bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cognitive impairment and employment status in systemic lupus erythematosus: A prospective longitudinal study
Authors: Appenzeller Simone , Cendes Fernando , Costallat Lilian T. L. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the relationship between cognitive impairment and employment in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).MethodsA total of 167 consecutive patients with SLE were prospectively evaluated, and underwent standardized neuropsychological tests. Multivariate logistic regression was used to determine the likelihood of being unemployed, adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics, employment status at study entry, disease activity, disease duration, damage scores, and depression.ResultsAt study entry, 118 (70.7%) of 167 patients were employed. In the multivariate analysis, after adjusting for confounders, unemployment was predicted by the number of cognitive domains impaired (odds ratio [OR] 1.76, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.58–6.72), depression (OR 1.3, 95% CI 1.1–3.1), fewer years of education (OR 0.12, 95% CI 0.02–0.34), and the presence of anticardiolipin antibodies (OR 1.43, 95% CI 1.2–6.1). Complex attention (OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.2–3.6), memory (OR 3.1, 95% CI 1.5–6.2), and executive functions (OR 2.4, 95% CI 1.9–6.1) were predictors of unemployment at study entry. After 3 years, 61 (51.7%) of 118 patients were employed (OR 2.25, 95% CI 1.38–3.68; P = 0.001). The likelihood of being unemployed after 3 years was predicted by the number of cognitive domains impaired (OR 3.8, 95% CI 2.5–7.71), depression (OR 2.31, 95% CI 1.01–5.21), fewer years of education (OR 0.09, 95% CI 0.01–0.42), and the presence of anticardiolipin antibodies (OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.2–4.9). Complex attention (OR 2.2, 95% CI 1.1–3.8), memory (OR 3.6, 95% CI 2.1–6.4), executive functions (OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.2–7.3), and reasoning/problem solving (OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.4–7.2) were associated with unemployment after 3 years.ConclusionThe number of cognitive spheres, and especially attention, memory, and executive functions, are important factors associated with unemployment in patients with SLE.
Do acute‐phase reactants predict response to glucocorticoid therapy in retroperitoneal fibrosis?
Authors: Magrey Marina N. , Husni M. Elaine , Kushner Irving , Calabrese Leonard H. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the value of the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and the C‐reactive protein (CRP) level at the time of diagnosis for predicting radiographic response to glucocorticoid therapy in patients with retroperitoneal fibrosis (RFP).MethodsData were collected retrospectively for 37 patients with an established diagnosis of RFP (the diagnosis was proven by biopsy in 31 patients), all of whom met the following inclusion criteria: 1) availability of a recorded baseline ESR and/or CRP level and results of computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging, 2) availability of followup CRP level and/or ESR with radiographic imaging 12–24 weeks after initiation of therapy, and 3) treatment with prednisone monotherapy at a starting dosage of 40–60 mg daily. Patients were divided into 2 therapeutic response groups: group 1 showed radiographic regression, and group 2 showed no change or radiographic progression. Any progression or regression was determined by an estimated change of ≥25%.ResultsThe median baseline CRP levels were 2.2 mg/dl (interquartile range [IQR] 1.4–8.0) in group 1 and 1.2 mg/dl (IQR 0.8–4.1) in group 2 (P = 0.35). The median baseline ESR in group 1 was 57.5 mm/hour (IQR 39.2–102.5), which was not statistically different from the median ESR in group 2 (58 mm/hour [IQR 33–66]). The mean CRP level and ESR tended to be higher in patients with radiographic regression, but these differences failed to reach statistical significance. Spearman's correlation coefficient revealed no correlation between the baseline CRP level (r = −0.11, P = 0.51) or ESR (r = −0.06, P = 0.71) and the radiographic response.ConclusionThe ESR and CRP level at baseline are poor predictors of a therapeutic response to glucocorticoid therapy in patients with RPF.
Medial opening wedge high tibial osteotomy: A prospective cohort study of gait, radiographic, and patient‐reported outcomes
Authors: Birmingham Trevor B. , Giffin J. Robert , Chesworth Bert M. , Bryant Dianne M. , Litchfield Robert B. , Willits Kevin , Jenkyn Thomas R. , Fowler Peter J. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of medial opening wedge high tibial osteotomy on gait, radiographic, and patient‐reported outcomes over a 2‐year postoperative period in patients with varus alignment and medial compartment knee osteoarthritis, and to identify significant predictors of outcome.MethodsWe used an observational cohort study design and prospectively administered 3‐dimensional quantitative gait analysis, hip to ankle weight‐bearing radiographs, and patient‐reported outcomes preoperatively and 6, 12, 18, and 24 months postoperatively. Observed changes with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated. Multivariate linear regression and cluster analysis were used to evaluate associations between patient characteristics and 2‐year outcomes in dynamic knee joint load (external knee adduction moment during gait) and Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Scores (KOOS).ResultsA total of 126 patients (mean age 47.48 years) were included in the study. Mean changes suggested clinically important improvements in malalignment (change in mechanical axis angle 8.04° [95% CI 7.16°, 8.93°]), medial compartment load during gait (change in knee adduction moment −1.38 [95% CI −1.53, −1.22] percentage body weight × height), and all KOOS domain scores (change in pain 23.19 [95% CI 19.49, 26.89] KOOS points). A small (13%) increase in knee adduction moment was observed from 6 to 24 months postoperatively. Few preoperative clinical and/or gait characteristics assessed at baseline were significantly associated with 2‐year outcomes.ConclusionA medial opening wedge high tibial osteotomy with correction to approximately neutral alignment produces substantial and clinically important changes in dynamic knee joint load and patient‐reported measures of pain, function, and quality of life 2 years postoperatively. Changes in knee adduction moment observed in the first 2 years postoperatively should be explored as potential predictors of longer‐term success and subgroups of patients with poor outcomes.
The PRL –1149 G/T polymorphism and rheumatoid arthritis susceptibility
Authors: Lee Yvonne C. , Raychaudhuri Soumya , Cui Jing , de Vivo Immaculata , Ding Bo , Alfredsson Lars , Padyukov Leonid , Costenbader Karen H. , Seielstad Mark , Graham Robert R. , Klareskog Lars , Gregersen Peter K. , Plenge Robert M. , Karlson Elizabeth W. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractObjectivePrevious studies have demonstrated that the PRL −1149 T (minor) allele decreases prolactin expression and may be associated with autoimmune disease. The aim of this study was to determine the role of the PRL −1149 G/T polymorphism (rs1341239) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) susceptibility.MethodsWe examined the association between PRL −1149 G/T and RA risk in 4 separate study populations, consisting of a total of 3,405 RA cases and 4,111 controls of self‐reported white European ancestry. Samples were genotyped using 1 of 3 genotyping platforms, and strict quality control metrics were applied. We tested for association using a 2‐tailed Cochran‐Mantel‐Haenszel additive, fixed‐effects model.ResultsIn the individual populations, odds ratios (ORs) for an association between PRL −1149 T and RA risk ranged from 0.80 to 0.97. In a joint meta‐analysis across all 4 populations, the OR for an association between PRL −1149 T and RA risk was 0.90 (95% confidence interval 0.84–0.96, P = 0.001).ConclusionOur findings indicate a possible association between the PRL −1149 T allele and decreased RA risk. The effect size is small but similar to ORs for other genetic polymorphisms associated with complex traits, including RA.
Serum levels of vitamin D, sunlight exposure, and knee cartilage loss in older adults: The Tasmanian older adult cohort study
Authors: Ding Changhai , Cicuttini Flavia , Parameswaran Venkat , Burgess John , Quinn Steve , Jones Graeme 
Published: April 2009

