bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Trabecular morphometry by fractal signature analysis is a novel marker of osteoarthritis progression
Authors: Kraus Virginia Byers , Feng Sheng , Wang ShengChu , White Scott , Ainslie Maureen , Brett Alan , Holmes Anthony , Charles H. Cecil 
Published: November 2009

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the effectiveness of using subchondral bone texture observed on a radiograph taken at baseline to predict progression of knee osteoarthritis (OA) over a 3‐year period.MethodsA total of 138 participants in the Prediction of Osteoarthritis Progression study were evaluated at baseline and after 3 years. Fractal signature analysis (FSA) of the medial subchondral tibial plateau was performed on fixed flexion radiographs of 248 nonreplaced knees, using a commercially available software tool. OA progression was defined as a change in joint space narrowing (JSN) or osteophyte formation of 1 grade according to a standardized knee atlas. Statistical analysis of fractal signatures was performed using a new model based on correlating the overall shape of a fractal dimension curve with radius.ResultsFractal signature of the medial tibial plateau at baseline was predictive of medial knee JSN progression (area under the curve [AUC] 0.75, of a receiver operating characteristic curve) but was not predictive of osteophyte formation or progression of JSN in the lateral compartment. Traditional covariates (age, sex, body mass index, knee pain), general bone mineral content, and joint space width at baseline were no more effective than random variables for predicting OA progression (AUC 0.52–0.58). The predictive model with maximum effectiveness combined fractal signature at baseline, knee alignment, traditional covariates, and bone mineral content (AUC 0.79).ConclusionWe identified a prognostic marker of OA that is readily extracted from a plain radiograph using FSA. Although the method needs to be validated in a second cohort, our results indicate that the global shape approach to analyzing these data is a potentially efficient means of identifying individuals at risk of knee OA progression.
Amelioration of brain pathology and behavioral dysfunction in mice with lupus following treatment with a tolerogenic peptide
Authors: Lapter Smadar , Marom Anat , Meshorer Asher , Elmann Anat , Sharabi Amir , Vadai Ezra , Neufeld Adi , Sztainberg Yejezkel , Gil Shoshana , Getselter Dmitriy , Chen Alon , Mozes Edna 
Published: November 2009

AbstractObjectiveCentral nervous system (CNS) involvement in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is manifested by neurologic deficits and psychiatric disorders. The aim of this study was to examine SLE‐associated CNS pathology in lupus‐prone (NZB × NZW)F1 (NZB/NZW) mice, and to evaluate the ameliorating effects of treatment with a tolerogenic peptide, hCDR1 (human first complementarity‐determining region), on these manifestations.MethodsHistopathologic analyses of brains from lupus‐prone NZB/NZW mice treated with vehicle, hCDR1, or a control scrambled peptide were performed. The messenger RNA expression of SLE‐associated cytokines and apoptosis‐related molecules from the hippocampi was determined. Anxiety‐like behavior was assessed by open‐field tests and dark/light transfer tests, and memory deficit was assessed using a novel object recognition test.ResultsInfiltration was evident in the hippocampi of the lupus‐afflicted mice, and the presence of CD3+ T cells as well as IgG and complement C3 complex deposition was observed. Furthermore, elevated levels of gliosis and loss of neuronal nuclei immunoreactivity were also observed in the hippocampi of the mice with lupus. Treatment with hCDR1 ameliorated the histopathologic changes. Treatment with hCDR1 down‐regulated the high expression of interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), IL‐6, IL‐10, interferon‐γ, transforming growth factor β, and the proapoptotic molecule caspase 8 in the hippocampi of the mice with lupus, and up‐regulated expression of the antiapoptotic bcl‐xL gene. Diseased mice exhibited increased anxiety‐like behavior and memory deficit. Treatment with hCDR1 improved these parameters, as assessed by behavior tests.ConclusionTreatment with hCDR1 ameliorated CNS pathology and improved the tested cognitive and mood‐related behavior of the mice with lupus. Thus, hCDR1 is a novel candidate for the treatment of CNS lupus.
Denuded subchondral bone and knee pain in persons with knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Moisio Kirsten , Eckstein Felix , Chmiel Joan S. , Guermazi Ali , Prasad Pottumarthi , Almagor Orit , Song Jing , Dunlop Dorothy , Hudelmaier Martin , Kothari Ami , Sharma Leena 
Published: November 2009

