bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Minimum-Entropy Based Residual Range Cell Migration Correction for Bistatic Forward-Looking SAR
Authors: Zha Yuebo , Pu Wei , Chen Gao , Huang Yulin , Yang Jianyu
Published: February 2016

For bistatic forward-looking synthetic aperture radar (BFSAR), motion errors induce two adverse effects on the echo, namely, azimuth phase error and residual range cell migration (RCM). Under the presumption that residual RCM is within a range resolution cell, residual RCM can be neglected, and azimuth phase error can be compensated utilizing autofocus methods. However, in the case that residual RCM exceeds the range resolution, two-dimensional defocus would emerge in the final image. Generally speaking, residual RCM is relatively small and can be neglected in monostatic SAR, while the unique characteristics of BFSAR makes the residual RCM exceeding range resolution cell inevitable. Furthermore, the excessive residual migration is increasingly encountered as resolutions become finer. To cope with such a problem, minimum-entropy based residual RCM correction method is developed in this paper. The proposed method eliminates the necessity of the parametric model when estimating the residual RCM. Moreover, it meets the practical needs of BFSAR owing to no requirement of exhaustive computation. Simulations validate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
A Structural and Spectroscopic Study of the First Uranyl Selenocyanate, [Et4N]3[UO2(NCSe)5]
Authors: Nuzzo Stefano , Browne Michelle , Twamley Brendan , Lyons Michael , Baker Robert
Published: February 2016

The first example of a uranyl selenocyanate compound is reported. The compound [Et4N]3[UO2(NCSe)5] has been synthesized and fully characterized by vibrational and multinuclear (1H, 13C{1H} and 77Se{1H}) NMR spectroscopy. The photophysical properties have also been recorded and trends in a series of uranyl pseudohalides discussed. Spectroscopic evidence shows that the U–NCSe bonding is principally ionic. An electrochemical study revealed that the reduced uranyl(V) species is unstable to disproportionation and a ligand based oxidation is also observed. The structure of [Et4N]4[UO2(NCSe)5][NCSe] is also presented and Se···H–C hydrogen bonding and Se···Se chalcogen–chalcogen interactions are seen.
Residual Stress Analysis Based on Acoustic and Optical Methods
Authors: Yoshida Sanichiro , Sasaki Tomohiro , Usui Masaru , Sakamoto Shuichi , Gurney David , Park Ik-Keun
Published: February 2016

Co-application of acoustoelasticity and optical interferometry to residual stress analysis is discussed. The underlying idea is to combine the advantages of both methods. Acoustoelasticity is capable of evaluating a residual stress absolutely but it is a single point measurement. Optical interferometry is able to measure deformation yielding two-dimensional, full-field data, but it is not suitable for absolute evaluation of residual stresses. By theoretically relating the deformation data to residual stresses, and calibrating it with absolute residual stress evaluated at a reference point, it is possible to measure residual stresses quantitatively, nondestructively and two-dimensionally. The feasibility of the idea has been tested with a butt-jointed dissimilar plate specimen. A steel plate 18.5 mm wide, 50 mm long and 3.37 mm thick is braze-jointed to a cemented carbide plate of the same dimension along the 18.5 mm-side. Acoustoelasticity evaluates the elastic modulus at reference points via acoustic velocity measurement. A tensile load is applied to the specimen at a constant pulling rate in a stress range substantially lower than the yield stress. Optical interferometry measures the resulting acceleration field. Based on the theory of harmonic oscillation, the acceleration field is correlated to compressive and tensile residual stresses qualitatively. The acoustic and optical results show reasonable agreement in the compressive and tensile residual stresses, indicating the feasibility of the idea.
Development of a Rapid Throughput Assay for Identification of hNav1.7 Antagonist Using Unique Efficacious Sodium Channel Agonist, Antillatoxin
Authors: Zhao Fang , Li Xichun , Jin Liang , Zhang Fan , Inoue Masayuki , Yu Boyang , Cao Zhengyu
Published: February 2016

Voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSCs) are responsible for the generation of the action potential. Among nine classified VGSC subtypes (Nav1.1–Nav1.9), Nav1.7 is primarily expressed in the sensory neurons, contributing to the nociception transmission. Therefore Nav1.7 becomes a promising target for analgesic drug development. In this study, we compared the influence of an array of VGSC agonists including veratridine, BmK NT1, brevetoxin-2, deltamethrin and antillatoxin (ATX) on membrane depolarization which was detected by Fluorescence Imaging Plate Reader (FLIPR) membrane potential (FMP) blue dye. In HEK-293 cells heterologously expressing hNav1.7 α-subunit, ATX produced a robust membrane depolarization with an EC50 value of 7.8 ± 2.9 nM whereas veratridine, BmK NT1, and deltamethrin produced marginal response. Brevetoxin-2 was without effect on membrane potential change. The ATX response was completely inhibited by tetrodotoxin suggesting that the ATX response was solely derived from hNav1.7 activation, which was consistent with the results where ATX produced a negligible response in null HEK-293 cells. Six VGSC antagonists including lidocaine, lamotrigine, phenytoin, carbamazepine, riluzole, and 2-amino-6-trifluoromethylthiobenzothiazole all concentration-dependently inhibited ATX response with IC50 values comparable to that reported from patch-clamp experiments. Considered together, we demonstrate that ATX is a unique efficacious hNav1.7 activator which offers a useful probe to develop a rapid throughput screening assay to identify hNav1.7 antagonists.
Carbapenem Resistance in Gram-Negative Bacteria: The Not-So-Little Problem in the Little Red Dot
Authors: Teo Jocelyn , Cai Yiying , Lim Tze-Peng , Tan Thuan , Kwa Andrea
Published: February 2016

