bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Distinct crustal structure of the North American Midcontinent Rift from P wave receiver functions
Authors: Zhang Hao , van der Lee Suzan , Wolin Emily , Bollmann Trevor A. , Revenaugh Justin , Wiens Douglas A. , Frederiksen Andrew W. , Darbyshire Fiona A. , Aleqabi Ghassan I. , Wysession Michael E. , Stein Seth , Jurdy Donna M.
Published: November 2016

Eighty‐two broadband seismic stations of the Superior Province Rifting Earthscope Experiment (SPREE) collected 2.5 years of continuous seismic data in the area of the high gravity anomaly associated with the Midcontinent Rift (MCR). Over 100 high‐quality teleseismic earthquakes were used for crustal P wave receiver function analysis. Our analysis reveals that the base of the sedimentary layer is shallow outside the MCR, thickens near the flanks where gravity anomalies are low, and shallows again in the MCR's center where the gravity anomalies peak. This pattern is similar to that found from local geophysical studies and is consistent with reverse faulting having accompanied the cessation of rifting at 1.1 Ga. Intermittent intracrustal boundaries imaged by our analysis might represent the bottom of the MCR's mostly buried dense volcanic layers. Outside the MCR, the Moho is strong, sharp, and relatively flat, both beneath the Archean Superior Province and the Proterozoic terranes to its south. Inside the MCR, two weaker candidate Mohos are found at depths up to 25 km apart in the rift's center. The intermediate layer between these discontinuities tapers toward the edges of the MCR. The presence of this transitional layer is remarkably consistent along the strike of the MCR, including beneath its jog in southern Minnesota, near the Belle Plaine Fault. We interpret these results as evidence for extensive underplating as a defining characteristic of the rift, which remains continuous along the Minnesota jog, where due to its orientation, it is minimally affected by the reverse faulting that characterizes the NNE striking parts of the rift.
Investigating seasonal methane emissions in Northern California using airborne measurements and inverse modeling
Authors: Johnson Matthew S. , Xi Xin , Jeong Seongeun , Yates Emma L. , Iraci Laura T. , Tanaka Tomoaki , Loewenstein Max , Tadić Jovan M. , Fischer Marc L.
Published: November 2016

Seasonal methane (CH4) emissions in Northern California are evaluated during this study by using airborne measurement data and inverse model simulations. This research applies Alpha Jet Atmospheric eXperiment (AJAX) measurements obtained during January–February 2013, July 2014, and October–November 2014 over the San Francisco Bay Area (SFBA) and northern San Joaquin Valley (SJV) in order to constrain seasonal CH4 emissions in Northern California. The California Greenhouse Gas Emissions Measurement (CALGEM) a priori emission inventory was applied in conjunction with the Weather Research and Forecasting and Stochastic Time‐Inverted Lagrangian Transport model and inverse modeling techniques to optimize CH4 emissions. Comparing model‐predicted CH4 mixing ratios with airborne measurements, we find substantial underestimates suggesting that CH4 emissions were likely larger than the year 2008 a priori CALGEM emission inventory in Northern California. Using AJAX measurements to optimize a priori emissions resulted in CH4 flux estimates from the SFBA/SJV of 1.77 ± 0.41, 0.83 ± 0.31, and 1.06 ± 0.39 Tg yr−1 when using winter, summer, and fall flight data, respectively. Averaging seasonal a posteriori emission estimates (weighted by posterior uncertainties) results in SFBA/SJV annual CH4 emissions of 1.28 ± 0.38 Tg yr−1. A posteriori uncertainties are reduced more effectively in the SFBA/SJV region compared to state‐wide values indicating that the airborne measurements are most sensitive to emissions in this region. A posteriori estimates during this study suggest that dairy livestock was the source with the largest increase relative to the a priori CALGEM emission inventory during all seasons.
Cloud glaciation temperature estimation from passive remote sensing data with evolutionary computing
Authors: Carro‐Calvo L. , Hoose C. , Stengel M. , Salcedo‐Sanz S.
Published: November 2016

The phase partitioning between supercooled liquid water and ice in clouds in the temperature range between 0 and −37°C influences their optical properties and the efficiency of precipitation formation. Passive remote sensing observations provide long‐term records of the cloud top phase at a high spatial resolution. Based on the assumption of a cumulative Gaussian distribution of the ice cloud fraction as a function of temperature, we quantify the cloud glaciation temperature (CGT) as the 50th percentile of the fitted distribution function and its variance for different cloud top pressure intervals, obtained by applying an evolutionary algorithm (EA). EAs are metaheuristics approaches for optimization, used in difficult problems where standard approaches are either not applicable or show poor performance. In this case, the proposed EA is applied to 4 years of Pathfinder Atmospheres‐Extended (PATMOS‐x) data, aggregated into boxes of 1° × 1° and vertical layers of 5.5 hPa. The resulting vertical profile of CGT shows a characteristic sickle shape, indicating low CGTs close to homogeneous freezing in the upper troposphere and significantly higher values in the midtroposphere. In winter, a pronounced land‐sea contrast is found at midlatitudes, with lower CGTs over land. Among this and previous studies, there is disagreement on the sign of the land‐sea difference in CGT, suggesting that it is strongly sensitive to the detected and analyzed cloud types, the time of the day, and the phase retrieval method.
Tropical cyclone track direction climatology and its intraseasonal variability in the Australian region
Authors: Lavender Sally L. , Dowdy Andrew J.
Published: November 2016

