bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Does the “Hispanic Paradox” Occur in Rheumatoid Arthritis? Survival Data From a Multiethnic Cohort
Authors: Molina Emily , Haas Roy , del Rincon Inmaculada , Battafarano Daniel F. , Restrepo Jose F. , Escalante Agustin 
Published: December 2013

ObjectiveDespite lower socioeconomic status (SES) and higher disease burden, Hispanics in the US paradoxically display equal or lower mortality on average than non‐Hispanic whites. Our objective was to determine if the “Hispanic paradox” occurs among patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).MethodsIn a cohort of 706 RA patients, we compared differences in RA severity and comorbidity between Hispanic and non‐Hispanic white ethnic groups at baseline. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate and compare mortality risk between Hispanics and non‐Hispanic whites.ResultsWe studied 706 patients with RA, of whom 434 were Hispanic and 272 were non‐Hispanic white. Hispanics had significantly lower SES, greater inflammation, as well as higher tender and swollen joint counts. Patients were observed for 6,639 patient‐years, during which time 229 deaths occurred by the censoring date (rate 3.4 per 100 person‐years; 95% confidence interval 3.0, 3.9). Age‐ and sex‐adjusted mortality was not significantly different between the 2 ethnic groups (hazard ratio [HR] 0.96). After adjustment for comorbidities, RA severity, and level of acculturation, mortality among Hispanics was lower (HR 0.56, P = 0.004).ConclusionDespite greater severity in most clinical manifestations and lower SES among Hispanics, paradoxically, their mortality was not increased. Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms underlying this survival paradox.
Relationship of Meeting Physical Activity Guidelines With Health‐Related Utility
Authors: Sun Kai , Song Jing , Lee Jungwha , Chang Rowland W. , Eaton Charles B. , Ehrlich‐Jones Linda , Kwoh Kent C. , Manheim Larry M. , Semanik Pamela A. , Sharma Leena , Sohn Min‐Woong , Dunlop Dorothy D. 
Published: December 2013

ObjectiveHealth‐related utility measures overall health status and quality of life and is commonly incorporated into cost‐effectiveness analyses. This study investigates whether attainment of federal physical activity guidelines translates into better health‐related utility in adults with or at risk for knee osteoarthritis (OA).MethodsCross‐sectional data from 1,908 adults with or at risk for knee OA participating in the accelerometer ancillary study of the Osteoarthritis Initiative were assessed. Physical activity was measured using 7 days of accelerometer monitoring and was classified as 1) meeting guidelines (≥150 bouted moderate‐to‐vigorous [MV] minutes per week); 2) insufficiently active (≥1 MV bout[s] per week but below guidelines); or 3) inactive (zero MV bouts per week). A Short Form 6D health‐related utility score was derived from patient‐reported health status. Relationship of physical activity levels to median health‐related utility adjusted for socioeconomic and health factors was tested using quantile regression.ResultsOnly 13% of participants met physical activity guidelines, and 45% were inactive. Relative to the inactive group, median health‐related utility scores were significantly greater for the meeting guidelines group (0.063; 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.055, 0.071) and the insufficiently active group (0.059; 95% CI 0.054, 0.064). These differences showed a statistically significant linear trend and strong cross‐sectional relationship with physical activity level even after adjusting for socioeconomic and health factors.ConclusionWe found a significant positive relationship between physical activity level and health‐related utility. Interventions that encourage adults, including persons with knee OA, to increase physical activity even if recommended levels are not attained may improve their quality of life.
Primary Sjögren's Syndrome: Fatigue Is an Ever‐Present, Fluctuating, and Uncontrollable Lack of Energy
Authors: Mengshoel Anne Marit , Norheim Katrine B. , Omdal Roald 
Published: December 2013

