bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Raynaud’s Phenomenon and Plasma Endothelin: Correlations with Capillaroscopic Patterns in Systemic Sclerosis
Authors: SULLI ALBERTO , SOLDANO STEFANO , PIZZORNI CARMEN , MONTAGNA PAOLA , SECCHI MARIA ELENA , VILLAGGIO BARBARA , SERIOLO BRUNO , BRIZZOLARA RENATA , CUTOLO MAURIZIO 
Published: April 2009

Objective.We evaluated endothelin (ET)-1 plasma levels and some clinical measures in patients with primary Raynaud’s phenomenon (PRP), and in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) and secondary RP (SRP), in the latter according to their different nailfold videocapillaroscopy (NVC) patterns of microangiopathy (early, active, and late).Methods.Ninety-nine patients with SSc, 49 with PRP, and 45 control subjects were studied. NVC was performed in all patients to distinguish the pattern of microvascular damage, and the morphological alterations were scored by a semiquantitative rating scale. ET-1 plasma levels were evaluated in all individuals by ELISA.Results.ET-1 plasma levels were significantly higher (p = 0.001) in patients with both PRP and SRP, compared to controls. A significant positive correlation (p = 0.03) was found between ET-1 plasma levels and SRP duration, but not between ET-1 plasma levels and PRP duration. Significant correlations were observed in patients with SSc between ET-1 plasma levels and clinical measures (e.g., digital ulcers), as well as the score value of single NVC measures, such as the number of capillaries, “ramified” capillaries, and enlarged capillaries (p < 0.05). Finally, the highest ET-1 plasma levels were found in patients with SSc showing the late pattern of microangiopathy when compared to the early pattern (p = 0.03) and to controls (p = 0.003).Conclusion.Highest ET-1 plasma levels were detected in the more advanced stage of the SSc microangiopathy, namely the late NVC pattern, characterized by capillary loss and increased tissue fibrosis; this might support the involvement of ET-1 in the progression of the microvascular/fibrotic SSc damage.
Correlation of CX3CL1 and CX3CR1 Levels with Response to Infliximab Therapy in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: ODAI TSUYOSHI , MATSUNAWA MIZUHO , TAKAHASHI RYO , WAKABAYASHI KUNINOBU , ISOZAKI TAKEO , YAJIMA NOBUYUKI , MIWA YUSUKE , KASAMA TSUYOSHI 
Published: April 2009

Objective.To examine the relation between serum chemokine levels and patient responsiveness to infliximab, and the influence of infliximab administration on serum chemokine levels.Methods.Serum levels of the chemokines CX3CL1, CXCL8, CCL3, and CXCL10 were quantified prior to (at baseline) and after 30 weeks of treatment with infliximab in 20 patients using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Disease status was assessed using the Disease Activity Score (DAS28). The response to infliximab was classified according to the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) response criteria.Results.By 30 weeks, infliximab produced a significant overall reduction in DAS28 among the 20 patients with RA, although only 12 achieved a good to moderate response based on EULAR response criteria. A significant reduction in CX3CL1 was seen in the responsive group, although infliximab treatment had no significant effect on the serum levels of the other 3 chemokines. Comparison of patients with lower (< 2000 pg/ml) and higher (≥ 2000 pg/ml) basal CX3CL1 levels revealed that DAS28, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein, and CX3CL1 levels were all significantly diminished by infliximab in RA patients with lower basal CX3CL1 levels, but not in those with higher basal levels. In addition, cell-surface expression of CX3CR1 protein in peripheral blood CD8+CD3+ T cells and mRNA expression of CX3CR1 in lymphocytes were both significantly downregulated after infliximab treatment in the responsive group.Conclusion.Our results suggest that the CX3CL1-CX3CR1 system in patients with active RA may be sensitive to anti-tumor necrosis factor-α therapy, and confirm that CX3CL1 plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of RA.
