bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
CCR6+ Th cell distribution differentiates systemic lupus erythematosus patients based on anti-dsDNA antibody status
Authors: Zhong Wei , Jiang Zhenyu , Wu Jiang , Jiang Yanfang , Zhao Ling 
Published: February 2018

Background
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) disease has been shown to be associated with the generation of multiple auto-antibodies. Among these, anti-dsDNA antibodies (anti-DNAs) are specific and play a pathogenic role in SLE. Indeed, anti-DNA+ SLE patients display a worse disease course. The generation of these pathogenic anti-DNAs has been attributed to the interaction between aberrant T helper (Th) cells and autoimmune B cells. Thus, in this study we have investigated whether CCR6+Th cells have the ability to differentiate SLE patients based on anti-DNA status, and if their distribution has any correlation with disease activity.

Methods
We recruited 25 anti-DNA+ and 25 anti-DNA− treatment-naive onset SLE patients, matched for various clinical characteristics in our nested matched case-control study. CCR6+ Th cells and their additional subsets were analyzed in each patient by flow cytometry.

Results
Anti-DNA+ SLE patients specifically had a higher percentage of Th cells expressing CCR6 and CXCR3. Further analysis of CCR6+ Th cell subsets showed that anti-DNA+ SLE patients had elevated proportions of Th9, Th17, Th17.1 and CCR4/CXCR3 double-negative (DN) cells. However, the proportions of CCR6− Th subsets, including Th1 and Th2 cells, did not show any association with anti-DNA status. Finally, we identified a correlation between CCR6+ Th subsets and clinical indicators, specifically in anti-DNA+ SLE patients.

Conclusions
Our data indicated that CCR6+ Th cells and their subsets were elevated and correlated with disease activity in anti-DNA+ SLE patients. We speculated that CCR6+ Th cells may contribute to distinct disease severity in anti-DNA+ SLE patients.
On the Chaotic Variability of Deep Convection in the Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Waldman Robin , Somot Samuel , Herrmann Marine , Sevault Florence , Isachsen Pål Erik 
Published: February 2018

