bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phosphorus(
III
)‐Mediated Reductive Condensation of α‐Keto Esters and Protic Pronucleophiles
Authors: Zhao Wei , Radosevich* Alexander T.
Published: March 2016

Phosphorus(III) reagents are known to undergo reaction with 1,2‐dicarbonyl compounds to give adducts of formal
P
‐addition to the carbonyl oxygen (Kukhtin‐Ramirez reaction). We have shown that these Kukhtin‐Ramirez adducts further react to incorporate a range of
N
‐,
O
‐, and
C
‐based protic pronucleophiles with expulsion of a phosphine oxide by‐product. The process likely proceeds in stepwise fashion, initiated by proton transfer from the protic pronucleophile to the Kukhtin‐Ramirez adduct, followed by Arbuzov‐like displacement of the phosphine oxide leaving group. This reaction sequence therefore represents a convenient one pot process for access to a range of α–functionalized carbonyl compounds from readily available reagents and precursors.
Dipeptide Syntheses via Activated α‐Aminoesters
Authors: Suppo Jean‐Simon , de Figueiredo* Renata Marcia , Campagne* Jean‐Marc
Published: March 2016

This article describes the synthesis of dipeptides by use of activated α‐aminoesters (obtained from α‐aminoesters and inexpensiveN,N'‐carbonyldiimidazole‐CDI). These activated compounds are prepared under mild conditions. They are readily purified by simple filtration over silica gel and they are stable for months when stored at 4 °C.
Organocatalyzed Direct Asymmetric α—Hydroxymethylation of Aldehydes
Authors: Boeckman Jr.* Robert K. , Tusch Douglas J. , Biegasiewicz Kyle F.
Published: March 2016

This article reports the organocatalyzed direct asymmetric α‐hydroxymethylation of aldehydes. The direct asymmetric α‐hydroxymethylation of isovaleraldehyde catalyzed by (
S
)‐1,1‐diphenylprolinol trimethylsilyl ether. Our method is mild, and tolerates a variety of functional groups including alkynes, aromatics, silylated alcohols and esters. The method uses easily handled aqueous formaldehyde, and employs a catalytic amount of a chiral catalyst, affording in one step a synthetically versatile chiral intermediate for further elaboration.
Algorithms and software for U‐Pb geochronology by LA‐ICPMS
Authors: McLean Noah M. , Bowring James F. , Gehrels George
Published: March 2016

The past 15 years have produced numerous innovations in geochronology, including experimental methods, instrumentation, and software that are revolutionizing the acquisition and application of geochronological data. For example, exciting advances are being driven by Laser‐Ablation ICP Mass Spectrometry (LA‐ICPMS), which allows for rapid determination of U‐Th‐Pb ages with 10s of micrometer‐scale spatial resolution. This method has become the most commonly applied tool for dating zircons, constraining a host of geological problems. The LA‐ICPMS community is now faced with archiving these data with associated analytical results and, more importantly, ensuring that data meet the highest standards for precision and accuracy and that interlaboratory biases are minimized. However, there is little consensus with regard to analytical strategies and data reduction protocols for LA‐ICPMS geochronology. The result is systematic interlaboratory bias and both underestimation and overestimation of uncertainties on calculated dates that, in turn, decrease the value of data in repositories such as EarthChem, which archives data and analytical results from participating laboratories. We present free open‐source software that implements new algorithms for evaluating and resolving many of these discrepancies. This solution is the result of a collaborative effort to extend the U‐Pb_Redux software for the ID‐TIMS community to the LA‐ICPMS community. Now named ET_Redux, our new software automates the analytical and scientific workflows of data acquisition, statistical filtering, data analysis and interpretation, publication, community‐based archiving, and the compilation and comparison of data from different laboratories to support collaborative science.
Seismic attenuation structure associated with episodic tremor and slip zone beneath Shikoku and the Kii peninsula, southwestern Japan, in the Nankai subduction zone
Authors: Kita Saeko , Matsubara Makoto
Published: March 2016

The three‐dimensional seismic attenuation structure (frequency‐independent Q) beneath southwestern Japan was analyzed using t* estimated by applying the S coda wave spectral ratio method to the waveform data from a dense permanent seismic network. The seismic attenuation (Qp−1) structure is clearly imaged for the region beneath Shikoku, the Kii peninsula, and eastern Kyushu at depths down to approximately 50 km. At depths of 5 to 35 km, the seismic attenuation structure changes at the Median tectonic line and other geological boundaries beneath Shikoku and the southwestern Kii peninsula. High‐Qp zones within the lower crust of the overlying plate are found just above the slip regions at the centers of the long‐term slow‐slip events (SSEs) beneath the Bungo and Kii channels and central Shikoku. Beneath central Shikoku, within the overlying plate, a high‐Qp zone bounded by low‐Qp zones is located from the land surface to the plate interface of the subducting plate. The high‐Qp zone and low‐Qp zones correspond to high‐Vp and low‐Vp zones of previous study, respectively. The boundaries of the high‐ and low‐Qp zones are consistent with the segment boundaries of tremors (segment boundaries of short‐term SSEs). These results indicated that the locations of the long‐ and short‐term SSEs could be limited by the inhomogeneous distribution of the materials and/or condition of the overlying plate, which is formed due to geological and geographical process. The heterogeneity of materials and/or condition within the fore‐arc crust possibly makes an effect on inhomogeneous rheological strength distribution on the interface.
Application of open‐source photogrammetric software MicMac for monitoring surface deformation in laboratory models
Authors: Galland Olivier , Bertelsen Håvard S. , Guldstrand Frank , Girod Luc , Johannessen Rikke F. , Bjugger Fanny , Burchardt Steffi , Mair Karen
Published: March 2016

