bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparative genomic analysis of a new tellurite-resistantPsychrobacterstrain isolated from the Antarctic Peninsula
Authors: Muñoz-Villagrán Claudia Melissa , Mendez Katterinne N. , Cornejo Fabian , Figueroa Maximiliano , Undabarrena Agustina , Morales Eduardo Hugo , Arenas-Salinas Mauricio , Arenas Felipe Alejandro , Castro-Nallar Eduardo , Vásquez Claudio Christian 
Published: February 2018

ThePsychrobactergenus is a cosmopolitan and diverse group of aerobic, cold-adapted, Gram-negative bacteria exhibiting biotechnological potential for low-temperature applications including bioremediation. Here, we present the draft genome sequence of a bacterium from thePsychrobactergenus isolated from a sediment sample from King George Island, Antarctica (3,490,622 bp; 18 scaffolds; G + C = 42.76%). Using phylogenetic analysis, biochemical properties and scanning electron microscopy the bacterium was identified asPsychrobacter glacincolaBNF20, making it the first genome sequence reported for this species.P. glacincolaBNF20 showed high tellurite (MIC 2.3 mM) and chromate (MIC 6.0 mM) resistance, respectively. Genome-wide nucleotide identity comparisons revealed thatP. glacincolaBNF20 is highly similar (>90%) to other uncharacterizedPsychrobacterspp. such as JCM18903, JCM18902, and P11F6. Bayesian multi-locus phylogenetic analysis showed thatP. glacincolaBNF20 belongs to a polyphyletic clade with other bacteria isolated from polar regions. A high number of genes related to metal(loid) resistance were found, including tellurite resistance genetic determinants located in two contigs: Contig LIQB01000002.1 exhibited five ter genes, each showing putative promoter sequences (terACDEZ), whereas contig LIQB1000003.2 showed a variant of the terZ gene. Finally, investigating the presence and taxonomic distribution of ter genes in the NCBI’s RefSeq bacterial database (5,398 genomes, as January 2017), revealed that 2,623 (48.59%) genomes showed at least one ter gene. At the family level, most (68.7%) genomes harbored one ter gene and 15.6% exhibited five (includingP. glacincolaBNF20). Overall, our results highlight the diverse nature (genetic and geographic diversity) of thePsychrobactergenus, provide insights into potential mechanisms of metal resistance, and exemplify the benefits of sampling remote locations for prospecting new molecular determinants.
Effects of Climate/Land Surface Changes on Streamflow With Consideration of Precipitation Intensity and Catchment Characteristics in the Yellow River Basin
Authors: Lv Meixia , Ma Zhuguo , Lv Meizhao 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe climate elasticity of streamflow is an important indicator for quantifying the contributions of climate/underlying surface changes to streamflow, but precipitation intensity and catchment characteristics are usually ignored. In this study, the effects of precipitation amount (P), precipitation intensity (i), potential evapotranspiration (ET0), and multiple catchment characteristics parameters (including parameter n of the Choudhury‐Yang equation and vegetation leaf area index, LAI) on naturalized streamflow were estimated for the Yellow River Basin of China using elasticity of streamflow. The results showed that the naturalized streamflow was most sensitive to ET0, followed by P and i in terms of climate elasticity. The factors responsible for the decrease in naturalized streamflow in 2001–2010 relative to 1961–2000 varied across the basin. Factors i and ET0 played the most important roles in the headwaters and were responsible for 27.0% and −82.7% of the absolute streamflow change. The dominant factors were P (−17.6% to −12.5%), ET0 (−19.2% to −14.4%), and LAI (−22.9% to −14.0%) in the middle‐lower subbasins. The contributions of parameter n and LAI were similar in the headwaters, but the contribution of LAI became relatively large in the downstream. The physical meaning of n, which has not been clearly identified, was discussed in this study. The annual n was correlated well with the sum of evapotranspiration and terrestrial water storage, which represents the water both stored in the ground and evaporated into the air. The findings of this study can provide guidance for the river basin water resource management.
An International Multispecialty Validation Study of the IgG4‐Related Disease Responder Index
Authors: Wallace Zachary S. , Khosroshahi Arezou , Carruthers Mollie D. , Perugino Cory A. , Choi Hyon , Campochiaro Corrado , Culver Emma L. , Cortazar Frank , Della‐torre Emanuel , Ebbo Mikael , Fernandes Ana , Frulloni Luca , Hart Phil A. , Karadag Omer , Kawa Shigeyuki , Kawano Mitsuhiro , Kim Myung‐Hwan , Lanzillotta Marco , Matsui Shoko , Okazaki Kazuichi , Ryu Jay H. , Saeki Takako , Schleinitz Nicolas , Tanasa Paula , Umehara Hisanori , Webster George , Zhang Wen , Stone John H. 
Published: February 2018

