bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effect of alcohol on radiographic progression in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Nissen M. J. , Gabay C. , Scherer A. , Finckh A. ,   Swiss Clinical Quality Management Project in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Published: March 2010

AbstractObjectiveAlcohol consumption reduces the risk of development of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and significantly attenuates the development of erosive arthritis in animal models. It remains unknown whether alcohol consumption influences joint damage progression in RA. This study was undertaken to compare the rates of radiographic damage progression in alcohol drinkers and nondrinkers in a large prospective cohort of patients with RA.MethodsAll patients in the population‐based Swiss Clinical Quality Management in RA registry database with at least 2 sequential radiographs were included. Joint erosions were assessed in 38 joints in the hands and feet using a validated scoring method. The rate of progression of erosions was analyzed using multivariate regression models for longitudinal data and was adjusted for potential confounders.ResultsThe study included 2,908 patients with RA with a mean of 4 sequential radiographs and 3.9 years of followup. A trend toward reduced radiographic progression existed in drinkers compared with nondrinkers, with a mean rate of erosive progression of 0.99% (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.89–1.09) and 1.13% (95% CI 1.01–1.26) at 1 year, respectively. Alcohol consumption displayed a J‐shaped dose‐response effect, with a more favorable evolution in occasional consumers (P= 0.01) and daily consumers (P= 0.001) as compared with nondrinkers, while heavy drinkers demonstrated worse radiographic evolution (P= 0.0001). We found significant effect modification by sex, with male drinkers displaying significantly less erosive progression compared with male nondrinkers (mean 0.86% [95% CI 0.70–1.03] versus 1.35% [95% CI 1.02–1.67];P= 0.007).ConclusionOur findings indicate a trend toward reduced radiographic progression in alcohol drinkers compared with nondrinkers, specifically in occasional and daily alcohol consumers. In particular, male patients with RA who consume alcohol demonstrate less radiographic progression than do male nondrinkers.
High‐speed rough clustering for very large document collections
Authors: Kishida Kazuaki 
Published: March 2010

AbstractDocument clustering is an important tool, but it is not yet widely used in practice probably because of its high computational complexity. This article explores techniques of high‐speed rough clustering of documents, assuming that it is sometimes necessary to obtain a clustering result in a shorter time, although the result is just an approximate outline of document clusters. A promising approach for such clustering is to reduce the number of documents to be checked for generating cluster vectors in the leader–follower clustering algorithm. Based on this idea, the present article proposes a modified Crouch algorithm and incomplete single‐pass leader–follower algorithm. Also, a two‐stage grouping technique, in which the first stage attempts to decrease the number of documents to be processed in the second stage by applying a quick merging technique, is developed. An experiment using a part of the Reuters corpus RCV1 showed empirically that both the modified Crouch and the incomplete single‐pass leader–follower algorithms achieve clustering results more efficiently than the original methods, and also improved the effectiveness of clustering results. On the other hand, the two‐stage grouping technique did not reduce the processing time in this experiment.
Cleft lip and palate results from Hedgehog signaling antagonism in the mouse: Phenotypic characterization and clinical implications
Authors: Lipinski Robert J. , Song Chihwa , Sulik Kathleen K. , Everson Joshua L. , Gipp Jerry J. , Yan Dong , Bushman Wade , Rowland Ian J. 
Published: March 2010

