bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterizing tropical overshooting deep convection from joint analysis of CloudSat and geostationary satellite observations
Authors: Takahashi Hanii , Luo Zhengzhao Johnny 
Published: December 2013

AbstractTropical overshooting deep convection (ODC) plays an important role in affecting the heat and constituent budgets of the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere. This study investigates the properties and behaviors of such intense deep convection using a combination of CloudSat observations and geostationary satellite data. Our study approaches the subject from two unique perspectives: first, W‐band cloud profiling radar (CPR) observations from CloudSat are used, which add to our knowledge of the internal vertical structure of tropical ODC; second, each snapshot observation from CloudSat is cast into the time evolution of the convective systems through joint analysis of geostationary satellite data, which provides a lifecycle view of tropical ODC. Climatology of tropical ODC based on CloudSat data is first presented and compared with previous works. Various parameters from CloudSat observations pertaining to cloud vertical extent, convective intensity, and convective environment are analyzed. Although results broadly agree with previous studies, we show that CloudSat CPR is capable of capturing both small cloud particles and large precipitation‐size particles, thus presenting a more complete depiction of the internal vertical structure of tropical ODC. Geostationary satellite observations are analyzed in conjunction with CloudSat data to identify the life stage of the convective systems (CSs) in which ODC is embedded. ODC associated with the growing, mature, and dissipating stage of the CSs represents, respectively, 66.2%, 33.4%, and 0.4% of the total population. Convective intensity of the ODC is found to be stronger during the growing stage than the mature stage.
Sociodemographic, Disease, Health System, and Contextual Factors Affecting the Initiation of Biologic Agents in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Yelin Edward , Tonner Chris , Kim Seoyoung C. , Katz Jeffrey N. , Ayanian John Z. , Brookhart M. Alan , Solomon Daniel H. 
Published: December 2013

ObjectiveTo analyze the effect of sociodemographic, disease, and health system characteristics and contextual features about the community of residence on the subsequent initiation of treatment with biologic agents for rheumatoid arthritis (RA).MethodsWe analyzed data from the University of California, San Francisco Rheumatoid Arthritis Panel Study for the years 1999–2011. Principal data collection was by a structured annual phone survey. We estimated Kaplan‐Meier curves of the time until initiation of biologic agents, stratified by age and income. We also used Cox regression to estimate the effect of individual‐level sociodemographic and medical factors, contextual‐level socioeconomic status measures, and density of health providers in the local community on the probability of initiating therapy with biologic agents for RA.ResultsIn total, 527 persons were included in the panel in 1999, and 229 persons (44%) had initiated therapy with biologic agents by 2011. In multivariable Cox regression models, age <70 years (hazard ratio [HR] for ages 19–54 years 1.89 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.24–2.87] and HR for ages 55–69 years 1.25 [95% CI 0.84–1.87]), Hispanic ethnicity (HR 2.02 [95% CI 1.05–3.86]), household income ≥$30,000/year (HR 1.61 [95% CI 1.12–2.32]), being married or with a partner (HR 1.39 [95% CI 1.00–1.92]), and residence in rural environments (HR 1.96 [95% CI 1.28–2.99]) were associated with a higher probability of initiating biologic agents. Having no (HR 0.18 [95% CI 0.08–0.40]) or only 1–4 rheumatology visits in the year prior to interview (HR 0.60 [95% CI 0.45–0.81]) and living in an area with ≥1 federally qualified health centers (HR 0.63 [95% CI 0.41–0.96]) were associated with a lower probability.ConclusionThe probability of initiating therapy with biologic agents is affected by sociodemographic and health system characteristics as well as the nature of the community of residence, resulting in disparities in access to these medications.
Effect of Methotrexate, Anti–Tumor Necrosis Factor α, and Rituximab on the Immune Response to Influenza and Pneumococcal Vaccines in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Hua Charlotte , Barnetche Thomas , Combe Bernard , Morel Jacques 
Published: December 2013

