bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A new macromolecular paramagnetic MR contrast agent binds to activated human platelets
Authors: Chaubet Frédéric , Bertholon Isabelle , Serfaty Jean‐Michel , Bazeli Ramin , Alsaid Hasan , Jandrot‐Perrus Martine , Zahir Charaf , Even Pascale , Bachelet Laure , Touat Ziad , Lancelot Eric , Corot Claire , Canet‐Soulas Emmanuelle , Letourneur Didier 
Published: September 2007

AbstractA new functionalized macromolecular magnetic resonance (MR) contrast agent has been developed from a carboxymethyldextran‐Gd(DOTA) devoid of biospecificity. The functionalized contrast agent was synthesized in order to mimic PSGL‐1, the main ligand of P‐selectin, a glycoprotein mainly expressed on the surface of activated platelets. The starting compound, CM1, was first carboxymethylated by monochloroacetic acid leading to a series of 10 derivatives varying in their carboxymethyl content. CM8 derivative, with a degree of substitution in carboxymethyl of 0.84, was chosen for subsequent fluorolabeling and sulfation to give CM8FS. CM8FS has an average number molecular weight of 27 000 ± 500 g/mol, a hydrodynamic radius of 5.7 ± 0.2 nm and a high relaxivity (r1 = 11.2/mM (Gd)/s at 60 MHz). Flow cytometry experiments on whole human blood or on isolated platelets evidenced in vitro a preferential binding of CM8FS on TRAP‐activated human platelets. Interestingly, CM8FS did not bind to other blood cells or to resting platelets. Pellets of TRAP‐activated human platelets have also been imaged in tubes with a 1.5 T MR imager. A MR signal was observed for activated platelets incubated with CM8FS. Altogether, these in vitro results evidenced the recognition of activated human platelets by a fluorescent paramagnetic contrast agent grafted with carboxyl and sulfate groups. This biomimetic approach associated with the versatile macromolecular platform appears promising for the development of new contrast agents for molecular imaging of activated platelets in cardiovascular diseases such as atherosclerosis and aneurysms. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In vivo disruption of T cell development by expression of a dominant‐negative polypeptide designed to abolish the SLP‐76/Gads interaction
Authors: Jordan Martha S. , Maltzman Jonathan S. , Kliche Stefanie , Shabason Jacob , Smith Jennifer E. , Obstfeld Amrom , Schraven Burkhart , Koretzky Gary A. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractMulti‐molecular complexes nucleated by adaptor proteins play a central role in signal transduction. In T cells, one central axis consists of the assembly of several signaling proteins linked together by the adaptors linker of activated T cells (LAT), Src homology 2 domain‐containing leukocyte‐specific phosphoprotein of 76 kDa (SLP‐76), and Grb2‐related adaptor downstream of Shc (Gads). Each of these adaptors has been shown to be important for normal T cell development, and their proper sub‐cellular localization is critical for optimal function in cell lines. We previously demonstrated in Jurkat T cells and a rat basophilic leukemic cell line that expression of a 50‐amino acid polypeptide identical to the site on SLP‐76 that binds to Gads blocks proper localization of SLP‐76 and SLP‐76‐dependent signaling events. Here we extend these studies to investigate the ability of this polypeptide to inhibit TCR‐induced integrin activity in Jurkat cells and to inhibit in vivo thymocyte development and primary T cell function. These data provide evidence for the in vivo function of a dominant‐negative peptide based upon the biology of SLP‐76 action and suggest the possibility of therapeutic potential of targeting the SLP‐76/Gads interaction.
TGF‐β regulates pathology but not tissue CD8+ T cell dysfunction during experimental Trypanosoma cruzi infection
Authors: Martin Diana L. , Postan Miriam , Lucas Philip , Gress Ronald , Tarleton Rick L. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractInfection with the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi leads to chronic infection, with parasite persistence primarily in muscle tissue. CD8+ T cells isolated from muscle tissue of T. cruzi‐infected mice display decreased production of IFN‐γ in response to T cell receptor engagement. The expression of TGF‐β at the site of CD8+ T cell dysfunction and parasite persistence suggested that this immunoregulatory cytokine might play a role in these processes. Mice expressing a T cell‐specific dominant negative TGF‐β receptor type II (DNRII) were therefore infected with T. cruzi. Infection of DNRII mice resulted in massive CD8+ T cell proliferation, leading to increased numbers but decreased frequencies of antigen‐specific CD8+ T cells in the spleen compared to wild‐type mice. However, TGF‐β unresponsiveness failed to restore effector functions of CD8+ T cells isolated from muscle tissue. Histological examination of skeletal muscle from T. cruzi‐infected DNRII mice revealed an extensive cellular infiltrate, and DNRII mice displayed higher susceptibility to infection. Overall, while TGF‐β does not appear to be responsible for CD8+ T cell unresponsiveness in peripheral tissue in T. cruzi‐infected mice, these data suggest a role for TGF‐β in control of immunopathology in response to T. cruzi infection.