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe Hedgehog (Hh) pathway provides inductive signals critical for developmental patterning of the brain and face. In humans and in animal models interference with this pathway yields birth defects, among the most well‐studied of which fall within the holoprosencephaly (HPE) spectrum.METHODSTimed‐pregnant C57Bl/6J mice were treated with the natural Hh signaling antagonist cyclopamine by subcutaneous infusion from gestational day (GD) 8.25 to 9.5, or with a potent cyclopamine analog, AZ75, administered by oral gavage at GD 8.5. Subsequent embryonic morphogenesis and fetal central nervous system (CNS) phenotype were respectively investigated by scanning electron microscopy and high resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).RESULTSIn utero Hh signaling antagonist exposure induced a spectrum of craniofacial and brain malformations. Cyclopamine exposure caused lateral cleft lip and palate (CLP) defects attributable to embryonic deficiency of midline and lower medial nasal prominence tissue. The CLP phenotype was accompanied by olfactory bulb hypoplasia and anterior pituitary aplasia, but otherwise grossly normal brain morphology. AZ75 exposure caused alobar and semilobar HPE with associated median facial deficiencies. An intermediate phenotype of median CLP was produced infrequently by both drug administration regimens.CONCLUSIONSThe results of this study suggest that interference with Hh signaling should be considered in the CLP differential and highlight the occurrence of CNS defects that are expected to be present in a cohort of patients having CLP. This work also illustrates the utility of fetal MRI‐based analyses and establishes a novel mouse model for teratogen‐induced CLP. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Age at diagnosis of birth defects
Authors: Bower Carol , Rudy Edwina , Callaghan Ann , Quick Jennifer , Nassar Natasha 
Published: March 2010

AbstractBACKGROUND:Many birth defects surveillance programs ascertain cases of birth defects diagnosed beyond 1 year of age. The Western Australian (WA) Birth Defects Registry includes cases diagnosed up to 6 years of age, but the value of extending ascertainment beyond 1 year has not been assessed.METHODS:We examined the age at diagnosis for all cases and all birth defects notified to the WA Birth Defects Registry for births and terminations of pregnancy in 2000 and 2001 and estimated the amount of person time needed to ascertain cases diagnosed beyond 1 year of age.RESULTS:Of the 3294 cases of birth defects, 616 (18.7%) had at least one birth defect diagnosed prenatally, 1574 cases (47.8%) were first diagnosed by 1 month of age, 671 infants (20.4%) were first diagnosed with a birth defect from 1 month up to 1 year, and 400 cases (12.1%) were first diagnosed between 1 and 6 years of age. Two thirds of children diagnosed with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, and one quarter of those with congenital hearing loss were diagnosed beyond 1 year of age. We estimated that it took 1.76 person weeks work per annum to ascertain cases diagnosed between 1 and 6 years of age.CONCLUSIONS:One in eight cases of birth defects were ascertained beyond 1 year of age. We consider that the additional work required to include these cases in Western Australia is outweighed by the benefit of more complete ascertainment. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Prüfung von Spannbetonbauteilen mit magnetischen Methoden
Authors: Sawade Gottfried , Krause Hans‐Joachim 
Published: March 2010

AbstractDie Methoden der magnetischen Streufeldmessung und der magnetischen Restfeldmessung eignen sich gut zur zerstörungsfreien Detektion von Spanndrahtbrüchen in Spannbetonbauteilen. Unter Verwendung eines Jochmagneten mit integrierten Magnetfeldsensoren werden die Bauteile mit mehreren Messfahrten bei verschiedenen Magnetisierungsfeldstärken abgescannt. Die Auswertung basiert auf dem Vergleich von Messungen nach verschiedenen Vormagnetisierungen sowie der Bestimmung der Korrelation mit idealisierten Bügel‐ und Bruchsignalen. Die Nachweisgrenze des Verfahrens wird fallabhängig diskutiert. Die Anwendung in der Prüfpraxis wird an drei Beispielen illustriert.Inspection of Prestressed Concrete Structural Members with Magnetic MethodsThe methods of magnetic stray field measurement and of magnetic remanence measurment are well suited for nondestructive detection of ruptures in prestressing wires of concrete structural members. Using a yoke magnet with integrated magnetic field sensors, the members are scanned several times with varying magnetization field strength. The signal analysis is based on the comparison of measurements after different premagnetizations as well as on the determination of the correlation with idealized rebar and crack signals. The limits of detection are discussed on a case‐by‐case basis. The application in inspection practice is illustrated with three examples.
Die Scherkondetalbrücke, die erste semi‐integrale Talbrücke der DB AG auf der Neubaustrecke Erfurt – Leipzig/Halle VDE 8.2
Authors: Marx Steffen , Krontal Ludolf , Bätz Steffen , Vehlow Anja 
Published: March 2010

