bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Study type and plant litter identity modulating the response of litter decomposition to warming, elevated CO2, and elevated O3: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Yue Kai , Peng Changhui , Yang Wanqin , Peng Yan , Fang Junmin , Wu Fuzhong 
Published: February 2015

AbstractPlant litter decomposition is one of the most important ecosystem carbon flux processes in terrestrial ecosystems and is usually regarded as sensitive to climate change. The goal of the present study was to examine the effects of changing climate variables on litter decomposition. By synthesizing data from multiple terrestrial ecosystems, we quantified the response of the litter decomposition rate to the independent effects of warming, elevated carbon dioxide (CO2), elevated ozone (O3), and the combined effects of elevated CO2 + elevated O3. Across all case studies, warming increased the litter decomposition rate significantly by 4.4%, but this effect could be reduced as a result of the negatively significant effects of elevated CO2 and elevated CO2 + elevated O3. The combined effects of elevated CO2 + elevated O3 decreased the litter decomposition rate significantly, and the magnitude appeared to be higher than that of the elevated CO2 per se. Moreover, the study type (field versus laboratory), ecosystem type, and plant litter identity and functional traits (growth form and litter form) were all important moderators regulating the response of litter decomposition to climate warming and elevated CO2 and O3. Although litter decomposition rate may show a moderate change as a result of the effects of multiple changing climate variables, the process of litter decomposition would be strongly altered due to the differing mechanisms of the effects of each climate change variable, suggesting that the global carbon cycle and biogeochemistry could be substantially affected.
Alternative Ways to Quantify Sustained Remission: Applying the Continuity Rewarded Score and Patient Vector Graph
Authors: Jurgens Maud S. , Jacobs Johannes W. G. , Boers Maarten , van der Goes Marlies C. , van der Veen Maaike J. , Lafeber Floris P. J. G. , Bijlsma Johannes W. J. ,   on behalf of the Utrecht Arthritis Cohort study group
Published: February 2015

ObjectiveAlthough the Computer Assisted Management in Early Rheumatoid Arthritis Trial‐II (CAMERA‐II) showed favorable clinical effects in the most intensive methotrexate (MTX)–based strategy with prednisone (MTX ± prednisone) compared to that with placebo (MTX + placebo), this beneficial difference was only seen in 1 of the 3 analyses of remission. Our objective was to investigate whether the Continuity Rewarded (ConRew) score and a simple sum score would better reveal differences regarding remission between the 2 treatment arms of CAMERA‐II. Furthermore, we investigated whether the patient vector graph, which plots on patient level, would add visual information on remission compared to a conventional box plot only, which displays data on the group level.MethodsThe ConRew method, which awards continuous periods of remission with a higher score, was applied, in addition to a simple sum score of remission periods of 4 weeks. A patient vector graph was compared with box plots.ResultsBoth the mean ± SD simple sum score and the ConRew score of remission were significantly higher (favorable) in the MTX + prednisone strategy group versus the MTX + placebo group, respectively: 9 ± 7 versus 12 ± 8; P = 0.003, and 23 ± 16 versus 17 ± 14; P = 0.004. The patient vector graphs show a visual pattern of more and longer periods of remission in the MTX + prednisone strategy and visually add information to the box plots.ConclusionThe simple sum of remission periods, the ConRew score, and the patient vector graph add understanding and discrimination to the analysis of the remission outcome in CAMERA‐II.
Barriers to and Facilitators of a Career as a Physician‐Scientist Among Rheumatologists in the US
Authors: Ogdie Alexis , Shah Ami A. , Makris Una E. , Jiang Yihui , Nelson Amanda E. , Kim Alfred H. J. , Angeles‐Han Sheila T. , Castelino Flavia V. , Golding Amit , Muscal Eyal , Kahlenberg J. Michelle , Barg Frances K. ,   for the American College of Rheumatology Early Career Investigator Subcommittee of the Committee on Research
Published: February 2015

ObjectiveTo determine perceived barriers to and facilitators of a career in rheumatology research, examine factors leading rheumatologists to leave an academic research career, and solicit ways to best support young physician‐scientists.MethodsA web‐based survey was conducted among the domestic American College of Rheumatology (ACR) membership from January through March 2014. Inclusion criteria were ACR membership and an available e‐mail address. Non‐rheumatologists were excluded. The survey assessed demographics, research participation, barriers to and facilitators of a career in research, reasons for leaving a research career (when applicable), and ways in which the ACR could support junior investigators. Content analysis was used to extract relevant themes.ResultsAmong 5,448 domestic ACR members, 502 responses were obtained (9.2% response rate). After exclusions (38 incomplete, 2 duplicates, 32 non‐rheumatologists), 430 responses were analyzed. Participants included fellows, young investigators, established investigators, mentors, clinicians, and those who previously pursued a research career but have chosen a different career path. Funding and mentoring were the most highly ranked barriers and facilitators. Protection from clinical and administrative duties, institutional support, and personal characteristics such as resilience and persistence were also ranked highly. The most commonly cited reasons for leaving an academic research career were difficulty obtaining funding and lack of department or division support.ConclusionThis is the first study to examine barriers to and facilitators of a career in rheumatology research from the perspectives of diverse groups of rheumatologists. Knowledge of such barriers and facilitators may assist in designing interventions to support investigators during vulnerable points in their career development.
Cognitive Performance Scores for the Pediatric Automated Neuropsychological Assessment Metrics in Childhood‐Onset Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Vega‐Fernandez Patricia , Vanderburgh White Shana , Zelko Frank , Ruth Natasha M. , Levy Deborah M. , Muscal Eyal , Klein‐Gitelman Marisa S. , Huber Adam M. , Tucker Lori B. , Roebuck‐Spencer Tresa , Ying Jun , Brunner Hermine I. 
Published: February 2015