ObjectiveIgG4‐related disease (IgG4‐RD) can cause fibroinflammatory lesions in nearly any organ, leading to organ dysfunction and failure. The IgG4‐RD Responder Index (RI) was developed to help investigators assess the efficacy of treatment in a structured manner. The aim of this study was to validate the RI in a multinational investigation.MethodsThe RI guides investigators through assessments of disease activity and damage in 25 domains, incorporating higher weights for disease manifestations that require urgent treatment or that worsen despite treatment. After a training exercise, investigators reviewed 12 written IgG4‐RD vignettes based on real patients. Investigators calculated both an RI score as well as a physician's global assessment (PhGA) score for each vignette. In a longitudinal assessment, 3 investigators used the RI in 15 patients with newly active disease who were followed up over serial visits after treatment. We assessed interrater and intrarater reliability, precision, validity, and responsiveness.ResultsThe 26 physician investigators included representatives from 6 specialties and 9 countries. The interrater and intrarater reliability of the RI was strong (0.89 and 0.69, respectively). Correlations (construct validity) between the RI and PhGA were high (Spearman's r = 0.9, P < 0.0001). The RI was sensitive to change (discriminant validity). Following treatment, there was significant improvement in the RI score (mean change 10.5 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 5.4–12], P < 0.001), which correlated with the change in the PhGA. Urgent disease and damage were captured effectively.DiscussionIn this international, multispecialty study, we observed that the RI is a valid and reliable disease activity assessment tool that can be used to measure response to therapy.
Clinical Characteristics and Factors Associated With Disability and Impaired Quality of Life in Children With Juvenile Systemic Sclerosis: Results From the Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance Legacy Registry
Authors: Stevens Brandi E. , Torok Kathryn S. , Li Suzanne C. , Hershey Nicole , Curran Megan , Higgins Gloria C. , Moore Katharine F. , Egla Rabinovich C. , Dodson Samuel , Stevens Anne M. ,   and the Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance Registry Investigators
Published: February 2018

ObjectiveTo investigate clinical manifestations of juvenile systemic sclerosis (SSc; scleroderma), including disease characteristics and patient quality of life, using the multinational Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance (CARRA) Legacy Registry.MethodsPatients with juvenile SSc were prospectively enrolled between 2010 and 2013. The diagnosis of juvenile SSc was determined by the enrolling pediatric rheumatologist, with the requirement for disease onset prior to age 18 years. Collected data included demographics, disease characteristics, medication exposure, and quality of life metrics.ResultsIn total, 64 patients with juvenile SSc were enrolled a median of 3.6 years after disease onset, which occurred at a median age of 10.3 years. The most common organ manifestations were dermatologic and vascular, followed by musculoskeletal, gastrointestinal, and pulmonary; in 38% of patients, ≥4 organ systems were affected. Patients with juvenile SSc had significantly more disability at enrollment compared with CARRA Legacy Registry patients with juvenile idiopathic arthritis, dermatomyositis, or systemic lupus erythematosus. Although physician‐reported measures correlated most closely with arthritis, dermatologic manifestations, and pulmonary manifestations, poor patient‐reported measures were associated with gastrointestinal involvement. During >50 person‐years of follow‐up, most organ manifestations remained stable, and no mortality or development of new solid organ involvement after enrollment was reported.ConclusionIn the first multicenter prospective cohort of patients with juvenile SSc in North America, the disease burden was high: multiorgan manifestations were common, and functional disability was greater than that observed in patients with other childhood‐onset rheumatic diseases. Gastrointestinal involvement had the greatest impact on quality of life.
Iron‐Catalyzed Ring‐Opening/Allylation of Cyclobutanone Oxime Esters with Allylic Sulfones
Authors: Zhao Jing‐Feng , Gao Pin , Duan Xin‐Hua , Guo Li‐Na 
Published: February 2018