AbstractObjectiveIt is unclear how articular cartilage loss contributes to pain in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA). Full‐thickness cartilage defects expose the subchondral bone plate. The relationship between denuded bone and pain has not been examined. The aim of this study was to investigate whether the percent of denuded bone is associated with moderate‐to‐severe knee pain or frequent knee pain and longitudinally with frequent knee pain 2 years after the baseline evaluation.MethodsWe studied 182 persons with knee OA (305 knees). Applying specialized magnetic resonance imaging techniques, manual segmentation was used to compute cartilage‐covered and denuded bone areas for each surface. Moderate‐to‐severe knee pain was defined as a score of ≥40 mm on a knee‐specific 100‐mm visual analog scale, and frequent knee pain was defined as pain on most days during the past month. Logistic regression and generalized estimating equations were used in analyses, adjusting for age, sex, body mass index, and bone marrow lesions.ResultsCross‐sectional analyses revealed that moderate‐to‐severe knee pain was associated with percent denuded bone in the medial compartment (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 3.90, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.33–11.47), in the medial and patellar surfaces together, and in the lateral and patellar surfaces. Frequent knee pain was associated with percent denuded bone in the patellar surface (adjusted OR 3.11, 95% CI 1.24–7.81), in the medial and patellar surfaces, and in the lateral and patellar surfaces. Longitudinal analyses (in 168 knees without frequent knee pain at baseline) revealed that percent denuded bone in the medial and patellar surfaces was associated with frequent incident knee pain (adjusted OR 4.19, 95% CI 1.56–11.22).ConclusionThese results support a relationship between subchondral bone plate exposure and prevalent and incident knee pain in patients with knee OA.
A novel subpopulation of B‐1 cells is enriched with autoreactivity in normal and lupus‐prone mice
Authors: Zhong Xuemei , Lau Stanley , Bai Chunyan , Degauque Nicolas , Holodick Nichol E. , Steven Scott J. , Tumang Joseph , Gao Wenda , Rothstein Thomas L. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractObjectiveB‐1 cells have long been suggested to play an important role in lupus. However, reports to date have been controversial regarding their pathogenic or protective roles in different animal models. We undertook this study to investigate a novel subpopulation of B‐1 cells and its roles in murine lupus.MethodsLymphocyte phenotypes were assessed by flow cytometry. Autoantibody secretion was analyzed by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, autoantigen proteome array, and antinuclear antibody assay. Cell proliferation was measured by thymidine incorporation and 5,6‐carboxyfluorescein succinimidyl ester dilution. B cell Ig isotype switching was measured by enzyme‐linked immunospot assay.ResultsAnti–double‐stranded DNA (anti‐dsDNA) autoantibodies were preferentially secreted by a subpopulation of CD5+ B‐1 cells that expressed programmed death ligand 2 (termed L2pB1 cells). A substantial proportion of hybridoma clones generated from L2pB1 cells reacted to dsDNA. Moreover, these clones were highly cross‐reactive with other lupus‐related autoantigens. L2pB1 cells were potent antigen‐presenting cells and promoted Th17 cell differentiation in vitro. A dramatic increase of circulating L2pB1 cells in lupus‐prone BXSB mice was correlated with elevated serum titers of anti‐dsDNA antibodies. A significant number of L2pB1 cells preferentially switched to IgG1 and IgG2b when stimulated with interleukin‐21.ConclusionOur findings identify a novel subpopulation of B‐1 cells that is enriched for autoreactive specificities, undergoes isotype switch, manifests enhanced antigen presentation, promotes Th17 cell differentiation, and is preferentially associated with the development of lupus in a murine model. Together, these findings suggest that L2pB1 cells have the potential to initiate autoimmunity through serologic and T cell–mediated mechanisms.
Lymphopenia is a risk factor in the progression of carotid intima‐media thickness in juvenile‐onset systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Huang Yu‐Lin , Chung Hung‐Tao , Chang Chee‐Jen , Yeh Kuo‐Wei , Chen Li‐Chen , Huang Jing‐Long 
Published: November 2009

