bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The tuberculocidal activity of polyaniline and functionalised polyanilines
Authors: Robertson Julia , Dalton James , Wiles Siouxsie , Gizdavic-Nikolaidis Marija , Swift Simon
Published: December 2016

Tuberculosis is considered a leading cause of death worldwide. More than 95% of cases and deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries. In resource-limited countries, hospitals often lack adequate facilities to manage and isolate patients with infectious tuberculosis (TB), relying instead on personal protective equipment, such as facemasks, to reduce nosocomial transmission of the disease. Facemasks impregnated with an antimicrobial agent may be a cost-effective way of adding an extra level of protection against the spread of TB by reducing the risk of disease transmission. Conducting polymers, such as polyaniline (PANI), and their functionalised derivatives are a novel class of antimicrobial agents with potential as non-leaching additives to provide contamination resistant surfaces. We have investigated the antimicrobial action of PANI and a functionalised derivative, poly-3-aminobenzoic acid (P3ABA), against mycobacteria and have determined the optimal treatment time and concentration to achieve significant knockdown ofMycobacterium smegmatisandMycobacterium tuberculosison an agar surface. Results indicated that P3ABA is a potential candidate for use as an anti-tuberculoid agent in facemasks to reduce TB transmission.
The biokarst system and its carbon sinks in response to pH changes: A simulation experiment with microalgae
Authors: Xie Tengxiang , Wu Yanyou
Published: December 2016

This study aims to explore the changes in a microalgal biokarst system as a potential carbon sink system in response to pH changes. The bidirectional isotope labeling method and mass balance calculation were adopted in a simulated biokarst environment with a series of set pH conditions and three microalgal species. Three key processes of the microalgal biokarst system, including calcite dissolution, CaCO3 reprecipitation, and inorganic carbon assimilation by microalgae, were completely quantitatively described. The combined effects of chemical dissolution and species‐specific biodissolution caused a decrease in overall dissolution rate when the pH increased from 7 to 9. CaCO3 reprecipitation and the utilization of dissolved inorganic carbon originating from calcite dissolution decreased when the pH increased from 7 to 9. The three processes exhibited different effects in changing the CO2 atmosphere. The amount of photosynthetic carbon sink was larger at high pH values than at low pH values. However, the CO2 sequestration related to the biokarst process (biokarst carbon sink) increased with decreasing pH. Overall, the total amount of sequestered CO2 produced by the biokarst system (CaCO3‐CO2‐microalgae) shows a minimum at a specific pH then increases with decreasing pH. Therefore, various processes and carbon sinks in the biokarst system are sensitive to pH changes, and biokarst processes play an important negative feedback role in the release of CO2 by acidification. The results also suggest that the carbon sink associated with carbonate weathering cannot be neglected when considering the global carbon cycle on the scale of thousands of years (<3 ka).
Fitful and protracted magma assembly leading to a giant eruption, Youngest Toba Tuff, Indonesia
Authors: Reid Mary R. , Vazquez Jorge A.
Published: December 2016

The paroxysmal eruption of the 74 ka Youngest Toba Tuff (YTT) of northern Sumatra produced an extraordinary 2800 km3 of nonwelded to densely welded ignimbrite and coignimbrite ashfall. We report insights into the duration of YTT magma assembly obtained from ion microprobe U‐Th and U‐Pb dates, including continuous age spectra over >50% of final zircon growth, for pumices and a welded tuff spanning the compositional range of the YTT. A relatively large subpopulation of zircon crystals nucleated before the penultimate caldera‐related eruption at 501 ka, but most zircons yielded interior dates 100–300 ka thereafter. Zircon nucleation and growth was likely episodic and from diverse conditions over protracted time intervals of >100 to >500 ka. Final zircon growth is evident as thin rim plateaus that are in Th/U chemical equilibrium with hosts, and that give crystallization ages within tens of ka of eruption. The longevity and chemical characteristics of the YTT zircons, as well as evidence for intermittent zircon isolation and remobilization associated with magma recharge, is especially favored at the cool and wet eutectoid conditions that characterize at least half of the YTT, wherein heat fluxes could dissolve major phases but have only a minor effect on larger zircon crystals. Repeated magma recharge may have contributed to the development of compositional zoning in the YTT but, considered together with limited allanite, quartz, and other mineral dating and geospeedometry, regular perturbations to the magma reservoir over >400 ka did not lead to eruption until 74 ka ago.
Satellite assessment of particulate matter and phytoplankton variations in the Santa Barbara Channel and its surrounding waters: Role of surface waves
Authors: Henderikx Freitas Fernanda , Siegel David A. , Maritorena Stéphane , Fields Erik
Published: December 2016

Satellite observations of chlorophyll in coastal waters are often described in terms of changes in productivity in response to regional upwelling processes while optical backscattering coefficients are more often linked to episodic inputs of suspended sediments from storm runoff. Here we show that the surface gravity wave resuspension of sediments has a larger role in controlling backscatter than previously considered. Almost 18 years of SeaWiFS, MODIS, MERIS, and VIIRS satellite imagery of the Santa Barbara Channel, California and its surrounding waters spectrally merged with the Garver‐Siegel‐Maritorena bio‐optical model were used to assess the controls on suspended particle distributions. Analysis revealed that chlorophyll blooms in the warmer portions of the domain occur in phase with SST minima, usually in early spring, while blooms in the cooler regions lag SST minima and occur simultaneously to the strongest equatorward winds every year, often in the summer. Tight coupling between the optical variables was seen in offshore areas, as expected for productive waters. However, values of backscatter near the coast were primarily modulated by surface waves. This relationship holds throughout all seasons and is stronger within the 100 m isobath, but often extends tens of kilometers offshore. This forcing of particle resuspension by surface waves is likely a feature ubiquitous in all coastal oceans characterized by fine sediments. The implication of surface wave processes determining suspended particle loads far beyond the surf zone has large consequences for the interpretation of satellite ocean color signals in coastal waters and potentially redefines the extent of the littoral zone.
Deep temperature variability in Drake Passage
Authors: Firing Yvonne L. , McDonagh Elaine L. , King Brian A. , Desbruyères Damien G.
Published: December 2016

