bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ultrasound Joint Inflammation in Rheumatoid Arthritis in Clinical Remission: How Many and Which Joints Should Be Assessed?
Authors: Naredo Esperanza , Valor Lara , De la Torre Inmaculada , Martínez‐Barrio Julia , Hinojosa Michelle , Aramburu Francisco , Ovalles‐Bonilla Juan Gabriel , Hernández Diana , Montoro María , González Carlos Manuel , López‐Longo Javier , Monteagudo Indalecio , Carreño Luis
Published: October 2012

Objective

To investigate the sensitivity for detecting subclinical synovitis of different reduced joint ultrasound (US) assessment models as compared with a comprehensive US assessment in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients in clinical remission.

Methods

Sixty‐seven RA patients (50 women, 17 men) in clinical remission as judged by their consultant rheumatologist and treated with methotrexate were prospectively recruited. Patients were evaluated for disease activity according to the Disease Activity Score in 28 joints (DAS28) and the Simplified Disease Activity Index (SDAI) by the same investigator. Each patient underwent a 44‐joint B‐mode and power Doppler (PD) assessment by a rheumatologist blinded to the clinical and laboratory data. B‐mode synovial hypertrophy (SH) and synovial PD signal were scored from 0–3 at each joint. Global indices for SH and PD signal were calculated for the 44‐joint and different joint combination models for each patient.

Results

SH was detected in 87.8% of patients with a DAS28 <2.6 and in 81.8% of patients with an SDAI <3.3. Synovial PD signal was detected in 46.3% of patients with a DAS28 <2.6 and in 36.4% of patients with an SDAI <3.3. Wrist, second through fifth metacarpophalangeal (MCP), ankle, and second through fifth metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint and 12‐joint US assessments showed the highest correlations with the comprehensive US assessment. The wrist, MCP, ankle, and MTP joint US assessment showed the highest sensitivity for detecting SH and synovial PD signal in patients in remission according to the DAS28 and SDAI as compared to the comprehensive US assessment.

Conclusion

US assessment of the wrist, MCP, ankle, and MTP joints can be highly sensitive for detecting residual B‐mode and Doppler joint inflammation in RA patients.
Direct Transcription of Two‐Dimensional Colloidal Crystal Arrays into Three‐Dimensional Photonic Crystals
Authors: Vlad Alexandru , Frölich Andreas , Zebrowski Thomas , Dutu Constantin Augustin , Busch Kurt , Melinte Sorin , Wegener Martin , Huynen Isabelle
Published: October 2012

A simple protocol for the fabrication of three‐dimensional (3D) photonic crystals in silicon is presented. Surface structuring by nanosphere lithography is merged with a novel silicon etching method to fabricate ordered 3D architectures. The SPRIE method, sequential passivation reactive ion etching, is a one‐step processing protocol relying on sequential passivation and reactive ion etching reactions using C4F8 and SF6 plasma chemistries. The diffusion of fresh reactants and etch product species inside the etched channels is found to play an important role affecting the structural uniformity of the designed structures and the etch rate drift is corrected by adjusting the reaction times. High quality photonic crystals are thus obtained by adding the third dimension to the two‐dimensional (2D) colloidal crystal assemblies through SPRIE. Careful adjustments of both mask design and lateral etch extent balance allow the implementation of even more complex functionalities including photonic crystal slabs and precise defect engineering. 3D photonic crystal lattices exhibiting optical stop‐bands in the infrared spectral region are demonstrated, proving the potential of SPRIE for fast, simple, and large‐scale fabrication of photonic structures.
Resolution Limit in Plasmonic Lithography for Practical Applications beyond 2x‐nm Half Pitch
Authors: Kim Seok , Jung Howon , Kim Yongwoo , Jang Jinhee , Hahn Jae W.
Published: October 2012

A theoretical model is introduced to evaluate the ultimate resolution of plasmonic lithography using a ridge aperture. The calculated and experimental results of the line array pattern depth are compared for various half pitches. The theoretical analysis predicts that the resolution of plasmonic lithography strongly depends on the ridge gap, achieving values under 1x nm with a ridge gap smaller than 10 nm. A micrometer‐scale circular contact probe is fabricated for high speed patterning with high positioning accuracy, which can be extended to a high‐density probe array. Using the circular contact probe, high‐density line array patterns are recorded with a half pitch up to 22 nm and good agreement is obtained between the theoretical model and experiment. To record the high density line array patterns, the line edge roughness (LER) is reduced to ≈17 nm from 29 nm using a well‐controlled developing process with a smaller molecular weight KOH‐based developer at a temperature below 10°C.
Safety of intradermal skin tests for inhalants and foods: a prospective study
Authors: Gordon Bruce R. , Hurst David S. , Fornadley John A. , Hunsaker Darrell H.
Published: October 2012

Background

Intradermal skin testing is a useful allergy diagnostic tool. Although considered safe when properly performed, systemic reactions have been reported. This is the first large, prospective study to record and evaluate all systemic reactions from intradermal skin testing (IDT) to inhalant or food antigens.

Methods

A 24‐month prospective study by 40 physician practices, recording all IDT tests, including reactions, symptoms, severity, time after injection, and reaction treatments.

Results

Eighty systemic reactions (22 major) occurred among 20,530 patients (878,583 wheals). Nine had epinephrine treatment, 4 were observed in an emergency department, and there were no hospitalizations or fatalities. The overall systemic reaction risk was 0.009%. The risk of having a major reaction was 0.003%, or 1 reaction per 933 patients.