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the associations between serum levels of vitamin D, sunlight exposure, and knee cartilage loss cross‐sectionally and longitudinally in older adults.MethodsA total of 880 randomly selected subjects (mean age 61 years [range 51–79 years], 50% women) were studied at baseline, and 353 of these subjects were studied 2.9 years later. Serum levels of 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) were assessed by radioimmunoassay, and sunlight exposure was assessed by questionnaire. T1‐weighted fat‐suppressed magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the right knee was performed to determine knee cartilage volume and defects. Knee radiographic osteoarthritis (OA) and knee pain were also assessed.ResultsThe mean 25(OH)D serum level was 52.8 nmoles/liter at baseline (range 13–119 nmoles/liter). Winter sunlight exposure and serum 25(OH)D level were both positively associated with medial and lateral tibial cartilage volume, and a serum 25(OH)D level <50 nmoles/liter was associated with increased medial tibiofemoral joint space narrowing (all P < 0.05). Longitudinally, baseline serum 25(OH)D level predicted change in both medial and lateral tibial cartilage volume (β = +0.04% per annum per nmole/liter for both; P < 0.05), and change in serum 25(OH)D level was positively associated with change in medial tibial cartilage volume. These associations were consistent in subjects with radiographic OA and knee pain and/or in women, but not in men or in subjects without radiographic OA or knee pain.ConclusionSunlight exposure and serum 25(OH)D levels are both associated with decreased knee cartilage loss (assessed by radiograph or MRI). This is best observed using the whole range of 25(OH)D levels rather than predefined cut points and implies that achieving vitamin D sufficiency may prevent and/or retard cartilage loss in knee OA.
Google book search: Citation analysis for social science and the humanities
Authors: Kousha Kayvan , Thelwall Mike 
Published: April 2009

