bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A major, intraplate, normal‐faulting earthquake: The 1739 Yinchuan event in northern China
Authors: Middleton Timothy A. , Walker Richard T. , Parsons Barry , Lei Qiyun , Zhou Yu , Ren Zhikun
Published: December 2015

A large continental normal‐faulting earthquake occurred in the Yinchuan Graben in northern China on 3 January 1739. This event is of significant interest for two reasons. First, it has been suggested on the basis of historical records of shaking that this was a magnitude 8.0 event. If this is true, the 1739 earthquake would be one of the largest continental normal‐faulting earthquakes ever recorded, and this should prompt us to consider the factors contributing to its unusual size. Second, there has been some debate in the literature about the causative structure, with at least three different faults posited as the seismogenic source. We use five14C ages to date a series of scarps on the East Helanshan Fault, which lies to the west of the graben, and bracket the scarp formation to the last 350 years. We use high‐resolution, stereo imagery from the Pleiades satellites to build a 1 to 2 m resolution DEM of the fault and combine this with field observations to map the East Helanshan rupture in detail. We then construct a throw distribution, determine the slip vector azimuth, and reassess the earthquake magnitude using simple scaling relationships. We conclude that the 1739 earthquake occurred on the East Helanshan Fault, had a rupture length of approximately 87 km, a maximum throw of 5.1 m, and an average throw of 3.0 m, yielding a best estimate magnitude in the rangeMw 7.1 toMw 7.6. We suggest that the previous magnitude estimates are biased by enhanced shaking of the sediments within the Yinchuan Graben.
Physical processes contributing to an ice free Beaufort Sea during September 2012
Authors: Babb D. G. , Galley R. J. , Barber D. G. , Rysgaard S.
Published: December 2015

During the record September 2012 sea ice minimum, the Beaufort Sea became ice free for the first time during the observational record. Increased dynamic activity during late winter enabled increased open water and seasonal ice coverage that contributed to negative sea ice anomalies and positive solar absorption anomalies which drove rapid bottom melt and sea ice loss. As had happened in the Beaufort Sea during previous years of exceptionally low September sea ice extent, anomalous solar absorption developed during May, increased during June, peaked during July, and persisted into October. However in situ observations from a single floe reveal less than 78% of the energy required for bottom melt during 2012 was available from solar absorption. We show that the 2012 sea ice minimum in the Beaufort was the result of anomalously large solar absorption that was compounded by an arctic cyclone and other sources of heat such as solar transmission, oceanic upwelling, and riverine inputs, but was ultimately made possible through years of preconditioning toward a younger, thinner ice pack. Significant negative trends in sea ice concentration between 1979 and 2012 from June to October, coupled with a tendency toward earlier sea ice reductions have fostered a significant trend of +12.9 MJ m−2 yr−1 in cumulative solar absorption, sufficient to melt an additional 4.3 cm m−2 yr−1. Overall through preconditioning toward a younger, thinner ice pack the Beaufort Sea has become increasingly susceptible to increased sea ice loss that may render it ice free more frequently in coming years.
On the majestic seasonal upwelling system of the Arafura Sea
Authors: Kämpf Jochen
Published: December 2015

A three‐dimensional hydrodynamic model is applied to explore the development of phytoplankton blooms in the Arafura Sea during the southeast monsoon (June–November). Before this season, blooms are restricted to nearshore waters covering a total area of ∼25,000 km2. Satellite data indicate that the bloom area grows substantially to >90,000 km2 during the southeast monsoon covering most of the northwestern Arafura Sea. Findings confirm that the southeast monsoon creates undercurrents via the classical lee effect driving nutrient‐rich Banda Sea slope water into this region. This nutrient‐rich slope water is driven over vast distances (∼300 km) into the northwestern Arafura Sea where it upwells and/or is entrained into the surface mixed layer. The associated overturning circulation is slow but continuous and it takes 1–2 months before nutrient‐rich water appears in surface waters of the region. The predicted pathways of nutrient‐rich inflows across the shelf break both north and south of the Ara Islands agree with observational evidence.
The future of the subsurface chlorophyll‐a maximum in the Canada Basin—A model intercomparison
Authors: Steiner N. S. , Sou T. , Deal C. , Jackson J. M. , Jin M. , Popova E. , Williams W. , Yool A.
Published: December 2015

Six Earth system models and three ocean‐ice‐ecosystem models are analyzed to evaluate magnitude and depth of the subsurface Chl‐a maximum (SCM) in the Canada Basin and ratio of surface to subsurface Chl‐a in a future climate scenario. Differences in simulated Chl‐a are caused by large intermodel differences in available nitrate in the Arctic Ocean and to some extent by ecosystem complexity. Most models reproduce the observed SCM and nitracline deepening and indicate a continued deepening in the future until the models reach a new state with seasonal ice‐free waters. Models not representing a SCM show either too much nitrate and hence no surface limitation or too little nitrate with limited surface growth only. The models suggest that suppression of the nitracline and deepening of the SCM are caused by enhanced stratification, likely driven by enhanced Ekman convergence and freshwater contributions with primarily large‐scale atmospheric driving mechanisms. The simulated ratio of near‐surface Chl‐a to depth‐integrated Chl‐a is slightly decreasing in most areas of the Arctic Ocean due to enhanced contributions of subsurface Chl‐a. Exceptions are some shelf areas and regions where the continued ice thinning leaves winter ice too thin to provide a barrier to momentum fluxes, allowing winter mixing to break up the strong stratification. Results confirm that algorithms determining vertically integrated Chl‐a from surface Chl‐a need to be tuned to Arctic conditions, but likely require little or no adjustments in the future.
Impact of idealized future stratospheric aerosol injection on the large‐scale ocean and land carbon cycles
Authors: Tjiputra J. F. , Grini A. , Lee H.
Published: December 2015