IL‐15 exacerbates collagen‐induced arthritis with an enhanced CD4+ T cell response to produce IL‐17
Authors: Yoshihara Kazufumi , Yamada Hisakata , Hori Akiko , Yajima Toshiki , Kubo Chiharu , Yoshikai Yasunobu 
Published: September 2007

AbstractIL‐15 is thought to be involved in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We found that IL‐15 plays an important role in the development of murine collagen‐induced arthritis (CIA). The incidence and severity of CIA were slightly decreased in IL‐15 KO mice but were increased in IL‐15 Tg mice compared with wild‐type (WT) mice. The levels of type II collagen (CII)‐specific IL‐17 production were significantly increased in IL‐15 Tg mice compared with WT mice with CIA. Expression of IL‐23R was up‐regulated in CD4+ T cells in IL‐15 Tg mice but down‐regulated in IL‐15 KO mice compared with WT mice. In correlation with the expression levels of IL‐23R, IL‐17 production by CD4+ T cells in response to exogenous IL‐23 was increased in IL‐15 Tg mice compared with WT mice. Furthermore, exogenous IL‐15 synergized with IL‐23 to induce CII‐specific IL‐17 production by CD4+ T cells in vitro. Taken together, these results indicate that IL‐15 plays an important role in the progression of CIA through increasing antigen‐specific IL‐17 production by CD4+ T cells.
Anti‐type II collagen antibody accelerates arthritis via CXCR2‐expressing cells in IL‐1 receptor antagonist‐deficient mice
Authors: Kagari Takashi , Tanaka Daisuke , Doi Hiromi , Iwakura Yoichiro , Shimozato Takaichi 
Published: September 2007

AbstractArthritis can be induced in mice by the injection of anti‐type II collagen (anti‐CII) Ab and LPS. To elucidate the role of IL‐1 receptor antagonist (IL‐1ra) in Ab‐induced arthritis, WT and IL‐1ra–/– mice were administered anti‐CII Ab and LPS. These IL‐1ra–/– mice developed severe arthritis even at low doses of anti‐CII Ab and LPS, while WT mice did not. The cells that invaded the arthritic joints were mainly Gr‐1+ neutrophils, and the number of the cells in the joints remained high over 4 weeks in the IL‐1ra–/– mice. KC, a ligand for CXCR2, is found in higher levels in the arthritic paws of IL‐1ra–/– mice compared with the WT, and most of the cells that infiltrated into the joints of the IL‐1ra–/– mice were CXCR2‐expressing neutrophils. Administration of anti‐CXCR2 Ab completely inhibited arthritis development. The anti‐CXCR2 Ab decreased the number of neutrophils in the blood and also inhibited the migration of neutrophils to KC. These results suggested that the high susceptibility of IL‐1ra–/– mice to anti‐CII Ab‐induced arthritis was due to the higher expression of chemotactic factors like KC and the sustained infiltration of CXCR2‐expressing neutrophils into the joints.
