bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Triggered tectonic tremor in various types of fault systems of Japan following the 2012 Mw8.6 Sumatra earthquake
Authors: Chao Kevin , Obara Kazushige 
Published: December 2015

AbstractTectonic tremor, an extremely stress‐sensitive seismic phenomenon occurring in the brittle‐ductile transition section of a fault, is associated with the shearing mechanism of slow slip. Observations of triggered tremor can facilitate the evaluation of the existence of background ambient tremor and slow‐slip events. This paper presents widespread triggered tremor sources in Japan initiated by the surface waves of the 2012 Mw8.6 Sumatra earthquake on strike‐slip and thrust faults, in the deep volcanic low‐frequency earthquake active area, in the shallow tectonic tremor and very low frequency earthquake active regions, and in the subduction zone. In most regions, the amplitudes of triggered tremor are generally logarithmically proportional to the dynamic stress caused by various triggering earthquakes. Our observations suggest that triggered tremor in the newly discovered sources is the result of a more rapid rate of background ambient tremor, and evidence has suggested the existence of ambient tremor in some regions.
An analysis of five negative sprite‐parent discharges and their associated thunderstorm charge structures
Authors: Boggs Levi D. , Liu Ningyu , Splitt Michael , Lazarus Steven , Glenn Chad , Rassoul Hamid , Cummer Steven A. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractIn this study we analyze the discharge morphologies of five confirmed negative sprite‐parent discharges and the associated charge structures of the thunderstorms that produced them. The negative sprite‐parent lightning took place in two thunderstorms that were associated with a tropical disturbance in east central and south Florida. The first thunderstorm, which moved onshore in east central Florida, produced four of the five negative sprite‐parent discharges within a period of 17 min, as it made landfall from the Atlantic Ocean. These negative sprite‐parents were composed of bolt‐from‐the‐blue (BFB), hybrid intracloud‐negative cloud‐to‐ground (IC‐NCG), and multicell IC‐NCGs discharges. The second thunderstorm, which occurred inland over south Florida, produced a negative sprite‐parent that was a probable hybrid IC‐NCG discharge and two negative gigantic jets (GJs). Weakened upper positive charge with very large midlevel negative charge was inferred for both convective cells that initiated the negative‐sprite‐parent discharges. Our study suggests tall, intense convective systems with high wind shear at the middle to upper regions of the cloud accompanied by low cloud‐to‐ground (CG) flash rates promote these charge structures. The excess amount of midlevel negative charge results in these CG discharges transferring much more charge to ground than typical negative CG discharges. We find that BFB discharges prefer an asymmetrical charge structure that brings the negative leader exiting the upper positive charge region closer to the lateral positive screening charge layer. This may be the main factor in determining whether a negative leader exiting the upper positive region of the thundercloud forms a BFB or GJ.
Late Holocene climate: Natural or anthropogenic?
Authors: Ruddiman W. F. , Fuller D. Q. , Kutzbach J. E. , Tzedakis P. C. , Kaplan J. O. , Ellis E. C. , Vavrus S. J. , Roberts C. N. , Fyfe R. , He F. , Lemmen C. , Woodbridge J. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractFor more than a decade, scientists have argued about the warmth of the current interglaciation. Was the warmth of the preindustrial late Holocene natural in origin, the result of orbital changes that had not yet driven the system into a new glacial state? Or was it in considerable degree the result of humans intervening in the climate system through greenhouse gas emissions from early agriculture? Here we summarize new evidence that moves this debate forward by testing both hypotheses. By comparing late Holocene responses to those that occurred during previous interglaciations (in section 2), we assess whether the late Holocene responses look different (and thus anthropogenic) or similar (and thus natural). This comparison reveals anomalous (anthropogenic) signals. In section 3, we review paleoecological and archaeological syntheses that provide ground truth evidence on early anthropogenic releases of greenhouse gases. The available data document large early anthropogenic emissions consistent with the anthropogenic ice core anomalies, but more information is needed to constrain their size. A final section compares natural and anthropogenic interpretations of the δ13C trend in ice core CO2.
Trends in Multiresidue Analysis
Authors: Moreno‐González David , Lara Francisco J. , del Olmo‐Iruela Monsalud , García‐Campaña Ana M. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractThe global concern about food safety and environment quality has produced the development of a legal framework to control residues of organic compounds (e.g. pesticides and veterinary and human drugs). In this context, the establishment of analytical methods achieving satisfactory performances in terms of sensitivity, selectivity, resolution, identification, sample throughput, and applicability has been mandatory. Multiresidue methods based on chromatographic techniques, mainly gas chromatography (GC) and liquid chromatography (LC), coupled to mass spectrometry (MS), have been applied and sample preparation has evolved through the development of miniaturized and environmentally friendly procedures according to the Green Chemistry. In addition, generic extraction procedures for multiclass analysis have been optimized, increasing sample throughput. Capillary electrophoresis (CE) has emerged as an alternative to LC and GC, owing to the development of on‐line preconcentration strategies for increasing sensitivity. This article aims to show an overview about the current trends in the analysis of pesticide and drugs in food and environmental samples, discussing the relevant advances in sample treatments and the technological evolution of the instrumental techniques. We hope to offer with this article a critical review of the analytical possibilities for routine analysis laboratories.
Progress in Open Rotor Research
Authors: Van Zante Dale E. 
Published: December 2015

