bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Caspase-4 Is Required for Activation of Inflammasomes
Authors: Sollberger Gabriel , Strittmatter Gerhard E. , Kistowska Magdalena , French Lars E. , Beer Hans-Dietmar 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
IL-1β and IL-18 are crucial regulators of inflammation and immunity. Both cytokines are initially expressed as inactive precursors, which require processing by the protease caspase-1 for biological activity. Caspase-1 itself is activated in different innate immune complexes called inflammasomes. In addition, caspase-1 activity regulates unconventional protein secretion of many other proteins involved in inflammation and repair. Human caspase-4 is a poorly characterized member of the caspase family, which is supposed to be involved in endoplasmic reticulum stress-induced apoptosis. However, its gene is located on the same locus as the caspase-1 gene, which raises the possibility that caspase-4 plays a role in inflammation. In this study, we show that caspase-4 expression is required for UVB-induced activation of proIL-1β and for unconventional protein secretion by skin-derived keratinocytes. These processes require expression of the nucleotide-binding domain leucine-rich repeat containing, Pyrin domain containing-3 inflammasome, and caspase-4 physically interacts with its central molecule caspase-1. As the active site of caspase-4 is required for activation of caspase-1, the latter most likely represents a substrate of caspase-4. Caspase-4 expression is also essential for efficient nucleotide-binding domain leucine-rich repeat containing, Pyrin domain containing-3 and for absent in melanoma 2 inflammasome-dependent proIL-1β activation in macrophages. These results demonstrate an important role of caspase-4 in inflammation and innate immunity through activation of caspase-1. Therefore, caspase-4 represents a novel target for the treatment of (auto)inflammatory diseases.
Vaccines Targeting Tumor Blood Vessel Antigens Promote CD8+ T Cell-Dependent Tumor Eradication or Dormancy in HLA-A2 Transgenic Mice
Authors: Zhao Xi , Bose Anamika , Komita Hideo , Taylor Jennifer L. , Chi Nina , Lowe Devin B. , Okada Hideho , Cao Ying , Mukhopadhyay Debabrata , Cohen Peter A. , Storkus Walter J. 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
We have recently shown that effective cytokine gene therapy of solid tumors in HLA-A2 transgenic (HHD) mice lacking murine MHC class I molecule expression results in the generation of HLA-A2–restricted CD8+ T effector cells selectively recognizing tumor blood vessel-associated pericytes and/or vascular endothelial cells. Using an HHD model in which HLA-A2neg tumor (MC38 colon carcinoma or B16 melanoma) cells are not recognized by the CD8+ T cell repertoire, we now show that vaccines on the basis of tumor-associated blood vessel Ags (TBVA) elicit protective Tc1-dependent immunity capable of mediating tumor regression or extending overall survival. Vaccine efficacy was not observed if (HLA-A2neg) wild-type C57BL/6 mice were instead used as recipient animals. In the HHD model, effective vaccination resulted in profound infiltration of tumor lesions by CD8+ (but not CD4+) T cells, in a coordinate reduction of CD31+ blood vessels in the tumor microenvironment, and in the “spreading” of CD8+ T cell responses to alternate TBVA that were not intrinsic to the vaccine. Protective Tc1-mediated immunity was durable and directly recognized pericytes and/or vascular endothelial cells flow-sorted from tumor tissue but not from tumor-uninvolved normal kidneys harvested from these same animals. Strikingly, the depletion of CD8+, but not CD4+, T cells at late time points after effective therapy frequently resulted in the recurrence of disease at the site of the regressed primary lesion. This suggests that the vaccine-induced anti-TBVA T cell repertoire can mediate the clinically preferred outcomes of either effectively eradicating tumors or policing a state of (occult) tumor dormancy.
Raising Milton’s Ghost
Authors: Crawford Joseph 
Published: January 2012

Why was Milton so important to the Romantics? How did 'Milton the Regicide', a man often regarded in his lifetime as a dangerous traitor and heretic, become 'the Sublime Milton'? the late eighteenth century saw a sudden and to date almost undocumented craze for all things Miltonic, the symptoms of which included the violation of his grave and the sale of his hair and bones as relics, the republication of all his works including his political tracts in unprecedented numbers, the appearance of the poet in the works, letters, dreams and visions of all the major British Romantic poets and even frequent reports of hauntings by his ghost.
Drawing on the traditions of cultural, intellectual and bibliographic history as well as recent trends in literary scholarship on the romantic period, Joseph Crawford explores the dramatic shift in Milton's cultural status after 1790. He builds on a now significant literature on Milton's legacy to the Romantic poets, uncovering the cultural historical background against which the Romantics and their contemporaries encountered and interacted with Milton's reputation and works.
Filtered gradient active fuzzy neural network noise control in an enclosure backed by a clamped plate
Authors: Azadi Navid , Ohadi Abdolreza 
Published: January 2012

