bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Anatomical notes and discussion of the first described aetosaurStagonolepis robertsoni(Archosauria: Suchia) from the Upper Triassic of Europe, and the use of plesiomorphies in aetosaur biochronology
Authors: Parker William G.
Published: August 2018

Stagonolepis robertsoni, from the Late Triassic of Scotland, was the first named aetosaurian. Known mostly from a series of natural molds from two localities, the osteology of this taxon has been difficult to interpret. Detailed work on this material in the late 1950s resulted in a monograph that set the standard for the understanding of aetosaurians, makingStagonolepis robertsonithe best known aetosaurian; however, little has been done with this material since. Reanalysis of this material shows that despite its limitations the early 1960s reconstruction work depicts the preserved characteristics faithfully, especially in the skull. The first cervical rib is extremely anteroposteriorly elongate as inAlligator, a character not previously recognized in aetosaurians. Diapophyseal and zygapophyseal vertebral laminae are present in the cervical and trunk vertebrae. The ilium is autapomorphic with distinct pre- and post-processes of the iliac blade. The osteoderms differ from North and South American material that has been ascribed to the genus. Those assignments are based on plesiomorphies within Aetosauria, such as a radial ornamentation and a posteriorly located and medially offset dorsal eminence. Biostratigraphic correlations using taxonomic conclusions based on plesiomorphic characters should not be used. The holotype specimen ofS. robertsoniis currently diagnostic, in part because ventral osteoderms are not known for many aetosaurian taxa and the surface ornamentation of randomly distributed, closely packed oblong pits found inS. robertsoniis unique within Aetosauria.
Greenhouse gas emissions limited by low nitrogen and carbon availability in natural, restored, and agricultural Oregon seasonal wetlands
Authors: Pfeifer-Meister Laurel , Gayton Laura G. , Roy Bitty A. , Johnson Bart R. , Bridgham Scott D.
Published: August 2018

Wetlands are the major natural source of the greenhouse gas methane (CH4) and are also potentially an important source of nitrous oxide (N2O), though there is considerable variability among wetland types with some of the greatest uncertainty in freshwater mineral-soil wetlands. In particular, trace gas emissions from seasonal wetlands have been very poorly studied. We measured fluxes of CH4, N2O, and CO2(carbon dioxide), soil nutrients, and net primary productivity over one year in natural, restored, and agricultural seasonal wetland prairies in the Willamette Valley, Oregon, USA. We found zero fluxes for CH4and N2O, even during periods of extended waterlogging of the soil. To explore this lack of emissions, we performed a laboratory experiment to examine the controls over these gases. In a fully-factorial design, we amended anaerobic soils from all wetlands with nitrate, glucose, and NaOH (to neutralize pH) and measured production potentials of N2, N2O, CH4, and CO2. We found that denitrification and N2O production were co-limited by nitrate and carbon, with little difference between the three wetland types. This co-limitation suggests that low soil carbon availability will continue to constrain N2O emissions and denitrification in these systems even when receiving relatively high levels of nitrogen inputs. Contrary to the results for N2O, the amended wetland soils never produced significant amounts of CH4under any treatment. We hypothesize that high concentrations of alternative electron acceptors exist in these soils so that methanogens are noncompetitive with other microbial groups. As a result, these wetlands do not appear to be a significant source or sink of soil carbon and thus have a near zero climate forcing effect. Future research should focus on determining if this is a generalizable result in other seasonal wetlands.
A simple method for data partitioning based on relative evolutionary rates
Authors: Rota Jadranka , Malm Tobias , Chazot Nicolas , Peña Carlos , Wahlberg Niklas
Published: August 2018

Background

Multiple studies have demonstrated that partitioning of molecular datasets is important in model-based phylogenetic analyses. Commonly, partitioning is done a priori based on some known properties of sequence evolution, e.g. differences in rate of evolution among codon positions of a protein-coding gene. Here we propose a new method for data partitioning based on relative evolutionary rates of the sites in the alignment of the dataset being analysed. The rates are inferred using the previously published Tree Independent Generation of Evolutionary Rates (TIGER), and the partitioning is conducted using our novel python script RatePartitions. We conducted simulations to assess the performance of our new method, and we applied it to eight published multi-locus phylogenetic datasets, representing different taxonomic ranks within the insect order Lepidoptera (butterflies and moths) and one phylogenomic dataset, which included ultra-conserved elements as well as introns.

Methods

We used TIGER-rates to generate relative evolutionary rates for all sites in the alignments. Then, using RatePartitions, we partitioned the data into partitions based on their relative evolutionary rate. RatePartitions applies a simple formula that ensures a distribution of sites into partitions following the distribution of rates of the characters from the full dataset. This ensures that the invariable sites are placed in a partition with slowly evolving sites, avoiding the pitfalls of previously used methods, such as k-means. Different partitioning strategies were evaluated using BIC scores as calculated by PartitionFinder.

Results

Simulations did not highlight any misbehaviour of our partitioning approach, even under difficult parameter conditions or missing data. In all eight phylogenetic datasets, partitioning using TIGER-rates and RatePartitions was significantly better as measured by the BIC scores than other partitioning strategies, such as the commonly used partitioning by gene and codon position. We compared the resulting topologies and node support for these eight datasets as well as for the phylogenomic dataset.