AbstractChaotic intrinsic variability is a fundamental driver of the oceanic variability. Its understanding is key to interpret observations, evaluate numerical models, and predict the future ocean and climate. Here we study intrinsic variability of deep convection in the northwestern Mediterranean Sea using an ensemble eddy‐resolving hindcast simulation over the period 1979–2013. We find that the variability of deep convection is mostly forced but also, to a considerable extent, intrinsic. The intrinsic variability can dominate the total convection variability locally and over a single winter. It also makes up a significant fraction of its interannual variability but has only modest impacts on the long‐term mean state. We find that the occurrence of deep convection is random 18% of years at the basin scale, and 29% locally at the LION observational site. Spatially, the intrinsic variability is highest far from the continental shelf. We relate this pattern to baroclinic instability theory that takes bottom stabilization into account.
Role of Ocean Initial Conditions to Diminish Dry Bias in the Seasonal Prediction of Indian Summer Monsoon Rainfall: A Case Study Using Climate Forecast System
Authors: Koul Vimal , Parekh Anant , Srinivas G. , Kakatkar Rashmi , Chowdary Jasti S. , Gnanaseelan C. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractCoupled models tend to underestimate Indian summer monsoon (ISM) rainfall over most of the Indian subcontinent. Present study demonstrates that a part of dry bias is arising from the discrepancies in Oceanic Initial Conditions (OICs). Two hindcast experiments are carried out using Climate Forecast System (CFSv2) for summer monsoons of 2012–2014 in which two different OICs are utilized. With respect to first experiment (CTRL), second experiment (AcSAL) differs by two aspects: usage of high‐resolution atmospheric forcing and assimilation of only ARGO observed temperature and salinity profiles for OICs. Assessment of OICs indicates that the quality of OICs is enhanced due to assimilation of actual salinity profiles. Analysis reveals that AcSAL experiment showed 10% reduction in the dry bias over the Indian land region during the ISM compared to CTRL. This improvement is consistently apparent in each month and is highest for June. The better representation of upper ocean thermal structure of tropical oceans at initial stage supports realistic upper ocean stability and mixing. Which in fact reduced the dominant cold bias over the ocean, feedback to air‐sea interactions and land sea thermal contrast resulting better representation of monsoon circulation and moisture transport. This reduced bias of tropospheric moisture and temperature over the Indian land mass and also produced better tropospheric temperature gradient over land as well as ocean. These feedback processes reduced the dry bias in the ISM rainfall. Study concludes that initializing the coupled models with realistic OICs can reduce the underestimation of ISM rainfall prediction.
Lakefront Property Owners' Willingness to Accept Easements for Conservation of Water Quality and Habitat
Authors: Nohner Joel K. , Lupi Frank , Taylor William W. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractLakes provide valuable ecosystem services such as food, drinking water, and recreation, but shoreline development can degrade riparian habitats and lake ecosystems. Easement contracts for specific property rights can encourage conservation practices for enhanced water quality, fish habitat, and wildlife habitat, yet little is known about the easement market. We surveyed inland lake shoreline property owners in Michigan to assess supply of two conservation easements (in riparian and in littoral zones) and identified property and property owner characteristics influencing potential enrollment. Respondents were significantly less likely to enroll in littoral easements if they indicated there was social pressure for manicured lawns and more likely to enroll if they had more formal education, shoreline frontage, naturally occurring riparian plants, ecological knowledge, or if the lake shoreline was more developed. Enrollment in easements in the riparian zone was significantly less likely if property owners indicated social pressure for manicured lawns, but more likely if they had more formal education, naturally occurring riparian plants, or shoreline frontage. When payments were low (<$1,000 yr−1), marginal gains in enrollment were relatively high. Some respondents may enroll in littoral (29.8% ± 2.2; mean ± SE) and riparian (24.4% ± 2.1) easements even without payment. Estimated mean willingness to accept values were $1,365 yr−1 (littoral) and $7,298 yr−1 (riparian). Targeting high‐probability property owners with large shoreline frontages, more formal education, and high riparian plant coverages and conducting education to increase ecological knowledge and change social norms could increase conservation outcomes for water quality and habitat.
Contextualizing Wetlands Within a River Network to Assess Nitrate Removal and Inform Watershed Management
Authors: Czuba Jonathan A. , Hansen Amy T. , Foufoula‐Georgiou Efi , Finlay Jacques C. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractAquatic nitrate removal depends on interactions throughout an interconnected network of lakes, wetlands, and river channels. Herein, we present a network‐based model that quantifies nitrate‐nitrogen and organic carbon concentrations through a wetland‐river network and estimates nitrate export from the watershed. This model dynamically accounts for multiple competing limitations on nitrate removal, explicitly incorporates wetlands in the network, and captures hierarchical network effects and spatial interactions. We apply the model to the Le Sueur Basin, a data‐rich 2,880 km2 agricultural landscape in southern Minnesota and validate the model using synoptic field measurements during June for years 2013–2015. Using the model, we show that the overall limits to nitrate removal rate via denitrification shift between nitrate concentration, organic carbon availability, and residence time depending on discharge, characteristics of the waterbody, and location in the network. Our model results show that the spatial context of wetland restorations is an important but often overlooked factor because nonlinearities in the system, e.g., deriving from switching of resource limitation on denitrification rate, can lead to unexpected changes in downstream biogeochemistry. Our results demonstrate that reduction of watershed‐scale nitrate concentrations and downstream loads in the Le Sueur Basin can be most effectively achieved by increasing water residence time (by slowing the flow) rather than by increasing organic carbon concentrations (which may limit denitrification). This framework can be used toward assessing where and how to restore wetlands for reducing nitrate concentrations and loads from agricultural watersheds.
Directional Distributions
Authors: Mardia Kanti V. , Ley Christophe 
Published: February 2018

AbstractVarious practical situations give rise to observations that are directions, and this has led to the field of directional statistics. Especially in recent years, new applications of this area have emerged, such as in structural bioinformatics, machine learning and cosmology. Consequently, various new directional distributions have appeared in the literature including on the circle, sphere, cylinder, torus, among others. These distributions take into account the underlying manifold. In this article, we provide a thorough review of the most important directional distributions with their main properties. Wherever relevant, we also give some indication of the particular application area which has led to a specific distribution.
Mixed Outcomes
Authors: Molenberghs Geert , Verbeke Geert 
Published: February 2018

