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Main conclusion: Despite modulating senescence and drought responses, the GmERD15-like subfamily members are differentially induced by multiple stresses and diverge partially in stress signaling functions. The PAM2 motif represents a binding site for poly (A)-binding proteins (PABPs), often associated with RNA metabolism regulation. The PAM2-containing protein ERD15 stands out as a critical regulator of diverse stress responses in plants. Despite the relevance of the PAM2 motif, a comprehensive analysis of the PAM2 superfamily and ERD15-like subfamily in the plant kingdom is lacking. Here, we provide an extensive in silico analysis of the PAM2 superfamily and the ERD15-like subfamily in soybean, using Arabidopsis and rice sequences as prototypes. The Glycine max ERD15-like subfamily members were clustered in pairs, likely originating from DNA-based gene duplication, as the paralogs display high sequence conservation, similar exon/intron genome organization, and are undergoing purifying selection. Complementation analyses of an aterd15 mutant demonstrated that the plant ERD15-like subfamily members are functionally redundant in response to drought, osmotic stress, and dark-induced senescence. Nevertheless, the soybean members displayed differential expression profiles, biochemical activity, and subcellular localization, consistent with functional diversification. The expression profiles of Glyma04G138600 under salicylic acid (SA) and abscisic acid (ABA) treatments differed oppositely from those of the other GmERD15-like genes. Abiotic stress-induced coexpression analysis with soybean PABPs showed that Glyma04G138600 was clustered separately from other GmERD15s. In contrast to the AtERD15 stress-induced nuclear redistribution, Glyma04G138600 and Glyma02G260800 localized to the cytoplasm, while Glyma03G131900 fractionated between the cytoplasm and nucleus under normal and stress conditions. These data collectively indicate that despite modulating senescence and drought responses, the GmERD15-like subfamily members are differentially induced by multiple stresses and may diverge partially in stress signaling functions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the literature of plasticity, the variables Lode angle and Lode parameter are increasingly used as coordinates to describe the stress space when defining suitable yield or limit conditions ‐ often, however, without any or only alleged reference to the original work of Walter Lode. The present study will attempt to clarify this situation and provide an appraisal and classification of Lode's work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new and explicit form of the multi-axial elastic potential for elastic soft materials is constructed by means of two invariants of the Hencky strain. The new elasticity model with this form can bypass coupling complexities and uncertainties usually involved in parameter identification. Namely, exact closed-form solutions of decoupled nature are obtainable for stress responses under multiple benchmark modes. Unlike usual solutions with numerous coupled parameters, such new solutions are independent of one another and, as such, data sets for multiple benchmark modes can be separately matched with mutually independent single-variable functions. A comparative study is presented between a few well-known models and the new model. Results show that predictions from the former agree well with uniaxial and biaxial data, as known in the literature, but would be at variance with data for the constrained stress response in the plane-strain extension. In contrast, predictions from the new model agree accurately with all data sets. Furthermore, exact solutions for the Poynting effect of freely twisted elastic thin-walled tube are obtained from the new model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new and unified approach is proposed toward accurately analyzing overall elastoplastic responses of axially loaded bars and finite bending beams until failure. Results are presented for various constituent materials such as metals, reinforced concretes and reinforced composites, etc. Novelties in three respects are incorporated: (a) new uniaxial stress–strain functions are first presented in explicit forms for the purpose of accurately characterizing non-symmetric tensile and compressive behaviors of axially loaded bars from hardening to softening; (b) explicit solutions to both the varying neutral axis and the flexural moment of finite bending beams are then obtained directly in terms of these two uniaxial functions; and, hence, (c) the complex bending problem of various beams until failure is in a unified manner reduced to a simple issue of fitting two uniaxial functions to tension and compression data from uniaxial testing, thus bypassing the analytical and numerical complexity of various existing approaches. Numerical examples of model predictions are provided for typical constituent materials, including aluminium, meso-scopic heterogeneous concrete and ultra-high performance fiber-reinforced concrete with reinforcing rebars. Good agreement is achieved