Using an Earth system model, we simulate stratospheric aerosol injection (SAI) on top of the Representative Concentration Pathways 8.5 future scenario. Our idealized method prescribes aerosol concentration, linearly increasing from 2020 to 2100, and thereafter remaining constant until 2200. In the aggressive scenario, the model projects a cooling trend toward 2100 despite warming that persists in the high latitudes. Following SAI termination in 2100, a rapid global warming of 0.35 K yr−1 is simulated in the subsequent 10 years, and the global mean temperature returns to levels close to the reference state, though roughly 0.5 K cooler. In contrast to earlier findings, we show a weak response in the terrestrial carbon sink during SAI implementation in the 21st century, which we attribute to nitrogen limitation. The SAI increases the land carbon uptake in the temperate forest‐, grassland‐, and shrub‐dominated regions. The resultant lower temperatures lead to a reduction in the heterotrophic respiration rate and increase soil carbon retention. Changes in precipitation patterns are key drivers for variability in vegetation carbon. Upon SAI termination, the level of vegetation carbon storage returns to the reference case, whereas the soil carbon remains high. The ocean absorbs nearly 10% more carbon in the geoengineered simulation than in the reference simulation, leading to a ∼15 ppm lower atmospheric CO2 concentration in 2100. The largest enhancement in uptake occurs in the North Atlantic. In both hemispheres' polar regions, SAI delays the sea ice melting and, consequently, export production remains low. In the deep water of North Atlantic, SAI‐induced circulation changes accelerate the ocean acidification rate and broaden the affected area.
Association of Somatic Comorbidities and Comorbid Depression With Mortality in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis: A 14‐Year Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: van den Hoek J. , Boshuizen H. C. , Roorda L. D. , Tijhuis G. J. , Nurmohamed M. T. , Dekker J. , van den Bos G. A. M.
Published: December 2015

Objective

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have a significantly increased risk of mortality compared with the general population. One of the most important predictors for mortality is somatic comorbidity. Moreover, studies have demonstrated that comorbid depression is associated with mortality. Which specific comorbidities are associated with mortality is less investigated. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association of a wide range of comorbidities with mortality in patients with RA.

Methods

Longitudinal data over a 14‐year period were collected from 882 patients with RA. Data were assessed with questionnaires. The mortality status was obtained from the Statistics Netherlands for the period 1996–2011 for 99% of the patients. Somatic comorbidity was assessed in 1997, 1998, 1999, and 2008 and measured by a national population‐based questionnaire including 20 chronic diseases. Comorbid depression was assessed in 1997, 1998, and 1999 and measured with the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. Cox regression was used to study the relationship between comorbidity and mortality.

Results

At baseline, 72% of the patients were women. The mean ± SD age was 59.3 ± 14.8 years, and the median (interquartile range) disease duration was 5.0 (2.0–14.0) years. A total of 345 patients died during the study period. Comorbidities that were associated with mortality were circulatory conditions (hazard ratio [HR] 1.60 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.15–2.22]), respiratory conditions (HR 1.43 [95% CI 1.09–1.89]), cancer (HR 2.00 [95% CI 1.28–3.12]), and depression (HR 1.35 [95% CI 1.06–1.72]).

Conclusion

Comorbid circulatory conditions, respiratory conditions, cancer, and depression are associated with mortality among patients with RA. Careful monitoring of these comorbidities during the course of the disease and adequate referral may improve health outcomes and chances of surviving.
Using Dermal Temperature to Identify Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients With Radiologic Progressive Disease in Less Than One Minute
Authors: Greenwald Maria , Ball Joann , Guerrettaz Kelly , Paulus Harold
Published: December 2015

Objective

To explore development of a screening test for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients most likely to develop radiographic damage in the next year. The test is a simple, objective measurement of elevated dermal temperature over an inflamed joint in this observational, prospective cohort study.

Methods

Seropositive RA patients were sequentially enrolled into cohorts with hot or cool joints, as determined by a dermal thermometer. Patients naive to biologic therapy were maintained on a stable dosage of methotrexate (20–25 mg/week). The hot‐joint cohort had a joint skin temperature greater than their body temperature on vital signs. Hand/wrist radiographs obtained at baseline and 1 year later were read and scored using modified Sharp/van der Heijde scores (SHS) by a single reader without sequence order or identifiers.

Results

Each cohort consisted of 104 patients enrolled into observation between 2009 and 2014. Patients in the cohort with hot joints had a mean ± SD joint temperature of 1.06 ± 0.69°F above central body temperature and a nearly 4‐fold higher risk of new radiographic damage than those with cool joints (SHS score 8.7 ± 6.2 versus 2.5 ± 1.4; P < 0.001). Sensitivity and specificity for joint temperature to predict radiographic damage in the next year were 92% and 78%, respectively, in the hot‐joint cohort. As expected, this cohort at baseline was younger, had more recent onset RA, and had higher Westergren erythrocyte sedimentation rate levels than the cool‐joint cohort (P < 0.001 for each).