Singapore is an international travel and medical hub and faces a genuine threat for import and dissemination of bacteria with broad-spectrum resistance. In this review, we described the current landscape and management of carbapenem resistance in Gram-negative bacteria (GNB) in Singapore. Notably, the number of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae has exponentially increased in the past two years. Resistance is largely mediated by a variety of mechanisms. Polymyxin resistance has also emerged. Interestingly, two Escherichia coli isolates with plasmid-mediated mcr-1 genes have been detected. Evidently, surveillance and infection control becomes critical in the local setting where resistance is commonly related to plasmid-mediated mechanisms, such as carbapenemases. Combination antibiotic therapy has been proposed as a last-resort strategy in the treatment of extensively drug-resistant (XDR) GNB infections, and is widely adopted in Singapore. The diversity of carbapenemases encountered, however, presents complexities in both carbapenemase detection and the selection of optimal antibiotic combinations. One unique strategy introduced in Singapore is a prospective in vitro combination testing service, which aids physicians in the selection of individualized combinations. The outcome of this treatment strategy has been promising. Unlike countries with a predominant carbapenemase type, Singapore has to adopt management strategies which accounts for diversity in resistance mechanisms.
Bacterial Multidrug Efflux Pumps: Much More Than Antibiotic Resistance Determinants
Authors: Blanco Paula , Hernando-Amado Sara , Reales-Calderon Jose , Corona Fernando , Lira Felipe , Alcalde-Rico Manuel , Bernardini Alejandra , Sanchez Maria , Martinez Jose
Published: February 2016

Bacterial multidrug efflux pumps are antibiotic resistance determinants present in all microorganisms. With few exceptions, they are chromosomally encoded and present a conserved organization both at the genetic and at the protein levels. In addition, most, if not all, strains of a given bacterial species present the same chromosomally-encoded efflux pumps. Altogether this indicates that multidrug efflux pumps are ancient elements encoded in bacterial genomes long before the recent use of antibiotics for human and animal therapy. In this regard, it is worth mentioning that efflux pumps can extrude a wide range of substrates that include, besides antibiotics, heavy metals, organic pollutants, plant-produced compounds, quorum sensing signals or bacterial metabolites, among others. In the current review, we present information on the different functions that multidrug efflux pumps may have for the bacterial behaviour in different habitats as well as on their regulation by specific signals. Since, in addition to their function in non-clinical ecosystems, multidrug efflux pumps contribute to intrinsic, acquired, and phenotypic resistance of bacterial pathogens, the review also presents information on the search for inhibitors of multidrug efflux pumps, which are currently under development, in the aim of increasing the susceptibility of bacterial pathogens to antibiotics.
Is Higher Consumption of Animal Flesh Foods Associated with Better Iron Status among Adults in Developed Countries? A Systematic Review
Authors: Jackson Jacklyn , Williams Rebecca , McEvoy Mark , MacDonald-Wicks Lesley , Patterson Amanda
Published: February 2016

Iron deficiency (ID) is the most prevalent nutrient deficiency within the developed world. This is of concern as ID has been shown to affect immunity, thermoregulation, work performance and cognition. Animal flesh foods provide the richest and most bioavailable source of dietary (haem) iron, however, it is unclear whether low animal flesh diets contribute to ID. This systematic review aimed to investigate whether a higher consumption of animal flesh foods is associated with better iron status in adults. CINAHL, Cochrane, EMBASE and MEDLINE were searched for published studies that included adults (≥18 years) from developed countries and measured flesh intakes in relation to iron status indices. Eight experimental and 41 observational studies met the inclusion criteria. Generally, studies varied in population and study designs and results were conflicting. Of the seven high quality studies, five showed a positive association between animal flesh intake (85–300 g/day) and iron status. However, the optimum quantity or frequency of flesh intake required to maintain or achieve a healthy iron status remains unclear. Results show a promising relationship between animal flesh intake and iron status, however, additional longitudinal and experimental studies are required to confirm this relationship and determine optimal intakes to reduce ID development.
Phlorizin Supplementation Attenuates Obesity, Inflammation, and Hyperglycemia in Diet-Induced Obese Mice Fed a High-Fat Diet
Authors: Shin Su-Kyung , Cho Su-Jung , Jung Un , Ryu Ri , Choi Myung-Sook
Published: February 2016