Self‐Assembled 1D Water Cluster in a Supramolecular Architecture of CoII(Tartrate)(Phenanthroline/Bipyridine): An Assessment of Magnetic Property
Authors: Manna Subal Chandra , Zangrando Ennio , Ribas Joan , Chaudhuri Nirmalendu Ray 
Published: September 2007

AbstractThe coordination polymer, {[Co(tart)(phen)]·6H2O}n (1) (tart, tartrate dianion; phen, 1,10‐phenanthroline) has been synthesized and characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray structure determination, magnetic measurement and thermal analysis. The structural analyses reveal two adjacent parallel 1D–[Co(phen)‐tart‐Co(phen)]– coordination polymers zipped through π‐π interactions. The lattice water molecules, forming a 1D water cluster, function as glue to form a 3D supramolecular network through an extended hydrogen bonding. A comparison highlighting the structural differences with the corresponding 2,2′‐bipyridine (bpy) derivative, {[Co(tart)(bpy)]·5H2O}n (2) containing a less amount of lattice water molecules is discussed. The variable‐temperature magnetic study of 1 has been carried out and interpretation of the already reported complex 2 has been re‐visited: both polymers 1 and 2 show weak antiferromagnetic interaction. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2007)
Azolium Salts Functionalized with Cyanomethyl, Vinyl, or Propargyl Substituents and Dicyanamide, Dinitramide, Perchlorate and Nitrate Anions
Authors: Gao Ye , Gao Haixiang , Piekarski Crystal , Shreeve Jean'ne M. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractA series of functionalized imidazolium and 1,2,4‐triazolium salts with cyanomethyl, vinyl and propargyl substituents coupled with energetic anions, viz., perchlorate, nitrate, dicyanamide and dinitramide were prepared and characterized by NMR and IR spectroscopy, and elemental analyses. Since some melt < 100 °C, they can be classed as ionic liquids. Their densities range between 1.25–1.76 g cm–3. The standard enthalpies of formation of the salts were calculated by using the computationally feasible DFT(B3LYP) and MP2 methods in conjunction with an empirical approach based on calculated densities of the salts. These values range from ΔH°f = –56 (12a) to 851 (21c) kJ mol–1. Of the salts synthesized, the dicyanamides exhibit the highest positive heats of formation, but also the lowest densities. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2007)
A pyrolysis model of charring materials considering the effect of ambient oxygen concentration
Authors: Weng W. G. , Fan W. C. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractIn this paper, a one‐dimensional integral model is developed to describe the processes involved in the transient pyrolysis of a semi‐infinite charring material subjected to a constant radiant heat flux. In this model, a special factor that shows the effect on pyrolysis is considered, i.e. under the oxygen‐containing atmosphere. The model tracks the char layer depth, thermal penetration depth, surface temperature and mass loss rate. Comparison with experimental results demonstrates that the predictions of the mass loss rate and temperature profile within the charring material are in good agreement with the experiment. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Expression of trkB and trkC receptors and their ligands brain‐derived neurotrophic factor and neurotrophin‐3 in the murine amygdala
Authors: Krause S. , Schindowski K. , Zechel S. , von Bohlen und Halbach O. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractThe neurotrophin brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and neurotrophin‐3 (NT‐3) and their cognate receptors, trkB and trkC, have a variety of physiological brain functions, ranging from cell survival to mechanisms involved in learning and memory and long‐term potentiation (LTP). LTP can be induced in the cortex and hippocampus, as well as within the amygdala. However, the role of neurotrophins in amygdalar LTP is largely unknown. Expression patterns of BDNF and NT‐3 and their cognate receptors in the adult mouse amygdala have not been analyzed in detail. We have therefore examined the expression of trkB, trkC, BDNF, and NT‐3 mRNA and protein in different amygdalar nuclei as well as in the hippocampal areas CA1–CA3 and the dentate gyrus. The distribution pattern of trkB, trkC, BDNF, and NT‐3 mRNA in the murine hippocampus is comparable to that seen in rats. Within most amygdalar nuclei, a moderate BDNF mRNA expression was found; however, BDNF mRNA was virtually absent from the central nucleus. No expression of NT‐3 mRNA was found within the amygdala, but trkC mRNA‐expressing cells were widely distributed within this brain region. trkB mRNA was strongly expressed in the amygdala. Because trkB is expressed in a full‐length and a truncated form (the latter form is also expressed by nonneuronal cells), we also investigated the distribution of full‐length trkB mRNA‐expressing cells and could demonstrate that this version of trkB receptors is also widely expressed in the amygdala. These results can serve as a basis for studies elucidating the physiological roles of these receptors in the amygdala. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Structure of nontrivial nonnegative solutions of singularly perturbed quasilinear Dirichlet problems
Authors: Zhang Zhengce , Guo Zongming 
Published: September 2007

