bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Domain Swapping Reveals Complement Control Protein Modules Critical for Imparting Cofactor and Decay-Accelerating Activities in Vaccinia Virus Complement Control Protein
Authors: Ahmad Muzammil , Raut Sunil , Pyaram Kalyani , Kamble Ashish , Mullick Jayati , Sahu Arvind 
Published: October 2010

Abstract
Vaccinia virus encodes a structural and functional homolog of human complement regulators named vaccinia virus complement control protein (VCP). This four-complement control protein domain containing secretory protein is known to inhibit complement activation by supporting the factor I-mediated inactivation of complement proteins, proteolytically cleaved form of C3 (C3b) and proteolytically cleaved form of C4 (C4b) (termed cofactor activity), and by accelerating the irreversible decay of the classical and to a limited extent of the alternative pathway C3 convertases (termed decay-accelerating activity [DAA]). In this study, we have mapped the VCP domains important for its cofactor activity and DAA by swapping its individual domains with those of human decay-accelerating factor (CD55) and membrane cofactor protein (MCP; CD46). Our data indicate the following: 1) swapping of VCP domain 2 or 3, but not 1, with homologous domains of decay-accelerating factor results in loss in its C3b and C4b cofactor activities; 2) swapping of VCP domain 1, but not 2, 3, or 4 with corresponding domains of MCP results in abrogation in its classical pathway DAA; and 3) swapping of VCP domain 1, 2, or 3, but not 4, with homologous MCP domains have marked effect on its alternative pathway DAA. These functional data together with binding studies with C3b and C4b suggest that in VCP, domains 2 and 3 provide binding surface for factor I interaction, whereas domain 1 mediates dissociation of C2a and Bb from the classical and alternative pathway C3 convertases, respectively.
Generation and Differentiation of IL-17–Producing CD4+ T Cells in Malignant Pleural Effusion
Authors: Ye Zhi-Jian , Zhou Qiong , Gu Yong-Yao , Qin Shou-Ming , Ma Wan-Li , Xin Jian-Bao , Tao Xiao-Nan , Shi Huan-Zhong 
Published: October 2010

Abstract
IL-17–producing CD4+ T (Th17) cells have been found to be increased in some human cancers; however, the possible implication of Th17 cells in regulating antitumor responses in malignant pleural effusion (MPE) remains to be elucidated. In the current study, distribution and phenotypic features of Th17 cells in both MPE and peripheral blood from patients with lung cancer were determined by flow cytometry or double immunofluorescence staining. The impacts of cytokines on Th17 cell generation and differentiation were explored. The chemoattractant activity of chemokines CCL20 and CCL22 for Th17 cells in vitro was also observed. It was found that the increased Th17 cells could be found in MPE compared with blood. The in vitro experiments showed that IL-1β, IL-6, IL-23, or their various combinations could promote Th17 cell generation and differentiation from naive CD4+ T cells. MPE was chemotactic for Th17 cells, and this activity was partly blocked by anti-CCL20 and/or CCL22 Abs. Our data also showed that the accumulation of Th17 cells in MPE predicted improved patient survival. It could be concluded that the overrepresentation of Th17 cells in MPE might be due to Th17 cell differentiation and expansion stimulated by pleural proinflammatory cytokines and to recruitment of Th17 cells from peripheral blood induced by pleural chemokines CCL20 and CCL22. Furthermore, the accumulation of Th17 cells in MPE predicted improved patient survival. These data provide the basis for developing immune-boosting strategies based on ridding the cancer patient of this cell population.
IL-17A–Producing γδT Cells Promote CTL Responses against Listeria monocytogenes Infection by Enhancing Dendritic Cell Cross-Presentation
Authors: Xu Sheng , Han Yanmei , Xu Xiongfei , Bao Yan , Zhang Minggang , Cao Xuetao 
Published: October 2010