SUMMARYThe performance of conventional linear algorithms in active noise control applications deteriorates facing nonlinearities in the system mainly because of loudspeakers. On the other hand, fuzzy logic and neural networks are good candidates to overcome this drawback. In this paper, the acoustic attenuation of noise in a rectangular enclosure with a flexible panel and five rigid walls is presented both theoretically and experimentally using filtered gradient fuzzy neural network (FGFNN) error back propagation algorithm in which the secondary path effect is implemented in derivation of updating rules. Considering this effect in updating rules leads to faster convergence and stability of the active noise control system. On the other hand, the primary path in the investigated system comprises an identified nonlinear model of loudspeaker inside the aforementioned box, parameters of which vary with the input current. The loudspeaker is identified using series‐parallel neural network model identification method. As a comparison, the performance of filtered‐x least mean squares and FGFNN algorithms are compared. It is observed that FGFNN controller exhibits far better results in the presence of loudspeakers with nonlinear behavior in primary path.Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development of nanostructured polyaniline–titanium dioxide gas sensors for ammonia recognition
Authors: Pawar S. G. , Chougule M. A. , Sen Shashwati , Patil V. B. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractThe performance at room temperature of nanostructured polyaniline (PANi)–titanium dioxide (TiO2) ammonia gas sensors was investigated. The PANi–TiO2 thin‐film sensors were fabricated with a spin‐coating method on glass substrates. PANi–TiO2 (0–50%) sensor films were characterized for their structural, morphological, optical, and various gas‐sensing properties. The structural analysis showed the formation of nanocrystalline TiO2, whereas PANi exhibited an amorphous nature. Morphological analysis of the PANi–TiO2 nanocomposites film revealed a uniform distribution of TiO2 nanoparticles in the PANi matrix. The absorption peaks in the Fourier transform infrared spectra and ultraviolet–visible spectra of the PANi–TiO2 composite film were found to shift to higher wave numbers compared to those observed in pure PANi. The observed shifts were attributed to the interaction between the TiO2 particles and the PANi molecular chains. The gas‐sensing properties showed that the sensors exhibited selectivity to ammonia (NH3) at room temperature. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Synthesis and characterization of alternating copolymers derived from indeno[1,2‐b]fluorene for blue light‐emitting diodes
Authors: Xia Yangjun , Zhong Chengmei , Li Bin , Wu Hongbin , Cao Yong , Fan Duowang 
Published: January 2012

AbstractThree blue light‐emitting alternating copolymers derived from 6,6′,12,12′‐tetraoctylindeno[1,2‐b]fluorene (IF) and 4,4′‐diphenyl ether (DPE), N,N′‐di(4‐phenyl)aniline (TPA), or 3,6‐N‐octylcarbazole (CZO), named as PIF‐DPE, PIF‐TPA, and PIF‐CZO, respectively, were synthesized by Suzuki coupling reaction. The chemical structure, optoelectronic and thermal properties of the copolymers were characterized by 1H‐NMR, elemental analysis, gel permeation chromatography, cyclic voltammetry, thermogravimetric analysis, and differential scanning calorimetry. Photoluminescence peaks of the copolymers of PIF‐DPE, PIF‐TPA, and PIF‐CZO in THF solution and solid state were around 432, 419, and 411 nm, and the preliminary light‐emitting devices based on the copolymers of PIF‐DPE, PIF‐TPA, and PIF‐CZO emit blue light with the maximal emission peaks at around 437, 449, and 438 nm, respectively. The control of conjugated length of the copolymers and the achievement of blue light‐emitting conjugated polymers based on indeno[1,2‐b]fluorene, which satisfy both color purity and relatively high eye sensitivity, were achieved by the introduction of kink linkages into the polyindeno[1,2‐b]fluorenes backbone. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
One‐step fabrication of branched poly(vinyl alcohol) nanofibers by magnetic coaxial electrospinning
Authors: Wu Huijun , Fan Jintu , Wan Xianfu , Du Ning 
Published: January 2012