Conclusion

Dermal joint temperature may become a screening test to quickly and accurately identify individual RA patients at high risk for radiographic damage and those who may benefit most from biologic therapy.
Preparation of an α″‐Fe16N2 Magnet via a Ball Milling and Shock Compaction Approach
Authors: Jiang Yanfeng , Liu Jinming , Suri Pranav K. , Kennedy Greg , Thadhani Naresh N. , Flannigan David J. , Wang Jian‐Ping
Published: December 2015

α″‐Fe16N2 has been suggested as a promising candidate for future rare‐earth‐free magnets. In this paper, a unique technical route including a ball milling approach and shock compaction is experimentally demonstrated as a promising way to produce an α″‐Fe16N2 magnet. Firstly, α″‐Fe16N2 powder is prepared by ball milling, in which ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3) is adopted as a solid nitrogen source. The volume ratio of the α″‐Fe16N2 phase reaches 70% after 60 h of milling with a ball mill rotation speed of 600 rpm in planetary mode. Its saturation magnetization (Ms) is 210 emu g–1 and the coercivity is 854 Oe at room temperature. After ball milling, shock compaction is used to compact the milled powder sample into a bulk magnet. Its magnetic properties and crystalline structure are characterized. Overall, the ball milling‐based approach can be used to prepare α″‐Fe16N2 magnets at an industrial production level.
Bimetal–Organic Framework: One‐Step Homogenous Formation and its Derived Mesoporous Ternary Metal Oxide Nanorod for High‐Capacity, High‐Rate, and Long‐Cycle‐Life Lithium Storage
Authors: Li Hao , Liang Ming , Sun Weiwei , Wang Yong
Published: December 2015

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) and relative structures with uniform micro/mesoporous structures have shown important applications in various fields. This paper reports the synthesis of unprecedented mesoporous NixCo3−xO4 nanorods with tuned composition from the Co/Ni bimetallic MOF precursor. The Co/Ni‐MOFs are prepared by a one‐step facile microwave‐assisted solvothermal method rather than surface metallic cation exchange on the preformed one‐metal MOF template, therefore displaying very uniform distribution of two species and high structural integrity. The obtained mesoporous Ni0.3Co2.7O4 nanorod delivers a larger‐than‐theoretical reversible capacity of 1410 mAh g−1 after 200 repetitive cycles at a small current of 100 mA g−1 with an excellent high‐rate capability for lithium‐ion batteries. Large reversible capacities of 812 and 656 mAh g−1 can also be retained after 500 cycles at large currents of 2 and 5 A g−1, respectively. These outstanding electrochemical performances of the ternary metal oxide have been mainly attributed to its interconnected nanoparticle‐integrated mesoporous nanorod structure and the synergistic effect of two active metal oxide components.
Ferromagnetism Induced by Substitution of the Iron(IV) Ion by an Unusual High‐Valence Nickel(IV) Ion in Antiferromagnetic SrFeO3
Authors: Seki Hayato , Hosaka Yoshiteru , Saito Takashi , Mizumaki Masaichiro , Shimakawa Yuichi
Published: December 2015

Novel cubic perovskites SrFe1−xNixO3 (0≤x≤0.5) with unusual high‐valence iron(IV) and nickel(IV) ions were obtained by high‐pressure and high‐temperature synthesis. Substantial magnetic moments of NiIV, which is intrinsically nonmagnetic with a nominal d6 electron configuration, were induced by the large magnetic moments of FeIV through orbital hybridization with oxygen. As a result, ferromagnetism with the transition temperature (Tc) above room temperature could be induced.
Enantioselektive Katalysatoren zur Synthese von α‐substituierten Allylboronsäureestern – ein effizienter Zugang zu isomerenreinen Homoallylalkoholen
Authors: Brauns Marcus , Muller Frédéric , Gülden Daniel , Böse Dietrich , Frey Wolfgang , Breugst Martin , Pietruszka Jörg
Published: December 2015

Die Verwendung einer einfachen Schutzgruppe für Boronsäureester ermöglicht eine selektive katalysierte SN2′‐Reaktion, um Allylboronsäureester zu erzeugen, die zur Synthese von enantiomerenreinen Homoallylalkoholen genutzt werden können. Abhängig von der Konfiguration der Schutzgruppe und der des Katalysators können alle vier möglichen Stereoisomere erhalten werden. Mithilfe von Dichtefunktionalrechnungen wird die Selektivität der Allyladdition erklärt.
The Strongest Acid: Protonation of Carbon Dioxide
Authors: Cummings Steven , Hratchian Hrant P. , Reed Christopher A.
Published: December 2015

The strongest carborane acid, H(CHB11F11), protonates CO2 while traditional mixed Lewis/Brønsted superacids do not. The product is deduced from IR spectroscopy and calculation to be the proton disolvate, H(CO2)2+. The carborane acid H(CHB11F11) is therefore the strongest known acid. The failure of traditional mixed superacids to protonate weak bases such as CO2 can be traced to a competition between the proton and the Lewis acid for the added base. The high protic acidity promised by large absolute values of the Hammett acidity function (H0) is not realized in practice because the basicity of an added base is suppressed by Lewis acid/base adduct formation.
Interrogating Substrate Selectivity and Composition of Endogenous Histone Deacetylase Complexes with Chemical Probes
Authors: Dose Alexander , Sindlinger Julia , Bierlmeier Jan , Bakirbas Ahmet , Schulze‐Osthoff Klaus , Einsele‐Scholz Stephanie , Hartl Markus , Essmann Frank , Finkemeier Iris , Schwarzer Dirk
Published: December 2015

Histone deacetylases (HDACs) regulate the function and activity of numerous cellular proteins by removing acetylation marks from regulatory lysine residues. We have developed peptide‐based HDAC probes that contain hydroxamate amino acids of various lengths to replace modified lysine residues in the context of known acetylation sites. The interaction profiles of all human HDACs were studied with three sets of probes, which derived from different acetylation sites, and sequence context was found to have a strong impact on substrate recognition and composition of HDAC complexes. By investigating K382 acetylation of the tumor suppressor p53 as an example, we further demonstrate that the interaction profiles reflect the catalytic activities of respective HDACs. These results underline the utility of the newly established probes for deciphering not only activity, but also substrate selectivity and composition of endogenous HDAC complexes, which can hardly be achieved otherwise.
Metal‐Free Ring‐Expansion Reaction of Six‐membered Sulfonylimines with Diazomethanes: An Approach toward Seven‐Membered Enesulfonamides
Authors: Xia An‐Jie , Kang Tai‐Ran , He Long , Chen Lian‐Mei , Li Wen‐Ting , Yang Jin‐Liang , Liu Quan‐Zhong
Published: December 2015