Peripheral Arterial Stiffness and Endothelial Dysfunction in Idiopathic and Scleroderma Associated Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Authors: PELED NIR , SHITRIT DAVID , FOX BENJAMIN D. , SHLOMI DEKEL , AMITAL ANAT , BENDAYAN DANIELE , KRAMER MORDECHAI R. 
Published: April 2009

Objective.Pulmonary endothelial dysfunction and increased reflection of pulmonary pressure waves have been reported in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). However, the systemic vascular involvement is not fully understood. Our study focused on the systemic arterial stiffness and endothelial involvement in idiopathic and scleroderma associated PAH.Methods.Peripheral arterial stiffness and endothelial function were evaluated in 38 patients with idiopathic (n = 28) and scleroderma associated (n = 10) PAH, and 21 control subjects (13 healthy; 8 with scleroderma and normal pulmonary pressure). All participants underwent clinical and cardiopulmonary evaluation. Arterial stiffness was measured through the fingertip tonometry derived augmentation index (AI), which is the boost increase in the late systolic pressure wave after the initial systolic shoulder. Endothelial function was measured by forearm blood flow dilatation response to brachial artery occlusion by a noninvasive plethysmograph (EndoPAT 2000), which is associated with nitric oxide-dependent vasodilatation and yields a peripheral arterial tone (PAT) ratio.Results.Mean systolic pulmonary pressure was 70.5 ± 21.6 mm Hg (idiopathic-PAH) and 69.3 ± 20 mm Hg (scleroderma-PAH). AI was higher in scleroderma patients (10.5% ± 19.6% in healthy controls, 9.0% ± 21.5% in idiopathic-PAH, 20.1% ± 19.1% in scleroderma-PAH, and 24.4% ± 18.9% in scleroderma-controls; nonsignificant). PAT ratio was significantly lower (p < 0.05) than control values in idiopathic-PAH and scleroderma-PAH (PAT ratio: control 2.20 ± 0.25; idiopathic 1.84 ± 0.51; scleroderma 1.66 ± 0.66). AI was not correlated to endothelial dysfunction. There were no differences between the 2 PAH patient groups in age, body mass index, New York Heart Association classification, or 6-min walk test.Conclusion.Our study shows a trend towards increased arterial stiffness in scleroderma (nonsignificant), and also peripheral endothelial dysfunction in idiopathic-PAH and in scleroderma-PAH. These findings suggest involvement of different vessels in scleroderma-PAH compared to idiopathic-PAH.
IL-23R Polymorphisms in Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis in Korea: Table 1.
Authors: SUNG IL-HOON , KIM TAE-HWAN , BANG SO-YOUNG , KIM TAE-JONG , LEE BITNARA , PEDDLE LYNETTE , RAHMAN PROTON , GREENWOOD CELIA M.T. , HU PINGZHAO , INMAN ROBERT D. 
Published: April 2009

Objective.IL23R polymorphisms have been shown to have a significant association with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). To date, these studies have been restricted to Caucasian patients with AS. Our study addresses this relationship in Korean patients with AS.Methods.A total of 451 patients with AS and 392 ethnically matched healthy controls were enrolled. All patients were native Koreans with AS satisfying the modified New York criteria. In total, 10 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) within the IL-23R gene cluster were genotyped.Results.No IL-23R SNP were found to be associated with AS in Koreans.Conclusion.The association of IL23R and AS that is seen in Caucasian patients with AS is not present in Korean patients with AS.
Multilayer Optics for Synchrotron Applications
Authors: Singhapong Wadwan , Bowen Chris , Wang Hongchang , Sawhney Kawal , Lunt Alexander J. G. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractX‐ray multilayer optics play a vital role in synchrotron optics due to their ability to generate constructive interference. These devices typically consist of several tens to hundreds of periods of alternating layers coated on a substrate. In contrast to single‐layer mirrors that reflect X‐rays within a specific energy range, multilayer optics can be tailored to achieve a high reflection over a broad energy spectrum. This is a sought‐after property for many beamlines and has led to the development of numerous new X‐ray applications and capabilities. This review highlights advances in multilayer optics, including fabrication techniques, layer structure design, material choice, and strategies to enhance performance. This is placed in the context of recent applications of such multilayers as monochromator and gratings, focusing devices, and polarizers. Current challenges and the future outlook within this field are also proposed. This comprehensive summary of a rapidly advancing field highlights recent achievements and is intended to promote practical applications in terms of the use of multilayer synchrotron optics.
