bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Absence of β2 Integrins Impairs Regulatory T Cells and Exacerbates CD4+ T Cell-Dependent Autoimmune Carditis
Authors: Haasken Stefanie , Auger Jennifer L. , Binstadt Bryce A. 
Published: July 2011

Abstract
The immunopathogenic mechanisms mediating inflammation in multiorgan autoimmune diseases may vary between the different target tissues. We used the K/BxN TCR transgenic mouse model to investigate the contribution of CD4+ T cells and β2 integrins in the pathogenesis of autoimmune arthritis and endocarditis. Depletion of CD4+ T cells following the onset of arthritis specifically prevented the development of cardiac valve inflammation. Genetic absence of β2 integrins had no effect on the severity of arthritis and unexpectedly increased the extent of cardiovascular pathology. The exaggerated cardiac phenotype of the β2 integrin-deficient K/BxN mice was accompanied by immune hyperactivation and was linked to a defect in regulatory T cells. These findings are consistent with a model in which the development of arthritis in K/BxN mice relies primarily on autoantibodies, whereas endocarditis depends on an additional contribution of effector T cells. Furthermore, strategies targeting β2 integrins for the treatment of systemic autoimmune conditions need to consider not only the role of these molecules in leukocyte recruitment to sites of inflammation, but also their impact on the regulation of immunological tolerance.
CD8− Dendritic Cells and Macrophages Cross-Present Poly(D,L-lactate-co-glycolate) Acid Microsphere-Encapsulated Antigen In Vivo
Authors: Schliehe Christopher , Redaelli Chiara , Engelhardt Sabrina , Fehlings Michael , Mueller Marc , van Rooijen Nico , Thiry Marc , Hildner Kai , Weller Horst , Groettrup Marcus 
Published: July 2011

Abstract
The analysis of cell types involved in cross-priming of particulate Ag is essential to understand and improve immunotherapies using microparticles. In this study, we show that murine splenic dendritic cells (DCs) as well as macrophages (MΦs) are able to efficiently endocytose poly(D,L-lactate-co-glycolate) acid (PLGA) microspheres (MS) and to cross-present encapsulated Ags in the context of MHC class I molecules in vitro. A comparison of purified CD8+ and CD8− DCs indicated that both DC subtypes are able to present OVA-derived epitopes on MHC class I and II in vitro. To determine the contribution of DCs and MΦs to cross-priming of PLGA MS in vivo, DCs were depleted in transgenic CD11c-DTR mice, and MΦs were depleted by clodronate liposomes in wild-type mice before immunizing mice with OVA-encapsulated MS. Our results show that the depletion of DCs or MΦs alone only led to minor differences in the OVA-specific immune responses. However, simultaneous depletion of DCs and MΦs caused a strong reduction of primed effector cells, indicating a redundancy of both cell populations for the priming of PLGA MS-encapsulated Ag. Finally, we analyzed PLGA MS trafficking to draining lymph nodes after s.c. injection. It was evident that fluorescent particles accumulated within draining lymph nodes over time. Further analysis of PLGA MS-positive lymphatic cells revealed that mainly CD8− DCs and MΦs contained MS. Moreover, immune responses in BATF3 knockout mice lacking CD8+ DCs were normal. The results presented in this work strongly suggest that in vivo cross-priming of PLGA MS-encapsulated Ag is performed by CD8− DCs and MΦs.
Phagocytosis, a Potential Mechanism for Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cell Regulation of CD8+ T Cell Function Mediated through Programmed Cell Death-1 and Programmed Cell Death-1 Ligand Interaction
Authors: Kim Young-June , Park Su-Jung , Broxmeyer Hal E. 
Published: July 2011

