bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The role of aggressive corticosteroid therapy in patients with juvenile dermatomyositis: A propensity score analysis
Authors: Seshadri Roopa , Feldman Brian M. , Ilowite Norman , Cawkwell Gail , Pachman Lauren M. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractObjectiveTo compare outcomes at 36 months in patients newly diagnosed with juvenile dermatomyositis (DM) treated with aggressive versus standard therapy.MethodsAt diagnosis, 139 untreated juvenile DM patients were given aggressive therapy (intravenous methylprednisolone or oral prednisone 5–30 mg/kg/day; n = 76) or standard therapy (1–2 mg/kg/day; n = 63) by the treating physician. Aggressive therapy patients were more ill at diagnosis. Matching was based on the propensity for aggressive therapy because propensity scoring can reduce confounding by indication. Logistic regression of the matched data determined predictors of outcomes, controlling for clinical confounders and propensity score. Outcomes comprised Disease Activity Score (DAS) for skin and muscle, range of motion (ROM), and calcification.ResultsSex, race, and age were similar between groups, and initial DAS weakness and ROM significantly predicted the therapy chosen. Based on propensity scores, 42 patients from each group were well matched. In the matched pairs, there were no significant differences in outcomes. Methotrexate use (odds ratio [OR] 3.6, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.15–11.5) and duration of untreated disease (OR 1.2, 95% CI 1–1.38) were associated with ROM loss, hydroxychloroquine use (OR 11.2, 95% CI 3.7–33) and calcification (OR 6.8, 95% CI 1.8–25.4) with persistent rash, abnormal baseline lactate dehydrogenase (OR 11.2, 95% CI 1.4–92) and age at onset (OR 1.3, 95% CI 1–1.4) with weakness, and duration of untreated disease (OR 1.2, 95% CI 1–1.39) with calcification.ConclusionUsing a retrospective, nonrandomized design with propensity score matching, there was little difference in efficacy outcomes between aggressive and standard therapy; however, the sickest patients were treated with aggressive therapy and were not included in the matched analysis. Comprehensive clinical studies are needed to determine therapeutic pathways to the best outcome.
Arthritis in the family practice setting: Associations with education and community poverty
Authors: Callahan Leigh F. , Shreffler Jack , Mielenz Thelma , Schoster Britta , Kaufman Jay S. , Xiao Changfu , Randolph Randy , Sloane Philip D. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractObjectiveTo examine associations of self‐reported arthritis in 25 urban and rural family practice clinics with education (individual socioeconomic status) and community poverty (community socioeconomic status).MethodsA total of 7,770 patients at 25 family practice sites across North Carolina self‐reported whether they had arthritis. Education was measured as less than a high school (HS) degree, a HS degree, and more than a HS degree. The US Census 2000 block group poverty rate (percentage of households in poverty in that block group) was grouped into low, middle, and high tertiles. We assumed heterogeneity by race (non‐Hispanic white and African American) for the effects of these sociodemographic variables, and therefore stratified by race. Multilevel analyses were performed using a 2‐level mixed logistic model to examine the independent associations and joint effects of education and poverty with self‐reported arthritis as the outcome, adjusting for age, sex, and body mass index.ResultsWhite participants with less than a HS degree living in block groups with high poverty had 1.55 times the odds (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.10–2.17) of reporting arthritis compared with white participants with more than a HS degree and low poverty rates. African American participants with less than a HS degree and high poverty rates had 2.06 times the odds (95% CI 1.16–3.66) of reporting arthritis compared with African American participants with more than a HS degree and low poverty rates.ConclusionIn the family practice setting, both disadvantaged white and African American participants showed increased odds of self‐reported arthritis, with stronger associations in African Americans.
Psoriatic skin lesions induced by tumor necrosis factor antagonist therapy: A literature review and potential mechanisms of action
Authors: Collamer Angelique N. , Guerrero Karen T. , Henning Jeffery S. , Battafarano Daniel F. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractObjectiveNumerous reports of the induction or worsening of psoriasis in patients treated with tumor necrosis factor (TNF) antagonists indicate that this is not a rare phenomenon. The etiology of this paradoxical clinical response remains unclear. The aim of this study was to describe similar cases, conduct a comprehensive analysis of the literature, explore possible immunologic mechanisms of action of this perplexing reaction, and recommend management options.MethodsA systematic literature review was performed using the PubMed and Medline databases (1996 to September 2007) searching the index terms “infliximab,” “etanercept,” “adalimumab,” “tumor necrosis factor alpha inhibitor,” and “TNF inhibitor,” combined with the terms “psoriasis,” “pustular,” “skin,” “rash,” and “palmoplantar.” All relevant articles in English were reviewed. Pertinent secondary references were also analyzed.ResultsAccording to the literature, new‐onset psoriasis may occur any time after initiation of TNF antagonist therapy, is often of an uncommon morphology, may respond to psoriasis treatments, and usually resolves with TNF discontinuation. The pathogenesis of this response appears to involve a disruption in cytokine balance following TNF inhibition, resulting in the up‐regulation of plasmacytoid dendritic cells and the subsequent production of unopposed interferon‐α, following a triggering event in predisposed individuals.ConclusionTNF antagonist–induced psoriasis is a newly recognized adverse effect of these medications that typically does not require therapy cessation. We recommend aggressive treatment of the skin disease and consideration of a change in the TNF antagonist if the lesions are unresponsive to conventional psoriasis treatment.
Predictors of return to work following carotid endarterectomy
Authors: Vohra R S , Coughlin P A , McShane P , Bains M , Laughlan K A , Gough M J 
Published: June 2008

