bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Validation of the Methotrexate‐First Strategy in Patients With Early, Poor‐Prognosis Rheumatoid Arthritis: Results From a Two‐Year Randomized, Double‐Blind Trial
Authors: O'Dell James R. , Curtis Jeffrey R. , Mikuls Ted R. , Cofield Stacey S. , Bridges S. Louis , Ranganath Veena K. , Moreland Larry W. ,   for the TEAR Trial Investigators
Published: May 2013

ObjectiveMethotrexate (MTX) taken as monotherapy is recommended as the initial disease‐modifying antirheumatic drug for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The purpose of this study was to examine outcomes of a blinded trial of initial MTX monotherapy with the option to step‐up to combination therapy as compared to immediate combination therapy in patients with early, poor‐prognosis RA.MethodsIn the Treatment of Early Rheumatoid Arthritis (TEAR) trial, 755 participants with early, poor‐prognosis RA were randomized to receive MTX monotherapy or combination therapy (MTX plus etanercept or MTX plus sulfasalazine plus hydroxychloroquine). Participants randomized to receive MTX monotherapy stepped‐up to combination therapy at 24 weeks if the Disease Activity Score in 28 joints using the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (DAS28‐ESR) was ≥3.2.ResultsAttrition at 24 weeks was similar in the MTX monotherapy and combination groups. Of the 370 evaluable participants in the initial MTX group, 28% achieved low levels of disease activity and did not step‐up to combination therapy (MTX monotherapy group). The mean ± SD DAS28‐ESR in participants continuing to take MTX monotherapy at week 102 was 2.7 ± 1.2, which is similar to that in participants who were randomized to immediate combination therapy (2.9 ± 1.2). Participants who received MTX monotherapy had less radiographic progression at week 102 as compared to those who received immediate combination therapy (mean ± SD change in modified Sharp score 0.2 ± 1.1 versus 1.1 ± 6.4). Participants assigned to initial MTX who required step‐up to combination therapy at 24 weeks (72%) demonstrated similar DAS28‐ESR values (3.5 ± 1.3 versus 3.2 ± 1.3 at week 48) and radiographic progression (change in modified Sharp score 1.2 ± 4.1 versus 1.1 ± 6.4 at week 102) as those assigned to immediate combination therapy. The results for either of the immediate combination approaches, whether triple therapy or MTX plus etanercept, were similar.ConclusionThese results in patients with early, poor prognosis RA validate the strategy of starting with MTX monotherapy. This study is the first to demonstrate in a blinded trial that initial MTX monotherapy with the option to step‐up to combination therapy results in similar outcomes to immediate combination therapy. Approximately 30% of patients will not need combination therapy, and the 70% who will need it are clinically and radiographically indistinguishable from those who were randomized to receive immediate combination therapy.
Premature Cell Senescence and T Cell Receptor–Independent Activation of CD8+ T Cells in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis
Authors: Dvergsten Jeffrey A. , Mueller Robert G. , Griffin Patricia , Abedin Sameem , Pishko Allyson , Michel Joshua J. , Rosenkranz Margalit E. , Reed Ann M. , Kietz Daniel A. , Vallejo Abbe N. 
Published: May 2013

ObjectiveCD8+ T cells lacking CD28 were originally reported to be a characteristic feature of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), but the relevance of these unusual cells to this disease remains to be elucidated. Because of recent evidence that loss of CD28 cells is typical of terminally differentiated lymphocytes, the aim of this study was to examine functional subsets of CD8+ T cells in patients with JIA.MethodsBlood and/or waste synovial fluid samples were collected from children with a definite diagnosis of JIA (n = 98). Deidentified peripheral blood (n = 33) and cord blood (n = 13) samples from healthy donors were also collected. CD8+ and CD4+ T cells were screened for novel receptors, and where indicated, bioassays were performed to determine the functional relevance of the identified receptor.ResultsJIA patients had a naive T cell compartment with shortened telomeres, and their entire T cell pool had reduced proliferative capacity. They had an overabundance of CD31+CD28nullCD8+ T cells, which was a significant feature of oligoarticular JIA (n = 62) as compared to polyarticular JIA (n = 36). CD31+ CD28nullCD8+ T cells had limited mitotic capacity and expressed high levels of the senescence antigens histone γH2AX and/or p16. Ligation of CD31, which was independent of the T cell receptor (TCR), sufficiently induced tyrosine phosphorylation, vesicle exocytosis, and production of interferon‐γ and interleukin‐10.ConclusionThese data provide the first evidence of cell senescence, as represented by CD31+CD28null CD8+ T cells, in the pathophysiology of JIA. Activation of these unusual cells in a TCR‐independent manner suggests that they are maladaptive and could be potential targets for immunotherapy.
Sonographic Joint Assessment in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Associations With Clinical Joint Assessment During a State of Remission
Authors: Gärtner Miriam , Mandl Peter , Radner Helga , Supp Gabriela , Machold Klaus P. , Aletaha Daniel , Smolen Josef S. 
Published: May 2013

