bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genome‐Wide Association Meta‐Analysis Reveals Novel Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis Susceptibility Loci
Authors: McIntosh Laura A. , Marion Miranda C. , Sudman Marc , Comeau Mary E. , Becker Mara L. , Bohnsack John F. , Fingerlin Tasha E. , Griffin Thomas A. , Haas J. Peter , Lovell Daniel J. , Maier Lisa A. , Nigrovic Peter A. , Prahalad Sampath , Punaro Marilynn , Rosé Carlos D. , Wallace Carol A. , Wise Carol A. , Moncrieffe Halima , Howard Timothy D. , Langefeld Carl D. , Thompson Susan D.
Published: July 2017

Objective

Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is the most common childhood rheumatic disease and has a strong genomic component. To date, JIA genetic association studies have had limited sample sizes, used heterogeneous patient populations, or included only candidate regions. The aim of this study was to identify new associations between JIA patients with oligoarticular disease and those with IgM rheumatoid factor (RF)−negative polyarticular disease, which are clinically similar and the most prevalent JIA disease subtypes.

Methods

Three cohorts comprising 2,751 patients with oligoarticular or RF‐negative polyarticular JIA were genotyped using the Affymetrix Genome‐Wide SNP Array 6.0 or the Illumina HumanCoreExome‐12+ Array. Overall, 15,886 local and out‐of‐study controls, typed on these platforms or the Illumina HumanOmni2.5, were used for association analyses. High‐quality single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were used for imputation to 1000 Genomes prior to SNP association analysis.

Results

Meta‐analysis showed evidence of association (P < 1 × 10−6) at 9 regions: PRR9_LOR (P = 5.12 × 10−8), ILDR1_CD86 (P = 6.73 × 10−8), WDFY4 (P = 1.79 × 10−7), PTH1R (P = 1.87 × 10−7), RNF215 (P = 3.09 × 10−7), AHI1_LINC00271 (P = 3.48 × 10−7), JAK1 (P = 4.18 × 10−7), LINC00951 (P = 5.80 × 10−7), and HBP1 (P = 7.29 × 10−7). Of these, PRR9_LOR, ILDR1_CD86, RNF215, LINC00951, and HBP1 were shown, for the first time, to be autoimmune disease susceptibility loci. Furthermore, associated SNPs included cis expression quantitative trait loci for WDFY4, CCDC12, MTP18, SF3A1, AHI1, COG5, HBP1, and GPR22.

Conclusion

This study provides evidence of both unique JIA risk loci and risk loci overlapping between JIA and other autoimmune diseases. These newly associated SNPs are shown to influence gene expression, and their bounding regions tie into molecular pathways of immunologic relevance. Thus, they likely represent regions that contribute to the pathology of oligoarticular JIA and RF‐negative polyarticular JIA.
Natural Compounds in Cancer Prevention: Effects of Coffee Extracts and Their Main Polyphenolic Component, 5‐O‐Caffeoylquinic Acid, on Oncogenic Ras Proteins
Authors: Palmioli Alessandro , Ciaramelli Carlotta , Tisi Renata , Spinelli Michela , De Sanctis Gaia , Sacco Elena , Airoldi Cristina
Published: July 2017

Recent epidemiological studies have demonstrated that the consumption of healthy foods that are particularly rich in polyphenols might reduce the incidence of cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. In particular, chlorogenic acids (CGAs) occur ubiquitously in food and represent the most abundant polyphenols in the human diet. A number of beneficial biological effects of CGAs, such as anti‐inflammatory activity, anti‐carcinogenic activity, and protection against neurodegenerative diseases, have been reported. However, the molecular mechanisms at the base of these biological activities have not yet been investigated in depth. By combining NMR spectroscopy, molecular docking, surface plasmon resonance and ex vivo assays of the Ras‐dependent breast cancer cell line MDA‐MB‐231, we contribute to the elucidation of the molecular basis of the activity of CGAs and natural extracts from green and roasted coffee beans as chemoprotective dietary supplements.
A Pyridoindole‐Based Multifunctional Bioprobe: pH‐Induced Fluorescence Switching and Specific Targeting of Lipid Droplets
Authors: Sk Bahadur , Thakre Pilendra Kumar , Tomar Raghuvir Singh , Patra Abhijit
Published: July 2017

A versatile fluorescent probe, PITE, based on alkyl‐substituted pyridoindole (PI) and tetraphenylethylene (TE), which exhibits facile pH‐induced fluorescence switching in solution, as nanoparticles, and in the solid state, is presented. Strong fluorescence in the solid state, as well as in solution and the aggregated state, allow sensing of toxic acid vapors. Fluorescence “off–on” switching of PITE through exposure to trifluoroacetic acid and triethylamine vapor is visualized by the naked eye. A unified picture of the switchable fluorescence of PITE is obtained by comprehensive spectroscopic investigations coupled with quantum mechanical calculations. Strong fluorescence, a large Stokes shift, high photostability, and biocompatibility of PITE make it a viable probe for subcellular imaging. Extensive fluorescence microscopic studies by employing organisms including lower and higher eukaryotes reveal specific localization of PITE to lipid droplets (LDs). LDs are dynamic subcellular organelles linked to various physiological processes and human diseases. Hence, the specific detection of LDs in diverse organisms is important to biomedical research and healthcare. Isolation of LDs and subsequent colocalization studies ascertain selective targeting of LDs by the easily affordable, lipophilic bioprobe, PITE. Thus, PITE is a promising multifunctional probe for chemosensing and the selective tracking of LDs.
Uncertain Saturated Discrete‐Time Sliding Mode Control for A Wind Turbine Using A Two‐Mass Model
Authors: Zaafouri Chaker , Torchani Borhen , Sellami Anis , Garcia Germain
Published: July 2017

