bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Malalignment and subchondral bone turnover in contralateral knees of overweight/obese women with unilateral osteoarthritis: Implications for bilateral disease
Authors: Mazzuca Steven A. , Brandt Kenneth D. , Lane Kathleen A. , Chakr Rafael 
Published: September 2011

AbstractObjectiveTo explore whether the risk of incident tibiofemoral (TF) osteoarthritis (OA) in the radiographically normal contralateral knee of overweight/obese women with unilateral knee OA is mediated by malalignment and/or preceded by increased turnover of subchondral bone.MethodsWe used data of post hoc analyses from a randomized controlled trial. Cross‐sectional analyses evaluated the baseline association between frontal plane alignment and bone turnover in the medial TF compartment in 78 radiographically normal contralateral knees. Longitudinal analyses ascertained whether incident radiographic OA (TF osteophyte formation within 30 months) was associated with malalignment and/or increased bone turnover at baseline. Alignment subcategories (varus/neutral/valgus) were based on the anatomic axis angle. 99mTc–methylene diphosphonate uptake in a late‐phase bone scan was quantified in regions of interest in the medial tibia (MT) and medial femur (MF) and adjusted for uptake in a reference segment of the ipsilateral tibial shaft (TS).ResultsMF and MT uptake in varus contralateral knees was 50–55% greater than in the TS. Adjusted MT uptake in varus contralateral knees was significantly greater than that in neutral and valgus contralateral knees (mean 1.55 versus 1.38 and 1.43, respectively; P < 0.05). Among 69 contralateral knees followed longitudinally, 22 (32%) developed TF OA. Varus angulation was associated with a marginally significant increase in the odds of incident OA (adjusted odds ratio 3.98, P = 0.067).ConclusionWhile the small sample size limited our ability to detect statistically significant risk factors, these data suggest that the risk of developing bilateral TF OA in overweight/obese women may be mediated by varus malalignment.
Effect of self‐efficacy and physical activity goal achievement on arthritis pain and quality of life in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Knittle Keegan P. , De Gucht Véronique , Hurkmans Emalie J. , Vlieland Thea P. M. Vliet , Peeters André J. , Ronday H. Karel , Maes Stan 
Published: September 2011

AbstractObjectiveTo examine physical activity and achievement of physical activity goals in relation to self‐reported pain and quality of life among patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).MethodsAt baseline, 271 patients with RA were asked to specify a physical activity goal, and filled in questionnaires assessing physical activity, motivation, and self‐efficacy for physical activity, arthritis pain, and quality of life. Six months later, patients indicated to what extent they had achieved their baseline physical activity goal and completed the same set of questionnaires. These data were used to construct multiple mediation models that placed physical activity and physical activity goal achievement as mediators between self‐efficacy and motivation on one hand, and arthritis pain and quality of life on the other.ResultsA total of 106 patients with RA completed both questionnaires. Self‐efficacy at baseline predicted subsequent level of physical activity and achievement of physical activity goals. Goal achievement had a direct effect upon quality of life outcomes. Bootstrapping confidence intervals revealed indirect effects of self‐efficacy upon arthritis pain and quality of life through goal achievement, but not through physical activity.ConclusionHigher levels of self‐efficacy for physical activity increase the likelihood that patients will achieve their physical activity goals. Achievement of physical activity goals seems to be related to lower self‐reported arthritis pain, and higher levels of quality of life. In practice, clinicians can foster self‐efficacy and goal achievement by assisting patients in setting realistic and attainable exercise goals, developing action plans, and by providing feedback on goal progress.
Muscle strength, mass, and quality in older men and women with knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Conroy Molly B. , Kwoh C. Kent , Krishnan Eswar , Nevitt Michael C. , Boudreau Robert , Carbone Laura D. , Chen Hepei , Harris Tamara B. , Newman Anne B. , Goodpaster Bret H. ,   Health ABC Study
Published: September 2011