Conclusion

Intradermal skin tests for inhalants or foods, when performed with appropriate precautions, have a safety profile comparable to skin prick tests.
Foaming behavior of microcellular foam polypropylene/modified nano calcium carbonate composites
Authors: Ding Jie , Shangguan Junnan , Ma Weihua , Zhong Qin
Published: October 2012

A new process was used to prepare microcellular foams with supercritical carbon dioxide as the physical foaming agent in a batch. The foaming temperature range of the new process was about five times broader than that of the conventional one. Characterization of the cellular structure of the original polypropylene (PP) and PP/nano‐CaCO3 (nanocomposites) foams was conducted to reveal the effects of the blend composition and processing conditions. The results show that the cellular structure of the PP foams was more sensitive to the foaming temperature and saturation pressure variations than that of the nanocomposite foams. Uniform cells of PP foams are achieved only at a temperature of 154°C. Also, the low pressure of 20 MPa led to very small cells and a low cell density. The competition between the cell growth and cell nucleation played important role in the foam density and was directly related to the foaming temperature. Decreasing the infiltration temperature depressed the initial foaming temperature, and this resulted in significantly larger cells and a lower cell density. A short foaming time led to a skin–core structure; this indicated that a decrease in the cell size was found from skin to core, but the skin–core structure gradually disappeared with increasing foaming time. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Preparation and characterization of glutaraldehyde crosslinked chitosan nanofiltration membrane
Authors: Zhang Xi , Jin Xiaoyi , Xu Chenyan , Shen Xinyuan
Published: October 2012

In this article, we prepare chitosan (CS) membrane on polyacrylonitrile (PAN) ultrafiltration membrane, and utilize the protonated amine group (NH3+) on the CS to retain γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) in a solution with a pH condition below the amino acid isoelectric point, so as to separate the amino acid from a mixture with sodium acetate that simulates the amino acid fermentation broth. To improve the acid resistance of the composite membrane, we chelate the amine groups on the CS by copper sulfate first, then crosslink the hydroxyl groups in glutaraldehyde solution, and remove the copper ion in hydrochloric acid finally to release the amine groups. This crosslinked CS/PAN composite membrane achieves 95% GABA rejection in pH 4.69 solution under the operation pressure of 0.2 MPa, while over 90% of the sodium acetate permeates the membrane. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Validity of poly(1, 6‐bis‐(p‐carboxyphenoxy hexane)‐co‐(sebacic anhydride)) copolymer in biomedical application
Authors: Lai Po‐Liang , Hong Ding‐Wei , Liu Tsang‐Hao , Lai Zhi‐Teng , Cheng Ming‐Huei , Chen Lih‐Huei , Chen Wen‐Jer , Chu I‐Ming
Published: October 2012

To further enhance the performance of biodegradable polymer‐based medical devices, there is an increasing need to obtain independent control of key properties such as mechanical strength, degradation rate, and bioactivity. In this study, biodegradable copolymers of poly(1,6‐bis‐p‐carboxyphenoxyhexane‐co‐sebacic anhydride) (CPH:SA) are synthesized, via melt condensation techniques, at three different molar ratios (7 : 3, 5 : 5, and 3 : 7). Tablets of the copolymers are prepared by mold casting at high temperature. Using an in vitro degradation test, copolymer tablets demonstrate a suitable mechanical strength, a slight decrease in pH value, and a slow degradation rate. High cell viability is observed on the surface of the copolymer tablets. The 3‐(4,5dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl) 2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and live/dead staining demonstrate reduced toxicity and high cell survival. In vitro testing with C2C12 cells reveals good cellular attachment and spreading on the tablet surfaces, with the best properties displayed by the 7 : 3 molar ratio copolymer. Materials composed of CPH:SA have the potential to serve as medical implants. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Resistant Parents and Child Protection: Knowledge Base, Pointers for Practice and Implications for Policy
Authors: Tuck Vic
Published: October 2012

Work with resistant, hostile, non‐compliant (including disguised non‐compliant) parents and dealing with manipulation and deception is a significant feature of everyday child protection practice. The phenomenon has long been acknowledged in key publications on child protection and its manifestations have been clearly described. Yet, it hardly features in government guidance in England, contributing to a major reality gap with practice. This is despite the fact that revisions to guidance have been undertaken in response to child abuse tragedies where resistance to professional intervention has been a major feature, a recent example being the well‐publicised case of Peter Connelly in London. In reviewing UK sources on this subject, the available knowledge is considered and strategies identified of value to practitioners working to promote the health and safety of highly vulnerable children, and maintain their own wellbeing in challenging and sometimes dangerous circumstances. Possible explanations as to why this important issue has been sidelined are advanced, based on perspectives derived from critical social theory. A firm basis for rectifying current deficits in policy and practice will be seen to exist, rooted in an engagement with the lived experience of the child and authoritative child protection practice. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

‘It hardly features in government guidance in England’

‘Engagement with the lived experience of the child and authoritative child protection practice’

Key Practitioner Messages

Working with resistant, hostile and non-compliant parents is a key feature of every-day child protection work.

There are a range of sources which draw attention to the issue and point the way for practitioners in identifying and assessing the phenomenon.

There are a range of strategies and tactics which can be utilised to manage the problem.