Abstract

Background
Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) is an important part of secondary prevention in selected patients following a transient ischaemic attack or stroke. A key marker of success, return to work following surgery, was assessed in a retrospective cohort study.

Methods
Patients from the UK aged less than 65 years at operation were sent a questionnaire concerning return to work after CEA. Data were analysed using univariable tests and logistic regression.

Results
Some 174 (64·4 per cent) of 270 patients responded; their median age was 60 (range 35–64) years and 124 were men. Seventy-five per cent of respondents employed preoperatively returned to work following CEA. Newly retiring patients were older (62 versus 58 years; P &lt; 0·001). Univariable analysis confirmed that age and preoperative stroke influenced return to work. The adjusted odds ratio for patients with versus without a preoperative stroke was 0·46 (95 per cent confidence interval 0·22 to 0·97) (P = 0·040). Median convalescence was 4 weeks, but was shorter in the self-employed (P = 0·039) and prolonged in patients with symptomatic cardiovascular disease (P = 0·023) and those who required postoperative critical care (P = 0·039).

Conclusion
Return to work following CEA was influenced by age and preoperative stroke.
Synthesis, Conformation, and Activity of Human Insulin‐Like Peptide 5 (INSL5)
Authors: Akhter Hossain Mohammed , Bathgate Ross A. D. , Kong Chze K. , Shabanpoor Fazel , Zhang Suode , Haugaard‐Jönsson Linda M. , Rosengren K. Johan , Tregear Geoffrey W. , Wade John D. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractInsulin‐like peptide 5 (INSL5) was first identified through searches of the expressed sequence tags (EST) databases. Primary sequence analysis showed it to be a prepropeptide that was predicted to be processed in vivo to yield a two‐chain sequence (A and B) that contained the insulin‐like disulfide cross‐links. The high affinity interaction between INSL5 and the receptor RXFP4 (GPCR142) coupled with their apparent coevolution and partially overlapping tissue expression patterns strongly suggest that INSL5 is an endogenous ligand for RXFP4. Given that the primary function of the INSL5–RXFP4 pair remains unknown, an effective means of producing sufficient quantities of this peptide and its analogues is needed to systematically investigate its structural and biological properties. A combination of solid‐phase peptide synthesis methods together with regioselective disulfide bond formation were used to obtain INSL5. Both chains were unusually resistant to standard synthesis protocols and required highly optimized conditions for their acquisition. In particular, the use of a strong tertiary amidine, DBU, as Nα‐deprotection base was required for the successful assembly of the B chain; this highlights the need to consider incomplete deprotection rather than acylation as a cause of failed synthesis. Following sequential disulfide bond formation and chain combination, the resulting synthetic INSL5, which was obtained in good overall yield, was shown to possess a similar secondary structure to human relaxin‐3 (H3 relaxin). The peptide was able to inhibit cAMP activity in SK‐N‐MC cells that expressed the human RXFP4 receptor with a similar activity to H3 relaxin. In contrast, it had no activity on the human RXFP3 receptor. Synthetic INSL5 demonstrates equivalent activity to the recombinant‐derived peptide, and will be an important tool for the determination of its biological function.
Photoinduced Intramolecular Charge Transfer and S2 Fluorescence in Thiophene‐π‐Conjugated Donor–Acceptor Systems: Experimental and TDDFT Studies
Authors: Zhao Guang‐Jiu , Chen Rui‐Kui , Sun Meng‐Tao , Liu Jian‐Yong , Li Guang‐Yue , Gao Yun‐Ling , Han Ke‐Li , Yang Xi‐Chuan , Sun Licheng 
Published: June 2008

