bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Correlation of Neutrosophic Sets in Probability Spaces
Authors: Hanafy I.M. , Salama A. A. , Khaled O. M. , Mahfouz K. M. 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
In this paper, we introduce and study the concepts of correlation and correlation coefficient of neutrosophic data in probability spaces. In the case of finite spaces, these results give the results due to Salama et al. [16, 17, 18] and study some of their properties.
Numerical MLPG Analysis of Piezoelectric Sensor in Structures
Authors: Staňák Peter , Sládek Ján , Sládek Vladimír , Krahulec Slavomír 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
The paper deals with a numerical analysis of the electro-mechanical response of piezoelectric sensors subjected to an external non-uniform displacement field. The meshless method based on the local Petrov-Galerkin (MLPG) approach is utilized for the numerical solution of a boundary value problem for the coupled electro-mechanical fields that characterize the piezoelectric material. The sensor is modeled as a 3-D piezoelectric solid. The transient effects are not considered. Using the present MLPG approach, the assumed solid of the cylindrical shape is discretized with nodal points only, and a small spherical subdomain is introduced around each nodal point. Local integral equations constructed from the weak form of governing PDEs are defined over these local subdomains. A moving least-squares (MLS) approximation scheme is used to approximate the spatial variations of the unknown field variables, and the Heaviside unit step function is used as a test function. The electric field induced on the sensor is studied in a numerical example for two loading scenarios.
Failure Analysis of EN24 Steel Shear Bolt Used in Space Programme
Authors: Jha Abhay K. 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
Cadmium electrodeposited EN24 steel shear bolts were used in space programme. Recently, one of five bolts subjected to wedge test at 18 Nm torque encountered failure. Fracture surface of failed bolt had two distinct regions, when viewed under scanning electron microscope. Outer region consisted of brittle features while inner region had ductile failure. Detailed investigation revealed that the bolt failure was due to hydrogen embrittlement. Electro-deposition of cadmium was main source for hydrogen entrapment, which could not be compelled out by post plating baking treatment.
Colour Metallography of Cast Aluminium Alloys
Authors: García Laura , Dietz Christian , Criado Antonio J. , Martínez J.A. 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
For better observation of the microstructure of cast aluminium alloys under an optical microscope, the contrast obtained for the different micro constituents was enhanced by making use of a copper phthalocyanine based colorant. The proposed method allows distinguishing structural details which would remain hidden or poorly resolved when studying the conventionally etched sample. The method produces high relief for silicon precipitates with the tint further accentuating the outlines, allowing detection of morphology change of the aluminium-silicon eutectic due to chemical modification with strontium. Magnesium micro segregations in the α-aluminium phase, caused by incorrect thermal treatment during ageing, can also be clearly distinguished. The coloured images obtained by optical microscopy are very sharp and provide similar or better information than the corresponding Scanning Electron Microscopy images. The method proved to be suitable for Quality Control in the fabrication of cast aluminium alloy compounds, sourcing down possible errors to different stages of the process.
East Antarctic sea ice in spring: spectral albedo of snow, nilas, frost flowers and slush, and light-absorbing impurities in snow
Authors: Zatko Maria C. , Warren Stephen G. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractSpectral albedos of open water, nilas, nilas with frost flowers, slush, and first-year ice with both thin and thick snow cover were measured in the East Antarctic sea-ice zone during the Sea Ice Physics and Ecosystems eXperiment II (SIPEX II) from September to November 2012, near 65°S, 120°E. Albedo was measured across the ultraviolet (UV), visible and near-infrared (nIR) wavelengths, augmenting a dataset from prior Antarctic expeditions with spectral coverage extended to longer wavelengths, and with measurement of slush and frost flowers, which had not been encountered on the prior expeditions. At visible and UV wavelengths, the albedo depends on the thickness of snow or ice; in the nIR the albedo is determined by the specific surface area. The growth of frost flowers causes the nilas albedo to increase by 0.2–0.3 in the UV and visible wavelengths. The spectral albedos are integrated over wavelength to obtain broadband albedos for wavelength bands commonly used in climate models. The albedo spectrum for deep snow on first-year sea ice shows no evidence of light-absorbing particulate impurities (LAI), such as black carbon (BC) or organics, which is consistent with the extremely small quantities of LAI found by filtering snow meltwater. Estimated BC mixing ratios were in the range 0.1–0.5 ng of carbon per gram of snow.
Assimilating summer sea-ice concentration into a coupled ice–ocean model using a LSEIK filter
Authors: Yang Qinghua , Losa Svetlana N. , Losch Martin , Liu Jiping , Zhang Zhanhai , Nerger Lars , Yang Hu 
Published: July 2014

