bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Carbon Monoxide Suppresses Membrane Expression of TLR4 via Myeloid Differentiation Factor-2 in βTC3 Cells
Authors: Rocuts Fredy , Ma Yinghua , Zhang Xinyu , Gao Wenda , Yue Yinan , Vartanian Timothy , Wang Hongjun 
Published: July 2010

Abstract
Islet allografts from donor mice exposed to CO are protected from immune rejection after transplantation via the suppression of membrane trafficking/activation of TLR4 in islets/β cells. The molecular mechanisms of how CO suppresses TLR4 activation in β cells remain unclear and are the focus of this study. Cells of the insulinoma cell line, βTC3, were stably transfected with pcDNA3-TLR4-YFP and pDsRed-Monomer-Golgi plasmids and used to identify the subcellular distribution of TLR4 before and after LPS stimulation by confocal microscopy. Immunofluorescence analysis revealed that TLR4 mainly resides in the Golgi apparatus in βTC3 cells when in a quiescent state. LPS stimulation led to a rapid trafficking of TLR4 from the Golgi to the cell membrane. Physical interaction between TLR4 and myeloid differentiation factor-2 (MD-2) was confirmed by immunoprecipitation. Depleting MD-2 using small interfering RNA or blocking the N-glycosylation of cells using tunicamycin blocked membrane trafficking of TLR4. Pre-exposing cells to CO at a concentration of 250 parts per million suppressed membrane trafficking of TLR4 via inhibiting its glycosylation and the interaction between TLR4 and MD-2. In conclusion, MD-2 is required for the glycosylation of TLR4 and its consequent membrane trafficking in βTC3 cells. CO suppresses membrane activation of TLR4 via blocking its glycosylation and the physical interaction between TLR4 and MD-2.
Lectin-Like Oxidized Low-Density Lipoprotein Receptor-1 Delivers Heat Shock Protein 60-Fused Antigen into the MHC Class I Presentation Pathway
Authors: Xie Jianhui , Zhu Haiyan , Guo Liang , Ruan Yuanyuan , Wang Lan , Sun Lingling , Zhou Lei , Wu Weibin , Yun Xiaojing , Shen Aiguo , Gu Jianxin 
Published: July 2010

Abstract
Heat shock protein (Hsp) 60 elicits a potent proinflammatory response in the innate immune system and has been proposed as a danger signal of stressed or damaged cells to the immune system. Previous studies reported CD14, TLR2, and TLR4 as mediators of signaling but probably not of binding. Although the receptor for Hsp60 was proposed to be saturable and specific on macrophages, it is not well defined. In the current study, we found that lectin-like oxidized low-density lipoprotein receptor-1 (LOX-1), as a receptor for Hsp60, could bind and internalize Hsp60 via the C terminus of Hsp60. Yeast two-hybrid assay revealed that the second β-sheet containing the long-loop region of LOX-1 played an important role in this interaction. Furthermore, LOX-1 might be engaged as a common receptor for different Hsp60 species. Bone marrow-derived dendritic cells could cross-present Hsp60-fused OVA Ag on MHC class I molecules via LOX-1. Inhibition of the recognition of Hsp60 by LOX-1 decreases Hsp60-mediated cross-presentation of OVA and specific CTL response and protective tumor immunity in vivo. Taken together, these results demonstrate that LOX-1 functions as a receptor for Hsp60 and is involved in the delivery of Hsp60-fused Ag into the MHC class I presentation pathway.
Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling 3 Inhibits Antiviral IFN-β Signaling To Enhance HIV-1 Replication in Macrophages
Authors: Akhtar Lisa Nowoslawski , Qin Hongwei , Muldowney Michelle T. , Yanagisawa Lora L. , Kutsch Olaf , Clements Janice E. , Benveniste Etty N. 
Published: July 2010