Quantifying deformation is essential in modern laboratory models of geological systems. This paper presents a new laboratory monitoring method through the implementation of the open‐source software MicMac, which efficiently implements photogrammetry in Structure‐from‐Motion algorithms. Critical evaluation is provided using results from two example laboratory geodesy scenarios: magma emplacement and strike‐slip faulting. MicMac automatically processes images from synchronized cameras to compute time series of digital elevation models (DEMs) and orthorectified images of model surfaces. MicMac also implements digital image correlation to produce high‐resolution displacements maps. The resolution of DEMs and displacement maps corresponds to the pixel size of the processed images. Using 24 MP cameras, the precision of DEMs and displacements is ~0.05 mm on a 40 × 40 cm surface. Processing displacement maps with Matlab® scripts allows automatic fracture mapping on the monitored surfaces. MicMac also offers the possibility to integrate 3‐D models of excavated structures with the corresponding surface deformation data. The high resolution and high precision of MicMac results and the ability to generate virtual 3‐D models of complex structures make it a very promising tool for quantitative monitoring in laboratory models of geological systems.
Composition of conglomerates analyzed by the Curiosity rover: Implications for Gale Crater crust and sediment sources
Authors: Mangold N. , Thompson L. M. , Forni O. , Williams A. J. , Fabre C. , Le Deit L. , Wiens R. C. , Williams R. , Anderson R. B. , Blaney D. L. , Calef F. , Cousin A. , Clegg S. M. , Dromart G. , Dietrich W. E. , Edgett K. S. , Fisk M. R. , Gasnault O. , Gellert R. , Grotzinger J. P. , Kah L. , Le Mouélic S. , McLennan S. M. , Maurice S. , Meslin P.‐Y. , Newsom H. E. , Palucis M. C. , Rapin W. , Sautter V. , Siebach K. L. , Stack K. , Sumner D. , Yingst A.
Published: March 2016

The Curiosity rover has analyzed various detrital sedimentary rocks at Gale Crater, among which fluvial and lacustrine rocks are predominant. Conglomerates correspond both to the coarsest sediments analyzed and the least modified by chemical alteration, enabling us to link their chemistry to that of source rocks on the Gale Crater rims. In this study, we report the results of six conglomerate targets analyzed by Alpha‐Particle X‐ray Spectrometer and 40 analyzed by ChemCam. The bulk chemistry derived by both instruments suggests two distinct end‐members for the conglomerate compositions. The first group (Darwin type) is typical of conglomerates analyzed before sol 540; it has a felsic alkali‐rich composition, with a Na2O/K2O > 5. The second group (Kimberley type) is typical of conglomerates analyzed between sols 540 and 670 in the vicinity of the Kimberley waypoint; it has an alkali‐rich potassic composition with Na2O/K2O < 2. The variety of chemistry and igneous textures (when identifiable) of individual clasts suggest that each conglomerate type is a mixture of multiple source rocks. Conglomerate compositions are in agreement with most of the felsic alkali‐rich float rock compositions analyzed in the hummocky plains. The average composition of conglomerates can be taken as a proxy of the average igneous crust composition at Gale Crater. Differences between the composition of conglomerates and that of finer‐grained detrital sediments analyzed by the rover suggest modifications by diagenetic processes (especially for Mg enrichments in fine‐grained rocks), physical sorting, and mixing with finer‐grained material of different composition.
Wind‐driven water motions in wetlands with emergent vegetation
Authors: Tse Ian C. , Poindexter Cristina M. , Variano Evan A.
Published: March 2016

Wetland biogeochemical transformations are affected by flow and mixing in wetland surface water. We investigate the influence of wind on wetland water flow by simultaneously measuring wind and surface water velocities in an enclosed freshwater wetland during 1 day of strong‐wind conditions. Water velocities are measured using a Volumetric Particle Imager while wind velocities are measured via sonic‐anemometer. Our measurements indicate that the wind interacting with the vegetation canopy generates coherent billows and that these billows are the dominant source of momentum into the wetland water column. Spectral analysis of velocity time series shows that the spectral peak in water velocity is aligned with the spectral peak of in‐canopy wind velocity, and that this peak corresponds with the Kelvin‐Helmholtz billow frequency predicted by mixing layer theory. We also observe a strong correlation in the temporal pattern of velocity variance in the air and water, with high variance events having similar timing and duration both above and below the air‐water interface. Water‐side variance appears coupled with air‐side variance at least down to 5 cm, while the theoretical Stokes' solution predicts momentum transfer down to only 2 mm assuming transfer via molecular viscosity alone. This suggests that the wind‐driven flow contributed to significant mixing in the wetland water column.
Closed‐flow column experiments—Insights into solute transport provided by a damped oscillating breakthrough behavior
Authors: Ritschel Thomas , Totsche Kai Uwe
Published: March 2016

