bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Personal characteristics and contextual factors that determine “helping,” “joining in,” and “doing nothing” when witnessing cyberbullying
Authors: Van Cleemput Katrien , Vandebosch Heidi , Pabian Sara
Published: May 2014

In this article, we investigated several determinants of bystanders' reactive behaviors when confronted with cyberbullying using self‐reported data from 2,333 Flemish 9–16 year olds. Structural equation modeling showed that adolescents that had joined in on the cyberbullying were older, had lower levels of empathy and were more likely to have been involved in cyberbullying or traditional bullying as perpetrators. Adolescents who had helped the victim were younger, had higher levels of empathy and were more likely to have been a victim of cyberbullying or traditional bullying in the past months. Adolescents that did nothing when they witnessed cyberbullying, were also older, showed lower levels of empathy and were less likely to have been a victim of traditional bullying. Social anxiety was not related to joining in, helping and remaining passive. In the second part of the analysis, we found that bystanders' passive behavior could be explained in more detail by moral disengagement theory and other contextual factors. In the discussion, the implications of the findings for research on cyberbullying are addressed. Aggr. Behav. 40:383–396, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Electrocardiographic Findings in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Data From an International Inception Cohort
Authors: Bourré‐Tessier Josiane , Urowitz Murray B. , Clarke Ann E. , Bernatsky Sasha , Krantz Mori J. , Huynh Thao , Joseph Lawrence , Belisle Patrick , Bae Sang‐Cheol , Hanly John G. , Wallace Daniel J. , Gordon Caroline , Isenberg David , Rahman Anisur , Gladman Dafna D. , Fortin Paul R. , Merrill Joan T. , Romero‐Diaz Juanita , Sanchez‐Guerrero Jorge , Fessler Barri , Alarcón Graciela S. , Steinsson Kristján , Bruce Ian N. , Ginzler Ellen , Dooley Mary Anne , Nived Ola , Sturfelt Gunnar , Kalunian Kenneth , Ramos‐Casals Manuel , Petri Michelle , Zoma Asad , Pineau Christian A.
Published: May 2014

Objective

To estimate the early prevalence of various electrocardiographic (EKG) abnormalities in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and to evaluate possible associations between repolarization changes (increased corrected QT [QTc] and QT dispersion [QTd]) and clinical and laboratory variables, including the anti‐Ro/SSA level and specificity (52 or 60 kd).

Methods

We studied adult SLE patients from 19 centers participating in the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics (SLICC) Inception Registry. Demographics, disease activity (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index 2000 [SLEDAI‐2K]), disease damage (SLICC/American College of Rheumatology Damage Index [SDI]), and laboratory data from the baseline or first followup visit were assessed. Multivariate logistic and linear regression models were used to asses for any cross‐sectional associations between anti‐Ro/SSA and EKG repolarization abnormalities.

Results

For the 779 patients included, mean ± SD age was 35.2 ± 13.8 years, 88.4% were women, and mean ± SD disease duration was 10.5 ± 14.5 months. Mean ± SD SLEDAI‐2K score was 5.4 ± 5.6 and mean ± SD SDI score was 0.5 ± 1.0. EKG abnormalities were frequent and included nonspecific ST‐T changes (30.9%), possible left ventricular hypertrophy (5.4%), and supraventricular arrhythmias (1.3%). A QTc ≥440 msec was found in 15.3%, while a QTc ≥460 msec was found in 5.3%. Mean ± SD QTd was 34.2 ± 14.7 msec and QTd ≥40 msec was frequent (38.1%). Neither the specificity nor the level of anti‐Ro/SSA was associated with QTc duration or QTd, although confidence intervals were wide. Total SDI was significantly associated with a QTc interval exceeding 440 msec (odds ratio 1.38 [95% confidence interval 1.06, 1.79]).

Conclusion

A substantial proportion of patients with recent‐onset SLE exhibited repolarization abnormalities, although severe abnormalities were rare.
Patient and Physician Expectations of Add‐On Treatment With Golimumab for Rheumatoid Arthritis: Relationships Between Expectations and Clinical and Quality of Life Outcomes
Authors: Dasgupta Bhaskar , Combe Bernard , Louw Ingrid , Wollenhaupt Jürgen , Zerbini Cristiano A. F. , Beaulieu Andre , Schulze‐Koops Hendrik , Durez Patrick , Wolff Verónica , Yao Ruji , Weng Haoling H. , Govoni Marinella , Vastesaeger Nathan
Published: May 2014

Objective

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) management involves improving clinical outcomes and quality of life (QOL). Golimumab is used as add‐on therapy for patients who have failed disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). This GO‐MORE subanalysis investigated relationships between patient and physician expectations and outcomes.

Methods

GO‐MORE was an open‐label, multinational, prospective study in biologic agent–naive patients with active RA despite DMARD treatment. Patients received 50 mg subcutaneous golimumab monthly for 6 months. At baseline and month 3, patients rated treatment expectations for the following 3 months using 5‐point scales (where 1 = good and 5 = poor). Outcomes were compared among expectation tertiles: most positive, intermediate, and least positive. At baseline and month 3, physicians predicted patient disease state 3 months later.

