bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
T Cell Ig Mucin-3 Promotes Homeostasis of Sepsis by Negatively Regulating the TLR Response
Authors: Yang Xiaomei , Jiang Xingwei , Chen Guojiang , Xiao Yan , Geng Shaoxia , Kang Chunyan , Zhou Tingting , Li Yurong , Guo Xiaoqin , Xiao He , Hou Chunmei , Wang Renxi , Lin Zhou , Li Xinying , Feng Jiannan , Ma Yuanfang , Shen Beifen , Li Yan , Han Gencheng 
Published: January 2013

AbstractSepsis is an excessive inflammatory condition with a high mortality rate and limited prediction and therapeutic options. In this study, for the first time, to our knowledge, we found that downregulation and/or blockade of T cell Ig and mucin domain protein 3 (Tim-3), a negative immune regulator, correlated with severity of sepsis, suggesting that Tim-3 plays important roles in maintaining the homeostasis of sepsis in both humans and a mouse model. Blockade and/or downregulation of Tim-3 led to increased macrophage activation, which contributed to the systemic inflammatory response in sepsis, whereas Tim-3 overexpression in macrophages significantly suppressed TLR-mediated proinflammatory cytokine production, indicating that Tim-3 is a negative regulator of TLR-mediated immune responses. Cross-talk between the Tim-3 and TLR4 pathways makes TLR4 an important contributor to Tim-3–mediated negative regulation of the innate immune response. Tim-3 signaling inhibited LPS–TLR4–mediated NF-κB activation by increasing PI3K–AKT phosphorylation and A20 activity. This negative regulatory role of Tim-3 reflects a new adaptive compensatory and protective mechanism in sepsis victims, a finding of potential importance for modulating innate responses in these patients.
Rheumatoid Factor B Cell Memory Leads to Rapid, Switched Antibody-Forming Cell Responses
Authors: Sweet Rebecca A. , Cullen Jaime L. , Shlomchik Mark J. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractB cells are critical in the initiation and maintenance of lupus. Autoreactive B cells clonally expand, isotype switch, and mutate—properties associated with memory B cells (MBCs), which are typically generated via germinal centers. The development and functions of autoreactive MBCs in lupus are poorly understood. Moreover, mounting evidence implicates the extrafollicular (EF) response in the generation of switched and mutated autoantibodies that are driven by BCR and TLR corecognition, raising the question of whether MBCs are generated in this context. In this study, we investigated autoreactive MBC generation associated with this type of response. We transferred B cells from AM14 site-directed BCR transgenic mice into nontransgenic normal recipients and elicited an EF response with anti-chromatin Ab, as in prior studies. By following the fate of the stimulated cells at late time points, we found that AM14 B cells persisted at increased frequency for up to 7 wk. Furthermore, these cells had divided in response to Ag but were subsequently quiescent, with a subset expressing the memory marker CD73. These cells engendered rapid, isotype-switched secondary plasmablast responses upon restimulation. Both memory and rapid secondary responses required T cell help to develop, emphasizing the need for T–B collaboration for long-term self-reactivity. Thus, using this model system, we show that the EF response generated persistent and functional MBCs that share some, but not all, of the characteristics of traditional MBCs. Such cells could play a role in chronic or flaring autoimmune disease.
(Self-)similar groups and the Farrell–Jones conjectures
Authors: Bartholdi Laurent 
Published: January 2013

We show that contracting self-similar groups satisfy the Farrel–Jones conjectures as soon as their universal contracting cover is non-positively curved. This applies in particular to bounded self-similar groups.
We define, along the way, a general notion of contraction for groups acting on a rooted tree in a not necessarily self-similar manner.
The Inquisitor Ralph of Ligny, Two German Templars, and Marguerite Porete
Authors: Sean L. Field 
Published: January 2013

ABSTRACT
This article argues that the inquisitor Ralph of Ligny, known from a letter to Philip IV of France describing the interrogation of two German Templars in 1307, must also be the “inquisitor of Lorraine” who questioned Marguerite Porete (d. 1310) at about the same time. It then considers some of the implications of this identification and reedits Ralph's letter to Philip IV (Paris, Archives nationales J 413 no. 15).
Control Architecture of a 10 DOF Lower Limbs Exoskeleton for Gait Rehabilitation
Authors: Koceska Natasa , Koceski Saso , Durante Francesco , Zobel Pierluigi Beomonte , Raparelli Terenziano 
Published: January 2013

