bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Multi-Classification Method of Improved SVM-based Information Fusion for Traffic Parameters Forecasting
Authors: Zhao Hongzhuan , Sun Dihua , Zhao Min , Cheng Senlin
Published: April 2016

With the enrichment of perception methods, modern transportation system has many physical objects whose states are influenced by many information factors so that it is a typical Cyber-Physical System (CPS). Thus, the traffic information is generally multi-sourced, heterogeneous and hierarchical. Existing research results show that the multisourced traffic information through accurate classification in the process of information fusion can achieve better parameters forecasting performance. For solving the problem of traffic information accurate classification, via analysing the characteristics of the multi-sourced traffic information and using redefined binary tree to overcome the shortcomings of the original Support Vector Machine (SVM) classification in information fusion, a multi-classification method using improved SVM in information fusion for traffic parameters forecasting is proposed. The experiment was conducted to examine the performance of the proposed scheme, and the results reveal that the method can get more accurate and practical outcomes.
Fabrication of hydrogel-encapsulated silica core bound with chitosan chains for efficient drug delivery
Authors: Bae Saet Byeol , Lee Sang Wha
Published: April 2016

In this study, hydrogel-encapsulated silica nanoparticles were facilely prepared through the following three consecutive steps: i) silica nanoparticles (SNPs) were synthesized via a sol–gel reaction of tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) with ammonium hydroxide, ii) the resulting SNPs were functionalized with 3-(trimethoxysilyl)-propylmethacrylate (TPM) ligand with an olefin group, and iii) the TPM-functionalized SNPs were encapsulated with poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-acrylic acid), NIPAM-co-AAc hydrogels by using a radical polymerization reaction of the co-monomers at the following ratio:

wt %. The lower critical solution temperature (LCST) of the encapsulated hydrogels with a moiety of carboxylic groups was slightly above physiological temperature and they demonstrated a thermo-sensitive variation of particle size. The hydrogel-encapsulated SNPs (SNPs@Hyd) were finally bound with chitosan chains, which are bio-friendly and non-toxic polymers. When compared to SNPs@Hyd, chitosan-coated SNPs@Hyd (SNPs@Hyd@Chi) exhibited prolonged drug (ibuprofen) release and stable structural integrity during the release test.
Gate modulation of anodically etched gallium arsenide nanowire random network
Authors: Aikawa Shinya , Yamada Kohei , Asoh Hidetaka , Ono Sachiko
Published: April 2016

Gallium arsenide nanowires (GaAs NWs) formed by anodic etching show an electrically semi-insulating behavior because of charge carrier depletion caused by high interface state density. Here, we demonstrate the gate modulation of an anodically etched GaAs NW random network. By applying a reverse bias voltage after anodic etching of bulk GaAs, hydrogen ion exposure of the depleted NW region occurs, and then the interface state density is possibly decreased owing to the reduction in the amount of excess As generated at the interface between the amorphous Ga2O3 and GaAs layers. Consequently, the drain current of the thin-film transistor (TFT) with the GaAs NW random network was increased and was changed by the gate voltage. In contrast, the random network film remained in the insulator in the absence of reverse electrolysis treatment. The TFT performance is still insufficient but may be improved by optimizing the hydrogen ion exposure conditions.
Electronic states of aryl radical functionalized graphenes: Density functional theory study
Authors: Tachikawa Hiroto , Kawabata Hiroshi
Published: April 2016

Functionalized graphenes are known as a high-performance molecular device. In the present study, the structures and electronic states of the aryl radical functionalized graphene have been investigated by the density functional theory (DFT) method to elucidate the effects of functionalization on the electronic states of graphene (GR). Also, the mechanism of aryl radical reaction with GR was investigated. The benzene, biphenyl, p-terphenyl, and p-quaterphenyl radicals [denoted by (Bz)
n
(n = 1–4), where n means numbers of benzene rings in aryl radical] were examined as aryl radicals. The DFT calculation of GR–(Bz)
n
(n = 1–4) showed that the aryl radical binds to the carbon atom of GR, and a C–C single bond was formed. The binding energies of aryl radicals to GR were calculated to be ca. 6.0 kcal mol−1 at the CAM-B3LYP/6-311G(d,p) level. It was found that the activation barrier exists in the aryl radical addition: the barrier heights were calculated to be 10.0 kcal mol−1. The electronic states of GR–(Bz)
n
were examined on the basis of theoretical results.
Impoliteness – a challenge to interpreters’ professionalism
Authors: Felberg Tatjana R.
Published: April 2016