Results

At baseline, 3,280 efficacy‐evaluable patients with moderate (21.3%) or high (78.7%) disease activity had mean ± SD disease duration of 7.6 ± 7.9 years, mean ± SD Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) disability index (DI) score of 1.44 ± 0.67, and mean ± SD EuroQol 5‐domain (EQ‐5D) score of 0.42 ± 0.33. Patients reported high treatment expectations (mean 1.43); 95.9% expected golimumab to be better than current treatment. Patients with fewer DMARD failures, higher disease activity, shorter disease duration, younger age, and female sex reported higher expectations (P < 0.05 for all). After 6 months, patients with the most positive expectations had higher remission rates (P < 0.0001) and greater HAQ DI (P < 0.0001) and EQ‐5D (P < 0.0001) score improvements. At baseline, physicians expected 29.6% and 59.2% of patients to attain remission and low disease activity, respectively, after 3 months.

Conclusion

Patients had high expectations for golimumab treatment. Patients with more positive expectations had greater remission rates, improvements in function, and QOL.
Relevant Concepts of Functioning for Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Identified in a Delphi Exercise of Experts and a Literature Review
Authors: Leuchten Nicolai , Bauernfeind Bettina , Kuttner Johannes , Stamm Tanja , Smolen Josef S. , Pisetsky David S. , Aringer Martin
Published: May 2014

Objective

To identify in a Delphi exercise of international systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) experts and a systematic literature review the most relevant concepts that impact on the functioning of SLE patients.

Methods

Sixty SLE experts participated in all rounds of a 3‐round e‐mail–based Delphi exercise; for the literature review, 573 manuscripts out of 4 decades were analyzed. Concepts in the first Delphi round and from the literature were linked to categories of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF). Categories were voted on individually in a feedback‐driven Delphi process, and ranked by frequency in the literature, respectively.

Results

In the Delphi exercise, at least 80% of the participants found 30 categories of the domain body functions and structures, and 3 categories in the domain activities and participation and environmental factors important. In general, the categories identified in the literature review overlapped with those in the Delphi exercise with regard to body functions and structures, while showing some differences in other domains. The highest agreement concerned the ICF categories “joints,” “skin and related structures,” “fatiguability,” “immunological system functions,” and “handling stress and other psychological demands.” Agreement with an earlier patient Delphi exercise was considerable.

Conclusion

A 3‐step Delphi exercise of 60 SLE experts and a literature review identified a wide spectrum of relevant ICF categories with impact on functioning of SLE patients. The categories derived from these approaches overlap with each other and with those of a patient Delphi exercise.
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Outcomes in First and Subsequent Births Based on Data From a National Birth Registry
Authors: Wallenius Marianne , Salvesen Kjell Å. , Daltveit Anne K. , Skomsvoll Johan F.
Published: May 2014

Objective

To examine the associations between systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and outcomes in first and subsequent births.

Methods

Data from the Medical Birth Registry of Norway during the period December 1, 1998 to December 31, 2009 were used to assess maternal and perinatal outcomes in women diagnosed with SLE compared with the general population. Outcomes of first and subsequent births were analyzed separately. Associations between SLE and pregnancy outcomes were assessed in logistic regression analyses and are shown as adjusted odds ratios (aORs) after adjustment for maternal age, gestational age, smoking habits, and previous cesarean section (CS), when relevant.

Results

We analyzed 95 first and 145 subsequent births in patients and compared them with references. The risk of CS was two‐fold higher in SLE patients in first and subsequent births. More newborns of patients had a birth weight <2,500 gm (aOR 5.00 [95 % confidence interval (95% CI) 3.02, 8.27] in first births and aOR 4.33 [95% CI 2.64, 7.10] in subsequent births). Additionally, preterm birth was more frequent among SLE patients (aOR 4.04 [95% CI 2.45, 6.56] in first births and aOR 3.13 [95% CI 1.97, 4.98] in subsequent births). Congenital malformations were more prevalent among children of patients than references (aOR 2.71 [95% CI 1.25, 5.86] in first births and aOR 3.13 [95% CI 1.69, 5.79] in subsequent births). Perinatal death was more frequent in first births among patients (aOR 7.34 [95% CI 2.69, 20.03]), but no difference was observed in subsequent births.

Conclusion

Pregnancy complications were more frequent in SLE patients than references, and the greatest differences between groups were observed in first births.
Influence of a Nanometric Al2O3 Interlayer on the Thermal Conductance of an Al/(Si, Diamond) Interface
Authors: Monachon Christian , Weber Ludger
Published: May 2014

The effect of an Al2O3 interlayer on the thermal conductance of metal (Al)/non‐metal (diamond and silicon) interfaces is investigated using Time Domain ThermoReflectance (TDTR). Interlayers between 1.7 and 20 nm are deposited on oxygen‐terminated diamond and hydrogen‐terminated silicon substrates using atomic layer deposition (ALD). Their overall conductance is then measured at temperatures ranging from 78 to 290 K. The contributions of the interlayer bulk and its interfaces with both substrate and metallic overlayer are then separated. Values thus obtained for the bulk interlayer conductivity are comparable with existing data, reaching 1.25 W m−1 K−1 at 290 K. Interface contributions are shown to be very similar to the values obtained when a single Al/substrate interface is investigated, suggesting that interfacial oxides may govern TBC independently of the interlayer's thickness.
Maternal predictors of anxiety risk in young males with fragile X
Authors: Tonnsen Bridgette L. , Cornish Kim M. , Wheeler Anne C. , Roberts Jane E.
Published: May 2014