Obesity, along with its related complications, is a serious health problem worldwide. Many studies reported the anti-diabetic effect of phlorizin, while little is known about its anti-obesity effect. We investigated the beneficial effects of phlorizin on obesity and its complications, including diabetes and inflammation in obese animal. Male C57BL/6J mice were divided into three groups and fed their respective experimental diets for 16 weeks: a normal diet (ND, 5% fat, w/w), high-fat diet (HFD, 20% fat, w/w), or HFD supplemented with phlorizin (PH, 0.02%, w/w). The findings revealed that the PH group had significantly decreased visceral and total white adipose tissue (WAT) weights, and adipocyte size compared to the HFD. Plasma and hepatic lipids profiles also improved in the PH group. The decreased levels of hepatic lipids in PH were associated with decreased activities of enzymes involved in hepatic lipogenesis, cholesterol synthesis and esterification. The PH also suppressed plasma pro-inflammatory adipokines levels such as leptin, adipsin, tumor necrosis factor-α, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, interferon-γ, and interleukin-6, and prevented HFD-induced collagen accumulation in the liver and WAT. Furthermore, the PH supplementation also decreased plasma glucose, insulin, glucagon, and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance levels. In conclusion, phlorizin is beneficial for preventing diet-induced obesity, hepatic steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis, as well as insulin resistance.
A Collaborative Secure Localization Algorithm Based on Trust Model in Underwater Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Han Guangjie , Liu Li , Jiang Jinfang , Shu Lei , Rodrigues Joel
Published: February 2016

Localization is one of the hottest research topics in Underwater Wireless Sensor Networks (UWSNs), since many important applications of UWSNs, e.g., event sensing, target tracking and monitoring, require location information of sensor nodes. Nowadays, a large number of localization algorithms have been proposed for UWSNs. How to improve location accuracy are well studied. However, few of them take location reliability or security into consideration. In this paper, we propose a Collaborative Secure Localization algorithm based on Trust model (CSLT) for UWSNs to ensure location security. Based on the trust model, the secure localization process can be divided into the following five sub-processes: trust evaluation of anchor nodes, initial localization of unknown nodes, trust evaluation of reference nodes, selection of reference node, and secondary localization of unknown node. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed CSLT algorithm performs better than the compared related works in terms of location security, average localization accuracy and localization ratio.
Suppression of Strong Background Interference on E-Nose Sensors in an Open Country Environment
Authors: Tian Fengchun , Zhang Jian , Yang Simon , Zhao Zhenzhen , Liang Zhifang , Liu Yan , Wang Di
Published: February 2016

The feature extraction technique for an electronic nose (e-nose) applied in tobacco smell detection in an open country/outdoor environment with periodic background strong interference is studied in this paper. Principal component analysis (PCA), Independent component analysis (ICA), re-filtering and a priori knowledge are combined to separate and suppress background interference on the e-nose. By the coefficient of multiple correlation (CMC), it can be verified that a better separation of environmental temperature, humidity, and atmospheric pressure variation related background interference factors can be obtained with ICA. By re-filtering according to the on-site interference characteristics a composite smell curve was obtained which is more related to true smell information based on the tobacco curer’s experience.
Recent Trends in the World Gas Market: Economical, Geopolitical and Environmental Aspects
Authors: Toscano Alessandro , Bilotti Filiberto , Asdrubali Francesco , Guattari Claudia , Evangelisti Luca , Basilicata Carmine
Published: February 2016

Natural gas is considered by energy experts to be the most promising fossil fuel for the 21st century, and as a matter of fact, the International Energy Agency (IEA) introduced for the first time in the 2011 World Energy Outlook a high gas use scenario called the “Golden Age of Gas”. Natural gas is an easy to burn and clean fuel; its proven reserves are large and furthermore, enormous possibilities are offered by unconventional resources. There are anyway some geopolitical concerns in the global gas market, since the most important reserves are concentrated in a limited number of countries; the environmental impacts in the extraction of shale gas should also be taken into account. The paper presents an updated and thorough overview of recent advances and trends in the global gas market, highlighting the role of Europe in the World scenario. Statistical data from the main international reports are presented; economical, geopolitical and especially environmental aspects are presented and discussed.
Ecological Security Pattern Analysis Based on InVEST and Least-Cost Path Model: A Case Study of Dongguan Water Village
Authors: Lin Qian , Mao Jiaying , Wu Jiansheng , Li Weifeng , Yang Jian
Published: February 2016

The famous “world’s factory” city, Dongguan, like many other places in China, is a typical beneficiary of China’s Reform and Opening-up Policy. However, rapid urban sprawl and economic growth are at the expense of the destruction of the local environment. Therefore, it is of great importance to establish an ecological security network for sustainable development. InVEST models, effective tools to measure sensitivity and intensity of external threats to quantify habitat value, are used to calculate habitat quality of water and land. By combining structural connectivity and the Least-Cost Path model (LCP model), in which corridors are determined based on the minimum accumulative cost path between each critical point, ecological security patterns were calculated. According to the results, the northwest region of Dongguan, having a large quantity of farmlands and water and therefore many corridors and critical patches, is the most essential area in the overall security of ecological environments, which should be protected first. If developed, it should be dominated by eco-tourism and eco-agriculture. We hope that research on the ecological network, which includes critical patches and corridors formed by greenland and rivers, will lead toward better-informed proposals for local urban planning and regional sustainable development.
Visualization of Categorical Longitudinal and Times Series Data
Authors: Tueller Stephen , Van Dorn Richard , Bobashev Georgiy
Published: February 2016