This article examines interpreters’ perceptions of impoliteness in interpreter-mediated interactions in public sector settings in Norway. The analysis is based on a survey conducted in June 2014, involving 28 interpreters from/to Bosnian/Croatian/ Montenegrin/Serbian and Norwegian. The analytical method is based on the theory of impoliteness and the rapport management model. The study has a discursive, data-driven and bottom-up approach.The study is motivated by challenges described by interpreting students who already work as interpreters in the public sector in Norway. These students repeatedly reported to their teachers two types of challenges with “impoliteness”. The first challenge concerns their own experiences with impoliteness from public service users, public service employees, or both. The other type of challenge concerns the very act of interpreting impoliteness. Even though the Guidelines for best practices in interpreting, which define the interpreter’s role and function, address these issues indirectly, interpreters express a need for more specific knowledge and guidance. As no research has been conducted on impoliteness in interpreter-mediated dialogues in the public sector in Norway, a pilot project was set up in order to describe and analyze the phenomenon, as seen from interpreters’ points of view. This article concentrates on the following research questions: How widespread is impoliteness in interpreter-mediated interaction in public sector settings, according to interpreters?, How do interpreters define and exemplify impoliteness? and What strategies do interpreters use for interpreting impoliteness?The findings suggest that impoliteness in the public sector is more widespread than the author expected. The notion of “conflictive talk” playing a central role in various discourses is supported by interpreters’ examples of impoliteness in interpreter-mediated encounters. Interpreters’ examples indicate that impoliteness may create ambiguity on different levels and that being able to cope with it is crucial for doing a good job as an interpreter. Impoliteness is more than swearwords. It is context dependent – whether something is impolite depends on a participant’s evaluation of the situation. Impoliteness is experienced in a number of ways, and the consequences for interpreters of not managing impoliteness range from hurt feelings to a halt in communication. Interpreters use different interpreting strategies while interpreting impoliteness – from interpreting what is being said, to reporting that impolite language is being uttered, to ignoring impoliteness altogether. These strategies can have a direct influence on the outcome of interpreter-mediated institutional dialogues. Insight into interpreters’ as well as the other communication participants’ concerns leads to the next step: developing and systemizing strategies that can help them cope better with these work-related challenges.
Crystal structure of the 3C protease from Southern African Territories type 2 foot-and-mouth disease virus
Authors: Yang Jingjie , Leen Eoin N. , Maree Francois F. , Curry Stephen
Published: April 2016

The replication of foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) is dependent on the virus-encoded 3C protease (3Cpro). As in other picornaviruses, 3Cproperforms most of the proteolytic processing of the polyprotein expressed from the large open reading frame in the RNA genome of the virus. Previous work revealed that the 3Cprofrom serotype A—one of the seven serotypes of FMDV—adopts a trypsin-like fold. On the basis of capsid sequence comparisons the FMDV serotypes are grouped into two phylogenetic clusters, with O, A, C, and Asia 1 in one, and the three Southern African Territories serotypes, (SAT-1, SAT-2 and SAT-3) in another, a grouping pattern that is broadly, but not rigidly, reflected in 3Cproamino acid sequences. We report here the cloning, expression and purification of 3C proteases from four SAT serotype viruses (SAT2/GHA/8/91, SAT1/NIG/5/81, SAT1/UGA/1/97, and SAT2/ZIM/7/83) and the crystal structure at 3.2 Å resolution of 3Cprofrom SAT2/GHA/8/91.
Computational identification of miRNAs that modulate the differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells to osteoblasts
Authors: Seenprachawong Kanokwan , Nuchnoi Pornlada , Nantasenamat Chanin , Prachayasittikul Virapong , Supokawej Aungkura
Published: April 2016

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small endogenous noncoding RNAs that play an instrumental role in post-transcriptional modulation of gene expression. Genes related to osteogenesis (i.e.,RUNX2,COL1A1andOSX) is important in controlling the differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to bone tissues. The regulated expression level of miRNAs is critically important for the differentiation of MSCs to preosteoblasts. The understanding of miRNA regulation in osteogenesis could be applied for future applications in bone defects. Therefore, this study aims to shed light on the mechanistic pathway underlying osteogenesis by predicting miRNAs that may modulate this pathway. This study investigates RUNX2, which is a major transcription factor for osteogenesis that drives MSCs into preosteoblasts. Three different prediction tools were employed for identifying miRNAs related to osteogenesis using the 3’UTR ofRUNX2as the target gene. Of the 1,023 miRNAs, 70 miRNAs were found by at least two of the tools. Candidate miRNAs were then selected based on their free energy values, followed by assessing the probability of target accessibility. The results showed that miRNAs 23b, 23a, 30b, 143, 203, 217, and 221 could regulate theRUNX2gene during the differentiation of MSCs to preosteoblasts.
The evolution of farm policies: a long-term global perspective
Authors: Koning Niek
Published: April 2016

Este artigo apresenta uma interpretação resumida da evolução das políticas agrícolas ao longo de diferentes períodos e em diferentes partes do mundo. Começando no período pré-industrial, quando o crescimento da população ainda provocou elevação nos preços agrícolas, vai-se em direção ao final do século XIX, quando a Revolução Industrial trouxe uma mudança de regime em mercados agrícolas internacionais, dando a escassez crônica lugar a recorrentes excessos de oferta. Sob esta nova condição, o progresso agrícola tornou-se cada vez mais dependente do apoio governamental, em especial à agricultura familiar. Daí que se pesquisa as respostas de políticas a essa mudança em diferentes regiões e as suas consequências para o desenvolvimento. O artigo conclui com uma discussão sobre a possibilidade de que o aumento da concorrência entre alimentos, ração e combustível cause um retorno à escassez nos mercados agrícolas internacionais no futuro e a necessidade de políticas que tornem possível a segurança alimentar e o crescimento sustentável pró-pobre.Código JEL | N50; Q18; Q58.
Nova ruralidade e o modelo de desenvolvimento no bioma Cerrado: as várias “marchas” para o Oeste do Brasil
Authors: Pietrafesa Pedro Araújo , Pietrafesa José Paulo
Published: April 2016