AbstractIn this article, we give an overview of the joint modeling of outcomes of a mixed type, both when these outcomes are measured once each, as well as when they are measured repeatedly. Specific attention is given to the setting of surrogate marker evaluation and risk assessment in the context of developmental toxicity studies. Data analysis illustrates the methods. Brief remarks are made about the available software.
G
‐Computation Formula
Authors: Daniel Rhian M. 
Published: February 2018

Abstract
The g‐computation formula, where “g” stands for general, is arguably the most fundamental of all the concepts and methods in statistical causal inference, as it responds directly to the question “what would happen if …?.” This directness makes it useful in a wide range of problems and (in conjunction with maximum likelihood estimation) statistically efficient. This article describes the g‐computation formula first in the simple context of estimating the effect of a binary exposure in the presence of measured confounders, before discussing its use in more complex settings, such as longitudinal studies with time‐dependent confounding, the comparison of dynamic regimes, and mediation analysis.
TheAmerican Statistical Association
Authors: Wasserstein Ronald L. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe American Statistical Association (ASA) is the world's largest community of statisticians. It is the second‐oldest continuously operating professional association in the country. In this article, we will review the mission and governance of the organization, and then review some of the activities of the ASA, which are driven by its mission. The purpose of this review is not to provide the full view of the ASA, but rather to give the reader a broad view of this association.
An adaptive sliding‐mode observer for a class of uncertain nonlinear systems
Authors: Ríos H. , Efimov D. , Perruquetti W. 
Published: February 2018

SummaryIn this paper, the problem of simultaneous state and parameter estimation is studied for a class of uncertain nonlinear systems. A nonlinear adaptive sliding‐mode observer is proposed based on a nonlinear parameter estimation algorithm. It is shown that such a nonlinear algorithm provides a rate of convergence faster than exponential, ie, faster than the classic linear algorithm. Then, the proposed parameter estimation algorithm is included in the structure of a sliding‐mode state observer, providing an ultimate bound for the full estimation error and attenuating the effects of the external disturbances. Moreover, the synthesis of the observer is given in terms of linear matrix inequalities. The corresponding proofs of convergence are developed based on the Lyapunov function approach and input‐to‐state stability theory. Some simulation results illustrate the efficiency of the proposed adaptive sliding‐mode observer.
3D Graphene Fibers Grown by Thermal Chemical Vapor Deposition
Authors: Zeng Jie , Ji Xixi , Ma Yihui , Zhang Zhongxing , Wang Shuguang , Ren Zhonghua , Zhi Chunyi , Yu Jie 
Published: February 2018

Abstract3D assembly of graphene sheets (GSs) is important for preserving the merits of the single‐atomic‐layered structure. Simultaneously, vertical growth of GSs has long been a challenge for thermal chemical vapor deposition (CVD). Here, vertical growth of the GSs is achieved in a thermal CVD reactor and a novel 3D graphene structure, 3D graphene fibers (3DGFs), is developed. The 3DGFs are prepared by carbonizing electrospun polyacrylonitrile fibers in NH3 and subsequently in situ growing the radially oriented GSs using thermal CVD. The GSs on the 3DGFs are densely arranged and interconnected with the edges fully exposed on the surface, resulting in high performances in multiple aspects such as electrical conductivity (3.4 × 104–1.2 × 105 S m−1), electromagnetic shielding (60 932 dB cm2 g−1), and superhydrophobicity and superoleophilicity, which are far superior to the existing 3D graphene materials. With the extraordinary properties along with the easy scalability of the simple thermal CVD, the novel 3DGFs are highly promising for many applications such as high‐strength and conducting composites, flexible conductors, electromagnetic shielding, energy storage, catalysis, and separation and purification. Furthermore, this strategy can be widely used to grow the vertical GSs on many other substrates by thermal CVD.
Polymer Solar Cells with 90% External Quantum Efficiency Featuring an Ideal Light‐ and Charge‐Manipulation Layer
Authors: Chen Jing‐De , Li Yan‐Qing , Zhu Jingshuai , Zhang Qianqian , Xu Rui‐Peng , Li Chi , Zhang Yue‐Xing , Huang Jing‐Sheng , Zhan Xiaowei , You Wei , Tang Jian‐Xin 
Published: February 2018