Predictive Control Scheme for Fuel Cell Air Compressor Efficiency Enhancement with Surge‐ and Choke‐Constrained Awareness
Authors: Ye Wangcheng , Zhong Shunbin , Shen Ying , Zhang Xuezhi , Wang Ya‐Xiong 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe efficiency and dynamic response of air compressors are crucial for stability and lifespan of hydrogen fuel cells. A predictive control scheme with surge‐ and choke‐constrained awareness is proposed to ensure safe and efficient operation of air compressors in this study. The proposed scheme consists of an efficiency enhancement model predictive control (EE‐MPC), and an improved active disturbance rejection control (IADRC). Surge‐ and choke‐constrained awareness is achieved by comparing predicted air flow with surge and choke limitations. Simultaneously, the EE‐MPC is constrained with oxygen excess ratio (OER) and obtains optimal solution by searching active set. The reference flow and supply manifold pressure trajectories for IADRC are generated by EE‐MPC. A designed piecewise differentiable nonlinear smoothing function is embedded in IADRC. The disturbances are estimated for coordinating flow and pressure control. Under China heavy‐duty commercial vehicle test cycle for bus conditions, root‐mean‐squared errors (RMSEs) of flow and pressure are 3.27 g s−1 and 1.88 × 103 Pa, respectively, and the mean efficiency can be enhanced by 13.4% compared to the MPC with fixed OER. Finally, a controller hardware‐in‐the‐loop test is conducted, with flow and pressure RMSEs of 2.48 g s−1 and 4.28 × 103 Pa between the test and simulation, respectively.
Validating APSIM for the Northern Territory of Australia: An environment with challenging weather and soils
Authors: Pembleton Keith G. , Radanielson Ando M. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractExtreme weather (high rainfall and temperatures) and challenging soils are sources of uncertainties in the use of current crop models that have been developed for more favorable environments. This may limit their applicability to guide and support decision making for the development of new agricultural regions in tropical environments. We evaluated the accuracy of the Agricultural Production Systems Simulator (APSIM) framework in representing yield and development of a range of crops across multiple locations in the Northern Territory of Australia, a tropical region with large potential for agricultural development. Observations of yield, biomass, and phenology for a range of crops from 28 experiments undertaken at three locations were compiled and used to develop simulations undertaken using APSIM version 7.10. Model performance varied with coefficients of determination and concordance correlation coefficients ranging from 0.36 to 0.98 and 0.37 to 0.93, respectively. Instances where model performance was less than ideal were associated with conditions presenting a limited number of observed values. Deviations by the model from yield observations were larger for situations with high‐yielding crops and low daily maximum temperatures during vegetative growth stages. Deviations in phenology were larger for conditions associated with water and N stress. APSIM was capable of representing the yield, biomass, and development of cereal and pulse crops and can be used with confidence to assist the expansion of agriculture in tropical environments such as the Northern Territory of Australia.
