bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of atherosclerotic risk factors and the metabolic syndrome in patients with chronic inflammatory arthritis
Authors: Mok Chi Chiu , Ko Gary Tin Choi , Ho Ling Yin , Yu Ka Lung , Chan Pak To , To Chi Hung 
Published: October 2010

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), ankylosing spondylitis (AS), and psoriatic arthritis (PsA).MethodsConsecutive patients with RA, AS, or PsA who attended our outpatient arthritis clinics between July and November 2009 were recruited for a study of atherosclerotic risk factors and the metabolic syndrome, defined according to the 2009 joint statements using the Asian criteria for central obesity.ResultsNine hundred thirty patients were studied (699 with RA, 122 with AS, and 109 with PsA; 70% women, mean ± SD age 51.1 ± 12.7 years). The mean ± SD disease duration for patients with RA, AS, and PsA was 5.3 ± 5.4, 6.0 ± 5.6, and 3.6 ± 3.1 years, respectively. The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was significantly higher in PsA (38%) than RA (20%) or AS (11%; P < 0.001). The odds ratios (ORs) for the metabolic syndrome compared to age‐ and sex‐matched controls were 0.98 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.78–1.23, P = 0.88), 0.59 (95% CI 0.30–1.15, P = 0.12), and 2.68 (95% CI 1.60–4.50, P < 0.001), respectively, for RA, AS, and PsA. Patients with PsA had a significantly higher prevalence of impaired fasting glucose (30%; P < 0.001), low high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (33%; P < 0.001), high triglycerides level (21%; P = 0.008), central obesity (65%; P < 0.001), and high blood pressure (56%; P = 0.045). In a logistic regression model, the adjusted OR for the metabolic syndrome in PsA was 2.44 (95% CI 1.48–4.01, P < 0.001) relative to RA or AS. The adjusted ORs for central obesity, impaired fasting glucose, hypertriglyceridemia, and low HDL cholesterol were also significantly higher in PsA patients.ConclusionPatients with PsA, but not RA or AS, have a significantly higher prevalence of the metabolic syndrome compared to the general population. Among the 3 diseases studied, PsA has the highest prevalence of the metabolic syndrome and is associated with the highest cardiovascular risk.
Macrophage activation and coronary atherosclerosis in systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Rho Young Hee , Solus Joseph , Raggi Paolo , Oeser Annette , Gebretsadik Tebeb , Shintani Ayumi , Stein C. Michael 
Published: October 2010

AbstractObjectiveActivation of macrophages may contribute to increased atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Neopterin, a pteridine derivative, is a novel marker of monocyte and macrophage activation that is associated with atherosclerosis and cardiovascular risk in the general population. We examined the hypothesis that macrophage activation is associated with accelerated atherosclerosis in SLE and RA.MethodsWe compared serum neopterin concentrations, adjusted for age, race, sex, and serum creatinine concentration, in patients with SLE (n = 148) or RA (n = 166) and control subjects (n = 177). In patients with SLE or RA, serum neopterin concentrations were then tested for association (adjusted for age, race, sex, serum creatinine, and medication use) with measures of disease activity or damage, inflammatory markers and mediators, and coronary artery calcium measured by electron beam computed tomography.ResultsNeopterin concentrations were significantly higher in patients with SLE (median 8.0, interquartile range [IQR] 6.5–9.8 nmoles/liter) and RA (median 6.7, IQR 5.3–8.9 nmoles/liter) than controls (median 5.7, IQR 4.8–7.1 nmoles/liter), and were higher in SLE patients than in RA patients (all P < 0.001). In SLE, neopterin was significantly correlated with higher erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR; P = 0.001), tumor necrosis factor α (P < 0.001), monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (P = 0.005), and homocysteine concentrations (P = 0.01), but in RA, it was only associated with ESR (P = 0.01). Neopterin was not associated with coronary calcium in either SLE (P = 0.65) or RA (P = 0.21).ConclusionMacrophage activation, reflected by increased serum neopterin concentrations, was increased in both SLE and RA. Neopterin was more robustly associated with atherogenic mediators of inflammation and homocysteine in SLE than in RA, but was not associated with coronary atherosclerosis in either disease.
Predicting maximal strength of quadriceps from submaximal performance in individuals with knee joint osteoarthritis
Authors: McNair Peter J. , Colvin Matt , Reid Duncan 
Published: October 2010