ObjectiveSonography, as compared with clinical assessment, is a sensitive tool for evaluating synovitis in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, differences between these assessment tools may depend on how joint activity (i.e., an active joint) is defined. The present study was undertaken to compare clinically active joints with sonographically active joints in patients with RA, applying different sonographic definitions of an active joint.MethodsSonographic assessment of the finger and wrist joints (total of 11 joints) of each hand was performed in RA patients whose disease was in remission (Clinical Disease Activity Index ≤2.8; n = 60). Gray‐scale (GS) and power Doppler (PD) ultrasound signals for synovitis were evaluated on a 4‐point scale (grade 0 = none, grade 3 = severe). The sensitivity and specificity of swollen joint counts were investigated using, as reference, increasingly stringent sonographic definitions of an active joint. Sonographic findings were also assessed for correlations with other clinical variables, including the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) disability index (DI). Followup analyses were performed after 6–12 months.ResultsGS ultrasound signals yielded positive findings for synovitis in 67.2% of the 1,320 joints assessed, and PD ultrasound signals indicated signs of synovitis in 20.4% of the joints assessed. Clinical identification of joint swelling was 100% specific for sonographic joint activity, independent of the stringency of the sonographic definition used; maximum sensitivity of the swollen joint counts was 25% for the most stringent definition (i.e., GS grade 3 and PD grade 3). Furthermore, patients with a higher‐grade PD signal (grade 3) showed a higher HAQ DI score compared to patients with lower‐grade PD signals (mean ± SD HAQ DI 0.45 ± 0.62 versus 0.20 ± 0.35). A higher grade of PD signal at baseline was found in joints that were assessed as clinically swollen at the consecutive followup visit.ConclusionLow‐grade PD and GS ultrasound signals may not necessarily reflect the presence of active synovitis in RA joints. High‐grade PD signals correlate well with the presence of clinical joint swelling and clinical disease activity, and a higher grade of PD signal is associated with higher degrees of functional impairment.
Site‐Selective Functionalization of Periodic Mesoporous Organosilica (PMO) with Macrocyclic Host for Specific and Reversible Recognition of Heavy Metal
Authors: Ye Gang , Leng Yuxiao , Bai Feifei , Wei Jichao , Wang Jianchen , Chen Jing 
Published: May 2013