AbstractBranching has been emerging in 3‐D interconnecting building blocks. Branched and hyperbranched poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) nanofibers were fabricated by coaxially electrospinning two‐liquids under an alternating magnetic field in a facile manner. Both the PVA nanofiber trunks with diameter of 100–200 nm and the PVA nanofiber branches with diameter of 10–30 nm were formed in a single step. The length and the morphology of the branched PVA nanofibers could be controlled through a rational design of the magnetic field. The facile technique may readily be extended to prepare 3‐D branched nanofibers from other materials such as various polymers and polymer–ceramic materials. Moreover, the multifunctional and multicomponent materials with branched nanostructure could be expected by using the magnetic coaxial electrospinning technique. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Coating of macroemulsion and microemulsion silicones on poly(ethylene terephthalate) fibers: Evaluation of the thermal properties and flammability
Authors: Gashti Mazeyar Parvinzadeh , Navid Mohammad Yousefpour , Rahimi Mohammad Hossein 
Published: January 2012

AbstractSilicone softeners are widely used in the textile industry to improve the soft handling and aesthetic feel of textiles. These compounds can influence the thermal characteristics and flammability of polyester fabrics, which need to be addressed as important issues of human safety. To do this, the thermal degradation and flammability of macroemulsion and microemulsion silicone coated polyester fibers were studied with various analytical techniques, namely, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, dynamical mechanical thermal analysis, and limited oxygen index testing. It has been stated that the electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions of silicone emulsions with polyester can affect their thermal stability. On the other hand, the silicone emulsions present on the surface of poly(ethylene terephthalate) provide a three‐dimensional scaffold, which produces faster combustion than pyrolysis. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Evaluation of the dielectric properties of grease containing copolymers and ester
Authors: Hassan Amaly M. , Youssif Mona A. , Mazrouaa Azza M. , Abou Shahba Rehab M. , Youssif Maha A. E. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractPoly(1‐octadecene‐co‐maleic anhydride) bis behanate ester, poly(1‐octadecene‐co‐maleic anhydride) bis stearate ester, and ethylene glycol bis stearate ester were prepared and their structures were confirmed by IR spectroscopy. Wax gel was prepared from base oil blend (base lube oil grade 260/290, transformer oil) and microcrystalline wax in ratio 2.3 : 1, respectively, in the presence of antioxidant and anticorrosion additives in ratio of 0.1–2%. Atactic polypropylene was added in mixture with the above copolymers and ester to the wax gel in different proportions. Dielectric constant, dielectric loss, and volume resistivity at frequency range of 1–103 kHz 35°C have shown better results than that of wax gel alone. The grease which includes poly(1‐octadecene‐co‐maleic anhydride) bis behanate ester in mixture with atactic polypropylene recorded the best results. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Nonlinear convex and concave relaxations for the solutions of parametric ODEs
Authors: Scott Joseph K. , Chachuat Benoit , Barton Paul I. 
Published: January 2012

SUMMARYConvex and concave relaxations for the parametric solutions of ordinary differential equations (ODEs) are central to deterministic global optimization methods for nonconvex dynamic optimization and open‐loop optimal control problems with control parametrization. Given a general system of ODEs with parameter dependence in the initial conditions and right‐hand sides, this work derives sufficient conditions under which an auxiliary system of ODEs describes convex and concave relaxations of the parametric solutions, pointwise in the independent variable. Convergence results for these relaxations are also established. A fully automatable procedure for constructing an appropriate auxiliary system has been developed previously by the authors. Thus, the developments here lead to an efficient, automatic method for computing convex and concave relaxations for the parametric solutions of a very general class of nonlinear ODEs. The proposed method is presented in detail for a simple example problem. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Patchy solution of a Francis–Byrnes–Isidori partial differential equation
Authors: Aguilar Cesar O. , Krener Arthur J. 
Published: January 2012

SUMMARYThe solution to the nonlinear output regulation problem requires one to solve a first‐order partial differential equation, known as the Francis–Byrnes–Isidori equations. In this paper, we propose a method to compute approximate solutions to the Francis–Byrnes–Isidori equations when the zero dynamics of the plant are hyperbolic and the exosystem is two dimensional. With our method, we are able to produce approximations that converge uniformly to the true solution. Our method relies on the periodic nature of two‐dimensional analytic center manifolds. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Stability of a class of switched positive linear time‐delay systems
Authors: Zhao Xudong , Zhang Lixian , Shi Peng 
Published: January 2012