Children with fragile X syndrome (FXS) demonstrate high rates of anxiety disorders, with 65–83% meeting diagnostic criteria. The severity of anxiety symptoms in FXS has been shown to be partially predicted by elevated negative affect across early childhood [Tonnsen et al. (2013a); J Abnorm Child Psychol 41:267–280]. This association suggests that biologically driven vulnerability emerges early in development, as is reported in non‐clinical populations. However, anxiety emergence is likely moderated by multifaceted genetic, biological and environmental risk and protective factors. Mothers with the FMR1 premutation have been shown to exhibit elevated parenting stress and internalizing symptoms, which have each been associated with child behavior problems [Bailey et al. (2008a); Am J Med Genet Part A 146A:2060–2069 and Bailey et al. (2008b) Am J Med Genet Part A 146A:720–729]. Despite these findings, it is unclear whether maternal factors directly relate to anxiety vulnerability in high‐risk children with FXS, a question essential to informing targeted, family‐sensitive treatment. The present study examines how maternal protective and risk factors relate to child inhibition reflected in (1) child anxiety symptoms, (2) child trajectories of negative affect, and (3) the association between child anxiety and negative affect. Primary predictors include maternal parenting stress, indicators of mental health risk (anxiety and depressive symptoms), and maternal optimism. We also examine genetic correlates in mothers (CGG repeats, activation ratio, mRNA). Our findings suggest that behavioral inhibition in young children with FXS is associated with higher parenting stress and lower optimism, and higher parenting stress is associated with lower maternal X‐activation ratio. These findings underscore the need for family‐sensitive treatment strategies for anxiety disorders in children with FXS. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cerebellar hypoplasia: Differential diagnosis and diagnostic approach
Authors: Poretti Andrea , Boltshauser Eugen , Doherty Dan
Published: May 2014

Cerebellar hypoplasia (CH) refers to a cerebellum with a reduced volume, and is a common, but non‐specific neuroimaging finding. The etiological spectrum of CH is wide and includes both primary (malformative) and secondary (disruptive) conditions. Primary conditions include chromosomal aberrations (e.g., trisomy 13 and 18), metabolic disorders (e.g., molybdenum cofactor deficiency, Smith–Lemli–Opitz syndrome, and adenylosuccinase deficiency), genetic syndromes (e.g., Ritscher‐Schinzel, Joubert, and CHARGE syndromes), and brain malformations (primary posterior fossa malformations e.g., Dandy–Walker malformation, pontine tegmental cap dysplasia and rhombencephalosynapsis, or global brain malformations such as tubulinopathies and α‐dystroglycanopathies). Secondary (disruptive) conditions include prenatal infections (e.g., cytomegalovirus), exposure to teratogens, and extreme prematurity. The distinction between malformations and disruptions is important for pathogenesis and genetic counseling. Neuroimaging provides key information to categorize CH based on the pattern of involvement: unilateral CH, CH with mainly vermis involvement, global CH with involvement of both vermis and hemispheres, and pontocerebellar hypoplasia. The category of CH, associated neuroimaging findings and clinical features may suggest a specific disorder or help plan further investigations and interpret their results. Over the past decade, advances in neuroimaging and genetic testing have greatly improved clinical diagnosis, diagnostic testing, recurrence risk counseling, and information about prognosis for patients and their families. In the next decade, these advances will be translated into deeper understanding of these disorders and more specific treatments. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Environmental, biological, and social factors influencing fecal adrenal steroid concentrations in female Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata)
Authors: Takeshita Rafaela S. C. , Bercovitch Fred B. , Huffman Michael A. , Mouri Keiko , Garcia Cécile , Rigaill Lucie , Shimizu Keiko
Published: May 2014

The ability to determine hormonal profiles of primate populations using non‐invasive techniques can help to monitor physical fitness, stress, and physiological responses to environmental changes. We investigated fecal glucocorticoids (fGC) and DHEAS concentrations in captive Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata) in relation to environmental, biological, and social factors. The subjects were female Japanese monkeys from 4 months to 31 years old housed in captivity (27 in social groups and 12 in single cages). Fecal samples were collected from all females, and behavioral data from the social groups during the mating season and the following birth season. Hormonal concentrations were analyzed by enzyme immunoassay. Our results revealed that both fGC and fecal DHEAS concentrations are higher in females housed indoors in single cages than in those living outdoors in social groups. We also found that fGC concentrations were higher in the cycling females during the mating (winter) season than the lactating females in the birth (spring) season. Age was negatively associated to both fGC and fecal DHEAS levels, but the relationship between age and fecal DHEAS was more evident in females housed indoors in single cages than in females housed in outdoor social groups. We did not observe any association of dominance rank with either fecal DHEAS or fGC. This study showed that measurement of fecal DHEAS and fGC can be a good method to assess stress in Japanese macaques. These findings provide insights about the physiology of these two adrenal hormones in female Japanese macaques, which can be applied to wild populations and is fundamental for captive management and conservation biology. Am. J. Primatol. 76:1084–1093, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Specific pattern of gadolinium enhancement in spondylotic myelopathy
Authors: Flanagan Eoin P. , Krecke Karl N. , Marsh Richard W. , Giannini Caterina , Keegan B. Mark , Weinshenker Brian G.
Published: May 2014

Objective

To highlight a specific under‐recognized radiological feature of spondylotic myelopathy often resulting in misdiagnosis.