AbstractObjectiveTo characterize the atherosclerotic risk factors in the progression of subclinical atherosclerosis in patients with juvenile‐onset systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).MethodsThis was a longitudinal study of 76 patients with juvenile‐onset SLE. Carotid arteries were evaluated using ultrasonography at baseline and at followup visits at 6‐month intervals over the 6‐year study period. Clinical and laboratory parameters, disease activity, treatment, and traditional risk factors for atherosclerosis were evaluated. Data were analyzed using generalized estimating equations.ResultsThe mean ± SD age of the patients at baseline was 15.01 ± 3.48 years and the mean ± SD disease duration was 2.65 ± 2.5 years. The mean ± SD duration of followup was 3.74 ± 1.24 years. The mean ± SD intima‐media thickness (IMT) of the common carotid arteries differed significantly between the patient and control (n = 38) groups (0.63 ± 0.08 mm versus 0.54 ± 0.06 mm; P < 0.001). The presence of lymphopenia at diagnosis and at baseline and higher levels of serum creatinine and C‐reactive protein at baseline were positively associated with progression of carotid IMT (P = 0.006, P = 0.043, P = 0.037, and P = 0.049, respectively). In multivariate analysis, only lymphopenia at baseline and at diagnosis were consistently associated with progression of IMT (P = 0.012 and P = 0.045, respectively).ConclusionIn patients with juvenile‐onset SLE, some nontraditional risk factors for the progression of subclinical atherosclerosis were identified. Lymphopenia was the only independent risk factor for the progression of IMT. The pathogenic mechanisms warrant further investigation.
Local vs. global approaches to reproducing the Rey Osterrieth complex figure by children, adolescents, and adults with high‐functioning autism
Authors: Kuschner Emily S. , Bodner Kimberly E. , Minshew Nancy J. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractIndividuals with autism have an atypical pattern of visual processing. Various studies have provided evidence that individuals with autism perceive the details of stimuli before the gestalt, the reverse of the typical pattern of visual processing. This study used the Rey Osterreith Complex Figure (ROCF) task and an objective scoring system to examine local/global processing approaches to its reproduction in 37 individuals diagnosed with high‐functioning autism (HFA) compared to 49 age‐, IQ‐, and gender‐matched typically developing controls (TD). The sample was divided into children (aged 8–14 years) and adolescents/adults (aged 15–47 years) to assess age effects. Results showed no difference in overall performance on the ROCF between HFA and TD children. TD participants displayed improved organizational and planning skills with age and a shift to global processing approaches, but there were no differences in performance between children and adolescents/adults with HFA. There was no evidence of enhanced local processing in either HFA group. These findings suggest that HFA individuals with average IQ scores do not have the clinically demonstrable evidence of the enhanced local processing thought to reflect increased local brain connectivity in more severely autistic individuals. The deficient global processing of the HFA adults reflects dependence of performance on impaired strategic problem‐solving abilities, which has been demonstrated to result from under development of neural connectivity between visuo‐spatial and frontal brain regions in HFA adults.
Gastroschisis prevalence in Texas 1999–2003
Authors: Benjamin Bonna G. , Ethen Mary K. , Van Hook Catherine L. , Myers Candace A. , Canfield Mark A. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe worldwide prevalence of gastroschisis is increasing. Maternal age, race/ethnicity, and place of residence have been associated with increased risk.METHODSWe obtained descriptive characteristics of mothers of infants with gastroschisis and mothers of all live births from the Texas Birth Defects Registry and Texas vital records for 1999–2003. We calculated prevalence, crude prevalence ratios, and prevalence ratios adjusted for maternal age, parity, education, race/ethnicity, and geographic entity (Mexican border proximity, urban/rural residence, health service region, and county).RESULTSWe observed 764 cases of gastroschisis among 1,827,317 live births, for a prevalence of 4.18 per 10,000 births (95% confidence interval 3.88–4.48). Prevalence increased during 1999–2003 (p for trend <0.02). Infants of young and nulliparous mothers were at greatest risk in crude analyses. Other characteristics associated with increased risk were 12 or fewer years of education, border residence, and Hispanic ethnicity. Black mothers were at lower risk. When adjusted for maternal age, race/ethnicity, education, parity, and residence, we found that border residence, educational level, and Hispanic race/ethnicity were no longer significant, but young mothers and nulliparous mothers remained at higher risk, and blacks at reduced risk. Differences in prevalence observed between regions and counties largely disappeared when adjusted for maternal factors. No significant difference between urban and rural residence was found.CONCLUSIONThe prevalence of gastroschisis increased in Texas during 1999–2003. Black mothers were at lower risk, and Hispanic mothers were at no greater risk than whites. No differences were found between urban/rural or border/nonborder residents. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Thermodynamic Analysis of Glycerol Steam Reforming
Authors: Dieuzeide M. L. , Amadeo N. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractA thermodynamic analysis of steam reforming of glycerol using the stoichiometric method has been performed. Since the aim of this work is to study product distribution and coke formation in equilibrium, two different models have been proposed: (a) CO as primary product and (b) CO2 as primary product. Moreover, substantial information regarding the behavior of the different reactions could be acquired. Product distribution at equilibrium has been investigated in a broad range of conditions: temperature (600–1200 K), water‐to‐glycerol feed molar ratio (0:1–10:1), and pressure (1–9 atm). Glycerol conversion results completely over the whole range of the mentioned conditions. Consequently, product distribution at equilibrium is determined by water gas shift (WGS) and methanation or methane steam reforming reactions. Finally, high temperatures and a high water‐to‐glycerol feed molar ratio favor hydrogen production and decrease both methane and coke.
Exploring the Concept of Aromaticity on Complexes of a Fourfold Benzannulated Cyclopentadienyl Ligand
Authors: Pammer Frank , Sun Yu , Weismann Daniel , Sitzmann Helmut , Thiel Werner R. 
Published: November 2009