In response to the 1970s oil crisis, NASA created the Advanced Turboprop Project (ATP) to mature technologies for high‐speed propellers to enable large reductions in fuel burn relative to turbofan engines of that era. Both single rotation and contra‐rotation concepts were designed and tested in ground‐based facilities as well as in flight. Some novel concepts/configurations were proposed as part of the effort. The high‐speed propeller concepts did provide fuel burn savings, albeit with some acoustics and structural challenges to overcome. When fuel prices fell, the business case for radical new engine configurations collapsed and the research emphasis returned to high‐bypass‐ducted configurations.With rising oil prices and increased environmental concerns, there is renewed interest in high‐speed propeller‐based engine architectures. Contemporary analysis tools for aerodynamics and aeroacoustics have enabled a new era of blade designs that have both high efficiency and lower noise characteristics. A recent series of tests in the United States have characterized the aerodynamic performance and noise from these modern contra‐rotating propeller designs. Additionally, the installation and noise shielding aspects for conventional airframes and blended wing bodies have been studied.Historical estimates of “propfan” performance have relied on legacy propeller performance and acoustics data. Current system studies make use of the modern propeller data with higher fidelity installation effects data to estimate the performance of a contemporary aircraft system with favorable results. This chapter presents the current state of high‐speed propeller/open rotor research in the United States from an overall viewpoint of the various ongoing efforts, including the current projections for the technology.
Cigarette Smoking and the Risk of Incident Gout in a Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Gee Teng Gim , Pan An , Yuan Jian‐Min , Koh Woon‐Puay 
Published: December 2015

ObjectiveCigarette smoking is shown to reduce serum urate. However, its impact on risk of gout is unknown. We prospectively examined the relationship between cigarette smoking and gout risk in this Asian cohort.MethodsWe analyzed the data from the Singapore Chinese Health Study, a cohort of 63,257 Chinese ages 45–74 years at recruitment in 1993–1998. Information on cigarette smoking and other lifestyle factors was collected through in‐person interviews at recruitment. This analysis included 53,213 participants who took part in either the first followup (1999–2004) and/or the second followup interviews (2006–2010). Cox proportional hazards models were used to assess the relationship between cigarette smoking and gout risk.ResultsA total of 2,244 incident cases of physician‐diagnosed gout were identified after a mean followup of 11.1 years. Among men, compared to never smokers, the risk of gout in current smokers was decreased by 27% (hazard ratio [HR] 0.73 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.63–0.84]). This risk reduction was greater in lean male smokers (HR 0.69 [95% CI 0.57–0.83]) than overweight smokers (HR 0.87 [95% CI 0.67–1.13]) (P = 0.09 for interaction). This inverse association with smoking was rapidly attenuated to become null even in former smokers who had recently quit smoking. Conversely, there was no association between smoking and gout risk in women. In a companion cross‐sectional study, current smokers had significantly lower levels of serum urate than former and never smokers, and this observation was present in men and not women.ConclusionCurrent smoking is associated with lower risk of gout in men in this Asian cohort.
Sensitivity to Change of Patient‐Preference Measures for Pain in Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis: Data From Two Trials
Authors: Parkes Matthew J. , Callaghan Michael J. , O'Neill Terence W. , Forsythe Laura M. , Lunt Mark , Felson David T. 
Published: December 2015