Discussion

We developed a new method of partitioning phylogenetic datasets without using any prior knowledge (e.g. DNA sequence evolution). This method is entirely based on the properties of the data being analysed and can be applied to DNA sequences (protein-coding, introns, ultra-conserved elements), protein sequences, as well as morphological characters. A likely explanation for why our method performs better than other tested partitioning strategies is that it accounts for the heterogeneity in the data to a much greater extent than when data are simply subdivided based on prior knowledge.
Compositional and predicted functional analysis of the gut microbiota of Radix auricularia (Linnaeus) via high-throughput Illumina sequencing
Authors: Hu Zongfu , Chen Xi , Chang Jie , Yu Jianhua , Tong Qing , Li Shuguo , Niu Huaxin
Published: August 2018

Due to its wide distribution across the world, the snail Radix auricularia plays a central role in the transferal of energy and biomass by consuming plant biomass in freshwater systems. The gut microbiota are involved in the nutrition, digestion, immunity, and development of snails, particularly for cellulolytic bacteria, which greatly contribute to the digestion of plant fiber. For the first time, this study characterized the gut bacterial communities of R. auricularia, as well as predicted functions, using the Illumina Miseq platform to sequence 16S rRNA amplicons. Both juvenile snails (JS) and adult snails (AS) were sampled. The obtained 251,072 sequences were rarefied to 214,584 sequences and clustered into 1,196 operational taxonomic units (OTUs) with 97% sequence identity. The predominant phyla were Proteobacteria (JS: 36.0%, AS: 31.6%) and Cyanobacteria (JS: 16.3%, AS: 19.5%), followed by Chloroflexi (JS: 9.7%, AS: 13.1%), Firmicutes (JS: 14.4%, AS: 6.7%), Actinobacteria (JS: 8.2%, AS: 12.6%), and Tenericutes (JS: 7.3%, AS: 6.2%). The phylum Cyanobacteria may have originated from the plant diet instead of the gut microbiome. A total of 52 bacterial families and 55 genera were found with >1% abundance in at least one sample. A large number of species could not be successfully identified, which could indicate the detection of novel ribotypes or result from insufficient availability of snail microbiome data. The core microbiome consisted of 469 OTUs, representing 88.4% of all sequences. Furthermore, the predicted function of bacterial community of R. auricularia performed by Phylogenetic Investigation of Communities by Reconstruction of Unobserved States suggests that functions related to metabolism and environmental information processing were enriched. The abundance of carbohydrate suggests a strong capability of the gut microbiome to digest lignin. Our results indicate an abundance of bacteria in both JS and AS, and thus the bacteria in R. auricularia gut form a promising source for novel enzymes, such as cellulolytic enzymes, that may be useful for biofuel production. Furthermore, searching for xenobiotic biodegradation bacteria may be a further important application of these snails.
ЧЕТВЕРТИЧНЫЙ ОЗЕРНЫЙ МОРФОЛИТОГЕНЕЗ И ФОРМИРОВАНИЕ ГИДРОЛАККОЛИТОВ (ЮЖНОЕ ЗАБАЙКАЛЬЕ), "Геоморфология"
Authors: Еникеев Ф.И.
Published: August 2018

Образование некоторых озерных котловин в Юго-Восточном Забайкалье связано с компенсационными просадками земной поверхности в результате развития мерзлотных процессов в плейстоцене. Изучение разрезов Уртуйского угольного месторождения показало, что при глубоком промерзании интенсивно обводненных пластов угля здесь формировались гидролакколиты из водогрунтовой смеси, которые внедрялись в вышележащие четвертичные отложения в местах эрозионных врезов, достигавших угольного пласта. Строение разрезов озерных отложений и результаты радиоуглеродного датирования костного материала и растительного детрита, карпологического и палинологического анализов, определения насекомых и раковин моллюсков свидетельствуют о цикличном характере формирования котловины, который напрямую связан с периодами похолоданий в тазовское, муруктинское и сартанское время. Прослеживается тенденция постепенного обмеления и расширения озерного водоема. Выделены три основных фактора, благоприятствующих формированию палеогидролакколитов в угленосных провинциях Забайкалья: выход угольных пластов под рыхлыми четвертичными отложениями; наличие древнего эрозионного вреза, вскрывшего угольный пласт; мощность угольного пласта не менее 25 м, что гарантирует необходимый объем воды в водоносном горизонте. Такие условия в большей степени присущи прибортовым частям угленосных мульд. Эта генетическая разновидность озер присутствует и в других мезозойских впадинах Восточного Забайкалья.
РЕГИОНАЛЬНЫЕ ОСОБЕННОСТИ ФОРМИРОВАНИЯ СОЛЯНОКУПОЛЬНЫХ МОРФОСТРУКТУР, "Геоморфология"
Authors: Петрищев В. П. , НОРЕЙКА С.Ю.
Published: August 2018

Рассмотрены региональные закономерности развития рельефа солянокупольного происхождения в зависимости от геодинамических и зонально-климатических факторов. На основе соотношения скорости роста и активности экзогенных процессов приведены три региональные модели, отражающие этапы формирования соляных морфоструктур в молодых горах Южного Ирана, на равнинах Восточного Техаса и Предуралья. Выявлено, что в пределах соленосных бассейнов платформенных и складчатых областей стадии формирования рельефа существенно различаются, в первую очередь, за счет того, что кульминационная фаза выхода соляной экструзии отмечается только для горных областей, в наибольшей степени раскрываясь в сочетании с экстрааридными условиями (Южный Иран). Для гумидного и семиаридного климата характерны полуобращенные морфоструктуры, отдельные этапы солянокупольного морфогенеза подавляются активностью экзогенных процессов. Особое внимание уделено изучению кепрока при определении этапов формирования соляных форм рельефа и оценке воздействия фактора широтной зональности на их развитие: наличие каменной шляпы, ее мощность и степень эродированности имеет большое значение для анализа продолжительности воздействия экзогенных процессов на соляное ядро. Установлено, что в условиях длительного размыва и меняющегося увлажнения формировались мощные кепроки куполов-гигантов Прикаспийской низменности; карстовые мульды характерны для кровли соляных структур Предуралья и Восточного Техаса; наиболее разрушенными являются каменные шляпы диапиров гумидных областей.
ГОЛОЦЕНОВЫЙ МОРФОЛИТОГЕНЕЗ В ОЗЕРНЫХ КОТЛОВИНАХ ЮГО-ВОСТОЧНОГО ЗАБАЙКАЛЬЯ, "Геоморфология"
Authors: Баженова О.И. , Черкашина А.А.
Published: August 2018