Plotting growth curves is a powerful graphical approach used in exploratory data analysis for continuous longitudinal data. However, plotting growth curves for multiple participants rapidly becomes uninterpretable with categorical data. Categorical data defines specific states (e.g. being single, married, divorced). And these states do not necessarily need to represent any hierarchical order. Thus a trajectory becomes a sequence of states rather than a continuum. We introduce a horizontal line plot that uses shade or color to differentiate between states on a categorical longitudinal variable for multiple participants. With appropriate sorting, stacking the horizontal lines representing each participant can reveal important patterns such as the shape of, or heterogeneity in, the trajectories. We illustrate the plotting techniques for large sample sizes, observed groups, the exploration of unobserved latent classes, large numbers of time points such as are found with intensive longitudinal designs or multivariate time series data, individually varying times observation, unique numbers of observations, and missing data. We used the R package longCatEDA to create the illustrations. Illustrative data include both simulated data and alcohol consumption data in adult schizophrenics from the Clinical Antipsychotic Trials of Intervention Effectiveness.
ACTIVE LONGITUDE AND SOLAR FLARE OCCURRENCES
Authors: Gyenge N. , Ludmány A. , Baranyi T.
Published: February 2016

The aim of the present work is to specify the spatio-temporal characteristics of flare activity observed by the Reuven Ramaty High Energy Solar Spectroscopic Imager (RHESSI) and the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite (GOES) in connection with the behavior of the longitudinal domain of enhanced sunspot activity known as active longitude (AL). By using our method developed for this purpose, we identified the AL in every Carrington Rotation provided by the Debrecen Photoheliographic Data. The spatial probability of flare occurrence has been estimated depending on the longitudinal distance from AL in the northern and southern hemispheres separately. We have found that more than 60% of the RHESSI and GOES flares is located within

from the AL. Hence, the most flare-productive active regions tend to be located in or close to the active longitudinal belt. This observed feature may allow for the prediction of the geo-effective position of the domain of enhanced flaring probability. Furthermore, we studied the temporal properties of flare occurrence near the AL and several significant fluctuations were found. More precisely, the results of the method are the following fluctuations: 0.8, 1.3, and 1.8 years. These temporal and spatial properties of the solar flare occurrence within the active longitudinal belts could provide us with an enhanced solar flare forecasting opportunity.
TETHER-CUTTING RECONNECTION BETWEEN TWO SOLAR FILAMENTS TRIGGERING OUTFLOWS AND A CORONAL MASS EJECTION
Authors: Chen Huadong , Zhang Jun , Li Leping , Ma Suli
Published: February 2016

Triggering mechanisms of solar eruptions have long been a challenge. A few previous case studies have indicated that preceding gentle filament merging via magnetic reconnection may launch following intense eruption, according to the tether-cutting (TC) model. However, the detailed process of TC reconnection between filaments has not been exhibited yet. In this work, we report the high-resolution observations from the Interface Region Imaging Spectrometer (IRIS) of TC reconnection between two sheared filaments in NOAA active region 12146. The TC reconnection commenced on ∼15:35 UT on 2014 August 29 and triggered an eruptive GOES C4.3-class flare ∼8 minutes later. An associated coronal mass ejection appeared in the field of view of the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory/LASCO C2 about 40 minutes later. Thanks to the high spatial resolution of IRIS data, bright plasma outflows generated by the TC reconnection are clearly observed, which moved along the subarcsecond fine-scale flux tube structures in the erupting filament. Based on the imaging and spectral observations, the mean plane-of-sky and line-of-sight velocities of the TC reconnection outflows are separately measured to be ∼79 and 86 km s−1, which derives an average real speed of ∼120 km s−1. In addition, it is found that spectral features, such as peak intensities, Doppler shifts, and line widths in the TC reconnection region are evidently enhanced compared to those in the nearby region just before the flare.
Incidence of Infectious Morbidity Events after Second-Line Antiretroviral Therapy Initiation in HIV-Infected Adults in Yaoundé, Cameroon
Authors:   the 2LADY Study Group, Galy Adrien , Ciaff Laura , Le Moing Vincent , Eymard-Duvernay Sabrina , Abessolo Hermine , Toby Roselyne , Ayangma Liliane , Le Gac Sylvie , Mpoudi-Etame Mireille , Koulla-Shiro Sinata , Delaporte Eric , Cournil Amandine
Published: February 2016

Background

Since antiretroviral therapy (ART), HIV-infected individuals experience mainly non-AIDS-related conditions, among which infectious events are prominent. We aimed to estimate incidence and describe overall spectrum of infectious events, including all grade events, among HIV-1-infected adults failing first-line ART in Yaoundé, Cameroon.

Methods

All patients from Cameroon enrolled in the second-line ART 2LADY trial (ANRS12169) were included in this secondary analysis. Medical files were reviewed with predefined criteria for diagnosis assessment. Incidence rates (IR) were estimated per 100 person-years (% PY).

Results

A total of 302 adult patients contributing 840 PY experienced 596 infectious events (IR 71% PY). Only 29 (5%) events were graded as severe. Most frequent infections were upper respiratory tract infections (15% PY), diarrhoea (9% PY) and malaria (9% PY). A total of 369 (62%) infections occurred during the first year (IR 130% PY) followed by a persistent lower incidence during the following 3 years. Higher IR were observed in patients with CD4+ T-cell count ≤200 cells/mm3 for all infectious events except for mycobacterial and parasitic infections. IR of viral, bacterial and parasitic infectious events were lower in case of co-trimoxazole use in patients with CD4+ T-cell count ≤200 cells/mm3.

Conclusions

Infectious events are common and mainly occur during the first year after treatment initiation. Second-line ART initiation had a positive impact on the entire spectrum of infectious morbidity.
How to Motivate Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis to Quit Smoking
Authors: Harris Helen E. , Tweedie Fiona , White Marie , Samson Kay
Published: February 2016

Objective.