AbstractObjectiveTo examine the relationship between knee osteoarthritis (OA) and muscle parameters in a biracial cohort of older adults.MethodsParticipants in the Health, Aging and Body Composition Study (n = 858) were included in this cross‐sectional analysis. Computed tomography was used to measure muscle area, and quadriceps strength was measured isokinetically. Muscle quality (specific torque) was defined as strength per unit of muscle area for both the entire thigh and quadriceps. Knee OA was assessed based on radiographic features and knee pain. We compared muscle parameters between those with and without radiographic knee OA (+RKOA group and −RKOA group, respectively) and among 4 groups defined by +RKOA and −RKOA with and without pain.ResultsThe mean ± SD age was 73.5 ± 2.9 years and the mean ± SD body mass index (BMI) was 27.9 ± 4.8 kg/m2. Fifty‐eight percent of participants were women and 44% were African American. Compared to the −RKOA participants, +RKOA participants had a higher BMI (30.2 versus 26.8 kg/m2), larger thigh muscles (117.9 versus 108.9 cm2), and a greater amount of intermuscular fat (12.5 versus 9.9 cm2; all P < 0.0001). In adjusted models, the +RKOA participants had significantly lower specific torque (P < 0.001), indicating poorer muscle quality, than −RKOA participants, but there was no difference between groups in quadriceps specific torque. The +RKOA without pain (P < 0.05) and the +RKOA with pain (P < 0.001) participants had lower specific torque compared to the −RKOA without pain group. There were no significant differences in quadriceps specific torque among groups.ConclusionMuscle quality was significantly poorer in participants with RKOA regardless of pain status. Future studies should address how lifestyle interventions might affect muscle quality and progression of knee OA.
Combined impact of concomitant arthritis and back problems on health status: Results from a nationally representative health survey
Authors: Bollegala Dimitri , Perruccio Anthony V. , Badley Elizabeth M. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate whether people who report both arthritis and back problems report poorer health outcomes than those who have either condition alone.MethodsWe performed an analysis of the 2005 Canadian Community Health Survey (n = 126,049, age ≥15 years). Respondents were asked about long‐term chronic health conditions diagnosed by a health professional and lasting 6 months or more. The risks of reporting 4 health outcomes (activity limitation, fair/poor self‐rated overall health, fair/poor self‐rated mental health, and ≥4 doctor consultations in the previous 12 months) were estimated using log Poisson regression analysis adjusting for sociodemographic and lifestyle factors for 5 analytic groups (arthritis and back problems, arthritis only, back problems only, any other chronic condition, and no chronic condition).ResultsArthritis and back problems were reported by 6% of the population (10.5% arthritis only and 13% back problems only). The arthritis and back problems and arthritis only groups had a higher prevalence in women, those of older age, and those who were overweight or obese. For all health outcomes, prevalence ratios showed higher risks of poor outcome for the arthritis and back problem group than for arthritis only or back problems only groups, which had similar risk. Risks were lowest for the any other chronic conditions group and the no chronic conditions group.ConclusionChronic back problems were reported by one‐third of people with arthritis, who had increased risks of activity limitation, poorer self‐rated overall and mental health, and higher health care use. The findings suggest that concomitant back problems are a major contributor to a range of health outcomes in arthritis.
Autoantibody response to adjuvant and nonadjuvant H1N1 vaccination in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Urowitz Murray B. , Anton Anoja , Ibanez Dominique , Gladman Dafna D. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractObjectiveIt has been reported that influenza vaccination increases autoantibody production and/or disease activity in a significant proportion of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). During the recent H1N1 epidemic, we investigated whether the use of adjuvant‐ and nonadjuvant‐containing H1N1 vaccine induced increased autoantibody production in patients with SLE.MethodsPatients with SLE who received H1N1 vaccination and had a battery of 9 autoantibodies tested before and 1 and 3 months after vaccination were included. Antibodies tested included rheumatoid factor (nephelometry), antinuclear antibody (immunofluorescence), anti‐DNA (Farr), anti‐RNP, anti‐Sm, anti‐Ro, anti‐La, anti–Scl‐70, and anti–Jo‐1 (enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay). Patients were evaluated by standard protocol, including items necessary to calculate the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index 2000 and the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology Damage Index. Descriptive statistics and McNemar's test were performed to evaluate change in antibody positivity. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to adjust for repeated measures in the comparisons of autoantibodies over visits and vaccine types.ResultsOne hundred three patients (94 women, 9 men) with a mean ± SD age at vaccination of 43.9 ± 15.2 years and a mean ± SD disease duration of 14.2 ± 11.0 years were included. Fifty‐one patients received adjuvant and 52 received nonadjuvant vaccines. Antibody testing was performed a mean of 1.9 months prior to the vaccination. The first postvaccination sample was taken a mean of 1 month after vaccination and the second a mean of 3.5 months after vaccination. The percentage of patients with changes in antibodies following vaccination was not statistically significant for most antibodies. After adjusting for the number of tests performed, none of the associations was significant.ConclusionH1N1 vaccination (both adjuvant and nonadjuvant) did not increase the levels of autoantibodies in patients with SLE.
Decentralized adaptive robust stabilization of uncertain interconnected time‐delay systems
Authors: Ghosh Sandip , Das Sarit K. , Ray Goshaidas 
Published: September 2011