AbstractAuf der Neubaustrecke Erfurt – Leipzig/Halle werden zurzeit einige Talbrücken realisiert, die einen neuen, ganzheitlich orientierten Entwurfsansatz verfolgen. Bei diesen integralen bzw. semi‐integralen Bauwerken sind die Überbauten monolithisch mit den Pfeilern und teilweise mit den Widerlagern verbunden. Sie können deshalb schlanker und mit stetigen Übergängen zwischen den Bauteilen ausgeführt werden. Durch den weitgehenden Verzicht auf Lager und Fugen und durch die robuste Bauweise besitzen integrale Bauwerke eine wesentlich längere Lebenserwartung als herkömmliche Talbrücken. Am Beispiel der Scherkondetalbrücke werden in diesem Beitrag die Unterschiede zwischen den konventionellen und den semi‐integralen Tragwerken erläutert sowie die Voraussetzungen und die Vorteile der Anwendung von integralen Bauwerken für die DB AG herausgearbeitet.Bridge over Scherkonde Valley – the First Large Semi‐Integral Bridge on High‐Speed Railway Route Erfurt – Leipzig/HalleCurrently some large valley bridges are under construction on high‐speed railway route Erfurt‐Leipzig/Halle. These bridges follow a new holistic design philosophy. The superstructure of those integral or semi‐integral bridges is rigidly connected to the abutments and the columns. Therefore they are more slender than conventional bridges, and the bridges are very robust and durable because of the omitting of bearings and dilatation joints. The bridge over the Scherkonde valley is taken as an example for explaining the differences between conventional and semi‐integral bridges in this paper. This example shows the advantages and the requirements of integral buildings for high‐speed railway bridges.
A Hierarchical Model to Estimate Fish Abundance in Alpine Streams by using Removal Sampling Data from Multiple Locations
Authors: Laplanche Christophe 
Published: March 2010

AbstractThe author compares 12 hierarchical models in the aim of estimating the abundance of fish in alpine streams by using removal sampling data collected at multiple locations. The most expanded model accounts for (i) variability of the abundance among locations, (ii) variability of the catchability among locations, and (iii) residual variability of the catchability among fish. Eleven model reductions are considered depending which variability is included in the model. The more restrictive model considers none of the aforementioned variabilities. Computations of the latter model can be achieved by using the algorithm presented by Carle and Strub (Biometrics1978,34, 621–630). Maximum a posteriori and interval estimates of the parameters as well as the Akaike and the Bayesian information criterions of model fit are computed by using samples simulated by a Markov chain Monte Carlo method. The models are compared by using a trout (Salmo trutta fario) parr (0+) removal sampling data set collected at three locations in the Pyrénées mountain range (Haute‐Garonne, France) in July 2006. Results suggest that, in this case study, variability of the catchability is not significant, either among fish or locations. Variability of the abundance among locations is significant. 95% interval estimates of the abundances at the three locations are [0.15, 0.24], [0.26, 0.36], and [0.45, 0.58] parrs per m2. Such differences are likely the consequence of habitat variability.
Systemic lupus erythematosus and C1q: A quantitative ELISA for determining C1q levels in serum
Authors: Dillon Skyler P. , D'Souza Anil , Kurien Biji T. , Scofield R. Hal 
Published: March 2010

AbstractThe authors would like to acknowledge the National Institutes of Health for funding (grant number 5R01AR053734).
Counterion condensation and shape within Poisson–Boltzmann theory
Authors: Lamm Gene , Pack George R. 
Published: March 2010

