bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Isometric rate of force development, maximum voluntary contraction, and balance in women with and without joint hypermobility
Authors: Mebes Christine , Amstutz Astrid , Luder Gere , Ziswiler Hans‐Ruedi , Stettler Matthias , Villiger Peter M. , Radlinger Lorenz 
Published: October 2008

AbstractObjectiveTo determine differences between hypermobile subjects and controls in terms of maximum strength, rate of force development, and balance.MethodsWe recruited 13 subjects with hypermobility and 18 controls. Rate of force development and maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) during single leg knee extension of the right knee were measured isometrically for each subject. Balance was tested twice on a force plate with 15‐second single‐leg stands on the right leg. Rate of force development (N/second) and MVC (N) were extracted from the force‐time curve as maximal rate of force development (= limit Δforce/Δtime) and the absolute maximal value, respectively.ResultsThe hypermobile subjects showed a significantly higher value for rate of force development (15.2% higher; P = 0.038, P = 0.453, ϵ = 0.693) and rate of force development related to body weight (16.4% higher; P = 0.018, P = 0.601, ϵ = 0.834) than the controls. The groups did not differ significantly in MVC (P = 0.767, P = 0.136, ϵ = 0.065), and MVC related to body weight varied randomly between the groups (P = 0.921, P = 0.050, ϵ = 0.000). In balance testing, the mediolateral sway of the hypermobile subjects showed significantly higher values (11.6% higher; P = 0.034, P = 0.050, ϵ = 0.000) than that of controls, but there was no significant difference (4.9% difference; P = 0.953, P = 0.050, ϵ = 0.000) in anteroposterior sway between the 2 groups.ConclusionHypermobile women without acute symptoms or limitations in activities of daily life have a higher rate of force development in the knee extensors and a higher mediolateral sway than controls with normal joint mobility.
A proof‐of‐concept study of the “employment and arthritis: Making it work” program
Authors: Lacaille Diane , White Margaret A. , Rogers Pam A. , Backman Catherine L. , Gignac Monique A. M. , Esdaile John M. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractObjectiveWork disability is a common outcome of inflammatory arthritis (IA), yet few services address employment. We conducted a proof‐of‐concept study of the “Employment and Arthritis: Making It Work” self‐management program aimed at preventing work disability and maintaining at‐work productivity in employed people with IA.MethodsThe program was developed using the precede‐proceed model and self‐management concepts. Program goals included modifying risk factors for work disability and enhancing self‐management of work problems due to IA, as identified in initial focus groups. The program included a self‐learning manual, 5 group sessions, and individual visits with an occupational therapist for an ergonomic assessment and a vocational rehabilitation counselor. It was pilot tested in 2 groups (n = 19) and evaluated over 12 months of followup.ResultsParticipants consisted of 19 employed women with IA. Process evaluation demonstrated feasibility and excellent attendance and use of the self‐learning manual. By 1 year, 80% reported increased confidence in requesting job accommodations, 74% had requested an accommodation, and 71% of requested accommodations were implemented. The occupational therapist and vocational rehabilitation counselor visits resulted in recommendations for change in 100% and 74% of participants, respectively, with implementation of some recommended changes in 89% and 63%, respectively. Improvements were observed in self‐confidence in managing problems at work, fatigue interference with work, measures of limitations, and at‐work productivity.ConclusionWe developed a novel intervention to prevent work disability in patients with IA, combining self‐management group sessions and professional assessments aimed at job retention, which resulted in people making changes to adapt their work to their arthritis, and improved fatigue, self‐efficacy, and at‐work productivity.
Assessing current outcomes of juvenile idiopathic arthritis: A cross‐sectional study in a tertiary center sample
Authors: Solari Nicoletta , Viola Stefania , Pistorio Angela , Magni‐Manzoni Silvia , Vitale Rosa , Ruperto Nicolino , Ullmann Nicola , Filocamo Giovanni , Martini Alberto , Ravelli Angelo 
Published: October 2008