Abstract
CD8+ T cells become exhausted, inducing cell surface protein programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) as chronic virus diseases or tumors progress, but underlying mechanisms of this are unclear. We previously showed that M-CSF is important for developing tolerogenic dendritic cells (DCs) from human CD14+ monocytes. In this article, we identify M-CSF–derived DCs (M-DCs) after stimulation with IL-10 as myeloid-derived suppressor cells with additional tolerogenic activities to CD8+ T cells. IL-10 increased PD-1 ligand expression on M-DC, and IL-10–stimulated M-DCs (M-DC/IL-10) induced expression of PD-1 on, and apoptosis of, CD8+ T cells and phagocytosed CD8+ T cells. Enhanced phagocytic activity of M-DC/IL-10 required IFN-γ, which further increased PD-1 ligand and PD-2 ligand expression on M-DC/IL-10. IFN-γ–stimulated M-DC/IL-10 cells were phenotypically macrophage-like cells with little or no expression of CD86, a costimulatory molecule, but with high expression levels of CD14, CD200R, and CD80. No phagocytic activity was detected with GM-CSF–derived DCs. We propose that phagocytosis by IFN-γ–stimulated M-DC/IL-10 cells, which may be DCs or, alternatively, a unique subset of macrophages, may be a mechanism by which IFN-γ–producing CD8+ T cells are tolerized after type 1 immune responses to chronic virus or tumor, and that IFN-γ links effector CD8+ T cells to their phagocytic clearance.
The Novel Role of SERPINB9 in Cytotoxic Protection of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: El Haddad Najib , Moore Robert , Heathcote Dean , Mounayar Marwan , Azzi Jamil , Mfarrej Bechara , Batal Ibrahim , Ting Christopher , Atkinson Mark , Sayegh Mohamed H. , Ashton-Rickardt Philip G. , Abdi Reza 
Published: July 2011

Abstract
Clinical trials using allogeneic mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are ongoing for the purpose of providing therapeutic benefit for a variety of human disorders. Pertinent to their clinical use are the accessibility to sufficient quantities of these cells allowing for repetitive administration, as well as a better understanding of the specific mechanisms by which allogeneic MSCs evade host immune responses that in turn influence their life span following administration. In this report, we sought to characterize and compare human peripheral blood MSCs (hPB-MSCs) with bone marrow-derived MSCs. hPB-MSCs met the established criteria to characterize this cellular lineage, including capacity for self-renewal, differentiation into tissues of mesodermal origin, and expression of phenotypic surface markers. In addition, hPB-MSCs suppressed alloreactive proliferation as well as the production of proinflammatory cytokines. Examination of the mechanisms by which allogeneic MSCs evade the host immune response, which is crucial for their therapeutic use, demonstrated that constitutive expression of serine protease inhibitor 9 (PI-9) on hPB-MSCs and bone marrow-derived MSCs is a major defense mechanism against granzyme B-mediated destruction by NK cells. Similarly, MSCs treated with small interfering RNA for PI-9 increased MSC cellular death, whereas expression of transgenic PI-9 following retroviral transduction protected MSCs. These data significantly advance our understanding of the immunomodulatory role for hPB-MSCs as well as the mechanisms by which they evade host immune responses. These findings contribute to the development of MSC-based therapies for diseases.
TCRs Used in Cancer Gene Therapy Cross-React with MART-1/Melan-A Tumor Antigens via Distinct Mechanisms
Authors: Borbulevych Oleg Y. , Santhanagopolan Sujatha M. , Hossain Moushumi , Baker Brian M. 
Published: July 2011

Abstract
T cells engineered to express TCRs specific for tumor Ags can drive cancer regression. The first TCRs used in cancer gene therapy, DMF4 and DMF5, recognize two structurally distinct peptide epitopes of the melanoma-associated MART-1/Melan-A protein, both presented by the class I MHC protein HLA-A*0201. To help understand the mechanisms of TCR cross-reactivity and provide a foundation for the further development of immunotherapy, we determined the crystallographic structures of DMF4 and DMF5 in complex with both of the MART-1/Melan-A epitopes. The two TCRs use different mechanisms to accommodate the two ligands. Although DMF4 binds the two with a different orientation, altering its position over the peptide/MHC, DMF5 binds them both identically. The simpler mode of cross-reactivity by DMF5 is associated with higher affinity toward both ligands, consistent with the superior functional avidity of DMF5. More generally, the observation of two diverging mechanisms of cross-reactivity with the same Ags and the finding that TCR-binding orientation can be determined by peptide alone extend our understanding of the mechanisms underlying TCR cross-reactivity.
Involvement of the XRCC1 Arg399Gln Gene Polymorphism in the Development of Cervical Carcinoma
Authors: Roszak Andrzej , Lianeri Margarita , Jagodzinski Pawel P. 
Published: July 2011