ObjectiveIn osteoarthritis (OA) clinical trials, a pain measure that is most sensitive to change is considered optimal. We compared sensitivity to change of patient‐reported pain outcomes, including a patient‐preference measure (where the patient nominates an activity that aggravates their pain).MethodsWe used data from 2 trials of patients with confirmed (American College of Rheumatology criteria) knee OA: a trial of brace treatment for patellofemoral OA, and a trial of intraarticular steroids in knee OA. Both trials reported an improvement in pain following treatment. Participants rated pain on a 100‐mm visual analog scale (VAS), in the activity that caused them the most knee pain (VASNA), as well as completing questions on overall knee pain and the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) questionnaire. Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) scores were also calculated from the KOOS. Standardized changes in each outcome were generated between treatment and control after 6 weeks intervention in the BRACE trial, and 1–2 weeks following intervention in the steroid trial.ResultsThe VASNA produced standardized changes following treatment that were at least as large as other pain outcomes. In the BRACE trial, the between‐groups standardized change with the VASNA was −0.63, compared with the KOOS pain subscale change of −0.33, and pain in the last week VAS change of −0.56. In the steroid study, within‐group change following treatment in the VASNA was −0.60, compared to the last week VAS change of −0.51, and KOOS pain subscale change of −0.58.ConclusionPain on nominated activity appears to be at least as, and in some cases more, sensitive to change than the KOOS/WOMAC questionnaire.
Utility of Urinary Protein‐Creatinine Ratio and Protein Content in a 24‐Hour Urine Collection in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Medina‐Rosas Jorge , Yap Kristy S. , Anderson Melanie , Su Jiandong , Touma Zahi 
Published: December 2015

ObjectiveTo systematically review literature on the utility of spot urinary protein‐creatinine ratio (PCR) as a screening test for proteinuria and its ability to accurately measure proteinuria compared with 24‐hour urine collection (24H‐P) in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).MethodsWe conducted a literature search (1900–2015) for articles comparing PCR and 24H‐P in SLE patients in the databases Medline, Web of Science, and Embase. Included studies and their results were critically appraised and analyzed.ResultsThirteen studies (1,001 patients; 84.01% women) were included. Ten studies reported on Pearson's correlation (range 0.67–0.94), and 3 studies reported on Spearman's correlation (range 0.78–1.00). The meta‐analysis of studies with Pearson's correlation showed a high overall correlation of 0.80 between 24H‐P and PCR, yet with high heterogeneity (I2 = 97.2%). Correlation analysis is not sufficient to evaluate the utility of a new test against the gold standard test, and analysis on agreement is required. Seven studies reported on agreement: 3 studies analyzed concordance correlation coefficient (0.48–0.94), 3 analyzed intraclass correlation coefficient (0.66–0.95), and 1 analyzed kappa coefficient (0.58). These results confirmed that the agreement between 24H‐P and PCR was inappropriate. Three studies included Bland‐Altman plots, and the results also demonstrated poor agreement between both tests.ConclusionThe PCR has a utility as a screening test for proteinuria in SLE patients. The studies' results of 24H‐P and PCR showed poor agreement between both tests, signifying that PCR should not be a substitute for the gold standard test (24H‐P) to accurately measure proteinuria.
Ideal Cardiovascular Health Metrics and Incident Hyperuricemia
Authors: Li Zheng , Meng Lingmin , Huang Zhe , Cui Liufu , Li Weijuan , Gao Jingsheng , Wang Zhanqi , Zhang Rui , Zhou Jing , Zhang Ge , Chen Shuohua , Zheng Xiaoming , Cong Hongliang , Gao Xiang , Wu Shouling 
Published: December 2015