AbstractObjectiveTo investigate the disease outcomes of a cross‐sectional sample of children with longstanding juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) seen between September 2002 and December 2006, and to provide a benchmarking of outcomes obtained with current treatment.MethodsAll consecutive patients were included if they met the following criteria: diagnosis of JIA, disease duration ≥5 years, and informed consent. Outcome assessments included disease activity, inactive disease, minimal disease activity, pain, physical function, health‐related quality of life (HRQOL), auxometric measurements, and articular and extraarticular damage.ResultsA total of 310 patients were included. At study visit, patients had on average a low level of disease activity. However, only 21.8% met the criteria for inactive disease, and less than 50% met the definition of minimal disease activity. Additionally, 19.2% had moderate to severe Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire disability and 3.6% were in Steinbrocker class III–IV. Approximately 10% had major impairment in HRQOL. A total of 34.2% had damage in ≥1 joint or joint group and 26.1% showed extraarticular damage. Of the 125 patients who underwent a wrist radiograph, 35.2% had significant structural damage and 8.7% had growth retardation.ConclusionOur patients had on average a low level of disease activity, little or no physical disability, and a satisfactory HRQOL. However, a sizable proportion of patients had persistently active disease, impaired function, and damage. These findings underscore the critical need for treatments and treatment strategies that have the ability to better control disease activity and to reduce the development of disease‐related morbidities.
Feasibility of ultrasound‐guided sacroiliac joint injection considering sonoanatomic landmarks at two different levels in cadavers and patients
Authors: Klauser Andrea , De Zordo Tobias , Feuchtner Gudrun , Sögner Peter , Schirmer Michael , Gruber Johann , Sepp Norbert , Moriggl Bernhard 
Published: October 2008

AbstractObjectiveSacroiliitis is often caused by rheumatic diseases, and besides other therapeutic options, treatment consists of intraarticular injection of corticosteroids. The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility of ultrasound (US)‐guided sacroiliac joint (SI joint) injection at 2 different puncture levels in cadavers and patients when defined sonoanatomic landmarks were considered.MethodsAfter defining sonoanatomic landmarks, US‐guided needle insertion was performed in 10 human cadavers (20 SI joints) at 2 different puncture sites. Upper level was defined at the level of the posterior sacral foramen 1 and lower level at the level of the posterior sacral foramen 2. In 10 patients with unilateral sacroiliitis, injection at the most feasible level was attempted.ResultsComputed tomography confirmed correct intraarticular needle placement in cadavers by showing the tip of the needle in the joint and intraarticular diffusion of contrast media in 16 (80%) of 20 SI joints (upper level 7 [70%] of 10; lower level 9 [90%] of 10). In all 4 cases in which needle insertion failed, intraarticular SI joint injection at the other level was successful. In patients, 100% of US‐guided injections were successful (8 lower level, 2 upper level), with a mean pain relief of 8.6 after 3 months.ConclusionUS guidance of needle insertion into SI joints was feasible at both levels when defined sonoanatomic landmarks were used. If SI joint alterations do not allow for direct visualization of the dorsal joint space of the lower level, which is easier to access, the upper level might offer an appropriate alternative.
Active or passive pain coping strategies in hip and knee osteoarthritis? results of a national survey of 4,719 patients in a primary care setting
Authors: Perrot S. , Poiraudeau S. , Kabir M. , Bertin P. , Sichere P. , Serrie A. , Rannou F. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractObjectiveTo study pain coping strategies in patients with hip and knee osteoarthritis (OA), and to assess the psychometric qualities of the French version of the Pain Coping Inventory (PCI).MethodsWe conducted a national, cross‐sectional survey in a primary care setting in France. A total of 1,811 general practitioners included 5,324 patients with hip and knee OA who completed several questionnaires, including the PCI, which assesses ability to cope with pain.ResultsThe records of 4,719 (86.4%) patients were analyzed (knee 2,781; hip 1,553; hip and knee 385). Supporting the structure of the original questionnaire, we found that the 33 PCI questionnaire items could be grouped into 3 domains defining active coping strategies and 3 defining passive coping strategies. Acceptable convergent validity was found for the PCI (Cronbach's alpha coefficient for each domain >0.68). Coping strategy scores were significantly higher in patients with both knee and hip involvement (mean ± SD 2.3 ± 0.4) than for patients with OA at 1 site (mean ± SD 2.1 ± 0.4), and in women compared with men (P < 0.001). The use of passive pain coping strategies increased with OA duration, and was greater in older and overweight patients, in patients with no current physical activity or major impairment, in retired and nonworking patients, and in patients who were not married, and to a lesser extent in patients with higher pain intensity. Compared with previous data, patients with OA demonstrated lower active and higher passive strategies than patients with rheumatoid arthritis and other chronic painful conditions.ConclusionThe PCI has good structural validity and is highly suitable for analyzing active and passive pain coping strategies in OA. In OA, active and passive coping strategies differ significantly as a function of age, body mass index, OA involvement, professional and marital status, sport activities, and OA duration, with pain intensity having a weaker effect.
Is health equity considered in systematic reviews of the cochrane musculoskeletal group?
Authors: Tugwell Peter , Maxwell Lara , Welch Vivian , Kristjansson Elizabeth , Petticrew Mark , Wells George , Buchbinder Rachelle , Suarez‐Almazor Maria E. , Nowlan Marie‐Andrée , Ueffing Erin , Khan Maryam , Shea Bev , Tsikata Setorme 
Published: October 2008