Observations made on 21 occupations between 1993 and 2016 of GO‐SHIP line SR1b in eastern Drake Passage show an average temperature of 0.53°C deeper than 2000 dbar, with no significant trend, but substantial year‐to‐year variability (standard deviation 0.08°C). Using a neutral density framework to decompose the temperature variability into isopycnal displacement (heave) and isopycnal property change components shows that approximately 95% of the year‐to‐year variance in deep temperature is due to heave. Changes on isopycnals make a small contribution to year‐to‐year variability but contribute a significant trend of −1.4 ± 0.6 m°C per year, largest for density (γn) > 28.1, south of the Polar Front (PF). The heave component is depth‐coherent and results from either vertical or horizontal motions of neutral density surfaces, which trend upward and northward around the PF, downward for the densest levels in the southern section, and downward and southward in the Subantarctic Front and Southern Antarctic Circumpolar Current Front (SACCF). A proxy for the locations of the Antarctic Circumpolar Current (ACC) fronts is constructed from the repeat hydrographic data and has a strong relationship with deep ocean heat content, explaining 76% of deep temperature variance. The same frontal position proxy based on satellite altimeter‐derived surface velocities explains 73% of deep temperature variance. The position of the PF plays the strongest role in this relationship between ACC fronts and deep temperature variability in Drake Passage, although much of the temperature variability in the southern half of the section can be explained by the position of the SACCF.
Mapping the global depth to bedrock for land surface modeling
Authors: Shangguan Wei , Hengl Tomislav , Mendes de Jesus Jorge , Yuan Hua , Dai Yongjiu
Published: December 2016

Depth to bedrock serves as the lower boundary of land surface models, which controls hydrologic and biogeochemical processes. This paper presents a framework for global estimation of depth to bedrock (DTB). Observations were extracted from a global compilation of soil profile data (ca. 1,30,000 locations) and borehole data (ca. 1.6 million locations). Additional pseudo‐observations generated by expert knowledge were added to fill in large sampling gaps. The model training points were then overlaid on a stack of 155 covariates including DEM‐based hydrological and morphological derivatives, lithologic units, MODIS surface reflectance bands and vegetation indices derived from the MODIS land products. Global spatial prediction models were developed using random forest and Gradient Boosting Tree algorithms. The final predictions were generated at the spatial resolution of 250 m as an ensemble prediction of the two independently fitted models. The 10–fold cross‐validation shows that the models explain 59% for absolute DTB and 34% for censored DTB (depths deep than 200 cm are predicted as 200 cm). The model for occurrence of R horizon (bedrock) within 200 cm does a good job. Visual comparisons of predictions in the study areas where more detailed maps of depth to bedrock exist show that there is a general match with spatial patterns from similar local studies. Limitation of the data set and extrapolation in data spare areas should not be ignored in applications. To improve accuracy of spatial prediction, more borehole drilling logs will need to be added to supplement the existing training points in under‐represented areas.
Large‐eddy simulation of subtropical cloud‐topped boundary layers: 2. Cloud response to climate change
Authors: Tan Zhihong , Schneider Tapio , Teixeira João , Pressel Kyle G.
Published: December 2016

How subtropical marine boundary layer (MBL) clouds respond to warming is investigated using large‐eddy simulations (LES) of a wide range of warmer climates, with
concentrations elevated by factors 2–16. In LES coupled to a slab ocean with interactive sea surface temperatures (SST), the surface latent heat flux (LHF) is constrained by the surface energy balance and only strengthens modestly under warming. Consequently, the MBL in warmer climates is shallower than in corresponding fixed‐SST LES, in which LHF strengthens excessively and the MBL typically deepens. The inferred shortwave (SW) cloud feedback with a closed energy balance is weakly positive for cumulus clouds. It is more strongly positive for stratocumulus clouds, with a magnitude that increases with warming. Stratocumulus clouds generally break up above
to
warming, or above a four to eightfold increase in
concentrations. This occurs because the MBL mixing driven by cloud‐top longwave (LW) cooling weakens as the LW opacity of the free troposphere increases. The stratocumulus breakup triggers an abrupt and large SST increase and MBL deepening, which cannot occur in fixed‐SST experiments. SW cloud radiative effects generally weaken while the lower‐tropospheric stability increases under warming—the reverse of their empirical relation in the present climate. The MBL is deeper and stratocumulus persists into warmer climates if large‐scale subsidence decreases as the climate warms. The contrasts between experiments with interactive SST and fixed SST highlight the importance of a closed surface energy balance for obtaining realizable responses of MBL clouds to warming.
SQUID
‐Based Thermometers
Authors: Beyer Jörn , Kirste Alexander , Schurig Thomas
Published: December 2016