AbstractThe ligand dibenzo[c,g]fluorenide (Dbf−), combines a cyclopentadienide ligand and 1,1′‐binaphthyl fragment in one molecule. Preliminary investigations confirmed the special electronic situation in this 6π‐electron donor by way of a series of novel transition‐metal complexes. Herein, the electron delocalization was investigated in detail by means of DFT calculations in combination with calculations on the nucleus‐independent chemical shifts (NICS). These results clearly prove that the Dbf− ion gains the largest aromatic stabilization among all benzannulated fluorenides, and there are two almost olefinic CC bonds in this structure. These bonds undergo cyclopropanation when treated with ZnEt2 and ClCH2I in a modified Simmons–Smith reaction.
Impact of Substituents Attached to N‐Heterocyclic Carbenes on the Catalytic Activity of Copper Complexes in the Reduction of Carbonyl Compounds with Triethoxysilane
Authors: Peng Jiajian , Chen Lingzhen , Xu Zheng , Hu Yingqian , Li Jiayun , Bai Ying , Qiu Huayu , Lai Guoqiao 
Published: November 2009

AbstractBy using functionalized imidazolium salts such as 1‐allyl‐3‐alkylimidazolium or 1‐alkyl‐3‐vinylimidazolium salts as carbene ligand precursors, the reduction of aryl ketones with triethoxysilane may be catalyzed by copper salt/imidazolium salt/KOtBu systems. The functional substituents attached to the N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) serve to enhance the catalytic activity. Different copper salts also have an effect on the catalytic activity, with copper(II) acetate monohydrate being superior to copper(I) chloride.
Synthesis, Structure and Growth Mechanism of Size and Shape Tunable Au/Ag Bimetallic Nanoparticles
Authors: Zheng Pengcheng , Hu Juan , Shen Guoli , Jiang Jianhui , Yu Ruqin , Liu Guokun 
Published: November 2009

AbstractBy simply adding ascorbic acid in advance of AgNO3, the size and shape controllable Au/Ag bimetallic nanoparticles (NP) were prepared in the traditional Au growth solution free of seed at room temperature. The size distribution of NP is well uniform with ca. 10%–15% standard deviation in diameter. By changing CTAB concentration, the size and shape of NPs are tunable. After researching the surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) behavior of the prepared NPs, an enhancement factor varied from 4.3×104 to 1.1×105 was obtained for the NP centered at ca. (64±8) nm. Electrochemical cyclic voltammetric results revealed that the so formed nanoparticles were Au riched Au/Ag bimetallic NP, and this formation might be due to the disproportionation reaction of Au+ prompted by Ag+ and the under potential deposition process of Ag+ on Au.
Direct Oxidation of Benzene to Phenol by Dioxygen over Nano‐vanadium Oxide
Authors: Gao Xiaohan , LÜ Xuechuan , Xu Jie 
Published: November 2009

AbstractReducing regents, such as ascorbic acid, are needed for vanadium‐containing catalysts to catalyze the direct oxidation of benzene to phenol by dioxygen. Quadrivalent vanadium species, reduced from quinquevalent vanadium species, can activate dioxygen to produce active oxygen species, which is important for the reaction. The key step is to prepare more V4+‐containing catalysts. Here, VOX‐C16‐A was prepared in an acidic medium to produce more V4+ species. The results of XPS and XRD studies confirmed that the vanadium species in VOX‐C16‐A was mainly V4+ ions. The results of XRD and electron diffraction patterns revealed that VOX‐C16‐A consisted of tetragonal VO2 and monoclinic VO2. Morphology observations display that the VOX‐C16‐A is made of nanorod. Investigations into the performances of the catalysts showed that VOX‐C16‐A was reusable, producing a 1.9% conversion of benzene without reducing agent.
Investigation of the Anodic Behavior of Al in Room Temperature Ionic Liquid Electrolytes: BMI‐BF4, PP14‐BF4 and BMI‐BF4·PC
Authors: Wang Jixian , Yang Li , Peng Chengxin 
Published: November 2009

