bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cyclic formation and stabilization of Archean lithosphere by accretionary orogenesis: Constraints from TTG and potassic granitoids, North China Craton
Authors: Wang Wei , Cawood Peter A. , Liu Shuwen , Guo Rongrong , Bai Xiang , Wang Kang
Published: July 2017

Accretionary orogens are major sites of modern continental growth, yet their role in the development of Archean continental crust remains enigmatic. Diverse granitoid suites from tonalite‐trondhjemite‐granodiorite (TTG) to potassic granitoids appeared during late Archean, representing a period of major continental formation and stabilization. In this study, whole‐rock geochemical and zircon U‐Pb and Lu‐Hf isotopic data are reported for Neoarchean granitoid gneisses from the Northern Liaoning Terrane, northeastern North China Craton (NCC). Older granitoid gneisses (~2592–2537 Ma) define three magmatic zones migrating from southeast to northwest, each showing a common magmatic evolution from high‐pressure TTGs to medium‐/low‐pressure TTGs and potassic granitoids. They have depleted zircon ƐHf(t) of +0.5 to +8.7. Younger ~2529–2503 Ma potassic granitoids and TTGs occur throughout the terrane, which are marked by variable zircon ƐHf(t) of −4.7 to +8.1, and are coeval with regional high‐grade metamorphism. Petrogenetic modeling and changing Sr/Y and (La/Yb)N of the granitoids suggest that the crust experienced episodic thickening and thinning and became progressively evolved through development of potassic granitoids and sedimentary successions. The metavolcanic basement to the granitoids display tholeiitic to calc‐alkaline affinities, together with the top‐to‐the‐northwest thrusting and associated volcanogenic massive sulfide‐type Cu‐Zn deposits, suggesting cyclic crustal formation of Northern Liaoning within an accretionary orogen with a SE‐dipping subduction polarity. Cyclic crustal thickening and thinning is related to tectonic switching from advancing to retreating relations between the downgoing and overriding plate. After ~2530 Ma, this accretionary system accreted to the ancient continental nucleus of NCC (Anshan‐Benxi Terrane), signifying final lithosphere stabilization.
The asparagine 533 residue in the outer pore loop region of the mouse PKD2L1 channel is essential for its voltage‐dependent inactivation
Authors: Shimizu Takahiro , Higuchi Taiga , Toba Toshihiro , Ohno Chie , Fujii Takuto , Nilius Bernd , Sakai Hideki
Published: July 2017

Voltage‐dependent inactivation of ion channels contributes to the regulation of the membrane potential of excitable cells. Mouse polycystic kidney disease 2‐like 1 (PKD2L1) forms voltage‐dependent nonselective cation channels, which are activated but subsequently inactivated in response to membrane depolarization. Here, we found that the mutation of an asparagine 533 residue (N533Q) in the outer pore loop region of PKD2L1 caused a marked increase in outward currents induced by depolarization. In addition, the tail current analysis demonstrated that the N533Q mutants are activated during depolarization but the subsequent inactivation does not occur. Interestingly, the N533Q mutants lacked the channel activation triggered by the removal of stimuli such as extracellular alkalization and heating. Our findings suggest that the N533 residue in the outer pore loop region of PKD2L1 has a key role in the voltage‐dependent channel inactivation.
Respiratory magnetic resonance imaging biomarkers in Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Authors: Mankodi Ami , Kovacs William , Norato Gina , Hsieh Nathan , Bandettini W. Patricia , Bishop Courtney A. , Shimellis Hirity , Newbould Rexford D. , Kim Eunhee , Fischbeck Kenneth H. , Arai Andrew E. , Yao Jianhua
Published: July 2017

Objective

To examine the diaphragm and chest wall dynamics with cine breathing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in ambulatory boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) without respiratory symptoms and controls.

Methods

In 11 DMD boys and 15 controls, cine MRI of maximal breathing was recorded for 10 sec. The lung segmentations were done by an automated pipeline based on a Holistically‐Nested Network model (HNN method). Lung areas, diaphragm, and chest wall motion were measured throughout the breathing cycle.

Results

The HNN method reliably identified the contours of the lung and the diaphragm in every frame of each dataset (~180 frames) within seconds. The lung areas at maximal inspiration and expiration were reduced in DMD patients relative to controls (P = 0.02 and <0.01, respectively). The change in the lung area between inspiration and expiration correlated with percent predicted forced vital capacity (FVC) in patients (rs = 0.75, P = 0.03) and was not significantly different between groups. The diaphragm position, length, contractility, and motion were not significantly different between groups. Chest wall motion was reduced in patients compared to controls (P < 0.01).