simultaneously with all experimental data for bars and beams made of these materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Poplars establish on alluvial bars within sand and gravel-bed rivers. Alluvial bars also provide particularly suitable habitats for the proliferation of ants. We hypothesized that ants, by modifying substrate structure and resource availability in fluvial habitats, positively influence poplar growth during its establishment stage. We conducted a preliminary nine-month ex situ greenhouse experiment with one ant species (Lasius niger L.) and six different genotypes of poplar cuttings (Populus nigra L.), both collected on the Garonne River, SW France. Three main treatments: 'P. nigra alone', 'P. nigra without ants and with ant food' and 'P. nigra with ants and ant food' were applied. After one growing season, we tested differences in branching length and biomass of stems, roots and leaves. Certain genotypes showed significant differences in growth, but there were no significant differences in stem length, dry mass of stems and roots between the three treatments. The total biomass of poplars after the first growing season was positively affected by the initial size of the cuttings and was modulated by the genotype independently from the treatments. However, an increased poplar growth for the treatment without ants and with ant food was observed according to significant differences in dry weight of leaves and total biomass (i.e. dry mass of stems, roots and leaves) for the pooled genotypes across treatments. We discuss our results with the aim of serving as a reference for future in situ and ex situ experiments and field measurements exploring interactions between ants and poplars, specifically in riparian ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Muscle strength is decreased in adults with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). We aim to investigate muscle strength in children with PAH in relation to a cohort of healthy children, and investigate correlations with disease severity markers. This prospective study included children with PAH aged 4−18 years, who visited the Dutch National Referral Center for Pulmonary Hypertension in Childhood between October 2015 and March 2016. Muscle strength was assessed using handgrip strength and maximum voluntary isometric contractility (MVIC) of four peripheral muscles. Dynamic muscle function was evaluated with the Bruininks−Oseretsky test of motor proficiency (BOT‐2). These measurements were compared with those in two cohorts of healthy children and correlated with 6‐minute walk distance (6MWD), World Health Organization functional class (WHO‐FC), N‐terminal pro‐brain natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP), and time since diagnosis. Eighteen children with PAH aged 14.0 [interquartile range: 9.9−16.0] years showed reduced muscle strength. Handgrip strength z‐score −2.4 ± 1.2, p < 0.001, total MVIC z‐score −2.9 ± 1.2, p < 0.001, and BOT‐2 z‐score −1.0 ± 0.9, p < 0.001. 6MWD (67 ± 11% predicted) correlated with most muscle measurements (r = 0.49−0.71, p = 0.001). Dynamic muscle function (BOT‐2) differed between WHO‐FC, whereas handgrip strength and MVIC did not. NT‐proBNP and time since diagnosis did not show significant correlations with muscle strength measurements. Muscle strength was significantly reduced in children with PAH and correlated with 6MWD, but not with disease severity markers WHO‐FC and NT‐pro‐BNP. The nature of this reduced muscle strength is yet unclear, but its occurrence in children with seemingly mild or well‐controlled PAH supports the concept of PAH being a systemic syndrome involving peripheral skeletal muscles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Toward directly simulating pseudo-elastic effects of shape memory alloys, new elastoplastic equations of von Mises type are proposed by correlating the yield surface radius with the yield surface center, thus establishing a new elastoplasticity model characterized by three coupled quantities for isotropic and anisotropic hardening. Within the framework of conventional macroscopic elastoplasticity, it is demonstrated that the new model can exactly reproduce pseudo-elastic hysteresis effects of shape memory alloys, with no need to characterize any microstructural features of solid–solid phase transitions. To this end, explicit expressions for the three hardening quantities introduced are presented in terms of two single-variable functions. Then, exact closed-form solutions are obtained for the uniaxial stress–strain responses in a loading and a subsequent unloading process, and such responses are shown to give rise to a hysteresis loop shaped just by the foregoing two single-variable functions. As such, hysteresis loops of arbitrary shapes can be simulated in a straightforward and accurate manner simply prescribing two single-variable functions shaping such loops. For the first time, cumbersome and time-consuming procedures both for conducting statistical averaging schemes and for identifying numerous unknown parameters may be bypassed with broad applicability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High‐efficiency