This chapter reviews the application of superconducting quantum interference devices (SQUID)s in low‐temperature thermometry. Special focus is given to state‐of‐the‐art noise thermometers such as the current sensing noise thermometer (CSNT) and the magnetic field fluctuation thermometer (MFFT). Today, SQUID noise thermometers are no longer a domain of metrology institutes. Practical versions of the CSNT and the MFFT are powerful tools for relative primary thermometry in the low‐temperature range down to submillikelvin temperature.
Review on Superconducting Materials
Authors: Hott Roland , Kleiner Reinhold , Wolf Thomas , Zwicknagl Gertrud
Published: December 2016

The article contains sections titled:

Introduction

Cuprate High‐Temperature Superconductors

Other Oxide Superconductors

Iron‐Based Superconductors

Other Chalcogenide Superconductors

Heavy Fermion Superconductors

Nitride Superconductors

Organic and Other Carbon‐ and Silicon‐Based Superconductors

Borides and Borocarbides
Magnets forNMRandMRI
Authors: Iwasa Yukikazu , Hahn Seungyong
Published: December 2016

The article contains sections titled:

Introduction toNMRandMRIMagnets

Specific Design Issues forNMRandMRIMagnets

Status (2013) ofNMRandMRIMagnets

HTSApplications toNMRandMRIMagnets

Conclusions
Superconducting Photon Detectors
Authors: Siegel Michael , Henrich Dagmar
Published: December 2016

The article contains sections titled:

Superconducting Single‐Photon Detectors

Photon and Particle Detectors with Superconductor Tunnel Junctions (
STJs
)

Conclusions
Superconducting Mixed‐Signal Circuits
Authors: Toepfer Hannes
Published: December 2016

The article contains sections titled:

Introduction

Sampler

Analog‐To‐Digital Converters

Outlook

Conclusion
Correlative atom probe tomography and electron microscopy on energy materials
Authors: Stoffers Andreas , Liebscher Christian , Choi Pyuck‐Pa , Herbig Michael , Scheu Christina , Dehm Gerhard , Povstugar Ivan , Raabe Dierk
Published: December 2016

We present recent progress in correlative methods for the joint analysis of samples by Atom Probe Tomography (LEAP 3000, LEAP 5000) and Electron Microscopy (Cs corrected Titan Themis). Measurements are conducted on the same Atom Probe sample tips and in some cases atomic resolution is reached.

Examples from functional and structural energy‐related materials are presented including segregation effects in multicrystalline silicon solar cells and their relation to cell efficiency (Fig. 1), superalloys for advanced turbines and high strength steels (Fig. 2).
Biallelic SCN10A mutations in neuromuscular disease and epileptic encephalopathy
Authors: Kambouris Marios , Thevenon Julien , Soldatos Ariane , Cox Allison , Stephen Joshi , Ben‐Omran Tawfeg , Al‐Sarraj Yasser , Boulos Hala , Bone William , Mullikin James C. ,   NISC Comparative Sequencing Program, Masurel‐Paulet Alice , St‐Onge Judith , Dufford Yannis , Chantegret Corrine , Thauvin‐Robinet Christel , Al‐Alami Jamil , Faivre Laurence , Riviere Jean Baptiste , Gahl William A. , Bassuk Alexander G. , Malicdan May Christine V. , El‐Shanti Hatem
Published: December 2016

Objectives

Two consanguineous families, one of Sudanese ethnicity presenting progressive neuromuscular disease, severe cognitive impairment, muscle weakness, upper motor neuron lesion, anhydrosis, facial dysmorphism, and recurrent seizures and the other of Egyptian ethnicity presenting with neonatal hypotonia, bradycardia, and recurrent seizures, were evaluated for the causative gene mutation.

Methods and Results

Homozygosity mapping and whole exome sequencing (WES) identified damaging homozygous variants in SCN10A, namely c.4514C>T; p.Thr1505Met in the first family and c.4735C>T; p.Arg1579* in the second family. A third family, of Western European descent, included a child with febrile infection‐related epilepsy syndrome (FIRES) who also had compound heterozygous missense mutations in SCN10A, namely, c.3482T>C; p.Met1161Thr and c.4709C>A; p.Thr1570Lys. A search for SCN10A variants in three consortia datasets (EuroEPINOMICS, Epi4K/EPGP, Autism/dbGaP) identified an additional five individuals with compound heterozygous variants. A Hispanic male with infantile spasms [c.2842G>C; p.Val948Leu and c.1453C>T; p.Arg485Cys], and a Caucasian female with Lennox–Gastaut syndrome [c.1529C>T; p.Pro510Leu and c.4984G>A; p.Gly1662Ser] in the epilepsy databases and three in the autism databases with [c.4009T>A; p.Ser1337Thr and c.1141A>G; p.Ile381Val], [c.2972C>T; p.Pro991Leu and c.2470C>T; p.His824Tyr], and [c.4009T>A; p.Ser1337Thr and c.2052G>A; p.Met684Ile].

