bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DAS28 best reflects the physician's clinical judgment of response to infliximab therapy in rheumatoid arthritis patients: validation of the DAS28 score in patients under infliximab treatment
Authors: Vander Cruyssen Bert , Van Looy Stijn , Wyns Bart , Westhovens Rene , Durez Patrick , Van den Bosch Filip , Veys Eric M , Mielants Herman , De Clerck Luc , Peretz Anne , Malaise Michel , Verbruggen Leon , Vastesaeger Nathan , Geldhof Anja , Boullart Luc , De Keyser Filip
Published: July 2005

This study is based on an expanded access program in which 511 patients suffering from active refractory rheumatoid arthritis (RA) were treated with intravenous infusions of infliximab (3 mg/kg+methotrexate (MTX)) at weeks 0, 2, 6 and every 8 weeks thereafter. At week 22, 474 patients were still in follow-up, of whom 102 (21.5%), who were not optimally responding to treatment, received a dose increase from week 30 onward. We aimed to build a model to discriminate the decision to give a dose increase. This decision was based on the treating rheumatologist's clinical judgment and therefore can be considered as a clinical measure of insufficient response. Different single and composite measures at weeks 0, 6, 14 and 22, and their differences over time were taken into account for the model building. Ranking of the continuous variables based on areas under the curve of receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, displayed the momentary DAS28 (Disease Activity Score including a 28-joint count) as the most important discriminating variable. Subsequently, we proved that the response scores and the changes over time were less important than the momentary evaluations to discriminate the physician's decision. The final model we thus obtained was a model with only slightly better discriminative characteristics than the DAS28. Finally, we fitted a discriminant function using the single variables of the DAS28. This displayed similar scores and coefficients as the DAS28. In conclusion, we evaluated different variables and models to discriminate the treating rheumatologist's decision to increase the dose of infliximab (+MTX), which indicates an insufficient response to infliximab at 3 mg/kg in patients with RA. We proved that the momentary DAS28 score correlates best with this decision and demonstrated the robustness of the score and the coefficients of the DAS28 in a cohort of RA patients under infliximab therapy.
Performance of prognostic models in critically ill cancer patients – a review
Authors: den Boer Sylvia , de Keizer Nicolette F , de Jonge Evert
Published: July 2005

Introduction

Prognostic models, such as the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II or III, the Simplified Acute Physiology Score (SAPS) II, and the Mortality Probability Models (MPM) II were developed to quantify the severity of illness and the likelihood of hospital survival for a general intensive care unit (ICU) population. Little is known about the performance of these models in specific populations, such as patients with cancer. Recently, specific prognostic models have been developed to predict mortality for cancer patients who are admitted to the ICU. The present analysis reviews the performance of general prognostic models and specific models for cancer patients to predict in-hospital mortality after ICU admission.

Methods

Studies were identified by searching the Medline databases from 1994 to 2004. We included studies evaluating the performance of mortality prediction models in critically ill cancer patients.

Results

Ten studies were identified that evaluated prognostic models in cancer patients. Discrimination between survivors and non-survivors was fair to good, but calibration was insufficient in most studies. General prognostic models uniformly underestimate the likelihood of hospital mortality in oncological patients. Two versions of a specific oncological scoring systems (Intensive Care Mortality Model (ICMM)) were evaluated in five studies and showed better discrimination and calibration than the general prognostic models.

Conclusion

General prognostic models generally underestimate the risk of mortality in critically ill cancer patients. Both general prognostic models and specific oncology models may reliably identify subgroups of patients with a very high risk of mortality.
The impact of subchronic cadmium poisoning on the vascular effect of nitric oxide in rats
Authors: Skoczynska A , Martynowicz H
Published: July 2005

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of poisoning with cadmium in hypertensive doses (50 or 200 ppm in drinking water for three months) on the basal and stimulated release NO effect in the isolated and perfused rat mesenteric bed. Mesenteric artery preparation preconstricted by norepinephrine (0.5 μg/mL) was used to determine changes in its vascular resistance induced by e-NOS synthase blocker, N-ω-nitro-L-arginine (L-NOARG) injected in increasing doses from 1.0 to 200.0 μg or acetylcholine (ACh) administered in doses from 0.05 × 10-10 to 5.0 × 10-10 mol before and during L-NOARG infusion (1.0 μg/mL). Vascular reactivity was measured as an increase or decrease in perfusion pressure in the constant flow system.

Rats poisoned with 50 or 200 ppm of cadmium demonstrated a significant decrease (P < 0.05) in vascular response to L-NOARG used in doses of 50 or 100 μg. The dose-response curve obtained for L-NOARG was shifted to the right and ED50 value was greater in the group of rats given cadmium in a dose of 200 ppm than in the controls (70.39 ± 10.7 versus 25.79 ± 4.8 μg, P < 0.01). These rats reacted with lower expressed vasodilatation to ACh in doses to 0.2 ± 10-10 mol. In all poisoned rats, L-NOARG enhanced the effect of ACh used in doses from 0.05 to 0.5 ± 10-10 mol, whereas in the control group this effect was only achieved at 0.1 ± 10-10 mol. The serum nitric oxide concentration was decreased (P B < 0.05) in both groups of cadmium-treated rats. These results suggest that cadmium in hypertensive doses modifies the vascular effect of NO in basal conditions and after stimulation by ACh.
Metaraminol (Aramine®) in the management of a significant amlodipine overdose
Authors: Wood D M , Wright K D , Jones A L , Dargan P I
Published: July 2005