These need to be grounded in authoritative child protection practice and an appreciation of the lived experience of the child.
Ephrin‐B2 reverse signaling is required for topography but not pattern formation of lateral superior olivary inputs to the inferior colliculus
Authors: Wallace Matthew M. , Kavianpour Sarah M. , Gabriele Mark L.
Published: October 2012

Graded and modular expressions of Eph‐ephrins are known to provide positional information for the formation of topographic maps and patterning in the developing nervous system. Previously we have shown that ephrin‐B2 is expressed in a continuous gradient across the tonotopic axis of the central nucleus of the inferior colliculus (CNIC), whereas patterns are discontinuous and modular in the lateral cortex of the IC (LCIC). The present study explores the involvement of ephrin‐B2 signaling in the development of projections to the CNIC and LCIC arising from the lateral superior olivary nuclei (LSO) prior to hearing onset. Anterograde and retrograde fluorescent tracing methods in neonatal fixed tissue preparations were used to compare topographic mapping and the establishment of LSO layers/modules in wild‐type and ephrin‐B2lacZ/+ mice (severely compromised reverse signaling). At birth, pioneer LSO axons occupy the ipsilateral IC in both groups but are delayed contralaterally in ephrin‐B2lacZ/+ mutants. By the onset of hearing, both wild‐type and mutant projections form discernible layers bilaterally in the CNIC and modular arrangements within the ipsilateral LCIC. In contrast, ephrin‐B2lacZ/+ mice lack a reliable topography in LSO‐IC projections, suggesting that fully functional ephrin‐B2 reverse signaling is required for normal projection mapping. Taken together, these ephrin‐B2 findings paired with known coexpression of EphA4 suggest the importance of these signaling proteins in establishing functional auditory circuits prior to experience. J. Comp. Neurol. 521:1585–1597, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Quantification of mitochondrial toxicity in HIV‐infected individuals by quantitative PCR compared to flow cytometry
Authors: Wagner Thor A. , Lin Chen‐Han , Tobin Nicole H. , Côté Hélène C. F. , Sloan Derek D. , Jerome Keith R. , Frenkel Lisa M.
Published: October 2012

Background:

Non‐invasive diagnostic assays to evaluate mitochondrial toxicity could have significant clinical utility for HIV‐infected individuals on antiretroviral therapy (ART).

Methods:

This study compared the ratio of mitochondrial to nuclear DNA determined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) to the ratio of mitochondrial to nuclear‐encoded proteins by flow cytometry, in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 73 HIV‐infected individuals with and without risk factors for mitochondrial toxicity.

Results:

PCR detected similar mitochondrial/nuclear DNA in HIV‐infected individuals without a history of ART, and those receiving ART with lipodystrophy, lipoatrophy, or a history of suspected lactic acidosis. However, the ratio was significantly greater in ART‐untreated compared to those receiving either stavudine or didanosine. In contrast, flow cytometry did not detect any differences in mitochondrial/nuclear protein (Lin et al., Cytometry B 2009;76B:181–190). There was no correlation between the assays (rho = −0.05, P = 0.65).

Conclusions:

Assessment of the mitochondrial/nuclear DNA ratio by qPCR performed better than the mitochondrial/nuclear‐encoded protein ratio by flow cytometry to detect adverse effects of nucleoside analogs on mitochondria. © 2012 International Clinical Cytometry Society
Acquitting an APC: DCs found “not guilty” after trial by ablation
Authors: Becher Burkhard , Greter Melanie
Published: October 2012

There is a large body of evidence demonstrating that DCs are the most efficient and specialized APCs for T‐cell priming, both in the context of host defense against pathogens and during the development of T‐cell‐mediated autoimmune responses; however, this concept is currently being challenged by a series of conflicting observations using genetically engineered mice in which DCs are either constitutively or inducibly ablated. In this issue of the European Journal of Immunology, Isaksson et al. [Eur. J. Immunol. 2012, 42: 2555‐2563] report the use of mice in which CD11chi cells can be ablated by injecting diphtheria toxin in vivo. The authors then induced EAE and found that, surprisingly, the mice were fully susceptible to the disease; thus, challenging the dogma that DCs are a mandatory APC population for the priming of autoimmune TH cells or T‐cell‐mediated immune responses. Here, we will analyze the authors’ findings in the context of observations made by others and critically discuss whether DCs can really be dismissed as crucial APCs.
POSS–Tetraalkylammonium Salts: A New Class of Ionic Liquids
Authors: Cardiano Paola , Lazzara Giuseppe , Manickam Sundar , Mineo Placido , Milioto Stefana , Lo Schiavo Sandra
Published: October 2012

A series of new polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane ionic liquids (POSS‐ILs) based on the trimethylpropylammonium hepta(isooctyl)octasilsesquioxane cation and a variety of anions have been synthesized and characterized. Their thermal behavior has been ascertained by thermogravimetric and differential thermal analyses and differential scanning calorimetry; room temperature conductivity, dielectric constants, and dynamic contact angles have been investigated as well. The obtained data show that the presence of the POSS moiety is responsible not only for their thermal properties, but also for their low room‐temperature conductivity and dielectric constants, which, conversely, display slight differences originating from the nature of the anions. The long alkyl‐chain substituents on the POSS core infer on this series of ILs an overall hydrophobic character and solution properties comparable to those of classic cationic surfactants, resulting in an effective extractant capability of polyanions from aqueous solutions. Their solution diffusion properties, as investigated by room‐temperature dynamic light scattering, solution conductivity, density, and osmometric measurements, do not provide evidence for the occurrence of any significant self‐assembling processes.
Entzündlich, chronisch, folgenreich
Authors: Deschner James , Jepsen Søren , Jäger Andreas
Published: October 2012