AbstractAn iron‐catalyzed radical allylation of cyclobutanone oxime esters with allylic sulfones via C−C bond cleavage is reported. This protocol provides a straight‐forward approach to cyanoalkylated alkenes with good functional group tolerance and high regioselectivity. Furthermore, this reaction can be further expanded to ring‐opening of less‐strained cyclopentanone oxime esters, leading to desired cyanoalkylated alkenes in good yields.magnified image
Food retail market structure and produce purchases in the United States
Authors: Cai Xiaowei , Volpe Richard , Schroeter Christiane , Mancino Lisa 
Published: February 2018

AbstractMarket concentration is associated with food prices, but little is known about the other potential economic consequences of market structure in food retailing. We create a novel dataset by merging IRI household‐level purchase records with Nielsen TDLinx data on store location and USDA Food Environment Atlas data to study the food market structure and produce purchases. Treating zip codes as markets, we find that increased market concentration is associated with decreased produce expenditures. This impact is larger in rural markets than in urban areas. In addition, the presence of most nontraditional store formats such as convenience stores and dollar stores is associated with decreased produce purchases. However, the opposite is true for club stores and natural/gourmet supermarkets. The estimated effects of market entry are small, supporting the literature on supermarket intervention studies. [EconLit citations: L1, D1, D4, R2].
Cellulose nanofibers produced from various agricultural residues and their reinforcement effects in polymer nanocomposites
Authors: Sinclair Alexander , Jiang Long , Bajwa Dilpreet , Bajwa Sreekala , Tangpong Siwakorn , Wang Xinnan 
Published: February 2018

ABSTRACTCellulose nanofibers (CNFs) have gained widespread attention due to their extraordinary potential as superior reinforcement to improve physical and mechanical properties of polymer matrix nanocomposites. Biomass residues from local North Dakota represent a potential source for these high value structural constituents. Two types of soybean hull, wheat straw, and softwood flour were subjected to chemical pretreatments followed by mechanical fibrillation to produce CNFs. Atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy results show that nanofibers with uniform diameters in the nanometer range can be easily synthesized. The nanofibers reinforcement potential was then explored via integration of the fibers into a poly(ethylene oxide) polymer matrix. Significant reinforcement effect of the nanofibers was observed from the nanocomposites: tensile modulus and yield strength of the nanocomposites were increased up to 154% and 103%, respectively. The CNFs extracted from the two types of soybean hull and wood flour showed stronger reinforcement (in terms of both modulus and yield strength) than that of the traditional wood pulp based CNFs. The nanofibers extracted from wheat straw showed higher strength but lower modulus compared with those of the traditional CNFs. More work is however needed to improve production reliability/repeatability of the agricultural residue based nanofibers. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46304.
Carbon nanotubes/polyaniline nanocomposite coatings: Preparation, rheological behavior, and their application in paper surface treatment
Authors: Mao Teng , Tang Yanjun , Zhang Yu , Zhang Junhua , Guo Daliang 
Published: February 2018

ABSTRACTConventional cellulosic paper, rendered electro‐conductive, may hold considerable promise for diversified applications in such areas as electro‐magnetic interference shielding and energy storage. Here, an electro‐conductive cellulosic paper was prepared by surface application of multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs)/polyaniline (PANI) nanocomposites onto a conventional base paper. MWCNTs/PANI nanocomposites were prepared by in situ polymerization of aniline with different contents of MWCNTs and used as electro‐conductive filler for the fabrication of electro‐conductive surface‐coated paper. The achieved MWCNTs/PANI nanocomposites exhibited a core‐shell structure, as evidenced by TEM. Effects of feeding ratios of MWCNTs on the rheological behavior of nanocomposite coatings, as well as the mechanical properties and electrical conductivity of surface‐coated paper were studied. Results revealed that the rheological behavior of the nanocomposite coatings showed strong dependence on the MWCNTs content. Moreover, both the electro‐conductivity and mechanical properties of surface‐coated paper were improved as a function of surface application of MWCNTs/PANI nanocomposites, particularly, in presence of an optimum content of MWCNTs. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46329.
Impaired Proteasomal Function in Human Osteoarthritic Chondrocytes Can Contribute to Decreased Levels of SOX9 and Aggrecan
Authors: Serrano Ramon L. , Chen Liang‐Yu , Lotz Martin K. , Liu‐Bryan Ru , Terkeltaub Robert 
Published: February 2018