Methods

Patients evaluated between January 1, 1996 and December 31, 2012 who met the following criteria were included: (1) spondylotic myelopathy was suspected, (2) gadolinium enhancement was detected, and (3) spinal surgery was performed.

Results

Fifty‐six patients (70% men) whose median age was 53.5 years (range = 24–80) were included. Spinal cord magnetic resonance imaging (cervical in 52; thoracic in 4) revealed longitudinal spindle‐shaped T2‐signal hyperintensity (100%) and cord enlargement (79%) accompanied by a characteristic pancakelike transverse band of gadolinium enhancement in 41 (73%), typically immediately caudal to the site of maximal spinal stenosis. Forty (71%) patients were initially diagnosed with neoplastic or inflammatory myelopathies, and decompressive surgery was delayed by a median of 11 months (range = 1–64). Spinal cord biopsy in 6 did not reveal any alternative diagnosis. Ninety‐five percent were stable or improved. Gadolinium enhancement persisted in 75% at 12 months, raising concern about the accuracy of the initial diagnosis. Twenty patients required a gait aid (36%) at last follow‐up (median = 60 months, range = 10–172). The need for a gait aid preoperatively (p = 0.005), but not delay of surgery, predicted the need for gait aid at final follow‐up.

Interpretation

Transverse pancakelike gadolinium enhancement associated with and just caudal to the site of maximal stenosis and at the rostrocaudal midpoint of a spindle‐shaped T2 hyperintensity suggests that spondylosis is the cause of the myelopathy. Persistent enhancement for months to years following decompressive surgery is common. Recognition is important to prevent inappropriate interventions or delay in consideration of a potentially beneficial decompressive surgery. Ann Neurol 2014;76:54–65
Hydrogen: a good partner for rhodium‐catalyzed hydrosilylation
Authors: Balan Cédric , Pop Roxana , Comte Virginie , Poinsot Didier , Ratovelomanana‐Vidal Virginie , Gendre Pierre Le
Published: May 2014

The influence of hydrogen pressure on the hydrosilylation of ketones catalyzed by [((S)‐SYNPHOS)Rh(nbd)]OTf has been studied. We have notably demonstrated that hydrogen significantly affected the outcome of the reaction while not being consumed as stoichiometric reducing agent. In THF, diethyl ether or toluene, the hydrogen pressure exceedingly accelerated the hydrosilylation reaction and preserved or even improved the enantioselectivity of the process. In CH2Cl2, the rhodium catalyst also showed generally higher catalytic activity under hydrogen pressure. Most serendipitously, several ketones were found to give products of absolute opposite configuration upon performing the hydrosilylation under argon atmosphere or under hydrogen pressure. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mechanical stability of high‐molecular‐weight polyacrylamides and an (acrylamido tert‐butyl sulfonic acid)–acrylamide copolymer used in enhanced oil recovery
Authors: Al‐Hashmi Abdul‐Aziz , Al‐Maamari Rashid , Al‐Shabibi Ibtisam , Mansoor Ahmed , Al‐Sharji Hamed , Zaitoun Alain
Published: May 2014

High‐molecular‐weight partially hydrolyzed and sulfonated polyacrylamides are widely used in enhanced oil recovery (EOR). Nonionic polyacrylamide and polyacrylamide‐based microgels are also used in water shut‐off treatments for gas and oil wells. A comparative study of the mechanical degradation for three linear polyacrylamides and a microgel is presented. Mechanical degradation is quantified from the loss of the viscosity of the polymer solution as it passes through a stainless steel capillary with a length of 10 cm and an internal diameter of 125 µm. The critical shear rate above which degradation increases exponentially was found to depend on the chemical structure of the polymer, molecular weight, and electrolyte strength. The nonionic polyacrylamide shows higher degradation and lower critical shear rate compared with a sulfonated polyacrylamide with similar molecular weight. Moreover, the nonionic polyacrylamide with a higher molecular weight results in lower mechanical degradation. The higher mechanical stability of the sulfonated polymer is attributed to the higher rigidity of its molecules in solution. On the other hand, the ability of the high‐molecular‐weight polymers to form transient, flow‐induced microgels boost their mechanical stability. This ability increases with the increase in the molecular weight of the polymer. Indeed, the microgel solution used in this study demonstrates exceptional mechanical stability. In general, mechanical stability of linear polymers used in chemical enhanced oil recovery can be enhanced by tailoring a polymer that has large side groups similar to the sulfonated polyacrylamide. Also, polyacrylamide‐based microgels can be applied if high mechanical stability is required. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40921.
Effects of TMPTMA and silane on the compressive strength of low‐temperature cured acrylic polymer concrete
Authors: Yeon Kyu‐Seok , Cha Jin‐Yun , Yeon Jung Heum , Seung In Bae
Published: May 2014

