bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pre-B Cell Colony-Enhancing Factor (PBEF/Nampt/Visfatin) Primes Neutrophils for Augmented Respiratory Burst Activity through Partial Assembly of the NADPH Oxidase
Authors: Malam Zeenat , Parodo Jean , Waheed Faiza , Szaszi Katalin , Kapus Andras , Marshall John C. 
Published: April 2011

Abstract
Pre-B cell colony-enhancing factor ([PBEF] also known as Nampt/visfatin) is a pleiotropic 52-kDa cytokine-like molecule whose activity has been implicated in multiple inflammatory disease states. PBEF promotes polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN) proinflammatory function by inhibiting constitutive PMN apoptosis. We investigated whether PBEF activates or primes for PMN respiratory burst. We found that although PBEF did not activate respiratory burst on its own, it primed for increased reactive oxygen species generation through the NADPH oxidase. PBEF promoted membrane translocation of cytosolic NADPH oxidase subunits p40 and p47, but not p67, induced p40 phosphorylation on Thr154, and activated the small GTPase Rac. Priming, translocation, and phosphorylation were dependent on activation of p38 and ERK MAPKs, but not of PI3K. Priming by PBEF occurred independent of its NAD-generating capacity because neither nicotinamide mononucleotide or NAD could recapitulate the effects, and a specific inhibitor of PBEF, APO-866, could not inhibit priming. Taken together, these results demonstrate that PBEF can prime for PMN respiratory burst activity by promoting p40 and p47 translocation to the membrane, and this occurs in a MAPK-dependent fashion.
Disparities in TLR5 Expression and Responsiveness to Flagellin in Equine Neutrophils and Mononuclear Phagocytes
Authors: Kwon Soyoung , Gewirtz Andrew T. , Hurley David J. , Robertson Thomas P. , Moore James N. , Vandenplas Michel L. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractAs sentinel cells of the innate immune system, neutrophils and mononuclear phagocytes use specific TLRs to recognize the conserved molecular patterns that characterize microbes. This study was performed to compare the responses of equine neutrophils and mononuclear phagocytes to LPS and flagellin, components of bacteria that are recognized by TLR4 and TLR5, respectively. Neutrophils and mononuclear phagocytes isolated from healthy horses were incubated in vitro with LPS, flagellin, or pronase-inactivated flagellin in the presence or absence of polymyxin B. Production of reactive oxygen species and expression of mRNA for proinflammatory cytokines were used as readouts for activation of neutrophils; production of TNF-α was used for the mononuclear cells. Western blot analysis and flow cytometry were used to detect TLR5 protein in both cell types. Although the neutrophils responded to both LPS and flagellin by producing reactive oxygen species and expressing mRNA for proinflammatory cytokines, flagellin had no stimulatory effect on monocytes or macrophages. Although both neutrophils and monocytes expressed mRNA for TLR5, it appeared to be translated into protein only by the neutrophils. Incubation with neither LPS nor IFN-γ altered TLR5 expression by the monocytes. These findings indicate that flagellin has disparate effects on neutrophils and mononuclear phagocytes isolated from horses, a species that is exquisitely sensitive to the TLR4 ligand, LPS, and that equine mononuclear phagocytes, unlike corresponding cells of other mammalian species, lack surface expression of TLR5 and do not respond to flagellin.
The Polyclonal CD8 T Cell Response to Influenza M158–66 Generates a Fully Connected Network of Cross-Reactive Clonotypes to Structurally Related Peptides: A Paradigm for Memory Repertoire Coverage of Novel Epitopes or Escape Mutants
Authors: Petrova Galina V. , Naumova Elena N. , Gorski Jack 
Published: April 2011