A new metal‐free, ring‐expansion reaction of six‐membered N‐sulfonylimines with unstable diazomethanes, generated in situ from the N‐tosylhydrazones, has been developed. This reaction delivers valuable seven‐membered enesulfonamides by a Tiffeneau–Demjanov rearrangement and intramolecular proton transfer tautomerization process. Moreover, this ring‐expansion reaction can be carried out in a one‐pot fashion and scaled up to the gram scale by using aryl aldehydes, without the need to isolate the N‐tosylhydrazone.
Risk of Incident Diabetes Mellitus Associated With the Dosage and Duration of Oral Glucocorticoid Therapy in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Movahedi Mohammad , Beauchamp Marie‐Eve , Abrahamowicz Michal , Ray David W. , Michaud Kaleb , Pedro Sofia , Dixon William G.
Published: December 2015

Objective

To quantify the risk of incident diabetes mellitus (DM) associated with the dosage, duration, and timing of glucocorticoid (GC) use in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

We undertook a cohort study using 2 databases: a UK primary care database (the Clinical Practice Research Datalink [CPRD]) including 21,962 RA patients (1992–2009) and the US National Data Bank for Rheumatic Diseases (NDB) including 12,657 RA patients (1998–2013). Information on the dosage and timing of GC use was extracted. DM in the CPRD was defined using Read codes, at least 2 prescriptions for oral antidiabetic medication, or abnormal blood test results. DM in the NDB was defined through patient self‐reports. Data were analyzed using time‐dependent Cox models and a novel weighted cumulative dose (WCD) model that accounts for dosage, duration, and timing of treatment.

Results

The hazard ratio (HR) was 1.30 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.17–1.45) and 1.61 (95% CI 1.37–1.89) in current GC users compared to nonusers in the CPRD and the NDB, respectively. A range of conventional statistical models consistently confirmed increases in risk with the GC dosage and duration. The WCD model showed that recent GC use contributed the most to the current risk of DM, while doses taken >6 months previously did not influence current risk. In the CPRD, 5 mg of prednisolone equivalent dose for the last 1, 3, and 6 months was significantly associated with HRs of 1.20, 1.43, and 1.48, respectively, compared to nonusers.

Conclusion

GC use is a clinically important and quantifiable risk factor for DM. Risk is influenced by the dosage and treatment duration, although only for GC use within the last 6 months.
Identification of a Novel Toll‐like Receptor 7 Endogenous Ligand in Rheumatoid Arthritis Synovial Fluid That Can Provoke Arthritic Joint Inflammation
Authors: Kim Seung‐jae , Chen Zhenlong , Essani Abdul B. , Elshabrawy Hatem A. , Volin Michael V. , Volkov Suncica , Swedler William , Arami Shiva , Sweiss Nadera , Shahrara Shiva
Published: December 2015

Objective

Levels of Toll‐like receptor 7 (TLR‐7) are elevated in rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but the impact on RA is unknown because the endogenous ligand for TLR‐7 has not been identified. The aim of this study was to identify a TLR‐7 endogenous ligand and to determine its role in the pathogenesis of RA.

Methods

The presence of an endogenous TLR‐7 ligand, microRNA let‐7b (miR‐let‐7b), was examined by real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis. Using RA knockdown cells, TLR‐7–knockout mice, or antagonist, the specificity of miR‐let‐7b as a potential ligand for TLR‐7 was tested. The mechanism by which ligation of miR‐let‐7b to TLR‐7 promotes disease was investigated in RA myeloid cells by real‐time PCR, enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, and fluorescence‐activated cell sorting. We also established the effect of ectopic miR‐let‐7b expression on arthritic joint inflammation.

Results

We found that a TLR‐7 endogenous ligand resides mainly in RA synovial fluid macrophages. The GU‐rich domain in miR‐let‐7b was found to be essential for TLR‐7 ligation, since miR‐147, the positive control for GU, was able to stimulate TLR‐7+ myeloid cells, whereas miR‐124, the negative, non‐GU, control, was not. We demonstrated that miR‐let‐7b or exosomes containing miR‐let‐7b could transform the RA and/or mouse naive or antiinflammatory macrophages into inflammatory M1 macrophages via TLR‐7 ligation. Consistently, we showed that miR‐let‐7b provokes arthritis by remodeling naive myeloid cells into M1 macrophages via TLR‐7 ligation, since joint swelling and M1 macrophages are absent in TLR‐7–deficient mice.