Interpretation

Cine breathing MRI allows independent and reliable assessment of the diaphragm and chest wall dynamics during the breathing cycle in DMD patients and controls. The MRI data indicate that ambulatory DMD patients breathe at lower lung volumes than controls when their FVC is in the normal range. The diaphragm moves normally, whereas chest wall motion is reduced in these boys with DMD.
Getting Drugs Across Biological Barriers
Authors: Yang Rong , Wei Tuo , Goldberg Hannah , Wang Weiping , Cullion Kathleen , Kohane Daniel S.
Published: July 2017

The delivery of drugs to a target site frequently involves crossing biological barriers. The degree and nature of the impediment to flux, as well as the potential approaches to overcoming it, depend on the tissue, the drug, and numerous other factors. Here an overview of approaches that have been taken to crossing biological barriers is presented, with special attention to transdermal drug delivery. Technology and knowledge pertaining to addressing these issues in a variety of organs could have a significant clinical impact.
High‐Performance Flexible All‐Solid‐State Supercapacitors Based on Ultralarge Graphene Nanosheets and Solvent‐Exfoliated Tungsten Disulfide Nanoflakes
Authors: Li Jianbo , Liao Kexuan , Wang Xinran , Shi Penghui , Fan Jinchen , Xu Qunjie , Min Yulin
Published: July 2017

Flexible all‐solid‐state supercapacitors (FASS) attract tremendous attention as energy supplies for wearable electronic devices. Graphene nanosheets have gained lots of interest in paper‐like flexible electrodes in FASS due to their unique 2D structure and high mechanical and electrical properties. However, the essential feature of electric double‐layer performance for simple graphene nanosheet‐based FASS restricts the improvement of their capacitive performance and practical applications. This study reports the design of FASS based on ultralarge graphene nanosheets and solvent‐exfoliated tungsten disulfide (WS2) nanoflakes. The free‐standing ultralarge graphene nanosheets/WS2 nanoflakes composite paper electrodes are assembled by vacuum‐assisted filtration. With WS2 nanoflakes intercalated between graphene nanosheets, the ultralarge graphene nanosheets/solvent‐exfoliated WS2 nanoflakes composite paper still exhibits excellent mechanical stability, flexibility, and electrical conductivity. The nacre‐like structures of the papers could efficiently integrate both merits of pseudocapacitive WS2 nanoflakes and conducting graphene, resulting in extraordinary electrochemical performance in FASS. The highest areal specific capacitance of 312.4 mF cm−2 for FASS is achieved with a high capacity retention of ≈88.1% after 5000 charge–discharge cycles. Meantime, the areal power and energy densities of the ultralarge graphene nanosheets/WS2 nanoflakes paper‐based FASS device have a high energy density of 23.1 Wh kg−1 at a power density of 83.2 W kg−1.
Bioinspired Dip Catalysts for Suzuki–Miyaura Cross‐Coupling Reactions: Effect of Scaffold Architecture on the Performance of the Catalyst
Authors: Sharma Vipul , Bahuguna Ashish , Krishnan Venkata
Published: July 2017

Dip catalysts suitable for catalyzing important chemical reactions are designed based on bioinspiration principles and are fabricated using a facile soft lithography technique. Specifically, in this work, leaves from two different plants, Gladiolus dalenii and Amaryllis belladonna are chosen, due to their contrasting surface topographical features. The surface microstructures of these two leaves are replicated on a polymer in order to prepare scaffolds for the fabrication of dip catalysts. The microstructures of these scaffolds are utilized to direct the self‐assembly of Pd nanoparticles according to the surface topographical features. A thin film of polyvinyl alcohol is used to lock the nanoparticles on the surface and prevent them from leaching. The fabricated bioinspired dip catalysts are thoroughly characterized and are demonstrated to be highly efficient for Suzuki–Miyaura cross‐coupling reactions, examined under different experimental conditions. These bioinspired dip catalysts' performance is evaluated based on the percentage yields of the reaction and is correlated with the corresponding surface topographical features to understand the effect of the scaffold architecture on the performance of the catalysts. The developed strategy can be easily adopted to fabricate many more dip catalysts, with intriguing surface features, suitable for catalyzing several other chemical reactions as well.
Harnessing Surface Wrinkling–Cracking Patterns for Tunable Optical Transmittance
Authors: Li Zhengwei , Zhai Yao , Wang Yu , Wendland Griffith M. , Yin Xiaobo , Xiao Jianliang
Published: July 2017

Optical devices with tunable specular optical transmittance have recently attracted great interest due to their wide range of applications. However, the reported methods of realizing tunable optical transmittance suffer from complex fabrication processes, high cost, unstable materials, or low tuning range. In this study, a simple, cheap, and highly effective approach to achieve large tuning range of optical transmittance through harnessing surface wrinkling–cracking patterns on polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) films is reported. The surface wrinkling–cracking patterns are induced by stretching ultraviolet/ozone‐treated PDMS films and can effectively scatter the light transmitted through the films. With moderate 50% uniaxial tensile strain, the optical transmittance can be tuned between 92 and 9.2%. The films can be reversibly tuned between transparent and opaque for 1000 cycles without losing structural integrity and optical performance, with promising application in smart windows. By patterning the surface wrinkling–cracking patterns, an elastomeric switchable display is also demonstrated, which can be turned “ON” and “OFF” by mechanical strain. The material design demonstrated in this work offers a promising means to dynamically tune the optical properties of functional materials via strain‐controlled surface topography. This study can find applications in various optical devices and systems that require tunable optical properties.
A Biocatalytic One‐Pot Approach for the Preparation of Lignin Oligomers Using an Oxidase/Peroxidase Cascade Enzyme System
Authors: Habib Mohamed H. M. , Deuss Peter J. , Lončar Nikola , Trajkovic Milos , Fraaije Marco W.
Published: July 2017

