bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Primary Sjögren's Syndrome Is Characterized by Distinct Phenotypic and Transcriptional Profiles of IgD+ Unswitched Memory B Cells
Authors: Roberts Mustimbo E. P. , Kaminski Denise , Jenks Scott A. , Maguire Craig , Ching Kathryn , Burbelo Peter D. , Iadarola Michael J. , Rosenberg Alexander , Coca Andreea , Anolik Jennifer , Sanz Iñaki 
Published: June 2014

ObjectiveThe significance of distinct B cell abnormalities in primary Sjögren's syndrome (SS) remains to be established. We undertook this study to analyze the phenotype and messenger RNA (mRNA) transcript profiles of B cell subsets in patients with primary SS and to compare them with those in sicca syndrome patients and healthy controls.MethodsCD19+ B cells from 26 patients with primary SS, 27 sicca syndrome patients, and 22 healthy controls were analyzed by flow cytometry. Gene expression profiles of purified B cell subsets (from 3–5 subjects per group per test) were analyzed using Affymetrix gene arrays.ResultsPatients with primary SS had lower frequencies of CD27+IgD− switched memory B cells and CD27+IgD+ unswitched memory B cells compared with healthy controls. Unswitched memory B cell frequencies were also lower in sicca syndrome patients and correlated inversely with serologic hyperactivity in both disease states. Further, unswitched memory B cells in primary SS had lower expression of CD1c and CD21. Gene expression analysis of CD27+ memory B cells separated patients with primary SS from healthy controls and identified a subgroup of sicca syndrome patients with a primary SS–like transcript profile. Moreover, unswitched memory B cell gene expression analysis identified 187 genes differentially expressed between patients with primary SS and healthy controls.ConclusionA decrease in unswitched memory B cells with serologic hyperactivity is characteristic of both established primary SS and a subgroup of sicca syndrome, which suggests the value of these B cells both as biomarkers of future disease progression and for understanding disease pathogenesis. Overall, the mRNA transcript analysis of unswitched memory B cells suggests that their activation in primary SS takes place through innate immune pathways in the context of attenuated antigen‐mediated adaptive signaling. Thus, our findings provide important insight into the mechanisms and potential consequences of decreased unswitched memory B cells in primary SS.
Interleukin‐21 Promotes Germinal Center Reaction by Skewing the Follicular Regulatory T Cell to Follicular Helper T Cell Balance in Autoimmune BXD2 Mice
Authors: Ding Yanna , Li Jun , Yang PingAr , Luo Bao , Wu Qi , Zajac Allan J. , Wildner Oliver , Hsu Hui‐Chen , Mountz John D. 
Published: June 2014

ObjectiveFollicular regulatory T (Tfr) cells act as the regulatory counterpart of follicular helper T (Tfh) cells to suppress germinal center (GC) B cell differentiation. We recently showed that interleukin‐21 (IL‐21) promoted Tfh cell differentiation in autoimmune BXD2 mice that develop spontaneous GCs. This study was undertaken to determine the modulatory effects of IL‐21 on Tfr cells and the Tfr cell to Tfh cell balance in BXD2 mice.MethodsThe percentage and phenotype of Tfr cells were determined in BXD2 and BXD2‐IL21−/− mice. The effects of IL‐21 on Tfr cells and the Tfr cell:Tfh cell ratio were evaluated. Sorted Tfr cells from BXD2‐IL21−/− mice were cocultured with Tfh cells and B cells, or transferred into BXD2 mice to determine their function.ResultsThe percentages and numbers of GC B cells and Tfh cells were significantly reduced, but the percentage of Tfr cells was 2‐fold higher in BXD2‐IL21−/− mice than in wild‐type BXD2 mice. Administration of AdIL‐21 to BXD2‐IL21−/− mice decreased the percentages and numbers of Tfr cells and the Tfr cell:Tfh cell ratio but increased the number of GC B cells in the spleen. Recombinant murine IL‐21 suppressed FoxP3 and significantly reduced Tgfb1, Il2, and Gitr but enhanced Il21, Il6, Pd1, Cxcr5, and Icos expression in Tfr cells. IL‐21 also counteracted Tfr cell–mediated inhibition of antibody secretion in the Tfh cell–B cell coculture system. Transfer of Tfr cells into young BXD2 mice reduced GC size and decreased the numbers of autoantibody‐producing B cells.ConclusionOur findings indicate that high levels of IL‐21 selectively enhance Tfh cell differentiation but inhibit Tfr cell commitment and the suppressive function of Tfr cells on Tfh cells and B cells, suggesting that IL‐21 skews the balance from Tfr cells to Tfh cells to promote autoreactive GC reactions in BXD2 mice.
Agreement Between Clinical Practice and Trained Central Reading in Reading of Sacroiliac Joints on Plain Pelvic Radiographs: Results From the DESIR Cohort
Authors: van den Berg Rosaline , Lenczner Grégory , Feydy Antoine , van der Heijde Désirée , Reijnierse Monique , Saraux Alain , Rahmouni Alain , Dougados Maxime , Claudepierre Pascal 
Published: June 2014