Transport studies that employ column experiments in closed‐flow mode complement classical approaches by providing new characteristic features observed in the solute breakthrough and equilibrium between liquid and solid phase. Specific to the closed‐flow mode is the recirculation of the effluent to the inflow via a mixing vessel. Depending on the ratio of volumes of mixing vessel and water‐filled pore space, a damped oscillating solute concentration emerges in the effluent and mixing vessel. The oscillation characteristics, e.g., frequency, amplitude, and damping, allow for the investigation of solute transport in a similar fashion as known for classical open‐flow column experiments. However, the closed loop conserves substances released during transport within the system. In this way, solute and porous medium can equilibrate with respect to physicochemical conditions. With this paper, the features emerging in the breakthrough curves of saturated column experiments run in closed‐flow mode and methods of evaluation are illustrated under experimental boundary conditions forcing the appearance of oscillations. We demonstrate that the effective pore water volume and the pumping rate can be determined from a conservative tracer breakthrough curve uniquely. In this way, external preconditioning of the material, e.g., drying, can be avoided. A reactive breakthrough experiment revealed a significant increase in the pore water pH value as a consequence of the closed loop. These results highlight the specific impact of the closed mass balance. Furthermore, the basis for the modeling of closed‐flow experiments is given by the derivation of constitutive equations and numerical implementation, validated with the presented experiments.
Modeling jointly low, moderate, and heavy rainfall intensities without a threshold selection
Authors: Naveau Philippe , Huser Raphael , Ribereau Pierre , Hannart Alexis
Published: March 2016

In statistics, extreme events are often defined as excesses above a given large threshold. This definition allows hydrologists and flood planners to apply Extreme‐Value Theory (EVT) to their time series of interest. Even in the stationary univariate context, this approach has at least two main drawbacks. First, working with excesses implies that a lot of observations (those below the chosen threshold) are completely disregarded. The range of precipitation is artificially shopped down into two pieces, namely large intensities and the rest, which necessarily imposes different statistical models for each piece. Second, this strategy raises a nontrivial and very practical difficultly: how to choose the optimal threshold which correctly discriminates between low and heavy rainfall intensities. To address these issues, we propose a statistical model in which EVT results apply not only to heavy, but also to low precipitation amounts (zeros excluded). Our model is in compliance with EVT on both ends of the spectrum and allows a smooth transition between the two tails, while keeping a low number of parameters. In terms of inference, we have implemented and tested two classical methods of estimation: likelihood maximization and probability weighed moments. Last but not least, there is no need to choose a threshold to define low and high excesses. The performance and flexibility of this approach are illustrated on simulated and hourly precipitation recorded in Lyon, France.
Observational evidence for aerosol invigoration in shallow cumulus downstream of Mount Kilauea
Authors: Mace G. G. , Abernathy A. C.
Published: March 2016

Knowledge of how marine boundary layer (MBL) shallow cumulus clouds respond to changes in aerosol is central to understanding how MBL clouds modulate the climate system. Mount Kilauea on the island of Hawaii began erupting in 2008 injecting substantial SO2 into the marine boundary layer creating a unique natural laboratory. Examining data from approximately 600 passes of the A‐Train downstream of Mount Kilauea over a 3 year period and separating data into aerosol optical depth quartiles, we find an unambiguous increase in marine boundary cloud top height and an increase in surface wind speed as aerosol increases while the radar reflectivity does not change substantially. We conclude that increased aerosols may have caused invigoration of the MBL clouds. Additionally, we find that increases in sub 1 km cloud fraction combined with increasing aerosol explain the increased visible reflectance suggesting that evidence for the so‐called first aerosol indirect effect should be reexamined.
The latitudinal dependence of the oceanic barotropic eddy kinetic energy and macroturbulence energy transport
Authors: Chemke R. , Kaspi Y.
Published: March 2016

Geostrophic turbulence theory predicted already a few decades ago an inverse energy cascade in the barotropic mode, yet there has been limited evidence for it in the ocean. In this study, the latitudinal behavior of the oceanic barotropic energy balance and macroturbulent scales is studied using the ECCO2 (Estimating the Circulation and Climate of the Ocean) state estimate, which synthesizes satellite data and in situ measurements with a high‐resolution general circulation model containing realistic bathymetry and wind forcing. It is found that inverse energy cascade occurs at high latitudes, as eddy‐eddy interactions spread the conversion of eddy kinetic energy from the baroclinic to the barotropic mode, both upscale and downscale. At these latitudes, the conversion scale of baroclinic eddy kinetic energy and the energy‐containing scale follow the most unstable and Rhines scales, respectively. Even though an inverse energy cascade occurs at high latitudes, the energy spectrum follows a steeper slope than the −5/3 slope. Different than classic arguments, the Rossby deformation radius does not follow the baroclinic conversion and most unstable scales.
Formation of energetic electron butterfly distributions by magnetosonic waves via Landau resonance
Authors: Li Jinxing , Ni Binbin , Ma Qianli , Xie Lun , Pu Zuyin , Fu Suiyan , Thorne Richard M. , Bortnik Jacob , Chen Lunjin , Li Wen , Baker Daniel N. , Kletzing Craig A. , Kurth William S. , Hospodarsky George B. , Fennell Joseph F. , Reeves Geoffrey D. , Spence Harlan E. , Funsten Herbert O. , Summers Danny
Published: March 2016