ObjectiveTo assess the current literature on the impact of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treatments on the humoral response to pneumococcal and influenza vaccines.MethodsWe systematically searched the literature for studies evaluating the immune response to vaccines in RA patients receiving methotrexate (MTX) and/or biologic agents. The efficacy of vaccination, assessed by the response rate based on increased antibody titers before and 3–6 weeks after vaccination, was extracted by one investigator and verified by another.ResultsIn total, 12 studies were included. RA patients mainly received MTX, anti–tumor necrosis factor α (anti‐TNFα), or rituximab (RTX). Influenza vaccination response was reduced for RTX (43 patients; pooled odds ratio [OR] 0.44 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.17–1.12] for H1N1, OR 0.11 [95% CI 0.04–0.31] for H3N2, and OR 0.29 [95% CI 0.10–0.81] for B) but not for anti‐TNFα (308 patients; OR 0.93 [95% CI 0.36–2.37] for H1N1, OR 0.79 [95% CI 0.34–1.83] for H3N2, and OR 0.79 [95% CI 0.37–1.70] for B). For MTX, results differed depending on the method of analysis (222 patients; OR 0.35 [95% CI 0.18–0.66] for at least 2 strains, ORs were close to 1.0 in the single strain analysis). Pneumococcal vaccination response was reduced for 139 patients receiving MTX compared with controls (OR 0.33 [95% CI 0.20–0.54] for serotype 6B and OR 0.58 [95% CI 0.36–0.94] for 23F) but not for anti‐TNFα (258 patients; OR 0.96 [95% CI 0.57–1.59] for 6B and OR 1.20 [95% CI 0.57–2.54] for 23F). For RTX, the response was reduced (88 patients; OR 0.25 [95% CI 0.11–0.58] for 6B and OR 0.21 [95% CI 0.04–1.05] for 23F).ConclusionMTX decreases humoral response to pneumococcal vaccination and may impair response to influenza vaccination. The immune response to both vaccines is reduced with RTX but not with anti‐TNFα therapy in RA patients.
Effect of Certolizumab Pegol on Multiple Facets of Psoriatic Arthritis as Reported by Patients: 24‐Week Patient‐Reported Outcome Results of a Phase III, Multicenter Study
Authors: Gladman D. , Fleischmann R. , Coteur G. , Woltering F. , Mease P. J. 
Published: December 2013

ObjectiveTo examine the effect of certolizumab pegol (CZP) on patient‐reported outcomes (PROs) in psoriatic arthritis (PsA) patients with and without prior tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitor exposure.MethodsThe ongoing phase III RAPID‐PsA trial was double blind and placebo controlled to week 24. Patients were randomized 1:1:1 to placebo every 2 weeks or CZP 400 mg at weeks 0, 2, and 4, followed by either CZP 200 mg every 2 weeks or CZP 400 mg every 4 weeks. PRO measures evaluated were the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) disability index (DI), health status (measured by the Short Form 36 [SF‐36] health survey), Psoriatic Arthritis Quality of Life (PsAQOL), Fatigue Assessment Scale, patient assessment of pain (visual analog scale), and Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI). Post hoc analyses of PROs in patients with and without prior TNF inhibitor exposure were conducted. Change from baseline for all PROs was analyzed for the randomized population using analysis of covariance with last observation carried forward imputation.ResultsA total of 409 patients were randomized. Twenty percent had received a prior TNF inhibitor. Baseline demographics were similar between the treatment groups. At week 24, clinically meaningful differences in HAQ DI, SF‐36, PsAQOL, fatigue, pain, and DLQI were observed in both CZP arms versus placebo (P < 0.001), irrespective of prior TNF inhibitor exposure. More CZP‐treated patients reached SF‐36 general population norms than placebo‐treated patients.ConclusionBoth CZP dosing schedules provided rapid improvements in PROs across multiple disease aspects in patients with PsA. The benefits of CZP treatment for health‐related quality of life were seen across generic, PsA‐specific, and dermatology‐specific measures and were observed in patients regardless of prior TNF inhibitor exposure.
Peripheral Neuropathies in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Clinical Features, Disease Associations, and Immunologic Characteristics Evaluated Over a Twenty‐Five–Year Study Period
Authors: Oomatia A. , Fang H. , Petri M. , Birnbaum J. 
Published: December 2013