AbstractObjectiveTo compare the accuracy of 12 maximal strength (1‐repetition maximum [1‐RM]) equations for predicting quadriceps strength in people with osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee joint.MethodsEighteen subjects with OA of the knee joint attended a rehabilitation gymnasium on 3 occasions: 1) a familiarization session, 2) a session where the 1‐RM of the quadriceps was established using a weights machine for an open‐chain knee extension exercise and a leg press exercise, and 3) a session where the subjects performed with a load at which they could lift for approximately 10 repetitions only. The data were used in 12 prediction equations to calculate 1‐RM strength and compared to the actual 1‐RM data. Data were examined using Bland and Altman graphs and statistics, intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs), and typical error values between the actual 1‐RM and the respective 1‐RM prediction equation data. Difference scores (predicted 1‐RM − actual 1‐RM) across the injured and control legs were also compared.ResultsFor the knee extension exercise, the Brown, Brzycki, Epley, Lander, Mayhew et al, Poliquin, and Wathen prediction equations demonstrated the greatest levels of predictive accuracy. All of the ICCs were high (range 0.96–0.99), and typical errors were between 3% and 4%. For the knee press exercise, the Adams, Berger, Kemmler et al, and O'Conner et al equations demonstrated the greatest levels of predictive accuracy. All of the ICCs were high (range 0.95–0.98), and the typical errors ranged from 5.9–6.3%.ConclusionThis study provided evidence supporting the use of prediction equations to assess maximal strength in individuals with a knee joint with OA.
Porous Platinum Nanotubes for Oxygen Reduction and Methanol Oxidation Reactions
Authors: Alia Shaun M. , Zhang Gang , Kisailus David , Li Dongsheng , Gu Shuang , Jensen Kurt , Yan Yushan 
Published: October 2010

AbstractPorous platinum nanotubes (PtNTs) with a all thickness of 5 nm, an outer diameter of 60 nm, and a length of 5–20 μm are synthesized by galvanic displacement with silver nanowires, which are formed by the ethylene glycol reduction of silver nitrate. Oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and durability experiments are conducted for PtNTs, Pt nanoparticles supported on carbon (Pt/C), and bulk polycrystalline Pt (BP‐Pt) electrocatalysts to evaluate their catalytic properties for use as cathode catalysts in proton exchange membrane fuel cells. PtNTs demonstrate improved mass and specific activity for ORR and durability to Pt/C. Following durability testing, PtNTs exhibit specific ORR activity approaching that of BP‐Pt. Catalyst activity for the methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) is characterized through cyclic voltammetry and chronoamperometry techniques to evaluate the materials for use as anode catalysts in direct methanol fuel cells. The PtNTs show improved specific activity for MOR and chronoamperometry characteristics over Pt/C and BP‐Pt catalysts.
Axial Compression of Hierarchically Structured Carbon Nanotube Fiber Embedded in Epoxy
Authors: Gao Yun , Li Jinzhu , Liu Luqi , Ma Wenjun , Zhou Weiya , Xie Sishen , Zhang Zhong 
Published: October 2010

AbstractHigh mechanical performances of macroscopic‐scale fibers hierarchically constructed with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are attracting great interest in the materials community owing to their merits of light weight and multiple functionalities. However, from the viewpoint of structural design, many fundamental issues, for example, modulus, strength, and deformation mechanisms of such CNT fibers are not yet well understood. In this Full Paper, the axial compression of hierarchical CNT fibers embedded in epoxy is investigated with the assistance of in situ Raman spectroscopy. Experimental results reveal that the conspicuous stiffening and strengthening effects of embedded CNT fibers are dominated by the constituent CNTs within the fiber, and have not yet been observed for conventional carbon fibers. Moreover, hierarchically structured CNT fibers exhibit notable flexibility without permanent deformation and failure under large‐strain compression.
Nafion–Carbon Nanocomposite Membranes Prepared Using Hydrothermal Carbonization for Proton‐Exchange‐Membrane Fuel Cells
Authors: Chai Zhanli , Wang Cheng , Zhang Hongjie , Doherty Cara M. , Ladewig Bradley P. , Hill Anita J. , Wang Huanting 
Published: October 2010