Aspects of tropical cyclone (TC) activity, such as the influence of the El Niño‐Southern Oscillation and the variability of TC genesis location, have been examined in numerous previous studies. However, relatively few studies have examined aspects such as the influence of intraseasonal variability on TC track direction. Here we focus on a number of knowledge gaps relating to observed TC track directionality and intraseasonal variability in the Australian region. Climatological examinations are presented for TC track directional variability throughout the Australian region. In contrast to previous studies that have focused on the mean direction of TC movement in this region, TC tracks are examined here based on the full spectrum of track directions for a given location or region. Variability in initial TC track directions is investigated, including an examination of the influence of the Madden‐Julian oscillation (MJO). It is demonstrated that there is a considerable degree of seasonal and intraseasonal variation in TC motion in this region. These variations result from variations in genesis location throughout the TC season, as well as zonal wind anomalies associated with the influence of the MJO on the steering flow winds. Anomalous westerly steering flow occurs during MJO phase 4 − 5 and anomalous easterly flow during phase 8 − 1 in the western basin, with resulting changes in the proportion of TC tracks in each direction during these phases of the MJO. The results presented here are intended to provide improved seasonal TC activity guidance and enhanced resilience to TC impacts.
Impact of moisture source variation on decadal‐scale changes of precipitation in North China from 1951 to 2010
Authors: Jiang Zhihong , Jiang Shuai , Shi Yi , Liu Zhengyu , Li Wei , Li Laurent
Published: November 2016

The Hybrid Single‐Particle Lagrangian Integrated Trajectory platform is employed in this study to simulate trajectories of air parcels in the rainy season in North China during last six decades (1951–2010), with the purpose of investigating moisture sources, their variation, and the eventual relationship with precipitation in North China. Climatological trajectories indicate that moisture in North China originates, respectively, from Eurasia (14.4%), eastern China (10.2%), the Bay of Bengal‐South China Sea (33.8%), the Indian Ocean (10.7%), and the Pacific (30.9%). The spatiotemporal analysis of moisture trajectory based on extended empirical orthogonal function indicates that a decrease of precipitation in North China is caused mainly by a decrease of water vapor sources from the south, the Indian Ocean, the Bay of Bengal, and the South China Sea, which overwhelms an increase of water vapor sources from the North, mainly Eurasia, eastern China, and northern western North Pacific Ocean. In particular, the significant decrease of precipitation in the late 1970s (by 11.6%) is mainly caused by a 10.6% decrease of moisture from all sources. The Bay of Bengal, the South China Sea, and the Indian Ocean are dominant moisture source areas affecting the decadal‐scale variation of precipitation in North China.
Quantitative, nondestructive estimates of coarse root biomass in a temperate pine forest using 3‐D ground‐penetrating radar (GPR)
Authors: Molon Michelle , Boyce Joseph I. , Arain M. Altaf
Published: November 2016

Coarse root biomass was estimated in a temperate pine forest using high‐resolution (1 GHz) 3‐D ground‐penetrating radar (GPR). GPR survey grids were acquired across a 400 m2 area with varying line spacing (12.5 and 25 cm). Root volume and biomass were estimated directly from the 3‐D radar volume by using isometric surfaces calculated with the marching cubes algorithm. Empirical relations between GPR reflection amplitude and root diameter were determined for 14 root segments (0.1–10 cm diameter) reburied in a 6 m2 experimental test plot and surveyed at 5–25 cm line spacing under dry and wet soil conditions. Reburied roots >1.4 cm diameter were detectable as continuous root structures with 5 cm line separation. Reflection amplitudes were strongly controlled by soil moisture and decreased by ~40% with a twofold increase in soil moisture. GPR line intervals of 12.5 and 25 cm produced discontinuous mapping of roots, and GPR coarse root biomass estimates (0.92 kgC m−2) were lower than those obtained previously with a site‐specific allometric equation due to nondetection of vertical roots and roots <1.5 cm diameter. The results show that coarse root volume and biomass can be estimated directly from interpolated 3‐D GPR volumes by using a marching cubes approach, but mapping of roots as continuous structures requires high inline sampling and line density (<5 cm). The results demonstrate that 3‐D GPR is viable approach for estimating belowground carbon and for mapping tree root architecture. This methodology can be applied more broadly in other disciplines (e.g., archaeology and civil engineering) for imaging buried structures.
Implementation and evaluation of a monthly water balance model over the US on an 800 m grid
Authors: Hostetler S. W. , Alder J. R.
Published: November 2016