AbstractRapid progress in the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of polymer solar cells (PSEs) is beneficial from the factors that match the irradiated solar spectrum, maximize incident light absorption, and reduce photogenerated charge recombination. To optimize the device efficiency, a nanopatterned ZnO:Al2O3 composite film is presented as an efficient light‐ and charge‐manipulation layer (LCML). The Al2O3 shells on the ZnO nanoparticles offer the passivation effect that allows optimal electron collection by suppressing charge‐recombination loss. Both the increased refractive index and the patterned deterministic aperiodic nanostructure in the ZnO:Al2O3 LCML cause broadband light harvesting. Highly efficient single‐junction PSCs for different binary blends are obtained with a peak external quantum efficiency of up to 90%, showing certified PCEs of 9.69% and 13.03% for a fullerene blend of PTB7:PC71BM and a nonfullerene blend, FTAZ:IDIC, respectively. Because of the substantial increase in efficiency, this method unlocks the full potential of the ZnO:Al2O3 LCML toward future photovoltaic applications.
Atomically Dispersed Transition Metals on Carbon Nanotubes with Ultrahigh Loading for Selective Electrochemical Carbon Dioxide Reduction
Authors: Cheng Yi , Zhao Shiyong , Johannessen Bernt , Veder Jean‐Pierre , Saunders Martin , Rowles Matthew R. , Cheng Min , Liu Chang , Chisholm Matthew F. , De Marco Roland , Cheng Hui‐Ming , Yang Shi‐Ze , Jiang San Ping 
Published: February 2018

AbstractSingle‐atom catalysts (SACs) are the smallest entities for catalytic reactions with projected high atomic efficiency, superior activity, and selectivity; however, practical applications of SACs suffer from a very low metal loading of 1–2 wt%. Here, a class of SACs based on atomically dispersed transition metals on nitrogen‐doped carbon nanotubes (MSA‐N‐CNTs, where M = Ni, Co, NiCo, CoFe, and NiPt) is synthesized with an extraordinarily high metal loading, e.g., 20 wt% in the case of NiSA‐N‐CNTs, using a new multistep pyrolysis process. Among these materials, NiSA‐N‐CNTs show an excellent selectivity and activity for the electrochemical reduction of CO2 to CO, achieving a turnover frequency (TOF) of 11.7 s−1 at −0.55 V (vs reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE)), two orders of magnitude higher than Ni nanoparticles supported on CNTs.
Achieving Insertion‐Like Capacity at Ultrahigh Rate via Tunable Surface Pseudocapacitance
Authors: Zhai Teng , Sun Shuo , Liu Xiaojing , Liang Chaolun , Wang Gongming , Xia Hui 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe insertion/deinsertion mechanism enables plenty of charge‐storage sites in the bulk phase to be accessible to intercalated ions, giving rise to at least one more order of magnitude higher energy density than the adsorption/desorption mechanism. However, the sluggish ion diffusion in the bulk phase leads to several orders of magnitude slower charge‐transport kinetics. An ideal energy‐storage device should possess high power density and large energy density simultaneously. Herein, surface‐modified Fe2O3 quantum dots anchored on graphene nanosheets are developed and exhibit greatly enhanced pseudocapacitance via fast dual‐ion‐involved redox reactions with both large specific capacity and fast charge/discharge capability. By using an aqueous Na2SO3 electrolyte, the oxygen‐vacancy‐tuned Fe2O3 surface greatly enhances the absorption of SO32− anions that majorly increase the surface pseudocapacitance. Significantly, the Fe2O3‐based electrode delivers a high specific capacity of 749 C g−1 at 5 mV s−1 and retains 290 C g−1 at an ultrahigh scan rate of 3.2 V s−1. With a novel dual‐electrolyte design, a 2 V Fe2O3/Na2SO3//MnO2/Na2SO4 asymmetric supercapacitor is constructed, delivering a high energy density of 75 W h kg−1 at a power density of 3125 W kg−1.
Tough and Water‐Insensitive Self‐Healing Elastomer for Robust Electronic Skin
Authors: Kang Jiheong , Son Donghee , Wang Ging‐Ji Nathan , Liu Yuxin , Lopez Jeffrey , Kim Yeongin , Oh Jin Young , Katsumata Toru , Mun Jaewan , Lee Yeongjun , Jin Lihua , Tok Jeffrey B.‐H. , Bao Zhenan 
Published: February 2018

