bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Lower Education Level is a Major Risk Factor for Peritonitis Incidence in Chronic Peritoneal Dialysis Patients: A Retrospective Cohort Study with 12-Year Follow-Up
Authors: Chern Yahn-Bor , Ho Pei-Shan , Kuo Li-Chueh , Chen Jin-Bor 
Published: April 2013

Background Peritoneal dialysis (PD)-related peritonitis remains an important complication in PD patients, potentially causing technique failure and influencing patient outcome. To date, no comprehensive study in the Taiwanese PD population has used a time-dependent statistical method to analyze the factors associated with PD-related peritonitis. Methods Our single-center retrospective cohort study, conducted in southern Taiwan between February 1999 and July 2010, used time-dependent statistical methods to analyze the factors associated with PD-related peritonitis. Results The study recruited 404 PD patients for analysis, 150 of whom experienced at least 1 episode of peritonitis during the follow-up period. The incidence rate of peritonitis was highest during the first 6 months after PD start. A comparison of patients in the two groups (peritonitis vs null-peritonitis) by univariate analysis showed that the peritonitis group included fewer men (p = 0.048) and more patients of older age (≥65 years, p = 0.049). In addition, patients who had never received compulsory education showed a statistically higher incidence of PD-related peritonitis in the univariate analysis (p = 0.04). A proportional hazards model identified education level (less than elementary school vs any higher education level) as having an independent association with PD-related peritonitis [hazard ratio (HR): 1.45; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.01 to 2.06; p = 0.045). Comorbidities measured using the Charlson comorbidity index (score >2 vs ≤2) showed borderline statistical significance (HR: 1.44; 95% CI: 1.00 to 2.13; p = 0.053). Conclusions A lower education level is a major risk factor for PD-related peritonitis independent of age, sex, hypoalbuminemia, and comorbidities. Our study emphasizes that a comprehensive PD education program is crucial for PD patients with a lower education level.
Expression of Peroxisome Proliferator-activated Receptors α, β, γ, and H- and L-Prostaglandin D Synthase During Osteoarthritis in the Spontaneous Hartley Guinea Pig and Experimental Dog Models
Authors: Nebbaki Sarah-Salwa , El Mansouri Fatima Ezzahra , Afif Hassan , Kapoor Mohit , Benderdour Mohamed , Pelletier Jean-Pierre , Martel-Pelletier Johanne , Fahmi Hassan 
Published: April 2013

Objective.To investigate the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPAR) α, β, and γ, and hematopoietic and lipocalin-type prostaglandin D synthase (H- and L-PGDS) over the course of osteoarthritis (OA) in the spontaneous Hartley guinea pig and the anterior cruciate ligament transection dog models.Methods.Guinea pigs were sacrificed at 2 (control group), 4, 8, and 12 months of age (n = 5 per group). Non-operated (control) and operated dogs were sacrificed at 4, 8, and 12 weeks postsurgery. Cartilage was evaluated histologically using the Osteoarthritis Research Society International (OARSI) guidelines. The expression of PPAR-α, β, γ, and H- and L-PGDS was evaluated by real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry. The nonparametric Spearman test was used for correlation analysis.Results.PPAR-α, β, and γ were detected in medial tibial plateau from control animals in both the spontaneous and surgical models. Levels of PPAR-α and β did not change over the course of OA, whereas PPAR-γ levels decreased during progression of disease. We also observed that the expression of H-PGDS remained unchanged, whereas L-PGDS increased over the course of OA. PPAR-γ levels correlated negatively, whereas L-PGDS levels correlated positively, with the histological score of OA.Conclusion.The level of PPAR-γ decreased, whereas level of L-PGDS increased during the progression of OA. These data suggest that reduced expression of PPAR-γ may contribute to the pathogenesis of OA, whereas enhanced expression of L-PGDS may be part of a reparative process.
Early Local Swelling and Tenderness Are Associated with Large-joint Damage After 8 Years of Treatment to Target in Patients with Recent-onset Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: van den Broek Marianne , Dirven Linda , Kroon Herman M. , Kloppenburg Margreet , Ronday H. Karel , Peeters André J. , Kerstens Pit J.S.M. , Huizinga Tom W.J. , Lems Willem F. , Allaart Cornelia F. 
Published: April 2013