We simulate the 1950–2010 water balance for the conterminous U.S. (CONUS) with a monthly water balance model (MWBM) using the 800 m Parameter‐elevation Regression on Independent Slopes Model (PRISM) data set as model input. We employed observed snow and streamflow data sets to guide modification of the snow and potential evapotranspiration components in the default model and to evaluate model performance. Based on various metrics and sensitivity tests, the modified model yields reasonably good simulations of seasonal snowpack in the West (range of bias of ±50 mm at 68% of 713 SNOTEL sites), the gradients and magnitudes of actual evapotranspiration, and runoff (median correlation of 0.83 and median Nash‐Sutcliff efficiency of 0.6 between simulated and observed annual time series at 1427 USGS gage sites). The model generally performs well along the Pacific Coast, the high elevations of the Basin and Range and over the Midwest and East, but not as well over the dry areas of the Southwest and upper Plains regions due, in part, to the apportioning of direct versus delayed runoff. Sensitivity testing and application of the MWBM to simulate the future water balance at four National Parks when driven by 30 climate models from the Climate Model Intercomparison Program Phase 5 (CMIP5) demonstrate that the model is useful for evaluating first‐order, climate driven hydrologic change on monthly and annual time scales.
Linking hydro‐morphology with invertebrate ecology in diverse morphological units of a large river‐floodplain system
Authors: Blettler Martín C. M. , Amsler Mario L. , Eberle Eliana G. , Szupiany Ricardo , Latosinski Francisco G. , Abrial Elie , Oberholster Paul J. , Espinola Luis A. , Paira Aldo , Poza Ailen , Rodrigues Capítulo Alberto
Published: November 2016

Interdisciplinary research in the fields of ecohydrology and ecogeomorphology is becoming increasingly important as a way to understand how biological and physical processes interact with each other in river systems. The objectives of the current study were 1) to determine changes in invertebrate community due to hydrological stages, 2) to link local physical features [flow configuration, sediment composition and morphological feature) with the ecological structure between and within dissimilar morphological units (meander and confluence), and 3) to determine the existence and the origin of bed hydro‐geomorphic patches, determining their ecological structure. Results were discussed in the frame of prevailing ecological models and concepts. The study site extends over a floodplain area of the large Paraná River (Argentina), including minor and major secondary channels as well as the main channel. Overall results suggested that hydrodynamics was the driving force determining distribution patterns of benthic assemblages in the floodplain. However, while the invertebrates living in minor secondary channels seem to benefit from flooding, this hydrological phase had the opposite effect on organisms from the main and major secondary channels. We also found a clear linkage between physical features and invertebrate ecology, which caused a dissimilar fauna structure between and within the meander and the confluence. Furthermore, several sandy‐patches were recorded in the confluence. These patches were colonized by the particular benthic assemblage recorded in the main channel, supported the view of rivers as patchy discontinua, under uncertain ecological equilibrium.
Dietary and Nondietary Triggers of Oral Ulcer Recurrences in Behçet's Disease
Authors: Volle Geoffroy , Fraison Jean‐Baptiste , Gobert Delphine , Goulenok Tiphaine , Dhote Robin , Fain Olivier , Gonzalez‐Chiappe Solange , Lhote François , Papo Thomas , Thuillier Aurélie , Rivière Sophie , Mahr Alfred
Published: November 2016

Objective

The nature and impact of food and other external triggers in recurrences of Behçet's disease (BD)‐related oral ulcers (OUs) remain unknown. This survey investigated dietary and nondietary triggers of BD‐related OU recurrences.

Methods

Patients with BD who were followed in 7 French hospital departments completed a self‐administered patient questionnaire. General and specific dietary triggering factors were sought in open questions. The questionnaire also included closed questions, notably to evaluate the effect of 6 general triggering situations and 24 selected foods. The results were expressed as number (percentage) of positive responses.

Results

Among the 101 questionnaires distributed, 81 were usable. Among the 81 patients, 96% fulfilled the International Criteria for Behçet's Disease classification criteria, and 53% qualified their OU recurrences during the previous 12 months as very discomforting or discomforting. For the 6 general situations suggested, 50 patients (62%) declared ≥1 as a “sure” trigger of OU recurrences. In both open and closed questions, the most frequent triggers were fatigue/stress (37–47% of patients) and food (32–35%). Among the 24 suggested foods, nuts (48%), pineapple (42%), peanuts (32%), Emmental cheese (30%), almonds (23%), lemons (22%), and other cheeses (21%) were the most frequently reported. The corresponding open question gave consistent findings but with lower frequencies.

Conclusion

Most patients can identify triggers of recurring BD‐related OUs, with fatigue/stress and food representing the most frequent triggers. The management of OU must consider such external factors. The histamine‐rich or ‐liberating properties of the commonly cited OU‐triggering foods suggest a hyperreactivity mechanism.
Fabrication and in vitro evaluation of novel pH‐sensitive poly (2‐methoxyethyl methacrylate‐co‐itaconic acid) microgels
Authors: Rashid Zermina , Ranjha Nazar M. , Razzaq Rabia , Raza Hina
Published: November 2016

The present work focused on the synthesis and evaluation of cross‐linked poly(2‐methoxyethyl methacrylate‐co‐itaconic acid) [p(MEMA‐co‐IA)] microgels for controlled and extended drug delivery, in an attempt to improve the bioavailability of the drugs and to get maximum therapeutic benefits. A series of p(MEMA‐co‐IA) microgels were prepared by modified free‐radical suspension polymerization using ethylene glycol dimethacrylate as cross‐linker. Characterization was performed through FTIR, TGA, DSC, XRD, DLS and SEM. pH responsiveness was evaluated by equilibrium swelling studies in phosphate buffer solutions of different pH values (pH 1.2, 4, 6.5, and 7.4) with constant ionic strength. To demonstrate the potential use of microgels for drug delivery, esomeprazole magnesium trihydrate (EMT) was loaded as model drug and in vitro dissolution studies were performed. FTIR and thermal analysis confirmed the formation of cross‐linked p(MEMA‐co‐IA) microgels. XRD indicated dispersion of drug into the network at molecular level. SEM illustrated smooth, round and uniformly distributed microspheres. A remarkably higher swelling at higher pH values (pH 6.5 and 7.4) compared to pH 1.2 demonstrated the pH‐responsive nature of the microgels. All the formulations showed pH‐dependent drug release following Higuchi with non‐fickian mechanism of drug diffusion. In light of the results obtained from this study, it was concluded that p(MEMA‐co‐IA) microgels have potential to release drug in controlled manner responsive to pH of the external environment.
Synthesis of Iodine‐Substituted Quinolines, Quinolinium Salts, and Isoquinolinium Salts via a Three‐Component Tandem Reaction of Aryl Azides, Propargylic Alcohols, and Iodine
Authors: Wu Yunjun , Shao Min , Feng Zhijun , Gu Xiaoxia , Hong Yi , Cui Qiaoyu , Ren Lianbing , Wang Shaoyin
Published: November 2016