AbstractAn analytical approximation to the nonlinear Poisson–Boltzmann (PB) equation is applied to charged macromolecules that possess one‐dimensional symmetry and can be modeled by a plane, infinite cylinder, or sphere. A functional substitution allows the nonlinear PB equation subject to linear boundary conditions to be transformed into an approximate linear (Debye‐Hückel‐type) equation subject to nonlinear boundary conditions. A simple analytical result for the surface potential of such polyelectrolytes follows, leading to expressions for the amount of condensed (or renormalized) charge and the electrostatic Helmholtz energy for polyelectrolytes. Analytical high‐charge/low‐salt and low‐charge/high‐salt limits are shown to be similar to results obtained by others based on PB or counterion condensation theory. Several important general observations concerning polyelectrolytes treated within the context of PB theory can be made including: (1) all charged surfaces display some counterion condensation for finite electrolyte concentration, (2) the effect of surface geometry is described primarily by the sum of the Debye constant and the mean curvature of the surface, (3) two surfaces with the same surface charge density and mean curvature condense approximately identical fractions of counterions, (4) the amount of condensation is not determined by a predefined “condensation distance” although such a distance can be determined uniquely from it, and (5) substantial condensation occurs if the Debye constant of the electrolyte is much less than the mean curvature of a highly charged polyelectrolyte. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 93: 619–639, 2010.This article was originally published online as an accepted preprint. The “Published Online” date corresponds to the preprint version. You can request a copy of the preprint by emailing the Biopolymers editorial office at biopolymers@wiley.com
Investigation of enzymatic biodiesel production using ionic liquid as a co‐solvent
Authors: Ruzich Nicholas Ivan , Bassi Amarjeet S. 
Published: March 2010

AbstractIn this study, the lipase catalysed esterification reaction for biodiesel production was investigated in the presence of the ionic liquid [BMIM][PF6]. Unlike regular organic solvents, many ionic liquids have no vapour pressure, and are therefore considered non‐volatile. When used in systems with enzyme catalysts, ionic liquids may enhance their activity, selectivity, and stability. The use of an enzyme (lipase) as a catalyst, and the ionic liquid as a solvent/immobilization agent also represents an environmentally friendly, “green” technology. Methyl acetate was used as the acyl acceptor as opposed to the more commonly used methanol due to the negative effects methanol and the glycerol by‐product has on lipase enzyme activity. The results of this research indicate that methyl oleate (i.e., biodiesel) was successfully produced, with an 80% overall biodiesel yield in the presence of ionic liquid, at a 1:1 ratio (v/v) to the amount of oil. This verified that the presence of an ionic liquid, at a specified amount, improved the activity of the lipase and the overall biodiesel yield. Results also indicate the addition of ionic liquid facilitated the separation of the methyl esters from the triacetylglycerol by‐product. The best conditions investigated was found to be: 14:1 molar ratio between oil and acyl acceptor; 20% (w immobilised lipase/w of oil; and a temperature in the range of 48–55°C. However, additional purification is required in order for the produced biodiesel to meet ASTM standards.
Comparison of stochastic methods with respect to performance and reliability of low‐temperature gas separation processes
Authors: Tahouni Nassim , Smith Robin , Panjeshahi M. Hassan 
Published: March 2010

AbstractIn this paper, the performances of two popular stochastic methods, the genetic algorithm (GA) and simulated annealing (SA), are verified in the optimization of low‐temperature gas separation processes. While the feasibility of GA optimization of low‐temperature processes has recently been addressed, our work studied the quality of GA solutions. Having optimized the solutions of three different case studies, it was observed that SA is more robust and reliable than GA when applied to such systems, and by adjusting the key parameters in the SA method, the optimization process can avoid pre‐mature convergence and is able to give the best near‐global results.
Energy efficient high solids loading agitation for the mineral industry
Authors: Wu Jie , Nguyen Bon , Graham Lachlan 
Published: March 2010

AbstractThis paper presents results of a study on minimising the specific power for off‐bottom solids suspension in mixing tanks at a high solids concentration. It was found that major savings in the specific power required to suspend solids at high concentrations can be achieved by removal of baffles. This is particularly relevant to applications where chemical reaction rate is not affected by the mixing rate, such as that often occurs in the mineral industry. The specific power at the just off‐bottom solids suspension condition was found to decrease with the tank diameter at a rate a lot faster than previously reported in the literature. It appears that a larger power number axial flow impeller is more energy efficient than a lower power one to suspend solids at a very high solids loading. A mineral processing full‐scale tank is used as a benchmark in the study. Emphasis was placed on applications to the mineral industry, although results are also relevant to other industrial applications.
High‐yield synthesis of multi‐walled carbon nanotube by hydrothermal method
Authors: Manafi Sahebali , Rahaei Mohammad Bagher , Elli Yaghoob , Joughehdoust Sedigheh 
Published: March 2010