Objective: To report a patient with a significant amlodipine self-poisoning who failed to clinically respond to conventional treatment and was managed with metaraminol (Aramine®). Patient: A 43-year old male presenting after ingestion of 560 mg amlodipine, who failed to respond clinically to treatment with fluid resuscitation, calcium salts, glucagon and norepinephrine/epinephrine inotropic support. Main results: Following a loading bolus of 2 mg and intravenous infusion (83 mg/min) of metaraminol (Aramine®) there was improvement in his blood pressure, cardiac output and urine output. Conclusions: This is the first case report of the beneficial use of metaraminol (aramine) in the management of significant amlodipine poisoning unresponsive to conventional therapy.
Optimizing Adjuvant Endocrine Therapy in Postmenopausal Women With Early-Stage Breast Cancer: A Decision Analysis
Authors: Punglia Rinaa S. , Kuntz Karen M. , Winer Eric P. , Weeks Jane C. , Burstein Harold J.
Published: July 2005

Purpose

The optimal adjuvant endocrine strategy for postmenopausal breast cancer is unknown. Options include the antiestrogen tamoxifen, estrogen deprivation with aromatase inhibitors, and sequential therapy with tamoxifen and then an aromatase inhibitor.

Methods

We developed Markov models to simulate 10-year disease-free survival among postmenopausal women with hormone receptor–positive breast cancer. The treatment strategies analyzed were 5 years of tamoxifen alone, 5 years of an aromatase inhibitor alone, and sequential treatment consisting of tamoxifen with cross over to an aromatase inhibitor at 2.5 or 5 years. Risk estimates were derived from reported randomized clinical trials.

Results

Sequential therapy with tamoxifen followed by cross over to an aromatase inhibitor at 2.5 years yielded a modest improvement in disease-free survival compared with planned aromatase inhibitor monotherapy. At 10 years, the cross-over strategy yielded absolute disease-free survival rates of 83.7% and 67.6% for node-negative and node-positive patients, respectively, compared with 82.6% and 65.5%, respectively, for aromatase inhibitor monotherapy, which is a 6% relative risk reduction. Sequential therapy improved disease-free survival estimates by year 6 after treatment initiation. Later cross over from tamoxifen to an aromatase inhibitor at 5 years did not further improve 10-year disease-free survival estimates. Sensitivity analyses suggest that sequential treatment strategies optimized 10-year disease-free and distant disease–free survival independent of the degree of the beneficial carryover effect after aromatase inhibitor therapy or the ratio of local to distant tumor recurrence.

Conclusion

Modeling estimates suggest that sequential adjuvant therapy with tamoxifen followed by an aromatase inhibitor after 2.5 years yields improved outcomes compared with either drug alone or cross-over treatment after 5 years of tamoxifen.
Cyclic Adenosine 3′,5′-Monophosphate-Dependent Activation of Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase in Cumulus Cells Is Essential for Germinal Vesicle Breakdown of Porcine Cumulus-Enclosed Oocytes
Authors: Liang Cheng-Guang , Huo Li-Jun , Zhong Zhi-Sheng , Chen Da-Yuan , Schatten Heide , Sun Qing-Yuan
Published: July 2005

MAPK plays an important role during meiotic maturation in mammalian oocytes, whereas the necessity of MAPK during meiotic resumption in porcine oocytes is still controversial. Here, by applying the method of ultracentrifugation to move the opaque lipid droplets to the edge of the oocyte, therefore allowing clear visualization of porcine germinal vesicles, oocytes just before germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD) and those that had just undergone GVBD were selected for the assay of MAPK activation. Our results showed that phosphorylation of MAPK in oocytes occurred after GVBD in all three different culture models: spontaneous maturation model, inhibition-induction maturation model, and normal maturation model. Moreover, we found that activation of MAPK in cumulus cells but not in oocytes was essential for GVBD in cumulus-enclosed oocytes. Then the cross-talk between cAMP and MAPK in cumulus cells was investigated by using cell-type-specific phosphodiesterase (PDE) isoenzyme inhibitors. Our results showed that PDE3 subtype existed in oocytes, whereas PDE4 subtype existed in cumulus cells. PDE3 inhibitor prevented meiotic resumption of oocytes, whereas PDE4 inhibitor enhanced the ability of FSH or forskolin to activate MAPK in cumulus cells. We propose that increased cAMP resulting from inhibition of PDE3 in oocytes blocks GVBD, whereas increased cAMP resulting from inhibition of PDE4 activates MAPK pathway in cumulus cells, which is essential for GVBD induction.
Sucking while swimming: evaluating the effects of ram speed on suction generation in bluegill sunfishLepomis macrochirususing digital particle image velocimetry
Authors: Higham Timothy E. , Day Steven W. , Wainwright Peter C.
Published: July 2005

