bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A lithofacies approach for modeling non‐Fickian solute transport in a heterogeneous alluvial aquifer
Authors: Bianchi Marco , Zheng Chunmiao 
Published: January 2016

AbstractStochastic realizations of lithofacies assemblage based on lithological data from a relatively small number of boreholes were used to simulate solute transport at the well‐known Macrodispersion Experiment (MADE) site in Mississippi (USA). With sharp vertical contrasts and lateral connectivity explicitly accounted for in the corresponding hydraulic conductivity fields, experimental results from a large‐scale tracer experiment were adequately reproduced with a relatively simple model based on advection and local dispersion. The geologically based model of physical heterogeneity shows that one well‐interconnected lithofacies, with a significantly higher hydraulic conductivity and accounting for 12% of the total aquifer volume, may be responsible for the observed non‐Fickian transport behavior indicated by the asymmetric shape of the plumes and by variations of the dispersion rate in both space and time. This analysis provides a lithological basis to the hypothesis that transport at MADE site is controlled by a network of high‐conductivity sediments embedded in a less permeable matrix. It also explains the calibrated value of the ratio of mobile to total porosities used in previous modeling studies based on the dual‐domain mass transfer approach. The results of this study underscore the importance of geologically plausible conceptualizations of the subsurface for making accurate predictions of the fate and transport of contaminants in highly heterogeneous aquifers. These conceptualizations may be developed through integration of raw geological data with expert knowledge, interpretation, and appropriate geostatistical methods.
Sediment deposition within and around a finite patch of model vegetation over a range of channel velocity
Authors: Liu Chao , Nepf Heidi 
Published: January 2016

AbstractThe interaction between flow and vegetation creates feedbacks to deposition that vary with channel velocity. This experimental study describes how channel velocity and stem‐generated turbulence influence the deposition within and around an emergent patch of model vegetation, with a particular focus on deposition within the patch. The Reynolds number threshold for stem‐scale turbulence generation was determined using velocity spectra and flow visualization. At high channel velocity resuspension occurred in the bare regions of the channel and a nonuniform spatial distribution of net deposition was observed around and within the patch. In contrast, at low channel velocity there was no (or limited) resuspension and a uniform distribution of net deposition was observed around and within the patch. The deposition inside the patch was enhanced, relative to a bare‐channel control, only when the following two criteria were met: (1) the absence of stem turbulence, and (2) the presence of sediment resuspension in the bare channel. Comparison to previous lab and field studies further support these criteria.
Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy in an immunocompetent patient
Authors: van der Kolk Nicolien M. , Arts Peer , van Uden Ingeborg W. M. , Hoischen Alexander , van de Veerdonk Frank L. , Netea Mihai G. , de Jong Brigit A. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractProgressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), a demyelinating disease of the brain, is typically diagnosed in immunocompromised persons. Here, we describe the diagnostic challenge of PML in an apparently immunocompetent patient. Thorough analyses, including cytokine release assays and whole exome sequencing, revealed a deficit in the antiviral interferon gamma production capacity of this patient and compound heterozygous mutations in BCL‐2‐associated athanogene 3. Interestingly, both factors are associated with reduced expression of John Cunningham virus T‐antigen, a protein that plays a key role in viral replication in infected cells. After validation in other patients, our findings may contribute to novel insights into the etiology and possibly treatment of PML.
Cross‐Sectional and Longitudinal Associations Between Serum Levels of High‐Sensitivity C‐Reactive Protein, Knee Bone Marrow Lesions, and Knee Pain in Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Zhu Zhaohua , Jin Xingzhong , Wang Bing , Wluka Anita , Antony Benny , Laslett Laura L. , Winzenberg Tania , Cicuttini Flavia , Jones Graeme , Ding Changhai 
Published: January 2016