AbstractHIV-1 replication within macrophages of the CNS often results in cognitive and motor impairment, which is known as HIV-associated dementia (HAD) in its most severe form. IFN-β suppresses viral replication within these cells during early CNS infection, but the effect is transient. HIV-1 eventually overcomes this protective innate immune response to resume replication through an unknown mechanism, initiating the progression toward HAD. In this article, we show that Suppressor of Cytokine Signaling (SOCS)3, a molecular inhibitor of IFN signaling, may allow HIV-1 to evade innate immunity within the CNS. We found that SOCS3 is elevated in an in vivo SIV/macaque model of HAD and that the pattern of expression correlates with recurrence of viral replication and onset of CNS disease. In vitro, the HIV-1 regulatory protein transactivator of transcription induces SOCS3 in human and murine macrophages in a NF-κB–dependent manner. SOCS3 expression attenuates the response of macrophages to IFN-β at proximal levels of pathway activation and downstream antiviral gene expression and consequently overcomes the inhibitory effect of IFN-β on HIV-1 replication. These studies indicate that SOCS3 expression, induced by stimuli present in the HIV-1–infected brain, such as transactivator of transcription, inhibits antiviral IFN-β signaling to enhance HIV-1 replication in macrophages. This consequence of SOCS3 expression in vitro, supported by a correlation with increased viral load and onset of CNS disease in vivo, suggests that SOCS3 may allow HIV-1 to evade the protective innate immune response within the CNS, allowing the recurrence of viral replication and, ultimately, promoting progression toward HAD.
TLR4 Activation Is Required for IL-17–Induced Multiple Tissue Inflammation and Wasting in Mice
Authors: Tang Haiqing , Pang Shanshan , Wang Min , Xiao Xiuying , Rong Yefei , Wang Hui , Zang Ying Qin 
Published: July 2010

Abstract
IL-17 is a recently identified proinflammatory cytokine that plays pivotal roles in several chronic inflammatory disease models. Its expression was also found to be elevated in the serum of patients with chronic diseases. However, whether elevated systemic IL-17 expression can induce pathophysiological tissue inflammation is unknown. In this study, we demonstrated that systemic overexpression of IL-17 using an adenoviral vector could induce multiple tissue inflammation and wasting in mice. We also found that the expression of TLR4 was increased in tissues of IL-17–overexpressing mice. Moreover, TLR4 activation is required for IL-17–induced tissue inflammation and wasting, as evidenced by the absence of aggressive atrophy in gastrocnemius muscle, neutrophil accumulation, and expression of proinflammatory cytokines downstream of TLR4 in multiple tissues of TLR4-deficient mice. Further investigation revealed that TLR4 endogenous ligands high-mobility group box 1 and heat shock protein 22, were systemically upregulated and might be involved in the IL-17–induced TLR4 activation. Our results suggest that IL-17 may induce disease-associated tissue inflammation and wasting through TLR4 signaling. The study indicates a novel interaction between IL-17 and TLR4 activation and may have implications in the pathogenesis and treatment of chronic diseases.
Essential Role for IL-27 Receptor Signaling in Prevention of Th1-Mediated Immunopathology during Malaria Infection
Authors: Findlay Emily Gwyer , Greig Rachel , Stumhofer Jason S. , Hafalla Julius C. R. , de Souza J. Brian , Saris Christiaan J. , Hunter Christopher A. , Riley Eleanor M. , Couper Kevin N. 
Published: July 2010

Abstract
Successful resolution of malaria infection requires induction of proinflammatory immune responses that facilitate parasite clearance; however, failure to regulate this inflammation leads to immune-mediated pathology. The pathways that maintain this immunological balance during malaria infection remain poorly defined. In this study, we demonstrate that IL-27R–deficient (WSX-1−/−) mice are highly susceptible to Plasmodium berghei NK65 infection, developing exacerbated Th1-mediated immune responses, which, despite highly efficient parasite clearance, lead directly to severe liver pathology. Depletion of CD4+ T cells—but not CD8+ T cells—prevented liver pathology in infected WSX-1−/− mice. Although WSX-1 signaling was required for optimal IL-10 production by CD4+ T cells, administration of rIL-10 failed to ameliorate liver damage in WSX-1−/− mice, indicating that additional, IL-10–independent, protective pathways are modulated by IL-27R signaling during malaria infection. These data are the first to demonstrate the essential role of IL-27R signaling in regulating effector T cell function during malaria infection and reveal a novel pathway that might be amenable to manipulation by drugs or vaccines.
Utilizing an Electronic Health Record System to Improve Vaccination Coverage in Children
Authors: Oster A. , Yeh G. H. , Magno J. , Paek H. M. , Au L. 
Published: July 2010