algorithms are proposed for numerically integrating elasto‐plastic rate equations for the purpose of simulating metal failure effects under repeated loading conditions. Results are obtained with a newly established elasto‐plasticity model which can automatically simulate both low and high cycle fatigue failure effects, with reference to neither damage‐like variables nor ad hoc failure criteria. Novelties are incorporated in a few respects. First, multiaxial loading processes with arbitrarily changing principal stresses and axes can be treated in a broad sense beyond usually treated proportional loading cases. Second, by means of the commonly used J2‐invariant of the deviatoric stress, multiaxial loading cases can be directly treated just as in the uniaxial loading case. Third, high cost in time consumption can be considerably reduced in evaluating both low and high cycle failure effects. Numerical examples are presented for simulating uniaxial and multiaxial fatigue failure effects and simulation results are in good agreement with experimental data. Results show that the computation speed with the new algorithms exceeds 600 times faster than usual integration algorithms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response is triggered by any condition that disrupts protein folding and promotes the accumulation of unfolded proteins in the lumen of the organelle. In eukaryotic cells, the evolutionarily conserved unfolded protein response is activated to clear unfolded proteins and restore ER homeostasis. The recovery from ER stress is accomplished by decreasing protein translation and loading into the organelle, increasing the ER protein processing capacity and ER-associated protein degradation activity. However, if the ER stress persists and cannot be reversed, the chronically prolonged stress leads to cellular dysfunction that activates cell death signaling as an ultimate attempt to survive. Accumulating evidence implicates ER stress-induced cell death signaling pathways as significant contributors for stress adaptation in plants, making modulators of ER stress pathways potentially attractive targets for stress tolerance engineering. Here, we summarize recent advances in understanding plant-specific molecular mechanisms that elicit cell death signaling from ER stress. We also highlight the conserved features of ER stress-induced cell death signaling in plants shared by eukaryotic cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Der Urologe A is the property of Springer Nature and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

We have studied the adsorption and desorption of O2 on Pd(100) by supersonic molecular beam techniques and thermal desorption spectroscopy. Adsorption measurements on the bare surface confirm that O2 initially dissociates for all kinetic energies between 56 and 380 meV and surface temperatures between 100 and 600 K via a direct mechanism. At and below 150 K, continued adsorption leads to a combined O/O2 overlayer. Dissociation of molecularly bound O2 during a subsequent temperature ramp leads to unexpected high atomic oxygen coverages, which are also obtained at high incident energy and high surface temperature. At intermediate temperatures and energies, these high final coverages are not obtained. Our results show that kinetic energy of the gas phase reactant and reaction energy dissipated during O2 dissociation on the cold surface both enable activated nucleation of high-coverage surface structures. We suggest that excitation of local substrate phonons may play a crucial role in oxygen dissociation at any coverage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main goal of this work is to test the possibility of a newly introduced constitutive law to model the behaviour of the isotropic elastic-perfectly plastic material which is exposed to large elastoplastic deformations. The proposed constitutive relation is based on the hypo-elastic relation and the inelastic INTERATOM model. The verification of the model is done by its implementation into the commercial software ABAQUS/Standard via the user subroutine UMAT. For that purpose, the large simple shear problem is studied where selected objective corotational rates, i.e. the logarithmic rate, the Jaumann rate and the Green-Naghdi rate, are individually implemented in the aforementioned constitutive relations. The obtained results are compared mutually and with the relevant literature. The proposed constitutive model is also used to test the behaviour of the part of a real engineering structure, i.e. a seismic isolator, in order to obtain the correct input data for further analysis of superstructure behaviour due to seismic excitation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glycine max NAC81 (GmNAC81) is a downstream effector of the DCD/NRP-mediated cell death signaling, which interacts with GmNAC30 to fully induce the caspase 1-like vacuolar processing enzyme (VPE) expression, the executioner of the cell death program. GmNAC81 has been previously shown to positively modulate leaf senescence via the NRP/GmNAC81/VPE signaling module. Here, we examined the transcriptome