Abstract
Interleukin-17A–producing T cells, especially Th17, have been shown to be involved in inflammatory autoimmune diseases and host defense against extracellular infections. However, whether and how IL-17A or IL-17A–producing cells can help protection against intracellular bacteria remains controversial, especially how it regulates the adaptive immunity besides recruitment of neutrophils in the innate immune system. By infecting IL-17A–deficient mice with Listeria monocytogenes, we show in this study that IL-17A is required for the generation of Ag-specific CD8+ CTL response against primary infection, but not for the generation of memory CD8+ T cells against secondary challenge. Interestingly, we identify γδT cells, but not conventional CD4+ Th17 cells, as the main cells for innate IL-17A production during L. monocytogenes infection. Furthermore, γδT cells are found to promote Ag-specific CD8+ T cell proliferation by enhancing cross-presentation of dendritic cells through IL-17A. Adoptive transfer of Il17a+/+ γδT cells, but not Il17a−/− γδT cells or Il17a+/+ CD4+ T cells, were sufficient to recover dendritic cells cross-presentation and defective CD8+ T cell response in Il17a−/− mice. Our findings indicate an important role of infection-inducible IL-17A–producing γδT cells and their derived IL-17A against intracellular bacterial infection, providing a mechanism of IL-17A for regulation of innate and adaptive immunity.
Collectin 11 (CL-11, CL-K1) Is a MASP-1/3–Associated Plasma Collectin with Microbial-Binding Activity
Authors: Hansen Soren , Selman Lana , Palaniyar Nades , Ziegler Karel , Brandt Jette , Kliem Anette , Jonasson Maiken , Skjoedt Mikkel-Ole , Nielsen Ole , Hartshorn Kevan , Jørgensen Thomas J. D. , Skjødt Karsten , Holmskov Uffe 
Published: October 2010

Abstract
Collectins play important roles in the innate immune defense against microorganisms. Recently, a new collectin, collectin 11 (CL-11 or CL-K1), was identified via database searches. In present work, we characterize the structural and functional properties of CL-11. Under nonreducing conditions, in gel permeation chromatography recombinant CL-11 forms disulfide-linked oligomers of 100 and 200 kDa. A mAb-based ELISA estimates the concentration of CL-11 in plasma to be 2.1 μg/ml, and the presence of CL-11 in plasma was further verified by Western blotting and mass spectrometry. Mannan-binding lectin-associated serine protease 1 (MASP-1) copurified with CL-11 and the interaction in plasma with MASP-1 and/or MASP-3 was further demonstrated using ELISA. We identified the adrenal glands, the kidneys, and the liver as primary sites of expression. CL-11 lectin activity was demonstrated by ELISA and showed that CL-11 has preference for l-fucose and d-mannose. We finally show that CL-11 binds to intact bacteria, fungi, and viruses and that CL-11 decreases influenza A virus infectivity and forms complexes with DNA. On the basis of the significant concentration of CL-11 in circulation and CL-11’s interaction with various microorganisms and MASP-1 and/or MASP-3, it is conceivable that CL-11 plays a role in activation of the complement system and in the defense against invading microorganisms.
Metastatic Melanoma to Thyroid: A Case Report and Institutional Review
Authors: Randolph Gregory W , Lubitz Carrie C , Faquin William C , Gaz Randall D , Sareh Parangi , Hodin Richard A , Stephen Antonia E 
Published: October 2010

Abstract

Objective
To report a case of melanoma metastatic to the thyroid gland and to review our experience with secondary neoplasms of the thyroid.

Methods
We depict the presentation and treatment of the patient, illustrating pathologic and radiologic findings. All patients with pathologic confirmation of metastatic tumors of the thyroid undergoing thyroidectomy at the Massachusetts General Hospital were reviewed (1995- 2008).

Results
A 59-year-old male presented with malignant melanoma of the scalp. Two months following his melanoma excision and lymphadenectomy, he underwent a hemi-thyroidectomy for fine-needle aspirate positive solitary metastasis. He initially did well, but on follow-up was noted to have diffuse metastases and expired from his disease eight months following initial diagnosis. Institutional review revealed 13 additional patients with pathologically confirmed secondary thyroid tumors.

