bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Porosity evolution study in irradiated UO2 fuel based on fuel matrix swelling
Authors: Roostaii B. , Kazeminejad H. , Khakshournia S. 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
The volume porosity of irradiated UO2 fuel in the form of a correlation is developed which includes two individual parts as the pore and swelling porosity in terms of the local density and fractional matrix swelling. Based on a low temperature swelling model for UO2 fuel, the matrix swelling terms are calculated and the evolution of porosity up to burn-up levels of 120 MWd/KgU is presented. It is seen that for high burn-up PWR fuel pellet rim, the dominant contribution to total porosity comes from pores generated due to Xe depletion in the ceramic matrix while the nearly constant swelling porosity makes a small contribution to the total porosity. The porosity evolution is also validated by comparing against experimental data and a fairly good agreement was found.
Computation of gamma radioactivity of natural rocks in the vicinity of Antalya province and its effect on health
Authors: Unal S. , Yalcin M. G. , Ocak S. , Yalcin R. , Ozmen S. F. 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
The aim of this study is to determine uranium (238U), potassium (40K) and thorium (232Th) in the radioactive elements by measuring the natural rocks in the vicinity of Antalya province by using High-purity Germanium (HPGe) Detector with gamma spectrometry 69. At the end of the measurements, total absorbed dose rates of the rock samples have been found to be within the normal range of values between 3.10 nGy/h and 117.35 nGy/h. While the minimum value of Raeq has been determined to be 6.36 Bq/kg at sample S8, the maximum value has been determined as 250.15 Bq/kg at sample S4. All of the values obtained at the end of the study have been determined to be lower than the maximum Raeq value (370 Bq/kg) and the limit values for industrial products which ranges between 370 – 740 Bq/kg. ARa, ATh and AK; 232Th, 40K and 226Ra of radionuclides are the activity concentrations in terms of Bq/kg. The hex value should be less than 1. The value is based on the upper limit of Raeq (370 Bq/kg). All of the results obtained are less than the limit value of 1.
The Wardian Case: Environmental Histories of a Box for Moving Plant
Authors: Keogh Luke 
Published: April 2018

Abstract
The Wardian case was a simple box that had major ecological impacts. It was invented in 1829 and allowed for the successful shipping of live plants between many countries and continents. In the nineteenth and early twentieth century, humans using Wardian cases facilitated major plant migrations across the globe. As a result humans have overtaken earth processes as the largest mover of vascular plants on the planet. Boxes and cases have largely been neglected as important movers of species and ecologies; with a focus on the Wardian case this essay offers a unique contribution to the field of environmental history. It also positions the importance of the case in contemporary discussions about the movement of plants in the Anthropocene.
Atomistic modeling of tribological properties of Pd and Al nanoparticles on a graphene surface
Authors: Khomenko Alexei , Zakharov Miroslav , Boyko Denis , Persson Bo N J 
Published: April 2018

Background: The frictional properties of nanoparticles have been studied to gain insight into the fundamental origin of sliding friction.Results: Using molecular dynamics we investigate frictional properties of aluminum and palladium nanoparticles deposited on a graphene layer. We study the time evolution of the total momentum of the system, the total and potential energies, the temperature, the velocity and position of the center of mass, the dimensions of the nanoparticle, and the friction and substrate forces acting on the particle. We also study how the friction force depends on the nanoparticle–graphene contact area and the temperature.Conclusion: The tribological properties of nanoparticles strongly depend on the materials. The particles move in an irregular (saw-like) manner. The averaged friction force depends nearly linearly on the contact area and non-monotonously on temperature. We observe ordered crystalline domains of atoms at the bottom surface of the metal particles, but the peaks of radial distribution function are blurred indicating that the nanoparticles are amorphous or polycrystalline.
Repeat Testing of Antibodies and Complements in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: When Is It Enough?
Authors: Raissi Thomas C. , Hewson Carly , Pope Janet E. 
Published: April 2018

