bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Característica Clínico-epidemiológica de los pacientes pediátricos con Cetoacidosis Diabética
Authors: Gutiérrez Sofía Alejandra , Zúniga Girón Oscar Francisco
Published: October 2016

Antecedentes: La Cetoacidosis diabética (CAD) es una complicación de la Diabetes Mellitus, cuya importancia va cada vez en aumento. Es el trastorno metabólico que causa más ingresos a las unidades de cuidado intensivo pediátrico con una tasa de hospitalización que se ha mantenido alrededor de 10 por 100.000 niños/año. Objetivo: Describir las características clínico-epidemiológicas de la cetoacidosis diabética en los pacientes menores de 18 años.Pacientes y métodos: Se realizó un estudio descriptivo. La información fue recopilada mediante encuesta sobre características socio-demográficas, epidemiológicas y diagnóstica en niños con CAD que fueron ingresados en la emergencia de pediatría del Hospital Nacional Dr. Mario Catarino Rivas (HNMCR), durante el período de agosto 2013 a agosto del 2015 (n=30).Resultados: Se encontró 18 (60%) mujeres y 12 (40%) varones con CAD. El promedio de edad de los pacientes diagnosticados con CAD fue de 12 años, con una mediana de 13 años. El 50% de los pacientes con CAD eran debutantes y el 20% tenían 2 años de diagnóstico. Las infecciones de tracto urinario estuvieron presentes en el 40% de los casos. El promedio de glicemia sérica en los pacientes con CAD fue de 500 mg⁄dl. El edema cerebral fue la principal complicación encontrada en un 33.3% de los casos. Fallecieron el 7% de los pacientes con CAD.Conclusiones: La CAD es frecuente en mujeres adolescentes y es desencadenado principalmente por infecciones del tracto urinario.Acta Pediátrica Hondureña, Vol. 6, No. 1 Abril 2015 a Septiembre 2015: 399-405
Trombosis de senos venosos cerebrales en menores de dos meses de edad y sus secuelas
Authors: Ortega Jorge Eduardo , Velásquez Castillo Ángel Federico , Prado López Lidia María
Published: October 2016

Antecedentes: La trombosis de senos venosos cerebrales (TSVC) es un padecimiento infrecuente que puede tener alta mortalidad y secuelas neurológicas severas, por su variada sintomatología puede ser mal diagnosticada.Objetivo: Determinar la presentación clínica, laboratorial y tomográfica, así como las secuelas en niños menores de 2 meses de edad con trombosis de senos venosos cerebral atendidos en el Hospital Nacional Mario Catarino Rivas (HNMCR) de enero del 2009 a febrero del 2013.Pacientes y Métodos: estudio descriptivo con diseño longitudinal. La muestra fue de 14 niños menores de 2 meses de edad a quienes se diagnosticó TSVC y se obtuvieron datos clínicos, laboratoriales y tomográficos. Se les realizó seguimiento para determinar las secuelas psicomotoras.Resultados: las manifestaciones clínicas reportadas fueron fontanela tensa en todos los pacientes, convulsiones en el 86% y deshidratación en el 71%. Todos presentaron anemia con niveles de hemoglobina promedio de 6.7 g/dl. La tomografía cerebral mostró afectación de los senos: sagital superior 100%, lateral izquierdo 78.6%, lateral derecho 71.4% y recto 50%. 7 niños tuvieron retraso psicomotor, 4 tuvieron desarrollo normal y 3 fallecieron.Conclusión: La TSVC sigue siendo una patología vascular poco comprendida y posiblemente sub diagnosticada que amerita mayor atención del cuerpo médico.Acta Pediátrica Hondureña, Vol. 6, No. 1 Abril 2015 a Septiembre 2015: 406-414
Mielomeningocele plano
Authors: Prado López Lidia María , Ortega Jorge Eduardo
Published: October 2016

Acta Pediátrica Hondureña, Vol. 6, No. 1 Abril 2015 a Septiembre 2015: 421
Building a Negotiation Mechanism in EFL Classroom in Chinese Context: Concepts and Strategies
Authors: Jiang Shiyong
Published: October 2016

Foreign language teaching is a bilateral process in which both the teacher and students must play their roles effectively. However, lack of interaction is the problem many EFL teachers in China face. To make the teaching more effective, negotiation in the classroom becomes a must. This paper, based on the current situation of English teaching in China, probes into negotiation mechanism in EFL classroom and provides suggestions on how to apply negotiation mechanism in EFL classroom in China.
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy in the Treatment of Late-Life Anxiety and Depression —a Pilot Study
Authors: Labbé Mathilde , Nikolitch Katerina , Penheiro Romeo , Segal Marilyn , Looper Karl J. , Herrmann Nathan , Selchen Steven , Rej Soham
Published: October 2016

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Canadian Geriatrics Society 36th Annual Scientific Meeting Abstracts
Authors: Authors Various
Published: October 2016

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Cost-effectiveness profile, organizational implications and patient preferences on the use of exogenous TSH therapy (Thyrogen®) vs. THW in thyroid residue ablation in Italy
Authors: De Danieli Gianluca , Monari Fabio , Lazzarini Renzo , Cipriani Filippo
Published: October 2016