AbstractExperimental and theoretical methods were used to study newly synthesized thiophene‐π‐conjugated donor–acceptor compounds, which were found to exhibit efficient intramolecular charge‐transfer emission in polar solvents with relatively large Stokes shifts and strong solvatochromism. To gain insight into the solvatochromic behavior of these compounds, the dependence of the spectra on solvent polarity was studied on the basis of Lippert–Mataga models. We found that intramolecular charge transfer in these donor–acceptor systems is significantly dependent on the electron‐withdrawing substituents at the thienyl 2‐position. The dependence of the absorption and emission spectra of these compounds in methanol on the concentration of trifluoroacetic acid was used to confirm intramolecular charge‐transfer emission. Moreover, the calculated absorption and emission energies, which are in accordance with the experimental values, suggested that fluorescence can be emitted from different geometric conformations. In addition, a novel S2 fluorescence phenomenon for some of these compounds was also be observed. The fluorescence excitation spectra were used to confirm the S2 fluorescence. We demonstrate that S2 fluorescence can be explained by the calculated energy gap between the S2 and S1 states of these molecules. Furthermore, nonlinear optical behavior of the thiophene‐π‐conjugated compound with diethylcyanomethylphosphonate substituents was predicted in theory.
Hypervalent versus Nonhypervalent Carbon in Noble‐Gas Complexes
Authors: Pierrefixe Simon C. A. H. , Poater Jordi , Im Chan , Bickelhaupt F. Matthias 
Published: June 2008

AbstractSilicon in [ClSiH3Cl]− is hypervalent, whereas carbon in [ClCH3Cl]− is not. We have recently shown how this can be understood in terms of the ball‐in‐a‐box model, according to which silicon fits perfectly into the box that is constituted by the five substituents, whereas carbon is too small and, in a sense, “drops to the bottom” of the box. But how does carbon acquire hypervalency in the isostructural and isoelectronic noble gas (Ng)/methyl cation complexes [NgCH3Ng]+ (Ng=He and Ne), which feature a delocalized D3h‐symmetric structure with two equivalent CNg bonds? From Ng=Ar onwards, the [NgCH3Ng]+ complex again acquires a propensity to localize one of its axial CNg bonds and to largely break the other one, and this propensity increases in the order Ng=Ar<Kr<Xe<Rn. The behavior of the helium and neon complexes violates the ball‐in‐a‐box principle. Why does this happen? The purpose of this study is to answer these questions and to understand why carbon can become truly hypervalent under certain conditions. To this end, we have carefully analyzed the structure and bonding in NgCH3Ng+ and, for comparison, CH3Ng+, NgHNg+, and NgH+. It appears that, at variance with [ClCH3Cl]−, the carbon atom in [NgCH3Ng]+ can no longer be considered as a ball in a box of the five substituents.
A Universal Model for Nanoporous Carbon Supercapacitors Applicable to Diverse Pore Regimes, Carbon Materials, and Electrolytes
Authors: Huang Jingsong , Sumpter Bobby G. , Meunier Vincent 
Published: June 2008

