bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Galectin-3 Exerts Cytokine-Like Regulatory Actions through the JAK–STAT Pathway
Authors: Jeon Sae-Bom , Yoon Hee Jung , Chang Chi Young , Koh Han Seok , Jeon Seong-Ho , Park Eun Jung 
Published: October 2010

Abstract
Galectin-3, a β-galactoside–binding lectin, has been proposed to have multifaceted functions in various pathophysiological conditions. However, the characteristics of galectin-3 and its molecular mechanisms of action are still largely unknown. In this study, we show that galectin-3 exerts cytokine-like regulatory actions in rat and mouse brain-resident immune cells. Both the expression of galectin-3 and its secretion into the extracellular compartment were significantly enhanced in glia under IFN-γ–stimulated, inflamed conditions. After exposure to galectin-3, glial cells produced high levels of proinflammatory mediators and exhibited activated properties. Notably, within minutes after exposure to galectin-3, JAK2 and STAT1, STAT3, and STAT5 showed considerable enhancement of tyrosine phosphorylation; thereafter, downstream events of STAT signaling were also significantly enhanced. Treatment of the cells with pharmacological inhibitors of JAK2 reduced the galectin-3–stimulated increases of inflammatory mediators. Using IFN-γ receptor 1–deficient mice, we further found that IFN-γR 1 might be required for galectin-3–dependent activation of the JAK–STAT cascade. However, galectin-3 significantly induced phosphorylation of STATs in glial cells from IFN-γ–deficient mice, suggesting that IFN-γ does not mediate activation of STATs. Collectively, our findings suggest that galectin-3 acts as an endogenous danger signaling molecule under pathological conditions in the brain, providing a potential explanation for the molecular basis of galectin-3–associated pathological events.
Tripartite-Motif Protein 30 Negatively Regulates NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation by Modulating Reactive Oxygen Species Production
Authors: Hu Yu , Mao Kairui , Zeng Yan , Chen Shuzhen , Tao Zhiyun , Yang Chen , Sun Shuhui , Wu Xiaodong , Meng Guangxun , Sun Bing 
Published: November 2010

Abstract
The NLR family, pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome is critical for caspase-1 activation and the proteolytic processing of pro–IL-1β. However, the mechanism that regulates NLRP3 inflammasome activation remains unclear. In this paper, we demonstrate that tripartite-motif protein 30 (TRIM30) negatively regulates NLRP3 inflammasome activation. After stimulation with ATP, an agonist of the NLRP3 inflammasome, knockdown of TRIM30 enhanced caspase-1 activation and increased production of IL-1β in both J774 cells and bone marrow-derived macrophages. Similarly with ATP, knockdown of TRIM30 increased caspase-1 activation and IL-1β production triggered by other NLRP3 inflammasome agonists, including nigericin, monosodium urate, and silica. Production of reactive oxygen species was increased in TRIM30 knockdown cells, and its increase was required for enhanced NLRP3 inflammasome activation, because antioxidant treatment blocked excess IL-1β production. Conversely, overexpression of TRIM30 attenuated reactive oxygen species production and NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Finally, in a crystal-induced NLRP3 inflammasome-dependent peritonitis model, monosodium urate-induced neutrophil flux and IL-1β production was reduced significantly in TRIM30 transgenic mice as compared with that in their nontransgenic littermates. Taken together, our results indicate that TRIM30 is a negative regulator of NLRP3 inflammasome activation and provide insights into the role of TRIM30 in maintaining inflammatory responses.
Methyl Gallate Exhibits Potent Antitumor Activities by Inhibiting Tumor Infiltration of CD4+CD25+ Regulatory T Cells
Authors: Lee Heekyung , Lee Hyojung , Kwon Youngjoo , Lee Jun-Ho , Kim Jinju , Shin Min-Kyu , Kim Sung-Hoon , Bae Hyunsu 
Published: November 2010