Conclusions
FNA remains an indispensable diagnostic tool. Palliation from local compressive symptoms is an indication for surgery and long-term survival is seen in some patients undergoing resection of isolated metastases.
Screening for Ovarian Cancer: The Possible Improvement by 3D Ultrasound and 3D Power Doppler
Authors: Prka Matija , Honemeyer Ulrich 
Published: October 2010

AbstractIn developed countries more women die annually from ovarian cancer than from all other gynecologic malignancies combined. The fact that the ovaries are deep within the pelvic cavity and difficult to palpate is an obstacle to early diagnosis, especially in peri-post menopausal women, the group with the highest incidence of the disease. Seventy percent of patients are not diagnosed with the disease until the cancer has metastasized beyond the ovaries and is at stage 3 or 4. Patients with stage 3 or 4 have a 5-year survival rate of only 20-30%. Given the burden of suffering associated with ovarian cancer and the clear survival gradient related to the stage of disease at diagnosis, there is great need for development of effective screening methods for early detection of epithelial ovarian cancer. Better understanding of ovarian cancer etiology and increasing knowledge of tumor biology have both contributed to identify efficient Serum Tumor Markers, to screen high-risk populations. Technical advances in the field of ultrasound made transvaginal sonography (TVS) become the most important diagnostic tool, and multimodal (Serum markers plus TVS) screening appears to be a diagnostic break-through in fighting ovarian cancer. Five case reports illustrate that new ultrasound technologies such as 3D volume acquisition and 3D power Doppler imaging promise more reliable identification of an abnormal ovarian tumor vascularity and tumor-typical vascular architecture, thus facilitating early stage 1 – detection of the disease.
The Silent Sinus Syndrome: A Clinical Review
Authors: Choudhury Natasha , Marais Joe 
Published: October 2010

Abstract
Silent sinus syndrome (SSS) is a rare and interesting clinical condition that is associated with spontaneous, painless, unilateral enophthalmos and hypoglobus resulting from downward bowing of the orbital floor, in the absence of any symptomatic sinonasal disease.
It generally affects younger patients between the third and fifth decades of life.
The pathogenesis of silent sinus syndrome is based on chronic maxillary sinus obstruction, related to occlusion of the maxillary infundibulum which results in a hypoventilated sinus and negative pressures. Endoscopic sinus surgery to create a wide maxillary antrostomy with or without orbital floor reconstruction is considered the gold standard treatment of choice.
Self‐healing Fibers: Autonomic Recovery of Fiber/Matrix Interfacial Bond Strength in a Model Composite (Adv. Funct. Mater. 20/2010)
Authors: Blaiszik Benjamin J. , Baginska Marta , White Scott R. , Sottos Nancy R. 
Published: October 2010

AbstractAutonomic self‐healing of interfacial damage in a model single‐fiber composite is achieved through sequestration of ca. 1.5 μm diameter dicyclopentadiene (DCPD) healing‐agent‐filled capsules and recrystallized Grubbs’ catalyst to the fiber/matrix interface. When damage initiates at the fiber/matrix interface, the capsules on the fiber surface rupture, and healing agent is released into the crack plane where it contacts the catalyst, initiating polymerization. A protocol for characterizing the efficiency of interfacial healing for the single‐fiber system is established. Interfacial shear strength (IFSS), a measure of the bond strength between the fiber and matrix, is evaluated for microbond specimens consisting of a single self‐healing functionalized fiber embedded in a microdroplet of epoxy. The initial (virgin) IFSS is equivalent or enhanced by the addition of capsules and catalyst to the interface and up to 44% average recovery of IFSS is achieved in self‐healing samples after full interfacial debonding. Examination of the fracture interfaces by scanning electron microscopy reveals further evidence of a polyDCPD film in self‐healing samples. Recovery of IFSS is dictated by the bond strength of polyDCPD to the surrounding epoxy matrix.
Solar Cells: Performance Optimization of Polymer Solar Cells Using Electrostatically Sprayed Photoactive Layers (Adv. Funct. Mater. 20/2010)
Authors: Kim Joon‐Sung , Chung Won‐Suk , Kim Kyungkon , Kim Dong Young , Paeng Ki‐Jung , Jo Seong Mu , Jang Sung‐Yeon 
Published: October 2010