Abstract
Cross-reactivity of T cells is defined as recognition of two or more peptide–MHC complexes by the same T cell. Although examples of cross-reactivity have been reported, a detailed examination of cross-reactivity has not been performed. In this study, we took advantage of the high degree of polyclonality in the BV19 T cell repertoire responding to influenza M158–66 in HLA-A2 individuals to obtain a measure of simple cross-reactivity. We used substitutions that incrementally change the structure of the M158–66 peptide to measure how the HLA-A2–restricted response adapts to these changes. In three HLA-A2 adult subjects, we identified the BV19 clonotypes in the recall response to the influenza epitope M158–66 and 12 M1 peptides substituted at TCR contact position 63 or 65. The fraction of cross-reactive clonotypes in the M158–66 repertoire varied from 45–58% in the three donors. The extent of cross-reactivity, which is the additional number of peptides recognized by a single clonotype, is as high as six. We summarized the data using graph theory, with the cross-reactive clonotypes connecting the different HLA-A2 peptides recognized. The cross-reactive clonotypes form a well-connected network that could provide protection from virus-escape variants. We predict that any new pathogen with an epitope whose shape corresponds to that of the peptides that we studied would find a pre-existing repertoire ready to respond to it. We propose that in adult memory repertoires, previously encountered epitopes may have generated similar cross-reactive repertoires.
Survival in Patients Receiving Prolonged Ventilation: Factors that Influence Outcome
Authors: Mamary A. James , Kondapaneni Shrikant , Vance Gwendolyn B. , Gaughan John P. , Martin Ubaldo J. , Criner Gerard J. 
Published: April 2011

Background Prolonged mechanical ventilation is increasingly common. It is expensive and associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Our objective is to comprehensively characterize patients admitted to a Ventilator Rehabilitation Unit (VRU) for weaning and identify characteristics associated with survival. Methods 182 consecutive patients over 3.5 years admitted to Temple University Hospital (TUH) VRU were characterized. Data were derived from comprehensive chart review and a prospectively collected computerized database. Survival was determined by hospital records and social security death index and mailed questionnaires. Results Upon admission to the VRU, patients were hypoalbuminemic (albumin 2.3 ± 0.6 g/dL), anemic (hemoglobin 9.6 ± 1.4 g/dL), with moderate severity of illness (APACHE II score 10.7 + 4.1), and multiple comorbidities (Charlson index 4.3 + 2.3). In-hospital mortality (19%) was related to a higher Charlson Index score ( P = 0.006; OR 1.08-1.6), and APACHE II score ( P = 0.016; OR 1.03-1.29). In-hospital mortality was inversely related to admission albumin levels ( P = 0.023; OR 0.17-0.9). The presence of COPD as a comorbid illness or primary determinant of respiratory failure and higher VRU admission APACHE II score predicted higher long-term mortality. Conversely, higher VRU admission hemoglobin was associated with better long term survival (OR 0.57-0.90; P = 0.0006). Conclusion Patients receiving prolonged ventilation are hypoalbuminemic, anemic, have moderate severity of illness, and multiple comorbidities. Survival relates to these factors and the underlying illness precipitating respiratory failure, especially COPD.
The Role of T Lymphocytes in Cancer Patients Undergoing Immunotherapy with Autologous Dendritic Cells
Authors: Rodrigues Cláudia M. , Matias Bruna F. , Murta Eddie F.C. , Michelin Márcia A. 
Published: April 2011

Introduction Cancer stems from mutations in specific genes that induce uncontrolled cell proliferation. Dendritic cells (DCs) are important immunologic cells and play a crucial role in the induction of an antitumour response. Patients and Methods We examined the immune response mediated by T lymphocytes, helper T cells, cytotoxic T cells, and regulatory T cells, as well as the cytokines [interleukin (IL)-2, IL-12, interferon (IFN)-γ, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α and IL-10], produced by these cell populations, in cancer patients (N = 7) undergoing immunotheraphy with autologous DCs. Results We observed an initial increase in T helper cells (CD4+) expressing IL-2, IFN-γ, IL-12, TNF-α, and IL-10 after initiation of treatment, with statistically significant for the cytokines IL-2, TNF-α and IL-10. A similar significant effect was observed for IL-2-expressing cytotoxic T cells (CD8+). The percentage of total T cells (CD3+) remained elevated throughout immunotherapy. Regulatory T cells (CD25+/FOXP3+) only showed high percentage of their maximum value when analyzed the pretreatment levels, with statistically significant. Conclusion Immunotherapy with DCs stimulated the immune response, as evidenced by an increase in percent fluorescence of most cell populations investigated during the specified treatment period.
Cutaneous vasculopathy associated with cocaine use
Authors: Milman Nataliya , Smith C. Douglas 
Published: April 2011