ObjectiveTo describe associations between serum high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hsCRP), knee bone marrow lesions (BMLs), and knee pain, cross‐sectionally and longitudinally, in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA).MethodsPatients (n = 192) with symptomatic knee OA (mean age 63 years, range 50–79, women 53%) were assessed at baseline and after 24 months. Serum hsCRP was measured using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Knee BMLs were scored using the modified Whole‐Organ Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Score from T2‐weighted fat‐supressed fast spin‐echo MRI. Knee pain was assessed using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index.ResultsQuartiles of baseline serum hsCRP were associated with the presence of knee BMLs (prevalence ratio 1.07 per quartile [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.00, 1.15]) and total knee pain scores (β 13.66 per quartile [95% CI 2.26, 25.07]) in multivariable analyses. Longitudinally, higher baseline hsCRP was associated with an increase in BML score (risk ratio 1.37 per quartile [95% CI 1.10, 1.70]), and change in hsCRP was positively associated with change in BML score (β 0.19 [95% CI 0.05, 0.34]) in adjusted analyses. Baseline hsCRP was not associated with change in total knee pain, but change in hsCRP was positively and significantly associated with change in total knee pain (β 4.71 [95% CI 0.48, 8.94]). This became nonsignificant after adjustment for changes in BML score.ConclusionIn patients with knee OA, serum hsCRP is associated with knee BML scores and, to a lesser extent, pain both cross‐sectionally and longitudinally, suggesting that inflammation is linked with BMLs and their associated pain.
Axl, Ferritin, Insulin‐Like Growth Factor Binding Protein 2, and Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor Type II as Biomarkers in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Mok Chi Chiu , Ding Hui Hua , Kharboutli Marwa , Mohan Chandra 
Published: January 2016

ObjectiveTo evaluate the performance of 4 serum protein markers for detecting concurrent clinical activity in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).MethodsConsecutive patients who fulfilled ≥4 American College of Rheumatology classification criteria for SLE and healthy controls were recruited for serologic testing of 4 protein markers identified by antibody‐coated microarray screen, namely Axl, ferritin, insulin‐like growth factor binding protein 2 (IGFBP‐2), and tumor necrosis factor receptor type II (TNFRII). SLE disease activity was assessed by the Safety of Estrogens in Lupus Erythematosus National Assessment version of the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) and physician's global assessment (PGA). Levels of these markers were correlated with SLEDAI scores, and their sensitivity and specificity for clinical SLE activity were determined.ResultsA total of 94 SLE patients (98% women, mean ± SD age 28.7 ± 9.4 years, mean ± SD disease duration 5.4 ± 5.0 years) and 49 healthy controls were studied. Fifty‐two patients had clinically active SLE (defined as SLEDAI score ≥6 or having a flare). The serum concentrations of Axl, ferritin, IGFBP‐2, and TNFRII were significantly higher in patients with active SLE than in those with inactive SLE or in controls. The levels of these markers correlated strongly and significantly with anti–double stranded DNA (anti‐dsDNA), C3, and clinical SLEDAI and PGA scores. These markers were more specific, but less sensitive, in detecting concurrent SLE activity than elevated anti‐dsDNA or depressed C3. Levels of Axl, TNFRII, and IGFBP‐2, but not ferritin, could differentiate active renal from active nonrenal or inactive SLE. The specificity of Axl and IGFBP‐2 for concurrent active lupus nephritis was higher than anti‐dsDNA or C3.ConclusionSerum proteomic markers are potentially useful for diagnosing SLE and monitoring disease activity. The performance of Axl and IGFBP‐2 in lupus nephritis should be further explored in a longitudinal cohort of SLE patients.
Can We Predict Those With Osteoarthritis Who Will Worsen Following a Chronic Disease Management Program?
Authors: Eyles Jillian P. , Mills Kathryn , Lucas Barbara R. , Williams Matthew J. , Makovey Joanna , Teoh Laurence , Hunter David J. 
Published: January 2016