AbstractA novel kind of macrocyclic‐host‐functionalized periodic mesoporous organosilica (PMO) with excellent and reversible recognition of PbII was developed. The macrocyclic host molecule cis‐dicyclohexano[18]crown‐6, with strong affinity to PbII, was carefully modified as a bridged precursor to build the PMO material. To break down the limit of the functionalization degree for PMOs incorporated with large‐sized moieties, a site‐selective post‐functionalization method was proposed to further decorate the external surface of the PMO material. The selective recognition ability of the upgraded PMO material towards PbII was remarkably enhanced without destroying the mesoporous ordering. Solid‐state 13C and 29Si NMR spectroscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), XRD, TEM, and nitrogen adsorption–desorption isotherm measurements were utilized for a full characterization of the structure, micromorphology, and surface properties. Reversible binding of PbII was realized in the binding–elution cycle experiments. The mechanism of the supramolecular interaction between the macrocyclic host and metal ion was discussed. The synthetic strategy can be considered a general way to optimize the properties of PMOs as binding materials for practical use while preserving the mesostructure.
Multiple bands near fronts in VHF wind‐profiling radar and radiosonde data
Authors: Lawson John , Schultz David M. , Vaughan Geraint , Kirshbaum Daniel J. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractFronts passing over the Mesosphere–Stratosphere–Troposphere radar near Aberystwyth, Wales, UK, possessed multiple bands in returned power and vertical shear of the horizontal wind. Warm fronts tended to have more bands than cold fronts. Of 82 bands in power with an associated band in the radiosonde data, 45% were associated with a decrease in specific humidity and an increase in stability (drying stable bands) and 21% were associated with an increase in humidity and a decrease in stability (moistening unstable bands). The radar detects airstream boundaries near fronts, some of which are not part of the front.
An ultrasensitive chemiluminescent method for the tanshinol borneol ester determination and its pharmacokinetic analysis
Authors: Nie Fei , Bu Min , Wu Lihong , Zheng Jianbin 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACTTanshinol borneol ester (DBZ), a chemical combination of danshensu and borneol, is an experimental drug that exhibits efficacious anti‐ischemic activity in animal models. In this work, an ultrasensitive chemiluminescence (CL) method for the determination of DBZ was established based on the inhibitory effect of DBZ on the CL signal produced from the reaction between potassium permanganate and luminol in alkaline solution. The CL intensity responded linearly to the concentration of DBZ in the range 2.0 × 10‐10 to 4.0 × 10‐8 g/mL with a detection limit of 7 × 10−11 g/mL. The relative standard deviation (RSD) was 3.8% for 4.0 × 10−9 g DBZ (n = 11). The proposed method showed characteristics of high sensitivity, simple device and quick. In addition, this proposed method had been applied satisfactorily to the analysis of DBZ in blood. The pharmacokinetics of DBZ in rat has also been studied using the CL method. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bis(4,6‐dimethoxy‐1,3,5‐triazin‐2‐yl) Ether as Coupling Reagent for Peptide Synthesis
Authors: Jastrzabek Konrad , Bednarek Przemyslaw , Kolesinska Beata , Kaminski Zbigniew J. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractBis(4,6‐dimethoxy‐1,3,5‐triazin‐2‐yl) ether (4) was prepared by treatment of 2‐hydroxy‐4,6‐dimethoxy‐1,3,5‐triazine with 2‐chloro‐4,6‐dimethoxy‐1,3,5‐triazine in 61% yield. Ether 4, isoelectronic with pyrocarbonates, was found capable to activate carboxylic acids in the presence of 1,4‐diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane (DABCO) to yield, under mild reaction conditions, superactive triazine esters. Versatility of this new coupling reagent was confirmed by condensation of lipophilic and sterically hindered carboxylic acids with amines in 71–98% yield, and by synthesis of peptides, including those containing Aib‐Aib sequence, in solution with high yield and high enantiomeric purity.
Peptaibol Antiamoebin I: Spatial Structure, Backbone Dynamics, Interaction with Bicelles and Lipid‐Protein Nanodiscs, and Pore Formation in Context of Barrel‐Stave Model
Authors: Shenkarev Zakhar O. , Paramonov Alexander S. , Lyukmanova Ekaterina N. , Gizatullina Albina K. , Zhuravleva Anastasia V. , Tagaev Andrey A. , Yakimenko Zoya A. , Telezhinskaya Irina N. , Kirpichnikov Mikhail P. , Ovchinnikova Tatiana V. , Arseniev Alexander S. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractAntiamoebin I (Aam‐I) is a membrane‐active peptaibol antibiotic isolated from fungal species belonging to the genera Cephalosporium, Emericellopsis, Gliocladium, and Stilbella. In comparison with other 16‐amino acid‐residue peptaibols, e.g., zervamicin IIB (Zrv‐IIB), Aam‐I possesses relatively weak biological and channel‐forming activities. In MeOH solution, Aam‐I demonstrates fast cooperative transitions between right‐handed and left‐handed helical conformation of the N‐terminal (1–8) region. We studied Aam‐I spatial structure and backbone dynamics in the membrane‐mimicking environment (DMPC/DHPC bicelles)1) by heteronuclear 1H,13C,15N‐NMR spectroscopy. Interaction with the bicelles stabilizes the Aam‐I right‐handed helical conformation retaining significant intramolecular mobility on the ms–μs time scale. Extensive ms–μs dynamics were also detected in the DPC and DHPC micelles and DOPG nanodiscs. In contrast, Zrv‐IIB in the DPC micelles demonstrates appreciably lesser mobility on the μs–ms time scale. Titration with Mn2+ and 16‐doxylstearate paramagnetic probes revealed Aam‐I binding to the bicelle surface with the N‐terminus slightly immersed into hydrocarbon region. Fluctuations of the Aam‐I helix between surface‐bound and transmembrane (TM) state were observed in the nanodisc membranes formed from the short‐chain (diC12 : 0) DLPC/DLPG lipids. All the obtained experimental data are in agreement with the barrel‐stave model of TM pore formation, similarly to the mechanism proposed for Zrv‐IIB and other peptaibols. The observed extensive intramolecular dynamics explains the relatively low activity of Aam‐I.
Direct Observation of the Electroadsorptive Effect on Ultrathin Films for Microsensor and Catalytic‐Surface Control
Authors: Doll Theodor , Velasco‐Velez Juan J. , Rosenthal Dirk , Avila Jonathan , Fuenzalida Victor 
Published: May 2013