Parodontitis ist eine komplexe Erkrankung. Wenn die vielschichtigen Wechselwirkungen zwischen Zahnhalteapparat, Mundhöhle und Organismus besser verstanden werden, können Prävention, Diagnostik und Therapie des Volksleidens davon profitieren.
Kommunizierende Räume
Authors: Voß Britta
Published: October 2012

Demenzkranke haben häufig Orientierungsprobleme. Um ihren Alltag in Krankenhäusern und Pflegeheimen zu erleichtern, braucht es dort bauliche Verbesserungen. Die Dresdner Architektin und Emmy Noether‐Gruppenleiterin Gesine Marquardt wird hier zur Pionierin.
Zeit für Wissenschaft
Authors: Unterstell Rembert
Published: October 2012

Bundespräsident Joachim Gauck Ehrengast auf Festveranstaltung in Dortmund / Aufforderung zur Einmischung und Appell an die Verantwortung der Wissenschaft / DFG‐Präsident: Balance im Wissenschaftssystem als Notwendigkeit und Herausforderung
Rejoinder to Guterman, Martin, and Kopp
Authors: HANSEN JAMES T.
Published: October 2012

In their reply to the author's keystone article (Hansen, 2012), Guterman, Martin, and Kopp (2012) charge that the author's integrative framework was not sufficiently integrative. They also argue that his proposal results in logical contradictions and the mind–body problem. The author responds by noting that his proposal fully integrates the humanities and science and that the philosophical problems that Guterman et al. cite are not relevant to his integrative framework.
Further Extending the Humanistic Vision for the Future of Counseling: A Response to Hansen
Authors: BRADY‐AMOON PEGGY
Published: October 2012

This article offers additional support for Hansen's (2012) position that humanism and a renewed respect for human complexity are essential to counseling. In the article, the author also speaks to the critical importance of continuing to ground the profession in art and science. Implications for the future of humanism and counseling are presented.
Reply to Hansen
Authors: LEIBERT TODD W.
Published: October 2012

Hansen (2012a) and the author are both concerned about trends in the counseling culture toward oversimplification. Their disagreement is, principally, about the locus of debate. The author responds to Hansen's counterarguments with the ultimate hope of transferring the focus from scientific ideology to economic realities pervading professional counseling.
Deletion of CD74, a putative MIF receptor, in mice enhances osteoclastogenesis and decreases bone mass
Authors: Mun Se Hwan , Won Hee Yeon , Hernandez Paula , Aguila Hector Leonardo , Lee Sun-Kyeong
Published: October 2012

CD74 is a type II transmembrane protein that can act as a receptor for macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) and plays a role in MIF-regulated responses. We reported that MIF inhibited osteoclast formation and MIF knockout (KO) mice had decreased bone mass. We therefore examined if CD74 was involved in the ability of MIF to alter osteoclastogenesis in cultured bone marrow (BM) from wild-type (WT) and CD74-deficient (KO) male mice. We also measured the bone phenotype of CD74 KO male mice. Bone mass in the femur of 8-week-old mice was measured by micro–computed tomography and histomorphometry. Bone marrow cells from CD74 KO mice formed 15% more osteoclast-like cells (OCLs) with macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) and receptor activator of NF-κB ligand (RANKL) (both at 30 ng/mL) compared to WT. Addition of MIF to WT cultures inhibited OCL formation by 16% but had no effect on CD74KO cultures. The number of colony forming unit granulocyte-macrophage (CFU-GM) in the bone marrow of CD74 KO mice was 26% greater than in WT controls. Trabecular bone volume (TBV) in the femurs of CD74 KO male mice was decreased by 26% compared to WT. In addition, cortical area and thickness were decreased by 14% and 11%, respectively. Histomorphometric analysis demonstrated that tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP)(+) osteoclast number and area were significantly increased in CD74 KO by 35% and 43%, respectively compared to WT. Finally, we examined the effect of MIF on RANKL-induced-signaling pathways in bone marrow macrophage (BMM) cultures. MIF treatment decreased RANKL-induced nuclear factor of activated T cells, cytoplasmic 1 (NFATc1) and c-Fos protein in BMM cultures by 70% and 41%, respectively. Our data demonstrate that CD74 is required for MIF to affect in vitro osteoclastogenesis. Further, the bone phenotype of CD74 KO mice is similar to that of MIF KO mice. MIF treatment of WT cultures suppressed RANKL-induced activator protein 1 (AP-1) expression, which resulted in decreased osteoclast differentiation in vitro. We propose that CD74 plays a critical role in the MIF inhibition of osteoclastogenesis. © 2013 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Polychlorinated biphenyls in prospectively collected serum and Parkinson's disease risk
Authors: Weisskopf Marc G. , Knekt Paul , O'Reilly Eilis J. , Lyytinen Jukka , Reunanen Antti , Laden Francine , Altshul Larisa , Ascherio Alberto
Published: October 2012