AbstractThe anodic polarization behavior of Al, Ta and Nb foil was investigated in 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ionic liquid (BMI‐BF4). Compared with that of Ta and Nb foil, it showed that a better passive film was formed on Al foil surface after the anodic polarization in BMI‐BF4, which could resist the potential up to 94.58 V vs. Ag+/Ag. Besides, similar anodic behavior of Al foil was observed in N‐methyl‐N‐butylpiperidinium tetrafluoroborate ionic liquid (PP14‐BF4), which indicated that the anodic polarization behavior of Al foil was independent of the cations of RTIL. In addition, the investigation of anodic polarization behavior of Al foil was carried out in the mixture electrolytes composed of BMI‐BF4·PC. Differently, two breakdown potential processes of Al foil were presented compared to pure BMI‐BF4. Further research showed that the passive film on Al foil was mainly composed of AlF3 and Al2O3 after the first breakdown potential process, while the fluoride film increased with continual anodic polarization, which improved the anodic stability of Al foil and resisted higher breakdown potential. The high breakdown potential properties of Al foil in BMI‐BF4, PP14‐BF4 and the mixture of BMI‐BF4·PC during the anodic polarization can be favored for R&D of the high performance electrochemical devices.
Modified Mesoporous Silicate MCM‐41 for Zinc Ion Adsorption: Synthesis, Characterization and Its Adsorption Behavior
Authors: Sepehrian Hamid , Waqif‐husain Syed , Rakhshanderu Farrokh , Kamel Leila 
Published: November 2009

AbstractModified MCM‐41 has been prepared by bi‐functionalization of thiol and amino functional groups onto mesoporous silicate MCM‐41. Elemental analysis (EA), thermogravimetry analysis (TGA) and FTIR techniques were used to quantify the attachment of the thiol and amino functional groups to the mesoporous silicate pore wall. Powder X‐ray diffraction (PXRD) and nitrogen adsorption techniques were used to establish the pore diameter, packing of the pores and specific surface area of the modified mesoporous silicate MCM‐41. Adsorption behavior for 18 metal ions on this sorbent has been studied and discussed. This sorbent has high affinity for zinc ions against amino‐ or thiol‐functionalized MCM‐41 sorbents.
Well Crystallized α‐GaOOH Nanocrystals Synthesized through Hydrothermal Routes and Their Properties
Authors: Zhan Baoqing , Cui Qiliang , Liu Wei , Zhang Jian , Zhan Fuxiang , Ning Jiajia , Zou Guangtian 
Published: November 2009

AbstractA facile hydrothermal process involving Ga(NO3)3·H2O·NaN3 solutions led to the formation of α‐GaOOH nano‐platelets. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) pattern revealed that the synthesized samples belonged to an orthorhombic crystal structure with lattice constants a=0.4510 nm, b=0.9750 nm and c=0.2965 nm. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) studies showed that α‐GaOOH displayed the morphologies of an eccentric platelet‐like structure with 60–120 and 200–300 nm in the short and long axes, respectively. The average thickness of products was about 70 nm through scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images. The ultraviolet absorption of the samples was at 214 nm. The prepared α‐GaOOH nano‐platelets exhibited a broad emission band from 220 to 400 nm with a maximum at 343 nm under short UV excitation of 200 nm. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrum confirmed the existence of Ga2O and Ga–OH bending modes. A possible mechanism for the formation of α‐GaOOH nano‐platelets was discussed briefly.
Controlled Synthesis of CdClOH Sub‐nanocones by Low‐temperature Solution Process and Their Transformation into CdS Hollow Sub‐nanocones
Authors: Xiong Yanlin , Peng Yin , Liu Zhengyin 
Published: November 2009

AbstractNovel CdClOH sub‐nanocone crystals were successfully synthesized on a large scale by a facile solution‐based method using polymers as crystal growth modifiers. The crystals showed cone‐like morphology. Some factors affecting the morphology and size of the product, such as reaction temperature, concentrations of polyacrylamide (PAM), and pH value of the solution, were systematically studied. Experiments implied that polymer PAM played a key role in the formation of CdClOH sub‐nanocones. A possible formation mechanism of CdClOH sub‐nanocones was suggested based on nucleation‐etching process‐recrystallization in a mild aqueous solution. Furthermore, the as‐prepared CdClOH sub‐nanocones could be further transformed into CdS hollow sub‐nanocones by an anion‐exchange reaction.