Conclusion

The results of this study underscore the importance of miR‐let‐7b ligation to TLR‐7 in the joint during the effector phase of RA.
Improving the Performance of Perovskite in Nonaqueous Oxygen Electrocatalysis
Authors: Lu Meihua , Xu Chaohe , Zhan Yi , Lee Jim Yang
Published: December 2015

Nanoparticle (NP) aggregates of lanthanum cobalt oxide perovskite (LCO) were compounded with reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanosheets and used as the cathode catalyst for nonaqueous lithium‐oxygen batteries (LOBs). The LCO NP aggregates were completely surrounded by rGO nanosheets in the composite with 10.5 wt % of rGO (LCO‐rGO‐10.5) but were partially exposed in the composite with 7.5 wt % of rGO (LCO‐rGO‐7.5). Both composites performed better than pristine LCO NPs and rGO nanosheets in nonaqueous oxygen electrocatalysis. The LCO‐rGO‐7.5 composite excelled at capacity and rate performance, while the LCO‐rGO‐10.5 composite was better at cycle stability. The good performance of the LCO‐rGO composites was due to the synergy of functions of LCO and rGO.
Clinical, genetic and neuropathological findings in a series of 138 fetuses with a corpus callosum malformation
Authors: Alby Caroline , Malan Valérie , Boutaud Lucile , Marangoni Maria Angela , Bessières Bettina , Bonniere Maryse , Ichkou Amale , Elkhartoufi Nadia , Bahi‐Buisson Nadia , Sonigo Pascale , Millischer Anne‐Elodie , Thomas Sophie , Ville Yves , Vekemans Michel , Encha‐Razavi Férechté , Attié‐Bitach Tania
Published: December 2015

BACKGROUND

Corpus callosum malformation (CCM) is the most frequent brain malformation observed at birth. Because CCM is a highly heterogeneous condition, the prognosis of fetuses diagnosed prenatally remains uncertain, making prenatal counseling difficult.

METHODS AND RESULTS

We evaluated retrospectively a total of 138 fetuses, 117 with CCM observed on prenatal imaging examination, and 21 after postmortem autopsy. On ultrasound and/or magnetic resonance imaging, CCM was either isolated (N = 40) or associated with other neurological (N = 57) or extra cerebral findings (N = 21/20, respectively).

RESULTS

Most fetuses (N = 132) remained without a diagnosis at the time of pregnancy termination. This emphasizes the need to establish a neuropathological classification and to perform a genomic screening using comparative genomic hybridization. A neuropathological examination performed on 138 cases revealed a spectrum of CCMs, classified as follows: agenesis of corpus callosum (55), CC hypoplasia (30), CC dysmorphism (24), and CCM associated with a malformation of cortical development (29). Of interest, after fetopathological examination, only 16/40 malformations were classified as isolated, highlighting the importance of the autopsy following termination of pregnancy. Among the 138 cases, the underlying etiology was found in 46 cases: diabetes (one case), cytomegalovirus infection (one case), 23 chromosome abnormalities, and 21 mendelian conditions.

CONCLUSION

In our series of 138 cases of CCM, prenatal and postmortem examinations identified a variety of genetic causes. However, no diagnosis could be established in 67% of cases. The classification based on the underlying neurodevelopmental defects paves the way for further genetic studies and genotype‐phenotype correlations. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 106:36–46, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Specific labeling: An effective tool to explore the RNA world
Authors: Liu Yu , Sousa Rui , Wang Yun‐Xing
Published: December 2015

Our knowledge about the functional diversity and importance of RNA in biology has grown enormously over the past three decades and has driven efforts to develop better tools to characterize RNAs. Amongst these tools are methods for preparing specifically labeled or chemically modified RNAs, which are essential for basic research, biomedical, and clinical applications. Understanding the potential and limits of these different RNA synthesis and labeling strategies is important in deciding how to approach the preparation of a particular RNA molecule. Here, we review these various labeling methods and future directions of the field.
Do the cations in clay and the polymer matrix affect quantum dot fluorescent properties?
Authors: Wei Wenjun , Liu Cui , Liu Jiyan , Liu Xueqing , Zou Linling , Cai Shaojun , Shi Hong , Cao Yuan‐Cheng
Published: December 2015

This paper studied the effects of cations and polymer matrix on the fluorescent properties of quantum dots (QDs). The results indicated that temperature has a greater impact on fluorescence intensity than clay cations (mainly K+ and Na+). Combined fluorescence lifetime and steady‐state spectrometer tests showed that QD lifetimes all decreased when the cation concentration was increased, but the quantum yields were steady at various cation concentrations of 0, 0.05, 0.5 and 1 M. Poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO), poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and diepoxy resin were used to study the effects of polymers on QD lifetime and quantum yield. The results showed that the lifetime for QDs 550 nm in PEO and PVA was 17.33 and 17.12 ns, respectively; for the epoxy resin, the lifetime was 0.74 ns, a sharp decrease from 24.47 ns. The quantum yield for QDs 550 nm changed from 34.22% to 7.45% and 7.81% in PEO and PVA, respectively; for the epoxy resin the quantum yield was 2.25%. QDs 580 nm and 620 nm showed the same results as QDs 550 nm. This study provides useful information on the design, synthesis and application of QDs–polymer luminescent materials. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Simultaneous selection and counter‐selection for the directed evolution of proteases in E. coli using a cytoplasmic anchoring strategy
Authors: Carrico Zachary M. , Strobel Kathryn L. , Atreya Meera E. , Clark Douglas S. , Francis Matthew B.
Published: December 2015

With the goal of generating new enzymes that can cleave custom sequences, this article describes a selection strategy for evolving proteases with desirable characteristics. Positive selection and counter‐selection are combined to select for and against specified cleavage sequences simultaneously. Cleavage of the positive selection sequence permits E. coli growth, and cleavage of the counter‐selection sequence slows growth. Growth occurs when cleavage of the positive selection sequence releases β‐lactamase into the periplasm where it can confer antibiotic resistance. The counter‐selection traps β‐lactamase in the cytoplasm, preventing antibiotic resistance and growth. Thus, proteases with a preference for the positive selection sequence relative to the counter‐selection sequence grow more rapidly. This system was used to select a tobacco etch virus (TEV) protease mutant with new substrate compatibility. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2016;113: 1187–1193. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
High‐throughput investigation of endothelial‐to‐mesenchymal transformation (EndMT) with combinatorial cellular microarrays
Authors: Wang Zongjie , Calpe Blaise , Zerdani Jalil , Lee Youngsang , Oh Jonghyun , Bae Hojae , Khademhosseini Ali , Kim Keekyoung
Published: December 2015

