bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Small-Molecule Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor Antagonist Protects against Glomerulonephritis in Lupus-Prone NZB/NZW F1 and MRL/lprMice
Authors: Leng Lin , Chen Liang , Fan Juan , Greven Dorothee , Arjona Alvaro , Du Xin , Austin David , Kashgarian Michael , Yin Zhinan , Huang Xiao R. , Lan Hui Y. , Lolis Elias , Nikolic-Paterson David , Bucala Richard 
Published: November 2010

AbstractAutoimmunity leads to the activation of innate effector pathways, proinflammatory cytokine production, and end-organ injury. Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is an upstream activator of the innate response that mediates the recruitment and retention of monocytes via CD74 and associated chemokine receptors, and it has a role in the maintenance of B lymphocytes. High-expression MIF alleles also are associated with end-organ damage in different autoimmune diseases. We assessed the therapeutic efficacy of (S,R)-3-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-4,5-dihydro-5-isoxazole acetic acid methyl ester (ISO-1), an orally bioavailable MIF antagonist, in two distinct models of systemic lupus erythematosus: the NZB/NZW F1 and the MRL/lpr mouse strains. ISO-1, like anti-MIF, inhibited the interaction between MIF and its receptor, CD74, and in each model of disease, it reduced functional and histological indices of glomerulonephritis, CD74+ and CXCR4+ leukocyte recruitment, and proinflammatory cytokine and chemokine expression. Neither autoantibody production nor T and B cell activation were significantly affected, pointing to the specificity of MIF antagonism in reducing excessive proinflammatory responses. These data highlight the feasibility of targeting the MIF–MIF receptor interaction by small-molecule antagonism and support the therapeutic value of downregulating MIF-dependent pathways of tissue damage in systemic lupus erythematosus.
HIV INFECTION, ANTIRETROVIRAL THERAPY AND CARDIOVASCULAR RISK
Authors: De Gaetano Donati Katleen , Cauda Roberto , Iacoviello Licia 
Published: November 2010

In the last 15 years, highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has determined a dramatic reduction of both morbidity and mortality in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected subjects, transforming this infection in a chronic and manageable disease. Patients surviving with HIV in the developed world, in larger number men, are becoming aged. As it would be expected for a population of comparable age, many HIV-infected individuals report a family history of cardiovascular disease, a small proportion have already experienced a cardiovascular event and an increasing proportion has diabetes mellitus. Smoking rate is very high while an increasing proportion of HIV-infected individuals have dyslipidaemia. Studies suggest that these traditional risk factors could play an important role in the development of cardiovascular disease in these patients as they do in the general population. Thus, whilst the predicted 10-year cardiovascular disease risk remains relatively low at present, it will likely increase in relation to the progressive aging of this patient population. Thus, the long-term follow-up of HIV infected patients has to include co-morbidity management such as cardiovascular disease prevention and treatment. Two intriguing aspects related to the cardiovascular risk in patients with HIV infection are the matter of current investigation: 1) while these subjects share many cardiovascular risk factors with the general population, HIV infection itself increases cardiovascular risk; 2) some HAART regimens too influence atherosclerotic profile, partly due to lipid changes. Although the mechanisms involved in the development of cardiovascular complications in HIV-infected patients remain to be fully elucidated, treatment guidelines recommending interventions to prevent cardiovascular disease in these individuals are already available; however, their application is still limited.
Comparative ab initio studies of small tin and lead clusters
Authors: Wang Bing , Molina L.M. , López M.J. , Rubio A. , Alonso J. A. , Stott M. J. 
Published: November 2010

