bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Motivation as a determinant of physical activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Hurkmans E. J. , Maes S. , de Gucht V. , Knittle K. , Peeters A. J. , Ronday H. K. , Vlieland T. P. M. Vliet 
Published: February 2010

AbstractObjectiveA sufficient level of physical activity is important in reducing the impact of disease in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. According to self‐determination theory, the achievement and maintenance of physical activity is related to goal setting and ownership, which can be supported by health professionals. Our objective was to examine the association between physical activity and the extent to which RA patients 1) believe that physical activity is a goal set by themselves (autonomous regulation) or by others (coerced regulation) and 2) feel supported by rheumatologists (autonomy supportiveness).MethodA random selection of 643 RA patients from the outpatient clinics of 3 hospitals were sent a postal survey to assess current physical activity level (Short Questionnaire to Assess Health‐Enhancing Physical Activity), regulation style (Treatment Self‐Regulation Questionnaire), and the autonomy supportiveness of their rheumatologists (modified Health Care Climate Questionnaire).ResultsOf the 271 patients (42%) who returned the questionnaire, 178 (66%) were female, their mean ± SD age was 62 ± 14 years, and their mean ± SD disease duration was 10 ± 8 years. Younger age, female sex, higher education level, shorter disease duration, lower disease activity, and a more autonomous regulation were univariately associated with more physical activity. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses demonstrated that younger age and a more autonomous regulation were significantly associated with a higher physical activity level (P = 0.000 and 0.050, respectively).ConclusionRegulation style was a significant determinant of physical activity in RA patients. This finding may contribute to further development of interventions to enhance physical activity in RA patients.
Frequent use of the emergency department among persons with systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Panopalis Pantelis , Gillis Joann Zell , Yazdany Jinoos , Trupin Laura , Hersh Aimee , Julian Laura , Criswell Lindsey A. , Katz Patricia , Yelin Edward 
Published: February 2010

AbstractObjectiveTo describe characteristics of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients who are frequent users of the emergency department and to identify predictors of frequent emergency department use.MethodsData for this study were derived from the University of California, San Francisco Lupus Outcomes Study, a large cohort of persons with SLE who undergo annual structured interviews. Participants were categorized into 1 of 3 levels of emergency department utilization: nonusers (no visits in the preceding year), occasional users, (1–2 visits), and frequent users (≥3 visits). We compared characteristics of the 3 groups and determined predictors of frequent emergency department use (≥3 visits) using multivariate logistic regression, adjusting for a variety of potential confounding covariates.ResultsOf 807 study participants, 499 (62%) had no emergency department visits; 230 (28%) had occasional emergency department visits (1–2 visits); and 78 (10%) had frequent (≥3 visits) emergency department visits. Frequent users were younger, less likely to be employed, and less likely to have completed college. They also had greater disease activity, worse general health status, and more depressive symptoms. Frequent emergency department users were more likely to have Medicaid as their principal insurance. In multivariate logistic regression, older age predicted a lower likelihood of frequent emergency department visits, whereas greater disease activity and having Medicaid insurance predicted a higher likelihood of frequent emergency department visits.ConclusionIn persons with SLE, greater disease activity and Medicaid insurance are associated with more frequent emergency department use.
Air‐Stable n‐Type Organic Field‐Effect Transistors Based on Carbonyl‐Bridged Bithiazole Derivatives
Authors: Ie Yutaka , Nitani Masashi , Karakawa Makoto , Tada Hirokazu , Aso Yoshio 
Published: February 2010

AbstractAn electronegative conjugated compound composed of a newly designed carbonyl‐bridged bithiazole unit and trifluoroacetyl terminal groups is synthesized as a candidate for air‐stable n‐type organic field‐effect transistor (OFET) materials. Cyclic voltammetry measurements reveal that carbonyl‐bridging contributes both to lowering the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital energy level and to stabilizing the anionic species. X‐ray crystallographic analysis of the compound shows a planar molecular geometry and a dense molecular packing, which is advantageous to electron transport. Through these appropriate electrochemical properties and structures for n‐type semiconductor materials, OFET devices based on this compound show electron mobilities as high as 0.06 cm2 V−1 s−1 with on/off ratios of 106 and threshold voltages of 20 V under vacuum conditions. Furthermore, these devices show the same order of electron mobility under ambient conditions.
Flexible, Stretchable, Transparent Conducting Films Made from Superaligned Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Feng Chen , Liu Kai , Wu Jeah‐Sheng , Liu Liang , Cheng Jia‐Shyong , Zhang Yuying , Sun Yinghui , Li Qunqing , Fan Shoushan , Jiang Kaili 
Published: February 2010

