bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
In vivo adjuvant activity of the RNA component of the Sm/RNP lupus autoantigen
Authors: Kelly‐Scumpia Kindra M. , Nacionales Dina C. , Scumpia Philip O. , Weinstein Jason S. , Narain Sonali , Moldawer Lyle L. , Satoh Minoru , Reeves Westley H. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractObjectiveMany lupus autoantigens contain small, highly structured RNAs, and studies have shown that the RNA components of lupus autoantigens activate production of type I interferon by dendritic cells (DCs) in vitro via the Toll‐like receptor (TLR)–myeloid differentiation factor 88 pathway. This study was undertaken to examine whether U1 RNA possesses adjuvant activity in vivo.MethodsU1 RNA was affinity purified from K562 cells. C57BL/6 or OT‐II mice were immunized with 4‐hydroxy‐3‐nitrophenyl acetyl (NP)–conjugated keyhole limpet hemocyanin (NP‐KLH) or ovalbumin323–337 peptide, using either U1 RNA or aluminum hydroxide (alum) as the adjuvant. Activation of DCs and lymphocytes was measured using flow cytometry. NP‐specific antibody responses were measured using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Antigen‐specific T cell proliferation was determined using 3H‐thymidine incorporation.ResultsSimilar to the results with the standard adjuvant, alum, U1 RNA coadministered with NP‐KLH enhanced production of NP‐specific IgM and IgG (on days 8 and 16 postinjection, respectively). Moreover, proliferation of antigen‐specific CD4+ T cells was enhanced to comparable levels in the mice immunized with either U1 RNA or alum. Injection of U1 RNA into the footpad of mice resulted in DC recruitment to draining lymph nodes and induction of DC maturation. U1 RNA, at 24 hours' postinjection, also increased expression of the early activation marker CD69 in both B and T lymphocytes. Pretreatment of U1 RNA with RNase or coadministration with a TLR‐7 antagonist inhibited the effects of this adjuvant.ConclusionA small RNA of cellular origin can drive DC maturation, B and T cell activation/proliferation, and antibody responses to exogenous antigens. These results support the idea that U1 RNA is an endogenous adjuvant, helping to explain the striking predilection of lupus autoantibodies for RNA–protein complexes such as Sm/RNP.
Relationship between pain and medial knee joint loading in mild radiographic knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Thorp Laura E. , Sumner Dale R. , Wimmer Markus A. , Block Joel A. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractObjectiveThe relationship between knee pain and radiographic evidence of knee osteoarthritis (OA) is notoriously imperfect. In particular, conditions that distinguish individuals with symptoms from those with comparable radiographic involvement who remain asymptomatic are unclear. We investigated dynamic loading across the knee in individuals with mild radiographic OA who were distinguished by the presence or absence of knee pain.MethodsSubjects were recruited into 3 groups: symptomatic with a Kellgren/Lawrence (K/L) grade of 2 (n = 52), asymptomatic with a K/L grade of 2 (n = 19), and asymptomatic with a K/L grade of 0 or 1 (n = 37), the latter representing a normal comparator group. Dynamic knee loading was assessed with gait analysis, and both the peak external knee adduction moment and the knee adduction angular impulse were determined.ResultsPeak knee adduction moment and knee adduction angular impulse were 19% and 30% higher, respectively, in symptomatic K/L grade 2 individuals than in asymptomatic individuals with the same radiographic grade (P < 0.05). Conversely, the asymptomatic K/L grade 2 group did not differ from the K/L grade 0–1 normal comparator group (P = 1.00).ConclusionAmong individuals with mild radiographic knee OA (K/L grade 2), those who are symptomatic have significantly higher medial compartment loads than those who are asymptomatic, whereas those who are asymptomatic do not differ from normal controls (asymptomatic K/L grade 0 or 1). These findings suggest a biomechanical component to the distinction between asymptomatic and symptomatic radiographic OA, which may be pathophysiologically important.