AbstractWe have performed ab initio total‐energy pseudopotential calculations on neutral and negatively charged Snn and Pbn (n = 3 − 10) clusters. The lowest energy structures have been determined for all clusters, and the stabilities of neutral clusters were investigated by comparing their evaporation energies and stability functions. Clusters with n = 7,10 were found to be most stable while the clusters with n = 8 and Pbs were much less stable, in agreement with features of the observed mass spectra. Calculations on Sn−n and Pb−n show that both atomic and electronic structures of a neutral cluster change substantially upon charging. The densities of states of Sn−n clusters reproduce the main features of the experimental photoelectron spectra. The agreement is poorer for Pb−n clusters where the calculations underestimate the separation between energy levels which we think is due to the larger spin‐orbit splitting in Pb, which was neglected in the calculations. We found that the differences between Sn and Pb clusters cannot be completely addressed without a more complete accounting of relativistic effects. The electron affinities of Snn and Pbn clusters have also been calculated and the results agree fairly well with experimental values. Finally we considered Sn2−4 and Pb2−4 clusters and related the results to the formation of Zintl anions in liquid alkali‐Sn and alkali‐Pb alloys.
Emergence of classicality for primordial fluctuations: Concepts and analogies
Authors: Kiefer Claus , Polarski David 
Published: November 2010

AbstractWe clarify the way in which cosmological perturbations of quantum origin, produced during inflation, assume classical properties. Two features play an important role in this process: First, the dynamics of fluctuations which are presently on large cosmological scales leads to a very peculiar state (highly squeezed) that is indistinguishable, in a precise sense, from a classical stochastic process. This holds for almost all initial quantum states. Second, the process of decoherence by interaction with the environment distinguishes the field amplitude basis as the robust pointer basis. We discuss in detail the interplay between these features and use simple analogies such as the free quantum particle to illustrate the main conceptual issues.
Estimation of the influence of ionic dielectricity on the dynamic superconducting order parameter
Authors: Peter M. , Weger M. , Pitaevskii L. P. 
Published: November 2010

AbstractWe consider the influence of an ω‐dependent ionic dielectric constant ϵ(ω) on the properties of a superconductor. Assuming that the pairing interaction is proportional to ϵ2 we have solved the Eliashberg equations for this case, both for imaginary and real frequencies. The interaction potential depends on a coupling constant λ and on a longitudinal phonon frequency Ω. The dielectric constant is assumed to be independent of wavevector q, and to depend on frequency through the expression: ϵ(ω) = (ω2 ‐ ω2long)/(ω2 ‐ ω2trans), where ωlong, ωtrans are the frequencies of optical phonons of the dielectric. We find that along the imaginary frequency axis (but not for real frequencies) the weighted phonon propagator can be modeled by an appropriate choice of a cutoff frequency and an effective coupling constant. The influence of ϵ(ω) on Tc, the gap δ(ω), and the renormalization function Z(ω) are studied and it is found that these quantities increase significantly with the dielectric constant.
Spin‐flip torsion balance
Authors: Fulde P. , Kettemann S. 
Published: November 2010

AbstractThe spin flip of the conduction electrons at the interface of a ferromagnetic and a nonmagnetic part of a metallic wire, suspended between two electrodes, is shown to tort the wire when a current is driven through it. In order to enhance the effect it is suggested to use an alternating current in resonance with the torsional oscillations. Thereby the magnetic polarization of the conduction electrons in the ferromagnet can be measured directly, and compared to the total magnetization. This may yield new information on the transport properties of the narrow band electrons in itinerant ferromagnets.
From Conception to Realization: An Historial Account of Graphene and Some Perspectives for Its Future
Authors: Dreyer Daniel R. , Ruoff Rodney S. , Bielawski Christopher W. 
Published: November 2010

AbstractThere has been an intense surge in interest in graphene during recent years. However, graphene‐like materials derived from graphite oxide were reported in 1962, and related chemical modifications of graphite were described as early as 1840. In this detailed account of the fascinating development of the synthesis and characterization of graphene, we hope to demonstrate that the rich history of graphene chemistry laid the foundation for the exciting research that continues to this day. Important challenges remain, however; many with great technological relevance.
Pyrazolobenzotriazinone Derivatives as COX Inhibitors: Synthesis, Biological Activity, and Molecular‐Modeling Studies
Authors: Raffa Demetrio , Migliara Onofrio , Maggio Benedetta , Plescia Fabiana , Cascioferro Stella , Cusimano Maria Grazia , Tringali Giuseppe , Cannizzaro Carla , Plescia Fulvio 
Published: November 2010

