bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Lagrange and practical stability criteria for dynamical systems with nonlinear perturbations
Authors: Krumov Assen 
Published: April 2012

Lagrange and practical stability criteria for dynamical systems with nonlinear perturbationsIn the paper two classes of nonlinear dynamical system with perturbations are considered. The sufficient conditions for robust Lagrange and practical stability are proven with theorems, applying the theory of nonlinear operators of the functional analysis. The presented criteria give also the bounds of the analyzed dynamical processes. Three examples comparing the numerical computer solutions and the analytical investigation of the stability of the systems are given. The method can be applied to analytical and computer modeling of nonlinear dynamical systems, synthesis of computer control and optimization.
Autoregulation of MARCH1 Expression by Dimerization and Autoubiquitination
Authors: Bourgeois-Daigneault Marie-Claude , Thibodeau Jacques 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
Some members of the membrane-associated RING-CH family of E3 ubiquitin ligases (MARCHs) are membrane-bound and target major players of the immune response. MARCH1 ubiquitinates and downregulates MHC class II expression in APCs. It is induced by IL-10 and despite a strong increase in mRNA expression in human primary monocytes, the protein remains hardly detectable. To gain insights into the posttranslational regulation of MARCH1, we investigated whether its expression is itself regulated by ubiquitination. Our results demonstrate that MARCH1 is ubiquitinated in transfected human cell lines. Polyubiquitin chain-specific Abs revealed the presence of K48-linked polyubiquitin chains. A mutant devoid of lysine residues in the N- and C-terminal regions was less ubiquitinated and had a prolonged half-life. Reduced ubiquitination was also observed for an inactive mutated form of the molecule (M1WI), suggesting that MARCH1 is capable of autoubiquitination. Immunoprecipitation and energy transfer experiments demonstrated that MARCH1 homodimerizes and also forms heterodimers with others family members. Coexpression of MARCH1 decreased the protein levels of the inactive M1WI, suggesting a transubiquitination process. Taken together, our results suggest that MARCH1 may regulate its own expression through dimerization and autoubiquitination.
Novel Role for Surfactant Protein A in Gastrointestinal Graft-versus-Host Disease
Authors: Gowdy Kymberly M. , Cardona Diana M. , Nugent Julia L. , Giamberardino Charles , Thomas Joseph M. , Mukherjee Sambudho , Martinu Tereza , Foster W. Michael , Plevy Scott E. , Pastva Amy M. , Wright Jo Rae , Palmer Scott M. 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is a severe and frequent complication of allogeneic bone marrow transplantation (BMT) that involves the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and lungs. The pathobiology of GVHD is complex and involves immune cell recognition of host Ags as foreign. We hypothesize a central role for the collectin surfactant protein A (SP-A) in regulating the development of GVHD after allogeneic BMT. C57BL/6 (H2b; WT) and SP-A–deficient mice on a C57BL/6 background (H2b; SP-A−/−) mice underwent allogeneic or syngeneic BMT with cells from either C3HeB/FeJ (H2k; SP-A–deficient recipient mice that have undergone an allogeneic BMT [SP-A−/−alloBMT] or SP-A–sufficient recipient mice that have undergone an allogeneic BMT) or C57BL/6 (H2b; SP-A–deficient recipient mice that have undergone a syngeneic BMT or SP-A–sufficient recipient mice that have undergone a syngeneic BMT) mice. Five weeks post-BMT, mice were necropsied, and lung and GI tissue were analyzed. SP-A−/− alloBMT or SP-A–sufficient recipient mice that have undergone an allogeneic BMT had no significant differences in lung pathology; however, SP-A−/−alloBMT mice developed marked features of GI GVHD, including decreased body weight, increased tissue inflammation, and lymphocytic infiltration. SP-A−/−alloBMT mice also had increased colon expression of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and IFN-γ and as well as increased Th17 cells and diminished regulatory T cells. Our results demonstrate the first evidence, to our knowledge, of a critical role for SP-A in modulating GI GVHD. In these studies, we demonstrate that mice deficient in SP-A that have undergone an allogeneic BMT have a greater incidence of GI GVHD that is associated with increased Th17 cells and decreased regulatory T cells. The results of these studies demonstrate that SP-A protects against the development of GI GVHD and establishes a role for SP-A in regulating the immune response in the GI tract.
