bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A randomized controlled trial of rituximab following failure of antiviral therapy for hepatitis C virus–associated cryoglobulinemic vasculitis
Authors: Sneller Michael C. , Hu Zonghui , Langford Carol A. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractObjectiveTo perform a randomized controlled trial of rituximab in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV)–associated mixed cryoglobulinemic vasculitis.MethodsWe conducted a single‐center, open‐label, randomized controlled trial of rituximab (375 mg/ m2/week for 4 weeks) compared to the best available therapy (maintenance or increase in immunosuppressive therapy) for HCV‐associated cryoglobulinemic vasculitis in patients in whom antiviral therapy had failed to induce remission. The primary end point was disease remission at 6 months from study entry.ResultsA total of 24 patients were enrolled (12 in each treatment group). Baseline disease activity and organ involvement were similar in the two groups. Ten patients in the rituximab group (83%) were in remission at study month 6, as compared with 1 patient in the control group (8%), a result that met the criterion for stopping the study (P < 0.001). The median duration of remission for rituximab‐treated patients who reached the primary end point was 7 months. No adverse effects of rituximab on HCV plasma viremia or on hepatic transaminase levels were observed.ConclusionRituximab was a well‐tolerated and effective treatment in patients with HCV‐associated cryoglobulinemic vasculitis in whom antiviral therapy failed to induce remission.
The JAK inhibitor tofacitinib regulates synovitis through inhibition of interferon‐γ and interleukin‐17 production by human CD4+ T cells
Authors: Maeshima Keisuke , Yamaoka Kunihiro , Kubo Satoshi , Nakano Kazuhisa , Iwata Shigeru , Saito Kazuyoshi , Ohishi Masanobu , Miyahara Hisaaki , Tanaka Shinya , Ishii Koji , Yoshimatsu Hironobu , Tanaka Yoshiya 
Published: December 2011

AbstractObjectiveTofacitinib (CP‐690,550) is a novel JAK inhibitor that is currently in clinical trials for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The aim of this study was to examine the effects of tofacitinib in vitro and in vivo in RA, in order to elucidate the role of JAK in the disease process.MethodsCD4+ T cells, CD14+ monocytes, and synovial fibroblasts (SFs) were purified from the synovium and peripheral blood of patients with RA and were evaluated for the effect of tofacitinib on cytokine production and cell proliferation. For in vivo analysis, synovium and cartilage samples obtained from patients with RA were implanted in immunodeficient mice (SCID‐HuRAg mice), and tofacitinib was administered via an osmotic minipump.ResultsTofacitinib treatment of CD4+ T cells originating from synovium and peripheral blood inhibited the production of interleukin‐17 (IL‐17) and interferon‐γ (IFNγ) in a dose‐dependent manner, affecting both proliferation and transcription, but had no effect on IL‐6 and IL‐8 production. Tofacitinib did not affect IL‐6 and IL‐8 production by RASFs and CD14+ monocytes. However, conditioned medium from CD4+ T cells cultured with tofacitinib inhibited IL‐6 production by RASFs and IL‐8 production by CD14+ monocytes. Treatment of SCID‐HuRAg mice with tofacitinib decreased serum levels of human IL‐6 and IL‐8 and markedly suppressed invasion of synovial tissue into cartilage.ConclusionTofacitinib directly suppressed the production of IL‐17 and IFNγ and the proliferation of CD4+ T cells, resulting in inhibition of IL‐6 production by RASFs and IL‐8 production by CD14+ cells and decreased cartilage destruction. In CD4+ T cells, presumably Th1 and Th17 cells, JAK plays a crucial role in RA synovitis.