Objective.To assess whether early swelling and tenderness in large joints in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is predictive of later local damage and whether this leads to functional disability.Methods.Two-year clinical and 8-year radiological followup data from the BeSt study (trial numbers NTR262 and NTR265), a randomized controlled treat-to-target trial, were used. The association between early local joint swelling and/or tenderness (at least once, or for ≥ 2 consecutive visits) and later large-joint damage (Larsen score ≥ 1) was assessed using generalized estimating equations. The association between large-joint damage and functional ability [by Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ)] was assessed using logistic and linear regression analysis.Results.Clinical and 8-year radiological data were available for 290 patients. Concomitant local joint swelling and tenderness at least once in the first 2 years was independently associated with damage of the large joints (OR 2.5, 95% CI 1.7–3.6), as was swelling without tenderness (OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.1–3.6). Stronger effects were seen for persistent swelling and/or tenderness. Other independent predictors for joint damage were baseline erythrocyte sedimentation rate (OR 1.01, 95% CI 1.01–1.02) and the presence of rheumatoid factor and/or anticitrullinated protein antibodies (OR 2.5, 95% CI 1.5–4.1; and OR 2.2, 95% CI 1.3–3.8, respectively). Patients with large-joint damage had a higher HAQ score after 8 years than patients without (difference 0.15).Conclusion.Early local swelling and tenderness are independent predictors of later joint damage in these joints after 8 years of Disease Activity Score-guided treatment in patients with RA. This suggests that suppression of local inflammation could help prevent local damage and functional disability.
La collaboration entre organisations comme source de valeur ajoutée pour les clients : le cas de l'industrie du tourisme
Authors: Vachon Marc-Antoine , Sicotte Hélène , Ricard Line , Charni Hanen 
Published: April 2013

Dans un contexte où le client est toujours plus exigeant, la collaboration entre organisations représente pour une entreprise une option intéressante pour se distinguer. Mais comment optimiser la valeur issue d’un partenariat entre organisations ? Au-delà de conditions de réussite traditionnelles du partenariat, comme l’engagement des partenaires, la création d’un climat de confiance et la communication adéquate, cet article souligne qu’il est essentiel de rassembler des partenaires compétents et complémentaires, de s’appuyer sur un leader, de compter sur un environnement favorable et de bien comprendre l’interdépendance existant entre les organisations. De même, l’article propose un outil d’autoévaluation visant à susciter une réflexion propre à maximiser les résultats d’organisations qui unissent leurs forces pour offrir aux clients un produit ou un service à valeur ajoutée.
Anglais de spécialité et plurilinguisme
Authors: Guyon Étienne , Guyon Anne 
Published: April 2013