SUMMARYThis paper considers the problem of decentralized adaptive robust stabilization of a class of interconnected time‐delay systems with arbitrarily bounded matched but limitedly bounded unmatched uncertainties. A new class of decentralized adaptive controllers based on Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional is proposed that guarantees bounded stability of the system and ensures nonfragileness of the controller to perturbations in its nonadaptive gain factor. The existence of such controllers is formulated in the LMI framework besides being presented using the Algebraic Riccati Equations. A numerical example is considered to illustrate the applicability and effectiveness of the proposed controller. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bioengineering of a Semiautologous Arterial Vessels with Reconstructed Media and Intima, Longtime Tested In Vivo
Authors: Sagban Tolga Atilla , Schiegel Eleonore , Grabitz Klaus , Sandmann Wilhelm , Balzer Kai Michael 
Published: September 2011

AbstractGoal was to engineer biological, arterial grafts with antithrombotic, autologous endothelial luminal surface combined with extraluminal smooth vascular muscle layer (VSMC) and to test in vivo. (1) Different decellularisation methods described in literature were compared to identify the most suitable one with focus on the preservation of extracellular fibre matrix. (2) Endothelial precursor cells (EPC), isolated from bone marrow and VSMC from small venous segments of donor animals were cultivated. Cells were seeded sandwich‐like on homologous decellularized venous scaffolds and conditioned under pulsatile circulation in a bioreactor. (3) The semiautologous grafts were implanted in carotidal position on both sides in five Beagle dogs (n = 10; group 2) as interposition. A group of five animals, receiving only acellular grafts in both carotid positions (n = 10; group 1) served as controls. Comparison of four in literature described decellularisation methods showed different preservation of elastic and collagen fibres compared with native veins, whereas decellularity was similar in all methods. This forced us to choose a decellularization protocol with the best preservation of the extracellular matrix. The in vivo experiments showed in group 1 (control) already after one week a complete thrombotic occlusion of the decellularized implants, whereas in group 2 9/10 semiautologous grafts were patent after 98 ± 4 days in ultrasound, angiography and histology (p = 0.0001). A complete incorporation of semiautologous grafts in the surrounding tissue could be shown. The seeding with two different cell types preserved an aneurysmatic degeneration under arterial conditions with patency without anticoagulation.
Electrochemical Investigations of Polyethylene Glycol‐Based “Soggy Sand” Electrolytes – From the Local Mechanism to the Overall Conduction
Authors: Jarosik Anna , Pfaffenhuber Christian , Bunde Armin , Maier Joachim 
Published: September 2011

AbstractUsing the example of SiO2 dispersions in LiClO4/polyethylene glycol electrolytes, the conduction mechanism of “soggy sand” electrolytes is discussed. The study is essentially based on zeta potential, impedance and transference number measurements as well as on modeling. All the results can be explained by anion adsorption by the oxide particles and increased concentration of free Li+ in the double layer. The initially colloidal dispersion quickly forms fractal networks by cluster–cluster aggregation. Once they percolate, an interfacially dominated Li+ conductance is observed. The subsequent coarsening of the network is self‐decelerating leading to a steady state conductivity that is, for low volume fractions, enhanced compared to SiO2 free electrolytes. At higher values, blocking and inhomogeneity effects (e.g., salt trapping) lead to decreased values of the overall conductivity.
Modular Functionalization of Electrodes by Cross‐Coupling Reactions at Their Surfaces
Authors: Müri Marcel , Gotsmann Bernd , Leroux Yann , Trouwborst Marius , Lörtscher Emanuel , Riel Heike , Mayor Marcel 
Published: September 2011