It is well established that suction feeding fish use a variable amount of swimming (ram) during prey capture. However, the fluid mechanical effects of ram on suction feeding are not well established. In this study we quantified the effects of ram on the maximum fluid speed of the water entering the mouth during feeding as well as the spatial patterns of flow entering the mouth of suction-feeding bluegill sunfish Lepomis macrochirus. Using Digital Particle Image Velocimetry (DPIV) and high-speed video, we observed the flow in front of the mouth of three fish using a vertical laser sheet positioned on the mid-sagittal plane of the fish. From this we quantified the maximum fluid speed (measured at a distance in front of the mouth equal to one half of the maximum mouth diameter), the degree of focusing of water flow entering the mouth, and the shape of the ingested volume of water. Ram speed in 41 feeding sequences, measured at the time of maximum gape, ranged between 0 and 25 cm s–1, and the ratio of ram speed to fluid speed ranged from 0.1% to 19.1%. In a regression ram speed did not significantly affect peak fluid speed, but with an increase in ram speed the degree of focusing of water entering the mouth increased significantly, and the shape of the ingested volume of water became more elongate and narrow. The implications of these findings are that (1) suction feeders that employ ram of between 0% and 20% of fluid speed sacrifice little in terms of the fluid speeds they generate and(2) ram speed enhances the total body closing speed of the predator.
Does intracellular metabolite diffusion limit post-contractile recovery in burst locomotor muscle?
Authors: Kinsey Stephen T. , Pathi Pragyansri , Hardy Kristin M. , Jordan Amanda , Locke Bruce R.
Published: July 2005

Post-metamorphic growth in the blue crab entails an increase in body mass that spans several orders of magnitude. The muscles that power burst swimming in these animals grow hypertrophically, such that small crabs have fiber diameters that are typical of most cells (<60 μm) while in adult animals the fibers are giant (>600 μm). Thus, as the animals grow, their muscle fibers cross and greatly exceed the surface area to volume ratio(SA:V) and intracellular diffusion distance threshold that is adhered to by most cells. Large fiber size should not impact burst contractile function, but post-contractile recovery may be limited by low SA:V and excessive intracellular diffusion distances. A number of changes occur in muscle structure, metabolic organization and metabolic flux during development to compensate for the effects of increasing fiber size. In the present study, we examined the impact of intracellular metabolite diffusive flux on the rate of post-contractile arginine phosphate(AP) resynthesis in burst locomotor muscle from small and large animals. AP recovery was measured following burst exercise, and these data were compared to a mathematical reaction–diffusion model of aerobic metabolism. The measured rates of AP resynthesis were independent of fiber size, while simulations of aerobic AP resynthesis yielded lower rates in large fibers. These contradictory findings are consistent with previous observations that there is an increased reliance on anaerobic metabolism for post-contractile metabolic recovery in large fibers. However, the model results suggest that the interaction between mitochondrial ATP production rates, ATP consumption rates and diffusion distances yield a system that is not particularly close to being limited by intracellular metabolite diffusion. We conclude that fiber SA:V and O2 flux exert more control than intracellular metabolite diffusive flux over the developmental changes in metabolic organization and metabolic fluxes that characterize these muscles.
Analysis of non-Newtonian and piezoviscous effects in dynamically loaded connecting-rod bearings
Authors: Fatu A , Hajjam M , Bonneau D
Published: July 2005

The dynamic behaviour of three elastic connecting-rod big-end bearings is studied. Non-Newtonian and piezoviscous behaviour of the lubricant is included. The present algorithm allows accurate analysis of film rupture and reformation during actual operation of an engine and is based on finite element discretization. The non-Newtonian effect is introduced by modifying the viscosity for each point of a three-dimensional mesh of the film and for each iteration. Using a convenient iterative solution procedure, converged solutions for lubricant flow and elastic deformation fields are obtained. The present algorithm is extended to a global thermo-elastohydrodynamic model, to take into account the effects of viscosity variation with temperature. It is shown that the non-Newtonian shear-thinning and oil piezoviscous effects cannot be neglected in a complete connecting-rod bearing analysis. Furthermore, thermo-elastic behaviour can lead to different conclusions, than obtained by the elastohydrodynamic model.
Multiobjective optimization of journal bearing using mass conserving and genetic algorithms
Authors: Hirani H
Published: July 2005

An optimal design of hydrodynamic journal bearing using mass conserving thermal analysis and genetic algorithms is presented. Simultaneous minimization of power loss and oil flow, subjected to constraints on film thickness, film pressure, and temperature rise between the bearing surfaces, is the objective of this study. The radial clearance, L/D ratio, oil groove location, feed pressure, and the oil viscosity are the design variables. The rank-based genetic algorithm is used to deal with the discrete variables and multimodal objective functions and to capture Pareto optimal points.

In view of computation economics and robustness, initial guesses of oil film pressure distribution, eccentricity ratio, and attitude angle obtained by two-dimensional analytical approach are provided for mass conserving thermal analysis. The complete optimization strategy is illustrated by a step-by-step (in four steps) approach. A comparative study of thermal and isothermal analyses is illustrated. Effects of constraints on temperature, pressure, and film thickness on the design vector are enlightened. The mass conserving thermal analysis is validated against experimental results. Pareto optimal fronts for various operating conditions are presented.
Oil-film thickness and temperature measurements in PTFE and babbitt faced tilting-pad thrust bearings
Authors: McCarthy D. M. C. , Glavatskih S. B. , Sherrington I
Published: July 2005

The influence of pad facing material on hydrodynamic lubrication in tilting-pad thrust bearings is investigated in terms of pad and oil-film temperatures and thicknesses. Two tilting-pad thrust bearings are examined: one with babbitt pad facing, the other with a layer of PTFE-based composite material. Frictional torque, pad, collar, and oil-film temperatures and thicknesses are all monitored by means of a comprehensive array of sensors mounted in the bearing and shaft.