Obsidian in Southern Ecuador: The Carboncillo Source
Authors: Ogburn Dennis E. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractThe Carboncillo area in the southern highlands of Ecuador is identified as the only confirmed source of archaeological obsidian located in the country outside of the northern highlands and is the first identified in the large gap between the known Ecuadorian and Peruvian sources. With the identification of this source, it can no longer be assumed that all obsidian found in Ecuador came from sources in the northern highlands. Thus the Carboncillo source has significant implications for interpreting patterns of long-distance exchange in the Andes, especially in southern Ecuador and the far north of Peru. A geochemical analysis of the Carboncillo material shows that it can be easily distinguished from the obsidian from other Ecuadorian sources. A provenance study of archaeological obsidian samples from the southern highlands of Ecuador using x-ray fluorescence demonstrates that the Carboncillo obsidian was used at the Preceramic site of Chobshi Cave and at a number of late prehispanic sites in the Saraguro region. The results indicate a high level of sociopolitical and economic isolation in late prehistory, most likely tied to a preoccupation with warfare between neighboring groups, and provide additional evidence that the economic organization of the southern highlands differed markedly from that of the north during this time.
Las Vizcachas Pampeanas (Lagostomus Maximus, Rodentia) en la Subsistencia Indigena del Holoceno Tardio de Las Sierras de Tandilia Oriental (Argentina)
Authors: Quintana Carlos A. , Mazzanti Diana L. 
Published: April 2012

ResumenSe describen las evidencias de procesamiento carnicero halladas en los esqueletos del roedor Lagostomus maximus (vizcacha pampeana) provenientes de sitios arqueológicos del Holoceno Tardío Final (1000 a 600 a.P.) de las sierras de Tandilia Oriental (provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina). La diversidad ósea registrada, la cantidad de ejemplares, las huellas de corte, las de raspado y las fracturas intencionales indican que las vizcachas fueron ingresadas enteras a los sitios y que se les aplicaron procesos de desollado, desarticulación, descarne y fracturas. La comparación con la explotación de la vizcacha durante milenios anteriores en las mismas sierras muestra que sólo hacia el Holoceno Tardío Final esta especie adquirió mayor importancia numérica y le fueron aplicados procesos carniceros más elaborados. Este fenómeno está vinculado al desarrollo de una subsistencia de intensificación y diversificación en la cual la caza menor fue preponderante en Tandilia.
A Brief Report of Surveillance of Traumatic Experiences and Exposures After the Earthquake-Tsunami in American Samoa, 2009
Authors: King Michael E. , Schreiber Merritt D. , Formanski Stephen E. , Fleming Sinclair , Bayleyegn Tesfaye M. , Lemusu Siitia S. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractContextRapid mental health surveillance during the acute phase of a disaster response can inform the allocation of limited clinical resources and provide essential household-level risk estimates for recovery planning.ObjectiveTo describe the use of the PsySTART Rapid Mental Health Triage and Incident Management System for individual-level clinical triage and traumatic exposure assessment in the aftermath of a large-scale disaster.MethodsWe conducted a cross-sectional, comparative review of mental health triage data collected with the PsySTART system from survivors of the September 2009 earthquake-tsunami in American Samoa. Data were obtained from two sources—secondary triage of patients and a standardized community assessment survey—and analyzed descriptively. The main outcome measures were survivor-reported traumatic experiences and exposures—called triage factors—associated with risk for developing severe distress and new mental health disorders following disasters.ResultsThe most common triage factors reported by survivors referred for mental health services were “felt extreme panic/fear” (93%) and “felt direct threat to life” (93%). The most common factor reported by persons in tsunami-affected communities was “felt extreme panic or fear” (75%). Proportions of severe triage factors reported by persons living in the community were consistently lower than those reported by patients referred for mental health services.ConclusionsThe combination of evidence-based mental health triage and community assessment gave hospital-based providers, local public health officials, and federal response teams a strategy to match limited clinical resources with survivors at greatest risk. Also, it produced a common operating picture of acute and chronic mental health needs among disaster systems of care operating in American Samoa.(Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2013;7:327-331)
The Local Lymph Node Assay (LLNA)
Authors: Rovida Costanza , Ryan Cindy , Cinelli Serena , Basketter David , Dearman Rebecca , Kimber Ian 
Published: April 2012

AbstractThe murine local lymph node assay (LLNA) is a widely accepted method for assessing the skin sensitization potential of chemicals. Compared with other in vivo methods in guinea pig, the LLNA offers important advantages with respect to animal welfare, including a requirement for reduced animal numbers as well as reduced pain and trauma. In addition to hazard identification, the LLNA is used for determining the relative skin sensitizing potency of contact allergens as a pivotal contribution to the risk assessment process. The LLNA is the only in vivo method that has been subjected to a formal validation process. The original LLNA protocol is based on measurement of the proliferative activity of draining lymph node cells (LNC), as determined by incorporation of radiolabeled thymidine. Several variants to the original LLNA have been developed to eliminate the use of radioactive materials. One such alternative is considered here: the LLNA:BrdU‐ELISA method, which uses 5‐bromo‐2‐deoxyuridine (BrdU) in place of radiolabeled thymidine to measure LNC proliferation in draining nodes. Curr. Protoc. Toxicol. 51:20.7.1‐20.7.14. © 2012 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Role of exercise for knee pain: What do older adults in the community think?