Interpretation

SCN10A is a member of the voltage‐gated sodium channel (VGSC) gene family. Sodium channels are responsible for the instigation and proliferation of action potentials in central and peripheral nervous systems. Heterozygous mutations in VGSC genes cause a wide range of epileptic and peripheral nervous system disorders. This report presents autosomal recessive mutations in SCN10A that may be linked to epilepsy‐related phenotypes, Lennox–Gastaut syndrome, infantile spasms, and Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Familial amyloid polyneuropathy in Portugal: New genes modulating age‐at‐onset
Authors: Santos Diana , Coelho Teresa , Alves‐Ferreira Miguel , Sequeiros Jorge , Mendonça Denisa , Alonso Isabel , Lemos Carolina , Sousa Alda
Published: December 2016

Objectives

Familial amyloid polyneuropathy (FAP ATTRV30M) shows a wide variation in age‐at‐onset (AO) between clusters, families, and among generations. We will now explore some candidate genes involved in altered disease pathways in order to assess their role as genetic modifiers of AO, using a family‐centered approach.

Methods

We analyzed 62 tagging SNPs from nine genes‐NGAL, MMP‐9, BGN, MEK1, MEK2, ERK1, ERK2, HSP27, and YWHAZ – in a sample of 318 V30M Portuguese patients (106 families), currently under follow‐up. A generalized estimating equation analysis was used to take into account nonindependency of AO between relatives. Also, an in silico analysis was performed in order to assess the functional impact of significant variants associated with AO.

Results

We found for the first time variants from six genes (NGAL, BGN (in the female group), MEK1, MEK2, HSP27, and YWHAZ) that were significantly associated with early‐ and/or late‐onset. Then, we confirmed a strong synergistic interaction between NGAL and MMP‐9 genes. Additionally, by an in silico analysis, we found some variants for MEK1 gene that may alter binding of the transcription factors and that influence the regulation of gene expression regarding microRNA binding sites and splicing regulatory factors.

Interpretation

These findings showed that different genetic factors can modulate differently the onset of disease's symptoms and revealed new mechanisms with clinical implications in the genetic counseling and follow‐up of mutation carriers and could contribute for development of potential therapeutical targets.
Associations Between Clinical Evidence of Inflammation and Synovitis in Symptomatic Knee Osteoarthritis: A Cross‐Sectional Substudy
Authors: Wallace Gemma , Cro Suzie , Doré Caroline , King Leonard , Kluzek Stefan , Price Andrew , Roemer Frank , Guermazi Ali , Keen Richard , Arden Nigel
Published: December 2016

Objective

Painful knee osteoarthritis (KOA) has been associated with joint inflammation. There is, however, little literature correlating signs of localized inflammation with contrast‐enhanced (CE) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of synovium. This study examined the relationship between clinical and functional markers of localized knee inflammation and CE MRI–based synovial scores.

Methods

Patients with symptomatic KOA were enrolled into the randomized, double‐blind, Vitamin D Evaluation in Osteoarthritis (VIDEO) trial. In this cross‐sectional substudy, associations between validated MRI‐based semiquantitative synovial scores of the knee and the following markers of inflammation were investigated: self‐reported pain and stiffness, effusion, warmth, joint line tenderness, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, radiographic severity, and functional ability tests.

Results

A total of 107 patients satisfied the inclusion criteria of complete data and were included in the analysis. Significant associations were found between the number of regions affected by synovitis and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) pain, effusion, and joint line tenderness. Each additional region affected by synovitis was associated with an increase in WOMAC pain (1.82 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.05, 3.58], P = 0.04), and the association with extent of medial synovitis was particularly strong (3.21 [95% CI 0.43, 5.99], P = 0.02). Extent of synovitis was positively associated with effusion (odds ratio 1.69 [95% CI 1.37, 2.08], P < 0.01) and negatively associated with joint line tenderness (relative risk 0.87 [95% CI 0.84, 0.90], P < 0.01).

Conclusion

There is a strong positive association between synovitis and self‐reported patient pain and clinically detectable effusion. Nonoperative treatments directed at management of inflammation and future trials targeting the synovial tissue for treating KOA should consider these 2 factors as potential inclusion criteria.
Determinants of Patient‐Physician Discordance in Global Assessment in Psoriatic Arthritis: A Multicenter European Study
Authors: Desthieux Carole , Granger Benjamin , Balanescu Andra Rodica , Balint Peter , Braun Jürgen , Canete Juan D. , Heiberg Turid , Helliwell Philip S. , Kalyoncu Umut , Kvien Tore K. , Kiltz Uta , Niedermayer Dora , Otsa Kati , Scrivo Rossana , Smolen Josef , Stamm Tanja A. , Veale Douglas J. , de Vlam Kurt , de Wit Maarten , Gossec Laure
Published: December 2016

Objective

Patient‐physician discordance in global assessment of disease activity concerns one‐third of patients, but what does it reflect? We aimed to assess patient‐physician discordance in psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and patient‐reported domains of health (physical and psychological) associated with discordance.

Methods

We analyzed the PsAID (Psoriatic Arthritis Impact of Disease), a cross‐sectional, multicenter European study of patients with PsA according to expert opinion. Patient global assessment (PGA) and physician global assessment (PhGA) were rated on a 0–10 numeric rating scale. Discordance was defined as the difference (PGA−PhGA) and as the absolute difference |PGA−PhGA| ≥3 points. Determinants of PGA−PhGA were assessed by a stepwise multivariate linear regression among 12 physical and psychological aspects of impact: pain, skin problems, fatigue, ability to work/leisure, functional incapacity, feeling of discomfort, sleep disturbance, anxiety/fear, coping, embarrassment/shame, social participation, and depressive affects.