AbstractObjectiveCocaine is known to cause thrombotic complications. Its use has also been associated with a variety of rheumatologic manifestations, most notably cutaneous vasculopathy. We report clinical features and laboratory findings of cocaine‐related cutaneous vasculopathy.MethodsHere we describe 8 patients with cocaine‐related cutaneous vasculopathy.ResultsOur patients most commonly presented with purpuric lesions and ulcers with areas of skin necrosis. Extracutaneous features included fatigue and arthritis in most patients, as well as weight loss in 3 patients, pneumonia in 3, diffuse reactive lymphadenopathy in 1, and acute upper airway obstruction in 2. Laboratory abnormalities included elevated inflammatory markers and positive perinuclear antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCAs) in all patients, and antimyeloperoxidase antibodies in 7 of 8 patients. Cytoplasmic ANCA was positive in 5 of 8, equivocal in 2 of 8, and negative in 1 of 8 patients. Anti–proteinase 3 antibodies were found in 6 of 8 patients. Six of 8 patients had positive antinuclear antibodies and 5 of 8 had positive anti–double‐stranded DNA antibodies (4 of 5 were at low titers). Two patients previously thought to have systemic lupus erythematosus had low complement levels. Lupus anticoagulant was positive in 3 of 8 and equivocal in 5 of 8. Anticardiolipin IgG was positive in 1 of 8 and IgM was positive in 6 of 8; β2‐glycoprotein I IgM was positive in 2 of 8. Cold agglutinins were strongly positive in 6 of 6 patients in whom they were measured. Skin disease improved in 3 patients who appeared to have stopped using cocaine. It was chronic and progressive in 4 patients who continued to use cocaine, 2 of whom died presumably due to multidrug overdose.ConclusionThis report outlines clinical features and distinctive laboratory findings that, when present in the right clinical setting, should prompt consideration of cocaine‐related cutaneous vasculopathy.
Dynamic Stability of Organic Conducting Polymers and Its Replication in Electrical Conduction and Degradation Mechanisms
Authors: Chimamkpam Emmanuel F. C. , Schweizer Thomas , Hauert Roland , Schilling Andreas , Ferreira José M. F. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractThe evolving usefulness of organic conducting polymers, of metallic or semiconducting type, is primarily dependent on their mechanisms of electrical conduction and degradation. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for improving the efficiency and lifetime of technologies derived from this class of polymers. There is demand for a model that provides a vivid and more precise evaluation of the electrical conduction mechanism in these polymers – especially when they act as hosts to guest species, such as acid dopant ions and nanoparticles. If, for example, the motional behavior of a host–guest organic conducting polymer structure, as related to dynamic stability, is either asynchronous or synchronous, is this reflected in the mechanism of electrical conduction and does it account for the pace of material's degradation? Here, we demonstrate that the answer is affirmative: asynchronous structural motions arising due to loosely bound or free guest species within the host polymer lead to anomalous electrical conduction mechanisms, increased fragility and short lifetime, at odds with the synchronous behavior.
Phase‐Change Materials: Vibrational Softening upon Crystallization and Its Impact on Thermal Properties
Authors: Matsunaga Toshiyuki , Yamada Noboru , Kojima Rie , Shamoto Shinichi , Sato Masugu , Tanida Hajime , Uruga Tomoya , Kohara Shinji , Takata Masaki , Zalden Peter , Bruns Gunnar , Sergueev Ilya , Wille Hans Christian , Hermann Raphaël Pierre , Wuttig Matthias 
Published: April 2011

AbstractCrystallization of an amorphous solid is usually accompanied by a significant change of transport properties, such as an increase in thermal and electrical conductivity. This fact underlines the importance of crystalline order for the transport of charge and heat. Phase‐change materials, however, reveal a remarkably low thermal conductivity in the crystalline state. The small change in this conductivity upon crystallization points to unique lattice properties. The present investigation reveals that the thermal properties of the amorphous and crystalline state of phase‐change materials show remarkable differences such as higher thermal displacements and a more pronounced anharmonic behavior in the crystalline phase. These findings are related to the change of bonding upon crystallization, which leads to an increase of the sound velocity and a softening of the optical phonon modes at the same time.
Evaluation of the Biocompatibility of PLACL/Collagen Nanostructured Matrices with Cardiomyocytes as a Model for the Regeneration of Infarcted Myocardium
Authors: Mukherjee Shayanti , Reddy Venugopal Jayarama , Ravichandran Rajeswari , Ramakrishna Seeram , Raghunath Michael 
Published: April 2011

