bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Motorcycle Safety and the Repeal of Universal Helmet Laws
Authors: Houston David J. , Richardson Lilliard E. 
Published: September 2007

Objectives. We assessed the implications for motorcyclist safety of recent repeals of universal helmet laws in 6 US states. Methods. We examined cross-sectional time-series data from the 50 states and the District of Columbia for the period 1975 through 2004. Results. On average, when compared to state experience with no helmet mandate, universal helmet laws were associated with an 11.1% reduction in motorcyclist fatality rates, whereas rates in states with partial coverage statutes were not statistically different from those with no helmet law. Furthermore, in the states in which recent repeals of universal coverage have been instituted, the motorcyclist fatality rate increased by an average of 12.2% over what would have been expected had universal coverage been maintained. Since 1997, an additional 615 motorcyclist fatalities have occurred in these states as a result of these changes in motorcycle helmet laws. Conclusions. Motorcyclist safety has been compromised in the states that have repealed universal coverage and is likely to be compromised in other states that abandon these statutes.
Acculturation and Cigarette Smoking Among Pregnant Hispanic Women Residing in the United States
Authors: Detjen M. Gabrielle , Nieto F. Javier , Trentham-Dietz Amy , Fleming Michael , Chasan-Taber Lisa 
Published: September 2007

Objectives. We explored whether higher levels of acculturation were associated with higher rates of cigarette smoking among pregnant Hispanic women residing in the United States. Methods. We evaluated data from the Latina Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Study, a prospective study of 1231 Hispanic prenatal care patients conducted from 2000 to 2004 in Massachusetts. Self-reported data on acculturation, cigarette smoking, and covariates were collected by bilingual interviewers using a questionnaire. We conducted logistic regression multivariate analyses to examine the impact of acculturation level on the odds of smoking. Results. Overall, 21% of women reported smoking during pregnancy. Acculturation was associated with elevated smoking rates in pregnant Hispanic women. US-born Hispanic women who preferred English had more than twice the odds of smoking compared with Puerto Rican or foreign-born Hispanic women who preferred Spanish (odds ratio [OR]=2.76, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.36, 5.63). Conclusions. Our findings suggest that higher-acculturated Hispanic women living in the United States are more likely to smoke cigarettes during pregnancy than are less-acculturated Hispanic women. These results will inform interventions aimed at reducing cigarette smoking during pregnancy among US Hispanic women.
Comparison of Pharmacokinetics and Dynamics of the Long-Acting Insulin Analogs Glargine and Detemir at Steady State in Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Porcellati Francesca , Rossetti Paolo , Busciantella Natalia Ricci , Marzotti Stefania , Lucidi Paola , Luzio Steven , Owens David R. , Bolli Geremia B. , Fanelli Carmine G. 
Published: September 2007

OBJECTIVE—To compare pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of insulin analogs glargine and detemir, 24 subjects with type 1 diabetes (aged 38 ± 10 years, BMI 22.4 ± 1.6 kg/m2, and A1C 7.2 ± 0.7%) were studied after a 2-week treatment with either glargine or detemir once daily (randomized, double-blind, crossover study).
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—Plasma glucose was clamped at 100 mg/dl for 24 h after subcutaneous injection of 0.35 unit/kg. The primary end point was end of action (time at which plasma glucose was &gt;150 mg/dl).
RESULTS—With glargine, plasma glucose remained at 103 ± 3.6 mg/dl up to 24 h, and all subjects completed the study. Plasma glucose increased progressively after 16 h with detemir, and only eight subjects (33%) completed the study with plasma glucose &lt;180 mg/dl. Glucose infusion rate (GIR) was similar with detemir and glargine for 12 h, after which it decreased more rapidly with detemir (P &lt; 0.001). Estimated total insulin activity (GIR area under the curve [AUC]0–end of GIR) was 1,412 ± 662 and 915 ± 225 mg/kg (glargine vs. detemir, P &lt; 0.05), with median time of end of action at 24 and 17.5 h (glargine vs. detemir, P &lt; 0.001). The antilipolytic action of detemir was lower than that of glargine (AUC free fatty acids0–24 h 11 ± 1.7 vs. 8 ± 2.8 mmol/l, respectively, P &lt; 0.001).
CONCLUSIONS—Detemir has effects similar to those of glargine during the initial 12 h after administration, but effects are lower during 12–24 h.
Single Oral Challenge by Advanced Glycation End Products Acutely Impairs Endothelial Function in Diabetic and Nondiabetic Subjects
Authors: Uribarri Jaime , Stirban Alin , Sander Denise , Cai Weijing , Negrean Monica , Buenting Cristina E. , Koschinsky Theodore , Vlassara Helen 
Published: September 2007