This paper describes the control architecture of a 10 DOF (Degrees of Freedom) lower limbs exoskeleton for the gait rehabilitation of patients with gait dysfunction. The system has 4 double-acting rod pneumatic actuators (two for each leg) that control the hip and knee joints. The motion of each cylinder's piston is controlled by two proportional pressure valves, connected to both cylinder chambers. The control strategy has been specifically designed in order to ensure a proper trajectory control for guiding patient's legs along a fixed reference gait pattern. An adaptive fuzzy controller which is capable of compensating for the influence of the dry friction was successfully designed, implemented and tested on an embedded real-time PC/104. In order to verify the proposed control architecture, laboratory experiments without a patient were carried out and the results are reported here and discussed.
Notalgia paresthetica: the unreachable itch
Authors: Ellis Carolyn 
Published: January 2013

Background: Notalgia paresthetica (NP) is a very common, under-recognized condition characterized by pruritus in a unilateral, dermatomal distribution in the mid-back. Chronic pruritus is sometimes accompanied by pain, paresthesias, or altered sensation to touch.
Objectives: To review the current literature with regards to the cause of NP and its most appropriate treatment.
Methods: Comprehensive literature review using PubMed to inspect the available data on NP.
Results: The most likely cause of NP is cutaneous nerve damage. Many therapies have been tried in the treatment of NP, mostly in small case studies.
Conclusions: The published cases and studies suggest symptoms of NP are due to a cutaneous sensory neuropathy. Treatments addressing the condition as such are more successful than traditional itch therapies. In many cases, a simple explanation for the persistent pruritus is satisfactory for patients. For very distressing cases, therapy should address the condition as a benign sensory neuropathy. Further studies are needed to evaluate which treatments have the greatest potential for providing symptom relief.
Dermoscopy of non-pigmented eccrine poromas: study of Mexican cases
Authors: Domínguez-Espinosa Ana Elena , Carlos Ortega Blanca , Quiñones Venegas Ricardo , González Ramírez Roger 
Published: January 2013

Background: Eccrine poroma is a benign neoplasm that can mimick a malignant neoplasm dermoscopically. The characteristic vascular pattern of this tumor has not been established.
Objective: To evaluate dermoscopic features of non-pigmented eccrine poroma in Mexican patients.
Method: We retrospectively studied histologically proven cases of eccrine poroma from three Mexican hospitals analyzed by four dermoscopists.
Results: Thirteen cases were studied. A polymorphous vascular pattern was found in most cases. Four presented with irregular linear and branched vessels with semi-elliptical, or semicircular endings (“chalice-form” and “cherry-blossoms” vessels). Structureless pink-white areas were the most common other dermoscopic finding.
Conclusions: “Chalice-form” and “cherry-blossom” vessels have not been reported in other benign or malignant neoplasms and can be a useful clue to the diagnosis of non-pigmented eccrine poroma.
Due to the variability of dermoscopic patterns of eccrine poroma further studies are required to establish the specificity of our findings.
Low-Grade Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma Mimicking Hemangioma of the Kidney: A Series of 4 Cases
Authors: Kryvenko Oleksandr N. , Roquero Leonardo , Gupta Nilesh S. , Lee Min W. , Epstein Jonathan I. 
Published: January 2013

Context.— Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (CCRCC) has a rich, sinusoid-like vascularity frequently used as a diagnostic criterion. CCRCC with predominantly vascular architecture has not been described.
Objective.— To describe 4 unusual CCRCC cases, primarily presenting with hemangioma-like morphologic pattern.
Design.— Clinicopathologic and selected immunohistochemical analysis of 4 cases of CCRCC mimicking hemangioma.
Results.— Cases were seen in 1 woman and 3 men (average age, 48.8 years; range, 40–66 years). Grossly, tumors were red-brown (3 of 4) with scant bright-yellow foci in 1. The average tumor size was 4 cm (range, 2.5–5.5 cm). Microscopically, all were composed of varying proportions of a rich, arborizing, sinusoid-like vasculature with focal hobnail appearance of endothelial cells. Entrapment of renal tubules between blood vessels was seen at the periphery of the tumors. This morphology was reminiscent of anastomosing hemangioma. Isolated tumor cells resembling lymphocytes with clear halos were sparsely interspersed between vessels. Cytokeratin immunostain confirmed the diagnosis of CCRCC.
Conclusion.— Extensive sampling and immunohistochemical workup of what is deemed to be a benign vascular neoplasm of the kidney is needed to rule out the presence of individual carcinoma cells or small viable carcinoma cell clusters.
Connective Tissue Growth Factor Immunohistochemical Expression Is Associated With Gallbladder Cancer Progression
Authors: Garcia Patricia , Leal Pamela , Alvarez Hector , Brebi Priscilla , Ili Carmen , Tapia Oscar , Roa Juan C. 
Published: January 2013