AbstractThe decrease in summer sea-ice extent in the Arctic Ocean opens shipping routes and creates potential for many marine operations. For these activities accurate predictions of sea-ice conditions are required to maintain marine safety. In an attempt at Arctic sea-ice prediction, the summer of 2010 is selected to implement an Arctic sea-ice data assimilation (DA) study. The DA system is based on a regional Arctic configuration of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology general circulation model (MITgcm) and a local singular evolutive interpolated Kalman (LSEIK) filter to assimilate Special Sensor Microwave Imager/Sounder (SSMIS) sea-ice concentration operational products from the US National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC). Based on comparisons with both the assimilated NSIDC SSMIS concentration and concentration data from the Ocean and Sea Ice Satellite Application Facility, the forecasted sea-ice edge and concentration improve upon simulations without data assimilation. By the nature of the assimilation algorithm with multivariate covariance between ice concentration and thickness, sea-ice thickness fields are also updated, and the evaluation with in situ observation shows some improvement compared to the forecast without data assimilation.
Effect of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection on Disease Activity in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Retrospective Study in South Africans
Authors: Tarr Gareth , Makda Mohamed , Musenge Eustasius , Tikly Mohammed 
Published: July 2014

Objective.To determine the effect of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection on disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).Methods.A retrospective records review of patients who contracted HIV infection subsequent to RA diagnosis (HIV group), compared to an HIV-negative group of patients with RA (control group), for 28-joint Disease Activity Score (DAS28) scores at initial presentation (T0) and last clinic visit (TL), and at diagnosis of HIV infection (TH) in the HIV group.Results.Of 1712 patients with RA, 85 were HIV-positive (4.9%), 43 of them contracting HIV subsequent to RA diagnosis. The mean (SD) age, RA disease duration, and duration following diagnosis of HIV were 47.1 (10.1), 10.5 (8.4), and 2.9 (2.0) years, respectively, for the HIV group. Both the HIV and control groups showed similar improvement in joint counts and C-reactive protein (CRP) at visit TL, in spite of methotrexate (MTX) being withdrawn in most patients in the HIV group by visit TL (11.6% in the HIV group were still taking MTX vs 83.7% in the control group, p = 0.0002), but a minority (13.9%) had ongoing moderate to high disease activity at visit TL. In the HIV group, the mean DAS28-erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and DAS28-CRP scores were similar at baseline, but at visits TH and TL the mean DAS28-ESR scores were significantly higher than the mean DAS28-CRP scores (31% and 31.8%, p < 0.0005 and p < 0.004, respectively), mainly resulting from ESR increase following HIV seroconversion.Conclusion.Disease activity improved in most patients in the HIV group in spite of stopping the MTX as the “anchor drug.” The DAS28-ESR overestimates disease activity compared to the DAS28-CRP in the setting of HIV infection.
Are Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients Discernible from Other Early Arthritis Patients Using 1.5T Extremity Magnetic Resonance Imaging? A Large Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Stomp Wouter , Krabben Annemarie , van der Heijde Désirée , Huizinga Tom W.J. , Bloem Johan L. , van der Helm-van Mil Annette H.M. , Reijnierse Monique 
Published: July 2014