A randomized controlled trial of rituximab for the treatment of severe cryoglobulinemic vasculitis
Authors: De Vita S. , Quartuccio L. , Isola M. , Mazzaro C. , Scaini P. , Lenzi M. , Campanini M. , Naclerio C. , Tavoni A. , Pietrogrande M. , Ferri C. , Mascia M. T. , Masolini P. , Zabotti A. , Maset M. , Roccatello D. , Zignego A. L. , Pioltelli P. , Gabrielli A. , Filippini D. , Perrella O. , Migliaresi S. , Galli M. , Bombardieri S. , Monti G. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractObjectiveTo conduct a long‐term, prospective, randomized controlled trial evaluating rituximab (RTX) therapy for severe mixed cryoglobulinemia or cryoglobulinemic vasculitis (CV).MethodsFifty‐nine patients with CV and related skin ulcers, active glomerulonephritis, or refractory peripheral neuropathy were enrolled. In CV patients who also had hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, treatment of the HCV infection with antiviral agents had previously failed or was not indicated. Patients were randomized to the non‐RTX group (to receive conventional treatment, consisting of 1 of the following 3: glucocorticoids; azathioprine or cyclophosphamide; or plasmapheresis) or the RTX group (to receive 2 infusions of 1 gm each, with a lowering of the glucocorticoid dosage when possible, and with a second course of RTX at relapse). Patients in the non‐RTX group who did not respond to treatment could be switched to the RTX group. Study duration was 24 months.ResultsSurvival of treatment at 12 months (i.e., the proportion of patients who continued taking their initial therapy), the primary end point, was statistically higher in the RTX group (64.3% versus 3.5% [P < 0.0001]), as well as at 3 months (92.9% versus 13.8% [P < 0.0001]), 6 months (71.4% versus 3.5% [P < 0.0001]), and 24 months (60.7% versus 3.5% [P < 0.0001]). The Birmingham Vasculitis Activity Score decreased only after treatment with RTX (from a mean ± SD of 11.9 ± 5.4 at baseline to 7.1 ± 5.7 at month 2; P < 0.001) up to month 24 (4.4 ± 4.6; P < 0.0001). RTX appeared to be superior therapy for all 3 target organ manifestations, and it was as effective as conventional therapy. The median duration of response to RTX was 18 months. Overall, RTX treatment was well tolerated.ConclusionRTX monotherapy represents a very good option for severe CV and can be maintained over the long term in most patients.
Novelty detection for topic tracking
Authors: Aksoy Cem , Can Fazli , Kocberber Seyit 
Published: December 2011

AbstractMultisource web news portals provide various advantages such as richness in news content and an opportunity to follow developments from different perspectives. However, in such environments, news variety and quantity can have an overwhelming effect. New‐event detection and topic‐tracking studies address this problem. They examine news streams and organize stories according to their events; however, several tracking stories of an event/topic may contain no new information (i.e., no novelty). We study the novelty detection (ND) problem on the tracking news of a particular topic. For this purpose, we build a Turkish ND test collection called BilNov‐2005 and propose the usage of three ND methods: a cosine‐similarity (CS)‐based method, a language‐model (LM)‐based method, and a cover‐coefficient (CC)‐based method. For the LM‐based ND method, we show that a simpler smoothing approach, Dirichlet smoothing, can have similar performance to a more complex smoothing approach, Shrinkage smoothing. We introduce a baseline that shows the performance of a system with random novelty decisions. In addition, a category‐based threshold learning method is used for the first time in ND literature. The experimental results show that the LM‐based ND method significantly outperforms the CS‐ and CC‐based methods, and category‐based threshold learning achieves promising results when compared to general threshold learning.