BACKGROUND: Radioiodine ablation is an adjuvant procedure used to treat patients with differentiated thyroid cancer. For ablation to be successful, patients must have elevated levels of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). This can be achieved by withholding thyroid hormone therapy (endogenous stimulation), or by administration of recombinant human thyroid stimulating hormone (rhTSH; Thyrogen®; exogenous stimulation) to patients in the euthyroid state.AIM: To compare the estimated health benefits, cost and cost-effectiveness of TSH stimulation with and without Thyrogen® in the Italian setting.METHODS: A cost-utility analysis was undertaken to assess the impact of exogenous vs. endogenous TSH stimulation before radioiodine remnant ablation of patients with newly diagnosed, well-differentiated papillary or follicular thyroid cancer who have undergone total or near-total thyroidectomy. A Markov model was developed to simulate treatment costs and health outcomes associated with exogenous and endogenous stimulation in four distinct health states: pre-ablation, ablation, post-ablation, and well/recovery. Treatment was stratified by patients who receive high- and low-activity (30-100 mCi, respectively) in the ablation state. The Italian National Health System perspective was adopted in the base case scenario while the impact of indirect costs was explored in a sensitivity analysis. Costs and quality-adjusted life years (QALY) specific to each health state were estimated, summarized and converted into a corresponding incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER).RESULTS: We calculated a cost-effectiveness ratio of 18,357.18 €/QALY gained whereas the inclusion of indirect cost and accident cost produced reductions of the ICER to € 14,609.51 and € 15,515.26 per QALY, respectively. Finally, all results in the sensitivity analysis are below the lower bound of national and international cost- effective threshold.CONCLUSION: Thyrogen® represents a cost-effective option for patients with differentiated thyroid cancer who underwent total or near-total thyroidectomy in Italy. Our findings are consistent with other cost-utility analyses.
One-step fabrication of copper sulfide nanoparticles decorated on graphene sheets as highly stable and efficient counter electrode for CdS-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Hessein Amr , Wang Feiju , Masai Hirokazu , Matsuda Kazunari , El-Moneim Ahmed Abd
Published: October 2016

Quantum-dot-sensitized solar cells (QDSSCs) are thin-film photovoltaics and highly promising as next-generation solar cells owing to their high theoretical efficiency, easy fabrication process, and low production cost. However, the practical photoconversion efficiencies (PCEs) of QDSSCs are still far below the theoretically estimated value owing to the lack of an applicable design of the materials and electrodes. In this work, we developed a highly stable and efficient counter electrode (CE) from copper sulfide nanocrystals and reduced graphene oxide (CuxS@RGO) for QDSSC applications. The CuxS@RGO electrocatalyst was successfully prepared by a facile one-pot hydrothermal method, then directly applied to a fluorine-doped tin oxide (FTO)-coated glass substrate by the simple drop-casting technique. Owing to the synergistic effect between CuxS nanocrystals and conductive RGO sheets, the CuxS@RGO CE showed high electrocatalytic activity for polysulfide electrolyte reduction. A CdS QDSSC based on the CuxS@RGO CE yielded a high and reproducible PCE of 2.36%, exceeding those of 1.57 and 1.33% obtained with the commonly used Cu2S/brass and Pt CEs, respectively. Moreover, the QDSSC with the CuxS@RGO CE showed excellent photostability in a light-soaking test without any obvious decay in the photocurrent, whereas the cell based on the Cu2S/brass CE was severely degraded.
Design and analysis of nanowire p-type MOSFET coaxially having silicon core and germanium peripheral channel
Authors: Yu Eunseon , Cho Seongjae
Published: October 2016

In this work, a nanowire p-type metal–oxide–semiconductor field-effect transistor (PMOSFET) coaxially having a Si core and a Ge peripheral channel is designed and characterized by device simulations. Owing to the high hole mobility of Ge, the device can be utilized for high-speed CMOS integrated circuits, with the effective confinement of mobile holes in Ge by the large valence band offset between Si and Ge. Source/drain doping concentrations and the ratio between the Si core and Ge channel thicknesses are determined. On the basis of the design results, the channel length is aggressively scaled down by evaluating the primary DC parameters in order to confirm device scalability and low-power applicability in sub-10-nm technology nodes.
Aboveground biomass variability across intact and degraded forests in the Brazilian Amazon
Authors: Longo Marcos , Keller Michael , dos‐Santos Maiza N. , Leitold Veronika , Pinagé Ekena R. , Baccini Alessandro , Saatchi Sassan , Nogueira Euler M. , Batistella Mateus , Morton Douglas C.
Published: October 2016

Deforestation rates have declined in the Brazilian Amazon since 2005, yet degradation from logging, fire, and fragmentation has continued in frontier forests. In this study we quantified the aboveground carbon density (ACD) in intact and degraded forests using the largest data set of integrated forest inventory plots (n = 359) and airborne lidar data (18,000 ha) assembled to date for the Brazilian Amazon. We developed statistical models relating inventory ACD estimates to lidar metrics that explained 70% of the variance across forest types. Airborne lidar‐ACD estimates for intact forests ranged between 5.0 ± 2.5 and 31.9 ± 10.8 kg C m−2. Degradation carbon losses were large and persistent. Sites that burned multiple times within a decade lost up to 15.0 ± 0.7 kg C m−2 (94%) of ACD. Forests that burned nearly 15 years ago had between 4.1 ± 0.5 and 6.8 ± 0.3 kg C m−2 (22–40%) less ACD than intact forests. Even for low‐impact logging disturbances, ACD was between 0.7 ± 0.3 and 4.4 ± 0.4 kg C m−2 (4–21%) lower than unlogged forests. Comparing biomass estimates from airborne lidar to existing biomass maps, we found that regional and pantropical products consistently overestimated ACD in degraded forests, underestimated ACD in intact forests, and showed little sensitivity to fires and logging. Fine‐scale heterogeneity in ACD across intact and degraded forests highlights the benefits of airborne lidar for carbon mapping. Differences between airborne lidar and regional biomass maps underscore the need to improve and update biomass estimates for dynamic land use frontiers, to better characterize deforestation and degradation carbon emissions for regional carbon budgets and Reduce Emissions from Deforestation and forest Degradation (REDD+).
Effect of melt/mantle interactions on MORB chemistry at the easternmost Southwest Indian Ridge (61°–67°E)
Authors: Paquet M. , Cannat M. , Brunelli D. , Hamelin C. , Humler E.
Published: October 2016