Objective.Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) frequently undergo repeat testing for antibodies against extractable nuclear antigens (anti-ENA), but it is not known whether this is necessary or cost-effective. This study characterized the frequencies of changes in anti-ENA, anti–dsDNA, and complement C3 and C4 upon repeat testing.Methods.Chart review was done at one site of 130 patients with SLE enrolled in the 1000 Canadian Faces of Lupus prospective registry with annual antibody and complement testing. We determined the frequency of seroconversion (changes) on the next test and over the entire followup given 1 or multiple consistent results, and the cost to detect these changes.Results.Overall, 89.4% of patients had no changes in anti-ENA screening results from the first available test, 3.3% changed from negative to positive, and 7.3% from positive to negative. Following a single anti-ENA test, 3.9% of negative tests changed to positive and 4.2% of positive changed to negative on the next test. After multiple consistent tests, the frequencies of changes progressively declined. No changes from the first test were observed in anti-dsDNA, C3, and C4 in 60.8%, 83.3%, and 75.4% of patients, respectively. After 2 consistent anti-ENA tests, the cost to detect 1 change was above US$2000.Conclusion.Anti-ENA results change infrequently, especially following 1 or more negative tests. The high cost and lack of evidence that changes affect management suggest that repeating anti-ENA tests routinely is unnecessary. Anti-dsDNA and complements change more frequently after an abnormal result, but less after a normal value.
The Prevalence of Renal Impairment in Patients with Spondyloarthritis: Results from the International ASAS-COMOSPA Study
Authors: Couderc Marion , Pereira Bruno , Molto Anna , Tiple Aurélien , Soubrier Martin , Dougados Maxime 
Published: April 2018

Objective.To assess the prevalence and association of renal dysfunction in patients with spondyloarthritis (SpA).Methods.The ASAS-COMOSPA (Assessment of Spondyloarthritis international Society-COMOrbidities in SPondyloArthritis) was an international study (22 participating countries from 4 continents) investigating comorbidities in SpA. Renal function was assessed based on estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) calculated using the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease equation. SpA characteristics and risk factors for renal impairment were collected. Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug (NSAID) use was assessed based on current intake (last 3 mos).Results.Of the 3984 patients recruited, 2098 (52.6%) were analyzed after excluding outliers and patients with no available eGFR measurement [male sex: 63.5%; age: 45.3 yrs; disease duration: 8.6 years; HLA-B27+: 73.1%; Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Activity Index (BASDAI): 3.6/10]. Overall, 153 patients (5.2%, mean age: 53.6 yrs) exhibited an eGFR < 60 ml/min/1.73 m2. In univariate analysis, renal impairment was associated with age (p < 0.001), HLA-B27 positivity (p = 0.003), several cardiovascular (CV) risk factors (history of hypertension, p < 0.001; systolic blood pressure, p = 0.009; diabetes, p = 0.005; and Framingham risk score, p < 0.001), disease activity scores [BASDAI, p = 0.001; Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score-C-reactive protein (ASDAS-CRP), p < 0.001], functional variables (Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index, p < 0.001), inflammatory biomarkers (erythrocyte and CRP, both p < 0.001), and NSAID intake since onset of disease (percentage of days, p = 0.008). However, there was no association with disease duration, disease severity, or ASAS-NSAID score. In multivariate analysis, age (45–59 yrs: OR 1.9, > 60 yrs: OR 6.2), HLA-B27 positivity (OR 0.51), and CRP (OR 1.3) remained significantly associated with eGFR < 60 ml/min/1.73 m2.Conclusion.Renal impairment was associated with age, HLA-B27 positivity, and inflammation, though not with CV risk factors, disease severity, or NSAID intake in patients with SpA.
Causes and Predictors of Early Hospital Readmission in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Nangit Angelica , Lin Connie , Ishimori Mariko L. , Spiegel Brennan M.R. , Weisman Michael H. 
Published: April 2018

Objective.We investigated characteristics of adult patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) readmitted to the hospital within 30 days of discharge, in an attempt to identify the causes of early readmission.Methods.We performed a retrospective case-control study examining all inpatient electronic health records of patients with SLE at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center over a 2.5-year period (2012–2014). Patients were included if they had an International Classification of Diseases, 9th ed diagnosis of SLE and were readmitted within 30 days of their initial hospitalization. Patients with SLE not readmitted during this time period were used as a control group. Demographic and clinical variables for each patient were collected, and we used the Charlson Comorbidity Index to characterize comorbidities. The Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology Damage Index (SDI) was used to assess the chronic damage of SLE. Stepwise multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to predict factors associated with readmission.Results.In total, 570 hospitalizations representing 455 unique patients met our inclusion and exclusion criteria. Of these, 154 patients (34%) underwent readmission within 30 days of their initial hospitalization. Patients in the early readmission group were more likely to have government-sponsored Medicaid insurance and were significantly associated with an increased SDI (OR 1.27, 95% CI 1.1–1.48), lower serum hemoglobin (OR 0.82, 95% CI 0.72–0.93), and lower serum albumin (OR 0.66, 95% CI 0.47–0.91).Conclusion.One-third of hospitalized patients with SLE were readmitted within 30 days at our institution. We identified characteristics of this at-risk population at time of discharge with high specificity, in hopes of reducing this costly outcome.
Venous Thromboembolism in Systemic Sclerosis: Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Effect on Survival
Authors: Johnson Sindhu R. , Hakami Nabil , Ahmad Zareen , Wijeysundera Duminda N. 
Published: April 2018