ObjectiveTo examine how fatigue may differ from ordinary tiredness in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome (SS).MethodsA purposive, heterogeneous sample of individuals with primary SS who had participated in a study that examined the effects of medication on fatigue was asked to participate in individual interviews. Patients were asked about their fatigue before and after the onset of illness, changes due to medications, and how fatigue was experienced in daily life. An inductive thematic analysis founded on a social constructionist perspective was performed.ResultsFive women and 4 men ages 27–76 years participated. Two themes were identified. “A heavy, resistant body and ever‐present lack of vitality” represented a profound, ever‐present lack of energy along with an unfamiliar bodily heaviness quite different from the experience after alleviation by the drug and being healthy. The patients had scaled down their everyday life in different ways to manage this lack of energy. “Unpredictable and uncontrollable fluctuations in fatigue” expressed how the level of fatigue fluctuated from day to day and even within a particular day. The informants tried to portion out their energy without knowing exactly how much energy they would have at any time. On bad days, patients felt that their “batteries were flat,” and they had to put their life on hold.ConclusionFatigue in primary SS clearly differs from ordinary tiredness. Patients describe it as an ever‐present, fluctuating, and nonrelievable lack of vitality being beyond one's own control.
The Effect of Substrates at Cathodes in Low‐temperature Fuel Cells
Authors: Ma Jiwei , Habrioux Aurélien , Alonso‐Vante Nicolas 
Published: December 2013

AbstractThe direct electrochemical conversion of chemical energy in low‐temperature fuel cells is underpinned by the activity of the catalytic center. The latter, in nanodivided form (either precious or non‐precious), is also influenced by the effect of the support, which serves as electron conductor. Herein, we discuss the relevant physicochemical driving force that leads to a “strong interaction” with substrates of carbon and oxide nature. Due to the interest in the activity and stability, special attention is given to the cathodic process, that is, to the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR).
Manganese Oxide/Graphene Aerogel Composites as an Outstanding Supercapacitor Electrode Material
Authors: Wang Chun‐Chieh , Chen Hsuan‐Ching , Lu Shih‐Yuan 
Published: December 2013

AbstractGraphene aerogels (GA), prepared with an organic sol–gel process, possessing a high specific surface area of 793 m2 g−1, a high pore volume of 3 cm3 g−1, and a large average pore size of 17 nm, were applied as a support for manganese oxide for supercapacitor applications. The manganese oxide was electrochemically deposited into the highly porous GA to form MnO2/GA composites. The composites, at a high manganese oxide loading of 61 wt. %, exhibited a high specific capacitance of 410 F g−1 at 2 mV s−1. More importantly, the high rate specific capacitances measured at 1000 mV s−1 for these composites were two‐fold higher than those obtained with samples prepared in the absence of the GA support. The specific capacitance retention ratio, based on the specific capacitance obtained at 25 mV s−1, was maintained high, at 85 %, even at the high scan rate of 1000 mV s−1, in contrast with the significantly lower value of 67 % for the plain manganese oxide sample. For the cycling stability, the specific capacitance of the composite electrode decayed by only 5 % after 50,000 cycles at 1000 mV s−1. The success of this MnO2/GA composite may be attributed to the structural advantages of high specific surface areas, high pore volumes, large pore sizes, and three‐dimensionally well‐connected network of the GA support. These structural advantages made possible the high mass loading of the active material, manganese oxide, large amounts of electroactive surfaces for the superficial redox events, fast mass‐transfer within the porous structure, and well‐connected conductive paths for the involved charge transport.
Racial/ethnic differences in clinical trial enrollment, refusal rates, ineligibility, and reasons for decline among patients at sites in the National Cancer Institute's Community Cancer Centers Program
Authors: Langford Aisha T. , Resnicow Ken , Dimond Eileen P. , Denicoff Andrea M. , Germain Diane St. , McCaskill‐Stevens Worta , Enos Rebecca A. , Carrigan Angela , Wilkinson Kathy , Go Ronald S. 
Published: December 2013