The easternmost part of the Southwest Indian Ridge (61°–67°E) is an end‐member of the global ridge system in terms of very low magma supply. As such, it is a good laboratory to investigate the effect of melt/mantle interactions on the composition of erupted basalts: for a given volume of erupted basaltic melt, the volume of reacted mantle is potentially greater than at more magmatically robust ridges. We analyzed major, trace element and isotopic compositions in three groups of rocks: plagioclase‐bearing ultramafic and gabbroic rocks dredged in nearly amagmatic spreading corridors; basalts from the sparse volcanic cover of these corridors (“ultramafic seafloor basalts”); and basalts dredged from the intervening, more volcanically active domains (“volcanic seafloor basalts”). Ultramafic seafloor basalts have significantly lower CaO and Al2O3 contents at a given MgO than most volcanic seafloor basalts. We propose that both types of basalts are derived from similar parental melts, but that the ultramafic seafloor basalts are more affected by reactions between these parent melts and the mantle rocks in the lithosphere below the ridge. We infer that these reactions occur in the walls of conduits that allow the aggregated melts extracted from the melting mantle to rise through the axial lithosphere and to the eruption sites. The principal effect of these reactions is to enrich the asthenospheric melts in MgO through olivine dissolution. This effect is not expected to be as noticeable, but could still play a role in basalt petrogenesis at more magmatic regions of the global slow‐spreading MOR system.
Reconciling seismicity and geodetic locking depths on the Anza section of the San Jacinto fault
Authors: Jiang Junle , Fialko Yuri
Published: October 2016

Observations from the Anza section of the San Jacinto Fault in Southern California reveal that microseismicity extends to depths of 15–18 km, while the geodetically determined locking depth is less than ~10 km. This contrasts with observations from other major faults in the region and also with predictions of fault models assuming a simple layered distribution of frictional properties with depth. We suggest that an anomalously shallow geodetic fault locking may result from a transition zone at the bottom of seismogenic layer with spatially heterogeneous frictional properties. Numerical models of faults that incorporate stochastic heterogeneity at transitional depths successfully reproduce the observed depth relation between seismicity and geodetic locking, as well as complex spatiotemporal patterns of microseismicity with relatively scarce repeating earthquakes. Our models predict propagation of large earthquakes to the bottom of the transition zone, and ubiquitous aseismic transients below the locked zone, potentially observable using high‐precision geodetic techniques.
Information theoretical approach to discovering solar wind drivers of the outer radiation belt
Authors: Wing Simon , Johnson Jay R. , Camporeale Enrico , Reeves Geoffrey D.
Published: October 2016

The solar wind‐magnetosphere system is nonlinear. The solar wind drivers of geosynchronous electrons with energy range of 1.8–3.5 MeV are investigated using mutual information, conditional mutual information (CMI), and transfer entropy (TE). These information theoretical tools can establish linear and nonlinear relationships as well as information transfer. The information transfer from solar wind velocity (Vsw) to geosynchronous MeV electron flux (Je) peaks with a lag time of 2 days. As previously reported, Je is anticorrelated with solar wind density (nsw) with a lag of 1 day. However, this lag time and anticorrelation can be attributed at least partly to the Je(t + 2 days) correlation with Vsw(t) and nsw(t + 1 day) anticorrelation with Vsw(t). Analyses of solar wind driving of the magnetosphere need to consider the large lag times, up to 3 days, in the (Vsw, nsw) anticorrelation. Using CMI to remove the effects of Vsw, the response of Je to nsw is 30% smaller and has a lag time < 24 h, suggesting that the MeV electron loss mechanism due to nsw or solar wind dynamic pressure has to start operating in < 24 h. nsw transfers about 36% as much information as Vsw (the primary driver) to Je. Nonstationarity in the system dynamics is investigated using windowed TE. When the data are ordered according to transfer entropy value, it is possible to understand details of the triangle distribution that has been identified between Je(t + 2 days) versus Vsw(t).
Van Allen Probes observations of electromagnetic ion cyclotron waves triggered by enhanced solar wind dynamic pressure
Authors: Cho J.‐H. , Lee D.‐Y. , Noh S.‐J. , Shin D.‐K. , Hwang J. , Kim K.‐C. , Lee J. J. , Choi C. R. , Thaller S. , Skoug R.
Published: October 2016