Radiation belt electrons can exhibit different types of pitch angle distributions in response to various magnetospheric processes. Butterfly distributions, characterized by flux minima at pitch angles around 90°, are broadly observed in both the outer and inner belts and the slot region. Butterfly distributions close to the outer magnetospheric boundary have been attributed to drift shell splitting and losses to the magnetopause. However, their occurrence in the inner belt and the slot region has hitherto not been resolved. By analyzing the particle and wave data collected by the Van Allen Probes during a geomagnetic storm, we combine test particle calculations and Fokker‐Planck simulations to reveal that scattering by equatorial magnetosonic waves is a significant cause for the formation of energetic electron butterfly distributions in the inner magnetosphere. Another event shows that a large‐amplitude magnetosonic wave in the outer belt can create electron butterfly distributions in just a few minutes.
Three‐dimensional displacement field of the 2015 Mw8.3 Illapel earthquake (Chile) from across‐ and along‐track Sentinel‐1 TOPS interferometry
Authors: Grandin R. , Klein E. , Métois M. , Vigny C.
Published: March 2016

Wide‐swath imaging has become a standard acquisition mode for radar missions aiming at applying synthetic aperture radar interferometry (InSAR) at global scale with enhanced revisit frequency. Increased swath width, compared to classical Stripmap imaging mode, is achieved at the expense of azimuthal resolution. This makes along‐track displacements, and subsequently north‐south displacements, difficult to measure using conventional split‐beam (multiple‐aperture) InSAR or cross‐correlation techniques. Alternatively, we show here that the along‐track component of ground motion can be deduced from the double difference between backward and forward looking interferograms within regions of burst overlap. “Burst overlap interferometry” takes advantage of the large squint angle diversity of Sentinel‐1 (∼1°) to achieve subdecimetric accuracy on the along‐track component of ground motion. We demonstrate the efficiency of this method using Sentinel‐1 data covering the 2015 Mw8.3 Illapel earthquake (Chile) for which we retrieve the full 3‐D displacement field and validate it against observations from a dense network of GPS sensors.
Interpreting sea surface slicks on the basis of the normalized radar cross‐section model using RADARSAT‐2 copolarization dual‐channel SAR images
Authors: Ivonin D. V. , Skrunes S. , Brekke C. , Ivanov A. Yu.
Published: March 2016

A simple automatic multipolarization technique for discrimination of main types of thin oil films (of thickness less than the radio wave skin depth) from natural ones is proposed. It is based on a new multipolarization parameter related to the ratio between the damping in the slick of specially normalized resonant and nonresonant signals calculated using the normalized radar cross‐section model proposed by Kudryavtsev et al. (2003a). The technique is tested on RADARSAT‐2 copolarization (VV/HH) synthetic aperture radar images of slicks of a priori known provenance (mineral oils, e.g., emulsion and crude oil, and plant oil served to model a natural slick) released during annual oil‐on‐water exercises in the North Sea in 2011 and 2012. It has been shown that the suggested multipolarization parameter gives new capabilities in interpreting slicks visible on synthetic aperture radar images while allowing discrimination between mineral oil and plant oil slicks.
First measurement of horizontal wind and temperature in the lower thermosphere (105–140 km) with a Na Lidar at Andes Lidar Observatory
Authors: Liu Alan Z. , Guo Yafang , Vargas Fabio , Swenson Gary R.
Published: March 2016

We report the first measurement of nighttime atmospheric temperature and horizontal wind profiles in the lower thermosphere up to 140 km with the Na lidar at Andes Lidar Observatory in Cerro Pachón, Chile (30.25°S, 70.74°W), when enhanced thermospheric Na was observed. Temperature and horizontal wind were derived up to 140 km using various resolutions, with the lowest resolution of about 2.7 hr and 15 km above 130 km. Thus, the measurements span 60 km in vertical, more than double the traditional 25 km. On the night of 17 April 2015, the horizontal wind magnitude in the thermosphere exceeds 150 ms−1, consistent with past rocket measurements. The meridional wind shows a clear transition from the diurnal‐tide‐dominant mesopause to the semidiurnal‐tide‐dominant lower thermosphere. A lidar with a 100 times the power aperture product will be able to measure wind and temperature above 160 km and cover longer time span, providing key measurements for the study of atmosphere‐space interactions in this region.
Semaphorin 3A promotes activation of Pax7, Myf5, and MyoD through inhibition of emerin expression in activated satellite cells
Authors: Qahar Mulan , Takuma Yuko , Mizunoya Wataru , Tatsumi Ryuichi , Ikeuchi Yoshihide , Nakamura Mako
Published: March 2016

We previously showed that Semaphorin 3A (Sema3A) expression was induced when quiescent muscle satellite cells were stimulated by hepatocyte growth factor and became activated satellite cells (ASCs). However, how Sema3A regulates genes in the early phase of ASCs remains unclear. In this study, we investigated whether Sema3A signaling can regulate the early phase of ASCs, an important satellite cell stage for postnatal growth, repair, and maintenance of skeletal muscle. We showed that expression of the myogenic proliferation regulatory factors Pax7 and Myf5 was decreased in myoblasts transfected with Sema3A siRNA. These cells failed to activate expression MyoD, another myogenic proliferation regulatory factor, during differentiation. Interestingly, some of the Sema3A‐depleted cells did not express Pax7 and MyoD and had enlarged nuclei and very large cytoplasmic areas. We also observed that Pax7 and Myf5 expression was increased in Myc‐Sema3A overexpressing myoblasts. BrdU analysis indicated that Sema3A regulated proliferation of ASCs. These findings suggest that Sema3A signaling can modulate expression of Pax7, Myf5, and MyoD. Moreover, we found that expression of emerin, an inner nuclear membrane protein, was regulated by Sema3A signaling. Emerin was identified by positional cloning as the gene responsible for the X‐linked form of Emery–Dreifuss muscular dystrophy (X‐EDMD). In conclusion, our results support a role for Sema3A in maintaining ASCs through regulation, via emerin, of Pax7, Myf5, and MyoD expression.
Patellofemoral Bone Marrow Lesions: Natural History and Associations With Pain and Structure
Authors: Zhu Zhaohua , Ding Changhai , Jin Xingzhong , Antony Benny , Han Weiyu , Laslett Laura L. , Cicuttini Flavia , Jones Graeme
Published: March 2016