BACKGROUNDThis study examined racial/ethnic differences among patients in clinical trial (CT) enrollment, refusal rates, ineligibility, and desire to participate in research within the National Cancer Institute's Community Cancer Centers Program (NCCCP) Clinical Trial Screening and Accrual Log.METHODSData from 4509 log entries were evaluated in this study. Four logistic regression models were run using physical/medical conditions, enrollment into a CT, patient eligible but declined a CT, and no desire to participate in research as dependent variables.RESULTSAge ≥ 65 years (OR = 1.51, 95% CI = 1.28‐1.79), males (OR = 2.28, 95% CI = 1.92‐2.71), and non‐Hispanic black race (OR = 1.53, 95% CI = 1.2‐1.96) were significantly associated with more physical/medical conditions. Age ≥ 65 years was significantly associated with lower CT enrollment (OR = 0.83, 95% CI = 0.7‐0.98). Males (OR = 0.78, 95% CI = 0.65‐0.94) and a higher grade level score for consent form readability (OR = 0.9, 95% CI = 0.83‐0.97) were significantly associated with lower refusal rates. Consent page length ≥ 20 was significantly associated with lower odds of “no desire to participate in research” among CT decliners (OR = 0.75, 95% CI = 0.58‐0.98).CONCLUSIONSThere were no racial/ethnic differences in CT enrollment, refusal rates, or “no desire to participate in research” as the reason given for CT refusal. Higher odds of physical/medical conditions were associated with older age, males, and non‐Hispanic blacks. Better management of physical/medical conditions before and during treatment may increase the pool of eligible patients for CTs. Future work should examine the role of comorbidities, sex, age, and consent form characteristics on CT participation. Cancer 2014;120:877–884. © 2013 American Cancer Society.
Endoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine needle aspiration (EUS‐FNA) contributes to a triple‐negative test in preoperative screening of pancreatic cysts
Authors: Wu Roseann I. , Yoon Won Jae , Brugge William R. , Mino‐Kenudson Mari , Pitman Martha B. 
Published: December 2013

BACKGROUNDEndoscopic ultrasound‐guided fine‐needle aspiration (EUS‐FNA) of pancreatic cysts obtains cyst fluid for cytologic and biochemical analysis, which may determine whether the cyst is mucinous and malignant, contributing to patient management. Despite this added value, EUS‐FNA remains controversial in the preoperative assessment of pancreatic cysts. The objective of this study was to assess the utility of EUS‐FNA in a cohort of small pancreatic cysts that were benign on imaging studies.METHODSAll pancreatic cysts that underwent initial EUS‐FNA in 2006 and 2007 were retrospectively analyzed. Ninety‐two patients with pancreatic cysts met the inclusion criteria. Patients who had high‐risk or worrisome features on imaging studies were excluded. Cytology, histology, and cyst fluid analysis data were collected. The main outcome measurements were radiologic and clinical follow‐up as well as cytopathologic and histologic results.RESULTSEUS‐FNA supported a diagnosis of a mucinous cyst in 38 of 92 patients (41%) by carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) measurement and/or cytology. Cytology demonstrated an absence of high‐grade atypia (HGA) in 89 of 92 patients (97%). The mean follow‐up was 4.4 years (range, 0‐7.7 years), during which 6 cysts were surgically resected and 16 cysts were resampled by at least 1 subsequent EUS‐FNA. The overall negative predictive value of cytologic examination for HGA was 99%.CONCLUSIONSEUS‐FNA is a screening test that contributes to a triple‐negative test for pancreatic cysts—no high‐risk stigmata, no worrisome features, and no HGA on cytology—providing a negative predictive value of 99% for conservative management.Cancer (Cancer Cytopathol)2014;122:412–419. ©2013 American Cancer Society.
Biocompatibility and tissue integration of a novel shape memory surgical mesh for ventral hernia: In vivo animal studies
Authors: Zimkowski Michael M. , Rentschler Mark E. , Schoen Jonathan A. , Mandava Nageswara , Shandas Robin 
Published: December 2013

AbstractApproximately 400,000 ventral hernia repair surgeries are performed each year in the United States. Many of these procedures are performed using laparoscopic minimally invasive techniques and employ the use of surgical mesh. The use of surgical mesh has been shown to reduce recurrence rates compared to standard suture repairs. The placement of surgical mesh in a ventral hernia repair procedure can be challenging, and may even complicate the procedure. Others have attempted to provide commercial solutions to the problems of mesh placement, but these have not been well accepted by the clinical community. In this article, two versions of shape memory polymer (SMP)‐modified surgical mesh, and unmodified surgical mesh, were compared by performing laparoscopic manipulation in an acute porcine model. Also, SMP‐integrated polyester surgical meshes were implanted in four rats for 30–33 days to evaluate chronic biocompatibility and capacity for tissue integration. Porcine results show that the modified mesh provides a controlled, temperature‐activated, automated deployment when compared to an unmodified mesh. In rats, results indicate that implanted SMP‐modified meshes exhibit exceptional biocompatibility and excellent integration with surrounding tissue with no noticeable differences from the unmodified counterpart. This article provides further evidence that an SMP‐modified surgical mesh promises reduction in surgical placement time and that such a mesh is not substantially different from unmodified meshes in chronic biocompatibility. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 102B: 1093–1100, 2014.
Multiple finite source queueing model with dynamic priority scheduling
Authors: Tosirisuk Phadhana , Chandra Jeya 
Published: December 2013