In the developing heart, a specific subset of endocardium undergoes an endothelial‐to‐mesenchymal transformation (EndMT) thus forming nascent valve leaflets. Extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins and growth factors (GFs) play important roles in regulating EndMT but the combinatorial effect of GFs with ECM proteins is less well understood. Here we use microscale engineering techniques to create single, binary, and tertiary component microenvironments to investigate the combinatorial effects of ECM proteins and GFs on the attachment and transformation of adult ovine mitral valve endothelial cells to a mesenchymal phenotype. With the combinatorial microenvironment microarrays, we utilized 60 different combinations of ECM proteins (Fibronectin, Collagen I, II, IV, Laminin) and GFs (TGF‐β1, bFGF, VEGF) and were able to identify new microenvironmental conditions capable of modulating EndMT in MVECs. Experimental results indicated that TGF‐β1 significantly upregulated the EndMT while either bFGF or VEGF downregulated EndMT process markedly. Also, ECM proteins could influence both the attachment of MVECs and the response of MVECs to GFs. In terms of attachment, fibronectin is significantly better for the adhesion of MVECs among the five tested proteins. Overall collagen IV and fibronectin appeared to play important roles in promoting EndMT process. Great consistency between macroscale and microarrayed experiments and present studies demonstrates that high‐throughput cellular microarrays are a promising approach to study the regulation of EndMT in valvular endothelium. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2016;113: 1403–1412. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Design and evaluation of a cognitive system to teach software change control
Authors: Chentouf Zohair
Published: December 2015

This article presents a cognitive agent‐based software tool for teaching software change control decisions. The tool simulates the cognitive processes of software professionals involved in the software change decision. It allows students to assess their reasoning in comparison with the agent's one. The experimental results proved that the proposed tool was well accepted by students. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 24:347–355, 2016; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/cae; DOI 10.1002/cae.21710
Molecular Assembly Line: Stepwise Hydrogenation of Multifunctional Substrates over Catalyst Mixtures
Authors: Tomkins Patrick , Gebauer‐Henke Ewa , Müller Thomas E.
Published: December 2015

The synthesis of many chemical products requires multiple steps. To simplify the overall synthesis by combining consecutive reaction steps, the concept of a “molecular assembly line” promises to yield high reaction rates and selectivities. In this study, mixtures of carbon nanotube (CNT)‐supported catalysts were used to demonstrate the potential of this concept on hand of the hydrogenation of nitrobenzene via aniline to cyclohexylamine. Mixtures of Pt/CNT, having a high activity in nitrobenzene hydrogenation, and of Ru/CNT, highly selective for the hydrogenation of aniline to cyclohexylamine, provided high activity at constant high selectivity. Varying the Pt:Ru ratio to 5:95 was found to be the best case scenario, for which the rates of the two consecutive reaction steps are balanced. The use of catalyst mixtures rather than bimetallic catalysts avoids complex phenomena such as phase separation or migration of one of the metals to the surface of the bimetallic particles.
Dual‐Emission Luminescence of Magnesium Coordination Polymers Based on Mixed Organic Ligands
Authors: Wu Zhao‐Feng , Tan Bin , Deng Zhong‐Hua , Xie Zai‐Lai , Fu Jing‐Jing , Shen Nan‐Nan , Huang Xiao‐Ying
Published: December 2015

Presented herein are two luminescent magnesium coordination polymers (Mg‐CPs), namely [Mg2(H2O)2(2‐NDC)4(1,10‐phen)2] (1) and [Mg2(H2O)(1,4‐NDC)2(1,10‐phen)] (2), in which 2‐NDCH=2‐naphthalenecarboxylic acid, 1,4‐NDCH2=1,4‐naphthalene dicarboxylic acid, and 1,10‐phen=1,10‐phenanthroline. Based on the mixed ligands, the title compounds exhibit linker‐based photoluminescence (PL) properties thanks to the unique configuration of the Mg2+ ions. The two compounds show interesting dual emission on excitation of the different luminophores of the mixed linkers. In particular, the emissions of compound 2 could be tuned from green to yellow simply by varying the excitation energies. Furthermore, 2 could be excited by using a commercial λ=450 nm blue LED chip to generate white‐light emission, which allows the fabrication of a white‐light‐emitting diode (WLED) with 20 lm W−1 luminous efficacy. This work may provide a new method for designing tunable PL CPs by using the low‐cost and abundant magnesium ion.
Accurate low complexity modeling of twisted pairs suitable for G.fast frequencies
Authors: Lafata Pavel
Published: December 2015

As the higher and higher frequency bands of existing metallic cables in access networks are being continuously exploited by modern transmission technologies, such as the G.fast, the necessity of providing accurate and suitable modeling of their transmission characteristics is evident. Therefore, this paper is focused on modeling of a propagation constant of twisted pairs and metallic cables at high frequencies up to 250 MHz, and an innovative arsinh model is proposed and described. This new model is based on an idea of adopting inverse hyperbolic sine function for modeling of both secondary line coefficients, attenuation constant and phase constant, and its main motivation is to provide their accurate estimations for G.fast frequencies up to 250 MHz for various types of metallic cables while maintaining a low computational complexity. The proposed model was compared with numerous characteristics measured for various real metallic cables as well as with several existing models in order to illustrate its potential. The results, which are presented within this paper, clearly illustrate that the proposed arsinh model generally outperforms existing standard models based on the equal number of required parameters. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fgf3‐Fgf4‐cis: A new mouse line for studying Fgf functions during mouse development
Authors: Anderson Matthew J. , Southon Eileen , Tessarollo Lino , Lewandoski Mark
Published: December 2015