Context.— Gallbladder cancer (GBC) is an aggressive neoplasia associated with late diagnosis, unsatisfactory treatment, and poor prognosis. Molecular mechanisms involved in GBC pathogenesis remain poorly understood. Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) is thought to play a role in the pathologic processes and is overexpressed in several human cancers, including GBC. No information is available about CTGF expression in early stages of gallbladder carcinogenesis.
Objective.— To evaluate the expression level of CTGF in benign and malignant lesions of gallbladder and its correlation with clinicopathologic features and GBC prognosis.
Design.— Connective tissue growth factor protein was examined by immunohistochemistry on tissue microarrays containing tissue samples of chronic cholecystitis (n = 51), dysplasia (n = 15), and GBC (n = 169). The samples were scored according to intensity of staining as low/absent and high CTGF expressers. Statistical analysis was performed using the χ2 test or Fisher exact probability test with a significance level of P &lt; .05. Survival analysis was assessed by the Kaplan-Meier method and the log-rank test.
Results.— Connective tissue growth factor expression showed a progressive increase from chronic cholecystitis to dysplasia and then to early and advanced carcinoma. Immunohistochemical expression (score ≥2) was significantly higher in advanced tumors, in comparison with chronic cholecystitis (P &lt; .001) and dysplasia (P = .03). High levels of CTGF expression correlated with better survival (P = .04).
Conclusions.— Our results suggest a role for CTGF in GBC progression and a positive association with better prognosis. In addition, they underscore the importance of considering the involvement of inflammation on GBC development.
Approach to Intraoperative Consultation for Donor Liver Biopsies
Authors: Melin Claire , Miick Ronald , Young Nancy A. , Ortiz Jorge , Balasubramanian Manjula 
Published: January 2013

Context.— As demand for organs to treat end-stage liver disease increases, donor livers once deemed only marginally suitable for donation are being considered for transplantation. Pathologists are increasingly being asked to evaluate these livers for acceptability. This article provides guidelines for frozen section evaluation of livers for transplantation.
Objective.— This article concentrates on the histopathologic features of transplant suitability with appropriate clinicopathologic correlation for the practicing pathologist. Recommendations for proper handling and sampling of tissue are discussed. Relative and absolute contraindications as well as artifacts and benign conditions are emphasized.
Data Sources.— Sources include a compilation of the authors' experiences in academic and community liver transplantation centers. In addition, relevant medical literature was reviewed, as well as Web sites specializing in organ transplantation, such as Transplant Pathology Internet Services and the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network.
Conclusions.— Malignancy and extensive necrosis in the liver are absolute contraindications to transplantation. Evaluation of macrosteatosis, fibrosis, hepatitis, and necrosis depends on the severity of disease and correlation with the clinical situation. Donor age of greater than 60 years does not preclude transplantation. Artifacts and benign conditions need to be understood to prevent wastage of precious organs and to ensure that an appropriate organ is provided for the recipient.
Caddo Populations in Northeast Texas: A Response to Taylor and Creel
Authors: Perttula Timothy K. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractI question Taylor and Creel’s (2012) conclusion regarding the biological relationship between Late Prehistoric Caddo farmers and the earlier Archaic and Woodland forager populations in northeast Texas. Because their study did not include the analysis of non-metric dental traits from Late Archaic (ca. 5000-2500 B.P.) and Woodland (ca. 2500-1150 B.P) forager populations that lived in northeast Texas before ca. A.D. 850, the absence of these data impedes any evaluation of their conclusion about the biological relationships between the Caddo and ancestral populations.
Virological outcome and patterns of HIV‐1 drug resistance in patients with 36 months’ antiretroviral therapy experience in Cameroon
Authors: Aghokeng Avelin F , Kouanfack Charles , Eymard‐Duvernay Sabrina , Butel Christelle , Edoul Ginette E , Laurent Christian , Koulla‐Shiro Sinata , Delaporte Eric , Mpoudi‐Ngole Eitel , Peeters Martine 
Published: January 2013

