bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development and validation of a preliminary definition of minimal disease activity in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis
Authors: Magni‐Manzoni Silvia , Ruperto Nicolino , Pistorio Angela , Sala Elena , Solari Nicoletta , Palmisani Elena , Cugno Chiara , Bozzola Elena , Martini Alberto , Ravelli Angelo
Published: August 2008

Objective

To develop and validate a definition of minimal disease activity (MDA) in patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).

Methods

The clinical charts of JIA patients followed over a 16‐year period were reviewed to identify visits with high disease activity and MDA, defined on the basis of therapeutic decisions made by the attending physician. For each JIA activity measure recorded at the time of the visit, the cutoff value that best identified states of MDA was calculated by means of the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. A definition of MDA for oligoarthritis and polyarthritis was set up after testing the relative power of each variable in a multivariate analysis. Validation procedures included assessment of discriminant and construct validity.

Results

The definition that resulted from the analyses led to establish that a state of MDA could be defined as the presence of a physician global assessment ≤2.5 cm and a swollen joint count of 0 in patients with oligoarthritis; and as the presence of a physician global assessment ≤3.4 cm, a parent global assessment ≤2.1 cm, and a swollen joint count ≤1 in patients with polyarthritis. Validation procedures demonstrated that the MDA definition had good discriminant and construct validity in the context of both observational studies and controlled trials.

Conclusion

We developed a preliminary definition of MDA in patients with JIA that represents a useful treatment target state and is proposed for inclusion as an outcome measure in future observational studies and clinical trials in patients with JIA.
Evaluation of the effect of anti–tumor necrosis factor agent use on rheumatoid arthritis work disability: The jury is still out
Authors: Allaire Saralynn , Wolfe Frederick , Niu Jingbo , Zhang Yuqing , Zhang Bin , LaValley Michael
Published: August 2008

Objective

To examine the role of anti–tumor necrosis factor (anti‐TNF) agents in predicting work disability in subjects with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

We studied 953 subjects with rheumatologist‐diagnosed RA from a US cohort using a nested, matched, case–control approach. Subjects provided data on medication usage and employment every 6 months for 18 months, were employed at baseline, and were age <65 years at last followup. Cases were subjects who were not employed at followup (n = 231) and were matched ∼3:1 by time of entry into the cohort to 722 controls who were employed at followup. Risk of any employment loss, or loss attributed to RA, at followup as predicted by use of an anti‐TNF agent at baseline was computed using conditional logistic regression. Stratification on possible confounding factors and recursive partitioning analyses were also conducted.

Results

Subjects' mean age was 51 years, 82% were female, 92% were white, and 72% had more than a high school education. Nearly half (48%) used an anti‐TNF agent at baseline; characteristics of anti‐TNF agent users were similar to nonusers. In the main analyses, anti‐TNF use did not protect against any or RA‐attributed employment loss (odds ratio [95% confidence interval] 1.1 [0.7–1.6] versus 0.9 [0.5–1.5]). However, a protective effect was found for users with disease duration <11 years (odds ratio [95% confidence interval] 0.5 [0.2–0.9]). In recursive partitioning analyses, age, RA global severity, and functional limitation played a much greater role in determining employment loss than anti‐TNF agent use.

Conclusion

Anti‐TNF agent use did not protect against work disability in the main analyses. In stratified analyses, their use was protective among subjects with shorter RA duration, whereas in nonparametric analyses, age and disease factors were the prominent predictors of work disability.
Serum interleukin‐6 receptor in polymyalgia rheumatica: A potential marker of relapse/recurrence risk
Authors: Pulsatelli Lia , Boiardi Luigi , Pignotti Elettra , Dolzani Paolo , Silvestri Tania , Macchioni Pierluigi , Cantini Fabrizio , Salvarani Carlo , Facchini Andrea , Meliconi Riccardo
Published: August 2008

Objective

To investigate the modulation of systemic levels of soluble interleukin‐6 receptor (sIL‐6R) and soluble gp130 (sgp130) in untreated and treated polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) patients during a followup period of at least 24 months in order to evaluate the relationship of these molecules with clinical outcome and their feasibility to provide a prognostic tool in clinical practice.

Methods

We analyzed sIL‐6R and sgp130 serum levels in 93 PMR patients, and 46 age‐matched normal controls, at disease onset and at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months of followup during corticosteroid therapy by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

No difference in sIL‐6R and sgp130 levels was observed between PMR patients and normal controls at disease onset or during followup. A significant correlation was found between the number of relapses and sIL‐6R concentrations at baseline and after 1, 3, and 12 months of therapy. No correlation was found between sgp130 levels and the number of relapses. Cox multivariate analysis indicated that the best model for predicting relapses was identified by sIL‐6R levels and the hemoglobin value at baseline. We found that high sIL‐6R levels combined with low hemoglobin values resulted in a 10.1‐fold increased risk of relapse.