O presente artigo tem o objetivo de analisar como as atividades rurais levadas a efeito no Centro-Oeste contribuíram para o desenvolvimento da região. O trabalho parte do pressuposto de que o setor agroindustrial colaborou não só para a ocupação do interior do Brasil, mas também para a urbanização dos estados de Goiás, Mato Grosso e Mato Grosso do Sul. Além disso, a política de desenvolvimento regional esteve inserida, durante as décadas de 1960 a 1980, num contexto nacional de substituição de importações. No período recente, os estados do Centro-Oeste vêm experimentando a expansão do complexo industrial sucroenergético, consubstanciando uma “nova marcha para o Oeste brasileiro”. Neste ultimo caso, conta-se com a concessão de novos incentivos fiscais e com a disponibilidade de recursos orçamentários para a instalação e consolidação do setor.Código JEL | O13; Q13; R58.
A multivariate copula‐based framework for dealing with hazard scenarios and failure probabilities
Authors: Salvadori G. , Durante F. , De Michele C. , Bernardi M. , Petrella L.
Published: April 2016

This paper is of methodological nature, and deals with the foundations of Risk Assessment. Several international guidelines have recently recommended to select appropriate/relevant Hazard Scenarios in order to tame the consequences of (extreme) natural phenomena. In particular, the scenarios should be multivariate, i.e., they should take into account the fact that several variables, generally not independent, may be of interest. In this work, it is shown how a Hazard Scenario can be identified in terms of (i) a specific geometry and (ii) a suitable probability level. Several scenarios, as well as a Structural approach, are presented, and due comparisons are carried out. In addition, it is shown how the Hazard Scenario approach illustrated here is well suited to cope with the notion of Failure Probability, a tool traditionally used for design and risk assessment in engineering practice. All the results outlined throughout the work are based on the Copula Theory, which turns out to be a fundamental theoretical apparatus for doing multivariate risk assessment: formulas for the calculation of the probability of Hazard Scenarios in the general multidimensional case (
) are derived, and worthy analytical relationships among the probabilities of occurrence of Hazard Scenarios are presented. In addition, the Extreme Value and Archimedean special cases are dealt with, relationships between dependence ordering and scenario levels are studied, and a counter‐example concerning Tail Dependence is shown. Suitable indications for the practical application of the techniques outlined in the work are given, and two case studies illustrate the procedures discussed in the paper.
Utilizing the state of ENSO as a means for season‐ahead predictor selection
Authors: Zimmerman Brian G. , Vimont Daniel J. , Block Paul J.
Published: April 2016

This paper introduces the Nino Index Phase Analysis (NIPA) framework for forecasting hydroclimatic variables on a seasonal time scale. Antecedent Sea Surface Temperatures (SSTs) are commonly used in statistical predictive frameworks for seasonal forecasting, however, the typical approach of evaluating all the years on record in one bin (“phase”) does not often provide the level of skill required by decision makers. For many locations around the world, the most influential climate signal on the seasonal time scale is the El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO), and there are various indices used to capture the state of ENSO and provide this information. NIPA utilizes the state of ENSO to classify the years of record into four phases, operating under the hypothesis that ENSO itself is affecting the “mean state” of the atmospheric‐oceanic system, and relevant teleconnections depend on and must be selected within these mean states. A case study focused on spring precipitation over the Lower Colorado River Basin (LCRB) in Texas is chosen to illustrate NIPA's potential. Results show that correlations between wintertime SST fields and spring precipitation in the LCRB improve from 0.21 to 0.47 for the typical “one phase” and the NIPA “four‐phase” approach, respectively. Even greater improvements are seen across tercile‐based skill scores such as the Heidke Hit Skill Score and Ranked Probability Skill Score; skill is particularly strong for years exhibiting extreme wet or dry conditions. It also outperforms the North American Multi‐Model Ensemble predictions across the LCRB for the selected seasons. This is encouraging as improved predictability through NIPA may translate to better decision‐making for water managers.
The contribution of the GRAV‐D airborne gravity to geoid determination in the Great Lakes region
Authors: Li Xiaopeng , Crowley John W. , Holmes Simon A. , Wang Yan‐Ming
Published: April 2016

The current official North American Vertical Datum of 1988 (NAVD 88) and the International Great Lakes Datum of 1985 (IGLD 85) will be replaced by a new geoid‐based vertical datum in 2022. The Gravity for the Redefinition of the American Vertical Datum (GRAV‐D) project collects high‐quality airborne gravity data to improve the quality of the gravitational model that underpins the geoid model. This paper validates the contribution of GRAV‐D data in the Great Lakes region. Using the lake surface height measured by satellite altimetry as an independent data set, Global Gravity Models (GGMs) with/without the GRAV‐D data are compared. The comparisons show that the improvement reaches decimeters over Lake Michigan where the historic gravity data have significant errors. Over all lakes, except Lake Erie, the GRAV‐D data improve the accuracy of the gravitational model to 1–3 cm.
Constraining the source location of the 30 May 2015 (Mw 7.9) Bonin deep‐focus earthquake using seismogram envelopes of high‐frequency P waveforms: Occurrence of deep‐focus earthquake at the bottom of a subducting slab
Authors: Takemura Shunsuke , Maeda Takuto , Furumura Takashi , Obara Kazushige
Published: April 2016