AbstractPioneering research suggests various modes of cellular therapeutics and biomaterial strategies for myocardial tissue engineering. Despite several advantages, such as safety and improved function, the dynamic myocardial microenvironment prevents peripherally or locally administered therapeutic cells from homing and integrating of biomaterial constructs with the infarcted heart. The myocardial microenvironment is highly sensitive due to the nanoscale cues that it exerts to control bioactivities, such as cell migration, proliferation, differentiation, and angiogenesis. Nanoscale control of cardiac function has not been extensively analyzed in the field of myocardial tissue engineering. Inspired by microscopic analysis of the ventricular organization in native tissue, a scalable in‐vitro model of nanoscale poly(L‐lactic acid)‐co ‐poly(ϵ ‐caprolactone)/collagen biocomposite scaffold is fabricated, with nanofibers in the order of 594 ± 56 nm to mimic the native myocardial environment for freshly isolated cardiomyocytes from rabbit heart, and the specifically underlying extracellular matrix architecture: this is done to address the specificity of the underlying matrix in overcoming challenges faced by cellular therapeutics. Guided by nanoscale mechanical cues provided by the underlying random nanofibrous scaffold, the tissue constructs display anisotropic rearrangement of cells, characteristic of the native cardiac tissue. Surprisingly, cell morphology, growth, and expression of an interactive healthy cardiac cell population are exquisitely sensitive to differences in the composition of nanoscale scaffolds. It is shown that suitable cell–material interactions on the nanoscale can stipulate organization on the tissue level and yield novel insights into cell therapeutic science, while providing materials for tissue regeneration.
Formation of Bulk Heterojunctions by Alternative Thermal Deposition and Its Structure Analysis for High Efficiency Small Molecular Organic Photovoltaics
Authors: Kim Ji Whan , Kim Hyo Jung , Lee Hyun Hwi , Kim Taemin , Kim Jang‐Joo 
Published: April 2011

AbstractWe propose a new method to form small‐molecule based bulk heterojunctions (SM‐BHJs) through alternative thermal deposition (ATD), which is a simple modification of conventional thermal evaporation. By ATD, the thicknesses of alternative donor and acceptor layers are precisely controlled down to 0.1 nm, which is critical to form BHJs. The formation of a BHJ in copper(II) phthalocyanine (CuPc) and fullerene (C60) systems is confirmed by atomic force microscopy (AFM), grazing incidence X‐ray small angle scattering (GISAXS), and absorption measurements. From analysis of the data, we find that the CuPc|C60 films fabricated by ATD are composed of nanometer sized disk‐shaped CuPc nano grains and aggregated C60, which explains the phase separation of CuPc and C60. On the other hand, the co‐deposited CuPc:C60 films do not show the existence of separated CuPc nano grains in the CuPc:C60 matrix. The OPV cells fabricated using the ATD method show significantly enhanced power conversion efficiency compared to the co‐deposited OPV cells with the same composition.
Tunable Low‐Field Magnetoresistance in (La0.7Sr0.3MnO3)0.5:(ZnO)0.5 Self‐Assembled Vertically Aligned Nanocomposite Thin Films
Authors: Chen Aiping , Bi Zhenxing , Tsai Chen‐Fong , Lee JoonHwan , Su Qing , Zhang Xinghang , Jia Quanxi , MacManus‐Driscoll Judith L. , Wang Haiyan 
Published: April 2011

AbstractTunable and enhanced low‐field magnetoresistance (LFMR) is observed in epitaxial (La0.7Sr0.3MnO3)0.5:(ZnO)0.5 (LSMO:ZnO) self‐assembled vertically aligned nanocomposite (VAN) thin films, which have been grown on SrTiO3 (001) substrates by pulsed laser deposition (PLD). The enhanced LFMR properties of the VAN films reach values as high as 17.5% at 40 K and 30% at 154 K. They can be attributed to the spin‐polarized tunneling across the artificial vertical grain boundaries (GBs) introduced by the secondary ZnO nanocolumns and the enhancement of spin fluctuation depression at the spin‐disordered phase boundary regions. More interestingly, the vertical residual strain and the LFMR peak position of the VAN films can be systematically tuned by changing the deposition frequency. The tunability of the physical properties is associated with the vertical phase boundaries that change as a function of the deposition frequency. The results suggest that the tunable artificial vertical GB and spin‐disordered phase boundary in the unique VAN system with vertical ferromagnetic‐insulating‐ferromagnetic (FM‐I‐FM) structure provides a viable route to manipulate the low‐field magnetotransport properties in VAN films with favorable epitaxial quality.
Hollow Two‐Layered Chiral Nanoparticles Consisting of Optically Active Helical Polymer/Silica: Preparation and Application for Enantioselective Crystallization
Authors: Chen Bo , Deng Jianping , Yang Wantai 
Published: April 2011