AbstractPyrazolylbenzotriazinones are endowed with a structural analogy with the COX‐2 selective inhibitor celecoxib. Considering that our research group has long been interested in the 3‐pyrazolyl‐substituted benzotriazinones as anti‐inflammatory agents, six new pyrazolylbenzotriazinone derivatives 16a–c and 18a–c have been prepared by reacting the opportune ethyl 5‐(2‐aminobenzamido)‐1‐(pyridin‐2‐yl)‐1H‐pyrazole‐4‐carboxylate or 5‐(2‐aminobenzamido)‐1‐(pyridin‐2‐yl)‐1H‐pyrazole‐4‐carboxyic acid with sodium nitrite in glacial acetic acid. The biological studies revealed a good pharmacological profile for some pyrazolylbenzotriazinones and, in the case of the ethyl 5‐(4‐oxo‐1,2,3‐benzotriazin‐3(4H)‐yl)‐1‐pyridin‐2‐yl‐1H‐pyrazole‐4‐carboxylate, a good COX‐1/COX‐2 selectivity. Molecular modeling studies confirmed the obtained biological results.
Anticonvulsant and Toxicity Evaluation of Newer 4H‐Benzo[1,4]oxazin‐3‐ones: The Effect of Two Hydrogen Bonding Domains
Authors: Siddiqui Nadeem , Ali Ruhi , Arshad M. Faiz , Ahsan Waquar , Ahmed Sharique , Alam M. Shamsher 
Published: November 2010

AbstractA series of (Z)‐2‐(substituted aryl)‐N‐(3‐oxo‐4‐(substituted carbamothioyl)‐3,4‐dihydro‐2H‐benzo[b][1,4]oxazin‐7‐yl) hydrazine carboxamides (6a–r) was synthesized using 2‐amino‐5‐nitrophenol as a starting material. All the synthesized compounds possessed two hydrogen‐bonding domains and their effect on the activity was studied thereof. The anticonvulsant activity was assessed by the maximal electroshock test (MES), subcutaneous pentylenetetrazole test (scPTZ) and intraperitoneal thiosemicarbazide test (ipTSC). Compounds (6b, 6h, 6i, and 6p) were found to be the most potent of the series as they showed 83–100% protection in the MES test. They also displayed considerable activity in the chemically induced seizure tests. Most of the tested compounds were devoid of the neurotoxic and hepatotoxic effects.
Antimicrobial and Antineoplastic Activities of Agelasine Analogs Modified in the Purine 2‐Position
Authors: Roggen Heidi , Charnock Colin , Burman Robert , Felth Jenny , Larsson Rolf , Bohlin Lars , Gundersen Lise‐Lotte 
Published: November 2010

AbstractAgelasines are 7,9‐dialkylpurinium salts found in marine sponges (Agelas sp.), which display a variety of antimicrobial and cytotoxic effects. We have synthesized simplified agelasine analogs modified in the purine 2‐position and examined their antimicrobial and anticancer activities. The compounds were screened against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Candida krusei, and Candida albicans, protozoa causing tropical diseases (Plasmodium falciparum, Leishmania infantum, Trypanosoma cruzi, and Trypanosoma brucei), a panel of human cancer cell lines (U‐937 GTB, RPMI 8226/s, CEM/s, and ACHN) as well as VERO and/or MRC‐5 cells. The results indicate that the introduction of a methyl group in the purine 2‐position is beneficial for antimycobacterial and antiprotozoal activity, and that amino groups may enhance activity against several cancer cell lines.
Pyrolytic Carbon from an Aromatic Precursor and Its Application as a Counter Electrode in Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Hsiao Chang‐Tao , Lu Shih‐Yuan , Tsai Tsung‐Yu 
Published: November 2010

AbstractPyrolytic carbon thin films were deposited on quartz plates through a chemical vapor deposition process, by using a biphenyl precursor, 4,4′‐bis(chloromethyl‐1,1′‐biphenyl). The pyrolytic carbons were microporous and catalytic toward reduction of tri‐iodide, and the films thus obtained possessed a metallic appearance with good mirror reflections, hydrophilic surfaces, and low sheet resistances. The pyrolytic carbon‐coated quartz plates were used, in place of the commonly used Pt‐coated fluorine‐doped tin oxide glass, as the counter electrode for dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). The light to electricity conversion efficiency of the cell thus obtained was reasonably high, achieving 78 % of that obtained by using the conventional but much more expensive Pt counter electrode. From the electrochemical impedance spectroscopic analysis, one found that the minor reduction in the conversion efficiency came from the relatively higher resistance and lower catalytic activity of the pyrolytic carbon. This work demonstrates that the newly developed pyrolytic carbon films may be a promising alternative to Pt as the counter electrode material for DSSCs.
Removal of Ni(II) from Aqueous Solutions by Nanoscale Magnetite
Authors: Wang Xue Song , Ren Jun Jun , Lu Hai Jie , Zhu Lei , Liu Fei , Zhang Qian Qian , Xie Juan 
Published: November 2010