Conclusion

Our data support the identification of a potential prognostic marker of PMR outcome that might have important implications in clinical practice. Because targeting sIL‐6R with blocking antibodies has proven useful in other rheumatic disorders, our results could suggest the opportunity to evaluate sIL‐6R–blocking treatment in patients with PMR and elevated levels of sIL‐6R at disease onset.
Changes in the characteristics of patients prescribed selective cyclooxygenase 2 inhibitors after the 2004 withdrawal of rofecoxib
Authors: Setakis E. , Leufkens H. G. M. , van Staa T. P.
Published: August 2008

Objective

To evaluate the impact of rofecoxib withdrawal on the characteristics of patients prescribed selective cyclooxygenase 2 (COX‐2) inhibitors.

Methods

The General Practice Research Database was used to identify patients age ≥18 years who were prescribed a selective COX‐2 inhibitor. Various patient characteristics were noted at the start of therapy: age, sex, nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug–related risk factors for upper gastrointestinal (GI) events, and the Framingham risk score for cardiovascular disease. Logistic regression was used to compare patients using selective COX‐2 inhibitors before and after September 2004.

Result

The study population included 171,645 patients receiving selective COX‐2 inhibitors. The number of users substantially increased over time until September 2004 and sharply declined thereafter. Approximately 80% stopped selective COX‐2 inhibitor therapy within 6 months. Patients receiving selective COX‐2 inhibitors after September 2004 were younger and included more men compared with those receiving therapy before September 2004. There was no change before and after September 2004 in the proportion of patients with GI risk factors or high Framingham risk scores, after adjustment for age and sex. A correlation was found between presence of GI risk factors and high Framingham risk scores. Only 20% of patients receiving selective COX‐2 inhibitors had GI risk factors but low Framingham risk score, which did not change after September 2004.

Conclusion

There was no channeling in the usage of selective COX‐2 inhibitors toward patients with a high risk of GI and low risk of cardiovascular disease following the withdrawal of rofecoxib.
Perinatal factors and adult‐onset lupus
Authors: Simard Julia F. , Karlson Elizabeth W. , Costenbader Karen H. , HerNán Miguel A. , Stampfer Meir J. , Liang Matthew H. , Mittleman Murray A.
Published: August 2008

Objective

Some evidence suggests that perinatal factors, including birth weight and breastfeeding, may influence the occurrence of autoimmune rheumatic diseases. However, few studies have investigated these factors in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Therefore, we evaluated the role of birth weight, being breastfed, and preterm birth on the incidence of SLE in participants in the Nurses' Health Study (NHS) and the Nurses' Health Study II (NHSII).

Methods

We studied 87,411 NHS participants and 98,413 NHSII participants without SLE at baseline who provided information on perinatal exposures. Among these women, during 26 (NHS) and 14 (NHSII) years of followup, 222 incident SLE cases were confirmed (136 NHS and 86 NHSII) by medical record review using American College of Rheumatology criteria. We used stratified Cox models to estimate the association of perinatal factors with SLE, adjusting for race, early passive cigarette smoke exposure, and parents' occupation. A random‐effects meta‐analysis was used to compute combined estimates across the 2 cohorts.

Results

After adjustment for multiple potential confounders, high birth weight (≥10 pounds) was associated with increased rates of SLE compared with normal birth weight (7–8.5 pounds; rate ratio [RR] 2.7, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.2–5.9), as was being born ≥2 weeks preterm (RR 1.9, 95% CI 1.2–3.0); however, being breastfed was not (RR 0.8, 95% CI 0.6–1.1).

Conclusion

Birth weight ≥10 pounds and preterm birth were both positively associated with incident SLE among women.
Cardiovascular, rheumatologic, and pharmacologic predictors of stroke in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: A nested, case–control study
Authors: Nadareishvili Zurab , Michaud Kaleb , Hallenbeck John M. , Wolfe Frederick
Published: August 2008

Objective

To determine the risk of stroke in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and risk factors associated with stroke.

Methods

We performed nested case–control analyses within a longitudinal databank, matching up to 20 controls for age, sex, and time of cohort entry to each patient with stroke. Conditional logistic regression was performed as an estimate of the relative risk of stroke in RA patients compared with those with noninflammatory rheumatic disorders, and to examine severity and anti–tumor necrosis factor (anti‐TNF) treatment effects in RA.

Results

We identified 269 patients with first‐ever all‐category strokes and 67 with ischemic stroke, including 41 in RA patients. The odds ratio (OR) for the risk of all‐category stroke in RA was 1.64 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.16–2.30, P = 0.005), and for ischemic stroke was 2.66 (95% CI 1.24–5.70, P = 0.012). Ischemic stroke was predicted by hypertension, myocardial infarction, low‐dose aspirin, comorbidity score, Health Assessment Questionnaire score, and presence of total joint replacement, but not by diabetes, smoking, exercise, or body mass index. Adjusted for cardiovascular and RA risk factors, ischemic stroke was associated with rofecoxib (P = 0.060, OR 2.27 [95% CI 0.97–5.28]), and possibly with corticosteroid use. Anti‐TNF therapy was not associated with ischemic stroke (P = 0.584, OR 0.80 [95% CI 0.34–1.82]).