Objective.Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is increasingly used in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) research. A European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) task force recently suggested that MRI can improve the certainty of RA diagnosis. Because this recommendation may reflect a tendency to use MRI in daily practice, thorough studies on the value of MRI are required. Thus far no large studies have evaluated the accuracy of MRI to differentiate early RA from other patients with early arthritis. We performed a large cross-sectional study to determine whether patients who are clinically classified with RA differ in MRI features compared to patients with other diagnoses.Methods.In our study, 179 patients presenting with early arthritis (median symptom duration 15.4 weeks) underwent 1.5T extremity MRI of unilateral wrist, metacarpophalangeal, and metatarsophalangeal joints according to our arthritis protocol, the foot without contrast. Images were scored according to OMERACT Rheumatoid Arthritis Magnetic Resonance Imaging Scoring (RAMRIS) by 2 independent readers. Tenosynovitis was also assessed. The main outcome was fulfilling the 1987 American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria for RA. Test characteristics and areas under the receiver-operator-characteristic curves (AUC) were evaluated. In subanalyses, the 2010 ACR/EULAR criteria were used as outcome, and analyses were stratified for anticitrullinated protein antibodies (ACPA).Results.The ACR 1987 criteria were fulfilled in 43 patients (24.0%). Patients with RA had higher scores for synovitis, tenosynovitis, and bone marrow edema (BME) than patients without RA (p < 0.05). ACPA-positive patients had more BME (median scores 6.5 vs. 4.25, p = 0.016) than ACPA-negative patients. For all MRI features, the predictive value for the presence of RA was low (< 50%). For all MRI features the AUC were < 0.70. Patients who fulfilled ACR/EULAR 2010 criteria but not ACR87 criteria for RA had less synovitis than patients who were positive for RA according to both sets of criteria (p = 0.029).Conclusion.Although patients with RA had higher scores of MRI inflammation and ACPA-positive patients had more BME, the severity of MRI inflammation assessed according to RAMRIS does not accurately differentiate patients with RA from other early arthritis patients.
Rilonacept for Gout Flare Prevention in Patients Receiving Uric Acid-lowering Therapy: Results of RESURGE, a Phase III, International Safety Study
Authors: Sundy John S. , Schumacher H. Ralph , Kivitz Alan , Weinstein Steven P. , Wu Richard , King-Davis Shirletta , Evans Robert R. 
Published: July 2014

Objective.To evaluate the safety and efficacy of once-weekly subcutaneous rilonacept 160 mg for prevention of gout flares in patients initiating or continuing urate-lowering therapy (ULT).Methods.This phase III study was conducted in the United States, South Africa, Europe, and Asia. Adults (n = 1315, 18–80 yrs) with gout, who were initiating or continuing ULT, were randomized to treatment with weekly subcutaneous injections of rilonacept 160 mg or placebo for 16 weeks followed by a 4-week safety followup. The primary endpoint was safety, assessed by adverse events (AE) and laboratory values. Efficacy was a secondary endpoint.Results.Demographic and clinical characteristics were similar between treatments; predominantly male (87.8%), mean age 52.7 ± 11.3 years. Patients with ≥ 1 AE were 66.6% with rilonacept versus 59.1% placebo, with slightly more AE-related withdrawals with rilonacept (4.7% vs 3.0%) because of the greater incidence of injection site reactions (15.2% rilonacept, 3.3% placebo). Serious AE were similar in both groups, as were serious infections (0.9% placebo, 0.5% rilonacept); no tuberculosis or opportunistic infections occurred. Most common AE were headache, arthralgia, injection site erythema, accidental overdose, and pain in extremity. Of the 6 deaths, only 1 in the placebo group was considered treatment-related. At Week 16, rilonacept resulted in 70.3% fewer gout flares per patient (p < 0.0001), fewer patients with ≥ 1 and ≥ 2 gout flares (p < 0.0001), and 64.9% fewer gout flare days (p < 0.0001) relative to placebo.Conclusion.Weekly subcutaneous administration of rilonacept 160 mg showed no new safety signals. The safety profile was consistent with previous studies. Rilonacept also significantly reduced the risk of gout flares.Clinicaltrials.govidentifierNCT00856206; EudraCT No. 2008-007784-16.
Effect of Remission Definition on Healthcare Cost Savings Estimates for Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis Treated with Biologic Therapies
Authors: Barnabe Cheryl , Thanh Nguyen Xuan , Ohinmaa Arto , Homik Joanne , Barr Susan G. , Martin Liam , Maksymowych Walter P. 
Published: July 2014