AbstractThe evolution of multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) under hydrothermal condition was investigated, because the hydrothermal method (HTM) has been utilised for commercial production of advanced engineering materials. To synthesise MWCNTs by hydrothermal process using mixed aqueous solution diethylenetriamine, polyethyleneglycol (PEG) and NaOH were used as starting materials. We investigated the effect of hydrothermal temperature, time, and amount of formative compounds. Hydrothermal reaction temperature was in the range from 150 to 180°C. The aim of the present work is to presentation hydrothermal synthesis as a new processing method for fabrication of MWCNTs, without the addition of metal catalyst. The homogeneity of hydrothermal processes, cheapness, and availability of amorphous carbon materials, without the need of catalyst, are advantages favouring the scaling‐up of the new method. The treatment of higher volumes would only require autoclaves with increasing load‐bearing capacity. Synthesised MWCNTs were analysed with a scanning electron microscope (SEM), a high resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM), thermo‐gravimetric analysis (TGA), and Raman spectroscopy. This result also presented a controllable way to synthesise MWCNTs with high purity. Indeed, present work will introduce new chapter in synthesising MWCNTs for scientific and engineering.
Understanding High‐Resolution Spectra of Nonrigid Molecules Using Group Theory
Authors: Schnell Melanie 
Published: March 2010

AbstractPermutation‐inversion group theory has developed to become an important tool in the high‐resolution spectroscopy of nonrigid molecules. This large class of molecules is very intriguing to study. Small molecules such as ammonia or Na3 are known to be nonrigid. With increasing size, however, several large‐amplitude motions are possible in a molecule, and can even interact with each other. The high‐resolution spectra of nonrigid molecules are known to be quite complicated and very rich in information. Details about the molecule and its internal dynamics can be extracted, such as the molecular structure, the character of the chemical bonds, and the barrier heights to internal rotation and their dependence on the chemical bonds. However, due to the nonrigidity of the molecule and the complexity of such spectra, their analysis is usually quite challenging. Theoretical methods are needed for their prediction and analysis. This Review concentrates on permutation‐inversion group theory and its usefulness for the analysis of high‐resolution spectra of nonrigid molecules, which is examined in more detail using different examples. In a separate section, a special aspect of molecular symmetry is discussed: the breakdown of symmetry principles. Special emphasis is placed on the breakdown of space inversion symmetry (parity violation) in chiral molecules and its possible implications in high‐resolution spectroscopy.
A Theoretical Study on the Mechanism of C2H4 Oxidation over a Neutral V3O8 Cluster
Authors: Ma Yan‐Ping , Ding Xun‐Lei , Zhao Yan‐Xia , He Sheng‐Gui 
Published: March 2010

AbstractDensity functional theory (DFT) calculations are used to investigate the reaction mechanism of V3O8+C2H4. The reaction of V3O8 with C2H4 produces V3O7CH2+HCHO or V3O7+CH2OCH2 overall barrierlessly at room temperature, whereas formation of hydrogen‐transfer products V3O7+CH3CHO is subject to a tiny overall free energy barrier (0.03 eV), although the formation of the last‐named pair of products is thermodynamically more favorable than that of the first two. These DFT results are in agreement with recent experimental observations. The (Ob)2V(OtOt). (b=bridging, t=terminal) moiety containing the oxygen radical in V3O8 is the active site in the reaction with C2H4. Similarities and differences between the reactivities of (Ob)2V(OtOt). in V3O8 and the small VO3 cluster [(Ot)2VOt.] are discussed. Moreover, the effect of the support on the reactivity of the (Ob)2V(OtOt). active site is evaluated by investigating the reactivity of the cluster VX2O8, which is obtained by replacing the V atoms in the (Ob)3VOt support moieties of V3O8 with X atoms (X=P, As, Sb, Nb, Ta, Si, and Ti). Support X atoms with different electronegativities influence the oxidative reactivity of the (Ob)2V(OtOt). active site through changing the net charge of the active site. These theoretical predictions of the mechanism of V3O8+C2H4 and the effect of the support on the active site may be helpful for understanding the reactivity and selectivity of reactive O. species over condensed‐phase catalysts.