Objective

To describe the natural history of patellofemoral (PF) joint bone marrow lesions (BMLs) over 2.6 years and associations between changes in PF joint BMLs, knee pain, and knee cartilage morphology in older adults over 5 years.

Methods

A prospective population‐based cohort study of men and women ages 50–80 years (mean age 63 years, n = 406) was performed. PF joint BMLs, knee cartilage volume, and cartilage defect scores (range 0–4) were measured using the Whole‐Organ Magnetic Resonance Imaging Score system at baseline and at 2.6 years. Knee pain was assessed by Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) scores at baseline and at 5 years.

Results

At baseline, 27% (n = 109) had PF joint BMLs; 24% of these increased (WOMAC score change of ≥1) at followup, 44% persisted, 32% decreased, and 21% resolved completely. Of those without PF joint BMLs at baseline, 20% of participants developed PF joint BMLs over 2.6 years. In multivariable analyses, a change in PF joint BMLs was deleteriously associated with a change in total knee pain (β = 0.67, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.03, 1.31) and knee pain when going up/down stairs (β = 0.24, 95% CI 0.04, 0.44) over 5 years. Baseline PF joint and tibiofemoral joint cartilage volume were protective for PF joint BMLs (relative risk [RR] 0.69, 95% CI 0.52, 0.90 for PF joint), while baseline PF joint cartilage defects were associated with an increase in PF joint BMLs (RR 1.73, 95% CI 1.38, 2.17) over 2.6 years. TF joint cartilage defects were not associated with increases in PF joint BMLs.

Conclusion

PF joint BMLs are not static, and change is clinically relevant. PF joint cartilage morphology predicts increases in PF joint BMLs.
Epidemiology of Mixed Connective Tissue Disease, 1985–2014: A Population‐Based Study
Authors: Ungprasert Patompong , Crowson Cynthia S. , Chowdhary Vaidehi R. , Ernste Floranne C. , Moder Kevin G. , Matteson Eric L.
Published: March 2016

Objective

To characterize the epidemiology of mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) from 1983 to 2014.

Methods

An inception cohort of patients with incident MCTD in 1985–2014 in Olmsted County, Minnesota was identified based on comprehensive individual medical record review. Diagnosis of MCTD required fulfillment of at least 1 of the 4 widely accepted diagnostic criteria without fulfillment of classification criteria for other connective tissue diseases. Data were collected on demographic characteristics, clinical presentation, laboratory investigations, and mortality.

Results

A total of 50 incident cases of MCTD were identified (mean age 48.1 years and 84% were female). The annual incidence of MCTD was 1.9 per 100,000 population. Raynaud's phenomenon was the most common initial symptoms (50%), followed by arthralgia (30%) and swollen hands (16%). The diagnosis was frequently delayed with the median time from first symptom to fulfillment of criteria of 3.6 years. At fulfillment of criteria, arthralgia was the most prevalent manifestation (86%), followed by Raynaud's phenomenon (80%), swollen hands (64%), leukopenia/lymphopenia (44%), and heartburn (38%). Evolution to other connective tissue occurred infrequently with a 10‐year rate of evolution of 8.5% and 6.3% for systemic lupus erythematosus and systemic sclerosis, respectively. The overall mortality was not different from the general population with a standardized mortality ratio of 1.1 (95% confidence interval 0.4–2.6).

Conclusion

This study was the first population‐based study of MCTD to provide a complete picture of epidemiology and clinical characteristics of MCTD. MCTD occurred in about 2 persons per 100,000 per year. Evolution to other connective diseases occurred infrequently and the mortality was not affected.
Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Working Memory and Executive Dysfunction in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Antiphospholipid Antibody–Positive Patients
Authors: Kozora E. , Uluğ A. M. , Erkan D. , Vo A. , Filley C. M. , Ramon G. , Burleson A. , Zimmerman R. , Lockshin M. D.
Published: March 2016

Objective

Standardized cognitive tests and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) studies of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients demonstrate deficits in working memory and executive function. These neurobehavioral abnormalities are not well studied in antiphospholipid syndrome, which may occur independently of or together with SLE. This study compares an fMRI paradigm involving motor skills, working memory, and executive function in SLE patients without antiphospholipid antibody (aPL) (the SLE group), aPL‐positive non‐SLE patients (the aPL‐positive group), and controls.

Methods

Brain MRI, fMRI, and standardized cognitive assessment results were obtained from 20 SLE, 20 aPL‐positive, and 10 healthy female subjects with no history of neuropsychiatric abnormality.

Results

Analysis of fMRI data showed no differences in performance across groups on bilateral motor tasks. When analysis of variance was used, significant group differences were found in 2 executive function tasks (word generation and word rhyming) and in a working memory task (N‐Back). Patients positive for aPL demonstrated higher activation in bilateral frontal, temporal, and parietal cortices compared to controls during working memory and executive function tasks. SLE patients also demonstrated bilateral frontal and temporal activation during working memory and executive function tasks.