AbstractDue to the increasing importance of modified electrodes for many applications in nanotechnology, including molecular electronics, bioelectronics, and sensors, there is a need to find ways to chemically attach suitable molecular films onto the electrodes. Combining the electroreduction of aryl diazonium salts with the Sonogashira cross‐coupling reaction, a new modular technique to modify electrodes is presented. The new technique allows a wide range of functional groups to be introduced onto electrode surfaces with high surface coverage by the functional subunit. Various organic subunits, including redox chromophores, are successfully attached to platinum electrodes. The corresponding films are characterized using cyclic voltammetry, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, and contact‐angle measurements. The electroreduction of diazonium salts is successfully achieved on a broad variety of conducting and semiconducting surfaces, which shows that the technique is applicable to a broad variety of substrates.
Polytopic Oxazoline‐Based Chiral Ligands for Cyclopropanation Reactions: A New Strategy to Prepare Highly Recyclable Catalysts
Authors: García José I. , Herrerías Clara I. , López‐Sánchez Beatriz , Mayoral José A. , Reiser Oliver 
Published: September 2011

AbstractNew polytopic chiral copper complexes based on azabis(oxazoline) moieties have been synthesized and applied in cyclopropanation reactions of several alkenes. Excellent enantioselectivities have been obtained in all cases and additionally, the catalysts have been recovered in up to 14 cycles without noticeable loss of activity and selectivity. Analysis of the copper complexes by mass spectrometry suggests the formation of coordination polymers, representing the resting state of the catalysts.
Current Trends in Asymmetric Synthesis with Aldolases
Authors: Clapés Pere , Garrabou Xavier 
Published: September 2011

AbstractBiocatalytic carbon‐carbon bond formation by means of aldolases offers an exceptionally stereoselective and green tool for this strategic reaction in synthetic organic chemistry. Recent developments have shown that aldolases are particularly suitable catalysts for asymmetric framework construction and preparation of innovative molecules, which are valuable for investigations in drug discovery. Finding novel carboligases with unprecedented activities and engineering those available for improved substrate tolerance and stereoselectivity towards new synthetic challenges are fostering the advances in this field. Extensive knowledge of the precise reaction mechanism and the enzyme‐substrate interactions arising from biochemical and structural studies are leading to the development of novel catalysts by rational strategies, as well as to de novo computational design of enzymes. Besides, a number of industrially‐oriented processes with aldolases have been developed towards the production of drug precursors and dietary commodities.
Homoallylic Alcohols via a Chemo‐Enzymatic One‐Pot Oxidation–Allylation Cascade
Authors: Fuchs Michael , Schober Markus , Pfeffer Jan , Kroutil Wolfgang , Birner‐Gruenberger Ruth , Faber Kurt 
Published: September 2011

AbstractA chemo‐enzymatic one‐pot, two‐step transformation of (hetero)‐benzylic and cinnamic alcohols to yield the elongated homoallylic sec‐alcohols in water in up to 96% isolated yield has been developed. The sequence comprised an enzymatic alcohol oxidation using galactose oxidase from Fusarium sp. NRRL 2903 to furnish the corresponding aldehydes, which were subjected directly to allylation via indium(0)‐mediated Barbier‐type coupling with allyl bromide or by addition of allylboronic acid pinacol ester.
Catalytic and Structural Features of Flavoprotein Hydroxylases and Epoxidases
Authors: Montersino Stefania , Tischler Dirk , Gassner George T. , van Berkel Willem J. H. 
Published: September 2011

AbstractMonooxygenases perform chemo‐, regio‐ and/or enantioselective oxygenations of organic substrates under mild reaction conditions. These properties and the increasing number of representatives along with effective preparation methods place monooxygenases in the focus of industrial biocatalysis. Mechanistic and structural insights reveal reaction sequences and allow turning them into efficient tools for the production of valuable products. Herein we describe two biocatalytically relevant subclasses of flavoprotein monooxygenases with a close evolutionary relation: subclass A represented by p‐hydroxybenzoate hydroxylase (PHBH) and subclass E formed by styrene monooxygenases (SMOs). PHBH family members perform highly regioselective hydroxylations on a wide variety of aromatic compounds. The more recently discovered SMOs catalyze a number of stereoselective epoxidation and sulfoxidation reactions. Mechanistic and structural studies expose distinct characteristics, which provide a promising source for future biocatalyst development.
Flexibility of Substrate Binding of Cytosine‐5′‐Monophosphate‐N‐Acetylneuraminate Synthetase (CMP‐Sialate Synthetase) from Neisseria meningitidis: An Enabling Catalyst for the Synthesis of Neo‐sialoconjugates
Authors: He Ning , Yi Dong , Fessner Wolf‐Dieter 
Published: September 2011