В статье рассматривается функционирование озерных бессточных бассейнов Даурии в голоцене. Выделены типы рельефообразования, связанные с трансгрессивными и регрессивными фазами развития озер, контролируемыми климатическими колебаниями. Трансгрессия сопровождается интеграцией отложений в котловинах за счет береговых процессов, криогенного выветривания, флювиальной, склоновой и биогенной аккумуляции. Регрессия - эоловой деформацией сухих днищ и склонов озерных депрессий, формированием котловин выдувания, выносом рыхлых отложений господствующими ветрами на юго-восток. Установлены события быстрого флювиального сноса большого объема материала в озерные понижения по падям временных водотоков 7-8.5 тыс. кал.л.н. и в переходное время между атлантической и суббореальной климатическими фазами. Наиболее детально прослежена смена условий рельефообразования и осадконакопления в позднем голоцене, отмечавшаяся каждые 500 лет. Выявлен период стабилизации уровней озер и формирования почвы в атлантическое время и два этапа активизации криогенных процессов около 9.2 и 3.5 тыс. кал.л.н., зафиксированные в отложениях первой террасы оз. Хара-Нур. Установлена тенденция сокращения площадей озер и повышения в морфолитогенезе роли эоловых процессов на фоне общей аридизации климата за последние 10 тыс.л.
СЛЕДЫ ПАЛЕОЦУНАМИ НА ПОБЕРЕЖЬЕ ПРИМОРЬЯ В ГОЛОЦЕНЕ, "Геоморфология"
Authors: Ганзей Л.А. , Разжигаева Н.Г. , Арсланов Х.А. , Нишимура Ю. , Гребенникова Т.А. , Горбунов А.О. , Максимов Ф.Е. , ПЕТРОВ А.Ю. , ХАРЛАМОВ А.А.
Published: August 2018

Проведена реконструкция параметров сильных цунами в историческое время и в позднем голоцене, основанная на изучении осадков в разрезах прибрежных низменностей на участке морского побережья большой протяженности Восточного и Южного Приморья (от бух. Удобная до бух. Анна и о-ва Русский). Установлено, что осадки палеоцунами лучше сохраняются на прибрежных низменностях в устьях низкопорядковых водотоков. При идентификации цунамигенных осадков применялись литолого-фациальные методы и диатомовый анализ. Определены источники поступления материала и оценены параметры цунами в разных бухтах. Определение возраста событий основано на данных радиоуглеродного датирования, вмещающих органогенные отложения и тефростратиграфии. Выполнена корреляция событий, выделенных в частных разрезах, и результаты сопоставлены с данными по региону. Крупные цунами в япономорском регионе происходят каждые 200 лет, хотя не исключены ситуации, когда сильные цунами могут проходить чаще, через небольшие промежутки времени.
ОЦЕНКА МАКСИМАЛЬНОГО ОБЪЕМА ТВЕРДЫХ ОТЛОЖЕНИЙ ДЛЯ СЕЛЕЙ РАЗЛИЧНЫХ ГЕНЕТИЧЕСКИХ ТИПОВ НА ТЕРРИТОРИИ СЕВЕРНОГО КАВКАЗА, "Геоморфология"
Authors: Залиханов М.Ч. , Аджиев А.Х. , Кондратьева Н.В. , Разумов В.В.
Published: August 2018

Предлагается аналитический метод оценки максимального объема твердых отложений селя для территории Северного Кавказа на основе статистических данных за период более 50 лет. Он предполагает ранжирование селевых бассейнов по преобладающему генетическому типу селеобразования (ледниковый, ледниково-дождевой, дождевой, снегодождевой) в зависимости от абсолютной высоты истока реки. А также оценку максимального объема твердых отложений селя в бассейне с использованием полученных авторами формул взаимосвязи максимального объема твердых отложений селя (W) и площади селевого бассейна (S), среднего уклона ­русла (б), длины реки (L).
Patient‐Reported Outcomes Predict Mortality in Lupus
Authors: Azizoddin Desiree R. , Jolly Meenakshi , Arora Shilpa , Yelin Ed , Katz Patricia
Published: August 2018

Objective

Physician‐assessed disease activity and damage predict mortality in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Patient‐reported outcomes (PROs) are known predictors of mortality in other chronic diseases, but this relationship has not been well examined in SLE. The aim of the present study was to assess whether PROs predict mortality in SLE.

Methods

Data were derived from the University of California at San Francisco Lupus Outcomes Study (n = 728). PROs (Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36 [SF‐36] subscales), self‐rated health, and depression (Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale [CES‐D]) from 2007 (baseline data [T0]) were used to predict mortality (censored 2015). Univariate Cox regression analyses were completed for each PRO as a predictor of mortality, and multivariate Cox regression with covariates for each PRO separately. Covariates were age, sex, race/ethnicity, poverty, disease duration, disease activity (Systemic Lupus Activity Questionnaire), and damage (Brief Index of Lupus Damage).