AbstractSupercapacitors, commonly called electric double‐layer capacitors (EDLCs), are emerging as a novel type of energy‐storage device with the potential to substitute batteries in applications that require high power densities. In response to the latest experimental breakthrough in nanoporous carbon supercapacitors, we propose a heuristic theoretical model that takes pore curvature into account as a replacement for the EDLC model, which is based on a traditional parallel‐plate capacitor. When the pore size is in the mesopore regime (2–50 nm), counterions enter mesoporous carbon materials and approach the pore wall to form an electric double‐cylinder capacitor (EDCC); in the micropore regime (<2 nm), solvated/desolvated counterions line up along the pore axis to form an electric wire‐in‐cylinder capacitor (EWCC). In the macropore regime (>50 nm) at which pores are large enough so that pore curvature is no longer significant, the EDCC model can be reduced naturally to the EDLC model. We present density functional theory calculations and detailed analyses of available experimental data in various pore regimes, which show the significant effects of pore curvature on the supercapacitor properties of nanoporous carbon materials. It is shown that the EDCC/EWCC model is universal for carbon supercapacitors with diverse carbon materials, including activated carbon materials, template carbon materials, and novel carbide‐derived carbon materials, and with diverse electrolytes, including organic electrolytes, such as tetraethylammonium tetrafluoroborate (TEABF4) and tetraethylammonium methylsulfonate (TEAMS) in acetonitrile, aqueous H2SO4 and KOH electrolytes, and even an ionic liquid electrolyte, such as 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (EMI‐TFSI). The EDCC/EWCC model allows the supercapacitor properties to be correlated with pore size, specific surface area, Debye length, electrolyte concentration and dielectric constant, and solute ion size It may lend support for the systematic optimization of the properties of carbon supercapacitors through experiments. On the basis of the insight obtained from the new model, we also discuss the effects of the kinetic solvation/desolvation process, multimodal (versus unimodal) pore size distribution, and exohedral (versus endohedral) capacitors on the electrochemical properties of supercapacitors.
Analysis of a merger from a governance perspective: the case of Abitibi‐Consolidated and Donohue
Authors: André Paul , Magnan Michel , St‐Onge Sylvie 
Published: June 2008

AbstractAdopting a governance perspective, this study analyzes the merger between closely‐held Donohue Inc. and widely‐held Abitibi‐Consolidated Inc. Findings suggest that the absence of a controlling shareholder and weak board governance at Abitibi might explain both (a) its executives' interests in the transaction and (b) its CEO's compensation increase despite underperformance. Second, an intergeneration shift of control at Quebecor (Donohue's parent company) led to a strategic reorientation that (a) transformed Donohue into a target and (b) insured that Donohue's executives had incentives to pursue a deal. Finally, Donohue's noncontrolling shareholders benefited from the transaction while Abitibi shareholders experienced wealth reduction. The merger's aftermath provides some counter evidence regarding blockholders' power in widely‐held firms. Copyright © 2008 ASAC. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Estimation of the default risk of publicly traded companies: evidence from Canadian data
Authors: Dionne Georges , Laajimi Sadok , Mejri Sofiane , Petrescu Madalina 
Published: June 2008

AbstractThrough Canadian publicly traded companies, this study assessed how combining firms' continuous valuations by the market (structural model) with the value given in their financial statements (accounting model) could enhance prediction of a company's probability of default. The hybrid model outperformed other models. Specifically, estimated structural probabilities of default (PDs) contributed significantly to predicting default probabilities when they were included alongside accounting and macroeconomic variables in our hybrid model. These results were obtained with two versions of the structural model: the Merton model (Merton, 1973, 1974) and the default barrier model (Brockman & Turtle, 2003). Both models were estimated with the maximum likelihood method. Copyright © 2008 ASAC. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reactivity of Cationic Lanthanide(III) Monoporphyrinates towards Anionic Cyanometallates – Preparation, Crystal Structure, and Luminescence Properties of Cyanido‐Bridged Di‐ and Trinuclear d–f Complexes
Authors: Zhu Xunjin , Wong Wai‐Kwok , Guo Jianping , Wong Wai‐Yeung , Zhang Jie‐Peng 
Published: June 2008