AbstractThis article reports for the first time a novel category of hollow organic@inorganic hybrid two‐layered nanoparticles (NPs), in which the inner layer is formed by optically active helical polyacetylene, and the outer layer by silica. Such NPs show remarkable optical activity and are successfully used for enantioselective crystallization. To prepare such NPs, n‐butyl acrylate undergoes radical polymerization to first form poly(n‐butyl acrylate) (PBA) cores two shells by catalytic polymerization of substituted acetylene and sol–gel approach of TEOS (tetraethyl orthosilicate), respectively. Removal of the PBA cores provides the expected hollow core/shell NPs. The intense dircular dichroism (CD) effects demonstrate that the hollow chiral NPs possess considerable optical activity, arising from the helical substituted polyacetylenes forming the inner layer. The hollow NPs are further used as chiral templates to induce enantioselective crystallization of racemic alanines, demonstrating the significant potential applications of the hollow chiral NPs in chiral technologies. Also of particular significance is the detailed process of the induced crystallization observed by TEM. The strategy for preparing the hollow hybrid chiral NPs should be highlighted since it combines free radical polymerization and catalytic polymerization with sol–gel process in a single system, by which numerous advanced materials will be accessible.
Surface Science and Model Catalysis with Ionic Liquid‐Modified Materials
Authors: Steinrück H.‐P. , Libuda J. , Wasserscheid P. , Cremer T. , Kolbeck C. , Laurin M. , Maier F. , Sobota M. , Schulz P. S. , Stark M. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractMaterials making use of thin ionic liquid (IL) films as support‐modifying functional layer open up a variety of new possibilities in heterogeneous catalysis, which range from the tailoring of gas‐surface interactions to the immobilization of molecularly defined reactive sites. The present report reviews recent progress towards an understanding of “supported ionic liquid phase (SILP)” and “solid catalysts with ionic liquid layer (SCILL)” materials at the microscopic level, using a surface science and model catalysis type of approach. Thin film IL systems can be prepared not only ex‐situ, but also in‐situ under ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) conditions using atomically well‐defined surfaces as substrates, for example by physical vapor deposition (PVD). Due to their low vapor pressure, these systems can be studied in UHV using the full spectrum of surface science techniques. We discuss general strategies and considerations of this approach and exemplify the information available from complementary methods, specifically photoelectron spectroscopy and surface vibrational spectroscopy.
A novel dynamic membrane reactor concept with radial‐flow pattern for reacting material and axial‐flow pattern for sweeping gas in catalytic naphtha reformers
Authors: Iranshahi Davood , Pourazadi Ehsan , Paymooni Khadijeh , Rahimpour Mohammad Reza 
Published: April 2011

AbstractNaphtha reforming units are of high interest for hydrogen production in refineries. In this regard, the application of membrane concept in radial‐flow tubular naphtha reactors for hydrogen production is proposed. Because of the importance of the pressure drop problem in catalytic naphtha reforming units, the radial‐flow reactors are proposed. A radial‐flow tubular membrane reactor (RF‐TMR) with the radial‐flow pattern of the naphtha feed and the axial‐flow pattern of the sweeping gas is proposed as an alternative configuration for conventional axial‐flow tubular reactors (AF‐TR). The cross‐sectional area of the tubular reactor is divided into some subsections in which walls of the gaps between subsections are coated with the Pd‐Ag membrane layer. A dynamic mathematical model considering radial and axial coordinates ((r, z)‐coordinates) has been developed to investigate the performance of the new configuration. Results show ∼300 and 11 kg/h increase in aromatic and hydrogen production rates in RF‐TMR compared with AF‐TR, respectively. Furthermore, smaller catalyst particles with higher efficiency can be used in RF‐TMR due to a slight pressure drop. The enhancement in aromatics (octane number) and hydrogen productions owing to applying simultaneously the membrane concept and radial‐flow pattern in naphtha reactors motivates the application of RF‐TMR in refineries. © 2011 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2012