Synthetic lignin was prepared biocatalytically in a one‐pot, two‐step reaction using an oxidase/peroxidase cascade enzyme system. Using eugenol in combination with eugenol oxidase and a peroxidase, lignin‐like material was produced. The cascade reaction takes advantage of the ability of the oxidase to produce coniferyl alcohol and hydrogen peroxide from eugenol and molecular oxygen. The hydrogen peroxide is used by the peroxidase for the formation of crosslinks that typify lignin. As eugenol oxidase has a broad substrate acceptance profile, also 4‐allylphenol (chavicol) and 4‐allyl‐2,6‐dimethoxyphenol could be used as precursors of the synthetic lignin. As a result, all three naturally occurring monolignols could be prepared and incorporated in the synthetic lignin. The reaction was optimized in order to achieve the highest possible yield of insoluble lignin oligomers and scaled up to 1 gram. Analysis of the water‐insoluble product by gel permeation chromatography revealed the formation of relatively small lignin oligomers (≈1000 dalton). By using two‐dimensional heteronuclear single quantum coherence nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (2D HSQC NMR) analysis it could be demonstrated that the material contained α‐O‐4/β‐O‐4, β‐O‐4, β‐β, β‐5 linkages and dibenzodioxocin units. All these features indicate that the biocatalytically produced material closely resembles natural lignin. While 54% of eugenol was converted into water‐insoluble oligomers, the remaining substrate was converted into water‐soluble dimers and tetramers which are important lignin model compounds. Therefore, the presented method represents a valuable and facile biocatalytic approach for the preparation of lignin‐like material and potentially valuable chemicals.

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Synthesis of Indolo‐1,2‐Benzothiazines from Sulfoximines and 3‐Diazoindolin‐2‐imines
Authors: Ko Gi Hoon , Son Jeong‐Yu , Kim Hyunseok , Maeng Chanyoung , Baek Yonghyeon , Seo Boram , Um Kyusik , Lee Phil Ho
Published: July 2017

A rhodium‐catalyzed cyclization reaction of sulfoximines with 3‐diazoindolin‐2‐imines is described. This protocol provides a wide range of indolo‐1,2‐benzothiazines in moderate to excellent yields together with the release of molecular nitrogen and p‐toluenesulfonamide. The present method involves the N–H/C–H activation of S‐aryl sulfoximines and has the advantages of a broad substrate scope.

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In Situ Ligation of High‐ and Low‐Affinity Ligands to Cell Surface Receptors Enables Highly Selective Recognition
Authors: Taichi Misako , Nomura Shogo , Nakase Ikuhiko , Imamaki Rie , Kizuka Yasuhiko , Ota Fumi , Dohmae Naoshi , Kitazume Shinobu , Taniguchi Naoyuki , Tanaka Katsunori
Published: July 2017

This paper reports an entirely unexplored concept of simultaneously recognizing two receptors using high‐ and low‐affinity ligands through ligating them in situ on the target cell surface. This de novo approach is inspired by the pretargeting strategy frequently applied in molecular imaging, and has now evolved as the basis of a new paradigm for visualizing target cells with a high imaging contrast. A distinct advantage of using a labeled low‐affinity ligand such as glycan is that the excess labeled ligand can be washed away from the cells, whereas the ligand bound to the cell, even at the milli molar affinity level, can be anchored by a bioorthogonal reaction with a pretargeted high‐affinity ligand on the surface. Consequently, nonspecific background is minimized, leading to improved imaging contrast. Importantly, despite previously unexplored for molecular imaging, a notoriously weak glycan/lectin interaction can now be utilized as a highly selective ligand to the targets.
Tensile modulus of polymer/CNT nanocomposites containing networked and dispersed nanoparticles
Authors: Zare Yasser , Rhee Kyong Yop
Published: July 2017

The properties of three‐dimensional networks of nanoparticles in polymer/carbon nanotubes (CNT) nanocomposites (PCNT) are particularly interesting from fundamental and application views. In this article, a new model is suggested for predicting the tensile modulus of PCNT using the Ouali and Paul models. The Ouali model considers the network of CNT in a polymer matrix, while the Paul model predicts the tensile modulus of samples containing dispersed nanoparticles. The predictions of the suggested approach are compared with experimental data from several samples. Also, the roles of the main parameters in the tensile modulus of PCNT are evaluated. The predictions agree with the experimental results at different filler concentrations. The roles of these parameters on the tensile modulus of PCNT are discussed based on the properties of CNT networks. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 63: 220–225, 2018
Intrusive probes in riser applications
Authors: Cocco Ray A. , Karri S.B. Reddy , Knowlton Ted M. , Findlay John , Gauthier Thierry , Chew Jia Wei , Hrenya Christine M.
Published: July 2017

Many of the probes used to understand hydrodynamics in circulating fluidized bed risers intrude into the environment they are measuring, although assumptions are typically asserted that the intrusive probes do not affect the data collected. This could be a poor assumption in some cases and conditions. We found that intrusive fiber‐optic probe measurements consistently mis‐predicted the solids concentration compared to the nonintrusive pressure drop measurements outside the fully developed flow region of a riser containing fluid catalytic cracking catalyst or glass bead particles. The discrepancy was sensitive to superficial gas velocity, solid circulation rate, probe position, and flow direction. Barracuda VR™ computational fluid dynamics simulations confirmed this, and indicated that particle momentum was lost at the leading edge of the probe and particles were spilling over to the probe tip. Accordingly, new probe designs were proposed to mitigate the intrusiveness of a fiber‐optic probe for more accurate characterization. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 63: 5361–5374, 2017
Basi‐parallel anatomical scanning–magnetic resonance imaging for the diagnosis of reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome of the basilar artery: a case report
Authors: Yamamoto Akitaka , Omori Yukinari , Shindo Akihiro , Imai Hiroshi , Suzuki Hidenori
Published: July 2017