AbstractA straightforward roll‐to‐roll process for fabricating flexible and stretchable superaligned carbon nanotube films as transparent conducting films is demonstrated. Practical touch panels assembled by using these carbon nanotube conducting films are superior in flexibility and wearability—and comparable in linearity—to touch panels based on indium tin oxide (ITO) films. After suitable laser trimming and deposition of Ni and Au metal, the carbon nanotube film possesses excellent performance with two typical values of sheet resistances and transmittances (208 Ω □−1, 90% and 24 Ω □−1, 83.4%), which are comparable to ITO films and better than the present carbon nanotube conducting films in literature. The results provide a route to produce transparent conducting films more easily, effectively, and cheaply, an important step for realizing industrial‐scale applications of carbon nanotubes for transparent conducting films.
Hysteresis in Conjugated Polymer Thin Film Transistors Generated by Chain Relaxation
Authors: Yang Neng‐Jye , Liao Chien‐Shiun , Chen Show‐An 
Published: February 2010

AbstractThe hysteresis phenomenon in a polymer thin film transistor (PTFT) with either poly(3‐hexylthiophene), poly(3‐dodecylthiophene), or poly[2‐methoxy‐5‐(2‐ethylhexyloxy)‐1,4‐phenylene vinylene] is investigated over a wide range of temperatures, and found to be generated by the delay in main chain ring distortion with an applied electric field. In the temperature range for side chain relaxation, main chain motion induced by side chain motion already starts such that polarization of the main chain by the applied electric field is permitted but in a limited extent and is not in phase with the variation in electric field. In the main chain relaxation temperature range, the extent of segmental motion increases, which leads to the main chain being more realignable by the applied electric field and thus a reduced hysteresis. After main chain relaxation is complete, the ring can distort more freely and chain segments are able to realign in phase with the applied electric field, which leads to a leveling off of the hysteresis. This investigation shows for first time that the chain relaxation in conjugated polymers is the origin of the hysteresis in PTFT devices.
Angiogenesis and blood vessel stability in inflammatory arthritis
Authors: Kennedy Aisling , Ng Chin Teck , Biniecka Monika , Saber Tajvur , Taylor Cormac , O'Sullivan Jacintha , Veale Douglas J. , Fearon Ursula 
Published: February 2010

AbstractObjectiveTo assess blood vessel stability in inflammatory synovial tissue (ST) and to examine neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM), oxidative DNA damage, and hypoxia in vivo.MethodsMacroscopic vascularity and ST oxygen levels were determined in vivo in patients with inflammatory arthritis who were undergoing arthroscopy. Vessel maturity/stability was quantified in matched ST samples by dual immunofluorescence staining for factor VIII (FVIII)/α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA). NCAM and 8‐oxo‐7,8‐dihydro‐2′‐deoxyguanosine (8‐oxodG) were examined by immunohistochemistry. Angiogenesis was assessed in vitro, using human dermal endothelial cells (HDECs) in a Matrigel tube formation assay.ResultsA significant number of immature vessels (showing no pericyte recruitment) was observed in tissue from patients with inflammatory arthritis (P< 0.001), in contrast to osteoarthritic and normal tissue, which showed complete recruitment of pericytes. Low in vivo PO2levels in the inflamed joint (median [range] 22.8 [3.2–54.1] mm Hg) were inversely related to increased macroscopic vascularity (P< 0.04) and increased microscopic expression of FVIII and α‐SMA (P< 0.04 andP< 0.03, respectively). A significant proportion of vessels showed focal expression of NCAM and strong nuclear 8‐oxodG expression, implicating a loss of EC–pericyte contact and increased DNA damage, levels of which were inversely associated with low in vivo PO2(P= 0.04 for each comparison). Circulating cells were completely negative for 8‐oxodG. Exposure of HDEC to 3% O2(reflecting mean ST in vivo measurements) significantly increased EC tube formation (P< 0.05).ConclusionOur findings indicate the presence of unstable vessels in inflamed joints associated with hypoxia, incomplete EC–pericyte interactions, and increased DNA damage. These changes may further contribute to persistent hypoxia in the inflamed joint to further drive this unstable microenvironment.
Genome‐wide linkage analysis of quantitative biomarker traits of osteoarthritis in a large, multigenerational extended family
Authors: Chen Hsiang‐Cheng , Kraus Virginia Byers , Li Yi‐Ju , Nelson Sarah , Haynes Carol , Johnson Jessica , Stabler Thomas , Hauser Elizabeth R. , Gregory Simon G. , Kraus William E. , Shah Svati H. 
Published: February 2010