ObjectiveHyperuricemia has been shown to be associated with increased risks of gout and cardiovascular diseases. We prospectively investigated the association between the American Heart Association (AHA) ideal cardiovascular health metrics, including smoking, body mass index, dietary intake, physical activity, blood pressure, total cholesterol, and fasting blood glucose, and the risk of developing hyperuricemia.MethodsWe included 77,787 Chinese adults, ages ≥18 years (60,951 men and 16,836 women), without hyperuricemia at the baseline (2006) in this study. Information on the cardiovascular health metrics at baseline was collected. Incident hyperuricemia cases were identified by elevated serum uric acid concentrations, which were repeatedly assessed in 2006, 2008, 2010, and 2012, respectively. Cox regression was used to calculate the hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) for incident hyperuricemia according to the baseline ideal cardiovascular health metrics.ResultsWe observed an inverse relation between the greater numbers of ideal cardiovascular health metrics at baseline and lower risks of developing hyperuricemia during 6 years of followup. After adjusting for age, sex, alcohol consumption, and other potential confounders, the HRs for incident hyperuricemia were 0.95, 0.84, 0.72, and 0.64 (95% CIs 0.58–0.70, P for trend < 0.0001) for participants who met 2, 3, 4, and 5–7 metrics, respectively, compared with those who met 0–1 cardiovascular health metrics.ConclusionGreater cardiovascular health metrics were associated with lower risk of hyperuricemia in this Chinese population, suggesting that the modifiable construct defined by the AHA could be of significance in reducing the risk of developing hyperuricemia‐related diseases, such as gout.
Preparation and characterization of polybutylene‐succinate/poly(ethylene‐glycol)/cellulose nanocrystals ternary composites
Authors: Ludueña Leandro N. , Fortunati Elena , Morán Juan I. , Alvarez Vera A. , Cyras Viviana P. , Puglia Debora , Manfredi Liliana B. , Pracella Mariano 
Published: December 2015

ABSTRACTTernary composites were prepared by twin screw extrusion from polybutylene‐succinate (PBS), poly(ethylene‐glycol) (PEG), and cellulose nanocrystals (CNC). The aim of the work is to improve the physical–mechanical properties of PBS by the addition of CNC. A PEG/CNC masterbatch was prepared in order to achieve a good dispersion of hydrophilic CNC in the hydrophobic PBS. The influence of the nanoparticle content on the polymer properties was studied. Regarding the thermal properties fractioned crystallization phenomena of PEG was observed during cooling from the melt. No significant nucleating effect of the nanocellulose was observed. The material containing 4 wt % of CNC showed the best mechanical performance among the nanocomposites studied due to the combination of high modulus and elongation at break with a low detrimental in strength compared with the PBS/PEG blend. Moreover, no nanocellulose agglomerations were observed in its FESEM micrograph. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43302.
A Novel HLA–DRB1*10:01–Restricted T Cell Epitope From Citrullinated Type II Collagen Relevant to Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Chemin Karine , Pollastro Sabrina , James Eddie , Ge Changrong , Albrecht Inka , Herrath Jessica , Gerstner Christina , Tandre Karolina , Sampaio Rizzi Thais , Rönnblom Lars , Catrina Anca , Holmdahl Rikard , Klareskog Lars , de Vries Niek , Malmström Vivianne 
Published: December 2015

ObjectiveAntibodies against citrullinated type II collagen (Cit‐CII) are common in the sera and synovial fluid of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA); however, the known T cell epitope of CII is not dependent on citrullination. The aim of this study was to identify and functionally characterize the Cit‐CII–restricted T cell epitopes that are relevant to RA.MethodsPeripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from HLA–DRB1*10:01–positive patients with RA and healthy donors were stimulated in vitro with candidate CII peptides. CD154 up‐regulation was measured as a marker of antigen‐specific activation, and anti–HLA–DR–blocking experiments confirmed HLA restriction. Cytokine production was measured using a Luminex technique. Direct peptide‐binding assays using HLA–DRB1*10:01 and HLA–DRB1*04:01 monomeric proteins were performed. The T cell receptor (TCR) β‐chain of CD154‐enriched antigen‐specific T cells was analyzed using high‐throughput sequencing.ResultsA novel Cit‐CII peptide was identified based on its ability to activate CD4+ T cells from HLA–DRB1*10:01–positive individuals. When stimulated in vitro, Cit‐CII autoreactive T cells produced proinflammatory cytokines. Cit‐CII311–325 bound (with low affinity) to HLA–DRB1*10:01 but not to HLA–DRB1*04:01, while the native form was unable to bind either protein. In addition, highly expanded clones were identified in the TCRβ repertoire of Cit‐CII311–325–stimulated PBMCs.ConclusionThese results illustrate the ability of the citrullination process to create T cell epitopes from CII, a cartilage‐restricted protein that is relevant to RA pathogenesis. The exclusive binding of Cit‐CII311–325 to HLA–DRB1*10:01 suggests that recognition of citrullinated epitopes might vary between individuals carrying different RA‐associated HLA–DR molecules.
Bone Morphogenetic Protein and Activin Membrane–Bound Inhibitor, a Transforming Growth Factor β Rheostat That Controls Murine Treg Cell/Th17 Cell Differentiation and the Development of Autoimmune Arthritis by Reducing Interleukin‐2 Signaling
Authors: Postigo Jorge , Iglesias Marcos , Álvarez Pilar , Jesús Augustin Juan , Buelta Luis , Merino Jesús , Merino Ramón 
Published: December 2015