Case

Reversible cerebral vasoconstriction syndrome (RCVS) is an increasingly recognized and important cause of thunderclap headache. Delays in diagnosis may cause deterioration of symptoms and concomitant unnecessary investigations. However, the diagnosis of RCVS in the acute stage remains difficult.

A 41‐year‐old man was admitted to the emergency department for severe, recurrent occipital headaches. The results of initial computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain and cerebrospinal fluid analysis were normal. Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) showed multisegmental luminal stenosis of the basilar artery. Basi‐parallel anatomical scanning (BPAS)‐MRI, illustrating the outer contour of the vertebrobasilar artery, also showed multisegmental stenosis.

Outcome

The patient was speculated as having RCVS and was treated with oral lomerizine hydrochloride. Repeat MRA and BPAS‐MRI 2 months later showed resolution, confirming RCVS.

Conclusion

Combined with MRA, BPAS‐MRI is an effective and non‐invasive imaging method for diagnosis of RCVS of the basilar artery.
Solid polymer electrolyte based on waterborne polyurethane for all‐solid‐state lithium ion batteries
Authors: Bao Junjie , Tao Can , Yu Ran , Gao Minghao , Huang Yiping , Chen Chunhua
Published: July 2017

A series of solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) based on comb‐like nonionic waterborne polyurethane (NWPU) and LiClO4 are fabricated via a solvent free process. The NWPU‐based SPEs have sufficient mechanical strength which is beneficial to their dimensional stability. Differential scanning calorimetry analysis indicates that the phase separation occurs by the addition of the lithium salt. Scanning electron microscopy and X‐ray diffraction analyses illustrate the good compatibility between LiClO4 and NWPU. Fourier transform infrared study reveals the complicated interactions among lithium ions with the amide, carbonyl and ether groups in such SPEs. AC impedance spectroscopy shows the conductivity of the SPEs exhibiting a linear Arrhenius relationship with temperature. The ionic conductivity of the SPE with the mass content of 15% LiClO4 (SPE15) can reach 5.44 × 10−6 S cm−1 at 40 °C and 2.35 ×10−3 S cm−1 at 140 °C. The SPE15 possesses a wide electrochemical stability window of 0–5 V (vs. Li+/Li) and thermal stability at 140 °C. The excellent properties of this new NWPU‐based SPE are a promising solid electrolyte candidate for all‐solid‐state lithium ion batteries. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 45554.
Maximizing, choice freedom, and duration judgments in choice making
Authors: Rogge Nicky
Published: July 2017

This paper examines (a) whether people are less accurate in judging choice time as choice tasks involve more choice options, more choice information, or a combination of both and (b) whether people with a higher tendency to look for the best option in choice making (maximizers) have less accurate duration judgments of choice time as compared to people who are more easily settling for a choice outcome that is satisfactory (satisficers). A multilevel analysis is used to explore the relationships of interest using data collected through a series of choice tasks. In general, the results suggest that people seem to misjudge time durations when making choices. Moreover, empirical evidence demonstrates that people with an outspoken tendency to maximize in choice making do not differ significantly in estimating choice time accurately as compared to people who experience almost no need to maximize.
Correlations between psychopathology and self‐reported quality of life among adolescents in youth correctional facilities in Lagos, Nigeria: A short report
Authors: Atilola Olayinka , Ola Bolanle , Abiri Gbonjubola , Adewuya Abiodun O.
Published: July 2017

Background

The relationship between psychopathology and quality of life (QoL) and well‐being among young incarcerated offenders has hardly been explored.

Aims

Our aim was to test the hypothesis that higher self‐rated psychopathology would be associated with lower QoL among adolescents resident within youth correctional facilities in Lagos.

Methods

Psychopathology was assessed using the Strength and Difficulty Questionnaire (SDQ), while QoL was measured by using the Paediatric Quality of Life.

Results

One hundred and sixty‐five adolescents completed the study, mostly boys (n = 124; 75%) with a mean age of 14.3 ± 2.1 years. Nearly, a fifth (30, 18%) of respondents had abnormal total SDQ scores (≥17), suggestive of definite psychiatric disorder, while another 44 (27%) had highly probable psychopathology (total SDQ scores 15–16). There was strong negative correlation (r = −0.51, p < 0.001) between total SDQ scores and overall self‐reported QoL among respondents.