ObjectiveTo identify predictors of worsening symptoms and overall health of the treated hip or knee joint following 26 weeks of a nonsurgical chronic disease management program for hip and knee osteoarthritis (OA) and to examine the consistency of these predictors across 3 definitions of worsening.MethodsThis prospective cohort study followed 539 participants of the program for 26 weeks. The 3 definitions of worsening included symptomatic worsening based on change in the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index Global score (WOMAC‐G) measuring pain, stiffness, and function; a transition scale that asked about overall health of the treated hip or knee joint; and a composite outcome including both. Multivariate logistic regression models were constructed for the 3 definitions of worsening.ResultsComplete data were available for 386 participants: mean age was 66.3 years, 69% were female, 85% reported knee joint pain as primary symptom (signal joint), 46% were waitlisted for total joint arthroplasty (TJA). TJA waitlist status, signal joint, 6‐Minute Walk Test (6MWT), depressive symptoms, pain, and age were independently associated with at least 1 definition of worsening. TJA waitlist status and 6MWT remained in the multivariate models for the transition and composite definitions of worsening.ConclusionParticipants reporting worsening on the transition scale did not consistently meet the WOMAC‐G definition of worsening symptoms. TJA waitlist status was predictive of the composite definition of worsening, a trend apparent for the transition definition. However, variables that predict worsening remain largely unknown. Further research is required to direct comprehensive and targeted management of patients with hip and knee OA.
Hydroxychloroquine Serum Concentrations and Flares of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Longitudinal Cohort Analysis
Authors: Mok Chi Chiu , Penn Hannah J. , Chan Kar Li , Tse Sau Mei , Langman Loralie J. , Jannetto Paul J. 
Published: January 2016

ObjectiveTo study the relationship between serum hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) concentrations and flares of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in a longitudinal cohort of patients.MethodsPatients who fulfilled ≥4 American College of Rheumatology classification criteria for SLE and had been treated with HCQ for >6 months were studied. Blood was assayed for HCQ levels by tandem mass spectrometry. Patients were serially assessed for disease activity, using the Safety of Estrogens in Lupus Erythematosus National Assessment (SELENA) version of the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) and flares (SELENA flares instrument). Comparison of the mean summated SLEDAI scores over time and rates of flares in groups with different HCQ levels was performed by the Kruskal‐Wallis test.ResultsA total of 276 SLE patients were studied (93% women, mean ± SD age 41.0 ± 13.8 years). The proportion of patients with HCQ levels <10 (total noncompliance), 10–500 (subtherapeutic), and >500 ng/ml (therapeutic) was 11%, 77%, and 12%, respectively. HCQ levels correlated significantly with the prescribed dose but not with body weight or renal function. The prescribed HCQ dose also correlated significantly with baseline SLEDAI scores, indicating that higher doses were used for more active manifestations. After a mean ± SD observation period of 32.5 ± 5.5 months, the mean summated SLEDAI score and the incidence of SLE flares was not statistically different among patients with different baseline HCQ levels. In a subgroup of 73 patients with serologic and clinical remission and having therapeutic HCQ levels, a trend of lower disease activity and fewer incidences of flares was observed.ConclusionNoncompliance and subtherapeutic serum HCQ levels were seen frequently in these SLE patients, which was partly due to the low prescribed dose. In patients in remission, higher HCQ concentrations were associated with a trend showing fewer flares over time.
Cooperative adaptive neural partial tracking errors constrained control for nonlinear multi‐agent systems
Authors: Shahvali Milad , Askari Javad 
Published: January 2016

SummaryThis paper considers the problem of partial tracking errors constrained for high‐order nonlinear multi‐agent systems in strict‐feedback form. In the control design, radial‐based function neural networks are utilized to identify uncertain nonlinear functions, and a cooperative adaptive dynamic surface control is proposed to avoid the explosion of complexity in the backstepping technique. Based on the minimal learning parameter technique and the predefined performance approach, a novel cooperative adaptive neural network control method is developed. The proposed controller is able to guarantee that all the closed‐loop network signals are cooperative semi‐globally uniformly ultimately bounded, and partial tracking errors confine all times within the predefined bounds. Finally, simulation example and comparative example with previous methods are given to verify and clarify the effectiveness of the new design procedure. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Direct Introduction of Dithiocarbamates onto Imidazoheterocycles under Mild Conditions
Authors: Jiao Jing , Wei Liang , Ji Xiao‐Ming , Hu Mao‐Lin , Tang Ri‐Yuan 
Published: January 2016