Decentralized DES Supervisory Control for Coordination of ULTC and SVC
Authors: Noorbakhsh S. Mohammad , Afzalian Ali A. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractThis paper discusses the issues involved in modeling and synthesizing a discrete‐event supervisory control system in a decentralized structure to coordinate the behavior of an under‐load tap‐changing transformer (ULTC) and a static VAR compensator (SVC) in electrical power systems. The control specifications are modeled as some automata, and it is shown that they are controllable. The designed closed‐loop control system is non‐blocking. The consistency of the high‐level model in a two‐level hierarchical control system is investigated. The proposed supervisory control is tested by inspecting its behavior in a simulated situation.Copyright © 2011 John Wiley and Sons Asia Pte Ltd and Chinese Automatic Control Society
Air‐Stable Platinum and Palladium Complexes Featuring Bis[2,4‐bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]phosphinous Acid Ligands
Authors: Kurscheid Boris , Neumann Beate , Stammler Hans‐Georg , Hoge Berthold 
Published: December 2011

AbstractSecondary phosphane oxides, R2P(O)H, are commonly used as preligands for transition‐metal complexes of phosphinous acids, R2POH (R=alkyl, aryl), which are relevant as efficient catalysts in cross‐coupling processes. In contrast to previous work by other groups, we are interested in the ligating properties of an electron‐deficient phosphinous acid, (Rf)2POH, bearing the strongly electron‐withdrawing and sterically demanding 2,4‐bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl group towards catalysis‐relevant metals, such as palladium and platinum. The preligand bis[2,4‐bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]phosphane oxide, (Rf)2P(O)H, reacts smoothly with solid platinum(II) dichloride yielding the trans‐configured phosphinous acid platinum complex trans‐[PtCl2({2,4‐(CF3)2C6H3}2POH)2]. The deprotonation of one phosphinous acid ligand with an appropriate base leads to the cis‐configured monoanion complex cis‐[PtCl2({2,4‐(CF3)2C6H3}2‐ PO)2H]−, featuring the quasi‐chelating phosphinous acid phosphinito unit, (Rf)2POH⋅⋅⋅OP(Rf)2, which exhibits a strong hydrogen bridge substantiated by an O⋅⋅⋅O distance of 245.1(4) pm. The second deprotonation step is accompanied by a rearrangement to afford the trans‐configured dianion trans‐[PtCl2({2,4‐(CF3)2C6H3}2PO)2]2−. The reaction of (Rf)2P(O)H with solid palladium(II) dichloride initially yields a mononuclear palladium complex [PdCl2({2,4‐(CF3)2C6H3}2POH)2], which condenses under liberation of HCl to the neutral dinuclear palladium complex [Pd2(μ‐Cl)2{({2,4‐(CF3)2C6H3}2PO)2H}2]. The equilibrium between the mononuclear [PdCl2({2,4‐(CF3)2C6H3}2POH)2] and dinuclear [Pd2(μ‐Cl)2{({2,4‐(CF3)2C6H3}2PO)2H}2] palladium complexes is reversible and can be shifted in each direction by the addition of base or HCl, respectively. Treatment of palladium(II) hexafluoroacetylacetonate, [Pd(F6acac)2], with a slight excess of (Rf)2P(O)H yields the complex [Pd(F6acac)({2,4‐(CF3)2C6H3}2‐ PO)2H]. The quasi‐chelating phosphinous acid phosphinito unit, which is formed by the liberation of HF6acac, is characterized by a O⋅⋅⋅O distance of 244.1(3) pm. These transition metal complexes are stable towards air and moisture and can be stored for months without any evidence of decomposition.
Potential to Optimize Scrubbers for Biogas Cleaning Part 2. Chemical Scrubbers
Authors: Götz Manuel , Köppel Wolfgang , Reimert Rainer , Graf Frank 
Published: December 2011

AbstractIn Deutschland sind die Anforderungen für die Einspeisung von Biogas in das Erdgasnetz durch die DVWG‐Arbeitsblätter G 260 und G 262 festgelegt. Als Aufbereitungstechniken für Biogas werden hauptsächlich die Druckwechseladsorption und verschiedenartige Wäschen eingesetzt. Die Verfahren werden jedoch bisher kaum an die standortspezifischen Parameter angepasst. Am Beispiel der Diethanolamin(DEA)‐Wäsche werden die Einflüsse der Prozessparameter und Optimierungspotenziale aufgezeigt. Die DEA‐Wäsche wird mit physikalischen Wäschen u. a. hinsichtlich des Energiebedarfs verglichen. Die Untersuchung erfolgte auf Basis von Messungen, unterstützt durch die Software Aspen Plus.