An efficient three‐component tandem reaction of aryl azides, propargylic alcohols, and iodine has been developed. The products of the reaction hinge on the type of the propargylic alcohols: for tertiary alcohols, the reaction proceeded via a cascade Friedel–Crafts‐type reaction/electrophilic cyclization/1,2‐aryl migratory shift sequence to provide 3‐iodoquinolinium salt products, while in the case of secondary alcohols, 3‐iodoquinoline products could be obtained. For aryl azides with certain substituents, this method gave novel isoquinoline skeletons.
Highly Enhanced Fluorescence of Supramolecular Polymers Based on a Cyanostilbene Derivative and Cucurbit[8]uril in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Kim Hyeong‐Ju , Whang Dong Ryeol , Gierschner Johannes , Park Soo Young
Published: November 2016

Supramolecular polymers (SPs) have received great attention because of their potential for various practical applications. As part of our search for SPs that are highly fluorescent in aqueous media, we designed a system based on a cucurbit[8]uril (CB[8]) host and a newly designed cyanostilbene guest. Fluorescence quantum yields of ≈0 % in the disassembled monomer state and 91 % in the CB[8]‐induced SP state were obtained. The intriguing photophysical properties of the SP are elucidated through detailed experimental and computational analysis, paving the way towards a fascinating class of water‐soluble fluorescent SPs.
Crystallization of itaconic anhydride grafted poly(lactic acid) during annealing
Authors: Ku Marsilla K. I. , Verbeek C. J. R.
Published: November 2016

The effect of annealing poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and PLA grafted with itaconic anhydride (IA) at different temperatures was studied using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and wide angle X‐ray scattering (WAXS). For PLA, two crystal forms were obtained when annealed between 110 and 120 °C, transforming into only the α‐form at 130 °C while a mixture of α′ and α‐form were obtained in grafted PLA. Grafting increased the percentage crystallinity of PLA, but it was mostly unaffected by the degree of grafting. The rate of crystallization was strongly dependent on the degree of grafting; when annealed at 100 °C, the crystallinity increased from 27.7 to 43.1% while the crystallization halftime reduced from 10.7 to 4.4 min at the lowest degree of grafting. It was thought that the increase in crystallization rate was likely due heterogeneous nucleation in the presence of grafted chains. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44614.
Fetal Development of the Incisive Canal, Especially of the Delayed Closure Due to the Nasopalatine Duct: A Study Using Serial Sections of Human Fetuses
Authors: Kim Ji Hyun , Oka Kyoko , Jin Zhe Wu , Murakami Gen , Rodríguez‐Vázquez José Francisco , Ahn Sung Woo , Hwang Hong Pil
Published: November 2016

The incisive canal of the incisive bone or premaxilla is a narrow bony canal through which pass the nasopalatine nerve and its concomitant vessels. However, its fetal development remains obscure. To assess its development, serial frontal sections of the heads of 26 human fetuses, of gestational age 9–20 weeks (crown‐rump length, 46–183 mm), were examined. The nerve initially passed through a wide loose tissue space, but after ossification of the upper part of the incisive bone at 12–15 weeks, the canal became narrow and filled with tight fibrous tissue. Canals in seven fetuses were dilated and open unilaterally or bilaterally. In two of these seven fetuses, a nasopalatine duct passed through the canal and connected the nasal cavity to a central lumen of the paramedian epithelial pearl in the incisive fossa (not to an oral cavity). Even if the canal was closed, the duct was likely to remain above and below the closed part. Paramedian pearls were present in all specimens larger than 110 mm (15 weeks), with or without association of midline pearls. These paramedian pearls usually protruded toward and/or extended into the dilated or open canal, suggesting that these pearls, not any primitive oronasal communication pathway, contributed to keeping the canal open. The dilated canal, located on the superomedial side of the second and third teeth buds, seemed to be usually closed by further ossification. Even in fetuses, the nasopalatine duct seemed to be a variant or unusual phase of development temporally occurring after normal palate fusion. Anat Rec, 300:1093–1103, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Evidence of the Immune Relevance of Prevotella copri, a Gut Microbe, in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Pianta Annalisa , Arvikar Sheila , Strle Klemen , Drouin Elise E. , Wang Qi , Costello Catherine E. , Steere Allen C.
Published: November 2016

Objective

Prevotella copri, an intestinal microbe, may overexpand in stool samples from patients with new‐onset rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but it is not yet clear whether the organism has immune relevance in RA pathogenesis.