The aim of this paper is to propose a new design variable speed wind turbine control by discrete‐time sliding mode approach. The control objective is to obtain a maximum extraction of wind energy, while reducing mechanical loads and rotor speed tracking combined with an electromagnetic torque. For this application, we designed a discrete time sliding mode control using the equivalent discrete time reaching law. Furthermore, a systematic and improved design procedure for uncertainties discrete‐time sliding mode control (SMC) with saturation problem is provided in this paper. The saturation constraint is reported on inputs vector. LMI technique and polytopic models are used in the design of the switching surface. To achieve some performance requirements and good robustness, in the sliding mode, the pole clustering method is investigated. Based on the unit vector control approach, a robust control is developed, then, to direct and maintain the system states onto the sliding manifold in finite time. Finally, a systematic design procedure for DSMC required to achieve a given performance level is provided and its effectiveness is varied by applying it to variable speed wind turbine systems.
The nearby spiral density‐wave structure of the Galaxy: Line‐of‐sight and longitudinal velocities of 61 masers
Authors: Griv E. , Jiang I.‐G. , Hou L.‐G. , Ngeow C.‐C.
Published: July 2017

This paper is the eighth in a series presenting the results of the dynamical analysis of velocity fields of Galactic objects on the assumption that the system is subject to moderately unstable, low‐amplitude, tightly wound, and rigidly rotating Lin–Shu density waves. The data of 61 masers associated with star‐forming regions having distances d<4 kpc from the Sun and h<200 pc from the plane are collected from the work by Reid et al. Both line‐of‐sight vlos and transverse along the Galactic longitude vlvelocities of these objects are analyzed. It is shown that there may coexist at least two radial scales of irregularity of a velocity field with different wavelengths λ≈2 and λ≈3.5 kpc and amplitudes of the perturbed gravitational potential for all values of the number of spiral arms considered, m = 1, 2, 3, and 4. To be consistent with the current ideas as to the spiral structure of the Galaxy, we argue respectively that the Sun is located at the inner edge of the Cygnus–Orion arm (very close to the arm center), between the nearby inner Carina–Sagittarius and outer Perseus arms (closer to the inner one). Estimates obtained from an analysis of two independent velocities vlos and vl are fairly consistent. As for us, the latter establishes further evidence to support the Lin–Shu wave proposal.
Metformin synergistic pemetrexed suppresses non‐small‐cell lung cancer cell proliferation and invasion in vitro
Authors: Zhang Yan , Feng Xiuli , Li Tao , Yi Erpan , Li Yu
Published: July 2017

The aim of this study was to investigate whether metformin in combination with pemetrexed has an effect on the treatment of non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) models and to explore the related molecular mechanism. The half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) and combination index (CI) of metformin and pemetrexed were detected by the CCK8 assay to assess the antiproliferative and therapeutic effects of the two‐drug combination. Flow cytometry (FCM) and invasion assays were used to estimate the variation in apoptosis rate and invasion ability of the differently treated NSCLC cell lines. Apoptotic markers were detected by western blotting to validate the data related to the antiproliferation and proapoptosis effects. Metformin monotherapy inhibited the growth of NSCLC cell lines and reduced the invasion ability to different degrees compared with the control groups (P < 0.05). Metformin in combination with pemetrexed produced a synergistic effect (CI < 0.90) compared with the two drugs in monotherapy in the three tested NSCLC cell lines. Metformin in combination with pemetrexed significantly increased the cell numbers of HCC827 cells at S phase (P < 0.001), and the combination therapy had no influence on the A549 and H1975 cell lines. We found that combining metformin with pemetrexed induced more cell apoptosis than metformin or pemetrexed used alone (P < 0.05), which was validated by the apoptotic markers. These results demonstrate that the combination of metformin and pemetrexed has a synergistic effect on the treatment of NSCLC cell lines by inducing apoptosis or blocking the cell cycle. Our data indicate that the combination of metformin and pemetrexed could have beneficial antitumor effects on NSCLC cells in vitro.
A first‐in‐human phase I, multicenter, open‐label, dose‐escalation study of the oral RAF/VEGFR‐2 inhibitor (RAF265) in locally advanced or metastatic melanoma independent from BRAF mutation status
Authors: Izar Benjamin , Sharfman William , Hodi F. Stephen , Lawrence Donald , Flaherty Keith T. , Amaravadi Ravi , Kim Kevin B. , Puzanov Igor , Sosman Jeffrey , Dummer Reinhard , Goldinger Simone M. , Lam Lyhping , Kakar Shefali , Tang Zhongwen , Krieter Oliver , McDermott David F. , Atkins Michael B.
Published: July 2017