Authors: Holden Melanie A. , Nicholls Elaine E. , Young Julie , Hay Elaine M. , Foster Nadine E. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractObjectiveOlder adults with knee pain report low levels of exercise and physical activity. One explanation for this might be that they believe exercise is unhelpful or even harmful for knee pain. We therefore explored the attitudes and beliefs of older adults in the community about the role of exercise for knee pain using mixed methods.MethodsA survey was mailed to 2,234 older adults registered with 1 general practice within the UK. The survey included 23 attitude statements derived from published exercise recommendations. Semistructured interviews were completed in a purposeful sample of questionnaire responders (n = 22) and were recorded and analyzed thematically.ResultsThe questionnaire response rate was 59% (n = 1,276), and 611 respondents reported knee pain in the past 12 months. There was considerable uncertainty about the benefits of exercise; <50% largely or totally agreed on any attitude statement relating to the benefit of exercise for knee pain. The interviews revealed that attitudes and beliefs about exercise for knee pain are linked to the individuals' perceptions about their knee problems, and that many different barriers and facilitators to exercise and physical activity exist. These barriers and facilitators could be grouped as those relating to the person, the knee problem itself, and social or environmental factors. Barriers and facilitators varied between different individuals and over time.ConclusionThe overall uncertainty within the community about the role of exercise for knee pain highlights the challenges faced by those living with knee pain in completing physical activity, and for health care professionals prescribing exercise for this patient group.
Association of arterial events with the coexistence of metabolic syndrome and primary antiphospholipid syndrome
Authors: Rodrigues Carlos Ewerton Maia , Bonfá Eloisa , Caleiro Maria Teresa Correia , Vendramini Margarete B. , Bueno Cleonice , Lopes Jaqueline B. , de Carvalho Jozélio Freire 
Published: April 2012

AbstractObjectiveMetabolic syndrome (MetS) is highly prevalent in rheumatic diseases and is recognized as a new independent cardiovascular risk factor. This study was undertaken to determine the clinical significance of MetS in patients with primary antiphospholipid syndrome (APS).MethodsSeventy‐one primary APS patients and 73 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls were included. Serum samples were tested for lipid profile, Lp(a), glucose, insulin, thyroid‐stimulating hormone, free T4, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C‐reactive protein level, and uric acid. MetS was defined by the International Diabetes Federation criteria, and insulin resistance was established using the homeostasis model assessment index.ResultsThe prevalence of MetS was 33.8%, and further comparison between primary APS patients with and without MetS revealed that the former had a higher frequency of arterial events (79.2% versus 42.6%; P = 0.003), angina (29.2% versus 2.1%; P = 0.002), and positive lupus anticoagulant antibody (95.8% versus 76.6%; P = 0.049). In addition, primary APS patients with MetS, as expected, had a higher prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors. On multivariate analysis, only MetS was independently associated with arterial events in primary APS.ConclusionCoexistence of primary APS and MetS seems to identify a subgroup of patients with higher risk of arterial events, suggesting that MetS may aggravate existing endothelial abnormalities of primary APS.