A considerably smaller range of temperature is seen in the steel backing immediately below the surface material for the PTFE faced pads. Oil-film temperatures measured at the mid-point on the pad trailing edge show no significant difference between the two bearings. Oil-film thicknesses in the two bearings are seen to differ. At the leading edge, oil-film thickness is thinner for the PTFE pad than for babbitt. However, at the trailing edge the PTFE pad has the thicker film.
Multi-body dynamics and electromechanics: From a differential-geometric point of view
Authors: Maißer P
Published: July 2005

Mechanics is the origin of physics. Almost any physical theory like electrodynamics stems from mechanical explanations. The mathematical-geometric considerations in mechanics serve as a prototype for other physical theories. Consequently, developments in modern physics in turn have a feedback to mechanics in terms of its representation. The laws of nature can be expressed as differential equations. The fact that these equations can be solved by average computers has led most engineers and many mathematical physicists to neglect geometrical aspects for solving and better understanding their problems. The intimate relation between geometry and analysis led to the differential geometry, which is a valuable tool for a better understanding in many physical disciplines like classical mechanics, electrodynamics, and nowadays in mechatronics. It has been the development of the theory of relativity that revealed the paramount importance of the differential geometry. Many problems in research and development can be studied by differential-geometric methods. Modern non-linear control theories, for instance, are entirely based on the differential geometry. This paper addresses some aspects in mathematical modelling of multi-body and electromechanical systems. The motivation for this research arises from applications of linear induction machines in modern transport technologies.
Using a Bennett linkage as a connector between other Bennett loops
Authors: Chen Y , Baker J E
Published: July 2005

The remarkable Bennett linkage has been used almost from the time of its announcement in 1903 as a fecund source of other kinematic loops and networks. Various techniques have been applied to yield an impressive number of products. Put forward here is a procedure by which the whole loop functions as an articulation between members of two other chains, resulting in a complex spatial network of a type having possible value as a deployable structure. An algebraic analysis also provides the determination of displacement-closure equations for two different forms of six-bar loop incorporated in the assemblage, one of them new to the literature.
CD20 Expression in Normal Canine B Cells and in Canine non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
Authors: Jubala C. M. , Wojcieszyn J. W. , Valli V. E. O. , Getzy D. M. , Fosmire S. P. , Coffey D. , Bellgrau D. , Modiano J. F.
Published: July 2005

We examined the expression of CD20 in normal canine peripheral blood mononuclear cells, normal canine spleen, and canine non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) to determine the feasibility of using this antigen as a diagnostic aid and as a possible target for therapy. An antibody generated against a C-terminal (intracytoplasmic) epitope of human CD20 recognized proteins of 32-36 kd in normal and malignant canine lymphocytes. This antibody showed restricted membrane binding in a subset of lymphocytes in peripheral blood, in the B-cell regions from a normal canine spleen and lymph node, and in malignant cells from 19 dogs with B-cell NHL, but not from 15 dogs with T-cell NHL. The patterns of CD20 reactivity in these samples overlapped those seen using an antibody that recognizes canine CD79a. This anti-CD20 antibody is therefore suitable as an aid to phenotype canine NHL. In contrast, normal canine B cells were not recognized by any of 28 antibodies directed against the extracellular domains of human CD20 (including the chimeric mouse-human antibody Rituximab) or by any of 12 antibodies directed against the extracellular domains of mouse CD20. Thus, the use of CD20 as a therapeutic target will require the generation of specific antibodies against the extracellular domains of canine CD20.
Unilateral Perinephric Pseudocyst Secondary to Hydronephrosis in a C57BL/6J Mouse
Authors: Meyerholz D. K. , Hostetter S. J.
Published: July 2005

A 9-month-old C57BL/6J mouse had progressive abdominal distension over a 1-week period, and a distended left renal capsule was discovered at postmortem examination. Incision of the capsule showed a tan, cloudy fluid that separated the renal capsule and the remnant left kidney. Microscopically, the capsule was significantly separated from the renal parenchyma by clear space and necrotic cellular debris. The majority of the lining of the renal capsule was composed of fibrous connective tissue and lacked an epithelial lining, consistent with a subcapsular perinephric pseudocyst. In addition, attached to intermittent portions of the renal capsule were thin rims of compressed cortical tissue lined by transitional epithelium. The finding of remnant cortical tissue lined by transitional epithelium is consistent with severe hydronephrosis and indicates that the hydronephrosis preceded the formation of the perinephric pseudocyst. To our knowledge, this is the first case report to characterize a perinephric pseudocyst secondary to severe hydronephrosis in a mouse.
A Genetic Screen Identifies Putative Targets and Binding Partners of CREB-Binding Protein in the Developing Drosophila Eye
Authors: Anderson Jason , Bhandari Rohan , Kumar Justin P
Published: July 2005