AbstractThis article involves the study of a multiple finite source queueing model with a single server and dynamic, nonpreemptive priority service discipline. The input to the queue is comprised of customers from multiple finite sources. The time which the customers spend at the corresponding sources are exponentially distributed. The service times of the customers can follow exponential, Erlang, or hyperexponential probability density function, with the same mean regardless of the class. Using an extension of mean value analysis, a recursive algorithm is developed to obtain approximate values of the mean waiting time in queues for each priority class. The mean number of waiting customers and the server utilization of each priority class can be obtained using the result of this recursive algorithm and Little's formula. Numerical examples are presented to illustrate the methodology. The algorithm developed in this article is validated using simulation.
Split delivery routing
Authors: Dror Moshe , Trudeau Pierre 
Published: December 2013

AbstractThis article examines a relaxed version of the generic vehicle routing problem. In this version, a delivery to a demand point can be split between any number of vehicles. In spite of this relaxation the problem remains computationally hard. Since only small instances of the vehicle routing problem are known to be solved using exact methods, the vehicle route construction for this problem version is approached using heuristic rules. The main contribution of this article to the existing body of literature on vehicle routing issues in (a) is presenting a new vehicle routing problem amenable to practical applications, and (b) demonstrating the potential for cost savings over similar “traditional” vehicle routing when implementing the model and solutions presented here. The solution scheme allowing for split deliveries is compared with a solution in which no split deliveries are allowed. The comparison is conducted on six sets of 30 problems each for problems of size 75, 115, and 150 demand points (all together 540 problems). For very small demands (up to 10% of vehicle's capacity) no significant difference in solutions is evident for both solution schemes. For the other five problem sets for which point demand exceeds 10% of vehicle's capacity, very significant cost savings are realized when allowing split deliveries. The savings are significant both in the total distance and the number of vehicles required. The vehicles' routes constructed by our procedure tend to cover cohesive geographical zones and retain some properties of optimal solutions.
Beyond Cosmopolitanism and Expat Bubbles: Challenging Dominant Representations of Knowledge Workers and Trailing Spouses
Authors: van Bochove Marianne , Engbersen Godfried 
Published: December 2013

AbstractExpatriates – in this paper understood as highly skilled temporary migrants and accompanying spouses – are generally portrayed either as cosmopolitans with universal ties or as organisation men or women who live in a local expat bubble. On the basis of 75 interviews with expatriates in the city of Rotterdam, the Netherlands, we argue that both dominant images are partly true but do not do justice to the fragmented nature of expatriates' local and cross‐border involvement. First, our study shows that expatriates' identifications are characterised by fragmentation. Instead of seeing themselves solely as cosmopolitans or expats, they have multilayered identities, of which national identity is often an important component. Second, our study proves that the scale and nature of expatriates' activities depend on what aspect of life is taken into account: many can be characterised as organisation men or women in the economic sphere, moderate cosmopolitans in the political sphere, and ‘wannabe’ locals in the sociocultural sphere. The dominant representations of expatriates thus need to be reconsidered. Expatriates actually have particularistic ties (with people who are like them, based on a shared expat existence or nationality) as well as a universal, cosmopolitan orientation (i.e. the wish to bridge cultural differences). Instead of setting expatriates apart as an extraordinary type of people, their differences and similarities with other types of migrants deserve more future attention. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Membrane transport in the malaria parasite and its host erythrocyte
Authors: Kirk Kiaran , Lehane Adele M. 
Published: December 2013