To establish the maximum tolerated dose (MTD), dose‐limiting toxicities (DLT), safety profile, and anti‐tumor efficacy of RAF265. We conducted a multicenter, open‐label, phase‐I, dose‐escalation trial of RAF265, an orally available RAF kinase/VEGFR‐2 inhibitor, in patients with advanced or metastatic melanoma. Pharmacokinetic (PK) analysis, pharmacodynamics (PD) and tumor response assessment were conducted. We evaluated metabolic tumor response by 18[F]‐fluorodeoxyglucose‐positron‐emission tomography (FDG‐PET), tissue biomarkers using immunohistochemistry (IHC), and modulators of angiogenesis. RAF265 has a serum half‐life of approximately 200 h. The MTD was 48 mg once daily given continuously. Among 77 patients, most common treatment‐related adverse effects were fatigue (52%), diarrhea (34%), weight loss (31%) and vitreous floaters (27%). Eight of 66 evaluable patients (12.1%) had an objective response, including seven partial and one complete response. Responses occurred in BRAF‐mutant and BRAF wild‐type (WT) patients. Twelve of 58 (20.7%) evaluable patients had a partial metabolic response. On‐treatment versus pretreatment IHC staining in 23 patients showed dose‐dependent p‐ERK inhibition. We observed a significant temporal increase in placental growth factor levels and decrease in soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (sVEGFR‐2) levels in all dose levels. RAF265 is an oral RAF/VEGFR‐2 inhibitor that produced antitumor responses, metabolic responses, and modulated angiogenic growth factor levels. Antitumor activity occurred in patients with BRAF‐mutant and BRAF‐WT disease. Despite low activity at tolerable doses, this study provides a framework for the development of pan‐RAF inhibitors and modulators of angiogenesis for the treatment of melanoma.
College women with disabilities experience sexual violence side effects more severely
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: July 2017

College women with mental health or behavioral disabilities experience particular forms of sexual violence and partner violence, according to a study from Michigan State University. These forms of abuse include intimidation, name‐calling, and humiliation specifically related to their disabilities, according to the study.
Synthesis of C‐Glucosylated Octaketide Anthraquinones in Nicotiana benthamiana by Using a Multispecies‐Based Biosynthetic Pathway
Authors: Andersen‐Ranberg Johan , Kongstad Kenneth Thermann , Nafisi Majse , Staerk Dan , Okkels Finn Thyge , Mortensen Uffe Hasbro , Lindberg Møller Birger , Frandsen Rasmus John Normand , Kannangara Rubini
Published: July 2017

Carminic acid is a C‐glucosylated octaketide anthraquinone and the main constituent of the natural dye carmine (E120), possessing unique coloring, stability, and solubility properties. Despite being used since ancient times, longstanding efforts to elucidate its route of biosynthesis have been unsuccessful. Herein, a novel combination of enzymes derived from a plant (Aloe arborescens, Aa), a bacterium (Streptomyces sp. R1128, St), and an insect (Dactylopius coccus, Dc) that allows for the biosynthesis of the C‐glucosylated anthraquinone, dcII, a precursor for carminic acid, is reported. The pathway, which consists of AaOKS, StZhuI, StZhuJ, and DcUGT2, presents an alternative biosynthetic approach for the production of polyketides by using a type III polyketide synthase (PKS) and tailoring enzymes originating from a type II PKS system. The current study showcases the power of using transient expression in Nicotiana benthamiana for efficient and rapid identification of functional biosynthetic pathways, including both soluble and membrane‐bound enzymes.
Oral manifestations of a rare variant of Marfan syndrome
Authors: Sinha Abhishek , Kaur Sandeep , Raheel Syed Ahmed , Kaur Kirandeep , Alshehri Mohammed , Kujan Omar
Published: July 2017

Key Clinical Message

This article reports the oral manifestations of an unusual presentation of Marfan syndrome (MFS) and provides an evidence to the importance of recognizing the oral features in confirming the diagnosis of MFS. Dentists have a vital role in confirming the diagnosis of developmental disorders that involve the craniofacial compendium.
Boron and Boron‐Containing Catalysts for the Oxidative Dehydrogenation of Propane
Authors: Grant Joseph T. , McDermott William P. , Venegas Juan M. , Burt Samuel P. , Micka Jack , Phivilay Somphonh P. , Carrero Carlos A. , Hermans Ive
Published: July 2017

Boron nitride was recently identified as a highly selective catalyst for the oxidative dehydrogenation of propane. In this communication, we report that other boron‐containing materials such as boron carbide, titanium boride, nickel boride, cobalt boride, hafnium boride, and tungsten boride, as well as elemental boron itself, show the same exceptional behavior as boron nitride. X‐ray photoelectron and infrared spectroscopy suggest oxyfunctionalization of the surface. This observation disproves previous mechanistic hypotheses that edge sites on the boron nitride would be the active sites and rather suggests the formation of an analogous surface‐stabilized BOx active site for all tested boride catalysts.
Water‐Based Synthesis of Sub‐10 nm Pt Octahedra and Their Performance towards the Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Lee Chi‐Ta , Yang Xuan , Vara Madeline , Gilroy Kyle D. , Xia Younan
Published: July 2017

We report a facile, aqueous‐phase synthesis of sub‐10 nm Pt octahedral nanocrystals. The success of this synthesis relies on the use of poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP) as a mediator. By tracking the evolution of the Pt nanocrystals throughout the growth process, we found that single‐crystal seeds with a pseudo‐spherical shape are formed in the early stage of the synthesis, followed by growth through the preferential deposition of Pt atoms onto the {100} facets, directing the seeds to evolve into octahedra enclosed by {111} facets. We have manipulated the atom deposition rates by tuning various experimental parameters in an effort to support the mechanism for the formation of Pt octahedra. In addition, we have investigated the catalytic activity of these Pt nanocrystals towards oxygen reduction. For the 9‐nm Pt octahedra enclosed by {111} facets, they show a specific activity of 1.5 mA cm−2, much greater than that of Pt nanocubes enclosed by {100} facets, which only has a specific activity of 0.28 mA cm−2.
Affairs of the Heart: Innovation in Cardiovascular Research and Development
Authors: Honig P , Terzic A
Published: July 2017