Results

In 460 patients (mean ± SD age 50.6 ± 12.9 years, 52.2% female, mean ± SD disease duration 9.5 ± 9.5 years, mean ± SD Disease Activity Index for Psoriatic Arthritis score 30.8 ± 32.4, and 40.4% undergoing treatment with biologic agents), the mean ± SD PGA was higher than the mean PhGA, with a mean absolute difference of 1.9 ± 1.8 points. Discordance defined by |PGA−PhGA| ≥3 of 10 concerned 134 patients (29.1%), and 115 patients (85.8% of the patients with discordance) had PGA>PhGA. Higher fatigue (β = 0.14), lower self‐perceived coping (β = 0.23), and impaired social participation (β = 0.16) were independently associated with a higher difference (PGA−PhGA).

Conclusion

Discordance concerned 29.1% of these patient/physician dyads, mainly by PGA>PhGA. Factors associated with discordance were psychological rather than physical domains of health. Discordance was more frequent in patients in remission, indicating more work is needed on the patient perspective regarding disease activity.
Prevalence of Primary Sjögren's Syndrome in a US Population‐Based Cohort
Authors: Maciel Gabriel , Crowson Cynthia S. , Matteson Eric L. , Cornec Divi
Published: December 2016

Objective

To report the point prevalence of primary Sjögren's syndrome (SS) in the first US population‐based study.

Methods

Cases of all potential primary SS patients living in Olmsted County, Minnesota, on January 1, 2015, were retrieved using Rochester Epidemiology Project resources, and ascertained by manual medical records review. Primary SS cases were defined according to physician diagnosis. The use of diagnostic tests was assessed and the performance of classification criteria was evaluated. The number of prevalent cases in 2015 was also projected based on 1976–2005 incidence data from the same source population.

Results

A total of 106 patients with primary SS were included in the study: 86% were female, with a mean ± SD age of 64.6 ± 15.2 years, and a mean ± SD disease duration of 10.5 ± 8.4 years. A majority were anti‐SSA positive (75%) and/or anti‐SSB positive (58%), but only 22% met American–European Consensus Group or American College of Rheumatology criteria, because the other tests required for disease classification (ocular dryness objective assessment, salivary gland functional or morphologic tests, or salivary gland biopsy) were rarely performed in clinical practice. According to the physician diagnosis, the age‐ and sex‐adjusted prevalence of primary SS was 10.3 per 10,000 inhabitants, but according to classification criteria, this prevalence was only 2.2 per 10,000. The analysis based on previous incidence data projected a similar 2015 prevalence rate of 11.0 per 10,000.

Conclusion

The prevalence of primary SS in this geographically well‐defined population was estimated to be between 2 and 10 per 10,000 inhabitants. Physicians rarely used tests included in the classification criteria to diagnose the disease in this community setting.
Associations Between Five Important Domains of Health and the Patient Acceptable Symptom State in Rheumatoid Arthritis and Psoriatic Arthritis: A Cross‐Sectional Study of 977 Patients
Authors: Puyraimond‐Zemmour Déborah , Etcheto Adrien , Fautrel Bruno , Balanescu Andra , de Wit Maarten , Heiberg Turid , Otsa Kati , Kvien Tore K. , Dougados Maxime , Gossec Laure
Published: December 2016

Objective

To explore the link between a patient acceptable symptom state (PASS) and patient‐perceived impact in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA).

Methods

This was a cross‐sectional study of unselected patients with definite RA or PsA. Pain, functional capacity, fatigue, coping, and sleep disturbance were assessed using a numeric rating scale (0–10) and compared between patients in PASS or not (Cohen's effect sizes). The domains of health associated with PASS status were assessed by multivariate forward logistic regression, and PASS thresholds were determined using the 75th percentile method and receiver operating characteristic analyses.

Results

Among 977 patients (531 with RA, 446 with PsA), the mean ± SD age was 53.4 ± 13.2 years, mean ± SD disease duration was 11.2 ± 10.0 years, and 637 (65.8%) were women. In all, 595 patients (60.9%) were in PASS; they had lower symptom levels, and all domains of health except sleep disturbance discriminated clearly between patients in PASS or not (effect sizes 0.73–1.45 in RA and 0.82–1.52 in PsA). In multivariate analysis, less pain and better coping were predictive of being in PASS. Odds ratios were: RA pain 0.80 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.67–0.96), PsA pain 0.63 (95% CI 0.52–0.75), RA coping 0.84 (95% CI 0.74–0.96), and PsA coping 0.83 (95% CI 0.71–0.97). The cutoffs of symptom intensity (range 0–10), corresponding to PASS for the 5 domains of health and the 2 diseases were similar, i.e., approximately 4–5.

Conclusion

In RA and PsA, PASS was associated with the 5 domains of health analyzed, and in particular with less pain and better coping.
Patients' Perceptions of Their Relatives' Risk of Developing Rheumatoid Arthritis and of the Potential for Risk Communication, Prediction, and Modulation
Authors: Falahee Marie , Simons Gwenda , Buckley Christopher D. , Hansson Mats , Stack Rebecca J. , Raza Karim
Published: December 2016

Objective

To understand the perspectives of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) about the risk of their relatives developing RA in the future, and about communicating with their relatives concerning risk and its modulation.

Methods

Twenty‐one RA patients took part in semistructured interviews.

Results

Participants reported willingness to communicate with relatives about their risk of developing RA, but described choosing which relatives to communicate with, on the basis of the relatives' perceived receptivity to such risk information. Participants described the potential for risk information to cause negative emotions. Some participants did not consider RA to be hereditable, and few reported smoking as a risk factor. Patients described a lack of public awareness about the causes of RA and the negative impact that RA has on the quality of life. Awareness of this negative impact was identified as an important driver for predictive and preventive strategies. Participants held positive perceptions of predictive testing for RA, though the results of predictive tests were conceptualized as having a high degree of accuracy. Negative views of predictive testing were associated with an appreciation of the probabilistic nature of risk information. Participants felt that their relatives would prefer lifestyle modification over medication as a risk reduction strategy.