Drosophila CREB-binding protein (dCBP) is a very large multidomain protein, which belongs to the CBP/p300 family of proteins that were first identified by their ability to bind the CREB transcription factor and the adenoviral protein E1. Since then CBP has been shown to bind to >100 additional proteins and functions in a multitude of different developmental contexts. Among other activities, CBP is known to influence development by remodeling chromatin, by serving as a transcriptional coactivator, and by interacting with terminal members of several signaling transduction cascades. Reductions in CBP activity are the underlying cause of Rubinstein-Taybi syndrome, which is, in part, characterized by several eye defects, including strabismus, cataracts, juvenile glaucoma, and coloboma of the eyelid, iris, and lens. Development of the Drosophila melanogaster compound eye is also inhibited in flies that are mutant for CBP. However, the vast array of putative protein interactions and the wide-ranging roles played by CBP within a single tissue such as the retina can often complicate the analysis of CBP loss-of-function mutants. Through a series of genetic screens we have identified several genes that could either serve as downstream transcriptional targets or encode for potential CBP-binding partners and whose association with eye development has hitherto been unknown. The identification of these new components may provide new insight into the roles that CBP plays in retinal development. Of particular interest is the identification that the CREB transcription factor appears to function with CBP at multiple stages of retinal development.
An Assessment of Population Genetic Variation in Chinook Salmon from Seven Michigan Rivers 30 Years after Introduction
Authors: Weeder Julie A. , Marshall Anne R. , Epifanio John M.
Published: July 2005

Chinook salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha were introduced into the Lake Michigan basin from 1966 to 1968 with the transfer of fertilized eggs from the Green River Hatchery, Washington. In the more than three decades since this founding, Chinook salmon occur and are managed throughout the Great Lakes basin as a mixture of feral and supplemented populations. To evaluate the extent of genetic diversity since initial founding, we examined the pattern of variation at 18 allozyme loci among feral Chinook salmon populations in seven Michigan watersheds. We observed little divergence and low heterogeneity among the seven populations, which was consistent with the pattern expected in a single, randomly mating gene pool. We believe that the two major mechanisms contributing to the lack of among-population heterogeneity are the relatively recent founding from a single source and the routine homogenization from annual releases of hatchery-propagated, common-brood-source juveniles. We compared genetic diversity in the founded population with that of the source population to assess impacts from management activities or other events that might have caused genetic bottlenecks. Six rare alleles observed in the source stock were absent in our combined Michigan samples (N = 256), and frequencies for two of these alleles were significantly different (P ≤ 0.01) between the source and Michigan samples. Several other allele frequencies also differed significantly between the source and founded populations, providing evidence that one or more sources of genetic drift have affected allelic variation in the Michigan population. Although conservation of native genetic diversity is not a prevailing issue for Chinook salmon in Michigan waters, management approaches aimed at maintaining overall compositional and structural diversity and any recently evolved but undetected river-specific diversity should avoid further depletion of genetic variation in this important Great Lakes recreational resource.
Evaluating Assumptions of Mark–Recapture Studies for Estimating Angling Exploitation of Walleyes in Northern Wisconsin Lakes
Authors: Deroba Jonathan J. , Hansen Michael J. , Nate Nancy A. , Hennessy Joseph M.
Published: July 2005

To test for violations of the assumptions of mark–recapture studies used to estimate angling exploitation rates of walleye Sander vitreus in northern Wisconsin lakes, we estimated the recapture rate (R/C) of walleyes previously marked for each month of the angling year for five length categories: all lengths combined, less than 12 in, 12–15 in, 15–20 in, and 20 in or larger. The recapture rate declined significantly during the year for all walleye length-classes combined and for all length-classes except walleyes 12–15 in long. The R/C ratio in May increased with length. We conclude that fin regeneration, which contributed to lack of mark recognition, or higher mortality due to marking, may have reduced the number of marks in the R/C ratio and therefore may have biased estimates of walleye angling exploitation rates.
Promoting Behavior Change Among Working-Class, Multiethnic Workers: Results of the Healthy Directions—Small Business Study
Authors: Sorensen Glorian , Barbeau Elizabeth , Stoddard Anne M. , Hunt Mary Kay , Kaphingst Kimberly , Wallace Lorraine
Published: July 2005

Objectives. We examined the efficacy of a cancer prevention intervention designed to improve health behaviors among working-class, multiethnic populations employed in small manufacturing businesses.

Methods. Worksites were randomly assigned to an intervention or minimal-intervention control condition. The intervention targeted fruit and vegetable consumption, red meat consumption, multivitamin use, and physical activity.

Results. Employees in the intervention group showed greater improvements for every outcome compared with employees in the control group. Differences in improvement were statistically significant for multivitamin use and physical activity. Intervention effects were larger among workers than among managers for fruit and vegetable consumption and for physical activity.

Conclusions. The social-context model holds promise for reducing disparities in health behaviors. Further research is needed to improve the effectiveness of the intervention.
Gender and Cancer in Britain, 1860–1910
Authors: Moscucci Ornella
Published: July 2005

Historical work on cancer has suggested that a range of political, social, and medical concerns stimulated the emergence of cancer as a public health problem in the early 20th century.