AbstractMicrochemical sensors and catalytic reactors make use of gases during adsorption in specific ways on selected materials. Fine‐tuning is normally achieved by morphological control and material doping. The latter relates surface properties to the electronic structure of the bulk, and this suggests the possibility of electronic control. Although unusual for catalytic surfaces, such phenomena are sometimes reported for microsensors, but with little understanding of the underlying mechanisms. Herein, direct observation of the electroadsorptive effect by a combination of X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and conductivity analysis on nanometre‐thick semiconductor films on buried control electrodes is reported. For the SnO2/NO2 model system, NO3 surface species, which normally decay at the latest within minutes, can be kept stable for 1.5 h with a high coverage of 15 % under appropriate electric fields. This includes uncharged states, too, and implies that nanoelectronic structures provide control over the predominant adsorbate conformation on exterior surfaces and thus opens the field for chemically reactive interfaces with in situ tunability.
Controlled Hydrophobic Functionalization of Natural Fibers through Self‐Assembly of Amphiphilic Diblock Copolymer Micelles
Authors: Aarne Niko , Laine Janne , Hänninen Tuomas , Rantanen Ville , Seitsonen Jani , Ruokolainen Janne , Kontturi Eero 
Published: May 2013

AbstractThe functionalization of natural fibers is an important task that has recently received considerable attention. We investigated the formation of a hydrophobic layer from amphiphilic diblock copolymer micelles [polystyrene‐block‐poly(N‐methyl‐4‐vinyl pyridinium iodide)] on natural fibers and on a model surface (mica). A series of micelles were prepared. The micelles were characterized by using cryoscopic TEM and light scattering, and their hydrophobization capability was studied through contact angle measurements, water adsorption, and Raman imaging. Mild heat treatment (130 °C) was used to increase the hydrophobization capability of the micelles. The results showed that the micelles could not hydrophobize a model surface, but could render the natural fibers water repellent both with and without heat treatment. This effect was systematically studied by varying the composition of the constituent blocks. The results showed that the micelle size (and the molecular weight of the constituent diblock copolymers) was the most important parameter, whereas the cationic (hydrophilic) part played only a minor role. We hypothesized that the hydrophobization effect could be attributed to a combination of the micelle size and the shrinkage of the natural fibers upon drying. The shrinking caused the roughness to increase on the fiber surface, which resulted in a rearrangement of the self‐ assembled layer in the wet state. Consequently, the fibers became hydrophobic through the roughness effects at multiple length scales. Mild heat treatment melted the micelle core and decreased the minimum size necessary for hydrophobization.
Modeling of dipole–dipole‐coupled, electric field‐driven, protein‐based computing architectures
Authors: Rakos Balázs 
Published: May 2013

AbstractIn the present study, we propose a novel approach for the realization of protein‐based logic circuits potentially suitable for nanoscale digital signal processing and computing architectures. Electric field‐induced switching of Dronpa, an artificial protein, is demonstrated through simulations with the NAMD molecular dynamics simulation software, and a circuit model that describes such switching behavior is presented. Simulations suggest that digital signal propagation and the majority gate can be realized by the utilization of such proteins if they are dipole–dipole coupled and are driven by proper electric fields. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antimicrobials for non‐typhoidal Salmonella infection—does it work?
Authors: Robinson Joan 
Published: May 2013

AbstractEco‐paediatrics is an occasional feature in Evidence‐Based Child Health: A Cochrane Review Journal. Our goal is to contribute to the worldwide discussion on reducing waste in health care. In each instalment, we will select a recent Cochrane review highlighting a practice, still in use, which the available evidence tells us should be discontinued.
Commentaries on ‘Remediating buildings damaged by dampness and mould for preventing or reducing respiratory tract symptoms, infections and asthma’
Authors: Liira Helena , Kovesi Thomas 
Published: May 2013