ObjectiveOsteoarthritis (OA) chondrocytes exhibit impairment of autophagy, one arm of the proteostasis network that coordinates proteome and organelle quality control and degradation. Deficient proteostasis impacts differentiation and viability, and inflammatory processes in aging and disease. The present study was undertaken to assess ubiquitin proteasome system proteasomal function in OA chondrocytes.MethodsWe evaluated human knee cartilage by immunohistochemistry, and assessed proteasomal function, levels of proteasomal core subunits and chaperones, and autophagy in cultured chondrocytes. Assays included Western blotting, quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction, proteasomal protease activity assessment, and cell immunofluorescence analysis.ResultsHuman knee OA cartilage exhibited polyubiquitin accumulation, with increased ubiquitin K48‐linked polyubiquitinated proteins in situ, suggesting proteasomal impairment. Cultured OA chondrocytes demonstrated accumulation of K48 polyubiquitinated proteins, significantly reduced 20S proteasome core protease activity, and decreased levels of phosphorylated FOXO4 and proteasome 26S subunit, non‐ATPase 11 (PSMD11), a FOXO4‐inducible promoter of proteasomal activation. Levels of proteasome subunit β type 3 (PSMB3), PSMB5, PSMB6, and proteasome assembly chaperone 1 were not decreased in OA chondrocytes. In normal chondrocytes, PSMD11 small interfering RNA knockdown stimulated certain autophagy machinery elements, increased extracellular nitric oxide (NO) levels, and reduced chondrocytic master transcription factor SOX9 protein and messenger RNA (mRNA) and aggrecan (AGC1) mRNA. PSMD11 gain‐of‐ function by transfection increased proteasomal function, increased levels of SOX9‐induced AGC1 mRNA, stimulated elements of the autophagic machinery, and inhibited extracellular levels of interleukin‐1–induced NO and matrix metalloproteinase 13 in OA chondrocytes.ConclusionDeficient PSMD11, associated with reduced phosphorylated FOXO4, promotes impaired proteasomal function in OA chondrocytes, dysregulation of chondrocytic homeostasis, and decreased levels of SOX9 mRNA, SOX9 protein, and AGC1 mRNA. Chondrocyte proteasomal impairment may be a therapeutic target for OA.
A Multicenter Study of the Validity and Reliability of Responses to Hand Cold Challenge as Measured by Laser Speckle Contrast Imaging and Thermography
Authors: Wilkinson Jack D. , Leggett Sarah A. , Marjanovic Elizabeth J. , Moore Tonia L. , Allen John , Anderson Marina E. , Britton Jason , Buch Maya H. , Del Galdo Francesco , Denton Christopher P. , Dinsdale Graham , Griffiths Bridgett , Hall Frances , Howell Kevin , MacDonald Audrey , McHugh Neil J. , Manning Joanne B. , Pauling John D. , Roberts Christopher , Shipley Jacqueline A. , Herrick Ariane L. , Murray Andrea K. 
Published: February 2018

ObjectiveReliable and objective outcome measures to facilitate clinical trials of novel treatments for systemic sclerosis (SSc)–related Raynaud's phenomenon (RP) are badly needed. Laser speckle contrast imaging (LSCI) and thermography are noninvasive measures of perfusion that have shown excellent potential. This multicenter study was undertaken to determine the reliability and validity of a hand cold challenge protocol using LSCI, standard thermography, and low‐cost cell phone/mobile phone thermography (henceforth referred to as mobile thermography) in patients with SSc‐related RP.MethodsPatients with RP secondary to SSc were recruited from 6 UK tertiary care centers. The patients underwent cold challenge on 2 consecutive days. Changes in cutaneous blood flow/skin temperature at each visit were imaged simultaneously using LSCI, standard thermography, and mobile thermography. Measurements included area under the curve (AUC) for reperfusion/rewarming and maximum blood flow rate/skin temperature after rewarming (MAX). Test–retest reliability was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). Estimated latent correlations (estimated from multilevel models, taking values between −1 and 1; denoted as rho values) were used to assess the convergent validity of LSCI and thermography.ResultsIn total, 159 patients (77% with limited cutaneous SSc) were recruited (84% female, median age 63.3 years). LSCI and standard thermography both had substantial reliability, with ICCs for the reperfusion/rewarming AUC of 0.67 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.54, 0.76) and 0.68 (95% CI 0.58, 0.80), respectively, and ICCs for the MAX of 0.64 (95% CI 0.52, 0.75) and 0.72 (95% CI 0.64, 0.81), respectively. Very high latent correlations were present for the AUCs of LSCI and thermography (ρ = 0.94; 95% CI 0.87, 1.00) and for the AUCs of standard and mobile thermography (ρ = 0.98; 95% CI 0.94, 1.00).ConclusionThis is the first multicenter study to examine the reliability and validity of cold challenge using LSCI and thermography in patients with SSc‐related RP. LSCI and thermography both demonstrated good potential as outcome measures. LSCI, standard thermography, and mobile thermography had very high convergent validity.
Evidence of Alternative Modes of B Cell Activation Involving Acquired Fab Regions of N‐Glycosylation in Antibody‐Secreting Cells Infiltrating the Labial Salivary Glands of Patients With Sjögren’s Syndrome
Authors: Koelsch Kristi A. , Cavett Joshua , Smith Kenneth , Moore Jacen S. , Lehoux Sylvain D. , Jia Nan , Mather Tim , Quadri Syed M. S. , Rasmussen Astrid , Kaufman C. Erick , Lewis David M. , Radfar Lida , Scordino Teresa A. , Lessard Christopher J. , Kurien Biji T. , Cummings Richard D. , James Judith A. , Sivils Kathy L. , Farris A. Darise , Scofield R. Hal 
Published: February 2018