Seropositive rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is strongly linked to cigarette smoking, and smoking cessation is an essential step in RA management. Our objectives were to develop RA and smoking awareness materials and to evaluate the influence of the materials on awareness about the links between RA and smoking and on motivation to quit smoking.

Methods.

A group of patients with seropositive RA in Fife, Scotland, were telephoned before the campaign, and the results of the precampaign questionnaire were used to develop the image for the campaign. After the campaign a second group of patients were questioned to ascertain the effect of the campaign.

Results.

The 320 patient responses to the precampaign questionnaire revealed that many ex-smokers with RA had quit when they developed a known smoking-related disease such as emphysema. This concept was used to develop an image illustrating that RA is a smoking-related disease. The campaign was launched in Fife in 2011. The postcampaign questionnaire involving 380 patients revealed that there was 21% higher awareness of a link between RA and smoking and 45% higher awareness that smoking could interfere with treatment of RA. In total, 13/75 smokers who had cut down since the campaign had been influenced by the new information.

Conclusion.

The new materials have successfully increased patients’ knowledge of the link between RA and smoking and the effect of smoking on RA therapy. RA smokers’ attitudes to smoking may have been affected by the campaign.
The Rate of Adherence to Antiarthritis Medications and Associated Factors among Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Systematic Literature Review and Metaanalysis
Authors: Scheiman-Elazary Anat , Duan Lewei , Shourt Courtney , Agrawal Harsh , Ellashof David , Cameron-Hay M. , Furst Daniel E.
Published: February 2016

Objective.

Reported adherence in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) varies widely (10.5–98.5%). Variability may result in part from different methods used to measure adherence. Our aims were to quantify adherence to antiarthritis medications for each method and to identify variability and associated factors.

Methods.

The systematic literature review examined PubMed, the Cochrane central database, and article reference lists from 1970 to November 2014. Papers with medication adherence data (disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs, steroids, and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs) in adult patients with RA or data on associated factors were included. Adherence rate was recorded for each method. Random-effect metaanalysis estimated adherence for different evaluation methods.

Results.

Adherence rate was 66% (95% CI 0.58–0.75). There were no differences in adherence among different measurement methods (interview, questionnaires, etc.). Regression analysis showed that adherence decreases during followup. Among 100 possible factors potentially effecting adherence, 7 adherence-associated factors were found in at least 2 different studies. These were the use of infliximab compared with etanercept or methotrexate (MTX), use of MTX compared to sulfasalazine or to etanercept, belief in the necessity of the medications, older age, and white race.

Conclusion.

Overall adherence rate was 66%. We suggest that readers appraise adherence studies according to the medications evaluated, the validity of the method, and the scales and cutpoints.
Effect of Rheumatoid Arthritis on Longterm Sickness Absence in 1994-2011: A Danish Cohort Study
Authors: Hansen Sofie Mandrup , Hetland Merete Lund , Pedersen Jacob , Østergaard Mikkel , Rubak Tine Steen , Bjorner Jakob Bue
Published: February 2016

Objective.

By linkage of national registries, we investigated the risk of longterm sickness absence (LTSA) ≥ 3 weeks in a large cohort of Danish patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and non-patients. The study aimed to (1) estimate the risk of LTSA for patients with RA compared with the general population, (2) examine whether the risk of LTSA has changed in recent years, and (3) evaluate the effect of other risk factors for LTSA (e.g., physical work demands, age, sex, education, and psychiatric and somatic comorbidities).

Methods.

A total of 6677 patients with RA aged 18–59 years in the years 1994–2011 were identified in registries and compared with 56,955 controls from the general population matched by age, sex, and city size. The risk of LTSA was analyzed using Cox proportional hazards models with late entry, controlling for other risk factors and assuming separate risks in the first year after diagnosis and the following years.

Results.

Compared with the general population, patients with RA had increased risk of LTSA in the first year after diagnosis (HR 5.4 during 1994–1999, 95% CI 4.2–6.8) and in following years (HR 2.4, 95% CI 2.1–2.8). For established RA (> 1 yr after diagnosis), the excess was 20% lower in 2006–2011 (HR 1.9, 95% CI 1.7–2.2) compared with 1994–1999 (p < 0.001). For patients with RA and controls, older age, shorter education, a physically demanding job, and somatic and/or psychiatric comorbidities increased the risk of LTSA.

Conclusion.

While improvements were observed from 1994–1999 to 2006–2011, patients with RA have significant increased risk of LTSA, in particular in the first year after diagnosis.
Assessment of Fatigue in Spondyloarthritis and Its Association with Disease Activity
Authors: López-Medina Clementina , Schiotis Ruxandra Elena , Font-Ugalde Pilar , Castro-Villegas Maria Carmen , Calvo-Gutiérrez Jerusalem , Ortega-Castro Rafaela , Jiménez-Gasco Rocío , Escudero-Contreras Alejandro , Collantes-Estévez Eduardo ,   On behalf of the REGISPONSER Working Group
Published: February 2016

Objective.

To evaluate fatigue in patients with spondyloarthritis (SpA) and to define its association with disease-related factors and patients’ features.

Methods.