This study addresses the effects of additives on the compressive strength of low‐temperature cured acrylic polymer concrete (PC). Three curing temperatures (0°C, −10°C, and −20°C) and five ages (6, 12, 24, 72, and 168 h) with two different types of additives [trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate (TMPTMA) and silane] were investigated. As a result, the compressive strength tended to decrease as the curing temperature decreased. The compressive strengths at 24 h were approximately 90% of those at 168 h at both curing temperatures of 0°C and −20°C, indicating that the rate of early age strength development was quite high even at a very low curing temperature range. The results of two‐way variance analysis revealed that silane had a greater impact on the compressive strength than TMPTMA. About 13%–23% strength improvements with a 168‐h compressive strength of over 80 MPa could be obtained at −20°C by adding silane. Furthermore, this study proposed optimum mixture proportions of acrylic PC that generate a working life of 50–70 minutes with a compressive strength of 80 MPa at subzero temperatures. The findings of this study are expected to be effectively used in field applications of acrylic PC, especially in the cold regions during winter season. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40939.
Enhanced piezoelectric responses and crystalline arrangement of electroactive polyvinylidene fluoride/magnetite nanocomposites
Authors: Ouyang Zen‐Wei , Chen Erh‐Chiang , Wu Tzong‐Ming
Published: May 2014

The well distributed and electroactive polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF)/magnetite nanocomposites were successfully fabricated using a mixed solvent system (THF/DMF). Dynamic mechanical properties of the fabricated PVDF/magnetite nanocomposites indicate significant enhancements in the storage modulus as compared with that of neat PVDF. By adding 2 wt % magnetite nanoparticles into the PVDF matrix, the thermal stability of nanocomposites could be enhanced about 26°C as compared with that of PVDF. The β‐phase fraction of PVDF is significantly enhanced with increasing the voltage of electric field poling. The piezoelectric responses of PVDF/magnetite films are extensively increased about five times in magnitude with applied strength of electrical field at 35 MV/m. The change of piezoelectric responses during the applied electric field may be due to the relative long arrangement of PVDF units along the direction of electric field poling and thus increases the values of Lp* and lc. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40941.
Randomized, Double‐Blind, Placebo‐Controlled Trial of the Efficacy and Safety of Rilonacept in the Treatment of Systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
Authors: Ilowite Norman T. , Prather Kristi , Lokhnygina Yuliya , Schanberg Laura E. , Elder Melissa , Milojevic Diana , Verbsky James W. , Spalding Steven J. , Kimura Yukiko , Imundo Lisa F. , Punaro Marilynn G. , Sherry David D. , Tarvin Stacey E. , Zemel Lawrence S. , Birmingham James D. , Gottlieb Beth S. , Miller Michael L. , O'Neil Kathleen , Ruth Natasha M. , Wallace Carol A. , Singer Nora G. , Sandborg Christy I.
Published: May 2014

Objective

To assess the efficacy and safety of rilonacept, an interleukin‐1 inhibitor, in a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial.

Methods

An initial 4‐week double‐blind placebo phase was incorporated into a 24‐week randomized multicenter design, followed by an open‐label phase. Seventy‐one children who had active arthritis in ≥2 joints were randomized (1:1) to the 2 arms of the study. Patients in the rilonacept arm received rilonacept (loading dose 4.4 mg/kg followed by 2.2 mg/kg weekly, subcutaneously) beginning on day 0. Patients in the placebo arm received placebo for 4 weeks followed by a loading dose of rilonacept at week 4 followed by weekly maintenance doses. The primary end point was time to response, using the adapted American College of Rheumatology Pediatric 30 criteria coupled with the absence of fever and taper of the dosage of systemic corticosteroids, using prespecified criteria.

Results

The time to response was shorter in the rilonacept arm than in the placebo arm (χ2 = 7.235, P = 0.007). The secondary analysis, which used the same response criteria, showed that 20 (57%) of 35 patients in the rilonacept arm had a response at week 4 compared with 9 (27%) of 33 patients in the placebo arm (P = 0.016). Exacerbation of systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) was the most common severe adverse event. More patients in the rilonacept arm had elevated liver transaminase levels (including levels more than 3 times the upper limit of normal) compared with those in the placebo arm. Adverse events were similar in the 2 arms of the study.

Conclusion

Rilonacept was generally well tolerated and demonstrated efficacy in active systemic JIA.
New Evidence Implicating 4‐Hydroxynonenal in the Pathogenesis of Osteoarthritis In Vivo
Authors: Shi Qin , Abusarah Jamilah , Zaouter Charlotte , Moldovan Florina , Fernandes Julio C. , Fahmi Hassan , Benderdour Mohamed
Published: May 2014

Objective

To demonstrate the involvement of 4‐hydroxynonenal (HNE), a very reactive aldehyde derived from lipid peroxidation, in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis (OA) in vivo.

Methods

In the first experimental protocol, OA was induced by anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT) of the right knees of crossbred dogs (n = 6 per group). The animals were treated with placebo or HNE‐trapping carnosine (5 or 20 mg/kg/day) orally for 8 weeks. Another group of dogs was treated for 4 weeks with 20 mg/kg/day of carnosine starting 4 weeks after surgery. Sham‐operated dogs served as controls. In the second experimental protocol, a pathophysiologic dose of HNE (80 nmoles/ml) or vehicle was injected weekly into the right knee joints of crossbred dogs (n = 6 per group) for 8 weeks. Articular cartilage was subjected to macroscopic, histomorphologic, and immunohistochemical analyses. Cartilage‐degrading enzymes and oxidative stress–related products were assessed in synovial fluid and cartilage explants. Markers of inflammation were evaluated in synovium and synovial fluid.