ObjectiveTransforming growth factor β (TGFβ) plays a prominent role in the establishment of immunologic tolerance, and mice lacking TGFβ1 die of multiorgan inflammation early in life. TGFβ controls the differentiation of CD4+ lymphocytes into Treg cells or proinflammatory Th17 cells. Although this dual capacity is modulated by the presence of additional cytokines around the activated cells, TGFβ also dissociates Th17/Treg cell differentiation in a dose‐dependent manner by mechanisms still unknown. The purpose of this study was to explore the contribution of bone morphogenetic protein and activin membrane–bound inhibitor (BAMBI) to the modulation of TGFβ activity during the differentiation of CD4+ cells and in the control of immunologic tolerance in mice with collagen‐induced arthritis (CIA).MethodsThe in vitro and in vivo Treg cell and Th17 cell differentiation and the development of CIA were compared in wild‐type mice and BAMBI‐deficient mice.ResultsBAMBI was induced after activation by TGFβ and fixed the appropriate intensity level of TGFβ signaling in CD4+ cells. Its deficiency protected mice against the development of CIA by a Treg cell– and TGFβ‐dependent mechanism. Mechanistically, BAMBI was found to regulate CD25 expression and interleukin‐2 (IL‐2) signaling in Treg cells and in IL‐2– and/or TGFβ‐activated CD4+ cells and modulated Treg cell and Th17 cell differentiation both in vitro and in vivo.ConclusionTaken together, the results indicate that BAMBI is a component of a rheostat‐like mechanism that, through the control of TGFβ and IL‐2 signaling strength, regulates the differentiation of CD4+ lymphocytes and the development of autoimmune arthritis.
Enhanced Tyrosine Phosphatase Activity Underlies Dysregulated B Cell Receptor Signaling and Promotes Survival of Human Lupus B Cells
Authors: Fleischer Sarah J. , Daridon Capucine , Fleischer Vanessa , Lipsky Peter E. , Dörner Thomas 
Published: December 2015

ObjectiveSystemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is associated with hyperactivity of B cells and abnormalities of B cell receptor (BCR) signaling. To address the linkage between dysregulated BCR signaling and increased B cell function, we assessed immediate phosphorylation events in lupus B cells.MethodsB cells from SLE patients and healthy donors were analyzed by flow cytometry to assess phosphorylated CD22, Syk, and Akt as well as the basal expression of the BCR coreceptors CD22 and CD19. Confocal microscopy studies determined the recruitment of CD22 and the tyrosine phosphatase SH2 domain–containing phosphatase 1 to the activated BCR complex. Additionally, phosphatase activity in SLE versus healthy donor B cells was measured.ResultsB cells from SLE patients showed diminished Syk phosphorylation and reduced intracellular calcium release after BCR activation as compared to B cells from healthy donors. This was related to an enhanced activity of tyrosine, but not serine/threonine, phosphatases and was corrected by inhibition of tyrosine phosphatase activity. In contrast to reduced Syk phosphorylation after BCR activation, phosphorylation of Akt was significantly increased in SLE B cells. The disturbed balance between Syk and Akt phosphorylation was significantly correlated with B cell survival following BCR engagement. Furthermore, CD27−, but not CD27+, B cells from SLE patients displayed increased expression and phosphorylation of the inhibitory BCR coreceptor CD22.ConclusionThese results indicate that an imbalance between serine and tyrosine phosphatases in SLE contributes to an intrinsically disturbed balance of BCR‐initiated signaling pathways, resulting in enhanced survival of lupus B cells and differentiation into plasma cells.