L’article est une version remaniée de la conférence d’ouverture prononcée par le professeur E. Guyon lors du 17e Colloque du GERAS, Aix-en-Provence, mars 1996. Il constitue le précieux témoignage de première main d’un éminent scientifique français, et doit à ce titre être considéré comme une base fiable de réflexion pour tous les anglicistes qu’intéresse la formation des spécialistes d’autres disciplines à l’utilisation de l’anglais pour les besoins de leur profession. Le bilinguisme du scientifique est ici présenté comme l’aptitude à manier un code minimal, présenté comme l’outil le plus adéquat de la communication entre chercheurs internationaux à propos de « l’objet réputé universel, la Science ». En corollaire se manifeste un vibrant plaidoyer pour le nécessaire « dialogue polyglotte » complémentaire. La relation dynamique entre l’une et l’autre utilisation de la langue fait l’objet d’une tentative de formalisation.
Overexpression of SIRT1 Protein in Neurons Protects against Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis through Activation of Multiple SIRT1 Targets
Authors: Nimmagadda Vamshi K. , Bever Christopher T. , Vattikunta Narasimha R. , Talat Saifi , Ahmad Vakas , Nagalla Naveen K. , Trisler David , Judge Susan I. V. , Royal Walter , Chandrasekaran Krish , Russell James W. , Makar Tapas K. 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
Treatment of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) with resveratrol, an activator of sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), reduces disease severity. This suggested that activators of SIRT1, a highly conserved NAD-dependent protein deacetylase, might have immune-modulating or neuroprotective therapeutic effects in EAE. Previously, we showed that SIRT1 expression increases in EAE, suggesting that it is an adaptive response. In this study, we investigated the potential function of SIRT1 in regulating EAE using SIRT1-overexpressing mice. The current studies examine potential neuroprotective and immunomodulatory effects of SIRT1 overexpression in chronic EAE induced by immunization of C57BL/6 mice with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein peptide 35–55. SIRT1 suppressed EAE clinical symptoms compared with wild-type EAE mice and prevented or altered the phenotype of inflammation in spinal cords; as a result, demyelination and axonal injury were reduced. Significant neuroprotective effects were observed, with fewer apoptotic cells found in the spinal cords of SIRT1-overexpressing EAE mice associated with increased brain-derived neurotrophic factor and NAD levels. Earlier, we showed that brain-derived neurotrophic factor and NAD play crucial neuroprotective roles in EAE. These results suggest that SIRT1 reduces neuronal loss in this chronic demyelinating disease model and that this is associated with a reduction in inflammation.
Clinical-Grade Multipotent Adult Progenitor Cells Durably Control Pathogenic T Cell Responses in Human Models of Transplantation and Autoimmunity
Authors: Reading James L. , Yang Jennie H. M. , Sabbah Shereen , Skowera Ania , Knight Robin R. , Pinxteren Jef , Vaes Bart , Allsopp Timothy , Ting Anthony E. , Busch Sarah , Raber Amy , Deans Robert , Tree Timothy I. M. 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
A major goal of immunotherapy remains the control of pathogenic T cell responses that drive autoimmunity and allograft rejection. Adherent progenitor cells, including mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) and multipotent adult progenitor cells (MAPCs), represent attractive immunomodulatory cell therapy candidates currently active in clinical trials. MAPCs can be distinguished from MSCs on the basis of cellular phenotype, size, transcriptional profile, and expansion capacity. However, despite their ongoing evaluation in autoimmune and allogeneic solid organ transplantation settings, data supporting the immune regulatory potential of clinical-grade MAPCs are limited. In this study, we used allogeneic islet transplantation as a model indication to assess the ability of clinical-grade MAPCs to control T cell responses that drive immunopathology in human autoimmune disease and allograft rejection. MAPCs suppressed T cell proliferation and Th1 and Th17 cytokine production while increasing secretion of IL-10 and were able to suppress effector functions of bona fide autoreactive T cells from individuals with type 1 diabetes mellitus, including killing of human islets. Furthermore, MAPCs favored the proliferation of regulatory T cells during homeostatic expansion driven by γ-chain cytokines and exerted a durable, yet reversible, control of T cell function. MAPC suppression required licensing and proceeded via IDO-mediated tryptophan catabolism. Therefore, the common immune modulatory characteristics of clinical-grade MAPCs shown in this study suggest that they can be regarded as an alternative source of adult progenitor cells with similar clinical usefulness to MSCs. Taken collectively, these findings may guide the successful deployment of both MSCs and MAPCs for the amelioration of human autoimmunity and allograft rejection.
IκBζ Is a Transcriptional Key Regulator of CCL2/MCP-1
Authors: Hildebrand Dominic G. , Alexander Eva , Hörber Sebastian , Lehle Simon , Obermayer Kerstin , Münck Niels-Arne , Rothfuss Oliver , Frick Julia-Stefanie , Morimatsu Masami , Schmitz Ingo , Roth Johannes , Ehrchen Jan M. , Essmann Frank , Schulze-Osthoff Klaus 
Published: April 2013

Abstract
CCL2, also referred to as MCP-1, is critically involved in directing the migration of blood monocytes to sites of inflammation. Consequently, excessive CCL2 secretion has been linked to many inflammatory diseases, whereas a lack of expression severely impairs immune responsiveness. We demonstrate that IκBζ, an atypical IκB family member and transcriptional coactivator required for the selective expression of a subset of NF-κB target genes, is a key activator of the Ccl2 gene. IκBζ-deficient macrophages exhibited impaired secretion of CCL2 when challenged with diverse inflammatory stimuli, such as LPS or peptidoglycan. These findings were reflected at the level of Ccl2 gene expression, which was tightly coupled to the presence of IκBζ. Moreover, mechanistic insights acquired by chromatin immunoprecipitation demonstrate that IκBζ is directly recruited to the proximal promoter region of the Ccl2 gene and is required for transcription-enhancing histone H3 at lysine-4 trimethylation. Finally, IκBζ-deficient mice showed significantly impaired CCL2 secretion and monocyte infiltration in an experimental model of peritonitis. Together, these findings suggest a distinguished role of IκBζ in mediating the targeted recruitment of monocytes in response to local inflammatory events.
Local Similarity Number and its Application to Object Tracking
Authors: Tavakoli Hamed Rezazadegan , Moin M. Shahram , Heikkilä Janne 
Published: April 2013