Intraaortic Balloon Pump: Incidence and Predictors of Complications in the Florence Registry
Authors: Valente Serafina , Lazzeri Chiara , Crudeli Elena , Chiostri Marco , Giglioli Cristina , Bernardo Pasquale , Gensini Gian Franco 
Published: December 2011

AbstractBackground:The intraaortic balloon pump (IABP) is the most commonly used mechanical circulatory support for patients with acute coronary syndromes and cardiogenic shock. Nevertheless, IABP‐related complications are still frequent and associated with a poor prognosis.Hypothesis:To prospectively assess the incidence and predictors of complications in patients treated with IABP.Methods:A total of 481 patients treated with IABP were prospectively enrolled in our registry (the Florence Registry). At multivariable logistic regression analysis the following variables were independent predictors for complications (when adjusted for age >75 years, eGFR and time length of IABP support): use of inotropes (OR 2.450, P < 0.017), nadir platelet count (1000/µL step; OR 0.990, P < 0.001), admission lactate (OR 1.175, P = 0.003). Nadir platelet count showed a negative correlation with length of time of IABP implantation (r−0.31; P < 0.001). A nadir platelet count cutoff value of less than 120,000 was identified using a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for the development of complications (area under the curve [AUC] 0.70; P < 0.001).Results:Complications were observed in the 13.1%, among whom 33 of 63 showed major bleeding. The incidence of complications was higher in patients aged >75 years (P = 0.015) and in those who had an IABP implanted for more than 24 hours (P = 0.001). Patients with complications showed an in Intensive Cardiac Care Unit (ICCU) mortality higher than patients who did not (44.4% vs 17.2%, P < 0.001).Conclusions:In consecutive patients treated with IABP support, the degree of hemodynamic impairment and the decrease in platelet count were independent predictors of complications, whose development was associated with higher in‐ICCU mortality. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.The authors have no funding, financial relationships, or conflicts of interest to disclose.
Size Evolution of Gold Nanoparticles in a Millifluidic Reactor
Authors: Li Yuehao , Sanampudi Ashwin , Raji Reddy Vanga , Biswas Sanchita , Nandakumar Krishnaswamy , Yemane Dawit , Goettert Jost , Kumar Challa S. S. R. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractThe size evolution of gold nanoparticles in a millifluidic reactor is investigated using spatially resolved transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The experimental data is supported by numerical simulations, carried out to study the residence‐time distribution (RTD) of tracers that have the same properties as Au ions. Size and size distribution of the particles within the channels are influenced by the mixing zones as well as the RTD. However, the Au nanoparticles obtained show a broader size distribution even at the shortest investigated residence time of 3.53 s, indicating that in addition to surface growth reaction kinetics also plays an important role. The comparison of time resolved particle growth within the millifluidic channel with flask‐based reactions reveals that the particle size can be controlled better within millifluidic channels. Overall, the results indicate potential opportunities to utilize easy to fabricate millifluidic reactors for the synthesis of nanoparticles, as well as as for carrying out time resolved kinetic studies.
Improved Li‐Storage Performance of Li4Ti5O12 Coated with CN Compounds Derived from Pyrolysis of Urea through a Low‐Temperature Approach
Authors: Pan Huilin , Zhao Liang , Hu Yong‐Sheng , Li Hong , Chen Liquan 
Published: December 2011

AbstractA uniform and thin amorphous layer of a CN compound was coated on porous Li4Ti5O12 by pyrolysis of urea on its surface at a rather low temperature of 400 °C in an Ar atmosphere. Such a CN coating layer greatly improved the electrochemical performance of Li4Ti5O12. After coating, Li4Ti5O12 showed good rate and excellent cycling performance. Reversible capacities for the coated sample of 134 and 105 mAh g−1 were obtained at current rates of 5C and 10C, respectively, in the voltage range of 1–2.2 V, which is approximately two and five times higher than those of pristine Li4Ti5O12 at the same current rates. Excellent capacity retention of 95.8 % was achieved for the coated sample after 2000 cycles in a half cell at a 2C rate.