AbstractWe have successfully established a simple continuous colorimetric assay for the sensitive and reliable quantification of cytosine‐5′‐monophosphate‐acetylneuraminate synthetase (CMP‐sialate synthetase, CSS) activity based on the pH change of a released proton equivalent upon nucleotide activation of Neu5Ac or related analogues. Using this method, steady‐state kinetic data of Neisseria meningitidis CSS were determined for cytosine‐5′‐triphosphate (CTP), N‐acetylneuraminic acid (Neu5Ac) and eleven structural variations of the sialic acid, including backbone truncation, deamination, epimerization, and several N‐acyl modifications. These data further demonstrate the unusual versatility of the N. meningitidis CSS for a general access to sialoconjugates containing non‐natural sialic acid analogues. Remarkably, the assay allows covering a broad range of substrate parameters that span over more than three orders of magnitude for KM and kcat measurements. With the aid of a structural model built from X‐ray crystal structure data, the kinetic data could be used to interpret potential protein contributions in substrate binding of Neu5Ac and its analogues. The Neu5Ac analogues were used for the preparation of neo‐sialoconjugate analogues of 2,6‐sialyllactose in a one‐pot two‐enzyme cascade, using N. meningitidis CSS together with the novel α2,6‐sialyltransferase (α2,6SiaT) from Photobacterium leiognathi, which proved to be highly effective because of its optimum activity at alkaline pH, appropriately matching the requirements from the overall reaction system.
Photo‐Carrier Recombination in Polymer Solar Cells Based on P3HT and Silole‐Based Copolymer
Authors: Chen Song , Choudhury Kaushik Roy , Subbiah Jegadesan , Amb Chad M. , Reynolds John R. , So Franky 
Published: September 2011

AbstractPhoto‐current loss in donor‐acceptor (DA) polymer‐fullerene bulk heterojunction solar cells was studied via carrier transport and recombination measurements. Focusing on the DA polymer poly((4,4‐dioctyldithieno (3,2‐b:2',3'‐d) silole)‐2,6‐diyl‐alt‐(2,1,3‐benzothiadiazole)‐4,7‐diyl) (DTS‐BTD) we found that the carrier transport is well‐balanced and attribute the loss mechanism in DTS‐BTD solar cells to carrier recombination. Using carrier extraction with linear increasing voltage (photo‐CELIV) and transient photo‐voltage (TPV), we show that carrier recombination plays an important role in photo‐current extraction at open circuit conditions due to increase in photo‐excited carrier concentration. Delay time dependent photo‐CELIV and temperature dependent transport studies suggest that the recombination rate is related to the degree of energetic disorder in the polymer: fullerene blends.
Feasibility analysis, synthesis, and design of reactive distillation processes: A focus on double‐feed processes
Authors: Théry‐Hétreux Raphaële , Meyer Xuan Mi. , Meyer Michel , Joulia Xavier , Brehelin Mathias , Amoros Daniel 
Published: September 2011

AbstractA new approach for the feasibility analysis of reactive distillation processes based on the reactive extractive curve maps (rExCM) concept is introduced. A method dedicated to reactive distillation feasibility analysis, and design has been developed in our team since 1999. From minimal information concerning the physicochemical properties of the system, three steps lead to the design of the unit and the specification of its operating conditions. Currently, the procedure permits the conceptual design of hybrid reactive column configuration with one or two feed plates, for any number of equilibrium reactions (provided that the degree of freedom of the system is equal to 2) occurring in liquid or vapor phase. This contribution focuses on the most recent developments: the generalization of the feasibility analysis step to double‐feed processes thanks to the introduction of the rExCM concept. This methodology is illustrated through two examples: the emblematic methyl acetate example and the production of dimethyl methyl glutarate. © 2011 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 58: 2346–2356, 2012