AbstractObjectiveThe genetic contributions to the multifactorial disorder osteoarthritis (OA) have been increasingly recognized. The goal of the current study was to use OA‐related biomarkers of severity and disease burden as quantitative traits to identify genetic susceptibility loci for OA.MethodsIn a large multigenerational extended family (n = 350), we measured 5 OA‐related biomarkers: hyaluronan (HA), cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP), N‐propeptide of type IIA collagen (PIIANP), C‐propeptide of type II procollagen (CPII), and type II collagen neoepitope (C2C). Single‐nucleotide polymorphism markers (n = 6,090) covering the whole genome were genotyped using the Illumina HumanLinkage‐12 BeadChip. Variance components analysis, as implemented in the Sequential Oligogenic Linkage Analysis Routines, was used to estimate heritabilities of the quantitative traits and to calculate 2‐point and multipoint logarithm of odds (LOD) scores using a polygenic model.ResultsAfter adjusting for age and sex, we found that 4 of the 5 biomarkers exhibited significant heritability (PIIANP 0.57, HA 0.49, COMP 0.43, C2C 0.30; P ≤ 0.01 for all). Fourteen of the 19 loci that had multipoint LOD scores of >1.5 were near to or overlapped with previously reported OA susceptibility loci. Four of these loci were identified by more than 1 biomarker. The maximum multipoint LOD scores for the heritable quantitative biomarker traits were 4.3 for PIIANP (chromosome 8p23.2), 3.2 for COMP (chromosome 8q11.1), 2.0 for HA (chromosome 6q16.3), and 2.0 for C2C (chromosome 5q31.2).ConclusionHerein, we report the first evidence of genetic susceptibility loci identified by OA‐related biomarkers in an extended family. Our results demonstrate that serum concentrations of PIIANP, HA, COMP, and C2C have substantial heritable components, and using these biomarkers, several genetic loci potentially contributing to the genetic diversity of OA were identified.
Akt1 in murine chondrocytes controls cartilage calcification during endochondral ossification under physiologic and pathologic conditions
Authors: Fukai Atsushi , Kawamura Naohiro , Saito Taku , Oshima Yasushi , Ikeda Toshiyuki , Kugimiya Fumitaka , Higashikawa Akiro , Yano Fumiko , Ogata Naoshi , Nakamura Kozo , Chung Ung‐Il , Kawaguchi Hiroshi 
Published: February 2010

AbstractObjectiveTo examine the role of the phosphoinositide‐dependent serine/threonine protein kinase Akt1 in chondrocytes during endochondral ossification.MethodsSkeletal phenotypes of homozygous Akt1‐deficient (Akt1−/−) mice and their wild‐type littermates were compared in radiologic and histologic analyses. An experimental osteoarthritis (OA) model was created by surgically inducing instability in the knee joints of mice. For functional analyses, we used primary costal and articular chondrocytes from neonatal mice and mouse chondrogenic ATDC5 cells with retroviral overexpression of constitutively active Akt1 or small interfering RNA (siRNA) for Akt1.ResultsAmong the Akt isoforms (Akt1, Akt2, and Akt3), Akt1 was the most highly expressed in chondrocytes, and the total level of Akt protein was decreased in Akt1−/−chondrocytes, indicating a dominant role of Akt1. Akt1−/−mice exhibited dwarfism with normal proliferative and hypertrophic zones but suppressed cartilage calcification in the growth plate compared with their wild‐type littermates. In mice with surgically induced OA, calcified osteophyte formation, but not cartilage degradation, was prevented in the Akt1−/−joints. Calcification was significantly suppressed in cultures of Akt1−/−chondrocytes or ATDC5 cells overexpressing siRNA for Akt1 and was enhanced in ATDC5 cells overexpressing constitutively active Akt1. Neither proliferation nor hypertrophic differentiation was affected by the gain or loss of function of Akt1. The expression of ANK and nucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase 1, which accumulate pyrophosphate, a crucial calcification inhibitor, was enhanced by Akt1 deficiency or siRNA for Akt1 and was suppressed by constitutively active Akt1.ConclusionOur findings indicate that Akt1 in chondrocytes controls cartilage calcification by inhibiting pyrophosphate during endochondral ossification in skeletal growth and during osteophyte formation in OA.
Autophagy is a protective mechanism in normal cartilage, and its aging‐related loss is linked with cell death and osteoarthritis
Authors: Caramés Beatriz , Taniguchi Noboru , Otsuki Shuhei , Blanco Francisco J. , Lotz Martin 
Published: February 2010