Objective.Sustained remission in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) results in healthcare utilization cost savings. We evaluated the variation in estimates of savings when different definitions of remission [2011 American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism Boolean Definition, Simplified Disease Activity Index (SDAI) ≤ 3.3, Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI) ≤ 2.8, and Disease Activity Score-28 (DAS28) ≤ 2.6] are applied.Methods.The annual mean healthcare service utilization costs were estimated from provincial physician billing claims, outpatient visits, and hospitalizations, with linkage to clinical data from the Alberta Biologics Pharmacosurveillance Program (ABioPharm). Cost savings in patients who had a 1-year continuous period of remission were compared to those who did not, using 4 definitions of remission.Results.In 1086 patients, sustained remission rates were 16.1% for DAS28, 8.8% for Boolean, 5.5% for CDAI, and 4.2% for SDAI. The estimated mean annual healthcare cost savings per patient achieving remission (relative to not) were SDAI $1928 (95% CI 592, 3264), DAS28 $1676 (95% CI 987, 2365), and Boolean $1259 (95% CI 417, 2100). The annual savings by CDAI remission per patient were not significant at $423 (95% CI −1757, 2602). For patients in DAS28, Boolean, and SDAI remission, savings were seen both in costs directly related to RA and its comorbidities, and in costs for non-RA-related conditions.Conclusion.The magnitude of the healthcare cost savings varies according to the remission definition used in classifying patient disease status. The highest point estimate for cost savings was observed in patients attaining SDAI remission and the least with the CDAI; confidence intervals for these estimates do overlap. Future pharmacoeconomic analyses should employ all response definitions in assessing the influence of treatment.
The Effect of Different Remission Definitions on Identification of Predictors of Both Point and Sustained Remission in Rheumatoid Arthritis Treated with Anti-TNF Therapy
Authors: Barnabe Cheryl , Homik Joanne , Barr Susan G. , Martin Liam , Maksymowych Walter P. 
Published: July 2014

Objective.Predictors of remission in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have been defined in cross-sectional analyses using the 28-joint Disease Activity Score (DAS28), but not with newer composite disease activity measures or using the more clinically relevant state of sustained remission. We have evaluated predictors of remission using cross-sectional and longitudinal durations of disease state, and by applying additional definitions of remission [American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism Boolean, Simplified Disease Activity Index (SDAI), and Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI)].Methods.Individuals in the Alberta Biologics Pharmacosurveillance Program were classified for the presence of remission (point and/or sustained > 1 yr) by each of the 4 definitions. Multivariate models were constructed including all available variables in the dataset and refined to optimize model fit and predictive ability to calculate OR for remission.Results.Nonsmoking status independently predicted point remission by all definitions (OR range 1.20–2.71). Minority ethnicity decreased odds of remission by DAS28 (OR 0.13) and CDAI (OR 0.09) definitions. Male sex was associated with DAS28 remission (OR 2.85), whereas higher baseline physician global (OR 0.67) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate values (OR 0.98) decreased odds of DAS28 remission. Higher baseline patient global score (OR 0.77) and swollen joint counts (OR 0.93) were negative predictors for CDAI remission. Higher baseline Health Assessment Questionnaire (OR 0.62) reduced odds for remission by the SDAI definition, and educational attainment increased these odds (OR 2.13). Sustained remission was negatively predicted by baseline physician global for the DAS28 (OR 0.80), and higher tender joint count (OR 0.96) for the CDAI.Conclusion.We demonstrate the influence of duration of remission state and remission definition on defining independent predictors for remission in RA requiring anti-tumor necrosis factor therapy. These predictors offer improved applicability for modern rheumatology practice.
Function of N-Terminal Pro-Brain Natriuretic Peptide in Takayasu Arteritis Disease Monitoring
Authors: Liu Qing , Dang Aimin , Chen Bingwei , Lv Naqiang , Wang Xu , Zheng Deyu 
Published: July 2014

Objective.Increased levels of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) are associated with cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Inflammation may also affect levels of NT-proBNP. We investigated the relationship of NT-proBNP with inflammation, disease activity, disease severity, and progression of Takayasu arteritis (TA).Methods.Plasma levels of NT-proBNP were determined in 68 patients with TA and in 90 control subjects. Disease activity and disease severity in patients with TA were defined according to the National Institutes of Health and Ishikawa’s criteria, respectively.Results.NT-proBNP levels were higher in patients with active disease (915.0 ± 328.0 pmol/l) and patients in remission (618.2 ± 243.4 pmol/l) than in controls (427.2 ± 81.4 pmol/l) (p < 0.001). Patients with severe TA showed significantly higher NT-proBNP levels than those with mild-moderate TA (924.0 ± 332.4 pmol/l vs 653.8 ± 269.1 pmol/l; p = 0.001). In patients with longitudinal data, NT-proBNP levels at the active phase were significantly higher than those at the stable phase (944.1 ± 216.7 pmol/l vs 552.1 ± 178.2 pmol/l; p = 0.001). Inflammatory markers, including C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and white blood cell count, were independently associated with NT-proBNP levels after adjustment for other confounding factors (R2adjusted = 0.307, p = 0.001).Conclusion.NT-proBNP levels were significantly increased in patients with active TA exhibiting complications. NT-proBNP levels were independently associated with inflammation. These results indicate that NT-proBNP may be a useful marker to assess the status, severity, and progression of TA.
Work Productivity Loss and Fatigue in Psoriatic Arthritis
Authors: Walsh Jessica A. , McFadden Molly L. , Morgan Michael D. , Sawitzke Allen D. , Duffin Kristina Callis , Krueger Gerald G. , Clegg Daniel O. 
Published: July 2014