I argue that anxiety about cervical cancer mortality was instrumental in establishing cancer as a major focus of concern for the British public health service. This development was closely bound to assumptions about the association of gender with cancer, the redefinition of cancer as a surgical problem, the politics of empire, and the climate of public and medical disquiet about gynecological surgery engendered by feminist and antivivisectionist critiques of medical science.
Socioeconomic Position and Self-Rated Health: The Contribution of Childhood Socioeconomic Circumstances, Adult Socioeconomic Status, and Material Resources
Authors: Laaksonen Mikko , Rahkonen Ossi , Martikainen Pekka , Lahelma Eero
Published: July 2005

Objectives. We examined socioeconomic inequalities in self-rated health by analyzing indicators of childhood socioeconomic circumstances, adult socioeconomic position, and current material resources.

Methods. We collected data on middle-aged adults employed by the City of Helsinki (n=8970; 67% response rate). Associations between 7 socioeconomic indicators and health self-ratings of less than “good” were examined with sequential logistic regression models.

Results. After adjustment for age, each socioeconomic indicator was inversely associated with self-rated health. Childhood economic difficulties, but not parental education, were associated with health independently of all other socioeconomic indicators. The associations of respondents’ own education and occupational class with health remained when adjusted for other socioeconomic indicators. Home ownership and economic difficulties, but not household income, were the material indicators associated with health after full adjustment.

Conclusions. Own education and occupational class showed consistent associations with health, but the association with income disappeared after adjustment for other socioeconomic indicators. The effect of parental education on health was mediated by the respondent’s own education. Both childhood and adulthood economic difficulties showed clear associations with health and with conventional socioeconomic indicators.
Atraumatic Restorative Treatment for Prevention and Treatment of Caries in an Underserved Community
Authors: Lopez Naty , Simpser-Rafalin Sara , Berthold Peter
Published: July 2005

We evaluated the acceptability and effectiveness of atraumatic restorative treatment to prevent and treat caries in an underserved community in Mexico. We placed 370 restorations and 193 sealants in 118 children aged 5 to 18; 85% reported no pain, and 93% were comfortable with their restorations. We then evaluated the children 1 and 2 years later. At 2-year evaluation, 66% of restorations and 35% of sealants were retained. Atraumatic restorative treatment is acceptable and effective to control and prevent decay in a socioeconomically deprived community.
Residue Level and Manure Application Timing Effects on Runoff and Sediment Losses
Authors: Grande Joseph D. , Karthikeyan K. G. , Miller Paul S. , Powell J. Mark
Published: July 2005

There is growing interest in evaluating the effects of corn silage harvesting methods on erosion control. Increasing the silage cutting height will increase residue cover and could conceivably minimize off‐site migration of sediments compared with conventional silage harvesting. The effects of residue level and manure application timing on runoff and sediment losses from no‐till corn were examined. Treatments included conventional corn grain (G) and silage (SL) and nonconventional, high‐cut (60–65 cm) silage (SH). Corn harvesting treatments were subjected to different manure application regimes: no manure (N) or surface application in fall (F) or spring (S). Simulated rainfall (76 mm/h; 1 h) was applied in spring and fall for two years (2002–2003), runoff from 2.0‐ × 1.5‐m plots collected, and a subsample analyzed for sediment concentration and aggregate size distribution. Runoff volume was inversely related to residue cover. Manure addition to silage plots reduced spring runoff by 71 to 88%, attributable to an increase in soil organic matter content, compared with SH–N and SL–N. Differences in sediment concentration between SH and SL were not significant. For silage plots, spring‐applied manure had the greatest influence on sediment export reducing it by 84 to 93% in spring runoff compared with corresponding N plots. Sediment loads were also 85 to 97% lower from SH–S compared with SL–N in all four seasons. Except for spring 2003, sediment export was lower from G compared with SL. The combination of manure and higher residue associated with high‐cut silage often lowered sediment export compared with low‐cut silage. Nearly identical aggregate size distributions were observed in sediments from SH and SL plots. High residue levels combined with spring‐applied manure led to enrichment in the clay‐sized fraction of runoff sediment. Recently applied manure and higher residue levels achieved by high‐cutting silage can substantially lower sediment losses in spring runoff when soil is most susceptible to erosion.
Enhanced Radionuclide Immobilization and Flow Path Modifications by Dissolution and Secondary Precipitates
Authors: Um Wooyong , Serne R. Jeffrey , Yabusaki Steven B. , Owen Antoinette T.
Published: July 2005

Caustic radioactive wastes that have leaked at Hanford Site (Richland, WA) induce mineral dissolution and subsequent secondary precipitation that influence the fate and transport of contaminants present in the waste solutions. The effects of secondary mineral precipitates, formed after contacting solids with simulated caustic wastes, on the flow path changes and radionuclide immobilization were investigated by reacting quartz, a mixture of quartz and biotite, and a Hanford sediment (Warden soil: coarse‐silty, mixed, superactive, mesic Xeric Haplocambids) with simulated caustic tank waste solution. Continuous Si dissolution and concomitant secondary mineral precipitation were the principal reactions observed in both batch and flow‐through tests. Nitrate–cancrinite was the dominant secondary precipitate on mineral surfaces after 3‐ to 10‐d reaction times in batch experiments. X‐ray microtomography images of a reacted quartz column revealed that secondary precipitates cemented quartz grains together and modified pore geometry in the center of the column. Along the circumference of the packed column, however, quartz dissolution continuously occurred, suggesting that wastes that leaked from buried tanks in the past likely did not migrate vertically as modeled in risk assessments but rather the pathways likely changed to be dominantly horizontal on precipitation of secondary precipitate phases in the Hanford vadose zone. Based on batch equilibrium sorption results on the reacted sediments, the dominant secondary precipitates (cancrinites) on the mineral surfaces enhanced the sorption capacity of typical Hanford sediment for radionuclides 129I(−I), 79Se(VI), 99Tc(VII), and 90Sr(II), all of which are of major concern at the Hanford Site.
A Mobile Instant Messaging–Delivered Psychoeducational Intervention for Cancer Caregivers
Authors: Cheng Qinqin , Ng Marques Shek Nam , Choi Kai Chow , Chen Yongyi , Liu Gaoming , So Winnie Kwok Wei
Published: February 2024