Conclusions and implications for practice

Although we were unable to infer direction of relationship between psychopathology and QoL among these adolescents, it is plausible to suppose that treatment of mental health problems could have a positive impact on rehabilitation and reintegration. Given the rate of likely psychopathology, mental health screening within young offender institutions should be routine, and followed, as necessary with full assessment and resultant treatment. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Isovalent AgIII/AgIII, AgII/AgII, Mixed‐Valent AgII/AgIII, and Corrolato‐Based Mixed‐Valency in β,β′‐Linked [Bis{corrolato‐silver}]n Complexes
Authors: Patra Bratati , Sobottka Sebastian , Sinha Woormileela , Sarkar Biprajit , Kar Sanjib
Published: July 2017

Mixed‐valent compounds are fascinating entities that are useful as models for investigating electron‐transfer reactions, and find use in a host of biologically relevant redox processes. Though the bio‐relevant metal copper is well established in mixed‐valent chemistry, the AgII/AgIII mixed‐valent combination of its higher congener in a molecular complex has rarely been reported before. This work reports the synthesis of a new β,β′‐linked bis{corrolato‐silver(III)} complex and its characterization in five different redox states. A combination of electrochemistry, spectroelectrochemistry, and DFT calculations point to the existence of a mixed‐valent AgII/AgIII and an isovalent AgII/AgII form. Additionally, characterization of the AgIII/AgIII form and ligand‐based corrolato‐centered mixed‐valency is presented as well. These results thus open new avenues for bis‐corrolato ligands and for mixed‐valency in disilver compounds.
Cell protrusion and retraction driven by fluctuations in actin polymerization: A two‐dimensional model
Authors: Ryan Gillian L. , Holz Danielle , Yamashiro Sawako , Taniguchi Daisuke , Watanabe Naoki , Vavylonis Dimitrios
Published: July 2017

Animal cells that spread onto a surface often rely on actin‐rich lamellipodial extensions to execute protrusion. Many cell types recently adhered on a two‐dimensional substrate exhibit protrusion and retraction of their lamellipodia, even though the cell is not translating. Travelling waves of protrusion have also been observed, similar to those observed in crawling cells. These regular patterns of protrusion and retraction allow quantitative analysis for comparison to mathematical models. The periodic fluctuations in leading edge position of XTC cells have been linked to excitable actin dynamics using a one‐dimensional model of actin dynamics, as a function of arc‐length along the cell. In this work we extend this earlier model of actin dynamics into two dimensions (along the arc‐length and radial directions of the cell) and include a model membrane that protrudes and retracts in response to the changing number of free barbed ends of actin filaments near the membrane. We show that if the polymerization rate at the barbed ends changes in response to changes in their local concentration at the leading edge and/or the opposing force from the cell membrane, the model can reproduce the patterns of membrane protrusion and retraction seen in experiment. We investigate both Brownian ratchet and switch‐like force‐velocity relationships between the membrane load forces and actin polymerization rate. The switch‐like polymerization dynamics recover the observed patterns of protrusion and retraction as well as the fluctuations in F‐actin concentration profiles. The model generates predictions for the behavior of cells after local membrane tension perturbations.
A novel method for rapid and quantitative mechanical assessment of soft tissue for diagnostic purposes: A computational study
Authors: Palacio‐Torralba Javier , Good Daniel W. , Stewart Grant D. , McNeill S. Alan , Reuben Robert L. , Chen Yuhang
Published: July 2017

Biological tissues often experience drastic changes in their microstructure due to their pathophysiological conditions. Such microstructural changes could result in variations in mechanical properties, which can be used in diagnosing or monitoring a wide range of diseases, most notably cancer. This paves the avenue for non‐invasive diagnosis by instrumented palpation although challenges remain in quantitatively assessing the amount of diseased tissue by means of mechanical characterization. This paper presents a framework for tissue diagnosis using a quantitative and efficient estimation of the fractions of cancerous and non‐cancerous tissue without a priori knowledge of tissue microstructure. First, the sample is tested in a creep or stress relaxation experiment, and the behavior is characterized using a single term Prony series. A rule of mixtures, which relates tumor fraction to the apparent mechanical properties, is then obtained by minimizing the difference between strain energy of a heterogeneous system and an equivalent homogeneous one. Finally, the percentage of each tissue constituent is predicted by comparing the observed relaxation time with that calculated from the rule of mixtures. The proposed methodology is assessed using models reconstructed from histological samples and magnetic resonance imaging of prostate. Results show that estimation of cancerous tissue fraction can be obtained with a maximum error of 12% when samples of different sizes, geometries, and tumor fractions are presented. The proposed framework has the potential to be applied to a wide range of diseases such as rectal polyps, cirrhosis, or breast and prostate cancer whose current primary diagnosis remains qualitative.
The impact of future forest dynamics on climate: interactive effects of changing vegetation and disturbance regimes
Authors: Thom Dominik , Rammer Werner , Seidl Rupert
Published: July 2017