ObjectiveTo investigate the degree of agreement between local rheumatologists/radiologists and central trained readers (external standard) on the presence/absence of sacroiliitis on radiographs of the sacroiliac (SI) joints.MethodsPatients with inflammatory back pain (duration ≥3 months but <3 years) suggestive of axial spondyloarthritis (SpA) were included in the Devenir des Spondylarthropathies Indifferérenciées Récentes (DESIR) cohort. Baseline radiographs of the SI joints were interpreted by 2 central readers (modified New York criteria); cases of disagreement were adjudicated by a third reader, yielding a positive or a negative result (central reading). The same radiographs were also interpreted by local radiologists/rheumatologists and were rated as “normal,” “doubtful sacroiliitis,” “obvious sacroiliitis,” or “SI joint fusion” (local reading); positive findings were defined as “at least unilateral obvious sacroiliitis,” “bilateral obvious sacroiliitis,” or “at least unilateral fusion.” Agreement and misclassifications between central readers and between central reading versus local reading were calculated (kappa values).ResultsInterreader agreement between the central readers was moderate (κ = 0.54); 108 of 688 radiographs (15.7%) were adjudicated. According to local reading (“at least unilateral obvious sacroiliitis”), 183 of the 688 patients (26.6%) had sacroiliitis, whereas according to central reading, 145 of 688 patients (21.1%) had sacroiliitis. Agreement between local reading and central reading was also moderate (κ = 0.55); 76 of 183 patients (41.5%) with “at least unilateral obvious sacroiliitis” (positive by local reading) and 32 of 109 patients (29.4%) with “bilateral obvious sacroiliitis” or “at least unilateral fusion” (positive by local reading) were rated as “negative” by central reading, and 38 of 505 patients (7.5%) and 68 of 579 patients (11.7%), respectively, without sacroiliitis (negative by local reading) were interpreted as “positive” by central reading.ConclusionIn patients with recent‐onset inflammatory back pain, both trained readers and local rheumatologists/radiologists agreed only moderately on the recognition of radiographic sacroiliitis. A significant proportion of locally recognized ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients were not confirmed as having AS by central reading (false positive), while a small minority of patients were false negative, indicating the necessity of reevaluating the role of radiographic sacroiliitis as diagnostic criterion for axial SpA.
Alpha C‐Telopeptide of Type I Collagen Is Associated With Subchondral Bone Turnover and Predicts Progression of Joint Space Narrowing and Osteophytes in Osteoarthritis
Authors: Huebner Janet L. , Bay‐Jensen Anne C. , Huffman Kim M. , He Yi , Leeming Diana J. , McDaniel Gary E. , Karsdal Morten A. , Kraus Virginia B. 
Published: June 2014

ObjectiveTo evaluate joint tissue remodeling using the urinary collagen biomarkers urinary α‐C‐telopeptide of type I collagen (α‐CTX) and urinary C‐telopeptide of type II collagen (CTX‐II) and to determine the association of these biomarkers with osteoarthritis (OA) severity, progression, and localized knee bone turnover.MethodsParticipants (n = 149) with symptomatic and radiographic knee OA underwent fixed‐flexion knee radiography at baseline and 3 years, and late‐phase bone scintigraphy of both knees at baseline, which were scored semiquantitatively for osteophyte and joint space narrowing (JSN) severity and uptake intensity, with scores summed across knees. Urinary concentrations of α‐CTX and CTX‐II were determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Immunohistochemical analysis of human OA knees was performed to localize the joint tissue origin of the biomarker epitopes.ResultsUrinary α‐CTX concentrations correlated strongly with the intensity of bone scintigraphic uptake and with JSN progression (risk ratio 13.2) and osteophyte progression (risk ratio 3). Urinary CTX‐II concentrations were strongly associated with intensity of bone scintigraphic uptake, with JSN and osteophyte severity, and with OA progression based on osteophyte score. Urinary α‐CTX localized primarily to high bone turnover areas in subchondral bone. CTX‐II localized to the bone–cartilage interface, the tidemark, and damaged articular cartilage.ConclusionBaseline urinary α‐CTX, which was localized to high turnover areas of subchondral bone, was associated with dynamic bone turnover of knees, as signified by scintigraphy, and progression of both osteophytes and JSN. Urinary CTX‐II correlated with JSN and osteophyte severity and progression of osteophytes. To our knowledge, this represents the first report of serologic markers reflecting subchondral bone turnover. These collagen markers may be useful for noninvasive detection and quantification of active subchondral bone turnover and joint remodeling in knee OA.
Block Copolymer‐Derived Monolithic Polymer Films and Membranes Comprising Self‐Organized Cylindrical Nanopores for Chemical Sensing and Separations
Authors: Ito Takashi 
Published: June 2014