induced by GmNAC81 overexpression and leaf senescence and showed that GmNAC81 further modulates leaf senescence by regulating an extensive repertoire of functionally characterized senescence-associated genes (SAGs). Because the NRP/GmNAC81/VPE signaling circuit also relays stress-induced cell death signals, we examined the effect of GmNAC81 overexpression in drought responses. Enhanced GmNAC81 expression in the transgenic lines increased sensitivity to water deprivation. Under progressive drought, the GmNAC81 -overexpressing lines displayed severe leaf wilting, a larger and faster decline in leaf Ψw, relative water content (RWC), photosynthesis rate, stomatal conductance, and transpiration rate, in addition to higher Ci/Ca and lower Fm/Fv ratios compared to the BR16 control line. Collectively, these results indicate that the photosynthetic activity and apparatus were more affected by drought in the transgenic lines. Consistent with hypersensitivity to drought, chlorophyll loss, and lipid peroxidation were higher in the GmNAC81 -overexpressing lines than in BR16 under dehydration. In addition to inducing VPE expression, GmNAC81 overexpression uncovered the regulation of typical drought-responsive genes. In particular, key regulators and effectors of ABA signaling were suppressed by GmNAC81 overexpression. These results suggest that GmNAC81 may negatively control drought tolerance not only via VPE activation but also via suppression of ABA signaling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To determine prospectively gross and fine motor development of children <2 years of age, who undergo LTX. In this prospective study, children aged <2 years who undergo LTX were tested using the motor scale of the Bayley Scales of infant and toddler development, 3rd edition Dutch version. Testing was done during screening pre- and post-LTX: at the time of hospital discharge (2-6 weeks), at 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year. Z-scores were calculated. Twenty-nine children participated in this study, 14 boys, median age 6 months, at screening for LTX. Gross motor skills were delayed pre-LTX (Z-score -1.3). Fine motor skills were normal (Z-score 0.3). Immediately post-LTX, both skills reduced, and at 1 year post-LTX, gross motor skills Z-score was -1.0 and fine motor skills Z-score 0.0. Both gross and fine motor skills Z-scores decline post-LTX and tend to recover after 1 year, gross motor skills to low normal and fine motor skills to normal levels. Monitoring of gross motor development and attention on stimulating gross motor development post-LTX remains important, to enable participation in physical activity and sport for health benefits later in life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The theory of plasticity as a special field of continuum mechanics deals with the irreversible, i.e. permanent, deformation of solids. Under the action of given loads or deformations, the state of the stresses and strains or the strain rates in these bodies is described. In this way, it complements the theory of elasticity for the reversible behavior of solids. In practice, it has been observed that many materials behave elastically up to a certain load (yield point), beyond that load, however, increasingly plastic or liquid-like. The combination of these two material properties is known as elastoplasticity. The classical elastoplastic material behavior is assumed to be time-independent or rate-independent. In contrast, we call a time- or rate-dependent behavior visco-elastoplastic and visco-plastic—if the elastic part of the deformation is neglected. In plasticity theory, because of the given loads the states of the state variables stress, strain and temperature as well as their changes are described. For this purpose, the observed phenomena are introduced and put into mathematical relationships. The constitutive relations describing the specific material behavior are finally embedded in the fundamental relations of continuum theory and physics. Historically, the theory of plasticity was introduced in order to better estimate the strength of constructions. An analysis based purely on elastic codes is not in a position to do this, and can occasionally even lead to incorrect interpretations. On the other hand, the entire field of forming techniques requires a theory for the description of plastic behavior. Starting from the classical description of plastic behavior with small deformations, the present review is intended to provide an insight into the state of the art when taking into account finite deformations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, the work of H. Hencky: "On the theory of plastic deformations and the residual stresses caused by them in the material" (Zur Theorie plastischer Deformationen und der hierdurch im Material hervorgerufenen Nachspannungen), which he presented in April 1924 at the first International Conference for Applied Mechanics in Delft and which in the same year appeared at ZAMM, is explained, commented on and placed in the context of the further development of plasticity theory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PURPOSE: The objective of this follow-up study was to examine the performance of Cerec inlays and onlays, all of which were placed by the same clinician, in terms of clinical quality over a functional period of 15 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Of 200 Cerec inlays and onlays placed consecutively in a private practice by one of the authors (TO) between 1989 and early 1991, 187 were closely monitored over a period of 15 years. All ceramic inlays and onlays had been placed chairside using the Cerec 1 method and had been luted with a bonding composite. Up to 17 years after their placement, a follow-up assessment was conducted, and the restorations were classified using modified United States Public Health Service criteria. RESULTS: According to Kaplan-Meier analysis, the success rate of Cerec inlays and onlays was 88.7% after 17 years. A total of 21 failures (11%) were found in 17 patients. Of these failures, 76% were attributed to ceramic fractures (62%) or tooth fractures (14%). The reasons for the remaining failures were caries (19%) and endodontic problems (5%). Restorations of premolars presented a lower failure risk than those of molars. CONCLUSION: The survival rate probability of 88.7% after up to 17 years of clinical service for Cerec computer-aided design/computer-assisted machining restorations made of Vita Mk I feldspathic ceramic is regarded as a very respectable clinical outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PURPOSE: The objective of this follow-up study was to examine the performance of Cerec inlays and onlays in terms of clinical quality over a functional period of 10 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Of 200 Cerec inlays and onlays placed in a private practice between 1989 and early 1991, 187 restorations were observed over a period of 10 years. The restorations were fabricated chairside using the Cerec-1 computer-aided design/manufacturing (CAD/CAM) method and Vita MK I feldspathic ceramic. An adhesive technique and luting composite resin were used for seating the restorations. After 10 years, the clinical performance of the restorations was evaluated using modified USPHS criteria. The results were used to classify success and failure. RESULTS: According to Kaplan-Meier analysis, the success rate of Cerec inlays and onlays dropped to 90.4% after 10 years. A total of 15 (8%) failures were found in 11 patients. Of these failures, 73% were caused by either ceramic fractures (53%) or tooth fractures (20%). The reasons for the remaining failures were caries (20%) and endodontic problems (7%). The three-surface Cerec reconstructions were found to have the most failures. CONCLUSION: The failure rate of 8% and the drop of the survival probability rate to 90.4% after 10 years of clinical service of Cerec-1 CAD/CAM restorations made of Vita MK I feldspathic ceramic appear to be acceptable in private practice. This is particularly true in light of the very high patient satisfaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The NAC (NAM, ATAF, and CUC) genes encode transcription factors involved with the control of plant morph-physiology and stress responses. The release of the last soybean (Glycine max) genome assembly (Wm82.a2.v1) raised the possibility that new NAC genes would be present in the soybean genome. Here, we interrogated the last version of the soybean genome against a conserved NAC domain structure. Our analysis identified 32 putative novel NAC genes, updating the superfamily to 180 gene members. We also organized the genes in 15 phylogenetic subfamilies, which showed a perfect correlation among sequence conservation, expression profile, and function of orthologous Arabidopsis thaliana genes and NAC soybean genes. To validate our in silico analyses, we monitored the stress-mediated gene expression profiles of eight new NAC-genes by qRT-PCR and monitored the GmNAC senescence-associated genes by RNA-seq. Among ER stress, osmotic stress and salicylic acid treatment, all the novel tested GmNAC genes responded to at least one type of stress, displaying a complex expression profile under different kinetics and extension of the response. Furthermore, we showed that 40% of the GmNACs were differentially regulated by natural leaf senescence, including eight (8) newly identified GmNACs. The developmental and stress-responsive expression profiles of the novel NAC genes fitted perfectly with their phylogenetic subfamily. Finally, we examined two uncharacterized senescence-associated proteins, GmNAC065 and GmNAC085, and a novel, previously unidentified, NAC protein, GmNAC177, and showed that they are nuclear localized, and except for GmNAC065, they display transactivation activity in yeast. Consistent with a role in leaf senescence, transient expression of GmNAC065 and GmNAC085 induces the appearance of hallmarks of leaf senescence, including chlorophyll loss, leaf yellowing, lipid peroxidation and accumulation of H2O2. GmNAC177 was clustered to an uncharacterized subfamily but in close proximity to the TIP subfamily. Accordingly, it was rapidly induced by ER stress and by salicylic acid under late kinetic response and promoted cell