AbstractIn both the social sciences and the humanities, books and monographs play significant roles in research communication. The absence of citations from most books and monographs from the Thomson Reuters/Institute for Scientific Information databases (ISI) has been criticized, but attempts to include citations from or to books in the research evaluation of the social sciences and humanities have not led to widespread adoption. This article assesses whether Google Book Search (GBS) can partially fill this gap by comparing citations from books with citations from journal articles to journal articles in 10 science, social science, and humanities disciplines. Book citations were 31% to 212% of ISI citations and, hence, numerous enough to supplement ISI citations in the social sciences and humanities covered, but not in the sciences (3%–5%), except for computing (46%), due to numerous published conference proceedings. A case study was also made of all 1,923 articles in the 51 information science and library science ISI‐indexed journals published in 2003. Within this set, highly book‐cited articles tended to receive many ISI citations, indicating a significant relationship between the two types of citation data, but with important exceptions that point to the additional information provided by book citations. In summary, GBS is clearly a valuable new source of citation data for the social sciences and humanities. One practical implication is that book‐oriented scholars should consult it for additional citations to their work when applying for promotion and tenure.
Application in stochastic volatility models of nonlinear regression with stochastic design
Authors: Chen Ping , Wang Jinde 
Published: April 2009

AbstractIn regression model with stochastic design, the observations have been primarily treated as a simple random sample from a bivariate distribution. It is of enormous practical significance to generalize the situation to stochastic processes. In this paper, estimation and hypothesis testing problems in stochastic volatility model are considered, when the volatility depends on a nonlinear function of the state variable of other stochastic process, but the correlation coefficient |ρ|≠±1. The methods are applied to estimate the volatility of stock returns from Shanghai stock exchange. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mitochondrial bioenergetics as a major motive force of speciation
Authors: Gershoni Moran , Templeton Alan R. , Mishmar Dan 
Published: April 2009

AbstractMitochondrial bioenergetics plays a key role in multiple basic cellular processes, such as energy production, nucleotide biosynthesis, and iron metabolism. It is an essential system for animals' life and death (apoptosis) and it is required for embryo development. This, in conjunction with its being subjected to adaptive processes in multiple species and its gene products being involved in the formation of reproductive barriers in animals, raises the possibility that mitochondrial bioenergetics could be a candidate genetic mechanism of speciation. Here, we discuss genetic and biochemical evidence for the possible involvement of this unique system, encoded by two genomes (the mitochondrial and nuclear genomes), that differ by an order of magnitude in their mutation rates in processes leading to speciation events.
Randomized clinical trial of efficacy and costs of three dissection devices in liver resection
Authors: Richter S , Kollmar O , Schuld J , Moussavian M R , Igna D , Schilling M K 
Published: April 2009

Abstract

Background
In recent decades a variety of instruments for liver dissection has become available. This randomized controlled trial analysed the efficacy and costs of three different liver dissection devices.

Methods
Ninety-six patients without cirrhosis undergoing liver resection were randomized to either ultrasonic dissection, waterjet dissection or dissecting sealer (32 in each group). Patients were unaware of the device used. The primary endpoint was dissection speed. Secondary endpoints were intraoperative blood loss, morbidity and mortality, and costs of dissection devices, staplers and haemostatic agents.