ObjectiveTo better understand the role of B cells, the potential mechanisms responsible for their aberrant activation, and the production of autoantibodies in the pathogenesis of Sjögren's syndrome (SS), this study explored patterns of selection pressure and sites of N‐glycosylation acquired by somatic mutation (acN‐glyc) in the IgG variable (V) regions of antibody‐secreting cells (ASCs) isolated from the minor salivary glands of patients with SS and non‐SS control patients with sicca symptoms.MethodsA novel method to produce and characterize recombinant monoclonal antibodies (mAb) from single cell–sorted ASC infiltrates was applied to concurrently probe expressed genes (all heavy‐ and light‐chain isotypes as well as any other gene of interest not related to immunoglobulin) in the labial salivary glands of patients with SS and non‐SS controls. V regions were amplified by reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction, sequenced, and analyzed for the incidence of N‐glycosylation and selection pressure. For specificity testing, the amplified regions were expressed as either the native mAb or mutant mAb lacking the acN‐glyc motif. Protein modeling was used to demonstrate how even an acN‐glyc site outside of the complementarity‐determining region could participate in, or inhibit, antigen binding.ResultsV‐region sequence analyses revealed clonal expansions and evidence of secondary light‐chain editing and allelic inclusion, of which neither of the latter two have previously been reported in patients with SS. Increased frequencies of acN‐glyc were found in the sequences from patients with SS, and these acN‐glyc regions were associated with an increased number of replacement mutations and lowered selection pressure. A clonal set of polyreactive mAb with differential framework region 1 acN‐glyc motifs was also identified, and removal of the acN‐glyc could nearly abolish binding to autoantigens.ConclusionThese findings support the notion of an alternative mechanism for the selection and proliferation of some autoreactive B cells, involving V‐region N‐glycosylation, in patients with SS.
Body image flexibility: A predictor and moderator of outcome in transdiagnostic outpatient eating disorder treatment
Authors: Pellizzer Mia L. , Waller Glenn , Wade Tracey D. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractObjectivePredictors of attrition and predictors and moderators of outcome were explored in a transdiagnostic sample of patients who received ten‐session cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT‐T) for nonunderweight eating disorders. Body image flexibility, a protective positive body image construct, was hypothesized to be a significant moderator.MethodData from two case series were combined to form a sample of 78 participants who received CBT‐T. Baseline measures of body image, negative affect, personality, and motivation (readiness to change and self‐efficacy) were included as potential predictors. Global eating disorder psychopathology at each assessment point (baseline, mid‐ and post‐treatment, 1‐ and 3‐month follow‐up) was the outcome variable. Predictors of attrition were assessed using logistic regression, and multilevel modeling was applied for predictors and moderators of outcome.ResultsBody image flexibility emerged as the strongest predictor and moderator of global eating disorder psychopathology, followed by body image avoidance. Body checking, negative affect, personality beliefs, and self‐efficacy were significant predictors of global eating disorder psychopathology.DiscussionHigher body image flexibility predicted lower global eating disorder psychopathology at every assessment point. Further research is required to replicate findings and explore the benefit of focusing on positive body image in treatment.