AbstractNafion–carbon (NC) composite membranes were prepared by hydrothermal treatment of Nafion membrane impregnated with glucose solution. The carbon loading of the NC membrane was tuned by controlling the hydrothermal carbonization time. X‐ray diffraction, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy were used to characterize plain Nafion and NC composite membranes. Nafion–carbon composite membranes exhibited better proton conductivity and reduced methanol permeability than those of the plain Nafion membrane. A single cell prepared with the NC composite membrane with a carbon loading of 3.6 wt% exhibited the highest cell performance. Compared with the cell performance of plain Nafion membrane, the maximum power density of the new cell improved by 31.7% for an H2/O2 fuel cell at room temperature, and by 44.0% for a direct methanol fuel cell at 60 °C.
Mapping Rift Valley fever and malaria risk over West Africa using climatic indicators
Authors: Caminade C. , Ndione J. A. , Kebe C. M. F. , Jones A. E. , Danuor S. , Tay S. , Tourre Y. M. , Lacaux J‐P. , Vignolles C. , Duchemin J. B. , Jeanne I. , Morse A. P. 
Published: October 2010

AbstractThe aim of this study is to highlight the recent progress in mapping vector‐borne diseases in West Africa using modelling and field experiments. Based on climatic indicators, methods have been developed to map Rift Valley fever (RVF) and malaria risk. Modelling results corroborate that northern Senegal and southern Mauritania appear to be critical areas for RVF outbreaks and that the malaria epidemic fringe is located at the northern edge of the Sahel. Future projections highlight that the malaria risk decreases over northern Sahel. This is related to a southward shift of the potential epidemic belt in autumn. Copyright © 2010 Royal Meteorological Society
Risk of birth defects increased in multiple births
Authors: Zhang Xiao‐Hui , Qiu Li‐Qian , Huang Jiang‐Ping 
Published: October 2010

AbstractBACKGROUNDPrevious studies inconsistently suggest that there may be an association between birth defects and multiple births.METHODSData were obtained from Zhejiang Hospital‐Based Birth Defects Surveillance System during 2007 to 2009. There was a total of 545,018 pregnancies, including 537,593 singleton pregnancies, and 7425 multiple pregnancies (14,606 twins and 366 triplets). Odds ratio (OR)and confidence interval (CI) for birth defects were calculated for the singletons and multiple births.RESULTSThe rate of birth defects in multiple births was 444.16 per 10,000 births versus 266.97 per 10,000 births in singletons (OR, 1.69; 95% CI, 1.57–1.84). A significant risk of birth defects was observed in 9 of 23 categories in multiple births. Both the multiple births and singletons with birth defects exhibited a similar proportion of single malformation, male children, and the mother living in a city. The multiple births with birth defects were delivered earlier (t = 7.90, p < 0.001) at a lower birth weight (t = 17.53, p < 0.001) compared to singletons with birth defects. The proportion of an antenatal diagnosis was higher in singletons compared with multiple births (p < 0.001). The multiple births with birth defects had a higher proportion of live birth and early neonatal death (p < 0.001).CONCLUSIONSAn increased risk of birth defects in multiple births compared with singletons was confirmed. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Maternal polymorphisms in folic acid metabolic genes are associated with nonsyndromic cleft lip and/or palate in the Brazilian population
Authors: Bufalino Andreia , Ribeiro Paranaíba Lívia Máris , Nascimento de Aquino Sibele , Martelli‐Júnior Hercílio , Oliveira Swerts Mario Sergio , Coletta Ricardo D. 
Published: October 2010