AbstractMicrophase separation of block copolymers (BCPs) has been extensively studied because it leads to the self‐assembled formation of periodic structures controlled on the scale of tens of nanometers. In particular, BCP‐derived cylindrical microdomains have attracted considerable interest for various applications owing to their well‐defined shapes of uniform and tunable diameters. This focus review highlights recent efforts to apply BCP‐derived monolithic films/membranes comprising cylindrical nanopores for chemical sensing and separations. The nanopores provide confined molecular pathways that exhibit enhanced selectivity based on steric, electrostatic, and chemical interactions, and thus, enable us to design unique electrochemical sensors and highly efficient separation membranes.
Electron Transport Characteristics of the Dimeric 1,4‐Benzenedithiol Junction
Authors: Wang Lin , Li Shu‐Ying , Yuan Jing‐He , Gu Jing‐Ying , Wang Dong , Wan Li‐Jun 
Published: June 2014

AbstractUnderstanding the electron transport between single molecules connected through weak interaction is of great importance for molecular electronics. In this paper, we report measurements of the conductivity of the dimeric 1,4‐benzenedithiol (BDT) junction using the scanning tunneling microscopy (STM)‐based current–displacement I(s) method. The conductance was measured to be 6.14×10−6 G0, a value almost two orders of magnitude lower than that of the monomer BDT junction. In control experiments, the probability of junction formation decreased with the presence of tris(2‐chloroethyl) phosphate (TCEP), a reducing reagent for the disulfide bond. According to theoretical computations, the dihedral angle of the SS bond tends to take a perpendicular conformation. This non‐conjugated structure localizes the electron distribution and accounts for the low conductivity of the disulfide linkage.
Size‐Dependent Electrochemical Magnesium Storage Performance of Spinel Lithium Titanate
Authors: Wu Na , Yin Ya‐Xia , Guo Yu‐Guo 
Published: June 2014

AbstractLi4Ti5O12 nanoparticles (LTO NPs) with different particle sizes were synthesized by a simple sol–gel progress. The effect of LTO particle size on the electrochemical behavior in Mg secondary batteries was investigated. Results showed that magnesium storage behaviors in LTO are strongly size dependent. The Mg2+ electrochemical insertion into LTO becomes notable only when the particle size is below 40 nm. Moreover, the theoretical maximum capacity of LTO can be reached in crystallite sizes less than 10 nm. LTO NPs with 7–8 nm in size exhibited a substantial reversible capacity of 175 mA h g−1 and outstanding cycling stability, maintaining 95 % capacity retention after 500 cycles. This result indicates that the LTO NPs with average particle size of 7–8 nm have high potential for use in high‐rate and durable Mg secondary batteries. These results provide insight into how confining particles to nanosize will be critical to the preparation of suitable electrode materials for Mg secondary batteries.
Ligand‐Free Palladium‐Catalyzed Aerobic Oxidative Coupling of Carboxylic Anhydrides with Arylboronic Acids
Authors: Yin Weiyan , He Haifeng , Zhang Yani , Long Tong 
Published: June 2014

AbstractWe report a new, effective and environmentally friendly protocol for selective aerobic oxidative coupling of arylboronic acids with carboxylic anhydrides in the presence of ligand‐free palladium catalyst. The aryl benzoates are obtained in good to excellent yields.
Direct Synthesis of Hexagonal NaGdF4 Nanocrystals from a Single‐Source Precursor: Upconverting NaGdF4:Yb3+,Tm3+ and Its Composites with TiO2 for Near‐IR‐Driven Photocatalysis
Authors: Chen Ying , Mishra Shashank , Ledoux Gilles , Jeanneau Erwann , Daniel Marlene , Zhang Jinlong , Daniele Stéphane 
Published: June 2014