AbstractThese are commentaries on a Cochrane review, published in the issue of EBCH, first published as: Sauni R, Uitti J, Jauhiainen M, Kreiss K, Sigsgaard T, Verbeek JH. Remediating buildings damaged by dampness and mould for preventing or reducing respiratory tract symptoms, infections and asthma. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2011, Issue 9. Art. No.: CD007897. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD007897.pub2.
A Facile Synthesis of 4,6,7,8,8a,9‐Hexahydropyrrolo[1,2‐a][1,2,3]triazolo[1,5‐d]pyr­azines by a Three‐Component Coupling Reaction Followed by Intramolecular 1,3‐Dipolar Cycloaddition
Authors: Dhondge Attrimuni P. , Afraj Shakil N. , Nuzlia Cut , Chen Chinpiao , Lee Gene‐Hsian 
Published: May 2013

AbstractA practical and efficient two‐step protocol for the synthesis of several new 4,6,7,8,8a,9‐hexahydropyrrolo[1,2‐a][1,2,3]triazolo[1,5‐d]pyrazines is described. The first step involves the AuBr3‐catalyzed three‐component coupling reaction of terminal alkynes, aldehydes, and amines under solvent‐free conditions to provide the requisite propargylamines. The reaction tolerates a high structural diversity, requires only short reaction times, gives high diastereoselectivities, and is environmentally benign. Furthermore, the propargylamine products undergo catalyst‐free intramolecular azide–alkyne [3 + 2] dipolar cycloaddition reactions to give the 4,6,7,8,8a,9‐hexahydropyrrolo[1,2‐a][1,2,3]triazolo[1,5‐d]pyrazines in excellent yields and with excellent diastereoselectivities.
New adaptive frame aggregation call admission control (AFA‐CAC) for high throughput WLANs
Authors: Charfi Emna , Chaari Lamia , Kamoun Lotfi 
Published: May 2013

AbstractThe major enhancements introduced by the very high throughput wireless local area network, cannot provide quality of service (QoS) satisfaction for real time and multimedia applications. The recent standard IEEE 802.11n introduced new Medium Access Control (MAC) mechanisms based on aggregation scheme to enhance throughput. Besides that, functional modules for QoS provisioning such as call admission control and bandwidth management should be implemented in the access point. Hence, an efficient call admission control (CAC) algorithm is required for 802.11n network to satisfy QoS requirements of strict multimedia services. In this paper, we propose a new model‐based call admission control algorithm, called adaptation of frame aggregation AFA‐CAC to be implemented within the QoS access point in IEEE 802.11n standard in a way to provide QoS satisfaction to real time services. We first propose an accurate analytical model to estimate the achieved QoS metrics of a new flow entering in the network. Then, we detailed the AFA‐CAC algorithm that supports IEEE 802.11n aggregation schemes aggregated MAC service data unit and aggregated MAC protocol data unit and consider the IEEE 802.11e enhanced distributed channel access. AFA‐CAC is based on both predicting the QoS constraints of the already active flows and the new flow, and adjusting the number of aggregated subframes of each flow. Conducted simulations illustrate the performance of our proposed AFA‐CAC in terms of satisfying QoS throughput and end‐to‐end delay requirements of voice and video traffics. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Vascular risk factors and neuropsychiatric symptoms in Alzheimer's disease: the Cache County Study
Authors: Steinberg Martin , Hess Kyle , Corcoran Chris , Mielke Michelle M. , Norton Maria , Breitner John , Green Robert , Leoutsakos Jeannie , Welsh‐Bohmer Kathleen , Lyketsos Constantine , Tschanz Joann 
Published: May 2013

ObjectiveKnowledge of potentially modifiable risk factors for neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) in Alzheimer's disease (AD) is important. This study longitudinally explores modifiable vascular risk factors for NPS in AD.MethodsParticipants enrolled in the Cache County Study on Memory in Aging with no dementia at baseline were subsequently assessed over three additional waves, and those with incident (new onset) dementia were invited to join the Dementia Progression Study for longitudinal follow‐up. A total of 327 participants with incident AD were identified and assessed for the following vascular factors: atrial fibrillation, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, angina, coronary artery bypass surgery, myocardial infarction, cerebrovascular accident, and use of antihypertensive or diabetes medicines. A vascular index (VI) was also calculated. NPS were assessed over time using the Neuropsychiatric Inventory (NPI). Affective and Psychotic symptom clusters were assessed separately. The association between vascular factors and change in NPI total score was analyzed using linear mixed model and in symptom clusters using a random effects model.ResultsNo individual vascular risk factors or the VI significantly predicted change in any individual NPS. The use of antihypertensive medications more than four times per week was associated with higher total NPI and Affective cluster scores.ConclusionsUse of antihypertensive medication was associated with higher total NPI and Affective cluster scores. The results of this study do not otherwise support vascular risk factors as modifiers of longitudinal change in NPS in AD. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.