AbstractBACKGROUNDPolymorphisms in genes that are involved in folic acid metabolism may be important maternal risk factors for the birth of a child with nonsyndromic cleft lip and/or palate (NSCL/P). The aim of this study was to determine the involvement of polymorphic variants in four genes (MTHFR,
MTHFD1,
MTR, and SLC19A1) that encode proteins related to folic acid metabolism in the women with susceptibility for having a child with NSCL/P.METHODSDNA samples from 106 mothers of children with NSCL/P (case group) and from 184 mothers of healthy children (control group) were genotyped by polymerase chain reaction associated with restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR‐RFLP).RESULTSOne of 29 polymorphisms was associated with significantly increased maternal risk for NSCL/P. Mothers exhibiting the A variant allele (GA genotype) of the MTHFR rs2274976 polymorphism demonstrated a ∼6 times increased risk for having a child with NSCL/P compared to G allele carriers (OR, 5.76; 95% CI, 3.32–9.99, p = 0.000001). Among mothers who did not use vitamins, the OR of NSCL/P was increased to 8.34 (95% CI, 3.75–18.55, p = 0.000001) in the presence of the GA genotype of the MTHFR rs2274976 polymorphism compared to those with the GG genotype. Gene‐gene interaction analysis showed that the combination of MTHFR rs2274976, MTHFD1 rs2236225, and SLC19A1 rs1051266 was the best model for prediction of maternal risk for NSCL/P.CONCLUSIONThe findings of the present study suggested that genetic variants of folic acid metabolic genes may modulate maternal susceptibility for having an offspring with NSCL/P. Birth Defects Research (Part A), 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Variable morphology of the suprascapular notch: An investigation and quantitative measurements in Chinese population
Authors: Wang Hua‐Jun , Chen Chao , Wu Li‐Ping , Pan Chang‐Qing , Zhang Wen‐Jun , Li Yi‐Kai 
Published: October 2010

AbstractAlthough several morphological variations and classification of the suprascapular notch (SSN) were reported in western populations, little attention has been paid to this anatomic issue in the Chinese population. In this research of SSN morphology in Chinese people, 295 specimens of intact dry Chinese adult scapulas were investigated and measured thoroughly and systematically. Morphological features of SSN variations were observed by visual inspection, and correlation parameters of variability and classification were measured in digital images with image processing software and bones with a vernier caliper, respectively. The incidence of different subtypes of SSN classification and comparative analysis of correlation parameters were calculated. It was interesting that a new variable morphology of SSN with a double suprascapular foramen had been found. We found the most prevalent groups were Type II (an incisura that was longer in its transverse diameter) and Type III (an incisura that was longer in its vertical diameter) which accounted for 58.16 and 28.23%, respectively. The circumference and area of Type II and Type III was larger than those of Type IV. The thickness of 1 mm below the lowest point of the SSN ranges from 0.55 to 3.00 mm. Eight cases with a narrow groove on the lowest point of SSN and four cases with bony canals formed by the ossified superior transverse scapular ligament were found. Further, the distance between the SSN and bony landmarks were varied. For AD (the distance between the lowest point of the SSN and the supraglenoid tubercle), Type I was largest, followed by the Type II, Type III, and Type IV. For AE (the distance between the lowest point of the SSN and the base of the spinoglenoid notch), Type IV was the shortest and there was no statistical difference between other types. This study reveals that SSN variations are common in Chinese population. This anatomic information is important in the management of entrapment neuropathy or interventional procedure of the SSN. Clin. Anat. 24:47–55, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
CourseEditor: A course planning tool compatible with IMS‐LD
Authors: Cuevas Patricia López , Muñoz‐Merino Pedro J. , Fernandez‐Panadero Carmen , Kloos Carlos Delgado 
Published: October 2010

AbstractFor the successful adoption of Computer Based Learning (CBL), it is necessary to provide teachers with user‐friendly authoring tools that guide them in the process of planning a course. It is important that the documents generated by these tools are compliant with CBL standards to ensure that the instructional designs made by the teachers remain valid regardless of the Learning Management System (LMS) used to deliver the course. IMS‐Learning Design (IMS‐LD) is one of the most accepted specifications by the educational community for modeling of learning processes. There are some authoring‐tools that allow export learning designs in IMS‐LD but they are not course‐planning oriented. In addition, a big challenge is how to improve the user interfaces of these tools in order to be easier to use for regular teachers. This paper presents CourseEditor, a course planning authoring tool that allows a teacher to describe the complete planning of a course (objectives, contents, methodology, and evaluation) and export the results in an IMS‐LD compatible format. The paper provides a novel modeling of course planning that takes into account ideas from different instructional theories. CourseEditor combines power and flexibility, with the simplicity of an interface that can be used by teachers with no technical background. The paper illustrates the use of the tool creating a course on Telematic Services in the context of a Telecommunications Engineering degree. In addition, the relationships of course planning and IMS‐LD are presented, showing which information of course planning can be represented in IMS‐LD and which not. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 21: 421–431, 2013
Is interpersonal and institutional e‐trustworthiness equally important in consumer e‐trust development? Implications for consumers' e‐trust building behaviours
Authors: Pennanen Kyösti 
Published: October 2010