SUMMARYThis paper addresses the problem of stability for a class of switched positive linear time‐delay systems. As first attempt, the Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional is extended to the multiple co‐positive type Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional for the stability analysis of the switched positive linear systems with constant time delay. A sufficient stability criterion is proposed for the underlying system under average dwell time switching. Subsequently, the stability result for system under arbitrary switching is presented by reducing multiple co‐positive type Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional to the common co‐positive type Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional. A numerical example is given to show the potential of the proposed techniques. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Doing Anger Differently: Two controlled trials of percussion group psychotherapy for adolescent reactive aggression
Authors: Currie Michael , Startup Mike 
Published: January 2012

ABSTRACTThis study evaluates efficacy and effectiveness of ‘Doing Anger Differently’ (DAD), a group treatment for reactively aggressive 12–15 year old males. DAD uses percussion exercises to aid treatment. Study 1 compared a ten‐week treatment with a waitlist control at pre, post and 6 month (treatment group only) follow‐up. Study 2 replicated Study 1, but also followed up controls at 6 months. In study 1 (N = 54) the treatment resulted in lowered trait anger (Cohen’s d = −1.3), aggression‐reports (d = −1.0) and depression (d = −0.6), and increased self‐esteem (d = 0.6), all maintained at six months. In study 2 (N = 65), aggression‐reports fell to one fifth of pre‐treatment levels at nine months follow‐up (d = −1.2), with lowered trait anger (d = −0.4) and anger expression (d = −0.3) post‐treatment.
Regulation of neurogenesis and gliogenesis of retinoic acid‐induced P19 embryonal carcinoma cells by P2X2 and P2X7 receptors studied by RNA interference
Authors: Yuahasi Katia K. , Demasi Marcos A. , Tamajusuku Alessandra S.K. , Lenz Guido , Sogayar Mari C. , Fornazari Maynara , Lameu Claudiana , Nascimento Isis C. , Glaser Talita , Schwindt Telma T. , Negraes Priscilla D. , Ulrich Henning 
Published: January 2012

AbstractEmbryonic carcinoma cells are widely used models for studying the mechanisms of proliferation and differentiation occurring during early embryogenesis. We have now investigated how down‐regulation of P2X2 and P2X7 receptor expression by RNA interference (RNAi) affects neural differentiation and phenotype specification of P19 embryonal carcinoma cells. Wild‐type P19 embryonal carcinoma cells or cells stably expressing shRNAs targeting P2X2 or P2X7 receptor expression were induced to differentiate into neurons and glial cells in the presence of retinoic acid. Silencing of P2X2 receptor expression along differentiation promoted cell proliferation and an increase in the percentage of cells expressing glial‐specific GFAP, while the presence of beta‐3 tubulin‐positive cells diminished at the same time. Proliferation induction in the presence of stable anti‐P2X2 receptor RNAi points at a mechanism where glial proliferation is favored over growth arrest of progenitor cells which would allow neuronal maturation. Differently from the P2X2 receptor, inhibition of P2X7 receptor expression during neural differentiation of P19 cells resulted in a decrease in cell proliferation and GFAP expression, suggesting the need of functional P2X7 receptors for the progress of gliogenesis. The results obtained in this study indicate the importance of purinergic signaling for cell fate determination during neural differentiation, with P2X2 and P2X7 receptors promoting neurogenesis and gliogenesis, respectively. The shRNAs down‐regulating P2X2 or P2X7 receptor gene expression, developed during this work, present useful tools for studying mechanisms of neural differentiation in other stem cell models.
Vascular risk factors, apolipoprotein E, and hippocampal decline on magnetic resonance imaging over a 10‐year follow‐up
Authors: den Heijer Tom , van der Lijn Fedde , Ikram Arfan , Koudstaal Peter J. , van der Lugt Aad , Krestin Gabriel P. , Vrooman Henri A. , Hofman Albert , Niessen Wiro J. , Breteler Monique M.B. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractBackgroundDecline of hippocampal volume on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be considered as a surrogate biomarker of accumulating Alzheimer disease (AD) pathology. Previously, we showed in the prospective population‐based Rotterdam Scan Study that a higher rate of decline of hippocampal volume on MRI precedes clinical AD or memory decline. We studied potential risk factors for decline of hippocampal volume.MethodsAt baseline (1995–1996), 518 nondemented elderly subjects were included, and the cohort was re‐examined in 1999 and in 2006. At each examination, hippocampal volume was determined using an automated segmentation procedure. In all, 301 persons had at least two three‐dimensional MRI scans to assess decline in hippocampal volume.ResultsPersons carrying the apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 allele had lower hippocampal volumes than persons with the ε3/ε3 genotype, but the rate of decline was not influenced by APOE genotype. In persons who did not use antihypertensive treatment, both a high (>90 mm Hg) and a low (<70 mm Hg) diastolic blood pressure were associated with a faster decline in hippocampal volume. Also, white matter lesions on baseline MRI were associated with a higher rate of decline in hippocampal volume.ConclusionsIn a nondemented elderly population, persons with the APOE ε4 allele have a smaller hippocampal volume but not a higher rate of decline. Rate of decline of hippocampal volume was influenced by white matter lesions and diastolic blood pressure, supporting their hypothesized role in the pathogenesis of AD.
Effect of the endothelin receptor antagonist tezosentan on alpha‐naphthylthiourea‐induced lung injury in rats
Authors: Atalay Figen , Yurdakan Gamze , Yilmaz‐Sipahi Emine 
Published: January 2012