Cardiovascular disease represents the single largest contributor to morbidity and mortality, yet the flow of therapeutic innovation is lagging. Globally, academia, industry, and regulatory agencies must work together to address this gap, and ensure new disruptive therapeutic modalities to address growing needs of patients and society.
Lignin‐Retaining Transparent Wood
Authors: Li Yuanyuan , Fu Qiliang , Rojas Ramiro , Yan Min , Lawoko Martin , Berglund Lars
Published: July 2017

Optically transparent wood, combining optical and mechanical performance, is an emerging new material for light‐transmitting structures in buildings with the aim of reducing energy consumption. One of the main obstacles for transparent wood fabrication is delignification, where around 30 wt % of wood tissue is removed to reduce light absorption and refractive index mismatch. This step is time consuming and not environmentally benign. Moreover, lignin removal weakens the wood structure, limiting the fabrication of large structures. A green and industrially feasible method has now been developed to prepare transparent wood. Up to 80 wt % of lignin is preserved, leading to a stronger wood template compared to the delignified alternative. After polymer infiltration, a high‐lignin‐content transparent wood with transmittance of 83 %, haze of 75 %, thermal conductivity of 0.23 W mK−1, and work‐tofracture of 1.2 MJ m−3 (a magnitude higher than glass) was obtained. This transparent wood preparation method is efficient and applicable to various wood species. The transparent wood obtained shows potential for application in energy‐saving buildings.
Preparation of Layered‐Spinel Microsphere/Reduced Graphene Oxide Cathode Materials for Ultrafast Charge–Discharge Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Luo Dong , Fang Shaohua , Yang Li , Hirano Shin‐ichi
Published: July 2017

Although Li‐rich layered oxides (LLOs) have the highest capacity of any cathodes used, the rate capability of LLOs falls short of meeting the requirements of electric vehicles and smart grids. Herein, a layered‐spinel microsphere/reduced graphene oxide heterostructured cathode (LS@rGO) is prepared in situ. This cathode is composed of a spinel phase, two layered structures, and a small amount of reduced graphene oxide (1.08 wt % of carbon). The assembly delivers a considerable charge capacity (145 mA h g−1) at an ultrahigh charge– discharge rate of 60 C (12 A g−1). The rate capability of LS@rGO is influenced by the introduced spinel phase and rGO. X‐ray absorption and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy data indicate that Cr ions move from octahedral lattice sites to tetrahedral lattice sites, and that Mn ions do not participate in the oxidation reaction during the initial charge process.
ACMHS: Efficient access control for mobile health care system
Authors: Wan Changsheng , Zhang Juan , Huang Daoli
Published: July 2017

To provide privacy protection in mobile health care system, medical users typically encrypt their personal health information before publishing it to the health care center. And other medical users download, decrypt, and process it using an access control protocol. However, current access control protocols are mainly focusing the privacy of personal health information and lacking the protection for medical users' real identities, leading to a variety of security issues. At the same time, current access control protocols for mobile health care systems are usually based on bilinear map, resulting in high computation costs. Observing the above issues, we introduce a novel access control protocol with privacy‐preserving called Access Control for Mobile Healthcare System (ACMHS). Similar to protocols of this field, ACMHS can provide privacy protection for mobile health care systems. However, different from other well‐known approaches, ACMHS uses pseudonyms instead of real identities, which can provide privacy protection for medical users' real identities. Moreover, to reduce the computation cost of bilinear map, we introduce the algebraic signature to ACMHS and design a novel access control protocol, which is much more efficient than current bilinear‐map‐based protocols. By doing so, ACMHS can achieve high efficiency while still enjoying required security requirements. Experimental results show that ACMHS is feasible for real‐world applications.
Neonatal infection produces significant changes in immune function with no associated learning deficits in juvenile rats
Authors: Osborne Brittany F. , Caulfield Jasmine I. , Solomotis Samantha A. , Schwarz Jaclyn M.
Published: July 2017

The current experiments examined the impact of early‐life immune activation and a subsequent mild immune challenge with lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 25µg/kg) on hippocampal‐dependent learning, proinflammatory cytokine expression in the brain, and peripheral immune function in juvenile male and female rats at P24, an age when hippocampal‐dependent learning and memory first emerges. Our results indicate that neonatal infection did not produce learning deficits in the hippocampal‐dependent context pre‐exposure facilitation effect paradigm in juvenile males and females, contrary to what has been observed in adults. Neonatal infection produced an increase in baseline IL‐1β expression in the hippocampus (HP) and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) of juvenile rats. Furthermore, neonatally infected rats showed exaggerated IL‐1β expression in the HP following LPS treatment as juveniles; and juvenile females, but not males, showed exaggerated IL‐1β expression in the mPFC following LPS treatment. Neonatal infection attenuated the production of IL‐6 expression following LPS treatment in both the brain and the spleen, and neonatal infection decreased the numbers of circulating white blood cells in juvenile males and females, an effect that was further exacerbated by subsequent LPS treatment. Together, our data indicate that the consequences of neonatal infection are detectable even early in juvenile development, though we found no concomitant hippocampal‐dependent learning deficits at this young age. These findings underscore the need to consider age and associated on‐going neurodevelopmental processes as important factors contributing to the emergence of cognitive and behavioral disorders linked to early‐life immune activation. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 77: 1221–1236, 2017
Spatial models to account for variation in observer effort in bird atlases
Authors: Wilson Andrew M. , Brauning Daniel W. , Carey Caitlin , Mulvihill Robert S.
Published: July 2017