Summary
Background: Electronic Health Records (EHR) are widely believed to improve quality of care and effectiveness of service delivery. Use of EHR to improve childhood immunization rates has not been fully explored in an ambulatory setting.
Objective: To describe a pediatric practice’s use of Electronic Health Records (EHR) in improving childhood immunization.
Methods: A multi-faceted EHR-based quality improvement initiative used electronic templates with pre-loaded immunization records, automatic diagnosis coding, and EHR alerts of missing or delayed vaccinations. An electronic patient tracking system was created to identify patients with missing vaccines. Barcode scanning technology was introduced to aid speed and accuracy of documentation of administered vaccines. Electronic reporting to a local health department immunization registry facilitated ordering of vaccines.
Results: Immunization completion rates captured in monthly patient reports showed a rise in the percentage of children receiving the recommended series of vaccination (65% to 76%) (p<0.000). Bar-code technology reduced the time of immunization documentation (86 seconds to 26 seconds) (p<0.000). Use of barcode scanning showed increased accuracy of documentation of vaccine lot numbers (from 95% to 100%) (p<0.000).
Conclusion: EHR-based quality improvement interventions were successfully implemented at a community health center. EHR systems have versatility in their ability to track patients in need of vaccines, identify patients who are delayed, facilitate ordering and coding of multiple vaccines and promote interdisciplinary communication among personnel involved in the vaccination process. EHR systems can be used to improve childhood vaccination rates.
Modeling NBR‐ layered silicate nanocomposites: A DoE approach
Authors: Balachandran Meera , Stanly Lisha P , Mulaleekrishnan R. , Bhagawan S.S. 
Published: July 2010

AbstractThe mechanical behavior of acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) – organo modified layered silicate was modeled using Design of Experiments (DoE). Response surface methodology (RSM), a DoE tool was used to optimize the formulations for optimal performance of the nanocomposites. A Box‐Behnken design with three factors and three levels was used to model the relationship between mechanical properties and levels of ingredients. The factors studied for the design are silica content, nanoclay loading and vulcanization system. The nanocomposites were evaluated for tensile strength, modulus, elongation at break and hardness. The effect of heat aging on mechanical properties was also studied. The predicted properties of the nanocomposites are in good agreement with the experimental results, which confirmed the prognostic ability of response surface methodology. The model equations were used to generate response surfaces and contour plots to study the interaction between the variables. The contour plots were overlaid within the applied constraints to identify the required combination of variables that gives the optimum performance for the nanocomposites. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Surface activity and micellar behavior of dimethylamino‐ and trimethylammonium‐ tipped oxyethylene–oxybutylene diblock copolymers in aqueous media
Authors: Khan Abbas , Siddiq Mohammad 
Published: July 2010

AbstractSurface activity and micellar behavior in aqueous media in the temperature range 20–50°C of the two block copolymers, Me2N(CH2)2OE39B18, (DE40B18) and I−Me3N+(CH2)2OE39B18, (TE40B18) in the premicellar and postmicellar regions have been studied by surface tensiometry, viscometry, and densitometry. Where E represents an oxyethylene unit while B an oxybutylene unit. Various fundamental parameters such as, surface excess concentrations (Γm), area per molecule (a) at air/water interface and standard Gibbs free energy for adsorption, ΔG have been investigated for the premicellar region at several temperatures. The thermodynamic parameters of micellization such as, critical micelle concentrations, CMC, enthalpy of micellization, ΔH, standard free energy of micellization ΔG, and entropy of micellization ΔS have also been calculated from surface tension measurements. Dilute solution viscosities have been used to estimate the intrinsic viscosities, solute‐solvent interaction parameter and hydration of micelle. Partial specific volume and density of the micelle were obtained from the density measurements at various temperatures. The effect of modifying the end group of the hydrophilic block was investigated by comparing the behavior of trimethylammonium‐ and dimethylamino‐tipped copolymers, designated TE40B18, and DE40B18, respectively. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Preparation of ultra‐high‐molecular‐weight polyethylene and its morphological study with a heterogeneous Ziegler–Natta catalyst
Authors: Zohuri G. H. , Askari M. , Ahmadjo S. , Damavandi S. , Eftekhar M. , Bonakdar M. A. 
Published: July 2010

AbstractUltra‐high‐molecular‐weight polyethylene (PE) with viscosity‐average molecular weight (Mv) of 3.1 × 106 to 5.2 × 106 was prepared with a heterogeneous Ziegler–Natta MgCl2 (ethoxide type)/TiCl4/triethylaluminum catalyst system under controlled conditions. The optimum activity of the catalyst was obtained at a [Al]/[Ti] molar ratio of 61 : 1 and a polymerization temperature of 60°C, whereas the activity of the catalyst increased with monomer pressure and decreased with hydrogen concentration. The titanium content of the catalyst was 2.4 wt %. The rate/time profile of the catalyst was a decay type with a short acceleration period. Mv of the PE obtained decreased with increasing hydrogen concentration and polymerization temperature. The effect of stirrer speeds from 100 to 400 rpm did not so much affect the catalyst activity; however, dramatic effects were observed on the morphology of the polymer particles obtained. A stirrer speed of 200 rpm produced PE with a uniform globulelike morphological growth on the polymer particles. The particle size distributions of the polymer samples were determined and were between 14 and 67 μm. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Effect of EVA as compatibilizer on the mechanical properties, permeability characteristics, lamellae orientation, and long period of blown films of HDPE/clay nanocomposites
Authors: Marini Juliano , Branciforti Márcia Cristina , Alves Rosa Maria Vercelino , Bretas Rosario Elida Suman 
Published: July 2010