Effect of physical training on the proportion of slow‐twitch type I muscle fibers, a novel nonimmune‐mediated mechanism for muscle impairment in polymyositis or dermatomyositis
Authors: Dastmalchi Maryam , Alexanderson Helene , Loell Ingela , Ståhlberg Marcus , Borg Kristian , Lundberg Ingrid E. , EsbJörnsson Mona 
Published: September 2007

AbstractObjectiveTo compare muscle fiber type composition and muscle fiber area in patients with chronic polymyositis or dermatomyositis and healthy controls, and to determine whether physical training for 12 weeks could alter these muscle characteristics.MethodsMuscle fiber type composition and muscle fiber area were investigated by biochemical and immunohistochemistry techniques in repeated muscle biopsy samples obtained from 9 patients with chronic myositis before and after a 12‐week exercise program and in healthy controls. Muscle performance was evaluated by the Functional Index (FI) in myositis and by the Short Form 36 (SF‐36) quality of life instrument.ResultsBefore exercise, the proportion of type I fibers was lower (mean ± SD 32% ± 10%) and the proportion of type IIC fibers was higher (3% ± 3%) in patients compared with healthy controls. After exercise, percentage of type I fiber increased to 42% ± 13% (P < 0.05), and type IIC decreased to 1% ± 1%. An exercise‐induced 20% increase of the mean fiber area was also observed. The functional capacity measured by the FI in myositis and the physical functioning subscale of the SF‐36 increased significantly. Improved physical functioning was positively correlated with the proportion of type I fibers (r = 0.88, P < 0.01) and type II muscle fiber area (r = 0.70, P < 0.05).ConclusionLow muscle endurance in chronic polymyositis or dermatomyositis may be related to a low proportion of oxidative, slow‐twitch type I fibers. Change in fiber type composition and increased muscle fiber area may contribute to improved muscle endurance and decreased muscle fatigue after a moderate physical training program.
Classification criteria in rheumatic diseases: A review of methodologic properties
Authors: Johnson Sindhu R. , Goek Oemer‐Necmi , Singh‐Grewal Davinder , Vlad Steven C. , Feldman Brian M. , Felson David T. , Hawker Gillian A. , Singh Jasvinder A. , Solomon Daniel H. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractObjectiveTo identify classification criteria for the rheumatic diseases and to evaluate their measurement properties and methodologic rigor using current measurement standards.MethodsWe performed a systematic review of published literature and evaluated criteria sets for stated purpose, derivation and validation sample characteristics, methods of criteria generation and reduction, and consideration of validity, and reliability.ResultsWe identified 47 classification criteria sets encompassing 13 conditions. Approximately 50% of the criteria sets were developed based on expert opinion rather than patient data. Of the 47 criteria sets, control samples were derived from patients with rheumatic disease in 15 (32%) sets, from patients with nonrheumatic diseases in 4 (9%) sets, and from healthy participants in 2 (4%) sets. Where patient data were used, the number of cases ranged from 20–588 and the number of controls from 50–787. In only 1 (2%) criteria set was there a distinct separation between investigators who derived the criteria set and clinicians who provided cases and controls. Authors commented on the need for individual criterion to be reliable in 5 (11%) sets, precise in 5 (11%) sets; authors noted the importance of content validity in 12 (26%) sets, and construct validity in 12 (26%) sets.ConclusionThe variation in methodologic rigor used in sample selection affects the validity and reliability of the criteria sets in different clinical and research settings. Despite potential deficiencies in the methods used for some criteria development, the sensitivity and specificity of many criteria sets is moderate to strong.
Synthesis of Spirocyclic C‐Arylglycosides and ‐Ribosides by Ruthenium‐Catalyzed Cycloaddition
Authors: Yamamoto Yoshihiko , Yamashita Ken , Hotta Tomitaka , Hashimoto Toru , Kikuchi Makoto , Nishiyama Hisao 
Published: September 2007

AbstractSpirocyclic C‐arylglycosides were synthesized from the appropriately protected δ‐gluconolactones. Addition of lithium acetylide followed by glycosylation with 3‐(trimethylsilyl)propargyl alcohol converted the δ‐gluconolactones into silylated diynes. After desilylation, subsequent ruthenium‐catalyzed cycloaddition of the resultant diynes with alkynes or chloroacetonitrile gave spirocyclic C‐arylglycosides in good yields and selectivity. This strategy was also extended to the synthesis of spirocyclic C‐arylribosides from the known γ‐ribonolactone derivative. Moreover, silver‐catalyzed iodination of the sugar diynes followed by ruthenium‐catalyzed cycloaddition with acetylene delivered spirocyclic C‐iodophenylglycosides and ‐ribosides, which were subjected to palladium‐catalyzed CC bond‐forming reactions and copper‐catalyzed coupling with nitrogen heterocycles to lead to various derivatives.
