bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Neurocognitive impairment in childhood‐onset systemic lupus erythematosus: Measurement issues in diagnosis
Authors: Williams Tricia S. , Aranow Cynthia , Ross Gail S. , Barsdorf Alexandra , Imundo Lisa F. , Eichenfield Andrew H. , Kahn Philip J. , Diamond Betty , Levy Deborah M. 
Published: May 2011

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the prevalence of neurocognitive impairment (NCI) in childhood‐onset systemic lupus erythematosus (cSLE) by comparing published classification criteria, and to examine associations between NCI, disease characteristics, psychosocial well‐being, and intelligence.MethodscSLE patients and ethnicity‐ and age‐matched healthy controls completed a neuropsychological research battery, and results were categorized by 3 different NCI classification criteria with different cutoff scores (e.g., >2, 1.5, or 1 SD below the mean) and the number of required abnormal tests or domains.ResultsForty‐one cSLE subjects and 22 controls were included. Subjects were predominantly female (∼70%) and Hispanic (∼70%). Executive functioning, psychomotor speed, and fine motor speed were most commonly affected. Method 1 classified 34.1% of cSLE subjects with NCI compared to method 2 (14.6% with decline and 7.3% with NCI) and method 3 (63.4% with NCI). The prevalence of NCI was not significantly different between the controls and patients using any of the categorization methods. NCI was not associated with SLE disease activity or characteristics or with depression. Using method 3, patients in the cognitive impairment group reported significantly lower quality of life estimates (69.7 versus 79.3; P = 0.03). Below average intellectual functioning (intelligence quotient <90) differentiated the number of test scores >1 and >1.5 SDs, but not >2 SDs below the mean.ConclusionNCI was prevalent in cSLE, but varied according to the chosen categorization method. A similar proportion of cSLE patients and controls had NCI, reinforcing the importance of studying an appropriate control group. Categorical classification (i.e., impaired/nonimpaired) may oversimplify the commonly observed deficits in cSLE.
Association between environmental factors and onset of psoriatic arthritis in patients with psoriasis
Authors: Eder Lihi , Law Tamryn , Chandran Vinod , Shanmugarajah Sutha , Shen Hua , Rosen Cheryl F. , Cook Richard J. , Gladman Dafna D. 
Published: May 2011

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the association between potential environmental exposures and the development of psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in patients with psoriasis.MethodsIn this case–control study, the cases were patients with recent‐onset PsA. The controls were psoriasis patients without arthritis. The occurrence of the following environmental exposures was recorded through a standardized questionnaire: smoking, alcohol consumption, infections, injuries, physically demanding occupational tasks, stressful life events, vaccinations, and female hormonal exposures. The association between each exposure to environmental events and disease status was assessed through logistic regression after adjustment for age, sex, education level, and duration and severity of psoriasis.ResultsThere were 159 subjects in each group. The following exposures remained significantly associated with PsA following multivariate logistic regression: lifting cumulative loads of at least 100 pounds/hour (odds ratio [OR] 2.8, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.51–5.05), infections that required antibiotics (OR 1.7, 95% CI 1.00–2.77), smoking (OR 0.6, 95% CI 0.36–0.89), and injuries (OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.11–4.01). The results were not appreciably changed with the inclusion of each of these factors in a single regression model; however, the level of significance for injuries had become borderline. No association was found between PsA and alcohol consumption, vaccination, stressful life events, and female hormonal exposures.ConclusionLifting heavy loads and infections that required antibiotics were associated with the occurrence of arthritis among patients with psoriasis. There was an inverse association between smoking and PsA. Further studies are necessary to determine whether these and other environmental factors are moderated by predisposing genetic factors.
Kinetic Monte Carlo Simulations of Anisotropic Lithium Intercalation into LixFePO4 Electrode Nanocrystals
Authors: Hin Céline 
Published: May 2011