In this study, the source location of the 30 May 2015 (Mw 7.9) deep‐focus Bonin earthquake was constrained using P wave seismograms recorded across Japan. We focus on propagation characteristics of high‐frequency P wave. Deep‐focus intraslab earthquakes typically show spindle‐shaped seismogram envelopes with peak delays of several seconds and subsequent long‐duration coda waves; however, both the main shock and aftershock of the 2015 Bonin event exhibited pulse‐like P wave propagations with high apparent velocities (~12.2 km/s). Such P wave propagation features were reproduced by finite‐difference method simulations of seismic wave propagation in the case of slab‐bottom source. The pulse‐like P wave seismogram envelopes observed from the 2015 Bonin earthquake show that its source was located at the bottom of the Pacific slab at a depth of ~680 km, rather than within its middle or upper regions.
Localizing the impact of satellite radiance observations using a global group ensemble filter
Authors: Lei Lili , Anderson Jeffrey L. , Whitaker Jeffrey S.
Published: April 2016

Assimilation of satellite radiances has been proven to have positive impacts on the forecast skill, especially for regions with sparse conventional observations. Localization is an essential component to effectively assimilate satellite radiances in ensemble Kalman filters with affordable ensemble sizes. However, localizing the impact of radiance observations is not straightforward, since their location and separation from grid point model variables are not well defined. A global group filter (GGF) is applied here to provide a theoretical estimate of vertical localization functions for radiance observations being assimilated for global numerical weather prediction. As an extension of the hierarchical ensemble filter, the GGF uses groups of climatological ensembles to provide an estimated localization function that reduces the erroneous increments due to ensemble correlation sampling error. Results from an idealized simulation with known background error covariances show that the GGF localization function is superior to the optimal Gaspari and Cohn (GC) localization function. When the GGF is applied to the AMSU‐A radiances, it can provide different localization functions for different channels, which indicates the complexity and large computational cost of tuning the localization scales for radiance observations. The GC, GGF, and fitted GGF (FGGF) localization functions are compared using experiments with the NCEP GFS and the NOAA operational EnKF. Verifications relative to the conventional observations, AMSU‐A radiances, and the ECMWF analyses show that the GGF and FGGF have smaller errors than GC except in the tropics, and the advantages of the GGF and FGGF persist through 120 h forecast lead time.
Disease Activity As a Major Determinant of Quality of Life and Physical Function in Patients With Early Axial Spondyloarthritis
Authors: Fernández‐Carballido Cristina , Navarro‐Compán Victoria , Castillo‐Gallego Concepción , Castro‐Villegas Maria C. , Collantes‐Estévez Eduardo , de Miguel Eugenio ,   on behalf of the Esperanza Study Group
Published: April 2016

Objective

To describe health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) and physical function in patients with early axial spondyloarthritis (SpA) and to assess their associations with disease activity and radiographic damage.

Methods

This was a cross‐sectional study drawing upon baseline data of axial SpA patients (Assessment of SpondyloArthritis international Society criteria) from the ESPERANZA cohort. Linear regression analyses were used to evaluate the associations between disease activity and radiographic damage (spine and sacroiliac joints) with HRQOL, physical function, and spinal mobility.

Results

In total, 259 patients were included. The mean ± SD age was 32.2 ± 6.9 years, disease duration was 13.3 ± 6.8 months, Ankylosing Spondylitis Quality of Life score was 5.9 ± 4.8, Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index score was 2.4 ± 2.3, Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Metrology Index score was 1.4 ± 1.3, Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) score was 3.8 ± 2.3, C‐reactive protein (CRP) level was 9.7 ± 13.2 mg/liter, and Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Radiology Index for the spine (BASRI‐s) score was 1.7 ± 1.6. HRQOL was mainly associated with disease activity on univariate analysis (β values for BASDAI 0.646, patient global visual analog scale [VAS] 0.641, night back pain VAS 0.598, physician VAS 0.560, and CRP level 0.275; P < 0.01 for all), whereas the association with radiographic damage was weaker (standardized β for BASRI‐s 0.142; P < 0.05). On multivariate models, HRQOL only remained significantly associated with disease activity (standardized β for BASDAI 0.330; P < 0.01, and physician VAS 0.205 and night back pain VAS 0.210; P = 0.01). Similarly, physical function was associated with disease activity and radiographic damage on univariate analysis, but only with disease activity (BASDAI β 0.466; P < 0.01) on multivariate analysis. However, spinal mobility was associated with radiographic damage in both univariate and multivariate analyses.

Conclusion

Patients with axial SpA already have impaired quality of life and physical function, albeit mildly, at the beginning of their disease course. Both outcomes are mainly associated with disease activity in these patients.
Impact of Chronic Diseases and Multimorbidity on Health and Health Care Costs: The Additional Role of Musculoskeletal Disorders
Authors: van der Zee‐Neuen Antje , Putrik Polina , Ramiro Sofia , Keszei Andras , de Bie Rob , Chorus Astrid , Boonen Annelies
Published: April 2016

Objective

Chronic diseases are increasingly prevalent and often occur as multimorbidity. This study compares the impact of musculoskeletal disorders (MSKDs) on health and health care costs with other chronic diseases, and assesses the additional impact of MSKDs on these outcomes when occurring as part of multimorbidity.