Methods

HLA–DR–presented peptides (T cell epitopes) from P copri were sought directly in the patients' synovial tissue or peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) samples using tandem mass spectrometry. The antigenicity of peptides or their source proteins was examined in samples from the RA patients or comparison groups. T cell reactivity was determined by enzyme‐linked immunospot assay; antibody responses were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, and cytokine/chemokine determinations were made by bead‐based assays. Serum and synovial fluid samples were examined for 16S ribosomal DNA for P copri using nested polymerase chain reaction analysis.

Results

In PBMCs, we identified an HLA–DR–presented peptide from a 27‐kd protein of P copri (Pc‐p27), which stimulated Th1 responses in 42% of patients with new‐onset RA. In both new‐onset RA patients and chronic RA patients, 1 subgroup had IgA antibody responses to either Pc‐p27 or the whole organism, which correlated with Th17 cytokine responses and frequent anti–citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPAs). The other subgroup had IgG P copri antibodies, which were associated with Prevotella DNA in synovial fluid, P copri–specific Th1 responses, and less frequent ACPAs. In contrast, P copri antibody responses were rarely found in patients with other rheumatic diseases or in healthy controls.

Conclusion

Subgroups of RA patients have differential IgG or IgA immune reactivity with P copri, which appears to be specific for this disease. These observations provide evidence that P copri is immune‐relevant in RA pathogenesis.
Discerning Risk of Disease Transition in Relatives of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patients Utilizing Soluble Mediators and Clinical Features
Authors: Munroe Melissa E. , Young Kendra A. , Kamen Diane L. , Guthridge Joel M. , Niewold Timothy B. , Costenbader Karen H. , Weisman Michael H. , Ishimori Mariko L. , Wallace Daniel J. , Gilkeson Gary S. , Karp David R. , Harley John B. , Norris Jill M. , James Judith A.
Published: November 2016

Objective

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and other autoimmune diseases cause significant morbidity. Identifying populations at risk of developing SLE is essential for curtailing irreversible inflammatory damage. The aim of this study was to identify factors associated with transition to classified disease that would inform our understanding of the risk of SLE.

Methods

Previously identified blood relatives of patients with SLE, who had <4 American College of Rheumatology (ACR) classification criteria for SLE at baseline, were enrolled in this follow‐up study (n = 409 unaffected relatives). Participants provided detailed family, demographic, and clinical information, including the SLE‐specific portion of the Connective Tissue Disease Screening Questionnaire (SLE‐CSQ). Serum and plasma samples were tested for the presence of lupus‐associated autoantibodies and 52 soluble mediators. Generalized estimating equations (GEEs) were applied to identify factors predictive of disease transition.

Results

Of the 409 unaffected relatives of SLE patients, 45 (11%) had transitioned to classified SLE at follow‐up (mean time to follow‐up 6.4 years). Relatives who transitioned to SLE displayed more lupus‐associated autoantibody specificities and higher SLE‐CSQ scores (P < 0.0001) at baseline than did relatives who did not transition. Importantly, those who had developed SLE during the follow‐up period also had elevated baseline plasma levels of inflammatory mediators, including B lymphocyte stimulator, stem cell factor (SCF), and interferon‐associated chemokines (P ≤ 0.02), with concurrent decreases in the levels of regulatory mediators, transforming growth factor β (TGFβ), and interleukin‐10 (P ≤ 0.03). GEE analyses revealed that baseline SLE‐CSQ scores or ACR scores (number of ACR criteria satisfied) and plasma levels of SCF and TGFβ, but not autoantibodies, were significant and independent predictors of SLE transition (P ≤ 0.03).

Conclusion

Preclinical alterations in levels of soluble mediators may predict transition to classified disease in relatives of SLE patients. Thus, immune perturbations precede SLE classification and can help identify high‐risk relatives for rheumatology referral and potential enrollment in prevention trials.
The state and evolution of U.S. iSchools: From talent acquisitions to research outcome
Authors: Zuo Zhiya , Zhao Kang , Eichmann David
Published: November 2016

The past 2 decades have witnessed the emergence of information as a scientific discipline and the growth of information schools around the world. We analyzed the current state of the iSchool community in the U.S. with a special focus on the evolution of the community. We conducted our study from the perspectives of acquiring talents and producing research, including the analysis on iSchool faculty members' educational backgrounds, research topics, and the hiring network among iSchools. Applying text mining techniques and social network analysis to data from various sources, our research revealed how the iSchool community gradually built its own identity over time, including the growing number of faculty members who received their doctorates from the field that studies information, the deviation from computer science and library science, the rising emphasis on the intersection of information, technology, and people, and the increasing educational and research homogeneity as a community. These findings suggest that iSchools in the U.S. are evolving into a mature and independent discipline with a more established identity.
Gene expression profiles of human subcutaneous and visceral adipose‐derived stem cells
Authors: Kim Boyun , Lee Boram , Kim Mi‐Kyung , Gong Seung Pyo , Park Noh Hyun , Chung Hyun Hoon , Kim Hee Seung , No Jae Hong , Park Woong Yang , Park Ae Kyung , Lim Jeong Mook , Song Yong Sang
Published: November 2016