A cross-sectional multicenter study which includes 2251 patients with SpA selected from the national Spondyloarthropathies Registry (the Spanish Society of Rheumatology; REGISPONSER) Spanish cohort. The primary outcome was the assessment of fatigue performed with the first item of the Bath Ankylosing Spondyloarthritis Disease Activity Index followed by the study of its relation with different factors organized into 4 groups: sociodemographics, emotional, disease-related, and disease activity. Univariate logistic regressions, multivariate logistic regression, and multiple linear regressions were performed to relate fatigue with the studied covariates.

Results.

Mean fatigue score in all patients with SpA was 4.3 ± 2.9, with statistically significant differences between different SpA types. In univariate logistic regressions, significant differences were seen for many variables included in the 4 groups. Multivariate logistic regression showed that high fatigue score was related with sex (female), emotional component, the Ankylosing Spondylitis Quality of Life score, stiffness, and high levels of 2 visual analog scale items (vertebral pain in the last week and patient’s global assessment of disease activity). The multivariate linear regression showed that fatigue was mainly explained by disease-related factors and disease activity (54.1%), but sex and emotional status may also be involved in 13.5% of the variance.

Conclusion.

Fatigue is associated with disease-related factors and mostly with SpA activity. However, the emotional component and sex may contribute to the onset of fatigue.
Modified Framingham Risk Factor Score for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Urowitz Murray B. , Ibañez Dominique , Su Jiandong , Gladman Dafna D.
Published: February 2016

Objective.

The traditional Framingham Risk Factor Score (FRS) underestimates the risk for coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We aimed to determine whether an adjustment to the FRS would more accurately reflect the higher prevalence of CAD among patients with SLE.

Methods.

Patients with SLE without a previous history of CAD or diabetes followed regularly at the University of Toronto Lupus Clinic were included. A modified FRS (mFRS) was calculated by multiplying the items by 1.5, 2, 3, or 4. In the first part of the study, using one-third of all eligible patients, we evaluated the sensitivity and specificity of the FRS and the different multipliers for the mFRS. In the second part of the study, using the remaining 2/3 of the eligible patients, we compared the predictive ability of the FRS to the mFRS. In the third part of the study, we assessed the prediction for CAD in a time-dependent analysis of the FRS and mFRS.

Results.

There were 905 women (89.3%) with a total of 95 CAD events included. In part 1, we determined that a multiplier of 2 provided the best combination of sensitivity and specificity. In part 2, 2.4% of the patients were classified as moderate/high risk based on the classic FRS and 17.3% using the 2FRS (the FRS with a multiplier of 2). In part 3, a time-dependent covariate analysis for the prediction of the first CAD event revealed an HR of 3.22 (p = 0.07) for the classic FRS and 4.37 (p < 0.0001) for the 2FRS.

Conclusion.

An mFRS in which each item is multiplied by 2 more accurately predicts CAD in patients with SLE.
Low Risk of Hepatitis B Virus Reactivation in HBsAg-negative/Anti-HBc–positive Carriers Receiving Rituximab for Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Retrospective Multicenter Italian Study
Authors: Varisco Valentina , Viganò Mauro , Batticciotto Alberto , Lampertico Pietro , Marchesoni Antonio , Gibertini Patrizia , Pellerito Raffaele , Rovera Guido , Caporali Roberto , Todoerti Monica , Covelli Michele , Notarnicola Antonella , Atzeni Fabiola , Sarzi-Puttini Piercarlo
Published: February 2016

Objective.

Patients with resolved hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, i.e., hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-negative/antihepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc)-positive, undergoing rituximab (RTX)-based chemotherapy for hematological malignancies without anti-HBV prophylaxis are at risk of HBV reactivation, but the risk in such patients receiving RTX for rheumatological disorders is not clear. We evaluated this risk in HBsAg-negative/anti-HBc–positive patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) undergoing RTX without prophylaxis.

Methods.

Thirty-three HBsAg-negative/anti-HBc–positive outpatients with RA with undetectable HBV DNA by sensitive PCR assay [73% women, median age 60 years, 85% with HBsAg antibodies (anti-HBs), 37% with antihepatitis B envelope antigen] received a median of 3 cycles of RTX (range 1–8) over 34 months (range 0–80) combined with disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARD) without prophylaxis. All underwent clinical and laboratory monitoring during and after RTX administration, including serum HBsAg and HBV DNA measurements every 6 months or whenever clinically indicated.

Results.

None of the patients seroreverted to HBsAg during RTX treatment, but 6/28 (21%) showed a > 50% decrease in protective anti-HBs levels, including 2 who became anti-HBs–negative. One patient (3%) who became HBV DNA-positive (44 IU/ml) after 6 months of RTX treatment was effectively rescued with lamivudine before any hepatitis flare occurred. Among the 14 patients monitored for 18 months (range 0–70) after RTX discontinuation, no HBV reactivation was observed.

Conclusion.

The administration of RTX + DMARD in patients with RA with resolved HBV infection leads to a negligible risk of HBV reactivation, thus suggesting that serum HBsAg and/or HBV DNA monitoring but not universal anti-HBV prophylaxis is justified.
The Longterm Effect of Early Intensive Treatment of Seniors with Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Comparison of 2 Population-based Cohort Studies on Time to Joint Replacement Surgery
Authors: Widdifield Jessica , Moura Cristiano S. , Wang Yishu , Abrahamowicz Michal , Paterson J. Michael , Huang Anjie , Beauchamp Marie-Eve , Boire Gilles , Fortin Paul R. , Bessette Louis , Bombardier Claire , Hanly John G. , Feldman Debbie , Bernatsky Sasha ,   The CAnadian Network for Advanced Interdisciplinary Methods for comparative effectiveness research (CAN-AIM)
Published: February 2016

Objective.

Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARD) have the greatest effect when initiated early. We evaluated the influence of early exposure to DMARD on time to joint replacement surgery among patients with incident rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Method.

Using a common protocol, we undertook 2 independent population-based cohort studies of patients with incident RA aged 66 years or older in Ontario (ON) and Quebec (QC) covering the period 2000–2013. We used Cox proportional hazards regression with time-dependent variables measuring duration of drug use in the first year, separately for methotrexate (MTX) and other DMARD, adjusting for baseline demographics, clinical factors, and other potentially confounding drug exposures. Our outcome measure was any joint replacement derived from standardized procedure codes. Adjusted HR and 95% CI were estimated.

Results.

Among 20,918 ON and 6754 QC patients with RA followed for a median of 4.5 years, 2201 and 494 patients underwent joint replacement surgery for crude event rates of 2.0 and 1.4 per 100 person-years, respectively. Greater cumulative exposure to MTX (HR 0.97, 95% CI 0.95–0.98) and other DMARD (HR 0.98, 95% CI 0.97–0.99) in the first year after diagnosis was associated with longer times to joint replacement in ON, corresponding to a 2–3% decrease in the hazard of surgery with each additional month of early use. Similar results were observed in QC.

Conclusion.

Greater duration of exposure to DMARD soon after RA diagnosis was associated with delays to joint replacement surgery in both provinces. Early intensive treatment of RA may ultimately reduce demand for joint replacement surgery.
Short-term Outcomes With a Second-Generation Uncemented Stem in Total Hip Arthroplasty
Authors: Sueyoshi Tatsuya , Meding John B. , Berend Michael E. , Brunsman Matthew J. , Ritter Merrill A.
Published: February 2016

An uncemented stem has been used successfully in total hip arthroplasty for 2 decades, and some implants have been updated. The authors have used second-generation uncemented proximal porous coating stems, the Echo Bi-Metric Full Proximal Profile stem (Echo FPP; Biomet, Warsaw, Indiana) and the Echo Reduced Proximal Profile stem (Echo RPP; Biomet). This article reports short-term outcomes with these stems compared with their predecessor, the Bi-Metric stem (Biomet). The authors reviewed 1280 Echo FPP stems, 366 Echo RPP stems, and 1497 Bi-Metric stems. With more than 5 years of follow-up, both the Echo FPP and the Echo RPP stems had 100% survivorship with stem revision as the endpoint, and the Bi-Metric stems also had 100% survivorship for more than 20 years. Average Harris Hip Scores for the Echo FPP, the Echo RPP, and the Bi-Metric stems were 53.3, 49.7, and 51.5 preoperatively, 93.8, 94.6, and 95.2 at 1 year, and 94.0, 95.8, and 95.4 at 3 years postoperatively, respectively. Dislocation after surgery was significantly lower with the Echo FPP and the Echo RPP stems than with the Bi-Metric stems, but this was more relevant to the surgical approach and head size. All radiographs of the Echo FPP, the Echo RPP, and the Bi-Metric stems showed proximal femoral remodeling consistent with osseous ingrowth. Distal cortical hypertrophy around the implanted stem and spot-welding were comparably observed in all 3 cohorts. The short-term outcomes of the updated uncemented stems were as excellent as the previously used stem regarding survivorship, complications, and radiographic assessment. [
Orthopedics.
2016; 39(2):e215–e218.]
Pedicolaminar Fracture-Dislocation
Authors: Silverstein Michael P. , Vallurupalli Santaram , Brigeman Scott , Moore Timothy A. , Bancroft Laura W.
Published: February 2016

A 28-year-old man presented to a level 1 trauma center with significant cervical spine pain after sliding into third base during a softball game. He struck his head on the thigh of the defensive player and had immediate pain in his neck and arm. He reported no loss of consciousness, no transient tetraplegia/paraplegia, and no loss of bowel and bladder control. After initial imaging, enhanced computed tomography scans were obtained.
Les cornes, la croix et les défenses
Authors: Volper Julien
Published: February 2016

Cet article repose sur l’étude de trois masques collectés par la mission C. Lemaire dans la région du Lac Moero dans les années 1890. L’auteur de leur analyse tente ici de mieux comprendre l’origine et la fonction de ces objets qui relèvent d’une facette méconnue de l’art du masque au Katanga (République Démocratique du Congo). L’évaluation des hypothèses émises, qui s’appuient notamment sur l’analyse stylistique et iconographique, permet d’établir un rapprochement culturel entre ces masques et les confréries de chasse actives par le passé dans la région. Cette dernière interprétation souligne l’importance du rôle joué par les guildes de chasseurs durant la grande époque du commerce de l’ivoire sous le règne du souverain yeke M’siri. Suivant cette idée, des interrogations sont aussi formulées sur la disparition ou l’évolution de ces différents masques lorsque l’empire de M’siri se désagrégea après sa mort survenue en 1891.
Influence of the Dislocation Density on the Expansion Dynamics of the Crystallographic Slip Zone along Screw Orientations in Aluminum and Copper
Authors: Petelina Yulia , Kolupaeva Svetlana , Polosukhin Konstantin A. , Petelin Aleksander
Published: February 2016