Evidence suggests possible Parkinson's disease (PD)–relevant neural effects of exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls. Limited epidemiological evidence suggests that polychlorinated biphenyl exposure may increase PD risk, but no studies have involved biomarkers of polychlorinated biphenyl exposure before PD onset. We examined the prospective association between serum polychlorinated biphenyls and PD. We conducted a nested case–control study within the Finnish Mobile Clinic Health Examination Survey with serum samples collected during 1968–1972 and analyzed in 2005–2007 for polychlorinated biphenyls. Incident PD cases were identified through the Social Insurance Institution's registry and were confirmed by medical record review (n = 101). Controls (n = 349) were matched on age, sex, municipality, and vital status. We used logistic regression to estimate adjusted odds ratios. There was no evidence of increasing risk of PD with increasing polychlorinated biphenyl exposure in adjusted analyses. Instead, there was a trend toward lower odds of PD with increasing serum polychlorinated biphenyl concentrations, which was most pronounced for the sum of all measured polychlorinated biphenyl congeners and the sum of dioxin‐like congeners. Compared with that of those in the lowest quintile, the odds ratio of PD among those in the highest quintile of total polychlorinated biphenyls was 0.29 (95% confidence interval, 0.12–0.70; P trend = .02) and for dioxin‐like congeners was 0.34 (95% confidence interval, 0.13–0.90; P trend = .05). These results do not support an increased risk of PD from polychlorinated biphenyl exposure and instead suggest a possible protective effect of polychlorinated biphenyl exposure. © 2012 Movement Disorder Society
Phthalonitrile‐containing aromatic polyimide thin films with nano‐actuation properties
Authors: Hamciuc Corneliu , Carja Ionela‐Daniela , Hamciuc Elena , Vlad‐Bubulac Tăchiţă , Ignat Mircea
Published: October 2012

Polymer films of some polyimides containing pendant phthalonitrile groups were prepared by casting the corresponding poly(amic acid) solutions onto glass plates, followed by thermal imidization under controlled temperature conditions. The poly(amic acid)s were synthesized by polycondensation reaction of 4,4′‐diamino‐4″‐(3,4‐dicyanophenoxy)triphenylmethane, 1, or of different amounts of 1 and 4,4′‐bis(4‐aminophenoxybiphenyl), with two aromatic dianhydrides, 4,4′‐oxydiphthalic anhydride or benzophenone‐3,3′,4,4′‐tetracarboxylic dianhydride. Most of the films were flexible and tough and exhibited high thermal stability, having the initial decomposition temperature above 400 °C. Dynamic mechanical analysis and dielectric spectroscopy revealed the influence of phthalonitrile group content on the relaxation processes of polyimides. The values of the dielectric constant at 10 kHz and 20 °C were in the range of 3.25–3.61. The films exhibited nano‐actuation in the range of 240–480 nm, depending on the phthalonitrile group content, when an electric voltage was applied on their surface. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Do advanced cancer patients in Denmark receive the help they need? A nationally representative survey of the need related to 12 frequent symptoms/problems
Authors: Johnsen Anna Thit , Petersen Morten Aagaard , Pedersen Lise , Houmann Lise Jul , Groenvold Mogens
Published: October 2012

Objectives

The aim of the study was to investigate the adequacy of help delivered by the healthcare system for 12 symptoms/problems in a national, randomly selected sample of advanced cancer patients in Denmark.

Methods

Advanced cancer patients (n = 1630) from 54 hospital departments across Denmark received the 3‐Levels‐of‐Needs Questionnaire (3LNQ). The 3LNQ measures ‘problem burden’, the degree to which a symptom or problem is perceived as a problem, and ‘felt need’, whether the patient receives adequate help. Prevalences were calculated for ‘problems’ (at least ‘a little’ of a problem), ‘moderate/severe problems’ (at least ‘quite a bit’ of a problem) and ‘felt need’ (inadequate help or no help despite wanting it).

Results

In total, 977 (60%) patients participated. The most frequent ‘problems’ were fatigue (73%; ‘moderate/severe’ 36%) and limitations doing physical activities (65%; ‘moderate/severe’ 36%). For the 12 symptoms/problems assessed the prevalence of ‘felt need’ was 11–35%. Of the patients who had received help, 34–74% viewed the help as inadequate. Of those who had not received help, 48–78% wished for help.

Conclusion

Advanced cancer patients are not receiving the help they need. Large proportions of patients were burdened by symptoms/problems. Of those who had received help, many viewed it as inadequate. Better symptom/problem identification and management is warranted for advanced cancer patients. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
HYDROPOWER COSTS OF ENVIRONMENTAL FLOWS AND CLIMATE WARMING IN CALIFORNIA'S UPPER YUBA RIVER WATERSHED
Authors: Rheinheimer D. E. , Yarnell S. M. , Viers J. H.
Published: October 2012

Understanding the trade‐offs between water for the environment and water for hydropower in regulated rivers can inform decision making about hydropower system planning, policy and operations, especially with anticipated climate warming–induced changes in runoff. This study used a multireservoir optimisation model to assess the hydropower effects of increasing minimum instream flows (MIFs) and imposing weekly scale down ramp rates (DRRs) in three locations in California's Upper Yuba River (UYR). The UYR is currently used for hydropower generation yet has high potential for freshwater habitat restoration. Trade‐offs between DRRs, MIFs and hydropower generation and revenue are explored with uniform air temperature increases of 0 °C, 2 °C, 4 °C and 6 °C to approximate anticipated regional climate warming. With 6 °C warming, the most ecologically beneficial MIF and DRR reduced hydropower generation by 7.9% and revenue by 5.5% compared with base case management and a historical climate. This has important implications for licensure of the UYR project and other hydropower projects, where multiple benefits under current and potential future conditions must be balanced. This study provides a methodological approach that can be used by water managers, regulators and stakeholders to better understand inherent trade‐offs in allocating water for multiple beneficial uses in a nonstationary hydroclimate. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Applying optimal model selection in principal stratification for causal inference
Authors: Odondi Lang'o , McNamee Roseanne
Published: October 2012