Conclusion

Compared to controls, both aPL‐positive and SLE patients had elevated cortical activation, primarily in the frontal lobes, during tasks involving working memory and executive function. These findings are consistent with cortical overactivation as a compensatory mechanism for early white matter neuropathology in these disorders.
Lateral Epicondylitis and Physical Exposure at Work? A Review of Prospective Studies and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Descatha Alexis , Albo Francesco , Leclerc Annette , Carton Matthieu , Godeau Diane , Roquelaure Yves , Petit Audrey , Aublet‐Cuvelier Agnès
Published: March 2016

Objective

In view of recent published studies, a meta‐analysis was undertaken on prospective studies in order to assess any association between lateral epicondylitis and physical exposure at work.

Methods

Using the key words “lateral epicondylitis” AND “occupational” AND (“cohort” OR “longitudinal,” OR “incidence”) without limitations on the language or year of publication, original prospective studies were selected from 4 databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Base de Données de Santé Publique) after 2 rounds (valid design, valid association reported, and valid work exposure). Relevant associations between physical exposure at work and incident lateral epicondylitis were extracted from the articles, and a meta‐risk was calculated using the generic variance approach (meta–odds ratios [meta‐ORs]).

Results

From 2001 to 2014, 5 prospective studies were included. Among 6,922 included subjects (and 3,449 who were followed), 256 cases of incident lateral epicondylitis were diagnosed 2.5–6 years after baseline. All the published studies found a significant estimation of relative risk for a positive association between combined biomechanic exposure involving the wrist and/or elbow and incidence of lateral epicondylitis. The overall meta‐OR was 2.6 (95% confidence interval 1.9–3.5), with a low heterogeneity (Q = 1.4, P > 0.05). Funnel plots and Egger's test did not suggest major publication bias.

Conclusion

The results of this meta‐analysis strongly support the hypothesis of an association between biomechanic exposure involving the wrist and/or elbow at work and incidence of lateral epicondylitis.
An Underwater Surface‐Drying Peptide Inspired by a Mussel Adhesive Protein
Authors: Wei Wei , Petrone Luigi , Tan YerPeng , Cai Hao , Israelachvili Jacob N. , Miserez Ali , Waite J. Herbert
Published: March 2016

Water hampers the formation of strong and durable bonds between adhesive polymers and solid surfaces, in turn hindering the development of adhesives for biomedical and marine applications. Inspired by mussel adhesion, a mussel foot protein homologue (mfp3S‐pep) is designed, whose primary sequence is designed to mimic the pI, polyampholyte, and hydrophobic characteristics of the native protein. Noticeably, native protein and synthetic peptide exhibit similar abilities to self‐coacervate at given pH and ionic strength. 3,4‐dihydroxy‐l‐phenylalanine (Dopa) proves necessary for irreversible peptide adsorption to both TiO2 (anatase) and hydroxyapatite (HAP) surfaces, as confirmed by quartz crystal microbalance measurements, with the coacervate showing superior adsorption. The adsorption of Dopa‐containing peptides is investigated by attenuated total reflection infrared spectroscopy, revealing initially bidentate coordinative bonds on TiO2, followed by H‐bonded and eventually long‐ranged electrostatic and Van der Waals interactions. On HAP, mfp3s‐pep‐3Dopa adsorption occurs predominantly via H‐bond and outersphere complexes of the catechol groups. Importantly, only the Dopa‐bearing compounds are able to remove interfacial water from the target surfaces, with the coacervate achieving the highest water displacement arising from its superior wetting properties. These findings provide an impetus for deve­loping coacervated Dopa‐functionalized peptides/polymers adhesive formulations for a variety of applications on wet polar surfaces.
Three‐Dimensional Graphene: A Biocompatible and Biodegradable Scaffold with Enhanced Oxygenation
Authors: Loeblein Manuela , Perry Guillaume , Tsang Siu Hon , Xiao Wenjin , Collard Dominique , Coquet Philippe , Sakai Yasuyuki , Teo Edwin Hang Tong
Published: March 2016

Owing to its high porosity, specific surface area and three‐dimensional structure, three‐dimensional graphene (3D–C) is a promising scaffold material for tissue engineering, regenerative medicine as well as providing a more biologically relevant platform for living organisms in vivo studies. Recently, its differentiation effects on cells growth and anti‐inflammation properties have also been demonstrated. Here, we report a complete study of 3D–C as a fully adequate scaffold for tissue engineering and systematically analyze its biocompatibility and biodegradation mechanism. The metabolic activities of liver cells (HepG2 hepatocarcinoma cells) on 3D‐C are studied and our findings show that cell growth on 3D–C has high cell viability (> 90%), low lactate production (reduced by 300%) and its porous structure also provides an excellent oxygenation platform. 3D–C is also biodegradable via a 2‐step oxidative biodegradation process by first, disruption of domains and lift off of smaller graphitic particles from the surface of the 3D–C and subsequently, the decomposition of these graphitic flakes. In addition, the speed of the biodegradation can be tuned with pretreatment of O2 plasma.
Sustainable Carbon Aerogels Derived from Nanofibrillated Cellulose as High‐Performance Absorption Materials
Authors: Chen Wenshuai , Zhang Qi , Uetani Kojiro , Li Qing , Lu Ping , Cao Jun , Wang Qingwen , Liu Yixing , Li Jian , Quan Zhichao , Zhang Yongshi , Wang Sifan , Meng Zhenyu , Yu Haipeng
Published: March 2016