Magnetospheric compression due to impact of enhanced solar wind dynamic pressure Pdyn has long been considered as one of the generation mechanisms of electromagnetic ion cyclotron (EMIC) waves. With the Van Allen Probe‐A observations, we identify three EMIC wave events that are triggered by Pdyn enhancements under prolonged northward interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) quiet time preconditions. They are in contrast to one another in a few aspects. Event 1 occurs in the middle of continuously increasing Pdyn while Van Allen Probe‐A is located outside the plasmapause at postmidnight and near the equator (magnetic latitude (MLAT) ~ −3°). Event 2 occurs by a sharp Pdyn pulse impact while Van Allen Probe‐A is located inside the plasmapause in the dawn sector and rather away from the equator (MLAT ~ 12°). Event 3 is characterized by amplification of a preexisting EMIC wave by a sharp Pdyn pulse impact while Van Allen Probe‐A is located outside the plasmapause at noon and rather away from the equator (MLAT ~ −15°). These three events represent various situations where EMIC waves can be triggered by Pdyn increases. Several common features are also found among the three events. (i) The strongest wave is found just above the He+ gyrofrequency. (ii) The waves are nearly linearly polarized with a rather oblique propagation direction (~28° to ~39° on average). (iii) The proton fluxes increase in immediate response to the Pdyn impact, most significantly in tens of keV energy, corresponding to the proton resonant energy. (iv) The temperature anisotropy with T⊥ > T|| is seen in the resonant energy for all the events, although its increase by the Pdyn impact is not necessarily always significant. The last two points (iii) and (iv) may imply that in addition to the temperature anisotropy, the increase of the resonant protons must have played a critical role in triggering the EMIC waves by the enhanced Pdyn impact.
Equatorial noise emissions observed by the DEMETER spacecraft during geomagnetic storms
Authors: Němec F. , Parrot M. , Santolík O.
Published: October 2016

Equatorial noise emissions are electromagnetic waves routinely observed in the equatorial region of the inner magnetosphere at frequencies between the proton cyclotron frequency and the lower hybrid frequency. Their observations are, however, typically limited to radial distances larger than about 2RE. We use the data measured by the low‐altitude DEMETER spacecraft (altitude of about 700 km) to confirm that during periods of enhanced geomagnetic activity, these emissions penetrate down to low radial distances and eventually become a dominant wave emission close to the proton cyclotron frequency in the equatorial region. Wave data obtained during six intense geomagnetic storms (Dst <− 100 nT) are analyzed. It is shown that during the analyzed time intervals, the daytime wave activity within about 20° from the geomagnetic equator is significantly enhanced, while the nightside wave activity shows a weaker increase at lower frequencies. Multicomponent wave data allow us to determine dayside wave propagation parameters. It is shown that the waves are nearly linearly polarized and their wave vector directions are almost perpendicular to the ambient Earth's magnetic field, as it has been previously observed for equatorial noise emissions. Finally, we analyze the dependence of the equatorial wave intensity at the proton cyclotron frequency on Dst and AE geomagnetic indices, and we demonstrate that the dayside wave intensity increases by as much as 3 orders of magnitude during severely disturbed periods.
MAVEN observations of electron‐induced whistler mode waves in the Martian magnetosphere
Authors: Harada Y. , Andersson L. , Fowler C. M. , Mitchell D. L. , Halekas J. S. , Mazelle C. , Espley J. , DiBraccio G. A. , McFadden J. P. , Brain D. A. , Xu S. , Ruhunusiri S. , Larson D. E. , Lillis R. J. , Hara T. , Livi R. , Jakosky B. M.
Published: October 2016

We report on narrowband electromagnetic waves at frequencies between the local electron cyclotron and lower hybrid frequencies observed by the Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN (MAVEN) spacecraft in the Martian induced magnetosphere. The peaked electric field wave spectra below the electron cyclotron frequency were first observed by Phobos‐2 in the Martian magnetosphere, but the lack of magnetic field wave data prevented definitive identification of the wave mode and their generation mechanisms remain unclear. Analysis of electric and magnetic field wave spectra obtained by MAVEN demonstrates that the observed narrowband waves have properties consistent with the whistler mode. Linear growth rates computed from the measured electron velocity distributions suggest that these whistler mode waves can be generated by cyclotron resonance with anisotropic electrons. Large electron anisotropy in the Martian magnetosphere is caused by absorption of parallel electrons by the collisional atmosphere. The narrowband whistler mode waves and anisotropic electrons are observed on both open and closed field lines and have similar spatial distributions in MSO and planetary coordinates. Some of the waves on closed field lines exhibit complex frequency‐time structures such as discrete elements of rising tones and two bands above and below half the electron cyclotron frequency. These MAVEN observations indicate that whistler mode waves driven by anisotropic electrons, which are commonly observed in intrinsic magnetospheres and at unmagnetized airless bodies, are also present at Mars. The wave‐induced electron precipitation into the Martian atmosphere should be evaluated in future studies.
Magnetopause reconnection layer bounded by switch‐off shocks: Part 2. Pressure anisotropy
Authors: Sonnerup Bengt , Haaland Stein , Paschmann Götz , Phan Tai , Eriksson Stefan
Published: October 2016