Importance

Psychoeducational interventions (PEIs), which provide both information and emotional and psychosocial support, may address the unmet needs of the caregivers of adolescent and young adult patients with cancer.

Objective

To explore the effects of an instant messaging–delivered PEI on anxiety, depression, quality of life (QOL), and coping and determine whether the intervention reduces caregivers’ unmet needs.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This randomized clinical trial using an intention-to-treat protocol was conducted from April 1 to September 14, 2022, in a tertiary cancer hospital in China and included caregivers of patients diagnosed with cancer at age 15 to 39 years recruited using convenience sampling.

Intervention

Caregivers were allocated 1:1 using a randomized block scheme to the intervention or control group. The intervention group received a 5-week PEI and usual care, whereas the control group received only usual care. The PEI was delivered through articles and calls through an instant messaging application.

Main Outcomes and Measures

The primary outcomes were changes in the levels of caregivers’ anxiety and depression, measured using the 7-Item Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale and the Patient Health Questionnaire 9, respectively. The secondary outcomes were changes in the levels of caregivers’ QOL, coping, and unmet needs.

Results

Of the 160 participants, 92 (57.5%) were male; mean (SD) age was 40.27 (8.33) years. Compared with the control group, the intervention group had significantly greater reduction in severity of anxiety (B = −3.231; 95% CI, −4.746 to −1.716; P < .001) and depression (B = −3.253; 95% CI, −5.052 to −1.454; P < .001), smaller reduction in QOL (B = 13.574; 95% CI, 0.488-26.661; P = .04), and greater reduction in unmet needs (B = −12.136; 95% CI, −18.307 to −5.965; P < .001) after the intervention. Twelve weeks after baseline, the intervention group demonstrated a significantly greater reduction only in severity of anxiety (B = −1.890; 95% CI, −3.382 to −0.397; P = .01).

Conclusions and Relevance

In this randomized clinical trial of a mobile instant messaging–delivered PEI, caregivers’ unmet needs, anxiety, and depression decreased significantly and QOL declined at a significantly slower rate immediately after the intervention in the intervention group compared with the control group. A sustained effect on anxiety was observed 12 weeks after baseline.

Trial Registration

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry identifier: ChiCTR2200055951
Charge Transport Advancement in Anti‐Ambipolar Transistors: Spatially Separating Layer Sandwiched between N‐Type Metal Oxides and P‐Type Small Molecules
Authors: Han Youngmin , Lee Subin , Kim Minseo , Shin Wonjun , Lee Ho kyung , Koo Ryun‐Han , Lee Sung‐Tae , Kim Chang‐Hyun , Yoo Hocheon
Published: February 2024

Interface issues with organic semiconductors on metal oxide challenge realizing a high‐performance anti‐ambipolar transistor (AAT) with stable operation. The motivation behind this research delves into the intricate landscape of AATs, elucidating their envisioned applications and constituent materials. Central to the authors, discourse is the pivotal role that fluoropolymers assume, acting as a bridge uniting n‐type metal oxide semiconductors (n‐oxide) with p‐type organic semiconductors (p‐organic), thereby unveiling a hitherto concealed facet of transistor advancement. Adopting a spatially separating layer (SSL) between p‐ and n‐type semiconductors of AAT is unconventional, but this p‐organic/SSL/n‐oxide junction (pSn) AAT exhibits stable operation also 215 days after fabrication and minimal hysteresis, which is 13.67 times smaller than a conventional p‐organic/n‐oxide junction (pn) AAT. The effect of SSL is closely studied through comparisons of the performance of single‐type transistors, trap density, and carrier behavior, which define the order of 1/f at low‐frequency noise analysis. In addition, the contribution of SSL is confirmed via the channel formation mechanism of AAT investigated through a two‐dimensional (2D) finite‐element simulation. The operation stability of pSn AAT is evaluated through combined stress tests, long‐term stability tests, and transient response tests. This research proposes SSL as a new design parameter to improve the AAT.
A Rolled Organic Thermoelectric Generator with High Thermocouple Density
Authors: Pataki Nathan James , Zahabi Najmeh , Li Qifan , Rossi Pietro , Cassinelli Marco , Butti Matteo , Massetti Matteo , Fabiano Simone , Zozoulenko Igor , Caironi Mario
Published: February 2024