Noncompliance to treatment allocation is a key source of complication for causal inference. Efficacy estimation is likely to be compounded by the presence of noncompliance in both treatment arms of clinical trials where the intention‐to‐treat estimate provides a biased estimator for the true causal estimate even under homogeneous treatment effects assumption. Principal stratification method has been developed to address such posttreatment complications. The present work extends a principal stratification method that adjusts for noncompliance in two‐treatment arms trials by developing model selection for covariates predicting compliance to treatment in each arm. We apply the method to analyse data from the Esprit study, which was conducted to ascertain whether unopposed oestrogen (hormone replacement therapy) reduced the risk of further cardiac events in postmenopausal women who survive a first myocardial infarction. We adjust for noncompliance in both treatment arms under a Bayesian framework to produce causal risk ratio estimates for each principal stratum. For mild values of a sensitivity parameter and using separate predictors of compliance in each arm, principal stratification results suggested that compliance with hormone replacement therapy only would reduce the risk for death and myocardial reinfarction by about 47%and 25%, respectively, whereas compliance with either treatment would reduce the risk for death by 13%and reinfarction by 60%among the most compliant. However, the results were sensitive to the user‐defined sensitivity parameter. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Application of feedback‐controlled bolus plus infusion (FC‐B/I) method for quantitative PET imaging of dopamine transporters with [18F]β‐CFT‐FE in conscious monkey brain
Authors: Harada Norihiro , Ohba Hiroyuki , Kakiuchi Takeharu , Tsukada Hideo
Published: October 2012

The competitive inhibition of dopamine transporters (DAT) with cocaine, a specific DAT inhibitor, was evaluated with a feedback‐controlled bolus plus infusion (FC‐B/I) method using animal positron emission tomography (PET) in the living brain of conscious monkey. 2β‐Carbomethoxy‐3β‐(4‐fluorophenyl)‐8‐(2‐[18F]fluoroethyl) nortropane ([18F]β‐CFT‐FE; Harada et al. [2004] Synapse 54:37–45) was used for this study because it provided specific, fast, and reversible kinetic properties to DAT in the striatum. In FC‐B/I method, the real‐time image reconstruction was started just after intravenous bolus injection of [18F]β‐CFT‐FE to generate a time‐activity curve in the striatum, and the infusion rate was adjusted to achieve an equilibrium state of the striatal radioactivity concentrations by means of a feedback‐control algorithm. The first equilibrium state in the brain was reached within 20 min after the infusion start. Intravenous administration of cocaine at the doses of 0.02, 0.1, and 0.5 mg/kg shifted the equilibrium radioactivity level to the second equilibrium state in a dose‐dependent manner, while no significant alterations was observed in the cerebellum. The present results demonstrated that the combined use of FC‐B/I method and PET probe with fast kinetics like [18F]β‐CFT‐FE could be useful to assess the occupancy of drugs in the living brain with PET. Synapse, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A learning progression for energy in socio‐ecological systems
Authors: Jin Hui , Anderson Charles W.
Published: October 2012

This article reports on our work of developing a learning progression focusing on K‐12 students' performances of using energy concept in their accounts of carbon‐transforming processes in socio‐ecological systems. Carbon‐transforming processes—the ecological carbon cycle and the combustion of biomass and fossil fuels—provide all of the energy for living systems and almost 90% of the energy for human economic activities. Energy, as a crosscutting concept across major disciplines, is a tool for analysis that uses the principle of energy conservation to constrain and connect accounts of processes and systems. Drawing on ideas from cognitive linguistics, the history of science, and research on students' energy conceptions, we identify two crucial practices that both scientists and students engage in when accounting for carbon‐transforming processes: association and tracing. Using association and tracing as progress variables, we analyzed student accounts of carbon‐transforming processes in 48 clinical interviews and 3,903 written tests administered to students from fourth grade through high school. Based on our analysis we developed a Learning Progression Framework that describes a progression from accounts that use energy as an ephemeral “force” that enables actors to make events happen to energy as a scientific tool for analysis. Successful students developed a sense of necessity with respect to accounts of carbon‐transforming processes—a sense that energy MUST be conserved and degraded in every individual process and in the system as a whole. This level of success was achieved by <3% of the students in our sample. Implications for science standards, curriculum, and instruction are discussed. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 49: 1149–1180, 2012
Exon and intron definition in pre‐mRNA splicing
Authors: De Conti Laura , Baralle Marco , Buratti Emanuele
Published: October 2012