Currently, the temperate forest biome cools the earth's climate and dampens anthropogenic climate change. However, climate change will substantially alter forest dynamics in the future, affecting the climate regulation function of forests. Increasing natural disturbances can reduce carbon uptake and evaporative cooling, but at the same time increase the albedo of a landscape. Simultaneous changes in vegetation composition can mitigate disturbance impacts, but also influence climate regulation directly (e.g., via albedo changes). As a result of a number of interactive drivers (changes in climate, vegetation, and disturbance) and their simultaneous effects on climate‐relevant processes (carbon exchange, albedo, latent heat flux) the future climate regulation function of forests remains highly uncertain. Here we address these complex interactions to assess the effect of future forest dynamics on the climate system. Our specific objectives were (1) to investigate the long‐term interactions between changing vegetation composition and disturbance regimes under climate change, (2) to quantify the response of climate regulation to changes in forest dynamics, and (3) to identify the main drivers of the future influence of forests on the climate system. We investigated these issues using the individual‐based forest landscape and disturbance model (iLand). Simulations were run over 200 yr for Kalkalpen National Park (Austria), assuming different future climate projections, and incorporating dynamically responding wind and bark beetle disturbances. To consistently assess the net effect on climate the simulated responses of carbon exchange, albedo, and latent heat flux were expressed as contributions to radiative forcing. We found that climate change increased disturbances (+27.7% over 200 yr) and specifically bark beetle activity during the 21st century. However, negative feedbacks from a simultaneously changing tree species composition (+28.0% broadleaved species) decreased disturbance activity in the long run (−10.1%), mainly by reducing the host trees available for bark beetles. Climate change and the resulting future forest dynamics significantly reduced the climate regulation function of the landscape, increasing radiative forcing by up to +10.2% on average over 200 yr. Overall, radiative forcing was most strongly driven by carbon exchange. We conclude that future changes in forest dynamics can cause amplifying climate feedbacks from temperate forest ecosystems.
Impact of militarization and economic growth on biofuels consumption and CO2 emissions: The evidence from Brazil, China, and US
Authors: Bildirici Melike
Published: July 2017

The relation among CO2 emissions, economic growth, militarization, and biofuel consumption were analyzed from 1985 to 2015 period for Brazil, China, and US. It was used to The Autoregressive Distributed lag and three supplementary long‐run estimators: the Dynamic OLS, Canonical Cointegration Regression, and Fully Modified OLS to reveal the long run impacts between variables. Toda and Yamamoto's MWALD and Rao F tests were applied to find out the direction of causality. The evidence of bidirectional causality between biofuel consumption and economic growth, between economic growth and CO2 emissions was determined. The results of forecast‐error variance determined 25% of FEV of biofuel consumption is explained by CO2 emissions, while around 51% of the FEV of CO2 emissions is explained by the FEV of militarization in China and US, and 31% in Brazil. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 37: 1121–1131, 2018
Rocking bodies with arbitrary interface defects: Analytical development and experimental verification
Authors: Wittich C.E. , Hutchinson T.C.
Published: July 2017

The rocking response of a rigid, freestanding block in two dimensions typically assumes perfect contact at the base of the block with instantaneous impacts at two distinct, symmetric rocking points. This paper extends the classical two‐dimensional rocking model to account for an arbitrary number of rocking points at the base representing geometric interface defects. The equations of motion of this modified rocking system are derived and presented in general terms. Energy dissipation is modeled assuming instantaneous point impacts, yielding a discrete angular velocity adjustment. Whereas this factor is always less than unity in the classical model, it is possible for this factor to exceed unity in the presented model, yielding a finite increase in the angular velocity at impact and a markedly different rotational response than the classical model predicts. The derived model and the classical model are numerically integrated and compared to the results of recent shake table tests. These comparisons show that the new model significantly enhances agreement in both peak angular displacement and motion decay. The equations of motion and the energy dissipation of the presented model are further investigated parametrically considering the size of the defect, the number of rocking points, and the aspect ratio and size of the block.
Meta‐Analysis of Sib Pair Linkage Studies of Asthma and the Interleukin‐9 Gene (IL9)
Authors: Waldman Irwin D. , Robinson Byron F.
Published: July 2017

Asthma is a complex disease, with an etiology that includes both genetic and environmental influences that may interact. The moderate heritability of asthma has led researchers to investigate its molecular genetic basis using both exploratory investigations of linkage via genome scans, as well as targeted studies of specific candidate genes. Promising candidate genes include the cytokine genes on chromosome 5q23–31. Both genome scans and association studies of these candidate genes/genomic regions have yielded mixed findings, which raise the possibilities of a true relation that emerges more strongly in certain samples simply due to sampling variability, as well as of genetic heterogeneity. Meta‐analytic approaches that combine data across samples and examine how findings may vary as a function of effect modifiers can address both of these possibilities. In this study, we used a meta‐analytic approach to examine linkage between the interleukin‐9 gene (IL9), one of the cytokine genes located on chromosome 5q31, and asthma diagnoses and serum IgE levels in four samples. We analyzed IBD allele sharing for affected, unaffected, and discordant sib pairs, and as a function of sibling differences in IgE levels. We used a recently developed logistic regression‐based method that allows for the inclusion of covariates and/or effect modifiers in the analysis of allele sharing in sib‐pairs [Rice et al., Genet Epidemiol 17(Suppl. 1):S691–5, 1999]. Sex of the siblings and transmitting parent were considered both as covariates and effect modifiers in analyses. The results provided little evidence for linkage, or for heterogeneity therein due to sex or transmitting parent, either within or across samples. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Detecting Population Outliers and Null Alleles in Linkage Data: Application to GAW12 Asthma Studies
Authors: Fisher Sheila A. , Lewis Cathryn M. , Wise Lesley H.
Published: July 2017