A Cyclobutanone Analogue Mimics Penicillin in Binding to Isopenicillin N Synthase
Authors: Stewart Amanda C. , Clifton Ian J. , Adlington Robert M. , Baldwin Jack E. , Rutledge Peter J. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractA carbocyclic analogue of the β‐lactam antibiotic isopenicillin N (IPN) has been synthesised and cocrystallised with isopenicillin N synthase (IPNS), the central enzyme in the biosynthesis of penicillin antibiotics. The crystal structure of the IPNS‐cyclobutanone complex reveals an active site environment similar to that seen in the enzyme–product complex generated by turnover of the natural substrate within the crystalline protein. The IPNS–cyclobutanone structure demonstrates that the product analogue is tethered to the protein by hydrogen bonding and salt bridge interactions with its carboxylate groups, as seen previously for the natural substrate and product. Furthermore, the successful cocrystallisation of this analogue with IPNS provides firm structural evidence for the utility of such cyclobutanone derivatives as hydrolytically stable analogues of bicyclic β‐lactams.
Comparison of Two Kinds of Bed Materials During CFB Combustion of Cotton Stalk
Authors: Liu R.‐P. , Jin B.‐S. , Zhong Z.‐P. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractSilica and aluminous soil were used as bed materials for the combustion of cotton stalk in a Circulating Fluidized Bed (CFB) combustion pilot plant (0.2 MW). After a long period of operation, the silica bed material was found to have sintered and the aluminous soil bed material was found to have resisted sintering. The particles of both types of bed materials were sampled. Two instrumental approaches (XRF and SEM/EDS) were employed in order to identify structural reasons for the observed differences in sintering behavior between the two bed materials when they were used in the same experimental conditions. From these experiments it was proven that the aluminous soil particles eliminate the bed agglomeration. Although the aluminous soil particles were enriched with alkali metals and alkaline‐earth metals after burning for 38 h, they still did not form any agglomerates. Therefore, these particles should provide a good bed material to substitute for the traditional silica bed materials in the CFB combustion of biomass with alkali ashes.
Numerical Simulation of Forced Convection in a Porous Circular Tube with Constant Wall Heat Flux: An Extended Graetz Problem with Viscous Dissipation
Authors: Tada S. , Ichimiya K. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractThermal development of forced convection in a circular tube filled with a saturated porous medium, subjected to the constant wall heat flux with a step change including the effect of viscous dissipation and the longitudinal heat conduction, has been studied numerically. Numerical computations for various values of the governing independent parameters, the Peclet number, Pe, the Darcy number, Da, the Brinkman number, Br, and the thermal conductivity ratio, Γ, were performed to disclose the influence of these parameters on the thermal behavior of flow through the corresponding porous circular tube. Results show that the presence of the viscous dissipation significantly elevates the level of the wall temperature, especially in the downstream region where the wall heat flux is uniformly applied. The local Nusselt number exhibits a monotonically increasing characteristic with the increase in the value of Γ. Results also show that the effect of the thermal conductivity ratio, Γ, alters the rate of the wall temperature evolution along the flow direction as well as the transversal profile of the temperature. This implies that the heat transfer is strongly controlled by conduction, and this is significant when the value of the Peclet number, Pe, is small.
Reduction of Nitrogen Oxides by Ammonia Over Iron‐Containing Catalysts
Authors: Jan M. T. , Kureti S. , Hizbullah K. , Jan N. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractSelective catalytic reduction (SCR) of NOx by NH3 is an efficient technology for the removal of nitrogen oxides from diesel exhaust. It is a disadvantage that the active component in commercial catalysts, V2O5, is toxic and melts at ∼650 °C. An alternative catalyst system, based on iron as the active component, was developed in this work. For this purpose, a number of supports were taken and impregnated with Fe2O3 and Fe2O3/WO3 by an incipient wetness technique. The synthesized catalysts were tested in a diesel model exhaust using temperature programmed reaction. The screening accomplished to date, resulted in a 5.8 mol.‐% Fe2O3/Al2O3 catalyst that exhibited outstanding activity in the temperature range between 150–375 °C with selective formation of N2. However, this catalyst was significantly deactivated by thermal aging at 600 °C. In contrast, the activity of the sample with 1.4 mol.‐% Fe2O3 and 0.8 mol.‐% WOx showed very high thermal stability as well as selective N2 production over the whole temperature regime, but it had lower SCR activity.