AbstractA novel single‐source precursor NaGd(TFA)4(diglyme) (TFA=trifluoroacetate) was synthesized, characterized thoroughly, and used to obtain the hexagonal phase of NaGdF4 nanoparticles as an efficient matrix for lanthanide‐doped upconverting nanocrystals (NCs) that convert near‐infrared radiation into shorter‐wavelength UV/visible light. These NCs were then used to prepare well‐characterized TiO2@NaGdF4:Yb3+,Tm3+ nanocomposites to extend the absorption range of the TiO2 photocatalyst from the UV to the IR region. While the visible/near IR part of the photoluminescent spectra remains almost unaffected by the presence of TiO2, the UV part is strongly quenched due to the absorption of TiO2 above its gap at approximately 380 nm by energy transfer or FRET. Preliminary results on the photocatalytic activity of the above obtained nanocomposites are presented.
Effects of Ce doping on the luminescent property of Ca3SiO4Cl2:Eu phosphor for green lighting
Authors: Chen Jingsheng 
Published: June 2014

ABSTRACTWhite light‐emitting diodes (LEDs) for green lighting are new solutions for energy saving and environmental protection. Ca3SiO4Cl2:Ce,Eu is an efficient phosphor for white LEDs. Effective energy transfer from Ce3+ to Eu2+ occurs in Ca3SiO4Cl2:Ce,Eu due to good spectrum overlap between the emission band of Ca3SiO4Cl2:Ce and the excitation band of Ca3SiO4Cl2:Eu, and hues vary systematically from blue to green at different Ce concentrations. A great improvement in the luminescent property of Ca3SiO4Cl2:Eu has been observed on Ce3+ doping, which is attributed to energy transfer from Ce3+ to Eu2+ and an increase in the number of luminescent centers (Eu2+) on Ce doping. The optimal sample has a quantum efficiency of up to 75%, and can be an efficient green phosphor for white LEDs. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Isoforms of wild type proteins often appear as low molecular weight bands on SDS‐PAGE
Authors: Zhang Ju , Lou Xiaomin , Shen Haihong , Zellmer Lucas , Sun Yuan , Liu Siqi , Xu Ningzhi , Liao D. Joshua 
Published: June 2014

AbstractImmunoblotting, after polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis with sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS‐PAGE), is a technique commonly used to detect specific proteins. SDS‐PAGE often results in the visualization of protein band(s) in addition to the one expected based on the theoretical molecular mass (TMM) of the protein of interest. To determine the likelihood of additional band(s) being nonspecific, we used liquid chromatography – mass spectrometry to identify proteins that were extracted from bands with the apparent molecular mass (MM) of 40 and 26 kD, originating from protein extracts derived from non‐malignant HEK293 and cancerous MDA‐MB231 (MB231) cells separated using SDS‐PAGE. In total, approximately 57% and 21% of the MS/MS spectra were annotated as peptides in the two cell samples, respectively. Moreover, approximately 24% and 36.2% of the identified proteins from HEK293 and MB231 cells matched their TMMs. Of the identified proteins, 8% from HEK293 and 26% from MB231 had apparent MMs that were larger than predicted, and 67% from HEK293 and 37% from MB231 exhibited smaller MM values than predicted. These revelations suggest that interpretation of the positive bands of immunoblots should be conducted with caution. This study also shows that protein identification performed by mass spectrometry on bands excised from SDS‐PAGE gels could make valuable contributions to the identification of cancer biomarkers, and to cancer‐therapy studies.
Online computer supported collaborative learning (CSCL) for engineering students: A case study in Malaysia
Authors: Balakrishnan Balamuralithara 
Published: June 2014

ABSTRACTComputer supported collaborative learning (CSCL) via online is an emerging paradigm of educational technology where people can learn together with the help of computer and its related applications. CSCL has become an important and appealing mode of learning across disciplines including engineering. Teamwork is one of the most important elements in engineering profession and collaborative learning is a natural choice for engineering education since it cultivates team among students. This study aims to better understand the adoption of CSCL using Google Docs among engineering students and its relationship with students' attitude toward computer for learning, prior experience of using CSCL tool—Google Docs‐ and students' different learning styles. The outcomes of this investigation suggest that students' attitude toward computer for learning and prior experience have a significant relationship with the students' adoption of CSCL. At the same time, students' different learning styles did not have any impact on the adoption of CSCL in their learning process. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 23:352–362, 2015; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/cae; DOI 10.1002/cae.21605
A new approach for pancreatic tissue engineering: human endometrial stem cells encapsulated in fibrin gel can differentiate to pancreatic islet beta‐cell
Authors: Niknamasl Azadeh , Ostad Seyed Nasser , Soleimani Mansoureh , Azami Mahmoud , Salmani Maryam Kabir , Lotfibakhshaiesh Nasrin , Ebrahimi‐Barough Somayeh , Karimi Roya , Roozafzoon Reza , Ai Jafar 
Published: June 2014