IntroductionThe current expansion of antiretroviral treatment (ART) in the developing world without routine virological monitoring still raises concerns on the outcome of the strategy in terms of virological success and drug resistance burden. We assessed the virological outcome and drug resistance mutations in patients with 36 months’ ART experience, and monitored according to the WHO public health approach in Cameroon.MethodsWe consecutively recruited between 2008 and 2009 patients attending a national reference clinic in Yaoundé – Cameroon, for their routine medical visits at month 36±2. Observance data and treatment histories were extracted from medical records. Blood samples were collected for viral load (VL) testing and genotyping of drug resistance when HIV‐1 RNA≥1000 copies/ml.ResultsOverall, 376 HIV‐1 infected adults were recruited during the study period. All, but four who received PMTCT, were ART‐naïve at treatment initiation, and 371/376 (98.7%) started on a first‐line regimen that included 3TC +d4T/AZT+NVP/EFV. Sixty‐six (17.6%) patients experienced virological failure (VL≥1000 copies/ml) and 53 carried a resistant virus, thus representing 81.5% (53/65) of the patients who failed. Forty‐two out of 53 were resistant to nucleoside and non‐nucleoside reverse‐transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs+NNRTIs), one to protease inhibitors (PI) and NNRTIs, two to NRTIs only and eight to NNRTIs only. Among patients with NRTI resistance, 18/44 (40.9%) carried Thymidine Analog Mutations (TAMs), and 13/44 (29.5%) accumulated at least three NRTI resistance mutations. Observed NNRTI resistance mutations affected drugs of the regimen, essentially nevirapine and efavirenz, but several patients (10/51, 19.6%) accumulated mutations that may have compromised etravirine use.ConclusionsWe observed a moderate level of virological failure after 36 months of treatment, but a high proportion of patients who failed developed drug resistance. Although we found that for the majority of patients, second‐line regimens recommended in Cameroon would be still effective, accumulated resistance mutations are of concern and may compromise future treatment strategies, stressing the need for virological monitoring in resource‐limited settings.
Significance of Palpable Tendon Friction Rubs in Early Diffuse Cutaneous Systemic Sclerosis
Authors: Doré Adam , Lucas Mary , Ivanco Dana , Medsger Thomas A. , Domsic Robyn T. 
Published: January 2013

ObjectivePalpable tendon friction rubs (TFRs) in systemic sclerosis (SSc; scleroderma) have been associated with diffuse skin thickening, increased disability, and poor survival. Our objective was to quantify the prognostic implications of palpable TFRs on the development of disease complications and longer‐term mortality in an incident cohort of early diffuse cutaneous SSc (dcSSc) patients.MethodsWe identified early dcSSc patients (disease duration <2 years from the first SSc symptom) first evaluated at the University of Pittsburgh Scleroderma Center between 1980 and 2006 and found to have palpable TFRs. These patients were matched 1:1 with the next consecutive early dcSSc patient without TFRs as a control. All had ≥2 clinic visits and 5 years of followup from the first visit.ResultsA total of 287 early dcSSc patients with TFR were identified and matched to 287 controls. The median disease duration was 0.83 years in TFR patients and 1.04 years in controls. The median followup was 10.1 years in TFR patients and 7.9 years in controls. Over the course of their illness, patients with TFRs had a >2‐fold risk of developing renal crisis and cardiac and gastrointestinal disease complications, even after adjustment for other known risk factors. Patients with TFRs had poorer 5‐ and 10‐year survival rates.ConclusionPatients with early dcSSc having ≥1 TFRs are at an increased risk of developing renal, cardiac, and gastrointestinal involvement before and after their first Scleroderma Center visit and have reduced survival. Patients presenting with TFRs should be carefully monitored for serious internal organ involvement.
One‐Pot Synthesis of Luminescent Polymer‐Nanoparticle Composites from Task‐Specific Ionic Liquids
Authors: Campbell Paul S. , Lorbeer Chantal , Cybinska Joanna , Mudring Anja‐Verena 
Published: January 2013