Conclusion

Information about risk factors for RA, and the potential impact of RA on the quality of life, is needed to support family communication about RA risk. Management of expectations is needed in relation to the probabilistic nature of risk information, and appropriate support should be provided for negative psychological outcomes.
Aptamer‐Mediated Protein Molecular Recognition Driving a DNA Tweezer Nanomachine
Authors: Shiu Simon Chi‐Chin , Cheung Yee‐Wai , Dirkzwager Roderick M. , Liang Shaolin , Kinghorn Andrew B. , Fraser Lewis A. , Tang Marco S. L. , Tanner Julian A.
Published: December 2016

Nucleic acid‐mediated nanomachines have significant potential in biomedical applications but new approaches that link molecular recognition of proteins to change in nucleic acid structure and function are required. Here, a split DNA aptamer is integrated into G‐quadruplex tweezers, which close in the presence of the malaria biomarker protein Plasmodium falciparum lactate dehydrogenase (PfLDH). Closing of the tweezers enables G‐quadruplex hemin mediated peroxidase activity, which can be observed colorimetrically. The PfLDH aptamer is split within an asymmetric internal loop and incorporated into the tweezers maintaining aptamer binding capability. Spacing between the G‐quadruplex structure and split aptamer, together with extent of complementarity, is found to be critical for optimization to enhance catalytic performance. The integrated split aptamer is observed to maintain the high specificity to Plasmodium falciparum lactate dehydrogenase of the parent aptamer. Split aptamer approaches have significant potential to functionalize nucleic acid nanostructures for protein molecular recognition.
A Highly Stretchable Fiber‐Based Triboelectric Nanogenerator for Self‐Powered Wearable Electronics
Authors: He Xu , Zi Yunlong , Guo Hengyu , Zheng Haiwu , Xi Yi , Wu Changsheng , Wang Jie , Zhang Wei , Lu Canhui , Wang Zhong Lin
Published: December 2016

The development of flexible and stretchable electronics has attracted intensive attention for their promising applications in next‐generation wearable functional devices. However, these stretchable devices that are made in a conventional planar format have largely hindered their development, especially in highly stretchable conditions. Herein, a novel type of highly stretchable, fiber‐based triboelectric nanogenerator (fiber‐like TENG) for power generation is developed. Owing to the advanced structural designs, including the fiber‐convolving fiber and the stretchable electrodes on elastic silicone rubber fiber, the fiber‐like TENG can be operated at stretching mode with high strains up to 70% and is demonstrated for a broad range of applications such as powering a commercial capacitor, LCD screen, digital watch/calculator, and self‐powered acceleration sensor. This work verifies the promising potential of a novel fiber‐based structure for both power generation and self‐powered sensing.
Substrate Stress‐Relaxation Regulates Scaffold Remodeling and Bone Formation In Vivo
Authors: Darnell Max , Young Simon , Gu Luo , Shah Nisarg , Lippens Evi , Weaver James , Duda Georg , Mooney David
Published: December 2016

The rate of stress relaxation of adhesion substrates potently regulates cell fate and function in vitro, and in this study the authors test whether it can regulate bone formation in vivo by implanting alginate gels with differing rates of stress‐relaxation carrying human mesenchymal stem cells into rat calvarial defects. After three months, the rats that received fast‐relaxing hydrogels (t1/2 ≈ 50 s) show significantly more new bone growth than those that received slow‐relaxing, stiffness‐matched hydrogels. Strikingly, substantial bone regeneration results from rapidly relaxing hydrogels even in the absence of transplanted cells. Histological analysis reveals that the new bone formed with rapidly relaxing hydrogels is mature and accompanied by extensive matrix remodeling and hydrogel disappearance. This tissue invasion is found to be prominent after just two weeks and the ability of stress relaxation to modulate cell invasion is confirmed with in vitro analysis. These results suggest that substrate stress relaxation can mediate scaffold remodeling and thus tissue formation, giving tissue engineers a new parameter for optimizing bone regeneration.
Engineered Graphene Materials: Synthesis and Applications for Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells
Authors: He Daping , Tang Haolin , Kou Zongkui , Pan Mu , Sun Xueliang , Zhang Jiujun , Mu Shichun
Published: December 2016

Engineered graphene materials (EGMs) with unique structures and properties have been incorporated into various components of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) such as electrode, membrane, and bipolar plates to achieve enhanced performances in terms of electrical conductivity, mechanical durability, corrosion resistance, and electrochemical surface area. This research news article provides an overview of the recent development in EGMs and EGM‐based PEMFCs with a focus on the effects of EGMs on PEMFC performance when they are incorporated into different components of PEMFCs. The challenges of EGMs for practical PEMFC applications in terms of production scale, stability, conductivity, and coupling capability with other materials are also discussed and the corresponding measures and future research trends to overcome such challenges are proposed.
Surface Curvature Differentially Regulates Stem Cell Migration and Differentiation via Altered Attachment Morphology and Nuclear Deformation
Authors: Werner Maike , Blanquer Sébastien B. G. , Haimi Suvi P. , Korus Gabriela , Dunlop John W. C. , Duda Georg N. , Grijpma Dirk. W. , Petersen Ansgar
Published: December 2016