AbstractAn electronic (e‐) skin is expected to experience significant wear and tear over time. Therefore, self‐healing stretchable materials that are simultaneously soft and with high fracture energy, that is high tolerance of damage or small cracks without propagating, are essential requirements for the realization of robust e‐skin. However, previously reported elastomers and especially self‐healing polymers are mostly viscoelastic and lack high mechanical toughness. Here, a new class of polymeric material crosslinked through rationally designed multistrength hydrogen bonding interactions is reported. The resultant supramolecular network in polymer film realizes exceptional mechanical properties such as notch‐insensitive high stretchability (1200%), high toughness of 12 000 J m−2, and autonomous self‐healing even in artificial sweat. The tough self‐healing materials enable the wafer‐scale fabrication of robust and stretchable self‐healing e‐skin devices, which will provide new directions for future soft robotics and skin prosthetics.
The fitness benefits of germinating later than neighbors
Authors: Leverett Lindsay D. , Schieder IV George F. , Donohue Kathleen 
Published: February 2018

Premise of the StudyPhenology, the seasonal timing of development, can alter biotic interactions. Emergence from dormant or quiescent stages often occurs earlier when neighbors are present, which may reduce the neighbors' competitive effects. Delayed emergence in response to neighbors also has been observed, but the potential benefits of such delays are unclear. Further, emergence time may respond to neighbors experienced by parents, which may predict future competition in offspring.MethodsIn the annual plantArabidopsis thaliana(Brassicaceae), we quantified seed germination responses to neighbors in parental and offspring (seed) environments. To examine how observed changes in germination affect interactions with neighbors, we performed an outdoor experiment using neighbors of different sizes to represent different germination times.Key ResultsSeeds were more likely to germinate if their parent had neighbors, but they were less likely to germinate if they themselves experienced a neighbor cue (canopy). As seeds lost dormancy over time, they gained the ability to germinate under a canopy, which suggests that they germinate later in the presence of neighbors. Neighbors of both sizes reduced growth, survival to reproduction, fecundity, and total fitness, but large neighbors increased seedling survival. Smaller neighbors provided no such benefit and had stronger negative effects.ConclusionsDelayed germination in response to neighbors can reduce negative interactions and promote positive ones if it occurs late enough to expose seedlings to larger neighbors. By altering relative phenologies and, in turn, the outcomes of biotic interactions, phenological responses to environmental change may influence species interactions and community dynamics.
Carbon dynamics in the deciduous broadleaf tree Erman's birch (Betula ermanii) at the subalpine treeline on Changbai Mountain, Northeast China
Authors: Wang Qing‐Wei , Qi Lin , Zhou Wangming , Liu Cheng‐Gang , Yu Dapao , Dai Limin 
Published: February 2018

Premise of the StudyThe growth limitation hypothesis (GLH) and carbon limitation hypothesis (CLH) are two dominant explanations for treeline formation. The GLH proposes that low temperature drives the treeline through constraining C sinks more than C sources, and it predicts that non‐structural carbohydrate (NSC) levels are static or increase with elevation. Although the GLH has received strong support globally for evergreen treelines, there is still no consensus for deciduous treelines, which experience great asynchrony between supply and demand throughout the year.MethodsWe investigated growth and the growing‐season C dynamics in a common deciduous species, Erman's birch (Betula ermanii), along an elevational gradient from the closed forest to the treeline on Changbai Mountain, Northeast China. Samples were collected from developing organs (leaves and twigs) and main storage organs (stems and roots) for NSC analysis.Key ResultsTree growth decreased with increasing elevation, and NSC concentrations differed significantly among elevations, organs, and sampling times. In particular, NSC levels varied slightly during the growing season in leaves, peaked in the middle of the growing season in twigs and stems, and increased continuously throughout the growing season in roots. NSCs also tended to increase or vary slightly in developing organs but decreased significantly in mature organs with increasing elevation.ConclusionsThe decrease in NSCs with elevation in main storage organs indicates support for the CLH, while the increasing or static trends in new developing organs indicate support for the GLH. Our results suggest that the growth limitation theory may be less applicable to deciduous species' growth than to that of evergreen species.