Results

The mean ± SD age of patients was 50.6 ± 12.6 years. Ninety‐two percent of patients were women and 68.5% were white. There were 71 deaths (9.1%). In univariate analyses, both the SF‐36 physical component subscale score and self‐rated health were associated with mortality, and the SF‐36 mental health subscale and CES‐D scores were not associated with mortality. In multivariate analyses, lower scores of SF‐36 physical function at T0 independently predicted mortality after controlling for all other covariates (hazard ratio 0.97 [95% confidence interval 0.94–0.99]; P < 0.01).

Conclusion

Patient‐reported physical function independently predicted mortality in SLE, even after accounting for demographics (including poverty) and disease (duration, activity, and damage). Because PROs are easy to assess, they may be used to triage, track, and guide early interventions for those at high risk of mortality in SLE.
Active Control of Electromagnetically Induced Transparency in a Terahertz Metamaterial Array with Graphene for Continuous Resonance Frequency Tuning
Authors: Kindness Stephen J. , Almond Nikita W. , Wei Binbin , Wallis Robert , Michailow Wladislaw , Kamboj Varun S. , Braeuninger‐Weimer Philipp , Hofmann Stephan , Beere Harvey E. , Ritchie David A. , Degl'Innocenti Riccardo
Published: August 2018

Optoelectronic terahertz modulators, operated by actively tuning metamaterial, plasmonic resonator structures, have helped to unlock a myriad of terahertz applications, ranging from spectroscopy and imaging to communications. At the same time, due to the inherently versatile dispersion properties of metamaterials, they offer unique platforms for studying intriguing phenomena such as negative refractive index and slow light. Active resonance frequency tuning of a metamaterial working in the terahertz regime is achieved by integrating metal‐coupled resonator arrays with electrically tunable graphene. This metamaterial device exploits coupled plasmonic resonators to exhibit an electromagnetically induced transparency analog, resulting in the splitting of the resonance into coupled hybrid optical modes. By variably dampening one of the resonators using graphene, the coupling condition is electrically modulated and continuous tuning of the metamaterial resonance frequency is achieved. This device, operating at room temperature, can readily be implemented as a fast, optoelectronic, tunable band pass/reject filter with a tuning range of ≈100 GHz operating at 1.5 THz. The reconfigurable dispersion properties of this device can also be implemented for modulation of the group delay for slow light applications.
Breaking the Diffraction Limit with Radially Polarized Light Based on Dielectric Metalenses
Authors: Zuo Ruizhi , Liu Wenwei , Cheng Hua , Chen Shuqi , Tian Jianguo
Published: August 2018

Dielectric metalenses with high efficiency and compact size have been widely investigated recently, but still suffer from Abbe diffraction limit. Herein, with linear polarization incidence, a dielectric metalens is demonstrated to efficiently generate and focus radially polarized light simultaneously. Two novel methods are proposed to achieve super‐resolution. First, a circular high‐pass aperture is utilized to enhance the longitudinal field component in the vicinity of focus with the focal spot size of 0.138λ2, much smaller than the theoretical limit of 0.212λ2. The key parameters that impact the focusing size are explored in detail, such as radius of the circular aperture and numerical aperture of the metalens. Second, an extra phase distribution is added on the metalens to filter the transversely polarized component, which leads to a focal spot size of 0.144λ2. The approach provides a wide platform for sub‐resolution focusing and imaging, which offers the capability of subdiffraction techniques for microscopy systems and information processing with extensive channels.
Design and Synthesis of Zirconium‐Containing Coordination Polymer Based on Unsymmetric Indolyl Dicarboxylic Acid and Catalytic Application on Borrowing Hydrogen Reaction
Authors: Hu Xinyu , Zhu Haiyan , Sang Xinxin , Wang Dawei
Published: August 2018

Catalytic borrowing hydrogen reaction is a very attractive transformation in the field of C‐alkylation reaction. In this work, a new Zr (Zirconium)‐containing coordination polymer containing unsymmetric indolyl dicarboxylic acid 1‐(carboxymethyl)‐1H‐indole‐5‐carboxylic acid (H2CIA) was synthesized by the way of a solvothermal synthetic route and characterized by powder X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Nitrogen adsorption‐desorption, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X‐ray photoelectronic spectroscopy (XPS). The coordination polymer Zr‐CIA was employed as the catalyst for C‐alkylation of acetophenone derivatives in the presence of benzyl alcohol. In addition, Zr‐CIA catalyst was also observed to be effective in the reaction of alcohols with alcohols and high yields of alkylation products were achieved. Mechanism investigations were also conducted to better understand the catalysts and transformations. Meanwhile, the Zr‐CIA could be reused at least five times without a notable decrease in activity and selectivity.