Conclusion

RA is associated with increased risk of stroke, particularly ischemic stroke. Stroke is predicted by RA severity, certain cardiovascular risk factors, and comorbidity. Except for rofecoxib, RA treatment does not appear to be associated with stroke, although the effect of corticosteroids remains uncertain.
Grainyhead genes and mammalian neural tube closure
Authors: Gustavsson Peter , Copp Andrew J. , Greene Nicholas D. E.
Published: August 2008

BACKGROUND: Grainyhead genes encode a family of transcription factors that are well conserved from fly to human. The three mammalian homologues, Grainyhead‐like‐1, ‐2, and ‐3 are expressed in various ectodermal and endodermal cell types during embryonic development and in adult skin. Gene targeting in mice has demonstrated functional roles for Grhl1 and Grhl3 in epidermal integrity and wound healing ability of the epidermis, which appear functionally related to the role of Drosophila grainyhead in production and healing of the epidermal cuticle. Importantly, targeted null mice for Grhl3 also display NTDs, comprising severe spina bifida as well as occasional exencephaly. The chromosomal location of Grhl3 and the finding of NTDs in null embryos suggested that Grhl3 could be allelic with the mouse mutant curly tail, a well known model for NTDs. Expression analysis and transgenic rescue suggest that curly tail is a hypomorphic allele of Grhl3. The functional role and downstream mediators of Grhl3 in neural tube closure are largely unknown. However, the developmental and cellular basis of NTDs in curly tail mutants is well established, involving a proliferation defect in the hindgut endoderm. CONCLUSIONS: On this basis, it is possible that Grhl3 has a direct regulatory function in cell proliferation in the hindgut endoderm. Identification of the transcriptional targets of Grhl3 will serve not only to further our understanding of the mechanisms of mammalian neural tube closure, but also to identify potential molecular factors involved in the pathogenesis of NTDs in human. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Advanced monitoring of high‐rate anaerobic reactors through quantitative image analysis of granular sludge and multivariate statistical analysis
Authors: Costa J.C. , Moita I. , Abreu A.A. , Ferreira E.C. , Alves M.M.
Published: August 2008

Four organic loading disturbances were performed in lab‐scale EGSB reactors fed with ethanol. In load disturbance 1 (LD1) and 2 (LD2), the organic loading rate (OLR) was increased between 5 and 18.5 kg COD m−3 day−1, through the influent ethanol concentration increase, and the hydraulic retention time decrease from 7.8 to 2.5 h, respectively. Load disturbances 3 (LD3) and 4 (LD4) were applied by increasing the OLR to 50 kg COD m−3 day−1 during 3 days and 16 days, respectively. The granular sludge morphology was quantified by image analysis and was related to the reactor performance, including effluent volatile suspended solids, indicator of washout events. In general, it was observed the selective washout of filamentous forms associated to granules erosion/fragmentation and to a decrease in the specific acetoclastic activity. These phenomena induced the transitory deterioration of reactor performance in LD2, LD3, and LD4, but not in LD1. Extending the exposure time in LD4 promoted acetogenesis inhibition after 144 h. The application of Principal Components Analysis determined a latent variable that encompasses a weighted sum of performance, physiological and morphological information. This new variable was highly sensitive to reactor efficiency deterioration, enclosing variations between 27% and 268% in the first hours of disturbances. The high loadings raised by image analysis parameters, especially filaments length per aggregates area (LfA), revealed that morphological changes of granular sludge, should be considered to monitor and control load disturbances in high rate anaerobic (granular) sludge bed digesters. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2009;102: 445–456. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Characterization of electrochemically active bacteria utilizing a high‐throughput voltage‐based screening assay
Authors: Biffinger Justin , Ribbens Meghann , Ringeisen Bradley , Pietron Jeremy , Finkel Steven , Nealson Kenneth
Published: August 2008

Metal reduction assays are traditionally used to select and characterize electrochemically active bacteria (EAB) for use in microbial fuel cells (MFCs). However, correlating the ability of a microbe to generate current from an MFC to the reduction of metal oxides has not been definitively established in the literature. As these metal reduction assays may not be generally reliable, here we describe a four‐ to nine‐well prototype high throughput voltage‐based screening assay (VBSA) designed using MFC engineering principles and a universal cathode. Bacterial growth curves for Shewanella oneidensis strains DSP10 and MR‐1 were generated directly from changes in open circuit voltage and current with five percent deviation calculated between each well. These growth curves exhibited a strong correlation with literature doubling times for Shewanella indicating that the VBSA can be used to monitor distinct fundamental properties of EAB life cycles. In addition, eight different organic electron donors (acetate, lactate, citrate, fructose, glucose, sucrose, soluble starch, and agar) were tested with S. oneidensis MR‐1 in anode chambers exposed to air. Under oxygen exposure, we found that current was generated in direct response to additions of acetate, lactate, and glucose. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2009;102: 436–444. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Hand‐painted animation with intelligent brushes
Authors: Laerhoven Tom Van , Fiore Fabian Di , Reeth Frank Van
Published: August 2008