AbstractThe kinetic anisotropy of lithium ion adsorption and lithium absorption for LixFePO4 olivine nanocrystals is simulated and reported. The kinetics depend on the orientation of the electrolyte/LixFePO4 interface with respect to the far‐field ionic flux. As a consequence of these kinetics and a Li miscibility gap in LixFePO4, the particle geometry and orientation also have an effect on the morphology of the two‐phase evolution. These processes accompany the charge and discharge behavior in battery microstructures and a direct influence on battery behavior is suggested. A kinetic Monte Carlo (KMC) algorithm based on a cathode particle rigid lattice is used to simulate the kinetics in this system. In these simulations the adsorption kinetics of the electrolyte/electrode interface are treated by coupling the normal flux outside the particle from a continuum numerical simulation of Li‐ion diffusion in the electrolyte to the atomistic KMC model within the particle. The interfacial reaction depends on local concentration and the potential drop at the interface via the Butler–Volmer (B–V) relation. The atomic potentials for the KMC simulation are derived from empirical solubility limits (as determined by OCV measurements). The main results show that the galvanostatic lithium‐uptake/cell‐voltage has three regimes: 1) a decreasing cell potential for Li‐insertion into a Li‐poor phase; 2) a nearly constant potential after the nucleation of a Li‐rich phase Li(1‐β)FePO4; 3) a decreasing cell potential after the Li‐poor phase has been evolved into a Li‐rich phase. The behavior in the second regime is sensitive to crystallographic orientation.
Influence of Ion Induced Local Coulomb Field and Polarity on Charge Generation and Efficiency in Poly(3‐Hexylthiophene)‐Based Solid‐State Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Abrusci Agnese , Santosh Kumar R. Sai , Al‐Hashimi Mohammed , Heeney Martin , Petrozza Annamaria , Snaith Henry J. 
Published: May 2011

AbstractDye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSC) are a realistic option for converting light to electrical energy. Hybrid architectures offer a vast materials library for device optimization, including a variety of metal oxides, organic and inorganic sensitizers, molecular, polymeric and electrolytic hole‐transporter materials. In order to further improve the efficiency of solid‐state dye‐sensitized solar cells, recent attention has focused on using light absorbing polymers such as poly(3‐hexylthiophene) (P3HT), to replace the more commonly used “transparent” 2,2′,7,7′‐tetrakis‐(N,N‐di‐p‐methoxyphenyl‐amine)9,9′spiro‐bifluorene (spiro‐OMeTAD), in order to enhance the light absorption within thin films. As is the case with spiro‐OMeTAD based solid‐state DSSC, the P3HT‐based devices improve significantly with the addition of lithium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide salts (Li‐TFSI), although the precise role of these additives has not yet been clarified in solid‐state DSCs. Here, we present a thorough study on the effect of Li‐TFSI in P3HT based solid‐state DSSC incorporating an indolene‐based organic sensitizer termed D102. Employing ultrafast transient absorption and cw‐emission spectroscopy together with electronic measurements, we demonstrate a fine tuning of the energetic landscape of the active cell components by the local Coulomb field induced by the ions. This increases the charge transfer nature of the excited state on the dye, significantly accelerating electron injection into the TiO2. We demonstrate that this ionic influence on the excited state energy is the primary reason for enhanced charge generation with the addition of ionic additives. The deepening of the relative position of the TiO2 conduction band, which has previously been thought to be the cause for enhanced charge generation in dye sensitized solar cells with the addition of lithium salts, appears to be of minor importance in this system.
Anatomic and etiological classification of congenital limb deficiencies
Authors: Gold Nina B. , Westgate Marie‐Noel , Holmes Lewis B. 
Published: May 2011