Abstract
CD4+CD25+ regulatory T (Treg) cells play crucial roles in the host response to tumors. Increasing evidence supports the existence of elevated numbers of Treg cells in solid tumors and hematologic malignancies. In this study, the effects of methyl gallate on Treg cells were examined. Methyl gallate inhibited Treg cell-suppressive effects on effector CD4+ T cells and Treg migration toward tumor environment. The expression of Treg surface markers including CTLA-4, CCR4, CXCR4, and glucocorticoid-induced TNFR was significantly suppressed upon methyl gallate treatment. Furthermore, forkhead box P3 (Foxp3) expression was also significantly decreased by methyl gallate, suggesting that the suppressive effects of methyl gallate on Treg were medicated by decrease of Treg-specific transcription factor Foxp3. In tumor-bearing hosts, methyl gallate treatment substantially reduced tumor growth and prolonged the survival rate. In contrast, nu/nu mice did not show decreased tumor progression in response to methyl gallate. In addition, in tumor-bearing Treg-depleted mice, tumor growth and the survival rates were not changed by methyl gallate treatment, strongly suggesting that the main therapeutic target of methyl gallate in tumor suppression was related to modulation of the CD4+CD25+ Treg cell functions. In the spleen of tumor-bearing mice, methyl gallate treatment induced a significant decrease in the CD4+CD25+Foxp3high Treg cell population. Especially, the number of tumor-infiltrating CD25+Foxp3high Treg cells was significantly lower in methyl gallate-treated mice. These results suggest that methyl gallate can be used to reverse immune suppression and as a potentially useful adjunct for enhancing the efficacy of immune-based cancer therapy.
CD8+ T Cell Responses against TAP-Inhibited Cells Are Readily Detected in the Human Population
Authors: Lampen Margit H. , Verweij Marieke C. , Querido Bianca , van der Burg Sjoerd H. , Wiertz Emmanuel J. H. J. , van Hall Thorbald 
Published: October 2010

Abstract
Target cell recognition by CTLs depends on the presentation of peptides by HLA class I molecules. Tumors and herpes viruses have adopted strategies to greatly hamper this peptide presentation at the important bottleneck, the peptide transporter TAP. Previously, we described the existence of a CD8+ CTL subpopulation that selectively recognizes such TAP-deficient cells in mouse models. In this study, we show that the human counterpart of this CTL subset is readily detectable in healthy subjects. Autologous PBMC cultures were initiated with dendritic cells rendered TAP-impaired by gene transfer of the viral evasion molecule UL49.5. Strikingly, specific reactivity to B-LCLs expressing one of the other viral TAP-inhibitors (US6, ICP47, or BNLF2a) was already observed after three rounds of stimulation. These short-term T cell cultures and isolated CD8+ CTL clones derived thereof did not recognize the normal B-LCL, indicating that the cognate peptide-epitopes emerge at the cell surface upon an inhibition in the MHC class I processing pathway. A diverse set of TCRs was used by the clones, and the cellular reactivity was TCR-dependent and HLA class I-restricted, implying the involvement of a broad antigenic peptide repertoire. Our data indicate that the human CD8+ T cell pool comprises a diverse reactivity to target cells with impairments in the intracellular processing pathway, and these might be exploited for cancers that are associated with such defects and for infections with immune-evading herpes viruses.
Reduced Functional Avidity Promotes Central and Effector Memory CD4 T Cell Responses to Tumor-Associated Antigens
Authors: Caserta Stefano , Kleczkowska Joanna , Mondino Anna , Zamoyska Rose 
Published: November 2010

Abstract
The effect of TCR signals on the differentiation of memory T cells is poorly defined. Conventional wisdom suggests that high-avidity interactions are best for the selection of vaccine Ag candidates or T cell specificities for adoptive T cell therapy to stimulate robust responses. However, in conditions of Ag persistence, high-avidity clones might exhaust and fail to form long-lived protective memory. We have manipulated the functional avidity of CD4 T cells by reducing expression of Lck, a key kinase involved in TCR triggering. Using a mouse model, we followed tetramer-positive T cells responding to a tumor Ag expressed by an adenocarcinoma. We show that reducing the functional avidity increased effector–effector memory responses and improved the generation of self-renewing, recirculating, tumor Ag-specific memory phenotype CD4 T cells. Moreover, such cells together with wild type CD8 T cells were better able to control tumor growth. Mechanistically, reducing Lck prolonged IL-2 production and cell turnover in the central memory population while reducing expression of exhaustion markers in the face of chronic Ag. Our data indicate that, in situations of persistent Ag challenge, generating T cells with reduced functional avidity may elicit more effective immune responses.
Los deportes y la estructura visual de El Debate (1910-1936). El cambio a la maqueta horizontal
Authors: Núñez-Romero Olmo Francisco , Pérez Cuadrado Pedro , González Diez Laura 
Published: October 2010