Methods

A household survey in a random Dutch population sample (n = 8,904) yielded information on sociodemographics, presence of 9 physician‐confirmed chronic diseases (i.e., musculoskeletal, migraine, diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular, cancer, respiratory, skin, mental, and gastrointestinal), physical component summary (PCS) and mental component summary (MCS) scores of the Short Form 12 health survey, and health care utilization. The independent influence of different diseases and the role of MSKDs with increasing number of morbidities on PCS/MCS and 3‐month societal health care costs were explored through multivariable linear and zero‐inflated negative binomial regressions, respectively.

Results

Twenty percent of all subjects and 56% of those with multimorbidity had an MSKD. MSKDs had the largest impact on PCS (β = −8.37 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) −8.84, −7.89]) but no significant impact on MCS. When MSKDs occurred as part of multimorbidity, an amplification of the adverse effect on PCS but not on MCS was seen, irrespective of the number of comorbidities. MSKDs were responsible for a 2‐fold increase in costs (Exp [β] = 2.27 [95% CI 2.08, 2.51]), which was the second highest cost increase of all diseases (after cancer). Significant amplification of costs was seen when MSKDs co‐occurred with mental diseases.

Conclusion

MSKDs often co‐occur with other chronic diseases. In the context of multimorbidity, presence of an MSKD amplifies the impact on physical health, and to a lesser extent on health care costs, but not on mental health.
Increased Risk of Dementia in Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Nationwide Population‐Based Cohort Study
Authors: Lin Yu‐Ru , Chou Lin‐Chuan , Chen Hung‐Chou , Liou Tsan‐Hon , Huang Shih‐Wei , Lin Hui‐Wen
Published: April 2016

Objective

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a systemic autoimmune disorder characterized by varied clinical symptoms and can be comorbid with neuropsychiatric disorders. However, the association between SLE and dementia risk in patients with SLE remains unclear. In this study, we evaluated the incidence of dementia in patients with SLE.

Methods

Patients were recruited from a nationwide cohort in 2004–2008 and categorized as SLE (n = 1,074; patients diagnosed with SLE) or non‐SLE (n = 5,370; age‐ and sex‐matched controls). Each patient was followed for up to 7 years, until either receiving a diagnosis of dementia or until December 31, 2010. Data were analyzed using the Kaplan‐Meier method and Cox regression analysis.

Results

The incidence rate of dementia was higher in the SLE cohort (357 per 100,000 person‐years) than in the non‐SLE cohort (180 per 100,000 person‐years). Patients with SLE had a higher risk of dementia than did those without SLE (crude hazard ratio [HR] 1.92; P < 0.05). Cox regression analysis revealed an adjusted HR for dementia in the SLE cohort of 2.14 (P < 0.001), after adjustment for other comorbid diseases and variables.

Conclusion

Patients with SLE have a higher risk of dementia.
Physical Activity Interventions for Increasing Objectively Measured Physical Activity Levels in Patients With Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain: A Systematic Review
Authors: Oliveira Crystian B. , Franco Marcia R. , Maher Christopher G. , Christine Lin Chung‐Wei , Morelhão Priscila K. , Araújo Amanda C. , Negrão Filho Ruben F. , Pinto Rafael Z.
Published: April 2016

Objective

To investigate whether physical activity interventions increase objectively measured physical activity levels of patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain (e.g., osteoarthritis, low back pain) compared to no/minimal intervention.

Methods

We performed a systematic review with meta‐analysis searching the Medline, Embase, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, SportDiscus, and Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) databases, and the main clinical trials registries. Quasirandomized or randomized controlled trials investigating the effect of physical activity interventions on objectively measured physical activity levels (e.g., using accelerometers or pedometers) of patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain compared with no/minimal intervention were considered eligible. Analyses were conducted separately for short‐term (≤3 months), intermediate (>3 months and <12 months), and long‐term (≥12 months) followups. Pooled effects were calculated using the standardized mean difference (SMD), and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) approach was used in summary conclusions.

Results

Eight published trials and 6 registered trials were included. For the short‐term followup, pooling of 6 trials showed no significant effect (SMD 0.34, 95% confidence interval −0.09, 0.77) between a physical activity intervention and no/minimal intervention. Similarly nonsignificant results were found for the intermediate and long‐term followups. The overall evidence according to the GRADE approach was classified as low quality.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that physical activity–based interventions may lead to little or no difference in objectively measured physical activity levels of patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain compared with no/minimal interventions. Given the number of registered trials, the pooled effect found in this review is likely to change once the results of these trials become available.
Influence of Education on Disease Activity and Damage in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Data From the 1000 Canadian Faces of Lupus
Authors: George Angela , Wong‐Pak Andrew , Peschken Christine A. , Silverman Earl , Pineau Christian , Smith C. Douglas , Arbillaga Hector , Zummer Michel , Bernatsky Sasha , Hudson Marie , Hitchon Carol , Fortin Paul R. , Nevskaya Tatiana , Pope Janet E. ,   on behalf of the 1000 Canadian Faces of Lupus Investigators
Published: April 2016

Objective

To determine whether socioeconomic status assessed by education is associated with disease activity and the risk of organ damage in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Methods

Data from the 1000 Canadian Faces of Lupus, a multicenter database of adult SLE patients, was used to compare education as either low (did not complete high school) or high (completed high school or further) for disease activity and damage. Education was also studied as a continuous variable. The relationships between education and SLE outcomes (any organ damage defined as a Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology Damage Index [SDI] score ≥1, serious organ damage [SDI score ≥3], and end‐stage renal disease) were evaluated using logistic regression analyses adjusted for age, sex, race/ethnicity, and disease duration.