In this paper we argue for the concept of brushes and pigments enhanced with behavioural intelligence as a complement to established 2D computer animation techniques. Our approach allows the user to enrich and animate interactively created images by semi‐autonomously embedding procedural animation into them. This way, artistic skills of trained animators become within reach of everyone in the digital world, even to completely novice users. To exemplify this concept, we elaborate on several special‐purpose brushes and animated pigment for painting with animation. These include a programmable semi‐autonomous brush used to paint variations of strokes in successive frames (e.g. flames of fire), the moving‐dab brush which enables dabs of paint to follow a user‐defined path (e.g. smoke puffs) and animated pigment to produce secondary motion such as vibrant or waving paint textures. We believe our system offers a new fresh perspective on 2D computer aided animation production and associated tools. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of observer metamerism on colour matching of display and surface colours
Authors: Oicherman Boris , Luo M. Ronnier , Rigg Bryan , Robertson Alan R.
Published: August 2008

We studied the individual variability of asymmetric metameric colour matching between computer displays and object colour stimuli in conditions typical for the surface colour industries. Using two different computational techniques, we assessed the contribution of observer metamerism to this variability. In the studied conditions of spatially separated computer display and surface colour stimuli, this contribution was found to be insignificant for all colours but neutrals. In the chromaticness plane, the range of matches made by different observers practically coincides with the range of matches made by an individual observer. Consequently, we conclude that in the task of matching spatially separated display and surface colours, the range of matches made by a group of observers cannot be determined from variations in their colour‐matching functions, and thus the paradigm of the Standard Deviate Observer is shown to be inapplicable to the studied conditions. We suggest that individual variability in these conditions is governed by mechanisms of chromatic discrimination, and can be modeled by advanced colour difference formulae with suitably adjusted parametric coefficients. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 33, 346–359, 2008
Repairing gamut problems in CIECAM02: A progress report
Authors: Brill Michael H. , Süsstrunk Sabine
Published: August 2008

The color‐appearance model CIECAM02 has several problems, which can result in mathematical instabilities, due to the position of the chromatic‐adaptation primaries relative to the spectrum locus and to the presumed physiological cone primaries. To keep a corresponding (adapted) color within the positive gamut given by the chromatic adaptation primaries, the gamut must lie within the cone primary octant. To contain adapted colors within the positive cone‐primary octant, it suffices to truncate the action of adaptation at the boundary of that octant. Such modifications may be needed to avoid the mathematical problems in CIECAM02. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 33, 424–426, 2008
Hue, saturation, lightness, and building exterior preference: An empirical study in Turkey comparing architects' and nonarchitects' evaluative and cognitive judgments
Authors: Cubukcu Ebru , Kahraman Ilker
Published: August 2008

This study investigated architects' and nonarchitects' evaluative and cognitive judgments of color on building exteriors. Thirty architects and 30 high school teachers living in Izmir, Turkey participated in the study. The experiment had two phases. First, participants viewed eight images, in which the color of a building exterior was manipulated with hues selected from HSB (hue, saturation, and brightness) color space. Participants were then asked to rate each image on 7‐point semantic differential scales measuring preference (like–dislike), arousal (arousing–sleepy), naturalness (natural–artificial), and relaxation (relaxing–distressing). Second, participants viewed the same building in nine saturation and lightness levels for each hue and picked the most preferred lightness and saturation level for each hue. Findings showed that for a building exterior: (1) yellow and blue were the most liked colors, (2) some hues were rated as more arousing, more natural, and more relaxing over the others, (3) gender had an effect on color preference and semantic ratings of naturalness and relaxation, (4) architects and nonarchitects differed in their color preference and semantic ratings of arousal and naturalness, and (5) full bright and moderate to low saturated colors and full saturated and moderate to high bright colors were preferred more. The results have practical implications for architects and urban designers. A successful coloration of a building exterior may increase its use frequency and economical value. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Col Res Appl, 33, 395–405, 2008
Postnatal lead effects on the development of visual spatial acuity in rhesus monkeys (Macaca Mulatta)
Authors: Laughlin Nellie K. , Luck Melissa L. , Lasky Robert E.
Published: August 2008