In this paper, we present a tracking technique utilizing a simple saliency visual descriptor. Initially, we define a visual descriptor named local similarity pattern that mimics the famous texture operator local binary patterns. The key difference is that it assigns each pixel a code based on the similarity to the neighbouring pixels. Later, we simplify this descriptor to a local saliency operator which counts the number of similar pixels in a neighbourhood. We name this operator local similarity number ( LSN). We apply the local similarity number operator to measure the amount of saliency in a target patch and model the target. The proposed tracking algorithm uses a joint saliency-colour histogram to represent the target in a mean-shift tracking framework. We will show that the proposed saliency-colour target representation outperforms texture-colour where texture modelled by local binary patterns and colour target representation techniques are used.
Detecting Low‐Affinity Extracellular Protein Interactions Using Protein Microarrays
Authors: Sun Yi , Wright Gavin J. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractLow‐affinity extracellular protein interactions are critical for cellular recognition processes, but are not generally detected by methods that can be applied in a high‐throughput manner. This unit describes a protein microarray platform that significantly improves the throughput of assays capable of detecting transient extracellular protein interactions. These methodological improvements now permit screening for novel extracellular receptor‐ligand interactions on a genome‐wide scale. Curr. Protoc. Protein Sci. 72:27.5.1‐27.5.15. © 2013 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Associations between Thematic Content and Memory Detail in Trauma Narratives
Authors: Welton‐Mitchell Courtney , McIntosh Daniel N. , DePrince Anne P. 
Published: April 2013

SummaryThis study examined whether thematic content (e.g., fear, anger, alienation, self‐blame, and spirituality) in trauma narratives predicted memory detail. Trauma‐specific memory models suggest that trauma narrative themes are associated with much sensory detail; general autobiographical memory models suggest that themes are associated with little context detail. Seventy‐one narratives from a diverse community sample exposed to a variety of traumatic events (e.g., sexual assault, natural disasters) were coded for themes and detail. Analyses controlled for narrative length, childhood or adulthood occurrence, self‐reported post‐traumatic stress disorder, depression and dissociation symptoms. Fear themes were associated with greater sensory detail; anger and spirituality themes were associated with less context detail. Findings support a link between thematic content and detail, and may partially explain why details in memory for traumatic events sometimes appear better and other times worse than memory for other events. Memory models may benefit from specification based on themes in trauma narratives. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sandwich Panels with a Core Segmented into Topologically Interlocked Elements
Authors: Molotnikov Andrey , Gerbrand Ralf , Bouaziz Olivier , Estrin Yuri 
Published: April 2013

AbstractWe present a novel approach for designing lightweight sandwich structures by using an assembly of topologically interlocked building blocks as a core of the sandwich. The results of a study in three point bending tests demonstrate a significant increase in maximum deflection before failure and absorbed energy over that of a sandwich with a monolithic core.
Polarization Dynamics in Ferroelectric Capacitors: Local Perspective on Emergent Collective Behavior and Memory Effects
Authors: K. Vasudevan Rama , Marincel Daniel , Jesse Stephen , Kim Yunseok , Kumar Amit , V. Kalinin Sergei , Trolier‐McKinstry Susan 
Published: April 2013