The jump conditions are analyzed in detail for two slow shocks bounding a reconnection plasma jet, observed on 3 August 2008 by the spacecraft THEMIS D (Time History of Events and Macroscale Interactions during Substorms) on the dayside, low‐latitude magnetopause. Both shocks are near the switch‐off limit. They have been previously examined by Sonnerup et al. (2016), on the basis of the simplest MHD version of the jump conditions. In the present paper, those conditions now include the pressure anisotropy, normal heat fluxes, and a finite normal magnetic field component, the effects of all of which are found to be small. We also present and discuss the, mostly field‐aligned, measured total heat fluxes, which are found to be substantial and directed away from the reconnection site. We show that the double‐adiabatic (Chew‐Goldberger‐Low) invariants are far from invariant. Their combination indicates a large entropy increase across the shock on the magnetospheric side with a much smaller increase across the shock on the magnetosheath side. The detailed cause of the entropy changes remains unclear but appears to involve irreversible transfer of energy between thermal motion parallel and perpendicular to the magnetic field. The new results confirm the previously found presence of heavy ions and the values of the effective ion mass on both sides of the event. They also confirm the need for an ion pressure correction in the shock on the magnetospheric side.
Penetration of external plasma into a rotation‐driven magnetosphere
Authors: Hill Tom
Published: October 2016

Thomsen et al. (2016) provide a new statistical analysis of nearly 8 years of Cassini Plasma Spectrometer data, revealing that hot electrons injected from Saturn's outer magnetosphere penetrate into the inner magnetosphere but only to a distinct inner edge whose location is independent of external solar wind properties. This result is fully consistent with the hypothesis that centrifugally driven interchange motion is responsible for plasma transport between inner and outer magnetosphere.
Spectral structure of 5 year time series of horizontal wind speed at the Boulder Atmospheric Observatory
Authors: Kang Song‐Lak , Won Hoonill
Published: October 2016

We investigate the spectral structures of 5 year, 1 min time series of horizontal wind speeds at 100 and 10 m heights at the Boulder Atmospheric Observatory tower located in the eastern slope of the Rocky Mountains, USA. In the full‐scale spectra, the diurnal spectral peak, which is usually insignificant at a coastal or offshore site, is the most significant at both heights. The spectrum is enhanced on the low‐frequency side of the diurnal peak during winter, but on the high‐frequency side during summer, which indicates frequent synoptic weather events during winter supplanted by mesoscale events during summer. In terms of the spectral density in the spectral gap of Van der Hoven (1957), separating boundary layer turbulence from the synoptic‐scale fluctuations, at a frequency between 10−4 and 10−3 Hz, we rank the daily time series at 100 m height and sample the summer top and winter bottom 10 percentile cases. The winter cases of the reduced spectral density in the gap region present the f−3 spectrum (f is frequency) and negatively skewed velocity increment distributions, which are the signatures of enstrophy (the integral of squared vorticity) cascade of turbulent two‐dimensional (2‐D) flows. In contrast, the summer cases of the enhanced spectral density present the f−5/3 spectrum and positively skewed velocity increment distributions, which are the signatures of upscale energy cascade of 2‐D flows. In these mesoscale events that fill up the gap, the turbulence intensity‐wind speed relationship is very sensitive to the choice of the averaging period.
A whole new Mercury: MESSENGER reveals a dynamic planet at the last frontier of the inner solar system
Authors: Johnson Catherine L. , Hauck, Steven A.
Published: October 2016

The MErcury Surface, Space ENvironment, GEochemistry, and Ranging (MESSENGER) mission yielded a wealth of information about the innermost planet. For the first time, visible images of the entire planet, absolute altimetry measurements and a global gravity field, measurements of Mercury's surface composition, magnetic field, exosphere, and magnetosphere taken over more than four Earth years are available. From these data, two overarching themes emerge. First, multiple data sets and modeling efforts point toward a dynamic ancient history. Signatures of graphite in the crust suggest solidification of an early magma ocean, image data show extensive volcanism and tectonic features indicative of subsequent global contraction, and low‐altitude measurements of magnetic fields reveal an ancient magnetic field. Second, the present‐day Mercury environment is far from quiescent. Convective motions in the outer core support a modern magnetic field whose strength and geometry are unique among planets with global magnetic fields. Furthermore, periodic and aperiodic variations in the magnetosphere and exosphere have been observed, some of which couple to the surface and the planet's deep interior. Finally, signatures of geologically recent volatile activity at the surface have been detected. Mercury's early history and its present‐day environment have common elements with the other inner solar system bodies. However, in each case there are also crucial differences and these likely hold the key to further understanding of Mercury and terrestrial planet evolution. MESSENGER's exploration of Mercury has enabled a new view of the innermost planet, and more importantly has set the stage for much‐needed future exploration.
Mouse‐specific up‐regulation of Ccnb1 expression by miR‐199a‐5p in keratinocyte
Authors: Kim Bong‐Kyu , Kim Injung , Lee Ah‐Reum , Yoo Hye‐In , Yoon Sungjoo Kim
Published: October 2016

MicroRNA (miRNA) are a class of single‐stranded, small non‐coding RNA that regulate various biological processes, including skin and hair cycle regulation, by modulating the expression of specific genes at the post‐transcriptional level. Recently, several studies reported that miRNA directly or indirectly up‐regulate target genes. Previously, we performed microarray analysis to identify the target genes of miR‐199a‐5p in a mouse skin keratinocyte cell line and detected more than 200 genes whose expression was significantly increased by miR‐199a‐5p overexpression (> 1.5‐fold). In this study, we further investigated these genes and found that cyclin B1 (Ccnb1) expression was positively regulated by miR‐199a‐5p in keratinocyte. Moreover, Ccnb1 expression was inversely correlated with miR‐199a‐5p expression during the mouse hair cycle. Cell cycle analysis showed that the proportion of cells in S phase was slightly increased, while the proportion of cells in G2/M phase decreased by miR‐199‐5p. Using luciferase assay, we found that the 3′ untranslated region of Ccnb1 was a direct target of miR‐199a‐5p. We also found that the regulation of Ccnb1 expression by miR‐199a‐5p is mouse specific. CCNB1 expression was not affected in the human and monkey cell lines. These results provide a new relationship between Ccnb1 and miR‐199a‐5p in both mouse keratinocyte and miRNA biology.
Down‐regulation of miR‐26b induces cisplatin resistance in nasopharyngeal carcinoma by repressing JAG1
Authors: Shi Lei , Yin Wei , Zhang Zhiyu , Shi Guanggang
Published: October 2016