High lead levels adversely affect visual function in humans and laboratory animals. The effects of lower lead levels are less certain. This study compared the development of photopic spatial acuity in rhesus monkeys exposed to lead (n = 43) with monkeys (n = 23) not exposed to lead. Lead exposure began at Day 8 postpartum and continued daily throughout the first 26 weeks of postnatal life achieving target blood lead levels of 35–40 µg/dl by about 15 weeks. Photopic spatial acuity was evaluated by a preferential looking technique used clinically to assess spatial acuity in human infants. Acuity increased rapidly over the first few postnatal weeks achieving the maximum acuity level assessed (26.3 c/deg) by 7 weeks of age for most monkeys. Postnatal lead exposure at the dosages and durations studied did not affect the development of photopic spatial acuity. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 50: 608–614, 2008.
Grid cells in mice
Authors: Fyhn Marianne , Hafting Torkel , Witter Menno P. , Moser Edvard I. , Moser May‐Britt
Published: August 2008

The medial entorhinal cortex (EC) is a part of the neural network for the representation of self‐location in the rat. The key cell type of this system is the grid cell, whose multiple firing fields span the environment in a remarkably regular triangular or hexagonal pattern. The basic properties of grid cells and other cell types have been described, but the neuronal mechanisms responsible for the formation and maintenance of the place code remain elusive. These mechanisms can be investigated by genetic intervention strategies, where specific components of the entorhinal‐hippocampal network are activated or silenced. Because of the common use of knockout mice for such targeted interventions, we asked if grid activity is expressed also in the mouse. Principal neurons in the superficial layers of mouse medial EC had stable grid fields similar to those of the rat. Neighboring grid cells shared a common spacing and orientation but had a different spatial phase, such that a small number of grid cells collectively represented all locations in the environment. The spacing of the grid increased with distance from the dorsal border of the medial EC. The lowest values for grid spacing, recorded at the dorsal end, were comparable to those of the rat, suggesting that grid fields do not scale up proportionally with body size. Grid cells were colocalized with head‐direction cells and conjunctive place × head‐direction cells, as in the rat. The demonstration of grid cells in mice prepares the ground for transgenic analyses of the entorhinal‐hippocampal network. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Perspectives of parents and tutors on a self‐management program for parents/guardians of children with long‐term and life‐limiting conditions: “a life raft we can sail along with”
Authors: Barlow Julie , Swaby Laura , Turner Andrew
Published: August 2008

The lay‐led, community‐based Supporting Parents Programme (SPP) aims to assist parents caring for children with long‐term or life‐limiting conditions through support and cognitive behavioral techniques. The value of the SPP from the perspectives of parent participants and tutors was examined in focus groups and telephone interviews. Data were analyzed using framework analysis. Parents perceived a commonality of emotions and practical issues, valued meeting similar others, felt less isolated, more positive, motivated, and more calm; some had found the “real me again.” Changes were attributed to techniques learned. Parents were anxious of being cast adrift at the end of SPP. Tutors needed more support and additional training around child protection and confidentiality. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Counteracting “Not in My Backyard”: the positive effects of greater occupancy within mutual‐help recovery homes
Authors: Jason Leonard A. , Groh David R. , Durocher Megan , Alvarez Josefina , Aase Darrin M. , Ferrari Joseph R.
Published: August 2008

Group homes sometimes face significant neighborhood opposition, and municipalities frequently use maximum occupancy laws to close down these homes. This study examined how the number of residents in Oxford House recovery homes impacted residents' outcomes. Larger homes (i.e., eight or more residents) may reduce the cost per person and offer more opportunities to exchange positive social support, thus, it was predicted that larger Oxford Houses would exhibit improved outcomes compared to smaller homes. Regression analyses using data from 643 residents from 154 U.S. Oxford Houses indicated that larger House size predicted less criminal and aggressive behavior; additionally, length of abstinence was a partial mediator in these relationships. These findings have been used in court cases to argue against closing down larger Oxford Houses. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Family violence prevention programs in immigrant communities: perspectives of immigrant men
Authors: Simbandumwe Louise , Bailey Kim , Denetto Shereen , Migliardi Paula , Bacon Brenda , Nighswander Maggie
Published: August 2008

The Strengthening Families in Canada Family Violence Prevention Project was aimed at engaging immigrant and refugee communities in family violence prevention. The project, which received support from the Community Mobilization Program, National Crime Prevention Strategy, involved a partnership of four community health and education organizations. The project had three streams: women's, youth, and men's. The women's and youth streams were composed of educational sessions on violence prevention. The third stream consisted of a qualitative research project examining immigrant and refugee men's views of family violence and their suggestions for prevention education. The authors present findings from this research and offer suggestions for future implementation of prevention programming for immigrant and refugee families. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Help‐seeking behavior of west African Migrants
Authors: Knipscheer Jeroen W. , Kleber Rolf J.
Published: August 2008