Sustainable carbon aerogels with low density (≈7.8 mg cm−3), high porosity, high resiliency, excellent hydrophobicity, and oleophilic characteristics are synthesized by employing nanofibrillated cellulose as the precursor. The as‐prepared carbon aerogels show a remarkable capacity for the absorption of a variety of oils and organic solvents with weight gains ranging from 7422 to 22356. Under extreme conditions (e.g., at severe temperatures and in corrosive liquids), these carbon aerogels still demonstrate a superior absorption performance. Furthermore, a device based on a composite sponge with carbon sheets (generated via the disintegration of our carbon aerogels) on the surface is successfully fabricated to materialize the large‐scale and continuous separation of containments from water. This device significantly expands the practical applications of the carbon aerogels.
Advances in Full Control of Electromagnetic Waves with Metasurfaces
Authors: Zhang Lei , Mei Shengtao , Huang Kun , Qiu Cheng‐Wei
Published: March 2016

Metasurfaces, two‐dimensional versions of metamaterials, retain the great capabilities of three‐dimensional counterparts in manipulating electromagnetic wave behaviors, while reducing the challenges in fabrication. By judiciously engineering parameters of individual building blocks (such as geometry, size, and material) and selecting specific design algorithms, metasurfaces are promising to replace conventional electromagnetic elements in nanoplasmonic/photonic devices. Significantly, such concept can be readily promoted to other disciplines, such as acoustics, thermal physics, and seismology. In this article, the latest advances in full control of electromagnetic waves with metasurfaces are briefly reviewed from a functionality perspective. A broad avenue towards real‐life applications of metamaterials has been opened up, although they are still at their infant stage. At the end, several promising approaches are suggested to extend the applications of metasurfaces.
Assessment of inherently safer alternatives in biogas production and upgrading
Authors: Scarponi Giordano Emrys , Guglielmi Daniele , Casson Moreno Valeria , Cozzani Valerio
Published: March 2016

Biogas is becoming an increasingly important resource of energy production from biomass, and a number of alternative technologies are proposed for its production and upgrading. However, in spite of the increasing number of accidents recorded, scarce attention was dedicated to date to the control and mitigation of biogas hazards. In this study, inherent safety of biogas technologies was addressed. A method for the selection of inherently safer alternatives during early design stages was further developed and combined to a Monte Carlo sensitivity analysis, accounting for uncertainty of input parameters and addressing the robustness of the ranking provided. The method was applied to the assessment of several alternative reference process schemes for biogas production and upgrading. The results allowed the identification of critical safety issues and the ranking of inherently safer solutions. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 62: 2713–2727, 2016
Model‐based analysis of chemical‐looping combustion experiments. Part I: Structural identifiability of kinetic models for NiO reduction
Authors: Han Lu , Zhou Zhiquan , Bollas George M.
Published: March 2016

To guide the design of chemical‐looping combustion (CLC) systems, the use of accurate models is crucial. The reduction kinetics between NiO and CH4 is uncertain, in regards to the most suitable kinetic mechanism and reaction network. A framework for structural identifiability analysis is developed and applied to evaluate the candidate kinetic models for the NiO‐CH4 reaction. The identifiability of kinetic parameters of different model structures is analyzed and compared. Models that lack structural identifiability of their kinetic parameters are rejected in the analysis. From a total of 160 possible candidate models, 4 kinetic models are found to be identifiable with respect to their kinetic parameters and distinguishable from different model structures. This structural identifiability analysis paves the way for model‐based design of experiments, which is the subject of Part II of this work. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 62: 2419–2431, 2016
Reduction in C‐reactive protein indicates successful targeting of the IL‐1/IL‐6 axis resulting in improved survival in early stage multiple myeloma
Authors: Lust John A. , Lacy Martha Q. , Zeldenrust Steven R. , Witzig Thomas E. , Moon‐Tasson Laurie L. , Dinarello Charles A. , Donovan Kathleen A.
Published: March 2016

We report the long‐term follow‐up results of a phase II trial of IL‐1 receptor antagonist and low‐dose dexamethasone for early stage multiple myeloma (MM). Patients were eligible if they had smoldering multiple myeloma (SMM) or indolent multiple myeloma (IMM) without the need for immediate therapy. Forty seven patients were enrolled and subsequently treated with IL‐1Ra; in 25/47 low‐dose dexamethasone (20 mg weekly) was added. The primary endpoint was progression‐free survival (PFS). In the clinical trial, three patients achieved a minor response (MR) to IL‐1Ra alone; five patients a partial response (PR) and four patients an MR after addition of dexamethasone. Seven patients showed a decrease in the plasma cell labeling index (PCLI) which paralleled a decrease in the high sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP). The median PFS for the 47 patients was 1116 days (37.2 months). The median PFS for patients without (n = 22) and with (n = 25) a decrease in their baseline hs‐CRP was 326 days (11 months) vs. 3139 days (104 months) respectively (P <0.0001). The median overall survival (OS) for the 47 patients was 3482 days (9.5 years). The median OS for patients without and with a decrease in their baseline hs‐CRP was 2885 days (7.9 years) vs. median not reached, respectively (P = 0.001). In SMM/IMM patients at risk for progression to active myeloma, reduction in the hs‐CRP indicates successful targeting of the IL‐1/IL‐6 axis resulting in improved PFS and OS.