Results

In dogs that had undergone ACLT, carnosine treatment reduced the severity and histopathology score of OA cartilage lesions and also decreased HNE–protein adducts, pentosidine, nitrosylated proteins, cartilage‐degrading enzymes, and markers of inflammation. Intraarticular injection of HNE induced cartilage lesions, as assessed by macroscopic and microscopic criteria. Cartilage‐degrading enzymes and markers of inflammation increased in HNE‐treated dogs.

Conclusion

This is the first in vivo study to demonstrate the pathophysiologic role of HNE in OA. That carnosine abolishes HNE production and a number of factors known to be involved in OA pathogenesis renders it a clinically valuable agent in prevention of the disease.
Brief Report: Rheumatoid Arthritis Response Criteria and Patient‐Reported Improvement in Arthritis Activity: Is an American College of Rheumatology Twenty Percent Response Meaningful to Patients?
Authors: Ward Michael M. , Guthrie Lori C. , Alba Maria I.
Published: May 2014

Objective

To examine the association of the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) response criteria (20% improvement [ACR20], ACR50, and ACR70) and the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) response criteria with patient‐reported improvement in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) activity.

Methods

Two hundred fifty patients with active RA were studied prospectively, before and after escalation of antirheumatic treatment. Patients were asked to report if they subjectively judged that they had experienced important improvement with treatment, and the proportion of patients who reported improvement was compared with the proportion who met the ACR20, ACR50, ACR70, and EULAR response criteria.

Results

Improvement in overall arthritis status was reported by 167 patients (66.8%), while 107 patients (42.8%) had an ACR20 response, 52 (20.8%) had an ACR50 response, 24 (9.6%) had an ACR70 response, and 136 (54.4%) had a EULAR moderate/good response. ACR20 response had a sensitivity of 0.57 and a specificity of 0.85 for clinically important improvement as judged by patients. Sensitivities of the ACR50, ACR70, and EULAR moderate/good responses were 0.30, 0.14, and 0.68, respectively, while their specificities were 0.97, 0.99, and 0.73, respectively. The ACR hybrid score with the highest sensitivity and specificity for important improvement was 19.99.

Conclusion

Among patients with active RA, ACR20 responses are highly specific measures of improvement as judged by patients, but exclude a substantial proportion of patients who consider themselves improved. Response criteria are associated with, but not equivalent to, patient‐perceived improvement.
Characterization of the Cartilage DNA Methylome in Knee and Hip Osteoarthritis
Authors: Rushton Michael D. , Reynard Louise N. , Barter Matt J. , Refaie Ramsay , Rankin Kenneth S. , Young David A. , Loughlin John
Published: May 2014

Objective

The aim of this study was to characterize the genome‐wide DNA methylation profile of chondrocytes from knee and hip cartilage obtained from patients with osteoarthritis (OA) and hip cartilage obtained from patients with femoral neck fracture, providing the first comparison of DNA methylation between OA and non‐OA hip cartilage, and between OA hip and OA knee cartilage.

Methods

The study was performed using the Illumina Infinium HumanMethylation450 BeadChip array, which allows the annotation of ∼480,000 CpG sites. Genome‐wide methylation was assessed in chondrocyte DNA extracted from 23 hip OA patients, 73 knee OA patients, and 21 healthy hip control patients with femoral neck fracture.

Results

Analysis revealed that chondrocytes from the hip cartilage of OA patients and healthy controls have unique methylation profiles, with 5,322 differentially methylated loci (DMLs) identified between the 2 groups. In addition, a comparison between hip and knee OA chondrocytes revealed 5,547 DMLs between the 2 groups, including DMLs in several genes known to be involved in the pathogenesis of OA. Hip OA samples were found to cluster into 2 groups. A total of 15,239 DMLs were identified between the 2 clusters, with an enrichment of genes involved in inflammation and immunity. Similarly, we confirmed a previous report of knee OA samples that also clustered into 2 groups.

Conclusion

We demonstrated that global DNA methylation using a high‐density array can be a powerful tool in the characterization of OA at the molecular level. Identification of pathways enriched in DMLs between OA and OA‐free cartilage highlight potential etiologic mechanisms that are involved in the initiation and/or progression of the disease and that could be therapeutically targeted.
Struggling for space and finding my place: An interactionist perspective on everyday use of biomedical information
Authors: Wolf Christine T. , Veinot Tiffany C.
Published: May 2014