In this article, the authors present essential aspects of the help‐seeking behavior with regard to mental health problems of Ghanaian migrants in the Netherlands. Samples of citizens in the general population (n=97) and outpatients treated in mental health care facilities (n=36) were included. Data were acquired by administering a semi‐structured interview. Quantified data were analysed using hierarchical multiple regression analyses and direct (standard) logistic analyses. Help‐seeking pathways are multi‐determined. Being involved in Dutch society may determine an individual's attitude toward health care and the time before taking action. Particularly, socio‐demographic variables (e.g., age, unemployment, urbanicity) and acculturative demands (integrative skills, normative orientation) shape the help‐seeking orientation and service utilization in multiethnic settings. A liaison between mental health services, traditional healers, religious leaders and self‐help groups might therefore benefit patients. By identifying and emphasizing the specific social and acculturation components that facilitate or deter health behaviours, we are better able to implement health care interventions among different ethnic and cultural communities. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The structure and quality of social network support among mental health consumers of clubhouse programs
Authors: Pernice‐Duca Francesca M.
Published: August 2008

This study explored the structure and quality of social network support among a group of adult consumers of community‐based mental health programs known as clubhouses. The structure and quality of social network support was also examined by diagnosis, specifically between consumers living with and without schizophrenia. The study involved a sample of 221 consumers across 15 clubhouse programs. Social network nominations were collected using a semistructured social network interview strategy. Over 97% of the participants identified at least one source of support in their social network with an average of five nominations. Family members were identified as the most common source of support whereas fellow clubhouse members were least likely to be nominated. Clubhouse members with schizophrenia were less likely to identify family members and were more likely to rate their support networks as more important and engage in greater levels of contact than consumers with other diagnoses. The structure and quality of social network supports were not associated with level of social functioning, length of clubhouse membership or level of participation or other selected demographic variables typically associated with the size and quality of support. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Neighborhood social processes and academic achievement in elementary school
Authors: Emory Ronya , Caughy Margaret , Harris T. Robert , Franzini Luisa
Published: August 2008

To examine how neighborhood characteristics influence academic achievement, data were drawn from a community survey of low‐income neighborhoods and linked with data on performance on standardized testing for third‐grade students attending elementary schools in those communities. Results of multilevel logistic regressions indicated that probability of passing the reading portion of the test was associated with high neighborhood expectations for educational attainment and high collective socialization. Contrary to expectations, higher probability of passing reading was associated with higher fear of victimization and retaliation. Passing rates for the mathematics portion of the test were greater in neighborhoods with high levels of collective efficacy. Neighborhood economic impoverishment was not a significant predictor of passing after adjusting for neighborhood social characteristics. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Community violence and externalizing problems: moderating effects of race and religiosity in emerging adulthood
Authors: Fowler Patrick J. , Ahmed Sawssan R. , Tompsett Carolyn J. , Jozefowicz‐Simbeni Debra M. H. , Toro Paul A.
Published: August 2008

The present study examined racial differences in the relationship between exposure to community violence and public and private religiosity in predicting externalizing problems among at‐risk emerging adults. Participants were 178 African American and 163 European American emerging adults at risk for exposure to community violence. Exposure to community violence related to more externalizing problems. Greater public religious affiliation buffered the relationship between community violence and substance abuse, for both African American and European emerging adults. In addition, more privately religious African American emerging adults engaged in less deviant behavior when exposed to higher levels of community violence. European Americans were not protected by private religiosity. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The relationship between members' perceptions of their neighborhood organization and their involvement and perceived benefits from participation
Authors: Ohmer Mary L.
Published: August 2008

A major resource of small voluntary neighborhood organizations is their members, who give their time and energy to the organization to improve their community. In recent years, there has been a revitalization of strategies that focus on engaging residents to volunteer for neighborhood‐based organizations. The current study was guided by organizational empowerment theory and explored the relationship between resident members' perceptions of their neighborhood organization and their level of involvement and perceived personal and collective benefits from participation. The results demonstrated that members' perceptions of their neighborhood organizations' characteristics and effectiveness were more related to their perceived benefits from involvement than their level of participation. Members' perceptions of their neighborhood organizations' effectiveness, particularly the ability to make tangible community improvements, were the most related to their perceived benefits, including their ability to influence government policies, knowledge and skills in neighborhood and community development, and sense of community. Implications for research and practice are also discussed. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Endogenous bone morphogenetic proteins mediate 1α, 25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3‐induced expression of osteoblast differentiation markers in human dermal fibroblasts
Authors: Hee Christopher K. , Nicoll Steven B.
Published: August 2008