Myocardial progenitors in the pharyngeal regions migrate to distinct conotruncal regions
Authors: Takahashi Makiko , Terasako Yumi , Yanagawa Nariaki , Kai Masatake , Yamagishi Toshiyuki , Nakajima Yuji 
Published: December 2011

AbstractBackground: The cardiac progenitor cells for the outflow tract (OFT) reside in the visceral mesoderm and mesodermal core of the pharyngeal region, which are defined as the secondary and anterior heart fields (SHF and AHF), respectively. Results: Using chick embryos, we injected fluorescent‐dye into the SHF or AHF at stage 14, and the destinations of the labeled cells were examined at stage 31. Labeled cells from the right SHF were found in the myocardium on the left dorsal side of the OFT, and cells from the left SHF were detected on the right ventral side of the OFT. Labeled cells from the right and left AHF migrated to regions of the ventral wall of the OFT close to the aortic and pulmonary valves, respectively. Conclusion: These observations indicate that myocardial progenitors from the SHF and AHF contribute to distinct conotruncal regions and that cells from the SHF migrate rotationally while cells from the AHF migrate in a non‐rotational manner. Developmental Dynamics 241:284–293, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Molecular data as a possible tool for tracing groundwater flow in karst environment: example ofDelminichthys adspersusin Dinaric karst system
Authors: Palandačić Anja , Bonacci Ognjen , Snoj Aleš 
Published: December 2011

ABSTRACTKarst areas have some of the most complex aquifers in the world. Because of extreme groundwater oscillations, different hydrological connections are active depending on the season. Therefore, the complex water network remains poorly investigated, despite many geological, hydrological and geomorphological studies performed. The methodology of water tracing was developed especially to determine water interconnections in karst. In addition to tracing with salt, dye or temperature, the use of rich endemic fauna, their dispersion and population structure is lately considered. In this paper, we used population structure of endemic fish speciesDelminichthys adspersusto confirm hydrological data as well as suggest new underground water connections in part of central Dinaric karst. Moreover, we propose a holistic approach of karst area studies, combining hydrology with biology to develop a better strategy for the protection of vulnerable karst ecosystems. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Oleum and Sulfuric Acid as Reaction Media: The Actinide Examples UO2(S2O7)‐lt (low temperature), UO2(S2O7)‐ht (high temperature), UO2(HSO4)2, An(SO4)2 (An = Th, U), Th4(HSO4)2(SO4)7 and Th(HSO4)2(SO4)
Authors: Betke Ulf , Wickleder Mathias S. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractNew uranium sulfates have been synthesised by the reaction of UO2(CH3COO)2·2H2O with sulfuric acid/sulfur trioxide mixtures in sealed glass ampoules. Both polymorphs of the disulfate UO2(S2O7) [low temperature (lt): triclinic, P$\bar {1}$, Z = 2, a = 647.8(1) pm, b = 684.2(1) pm, c = 800.1(1) pm, α = 87.31(2)°, β = 78.37(2)°, γ = 75.34(2)°, V = 0.33605(9) nm3; high temperature (ht): orthorhombic, Pca21, Z = 8, a = 1080.21(2) pm, b = 814.74(1) pm, c = 1655.63(3) pm, V = 1.45710(4) nm3] and the hydrogensulfate UO2(HSO4)2 [monoclinic, P21/n, Z = 4, a = 779(3) pm, b = 815.39(3) pm, c = 1285.77(5) pm, β = 103.700(1)°, V = 0.79428(5) nm3] contain hexavalent uranium in the form of the well‐known linear [UO2]2+ ion. The pentagonal bipyramidal coordination sphere around U is completed by disulfate and hydrogensulfate ions, which connect the uranyl groups to a three‐dimensional network. Reaction of uranyl acetate with sulfuric acid at sufficiently high temperature (300 °C) leads