Results

A total of 562 SLE patients met inclusion criteria (mean age 47 years, 91% female, and mean disease duration of 10 years); 81% had high education. The low education group was twice as likely to be work disabled (30%; P < 0.0001); they had higher disease activity and reduced renal function. Linear regression analysis revealed that low education was significantly associated with higher disease activity at enrollment into the 1000 Canadian Faces of Lupus database, after adjustment for age (at entry and at diagnosis), race/ethnicity, and sex (B 1.255 + 0.507 [SE], β = 0.115, P = 0.014). In our adjusted logistic regression models we were unable to demonstrate significant associations between education and SLE damage. Results did not change when varying the education variable.

Conclusion

In this cohort, low education was associated cross‐sectionally with higher disease activity and work disability, but not damage.
Heart Disease, Hypertension, Gestational Diabetes Mellitus, and Preeclampsia/Eclampsia in Mothers With Juvenile Arthritis: A Nested Case–Control Study
Authors: Feldman Debbie E. , Vinet Évelyne , Bérard Anick , Duffy Ciarán , Hazel Beth , Meshefedjian Garbis , Sylvestre Marie‐Pierre , Bernatsky Sasha
Published: April 2016

Objective

To determine whether women with a history of juvenile arthritis are at higher risk for heart disease and hypertension and for developing adverse maternal outcomes: gestational diabetes mellitus, maternal hypertension, and preeclampsia/eclampsia.

Methods

We designed a nested case–control study from a cohort of first‐time mothers with prior physician billing codes suggesting juvenile arthritis, and a matched comparison group without juvenile arthritis. For the nested case–control design, we selected 3 controls for each case for the outcomes of heart disease (n = 403), prepregnancy hypertension (n = 66), gestational diabetes mellitus (n = 285), maternal hypertension (n = 561), and preeclampsia/eclampsia (n = 236). We used conditional logistic regression, adjusting for maternal age and education.

Results

Having juvenile arthritis was associated with heart disease (odds ratio [OR] 2.44 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.15–5.15]) but not with gestational hypertension, diabetes mellitus, or preeclampsia/eclampsia. All 66 cases of prepregnancy hypertension had juvenile arthritis. Having prepregnancy hypertension was strongly associated with preeclampsia/eclampsia (OR 8.05 [95% CI 2.69–24.07]).

Conclusion

Women with a history of juvenile arthritis had a higher risk of heart disease. This risk signals the potential importance of cardiac prevention strategies in juvenile arthritis. As this was a retrospective study, it was not possible to correct for some relevant potential confounders. Further studies should assess the impact of medications, disease severity, and other factors (e.g., obesity) on cardiac outcomes in juvenile arthritis.
Delocalized Electron Accumulation at Nanorod Tips: Origin of Efficient H2 Generation
Authors: Zhang Kan , Kim Jung Kyu , Ma Ming , Yim Sang Youp , Lee Chang‐Lyoul , Shin Hyunjung , Park Jong Hyeok
Published: April 2016

Photocatalytic hydrogen (H2) evolution requires efficient electron transfer to catalytically active sites in competition with charge recombination. Thus, controlling charge‐carrier dynamics in the photocatalytic H2 evolution process is essential for optimized photocatalyst nanostructures. Here, the efficient delocalization of electrons is demonstrated in a heterostructure consisting of optimized MoS2 tips and CdS nanorods (M‐t‐CdS Nrs) synthesized by amine‐assisted oriented attachment. The heterostructure achieves photocatalytic H2 activity of 8.44 mmol h−1 g−1 with excellent long‐term durability (>23 h) without additional passivation under simulated solar light (AM 1.5, 100 mW cm−2). This activity is nearly two orders of magnitude higher than that of pure CdS Nrs. The impressive photocatalytic H2 activity of M‐t‐CdS Nrs reflects favorable charge‐carrier dynamics, as determined by steady‐state PL and time‐correlated single photon counting correlation analysis at low temperature. The MoS2 cocatalysts precisely located at the end of the CdS Nrs exhibit ultrafast charge transfer and slow charge recombination via spatially localized deeper energy states, resulting in a highly efficient H2 evolution reaction in lactic acid containing an electrolyte.
Strategies for Volumetric Recovery of Large Scale Damage in Polymers
Authors: Krull Brett P. , Gergely Ryan C. R. , Santa Cruz Windy A. , Fedonina Yelizaveta I. , Patrick Jason F. , White Scott R. , Sottos Nancy R.
Published: April 2016

The maximum volume that can be restored after catastrophic damage in a newly developed regenerative polymer system is explored for various mixing, surface wetting, specimen configuration, and microvascular delivery conditions. A two‐stage healing agent is implemented to overcome limitations imposed by surface tension and gravity on liquid retention within a damage volume. The healing agent is formulated as a two‐part system in which the two reagent solutions are delivered to a through‐thickness, cylindrical defect geometry by parallel microvascular channels in thin epoxy sheets. Mixing occurs as the solutions enter the damage region, inducing gelation to initiate an accretive deposition process that enables large damage volume regeneration. The progression of the damage recovery process is tracked using optical and fluorescent imaging, and the mixing efficiency is analyzed. Complete recovery of gaps spanning 11.2 mm in diameter (98 mm2) is achieved under optimal conditions.
Albumin Carriers for Cancer Theranostics: A Conventional Platform with New Promise
Authors: Chen Qian , Liu Zhuang
Published: April 2016