AbstractMagnetite nanoparticles were applied to remove Ni(II) from aqueous solutions as a function of pH, contact time, supporting electrolyte concentration, and analytical initial Ni(II) concentration. The highly crystalline nature of the magnetite structure with diameter of around 10 nm was characterized with transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X‐ray diffractometry (XRD). The surface area was determined to be 115.3 m2/g. Surface chemical properties of magnetite at 25°C in aqueous suspensions were investigated. The point of zero charge (pHzpc) was found to be 7.33 and the intrinsic acidity constants (${\rm p}K_{{\rm a}1}^{{\rm s}} $ and ${\rm p}K_{{\rm a}2}^{{\rm s}} $) were found to be 9.3 and 5.9, respectively. The surface functional groups were investigated with Fourier transform‐infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) as well. Batch experiments were carried out to determine the adsorption kinetics and mechanism of Ni(II) by these magnetite nanoparticles. The adsorption process was found to be pH dependent. In NaCl solutions, Ni(II) adsorption increased with increasing ionic strength while in NaClO4 solutions, Ni(II) adsorption exhibited little dependence on the ionic strength of the solution. The adsorption process better followed the pseudo‐second order equation and Freundlich isotherm.
IL‐1β regulates a novel myeloid‐derived suppressor cell subset that impairs NK cell development and function
Authors: Elkabets Moshe , Ribeiro Vera S. G. , Dinarello Charles A. , Ostrand‐Rosenberg Suzanne , Di Santo James P. , Apte Ron N. , Vosshenrich Christian A. J. 
Published: November 2010

AbstractChronic inflammation is associated with promotion of malignancy and tumor progression. Many tumors enhance the accumulation of myeloid‐derived suppressor cells (MDSC), which contribute to tumor progression and growth by suppressing anti‐tumor immune responses. Tumor‐derived IL‐1β secreted into the tumor microenvironment has been shown to induce the accumulation of MDSC possessing an enhanced capacity to suppress T cells. In this study, we found that the enhanced suppressive potential of IL‐1β‐induced MDSC was due to the activity of a novel subset of MDSC lacking Ly6C expression. This subset was present at low frequency in tumor‐bearing mice in the absence of IL‐1β‐induced inflammation; however, under inflammatory conditions, Ly6CnegMDSC were predominant. Ly6CnegMDSC impaired NK cell development and functionsin vitroandin vivo. These results identify a novel IL‐1β‐induced subset of MDSC with unique functional properties. Ly6CnegMDSC mediating NK cell suppression may thus represent useful targets for therapeutic interventions.
Treg and T‐effector cells in autoimmune CNS inflammation: A delicate balance, easily disturbed
Authors: Anderton Stephen M. 
Published: November 2010

AbstractEAE is the primary pre‐clinical disease for modelling the autoimmune/inflammatory component of multiple sclerosis. In fact, EAE is the primordial CD4+ T‐cell‐driven autoimmune disease model. It is striking (although perhaps unsurprising) that more than 10 000 publications over seven decades have provided a confusing, rather than a satisfying, picture of etiopathology. In the current issue of the European Journal of Immunology, an analysis of mice lacking LFA‐1 is reported. Given the role of this integrin in T‐cell activation and effector cell migration, one might predict resistance of LFA‐1−/− mice to EAE induction. Instead, this study unexpectedly reports that EAE was exacerbated in the absence of LFA‐1, and that this correlated with a decrease in the steady‐state numbers of Foxp3+ Treg in the LFA‐1−/− mice. Previous studies on the role of LFA‐1 in EAE have been reviewed recently. This Commentary focuses on our current understanding of Treg function in the development and resolution of EAE and discusses how the absence of LFA‐1 might unhinge these, possibly by altering the generation of Treg in the thymus, their expansion in response to autoantigen immunization, or their infiltration of the CNS.
The transient nature of the Th17 phenotype
Authors: Annunziato Francesco , Romagnani Sergio 
Published: November 2010