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Controlled Non‐Viral Gene Delivery in Cartilage and Bone Repair: Current Strategies and Future Directions
Authors: Gonzalez‐Fernandez Tomas , Kelly Daniel J. , O'Brien Fergal J.
Published: August 2018

Recent advances in the approval and commercialization of gene therapeutics have fostered the return of gene therapy to center stage. But despite new optimism, no Food and Drug Administration approved product exists for the treatment of orthopedic disorders. Non‐viral gene delivery is a promising alternative to recombinant protein administration and viral gene transduction for orthopedic tissue engineering. When applied using appropriately designed systems, it enables temporal control of the overexpression of therapeutic genes, leading to local production of regulatory factors at physiologically relevant levels. Incorporating genetic material into 3D scaffold biomaterials, that is, gene activated scaffolds or hydrogels, presents a particular opportunity to utilize non‐viral gene therapy for in situ transfection of host cells and the regeneration of damaged tissues and organs. But controlled non‐viral gene delivery for musculoskeletal regeneration depends on a multifactorial design in which the choice of gene delivery method, therapeutic gene, and supportive biomaterial play a central role for the success of this strategy. This paper reviews the different modalities of non‐viral gene delivery used for the repair of bone and cartilage, and explores the current challenges and opportunities for the engineering of functional orthopedic tissues using gene activated scaffolds.
Effect of carbonized watermelon rind powder on the mechanical and thermal properties of unsaturated polyester composites: A special insight to chemical resistance and value addition
Authors: Wadgaonkar Kunal K. , Mehta Linchon B. , Bamane Pratiket B. , Pon Kumar Ramamoorthy , Jagtap Ramanand N.
Published: August 2018

This study focuses on the preparation and characterization of bio‐based filler derived from natural fruit waste and its utilization in unsaturated polyester composites. Particle size analysis, energy dispersive x‐ray spectroscopy, and Fourier transform spectroscopy were used to characterize the size and composition of the filler namely carbonized watermelon rind filler, called carbonized watermelon rind filler. The filled composites (0%, 5%, 10%, and 15%) were prepared and their mechanical properties such as tensile, flexural, and impact were tested. It was found that tensile modulus had increased to 17% at 10% filler loading as compared to unfilled. These results were supported by scanning electron microscopy measurements of the fractured surface of the composites. All the fabricated composites resisted well against the chemicals and it indicates that the composites have excellent chemical resistance. The thermal properties were characterized by Thermogravimetric analysis which revealed that there was no improvement in thermal degradation temperature of the filled composites suggesting a way of thermally recycling the composites.
Assessment of efficacy and safety of PEGylated interferon plus ribavirin in elderly patients with chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Wen Shi‐Chi , Cheng Lung‐Chih , Hsu Jui‐Hung , Lai Hsin‐Wen , Shih Pei‐Chen , Tsai Chi‐Chang , Lee Ching‐Chang , Kuo Wu‐Hsien
Published: August 2018

Patients with chronic hepatitis C‐associated liver disease are of an older age in southern Taiwan. PEGylated interferon‐based therapy could reduce the risk of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma and improve survival. We assessed the efficacy and safety of combination therapy with PEGylated interferon plus ribavirin in elderly patients with chronic hepatitis C. A total of 88 consecutive patients with chronic hepatitis C treated with combination therapy were analyzed retrospectively to identify factors associated with a sustained virological response (SVR). These patients were divided into two groups according to age: elderly patients ≧ 60 years (n = 43) and patients 50 to 59 years (n = 45). We compared baseline characteristics, adherence 80/80/80, dose modification, discontinuation, and adverse events profiles between these two groups. We further compared virological response rates stratified by genotype. The factors associated with an SVR were determined by total patients and different age groups. In the intent‐to‐treat analysis, the SVR rate was 61.8%. The SVR rate of elderly patients tended to be superior to that of total patients. Patients aged ≧ 60 years had a higher proportion of concomitant chronic disease, dose modification, clinical events with anorexia, depression, leucopenia, and anemia than those aged 50 to 59 years. Total patients with genotype 1 tended to have a lower SVR rate than nongenotype 1 (P = 0.067). Total patients with nongenotype 1 had a significantly higher rapid virological response (RVR) rate than genotype 1 (P = 0.009). In patients aged ≧ 60 years, the relapse rate of genotype 1 was higher than that of nongenotype 1 (P = 0.034). After stratification by HCV genotype 1, high viral load, and achievement of an RVR, the SVR rates remained similar between the two groups. The most strongly predictive factors of an SVR of total patients were the achievement of an RVR (OR: 49.744; 95% CI: 6.979‐354.574; P < 0.001), followed by breakthrough (OR: 0.018; 95% CI: 0.002‐0.195; P = 0.001). The factor mostly predictive of an SVR in age ≧ 60 years group was achievement of an RVR (OR: 12.779; 1.430‐114.180; P = 0.023). Elderly patients had a greater frequency of adverse events. Genotype 1 is independently associated with lower SVR and RVR rates and high relapse rates. Attainment of an RVR is the most powerful predictor of SVR in elderly patients.
Ein vielseitiges Bisallylbor‐Reagenz für die stereoselektive Synthese von chiralen Diolen
Authors: Hetzler Belinda E. , Volpin Giulio , Vignoni Elisa , Petrovic Ana G. , Proni Gloria , Hu Chunhua T. , Trauner Dirk
Published: August 2018

Allylische Bor‐Verbindungen haben vielseitige Anwendungsmöglichkeiten und zeichnen sich durch eine gute stereochemische Vorhersagbarkeit in der Reaktion mit Carbonylgruppen aus. Hier beschreiben wir die Synthese von (Z,Z)‐Hexadienylbisboronat 1, das konfigurationsstabil, kristallin und einfach zu handhaben ist. Es ist Teil einer Klasse bis‐allylischer Bor‐Reagenzien mit bislang nicht ausgeschöpftem Synthesepotential. Durch Katalyse mit chiralen Phosphorsäuren kann das Reagenz in enantioselektiven Allyltransferreaktionen und in einer Vielzahl von Eintopfreaktion eingesetzt werden, die einen schnellen Zugang zu funktionalisierten 1,n‐Diolen ermöglichen. Zusätzlich gestattet das in situ generierte bis‐borinische Reagenz den direkten und diastereoselektiven zweifachen Allyltransfer an Aldehyde. Die dadurch synthetisierten C2‐ oder Ci‐symmetrischen Stereotetraden enthalten ein 1,4‐Diol‐Muster, das in der Naturstoffsynthese relevant ist. Vor diesem Hintergrund wurde die Anwendung unserer Methode in einer kurzen Synthese des Lignans (±)‐Neo‐Olivil demonstriert.
A Versatile Bis‐Allylboron Reagent for the Stereoselective Synthesis of Chiral Diols
Authors: Hetzler Belinda E. , Volpin Giulio , Vignoni Elisa , Petrovic Ana G. , Proni Gloria , Hu Chunhua T. , Trauner Dirk
Published: August 2018