Therapy against nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is hurdled by chemoresistance. Recent studies found that microRNA (miRNA) are important regulators of cancer resistance. In this study, we aimed to explore the role and mechanism of miR‐26b in regulating NPC cisplatin (CDDP) resistance. Real‐time PCR was used to evaluate miR‐26b levels in CDDP‐resistant and CDDP‐sensitive NPC cells, as well as human NPC tissues. MiR‐26b was ectopically overexpressed in CDDP‐resistant cells, followed by monitoring changes in cell viability and apoptosis. Interaction between JAG1 and miR‐26b was characterized by dual‐luciferase reporter assay. Furthermore, we investigated whether ectopic JAG1 expression reversed CDDP sensitivity induced by miR‐26b overexpression. The effect of FOXD3 down‐regulation on miR‐26b was also evaluated. Our results indicate that miR‐26b was lower in the CDDP‐resistant NPC cells, human NPC tissue, particularly in secondary metastases. Ectopic expression of miR‐26b sensitized NPC cells to CDDP. JAG1 is a target of miR‐26b, and its expression is inversely correlated with miR‐26b. Overexpression of JAG1 reversed the CDDP sensitivity induced by miR‐26b overexpression. FOXD3 expression was also down‐regulated in CDDP‐resistant NPC. FOXD3 promoted miR‐26b expression and down‐regulation of FOXD3 suppressed miR‐26b expression. Down‐regulation of miR‐26b is closely correlated with the CDDP resistance in NPC.
Rheumatology Informatics System for Effectiveness: A National Informatics‐Enabled Registry for Quality Improvement
Authors: Yazdany Jinoos , Bansback Nick , Clowse Megan , Collier Deborah , Law Karen , Liao Katherine P. , Michaud Kaleb , Morgan Esi M. , Oates James C. , Orozco Catalina , Reimold Andreas , Simard Julia F. , Myslinski Rachel , Kazi Salahuddin
Published: October 2016

Objective

The Rheumatology Informatics System for Effectiveness (RISE) is a national electronic health record (EHR)–enabled registry. RISE passively collects data from EHRs of participating practices, provides advanced quality measurement and data analytic capacities, and fulfills national quality reporting requirements. Here we report the registry's architecture and initial data, and we demonstrate how RISE is being used to improve the quality of care.

Methods

RISE is a certified Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Qualified Clinical Data Registry, allowing collection of data without individual patient informed consent. We analyzed data between October 1, 2014 and September 30, 2015 to characterize initial practices and patients captured in RISE. We also analyzed medication use among rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and performance on several quality measures.

Results

Across 55 sites, 312 clinicians contributed data to RISE; 72% were in group practice, 21% in solo practice, and 7% were part of a larger health system. Sites contributed data on 239,302 individuals. Among the subset with RA, 34.4% of patients were taking a biologic or targeted synthetic disease‐modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) at their last encounter, and 66.7% were receiving a nonbiologic DMARD. Examples of quality measures include that 55.2% had a disease activity score recorded, 53.6% a functional status score, and 91.0% were taking a DMARD in the last year.

Conclusion

RISE provides critical infrastructure for improving the quality of care in rheumatology and is a unique data source to generate new knowledge. Data validation and mapping are ongoing and RISE is available to the research and clinical communities to advance rheumatology.
Internet Program for Physical Activity and Exercise Capacity in Children With Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Armbrust Wineke , Bos G. J. F. Joyce , Wulffraat Nico M. , van Brussel Marco , Cappon Jeannette , Dijkstra Pieter U. , Geertzen Jan H. B. , Legger G. Elizabeth , van Rossum Marion A. J. , Sauer Pieter J. J. , Lelieveld Otto T. H. M.
Published: October 2016

Objective

To determine the effects of Rheumates@Work, an internet‐based program supplemented with 4 group sessions, aimed at improving physical activity, exercise capacity, health‐related quality of life (HRQoL), and participation in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

Methods

Patients were recruited from 3 pediatric rheumatology centers in The Netherlands for an observer‐blinded, randomized controlled multicenter trial. Physical activity level, time spent in rest, light, and moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity (MVPA) were recorded in a diary and with an accelerometer, before intervention, after intervention, and at followup after 3 and 12 months (intervention group only). Exercise capacity was assessed using the Bruce treadmill protocol, HRQoL was assessed with the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory generic core scale, and participation in school and in physical education classes were assessed by questionnaire.

Results

The intervention group consisted of 28 children, and there were 21 children in the control group. MVPA, exercise capacity, and participating in school and physical education classes improved significantly in the intervention group. HRQoL improved in the control group. No significant differences were found between groups. The effect of Rheumates@Work on physical activity and exercise capacity lasted during the 12 months of followup. Improvements in physical activity were significantly better for the cohort starting in winter compared to the summer cohort.