AbstractObjectiveTo determine whether Cochrane Musculoskeletal Group (CMSG) systematic reviews and corresponding primary studies of rheumatoid arthritis interventions report and analyze the data needed to assess the effectiveness of interventions in reducing socioeconomic differences in health and/or improving the health of the poor.MethodsWe selected all CMSG reviews on rheumatoid arthritis published since issue 1, 2003. Fourteen reviews were identified; 147 of the 156 primary studies included in these reviews were obtained and assessed. We extracted data on whether the dimensions place of residence, race/ethnicity/culture, occupation, gender, religion, education, socioeconomic status, and social capital and networks (PROGRESS) were reported or analyzed, and whether any interventions were aimed at disadvantaged or low‐ and middle‐income country populations.ResultsAmong the dimensions of PROGRESS reported at baseline in 147 primary studies, gender (89%) was the most commonly reported, followed by education (25%) and race/ethnicity (18%). Less than 50% of the systematic reviews reported dimensions of PROGRESS even when they had been reported in the primary study. Of 147 primary studies, 6 (5%) were aimed specifically at disadvantaged populations; another 6 reported on effectiveness by at least 1 dimension of PROGRESS.ConclusionPrimary studies of interventions for rheumatoid arthritis generally reported few variables necessary to answer questions about health inequalities. Most CMSG systematic reviews failed to assess those variables even when described in the primary studies. The Cochrane Health Equity Field welcomes the opportunity to provide guidance to systematic review authors on incorporating equity considerations into their reviews.
Effects of febuxostat versus allopurinol and placebo in reducing serum urate in subjects with hyperuricemia and gout: A 28‐week, phase III, randomized, double‐blind, parallel‐group trial
Authors: Schumacher H. RALPH , Becker Michael A. , Wortmann Robert L. , MacDonald Patricia A. , Hunt Barbara , Streit Janet , Lademacher Christopher , Joseph‐Ridge Nancy 
Published: October 2008

AbstractObjectiveTo compare the urate‐lowering efficacy and safety of febuxostat, allopurinol, and placebo in a large group of subjects with hyperuricemia and gout, including persons with impaired renal function.MethodsSubjects (n = 1,072) with hyperuricemia (serum urate level ≥8.0 mg/dl) and gout with normal or impaired (serum creatinine level >1.5 to ≤2.0 mg/dl) renal function were randomized to receive once‐daily febuxostat (80 mg, 120 mg, or 240 mg), allopurinol (300 or 100 mg, based on renal function), or placebo for 28 weeks.ResultsSignificantly (P ≤ 0.05) higher percentages of subjects treated with febuxostat 80 mg (48%), 120 mg (65%), and 240 mg (69%) attained the primary end point of last 3 monthly serum urate levels <6.0 mg/dl compared with allopurinol (22%) and placebo (0%). A significantly (P < 0.05) higher percentage of subjects with impaired renal function treated with febuxostat 80 mg (4 [44%] of 9), 120 mg (5 [45%] of 11), and 240 mg (3 [60%] of 5) achieved the primary end point compared with those treated with 100 mg of allopurinol (0 [0%] of 10). Proportions of subjects experiencing any adverse event or serious adverse event were similar across groups, although diarrhea and dizziness were more frequent in the febuxostat 240 mg group. The primary reasons for withdrawal were similar across groups except for gout flares, which were more frequent with febuxostat than with allopurinol.ConclusionAt all doses studied, febuxostat more effectively lowered and maintained serum urate levels <6.0 mg/dl than did allopurinol (300 or 100 mg) or placebo in subjects with hyperuricemia and gout, including those with mild to moderately impaired renal function.
Early and dynamic student achievement prediction in e‐learning courses using neural networks
Authors: Lykourentzou Ioanna , Giannoukos Ioannis , Mpardis George , Nikolopoulos Vassilis , Loumos Vassili 
Published: October 2008