Objective.Whether systemic sclerosis (SSc) confers increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) is uncertain. We evaluated the prevalence, risk factors, and effect of VTE on SSc survival.Methods.A cohort study was conducted of subjects with SSc who fulfilled the American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism classification criteria between 1970 and 2017. Deep vein thrombosis was defined as thrombus on extremity ultrasound. Pulmonary embolism was defined as thrombus on thorax computed tomography angiogram. Risk factors for VTE and time to all-cause mortality were evaluated.Results.Of the 1181 subjects, 40 (3.4%) experienced VTE events. The cumulative incidence of VTE was 2.7 (95% CI 1.9–3.7) per 1000 patient-years. Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH; OR 3.77, 95% CI 1.83–8.17), peripheral arterial disease (OR 5.31, 95% CI 1.99–12.92), Scl-70 (OR 2.45, 95% CI 1.07–5.30), and anticardiolipin antibodies (OR 5.70, 95% CI 1.16–21.17) were predictors of VTE. There were 440 deaths. There was no difference in survival between those with and without VTE (HR 1.16, 95% CI 0.70–1.91). Interstitial lung disease (HR 1.54, 95% CI 1.27–1.88) and PAH (HR 1.35, 95% CI 1.10–1.65) were predictors of mortality.Conclusion.The risk of VTE in SSc is comparable to the general population. The presence of PAH, peripheral arterial disease, Scl-70, and anticardiolipin antibodies are risk factors for VTE. VTE does not independently predict SSc survival.
Longterm Safety and Efficacy of Subcutaneous Abatacept in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis: 5-year Results from a Phase IIIb Trial
Authors: Genovese Mark C. , Pacheco-Tena César , Covarrubias Arturo , Leon Gustavo , Mysler Eduardo , Keiserman Mauro , Valente Robert M. , Nash Peter , Simon-Campos J. Abraham , Box Jane , Legerton Clarence W. , Nasonov Evgeny , Durez Patrick , Elegbe Ayanbola , Wong Robert , Li Xiaohui , Banerjee Subhashis , Alten Rieke 
Published: April 2018

Objective.To assess 5-year safety, tolerability, and efficacy of subcutaneous (SC) abatacept (ABA) in methotrexate (MTX)-refractory patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).Methods.The Abatacept Comparison of sub[QU]cutaneous versus intravenous in Inadequate Responders to methotrexatE (ACQUIRE) phase IIIb, randomized, double-dummy, multinational trial compared efficacy and safety of SC and intravenous (IV) ABA in patients with RA. In the initial 6-month double-blind (DB) period, patients received IV or SC ABA, plus MTX, and in the subsequent open-label longterm extension (LTE) period, all patients received SC ABA (125 mg/wk). The final 5-year safety, tolerability, and efficacy analyses are reported.Results.Of 1385 patients who completed the DB period, 1372 entered LTE and 945 (68.8%) completed ≥ 5 years of treatment. During LTE, 97 (7.1%) patients discontinued treatment because of an adverse event (AE). Incidence rate (IR; event/100 patient-yrs of exposure; based on LTE data, 95% CI) for AE of interest were the following: serious AE 7.73 (6.96–8.58), infection 38.60 (36.24–41.12), serious infection 1.68 (1.35–2.07), malignancies 1.09 (0.84–1.42), and autoimmune disorders 1.33 (1.05–1.69), and were stable over time. No association between immunogenicity and either worsening of ABA safety or loss of efficacy was noted. Efficacy in the LTE was consistent with the DB period and was maintained to the end of the study.Conclusion.These 5-year data establish that SC ABA (125 mg/wk) has a consistent safety profile and durable efficacy for longterm treatment of patients with RA who had an inadequate response to MTX.
Crystal-proven Gout and Characteristic Gout Severity Factors Are Associated with Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Disveld Iris J.M. , Fransen Jaap , Rongen Gerard A. , Kienhorst Laura B.E. , Zoakman Sahel , Janssens Hein J.E.M. , Janssen Matthijs 
Published: April 2018