Theranostic nanoplatforms with integrated diagnostic and therapeutic functions, aiming at imaging‐guided therapy to improve treatment planning, as well as combination therapy to enhance treatment efficacy, have received tremendous attention in recent years. Among numerous types of functional nanomaterials explored in this field, protein‐based nanocarriers with inherent biocompatibility have also been selected as building blocks to construct multifunctional theranostic platforms. In particular, albumin, which has been extensively used as drug‐delivery carriers for decades, has shown great new promise in the construction of novel imaging and therapeutic nanoagents, as demonstrated by a number of recent studies. IHere, the motivations of using albumins to build up nanoscale theranostics are discussed, and the latest progress/future perspectives in this direction are summarized.
Low‐temperature and highly efficient conversion of saccharides into formic acid under hydrothermal conditions
Authors: Yun Jun , Yao Guodong , Jin Fangming , Zhong Heng , Kishita Atsushi , Tohji Kazuyuki , Enomoto Heiji , Wang Li
Published: April 2016

Production of formic acid, which has been regarded as an important H2 carrier, from biomass can be a highly potential way to provide human societies with renewable energy source. To attain economically viable production of formic acid from biomass on an industrial scale, the system operation at low reaction temperature is crucially important. In this work, a low‐temperature hydrothermal conversion of carbohydrates such as monosaccharides and disaccharides into formic acid is reported. A good formic acid yield of 80–85% was obtained at a lower temperature of 423 K for only 15–20 min in the presence of NaOH without any other catalyst. The alkali was found to act as two roles in enhancing the production of formic acid. One was inhibition of the formic acid decomposition; another was favorable for the oxidation selectively at C‐1 for aldoses, which leads to the formation of formic acid via the rupture of the C1–C2 bond. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 62: 3657–3663, 2016
Denken wie ein Chemiker: Thermoelektrika intuitiv
Authors: Zeier Wolfgang G. , Zevalkink Alex , Gibbs Zachary M. , Hautier Geoffroy , Kanatzidis Mercouri G. , Snyder G. Jeffrey
Published: April 2016

Effiziente thermoelektrische Materialien werden durch ein Zusammenspiel von stark voneinander abhängenden Transporteigenschaften erreicht. Um diese wissentlich zu beeinflussen, wird ein tieferes Verständnis der Chemie und Physik in Festkörpern benötigt. Auf der Grundlage von Molekülorbitaldiagrammen, der “Tight‐Binding”‐Methode und dem klassischem Verständnis von Bindungsstärken betrachten wir das gezielte Design thermoelektrischer Materialien. Hierbei werden Parameter wie Elektronegativität, Bandbreite, Orbitalüberlappung sowie Bindungsenergie und ‐länge herangezogen, um Trends der elektronischen Eigenschaften wie Größe und Temperaturabhängigkeit von Bandlücken, effektive Masse der Ladungsträger sowie Bandentartung und Bandkonvergenz zu erklären. Gitterwärmeleitfähigkeiten werden in Bezug auf die Kristallstruktur und Bindungsstärke behandelt, um den Einfluss von Bindungslängen zu verdeutlichen. Wir zeigen, wie Symmetrie und Stärke von Bindungen den Transport von Elektronen und Phononen beeinflussen und wie gezielte Strategien zu Veränderungen und zur Verbesserung thermoelektrischer Effizienz führen können.
Organocatalytic Enantioselective Nucleophilic Alkynylation of Allyl Fluorides Affording Chiral Skipped Ene‐ynes
Authors: Okusu Satoshi , Okazaki Hiroki , Tokunaga Etsuko , Soloshonok Vadim A. , Shibata Norio
Published: April 2016

Asymmetric methods for preparation of chiral alkynyl‐containing compounds are in extremely high demand in many sectors of chemical research. In this work, we report the discovery of a general organocatalytic enantioselective alkynylation based on the idea of Si/F activation of the allylic C−F bond. This approach features reasonably broad substrate scope, functional group tolerance, and relatively neutral, mild, and operationally convenient reaction conditions; all of which bode well for the synthetic value of the discovered method. In particular, this method provides unique chiral skipped 1,4‐ene‐ynes having two kinds of versatile functional groups.
Rhodium‐Catalyzed Cross‐Cyclotrimerization and Dimerization of Allenes with Alkynes
Authors: Sakashita Kazuki , Shibata Yu , Tanaka Ken
Published: April 2016

It has been established that a cationic rhodium(I)/binap complex catalyzes the cross‐cyclotrimerization of two molecules of a monosubstituted allene with one molecule of a functionalized alkyne to give 3,6‐dialkylidenecyclohex‐1‐enes. In contrast, the reactions involving di‐ or trisubstituted allenes and/or unfunctionalized alkynes afforded cross‐dimerization products, substituted dendralenes, through β‐hydrogen elimination from the corresponding rhodacycles.
Nickel‐Catalyzed Stereoselective Dicarbofunctionalization of Alkynes
Authors: Li Zhaodong , García‐Domínguez Andrés , Nevado Cristina
Published: April 2016