Signals from the microenvironment around a cell are known to influence cell behavior. Material properties, such as biochemical composition and substrate stiffness, are today accepted as significant regulators of stem cell fate. The knowledge of how cell behavior is influenced by 3D geometric cues is, however, strongly limited despite its potential relevance for the understanding of tissue regenerative processes and the design of biomaterials. Here, the role of surface curvature on the migratory and differentiation behavior of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) has been investigated on 3D surfaces with well‐defined geometric features produced by stereolithography. Time lapse microscopy reveals a significant increase of cell migration speed on concave spherical compared to convex spherical structures and flat surfaces resulting from an upward‐lift of the cell body due to cytoskeletal forces. On convex surfaces, cytoskeletal forces lead to substantial nuclear deformation, increase lamin‐A levels and promote osteogenic differentiation. The findings of this study demonstrate a so far missing link between 3D surface curvature and hMSC behavior. This will not only help to better understand the role of extracellular matrix architecture in health and disease but also give new insights in how 3D geometries can be used as a cell‐instructive material parameter in the field of biomaterial‐guided tissue regeneration.
Advanced Organic Electrode Materials for Rechargeable Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Zhao Qing , Lu Yong , Chen Jun
Published: December 2016

Benefiting from the high abundance and low cost of sodium resource, rechargeable sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) are regarded as promising candidates for large‐scale electrochemical energy storage and conversion. Due to the heavier mass and larger radius of Na+ than that of Li+, SIBs with inorganic electrode materials are currently plagued with low capacity and insufficient cycling life. In comparison, organic electrode materials display the advantages of structure designability, high capacity and low limitation of cationic radius. However, organic electrode materials also encounter issues such as high‐solubility in electrolyte and low conductivity. Here, recently reported organic electrode materials, which mainly include the reactions based on either carbon‐oxygen double bond or carbon‐nitrogen double bond, and doping reactions, are systematically reviewed. Furthermore, the design strategies of organic electrodes are comprehensively summarized. The working voltage is regulated through controlling the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital energies. The theoretical capacity can be enhanced by increasing the active groups. The dissolution is inhibited with elevating the intermolecular forces with proper molecular weight. The conductivity can be improved with extending conjugated structures. Future research into organic electrodes should focus on the development of full SIBs with aqueous/aprotic electrolytes and long cycling stability.
Finding Home: A Qualitative Approach to Understanding Adolescent Mothers’ Housing Instability
Authors: Elliott Margaret C. , Shuey Elizabeth A. , Zaika Natalya , Mims Lauren , Leventhal Tama
Published: December 2016

Many low‐income Latina adolescent mothers face instability in their housing circumstances, which has implications for their long‐term prospects and that of their children. This study used longitudinal, ethnographic data from Welfare, Children, and Families: A Three‐City Study to explore experiences of low‐income, Latina adolescent mothers (N = 15) with unstable housing who primarily rely on their families or the families of their significant others for housing support. Results of analysis employing grounded theory and narrative approaches suggested two types of instability: “Horizontal moves” between family homes and “vertical moves” between family homes and independent living. Although family support often was fundamental in allowing for participants’ pursuit of independent housing (i.e., vertical moves), it also was associated with greater residential mobility (i.e., horizontal moves), most often in the context of intrafamilial conflict and family instability. These results are discussed with respect to inconsistencies in policies to address this vulnerable population.
Living Conditions and Psychological Distress in Latino Migrant Day Laborers: The Role of Cultural and Community Protective Factors
Authors: Organista Kurt C. , Ngo Samantha , Neilands Torsten B. , Kral Alex H.
Published: December 2016

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between typically difficult living conditions and psychological distress in Latino migrant day laborers (LMDLs), with attention to the potentially protective roles of contact with family in country of origin (i.e., communication, sending money, etc.), availability of local culture (i.e., food, music, people from one's country of origin), and utilization of community resources perceived to be culturally competent (i.e., services that are respectful, able to serve Latinos, able to solve problems, in Spanish, etc.). Participants were 344 LMDLs surveyed in the San Francisco Bay Area. As hypothesized: (a) difficult living conditions were related to depression, anxiety, and desesperación [desperation], the latter a popular Latino idiom of psychological distress recently validated on LMDLs; (b) contact with family moderated the relation between difficult living conditions and depression and desesperación but not anxiety and (c) access to local culture, and utilization of community resources, mediated the relation between difficult living conditions and depression and desesperación but not anxiety. Implications for intervening at local and larger levels in order to provide some protection against distress built into the LMDL experience in the United States are discussed.
Pathological correlations of [F‐18]‐AV‐1451 imaging in non‐alzheimer tauopathies
Authors: Marquié Marta , Normandin Marc D. , Meltzer Avery C. , Siao Tick Chong Michael , Andrea Nicolas V. , Antón‐Fernández Alejandro , Klunk William E. , Mathis Chester A. , Ikonomovic Milos D. , Debnath Manik , Bien Elizabeth A. , Vanderburg Charles R. , Costantino Isabel , Makaretz Sara , DeVos Sarah L. , Oakley Derek H. , Gomperts Stephen N. , Growdon John H. , Domoto‐Reilly Kimiko , Lucente Diane , Dickerson Bradford C. , Frosch Matthew P. , Hyman Bradley T. , Johnson Keith A. , Gómez‐Isla Teresa
Published: December 2016

Objective

Recent studies have shown that positron emission tomography (PET) tracer AV‐1451 exhibits high binding affinity for paired helical filament (PHF)‐tau pathology in Alzheimer's brains. However, the ability of this ligand to bind to tau lesions in other tauopathies remains controversial. Our goal was to examine the correlation of in vivo and postmortem AV‐1451 binding patterns in three autopsy‐confirmed non‐Alzheimer tauopathy cases.