Subcutaneous and visceral adipose tissues show a different risk effect on metabolic disorders because they have distinct cellular properties. We isolated stem cells from the separate human adipose tissues to investigate that subcutaneous and visceral fat depots have metabolic differences. Adipose‐derived stem cells (ASCs) were characterized by immunophenotype and differentiation potentials into adipogenic, osteogenic, and chondrogenic lineages. Although subcutaneous and visceral ASCs (S‐ASC and V‐ASC) express same surface markers (CD31−, CD34−, CD45−, CD73+, CD90+, and CD105+) and have differentiation potentials, S‐ASCs had higher capacity to proliferate and to differentiate into adipogenic lineage than V‐ASCs. Next, we identified that S‐ASC and V‐ASC were genetically distinct based on microarray analysis. Among a total of 810 genes detected in ASCs of both depots, the differentially expressed genes were involved in energy and lipid metabolism. These data show the existence of the intrinsic difference between S‐ASC and V‐ASC and suggest the differences of anatomically separated adipose tissue. On the basis of the differentially expressed gene profiles between S‐ASC and V‐ASC, we suggested significant evidence that adipose tissues originating from different anatomic regions are distinguished at the level of the undifferentiated stem cells such as mature adipocytes. V‐ASCs had the upregulated clusters of genes related to lipid biosynthesis and metabolism. By contrast, S‐ASCs highly expressed genes involved in DNA‐dependent transcription, contributing to proliferation. We provide further insights for ASCs with the different origins to understand fat accumulation and distribution and a possibility of ASCs as a therapeutic target against metabolic disorders or cancer.
Use of Amorphous Calcium Carbonate for the Design of New Materials
Authors: Cantaert Bram , Kuo David , Matsumura Shunichi , Nishimura Tatsuya , Sakamoto Takeshi , Kato Takashi
Published: November 2016

Since calcium carbonate is one of the most abundant biogenic minerals found in nature, it is no surprise that there has been a huge focus on its formation and use. In this review, we intend to cover the use of amorphous calcium carbonate, which is the most unstable polymorph of calcium carbonate, for the design of new materials. Amorphous calcium carbonate has been used to manipulate the morphology of new materials, and to create strong inorganic/organic hybrid materials based on biological examples. The exoskeletons of crustaceans, sea shell nacre, and brittle star eyes are a few of the examples discussed here, and researchers have looked at these biominerals for the design of new materials. By using polymer additives and organic synthetic layers to substitute for the natural proteins used in biological systems, interesting hybrid materials have been developed. By taking inspiration from this research, new ideas for the design of the fusion materials can be achieved.
Exfoliation of Few‐Layer Graphene in Volatile Solvents Using Aromatic Perylene Diimide Derivatives as Surfactants
Authors: Liscio Andrea , Kouroupis‐Agalou Konstantinos , Kovtun Alessandro , Gebremedhn Elias , El Garah Mohamed , Rekab Wassima , Orgiu Emanuele , Giorgini Loris , Samorì Paolo , Beljonne David , Palermo Vincenzo
Published: November 2016

Commercial, aromatic perylene diimide (PDI) dyes were used to exfoliate few‐layer graphene nanosheets in low‐boiling organic solvents such as chloroform and tetrahydrofuran. Importantly, in such solvents, graphene cannot be exfoliated in the absence of the aromatic perylene diimide (PDI) dyes. The PDIs are physisorbed onto the basal plane of the nanosheet surface, which stabilized them in solution; the aromatic core lies flat on graphene and the PDI side groups influenced the physisorption strength and molecular packing. Upon varying just a single atom in the chemical structure of the side groups, significantly different exfoliation efficiencies were observed. The graphene–PDI interaction was studied at the nanoscale by scanning tunneling microscopy and molecular dynamics, at the microscale by atomic force and electron microscopy, and at the macroscale by optical spectroscopy. Thanks to the high volatility of the chosen solvent, the nanosheets can be embedded in standard polymer composites through a simple solvent‐induced swelling procedure.
Detection and Genotyping of Human Papillomaviruses from Archival Formalin‐Fixed Tissue Samples
Authors: Van Doorslaer Koenraad , Chen Zigui , McBride Alison A.
Published: November 2016

Pathology departments routinely process and store formalin‐fixed, paraffin‐embedded (FFPE) tissue samples for clinical diagnosis. These collections often contain decades’ worth of samples and represent a treasure trove of specimens that can be analyzed for retrospective epidemiological studies, diagnostics, and pathogen discovery. Accurate amplification and sequencing of DNA from these samples is critical for the usability of these FFPE samples. Here we present a collection of protocols that describe extraction of DNA from FFPE tissues, PCR amplification of human papillomavirus DNA, and subsequent genotyping of the infecting virus. © 2016 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Subscribing to fuzzy temporal aggregation of heterogeneous sensor streams in real‐time distributed environments
Authors: Medina J. , Martínez L. , Espinilla M.
Published: November 2016