Numerical Investigations of Fluid Flow and Lateral Fluid Dispersion in Bounded Granular Beds in a Cylindrical Coordinates System
Authors: Soleymani A. , Turunen I. , Yousefi H. , Bastani D. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractResults are presented from a numerical study examining the flow of a viscous, incompressible fluid through a random packing of non‐overlapping spheres at moderate Reynolds numbers, spanning a wide range of flow conditions for porous media. By using a laminar model including inertial terms and assuming rough walls, numerical solutions of the Navier‐Stokes equations in three‐dimensional porous packed beds resulted in dimensionless pressure drops in excellent agreement with those reported in a previous study. This observation suggests that no transition to turbulence could occur in the range of the Reynolds number studied. For flows in the Forchheimer regime, numerical results are presented of the lateral dispersivity of solute continuously injected into a three‐dimensional bounded granular bed at moderate Peclet numbers. In addition to numerical calculations, to describe the concentration profile of solute, an approximate solution for the mass transport equation in a bounded granular bed in a cylindrical coordinates system is proposed. Lateral fluid dispersion coefficients are then calculated by fitting the concentration profiles obtained from numerical and analytical methods. Comparing the present numerical results with data available in the literature, no evidence has been found to support the speculations by others for a transition from laminar to turbulent regimes in porous media at a critical Reynolds number.
Intensification of Rate of Diffusion Controlled Reactions in a Parallel Plate Electrochemical Reactor Stirred by a Curtain of Electrochemically Generated Gas Bubbles
Authors: Sedahmed G. H. , Nirdosh I. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractRates of mass transfer were measured at a vertical plate stirred by a rising curtain of oxygen bubbles generated electrochemically at an upstream plate by measuring the limiting current of the cathodic reduction of K3Fe(CN)6 in alkaline solution. The rate of mass transfer was found to increase over the natural convection value by a factor ranging from 2.4 to 25 compared to the previously reported range of 2–5 in the case of copper deposition from acidified solutions. The high tendency of oxygen bubbles to coalesce in alkaline solutions is believed to be responsible for the high rates of mass transfer in alkaline solutions. The rate of mass transfer at a plate stirred by a curtain of oxygen bubbles was found to decrease with increasing plate height and electrolyte concentration. Curtains of H2 bubbles were found to be less effective in enhancing the rate of mass transfer compared to that of oxygen. Practical application of the results in designing a modified parallel plate electrochemical reactor stirred by a counterelectrode gas curtain was highlighted. The suggested design has the potential of saving part or all of the mechanical stirring energy as well as floor space since it extends vertically.
Inline Concentration Monitoring of Binary Liquid Mixtures in the Presence of a Dispersed Gas Phase with a Modified Speed of Sound Immersion Probe
Authors: Machefer S. , Schnitzlein K. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractA commercial speed of sound (SOS) immersion probe has been modified in order to permit concentration measurements of liquid mixtures in the presence of dispersed gas phases. Experiments were performed in which water was removed from a polymer/water mixture via evaporation and stripping in mixed vessels of different flow patterns. The original and modified SOS immersion probe was used to monitor the water concentration. In the stripping stage, where a persistent gas phase of high volume fraction is generated, the original SOS immersion probe fails to measure the water concentration. This drawback has been successfully eliminated by means of a special SOS probe housing. The modified SOS immersion probe showed reliable inline water concentration monitoring for directed (draft tube reactor) and undirected flow pattern (ordinary stirred reactor) under boiling and stripping conditions.