Information use intrigues information behavior researchers, though many have struggled with how to conceptualize and study this phenomenon. Some work suggests that information may have social uses, hinting that information use is more complicated than previous frameworks suggest. Therefore, we use a micro‐sociological, symbolic interactionist approach to examine the use of one type of information—biomedical information—in the everyday life interactions of chronic illness patients and their families. Based on a grounded theory analysis of 60 semi‐structured interviews (30 individual patient interviews and 30 family group interviews) and observations within the family group interviews, we identify 4 categories of information use: (a) knowing my body; (b) mapping the social terrain; (c) asserting autonomy; and (d) puffing myself up. Extending previous research, the findings demonstrate use of biomedical information in interactions that construct a valued self for the patient: a person who holds authority, and who is unique and cared for. In so doing, we contribute novel insights regarding the use of information to manage social emotions such as shame, and to construct embodied knowledge that is mobilized in action to address disease‐related challenges. We thus offer an expanded conceptualization of information use that provides new directions for research and practice.
Fault Detection for Networked Systems with Partly Known Distribution Transmission Delays
Authors: Wang Yanqian , Zhang Shuyu , Lu Junwei , Chen Fu
Published: May 2014

In this paper, the fault detection problem for networked systems with partly known distribution transmission delays is studied. Network‐induced delays are modeled as a homogeneous Markov chain, which takes values in a finite state space. By constructing an augmented system, which consists of the states of the original system and the fault detection filter (FDF), fault detection for networked systems can be formulated as an H∞ filtering problem of a Markov jump system. A sufficient condition for the existence of the desired FDF is obtained, based on certain feasible linear matrix inequalities.
Tripterygium Glycosides Impairs the Proliferation of Granulosa Cells and Decreases the Reproductive Outcomes in Female Rats
Authors: Su Jing , Cheng Jie , Sun Hai‐Xiang , Diao Zhen‐Yu , Zhen Xin , Yang Jun , Ding Li‐Jun , Hu Ya‐Li
Published: May 2014

This study was carried out to investigate the impact of tripterygium glycosides (TGs) on ovarian function of female rats in vitro and in vivo. In vitro studies showed that TG induced cells decrease at G1 phase and inhibited cell proliferation in rat granulosa cells. In vivo, female rats were intragastrically administered with TG at the dose of 60 mg/kg/day for consecutive 50 days. TG caused a prolonged estrous cycle, and a significant reduction in ovarian index, serum E2 level, and numbers of secondary and antral follicles (p < 0.05) in these rats. A significant reduction of viable embryos was demonstrated in TG‐treated female rats after mating (p < 0.01). Further, we observed observed the reduced expression level of TGF‐β1 after TG treatment in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, the expression of Smad2 and AKT was also decreased after TG treatment. These results suggest that TG can impair ovarian function through Smads‐mediated TGF‐β1 signal pathway
Integration of host strain bioengineering and bioprocess development using ultra‐scale down studies to select the optimum combination: An antibody fragment primary recovery case study
Authors: Aucamp Jean P. , Davies Richard , Hallet Damien , Weiss Amanda , Titchener‐Hooker Nigel J.
Published: May 2014

An ultra scale‐down primary recovery sequence was established for a platform E. coli Fab production process. It was used to evaluate the process robustness of various bioengineered strains. Centrifugal discharge in the initial dewatering stage was determined to be the major cause of cell breakage. The ability of cells to resist breakage was dependant on a combination of factors including host strain, vector, and fermentation strategy. Periplasmic extraction studies were conducted in shake flasks and it was demonstrated that key performance parameters such as Fab titre and nucleic acid concentrations were mimicked. The shake flask system also captured particle aggregation effects seen in a large scale stirred vessel, reproducing the fine particle size distribution that impacts the final centrifugal clarification stage. The use of scale‐down primary recovery process sequences can be used to screen a larger number of engineered strains. This can lead to closer integration with and better feedback between strain development, fermentation development, and primary recovery studies. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2014;111: 1971–1981. © 2014 The Authors. Biotechnology and Bioengineering Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Collaborative virtual training with physical and communicative autonomous agents
Authors: Lopez Thomas , Chevaillier Pierre , Gouranton Valérie , Evrard Paul , Nouviale Florian , Barange Mukesh , Bouville Rozenn , Arnaldi Bruno
Published: May 2014

Virtual agents are a real asset in collaborative virtual environment for training (CVET) as they can replace missing team members. Collaboration between such agents and users, however, is generally limited. We present here a whole integrated model of CVET focusing on the abstraction of the real or virtual nature of the actor to define a homogenous collaboration model. First, we define a new collaborative model of interaction. This model notably allows to abstract the real or virtual nature of a teammate. Moreover, we propose a new role exchange approach so that actors can swap their roles during training. The model also permits the use of physically based objects and characters animation to increase the realism of the world. Second, we design a new communicative agent model, which aims at improving collaboration with other actors using dialog to coordinate their actions and to share their knowledge. Finally, we evaluated the proposed model to estimate the resulting benefits for the users and we show that this is integrated in existing CVET applications. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bulging‐free dual quaternion skinning
Authors: Kim YoungBeom , Han JungHyun
Published: May 2014

The linear blend skinning has been the most popular skeletal animation algorithm and also notorious for the collapsing‐joint and candy‐wrapper artifacts. The dual quaternion skinning (DQS) successfully resolves the problems, but it reveals its own artifacts, which we name bulging joint and distorted normal. We propose to post‐process the DQS algorithm; the bulging‐joint artifact can be removed by correcting the vertex positions, and the distorted‐normal artifact can be removed by correcting the vertex normals. The proposed method is simple yet quite effective. The experimental results show that the skinning animation quality is significantly improved. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Unusual Temperature‐Induced Retention Behavior of Constrained β‐Amino Acid Enantiomers on the Zwitterionic Chiral Stationary Phases ZWIX(+) and ZWIX(–)
Authors: Ilisz István , Pataj Zoltán , Gecse Zsanett , Szakonyi Zsolt , Fülöp Ferenc , Lindner Wolfgang , Péter Antal
Published: May 2014