AbstractWe study structure of nontrivial nonnegative solutions for a class of singularly perturbed quasilinear Dirichlet problems. It is shown that there are infinitely many least‐energy solutions and they are spike‐layer solutions. Moreover, the measure of each spike‐layer is estimated as the parameter ε tends to 0. (© 2007 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Diagnostic criteria for pudendal neuralgia by pudendal nerve entrapment (Nantes criteria)
Authors: Labat Jean‐Jacques , Riant Thibault , Robert Roger , Amarenco Gérard , Lefaucheur Jean‐Pascal , Rigaud Jérôme 
Published: September 2007

AbstractAimsThe diagnosis of pudendal neuralgia by pudendal nerve entrapment syndrome is essentially clinical. There are no pathognomonic criteria, but various clinical features can be suggestive of the diagnosis. We defined criteria that can help to the diagnosis.Materials and MethodsA working party has validated a set of simple diagnostic criteria (Nantes criteria).ResultsThe five essentials diagnostic criteria are: (1) Pain in the anatomical territory of the pudendal nerve. (2) Worsened by sitting. (3) The patient is not woken at night by the pain. (4) No objective sensory loss on clinical examination. (5) Positive anesthetic pudendal nerve block. Other clinical criteria can provide additional arguments in favor of the diagnosis of pudendal neuralgia. Exclusion criteria are also proposed: purely coccygeal, gluteal, or hypogastric pain, exclusively paroxysmal pain, exclusive pruritus, presence of imaging abnormalities able to explain the symptoms.ConclusionThe diagnosis of pudendal neuralgia by pudendal nerve entrapment syndrome is essentially clinical. There are no specific clinical signs or complementary test results of this disease. However, a combination of criteria can be suggestive of the diagnosis. Neurourol. Urodynam. 27:306–310, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Redlining or risk? A spatial analysis of auto insurance rates in Los Angeles
Authors: Ong Paul M. , Stoll Michael A. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractAuto insurance rates can vary dramatically, with much higher premiums in poor and minority areas than elsewhere, even after accounting for individual characteristics, driving history, and coverage. This paper uses a unique data set to examine the relative influence of place‐based socioeconomic characteristics (or redlining) and place‐based risk factors on the place‐based component of automobile insurance premiums. We use a novel approach of combining tract‐level census data and car insurance rate quotes from multiple companies for sub‐areas within the city of Los Angeles. The quotes are for a hypothetical individual with identical demographic and auto characteristics, driving records, and insurance coverage. This method allows the individual demographic and driving record to be fixed. Multivariate models are then used to estimate the independent contributions of these risk and redlining factors to the place‐based component of the car insurance premium. We find that both risk and redlining factors are associated with variations in insurance costs in the place‐based component, with black and poor neighborhoods being adversely affected, although risk factors are stronger predictors. However, even after risk factors are taken into account in the model specification, SES factors remain statistically significant. Moreover, simulations show that redlining factors explain more of the gap in auto insurance premiums between black (and Latino) and white neighborhoods and between poor and nonpoor neighborhoods. The findings do not appear sensitive to the individual characteristics of the hypothetical driver. © 2007 by the Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management
E‐glass/DGEBA/m‐PDA single fiber composites: Interface debonding during fiber fracture
Authors: Holmes G.A. , Peterson R.C. , Hunston D.L. , McDonough W.G. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractIn this paper, we examine the regions of debonding between the fibers and the matrix surrounding fiber breaks formed during single fiber fragmentation tests. The fiber breaks are accompanied by areas of debonding between the matrix and the surface of the fiber. With increasing applied strain, the lengths of these debonded regions generally increase. At the end of the test, the matrix tensile strain adjacent to the debond regions is an order of magnitude higher than the applied strain (40% vs. 4%). Although the debond edges typically remain attached at the same locations on the fiber fragments, debond propagation along fiber fragments under increasing strain has been observed in some cases. The phenomenon is termed secondary debond growth, and two mechanisms that trigger secondary debond region growth have been proposed. As expected, tests with bare fibers and with fibers coated to alter interface adhesion indicate that the average size of debonded regions at the end of the test increases as the calculated interfacial shear strength decreases. However, a decrease in the “apparent” interfacial shear strength resulting from an increase in testing rate results in a decrease in the size of the average debond region. This result suggests an increase in the amount of energy stored in the matrix from the fiber fracture process. POLYM. COMPOS. 28:561–574, 2007. © 2007 Society of Plastics Engineers