Allylboron reagents are popular in synthesis owing to their versatility and the predictable stereochemical outcomes of their reactions with carbonyl compounds. Herein, we describe the synthesis of (Z,Z)‐hexadienyl bis‐boronate 1, a configurationally stable, crystalline, and easy to handle compound, which represents a class of bis‐allylic boron reagents with heretofore untapped synthetic potential. In combination with a chiral phosphoric acid catalyst, the reagent can be employed for the enantioselective allyl transfer reaction to a variety of one‐pot transformations, enabling swift access to functionalized 1,n‐diols. The in situ conversion of the reagent into the corresponding bis‐borinic ester allows for the direct and diastereoselective two‐fold allyl transfer to aldehydes. This affords C2‐ or Ci‐symmetric stereotetrads containing a 1,4‐diol moiety for natural product synthesis. The usefulness of our method was demonstrated with a short synthesis of the lignan (±)‐neo‐olivil.
Recognition of Amino Acid Motifs, Rather Than Specific Proteins, by Human Plasma Cell–Derived Monoclonal Antibodies to Posttranslationally Modified Proteins in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Steen Johanna , Forsström Björn , Sahlström Peter , Odowd Victoria , Israelsson Lena , Krishnamurthy Akilan , Badreh Sara , Mathsson Alm Linda , Compson Joanne , Ramsköld Daniel , Ndlovu Welcome , Rapecki Stephen , Hansson Monika , Titcombe Philip J. , Bang Holger , Mueller Daniel L. , Catrina Anca I. , Grönwall Caroline , Skriner Karl , Nilsson Peter , Lightwood Daniel , Klareskog Lars , Malmström Vivianne
Published: August 2018

Objective

Antibodies against posttranslationally modified proteins are a hallmark of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but the emergence and pathogenicity of these autoantibodies are still incompletely understood. The aim of this study was to analyze the antigen specificities and mutation patterns of monoclonal antibodies (mAb) derived from RA synovial plasma cells and address the question of antigen cross‐reactivity.

Methods

IgG‐secreting cells were isolated from RA synovial fluid, and the variable regions of the immunoglobulins were sequenced (n = 182) and expressed in full‐length mAb (n = 93) and also as germline‐reverted versions. The patterns of reactivity with 53,019 citrullinated peptides and 49,211 carbamylated peptides and the potential of the mAb to promote osteoclastogenesis were investigated.

Results

Four unrelated anti–citrullinated protein autoantibodies (ACPAs), of which one was clonally expanded, were identified and found to be highly somatically mutated in the synovial fluid of a patient with RA. The ACPAs recognized >3,000 unique peptides modified by either citrullination or carbamylation. This highly multireactive autoantibody feature was replicated for Ig sequences derived from B cells from the peripheral blood of other RA patients. The plasma cell–derived mAb were found to target distinct amino acid motifs and partially overlapping protein targets. They also conveyed different effector functions as revealed in an osteoclast activation assay.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that the high level of cross‐reactivity among RA autoreactive B cells is the result of different antigen encounters, possibly at different sites and at different time points. This is consistent with the notion that RA is initiated in one context, such as in the mucosal organs, and thereafter targets other sites, such as the joints.
Preschool predictors of reading ability in the first year of schooling in children with ASD
Authors: Westerveld Marleen F. , Paynter Jessica , O'Leary Kathryn , Trembath David
Published: August 2018

A high percentage of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) show elevated challenges in learning to read. We investigated longitudinal predictors of reading skills in 41 children diagnosed with ASD. All children completed measures of precursor literacy skills at the age of 4–5 years, including phonological awareness, letter sound knowledge, rapid automatic naming, name writing, and phonological memory (digit span), along with measures of word‐ and passage‐level reading skills in their first year of formal schooling. Nonverbal cognition and letter sound knowledge accounted for 53.4% of the variance in regular single word reading at school age, with letter sound knowledge a significant individual predictor. Overall, 18 children showed reading ability scores in the average range on a standardized test of passage‐level reading ability, whereas 23 children performed below expectations. These groups differed significantly on all precursor literacy measures (at ages 4–5), except autism symptoms based on parent report. Group membership was significantly predicted by preschool receptive vocabulary, name writing, and rapid automatic naming, with high sensitivity and specificity. These results are discussed in reference to the literature describing early literacy predictors for typically developing children, highlighting key areas for future intervention and support. Autism Res 2018, 11: 1332–1344. © 2018 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Lay summary

Children with autism are at increased risk of persistent reading difficulties. We examined whether preschool reading‐related skills linked to later reading ability. Performance on the following three tasks administered at preschool predicted children who showed early reading success versus below expectations in their first year of school: vocabulary, name writing, and rapid naming of familiar objects and shapes. These results can inform future interventions.
Epigenetic changes due to physical activity
Authors: Rezapour Sadegh , Shiravand Mustafa , Mardani Mahnaz
Published: August 2018