A nickel‐catalyzed three‐component reaction involving terminal alkynes, boronic acids, and alkyl halides is presented herein. Trisubstituted alkenes can be obtained in a highly regio‐ and stereocontrolled manner by the simultaneous addition of both aryl and alkyl groups across the triple bond in a radical‐mediated process. The reaction, devoid of air‐ and moisture‐sensitive organometallic reagents and catalysts, is operationally simple and offers a broad scope and functional‐group tolerance.
The Effect of Varying Jaw‐elevator Muscle Forces on a Finite Element Model of a Human Cranium
Authors: Toro‐Ibacache Viviana , O'Higgins Paul
Published: April 2016

Finite element analyses simulating masticatory system loading are increasingly undertaken in primates, hominin fossils and modern humans. Simplifications of models and loadcases are often required given the limits of data and technology. One such area of uncertainty concerns the forces applied to cranial models and their sensitivity to variations in these forces. We assessed the effect of varying force magnitudes among jaw‐elevator muscles applied to a finite element model of a human cranium. The model was loaded to simulate incisor and molar bites using different combinations of muscle forces. Symmetric, asymmetric, homogeneous, and heterogeneous muscle activations were simulated by scaling maximal forces. The effects were compared with respect to strain distribution (i.e., modes of deformation) and magnitudes; bite forces and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) reaction forces. Predicted modes of deformation, strain magnitudes and bite forces were directly proportional to total applied muscle force and relatively insensitive to the degree of heterogeneity of muscle activation. However, TMJ reaction forces and mandibular fossa strains decrease and increase on the balancing and working sides according to the degree of asymmetry of loading. These results indicate that when modes, rather than magnitudes, of facial deformation are of interest, errors in applied muscle forces have limited effects. However the degree of asymmetric loading does impact on TMJ reaction forces and mandibular fossa strains. These findings are of particular interest in relation to studies of skeletal and fossil material, where muscle data are not available and estimation of muscle forces from skeletal proxies is prone to error. Anat Rec, 299:828–839, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Histomorphometric comparison of the human, swine, and ovine collecting systems
Authors: Simões Michele , de Souza Diogo B. , Gallo Carla B. M. , Pereira‐Sampaio Marco A. , Costa Waldemar S. , Sampaio Francisco J.
Published: April 2016

The ovine kidney has been recently determined to be a better model than the swine kidney for the study of collecting system healing after partial nephrectomy. However, there is no histological study comparing the collecting systems of these species. To compare human, swine, and ovine collecting systems using histomorphometry. The collecting systems of 10 kidneys from each species (human, swine, and ovine) were processed for histomorphometry. The thickness of the three layers (mucosal connective tissue, submucosal muscular, and adventitial connective tissue) were measured. The densities of smooth muscle fibers, elastic system fibers, and cells were also measured. Additionally, blood vessel density in the adventitial connective tissue was measured. Analysis of the collecting systems from the three species presented several differences. The adventitial connective tissue from the swine samples was thicker, with more blood vessels and smooth muscle fibers, compared with that from the human and ovine samples. Swine also had higher density of elastic fibers on the submucosal muscular layer. Ovine and human collecting systems shared several similar features, such as blood vessel and elastic fiber density in all layers and the density of cellular and muscular fibers in the submucosal muscular and adventitial connective tissue layers. The collecting system of the ovine kidney is more similar to that of the human kidney compared with that of the swine kidney. This may explain the differences between the healing mechanisms in swine and those in humans and sheep after partial nephrectomy. Anat Rec, 299:967–972, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Granulation Tissue Eroding the Subchondral Bone Also Promotes New Bone Formation in Ankylosing Spondylitis
Authors: Bleil Janine , Maier Rene , Hempfing Axel , Sieper Joachim , Appel Heiner , Syrbe Uta
Published: April 2016

Objective

We previously suggested that fibroblast‐rich granulation tissue eroding the subchondral bone is instrumental in the joint remodeling that occurs in ankylosing spondylitis (AS). The purpose of this study was to determine if this granulation tissue also carries bone‐forming capabilities, which we approached by searching for bone‐forming cells (hypertrophic chondrocytes, osteoblasts) in its vicinity. We also assessed adipogenic tissue transformation, which has been suggested to be an intermediate feature in AS bone formation based on imaging studies.

Methods

The facet joints of AS patients, osteoarthritis (OA) patients, and autopsy subjects (controls) were screened for subchondral granulation tissue. We searched for hypertrophic chondrocytes by assessing RUNX‐2, type X collagen, and matrix metalloproteinase 13 (MMP‐13) expression, for osteoblasts by analyzing RUNX‐2, CD56, and type I collagen expression, as well as for signs of new bone formation. Adipocytes and lipid accumulation were assessed in Safranin O–stained sections.

Results

In the joints of AS and OA patients, RUNX‐2–positive cells were found to be lining the granulation tissue. These cells coexpressed type I collagen but lacked type X collagen and MMP‐13 expression, confirming their osteoblastic nature. In 91% of AS joints and in 20% of OA joints (P < 0.05), we observed foci of new bone formation at contact zones between the granulation tissue and the cartilage. Joints containing bony spots showed greater replacement of the adjacent bone marrow by granulation tissue than did joints without bone formation (P < 0.05). The granulation tissue often contained adipocytes and lipid accumulations. Replacement of the subchondral bone marrow by fat tissue was also frequently found but was not associated with new bone formation.

Conclusion

The subchondral granulation tissue carries osteoblasts, which promote new bone formation, leading to intraarticular ankylosis of the facet joints in AS.