Umbilical cord blood levels of maternal antibodies reactive with p200 and full‐length Ro 52 in the assessment of risk for cardiac manifestations of neonatal lupus
Authors: Reed Joanne H. , Clancy Robert M. , Lee Kristen H. , Saxena Amit , Izmirly Peter M. , Buyon Jill P. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractObjectiveMaternal anti‐Ro autoantibodies are associated with cardiac manifestations of neonatal lupus (cardiac NL), yet only 2% of women with this reactivity have an affected child. Identification of a more specific marker would channel intense monitoring to fetuses at greater risk. This study aimed to determine whether autoantibodies against Ro 52 amino acids 200–239 (p200) confer added risk over autoantibodies to full‐length Ro 52, Ro 60, or La.MethodsAnti‐Ro–exposed pregnancies resulting in cardiac NL or no cardiac manifestations were identified from the Research Registry for Neonatal Lupus and the PR Interval and Dexamethasone Evaluation study. Umbilical cord (n = 123) and maternal (n = 115) samples were evaluated by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.ResultsThe frequencies of p200, Ro 52, Ro 60, and La autoantibodies were not significantly different between affected and unaffected children. However, neonatal anti–Ro 52 and Ro 60 titers were highest in cardiac NL and their unaffected siblings compared to unaffected neonates without a cardiac NL sibling. Although both maternal anti–Ro 52 and p200 autoantibodies were less than 50% specific for cardiac NL, anti‐p200 was the least likely of the Ro autoantibodies to be false‐positive in mothers who have never had an affected child. Titers of anti–Ro 52 and p200 did not differ during a cardiac NL or unaffected pregnancy from the same mother.ConclusionMaternal reactivity to p200 does not confer an added risk to fetal conduction defects over full‐length Ro 52 or Ro 60 autoantibodies. Mothers who may never be at risk for having an affected child have lower anti–Ro 60 titers and may require less stringent echocardiographic monitoring compared to women with high‐titer autoantibodies.
Clinimetric properties of observer‐assessed impairment tests used to evaluate hip and groin impairments: A systematic review
Authors: Dobson Fiona , Choi Yik Ming , Hall Michelle , Hinman Rana S. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractObjectiveTo recommend the most suitable observer‐assessed impairment tests in people with hip and/or groin pathologies by conducting a systematic review of the clinimetric properties of these tests.MethodsElectronic searches were performed in the Cochrane, PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, SPORTDiscus, and PsycINFO databases up to August 2011. Two reviewers independently rated the measurement properties of clinical tests of impairments, defined by the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health as problems in body structure or body function, using the Consensus‐Based Standards for the Selection of Health Status Measurement Instruments (COSMIN). “Best evidence synthesis” was made using COSMIN outcomes and the quality of findings was assessed using a purpose criteria system.ResultsFifteen of 2,588 publications were eligible for inclusion. Impairments evaluated were range of motion (ROM; 9 studies), muscle strength (6 studies), tenderness (3 studies), leg length discrepancy (2 studies), balance (2 studies), and muscle length (2 studies) in people with hip osteoarthritis (OA), hip fractures, and mixed hip/groin pathologies. Measurement properties evaluated included reliability, measurement error, construct validity, and criterion validity. Responsiveness and interpretability were not assessed. Intrarater reliability of ROM tests (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] 0.82–0.97) and strength tests (ICC 0.84–0.98) for hip OA and of strength tests (ICC 0.66–0.86) and balance tests (ICC 0.73–0.94) for hip fractures was demonstrated.ConclusionThis systematic review highlighted a paucity of literature evaluating the clinimetric properties of impairment tests for people with hip and/or groin pathology. A large number of inconclusive findings were found and as such, many clinical impairment tests should be used with caution in people with hip and/or groin pathologies until further clinimetric evidence becomes available.
Risk of malignancy in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis not treated with biologic agents
Authors: Nordstrom Beth L. , Mines Daniel , Gu Yun , Mercaldi Catherine , Aquino Peter , Harrison Melanie J. 