High stress, high demand and high pressure: Experiences of social work and human services agencies during Melbourne's COVID‐19 lockdowns
Authors: Haralambous Betty , Egan Ronnie , O'Keeffe Patrick , Baskarathas Sobika , Heales Emily , Jerono Caroline , Thompson Scott 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe COVID‐19 pandemic has created major challenges globally. The social work and human services profession has been required to rapidly respond to policy and social changes. This research aimed to understand how the pandemic has affected social work and human services staff within Melbourne, Victoria. In this paper, we analyse the practice and policy implications of these responses, and outline learning for the human services sector. We draw on interviews with social work and human services practitioners, exploring their experiences during the pandemic, including social and economic impacts on service users and agencies, and organisational and practice changes. Participants highlight compliance requirements, digitalisation of services, loss of social connection for service users and service impacts. In addition, participants highlight how people from low socioeconomic backgrounds were immensely affected throughout COVID‐19 lockdowns. However, this research also identifies service benefits, resulting from the rapid adjustments made by agencies that need further exploration for future practice. This article highlights how, despite the challenges posed by COVID‐19, agencies and workers developed innovative responses to this crisis. Drawing on these insights can help to understand how such initiatives can be implemented in the future. This article contributes to knowledge about innovation in a time of crisis.
Eliminating biased selections during concurrent‐chains schedules: A discovery research example
Authors: Rodriguez Nicole M. , Luczynski Kevin C. , Bock Victoria L. , Fallon Maya J. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractWhen an individual has limited language, concurrent‐chains schedules offer an objective means of assessing preference among behavior‐change procedures so that recipients can be incorporated into the treatment selection process. We initially attempted to use a concurrent‐chains schedule to assess children's preference for different types of token systems. However, upon observing children engaging in patterned selections, we evaluated procedures for eliminating biased selections. This was done using simple and salient terminal‐link arrangements with seven children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. For five of seven children, manipulating the number of successive forced‐choice trials to the reinforcement link was sufficient to produce discriminated responding. Removing the academic task in the terminal link was necessary for two children. For all participants, discriminated responding maintained when the initial exposure arrangement was reinstated. Results are discussed regarding the potential effects of a history of errorless teaching biasing selections during concurrent‐chains schedules.
The bone marrow lipidomics of mice reveal sex‐related differences
Authors: Zhong Ziqing , Hu Zuojian , Zhou Wei , Qin Xue , Tan Shaolin 
Published: April 2024

AbstractOsteoporosis is a common skeletal disorder characterized by an imbalance between bone resorption and formation, exhibiting a higher prevalence in women compared with men. While previous studies have primarily focused on genomics and genetics in osteoporosis susceptibility, there is a lack of systematic exploration of sex‐specific differences in lipid levels in mouse bone marrow. Multiple reaction monitoring‐based liquid chromatography–trandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) was used to quantify lipidomic profiles in bone marrow samples from three female mice and three male mice. The LC–MS/MS technique based on the multiple reaction monitoring method identified and quantified 184 lipids from 15 lipid classes. The contents of most lipids in the bone marrow cells of female mice were higher than those in male mice, including four polyunsaturated fatty acids, three phospholipids and four sphingolipids. Among all the lipid molecules, lactosylceramide (d18:0/16:0) showed the highest fold change in female mice, while its precursor lipid, glucosylceramide, was the most up‐regulated in male mice. This study, focusing on bone marrow lipidomics, elucidates significant sexual dimorphism in lipid levels within bone marrow cells. It provides novel evidence supporting the higher prevalence of osteoporosis in women and enhances our understanding of the connection between sex‐specific lipid levels and the risk of osteoporosis.
Consumer behavioral intention toward sustainable biscuits: An extension of the theory of planned behavior with product familiarity and perceived value
Authors: Dangelico Rosa Maria , Ceccarelli Gaia , Fraccascia Luca 
Published: April 2024

AbstractSustainable food consumption may help mitigate the impact that the food industry exerts on the natural environment. To foster sustainable food consumption, it is essential to understand consumers' perceptions related to sustainable food as well as the determinants of the intention to purchase sustainable food. Through an extension of the theory of planned behavior (TPB) with product familiarity (direct and indirect experience) and perceived value (perceived quality and green perceived utility), this study examines the drivers of purchase intention of sustainable biscuits. A survey of 2396 Italian consumers was conducted and structural equation modeling was used to test the developed model. Results show that perceived quality and environmental concern have positive and significant effects on purchase intention, regardless of the specific characteristics of sustainable biscuits, whereas mixed results are obtained about the effect of direct experience and perceived consumer effectiveness. Indirect experience, green perceived utility, perceived behavioral control, and subjective norms do not display any significant effect.