Error‐checking procedures are essential to ensure accurate and powerful linkage analysis. Genotype information across families can be used to identify non‐amplification of alleles (null alleles) and between‐family population sub‐structuring, which can result in loss of power in linkage studies if undetected. Methods to identify population outlier individuals and null alleles are applied to genotype data from two asthma genome searches (German and CSGA) available from Genetic Analysis Workshop 12. Two clear population outliers are observed in the German data set, with further evidence of population sub‐structuring. In the CSGA data, a significant excess of homozygous individuals is found at D8S1106, suggestive of a null allele at this marker with an estimated frequency of 0.17 (African‐American) and 0.20 (Caucasian). © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Two Approaches for Consolidating Results from Genome Scans of Complex Traits: Selection Methods and Scan Statistics
Authors: Gordon Derek , Hoh Josephine , Finch Stephen J. , Levenstien Mark A. , Edington Joanne , Li Wentian , Majewski Jacek , Ott Jürg
Published: July 2017

This work has two purposes: (i) empirically selecting levels of significance that maximize the fraction of markers close to a gene (hit rate) when performing linkage analyses of simulated data and (ii) evaluating the utility of a previously reported scan statistic on the same data. Genotype data were simulated from a trait model of seven susceptibility genes. For purpose (i), five statistics were evaluated on all marker loci in fifty replicates; two‐point lod and heterogeneity lod scores maximized over dominance (mlod, mhlod), a multi‐allelic TDT test, an affected sib‐pair test (ASP), and a model‐free test on all sib‐pairs (ALL_SIBS). Within each replicate the fraction of markers (hit rate) significant at specified levels of significance and also (a) within fifty markers of, or (b) on the same chromosome as a major gene was calculated. For purpose (ii), scan statistics of length 15 were calculated for each chromosome and their empirical significance levels estimated on the basis of 500 replicates generated under no linkage. The scan statistic was applied to the mhlod scores from one replicate (Replicate 5). Empirical p‐values for the scan statistic were determined by computing mhlod scores on 500 replicates of simulated null data. For purpose (i), significance levels between 0.001 and 0.01 had the greatest hit rate for all five methods and both criteria. For criterion (a) at the 0.001 level of significance, both mlod and mhlod displayed the highest hit rates, approximately 0.4 for each. For criterion (b), all methods but ALL_SIBS and ASP had hit rates ranging between 0.4 and 0.5. For purpose (ii), the scan statistic proved equally or more powerful than the single‐locus statistic for two of the seven susceptibility genes while the remaining five genes were not detected. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Influence of Marker Heterozygosity and Genetic Heterogeneity on Fine Mapping
Authors: Heard-Costa Nancy L. , Demissie Serkalem , DeStefano Anita L. , Knowlton Beth A. , Maher Nancy E. , Myers Richard H. , Volcjak Jeanine S. , Wilk Jemma B. , Cupples L. Adrienne
Published: July 2017

The purpose of the current study was to utilize the Genetic Analysis Workshop 12 simulated data to evaluate fine‐mapping strategies for quantitative traits. We approached the analysis as if it was a follow‐up to a genome scan that had identified two regions of interest and used the provided 1‐cM density microsatellite typing data to mimic fine mapping of these regions. As these investigators knew the true locations of the putative genes under study, we explored the effects of the informativeness of microsatellite markers (marker heterozygosity) and the effects of genetic heterogeneity across families for ten replicates of the data. These results shed a cautionary light on the reliability of fine‐mapping efforts on refining mapping locations as the position and the strength of the lod score can be markedly affected by the sampling of the population, the amount of variation accounted for by the gene, and the informativeness of the marker. Our studies did not reveal a large effect of unlinked families on the shape of the lod score peak. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Replication of Linkage to Quantitative Trait Loci: Variation in Location and Magnitude of the Lod Score
Authors: Hsueh Wen-Chi , Göring Harald H. H. , Blangero John , Mitchell Braxton D.
Published: July 2017

Replication of linkage signals from independent samples is considered an important step toward verifying the significance of linkage signals in studies of complex traits. The purpose of this empirical investigation was to examine the variability in the precision of localizing a quantitative trait locus (QTL) by analyzing multiple replicates of a simulated data set with the use of variance components‐based methods. Specifically, we evaluated across replicates the variation in both the magnitude and the location of the peak lod scores. We analyzed QTLs whose effects accounted for 10–37% of the phenotypic variance in the quantitative traits. Our analyses revealed that the precision of QTL localization was directly related to the magnitude of the QTL effect. For a QTL with effect accounting for > 20% of total phenotypic variation, > 90% of the linkage peaks fall within 10 cM from the true gene location. We found no evidence that, for a given magnitude of the lod score, the presence of interaction influenced the precision of QTL localization. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Use of Weighted p‐Values in Regional Inference Procedures
Authors: Yang Xiaohong , Goldstein Alisa M. , Chase Gary A. , Gastwirth Joseph L. , Goldin Lynn R.
Published: July 2017