To assess the importance of variation in observer effort between and within bird atlas projects and demonstrate the use of relatively simple conditional autoregressive (CAR) models for analyzing grid‐based atlas data with varying effort. Pennsylvania and West Virginia, United States of America. We used varying proportions of randomly selected training data to assess whether variations in observer effort can be accounted for using CAR models and whether such models would still be useful for atlases with incomplete data. We then evaluated whether the application of these models influenced our assessment of distribution change between two atlas projects separated by twenty years (Pennsylvania), and tested our modeling methodology on a state bird atlas with incomplete coverage (West Virginia). Conditional Autoregressive models which included observer effort and landscape covariates were able to make robust predictions of species distributions in cases of sparse data coverage. Further, we found that CAR models without landscape covariates performed favorably. These models also account for variation in observer effort between atlas projects and can have a profound effect on the overall assessment of distribution change. Accounting for variation in observer effort in atlas projects is critically important. CAR models provide a useful modeling framework for accounting for variation in observer effort in bird atlas data because they are relatively simple to apply, and quick to run.
Discovery and characterization of single nucleotide polymorphisms in two anadromous alosine fishes of conservation concern
Authors: Baetscher Diana S. , Hasselman Daniel J. , Reid Kerry , Palkovacs Eric P. , Garza John Carlos
Published: July 2017

Freshwater habitat alteration and marine fisheries can affect anadromous fish species, and populations fluctuating in size elicit conservation concern and coordinated management. We describe the development and characterization of two sets of 96 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) assays for two species of anadromous alosine fishes, alewife and blueback herring (collectively known as river herring), that are native to the Atlantic coast of North America. We used data from high‐throughput DNA sequencing to discover SNPs and then developed molecular genetic assays for genotyping sets of 96 individual loci in each species. The two sets of assays were validated with multiple populations that encompass both the geographic range and the known regional genetic stocks of both species. The SNP panels developed herein accurately resolved the genetic stock structure for alewife and blueback herring that was previously identified using microsatellites and assigned individuals to regional stock of origin with high accuracy. These genetic markers, which generate data that are easily shared and combined, will greatly facilitate ongoing conservation and management of river herring including genetic assignment of marine caught individuals to stock of origin.
Linking the wintering and breeding grounds of warblers along the Pacific Flyway
Authors: Toews David P. L. , Heavyside Julian , Irwin Darren E.
Published: July 2017

Long‐distance migration is a behavior that is exhibited by many animal groups. The evolution of novel migration routes can play an important role in range expansions, ecological interactions, and speciation. New migration routes may evolve in response to selection in favor of reducing distance between breeding and wintering areas, or avoiding navigational barriers. Many migratory changes are likely to evolve gradually and are therefore difficult to study. Here, we attempt to connect breeding and wintering populations of myrtle warblers (Setophaga coronata coronata) to better understand the possible evolution of distinct migration routes within this species. Myrtle warblers, unlike most other warblers with breeding ranges primarily in eastern North America, have two disjunct overwintering concentrations—one in the southeasternUSAand one along the Pacific Coast—and presumably distinct routes to‐and‐from these locations. We studied both myrtle and Audubon's warblers (S. c. auduboni) captured during their spring migration along the Pacific Coast, south of the narrow region where these two taxa hybridize. Using stable hydrogen isotopes and biometric data, we show that those myrtle warblers wintering along the southern Pacific Coast of North America are likely to breed at high latitudes in Alaska and the Yukon rather than in Alberta or further east. Our interpretation is that the evolution of this wintering range and migration route along the Pacific Coast may have facilitated the breeding expansion of myrtle warblers into northwestern North America. Moreover, these data suggest that there may be a migratory divide within genetically similar populations of myrtle warblers.
Drought‐induced mortality patterns and rapid biomass recovery in a terra firme forest in the Colombian Amazon
Authors: Zuleta Daniel , Duque Alvaro , Cardenas Dairon , Muller‐Landau Helene C. , Davies Stuart J.
Published: July 2017

Extreme climatic events affecting the Amazon region are expected to become more frequent under ongoing climate change. In this study, we assessed the responses to the 2010 drought of over 14,000 trees ≥10 cm dbh in a 25 ha lowland forest plot in the Colombian Amazon and how these responses varied among topographically defined habitats, with tree size, and with species wood density. Tree mortality was significantly higher during the 2010–2013 period immediately after the drought than in 2007–2010. The post‐drought increase in mortality was stronger for trees located in valleys (+243%) than for those located on slopes (+67%) and ridges (+57%). Tree‐based generalized linear mixed models showed a significant negative effect of species wood density on mortality and no effect of tree size. Despite the elevated post‐drought mortality, aboveground biomass increased from 2007 to 2013 by 1.62 Mg ha−1 yr−1 (95% CI 0.80–2.43 Mg ha−1 yr−1). Biomass change varied among habitats, with no significant increase on the slopes (1.05, 95% CI −0.76 to 2.85 Mg ha−1 yr−1), a significant increase in the valleys (1.33, 95% CI 0.37–2.34 Mg ha−1 yr−1), and a strong increase on the ridges (2.79, 95% CI 1.20–4.21 Mg ha−1 yr−1). These results indicate a high carbon resilience of this forest to the 2010 drought due to habitat‐associated and interspecific heterogeneity in responses including directional changes in functional composition driven by enhanced performance of drought‐tolerant species that inhabit the drier ridges.
In‐hospital worsening heart failure: a clinically relevant endpoint?
Authors: Clark Andrew L. , Cherif Myriam , McDonagh Theresa A. , Squire Iain B.
Published: July 2017

Outcome measures used for the clinical evaluation of patients with acute heart failure differ between studies and may neither adequately address the characteristic presenting symptoms and signs nor reflect the pathophysiological processes involved. In‐hospital worsening of heart failure (WHF) is associated with poor outcomes and thus a potential endpoint conveying clinically meaningful prognostic information.