Desde finales del siglo XIX, nuevos temas se abrieron paso en los diarios de información general españoles estimulados por las nuevas formas de hacer periodismo que posibilitaron las recientes tecnologías de la información aplicadas a la realización de periódicos. Uno de los temas que mejor acogida tuvo entre el público y que provocó nuevas formas de presentación en los periódicos fue el deporte, y uno de los primeros diarios de información general que le dedicó gran espacio y dedicación tipográfica y formal fue El Debate (Madrid, 1910-1936). Un análisis hemerográfico instrumental y estructural de todas las informaciones deportivas publicadas durante los 26 años de historia del diario desvela que El Debate fue agrupando las noticias sobre deportes en la misma página y que en 1922 comenzó a publicar una página semanal completa de información deportiva. Además, ya desde 1919 la utilización del titular de dos columnas de ancho para estas informaciones superó al de una columna. Tanto fue así, que las páginas deportivas de El Debate fueron pioneras en el periódico al provocar un abandono paulatino de la maqueta vertical para romper los corondeles con titulares y con imágenes, algo que fue una constante a partir de la década de 1920.
Knowledge and Attitudes of Women towards Multiple Embryo Transfer, Fetal Reduction and Multiple Pregnancy
Authors: Balasubramanyam Sathya 
Published: October 2010

ABSTRACTBackgroundMultiple pregnancy and preterm delivery are well-known complications of IVF/ICSI treatment. Fetal reduction is also performed in the cases of high order multiple pregnancy. There is increased impetus on transferring fewer embryos, preferably only one in younger women.Materials and Methods186 women, who conceived following IVF/ICSI treatment participated in a questionnaire study regarding their knowledge and attitudes towards multiple embryo transfer, fetal reduction and multiple pregnancyResultsA majority of women said that they were aware of the complications of multiple pregnancy (90%) and preterm delivery (85%). Nevertheless, none of them opted for a single embryo transfer. A positive pregnancy test was more important to most women than the outcome of that pregnancy (74%). Fetal reduction did not pose any moral concerns to most women (67%). Anxiety about the safety of the remaining twins persisted throughout pregnancy (73%). Having twin babies did not affect the quality of life of most women (74%).ConclusionIndian women were similar with their western counterparts in desiring multiple embryo transfer in order to maximize their chance of getting a positive pregnancy result. The negative impact of twin or higher order pregnancy appears to be disregarded by the women prior to getting pregnant. The confidence of the treating physician to offer single embryo transfer also appears to affect the patients’ choices.
Heterotopic Pregnancy in a Natural Conception
Authors: Baheti Sumeet N , Jayakrishnan K 
Published: October 2010

ABSTRACTHeterotopic pregnancy is rare in natural conception and most often presents as life threatening emergency like acute abdomen and hemorrhagic shock. In early unruptured stages, it presents nonspecifically, mimicking normal or abnormal pregnancy manifestations. A high index of suspicion and a definitive search for it even after confirming normal intrauterine gestation is needed. This little effort ensures a timely diagnosis and management thus preventing catastrophe. We hereby report a primigravida with unruptured heterotopic pregnancy following a natural conception, who presented as nonspecific abdominal pain. Transvaginal ultrasound was inconclusive. Emergency laparoscopy clinched the diagnosis and allowed conservative salpingostomy and continuation of intrauterine pregnancy.
Corrosion Behavior of Amorphous Co69Fe4.5Cr1.5Si10B15 Alloy
Authors: Kim H.-G. , Jang H. J. 
Published: October 2010

Abstract
The corrosion behavior of amorphous Co69Fe4.5Cr1.5Si10B15 alloy ribbon was investigated using potentiodynamic polarization tests in 0.001 M sulfuric acid (H2SO4) solution, 0.01 M ∼ 0.09 M sodium chloride (NaCl) solution, and solutions at pH levels from 3 to 13 made by mixing hydrochloric acid (HCl) and sodium hydroxide (NaOH). The corrosion potential decreased and the corrosion rate increased with an increase in solution temperature. The influence of solution temperature was more significant in H2SO4 solution than in NaCl solution. The amorphous Co69Fe4.5Cr1.5Si10B15 alloy ribbon showed passivity in solution with a pH higher than 7, and the corrosion rate was minimized at a pH of 9.
MFI Zeolite Syntheses on Interior Walls of Chrome‐nickel Steel Tube Reactors
Authors: Brehm A. , Reschke V. 
Published: November 2010