OBJECTIVE—The current study was designed to test the acute effects of dietary advanced glycation end products (AGEs) on endothelial function of diabetic and nondiabetic subjects.
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—Flow-mediated dilation (FMD) of the brachial artery and serum levels of AGEs, plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1), and glucose were assessed before and after a single oral AGE challenge (∼1.8 × 106 AGE units) in 44 diabetic and 10 nondiabetic subjects.
RESULTS—The diabetic patients had higher baseline levels of serum AGEs (P = 0.020), PAI-1 (NS), and VCAM-1 (P = 0.033) and lower baseline values of FMD compared with nondiabetic subjects (P = 0.032). Ninety minutes after a single oral AGE challenge, serum AGEs and PAI-1 levels increased and FMD decreased significantly in both healthy subjects (AGEs: 7.2 ± 0.5 to 9.3 ± 1 units/ml, P = 0.014; PAI-1: 5.4 ± 0.4 to 6.8 ± 0.4 ng/ml, P = 0.007; and FMD: 9.9 ± 0.7 to 7.4 ± 0.9%, P = 0.019) and diabetic subjects (AGEs: 10.5 ± 0.7 to 14.2 ± 1 units/ml, P = 0.020; PAI-1: 6.5 ± 1 to 10 ± 2 ng/ml, P = 0.030; and FMD: 5.4 ± 0.4 to 4.0 ± 0.3%, P = 0.032). Serum glucose and VCAM-1 levels remained unchanged.
CONCLUSIONS—Significant increases in serum AGEs can occur together with altered clinical measures of endothelial function in diabetic and nondiabetic subjects after a single modest AGE-rich beverage. Thus, repeated or chronic exposure to high AGE diets could over time lead to and/or accelerate vascular disease.
Higher Prevalence of Elevated Albumin Excretion in Youth With Type 2 Than Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Maahs David M. , Snively Beverly M. , Bell Ronny A. , Dolan Lawrence , Hirsch Irl , Imperatore Giuseppina , Linder Barbara , Marcovina Santica M. , Mayer-Davis Elizabeth J. , Pettitt David J. , Rodriguez Beatriz L. , Dabelea Dana 
Published: September 2007

OBJECTIVE—To estimate the prevalence of an elevated albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) (≥30 μg/mg) among youth with type 1 or type 2 diabetes and to identify factors associated with elevated ACR and their effect on the relationship between elevated ACR and type of diabetes.
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—Cross-sectional data were analyzed from 3,259 participants with onset of diabetes at &lt;20 years of age in the SEARCH for Diabetes in Youth, a multicenter observational study of diabetes in youth. Multiple logistic regression was used to explore determinants of elevated ACR and factors accounting for differences in this prevalence between type 2 and type 1 diabetes.
RESULTS—The prevalence of elevated ACR was 9.2% in type 1 and 22.2% in type 2 diabetes (prevalence ratio 2.4 [95% CI 1.9–3.0]; P &lt; 0.0001). In multiple logistic regression analysis, female sex, A1C and triglyceride values, hypertension, and type of diabetes (type 2 versus type 1) were significantly associated with elevated ACR. Adjustment for variables related to insulin resistance (obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and inflammation) attenuated, but did not completely explain, the association of diabetes type with elevated ACR.
CONCLUSIONS—Youth with type 2 diabetes have a higher prevalence of elevated ACR than youth with type 1 diabetes, in an association that apparently does not completely depend on age, duration of diabetes, race/ethnicity, sex, level of glycemic control, or features of insulin resistance.
Differing Causes of Pregnancy Loss in Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Cundy Tim , Gamble Greg , Neale Leonie , Elder Rose , McPherson Paul , Henley Patrick , Rowan Janet 
Published: September 2007