AbstractTwo ethylene‐vinyl acetate (EVA) resins with 19% (EVA19) and 28% (EVA28) of vinyl groups were used as compatibilizers for nanocomposites of high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) and nanoclays. Two nanoclays were also used, one with a nonpolar surfactant (C15A) and another with a polar surfactant (C30B). The HDPE/EVA19/C15A formed an intercalated structure, while the HDPE/EVA28/C30B had surfactant loss. Blown films of these compositions were produced. A two‐phase morphology made of HDPE and EVA/nanoclay particles was observed, which was responsible for the increase in water vapor and oxygen permeability rates of the films. The elastic modulus E along the transverse direction of the films was higher than along the machine direction due to preserved orientation given by the spiral die; the lamellae orientation was measured by small‐angle X‐rays diffraction. The highest E was observed in the HDPE/EVA19/C15A film due to stronger interactions. The long period of the HDPE lamellas was not affected by the presence of the EVA and nanoclay. A model was proposed to explain the improvement in elastic modulus due to the processing conditions and components' interactions. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Preparation and characterization of ABS/HIPS heterogeneous anion exchange membrane filled with activated carbon
Authors: Hosseini S. M. , Madaeni S. S. , Khodabakhshi A. R. 
Published: July 2010

AbstractAcrylonitrile‐butadiene‐styrene (ABS)/high impact polystyrene (HIPS) blend heterogeneous anion exchange membranes were prepared by phase inversion method using tetrahydrofuran as solvent and anion exchange resin powder as functional group agent. Activated carbon was selected as inorganic filler additive. The additive concentration effect on properties of the prepared membranes was studied. Ultrasonic method was used to help appropriate dispersion of particles in the membrane's matrix. Scanning optical microscopy showed that sonication has a significant influence on distribution of resin particles in the membrane matrix and makes it possible to form more uniform phase. Moreover, images showed a relatively uniform surface for membranes. The increase of activated carbon concentration in casting solution led to a decline in membrane water content. The ion exchange capacity, membrane potential, permselectivity, transport number, ion permeability, ionic flux, and current efficiency of prepared membranes all were increased initially by the increase in additive concentration up to 1% wt and then they showed decrease trend with higher increase in additive concentration from 1 to 4% wt. Conversely, the electrical resistance and energy consumption showed opposite trends. In addition, with more additive loading, the oxidative stability of membranes was slightly decreased and their thermal stability was increased. Membrane with 1% wt additive loading exhibited higher efficiency and electrochemical properties in comparison with other prepared membranes in this research. Furthermore, prepared membranes exhibited suitable electrochemical properties compared to a commercial heterogeneous anion exchange membrane with the same experimental conditions. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Synthesis and thermal behavior of polymeric precursors for SiBCN ceramic
Authors: Dong Shaohua , Zhao Tong , Xu Caihong 
Published: July 2010

AbstractPolyborosilazanes (PBSZs) were synthesized by co‐ammonolysis of 2,4,6‐trichloroborazine and dichloromethylsilane and used as precursors for SiBCN ceramics. The pyrolyzed products were characterized with Fourier transform infrared, X‐ray photoeletron spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X‐ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results indicated the content of B or Si plays an important role in controlling the high temperature behavior of the precursors. The resistance of the ceramics, which were obtained from pyrolysis of PBSZs at 1500°C, toward oxidative attack up to 1000°C was also investigated by TGA and SEM/EDX. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Development of novel polymeric materials for agroprocess intensification
Authors: Burke D. R. , Akay G. , Bilsborrow P. E. 
Published: July 2010