ObjectiveTo characterize peripheral neuropathy subtypes, ancillary studies, and immunologic profiles associated with peripheral neuropathies in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).MethodsIn this 25‐year study of 2,097 SLE patients, we characterized peripheral neuropathies due to SLE and compared clinical and SLE‐related features in patients with versus those without neuropathy.ResultsThe prevalence of peripheral neuropathies was 5.9% (123 of 2,097 patients), and 66.7% of these patients (82 of 123) had peripheral neuropathies attributable to SLE. We noted that 17.1% of the patients with peripheral neuropathies due to SLE (14 of 82 patients) had small‐fiber neuropathy, which is a painful neuropathy not included in the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) neuropsychiatric SLE (NPSLE) case definitions. SLE patients with small‐fiber neuropathies could present with unorthodox neuropathic pain patterns not consistent with a stocking–glove distribution and had associated skin biopsy results suggestive of dorsal root ganglion neuronal cell loss. Compared to SLE patients without peripheral neuropathies, those with peripheral neuropathies had lower mean disease activity (P = 0.01) and higher disease damage (P < 0.01) and were more likely to have a history of herpes zoster virus infection (P < 0.01), osteoporotic fractures (P < 0.01), and opportunistic infections (P < 0.01).ConclusionOur findings indicate that small‐fiber neuropathy is a frequently occurring peripheral neuropathy. The skin biopsy findings in small‐fiber neuropathy patients support the notion that distinct mechanisms target the dorsal root ganglia as well as distal axons. SLE patients with peripheral neuropathy have lower mean disease activity scores and higher disease damage. Our findings suggest that revision of the ACR NPSLE case definitions, which currently do not include small‐fiber neuropathies, is warranted.
Regulation of Apoptosis and Inflammatory Responses by Insulin‐like Growth Factor Binding Protein 3 in Fibroblast‐like Synoviocytes and Experimental Animal Models of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Lee Hwa‐Suk , Woo Seong Ji , Koh Hyoung‐Won , Ka Sun‐O , Zhou Lu , Jang Kyu Yun , Lim Hye Song , Kim Hyun‐Ok , Lee Sang‐Il , Park Byung‐Hyun 
Published: December 2013

ObjectiveInsulin‐like growth factor binding protein 3 (IGFBP‐3) is known to interfere with the NF‐κB signaling pathway, and it effectively promotes apoptosis in tumor cells by a variety of mechanisms. NF‐κB activation and apoptosis resistance of fibroblast‐like synoviocytes (FLS) play pivotal roles in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This study was undertaken to evaluate whether IGFBP‐3 has antiarthritic effects.MethodsTo deliver IGFBP‐3, we used an adenovirus containing IGFBP‐3 complementary DNA (AdIGFBP‐3) or IGFBP‐3 mutant that is devoid of IGF binding affinity but retains IGFBP‐3 receptor binding ability (AdmtIGFBP‐3). The regulatory roles of IGFBP‐3 in inflammation and bone destruction were investigated in mice with collagen‐induced arthritis (CIA).ResultsIGFBP‐3 levels were significantly higher in patients with RA than in those with osteoarthritis (OA) and were notably higher in patients with active RA. AdIGFBP‐3 suppressed NF‐κB activation, chemokine production, and matrix metalloproteinase secretion induced by tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) in RA FLS. AdIGFBP‐3 sensitized RA FLS to TNFα‐induced apoptosis in vitro and also significantly increased apoptosis in an in vivo model of Matrigel implants engrafted into immunodeficient mice. AdIGFBP‐3–injected mice with CIA had attenuated arthritis severity and reduced radiologic and pathologic abnormalities. Moreover, AdIGFBP‐3 down‐regulated local and systemic levels of NF‐κB–targeted proinflammatory cytokines. Of note, RA FLS and mice with CIA treated with AdmtIGFBP‐3 exhibited similar effects as those treated with AdIGFBP‐3.ConclusionOur results suggest that both the inflammatory response and bone destruction are reduced with blockage of NF‐κB activation and induction of apoptosis in RA FLS by IGFBP‐3. Therefore, IGFBP‐3 may have therapeutic potential in RA.
Fcγ Receptor III and Fcγ Receptor IV on Macrophages Drive Autoimmune Valvular Carditis in Mice
Authors: Hobday Patricia M. , Auger Jennifer L. , Schuneman Gregory R. , Haasken Stefanie , Verbeek J. Sjef , Binstadt Bryce A. 
Published: December 2013