Because of the deployment of heterogeneous sensors in intelligent environments, the fusion and information processing means an arduous and complex process. The data fusion of sensors and the design of processing information in real time are key aspects in order to generate feasible solutions. In order to shed light on this context, we present an approach for distributing and processing heterogeneous data based on a representation with fuzzy linguistic terms. In this way, the heterogeneous data from sensor streams are computed and summarized based on fuzzy temporal aggregations ubiquitously within mobile and ambient devices. This innovative approach provides an intuitive linguistic representation of mobile and ambient sensors as well as implies a drastic reduction of the communication burden. In order to provide high scalability in network communication, the information from sensor is spread under the publication‐subscription paradigm, where subscribers receive asynchronous events when the aggregation degree of the linguistic terms overcomes a threshold (alpha‐cut). Finally, in order to illustrate the usefulness and effectiveness of our proposal, we present the results of the fuzzy temporal aggregation of sensor streams with alpha‐cut subscriptions in a case study where an inhabitants performs an daily activities in an intelligent environment. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Efficient Synthesis of Functionalized β‐Keto Esters and β‐Diketones through Regioselective Hydration of Alkynyl Esters and Alkynyl Ketones by Use of a Cationic NHC–AuI Catalyst
Authors: Tarigopula Chandrahas , Thota Ganesh Kumar , Balamurugan Rengarajan
Published: November 2016

Regioselective hydration of α‐alkynyl esters and ketones by using a cationic NHC–AuI catalyst results in β‐keto esters and β‐diketones, respectively. Controlled release of water in acetone by aldol self‐condensation under the reaction conditions makes acetone as better solvent than 1,4‐dioxane/water for the hydration of α‐alkynyl esters having sensitive ester moieties.
BITHIENOLs: Promising C2‐Symmetric Biheteroaromatic Diols for Organic Transformation
Authors: Gabrieli Sara , Cirilli Roberto , Benincori Tiziana , Pierini Marco , Rizzo Simona , Rossi Sergio
Published: November 2016

2,2′,5,5′‐Tetraphenyl‐3,3′‐bithiophene‐4,4′‐diol, the first member of a new class of chiral C2‐symmetric atropisomeric diols based on a biheteroaromatic scaffold, has been synthesized. Dynamic enantioselective HPLC experiments revealed a racemization barrier of 22.9 kcal/mol at 25 °C, which is high enough to permit the chromatographic collection of both enantiomers on a semi‐preparative scale, but at the borders of application as a promoter in asymmetric catalysis. The ground and transition states involved in the enantiomerization process have been identified through DFT calculations, which suggest the intermediacy of a tautomeric species in which a thiophen‐3‐ol unit and a 2,3‐dihydrothiophen‐3‐one ring are present. The proposed racemization mechanism is supported by the results of dynamic HPLC experiments. Calculations also suggested which substituent groups at the 2,2′‐positions of the thiophene rings could lead to an increase in enantiomerization barriers sufficient to confer full configurational stability on the 3,3′‐bithiophene framework.
The dynamics of an elastic structure coupled with a rocking wall
Authors: Makris Nicos , Aghagholizadeh Mehrdad
Published: November 2016

This paper investigates the dynamic response of an elastic single‐degree‐of‐freedom oscillator coupled with a rocking wall. Both configurations of a stepping rocking wall and a pinned rocking wall that have been reported in the literature are examined. The full nonlinear equations of motions are derived, and the paper shows through a comprehensive parametric analysis that the coupling with a rocking wall has mixed results on suppressing the dynamic response of the elastic oscillator. The stepping rocking wall is most effective in suppressing displacements of relative flexible structures with a heavier wall being most effective. In contrast, the pinned wall amplifies the displacements along a wide range of the spectrum with a heavier wall being most detrimental. This happens partly because in a pinned wall the moment from its weight works against stability. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A method for integrating neuroimaging into genetic models of learning performance
Authors: Mehta Chintan M. , Gruen Jeffrey R. , Zhang Heping
Published: November 2016

Specific learning disorders (SLD) are an archetypal example of how clinical neuropsychological (NP) traits can differ from underlying genetic and neurobiological risk factors. Disparate environmental influences and pathologies impact learning performance assessed through cognitive examinations and clinical evaluations, the primary diagnostic tools for SLD. We propose a neurobiological risk for SLD with neuroimaging biomarkers, which is integrated into a genome‐wide association study (GWAS) of learning performance in a cohort of 479 European individuals between 8 and 21 years of age. We first identified six regions of interest (ROIs) in temporal and anterior cingulate regions where the group diagnosed with learning disability has the least overall variation, relative to the other group, in thickness, area, and volume measurements. Although we used the three imaging measures, the thickness was the leading contributor. Hence, we calculated the Euclidean distances between any two individuals based on their thickness measures in the six ROIs. Then, we defined the relative similarity of one individual according to the averaged ranking of pairwise distances from the individuals to those in the SLD group. The inverse of this relative similarity is called the neurobiological risk for the individual. Single nucleotide polymorphisms in the AGBL1 gene on chromosome 15 had a significant association with learning performance at a genome‐wide level. This finding was supported in an independent cohort of 2,327 individuals of the same demographic profile. Our statistical approach for integrating genetic and neuroimaging biomarkers can be extended into studying the biological basis of other NP traits.
A novel mechanism of rs763110 polymorphism contributing to cervical cancer risk by affecting the binding affinity of C/EBPβ and OCT1 complex to chromatin
Authors: Wu Shenshen , Wang Shizhi , Fu You , Tang Weiyan , Jin Hua , Meng Qingtao , Zhang Chengcheng , Cui Mengjing , Cao Xiaoli , Li Xiaobo , Zhang Zhengdong , Chen Rui
Published: November 2016