One of the fundamental issues in RNA splicing research is represented by understanding how the spliceosome can successfully define exons and introns in a huge variety of pre‐mRNA molecules with nucleotide‐precision. Since its first description, researchers in this field have identified and characterized many fundamental elements and players capable of affecting the splicing process, both in a negative and positive manner. Indeed, it can be argued that today we know a great deal about the forces that make an exon, an exon and an intron, an intron. As will be discussed in this review, these decisions are a result of a complex combinatorial control resulting from many different factors/influences. Most importantly, these influences act across several levels of complexity starting from the relatively simple interaction between two consensus 5′ and 3′ splice sites to much more complex factors: such as the interplay between silencer or enhancer sequences, transcriptional processivity, genomic milieu, nucleosome positioning, and histone modifications at the chromatin level. Depending on local contexts, all these factors will act either antagonistically or synergistically to decide the exon/intron fate of any given RNA sequence. At present, however, what we still lack is a precise understanding of how all these processes add up to help the spliceosome reach a decision. Therefore, it is expected that future challenges in splicing research will be the careful characterization of all these influences to improve our ability to predict splicing choices in different organisms or in specific contexts. WIREs RNA 2013, 4:49–60. doi: 10.1002/wrna.1140

This article is categorized under:

RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > Protein–RNA Recognition

RNA Processing > Splicing Mechanisms

RNA Processing > Splicing Regulation/Alternative Splicing
“Do You Trust Him?” Children’s Trust Beliefs and Developmental Trajectories of Aggressive Behavior in an Ethnically Diverse Sample
Authors: Malti Tina , Averdijk Margit , Ribeaud Denis , Rotenberg Ken J. , Eisner Manuel P.
Published: October 2012

This study investigated the role of trust beliefs (i.e., trustworthiness, trustfulness) on aggression trajectories in a four-wave longitudinal study using an ethnically diverse sample of 8- to 11-year-old children (N = 1,028), as well as the risk profiles of low trust beliefs and low socioeconomic status on aggression trajectories. At Time 1 to Time 4, teachers provided ratings of overt aggressive behavior. At Time 1, children’s trust beliefs were assessed by a sociometric peer nomination instrument and derived using social relations analysis. Latent growth curve analysis revealed five trajectories of aggressive behavior: high-stable, medium-stable, low-stable, increasing, and decreasing. As hypothesized, children in the high-stable trajectory were perceived as less trustworthy than children in the low-stable, medium-stable, and increasing trajectories. Children in the high-stable trajectory were less trustful than children in the low-stable trajectory and had a significantly higher risk profile (i.e., low trust beliefs and low SES) compared to children in the low-stable trajectory. Our findings indicate that the developmental course of aggression during middle childhood is predicted by children’s trustworthiness and trustfulness. A risk profile of low trust and low socioeconomic status contributes to high-stable aggression trajectories.
What Does a High School Diploma Get You? Employment, Race, and the Transition to Adulthood
Authors: McDaniel Marla , Kuehn Daniel
Published: October 2012

We compare the employment of African American and white youth as they transition to adulthood from age 18 to 22, focusing on high school graduates and high school dropouts who did not attend college. Using OLS and hazard models, we analyze the relative employment rates, and employment consistency, stability, and timing, controlling for a number of factors including family income, academic aptitude, prior work experience, and neighborhood poverty. We find white high school graduates work significantly more than all other youth on most measures; African American high school graduates work as much and sometimes less than white high school dropouts; African American dropouts work significantly less than all other youth. Findings further suggest that the improved labor market participation associated with a high school diploma is higher over time for African Americans than for white youth.
The effect of intra‐peritoneal administration of Papaver bracteatum Lindl. extract on development of NMRI mice oocytes treated with Doxorubicin
Authors: Jafarian Zahra , Eimani Hussein , Azarnia Mahnaz , Shahverdi Abdol‐Hossein , Eftekhari‐Yazdi Poopak , Kamalinejad Mohammad
Published: October 2012

Purpose

The effect of water–alcohol Papaver bracteatum Lindl. extract on development of mice oocytes treated with Doxorubicin (dox) was examined in this study.

Methods

The mice were classified into four groups. Control group, mice injected intraperitoneally (IP) with saline. Extract group alone, mice treated with 200 mg/kg of body weight (bw), IP, twelve consecutive days. Dox group alone, mice were given dox, IP, 10 mg/kg bw. Experimental group treated with extract and dox together. Effect of the extract on the development of mice oocytes treated with dox were evaluated through assisted reproductive technology techniques (ARTs).

Results

Developmental rate and blastocyst formation was improved by using the extract. A significant increase in in vitro developmental competence in comparison with dox group (P < 0.05) was observed.

Conclusions

The results of this study indicated that P. bracteatum Lindl. extract could prevent dox toxicity of dox affecting both follicle or oocytes, and therefore it can result in improved embryo development which was observed in mice treated with dox plus P. bracteatum Lindl. compared to mice treated with dox alone.
Brief report: The self harm questionnaire: A new tool designed to improve identification of self harm in adolescents
Authors: Ougrin Dennis , Boege Isabel
Published: October 2012

The Self Harm Questionnaire (SHQ) aiming at identification of self‐harm in adolescents has been developed and piloted in a sample of 12–17 year olds (n = 100). The adolescents were recruited from both in‐ and outpatient psychiatric services. Concurrent validity of the SHQ was evaluated by comparing the SHQ results with recorded self harm in the entire clinical records, while the predictive value of the SHQ was assessed by reviewing the clinical records for further episodes of self harm after three months. 71% of the young people endorsed self harm on the SHQ. While 3% showed a false negative result on the SHQ, 20% of the participants disclosed self harm on the SHQ, which was not recorded in their clinical records. At three months follow up there was no statistically significant difference in either sensitivity .95, 95% CI [.72, 1.0] vs. .74, 95% CI [.49, .90] or specificity .35, 95% CI [.25, .46] vs. .51, 95% CI [.39, .62] between the SHQ and the entire clinical record in predicting future episodes of self harm. The SHQ is an important addition to the clinical repertoire designed to improve identification of self harm.
Inhibition of amyloid fibrillation of lysozyme by phenolic compounds involves quinoprotein formation
Authors: Feng Shuang , Song Xiu-Huan , Zeng Cheng-Ming
Published: October 2012