Preparation and properties of polyimide/silica hybrid nanocomposites
Authors: Tang J.C. , Yang H.C. , Chen S.Y. , Chen‐Yang Y.W. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractIn this study, a commercially available nano‐sized silica (SiO2) was surface‐modified via esterification with oleic acid (OA), a relatively inexpensive and hydrophobic modifier. The surface‐modified silica (SiO2‐OA) nanoparticles were used to disperse in the poly(amic acid) solutions of a commercial polyimide (PI), used for two‐layer film, and thermally imidized to form a series of PI/silica nanocomposites. The effects of the addition of SiO2‐OA nanoparticles on the properties of the as‐prepared PI/silica nanocomposites were studied. The results indicated that the as‐prepared PI/silica nanocomposites exhibited improvements in the dynamic mechanical property, thermal stability, water resistance, and thermal expansion. POLYM. COMPOS. 28:575–581, 2007. © 2007 Society of Plastics Engineers
Chitosan‐hydroxyapatite‐BIT composite films: Preparation and characterization
Authors: Pinheiro A. G. , Pereira F.F.M. , Santos M.R.P. , Freire F.N.A. , Góes J.C. , Sombra A.S.B. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractIn this article, we present a study of chitosan‐hydroxyapatite‐BIT composite films by combining chitosan (deacetylated degree, 90%) solution and two crystalline materials, HAN (hydroxyapatite (Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2) N for nanocrystalline) and BIT (Bi4Ti3O12)). The first one (HAN), is the mineral phase present in human bone, the second one (BIT) is a ferroelectric discovered by Aurivillius in 1949 (Fang, Robbins, and Aurivillius, Physical Review, 126, 3 (1962)). Both BIT and HAN were synthesized by our group using the ball milling process. Combining these two materials (HAN and BIT), we took a series of measurements to identify the composite phases present, and their electric and structural behavior. For the Chitosan composite Q6 (50% BIT + 50% HAN), we achieved at 100 Hz a dielectric constant K ∼3360. The application could be a new biomembrane, which once polarized could be applied to the human skin as curatives or biosensors. POLYM. COMPOS. 28:582–587, 2007. © 2007 Society of Plastics Engineers
Properties of a reactive‐graphitic‐carbon‐nanofibers‐reinforced epoxy
Authors: Zhamu Aruna , Hou Yaping , Zhong Wei‐Hong , Stone James J. , Li Jiang , Lukehart Charles M. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractOur previous studies showed that herringbone graphitic GNFs surface‐derivatized with reactive linker molecules bearing pendant primary amino functional groups capable of binding covalently to epoxy resins. Of special importance, herringbone GNFs derivatized with 3,4′‐oxydianiline (GNF‐ODA) were found to react with neat butyl glycidyl ether to form mono‐, di‐, tri‐, and tetra‐glycidyl oligomers covalently coupled to the ODA pendant amino group. The resulting reactive GNF‐ODA (butyl glycidyl)n nanofibers, r‐GNF‐ODA, are especially well suited for reactive, covalent incorporation into epoxy resins during thermal curing. Based on these studies, nanocomposites reinforced by the r‐GNF‐ODA nanofibers at nanofiber loadings of 0.15–1.3 wt% were prepared. Flexural property of cured r‐GNF‐ODA/epoxy nanocomposites were measured through three‐point‐bending tests. Thermal properties, including glass transition temperature (Tg) and coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) for the nanocomposites, were investigated using thermal mechanical analysis. The nanocomposites containing 0.3 wt% of the nanofibers gives the highest mechanical properties. At this 0.3‐wt% fiber loading, the flexural strength, modulus and breaking strain of the particular nanocomposite are increased by about 26, 20, and 30%, respectively, compared to that of pure epoxy matrix. Moreover, the Tg value is the highest for this nanocomposite, 14°C higher than that of pure epoxy. The almost constant change in CTEs before and after Tg, and very close to the change of pure epoxy, is in agreement with our previous study results on a chemical bond existing between the r‐GNF‐ODA nanofibers and epoxy resin in the resulting nanocomposites. POLYM. COMPOS., 28:605–611, 2007. © 2007 Society of Plastics Engineers
Optimization of water absorption of starch/PVA composites
Authors: Zou Guo‐Xiang , Qu Jin‐Ping , Zou Xin‐Liang 
Published: September 2007

AbstractThe thermoplastic starch/PVA (SP) composites are prepared by a single‐screw extruder. This article presents a study of the influence of the formulation on the hydrophilicity of SP composites. An orthogonal array and the analysis of variance (ANOVA) are employed. The results of ANOVA show that the water absorption (WA) of the SP composites with increasing amount of starch, but glycerol and citric acid (CA) are useful in decreasing the WA of the SP composites. Some interactions are come into being between the factors, and the most important one is the interaction between WCA and WB. From the results of experiment, increasing the amount of CA and borax can improve the mechanical properties of SP composites and decrease the water absorption of SP composites by crosslinking starch and PVA, which was confirmed by thermalanalysis. POLYM. COMPOS., 28:674–679, 2007. © 2007 Society of Plastics Engineers