Our previous studies have demonstrated that the power to detect linkage was improved by calculating a moving average of consecutive p‐values in a small region as compared with testing all single p‐values. The goal of this study was to test whether the power can be improved further with an alternative method whereby the middle p‐values in the sequence were given more weight than the others. We also wanted to compare the moving average tests with multipoint linkage tests. The simulated extended pedigree data from the general population was analyzed to identify two major genes (MG1 and MG5) underlying two quantitative traits (Q1 and Q5). We used the variance components method implemented in the GENEHUNTER program to test for linkage of 14‐marker regions each on chromosome 19 and chromosome 1 to the adjusted quantitative traits Q1 and Q5, respectively, in all 50 replicates. As before, we found that the moving average test was more powerful than a test based on single p‐values. In some cases, the weighting procedure increased the power further and was similar to that of multipoint analysis, but this was not consistently found. In addition, all methods had low power and it is not possible to make a general conclusion that some weighting schemes are better than others. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A Clustering Approach for Localizing Disease Susceptibility Loci
Authors: Neuman Rosalind J. , Bierut Laura J. , Rasmussen Eric , Saccone Nancy L. , Rice John P. , Corbett Jonathan , Sun Lingwei , Liu Kuang-Yu
Published: July 2017

Latent class (LCA) and cluster analysis (CLA) were utilized to identify trait loci for the Genetic Analysis Workshop 12 simulated disease. These techniques create non‐overlapping subsets of concordant and discordant affected relative pairs based upon identity‐by‐descent (IBD) allele sharing at sequences of markers. Subgroups with a large proportion of affected pairs are used to identify markers in proximity to disease susceptibility loci. Both methods are model‐free and make use of information from affected and unaffected subjects. In analyses performed without knowledge of the true disease model, LCA and CLA identified regions containing five of the seven trait loci. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Allelic Association in Large Pedigrees
Authors: Gutin Alexander , Abkevich Victor , Camp Nicola J. , Farnham James M. , Cannon-Albright Lisa , Thomas Alun
Published: July 2017

We subjected the first replication of the simulated isolated population data set to a novel analysis for association between marker alleles and either disease phenotypes or quantitative variable. The analysis depends on being able to reliably reconstruct all haplotypes in the pedigree. This was achieved using the MCLINK blocked Gibbs sampling program. We observed a highly significant association between the variable Q5 and marker D01G138, and suggestive associations between the disease trait and markers D03G056 and D07G004. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Cladistic Analysis of Haplotypes as an Attempt to Detect Disease Susceptibility
Authors: Darlu Pierre , Génin Emmanuelle
Published: July 2017

We report the results of our analyses of the Genetic Analysis Workshop 12 simulated data set, using phylogenetic methods to reconstruct the history of haplotypes. We selected candidate gene 1 and 6, drawn from the isolate population. In a first step, haplotypes were inferred using family data. In a second step, cladistic approaches were performed to select the most parsimonious trees under various conditions of character state transformation and ancestral hypotheses, in order to check whether the affected status is more frequent in some clades than in others. Sites which are synapormophies of such clades can be viewed as candidate sites for the disease susceptibility. The method seems to be efficient for the candidate gene 1, but not for the candidate gene 6. Effects of the genetic model underlying the affection status are discussed, particularly dominance, penetrance, and, in the context of this simulated data, procedure followed to generate haplotypes. These preliminary results deserve further investigations. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Computational Methods for Single‐Point and Multipoint Analysis of Genetic Variants Associated with a Simulated Complex Disorder in a General Population
Authors: Shoemaker Christopher A. , Pungliya Manish , Sao Pedro Michael A. , Ruiz Carolina , Alvarez Sergio A. , Ward Matthew , Ryder Elizabeth F. , Krushkal Julia
Published: July 2017

Several techniques for association analysis have been applied to simulated genetic data for a general population. We describe and compare the performance of three single‐point methods and two multipoint approaches rooted in machine learning and data mining. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Comparison of Marker Intervals and Number of Sib Pairs Used for Linkage Analysis on Simulated Nuclear Family Data
Authors: Cheng Rong , Ma Jennie Z. , Elston Robert C. , Li Ming D.
Published: July 2017

Using a two‐stage global scan design, we analyzed general population replicates 1 and 42 of the Genetic Analysis Workshop (GAW) 12 simulated data set using three methods: revisited Haseman‐Elston (HER), maximum likelihood variance estimation (ML), and variance components (VC). Three marker densities, 5‐, 10‐, and 15‐cM intervals, were examined in the first‐stage scan. We found that the 10‐cM interval appears to be the most cost‐effective approach in genotyping without sacrificing power when using a first stage significance level of 0.01. Subsequently, we performed the second‐stage scan at 1‐cM intervals for those putative positive regions identified in the first‐stage scan at a significance level of 0.01. We also compared the power to detect linkage using different numbers of sib pairs for a genome‐wide scan at a 10‐cM interval and found that power decreases nonlinearly as the number of sib pairs decreases. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The Utility of Bayesian Model Averaging for Detecting Known Oligogenic Effects
Authors: Martin Lisa J. , Comuzzie Anthony G. , North Kari E. , Williams Jeff T. , Blangero John
Published: July 2017

In this paper we examine the utility of the Bayesian model averaging approach proposed by Blangero et al. [Genet Epidemiol 17(Suppl. 1):S67–72, 1999] for the detection of known oligogenic effects on quantitative trait 1 (Q1) in the simulated Genetic Analysis Workshop 12 data. The results were consistent with the underlying genetic model: two major QTLs were identified on chromosomes 19 and 2, with heritabilities of 17% and 20%, respectively, located near the position of major genes 1 and 2. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.