Current definitions of WHF are based on the combination of worsening symptoms and signs and the intensification of treatment during admission. Definitions vary across studies and do not fully account for baseline therapy or circumstances in which there is failure to respond to treatment. Further, there are limited data to inform healthcare professionals as to which patients are most at risk of developing in‐hospital WHF.

In this opinion piece, we review the definitions for WHF used in recent and ongoing clinical trials and propose a novel definition, which captures failure to respond to treatment as well as clinical worsening (deterioration of symptoms and signs) of the patient's condition. Such a definition, applied consistently across studies, would help clarify the characteristics of patients likely to develop in‐hospital WHF, allow comparative assessments of the effectiveness of interventions, and help guide appropriate patient management in order to improve outcomes.
Create a guaranteed course schedule to help students graduate more quickly
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: July 2017

NEW ORLEANS — When college officials plan efforts to encourage timely graduation, identifying barriers to completion is an important first step. At Cuyahoga Community College, when officials asked faculty members and students “What is the one thing that is challenging you right now?” they got a consistent response: the schedule.
Unidimensional Vertical Scaling in Multidimensional Space
Authors: Carlson James E.
Published: July 2017

In this paper, I consider a set of test items that are located in a multidimensional space, SM, but are located along a curved line in SM and can be scaled unidimensionally. Furthermore, I am demonstrating a case in which the test items are administered across 6 levels, such as occurs in K–12 assessment across 6 grade levels, and for which a unidimensional vertical scale can be developed. I am limiting my coverage to dichotomously scored items because the models are much simpler than those for polytomously scored items. However, the concepts discussed can be extended to the latter type of item. I also limit my demonstrations to a 2‐dimensional space, S2, so I can geometrically represent my points in a 2‐dimensional representation in this article. These concepts can also be extended to a higher‐dimensional case.
Agronomic evaluation of seedbed and mulching alternatives with plant spacing for dry‐season fluted pumpkin in coarse‐textured tropical soil
Authors: Obalum Sunday E. , Edeh Ifeoma G. , Imoh Odirichi N. , Njoku Ogechi M. , Uzoh Ifeyinwa M. , Onyia Vincent N. , Igwe Charles A. , Reichert Jose M.
Published: July 2017

Fluted pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis) has high agronomic and food relevance in the tropics. Production of this vegetable in the dry season with irrigation is increasingly popular and is mostly on droughty soils, thus requiring research on appropriate combination of soil moisture conservation/management practices. This study evaluated the interactions among seedbed configuration (flat and raised), surface mulching (grass‐mulched and no‐mulch) and plant spacing (1002, 502 and 252 cm2, designated wide, intermediate and close spacing, respectively) on fluted pumpkin performance in a sandy‐loam soil in southeastern Nigeria during 2014/2015 dry season. Seedling emergence (ratio of emerged to expected seedlings) was highest and lowest in flat/mulched/wide and flat/no‐mulch/close combinations, respectively. Main effects showed higher seedling emergence in mulched (67.9%) than no‐mulch plots (53.1%) and in wide (70.8%) and intermediate spacing (64.6%) compared to close spacing (46.0%). Fresh leaf yield assessed biweekly during 6–14 weeks after sowing was generally highest and lowest in flat/mulched/close and flat/no‐mulch/wide combinations, respectively. Seedbed configuration had no distinct effect on leaf yield; hence, flat/mulched/close option was similar to raised/mulched/close option. Yields from mulched/wide and no‐mulch/close options were similar with a mean (2735 kg/ha) approximating the overall mean (2868 kg/ha). Flat/mulched/close combination is the best management practice to grow fluted pumpkin with irrigation on droughty soils during the dry season of the tropics. Where this best practice is compromised due to mulch or seed scarcity, the ensuing no‐mulch/close and mulched/wide, respectively can support dry‐season production of pumpkin in droughty tropical soils at average levels.
A new parsimonious recurrent forecasting model in singular spectrum analysis
Authors: Mahmoudvand Rahim , Rodrigues Paulo Canas
Published: July 2017

Singular spectrum analysis (SSA) is a powerful nonparametric method in the area of time series analysis that has shown its capability in different applications areas. SSA depends on two main choices: the window lengthLand the number of eigentriples used for groupingr. One of the most important issues when analyzing time series is the forecast of new observations. When using SSA for time series forecasting there are several alternative algorithms, the most widely used being the recurrent forecasting model, which assumes that a given observation can be written as a linear combination of theL−1 previous observations. However, when the window lengthLis large, the forecasting model is unlikely to be parsimonious. In this paper we propose a new parsimonious recurrent forecasting model that uses an optimalm(<L−1) coefficients in the linear combination of the recurrent SSA. Our results support the idea of using this new parsimonious recurrent forecasting model instead of the standard recurrent SSA forecasting model.
The role of international institutional complexity on emerging market multinational companies’ innovation
Authors: Wu Jie , Park Seung Ho
Published: July 2017