Methods

We quantified in vivo retention of [F‐18]‐AV‐1451 and performed autoradiography, [H‐3]‐AV‐1451 binding assays, and quantitative tau measurements in postmortem brain samples from two progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) cases and a MAPT P301L mutation carrier. They all underwent [F‐18]‐AV‐1451 PET imaging before death.

Results

The three subjects exhibited [F‐18]‐AV‐1451 in vivo retention predominantly in basal ganglia and midbrain. Neuropathological examination confirmed the PSP diagnosis in the first two subjects; the MAPT P301L mutation carrier had an atypical tauopathy characterized by grain‐like tau‐containing neurites in gray and white matter with heaviest burden in basal ganglia. In all three cases, autoradiography failed to show detectable [F‐18]‐AV‐1451 binding in multiple brain regions examined, with the exception of entorhinal cortex (reflecting incidental age‐related neurofibrillary tangles) and neuromelanin‐containing neurons in the substantia nigra (off‐target binding). The lack of a consistent significant correlation between in vivo [F‐18]‐AV‐1541 retention and postmortem in vitro binding and tau measures in these cases suggests that this ligand has low affinity for tau lesions primarily made of straight tau filaments.

Interpretation

AV‐1451 may have limited utility for in vivo selective and reliable detection of tau aggregates in these non‐Alzheimer tauopathies. ANN NEUROL 2017;81:117–128
Approach for fine‐tuning of hybrid dimer antennas via laser melting at the nanoscale
Authors: Sun Yali , Kolodny Stanislav , Lepeshov Sergey , Zuev Dmitry , Huang Lirong , Belov Pavel , Krasnok Alexander
Published: December 2016

Asymmetric metal‐dielectric nanostructures are demonstrated superior optical properties arising from the combination of strong enhancement of near‐fields and controllable scattering characteristics which originate from plasmonic and high‐index dielectric components. Here, being inspired by the recent advances of the asymmetric hybrid nanoparticles fabrication [Dmitry Zuev, et al., Adv. Mater. 28, 3087 (2016)], we suggest and study numerically a novel type of hybrid dimer nanoantennas. The nanoantennas consist of asymmetric metal‐dielectric (Au/Si) nanoparticles and allow tuning of the near‐ and far‐field properties via laser induced reshaping of the metal part at the nanoscale. We demonstrate an ability to modification of the scattering properties, near‐field distribution profilis, normalized local density of states, and radiation patterns of the nanoantenna upon the laser reshaping. The parameters used to investigate these effects correspond to experimentally demonstrated values.

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The Utility (or Not) of Self‐Report Instruments in Family Assessment for Child and Adolescent Conversion Disorders?
Authors: Kozlowska Kasia , Cruz Catherine , Davies Fiona , Brown Kerri J. , Palmer Donna M. , McLean Loyola , Scher Stephen , Williams Leanne M.
Published: December 2016

Children and adolescents with conversion disorders and their families are challenging to understand and challenging to treat. This study examined whether self‐report instruments are a useful adjunct to family and individual assessment. A total of 57 children and adolescents diagnosed with conversion disorders and 57 sex‐ aged‐matched controls, along with their parents, completed the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire, Child Behaviour Checklist, Depression Anxiety and Stress Scales, Somatic and Psychological Health Report (SPHERE), Brief Risk‐Resilience Index for Screening, and the NEO–Five‐Factor Inventory. The conversion disorder and control groups were compared on each questionnaire, and classified participants as ‘cases’ or not according to established clinical thresholds for each questionnaire. A discriminant analysis was used to examine which components of the SDQ, CBCL, DASS, SPHERE, BRISC, and NEO‐FFI emerged as most useful in identifying the clinical characteristics of children with conversion disorders. The role of attachment strategy with regards to the utility of self‐report measures was also examined. The SPHERE was the only self‐report that our patient cohort were able to utilise to communicate their somatic and emotional discomfort and distress. Our results suggest that children and adolescents presenting with functional somatic symptoms represent a distinctive clinical population for which the ‘psychological’ focus of most currently available questionnaires is not useful for identifying the presence of somatic illness or of comorbid anxiety and depression, and that these measures – with the exception of the SPHERE – are not a useful adjunct to a family‐based assessment. Therapeutic conversations that utilise language that asks about the state of the body – the body's response to stress, illness, pain, and injury – facilitate engagement and serve as the cornerstone of treatment.
Adolescent Violence Towards Parents – The Known and Unknowns
Authors: Moulds Lauren , Day Andrew , Mildred Helen , Miller Peter , Casey Sharon
Published: December 2016

Adolescent violence towards parents is one of the most poorly understood forms of family violence despite it being relatively common. This paper presents an overview of current knowledge about adolescent violence towards parents for practitioners who work with families, considering issues around definition, prevalence, impacts, and the key characteristics of perpetrators. It is concluded that both clinical and justice responses are, at present, not well informed by basic knowledge of the circumstances in which adolescent violence towards parents occurs, and there is a need to work systematically with families to balance safety and welfare needs.