As it grows and replicates within the erythrocytes of its host the malaria parasite takes up nutrients from the extracellular medium, exports metabolites and maintains a tight control over its internal ionic composition. These functions are achieved via membrane transport proteins, integral membrane proteins that mediate the passage of solutes across the various membranes that separate the biochemical machinery of the parasite from the extracellular environment. Proteins of this type play a key role in antimalarial drug resistance, as well as being candidate drug targets in their own right. This review provides an overview of recent work on the membrane transport biology of the malaria parasite-infected erythrocyte, encompassing both the parasite-induced changes in the membrane transport properties of the host erythrocyte and the cell physiology of the intracellular parasite itself.
Design of complementary reflectarray
Authors: Carluccio G. , Mazzinghi A. , Freni A. 
Published: December 2013

A novel solution for the manufacture of a reflectarray antenna is presented. The unit cell simply consists of dielectric foam inserted between two thick metallic plates. The plate illuminated by the feeder is a 0.5 mm‐thick stainless steel sheet into which the C and the reverse C slots are laser cut. This solution allows one to obtain an efficient, robust and compact antenna with low‐cost manufacturing process even for no mass production. Preliminary measurements show the feasibility of the proposed solution and its performances.
Single‐stage high‐power factor half‐bridge flyback converter with synchronous rectifier
Authors: Kim Kyu‐Tae , Kwon Jung‐Min , Lee Han‐Mo , Kwon Bong‐Hwan 
Published: December 2013

In this study, a single‐stage half‐bridge flyback converter using a synchronous rectifier (SR) is proposed to achieve unity power factor and higher efficiency. The proposed power factor correction can achieve almost a unity power factor and low input ripple current. The asymmetrical pulse‐width modulation (APWM) half‐bridge flyback converter operates under zero‐voltage switching to reduce switching losses. The conduction loss of the system can be reduced by replacing the diode rectifier with an SR using a low on‐resistance metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor and the SR switch operates under zero‐current switching. Detailed analysis is presented on the proposed converter. Experimental results for a 24 V/200 W converter at a constant switching frequency of 100 kHz were obtained to prove the analysis.
Critical slowing down as early warning for the onset and termination of depression
Authors: van de Leemput Ingrid A. , Wichers Marieke , Cramer Angélique O. J. , Borsboom Denny , Tuerlinckx Francis , Kuppens Peter , van Nes Egbert H. , Viechtbauer Wolfgang , Giltay Erik J. , Aggen Steven H. , Derom Catherine , Jacobs Nele , Kendler Kenneth S. , van der Maas Han L. J. , Neale Michael C. , Peeters Frenk , Thiery Evert , Zachar Peter , Scheffer Marten 
Published: December 2013

Significance
As complex systems such as the climate or ecosystems approach a tipping point, their dynamics tend to become dominated by a phenomenon known as critical slowing down. Using time series of autorecorded mood, we show that indicators of slowing down are also predictive of future transitions in depression. Specifically, in persons who are more likely to have a future transition, mood dynamics are slower and different aspects of mood are more correlated. This supports the view that the mood system may have tipping points where reinforcing feedbacks among a web of symptoms can propagate a person into a disorder. Our findings suggest the possibility of early warning systems for psychiatric disorders, using smartphone-based mood monitoring.
Restoration of testis function in hypogonadotropic hypogonadal mice harboring a misfolded GnRHR mutant by pharmacoperone drug therapy
Authors: Janovick Jo Ann , Stewart M. David , Jacob Darla , Martin L. D. , Deng Jian Min , Stewart C. Allison , Wang Ying , Cornea Anda , Chavali Lakshmi , Lopez Suhujey , Mitalipov Shoukhrat , Kang Eunju , Lee Hyo-Sang , Manna Pulak R. , Stocco Douglas M. , Behringer Richard R. , Conn P. Michael 
Published: December 2013

Significance
Many diseases result from genetic mutations that cause protein misfolding. Medical treatments often address the symptoms, but do not correct the underlying etiology. This study illustrates proof of principle that a disease caused by a misfolded cell surface receptor can be corrected with a pharmacoperone, a unique class of target-specific drugs that assist protein folding.