death in planta. Collectively, our data further substantiated the notion that the GmNAC genes display functional and expression profiles consistent with their phylogenetic relatedness and established a complete framework of the soybean NAC superfamily as a foundation for future analyses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Report Committee 26 of the ICRU proposes a set of operational quantities for radiation protection for external radiation, directly based on effective dose and for an extended range of particles and energies. It is accompanied by quantities for estimating deterministic effects to the eye lens and the local skin. The operational quantities are designed to overcome the conceptual and technical shortcomings of those presently in use. This paper describes the proposed operational quantities, and highlights the improvements with respect to the present, legal monitoring quantities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The objective of this article is the evaluation of the validity range of two objective rates, the nowadays most frequently used Jaumann rate and the recently introduced logarithmic rate, in material behaviour prediction due to large deformations. For that purpose the model subjected to large monotonic uniaxial elastoplastic deformation has been examined as well as the initially prestressed models which are afterwards exposed to the cyclic process of combined elastic lengthening and shearing. It is shown that whenever the participation of shear deformation to the total deformation stays in the small deformation range both rates are almost equal in constitutive relations implementation since the outputs for both rates are nearly congruent. Otherwise, if the influence of rotations is significant the Jaumann rate gives theoretically and experimentally unexpected results whereas the logarithmic rate results are stable and consistent with the notion of elasticity, i.e. without any residual stresses at the end of the elastic deformation cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plasma patterning processes play a key role in modern Ultra Large Scale Integration (ULSI) device fabrication. With further scaling of device dimensions, plasma process characteristics become more and more the limiting factor in pattern minimization, not least due to parasitic effects caused by different plasma properties. Such effects are geometrical deviations in the etch profiles, the loss of critical dimensions, the undercut as well as the most critical sidewall damage while etching trenches and vias to fabricate the circuit contact and metallization system. Especially for modern dielectric materials on the base of carbon‐doped silica these drawbacks are much pronounced and worsen performance and power consumption of microelectronic devices. Finally, the charge damage of thin gate oxides during plasma processing results in reduced reliability and functionality of microelectronic devices. The complex interactions between conditions in the plasma bulk and the impacts on the wafer surface are not yet understood completely. With respect to the increasing complexity of modern semiconductor plasma etch equipment, the optimization of patterning processes using the empirical method becomes more and more impossible. This paper overviews typical challenges during plasma patterning processes in 28 nm and 22 nm technology nodes by means of today's Back‐End of Line integration schemes. Different plasma diagnostic methods provide an insight into the physical and chemical conditions of different etch chambers and their influence on process results and damaging behaviour. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To determine the effects of Rheumates@Work, an internet-based program supplemented with 4 group sessions, aimed at improving physical activity, exercise capacity, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and participation in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Methods Patients were recruited from 3 pediatric rheumatology centers in The Netherlands for an observer-blinded, randomized controlled multicenter trial. Physical activity level, time spent in rest, light, and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) were recorded in a diary and with an accelerometer, before intervention, after intervention, and at followup after 3 and 12 months (intervention group only). Exercise capacity was assessed using the Bruce treadmill protocol, HRQoL was assessed with the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory generic core scale, and participation in school and in physical education classes were assessed by questionnaire. Results The intervention group consisted of 28 children, and there were 21 children in the control group. MVPA, exercise capacity, and participating in school and physical education classes improved significantly in the intervention group. HRQoL improved in the control group. No significant differences were found between groups. The effect of Rheumates@Work on physical activity and exercise capacity lasted during the 12 months of followup. Improvements in physical activity were significantly better for the cohort starting in winter compared to the summer cohort. Conclusion Rheumates@Work had a positive, albeit small, effect on physical activity, exercise capacity, and participation in school and physical education class in the intervention group. Improvements lasted for 12 months. Participants who started in winter showed the most improvement. Rheumates@Work had no effect on HRQoL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of International Journal of Computerized Dentistry is the property of Quintessence Publishing Company Inc. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In comparison to flat single crystals, the continuous variation of structure provided by curved crystals offers many benefits for the study of physical and chemical processes at surfaces. However, the curvature of the surface also creates experimental challenges. For infrared spectroscopy, in particular, adsorbates on metal samples are typically probed by grazing-incidence reflection-absorption infrared spectroscopy (RAIRS). In this geometry, a convex crystal acts as a strongly diverging mirror. The authors describe how the experimental difficulties introduced by a cylindrical surface can be resolved for RAIRS. A complementary mirror, placed directly downfield of the curved crystal within the vacuum chamber, minimizes the divergence created by the sample. By simply translating the infrared focus across the sample, the authors probe adsorbate vibrational spectra as a function of local step-type and step-density with high sensitivity and spatial resolution. Time-consuming sample exchange, and the concomitant sample-to-sample experimental errors, are eliminated. The authors apply this new technique to carbon monoxide adsorption on a curved Pt(1 1 1) crystal and use it to resolve the influence of step-type and step-density on the CO stretch vibration as a function of coverage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We propose a novel concept for an integrable and flexible sensor capable to visualize mechanical impacts on lightweight structures by quenching the photoluminescence (PL) of CdSe quantum dots. Considering the requirements such as visibility, storage time and high optical contrast of PL quenching with low power consumption, we have investigated a symmetrical and an asymmetrical layer stack consisting of semiconductor organic N,N,N',N'-Tetrakis(3-methylphenyl)-3,3'-dimethylbenzidine (HMTPD) and CdSe quantum dots with elongated CdS shell. Time-resolved series of PL spectra from layer stacks with applied voltages of different polarity and simultaneous observation of power consumption have shown that a variety of mechanisms such as photo-induced charge separation and charge injection, cause PL quenching. However, mechanisms such as screening of external field as well as Auger-assisted charge ejection is working contrary to that. Investigations regarding the influence of illumination revealed that the positive biased asymmetrical layer stack is the preferred sensor configuration, due to a charge carrier injection at voltages of 10 V without the need of coincident illumination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: To compare physical activity (PA) in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) with controls and to analyse the effect of disease specific factors on PA in children with JIA treated according to current treatment regimes. Methods: PA was measured with a 7-day activity diary and expressed as physical activity level (PAL). Moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) (hours/day) and sedentary time (hours/day) was determined. In children with JIA, medication, the number of swollen and/or painful joints, disease activity, functional ability, pain and well-being was determined. Multivariate regression analysis was performed to analyze differences in PA between JIA and controls, adjusted for influences of age, gender, season, Body Mass Index (BMI) and to analyze predictors of PA in JIA patients. Results: Seventy-six children with JIA (26 boys and 50 girls, mean ± SD age 10.0 ± 1.4 years) and 131 controls (49 boys and 82 girls, mean ± SD age 10.4 ± 1.2 years) participated in this study. Children with JIA had a significantly lower PAL (0.10, p = 0.01) corrected for age, BMI, gender and season. They spent less time in MVPA (0.41 h/day, p = 0.06) and had a significantly higher mean time spent in sedentary activities (0.59 h/day, p 0.02) compared to controls. The activity level of children with JIA was related to age, gender, season, feeling of well-being and pain. Conclusion: Children with JIA have a lower PAL, spent less time in MVPA and spent more time on sedentary activities compared to controls despite current medical treatment and PA encouragement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective. To study for the first time in a randomized controlled trial the feasibility, safety and efficacy of an exercise training programme in children and adolescents with JDM. Methods. Patients were randomly assigned to the Intervention Group (IG; n = 14) or Waiting Control Group (WCG; n = 12). The intervention comprised an individually tailored 12-week