A constructive Steiner graph matching for Radio frequency identification device tag detection in wireless and internet of things environment
Authors: Sathishkumar P. , Rajan C. , Geetha K. 
Published: April 2024

SummaryRadio frequency identification device (RFID) has emerged as one of the most potential building blocks for future IoT‐enabled technologies. Various applications like logistic monitoring use the RFID system to deal with the tagged objects. RFID‐based tracking approach is extremely solicited for appropriate logistic distribution because of the frequent tagged‐objects rearrangements. Nevertheless, with an RFID system, one of the most significant issues is resolving collisions between tags as they transfer data to the reader at the same time. This work investigates the core issue of locating all lost tags in RFID systems. The most significant factor in missing tag recognition is to reduce the time required for execution. A problem needs to be formulated to differentiate the tagged objects' motion state, that is, static or dynamic, to handle this issue. It tracks the moving objects with various existing localization approaches. Finally, a tag detection known as constructive Steiner graph matching (CSGM) detection is proposed to achieve time efficiency by utilizing RFID collision signals. Specifically, the physical‐layer features are considered for differentiating the positions. Experimental outcomes demonstrate that the anticipated model can attain better prediction accuracy by reducing inventory time compared to other approaches. Simulation findings show that the suggested approach performs exceptionally well in giving a significant performance boost in an RFID system. It minimizes the complexity of tracking the objects. The simulation outcomes illustrate that the algorithm's identification speed is substantially enhanced and ensuring high system efficiency. The simulation results of the proposed algorithm have been improved in terms of system efficiency (9.5%), success rate (6.3%), and identification speed (4%) compared to the conventional algorithm. The suggested CSGM technique's average waiting time is decreased by more than 45.372%, and its detection speed is increased by at least 38.219% compared to other existing algorithms.
The influence of anterior cingulate GABA+ and glutamate on emotion regulation and reactivity in adolescents and adults
Authors: Widegren Ebba , Frick Matilda A. , Hoppe Johanna Motilla , Weis Jan , Möller Stefan , Fällmar David , Mårtensson Johanna , Brocki Karin , Gingnell Malin , Frick Andreas 
Published: April 2024

AbstractDuring adolescence, emotion regulation and reactivity are still developing and are in many ways qualitatively different from adulthood. However, the neurobiological processes underpinning these differences remain poorly understood, including the role of maturing neurotransmitter systems. We combined magnetic resonance spectroscopy in the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC) and self‐reported emotion regulation and reactivity in a sample of typically developed adolescents (n = 37; 13–16 years) and adults (n = 39; 30–40 years), and found that adolescents had higher levels of glutamate to total creatine (tCr) ratio in the dACC than adults. A glutamate Í age group interaction indicated a differential relation between dACC glutamate levels and emotion regulation in adolescents and adults, and within‐group follow‐up analyses showed that higher levels of glutamate/tCr were related to worse emotion regulation skills in adolescents. We found no age‐group differences in gamma‐aminobutyric acid+macromolecules (GABA+) levels; however, emotion reactivity was positively related to GABA+/tCr in the adult group, but not in the adolescent group. The results demonstrate that there are developmental changes in the concentration of glutamate, but not GABA+, within the dACC from adolescence to adulthood, in accordance with previous findings indicating earlier maturation of the GABA‐ergic than the glutamatergic system. Functionally, glutamate and GABA+ are positively related to emotion regulation and reactivity, respectively, in the mature brain. In the adolescent brain, however, glutamate is negatively related to emotion regulation, and GABA+ is not related to emotion reactivity. The findings are consistent with synaptic pruning of glutamatergic synapses from adolescence to adulthood and highlight the importance of brain maturational processes underlying age‐related differences in emotion processing.