AbstractTrust is a widely studied phenomenon across numerous disciplines. E‐trust researchers have conducted a vast number of studies, but despite extensive interest in the issue, there are only few studies that concentrate on how consumers build e‐trust. Furthermore, consumer e‐trust is seen to be a function of both interpersonal and institutional e‐trustworthiness, but only limited number of attempts have been conducted to study the relative importance of interpersonal and institutional e‐trustworthiness in consumer e‐trust development process. The present article seeks to improve this situation by studying how consumers' perceived interpersonal and institutional e‐trustworthiness influence their intention to build e‐trust. The results of the study suggest that consumers build e‐trust actively, and the development of e‐trust is not only based on trustees' behaviour. Moreover, the results indicate that interpersonal e‐trustworthiness is more important than institutional e‐trustworthiness in consumers' e‐trust building.Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Modeling Vinyl Acetate and n‐Butyl Acrylate Emulsion Copolymerization Process
Authors: Leonardo M. F. , Oliveira E. D. , Giudici R. 
Published: October 2010

AbstractThis work presents a mathematical model for the vinyl acetate and n‐butyl acrylate emulsion copolymerization process in batch reactors. The model is able to explain the effects of simultaneous changes in emulsifier concentration, initiator concentration, monomer‐to‐water ratio, and monomer feed composition on monomer conversion, copolymer composition and, to lesser extent, average particle size evolution histories. The main features of the system, such as the increase in the rate of polymerization as temperature, emulsifier, and initiator concentrations increase are correctly represented by the model. The model accounts for the basic features of the process and may be useful for practical applications, despite its simplicity and a reduced number of adjustable parameters.
Strategies and Technologies to Increase the Efficiency of Raw Material Use
Authors: Jörissen J. , Schippl J. , Weinberger N. 
Published: October 2010

AbstractDer effiziente Umgang mit knappen natürlichen Rohstoffen ist ein wichtiger Baustein für eine nachhaltige Weltwirtschaft. Er kann dazu beitragen, die Reichweite der Rohstoffreserven im Interesse künftiger Generationen zu verlängern, das Versorgungsrisiko zu mindern, die Kosten der Produktion zu senken und die Umwelt zu entlasten. Ausgewählte Ergebnisse des Projekts Roadmap Umwelttechnologien 2020 werden dargestellt, die das Resultat eines komplexen Prozesses der Erfassung, Aggregation und Auswertung von Expertenwissen sind. Der Beitrag zeigt Strategien und Technologien zur Erhöhung der Rohstoffproduktivität auf, identifiziert Hemmnisse, die einem erfolgreichen Einsatz solcher Technologien entgegenstehen, gibt Hinweise auf den aktuellen Forschungs‐ und Förderbedarf und erörtert die Stellung Deutschlands im internationalen Vergleich. Abschließend werden Handlungsoptionen für die künftige Forschungsförderung auf dem Gebiet rohstoffeffizienter Technologien diskutiert.
Status and Perspective of Biomass Gasification
Authors: Beining R. , Adelt M. , Vogel A. 
Published: October 2010

AbstractBiogene Festbrennstoffe liefern weltweit einen Beitrag von ca. 40 000 – 60 000 PJth a–1 zur Wärmebereitstellung und ca. 600 – 1000 PJel a–1 zur Strombereitstellung [1]. Die Nutzung erfolgt derzeit fast ausschließlich mittels Verbrennung. Die Vergasung von Biomasse verspricht eine höhere Energieeffizienz als die Verbrennung, weist jedoch noch eine geringe kommerzielle Bedeutung auf. Es werden Perspektiven, Stand der Verfahrenstechnik und technisch‐ökonomische Herausforderungen der Biomassevergasung dargestellt. Anhand des Vergleichs der Energieeffizienz verschiedener verbrennungs‐ und vergasungsbasierter Prozesse wird verdeutlicht, dass die Vergasung einen hocheffizienten Konversionsschritt zur Strom‐ Wärme‐ und Kraftstoffbereitstellung darstellen kann. Trotz der bestehenden ökonomischen Herausforderungen ist aufgrund der hohen erzielbaren Energieeffizienz und Flexibilität der energiesystemischen Einbindung von einer zunehmenden Bedeutung der Biomassevergasung auszugehen.