One of the epigenetic‐modifying factors is regular and continuous physical activity. This article attempts to investigate the effects of physical activity and exercise on changes in histone proteins and gene expression, as well as the effect of these exercises on the prevention of certain cancers and the ejection of age‐related illnesses and cellular oxidation interactions. All of this is due to epigenetic changes and gene expression. Most studies have reported the positive effects of regular exercises on the expression of histone proteins. DNA methylation and the prevention of certain diseases such as cancer and respiratory diseases, caused by antioxidative interactions that occur more often in the elderly, have been studied.
Studies on the Substrate Selectivity of the Hypoxia‐Inducible Factor Prolyl Hydroxylase 2 Catalytic Domain
Authors: Abboud Martine I. , Chowdhury Rasheduzzaman , Leung Ivanhoe K. H. , Lippl Kerstin , Loenarz Christoph , Claridge Timothy D. W. , Schofield Christopher J.
Published: August 2018

In animals, the response to chronic hypoxia is mediated by upregulation of the α,β‐heterodimeric hypoxia‐inducible factors (HIFs). Levels of HIFα isoforms, but not HIFβ, are regulated by their post‐translational modification as catalysed by prolyl hydroxylase domain enzymes (PHDs). Different roles for the human HIF‐1/2α isoforms and their two oxygen‐dependent degradation domains (ODDs) are proposed. We report kinetic and NMR analyses of the ODD selectivity of the catalytic domain of wild‐type PHD2 (which is conserved in nearly all animals) and clinically observed variants. Studies using Ala scanning and “hybrid” ODD peptides imply that the relatively rigid conformation of the (hydroxylated) proline plays an important role in ODD binding. They also reveal differential roles in binding for the residues on the N‐ and C‐terminal sides of the substrate proline. The overall results indicate how the PHDs achieve selectivity for HIFα ODDs and might be of use in identifying substrate‐selective PHD inhibitors.
Safety and feasibility of balloon aortic valvuloplasty in non‐TAVI centers: The “BAV for life” experience
Authors: Attisano Tiziana , Silverio Angelo , Stabile Eugenio , Briguori Carlo , Tuccillo Bernardino , Scotto Di Uccio Fortunato , Di Lorenzo Emilio , Tesorio Tullio , Giordano Arturo , Calabrò Paolo , Cappelli Bigazzi Maurizio , Golino Paolo , Scherillo Marino , Vigorito Francesco , Quaranta Gaetano , Esposito Giovanni , Mauro Ciro , Musumeci Giuseppe , Tarantini Giuseppe , Galasso Gennaro ,   on behalf of BAV for Life Investigators
Published: August 2018

Objectives

To evaluate the safety and the feasibility of balloon aortic valvuloplasty (BAV) procedure made by trained operators in centers not performing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI).

Background

BAV is a valuable therapeutic tool for patients with symptomatic severe aortic valve stenosis (AS) at prohibitive risk for TAVI or surgery.

Methods

Consecutive high‐risk AS patients underwent BAV in five non‐TAVI centers, where BAV operators had completed a 6‐month training period in high‐volume TAVI centers (Group A). All clinical, echocardiographic, and procedural data were prospectively collected and compared with data of patients treated in TAVI center (Group B).

Results

Between June 2016 and June 2017, 55 patients (83.9 ± 7.0 years) were enrolled: 25 in Group A and 30 in Group B. After BAV, a substantial reduction of the peak‐to‐peak aortic valve gradient was obtained in both groups (−35.3 ± 15.2 vs −28.8 ± 13.9 mmHg, P =0.25). No major bleeding or vascular complications occurred. In‐hospital death was observed in three patients of Group A and two patients of Group B (P =0.493). The mean follow‐up time was 303 ± 188 days; no patients were lost. The 1‐year survival free from overall death (Group A 75.8% vs Group B 68.8%; P =0.682) and heart failure rehospitalization (Group A 73.0% vs Group B 66.8%; P =0.687) was similar in the two groups. At multivariable analysis, low left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (HR: 0.943; P = 0.011) and cardiogenic shock (HR: 5.128; P = 0.002) at admission were independent predictors of mortality.

Conclusions

BAV is a safe and effective procedure that can be performed by trained operators in centers not performing TAVI.
Electropolymerization of Dithieno[3,2‐b:2′,3′‐d]arsole
Authors: Imoto Hiroaki , Yamazawa Chieko , Hayashi Shotaro , Aono Masami , Naka Kensuke
Published: August 2018

Dithieno[3, 2‐b:2′,3′‐d]arsole is a molecule with a high oxidation potential (>1.2 V vs. Ag/AgCl) whose polymerization has not been achieved in common organic electrolytic solutions. Herein, we report the electropolymerization of dithieno[3, 2‐b:2′,3′‐d]arsole, which was performed in a dichloromethane solution using the trifluoroborate diethyl ether complex (BF3−OEt2) as an electrolyte. Under these conditions, the oxidation potential of dithieno[3, 2‐b:2′,3′‐d]arsole decreased to 0.5 V. The potential‐sweep electropolymerization of this molecule afforded an insoluble polymerized film on indium tin oxide or Pt working electrodes. The polymer film was subjected to X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis and the corresponding spectra revealed the presence of H, C, S, and As, which are the constituent elements of the monomer. Moreover, the polymer resulted to be a low band gap material according to the low energy band observed in its absorption spectra.
Parotid gland chondroma masquerading as pleomorphic adenoma in fine needle aspiration cytology: A diagnostic challenge
Authors: Chatterjee Debajyoti , Bhagat Ranjeev , Bansal Vinisha , Punia Rajpal Singh , Gupta Nitin
Published: August 2018