AbstractThe metathesis reaction between two equivalents of [Ln(tpp)(H2O)3]Cl (Ln = Yb, Er; tpp2– = tetraphenylporphyrinate dianion) and one equivalent of cyanometallate in dmf at room temperature under nitrogen for 24 hours gave the cyanido‐bridged d–f trinuclear complexes [{Ln(tpp)(dmf)n}2{(μ‐NC)2M(CN)2}] (Ln = Yb, n = 2, M = Ni, 1; Ln = Er, n = 3, M = Ni, 2; Ln = Yb, n = 2, M = Pt, 3; Ln = Er, n = 3, M = Pt, 4), a trinuclear complex [{Er(tpp)(dmf)2}{(μ‐NC)2Fe(CN)4}{Er(Htpp)(dmf)2}] (5), and a dinuclear complex [{Er(tpp)(dmf)(H2O)}(μ‐NC)Ag(CN)] (6) when the cyanometallate used was the dianion [M(CN)4]2– (M = Ni, Pt), the trianion [Fe(CN)6]3–, and monoanion [Ag(CN)2]–, respectively. The solid‐state structures of these complexes were ascertained by X‐ray crystallography. Photoluminescence studies of complexes 1–4 showed that these complexes displayed photophysical properties characteristic of normal metal–porphyrinato complexes. Their absorption bands and emission peaks in the visible region are typical of the intraligand π→π* transitions of the porphyrinato ligand. Furthermore, these complexes also exhibited emission characteristic of the lanthanide(III) ion in the near‐infrared (NIR) region, which was quenched by the cyanometallates. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Synthesis, X‐ray Crystallography, Spectroelectrochemistry and Computational Studies on Potential Copper‐Based Radiopharmaceuticals
Authors: Holland Jason P. , Barnard Peter J. , Collison David , Dilworth Jonathan R. , Edge Ruth , Green Jennifer C. , Heslop Julia M. , McInnes Eric J. L. , Salzmann Christoph G. , Thompson Amber L. 
Published: June 2008

AbstractThe synthesis of metal(II) complexes of a bis(thiosemicarbazonato) ligand derived from 1,2‐cyclohexanedione are reported. The compounds have been characterised by a range of techniques including reverse‐phase HPLC, cyclic voltammetry, NMR, UV/Vis, IR, Raman and EPR spectroscopy. X‐ray crystal structures of the proligand and two copper(II) complexes have been obtained, and the electronic structures have been analysed by using DFT calculations. DFT calculations have also been used to map the potential energy surface of a related bis(thiosemicarbazone) proligand and predict solution‐phase one‐electron reduction potentials of the copper(II) complex by using three polarisable continuum solvation models. Electrochemistry experiments show that the copper(II) complex undergoes quasi‐reversible one‐electron reduction at biologically accessible potentials and is within the range proposed for the complex to be hypoxia‐selective. In addition, UV/Vis spectroelectrochemistry experiments have been used to characterise the reduced copper(I) anion, and the reaction between the anion and dioxygen has been characterised by experiments and theory. Observation of this oxidation reaction has important implications for the proposed mechanisms of hypoxia selectivity of bis(thiosemicarbazonato)copper(II) complexes. The copper‐64 radiolabelled complex has been prepared in aqueous solution which demonstrates the potential of use of these complexes as medical imaging agents. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Epicoccalone, a Coumarin‐Type Chymotrypsin Inhibitor, and Isobenzofuran Congeners from an Epicoccum sp. Associated with a Tree Fungus
Authors: Kemami Wangun Hilaire V. , Ishida Keishi , Hertweck Christian 
Published: June 2008

AbstractThe bioactivity‐guided fractionation of metabolites from an Epicoccum sp. isolated from the fruiting body of the tree fungus Pholiota squarrosa led to the discovery of a new inhibitor of the serine protease α‐chymotrypsin. The structure of the active compound, epicoccalone (1), was fully elucidated by spectrometric and spectroscopic methods, revealing a coumarin ring system with an unprecedented substitution pattern. Two isobenzofuran‐derived co‐metabolites were identified that are remarkably similar to the epicoccalone coumarin core, strongly suggesting that these metabolites share the same orsellinic acid like polyketide pathway.(© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008)
Influence of polyelectrolyte coating conditions on capillary coating stability and separation efficiency in capillary electrophoresis
Authors: Nehmé Reine , Perrin Catherine , Cottet Hervé , Blanchin Marie D. , Fabre Huguette 
Published: June 2008

AbstractPolyelectrolytes are widely used in capillary electrophoresis as coating agents of silica capillaries to prevent adsorption phenomena and improve the repeatability of peptide and protein analysis. A systematic study of the coating experimental conditions has been carried out to optimize coating stability and performance. The main experimental parameters studied were the type and concentration of polyelectrolytes used in several monolayer and multilayer coatings, the ionic strength of coating and stabilizing solutions, and the procedures used for coating and capillary storage. Electroosmotic flow magnitude, direction and repeatability were used to monitor coating stability. Coating ability to limit adsorption was investigated by monitoring variations of migration times, time‐corrected peak areas and separation efficiency of test peptides. Capillary‐to‐capillary and batch‐to‐batch reproducibility was also studied. In addition, the separation performance of polyelectrolyte coatings were compared to those obtained with bare silica capillaries.