Objective.Our aim was to examine the prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in patients with crystal-proven gout compared to arthritis controls. Further, we analyzed the association between characteristic gout severity factors and CVD to provide further support for a pathogenetic relationship between gout and CVD.Methods.Patients with arthritis referred for diagnosis were consecutively included in the Gout Arnhem-Liemers cohort. Joint fluid analysis was performed in all referred patients; controls were negative for crystals. Patients’ characteristics and different manifestations of CVD and gout severity factors (disease duration, attack frequency, tophi, affected joints, high serum urate acid level, joint damage) were collected. Gout patients were compared with controls for the prevalence of CVD. In addition, the association between characteristic gout severity factors and presence of CVD was analyzed.Results.Data from 700 gout patients and 276 controls were collected. CVD was present in 47% (95% CI 44%–51%) and 24% (95% CI 19%–29%) of gout patients and controls, respectively. Corrected for confounders, gout was still strongly associated with an increased prevalence of CVD compared to controls (OR 3.39, 95% CI 2.37–4.84). In patients with gout, disease duration ≥ 2 years, oligo- or polyarthritis, serum urate acid > 0.55 mmol/l at presentation, and joint damage were independently (p < 0.05) associated with prevalent CVD.Conclusion.Crystal-proven gout was strongly associated with an increased prevalence of CVD. In patients with gout, characteristic gout severity factors were associated with CVD.
Power Doppler Ultrasound Evaluation of Peripheral Joint, Entheses, Tendon, and Bursa Abnormalities in Psoriatic Patients: A Clinical Study
Authors: Tang Yuanjiao , Yang Yujia , Xiang Xi , Wang Liyun , Zhang Lingyan , Qiu Li 
Published: April 2018

Objective.To evaluate the prevalence rates of peripheral joint, enthesis, tendon, and bursa abnormalities by power Doppler (PD) ultrasonic examination in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA), psoriatic patients without clinical signs of arthritis (non-PsA psoriasis group), and healthy individuals, to detect subclinical PsA.Methods.A total of 253 healthy volunteers, 242 non-PsA psoriatic patients, and 86 patients with PsA were assessed by 2-dimensional and power Doppler (PD) ultrasound. Peripheral joint, enthesis, tendon, and bursa abnormalities were observed, characterizing abnormal PD. The affected patients and sites with abnormalities in various ages were compared among groups; PD signal grades for the abnormalities were also compared.Results.In the PsA group, significantly higher percentages of sites showing joint effusion/synovitis, enthesitis, and tenosynovitis in all age groups, and markedly higher rates of sites with bursitis were found in young and middle age groups, compared with the non-PsA and control groups (all p < 0.01). Meanwhile, the non-PsA group showed significantly higher rates of joint effusion/synovitis and enthesitis sites, and elevated PD signal grades of synovitis, enthesitis, and tenosynovitis in comparison with the control group, both in young and middle age groups (all p < 0.01).Conclusion.Patients with PsA have high percentages and PD signal grades of peripheral joint, tendon, enthesis, and bursa involvement. Young and middle-aged non-PsA patients have high synovitis and enthesitis percentages, and elevated PD signal grades of synovitis, enthesitis, and tenosynovitis.
Absence of Fibrosis and Inflammation by Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients with Low to Moderate Disease Activity
Authors: Bradham William , Ormseth Michelle J. , Elumogo Comfort , Palanisamy Srikanth , Liu Chia-Ying , Lawson Mark A. , Soslow Jonathan H. , Kawel-Boehm Nadine , Bluemke David A. , Stein C. Michael 
Published: April 2018