The fibroblast growth factor (FGF) family consists of 22 ligands in mice and humans. FGF signaling is vital for embryogenesis and, when dysregulated, can cause disease. Loss‐of‐function genetic analysis in the mouse has been crucial for understanding FGF function. Such analysis has revealed that multiple Fgfs sometimes function redundantly. Exploring such redundancy between Fgf3 and Fgf4 is currently impossible because both genes are located on chromosome 7, about 18.5 kb apart, making the frequency of interallelic cross‐over between existing mutant alleles too infrequent to be practicable. Therefore, we retargeted Fgf3 and Fgf4 in cis, generating an Fgf3 null allele and a conditional Fgf4 allele, subject to Cre inactivation. To increase the frequency of cis targeting, we used an F1 embryonic stem cell line that contained 129/SvJae (129) and C57BL/6J (B6) chromosomes and targeting constructs isogenic to the 129 chromosome. We confirmed cis targeting by assaying for B6/129 allele‐specific single‐nucleotide polymorphisms. We demonstrated the utility of the Fgf3Δ‐Fgf4flox‐cis mouse line by showing that the caudal axis extension defects found in the Fgf3 mutants worsen when Fgf4 is also inactivated. This Fgf3Δ‐Fgf4flox‐cis line will be useful to study redundancy of these genes in a variety of tissues and stages in development. genesis 54:91–98, 2016. Published 2016. This article is a US Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Diversity without complementarity threatens vegetation patterns in arid lands
Authors: Ursino Nadia , Callegaro Chiara
Published: December 2015

Patterns found in mixed communities including grass, shrubs and trees function as natural water‐harvesting systems in arid and semi‐arid regions throughout the world. Furthermore, self‐organizing vegetation patterns may be indicators of environmental shifts in climate and land use change scenarios. Therefore, net facilitation, leading to resource concentration within vegetation patches, should be imitated and preserved.

This study analyses the ecological feedback between niche adaptation of similar band‐forming species, and the environment in which species thrive. A minimal model for two coexisting species and the soil moisture balance was formulated to improve our understanding of the effects of species differentiation on the dynamics of plants and resources on single pattern and landscape scales.

The model outcomes suggest that pattern‐forming‐species communities arise as a result of niche differentiation (driven e.g. by evolutionary changes), whereas similar adaptation strategies to cope with harsh conditions may lead to impoverishment of environmental resources and loss of vegetation cover and diversity. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Increased mortality with elevated plasma endothelin‐1 in acute heart failure: an ASCEND‐HF biomarker substudy
Authors: Perez Antonio L. , Grodin Justin L. , Wu Yuping , Hernandez Adrian F. , Butler Javed , Metra Marco , Felker G. Michael , Voors Adriaan A. , McMurray John J. , Armstrong Paul W. , Starling Randall C. , O'Connor Christopher M. , Tang W. H. Wilson
Published: December 2015

Aims

Endothelin‐1 (ET‐1) is an endogenous vasoconstrictor implicated in pulmonary and systemic hypertension, as well as ventricular dysfunction, through effects on vascular smooth muscle, the kidneys, and cardiomyocytes. We aimed to determine the association between serial ET‐1 levels and acute heart failure patient outcomes.

Methods and results

We measured plasma ET‐1 at baseline, 48–72 h, and 30 days in a cohort of 872 patients hospitalized with acute heart failure from the ASCEND‐HF trial (randomized to nesiritide vs. placebo), and its association with 30‐day mortality, 180‐day mortality, in‐hospital death or worsening heart failure, and 30‐day mortality or rehospitalization. Median ET‐1 was 7.6 [interquartile range (IQR) 5.9–10] pg/mL at baseline, 6.3 (IQR 4.9–8.1) pg/mL at 48–72 h, and 5.9 (IQR 4.7–7.9) pg/mL at 30 days (P < 0.001). Baseline and 48–72 h ET‐1 were found to be independently associated with 180‐day mortality in a multivariable analysis [hazard ratio (HR) 1.6, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.3–2.0, P < 0.001 and HR 1.5, 95% CI 1.2–1.9, P = 0.001, respectively, log‐transformed]. ET‐1 that was measured at 48–72 h was also independently associated with death or worsening heart failure prior to discharge [odds ratio (OR) 1.6, 95% CI 1.03–2.4, P = 0.03]. These independent associations remained significant after including NT‐proBNP in the multivariable analysis.

Conclusions

We observed an independent association between elevated ET‐1 and short‐term in‐hospital clinical outcomes and 180‐day mortality in hospitalized patients with acute heart failure ET‐1 provided additional prognostic information which was incremental to that yielded by NT‐proBNP.
Pathogenic IL‐23 signaling is required to initiate GM‐CSF‐driven autoimmune myocarditis in mice
Authors: Wu Lei , Diny Nicola L. , Ong SuFey , Barin Jobert G. , Hou Xuezhou , Rose Noel R. , Talor Monica V. , Čiháková Daniela
Published: December 2015