ObjectiveArthritis and valvular carditis coexist in several human rheumatic diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatic fever, and rheumatoid arthritis. T cell receptor–transgenic K/BxN mice develop spontaneous autoantibody‐associated arthritis and valvular carditis. The common Fc receptor γ (FcRγ) signaling chain is required for carditis to develop in K/BxN mice. FcRγ pairs with numerous receptors in a variety of cells. The aim of this study was to identify the FcRγ‐associated receptors and Fcγ receptor (FcγR)–expressing cells that mediate valvular carditis in this model.MethodsWe bred K/BxN mice lacking the genes that encode activating Fcγ receptors (FcγRI, FcγRIII, and FcγRIV), and we assessed these mice for valvular carditis. We similarly evaluated complement component C3–deficient K/BxN mice. Immunohistochemistry, bone marrow transplantation, and macrophage depletion were used to define the key FcRγ‐expressing cell type.ResultsGenetic deficiency of only one of the activating Fcγ receptors did not prevent carditis, whereas deficiency of all 3 activating Fcγ receptors did. Further analysis demonstrated that FcγRIII and FcγRIV were the key drivers of valve inflammation; FcγRI was dispensable. C3 was not required. FcRγ expression by radioresistant cells was critical for valvular carditis to develop, and further analysis indicated that macrophages were the key candidate FcγR‐expressing effectors of carditis.ConclusionFcγRIII and FcγRIV act redundantly to promote valvular carditis in K/BxN mice with systemic autoantibody‐associated arthritis. Macrophage depletion reduced the severity of valve inflammation. These findings suggest that pathogenic autoantibodies engage Fcγ receptors on macrophages to drive valvular carditis. Our study provides new insight into the pathogenesis of cardiovascular inflammation in the setting of autoantibody‐associated chronic inflammatory diseases.
Interleukin‐21 Receptor Deficiency Increases the Initial Toll‐like Receptor 2 Response but Protects Against Joint Pathology by Reducing Th1 and Th17 Cells During Streptococcal Cell Wall Arthritis
Authors: Marijnissen Renoud J. , Roeleveld Debbie M. , Young Deborah , Nickerson‐Nutter Cheryl , Abdollahi‐Roodsaz Shahla , Garcia de Aquino Sabrina , van de Loo Fons A. J. , van Spriel Annemiek B. , Boots Annemieke M. H. , van den Berg Wim B. , Koenders Marije I. 
Published: December 2013