Objective.The prevalence of heart failure is increased 2-fold in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA); this is not explained by ischemic heart disease or other risk factors for heart failure. We hypothesized that in patients with RA without known heart disease, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (cMRI) would detect altered cardiac structure, function, and fibrosis.Methods.We performed 1.5-T cMRI in 59 patients with RA and 56 controls frequency-matched for age, race, and sex, and compared cMRI indices of structure, function, and fibrosis [late gadolinium enhancement (LGE), native T1 mapping, and extracellular volume (ECV)] using Mann-Whitney U tests and linear regression, adjusting for age, race, and sex.Results.Most patients with RA had low to moderate disease activity [28-joint count Disease Activity Score–C-reactive protein median 3.16, interquartile range (IQR) 2.03–4.05], and 49% were receiving anti-tumor necrosis factor agents. Left ventricular (LV) mass, LV end-diastolic and -systolic volumes indexed to body surface area, and LV ejection fraction and left atrial size were not altered in RA compared to controls (all p > 0.05). Measures of fibrosis were not increased in RA: LGE was present in 2 patients with RA and 1 control subject; native T1 mapping was similar comparing RA and control subjects, and ECV (median, IQR) was lower (26.6%, 24.7–28.5%) in patients with RA compared to control subjects (27.5%, 25.4–30.4%, p = 0.03).Conclusion.cMRI measures of cardiac structure and function were not significantly altered, and measures of fibrosis were similar or lower in RA patients with low to moderate disease activity compared to a matched control group.
Age- and Sex-dependent Frequency of Fat Metaplasia and Other Structural Changes of the Sacroiliac Joints in Patients without Axial Spondyloarthritis: A Retrospective, Cross-sectional MRI Study
Authors: Ziegeler Katharina , Eshkal Hamama , Schorr Claudia , Sieper Joachim , Diekhoff Torsten , Makowski Marcus R. , Hamm Bernd , Hermann Kay-Geert A. 
Published: April 2018

Objective.To determine the prevalence of fat metaplasia and other structural lesions of the sacroiliac joints associated with axial spondyloarthritis in a nonrheumatological patient population.Methods.Magnetic resonance imaging examinations that included the pelvis and were performed in patients without known rheumatological disease were used for this retrospective cross-sectional study. These images were evaluated for sacroiliac fat metaplasia, sclerosis, osteophytes, and joint space alterations such as erosions or ankylosis. Patients were divided into 7 age groups (15–24 to ≥ 75 yrs). Prevalence of lesions across age groups was calculated. Possible clinical confounders (e.g., status post radiation, suspected inflammatory bowel disease) were investigated regarding their effect on lesion prevalence and extent, to exclude bias.Results.A total of 485 patients were enrolled. Fat metaplasia was very common and increased with age, from a prevalence of 50.6% in the age groups < 45, to 94.4% in patients ≥ 75 years. Erosions were uncommon: 0.6% of patients < 45, and 2.6% of the entire study population exhibited this feature, with no detectable age-dependent increase. Sclerosis and osteophytes were detected in 13.7% and 37.0% of patients, respectively. None of the investigated clinical confounders had a significant effect on lesion prevalence.Conclusion.Our study shows a very high prevalence of fat metaplasia adjacent to the sacroiliac joint in asymptomatic patients, while erosions are extremely uncommon.
HLA-DRB1 Shared Epitope Alleles and Disease Activity Are Correlated with Reduced T Cell Receptor Repertoire Diversity in CD4+ T Cells in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Sakurai Keiichi , Ishigaki Kazuyoshi , Shoda Hirofumi , Nagafuchi Yasuo , Tsuchida Yumi , Sumitomo Shuji , Kanda Hiroko , Suzuki Akari , Kochi Yuta , Yamamoto Kazuhiko , Fujio Keishi 
Published: April 2018

Objective.Shared epitope (SE) alleles are the most significant genetic susceptibility locus in rheumatoid arthritis (RA); however, their target populations in CD4+ T cells are not well elucidated. We analyzed the association between SE alleles and the T cell receptor (TCR) repertoire diversity of naive and memory CD4+ T cells using next-generation sequencing (NGS).Methods.The TCR beta chains in naive and memory CD4+ T cells from the peripheral blood of 22 patients with RA and 18 age- and sex-matched healthy donors (HD) were analyzed by NGS. The Renyi entropy was used to evaluate TCR repertoire diversity and its correlations with SE alleles and other variables were examined. Serum cytokine levels were measured by multiplex ELISA.Results.The TCR repertoire diversity in memory CD4+ T cells was reduced in SE allele-positive patients with RA compared with HD, and showed a significant negative correlation with the SE allele dosage in RA. The TCR repertoire diversity of naive and memory T cells was also negatively correlated with disease activity, and the SE allele dosage and disease activity were independently associated with reduced TCR repertoire diversity. TCR repertoire diversity showed a significant positive correlation with the serum interleukin 2 levels.Conclusion.SE alleles and disease activity were negatively correlated with the TCR repertoire diversity of CD4+ T cells in RA. Considering the pivotal role of CD4+ T cells in RA, restoring the altered TCR repertoire diversity will provide a potential RA therapeutic target.