AbstractThe increasing popularity of e‐learning has created a need for accurate student achievement prediction mechanisms, allowing instructors to improve the efficiency of their courses by addressing specific needs of their students at an early stage. In this paper, a student achievement prediction method applied to a 10‐week introductory level e‐learning course is presented. The proposed method uses multiple feed‐forward neural networks to dynamically predict students' final achievement and to cluster them in two virtual groups, according to their performance. Multiple‐choice test grades were used as the input data set of the networks. This form of test was preferred for its objectivity. Results showed that accurate prediction is possible at an early stage, more specifically at the third week of the 10‐week course. In addition, when students were clustered, low misplacement rates demonstrated the adequacy of the approach. The results of the proposed method were compared against those of linear regression and the neural‐network approach was found to be more effective in all prediction stages. The proposed methodology is expected to support instructors in providing better educational services as well as customized assistance according to students' predicted level of performance.
Die Wärmeübertragung in porösen Stoffen – Einfluss von Albedo und Extinktion
Authors: Zeitler Martin , Hencke Ernst‐Günter 
Published: October 2008

AbstractFür die Harmonisierung des europäischen Marktes ist es von Bedeutung, die Eigenschaften von Bau‐ und Dämmstoffen mit möglichst geringen Messunsicherheiten zu ermitteln. Für die Dämmung von betriebstechnischen Anlagen in der Industrie und der technischen Gebäudeausrüstung ist die Wärmeleitfähigkeit für den geplanten Anwendungsbereich in Abhängigkeit von der Temperatur anzugeben. Die eingeführten Prüfmethoden für die Bestimmung der Wärmeleitfähigkeit sind jedoch nicht auf die Verhältnisse bei hohen Temperaturen abgestimmt. Mit prEN 15548‐1:2006 [4] ist eine technische Spezifikation erarbeitet worden, die den Erfordernissen für diese Messungen eher gerecht wird. Um Dämmstoffe unterschiedlicher Lieferformen vergleichen zu können, muss gewährleistet sein, dass die Messmethoden einerseits etwa gleiche Messunsicherheiten beinhalten; andererseits muss klar sein, welche Einflussgrößen sich durch die unterschiedlichen Messmethoden auswirken. Für bestimmte Produkte ist der Einfluss der Dicke wichtig. Er kann unterschiedliche Ursachen haben, wobei der Artikel insbesondere auf den so genannten “Dickeneffekt” eingeht.
Zur Durchstanzbemessung von ausmittig beanspruchten Stützenknoten und Einzelfundamenten nach Eurocode 2
Authors: Hegger Josef , Häusler Frank , Ricker Marcus 
Published: October 2008

AbstractDie Bemessungsgleichungen gegen Durchstanzen für rotationssymmetrisch beanspruchte Innenstützen sind für die Bemessungspraxis allein nicht ausreichend. In der Praxis führen häufig die Einflüsse aus einer Momenten‐Querkraftinteraktion und die Bemessung von Einzelfundamenten zu Diskussionen. Die Momentenbeanspruchung eines Stützen‐Decken‐Knotens kann sowohl bei Randstützen durch die Randeinspannung der Platte in die Stütze als auch bei Innenstützen, z. B. infolge unterschiedlicher Stützweiten der angrenzenden Deckenfelder, auftreten. Eurocode 2 stellt für die Momenten‐Querkraftinteraktion und für die Fundamentbemessung von DIN 1045‐1 abweichende Bemessungsgleichungen zur Verfügung, die in diesem Beitrag vorgestellt und mit Versuchsergebnissen verglichen werden.
Konzepte des Verbundbaus für hohe Stanzlasten – Grundlagen und Anwendung
Authors: Fastabend Michael , Sauerborn Norbert , Neubauer Till , Doering Norbert 
Published: October 2008

AbstractDie Tragfähigkeit von Flachdecken wird im Wesentlichen durch die Biegeverformungen und Durchstanzwiderstände beschränkt. Vermittels des Einsatzes von Stanzkreuzen auf der Basis von bauaufsichtlichen Zulassungen oder von Ingenieurmodellen des Verbundbaus lassen sich die ertragenen Durchstanzlasten erheblich steigern. Der vorliegende Beitrag beschreibt am Beispiel des Neubaus der Ernst‐August‐Galerie in Hannover den vorteilhaften Einsatz von Stanzkreuzen des Verbundbaus für höchste Stanzlasten in einer Flachdecke einer Abfangebene.
“Density equilibrium” method for the quantitative and rapid in situ determination of lipid, hydrocarbon, or biopolymer content in microorganisms
Authors: Eroglu Ela , Melis Anastasios 
Published: October 2008