AbstractAcute lung injury is an inflammatory syndrome that increases the permeability of the blood‐gas barrier, resulting in high morbidity and mortality. Despite intensive research, treatment options remain limited. We investigated the protective efficacy of tezosentan, a novel, dual endothelin receptor antagonist, in an experimental model of alpha‐naphthylthiourea (ANTU)‐induced acute lung injury in rats. ANTU was intraperitoneally (i.p.) injected into rats at a dose of 10 mg/kg. Tezosentan was injected 30 minutes before ANTU was subcutaneously (s.c.) injected at doses of 2, 10, or 30 mg/kg, 60 minutes before ANTU was injected at doses of 2, 10, or 30 mg/kg (i.p.), and 90 minutes before ANTU at a dose of 10 mg/kg (i.p.). Four hours later, the lung weight/body weight (LW/BW) ratio and pleural effusion (PE) were measured. When injected 30 minutes before ANTU at doses of 2, 10, or 30 mg/kg (s.c.), tezosentan had no effect on lung pathology. When injected 60 minutes before ANTU at doses of 2, 10, or 30 mg/kg (i.p.) or 90 minutes before ANTU (10 mg/kg, i.p.), tezosentan significantly decreased the PE/BW ratio and had a prophylactic effect on PE formation at all doses. Therefore, tezosentan may attenuate lung injury. Furthermore, its acute and inhibitory effects on fluid accumulation were more effective in the pleural cavity than in the interstitial compartment in this experimental model.
Gesundheitsförderung für ältere pflegende Angehörige
Authors: Dräger Dagmar , Budnick Andrea , Kummer Katja , Seither Corinna , Blüher Stefan 
Published: January 2012

Einleitung
Im Projekt „Gesundheitsförderung für ältere pflegende Angehörige“ wurde ein standardisiertes Assessment zur Ermittlung von individuellen gesundheitsbezogenen physischen und psychischen Ressourcen und Risiken für pflegende Angehörige entwickelt. Es differenziert neun Typen und ordnet Angebote der Gesundheitsförderung zu. Das Assessment wurde mit 202 pflegenden Angehörigen (Versicherte Deutsche BKK) durchgeführt, ca. 80% wiesen einen hohen Bedarf an Gesundheitsförderung auf. Die Inanspruchnahme entsprach trotz großen Interesses an den Angeboten nicht den Erwartungen.
Sozial bedingte gesundheitliche Ungleichheit im Alter
Authors: Kümpers Susanne 
Published: January 2012

Einleitung
Sozioökonomische Ungleichheit ist mit gesundheitlicher Ungleichheit bis in das hohe Alter assoziiert. Insgesamt scheint eine Kombination von über den Lebenslauf hin akkumulierten sowie aktuellen Unterschieden in den Lebensbedingungen für die gesundheitlichen Unterschiede im Alter verantwortlich zu sein. Der Beitrag verweist kursorisch auf existierende Befunde und referiert einige im Zusammenhang damit diskutierte Fragen wie die nach der allgemeinen Kompression der Morbidität, der Bedeutung des Gesundheitsverhaltens und nach moderierenden Faktoren zwischen dem sozioökonomischen Status (SES) und Gesundheitsoutcomes.