Background Although infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV) is crucial to the development of cervical cancer, it is not considered a sufficient isolated factor to cause this malignancy. The association of the XRCC1 Arg399Gln (rs25487) polymorphism with cervical cancer has been demonstrated in some populations. Methods The XRCC1 Arg399Gln genetic variants were identified by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) in patients with advanced cervical cancer (n=189) and controls (n=308). Results We observed that patients with advanced cervical cancer having the Gln/Gln or Gln/Arg vs Arg/Arg genotype displayed a 1.726-fold increased risk of cervical cancer (95% confidence interval [CI]=1.158-2.572, p=0.007). The odds ratio (OR) for Gln/Gln vs Gln/Arg or Arg/Arg was 1.742 (95% CI=1.073-2.827; p=0.0236). We also found a significantly higher frequency of the XRCC1 399Gln allele in patients with cancer than in controls, with OR=1.489 (95% CI=1.148-1.930, p=0.0026). The p value of the chi-square test for the trend observed for the XRCC1 Arg399Gln polymorphism was also statistically significant (ptrend=0.002). The statistical power of this study amounted to 78% for the Gln/Gln or Gln/Arg genotypes and 61% for the Gln/Gln genotype. Conclusion Although the statistical power of our study did not reach 80%, we found a statistically significant association between the XRCC1 399Gln variant and the incidence of cervical cancer.
Direct UV Patterning of Electronically Active Fullerene Films
Authors: Wang Jia , Larsen Christian , Wågberg Thomas , Edman Ludvig 
Published: July 2011

AbstractWe utilize UV light for the attainment of high‐resolution, electronically active patterns in [6,6]‐phenyl C61‐butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) films. The patterns are created by directly exposing selected parts of a solution‐cast PCBM film to UV light, and thereafter developing the film by immersing it in a tuned developer solution. We demonstrate that it is possible to attain complex, large‐area PCBM structures with a smallest demonstrated‐feature size of 1 μm by this method, and that the patterned PCBM material exhibits a high average electron mobility (1.2 × 10−2 cm2 V−1 s−1) in transistor experiments. The employment of UV light for direct patterning of PCBM for electronic applications is attractive, because PCBM exhibits high absorption in the UV range, and no sacrificial photoresist is needed. The patterning is achieved through the transformation by UV light of the soluble PCBM monomers into insoluble dimers with retained attractive electronic properties.
Effects of an intercalating agent on the morphology and thermal and flame‐retardant properties of low‐density polyethylene/layered double hydroxide nanocomposites prepared by melt intercalation
Authors: Ye Lei , Wu Qianghua 
Published: July 2011

AbstractThe effects of an intercalating agent on the morphology and thermal and flame‐retardant properties of low‐density polyethylene (LDPE)/layered double hydroxide (LDH) nanocomposites were studied with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, microscale combustion calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, and mechanical property measurements. X‐ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy demonstrated that after intercalation with stearate anion (SA) or dodecyl sulfate anion (DS), organo‐LDH could be nanodispersed in an LDPE matrix with exfoliated structures or intercalated structures simultaneously with partially exfoliated structures, respectively, via melt intercalation. However, the unmodified LDH composites yielded only microcomposites. Microscale combustion calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, and dynamic Fourier transform infrared spectra showed the following order for the flame‐retardant and thermal properties: LDPE/SA‐modified LDH > LDPE/DS‐modified LDH > LDPE/NO3‐modified LDH > LDPE. The higher performance of the LDPE/LDH nanocomposites with respect to flame retardance and thermal stability could be attributed to the better dispersion state of the LDH layers in the LDPE matrix and the greater hindrance effect of LDH layers on the diffusion of oxygen and volatile products throughout the composite materials when they were exposed to burning or thermal degradation. The tensile strength and elongation at break of the LDPE/LDH nanocomposites decreased to some extent because of the decrease in the crystallinity of the LDPE matrix. A transmittance test showed that the transparency of the exfoliated LDPE/SA‐modified LDH nanocomposite was very close to that of neat LDPE. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Preparation and characterization of antifouling poly(vinylidene fluoride) blended membranes
Authors: Choi Hyoungwoo , Kwon Youngnam , Jung Yongdoo , Hong Sungpyo , Tak Taemoon 
Published: July 2011