AbstractLimb deficiencies, the congenital absence or hypoplasia of a long bone and/or digits, vary greatly in their anatomy and etiology. Previous attempts to classify the range of possible phenotypes have not included all types of deficiencies. We present a new classification system, which includes all potential phenotypes. Infants with limb deficiencies were identified in the hospital‐based Active Malformations Surveillance Program at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston, MA from the years 1972 to 1974 and 1979 to 2000. Affected infants were classified based on the anatomy and apparent cause of their deficiencies. The prevalence rate of all types of limb deficiency was 0.79/1,000. Upper limb deficiencies were significantly more common than lower limb deficiencies. There was no significant difference in frequencies between deficiencies on the left and right sides of the body. Longitudinal defects were more common than terminal transverse defects; intercalary defects were uncommon. Longitudinal defects were most likely to occur on the preaxial side of the limb. Almost half of affected infants had affected digits, with normal long bones. The most common apparent cause of limb deficiencies was vascular disruption defects (0.22/1,000), such as amniotic band‐related limb deficiency. This new classification system includes deficiency of each long bone, as well as absence of any finger or toe. This system will make it possible to establish the prevalence of each specific phenotype. The large number of distinct apparent causes illustrates the marked etiologic heterogeneity of limb deficiencies. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Synthesis and characterization of a well‐defined amphiphilic block copolymer and its paclitaxel prodrug from methoxy poly(ethylene glycol) and oligomer of glycolic acid
Authors: Zhang Li , Fu Jinyan , Xia Zhixiang , Wu Ping , Zhang Xuefei 
Published: May 2011

AbstractA well‐defined amphiphilic block copolymer was synthesized by the coupling of carboxyl‐terminated methoxy poly(ethylene glycol) (MPEG) with a hydroxyl‐terminated octamer of glycolic acid, which was obtained by a stepwise synthetic procedure with the end‐group protection and deprotection. The block copolymer had a polydispersity index (PDI) of 1.01, as determined by gel permeation chromatography. It was further coupled to paclitaxel to form a prodrug of paclitaxel. The paclitaxel content in the prodrug was about 10%, and its PDI was 1.02. The antitumor activity of the conjugate against human lung carcinoma A549 cells was evaluated by mitochondrial dehydrogenase (MTT) assay. The results show that paclitaxel could be released from the conjugate without losing cytotoxicity. Therefore, the well‐defined amphiphilic block copolymer from MPEG and oligomer of glycolic acid could potentially provide novel opportunities to obtain reproducible pharmacokinetic behavior in the design of a drug‐delivery system. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Properties of transglutaminase‐treated red bean protein films
Authors: Tang Chuan‐He , Xiao Ming‐Li , Chen Zhong , Yang Xiao‐Quan 
Published: May 2011

AbstractThe effects of microbial transglutaminase (MTGase) treatment at various enzyme concentrations (4‐40 U g−1) on the properties of cast films from red bean protein isolate were investigated. The evaluated properties included mechanical properties (tensile strength, TS and elongation at break, EB), surface hydrophobicity (Hs), moisture content (MC), total soluble matter (TSM), water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) and permeability (WVP), as well as transparency. The results indicated that the TS and EB, and TSM were greatly improved by the MTGase treatment at low enzyme concentrations of 4‐10 U g−1, but considerably impaired at higher concentrations 20‐40 U g−1. The MTGase treatment also significantly increased the Hs, but decreased MC and WVTR, but the changes were independent of the applied enzyme concentration. The MTGase treatment progressively decreased the moisture loss during the drying of film‐forming solutions, upon the increase in enzyme concentration. The protein solubility analyses in various solvents indicated that the contribution of covalent linkages to film network formation progressively increased upon the increase in enzyme concentration. The results suggest that the modifications of the properties of cast films are closely associated with the extent of MTGase‐induced covalent polymerization and/or aggregation. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Ongoing disease activity and changing categories in a long‐term nordic cohort study of juvenile idiopathic arthritis
Authors: Nordal Ellen , Zak Marek , Aalto Kristiina , Berntson Lillemor , Fasth Anders , Herlin Troels , Lahdenne Pekka , Nielsen Susan , Straume Bjørn , Rygg Marite ,   Nordic Study Group of Pediatric Rheumatology
Published: May 2011