to a reduction of uranium to the tetravalent form under separation of green plates of U(SO4)2 [orthorhombic, Pbca, Z = 8, a = 940.11(2) pm, b = 898.13(2) pm, c = 1349.09(3) pm, V = 1.13909(4) nm3]. The U4+ ions in U(SO4)2 are in a square antiprismatic coordination of eight monodentate sulfate tetrahedra. By treatment of ThO2 with sulfuric acid, the thorium (hydrogen)sulfates Th(SO4)2 [orthorhombic, Pbca, Z = 8, a = 953.74(3) pm, b = 911.49(3) pm, c = 1365.02(4) pm, V = 1.18665(6) nm3], Th4(HSO4)2(SO4)7 [tetragonal, I$\bar {4}$2d, Z = 4, a = 1327.7(2) pm, c = 1362.8(2) pm, V = 2.402.3(6) nm3] and Th(HSO4)2(SO4) [triclinic, P$\bar {1}$, Z = 2, a = 576.18(2) pm, b = 896.11(3) pm, c = 948.58(3) pm, α = 65.387(2)°, β = 87.838(2)°, γ = 88.917(2)°, V = 0.44495(3) nm3] could be obtained. Whereas Th(SO4)2 is isotypic with the respective uranium compound, both hydrogensulfates contain ninefold‐coordinated thorium to form a triple‐capped trigonal prism. The structure of Th(HSO4)2(SO4) can be described as a distorted variant of the UCl3 structure type.
The impact of processing on the profile of volatile compounds in sesame oil
Authors: Xu‐Yan Dong , Ping‐Ping Li , Fang Wei , Mu‐lan Jiang , Ying‐Zhong Zhao , Guang‐Ming Li , Hong Chen , Yuan‐Di Zhao 
Published: December 2011

AbstractThe flavor of sesame oil significantly depends on the roasting conditions and the relative concentrations of volatiles. In the present study, volatile components from three varieties of sesame oil produced by roasting the seeds under different conditions were analyzed and profiled using GC–mass chromatography. The results showed that the roasting temperature had an obvious effect on the aroma of the oils since there was an increase in the concentration of the volatiles responsible for aroma such as pyrazines, furans, and sesamol as the temperature at which the seeds were roasted was increased. However, the concentration of some components such as alcohols and aldehydes, decreased with an increase in the roasting temperature. The roasting conditions have an important effect on the characteristic aroma of sesame oil. Other methods used to process sesame oil, such as solvent extraction, mechanical pressing and hot water flotation, were also investigated. Sesame oil produced using the Chinese traditional hot water flotation method had the most preferred flavor. There was good consistency between the principal components analysis (PCA) and sensory evaluation. The results of the present study suggested that production of sesame oil with the most acceptable aroma was dependent on the appropriate processing method.
Haploscope: a tool for the graphical display of haplotype structure in populations
Authors: San Lucas F. Anthony , Rosenberg Noah A. , Scheet Paul 
Published: December 2011

AbstractPatterns of linkage disequilibrium are often depicted pictorially by using tools that rely on visualizations of raw data or pairwise correlations among individual markers. Such approaches can fail to highlight some of the more interesting and complex features of haplotype structure. To enable natural visual comparisons of haplotype structure across subgroups of a population (e.g. isolated subpopulations or cases and controls), we propose an alternative visualization that provides a novel graphical representation of haplotype frequencies. We introduceHaploscope, a tool for visualizing the haplotype cluster frequencies that are produced by statistical models for population haplotype variation. We demonstrate the utility of our technique by examining haplotypes around theLCTgene, an example of recent positive selection, in samples from the Human Genome Diversity Panel.Haploscope, which has flexible options for annotation and inspection of haplotypes, is available for download athttp://scheet.org/software.