AbstractThe work provides a simple method, based on a direct density equilibrium measurement, for the rapid in situ estimation of total lipid, hydrocarbon or biopolymer content in a variety of prokaryotic and eukaryotic samples. The method can be readily applied to live microalgae and photosynthetic bacteria, single‐celled or colonial microorganisms, as well as cellular fractions and isolated subcellular compartments or components. In this approach, the absolute lipid, hydrocarbon, or biopolymer content of the cells can be readily calculated. This method is especially useful for tracking the oil or polymer content of strains of microalgae and other microorganisms, whose lipid, hydrocarbon or biopolymer content may change with cultivation conditions and/or time, as the case would be in microorganism lipid‐induction industrial processes. The method is also useful for the direct in situ measurement of storage polymer accumulation in live cells, such as starch in microalgae and polyhydroxybutyrate, or other polyhydroxyalkanoates, in photosynthetic and non‐photosynthetic bacteria. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2009;102: 1406–1415. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Madness strikes back
Authors: Rose Diana 
Published: October 2008

AbstractThis commentary is concerned with the involvement of mental health service users in research. It will argue that research carried out by service users is one way of giving voice to a previously silenced group—the mad. It is one way in which ‘Madness Strikes Back’. The main theoretical model to be used is that of the early Foucault. I will not be concerned with what has become known as ‘Foucauldian discourse analysis’ since nowhere in Foucault's writing is there reference to conversation or talk. I will, however, be concerned with power as mental health service users are amongst the most disempowered of groups in all societies. I will also be concerned with Foucault's claim that, since the Enlightenment, madness has been positioned as the antithesis of reason, as ‘unreason’. This distinction can be argued to persist in the field of research. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Generalized minimum‐norm perspective shadow maps
Authors: Zhang Fan , Sun Hanqiu , Zhao Chong , Wang Lifeng 
Published: October 2008

AbstractShadow mapping has been extensively used for real‐time shadow rendering in 3D computer games, though it suffers from the inherent aliasing problems due to its image‐based nature. This paper presents an enhanced variant of light space perspective shadow maps to optimize perspective aliasing distribution in possible general cases where the light and view directions are not orthogonal. To be mathematically sound, the generalized representation of perspective aliasing errors has been derived in detail. Our experiments have shown the enhanced shadow quality using our algorithm in dynamic scenes. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Responsive listening behavior
Authors: Gillies M. , Pan X. , Slater M. , Shawe‐Taylor J. 
Published: October 2008

AbstractHumans use their bodies in a highly expressive way during conversation, and animated characters that lack this form of non‐verbal expression can seem stiff and unemotional. An important aspect of non‐verbal expression is that people respond to each other's behavior and are highly attuned to picking up this type of response. This is particularly important for the feedback given while listening to some one speak. However, automatically generating this type of behavior is difficult as it is highly complex and subtle. This paper takes a data driven approach to generating interactive social behavior. Listening behavior is motion captured, together with the audio being listened to. These data are used to learn an animation model of the responses of one person to the other. This allows us to create characters that respond in real‐time during a conversation with a real human. Copyright ? 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Two‐Photon Fluorescent Probes for Biomembrane Imaging: Effect of Chain Length
Authors: Kim Hwan Myung , Kim Bo Ra , Choo Hyo‐Jung , Ko Young‐Gyu , Jeon Seung‐Joon , Kim Chul Hoon , Joo Taiha , Cho Bong Rae 
Published: October 2008

AbstractTwo‐photon fluorescent probes for the cellular membrane, derived from 6‐acyl‐2‐aminonaphthalene as the fluorophore and hexanoyl (CH), lauryl (CL), and stearyl (CS) groups as the receptor, have been synthesized. Their photophysical properties and utility as membrane probes were also studied. Whereas CH cannot be used as a membrane probe due to its high water solubility, CL and CS are useful two‐photon probes for membrane lateral heterogeneity, as they can easily stain cells, emit fluorescence with high sensitivity to the environment polarity, and are capable of imaging the membrane lateral heterogeneity in live cells. Moreover, CS is more likely to be located in the plasma membrane due to its negligible water solubility. Our results show that the liquid ordered‐like domain covers 31–35 % of the cellular surface.