AbstractObjectiveTo describe the disease characteristics, long‐term course, and outcome of patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) in a population‐based setting.MethodsConsecutive cases of JIA from defined geographic areas of Denmark, Finland, Sweden, and Norway in whom disease onset occurred in 1997–2000 were included in a prospective, multicenter cohort study. The study was designed to be as close to a population‐based study as possible, with centers participating only if they were able to include in their catchment area all children in whom JIA was diagnosed.ResultsOf 500 children included, 440 (88.0%) had repeated visits, with the last visit occurring at least 7 years after disease onset (median 98 months, range 84–147 months). Changes in the International League of Associations for Rheumatology category were observed in 10.8% of the children, and, in addition, extended oligoarthritis developed in 34.7% of the group with oligoarticular JIA. During the observation period, 58.0% of the children were treated with disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs, including biologic medications. Ongoing disease activity was mostly mild, but some JIA‐related damage developed in 22.9% of the children. At the last followup visit, remission off medication was observed in 42.4% of the children, 8.9% were in remission on medication, and 48.7% were not in remission. The highest rates of remission were observed in patients with persistent oligoarticular JIA and in those with systemic JIA.ConclusionIn this long‐term prospective study of JIA in a population‐based Nordic setting, ongoing disease was evident in a majority of the children. The present results underline the need to identify early predictors of outcome, to further improve therapy, and to continue long‐term followup of patients with JIA.
Late‐onset neutropenia following rituximab therapy in rheumatic diseases: Association with B lymphocyte depletion and infections
Authors: Tesfa Daniel , Ajeganova Sofia , Hägglund Hans , Sander Birgitta , Fadeel Bengt , Hafström Ingiäld , Palmblad Jan 
Published: May 2011

AbstractObjectiveLate‐onset neutropenia following rituximab therapy is a well‐recognized side effect in lymphoma patients, but only a few cases of late‐onset neutropenia have been reported in patients with autoimmune disorders. The purpose of this study was to define the incidence, clinical features, and some of the underlying mechanisms of late‐onset neutropenia in relation to rituximab use in several rheumatic diseases.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective analysis of a cohort of 209 consecutive patients with rheumatic diseases who had been treated with rituximab at a university hospital between June 2003 and March 2009.ResultsEleven patients with late‐onset neutropenia were identified. The highest incidence was observed in granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Wegener's) and systemic lupus erythematosus patients (23% and 20%, respectively), whereas the incidence in rheumatoid arthritis patients was 3%. The median time to onset of neutropenia was 102 days (range 40–362 days) and coincided with the entire period of B lymphocyte depletion; this depletion was more pronounced in patients with late‐onset neutropenia (P = 0.002) than in a control group of 20 matched patients without late‐onset neutropenia. Serum IgM levels decreased during the same time and to a significantly greater amount in patients with late‐onset neutropenia than in controls (P = 0.027). No patient with late‐onset neutropenia displayed specific antineutrophil antibodies. Seven patients were hospitalized because of infections (6 with sepsis and 1 with febrile neutropenia) that required intravenous antibiotics. Six were treated with granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor.ConclusionIn patients treated with rituximab for rheumatic diseases, late‐onset neutropenia is a clinically significant adverse event associated with marked B lymphocyte depletion and severe infections. The incidence of late‐onset neutropenia appears to vary with autoimmune disease type.
A Dual‐Polymer Electrochromic Device with High Coloration Efficiency and Fast Response Time: Poly(3,4‐(1,4‐butylene‐(2‐ene)dioxy)thiophene)–Polyaniline ECD
Authors: Kang Joo‐Hee , Xu Zhaochao , Paek Seung‐Min , Wang Fang , Hwang Seong‐Ju , Yoon Juyoung , Choy Jin‐Ho 
Published: May 2011

AbstractA new dual‐polymer electrochromic device (ECD) composed of poly(3,4‐(1,4‐butylene‐(2‐ene)dioxy)thiophene) (PBueDOT) and polyaniline (PANI) with a hydrophobic molten salt electrolyte has been developed. To build this system, an alkylenedioxy ring in the BueDOT backbone was expanded to include a strongly electron‐donating alkylenedioxy bridge, and the thickness and surface morphology of the corresponding PBueDOT film were controlled systematically. Not only the dual‐electrochromic‐polymer–electrode system, but also the expanded alkylenedioxy ring in the BueDOT backbone, synergistically improved the electrochromic performance. From the coloration efficiency (CE) value calculations, we found that the CE was enhanced up to 930 cm2 C−1. Furthermore, these ECDs showed an extremely fast response time of less than 80 ms.
A possible mechanism responsible for exceptional rainfall over Taiwan from Typhoon Morakot
Authors: Xu Xiangde , Lu C. , Xu Hongxiong , Chen Lianshou 
Published: May 2011