home-based exercise programme of treadmill interval training and strength exercises. The efficacy of the IG over usual care (WCG) was examined with mixed linear regression (intention-to-treat). Effect sustainability during 12 weeks follow-up was also examined. Results. Seventy-five percent of the participants completed the intervention. Reasons for discontinuation were motivation/fatigue, recurrent infections and increasing physical complaints. No hospitalizations occurred and immune suppressive therapy remained stable or decreased in the patients who participated in the intervention. The estimated marginal means after the intervention period were significantly in favour of the IG compared with the WCG for standing long jump distance [difference between groups (95% CI): 13cm (2-23)], the 30-s number of push-ups [8 (3-13)] and sit-ups [4 (0.4-8)], and the parent Childhood Health Assessment Questionnaire 30 + 8 score [-0.13 (-0.24 to-0.01)] and effects sustained at follow-up. A trend was seen for the maximal oxygen uptake divided by body mass during maximal exercise treadmill testing; the IG scored 3.0ml/kg/min (-1.3 to 7.3) higher compared with the WCG. Other outcomes (e.g. isometric muscle strength and perception of fatigue) did not differ between IG and WCG. Conclusion. Exercise training is of value in the clinical management of JDM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is a chronic rheumatic disease. Patients suffer daily discomforts such as pain, fatigue, stiffness, and mood disturbances. Their exercise capacity is decreased to a variable degree and physical activity levels may be impaired. To prevent long-term cardiovascular risks associated with JIA and medication, it is important to encourage physical activity. To achieve this we developed Rheumates@Work (R@W), a combined internet-based and in person instruction model, an interactive, educational, and cognitive behavioral program. The aim of this study is twofold: to describe the theoretical background and design of R@W based on Pender's Health Promotion Model, and to assess its acceptance. Methods: We enrolled 8 to 13-year-old JIA patients, from 3 outpatients clinics in The Netherlands, in R@W. Inclusion criteria were a low disease activity (VAS physician <20 mm), comprehension of the Dutch language and absence of relevant co-morbidity. We assessed acceptance by measuring the participants' commitment to the program, the level of interaction on patient's initiative (f.e. mails send by the patient), technical aspects and satisfaction. Commitment was defined as the percentage of participants that completed the assignments and how much encouragement the participants needed for this. Satisfaction was measured with an anonymous questionnaire concerning f.e. time investment and perceived benefits. Costs were monitored. Results: Of the 64 patients we enrolled, 23 boys and 41 girls, 93.8 % completed the program. Participant-initiated interaction was seen in 10.7 %, 24.7 % send a mail because of technical problems. Eighty-two percent of the participants and 99 % of the parents liked the program, and 85 % of the participants indicated that they had learnt something, or quite a lot. Development costs of the program were low. Conclusion: The HPM is suitable for a behavioral intervention program such as R@W. Acceptance and satisfaction of R@W were high and the costs of the program were low. Trial registration: Trial Number: ISRCTN92733069 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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A letter to the editor is presented that discusses chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) focusing on the reduction of Mcl-1 expression by hypoxia-induced p38 MAPK activation.

Background: Low-grade metabolic inflammation and hypertension are primary mechanisms involved in obesity-associated adverse health effects. Berries, especially Nordic wild blueberries (hereafter referred to as bilberries), represent an important source of dietary anthocyanins, a group of polyphenols with potential beneficial effects to combat obesity-associated metabolic disturbances. Methods: The effects of 5% or 10% (w/w) of whole bilberries (BB) were studied on the development of obesity and its metabolic disturbances in C57BL mice fed with a high-fat diet (HFD) for three months. Cytokines, inflammatory cells, systolic blood pressure, glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity, weight gain, body fat, food consumption and energy metabolism were assessed. Results: Bilberries ameliorated type 1 pro-inflammatory responsiveness induced by HFD. This was indicated by the altered cytokine profile and the reduced prevalence of interferon gamma -producing T-cells, in particular T helper type 1 cells. Bilberries also prevented the progression of obesity associated long term increase in systolic blood pressure in mice. Conclusions: Bilberries reduce the development of systemic inflammation and prevent the progression of chronic hypertension, thus supporting their potential role in alleviating the adverse health effects associated with developing obesity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]