Objective.To explore the relationship between fatigue and work productivity loss (WPL) in people with psoriatic arthritis (PsA).Methods.Data were collected from participants in the Utah Psoriasis Initiative Arthritis registry between January 2010 and May 2013. WPL was measured with the 8-item Work Limitations Questionnaire. Fatigue was assessed with question 1 from the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI#1), “How would you describe the overall level of fatigue/tiredness you have experienced?” and with question 1 from the Psoriatic Arthritis Quality of Life Questionnaire (PsAQOL#1) “I feel tired whatever I do.” Psoriatic activity was evaluated with tender joint count (TJC), swollen joint count (SJC), dactylitis count, enthesitis count, inflammatory back pain (IBP), physician global assessment, body surface area, and psoriasis pain and itch.Results.Among 107 participants, work productivity was reduced by 6.7%, compared to benchmark employees without limitations. Fatigue was reported by 54 patients (50.5%) on PsAQOL#1, and 64 (60.0%) were classified as high fatigue by BASDAI#1. TJC, SJC, enthesitis count, IBP, and depressed mood were highest or most frequent in participants reporting fatigue. After adjustments for psoriatic activity and depressed mood, WPL was associated with fatigue, as measured by PsAQOL#1 (p = 0.01) and BASDAI#1 (p = 0.002).Conclusion.WPL was associated with fatigue, and the association was not entirely explained by the evaluated musculoskeletal, cutaneous, or psychiatric manifestations of PsA.
La pensée « Maginot »
Authors: Boublil Alain 
Published: July 2014

La France a peur de la mondialisation alors qu’elle dispose de tous les atouts pour en bénéficier. Pire, certains imaginent que la solution serait l’isolement, le protectionnisme, la dévaluation ou la sortie de l’euro. Ils voient dans les Français qui s’expatrient, quelque en soit le motif, une atteinte aux « forces vives » de la France. C’est le retour de la « pensée Maginot », comme cette « ligne » qui devait nous protéger contre une invasion allemande, qui se révéla inefficace et qui fut la cause de la pire défaite de l’armée française. Le protectionnisme aboutirait à un résultat désastreux : perte d’emplois dans les secteurs exportateurs, hausse des coûts et baisse de la qualité nos propres productions. La sortie de l’euro, provoquerait une remontée des taux d’intérêt et nous obligerait à rembourser notre dette extérieure au prix fort. Quant à nos ingénieurs qui sont présents sur des chantiers de par le monde ou à nos cadres qui exercent des responsabilités dans les plus grandes entreprises mondiales, leur présence à l’étranger ne constitue pas une perte pour notre pays, comme le pensent les nostalgiques de la ligne Maginot, mais une contribution essentielle au rayonnement international de la France.
Les inégalités sociales dans le champ des addictions
Authors: Jauffret-Roustide Marie 
Published: July 2014

Les enquêtes en population générale montrent que la position sociale, la profession et le niveau d’éducation modèlent les rapports aux produits psychoactifs ; mais, chez les adultes, le genre joue également un rôle majeur, et chez les adolescents la confiance dans l’avenir et l’importance accordée à la réussite scolaire peuvent influer sur les conduites addictives tout autant que les variables sociodémographiques. Les représentations sociales des addictions sont fortement marquées par une imagerie liée à la précarité sociale. Le lien entre inégalités sociales et conduites addictives est complexe et doit être réintégré dans un contexte social et politique plus large afin d’en saisir toutes les significations.