AbstractThis paper discloses an iodine‐mediated CH thiolation strategy for introduction of dithiocarbamates onto imidazoheterocycles under mild conditions. Imidazole derivatives, including imidazopyridines, imidazothiazoles, and benzoimidazoles, were well tolerated to afford diverse imidazoheterocycles‐dithiocarbamates compounds. These compounds are expected to be significant for drug discovery.magnified image
Palladium‐Catalyzed [2+1] Cycloadditions Affording Vinylidenecyclopropanes as Precursors of 7‐Membered Carbocycles
Authors: Lepronier Aymeric , Achard Thierry , Giordano Laurent , Tenaglia Alphonse , Buono Gérard , Clavier Hervé 
Published: January 2016

AbstractPalladium(II) acetate in association with secondary phosphine oxides provides an efficient catalytic system for [2+1] cycloadditions starting from oxanorbornene derivatives and tertiary propargyl esters giving rise to vinylidenecyclopropanes. This reaction is specific to bidentate phosphinito–phosphinous acid ligands generated from secondary phosphine oxides. The [2+1] cycloaddition was found broad in scope with a high tolerance to various functional groups. Moreover, vinylidenecyclopropanes were straightforwardly converted into oxabicyclo[3.2.1]oct‐2‐ene derivatives through a palladium‐catalyzed ring‐expansion. Finally, the oxa bridge cleavage of oxatricyclic compounds yields functionalized 7‐membered carbocycles.magnified image
Effects of Silicone Surfactant on the Properties of Open‐Cell Flexible Polyurethane Foams
Authors: Baferani A. Hasani , Keshavarz R. , Asadi M. , Ohadi A. R. 
Published: January 2016

ABSTRACTIn this paper, the effects of silicone surfactant on the mechanical, thermal, and acoustical properties of flexible polyurethane foams are studied. At first, by introducing the reactions of the foam production and expressing the stoichiometric relationships, a method is provided to select the amounts of the basic compounds for getting the desirable properties. By knowing the OH number of polyol and the NCO content of isocyanate after selecting an amount of a blowing agent for the reaction, the quantity of each compound to produce the desirable foam can be found. Then different foams with various amounts of surfactant are produced. By preparing proper samples, the mechanical, thermal, nonacoustical, and acoustical properties of the foams are measured or calculated by using different instruments. The nonacoustical properties are obtained based on two distinct methods, i.e., a semiphenomenological method and an indirect method. The obtained properties are validated by comparing the calculated theoretical sound absorption coefficients with the measured ones. The results show that with a small increase of surfactant, the acoustical properties of foam samples improve by about 50% without any significant changes in other mechanical and thermal properties of the foams. This improvement results from the variations of reticulation rate and cell size. In addition, the initial desirable porosity and density considered in the stoichiometric relations are fairly achieved in produced samples. These results validate the accuracy of the stoichiometric relations.
Silver‐Doped Zinc Oxide as a Nanofiller for Development of Poly(vinyl alcohol)/Poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) Blend Nanocomposites
Authors: Ramesan M. T. , Varghese Meghana , P Jayakrishnan , Periyat Pradeepan 
Published: January 2016

ABSTRACTNanocomposites of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)/poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP)/silver‐doped zinc oxide (Ag‐doped ZnO) ternary blends were prepared and characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, ultraviolet (UV), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and conductivity studies. The FTIR and UV spectrum indicated the intermolecular interaction between the polar part of blend and the metal oxide nanoparticles. SEM and XRD patterns ascertained the structurally ordered arrangements of nanoparticles within the polymer matrix. The DSC results showed that the addition of Ag‐doped ZnO particles to PVA/PVP decreases the thermal behavior such as glass transition and melting temperature of the blend. The TGA study indicated that the composites attained better thermal resistance than a pure blend and the thermal stability of the composite increases with an increase in the concentration of nanoparticles. The electrical properties such as AC conductivity and dielectric properties of the composites were increased with an increase in content of nanoparticles up to a certain concentration (5 wt%), and thereafter the value was found to decrease.
Intermolecular C−N Cross‐Coupling Reactions Catalyzed by Tetra‐n‐butylammonium Iodide: Synthesis of Allylic N‐Heterocycles
Authors: Lv Yunhe , Sun Kai , Wang Tingting , Wu Yingtao , Li Gang , Pu Weiya , Mao Shukuan 
Published: January 2016