AbstractObjectiveAutophagy is a process for turnover of intracellular organelles and molecules that protects cells during stress responses. We undertook this study to evaluate the potential roles of Unc‐51–like kinase 1 (ULK1), an inducer of autophagy, Beclin1, a regulator of autophagy, and microtubule‐associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3), which executes autophagy, in the development of osteoarthritis (OA) and in cartilage cell death.MethodsExpression of ULK1, Beclin1, and LC3 was analyzed in normal and OA human articular cartilage and in knee joints of mice with aging‐related and surgically induced OA, using immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. Poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerase (PARP) p85 expression was used to determine the correlation between cell death and autophagy.ResultsULK1, Beclin1, and LC3 were constitutively expressed in normal human articular cartilage. ULK1, Beclin1, and LC3 protein expression was reduced in OA chondrocytes and cartilage, but these 3 proteins were strongly expressed in the OA cell clusters. In mouse knee joints, loss of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) was observed at ages 9 months and 12 months and in the surgical OA model, 8 weeks after knee destabilization. Expression of ULK1, Beclin1, and LC3 decreased together with GAG loss, while PARP p85 expression was increased.ConclusionAutophagy may be a protective or homeostatic mechanism in normal cartilage. In contrast, human OA and aging‐related and surgically induced OA in mice are associated with a reduction and loss of ULK1, Beclin1, and LC3 expression and a related increase in apoptosis. These results suggest that compromised autophagy represents a novel mechanism in the development of OA.
Comparing the scores of hydrological ensemble forecasts issued by two different hydrological models
Authors: Randrianasolo A. , Ramos M. H. , Thirel G. , Andréassian V. , Martin E. 
Published: February 2010

AbstractA comparative analysis is conducted to assess the quality of streamflow forecasts issued by two different modeling conceptualizations of catchment response, both driven by the same weather ensemble prediction system (PEARP Météo‐France). The two hydrological modeling approaches are the physically based and distributed hydrometeorological model SIM (Météo‐France) and the lumped soil‐moisture‐accounting type rainfall‐runoff model GRP (Cemagref). Discharges are simulated at 211 catchments in France over 17 months. Skill scores are computed for the first 2 days of forecast range. The results suggest good performance of both hydrological models and illustrate the benefit of streamflow data assimilation for ensemble short‐term forecasting. Copyright © 2010 Royal Meteorological Society
A strategy for perturbing surface initial conditions in LAMEPS
Authors: Wang Yong , Kann Alexander , Bellus Martin , Pailleux Jean , Wittmann Christoph 
Published: February 2010

AbstractThe lack or inadequate representation of uncertainties in the surface initial conditions (ICs) affects the quality of ensemble forecast, in particular the near surface temperature and precipitation. In this paper, a strategy for perturbing surface ICs in limited area model ensemble prediction system, noncycling surface breeding (NCSB) is proposed. The strategy combines short‐range surface forecasts driven by perturbed atmospheric forcing and the breeding method for generating the perturbation to surface ICs. NCSB is implemented and tested in Aire Limitée Adaptation dynamique Développement InterNational‐limited area ensemble forecasting (ALADIN‐LAEF). Statistical verification demonstrates that the application of NCSB improves the ALADIN‐LAEF 2m temperature and precipitation forecast. Positive impacts are also obtained for temperature and specific humidity in the lower atmosphere. Copyright © 2010 Royal Meteorological Society
Response repetition as an error‐correction procedure for sight‐word reading: A replication and extension
Authors: Marvin Kendra L. , Rapp John T. , Stenske Michelle T. , Rojas Nairim R. , Swanson Greg J. , Bartlett Sara M. 
Published: February 2010