AbstractPoly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) membranes have been widely used in microfiltration and ultrafiltration because of their excellent chemical resistance and thermal properties. However, PVDF membranes have exhibited severe membrane fouling because of their hydrophobic properties. In this study, we investigated the antifouling properties of PVDF blended membranes. Antifouling PVDF blended membranes were prepared with a PVDF‐g‐poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate (POEM) graft copolymer. The PVDF‐g‐POEM graft copolymer was synthesized by the atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) method. The chemical structure and properties of the synthesized PVDF‐g‐POEM graft copolymer were determined by NMR, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and gel permeation chromatography. To investigate the antifouling properties of the membranes, we prepared microfiltration membranes by using the phase‐inversion method, which uses various PVDF/PVDF‐g‐POEM concentrations in dope solutions. The pure water permeabilities were obtained at various pressures. The PVDF/PVDF‐g‐POEM blended membranes exhibited no irreversible fouling in the dead‐end filtration of foulants, including bovine serum albumin, sodium alginate, and Escherichia coli broth. However, the hydrophobic PVDF membrane exhibited severe fouling in comparison with the PVDF/PVDF‐g‐POEM blended membranes. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Preparation and properties of polytetrafluoroethylene/CaCO3 hybrid hollow fiber membranes
Authors: Huang Qinglin , Xiao Changfa , Hu Xiaoyu 
Published: July 2011

AbstractA novel method of preparing polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) hollow fiber membrane was presented by utilizing poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) can form a gel of two dimensional complex compounds with Boric acid (H3BO3). Effects of H3BO3 on PTFE nascent hollow fiber were investigated, and the results showed that the introduction of H3BO3 effectively reduced the addition of PVA. The configuration named “fibril” formed between PVA and H3BO3 could be observed in nascent hollow fiber by SEM (Scanning electronic microscopy). Furthermore, Calcium carbonate (CaCO3) particles (60 nm∼ 90 nm) were introduced into PTFE matrix. The interfacial microvoids (IFMs) which were different from the PTFE sintering or node‐fibril network structure were obtained. The assumption of the IFMs formation was proposed in this study. Effects of CaCO3 amount and draw ratios on structure and properties of hybrid hollow fiber membranes were analyzed, and the SEM results showed that the IFMs quantity and diameter improved with draw ratio increasing. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Reaction kinetics of polyureas with acetylated diamine chain extenders
Authors: Song Wei , Liu Jianming 
Published: July 2011

AbstractDiacetyl hexamethylene‐diamine (MHAD) and diacetyl m‐phenylenediamine (Mm‐PDA) were synthesized by acetylating hexamethyene‐diamin (HAD) and m‐phenylenediamine (m‐PDA) with glacial acetic acid in presence of phosphoric acid, in order to retard the high reactivity of polyurea. Chemical structures of modified diamine chain extenders were confirmed through FTIR, the determination of the nitrogen content, High resolution ESI‐Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance (ESI‐FTICR) mass spectrometry and 1H‐NMR analysis. Polyureas were synthesized via two‐step solution process by reaction of 4,4′‐diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI), amine terminated polyether (Jeffamine D‐2000) with different chain extenders. The influence of modified diamine chain extenders on gel time of polyurea was investigated. The gel time was prolonged from 11s to 52s and 13s to 65s respectively. The reaction kinetics of synthesizing polyureas were studied by FTIR. The results showed that extending reaction with MHAD was second order kinetic mechanism, its apparent activation energy was 43.99 kJ·mol−1; extending reaction with Mm‐PDA reaction was first order, its activation energy was 58.95 kJ·mol−1. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Immobilization of imidazole in polymer electrolyte membranes for elevated temperature anhydrous applications
Authors: Li Qiong , Li Wei , Zhang Haining , Pan Mu 
Published: July 2011

AbstractPolymer electrolyte composite membranes were cast from the mixture of Nafion® ionomer and 2‐substituted imidazole. The existing flexible hydrocarbon chain on 2‐position of imidazole facilitates proton transfer in the membrane at elevated temperature. The formed composite membrane showed an increased glass transition temperature and improved mechanical property compared with plain Nafion® membrane. At temperature above 100°C, the ionic conductivity of the composite membrane increases with the increase in temperature, reaching 5 × 10−3 S cm−1 at 160°C under anhydrous condition. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Chemical recycling of PET flakes into yarn
Authors: Upasani Prasad S. , Jain Ashwin K. , Save Ninad , Agarwal Uday S. , Kelkar Anil K. 
Published: July 2011