AbstractEs wurde eine Beschichtungsmethode entwickelt, die die trägergestützte Synthese von MFI‐Zeolithen auf der inneren Oberfläche von Stahlrohren ermöglicht. Neben der Variation des Synthesewegs, der Art und der Konzentration der Reaktanden wurde der Einfluss weiterer Parameter auf das Wachstum der ZSM‐5‐Krusten untersucht. Die Abscheidungscharakteristika zeolithischer Strukturen auf der Innenwand von Stahlrohren sind abhängig vom Syntheseweg und reagieren sensitiv auf die untersuchten Parameter. Dennoch konnten geeignete Möglichkeiten zur Steuerung der Schichtbildung erarbeitet werden.
5,11,17,23‐Tetrakis[(p‐carboxyphenyl)azo]‐25,26,27,28‐tetrahydroxy Calix[4]arene: Crystal Structure and pH Sensing Properties
Authors: Liu Leilei , Ren Zhigang , Li Hongxi , Shang Hai , Lang Jianping 
Published: November 2010

AbstractTreatment of 5,11,17,23‐tetrakis[(p‐carboxyphenyl)azo]‐25,26,27,28‐tetrahydroxy calix[4]arene (2) with HCl in DMF or NaOH in MeOH produced 5,11,17,23‐tetrakis[(p‐carboxyphenyl)azo]‐25,26,27,28‐tetrahydroxycalix[4]‐arene·4DMF (2·4DMF) and 5,11,17,23‐tetrakis[(p‐carboxyphenylsodium)azo]‐25,26,27,28‐tetrahydroxycalix[4]‐ arene (3), respectively, which were characterized by elemental analysis, IR, UV‐vis, 1H NMR and 13C NMR. An X‐ray analysis of 2·4DMF revealed that its calix[4]arene core adopts a flattened cone conformation in which opposed phenyl groups take parallel or sharply inclined positions. The intra‐ and intermolecular hydrogen‐bonding interactions and the π···π interactions form a 2D hydrogen‐bonded wavelike network. Compound 2 had a unique reversible color change in a wide pH range from 1 to 13.5 and showed interesting pH sensing properties.
Quantitative Analysis of Chromium(VI) in Dilute Solution by Using Adsorption and Diffuse Reflectance Near‐infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Shao Xueguang , Chen Nan , Cai Wensheng 
Published: November 2010

AbstractA method for quantitative determination of metal element in aqueous solution was developed by using adsorption and diffuse reflectance near‐infrared spectroscopy (DRNIRS). In this method, the analyte is firstly adsorbed onto the resin from the dilute solution, and then the adsorbed analyte is directly determined in the sorbent by using DRNIRS. Enrichment of the analyte is achieved by the adsorption from the dilute solution, and quantitative determination is accomplished by using multivariate calibration technique. Taking chromium(VI) in river water as the analytical target, adsorption conditions and the partial least squares (PLS) model was optimized. The results show that chromium(VI) can be immobilized onto the adsorbent and quantitatively measured by DRNIRS and multivariate calibration. With cross validation and external validation, the correlation coefficient between the reference and predicted concentration was found to be above 0.98 in the range of 0.75–29.90 mg·L−1 for the PLS model, and the interference of the coexisting matrix was eliminated with the aid of multivariate calibration.
Integrated impedance based hydro‐carbon gas sensors with Na‐zeolite/Cr2O3 thin‐film interfaces: From physical modeling to devices
Authors: Fischerauer Alice , Fischerauer Gerhard , Hagen Gunter , Moos Ralf 
Published: November 2010

AbstractThe impedance at temperatures of some hundred degree Celsius of sodium ion conducting zeolites applied on planar interdigital gold electrodes covered with a thin Cr2O3 film changes very sensitively and selectively when exposed to hydrocarbons. In contrast to comparable ammonia sensors, it was found that the sensing effect occurs at the electrodes, namely at the zeolite/Cr2O3 interface. To explain the sensor effect, impedance spectra are calculated with a model that considers the zeolite conductivity, the semiconducting properties of Cr2O3, and the zeolite/Cr2O3 interface characteristics. A differential equation to describe the time‐dependent current through zeolite and Cr2O3 is derived. The impedance spectra are then extracted from the complex amplitude of the first harmonic I1 in the Fourier series associated with this periodic current function. The hydrocarbon concentration influences the charge carrier density in the Cr2O3 film, thus leading to the observed impedance changes. The simulated impedance spectra reproduce the important features of the measured spectra quite well.To avoid photolithographic and thin‐film processes for manufacturing a prototype sensor, the technology was transferred to the established industrial thick‐film hybrid technology. Electrodes and zeolites were screen‐printed and the Cr2O3 film was electroplated. Prototype sensors show a good and long‐term stable sensitivity toward hydrocarbons. Interfering gases like NO, CO, or H2 do not affect the sensor signal very strongly, but an unexpected pronounced response toward ammonia was observed.
Fungus and chronic rhinosinusitis: Weighing the evidence
Authors: Orlandi Richard R. , Marple Bradley F. 
Published: November 2010