Using a mouse model of experimental autoimmune myocarditis (EAM), we showed for the first time that IL‐23 stimulation of CD4+ T cells is required only briefly at the initiation of GM‐CFS‐dependent cardiac autoimmunity. IL‐23 signal, acting as a switch, turns on pathogenicity of CD4+ T cells, and becomes dispensable once autoreactivity is established. Il23a−/− mice failed to mount an efficient Th17 response to immunization, and were protected from myocarditis. However, remarkably, transient IL‐23 stimulation ex vivo fully restored pathogenicity in otherwise nonpathogenic CD4+ T cells raised from Il23a−/− donors. Thus, IL‐23 may no longer be necessary to uphold inflammation in established autoimmune diseases. In addition, we demonstrated that IL‐23‐induced GM‐CSF mediates the pathogenicity of CD4+ T cells in EAM. The neutralization of GM‐CSF abrogated cardiac inflammation. However, sustained IL‐23 signaling is required to maintain IL‐17A production in CD4+ T cells. Despite inducing inflammation in Il23a−/− recipients comparable to wild‐type (WT), autoreactive CD4+ T cells downregulated IL‐17A production without persistent IL‐23 signaling. This divergence on the controls of GM‐CSF‐dependent pathogenicity on one side and IL‐17A production on the other side may contribute to the discrepant efficacies of anti‐IL‐23 therapy in different autoimmune diseases.
Structure and Bonding of an Intergrowth Phase Ca7Ag2+xGe7–x (x ≈ 2/3) Featuring a Zintl‐Type Polyanionic Chain
Authors: Ponou Siméon , Doverbratt Isa , Lidin Sven , Miller Gordon J.
Published: December 2015

Single crystals of a new ternary phase, Ca7Ag2+xGe7–x [x = 0.48(3)], were obtained from as side‐product of high‐temperature solid‐state reactions, and its crystal structure determined by X‐ray diffraction methods. Following the Zintl concept, the anionic substructure consists of a novel pentameric Zintl anion [Ge5]12– with C2v local symmetry, as well as [AgxGe2–x](6–3x)– units accounting for [Ge2]6– dimers and isolated Ge4– (and Ag+) species sharing the same atomic sites. DFT‐level band structure calculations were carried out on a hypothetical, fully ordered model (x = 0). We found that the electronic structure associated with the planar W‐shaped [Ge5]12– polyanions is more suited to optimize the structure's stability than the helical configuration of the isoelectronic [Se5]2–, in the context of incomplete charge transfer from the electropositive metal Ca. Thus, the antibonding states at the Fermi level that are centered on the two [Gen](2n+2)– oligomers can be depopulated by means of Ge‐to‐Ca electron back donation, strengthening at the same time the Ge–Ge bonds. These antibonding states also endow the system with substantial electronic flexibility, which may result in some phase width. Finally, plausible local ordering models of Ag/Ge mixing in [AgxGe2–x](6–3x)– units for x = 2/3, as expected from the Zintl concept, are briefly discussed within the “coloring problem” approach.
Silver(I) Bis(pyrazolyl)methane Complexes and Their Implementation as Precursors for Metallic Silver Deposition
Authors: Bassanetti Irene , Mattarozzi Monica , Delferro Massimiliano , Marks Tobin J. , Marchiò Luciano
Published: December 2015

The following AgI bis(pyrazolyl)methane complexes with BF4–/NO3– as counteranions were synthesized and characterized: [Ag(LpzH)]2(NO3)2 (1), [Ag(LpzMe)]2(NO3)2 (2), [Ag(LpzH)]n(BF4)n (3), and [Ag(LpzMe)]n(BF4)n (4) [LpzH = bis(pyrazolyl)methane; LpzMe = bis(3,5‐dimethylpyrazolyl)methane]. These complexes were prepared to identify optimum precursors for the thermolytic deposition of metallic silver. The crystal structures of 1 and 2 show that the complexes are dinuclear and that the NO3– anions interact with the metals. In contrast, 3 is polymeric and the BF4– does not interact with the metal. When crystallizing 1–4 in non‐anhydrous solvents, the presence of adventitious water further reacts with 3 and 4 (but not with 1 and 2) to yield dinuclear complexes [Ag(LpzH)(H2O)2]2(BF4)2 (3a) and [Ag(LpzMe)(H2O)2]2(BF4)2 (4a). All of the dinuclear species 1, 2, 3a and 4a exhibit an argentophilic interaction with Ag···Ag distances in the range 3.18–2.99 Å. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) shows that 1 and 2 have lower decomposition temperatures (231 and 255 °C, respectively) than 3 and 4 (298 and 331 °C, respectively). 2 was further investigated as a precursor for metallic silver deposition by spin‐coating solutions (10–3 m, THF/DMSO, 4:1), followed by annealing at 310 °C on 52100 steel substrates. According to energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) the metal deposition proceeds primarily via an island growth (Volmer–Weber) mechanism.
Membrane Electrode Assemblies for Water Electrolysis using WO3‐Supported IrxRu1‐xO2 Catalysts
Authors: Baumann Nils , Cremers Carsten , Pinkwart Karsten , Tübke Jens
Published: December 2015

A hydrogen economy is one of the most promising concepts for the future energy infrastructure. The conversion of sunlight into hydrogen (H2) using directly coupled photovoltaics (PV) and a proton exchange membrane (PEM) water electrolysis cell could compliment the required hydrogen production by using excess renewable electricity. It has many advantages such as producing pure hydrogen at high photon‐to‐chemical energy efficiency and simple technical operation, but it suffers from the high cost of the catalyst. Here we show single‐cell tests using commercial membranes and an in‐house synthesized WO3‐supported IrxRu1‐xO2 anode catalyst. The catalyst was synthesized by Adam’s Fusion protocol and loaded onto the support using an annealing procedure. Membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) were prepared using an airbrush spraying technique. The electrolysis activity was greatly increased by adding tungsten carbide (WC) to the support, leading to a higher current density than commercial MEAs; however it also showed very fast degradation, losing most of the activity in minutes. The biggest issue in terms of stability seems to be on the cathode side of the cell.