association of matrix metalloproteinase‐9 (MMP‐9) and paraoxonase 1 (PON1) 192 polymorphisms with susceptibility to coronary artery stenosis (CAS) and the number of diseased vessels in patients with CAS. Methods: The study population comprised 302 unrelated Iranian individuals, including 145 patients with CAS and 157 control subjects. Genotypes for MMP‐9 and PON1 192 polymorphisms were determined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP). Results: In our study, distributions of the TT genotype of MMP‐9 and the RR genotype of PON1 192 were significantly higher in patients compared with healthy control subjects (P<0.05). Subsequent analysis demonstrated that a significant difference existed in the male (TT+TC vs. CC and RR+QR vs. QQ, P<0.01) but not in the female. The associations of these polymorphisms with the severity of stenosis were also evaluated, which according to results distribution of MMP‐9 and PON1 192 genotypes were not significantly different compared with the severity of stenosis (P>0.05). Conclusions: The observation indicates that the polymorphisms in the MMP‐9 and PON1 192 genes potentially play a role in the manifestation of coronary atherosclerosis but does not have any effect on the number of diseased vessels in Iran. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 24:305–310, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Does polycythemia affect interleukin‐6 response pattern in early postnatal period?
Authors: Akdag Arzu , Dilli Dilek , Erdeve Omer , Oğuz Şerife Suna , Dilmen Uğur 
Published: September 2010

AbstractIntroduction: Neonatal polycythemia may result in increased cytokine production. We aimed to investigate whether polycythemia and partial exchange transfusion (PET) affect interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) response pattern in early neonatal period. Methods: Ninety‐four newborns, 57 with polycythemia (Group 1) and 37 as control group (Group 2) were enrolled in the study. PET was performed at 4–6 hr following birth in the first group. Blood levels of IL‐6 were measured at 2–4 hr following birth; measurements were repeated at 6 and 24 hr after PET in newborns with polycythemia and at similar hours in Group 2. In Group 1, two patients (3.5%) who were diagnosed with proven sepsis excluded from the study. Results: Both initial and the last IL‐6 levels were higher in Group 1 (21.7; 5.5–190 pg/ml and 18.3; 2.7–92.4 pg/ml) than those of the controls (8.4; 0.2–47.8 pg/ml and 8.6; 2.0–21.0 pg/ml) (P=0.001 for both comparisons). In Group 1, IL‐6 levels increased at 6 hr after PET and decreased thereafter. IL‐6 showed the same pattern in the control group. IL‐6 levels were higher than >70pg/ml in two (3.6%), seven (12.7%), and two (3.6%) subjects during three evaluation steps, respectively. Neither clinical nor proven sepsis was subsequently detected in any of these subjects. IL‐6 levels were within the acceptable values in Group 2. Conclusion: IL‐6 levels seem to be high in newborns with polycythemia during the first days of life, although they rarely exceed maximum acceptable levels. The pattern of IL‐6 response might be taken into account to optimize its use in the diagnosis of early‐onset neonatal sepsis. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 24:340–347, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Vibrational dynamics and structural investigation of 4‐benzoylpyridine
Authors: Sett Pinaky , Datta Shirsendu , Mallick Prabal Kumar 
Published: September 2010

AbstractThe polarized Raman spectra in different environments along with the IR counterpart of 4‐benzoylpyridine (4‐BOP) were critically analyzed to assign all of its normal modes of vibration. The knowledge of the positions of different excited electronic states (EESs)was obtained from the study of electronic absorption spectra. Measurement of Raman excitation profiles (REPs)of several normal modes was carried out to get insight into structural and symmetry properties of the molecule. All the experimental observations were substantiated and corroborated theoretically by quantum chemical calculations (QCCs). The possibility of exciton splitting of the 1La band has been explored both from theoretical and experimental points of view. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Transition of synthetic chromium oxide gel to crystalline chromium oxide: a hot‐stage Raman spectroscopic study
Authors: Yang Jing (Jeanne) , Cheng Hongfei , Martens Wayde N. , Frost Ray L. 
Published: September 2010

AbstractChromium oxide gel material was synthesised and appeared to be amorphous in X‐ray diffraction study. The changes in the structure of the synthetic chromium oxide gel were investigated using hot‐stage Raman spectroscopy based upon the results of thermogravimetric analysis. The thermally decomposed product of the synthetic chromium oxide gel in nitrogen atmosphere was confirmed to be crystalline Cr2O3 as determined by the hot‐stage Raman spectra. Two bands were observed at 849 and 735 cm−1 in the Raman spectrum at 25 °C, which were attributed to the symmetric stretching modes of OCrIIIOH and OCrIIIO. With temperature increase, the intensity of the band at 849 cm−1 decreased, while that of the band at 735 cm−1 increased. These changes in intensity are attributed to the loss of OH groups and formation of OCrIIIO units in the structure. A strongly hydrogen‐bonded water HOH bending band was found at 1704 cm−1 in the Raman spectrum of the chromium oxide gel; however, this band shifted to around 1590 cm−1 due to destruction of the hydrogen bonds upon thermal treatment. Six new Raman bands were observed at 578, 540, 513, 390, 342 and 303 cm−1 attributed to the thermal decomposed product Cr2O3. The use of the hot‐stage Raman spectroscopy enabled low‐temperature phase changes brought about through dehydration and dehydroxylation to be studied. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.