AbstractCD4+ Th lymphocytes represent a heterogeneous population of cells that play an essential role in adaptive immunity. In addition to type 1 (Th1) and type 2 (Th2) cells, a third subset of CD4+ Th effector cells has recently been discovered, named type 17 (Th17) because of its unique ability to produce interleukin (IL)‐17. Initial studies in mice suggested that Th17 cells are the pathogenic cells in autoimmune disorders, whereas Th1 cells are protective. Studies in humans have demonstrated the plasticity of Th17 cells and their ability to convert to Th1 cells. This Th17 to Th1 cell plasticity has also been confirmed in mice and, furthermore, it was found that Th17 cells appear to be pathogenic only when they shift to Th1 cells. A study in this issue of the European Journal of Immunology uses an IL‐17 fate mapping mouse strain, which permits the identification of the cells that have been IL‐17 producers, to provide definitive evidence that Th17 cells, either generated in vitro or in vivo, represent a transient phenotype that tend to convert into IFN‐γ‐producing cells. Our Commentary discusses this interesting point in light of previous data suggesting the same concept.
The growing diversity and spectrum of action of myeloid‐derived suppressor cells
Authors: Mantovani Alberto 
Published: November 2010

AbstractMyeloid‐derived suppressor cells (MDSC) are a heterogeneous population of myelomonocytic cells endowed with suppressive activity. MDSC expand and acquire suppressive functions in chronic inflammatory conditions, in particular in neoplastic disorders. As exemplified in two reports in this issue of the European Journal of Immunology, progress has been made in defining MDSC‐inducing signals, MDSC phenotypic diversity and spectrum of action. These recent results provide a basis to better define the relationship of MDSC with the adaptive immune responses of mononuclear phagocytes and neutrophils and to exploit their function in a therapeutic setting.
Recent advances in enhancing the sensitivity of electrophoresis and electrochromatography in capillaries and microchips (2008–2010)
Authors: Breadmore Michael C. , Dawod Mohamed , Quirino Joselito P. 
Published: November 2010

AbstractCapillary electrophoresis has been alive for over two decades now; yet, its sensitivity is still regarded as being inferior to that of more traditional methods of separation such as HPLC. As such, it is unsurprising that overcoming this issue still generates much scientific interest. This review continues to update this series of reviews, first published in Electrophoresis in 2007, with an update published in 2009 and covers material published through to June 2010. It includes developments in the fields of stacking, covering all methods from field‐amplified sample stacking and large volume sample stacking, through to ITP, dynamic pH junction and sweeping. Attention is also given to on‐line or in‐line extraction methods that have been used for electrophoresis.
Innovating foreign aid—progress and problems
Authors: Jones Sam 
Published: November 2010

AbstractThis paper assesses two innovative development financing models—specialised global partnership funds (e.g. The Global Fund) and market‐based approaches (e.g. GlobalGiving). Via a simple typology of development financing approaches these models are shown to contain distinctive and new elements. They have definite strengths, particularly in raising funds as well as unbundling fundraising from design and implementation. However, these models are not panaceas and replicate many weaknesses of ‘traditional’ approaches to foreign aid. Donors should carefully consider the merits of supporting new financing structures relative to including innovative design features within existing aid programmes. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Establishment and application of fuzzy decision rules: an empirical case of the air passenger market in Taiwan
Authors: Chiang Wen‐Yu 
Published: November 2010

ABSTRACTThis paper develops a framework for creating fuzzy decision rules by socio‐economic variables, transactional record variables and customer benefit variables. Fuzzy decision rules may be applied on marketing systems of businesses. This research uses fuzzy k‐means algorithm and C4.5 decision tree algorithm to generate fuzzy decision rules. The framework is applied on the air passenger market of Taiwan for an empirical case study. Results of this research found two non‐fuzzy (crisp) decision rules and two fuzzy decision rules, which can be applied on the customer relationship management systems of airlines. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.