Crystallographic slip is one of key mechanisms determining plastic form change of crystalline solids. Despite a large amount of works done on the subject, crystallographic slip is a very difficult subject to study. Significant progress in the study of the crystallographic slip process is possible only with the use of a set of different methods: experimental methods, methods of mathematical modeling and simulation. The paper presents a modification mathematical expansion model of closed dislocations emitted by one dislocation source with takes into account the elastic interaction force among all dislocations of the forming dislocation pile-up. The model takes into account the Peach-Koehler forces, lattice, impurity, and dislocation friction, linear tension, viscous deceleration, and the intensity of generation of point defects beyond jogs on the dislocation, as well as the elastic interaction force among all dislocations of the forming dislocation pile-up. The analysis of the study results on the expansion dynamics of the dislocation loop along the screw orientation on copper and aluminum with varying of the dislocation density from 3×1011 m−2 to 1012 m−2 is carried out. It is established that the length and the path time of the screw dislocation, as well as the number of dislocations emitted by the dislocation source, essentially depend on the density of dislocations. The dependence of the current radius, velocity, and kinetic energy of the screw dislocation on the path time and the dependence of the current velocity and the kinetic energy of the first screw dislocation emitted by the dislocation source on its current radius are described.
Structural Impurities and Intrinsic Defects Role in High Quality Raw Quartz Selection by Use of Luminescence Analyses
Authors: Boroznovskaya Nina , Korneva Aleksandra , Marfin Aleksandr
Published: February 2016

X-ray induced luminescence (XRL) spectra and thermostimulated luminescence (TSL) curves for natural quartz from a number of main quartz occurrences of Ural have been obtained. They are represented as a number of radiation bands with peaks related to different kinds of luminescence centers, such as admixtures of Al, Ge, Na, Li, or intrinsic defects of quartz’s structure. Influence of preheating and X-raying duration time increase on XRL spectra of quartz has been shown, as well as influence of preheating and irradiation of samples on TSL curves. All these arrangements give an opportunity to estimate degree of purity of natural quartz. Thus, while high-tech industries are developing fast we have to find effective way to select that raw quartz, which is right for high-pure concentrate obtaining, and luminescent study can help with that.
Phase Transformations of the Ti-40% Nb Alloy Under External Influence
Authors: Sharkeev Yuri P. , Kovalevskaya Zhanna G. , Khimich Margarita A. , Bataev Vladimir A. , Zhu Qi Fang , Belyakov Andrey V. , Gluhov Ivan A.
Published: February 2016

The phase transformations of the alloy Ti-40 mas % Nb after tempering and severe plastic deformation are studied. The phase transformations of the alloy according to the type and conditions of external influences are analyzed using methods of XRD, SEM and optical metallography. It is determined that inverse phase transformation of the metastable α''-phase to equilibrium β-phase is carried out after severe plastic deformation. Complete phase transformation α'' → β is typical for the mode, which consists of three pressing operation with the change of the loading axis in cramped conditions, followed by a multi-pass rolling in grooved rolls.
Research of Hydrogenation and Dehydrogenation Effect on the Structural and Phase State of the Titanium Alloy
Authors: Stepanova Ekaterina N. , Kudiiarov Viktor N. , Sypchenko Vladimir S. , Lider Andrey M. , Liu Gang
Published: February 2016

Effect of hydrogen on the structural and phase state of the fine-grained and submicrocrystallinestructure of two-phase (alpha + beta) titanium Ti-6Al-4V alloy was investigated by the methods of electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis. Hydrogenation is found to result in minor structural and phase changes both in fine-grained and submicrocrystalline samples.The use of electron beam exposure combined with heating for hydrogen release in the Ti-6Al-4V alloy is shown to reduce degassing time and decrease the hydrogen concentration to the values closed to the engineering standards for the Ti-6Al-4V alloys.
Optical Rectification in Doped GaSe Crystals
Authors: Lanskii Gregory , Kokh Konstantin , Svetlichnyi Valery , Andreev Yury
Published: February 2016

It was demonstrated that S- and Te-doped GaSe crystals are useful and prospective for mid-IR and THz generation by optical rectification as well as phase matched mixing of spectral components of the fs pulse (down conversion). Phase matching curves for down-conversion in the S-doped and Te-doped GaSe. The sample optimally doped with sulfur (2.5 mas. %) have shown better characteristics under high pump fluencies than ZnTe material used in commercial devices.
Pure Metal Nanoparticles for Selective Electrochemical Sensor of Organic Substances
Authors: Shabalina Anastasiia V. , Belova Kceniya
Published: February 2016

The field of application of electrochemical analysis has been significantly widened after modified electrodes appeared. Metallic nanoparticles are ones of the most common used modifiers of the electrode surface to increase the sensitivity and selectivity of the analysis. Increasing of selectivity is extremely important in cases when two or more analyts have electro-chemical signals at nearly the same values of electrode potential. Dopamine and ascorbic acid are an example of such case. In present work Au, Pt, Pd, and Ni “pure” nanoparticles obtained by laser ablation without stabilizing agents were used to modify the surface of a glassy carbon electrode. Modified electrodes were tested in solutions of ascorbic acid and dopamine at their simultaneous electro-oxidation. It was shown that Au, Pt, and Ni nanoparticles on the electrode surface increase the selectivity of analysis giving two separate peaks of analyts.