AbstractFunctional properties of ferroelectric materials depend both on the residual domain states and on the mobility of domain walls in response to the applied electric and stress fields. This paper reviews the use of multidimensional scanning probe microscopy to assess these factors in the time‐ and voltage domains, with an emphasis on the manner in which domain walls respond collectively to stimuli. It is found that in many PbZr1‐xTixO3‐based capacitors, domain wall motion is correlated over length scales that exceed the domain and grain sizes by orders of magnitude, suggesting emergent collective electromechanical behavior. The role of mechanical boundary conditions and field history on the domain wall contributions and the stability of the ferroelectric domain state are discussed.
Universality of Polarization Switching Dynamics in Ferroelectric Capacitors Revealed by 5D Piezoresponse Force Microscopy
Authors: Kim Yunseok , Lu Xiaoli , Jesse Stephen , Hesse Dietrich , Alexe Marin , Kalinin Sergei V. 
Published: April 2013

AbstractFerroelectric polarization switching is sensitively affected by phenomena on multiple length scales, giving rise to complex voltage‐ and time‐controlled behaviors. Here, spatially resolved switching dynamics in ferroelectric nanocapacitors are explored as a function of voltage pulse time and magnitude. A remarkable persistence of formal macroscopic scaling laws for polarization switching based on classical models down to nanoscale volumes is observed. These observations illustrate the persistence of the return point memory in the material and allow the thermodynamic parameters of defects controlling switching to be estimated.
Introduction of exotic fish species and decline of native species in the lower Po basin, north‐eastern Italy
Authors: Castaldelli Giuseppe , Pluchinotta Angela , Milardi Marco , Lanzoni Mattia , Giari Luisa , Rossi Remigio , Fano Elisa Anna 
Published: April 2013

ABSTRACTFreshwater ecosystems worldwide are experiencing native fish losses with severe threats to the conservation of freshwater biodiversity and ecosystem functioning, and the debate on whether the cause is biotic or abiotic disturbance is still open.Temporal variation in fish assemblages was analysed over an 18 year period in 14 waterways of the lowland backwaters of the Po River in north‐eastern Italy, which are important feeding, spawning and nursery sites for native fish.In 1991, 14 native and eight exotic species were collected. In less than 20 years 10 native species underwent local extinction, three of which –Rutilus pigus,Rutilus aula, andChondrostoma soetta– were endemic to the Padano‐Veneto District in northern Italy.Ordination of the data (MDS, CLUSTER, ANOSIM, SIMPER) showed a clear temporal gradient in fish community structure. After the establishment of the exotic predatorSilurus glanis, some native species significantly declined in abundance and biomass (i.e.Alburnus arborellaandScardinius erythrophthalmus) or disappeared (i.e.Rutilus aulaandTinca tinca). Moreover, exotic speciesCyprinus carpio,Ameiurus melas, andCarassius auratusfrom previous introductions, underwent significant changes in their abundance and biomass. No correlation was found between fish community structure and water quality parameters (BIOENV).The success of exotic species, particularlyS. glaniswhich thrived in this degraded habitat, seems to have led to the decline of native fish fauna in the canals of the lower portion of the Po River basin. Conservation strategies focusing on the containment of exotic species and habitat restoration are recommended.Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Attitudes towards marine mammal conservation issues before the introduction of whale‐watching: a case study in Aruba (southern Caribbean)
Authors: Luksenburg Jolanda A. , Parsons E.C.M. 
Published: April 2013

ABSTRACT

Effective conservation management requires a solid understanding of social and economic factors, in addition to biological factors affecting what is to be conserved. Aruba is one of the most densely populated islands in the Caribbean and its already high number of tourists is still increasing. No commercial whale‐watching operations are offered yet on the island. This provides a rare opportunity to document knowledge of and values concerning marine mammals before the introduction of whale‐watching operations.
In 2010, a survey was conducted to investigate the awareness and attitudes of resident Arubans (n = 204) and tourists (n = 198) towards marine mammals and their conservation on Aruba. Knowledge of the local marine mammal community was low for both groups. Most participants would support more stringent legislation for protecting marine mammals in Aruba. Overall concern regarding threats to marine mammals was high and oil spills, chemical pollution, litter and sewage were identified as the most serious threats. A large proportion of residents (84.2%) and tourists (83.6%) were interested in, and willing to pay for, viewing marine mammals. Both groups preferred to see marine mammals in the wild rather than in captivity.
This is the first study that investigates the attitudes of people towards marine mammals and their conservation in a country that does not have marine mammal related tourism yet. This study suggests that strong support for marine mammal conservation issues does not critically depend on detailed knowledge of the local marine mammal community, or on the availability of whale‐watching operations. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.