Human dermal fibroblasts are generally considered to be restricted to a fibroblastic lineage. Although dermal fibroblasts do not typically express markers of osteoblastic differentiation, they have previously been shown to undergo osteoinduction when stimulated with bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) or vitamin D3. However, involvement of BMP signaling in vitamin D3‐mediated osteoinduction has not been reported. In this study, human dermal fibroblasts were cultured in chemically defined medium containing vitamin D3, in the presence of the BMP antagonist noggin or neutralizing antibodies specific for BMP‐4 or BMP‐6, and characterized for markers of osteoblastic differentiation. Treatment of dermal fibroblasts with vitamin D3 induced expression of BMP‐4 (1.2 ± 0.2, 1.7 ± 0.2, and 1.8 ± 0.2 relative fold increase) and BMP‐6 (9.1 ± 0.3, 23.3 ± 2.1, and 30.4 ± 3.0 relative fold increase) at 3, 14, and 21 days, respectively. Vitamin D3 was also shown to induce the expression of the osteoblast‐specific markers, alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin, in a dose‐dependent manner in human dermal fibroblasts. Addition of noggin, BMP‐4 antibodies, and BMP‐6 antibodies resulted in a downregulation of alkaline phosphatase activity (by 42%, 22%, and 20%, respectively) and secreted osteocalcin (by 20%, 31%, and 49%, respectively) after 21 days in culture. However, blocking BMP signaling did not result in complete recovery of a fibroblastic phenotype. Taken together, these results suggest that BMP signaling plays a role in the induction of an osteoblastic phenotype in human dermal fibroblasts in response to vitamin D3 stimulation. © 2008 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 27:162–168, 2009
Information format‐option characteristics compatibility and the compromise effect
Authors: Chang Chung‐Chau , Liu Hsin‐Hsien
Published: August 2008

When consumers make a decision under preference uncertainty, they often select the compromise choice. Since the compromise effect of the middle option stems from the relational properties of the choice alternatives, an information format compatible with their characteristics makes the middle option more salient and attractive. Focusing on three studies, this article demonstrates that the middle option is (1) more attractive when presented in the middle position; (2) more attractive when information is presented jointly rather than separately; and (3) most attractive when presented in an information display board format, less attractive in a list by attribute condition, and least attractive in a list by alternative condition. These findings imply that information processing strategies and information format‐option characteristics compatibility work in tandem. These three studies thereby show that the information format‐option characteristics compatibility effect is robust and that such compatibility effect is not due to different information processing strategies, which makes these results meaningful for marketing practice. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
How third‐party certification programs relate to consumer trust in online transactions: An exploratory study
Authors: Jiang Pingjun , Jones David B. , Javie Sharon
Published: August 2008

Consumer fears about Internet security and ordering over the Internet can influence online buying behavior, and these fears may be exacerbated by increasing attention to identity theft. A key strategy to increase consumer trust in ordering has been participation in third‐party certification programs. This study presents a model describing the relationship between third‐party identifying logos, trust transfer, and trust buildup and tests the model with data collected by an online survey. The results support hypotheses that perceptions of third‐party logos are related to intensity of seal exposure, importance of trust factors in online shopping, and disposition toward third‐party certification. Also, such perceptions and the current level of consumer trust in general in online shopping are positively related to transfer of trust from certification to online e‐marketers. Prior research found that validating logos does not increase transfer of trust; a post‐hoc analysis revealed that this finding is dependent on type of logo. The findings indicate that Web site certification can reassure potential customers and increase the probability of purchase. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The effect of expertise on consumers' satisfaction with the use of interactive recommendation agents
Authors: Su Hung‐Jen , Comer Lucette B. , Lee Sanghyun
Published: August 2008

Based on cost‐benefit theory and the value‐percept diversity model, this study investigates the underlying mechanism that makes consumers feel satisfied with the use of interactive recommendation agents (IRAs). The format of IRAs was manipulated experimentally (attribute‐based format/benefit‐based format/no agent) and participants were classified as either expert or novice consumers. The dependent measures were the perceived costs and benefits of the information search process, the perceived costs and benefits of the decision‐making process, and the degree of satisfaction with the outcome. The results explain the mechanisms underlying consumers' satisfaction when using an IRA. The findings also suggest the presence of an interaction between the expertise of consumers and the preferred type of IRA on various dependent variables. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Sensory enabling technology acceptance model (SE‐TAM): A multiple‐group structural model comparison
Authors: Kim Jiyeon , Forsythe Sandra
Published: August 2008

Sensory enabling technology (SET) can deliver product information that is similar to the information obtained from direct product examination, thus reducing product risk. In addition, the interactivity and customer involvement created by sensory enabling technologies can enhance the entertainment value of the online shopping experience. The proposed model examined this dual role of sensory experience enablers in the online soft goods shopping process for three types of sensory enabling technologies that are widely applied in online retail sites. The results provided empirical support for perceived usefulness and perceived entertainment value as strong predictors of consumers' attitudes toward using all three of the sensory enabling technologies tested in this study. The impact of perceived ease of use differed by technology. Attitudes toward using sensory enabling technologies had a significant impact on the actual use of all three SETs; however, the impact of technology anxiety and innovativeness on the use of SET also appeared to differ by technology. Virtual try‐on played a strong hedonic role, increasing the entertainment value of the online shopping process, whereas 2D views (larger view and alternate views) showed a strong functional role. The 3D rotation view served both functional and hedonic roles. The results indicate that each sensory enabling technology makes a unique contribution to online shopping—either by reducing product risk perceptions or by increasing perceived entertainment value. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Arterialized venous free flap for reconstruction of burned face
Authors: Iglesias Martín , Butrón Patricia , Chávez‐Muñoz Claudia , ramos‐Sánchez Iván , Barajas‐Olivas Alexandra
Published: August 2008