Chondroid neoplasm of parotid gland is extremely rare. Only a few cases of extraskeletal chondroma and one case of chondrosarcoma of parotid gland have been reported in the literature. The cytological features of parotid gland chondroma are not well documented. A 61‐year female patient presented with a slow growing left preauricular mass for past 6 years. Computer tomography scan showed a well circumscribed mass in the superficial lobe of left parotid gland. Fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) showed uniform chondrocytes embedded in a chondroid matrix, and was diagnosed as pleomorphic adenoma. Histological examination of the excised specimen showed a benign cartilaginous tumor, consistent with chondroma. There was no epithelial or myoepithelial component on extensive search. Chondroma is an extremely rare tumor of parotid gland and can be misdiagnosed as pleomorphic adenoma on cytology examination. However, absence of epithelial and myoepithelial component can give a clue toward a pure chondroid neoplasm. This report highlights the diagnostic features of chondroma of parotid gland and its diagnostic pitfalls in FNAC.
Fine needle aspiration of giant cell tumor involving thyroid gland: A case report of an unprecedented entity
Authors: Zhang Xiaorong , Zhu Xianglan , Li Jinnan , Liu Nian , Li Qiyuan , Su Xueying
Published: August 2018

Fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) is commonly used to evaluate both primary thyroid lesions (PTLs) and secondary thyroid neoplasms (STNs). Although STNs are uncommon, metastases from various primary sites particularly the kidney, lung, and breast have been previously described. Giant cell tumor (GCT) is typically found in the metaphyseal‐epiphyseal area of long bones that seldom involves thyroid. The typical cytological feature of GCT on FNA smears is highly cellular dual cell pattern consisting of mononuclear stromal cells and multinucleate osteoclast‐like giant cells. By performing FNA of the left lobe of thyroid and clinico‐radiological evaluation, we were able to diagnose a mass in a 40‐year‐old male patient as GCT based on cytological specimen. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case that a GCT is identified in the thyroid gland by FNA initially.
Dinuclear LnIII Complexes with 9‐Anthracenecarboxylate Showing Field‐Induced SMM and Visible/NIR Luminescence
Authors: Casanovas Berta , Speed Saskia , Maury Olivier , El Fallah Mohamed Salah , Font‐Bardía Mercè , Vicente Ramon
Published: August 2018

The reaction of several Ln(NO3)3·6H2O salts with 9‐anthracenecarboxylic acid (9‐HAC) and 2,2′‐bipyridine (bpy) in a mixture of CH3OH/H2O has allowed the isolation of the dinuclear compounds 1–6 with formula [Ln2(µ2–9‐AC)4(9‐AC)2(bpy)2] [LnIII = Nd (1), Eu (2), Gd (3), Tb (4), Er (5), and Yb (6)]. The molar magnetic susceptibility measurements of 1–6 in the 2–300 K temperature range indicate weak antiferromagnetic exchange for the isotropic GdIII compound 3. Compounds 1, 5, and 6 exhibit field‐induced single‐molecule magnet (SMM) behavior. The luminescence properties of compounds 1–6 in the solid state have been studied at different temperatures and show sensitization of the 4f–4f emission bands in the NIR range for compounds 1, 5, and 6.
Injection system for fast capillary electrophoresis based on pressure regulation with flow restrictors
Authors: Furter Jasmine S. , Hauser Peter C.
Published: August 2018

A fast automated system for rapid electrophoretic separations in short conventional capillaries employing contactless conductivity detection is presented. The instrument is based on pneumatic pressurization and does not require a conventional pump. The required pressures and flow rates for the different steps of the injection and flushing processes are produced with the help of two flow restrictors. The device is implemented on a microfluidic breadboard with dimensions of ca. 13 × 20 cm and employs miniature valves. Nine inorganic cations, namely NH4+, K+, Na+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Mn2+, Sr2+, Li+, and Ba2+, could be separated in a capillary of 10 μm inner diameter and 6 cm effective length within 25 s. Following a reduction of the effective length to 4 cm, still five inorganic cations could be separated in a time span of 12 s. The repeatability of peak areas was better than 3.1 % and limits of detection between 3.5 and 5.5 μM were achieved.
Assessing the performance of commercial farms in England and Wales: Lessons for supporting the sustainable intensification of agriculture
Authors: Firbank Les G. , Elliott John , Field Rob H. , Lynch John Michael , Peach Will J. , Ramsden Stephen , Turner Carla
Published: August 2018

Understanding the trade‐offs between yield, ecosystem services, and other societal benefits is a fundamental prerequisite for the sustainable intensification of agriculture. Here, we develop and test an holistic approach to assessing farm performance across production, social, financial, and environmental dimensions. A longlist of potential indicators was reduced to a smaller subset of Headline Indicators, covering financial performance, levels of food production (standardized in terms of energy content), social characteristics of the farmer (including age, level of education, and degree of business cooperation), hours worked on the farm and provision of public access, and environmental quality (including impacts on climate regulation and water quality). A new index for biodiversity was created and validated, based on land use and management. Data were collected from 59 English and Welsh farms, using a questionnaire structured to be similar to the UK Farm Business Survey. Data were analyzed per farm and per unit area. The main overall variation in Headline Indicators was due to positive relationships between production, profitability and predicted levels of nitrate and GHG emissions, while social variables and biodiversity were generally unrelated to production. Cereal production was associated with relatively low levels of GHG emissions per unit of food production. There were strong differences in indicator profiles between farm types. Such metrics have value in helping understand how best to drive sustainable intensification, especially as it should involve reducing the pollution footprint of food production.