AbstractPolyesters such as polyethylene terephthalate are widely used in textile fibers, films, and packaging of food and beverages. Originally driven by environmental reasons, recycling of postconsumer polyester bottles into textile fibers is now becoming commercially attractive. We studied the chemical recycling wherein part of the virgin raw‐materials during preparation of polyester was replaced by washed post consumer polyester. During the process, the postconsumer polyester undergoes partial depolymerization before repolymerization. Role of reactor‐agitator configuration in achieving the solid‐slurry and solid‐melt mixing, and in depolymerization, was studied. Finally, suitability of the polymer for melt spinning and drawing of polymer into yarn was examined. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Mechanical properties, thermal, and crystallization behavior of polypropylene composites reinforced by starch and wasted cotton cloth
Authors: Zhang Xiuju , Yang Huajun , Yang Tingting , Lin Zhidan , Tan Shaozao 
Published: July 2011

AbstractIn this study, wasted cotton cloth was bonded with soluble starches as an adhesive, then dried, cut into fiber fragments and filled into polypropylene (PP) to achieve resource efficiency. The mechanical, thermal, and crystallization properties of the composites were characterized. The results indicated that with the addition of wasted cotton cloth treated without or with silane coupling agent (RC or TRC), PP composites' tensile strength, impact strength, and flexural strength have been improved. The heat distortion temperatures increased slowly, indicating that wasted cotton cloth filled into PP can be turned back into useful items without degradation of PP composites exhibited. Thus, it is a good avenue for the utilization of an otherwise wasted cotton cloth resource. The crystallization activation energy, nucleation constant, and folding surface free energy of PP were markedly reduced in PP/RC composites and its compatibilized composites. The value of F(T) gradually increased with the increasing relative degree of crystallinity. The addition of wasted cotton cloth could significantly reduce the spherulitic size of PP. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Novel elastomer‐dumbbell functionalized POSS composites: Thermomechanical and Morphological Properties
Authors: Spoljaric Steven , Genovese Antonietta , Shanks Robert A. 
Published: July 2011

AbstractNanocomposites consisting of poly(styrene‐b‐butadiene‐b‐styrene) (SBS) and polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSS) were prepared using a solvent dispersion method. Dumbbell‐shaped POSS fillers were prepared using diacyl chlorides to bridge the POSS molecules. Infrared spectroscopy confirmed functionalization. Scanning electron microscopy revealed an increase in filler aggregation with concentration, with preferential phase selectivity. Polydispersity increased with filler concentration while d spacing was influenced by phase selectivity and domain‐filler compatibility. Functionalized POSS improved thermal stability by imparting restrictions of SBS chain motions. Tensile stress–strain analysis revealed an increase in modulus, yield strength, and strain hardening with filler concentration, while creep deformation decreased and permanent strain increased with POSS content. Storage modulus, loss modulus, and glass transition temperature increased with filler content due to effective SBS–POSS interaction. Nanocomposite properties were influenced by filler concentration, the phase of the filler was dispersed throughout and the length of the alkyl “barbell” on the dumbbell‐shaped POSS. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Retracted: Fast and efficient electrospinning of chitosan‐Poly(ethylene oxide) nanofibers as potential wound dressing agents for tissue engineering
Authors: Sadri Minoo , Maleki Ali , Agend Farima , Hosseini Hassan 
Published: July 2011

AbstractThe following article from the Journal of Applied Polymer Science, “Fast and Efficient Electrospinning of Chitosan‐Poly(ethylene oxide) Nanofibers as Potential Wound Dressing Agents for Tissue Engineering” by Minoo Sadri, Ali Maleki, Farima Agend, and Hassan Hosseini, published online on 28 July 2011 in Wiley Online Library (http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/app.34520/full), has been retracted by agreement between the journal's Editor in Chief, Stefano Tonzani, and the publisher, Wiley Periodicals, Inc. The retraction has been agreed due to significant overlap with respect to another article, “Electrospun Chitosan‐Based Nanofibers and Their Cellular Compatibility,” by Narayan Bhattarai, Dennis Edmondson, Omid Veiseh, Frederick A. Matsen, and Miqin Zhang, published online on 5 May 2005 in Biomaterials (2005, 26, 6176).