Lysozyme
and
Lysozyme
bind by transmission electron microscopy (View interaction).
Hospital‐based prevalence of high‐risk cervical HPV types infecting the general population and female sex workers in Huzhou, China
Authors: Wang Xiang , Gu Donghua , Lou Bin , Xu Bin , Qian Fuchu , Chen Yu
Published: October 2012

Objective

To evaluate the prevalence of high‐risk HPV types among female sex workers and the general population in Huzhou, China.

Methods

Cervical samples from the general population (n = 292) and female sex workers (n = 288) in Huzhou, China, were collected between April, 2008, and October, 2009. Demographic, behavioral, and clinical data were obtained by interview. Genotyping of the HPV L1 gene was done via a PGMY09/PGMY11 PCR‐based assay, and the cervical samples were subjected to cytology analysis.

Results

The prevalence of HPV was higher among female sex workers (66.7%) than among the general population (19.2%). Among female sex workers, HPV‐16 (28.8%) was the most prevalent, followed by HPV‐58 (24.0%) and HPV‐52 (20.8%). The percentage of cervical abnormalities was higher among female sex workers (20.8%) than among the general population (4.8%). Multivariate analysis showed that education level and condom use during coitus were significantly associated with HPV infection (P < 0.05). HPV‐16, HPV‐58 and HPV‐52 were the dominant types, and were significantly associated with abnormal cervical cytology (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Female sex workers in Huzhou, China, were found to have a greater probability of being infected with high‐risk HPV, and novel vaccines against HPV‐58 and HPV‐52 should be developed. Using condoms could reduce the risk of infection.
Outcomes and feasibility of laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy among obese versus non‐obese women
Authors: Thubert Thibault , Naveau Alix , Letohic Arnaud , Villefranque Vincent , Benifla Jean Louis , Deffieux Xavier
Published: October 2012

Objective

To compare complication rates and short‐term outcomes of laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy among obese and non‐obese women.

Methods

A retrospective multicenter study of 39 obese women and 111 non‐obese women was conducted. Obesity was defined as a body mass index (BMI, calculated as weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters) above 30. Operative parameters (length of operation, associated procedures, complication rate, and length of hospitalization) and short‐term (2 months) objective and subjective results were evaluated.

Results

The median BMI in the obese group was 30.5 (interquartile range [IQR] 30–32) versus 23 (IQR 21–25) in the non‐obese group (P < 0.0001). Short‐term anatomic results (postoperative stage of prolapse) were comparable in the obese and non‐obese groups: stage 0–1, 87.1% versus 91.6% (P = 0.60); stage 2, 10.2% versus 5.5% (P = 0.60); stage 3–4, 2.5% versus 2.5% (P = 0.60). Complication rates were also similar in the obese and non‐obese groups: bladder injury, 2.5% versus 5.4% (P = 0.77); laparoconversion, 5.1% versus 4.5% (P = 0.77). Rates of reoperation (excluding women with de novo urinary stress incontinence) were 12.8% in the obese group and 8.1% in the non‐obese group (P = 0.58).

Conclusion

Laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy has similar complication rates and short‐term outcomes among both obese and non‐obese women.
Responding to Intimate Violence against Women
Authors: Klein Renate
Published: October 2012

Family members, friends, coworkers and neighbors are often the first to know that a woman has been abused by an intimate male partner. What is the proper course of action for those with knowledge of abuse? Using a wide range of empirical data from international sources, Renate Klein documents informal third parties as the first port of call, sources of support and interference, and gatekeepers to formal services. Family and social network members disrupt ongoing assaults, respond to disclosures of abuse and provide solace and practical help. These networks do not always side with victims, however, and may either sympathize with or actively support perpetrators. Klein illuminates the complexities of these contingent situations. Her analysis highlights the potential of informal third parties for effective intervention, demonstrating their significant role in promoting societies free from rape and domestic violence.
High Courts and Economic Governance in Argentina and Brazil
Authors: Kapiszewski Diana
Published: October 2012

High Courts and Economic Governance in Argentina and Brazil analyzes how high courts and elected leaders in Latin America interacted over neoliberal restructuring, one of the most significant socioeconomic transformations in recent decades. Courts face a critical choice when deciding cases concerning national economic policy, weighing rule of law concerns against economic imperatives. Elected leaders confront equally difficult dilemmas when courts issue decisions challenging their actions. Based on extensive fieldwork in Argentina and Brazil, this study identifies striking variation in inter-branch interactions between the two countries. In Argentina, while the high court often defers to politicians in the economic realm, inter-branch relations are punctuated by tense bouts of conflict. The Brazilian high court and elected officials, by contrast, routinely accommodate one another in their decisions about economic policy. Diana Kapiszewski argues that the two high courts' contrasting characters - political in Argentina and statesman-like in Brazil - shape their decisions on controversial cases and condition how elected leaders respond to their rulings, channeling inter-branch interactions into persistent patterns.