AbstractMetabolic diabetes mellitus as the most serious and prevalent metabolic disease in the world has various complications. The most effective treatment of type I diabetes seems to be islet cell transplantation. Shortage of donors and difficult procedures and high rate of rejection have always restricted this approach. Tissue engineering is a novel effective solution to many medical problems such as diabetes. Endometrial mesenchymal stem cells as a lineage which have the potential to differentiate to mesodermal and endodermal tissues seem to be suitable for this purpose. Fibrin hydrogel with a high degree of biocompatibility and specific properties making it similar to normal pancreas seems to be an ideal scaffold. After successfully isolating stem cells (hEnSCs) from human endometrium, a three‐step protocol was used to differentiate them into pancreatic beta cells. Fibrin was used as 3D scaffold. After 2 weeks, cells formed clusters like islets cells, and secretion of insulin was measured by chemiluminescence. PDX1, proinsulin, and c‐peptide as special markers of β cells were detected by immunofluorescence. Expression of glucagon, PDX1, and insulin genes in mRNA level was detected by Real time PCR and gel electrophoresis. The former showed higher levels of gene expression in 3D cultures. SEM analysis showed good integrity between cells and scaffold. No toxicity was detected with fibrin scaffold by MTT assay.
Coating of electrospun poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) nanofibers with willemite bioceramic: improvement of bone reconstruction in rat model
Authors: Jamshidi Adegani Fatemeh , Langroudi Lida , Ardeshirylajimi Abdolreza , Dinarvand Peyman , Dodel Masumeh , Doostmohammadi Ali , Rahimian Ali , Zohrabi Parastoo , Seyedjafari Ehsan , Soleimani Masoud 
Published: June 2014

AbstractWe have investigated the combination effects of bioceramics and poly(lactide‐co‐glycolide) (PLGA) on bone reconstruction in calvarial critical size defects using a rat model. Willemite (Zn2SiO4) ceramics were prepared and coated on the surface of electrospun fabricated scaffolds. After scaffolds and nanoparticles characterization, osteoconductivity of the construct was analyzed using digital mammography, multislice spiral‐computed tomography (MSCT) imaging, and histological analysis. Eight weeks after implantation, no sign of inflammation was observed at the site of the osseous defect. The results showed that the ceramics supported bone regeneration and highest bone reconstruction were observed in willemite‐coated PLGA. This suggests that electrospun PLGA nanofibers coated with BG are potential candidate implants for bone tissue engineering applications.
Pulmonary artery stents in the recent era
Authors: Ing Frank F. , Khan Asra , Kobayashi Daisuke , Hagler Donald J. , Forbes Thomas J. 
Published: June 2014

BackgroundLong‐term follow‐up after stent dilation of native and acquired pulmonary artery stenosis is scarce in the pediatric population. Most cohorts include a myriad of anatomies and associated conditions.MethodIn order to establish objective performance criteria, we performed a retrospective review of all patients who underwent unilateral pulmonary artery stenting in biventricular physiology at three centers from June 2006 to June 2011.ResultsFifty‐eight patients received 60 stents with Palmaz Genesis stent used most commonly (78%). Average age at implantation was 10.4 ± 10.3 years and weight 31.6 ± 21.8 kg. The immediate success rate was 98%, with improvement in minimal diameter from 5.1 ± 2 cm to 10.6 ± 3 cm (P < 0.01). There were 10 complications (7 major and 3 minor) and no acute mortality. One‐year follow‐up studies were available in 48 patients (83%), including echocardiogram (60%), catheterization (28%), MRI (29%), and lung perfusion (31%). Follow‐up echocardiogram showed mild increase in stent gradient, from 5.7 ± 6.7 mm Hg post‐procedure to 17.1 ± 11.7 mm Hg. Follow‐up catheterization showed no significant change in minimal stent diameter (8.8 ± 2.6 to 7.8 ± 2.3 mm), gradient (7.7 ± 8.4 to 12.6 ± 12.2 mm Hg), or right ventricular pressures (43.7 ± 9 to 47.7 ± 10.5 mm Hg). Nine patients (16%) underwent scheduled stent redilation over a period of 12 days to 25 months.ConclusionIn conclusion, stent implantation shows excellent immediate and 1‐year follow‐up results with maintenance of improved caliber of the stented vessel and lowered right ventricular systolic pressures. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.