Conclusion

Rheumates@Work had a positive, albeit small, effect on physical activity, exercise capacity, and participation in school and physical education class in the intervention group. Improvements lasted for 12 months. Participants who started in winter showed the most improvement. Rheumates@Work had no effect on HRQoL.
Predictors of Longitudinal Quality of Life in Juvenile Localized Scleroderma
Authors: Ardalan Kaveh , Zigler Christina K. , Torok Kathryn S.
Published: October 2016

Objective

Localized scleroderma can negatively affect children's quality of life (QoL), but predictors of impact have not been well described. We sought to identify predictors of QoL impact in juvenile localized scleroderma patients.

Methods

We analyzed longitudinal data from a single‐center cohort of juvenile localized scleroderma patients, using hierarchical generalized linear modeling (HGLM) to identify predictors of QoL impact. HGLM is useful for nested data and allows for evaluation of both time‐variant and time‐invariant predictors.

Results

The number of extracutaneous manifestations (ECMs; e.g., joint contracture and hemifacial atrophy) and female sex predicted negative QoL impact, defined as a Children's Dermatology Life Quality Index score >1 (P = 0.019 for ECMs and P = 0.002 for female sex). As the time since the initial visit increased, the odds of reporting a negative QoL impact decreased (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Our results suggest that ECMs, sex, and time since initial visit are more predictive of QoL impact in localized scleroderma than cutaneous features. Further study is required to determine which ECMs have the most impact on QoL, which factors underlie sex differences in QoL in localized scleroderma, and why increasing the time since the initial visit appears to be protective. An improved understanding of predictors of QoL impact may allow for the identification of patients at risk of poorer outcomes and for the tailoring of treatment and psychosocial support.
Clinical Significance of Medial Versus Lateral Compartment Patellofemoral Osteoarthritis: Cross‐Sectional Analyses in an Adult Population With Knee Pain
Authors: Ukachukwu Vincent , Duncan Rachel , Belcher John , Marshall Michelle , Stefanik Joshua , Crossley Kay , Thomas Martin J. , Peat George
Published: October 2016

Objective

To determine the comparative prevalence, associations with selected patient characteristics, and clinical outcomes of medial and lateral compartment patellofemoral (PF) joint osteoarthritis (OA).

Methods

Information was collected by questionnaires, clinical assessment, and radiographs from 745 eligible community‐dwelling symptomatic adults age ≥50 years. PF joint space narrowing (JSN) and osteophytes were scored from skyline radiographs using the Osteoarthritis Research Society International atlas. Multilevel models were used to assess associations of compartmental PF joint OA with age, sex, body mass index (BMI) and varus–valgus malalignment, while median regression was used to examine associations with clinical outcomes (current pain intensity on a numeric rating scale [0–10] and the function subscale of the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index [0–68]).

Results

Isolated lateral PF joint OA was more common than isolated medial PF joint OA, particularly at higher severity thresholds. Irrespective of severity threshold, age (≥2 odds ratio [OR] 1.19 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.12, 1.26]), BMI (≥2 OR 1.15 [95% CI 1.07, 1.24]), and valgus malalignment (≥2 OR 2.58 [95% CI 1.09, 6.07]) were associated with increased odds of isolated lateral JSN, but isolated medial JSN was only associated with age (≥2 OR 1.20 [95% CI 1.14, 1.27]). The pattern of association was less clear for PF joint osteophytes. Isolated lateral PF joint OA, defined by JSN or osteophytes, was associated with higher pain scores than isolated medial PF joint OA, but these differences were modest and were not significant. A similar pattern of association was seen for functional limitation but only when PF joint OA was defined by JSN.

Conclusion

Isolated lateral PF joint OA is more common than isolated medial PF joint OA, and it is more consistently associated with established OA risk factors. It is also associated with higher, but clinically nonsignificant, pain and function scores than isolated medial PF joint OA, particularly when PF joint OA is defined using JSN.
Comparative Study of Kinetics of the Thermal Decomposition of Polypropylene Using Different Methods
Authors: Nisar Jan , Khan Muhammad Anas , Iqbal Munawar , Shah Afzal , Khan Rafaqat Ali , Sayed Murtaza , Mahmood Tariq
Published: October 2016

The thermal degradation kinetics of powder isotactic polypropylene was investigated in a thermobalance system, at non‐isothermal heating conditions with heating rate of 5, 10, 15, and 20°C min−1 in the temperature range of 30–600°C under nitrogen atmosphere. The apparent activation energy (Ea) was determined using Ozawa–Flynn–Wall, Tang Wanjun, and Coats–Redfern (modified) methods. The apparent activation energies range from 61.3 to 110.9 kJ mol−1. Increasing the heating rate shifted the Tmax to a higher level. The lower activation energy observed indicates the breakage of the bonds at weak links. Moreover, the values of activation energy are significantly controlled by the heating rate, level of conversion, and calculation technique. A comparison among the different techniques has been made on the basis of the apparent activation energy from the TG data. The activation energies determined by all the three methods are in good agreement with each other. Furthermore, the pyrolysis of model polypropylene was carried out over the temperature range 350–415°C in a salt bath using Pyrex reaction vessel. The gaseous fraction produced was collected in gas sampling bag and monitored gas chromatographically. The major hydrocarbons detected were methane, propylene, propane, 2‐methylpentane, 2,4 dimethylpentane, and 2,4 dimethylheptane.
A randomized and double‐blind controlled trial evaluating the safety and efficacy of rituximab for warm auto‐immune hemolytic anemia in adults (the RAIHA study)
Authors: Michel Marc , Terriou Louis , Roudot‐Thoraval Francoise , Hamidou Mohamed , Ebbo Mikael , Le Guenno Guillaume , Galicier Lionel , Audia Sylvain , Royer Bruno , Morin Anne‐Sophie , Marie Michot Jean , Jaccard Arnaud , Frenzel Laurent , Khellaf Mehdi , Godeau Bertrand
Published: October 2016