AbstractThe potential uses of hydrophilic nanostructured microporous polymers (PolyHIPE polymers) in agriculture were investigated with rye grass as a model plant. The basic material was crosslinked styrene–divinyl benzene polymer with a 90 vol % porosity. They were microwave‐sulfonated to obtain hydrophilic polymers with water adsorption capacities of 10‐fold and 18‐fold with nominal pore sizes of 20 and 150 μm, respectively. The small‐pore‐size PolyHIPE polymer was rigid, whereas the large‐pore‐size polymer was spongy and adsorbed water rapidly. When this spongy polymer was used as a soil additive at 0.5 wt % with increasing water stress (normal, semiarid, and arid conditions), the dry biomass yield increased by about 30, 140, and 300%, respectively, after 21 days of cultivation compared with the control, which contained no sulfonated spongy PolyHIPE polymer. The rigid sulfonated PolyHIPE polymer did not show any statistically significant effect on the biomass yield. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Synthesis, characterization, thermal and optical properties of soluble polyimides derived from an unsymmetrical diamine
Authors: Ghaemy Mousa , Alizadeh Raouf , Hashemi Nasr Farzaneh 
Published: July 2010

AbstractA new unsymmetrical diamine monomer, 2,4‐diaminophenyl [4′‐(2′′,6′′‐diphenyl‐4′′‐pyridyl)phenyl]ether, was successfully synthesized by nucleophilic substitution of 1‐chloro‐2,4‐dinitrobenzene with 4‐(2′,6′‐diphenyl‐4′‐pyridyl) phenol. The diamine monomer was characterized by FTIR, 1H and 13C NMR, and elemental analysis techniques and used for the preparation of novel polyimides (PIs) by reaction with commercially available tetracarboxylic dianhydrides such as pyromellitic dianhydride, 3,3′,4,4′‐benzophenone tetracarboxylic dianhydride, and bicyclo[2.2.2]‐oct‐7‐ene‐2,3,5,6‐tetracarboxylic dianhydride. These PIs with inherent viscosities ranged from 0.43 to 0.48 dL/g were readily soluble in many organic solvents and afforded tough and flexible films by solution casting. These polymers exhibited Tgs between 237 and 294°C, and 10% weight loss temperatures in excess of 500°C with up to 56% char yield at 600°C in air. Their maximum fluorescence emission in dilute (0.2 g/dL) NMP solution appeared at 450 nm. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
In vitro degradability and stability of hydrophobically modified pH‐sensitive micelles using MPEG‐grafted poly(β‐amino ester) for efficient encapsulation of paclitaxel
Authors: Kim Min Sang , Lee Doo Sung 
Published: July 2010

AbstractMethoxypoly(ethylene glycol)‐grafted poly(β‐amino ester) was synthesized for the fabrication of pH‐sensitive micelles, and these micelles were modified with deoxycholic acid to facilitate the hydrophobic interaction between the micellar core and paclitaxel. The micelle properties were studied by dynamic light scattering and fluorescence spectrometry. An in vitro degradation study showed that the synthesized polymers degraded hydrolytically within 24 h under physiological conditions. The stability of paclitaxel‐loaded pH‐sensitive micelles was evaluated in vitro. The introduced deoxycholic acid more stabilized the micelles at pH 7.4 compared to the micelles without modification. But the pH‐sensitive region of the micelles was lowered from pH 6.8 to pH 5.8. These results indicate that pH‐sensitive micelles with improved stability have great potential as hydrophobic drug carriers for tumor targeting. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010
Effect of silica on viscosity, tack, and shear strength of epoxidized natural rubber‐based pressure‐sensitive adhesives in the presence of coumarone‐indene resin
Authors: Khan Imran , Poh B. T. 
Published: July 2010

AbstractThe viscosity, loop tack, and shear strength of silica‐filled epoxidized natural rubber (ENR 25 and ENR 50 grade) adhesive were investigated using coumarone‐indene as the tackifying resin. Silica loading was varied from 10–50 parts per hundred parts of rubber (phr), whereas the coumarone‐indene concentration was fixed at 40 phr. Toluene was used as the solvent throughout the study. Polyethylene terephthalate substrate was coated at various adhesive coating thicknesses, i.e., 30, 60, 90, and 120 μm using a SHEEN Hand Coater. Viscosity of the adhesive was determined by a HAAKE Rotary Viscometer whereas loop tack and shear strength were measured by a Llyod Adhesion Tester operating at 30 cm/min. Result shows that viscosity of the adhesive increases gradually with increase of silica loading due to the concentration effect of the filler. Both loop tack and shear strength show maximum value at 40 phr silica for ENR 25. However, the respective values for ENR 50 are 20 and 40 phr of filler. This observation is attributed to the maximum wettability and compatibility of adhesive on the substrate at the respective silica loadings. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010