AbstractA multifunctional polymerizable ionic liquid, diallyldimethylammonium tetrafluoroborate (DADMA BF4), is used in a one‐pot synthesis of novel luminescent polymer‐nanoparticle composites. First, small monodisperse lanthanide fluoride nanoparticles are formed by microwave irradiation in the presence of Ln(OAc)3·xH2O (Ln = Gd, Eu, Tb; OAc = acetate) in the ionic liquid. The nanoparticles can be precipitated for structural characterization or kept in the solution, which yields after irradition by high intensity UV light colorless, processable polymer materials with good photophysical properties. Both green‐emitting Tb‐containing and red‐emitting Eu‐containing IL‐ polymers are described.
Fused Heteroaromatic Organic Compounds for High‐Power Electrodes of Rechargeable Lithium Batteries
Authors: Liang Yanliang , Zhang Peng , Yang Siqi , Tao Zhanliang , Chen Jun 
Published: January 2013

AbstractOrganic redox compounds are emerging electrode materials for rechargeable lithium batteries. However, their electrically insulating nature plagues efficient charge transport within the electroactive bulk. Alternative to the popular solution of elaborating nanocomposite materials, herein we report on a molecular‐level engineering strategy towards high‐power organic electrode materials with multi‐electron reactions. Systematic comparisons of anthraquinone analogues incorporating fused heteroaromatic structures as cathode materials in rechargeable lithium batteries reveal that the judicious incorporation of heteroaromatics improves the cell performance in terms of specific gravimetric capacity, working potential, rate capability, and cyclability. Combination studies with morphological observation, electrochemical impedance characterization, and theoretical modeling provide insight into the advantage of heteroaromatic building blocks. In particular, benzofuro[5,6‐b]furan‐4,8‐dione (BFFD) bearing furan moeities shows a reversible capacity of 181 mAh g−1 when charged/discharged at 100C, corresponding to a power density of 29.8 kW kg−1. These results have pointed to a general design route of high‐rate organic electrode materials by rational functionalization of redox compounds with appropriate heteroaromatic units as versatile structural tools.
Formaldehyde in the Ambient Atmosphere: From an Indoor Pollutant to an Outdoor Pollutant?
Authors: Salthammer Tunga 
Published: January 2013

AbstractFormaldehyde has been discussed as a typical indoor pollutant for decades. Legal requirements and ever‐lower limits for formaldehyde in indoor air have led to a continual reduction in the amount of formaldehyde released from furniture, building materials, and household products over many years. Slowly, and without much attention from research on indoor air, a change of paradigm is taking place, however. Today, the formaldehyde concentrations in outdoor air, particularly in polluted urban areas, sometimes already reach indoor levels. This is largely a result of photochemical processes and the use of biofuels. In the medium term, this development might have consequences for the way buildings are ventilated and lead to a change in the way we evaluate human exposure.
Effect of a chain extender on the rheological and mechanical properties of biodegradable poly(lactic acid)/poly[(butylene succinate)‐co‐adipate] blends
Authors: Eslami Hassan , Kamal Musa R. 
Published: January 2013

AbstractBiodegradable polymer blends based on poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and poly[(butylene succinate)‐co‐adipate] (PBSA) were prepared with a laboratory internal mixer. An epoxy‐based, multifunctional chain extender was used to enhance the melt strength of the blends. The morphology of the blends was observed with field emission scanning electron microscopy. The elongational viscosities of the blends, with and without chain extender, were measured with a Sentmanat extensional rheometer universal testing platform. The blends with chain extender exhibited strong strain‐hardening behavior, whereas the blends without chain extender exhibited only weak strain‐hardening behavior. Measurements of the linear viscoelastic properties of the melts suggested that the chain extender promoted the development of chain branching. The results show that PBSA contributed to significant improvements in the ductility of the PLA/PBSA blends, whereas the chain extender did not have a significant effect on the elastic modulus and strain at break of the blends. The combined blending of PLA with PBSA and the incorporation of the chain extender imparted both ductility and melt strength to the system. Thus, such an approach yields a system with enhanced performance and processability. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013