AbstractWe evaluated the effects of response repetition (RR) as an error‐correction procedure for increasing sight‐word reading for four individuals using a multiple baseline design. The results for each participant showed that correct responding increased following the introduction of the RR procedure. In addition, responding for three of four participants showed evidence of stimulus generalization, response generalization, or both. Likewise, we found that comparable behavior changes were produced when a participant's paraprofessional implemented RR in a typical classroom. These findings are briefly discussed in terms of procedures that promote behavior acquisition and generalization via negative reinforcement. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effectiveness of a written clinical pathway for enhanced recovery after transthoracic (Ivor Lewis) oesophagectomy
Authors: Munitiz V , Martinez-de-Haro L F , Ortiz A , Ruiz-de-Angulo D , Pastor P , Parrilla P 
Published: February 2010

Abstract

Background
This study assessed the feasibility of a protocol-driven written clinical pathway for multidisciplinary postoperative management after oesophagectomy for oesophageal neoplasia, and examined whether the application of such a protocol could shorten hospital stay and reduce postoperative morbidity and mortality.

Methods
Consecutive patients undergoing transthoracic oesophagectomy for oesophageal neoplasia were divided into those treated between 2003 and 2008 to whom a clinical pathway was applied for postoperative management (group 1), and a control group treated between 1998 and 2002 when no clinical pathway was applied (group 2).

Results
There were 74 patients in each group. Morbidity rates were similar in the two groups: 31 per cent in group 1 and 38 per cent in group 2. There were more pulmonary complications in group 2 (23 versus 14 per cent; P = 0·025). One patient (1 per cent) in group 1 and four (5 per cent) in group 2 died after surgery (P = 0·010). The median (range) length of hospital stay was 9 (5–98) days for group 1 and 13 (8–106) days in group 2 (P = 0·012).

Conclusion
Use of a written clinical pathway in patients undergoing oesophageal resection significantly reduced pulmonary complications, postoperative mortality and hospital stay.
An Assessment of the Spatial Distribution of Polychlorinated Biphenyl Contamination in Turkey
Authors: Gedik Kadir , Imamoğlu Ipek 
Published: February 2010

AbstractThis study summarizes the relevant information regarding the spatial distribution of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in various environmental (e. g., soil, sediment, air, water) and biological (e. g., fish, mussel, adipose tissue, milk) media in Turkey. The information sources used for this purpose, in addition to the scientific literature, were; official import records, governmental reports on monitoring of organochlorines, and reports prepared by international organizations. PCBs were never produced in Turkey; however they were imported and used within equipment or otherwise. The number of studies conducted on the topic is increasing significantly throughout the years and especially in the last decade. Evidence of PCB pollution was compared with the available background monitoring results from the region and other parts of the world, as well as relevant legislative standards. Overall, the presence of a number of important local PCB contamination sources is indicated as a result of this assessment.
Allatostatin immunoreactivity in the honeybee brain
Authors: Kreissl Sabine , Strasser Christine , Galizia C. Giovanni 
Published: February 2010

AbstractInformation transmission and processing in the brain is achieved through a small family of chemical neurotransmitters and neuromodulators and a very large family of neuropeptides. In order to understand neural networks in the brain it will be necessary, therefore, to understand the connectivity, morphology, and distribution of peptidergic neurons, and to elucidate their function in the brain. In this study we characterize the distribution of substances related to Dip‐allatostatin I in the honeybee brain, which belongs to the allatostatin‐A (AST) peptide family sharing the conserved c‐terminal sequence ‐YXFGL‐NH2. We found about 500 AST‐immunoreactive (ASTir) neurons in the brain, scattered in 18 groups that varied in their precise location across individuals. Almost all areas of the brain were innervated by ASTir fibers. Most ASTir neurites formed networks within functionally distinct areas, e.g., the antennal lobes, the mushroom bodies, or the optic lobes, indicating local functions of the peptide. A small number of very large neurons had widespread arborizations and neurites were found in the corpora cardiaca and in the cervical connectives, suggesting that AST also has global functions. We double‐stained AST and GABA and found that a subset of ASTir neurons were GABA‐immunoreactive (GABAir). Double staining AST with backfills of olfactory receptor neurons or mass fills of neurons in the antennal lobes and in the mushroom bodies allowed a more fine‐grained description of ASTir networks. Together, this first comprehensive description of AST in the bee brain suggests a diverse functional role of AST, including local and global computational tasks. J. Comp. Neurol. 518:1391–1417, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.