OBJECTIVE—Women with type 2 and type 1 diabetes have differing risk factors for pregnancy loss. We compared the rates and causes of pregnancy loss in women with type 1 and type 2 diabetes.
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS—We utilized prospectively collected data on all pregnancies in a 20-year period (1986–2005) from a single center with a high prevalence of type 2 diabetes. Pregnancy losses included terminations for medical reasons and deaths up to 1 month postpartum but not spontaneous pregnancy losses &lt;20 weeks’ gestation.
RESULTS—There were 870 pregnancies in women with known diabetes (330 with type 1 and 540 with type 2 diabetes) and 325 in women with diabetes diagnosed in pregnancy but persisting postpartum (97% type 2 diabetes). The rate of pregnancy loss was similar in type 1 and type 2 diabetes (2.6 vs. 3.7%, P = 0.39), but the causes of pregnancy loss differed. In type 1 diabetes &gt;75% were attributable to major congenital anomalies or prematurity; in type 2 diabetes &gt;75% were attributable to stillbirth or chorioamnionitis (P = 0.017). Women with type 2 and type 1 diabetes had similar A1C at presentation and near term, but the former were older (P &lt; 0.001) and more obese (P &lt; 0.0001).
CONCLUSIONS—There are significant differences in the main causes of pregnancy loss in women with type 1 and type 2 diabetes. The higher rates of stillbirth in women with type 2 diabetes, suggest that other features, such as obesity, contribute significantly to pregnancy losses.
Insulin Sensitivity, Vascular Function, and Iron Stores in Voluntary Blood Donors
Authors: Zheng Haoyi , Patel Milan , Cable Ritchard , Young Lawrence , Katz Stuart D. 
Published: September 2007

OBJECTIVE— Reduced iron stores after blood donation are associated with improved vascular function and decreased cardiovascular risk. We sought to determine whether iron-dependent changes in glucose metabolism may contribute to improved vascular function in blood donors.
RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS— We conducted a prospective cross-sectional study in 21 high-frequency blood donors (more than eight donations in the last 2 years) and 21 low-frequency blood donors (one to two donations in the last 2 years) aged 50–75 years. Serum markers of iron stores, whole-body insulin sensitivity index (WBISI) during oral glucose tolerance testing, and flow-mediated dilation in the brachial artery were determined in all subjects.
RESULTS— Serum ferritin was decreased (median values 23 vs. 36 ng/ml, P &lt; 0.05) and flow-mediated dilation in the brachial artery was increased (median values 5.9 vs. 5.3%, P &lt; 0.05) in high-frequency donors compared with low-frequency donors, respectively, but WBISI (median values 4.8 vs. 4.7) and related measures of glucose tolerance did not differ between groups. Flow-mediated dilation significantly decreased at 1 h after oral glucose loading in both groups, but the decrease in flow-mediated dilation at 1 h did not differ between high- and low-frequency donors.
CONCLUSIONS— High-frequency blood donation reduced serum ferritin and increased flow-mediated dilation compared with low-frequency donation but did not improve insulin sensitivity or protect the vascular endothelium from the adverse effects of acute hyperglycemia after oral glucose loading. These findings suggest that the mechanisms linking blood donation to improved vascular function are not likely related to changes in glucose metabolism.
Plantwide operation of processes with crystallization
Authors: Ward Jeffrey D. , Yu Cheng‐Ching , Doherty Michael F. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractSimple analytical expressions are developed to model the steady‐state operation of a chemical plant with a continuous crystallizer. The equations show analytically how uncontrolled variables change with the changing production rate depending on the values of key kinetic parameters and the choice of controlled variables. Because the results are derived, their validity and limitations are more apparent than heuristics that are suggested based on case studies. Furthermore, because the equations are simple and analytic, it is possible to develop insight and understanding about the behavior of the process. Finally, these results can be readily taught to process engineers and used to rapidly screen alternative control structures for operability problems. Results are illustrated with a case study process to produce adipic acid. © 2007 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2007
Evaluation of energy usage for the first stage of heavy water production
Authors: Chávez Rosa‐Hilda , Guadarrama Javier de J. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractThe thermodynamic analysis of the first stage of enrichment of heavy water production by the Girdler Sulfide (GS) process is described. Use of the Second Law of Thermodynamics as analysis tool allows a simple and useful procedure for the quantification of the transit energy in the process. Such thermodynamic analysis based on the concepts of irreversible entropy increase has frequently been suggested as pointers to sources of inefficiency in chemical processes. Furthermore, this study points out where the irreversibilities of the process are located, a generalized discussion of the cost with respect to the optimization parameters, and provides a generalized discussion from the successful application of the technique. © 2007 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2007
Pai syndrome: Report of seven South American patients
Authors: Guion‐Almeida Maria Leine , Mellado Cecília , Beltrán Constanza , Richieri‐Costa A. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractFrontonasal dysplasia is etiologically heterogeneous and various subsets are known. Pai syndrome is one subset, which is characterized by mild hypertelorism, midline cleft lip, nasal and facial polyps, pericallosal lipoma, ocular anomalies, and normal neuropsychological development. Here, we report seven South American patients and review earlier reported cases. The phenotype is clinically variable and five reported patients were severely affected. The cause of Pai syndrome is unknown to date. Several literature findings have been noted: nondiagnostic and discordant minor signs in a parent of two separate families with an affected child; discordant phenotype in monozygotic twins in one instance; and a de novo reciprocal translocation, 46,X,t(X;16)(q28;q11.2) in one instance. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Thermal and dynamic mechanical behavior of poly(vinyl chloride)/wood flour composites
Authors: Jiang Haihong , Pascal Kamdem Donatien 
Published: September 2007