In this study, a forearm arterialized venous free flap (23 cm × 14 cm) was used in a 25‐year‐old male with facial burns sequels to reconstruct both cheeks, chin, lips, nose, columnella, nasal tip, and nostrils. It was arterialized by the facial artery to an afferent vein anastomosis. The venous flow was drained by four efferent vein to vein anastomoses. Although it developed small inferior marginal necrosis in the lower lip, the rest of the flap survived with good quality of the skin in both texture and color, with self‐delimitation of the different esthetics units of the center of the face such as the nasogenian folds, nostrils, and upper lip filtrum, without the need of additional thinning surgical procedures. From all of the above, the arterialized venous free flap is an alternative reconstructive option for the treatment of burn sequels especially those that include the centrofacial region. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc. Microsurgery, 2008.
Existence of a weak solution to the Navier–Stokes equation in a general time‐varying domain by the Rothe method
Authors: Neustupa Jiří
Published: August 2008

We assume that Ωt is a domain in ℝ3, arbitrarily (but continuously) varying for 0⩽t⩽T. We impose no conditions on smoothness or shape of Ωt. We prove the global in time existence of a weak solution of the Navier–Stokes equation with Dirichlet's homogeneous or inhomogeneous boundary condition in Q[0, T) := {(x, t);0⩽t⩽T, x∈Ωt}. The solution satisfies the energy‐type inequality and is weakly continuous in dependence of time in a certain sense. As particular examples, we consider flows around rotating bodies and around a body striking a rigid wall. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pseudoparabolic equations with additive noise and applications
Authors: Liaskos K. B. , Stratis I. G. , Yannacopoulos A. N.
Published: August 2008

In this work we present some results on the Cauchy problem for a general class of linear pseudoparabolic equations with additive noise. We consider questions of existence and uniqueness of mild and strong solutions and well posedness for this problem. We also prove the existence and uniqueness of mild and strong solutions for a related perturbed Cauchy problem and we investigate the continuity of the solution with respect to a small parameter. The abstract results are illustrated using examples from electromagnetics and heat conduction. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Identification of immunogenic cell wall‐associated proteins of Streptococcus suis serotype 2
Authors: Zhang Anding , Xie Chunyan , Chen Huanchun , Jin Meilin
Published: August 2008

Streptococcus suis serotype 2 (SS2) is a porcine and human pathogen with adhesive and invasive properties. The absence of suitable vaccine or virulent marker can be the bottleneck to control SS2 infection. An immunoproteome‐based approach was developed to identify candidate antigens of SS2 for vaccine development. Hyperimmune sera, convalescent sera, and control sera were analyzed for reactivity by Western Blot against SS2 cell wall‐associated proteins (WAPs) separated by 2‐DE. A total of 34 proteins were identified by immunoproteomic analysis, of which 15 were recognized by both hyperimmune sera and convalescent sera, including most WAPs currently characterized as SS2 vaccine candidate antigens: muramidase‐released protein (MRP), surface protein SP1 (Sao), and glyceraldehyde‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase (GapdH). The novel immunogenic proteins may be developed as alternative antigens for further study of SS2 vaccine and diagnostics.
Report of the 9th HLPP Workshop October 2007, Seoul, Korea
Authors: Zheng Junjie , Gao Xue , Mato José , Beretta Laura , He Fuchu
Published: August 2008

The Human Liver Proteome Project is one of the Human Proteome Initiatives launched by Human Proteome Organization (HUPO). Major achievements of the project have been obtained under the efforts of international collaboration with all the participants since it was formally proposed in 2002. Its updated progresses were presented in the latest workshop held in conjunction with the sixth HUPO World Congress in October, 2007, Seoul, Korea. Furthermore, four topics related to the project as well as other initiatives were lively discussed among all the attendees.
Description of the low‐affinity interaction between nociceptin and the second extracellular loop of its receptor by fluorescence and NMR spectroscopies
Authors: Vincent Bruno , Mouledous Lionel , Bes Brice , Mazarguil Honore , Meunier Jean‐Claude , Milon Alain , Demange Pascal
Published: August 2008

The second extracellular loop (ECL2) of the Noc receptor has been proposed to be involved in ligand binding and selectivity. The interaction of Noc with a constrained cyclic synthetic peptide, mimicking the ECL2, has been studied using fluorescence and NMR spectroscopies. Selective binding was shown with a dissociation constant of ∼10 µM (observed with the constrained cyclic loop and not with the open chain), and residues involved in ligand binding and selectivity have been identified. This bimolecular complex is stabilized by (i) ionic interactions between the two Noc basic motives and the ECL2 acidic residues; (ii) hydrophobic contacts involving Noc FGGF N‐terminal sequence and an ECL2 tryptophane residue. Our data confirm that Noc receptor's ECL2 contributes actively to ligand binding and selectivity by providing the peptidic ligand with a low affinity‐binding site. Copyright © 2008 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.