Results
Dissection was slower with the dissecting sealer (P = 0·004 versus waterjet dissector). The difference was more pronounced for extended resections (mean(s.e.m.) 1·62(0·36) cm2/min versus 3·42(0·53) and 3·63(0·51) cm2/min for ultrasonic and water dissectors respectively; P = 0·037). Costs were significantly higher for the dissecting sealer when atypical or segmental resections were performed. Four patients died after extended resections; postoperative complications did not differ between groups.

Conclusion
The dissecting sealer is slower than the ultrasonic dissector or water dissector. The three devices are equally safe in terms of blood loss, transfusions and postoperative complications. Ultrasonic and water dissectors might be more favourable economically than the dissecting sealer. Registration number: ISRCTN52294555 (http://www.controlled-trials.com).
Oestrogen inhibits human colonic motility by a non-genomic cell membrane receptor-dependent mechanism
Authors: Hogan A M , Kennelly R , Collins D , Baird A W , Winter D C 
Published: April 2009

AbstractBackgroundClassical effects of oestrogen involve activation of target genes after binding nuclear receptors. Oestrogenic effects too rapid for DNA transcription (non-genomic) are known to occur. The effect of oestrogen on colonic motility is unknown despite the prevalence of gastrointestinal symptoms in pregnant and premenopausal women.MethodsHistologically normal colon was obtained from proximal resection margins of colorectal carcinoma specimens. Circular smooth muscle strips were microdissected and suspended in organ baths under 1 g of tension. After equilibration, they were exposed to 17β-oestradiol (n = 8) or bovine serum albumin (BSA)-conjugated 17β-oestradiol (n = 8). Fulvestrant, an oestrogen receptor antagonist, was added to some baths (n = 8). Other strips were exposed to calphostin C or cycloheximide. Carbachol was added in increasing concentrations and contractile activity was recorded isometrically.ResultsOestrogen inhibited colonic contractility (mean difference 19·7 per cent; n = 8, P &lt; 0·001). In keeping with non-genomic, rapid-onset steroid action, the effect was apparent within minutes and reversible. It was observed with both 17β-oestradiol and BSA-conjugated oestrogen, and was not altered by cycloheximide. Effects were inhibited by fulvestrant, suggesting receptor mediation.ConclusionOestrogen decreases contractility in human colonic smooth muscle by a non-genomic mechanism involving cell membrane coupling.
What do potential jurors know about police interrogation techniques and false confessions?
Authors: Leo Richard A. , Liu Brittany 
Published: April 2009

AbstractPsychological police interrogation methods in America inevitably involve some level of pressure and persuasion to achieve their goal of eliciting confessions of guilt from custodial suspects. In this article, we surveyed potential jurors about their perceptions of a range of psychological interrogation techniques, the likelihood that such techniques would elicit a true confession from guilty suspects, and the likelihood that such techniques could elicit a false confession from innocent suspects. Participants recognized that these interrogation techniques may be psychologically coercive and may elicit true confessions, but believed that psychologically coercive interrogation techniques are not likely to elicit false confessions. The findings from this survey study indicate that potential jurors believe that false confessions are both counter‐ intuitive and unlikely, even in response to psychologically coercive interrogation techniques that have been shown to lead to false confessions from the innocent. This study provides empirical support for the idea that expert witnesses may helpfully inform jurors about the social science research on psychologically coercive interrogation methods and how and why such interrogation techniques can lead to false confessions. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Alford pleas in the age of innocence
Authors: Redlich Allison D. , Özdoğru Asil Ali 
Published: April 2009

AbstractIn 1970, the Supreme Court handed down a decision in North Carolina v. Alford that has since allowed defendants who do not wish to risk their fates at trial to plead guilty while simultaneously asserting their innocence. Although “Alford pleas” have remained unexamined by researchers, the increasing number of identified wrongful convictions of those factually innocent highlights the need for an in‐depth examination of them. In the present study, using the Department of Justice 2004 State Survey of Inmates in Correctional Facilities dataset, we examined the likelihood of entering Alford pleas over traditional guilty, no contest, and not guilty pleas for those convicted of murder/manslaughter. Although we generally found few differences between the three guilty plea types, interesting differences between Alford and not guilty pleas emerged. Implications for actual innocence are discussed. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Specific PCR product primer design using memetic algorithm
Authors: Yang Cheng‐Hong , Cheng Yu‐Huei , Chuang Li‐Yeh , Chang Hsueh‐Wei 
Published: April 2009