AbstractThermal and dynamic mechanical behaviors of wood plastic composites made of poly vinyl chloride (PVC) and surface treated, untreated wood flour were characterized by using differential scanning calorimetry and dynamic mechanical analysis. Glass transition temperature (Tg) of PVC was slightly increased by the addition of wood flour and by wood flour surface treatments. Heat capacity differences (ΔCp) of composites before and after glass transition were markedly reduced. PVC/wood composites exhibited smaller tan δ peaks than PVC alone, suggesting that less energy was dissipated for coordinated movements and disentanglements of PVC polymer chains in the composites. The rubbery plateaus of storage modulus (E′) curves almost disappeared for PVC/wood composites in contrast to a well defined plateau range for pure PVC. It is proposed that wood flour particles act as “physical crosslinking points” or “pinning centers” inside the PVC matrix, resulting in the absence of the rubbery plateau and high E′ above Tg. The mobility of PVC chain segments were further retarded by the presence of surface modified wood flour. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Highly exfoliated poly(ϵ‐caprolactone)/organomontmorillonite nanocomposites prepared by in situ polymerization
Authors: Tarkin‐Tas Eylem , Goswami Shailesh K. , Nayak Bishwa R. , Mathias Lon J. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractPoly(ϵ‐caprolactone)/organomodified montmorillonite nanocomposites were prepared by in situ polymerization with dibutyltin dimethoxide as an initiator/ catalyst. The montmorillonite was first modified with 1‐decyl‐2‐methyl‐3‐(11‐hydroxyundecyl)imidazolium cation. The hydroxyl functionality was used not only for initiating polymer chains from the surface of the clay platelets but also for grafting polymer chains to the surface by acting as a reversible chain‐transfer agent. The molecular weights of the polymer chains were controlled by the ratio of monomer to hydroxyl content. X‐ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy studies confirmed that highly exfoliated nanostructures were formed. The amount of inorganic component did not affect the thermal behavior of the polymer matrix as shown by differential scanning calorimetry or thermogravimetric analysis. The highly exfoliated clay sheets acted as nucleating agents and increased the degree of crystallinity from 51 to 69% at 5 wt %. Dynamic mechanical analysis revealed an enhancement of the storage modulus with increasing clay content above the glass‐transition temperature. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Effect of the graft yield of maleic anhydride on the rheological behaviors, mechanical properties, thermal properties, and free volumes of maleic anhydride grafted high‐density polyethylene
Authors: Chen Zhe , Fang Pengfei , Wang Hongmei , Wang Shaojie 
Published: September 2007

AbstractThe rheological behavior, thermal properties, and molecular mobility of a series of maleic anhydride (MA) grafted high‐density polyethylenes were characterized and evaluated. The rheological behavior was studied with a Haake minilaboratory. The viscosity of the samples in their melt state decreased with an increase in the graft yield, and this could be attributed to the higher molecular mobility for samples with a higher degree of grafting. The thermal properties were investigated with dynamic mechanical analysis and differential scanning calorimetry. Positron annihilation lifetime measurements were used to study the effect of the degree of grafting on the chemical environment and the atomic‐scale free‐volume properties. It was found that the grafted MA group played a significant chemical inhibition role in positronium formation when the graft yield was low. The results also indicated that the higher the degree of grafting was, the broader the free‐volume distribution was. The relationship between the microstructure and rheological behavior is discussed. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008
Antiangiogenic plasma activity in patients with systemic sclerosis
Authors: Mulligan‐Kehoe Mary Jo , Drinane Mary C. , Mollmark Jessica , Casciola‐Rosen Livia , Hummers Laura K. , Hall Amy , Rosen Antony , Wigley Fredrick M. , Simons Michael 
Published: September 2007