Recently, several studies have showed that FAS (rs2234767, rs1800682) and FASL (rs763110) functional single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were associated with the risk of various cancers. However, the association between cervical cancer risk and the three SNPs above remained inconclusive. In this work, we performed a two‐stage case–control study on 1155 cervical cancer patients and 1252 matched healthy controls to determine the roles of the mentioned SNPs in cervical cancer susceptibility. We genotyped the FAS rs2234767, rs1800682, and FASL rs763110 polymorphisms using PCR‐TaqMan assays. Results revealed that the rs763110 TT genotype significantly increased the risk of cervical cancer compared with the CC/CT genotype (adjusted OR = 1.70, 95% CI = 1.19–2.42). However, we did not observe any association between the cervical cancer risk and the rs2234767 and rs1800682 polymorphisms. The immunohistochemistry assay showed that patients carrying the rs763110 TT genotype presented a lower cancerous FASL expression than that of the CC/CT genotypes. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and Sequential Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays also demonstrated that OCT1 was recruited to the FASL promoter region and regulated the FASL gene transcription by interacting with C/EBPβ. In conclusion, this study provided evidence indicating that the rs763110 variant in the FASL promoter was associated with the risk of cervical cancer by affecting the binding affinity of the C/EBPβ/OCT1 complex to chromatin.
Probing the response of human osteoblasts following exposure to sympathetic neuron‐like PC‐12 cells in a 3D coculture model
Authors: Erndt‐Marino Josh D. , Hahn Mariah S.
Published: November 2016

Understanding the capacity of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) to regulate bone homeostasis has implications for a number of metabolic diseases and may help establish connections between certain neurological conditions and bone quality. The goal of the present work was to gain a deeper understanding of the influence of the SNS on the phenotype of osteoblasts, a major cell type in bone. An in vitro coculture model with human osteoblasts and sympathetic‐like, neuroendocrine pheochromocytoma‐12 (PC‐12) cells encapsulated within separate 3D poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) hydrogels was utilized to assess markers involved with bone ECM formation and osteoclast formation. In terms of bone ECM proteins, only osteopontin (OPN) was significantly increased in osteoblasts exposed to PC‐12 cells relative to osteoblast mono‐culture controls. In contrast, all bone resorption markers investigated (IL‐6, TNF, IL‐1β, VEGF‐A) were enhanced at the gene level and the ratio of osteoprotegerin (OPG) to RANKL was significantly decreased in osteoblasts exposed to PC‐12 cells. Cumulatively, these data indicate that the SNS may substantially influence bone resorption. Because of the context‐dependent nature of the SNS, future studies will characterize the secretion profile of neurotransmitters and neuropeptides from the PC‐12 cells in our model. Additionally, various SNS modulating pharmacologic agents will be examined for their capacity to reduce expression of bone resorption/inflammatory markers. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 984–990, 2017.
Protein Expression Differences of 2‐Dimensional and Progressive 3‐Dimensional Cell Cultures of Non‐Small‐Cell‐Lung‐Cancer Cell Line H460
Authors: Ravi Maddaly , Mohan Divya K. , Sahu Bellona
Published: November 2016

Non‐small‐cell‐lung‐cancer (NSCLC) constitutes about 75–80% of lung cancers. The challenge to tackle cancers is in early diagnosis and arriving at safer therapeutic options. In vitro studies using cancer cell lines continue to contribute significantly in understanding cancers. Cell culture methods have evolved and the recent developments in 3 dimensional (3D) cell cultures are inducing greater resemblance of the in vitro cultured cells with in vivo conditions. In this study, we established 3D aggregates of H460 cell line on agarose hydrogels and studied the protein expression differences among cells grown as monolayers (2D) and the progressively developing 3D aggregates from days 2 to 10. Analysis included matching of those proteins expressed by the developing aggregates and the available literature on progressing tumors in vivo. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 1648–1652, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Exposure‐Response Analyses Supporting Ticagrelor Dosing Recommendation in Patients With Prior Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Röshammar Daniel , Nyberg Joakim , Andersson Tomas , Stanski Donald , Storey Robert F. , Hamrén Bengt
Published: November 2016

The relationships between drug exposure and the composite risk of cardiovascular (CV) death, myocardial infarction (MI), and stroke as well as the risk of TIMI major bleeding were estimated following long‐term treatment with ticagrelor 60 or 90 mg twice daily in 20,942 patients with prior MI. These analyses support the primary reported efficacy and safety evaluations by showing that there were clear separations from placebo early in treatment with both doses, regardless of ticagrelor exposure, for both endpoints. In addition, the exposure‐response analyses provided new insight into the contribution of individual exposure levels, rather than dose, as a predictor of events and accounted for differences in the baseline risk between patients. The predicted risks of CV death/MI/stroke were similar despite an increase in the median predicted ticagrelor average steady‐state concentration from 606 nmol/L with ticagrelor 60 mg to 998 nmol/L with ticagrelor 90 mg (hazard ratios vs placebo of 0.83 and 0.81, respectively). The corresponding predicted risk of TIMI major bleeding slightly increased (hazard ratios vs placebo of 2.4 and 2.6, respectively). Apart from Japanese patients, showing a lower risk of CV death/MI/stroke, the response to ticagrelor was consistent across the study population, as supported by the combination of relatively flat exposure‐response relationships in the studied exposure range, similar sensitivity to ticagrelor exposure, and small exposure differences. Consequently, the present analyses support the selection of the 60‐mg dose for all demographic subgroups of patients studied.