AbstractPolymer solar cells (PSCs) are fabricated using a novel film deposition method, the electrostatic spray (e‐spray) technique. Stable atomization and uniform deposition of the polymer blend by e‐spray are achieved by manipulating the solution concentration, the solvent composition, and the electric field. The performance of PSCs is primarily influenced by the inherent film morphology of the e‐sprayed polymer‐blend active layers, which is significantly different from that of the conventional films that are formed using the spin‐coating (SC) method. The intrinsically formed interfacial boundaries between the e‐sprayed blend pancakes resist charge transport, which unfavorably influences device efficiency. The internal series resistance (RS) of the PSCs that are formed using the e‐spray method (e‐spray‐PSC) is significantly reduced by a solvent vapor soaking (SVS) treatment in addition to the conventional thermodynamic nanomorphology controls. The detailed relationship between the morphologies (film morphology and internal nanomorphology) and the RS is revealed using impedance spectroscopy. The performance of the e‐spray‐PSCs is comparable to those of the PSCs that are fabricated using the SC method under identical conditions. Therefore, the e‐spray method can be used to fabricate ultralow‐cost PSCs, because of the performance results combined with the intrinsic advantages that the e‐spray method is simple and has a low materials loss.
Optimization of free fatty acids reduction in Calophyllum inophyllum (pinnai) oil using modified zirconia catalyst for biodiesel production
Authors: Sathyaselvabala Vasanthakumar , Thiruvengadaravi Kadathur Varathachary , Sudhakar Muniswami , Selvaraj Dinesh Kirupha , Sivanesan Subramanian 
Published: October 2010

AbstractA two‐step process was developed to produce biodiesel from Calophyllum inophyllum oil with high free fatty acids (FFAs), which is abundant in coastal areas of India. In the first step, esterification was carried out using modified zirconia catalyst, and in the second step; transesterification was carried out using conventional alkali catalyst, KOH. Modified zirconia was a synthesized catalyst and was characterized by NH3 TPD, XRD, SEM, and FTIR analyses. Catalytic activity was checked with FFA esterification reaction. In the first step, the acid value was reduced from 44 to 2 mg KOH/g of oil. The esterification process parameters were optimized using the response surface methodology (RSM). A kinetic study demonstrated that the esterification reaction followed pseudo first‐order kinetics. Thermodynamic studies on the esterification reaction were carried out based on the Arrhenius model. In this study, we showed that sulfated zirconia is an efficient alternate to the homogenous acid catalyst for esterification of FFA in pinnai oil. The impregnated sulfate ion increases the acidity and hydrophobic character of zirconia, which in turn increases the esterification of FFAs. Copyright © 2010 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Monitoring serum chondroitin sulfate levels in patients submitted to coronary artery bypass surgery
Authors: Karangelis D. , Asimakopoulou A. , Kanakis I. , Tagarakis G. I. , Koufakis T. , Triposkiadis F. , Tsilimingas N. , Karamanos N. K. 
Published: October 2010

AbstractGlycosaminoglycans (GAGs) are functionally important molecules of the arterial wall and play a crucial role in atherogenesis. Chondroitin sulfate/dermatan sulfate proteoglycans (CS/DSPGs) participate in several biological events through their GAG chains, and are also involved in the development of atherosclerosis. The aim of this study was to compare the pre‐ and post‐operative levels of CS in serum of patients after coronary artery bypass graft surgery using a highly sensitive reversed‐polarity capillary electrophoresis method and to investigate the correlation of CS with common biochemical lipid markers. It was found that CS values were significantly higher for all patients post‐operatively and, furthermore, CS levels were statistically correlated to apolipoprotein A and B levels. Notably, the pre‐operational lipid profile of the patient may be indicative of the values of 4‐sulfated CS post‐operationally. Furthermore, the obtained results highlight the clinical significance of CS levels in serum, since they may provide complementary information for the latent inflammatory state of the patient. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Entrapment of Heteropolyacids in Metallic Silver Matrices: Unique Heterogenized Acid Catalysts
Authors: Krackl Sebastian , Company Anna , Aksu Yilmaz , Avnir David , Driess Matthias 
Published: October 2010