ObjectiveThe cytokine interleukin‐21 (IL‐21) can have both proinflammatory and immunosuppressive effects. The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential dual role of IL‐21 in experimental arthritis in relation to Th17 cells.MethodsAntigen‐induced arthritis (AIA) and chronic streptococcal cell wall (SCW) arthritis were induced in IL‐21 receptor–deficient (IL‐21R−/−) and wild‐type mice. Knee joints, synovial tissue, and serum were analyzed for arthritis pathology and inflammatory markers.ResultsDuring AIA and chronic SCW arthritis, IL‐21R deficiency protected against severe inflammation and joint destruction. This was accompanied by suppressed serum IgG1 levels and antigen‐specific T cell responses. Levels of IL‐17 were reduced during AIA, and synovial lymphocytes isolated during SCW arthritis for flow cytometry demonstrated that mainly IL‐17+ interferon‐γ (IFNγ)–positive T cells were reduced in IL‐21R−/− mice. However, during the acute phases of SCW arthritis, significantly higher joint swelling scores were observed, consistent with enhanced tumor necrosis factor and IL‐6 expression. Interestingly, IL‐21R−/− mice were significantly less capable of up‐regulating suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 (SOCS‐1) and SOCS‐3 messenger RNA. IL‐21 stimulation also affected the Toll‐like receptor 2 (TLR‐2)/caspase recruitment domain 15 response to SCW fragments in vitro, indicating that impaired SOCS regulation in the absence of IL‐21 signaling might contribute to the increased local activation during SCW arthritis.ConclusionIn contrast to the proinflammatory role of IL‐21 in adaptive immunity, which drives IL‐17+IFN+ cells and joint pathology during chronic experimental arthritis, IL‐21 also has an important immunosuppressive role, presumably by inhibiting TLR signaling via SOCS‐1 and SOCS‐3. If this dual role of IL‐21 in various immune processes is present in human disease, it could make IL‐21 a difficult therapeutic target in rheumatoid arthritis.
Range dynamics, rather than convergent selection, explain the mosaic distribution of red‐winged blackbird phenotypes
Authors: Dufort Matthew J. , Keith Barker F. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractGeographic distributions of genetic and phenotypic characters can illuminate historical evolutionary processes. In particular, mosaic distributions of phenotypically similar populations can arise from parallel evolution or from irregular patterns of dispersal and colonization by divergent forms. Two phenotypically divergent forms of the red‐winged blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) show a mosaic phenotypic distribution, with a “bicolored” form occurring disjunctly in California and Mexico. We analyzed the relationships among these bicolored populations and neighboring typical populations, using ~600 bp of mitochondrialDNAsequence data and 10 nuclear short tandem repeat loci. We find that bicolored populations, although separated by ~3000 km, are genetically more similar to one other than they are to typical populations separated by ~400 km. We also find evidence of ongoing gene flow among populations, including some evidence of asymmetric gene flow. We conclude that the current distribution of bicolored forms represents incomplete speciation, where recent asymmetric hybridization with typicalA. phoeniceusis dividing the range of a formerly widespread bicolored form. This hypothesis predicts that bicolored forms may suffer extinction by hybridization. Future work will use fine‐scaled geographical sampling and nuclear sequence data to test for hybrid origins of currently typical populations and to more precisely quantify the directionality of gene flow.
Microvascularization and histomorphology of lateral line organs in adult Xenopus laevis
Authors: Gerlach Nicolas , Minnich Bernd , Lametschwandtner Alois 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACTThe microvasculariaztion of the lateral line organs (LLOs) of the adult pipid frog, Xenopus laevis was studied by scanning electron microscopy of vascular corrosion casts (VCCs) and correlative light microscopy of paraplast embedded tissues sections. Scanning electron micrographs of VCCs revealed that each neuromast within the LLO rests on a distinct bowl‐like capillary network (vascular bowl). One to three vascular bowls were supplied by an ascending arteriole and drained by a descending venule towards the skin deep dermal vascular network. Blood flow regulation mechanisms in form of intimal cushions were present at the origin of ascending arterioles supplying LLOs, microvenous valves were present at the confluence of deep dermal venules and veins. This together with sprouting and nonsprouting angiogenesis (intussusceptive microvascular growth) found in vascular bowls demonstrate that in adult Xenopus the capillary bed of LLO's still can be adjusted to changing energetic needs. J. Morphol. 275:497–503, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Novel IFT122 mutation associated with impaired ciliogenesis and cranioectodermal dysplasia
Authors: Alazami Anas M. , Seidahmed Mohammed Zain , Alzahrani Fatema , Mohammed Adam O. , Alkuraya Fowzan S. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractCranioectodermal dysplasia (CED) is a very rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by a recognizable craniofacial profile in addition to ectodermal manifestations involving the skin, hair, and teeth. Four genes are known to be mutated in this disorder, all involved in the ciliary intraflagellar transport confirming that CED is a ciliopathy. In a multiplex consanguineous family with typical CED features in addition to intellectual disability and severe cutis laxa, we used autozygosity‐guided candidate gene analysis to identify a novel homozygous mutation in IFT122, and demonstrated impaired ciliogenesis in patient fibroblasts. This report on IFT122 broadens the phenotype of CED and expands its allelic heterogeneity.
Distinguishing computer graphics from photographic images using a multiresolution approach based on local binary patterns
Authors: Li Zhaohong , Zhang Zhenzhen , Shi Yunqing 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACTWith the ongoing development of rendering technology, computer graphics (CG) are sometimes so photorealistic that to distinguish them from photographic (PG) images by human eyes has become difficult. To this end, many methods have been developed for automatic CG and PG classification. In this paper, we present a simple, yet efficient, multiresolution approach to distinguish CG from PG based on uniform gray‐scale invariant local binary patterns (LBPs) with the help of support vector machines (SVM). We select YCbCr as the color model. The original Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG) coefficients of Y, Cb, and Cr components and their prediction errors are used for two LBP operators. From each 2D array and each LBP operator, we obtain 59 uniform LBP features. In total, 12 groups of 59 features are obtained from each image. But after multiresolution analysis, we select six groups of 59 features for CG and PG classification. The proposed features have been tested with thousands of CG and PG. Classification accuracy reaches 95.1% with support vector machines and outperforms the state‐of‐the‐art works. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Beta Unfolding Model for Continuous Bounded Responses
Authors: Noel Yvonnick 
Published: December 2013

An unfolding model for continuous bounded responses is proposed, derived both from a hypothetical interpolation response mechanism and from the hypothesis of two opposite sources of item refusal being collapsed. These two sources of refusal are made explicit in a three-component Dirichlet response model and then collapsed to obtain a (two-component) beta response model. The two natural parameters of the beta are interpreted as acceptance and refusal parameters and expressed as functions of person-item distances on a latent continuum. The potentially bimodal shape of the beta is exploited to model chaotic response choices among ambivalent subjects.