AbstractObjectiveSystemic sclerosis (SSc; scleroderma) is a systemic connective tissue disease with an extensive vascular component that includes aberrant microvasculature and impaired wound healing. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of antiangiogenic factors in patients with SSc.MethodsPlasma samples were obtained from 30 patients with SSc and from 10 control patients without SSc. The samples were analyzed for the ability of plasma to affect endothelial cell migration and vascular structure formation and for the presence of antiangiogenic activity.ResultsExposure of normal human microvascular dermal endothelial cells to plasma from patients with SSc resulted in decreased cell migration (mean ± SEM 52 ± 5%) and tube formation (34 ± 6%) compared with that in plasma from control patients (P < 0.001 for both). SSc plasma contained 2.9‐fold more plasminogen kringle 1–3 fragments (angiostatin) than that in control plasma. The addition of angiostatin to control plasma resulted in inhibition of endothelial cell migration and proliferation similar to that observed in SSc plasma. In vitro studies demonstrated that granzyme B and other proteases contained in T cell granule content cleave plasminogen and plasmin into angiostatin fragments.ConclusionPlasminogen conformation in patients with SSc enables granzyme B and granule content protease to limit the proangiogenic effects of plasmin and increase the levels of antiangiogenic angiostatin. This increase in angiostatin production may account for some of the vascular defects observed in patients with SSc.
Down‐regulation of collagen and connective tissue growth factor expression with hepatocyte growth factor in lung fibroblasts from white scleroderma patients via two signaling pathways
Authors: Bogatkevich Galina S. , Ludwicka‐Bradley Anna , Highland Kristin B. , Hant Faye , Nietert Paul J. , Singleton C. Beth , Silver Richard M. 
Published: September 2007

AbstractObjectiveTo study the mechanisms by which hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) down‐regulates collagen and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) in scleroderma (systemic sclerosis [SSc]) lung fibroblasts.MethodsCTGF, type I collagen, and IκBα expression, together with MAPK phosphorylation, were studied by immunoblotting of lung fibroblasts derived from white SSc patients. Matrix metalloproteinase 1 (MMP‐1) expression in cell culture medium samples was measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, MMP‐1 activity was studied using an MMP‐1 assay, and NF‐κB DNA binding activity was determined using a transcription factor assay.ResultsIn lung fibroblasts from white SSc patients, HGF activated MAPK (ERK‐1/2) signaling pathways and MMP‐1, while it inhibited NF‐κB and significantly down‐regulated CTGF and collagen in a time‐ and dose‐dependent manner. Small interfering RNA (siRNA)–mediated depletion of Grb2 expression disrupted c‐Met receptor downstream signaling, which resulted in diminished HGF‐induced ERK‐1/2 phosphorylation and the recovery of HGF‐inhibited expression of MMP‐1, NF‐κB, collagen, and CTGF. The MAPK inhibitor, U0126, blocked MMP‐1 activity and restored HGF‐inhibited collagen and CTGF accumulation. Inhibition of MMP activity by MMP inhibitor GM1489 and inhibition of MMP‐1 expression by siRNA did not prevent HGF‐induced ERK‐1/2 phosphorylation and NF‐κB activity, but significantly restored HGF‐inhibited collagen and CTGF accumulation. NF‐κB inhibitor BAY 11‐7082 did not interfere with MAPK phosphorylation or MMP‐1 expression and activation, but significantly inhibited NF‐κB DNA binding activity and acted synergistically with HGF to completely diminish the expression of CTGF.ConclusionIn lung fibroblasts from white SSc patients, HGF down‐regulates the accumulation of CTGF via MAPK/MMP‐1 and NF‐κB signaling pathways, whereas collagen down‐regulation is mediated mainly by a MAPK/MMP‐1–dependent pathway.