AbstractTetra‐n‐butylammonium iodide (nBu4NI)‐catalyzed C−N bond formation for the synthesis of allylic N‐heterocycles was achieved under metal‐free conditions. The reaction is applicable to the coupling of a range of allylic hydrocarbons with biologically active purines, benzimidazoles, benzotriazoles, and saccharin. The reaction mechanism was primarily investigated and a radical process was proposed.
Postnatal craniofacial ontogeny in neandertals and modern humans
Authors: Williams Frank L'Engle , Cofran Zachary 
Published: January 2016

ABSTRACTObjectivesNeandertals and humans are closely related but differ noticeably in adult morphology. Previous work has been equivocal as to the contribution of postnatal growth and development to these differences. Due to disparate preservation, most analyses focus on specific anatomies, reconstructed fossils, or limited sample sizes. The objective of this research is to highlight the importance of postnatal growth in expressing Neandertal‐human distinctions in the craniofacial skeleton, using a large and unreconstructed Neandertal sample.Materials/MethodsA resampling approach is utilized to compare relative size change in 20 craniofacial dimensions between Neandertals (n = 42) and humans (n = 262). The large number of immature Neandertal samples within and between dental stages provides the necessary variation to test for growth differences. Nested resampling using human‐human comparisons assesses the likelihood of observing human‐Neandertal growth differences under the null hypothesis of similar ontogenetic variation.ResultsHumans and Neandertals undergo comparable levels of overall size change. However, we identify growth differences for a number of traits, helping explain some of the unique features of this fossil taxon. Nested resampling shows it is unlikely that a Neandertal‐like maturation would be observed in a random ontogenetic sample of humans.DiscussionGrowth during adolescence appears to be fundamental in the expression of some Neandertal anatomies. Neandertal upper facial and nasal breadths appear to have expanded rapidly after puberty to account for differences between preadolescents and adults, and Neandertals and humans. Mandibular growth differences may relate to anterior tooth use to process foods and paramastication during Neandertal maturation. Am J Phys Anthropol 159:394–409, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Technical note: Performance of semi and fully automated approaches for registration of 3D surface coordinates in geometric morphometric studies
Authors: Gonzalez Paula N. , Barbeito‐Andrés Jimena , D'Addona Lucas A. , Bernal Valeria , Perez S. Ivan 
Published: January 2016

ABSTRACTObjectivesOne of the biggest challenges in the study of complex morphologies is to adequately describe shape variation. Here, we assess how the random sampling of surface points automatically obtained performs, when compared with observer‐guided sampling procedures, and also evaluate the effect of sliding surface points by bending energy and minimum Procrustes distance.Material and methodsThree datasets comprising structures with disparate levels of complexity and intrasample variation are as follows: mouse molars, mouse brains, and primate endocasts. Different configurations of 3D coordinates on curves and surfaces were digitized from MRI images and CT scans using semi and fully automated procedures. Shape variables were obtained by Generalized Procrustes Superpositions before and after sliding the pseudolandmarks. Multivariate analyses were used to summarize and compare shape variation.ResultsFor the primate endocast, the semiautomated and automated strategies yield similar ordinations of specimens. Conversely, the semiautomated strategy better discriminates molar shapes between mouse groups. Shape differences among specimens are not adequately represented by the PCs calculated with surface pseudolandmarks. This is improved when the points are converted into semilandmarks by a sliding criterion.DiscussionSurface semilandmarks automatically obtained from 3D models are promising although they should be used with some caution in complex structures. This approach can be taken as complementary of semiautomated procedures which perform better for assessing shape variation in localized traits previously selected while automated procedures are suitable in studies aimed at comparing overall variation in shape and when there is no previous information about highly variable anatomical regions. Am J Phys Anthropol 160:169–178, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.