Research Summary

This study examines the role of international institutional complexity, which is defined as the scope and multiplicity of institutional dimensions across foreign markets, on emerging market multinational companies’ (EMMCs) innovation performance. We propose that international institutional complexity provides learning opportunities for EMMCs’ innovation performance but also incurs higher management costs to handle information overload from overextended internationalization. We further propose that the host exposure and the heterogeneity of an EMMC's top management team (TMT) moderate the main effect of international institutional complexity on EMMC innovation. The empirical testing utilizes a longitudinal panel dataset of 7,072 foreign expansion steps by 767 Chinese firms from 2001 and 2010 and offers strong support for the proposed hypotheses.

Managerial Summary

Despite the emergence of EMMCs over the past 30 years, there is little understanding of how international institutional complexity impacts EMMCs’ innovation capabilities. By analyzing a longitudinal panel dataset of 7,072 foreign expansion steps by 767 Chinese firms from 2001 and 2010, we find that the international institutional complexity of an EMMC has an inverted U‐shaped impact (first increasing and then decreasing) on its innovation, such that a moderate level of international institutional complexity generates the most innovation output. We also find that TMT host exposure and TMT heterogeneity positively moderate the relationship between international institutional complexity and EMMCs’ innovation performance. Our study contributes to better understanding EMMCs’ international strategies in enhancing their innovation capabilities.
A retrospective analysis of the effectiveness of anterior pelvic organ prolapse repair with Prolift versus Elevate vaginal mesh
Authors: Barros‐Pereira Isabel , Valentim‐Lourenço Alexandre , Fonseca Andreia , Melo Bruna , Henriques Alexandra , Ribeirinho Ana
Published: July 2017

Objective

To compare the effectiveness of anterior pelvic organ prolapse (POP) repair using Prolift (Ethicon, Somerville, NJ, USA) or Elevate (American Medical Systems, Minnetonka, MN, USA) vaginal mesh at 12 months of follow‐up.

Methods

A retrospective study was undertaken using the records for the first 50 Prolift procedures in 2007–2009 and the first 50 Elevate procedures in 2013–2015 performed at a tertiary urogynecology unit in Lisbon, Portugal. Postoperative follow‐up occurred at 3, 6, and 12 months. The primary outcome was surgical efficacy using subjective and objective measures (vaginal bulge symptoms and POP quantification system according to the Weber criteria, respectively) at 12 months.

Results

Improvement according to the Weber criteria was noted for 10 (25%) of 40 women in the Prolift group and 21 (48%) of 44 in the Elevate group at 12 months (P=0.032). Additionally, the Ba point was higher with Elevate than with Prolift (−2.2 ± 1.1 vs −1.5 ± 1.5; P=0.031). Vaginal bulge symptoms were reported at 12 months by 7 (18%) women in the Prolift group and 3 (7%) in the Elevate group (P=0.021).

Conclusion

Differences in anatomic results were apparent between the two vaginal mesh groups 12 months after surgery.
Multimodality Image-Guided Cryoablation for Inoperable Tumor-Induced Osteomalacia
Authors: Tella Sri Harsha , Amalou Hayet , Wood Bradford J , Chang Richard , Chen Clara C , Robinson Cemre , Millwood Michelle , Guthrie Lori C , Xu Sheng , Levy Elliot , Krishnasamy Venkatesh , Gafni Rachel I , Collins Michael T
Published: July 2017

Tumor-induced osteomalacia (TIO) is a debilitating paraneoplastic condition caused by small phosphaturic mesenchymal tumors (PMTs) that secrete large amounts of the phosphate-regulating and vitamin D-regulating hormone, FGF23. Tumor removal results in cure. However, because of high perioperative comorbidity, either from tumor location or host factors, surgery is sometimes not an option. Tumor destruction via cryoablation may be an effective option for inoperable PMTs. Three subjects with a confirmed diagnosis of TIO were studied. All three underwent cryoablation of suspected PMTs rather than surgery due to significant medical comorbidities or challenging anatomical location. Subject 3 had tumor embolization 24 hours prior to cryoablation because of the size and hypervascularity of the tumor. The success of the tumor cryoablation was defined by normalization of serum phosphate and FGF23. Cryoablation resulted in a rapid decrease in plasma intact FGF23 by 24 hours postprocedure in all three subjects (0, 2, and 9 pg/mL, respectively) with normalization of blood phosphate by postprocedure day 3. Three-day renal tubular reabsorption of phosphate increased to 76%, 94%, and 95.2%, respectively; 1, 25(OH)2 vitamin D increased to 84, 138, and 196 pg/ml, respectively. All three had dramatic clinical improvement in pain and weakness. Two subjects tolerated the procedure well with no complications; one had significant prolonged procedure-related localized pain. Although surgery remains the treatment of choice, cryoablation may be an effective, less invasive, and safe treatment for patients with difficult to remove tumors or who are poor surgical candidates. © 2017 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Correlation functional in screened‐exchange density functional theory procedures
Authors: Chan Bun , Kawashima Yukio , Hirao Kimihiko
Published: July 2017