The surge in the number of distributed microelectronics and sensors requires versatile, scalable, and affordable power sources. Heat‐harvesting organic thermoelectric generators (TEGs) are regarded as potential key components of the future energy landscape. Recent advances in the performance of organic thermoelectric materials have made practical applications of organic TEGs more feasible than ever before, yet the challenges of designing and fabricating organic TEGs suitable for real scenarios are scarcely addressed. Specifically, small sensors and wearables demand for micro‐thermoelectric generators (µTEGs) with high power density architectures and small form factors, while typical demonstrations of organic TEGs are characterized by < 10 thermocouples (TCs) per cm2. This work presents a rolled, organic µTEG architecture combining large‐area, solution‐based deposition techniques, such as inkjet and spray‐coating, and an ultrathin parylene substrate to achieve a thermocouple density of 1842 TCs cm−2. Such demonstrative µTEG reaches a thermoelectric conversion performance of 0.15 µW cm−2 at ΔT = 50 K. Such power output is well in line with finite element method simulations, which highlight the benefit of the architecture and show that remarkable power densities, in the mW cm−2 range at ΔT = 10 K, are realistically achievable with geometrical improvements and already ongoing advancements in organic thermoelectric inks.
Nonlinear Dielectric Epsilon Near‐Zero Hybrid Nanogap Antennas
Authors: Tirole Romain , Tilmann Benjamin , Menezes Leonardo de S. , Vezzoli Stefano , Sapienza Riccardo , Maier Stefan A.
Published: February 2024

High‐index Mie‐resonant dielectric nanostructures provide a new framework to manipulate light at the nanoscale. In particular their local field confinement together with their inherently low losses at frequencies below their bandgap energy allows to efficiently boost and control linear and nonlinear optical processes. Here, nanoantennas composed of a thin indium‐tin oxide (ITO) layer in the center of a dielectric gallium phosphide (GaP) nanodisc are investigated. While the linear response is similar to that of a pure GaP nanodisc, it is shown that second harmonic generation is enhanced across a broadband wavelength range. On the other hand, third harmonic generation is only marginally enhanced around the epsilon‐near‐zero wavelength of ITO. Linear and nonlinear finite‐difference time‐domain simulations show that despite the high refractive index contrast leading to strong field confinement inside the antenna's ITO layer, the nanogap enhancement effect is mitigated by the low nonlinear volume of the nanogap layer and the antenna's behavior at the harmonic wavelength. Measurement of ITO and GaP nonlinear susceptibilities additionally show a comparative advantage for harmonic generation in GaP. These investigations deliver insights on the mechanisms at play in nonlinear nanogap antennas and their potential applications as nanoscale devices.
Application of Sulfoxonium Ylides or Iodonium Ylides in Rhodium‐Catalyzed Synthesis of Phenanthrenes
Authors: Liu Xiao , Zhou Bingxin , Yan Kelu , Wen Jiangwei , Li Qiuyun , Wang Xutong , Wang Xiu
Published: February 2024

The transmetalation triggered rhodium‐catalyzed C−H bond activation and tandem annulation of 2‐biphenylboronic acids with sulfoxonium ylides or iodonium ylides has been developed. Various products of phenanthrenes were constructed under redox‐neutral conditions in 34–86% yields. Several mechanism exploration experiments and derivatization reactions were conducted in sequence to gain a deeper understanding of the process and the potential of this transformation. It offers an alternative approach for the synthesis of phenanthrene derivatives.
Light‐Up Sensing Citrate Using a Capture‐Selected DNA Aptamer
Authors: Gu Lide , Zhang Yao , Wang Deli , Liu Juewen
Published: February 2024

Citrate is a key metabolite and nutrient in humans. Its level is associated with many diseases from tumor growth to bone diseases. Detection of citrate has relied on its high negative charge, metal chelating properties and as an enzyme substrate. In this work, the capture‐selection method is used to isolate DNA aptamers for citrate. After 18 rounds of selection, a highly converged library is obtained and the first two sequences reached 99.6% of the library. Using the most abundant sequence named CA1, thioflavin T fluorescence spectroscopy and isothermal titration calorimetry show dissociation constants of 7.4 and 4.4 µm citrate, respectively. CA1 does not require sodium for binding but requires 1.0 mm magnesium. Among the tested carboxylate molecules, only citrate can bind to the aptamer. A light‐up fluorescence strand displacement biosensor is developed and it can detect citrate in simulated urine with a detection limit of 1.1 µm. This short 42‐nucleotide aptamer can be readily adapted to other types of sensing mechanisms for the detection of citrate.
Temporal Bistability in the Dissipative Dicke‐Bose‐Hubbard System
Authors: Wu Tianyi , Ray Sayak , Kroha Johann
Published: February 2024

A driven‐dissipative system is considered, consisting of an atomic Bose‐Einstein condensates loaded into a 2D Hubbard lattice and coupled to a single mode of an optical cavity. Due to the interplay between strong, repulsive atomic interaction and the atom‐cavity coupling, the system exhibits several phases of atoms and photons including the atomic superfluid (SF) and supersolid (SS). The dynamical behavior of the system, where dissipation is included by means of Lindblad master equation formalism. Due to the discontinuous nature of the Dicke transition for strong atomic repulsion, extended co‐existence region of different phases are found. The resulting switching dynamics are investigated, particularly between the coexisting SF and SS phases, which eventually becomes damped by the dissipation.