Environmental Factors Differently Affect Human and Rat IAPP: Conformational Preferences and Membrane Interactions of IAPP17–29 Peptide Derivatives
Authors: Pappalardo Giuseppe , Milardi Danilo , Magrì Antonio , Attanasio Francesco , Impellizzeri Giuseppe , La Rosa Carmelo , Grasso Domenico , Rizzarelli Enrico 
Published: September 2007

AbstractInterest in the 37‐residue human islet amyloid polypeptide (hIAPP) is related to its ability to form amyloid deposits in patients affected by type II diabetes. Attempts to unravel the molecular features of this disease have indicated several regions of this polypeptide to be responsible for either the ability to form insoluble fibrils or the abnormal interaction with membranes. To extend these studies to peptides that enclose His18, whose ionization state is believed to play a key role in the aggregation of hIAPP, we report on the synthesis of two peptides, hIAPP17–29 and rIAPP17–29, encompassing the 17–29 sequences of human and rat IAPP, respectively, as well as on their conformational features in water and in several membrane‐mimicking environments as revealed by circular dichroism (CD) and 2D‐NMR studies. hIAPP17–29 adopts a β‐sheet structure in water and its solubility increases at low pH. Anionic sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) micelles promoted the formation of an α‐helical structure in the peptide chain, which was poorly influenced by pH variations. rIAPP17–29 was soluble and unstructured in all the environments investigated, with a negligible effect of pH. The membrane interactions of hIAPP17–29 and rIAPP17–29 were assessed by recording differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) measurements aimed at elucidating the peptide‐induced changes in the thermotropic behaviour of zwitterionic (DPPC) and negatively charged (DPPC/DPPS 3:1) model membranes (DPPC=1,2‐dipalmitoyl‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphocholine, DPPS=1,2‐dipalmitoyl‐sn‐glycero‐3‐phosphoserine). Results of DSC experiments demonstrated the high potential of hIAPP17–29 to interact with DPPC membranes. hIAPP17–29 exhibited a negligible affinity for negatively charged DPPC/DPPS model membranes at neutral pH. On the other hand, rIAPP17–29 did not interact with neutral or negatively charged membranes. The role played by His18 in the modulation of the biophysical properties of this hIAPP region was assessed by synthesising and studying the R18HrIAPP17–29 peptide; the replacement of a single Arg with a His residue is not sufficient to induce either amyloidogenic propensity or membrane interaction in this region. The results show that the 17–29 domain of hIAPP has many properties of the full‐length protein “in vitro” and this opens up new perspectives for both research and eventually therapy.
General Synthesis Route to Benanomicin‐Pradimicin Antibiotics
Authors: Tamiya Minoru , Ohmori Ken , Kitamura Mitsuru , Kato Hirohisa , Arai Tadamasa , Oorui Mami , Suzuki Keisuke 
Published: September 2007

AbstractA general approach to the regio‐ and stereoselective total synthesis of the benanomicin‐pradimicin antibiotics (BpAs) is described. Construction of the aglycon has been achieved by 1) the diastereoselective ring‐opening of a biaryl lactone by using (R)‐valinol as a chiral nucleophile and 2) the stereocontrolled semi‐pinacol cyclization of the aldehyde acetal by using SmI2 in the presence of BF3⋅OEt2 and a proton source to afford the ABCD tetracyclic monoprotected diol. This strategy enabled us to control the two stereogenic sites in the B ring (C‐5 and C‐6) and the regioselective introduction of the carbohydrate moiety. The ABCD tetracycle could serve as an ideal platform for the divergent access to various BpAs. The amino acid (D‐alanine) was introduced onto the ABCD tetracycle. Glycosylation was promoted by the combination of Cp2HfCl2 and AgOTf (1:2 ratio). Construction of the E ring followed by deprotection completed the first total synthesis of benanomicin A (2 a), benanomicin B (2 b), and pradimicin A (1 a). The route is flexible enough to allow the synthesis of other congeners differing in their amino acid and carbohydrate moieties.
Concise Asymmetric Total Synthesis of Scyphostatin, a Potent Inhibitor of Neutral Sphingomyelinase
Authors: Fujioka Hiromichi , Sawama Yoshinari , Kotoku Naoyuki , Ohnaka Takuya , Okitsu Takashi , Murata Nobutaka , Kubo Ozora , Li Ruichuan , Kita Yasuyuki 
Published: September 2007

AbstractThe concise asymmetric total synthesis of scyphostatin has been achieved by condensation of the optically active cyclohexane unit, prepared from the commercially available 1,4‐cyclohexadiene by our own method, and the side chain, prepared by the method developed by Hoye and Tennakoon (T. R. Hoye, M. A. Tennakoon, Org. Lett. 2000, 2, 1481–1483). The modification of the epoxy cyclohexenone unit was achieved in a late stage of the total synthesis, and deprotection of the primary alcohol was conducted in the final step. During the synthesis several key reactions were attained: 1) intramolecular bromoetherification of the cyclohexadiene acetal; 2) stereoselective introduction of the tertiary alcohol, 3) deprotection of the acetal function to the aldehyde by combination with silyl triflate/2,4,6‐collidine and the one‐pot synthesis of the disilyl aldehyde compounds, with different types of silyl groups, from the dihydroxy acetal compounds; and 4) facile deprotection of the 2,4‐dimethoxyphenylmethyl (2,4DMPM) protecting group of the primary alcohol.