AbstractThe general method of doping metals with organic, bio‐organic, and polymeric dopants is extended to inorganic dopants. Specifically, the heteropolyacids H3[P(M3O10)4] (PMA; M=Mo, W) were successfully entrapped within a metallic silver matrix. The obtained PMA@Ag composites were fully characterized by PXRD, surface area, SEM, TEM and EDX measurements, showing a homogenous distribution of the catalyst in the support. The new composite materials are successfully applied in the catalytic alkylation of arenes, as demonstrated by the successful adamantylation of toluene or anisole with 1‐bromoadamantane. Furthermore, this reaction is applied with the less reactive 1‐chloroadamantane in both the supported and unsupported case. PMoA, which easily decomposes under the applied reaction conditions, is protected by entrapment and shows increased activity when supported in the silver matrix. In the same reaction, the entrapped PWA shows a drastically increased reaction rate compared to the free acid, which further confirms the positive synergistic effects of the entrapment process. Both heterogenized catalysts are successfully recycled and reused, but the reaction time steadily increases in successive cycles due to agglomeration of the catalyst, which results in a lower accessibility of the dopant. Moreover, the alkylation can be extended to other alkyl chloride substrates, as demonstrated for tert‐butyl chloride.
Target selection of proprioceptive and motor axon synapses on neonatal V1‐derived Ia inhibitory interneurons and Renshaw cells
Authors: Siembab Valerie C. , Smith Courtney A. , Zagoraiou Laskaro , Berrocal Maria C. , Mentis George Z. , Alvarez Francisco J. 
Published: October 2010

AbstractThe diversity of premotor interneurons in the mammalian spinal cord is generated from a few phylogenetically conserved embryonic classes of interneurons (V0, V1, V2, V3). Their mechanisms of diversification remain unresolved, although these are clearly important to understand motor circuit assembly in the spinal cord. Some Ia inhibitory interneurons (IaINs) and all Renshaw cells (RCs) derive from embryonic V1 interneurons; however, in adult they display distinct functional properties and synaptic inputs, for example proprioceptive inputs preferentially target IaINs, while motor axons target RCs. Previously, we found that both inputs converge on RCs in neonates, raising the possibility that proprioceptive (VGLUT1‐positive) and motor axon synapses (VAChT‐positive) initially target several different V1 interneurons populations and then become selected or deselected postnatally. Alternatively, specific inputs might precisely connect only with predefined groups of V1 interneurons. To test these hypotheses we analyzed synaptic development on V1‐derived IaINs and compared them to RCs of the same age and spinal cord levels. V1‐interneurons were labeled using genetically encoded lineage markers in mice. The results show that although neonatal V1‐derived IaINs and RCs are competent to receive proprioceptive synapses, these synapses preferentially target the proximal somato‐dendritic regions of IaINs and postnatally proliferate on IaINs, but not on RCs. In contrast, cholinergic synapses on RCs are specifically derived from motor axons, while on IaINs they originate from Pitx2 V0c interneurons. Thus, motor, proprioceptive, and even some interneuron inputs are biased toward specific subtypes of V1‐interneurons. Postnatal strengthening of these inputs is later superimposed on this initial preferential targeting. J. Comp. Neurol. 518:4675–4701, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Muscle Spindles: Their Messages and Their Fusimotor Supply
Authors: Matthews Peter B. C. 
Published: October 2010

AbstractThe sections in this article are:Tendon OrgansStructure of Muscle SpindlesClassic ViewRecognition of Motor DualitySubdivision of Nuclear‐Bag FibersFunctional Properties of Primary and Secondary Spindle Afferent EndingsDifferent Responses to Various StimuliMode of Summation of Signal ComponentsAmplitude NonlinearityLinear Responses to Sinusoidal StretchingAssessmentPossible Intermediate EndingsMotor Supply to Muscle SpindleGamma Motor AxonsDelimitation of Static and Dynamic Fusimotor AxonsIntrafusal Destination of Static and Dynamic AxonsProperties of Intrafusal Muscle FibersBeta or Skeletofusimotor AxonsPossible Functional Roles for the Fusimotor SystemMaintenance of SensitivityCentral Regulation of Spindle Sensitivity (Parameter Control)Fusimotor Biasing and Suggested Role as Servo InputAssessmentSummaryStructureFunctional Differences Between Primary and Secondary EndingsStatic and Dynamic Fusimotor AxonsPossible Functional Roles for the Fusimotor System