The effects of temperature on the chiral recognition of cyclic β‐amino acid enantiomers on zwitterionic [Chiralpak ZWIX(+) and ZWIX(–)] chiral stationary phases were investigated. Experiments were performed at different mobile phase compositions and under 10°C column temperature increments in the temperature range 10–50°C. Apparent thermodynamic parameters and Tiso values were calculated from plots of ln k and ln α versus 1/T, respectively. Unusual temperature behavior was observed, especially on the ZWIX(–) column, where the application of MeOH/MeCN (50/50 v/v) containing 25 mM triethylamine and 50 mM formic acid as mobile phase led to nonlinear van't Hoff plots and increasing retention time with increasing temperature. On both columns, both enthalpically and entropically driven separations were observed. Chirality 26:385–393, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Application of Maltodextrin as Chiral Selector in Capillary Electrophoresis for Quantification of Amlodipine Enantiomers in Commercial Tablets
Authors: Nojavan Saeed , Pourmoslemi Shabnam , Behdad Hamideh , Fakhari Ali Reza , Mohammadi Ali
Published: May 2014

Maltodextrin was investigated as a chiral selector in capillary electrophoresis (CE) analysis of amlodipine (AM) enantiomers. For development of a stereoselective CE method, various effective parameters on the enantioseparation were optimized. The best results were achieved on an uncoated fused silica capillary at 20 °C using phosphate buffer (100 mM, pH 4) containing 10% w/v maltodextrin (dextrose equivalent value 4–7). The UV detector was set at 214 nm and a constant voltage of 20 kV was applied. The range of quantitation was 2.5–250 µg/mL (R2 > 0.999) for both enantiomers. Intra‐ (n = 5) and interday (n = 3) relative standard deviation (RSD) values were less than 7%. The limits of quantitation and detection were 1.7 µg/mL and 0.52 µg/mL, respectively. Recoveries of R(+) and S(−) enantiomers from tablet matrix were 97.2% and 97.8%, respectively. The method was applied for the quantification of AM enantiomers in commercial tablets. Also, the enantioseparation capability of heparin was evaluated and the results showed that heparin did not have any chiral selector activity in this study. Chirality 26:394–399, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Internal Representations of the Therapeutic Relationship Among Adolescents in Psychodynamic Psychotherapy
Authors: Atzil‐Slonim Dana , Tishby Orya , Shefler Gaby
Published: May 2014

This study examined changes in adolescents' internal representations of their relationship with their therapist and the extent to which these changes were related to changes in their representations of their relationship with their parents and to treatment outcomes.

Method

Thirty adolescents (aged 15–18 years, 70% women) undergoing psychodynamic psychotherapy participated in relationship anecdote paradigms interviews based on the core conflictual relationship theme method and completed outcome measures at the beginning of treatment and a year later.

Results

Adolescents' positive representations of their therapists increased throughout the year of treatment, whereas their negative representations did not change. There was an association between the development of the therapeutic relationship and improvement in the perception of the relationship with parents over the course of therapy. Increases in the level of positive representations and decreases in the level of negative representations of the therapist were associated with greater satisfaction with treatment but not with the other outcome measures. These results support the centrality of the therapeutic relationship in the process of change during adolescents' psychodynamic psychotherapy. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Key Practitioner Message

The finding that positive representations of the therapist increased throughout treatment but that negative representations remained steady suggests that therapists who treat adolescents should expect and be able to hear adolescent clients' positive and negative internal representations of themselves. Therapists need to realize that although adolescents often experience negative emotions and perceptions in therapy as in other significant relationships, this does not necessarily block the development of positive emotions.

The finding that changes in the representations of the therapist are associated with changes in the representations of parents is in line with psychodynamic theory, which posits that psychotherapy facilitates new interpersonal experiences and new insights through the exploration of the therapeutic relationship. Working in the ‘here and now’ may eventually impact the nature of other significant relationships, particularly with parents in the case of adolescents.
CO2‐Laser Flash Evaporation as Novel CVD Precursor Delivery System for Functional Thin Film Growth
Authors: Loho Christoph , Darbandi Azad J. , Djenadic Ruzica , Clemens Oliver , Hahn Horst
Published: May 2014

A novel approach for functional thin film deposition using laser flash evaporation as the precursor delivery system is reported. In this newly established CO2‐laser‐assisted (LA)CVD, solid precursors with low volatility are non‐selectively sublimated by absorption of infrared laser radiation. Thus, the method allows for the highly controlled growth of multicomponent thin films with desired composition and stoichiometry over the entire growth period. Thin film microstructural features, such as the morphology, density, and thickness of the films can be adjusted by tuning the process parameters. These features, characterized by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and Raman spectroscopy (RS), are discussed for LiCoO2 thin films. Additional analyses include X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP‐OES), cyclic voltammetry (CV), and galvanostatic cycling.