This Phase 3 multicentre randomized double‐blind and placebo‐controlled trial aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of rituximab (RTX) to placebo for treating newly diagnosed warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia (wAIHA) in adults receiving prednisone. Adults with a confirmed diagnosis of wAIHA who previously received corticosteroids for less than 6 weeks could be included. At inclusion, all patients received prednisone at a daily dose of 1 mg/kg for 2 weeks, and then tapered according to a pre‐defined recommended reduction scheme. Besides prednisone, eligible patients received 2 infusions of RTX or placebo at a fixed dose of 1,000 mg 2‐week apart. The primary endpoint was overall response rate (complete response [CR] + partial response [PR]) in an intent‐to‐treat (ITT) analysis at 1 year. A total of 32 patients (17 females [53%], mean age at inclusion 71 ± 16 years) were enrolled and randomized. In all, 27 patients were followed for at least 1 year and their data were evaluable for response. With an ITT analysis, the overall response rate at 1 year was 75% [95%CI: 47.6‐92.7] with 11 CR and 1 PR with RTX versus 31% [11.0‐58.7] (5 CR) with placebo (P = 0.032). At 2 years, 10/16 patients with RTX versus 3/16 with placebo still showed CR (P = 0.011). Overall, eight severe infections occurred during follow‐up, six with placebo and two with RTX (P = 0.39). At 2 years, six patients with placebo had died, but none with RTX (P = 0.017). Compared to placebo, RTX combined with prednisone may be effective and safe for treating newly‐diagnosed wAIHA in adults. Am. J. Hematol. 92:23–27, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Coronary Artery Calcification and Rheumatoid Arthritis: Lack of Relationship to Risk Alleles for Coronary Artery Disease in the General Population
Authors: Ferraz‐Amaro Iván , Winchester Robert , Gregersen Peter K. , Reynolds Richard J. , Wasko Mary Chester , Oeser Anette , Chung Cecilia P. , Stein C. Michael , Giles Jon T. , Bathon Joan M.
Published: October 2016

Objective

Coronary artery disease (CAD) in the general population is characterized by an increased frequency of particular susceptibility single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Because the frequency of CAD is increased among patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), we sought to determine whether the frequency of these SNPs is increased in RA patients with CAD, hypothesizing that RA could enhance CAD risk by acting through established genetic pathways predisposing to CAD.

Methods

Coronary artery calcification (CAC) as detected by computed tomography was used as a measure of CAD in 561 patients with RA. One hundred SNPs associated with CAD in the general population were genotyped or imputed, and their relationship to CAC was established through multiple regression analysis for individual SNPs and a genetic risk score representing their cumulative effect.

Results

Ninety‐one CAD‐related SNPs were genotyped successfully; of these, 81 exhibited no association with CAC (Agatston units) or different CAC categorizations, either individually or collectively, in the genetic risk score. Only rs579459 (ABO) and rs17676451 (HAL) had a consistent positive association between genotype and CAC, with a significant increase in the frequency of the effect allele in both homozygous and heterozygous genotype distributions. Five were variably negatively associated. Furthermore, a positive association between the Disease Activity Score in 28 joints and CAC was observed, and after adjustment for traditional cardiovascular risk factors, it was not modified by correcting for the CAD‐related SNP genetic risk score.

Conclusion

The increased risk of CAC in patients with RA does not appear to operate primarily through established genetically regulated atherogenic mechanisms that are preponderant in the general population.
Human Endogenous Retroviral Genetic Element With Immunosuppressive Activity in Both Human Autoimmune Diseases and Experimental Arthritis
Authors: Laska Magdalena Janina , Troldborg Anne , Hauge Ellen‐Margrethe , Bahrami Shervin , Stengaard‐Pedersen Kristian
Published: October 2016

Objective

Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) are remnants of past retroviral infections in the human genome and have been implicated in different aspects of human biology. The aim of this study was to identify HERVs that are associated with the pathogenesis of rheumatic diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Methods

The study subjects included 45 female patients with SLE and 50 healthy controls matched for geographic area, age, and sex. Real‐time reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction analysis was used to examine the transcription levels of 11 genes with coding capacity for complete envelope (Env) protein in these individuals. In this way, 1 HERV locus was identified as a potential modulator of autoimmunity. The env gene encoded by this HERV locus was cloned and examined for the ability to express a functional protein with immunosuppressive potential.

Results

Expression of the env59 gene was negatively correlated with pathogenetic factors of human autoimmune rheumatic diseases, including such factors as the levels of interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and Toll‐like receptor 7. This gene was capable of encoding a fully functional Env glycoprotein that was found to contain a domain, the immunosuppressive (ISU) domain, that, when evaluated ex vivo in patients with SLE and those with rheumatoid arthritis as well as in animal models, showed strong antiinflammatory activity, including the ability to lower IL‐6 levels.

Conclusion

The env59 gene has been adapted by the immune system as a control mechanism in autoimmunity. The peptides derived from the ISU domain contained in the Env59 protein may be useful as potentially new biologic treatments in rheumatic diseases such as SLE.