AbstractDuring 6–9 August 2009, Typhoon Morakot hit Taiwan with exceptional rainfall and caused severe flooding and landslides, which resulted in a large number of human loss of life and significant property damage. The rainfall intensity broke the 50‐year record and was largely under‐forecasted. In this study, we have identified a possible mechanism responsible for this unusually heavy rainfall. It is found that the presence of the tropical storm Goni upstream of Morakot may be an important factor for the maintenance and intensification of Morakot. Goni transported a large amount of moisture and energy to Morakot. Numerical simulations indicate that the interaction of Goni and Morakot accounts for about 30% more rainfall than if Goni was not presented. This study may explain the unusual amount of rainfall for Morakot and thus provide additional considerations for future forecasts of similar situations. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society
Laparoscopic resection with transanal specimen extraction for sigmoid diverticulitis
Authors: Leroy J , Costantino F , Cahill R A , D'Agostino J , Morales A , Mutter D , Marescaux J 
Published: May 2011

Abstract

Background
This prospective study evaluated the technical aspects and microbiological consequences of laparoscopic resection with transanal specimen extraction and per ano transcolonic stapler anvil insertion in patients requiring elective operation for previous diverticulitis.

Methods
Laparoscopic sigmoid colectomy was performed with three ports, and specimen extraction carried out transanally through a complete opening of the rectal stump. A triple-stapled anastomosis restored colonic continuity. Systematic intraoperative bacteriological sampling was performed. Intraoperative data as well as microbiological and postoperative outcomes were evaluated prospectively.

Results
Sixteen consecutive patients were studied over a 6-month period. All procedures were technically satisfactory, with a mean(s.d.) operating time of 120·9(41·9) min. No conversion or additional access was required. Four of the 16 patients developed complications, but none required intervention. Although polybacterial growth was present in all peritoneal culture samples, no infection-related complications were observed. Two patients had an extended course of perioperative antibiotic cover owing to overt peritoneal cavity contamination during surgery, and in two further patients antibiotics were instituted empirically following the development of postoperative fever alone.

Conclusion
Transanal specimen extraction in addition to per ano transcolonic stapler anvil insertion allows laparoscopic sigmoid resection to be performed with just three ports. Although intraperitoneal bacterial contamination occurs, this does not appear to translate into infectious morbidity.
Systematic review and meta-analysis of laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication with or without division of the short gastric vessels
Authors: Markar S R , Karthikesalingam A P , Wagner O J , Jackson D , Hewes J C , Vyas S , Hashemi M 
Published: May 2011

Abstract

Background
The aim of this meta-analysis was to provide a pooled analysis of individual trials comparing clinical outcome following laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication with or without division of the short gastric vessels (SGVs).

Methods
Primary outcome measures were the requirement for reoperation, and the presence of postoperative gastro-oesophageal reflux and postoperative dysphagia. Secondary outcome measures were duration of operation, length of hospital stay, postoperative complications (within 30 days of surgery), postoperative gas bloat syndrome, lower oesophageal sphincter resting pressure and DeMeester score. Pooled odds ratios were calculated for categorical outcomes, and weighted mean differences for secondary continuous outcomes, using random-effects models for meta-analysis.

Results
Five randomized trials were included in the analysis. There was no statistically significant effect on the requirement for reoperation, or presence of postoperative dysphagia or reflux. SGV division was associated with a longer duration of operation and a reduced postoperative lower oesophageal sphincter pressure. There was no statistically significant difference in length of hospital stay, postoperative complications, postoperative gas bloat syndrome or DeMeester score.

Conclusion
This meta-analysis has demonstrated that clinical outcome following laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication appears to be similar regardless of whether the short gastric vessels are divided. However, it is not possible to exclude many potentially important clinical differences and further studies are needed.