Published: April 2012

AbstractObjectiveTo estimate the relative risk of incident cancer diagnosis among patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) compared to patients without JIA.MethodsA cohort of biologics‐naive patients diagnosed with JIA between 1998 and 2007 and a matched cohort of comparators without JIA were assembled from the PharMetrics Patient‐Centric Database. The primary outcome was any incident malignancy, excluding nonmelanoma skin cancer and carcinoma in situ. Claims profiles of patients with any cancer‐related diagnosis codes were reviewed to determine outcomes. Incidence rates and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) of cancer were calculated and compared between cohorts using Cox proportional hazards regression. Standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) for each cohort compared to the general population were calculated using reference rates from the US Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End‐Results (SEER) program.ResultsThe JIA and non‐JIA cohorts included 3,605 and 37,689 patients, respectively, with a mean age of 11 years. The incidence rates of cancer were 67.0 (95% CI 1.3–132.5) cases/100,000 person‐years (PY) for JIA and 23.2 (95% CI 12.2–34.2) cases/100,000 PY for non‐JIA. The risk of cancer associated with biologics‐naive JIA was elevated (hazard ratio 2.8, 95% CI 0.9–8.3). The JIA cohort had a significantly elevated SIR of 4.0 (95% CI 2.6–6.0); the non‐JIA cohort SIR was not significantly above SEER rates (SIR 1.4, 95% CI 0.6–2.6).ConclusionWe found a nearly 3‐fold increased risk of cancer in biologics‐naive JIA patients, which approached significance despite the small number of outcomes. This finding suggests an elevated underlying risk of cancer in this disease population.
Surface Modification of Ti6Al4V Open Porous Structures Produced by Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Pyka Grzegorz , Burakowski Andrzej , Kerckhofs Greet , Moesen Maarten , Van Bael Simon , Schrooten Jan , Wevers Martine 
Published: April 2012

AbstractAdditive manufacturing techniques can be used to produce micro‐porous structures with global morphological properties that are highly controlled through robust computer design. Despite these advantages, most of these techniques still hold several functional constraints, resulting from present technical device limits and consequently the inability to control surface morphology at a microscale level. In this study, a novel protocol for surface modification of 3D titanium alloy‐based open porous structures is developed, which applies a combination of chemical etching (CHE) and electrochemical polishing (ECP) using HF‐based solutions. This protocol achieves significant and controllable roughness reduction of additive manufactured 3D Ti6Al4V open porous structures. Chemical etching mainly removes the attached powder grains, while ECP further decreases the roughness. In this way the heterogeneity of the strut surface roughness throughout the full 3D structure is effectively removed.
Co3O4 Nanoparticles as Robust Water Oxidation Catalysts Towards Remarkably Enhanced Photostability of a Ta3N5 Photoanode
Authors: Liao Maijia , Feng Jianyong , Luo Wenjun , Wang Zhiqiang , Zhang Jiyuan , Li Zhaosheng , Yu Tao , Zou Zhigang 
Published: April 2012

AbstractDespite the fact that Ta3N5 absorbs a major fraction of the visible spectrum, the rapid decrease of photocurrent encountered in water photoelectrolysis over time remains a serious hurdle for the practical application of Ta3N5 photoelectrodes. Here, by employing a Co3O4 nanoparticle water oxidation catalyst (WOC) as well as an alkaline electrolyte, the photostability of Ta3N5 electrode is significantly improved. Co3O4/Ta3N5 photoanode exhibits the best durability against photocorrosion to date, when compared with Co(OH)x/Ta3N5 and IrO2/Ta3N5 photoanodes. Specifically, about 75% of the initial stable photocurrent remains after 2 h irradiation at 1.2 V vs. RHE (reversible hydrogen electrode). Meanwhile, a photocurrent density of 3.1 mA cm−2 has been achieved on Co3O4/Ta3N5 photoanode at 1.2 V vs. RHE with backside illumination under 1 sun AM 1.5 G simulated sunlight. The reason for the relatively high stability is discussed on the basis of electron microscopic observations and photoelectrochemical measurements, and the surface nitrogen content is monitored by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopic analysis.
Photoconductivity of C60as an Origin of Bias‐Dependent Photocurrent in Organic Photovoltaics
Authors: Jeong Won‐Ik , Lee Yang Eun , Shim Hyun‐Sub , Kim Tae‐Min , Kim Sei‐Yong , Kim Jang‐Joo 
Published: April 2012

AbstractThe bulk‐ionized photoconductivity of C60is reported as an origin of the bias‐dependent linear change of the photocurrent in copper phthalocyanine (CuPc)/C60planar heterojunction solar cells, based on the observation of the variation of the bias‐dependent photocurrent on excitation wavelengths and the thickness‐dependent photocurrent of the C60layer. A theoretical model, which is a combination of the Braun‐Onsager model for the dissociation of excitons at the donor/acceptor interface and the Onsager model for the bulk ionization of excitons in the C60layer, describes the bias‐dependent photocurrent in the devices very well. The bulk‐ionized photoconductivity of C60must generally contribute to the photocurrent in organic photovoltaics, since fullerene and fullerene derivatives are widely used in these devices.