In the present study, we have explored several prospects for the further development of screened‐exchange density functional theory (SX‐DFT) procedures. Using the performance of HSE06 as our measure, we find that the use of alternative correlation functionals (as oppose to PBEc in HSE06) also yields adequate results for a diverse set of thermochemical properties. We have further examined the performance of new SX‐DFT procedures (termed HSEB‐type methods) that comprise the HSEx exchange and a (near‐optimal) reparametrized B97c (cOS,0 = cSS,0 = 1, cOS,1 = −1.5, cOS,2 = −0.644, cSS,1 = −0.5, and cSS,2 = 1.10) correlation functionals. The different variants of HSEB all perform comparably to or slightly better than the original HSE‐type procedures. These results, together with our fundamental analysis of correlation functionals, point toward various directions for advancing SX‐DFT methods. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Synthesis of Hydrazones from Amino Acids and their Antimicrobial and Cytotoxic Activities
Authors: Abid Obaid‐ur‐Rahman , Khatoon Ghamama , Arfan Muhammad , Sajid Imran , Langer Peter , Rehman Wajid , Rahim Fazal , Yasir Muhammad , Waqar Muhammad , Haleem Kashif Syed
Published: July 2017

Hydrazones 6a–6n were synthesized from different amino acids with various aldehydes under reflux in methanol/ethanol. The structures of synthesized compounds were ascertained by elemental analysis and spectroscopic techniques. A comparative study of the antimicrobial activity and cytotoxicity was carried out of the N‐protected amino acids, their esters, hydrazides, and the respective hydrazones, providing good results in cytotoxicity studies.
Valorisation of the liquid fraction from hydrothermal carbonisation of sewage sludge by anaerobic digestion
Authors: Villamil John A , Mohedano Angel F , Rodriguez Juan J , de la Rubia M Angeles
Published: July 2017

BACKGROUND

The mesophilic anaerobic digestion of the liquid fraction from hydrothermal carbonisation (208°C, 1 h) of dehydrated sewage sludge has been studied. Two initial inoculum concentrations (IC) (10 and 25 g COD L‐1) and four inoculum to substrate ratios (ISR) (2, 1, 0.5 and 0.4 on a COD basis) have been selected to analyse their influence on the evolution of the anaerobic digestion process.

RESULTS

The substrate is characterised by a high COD (95.5 g L‐1) and TKN (8.7 g N L‐1) values. High inoculum concentration (25 g COD L‐1) and/or low ISR (≤ 0.5) inhibited methanogenesis due to the high ammonia nitrogen (1.4 g TAN L‐1) and VFA (>4 g COD L‐1) released. For the inhibited samples final COD removals lower than 15% and IA/TA ratios higher than 0.3 were found. The greatest methane yield (177±5 mL CH4 STP g‐1 CODadded) was achieved at 25 g COD L‐1 of IC and at an ISR of 2.

CONCLUSION

During anaerobic digestion of the liquid fraction from the hydrothermal carbonisation of sewage sludge, the IC and ISR must be adequately selected for proper operation of the process and successful valorisation. According to the results, working at an ISR ≥ 1 is recommended. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
MRI‐guided stereotactic neurosurgical procedures in a diagnostic MRI suite: Background and safe practice recommendations
Authors: Larson Paul S. , Willie Jon T. , Vadivelu Sudhakar , Azmi‐Ghadimi Hooman , Nichols Amy , Fauerbach Loretta Litz , Johnson Helen Boehm , Graham Denise
Published: July 2017

The development of navigation technology facilitating MRI‐guided stereotactic neurosurgery has enabled neurosurgeons to perform a variety of procedures ranging from deep brain stimulation to laser ablation entirely within an intraoperative or diagnostic MRI suite while having real‐time visualization of brain anatomy. Prior to this technology, some of these procedures required multisite workflow patterns that presented significant risk to the patient during transport. For those facilities with access to this technology, safe practice guidelines exist only for procedures performed within an intraoperative MRI. There are currently no safe practice guidelines or parameters available for facilities looking to integrate this technology into practice in conventional MRI suites. Performing neurosurgical procedures in a diagnostic MRI suite does require precautionary measures. The relative novelty of technology and workflows for direct MRI‐guided procedures requires consideration of safe practice recommendations, including those pertaining to infection control and magnet safety issues. This article proposes a framework of safe practice recommendations designed for assessing readiness and optimization of MRI‐guided neurosurgical interventions in thediagnosticMRI suite in an effort to mitigate patient risk. The framework is based on existing clinical evidence, recommendations, and guidelines related to infection control and prevention, health care–associated infections, and magnet safety, as well as the clinical and practical experience of neurosurgeons utilizing this technology.
Relevance of bioreactors and whole tissue cultures for the translation of new therapies to humans
Authors: Peroglio Marianna , Gaspar Diana , Zeugolis Dimitrios I. , Alini Mauro
Published: July 2017

The purpose of this review is to provide a brief overview of bioreactor‐based culture systems as alternatives to conventional two‐ and three‐dimensional counterparts. The role, challenges, and future aspirations of bioreactors in the musculoskeletal field (e.g., cartilage, intervertebral disc, tendon, and bone) are discussed. Bioreactors, by recapitulating physiological processes, can be used effectively as part of the initial in vitro screening, reducing that way the number of animal required for preclinical assessment, complying with the 3R principles and, in most cases, allowing working with human tissues. The clinical significance of bioreactors is that, by providing more physiologically relevant conditions to customarily used two‐ and three‐dimensional cultures, they hold the potential to provide a testing platform that is more predictable of a whole tissue response, thereby facilitating the screening of treatments before the initiation of clinical trials. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:10–21, 2018.