AbstractTo provide feasible primer sets for performing a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) experiment, many primer design methods have been proposed. However, the majority of these methods require a relatively long time to obtain an optimal solution since large quantities of template DNA need to be analyzed. Furthermore, the designed primer sets usually do not provide a specific PCR product size. In recent years, evolutionary computation has been applied to PCR primer design and yielded promising results. In this article, a memetic algorithm (MA) is proposed to solve primer design problems associated with providing a specific product size for PCR experiments. The MA is compared with a genetic algorithm (GA) using an accuracy formula to estimate the quality of the primer design and test the running time. Overall, 50 accession nucleotide sequences were sampled for the comparison of the accuracy of the GA and MA for primer design. Five hundred runs of the GA and MA primer design were performed with PCR product lengths of 150–300 bps and 500–800 bps, and two different methods of calculating Tm for each accession nucleotide sequence were tested. A comparison of the accuracy results for the GA and MA primer design showed that the MA primer design yielded better results than the GA primer design. The results further indicate that the proposed method finds optimal or near‐optimal primer sets and effective PCR products in a dry dock experiment. Related materials are available online at http://bio.kuas.edu.tw/ma‐pd/. © 2009 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Biotechnol. Prog., 2009
Synthesis of a Graphite‐Polyaniline Nanocomposite and Evaluation of Its Electrochemical Properties
Authors: Nikzad L. , Alibeigi S. , Vaezi M. R. , Yazdani B. , Rahimipour M. R. 
Published: April 2009

AbstractIn this study, exfoliated graphite and a polyaniline (PANI)‐graphite nanocomposite were developed from in situ polymerization of aniline. Graphite nanosheets were synthesized from expandable graphite. The PANI‐graphite nanocomposite was characterized by Fourier transform infrared, X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. In addition, the electrochemical measurements, such as cyclic voltammetric curves, showed that the conductivity of the obtained nanocomposite increased. Therefore, the supercapacitor behavior of PANI improves with adding graphite.
Data exploration on standard asphalt mix analyses
Authors: Tušar Marjan , Novič Marjana 
Published: April 2009

AbstractThe purpose of our study was the evaluation of the most important factors that affect the volumetric and conventional mechanical properties of produced asphalt mix and the volumetric properties of built‐in asphalt layer. Asphalt mix design follows the standard procedure (Marshall procedure). We were interested not only in the quantity of bitumen specified by the Marshall procedure, but also in the quantity of stone aggregate fractions, temperatures of production and properties of bitumen that is used. The influence of these factors was investigated with several models. For the building of models we used 444 asphalt samples, analysed by one laboratory. To select the most important factors, several multiple linear regression (MLR) models, partial least squares (PLS) regression models and counterpropagation neural network models were made. Obtained models were tested with leave‐one‐out (LOO) and leave‐10%‐out cross‐validation procedures. The results of MLR and PLS models show that the independent variables are closely related. Among 21 variables there is only one found as less important. MLR and PLS models show better predictive ability than counterpropagation neural network models. The best MLR models will be employed for the preparation of the asphalt mix design (recipe) with some unknown material. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Asymmetric catalysis of homo‐coupling of 3‐substituted naphthylamine and hetero‐coupling with 3‐substituted naphthol leading to 3,3′‐dimethyl‐2,2′‐diaminobinaphthyl and ‐2‐amino‐2′‐hydroxybinaphthyl
Authors: Yusa Yukinori , Kaito Isao , Akiyama Katsuhiro , Mikami Koichi 
Published: April 2009

AbstractOptically active 3,3′‐dimethyl‐2,2′‐diamino‐1,1′‐binaphthyl (DM‐DABN) and 3,3′‐dimethyl‐2‐amino‐2′‐hydroxybinaphthyl (DM‐NOBIN) derivatives were synthesized by Cu‐(−)‐sparteine complex‐catalyzed enantioselective homo‐ and hetero‐coupling of 2‐naphthylamine, respectively. The difference in enantioselectivity was observed by changing the concentration of oxygen. Chirality, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.