(Clinical Trials.gov Identifier: NCT00635154) Am. J. Hematol. 91:571–574, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Recurrence of stillbirth and second trimester pregnancy loss
Authors: McPherson Elizabeth
Published: March 2016

The 3,003 women referred to the Wisconsin Stillbirth Service Program following a stillbirth or second trimester fetal death reported a total of 4,563 previous pregnancies including 180 previous second or third trimester losses for a total precurrence rate of 3.95%. The 142 women with a history of at least one previous stillbirth and/or late miscarriage differed significantly from the entire cohort with respect to timing and cause of their losses. Women experiencing multiple losses frequently had both second trimester miscarriages and stillbirths >20 weeks but did not have an increased risk of first trimester miscarriage. Recurrences were more likely to be in the second trimester (52% vs. 37%) and to have a maternal (20% vs. 11%) or placental (27% vs. 19%) cause. While fetal causes overall were less common in the group with recurrence (18% vs. 27%), the difference was due mainly to fewer common aneuploidies and other low recurrence risk conditions. Not only known recessive conditions but also “idiopathic hydrops” and multiple congenital anomalies not fitting a known syndrome were more frequent than expected, suggesting that these groups should be investigated for underlying genetic causes that might have been overlooked. Women with second trimester losses and/or a maternal or placental cause of death face significantly higher empiric risks (7–8% vs. 4% for the entire cohort) and should be counseled accordingly. Study of recurrent fetal loss can help identify high risk women who may benefit from treatment and preventive strategies in the future. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Eine einfache Methode zur Synthese von binären Wolframiodiden
Authors: Ströbele Markus , Castro Cristina , Fink Reinhold F. , Meyer H.‐Jürgen
Published: March 2016

Wolframiodide sind bisher nicht durch einfache Synthesen oder in größeren Mengen zugänglich. Eine neue, äußerst effektive Syntheseroute für binäre Wolframiodide basiert auf der Umhalogenierung von WCl6 mit SiI4. Dabei wird WCl6 mit SiI4 unter leichtem Erhitzen in einem verschlossenen Glasgefäß in Wolframiodid umgewandelt. Bei 120 °C und 150 °C entstehen die luftstabilen Verbindungen W3I12 (W3I8⋅2 I2) und W3I9 (W3I8⋅
 I2) mit dem neuartigen Cluster [W3I8]. Die Verbindung W3I12 erweist sich als ein ausgezeichnetes Ausgangsmaterial für die Synthese weiterer metallreicher Wolframiodide. Durch Selbstreduktion entstehen aus diesen dreikernigen Clustern mit steigender Temperatur zunehmend große Clusterkerne bis hin zur Verbindung W6I12, die einen oktaedrischen Wolframcluster enthält. Die Synthese sowie eine struktur‐ und bindungschemische Einordnung von Verbindungen mit dem neuen dreikernigen Cluster werden im Folgenden präsentiert.
In‐Bead Screening of Hydroxamic Acids for the Identification of HDAC Inhibitors
Authors: Qvortrup Katrine , Nielsen Thomas E.
Published: March 2016

A one bead–one compound screening format is presented. Following solid‐phase synthesis on a photolabile linker, library compounds were readily released and screened inside polymer beads. The release of screening compounds was readily controlled by varying photolysis time and light intensity. Dose‐response experiments were carried out to effectively distinguish high‐ and low‐affinity ligands. A library containing 55 800 compounds was synthesized and screened in a fluorometric assay, thereby identifying potent HDAC inhibitors with IC50 values in the nanomolar range.
Bruton's Tyrosine Kinase Deficiency Inhibits Autoimmune Arthritis in Mice but Fails to Block Immune Complex–Mediated Inflammatory Arthritis
Authors: Nyhoff Lindsay E. , Barron Bridgette L. , Johnson Elizabeth M. , Bonami Rachel H. , Maseda Damian , Fensterheim Benjamin A. , Han Wei , Blackwell Timothy S. , Crofford Leslie J. , Kendall Peggy L.
Published: March 2016

Objective

Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) is a B cell signaling protein that also contributes to innate immunity. BTK inhibitors prevent autoimmune arthritis but have off‐target effects, and the mechanisms of protection remain unknown. We undertook these studies using genetic deletion to investigate the role of BTK in adaptive and innate immune responses that drive inflammatory arthritis.

Methods

BTK‐deficient K/BxN mice were generated to study the role of BTK in a spontaneous model that requires both adaptive and innate immunity. The K/BxN serum‐transfer model was used to bypass the adaptive system and elucidate the role of BTK in innate immune contributions to arthritis.

Results

BTK deficiency conferred disease protection to K/BxN mice, confirming outcomes of BTK inhibitors. B lymphocytes were profoundly reduced, more than in other models of BTK deficiency. Subset analysis revealed loss of B cells at all developmental stages. Germinal center B cells were also decreased, with downstream effects on numbers of follicular helper T cells and greatly reduced autoantibodies. In contrast, total IgG was only mildly decreased. Strikingly, and in contrast to small molecule inhibitors, BTK deficiency had no effect in the serum‐transfer model of arthritis.

Conclusion

BTK contributes to autoimmune arthritis primarily through its role in B cell signaling and not through innate immune components.