The hypothesis that fungus causes most, if not all, cases of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) has been debated for over a decade. Many opinions and interpretations have been rendered, but it is the objective data that speaks the loudest. The debate simply boils down to a core tenet of the scientific method: Can the data be independently replicated? If so, our patients benefit as new treatments are developed. If not, then the hypothesis must be discarded and new lines of research pursued.Initial clinical trials supporting the fungal hypothesis have not been replicated in recent years by independent investigators. An attempt to independently replicate the basic science foundation of this hypothesis has also failed in a more heterogeneous group of CRS patients. The data can be dissected, reanalyzed, and reinterpreted and myriad arguments can be put forth. But an unbiased review of the data demonstrates that nearly every researcher outside of the original proponents of the fungal hypothesis has failed to replicate their work. The weight of the evidence is increasingly tipping the scales away from this theory.
Who is subsidising whom? Water supply cross-subsidisation policy, practice and lessons from Zambia
Authors: Chitonge Horman 
Published: November 2010

ABSTRACTThis paper looks at the policy and practice of cross-subsidisation in the water sector, focusing on the Zambian experience. Setting a price for water services is a sensitive and controversial issue. Pricing water services below cost recovery can threaten the sustainability of the service and human welfare in the long term, while water pricing at full cost recovery often restricts access to water services for poor households, compromising their well-being. This paper looks at one of the approaches that policy makers use in an attempt to balance the trade-offs – cross-subsidisation. Lessons from the experience of implementing the cross-subsidy policy in Zambia are identified and discussed. This paper argues that while the objectives behind the cross-subsidisation policy are clear, the results from the implementation of this policy are, at best, unclear. The Zambian experience shows that for an indirect subsidy, such as cross-subsidisation (as opposed to a direct subsidy), to generate positive results, a careful consideration of the actual context in which the policy is to be implemented must be a precondition to its implementation.
The relations of microalbuminuria to ambulatory blood pressure and myocardial wall thickness in a population
Authors: Nilsson T. , Svensson A. , Lapidus L. , Lindstedt G. , Nyström E. , Eggertsen R. 
Published: November 2010

Abstract. Nilsson T, Svensson A, Lapidus L, Lindstedt G, Nyström E, Eggertsen R (Mölnlycke Primary Health Care and Research Centre; Göteborg University, Göteborg, Sweden). The relations of microalbuminuria to ambulatory blood pressure and myocardial wall thickness in a population. J Intern Med 1998; 244: 55–9.ObjectivesTo examine the relationship between microalbuminuria (20–200 μg min−1) and 24 h ambulatory blood pressure and heart wall thickness, in a representative population sample of men and women aged 56–65 years.DesignEvery second individual aged 56–65 years (n= 488) in the district, was invited for a health examination, which included determination of urinary albumin and creatinine (overnight sample). The highest and lowest decentile of urinary albumin/creatinine ratio were compared.SettingThe district of the Primary Health Care and Research Centre of Mölnlycke, Sweden.SubjectsAfter excluding 2 individuals with a urinary albumin excretion exceeding 200 μg min−1, 26 subjects (group 1) could be compared with 27 subjects in the lowest decentile (group 2).Main outcome measuresComparison between the determinations of the ambulatory blood pressure and echocardiographic variables in the two groups.ResultsGroup 1 had significantly higher 24 104 ambulatory blood pressure, and heart septum and posterior wall thickness as well as significantly higher fasting blood glucose and serum triglyceride concentrations. The differences in blood pressure (P &lt; 0.05) but not heart wall thickness remained significant (P &lt; 0.05) after excluding subjects with hypertension, angina pectoris, treated diabetes mellitus, and/or history of heart or cerebrovascular disease. When excluding individuals with both treated and untreated diabetes mellitus, fasting blood glucose concentration was higher in group 1. The waist‐hip ratio, weight and body mass index did not differ between the groups.ConclusionsThe findings indicate that microalbuminuria is related to signs of cardiovascular and metabolic influence and therefore could be a valuable tool for grading the risk of later cardiovascular morbidity.