ObjectiveTo develop and initially validate a global cognitive performance score (CPS) for the Pediatric Automated Neuropsychological Assessment Metrics (PedANAM) to serve as a screening tool of cognition in childhood lupus.MethodsPatients (n = 166) completed the 9 subtests of the PedANAM battery, each of which provides 3 principal performance parameters (accuracy, mean reaction time for correct responses, and throughput). Cognitive ability was measured by formal neurocognitive testing or estimated by the Pediatric Perceived Cognitive Function Questionnaire‐43 to determine the presence or absence of neurocognitive dysfunction (NCD). A subset of the data was used to develop 4 candidate PedANAM‐CPS indices with supervised or unsupervised statistical approaches: PedANAM‐CPSUWA, i.e., unweighted averages of the accuracy scores of all PedANAM subtests; PedANAM‐CPSPCA, i.e., accuracy scores of all PedANAM subtests weighted through principal components analysis; PedANAM‐CPSlogit, i.e., algorithm derived from logistic models to estimate NCD status based on the accuracy scores of all of the PedANAM subtests; and PedANAM‐CPSmultiscore, i.e., algorithm derived from logistic models to estimate NCD status based on select PedANAM performance parameters. PedANAM‐CPS candidates were validated using the remaining data.ResultsPedANAM‐CPS indices were moderately correlated with each other (|r| > 0.65). All of the PedANAM‐CPS indices discriminated children by NCD status across data sets (P < 0.036). The PedANAM‐CPSmultiscore had the highest area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) across all data sets for identifying NCD status (AUC >0.74), followed by the PedANAM‐CPSlogit, the PedANAM‐CPSPCA, and the PedANAM‐CPSUWA, respectively.ConclusionBased on preliminary validation and considering ease of use, the PedANAM‐CPSmultiscore and the PedANAM‐CPSPCA appear to be best suited as global measures of PedANAM performance.
Enantioselective Titanium‐Catalyzed Cyanation Reactions of Carbonyl Compounds
Authors: Pellissier Hélène 
Published: February 2015

AbstractThis review surveys the recent developments in enantioselective titanium‐catalyzed cyanation reactions of carbonyl compounds, covering the literature since the beginning of 2008. It well demonstrates that this reaction constitutes an important tool in organic synthesis, still attracting a considerable interest due to the potential use of enantiopure cyanohydrins as natural products and useful synthetic intermediates in the synthesis of biologically active molecules. Abbreviations: Ac: acetyl; Ar: aryl; BINOL: 1,1′‐bi‐2‐naphthol; BINOLAM: bis(diethylaminomethyl)‐1,1‘‐binaphthol; Bn: benzyl; Cy: cyclohexyl; DFT: density functional theory; DMAP: 4‐(dimethylamino)pyridine; ee: enantiomeric excess; Naph: naphthyl; r.t.: room temperature; salen: 1,2‐bis(salicylidenamino)ethane; TADDOL: α,α,α′,α′‐tetraphenyl‐2,2‐dimethyl‐1,3‐dioxolane‐4,5‐dimethanol; TEA: trimethylamine; THF: tetrahydrofuran; TMS: trimethylsilyl; Tol: tolyl.magnified image
Direct Conversion of Bulk Metals to Size‐Tailored, Monodisperse Spherical Non‐Coinage‐Metal Nanocrystals
Authors: Luo Rui‐Chun , Li Chao , Du Xi‐Wen , Yang Jing 
Published: February 2015

AbstractMonodisperse non‐noble metal nanocrystals (NCs) that are highly uniform in shapes and particle size are much desired in various advanced applications, and are commonly prepared by either thermal decomposition or reduction, where reactive organometallic precursors or/and strong reducing agents are mandatory; however, these are usually toxic, costly, or suffer a lack of availability. Bulk Group 12 metals can now be converted into ligand‐protected, highly crystalline, monodisperse spherical metal NCs with precisely controlled sizes without using any precursors and reducers. The method is based on low‐power NIR‐laser‐induced size‐selective layer‐by‐layer surface vaporization. The monodisperse Cd NCs show pronounced deep‐UV (DUV) localized surface plasmon resonance making them highly competitive DUV‐plasmonic materials. This approach will promote appreciably the emergence of a wide range of monodisperse technically important non‐coinage metal NCs with compelling functionalities.
OH‐dirigierte Alkinylierung von 2‐Vinylphenolen mit Ethinylbenziodoxolonen: ein schneller Zugang zu terminalen 1,3‐Eninen
Authors: Finkbeiner Peter , Kloeckner Ulrich , Nachtsheim Boris J. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractWir berichten über die Entwicklung der ersten direkten Alkinylierung von 2‐Vinylphenolen. Das optimierte hypervalente Iodreagens TIPS‐EBX* ermöglicht zusammen mit [(Cp*RhCl2)2] als Übergangsmetallkatalysator die Konstruktion einer Vielzahl von hochsubstituierten 1,3‐Eninen in Ausbeuten von bis zu 98 %. Diese neue C‐H‐aktivierende Methode zeichnet sich durch eine exzellente Chemoselektivität und reine (Z)‐Stereoselektivität aus, ist dabei besonders mild und toleriert viele funktionelle Gruppen. Des Weiteren wurden Modifikationen der so erhaltenen 1,3‐Enine untersucht. Unseres Wissens ist diese Reaktion das erste Beispiel einer OH‐dirigierten C‐H‐Alkinylierung mit hypervalenten Iodreagentien.
Preparation and characterization of a novel positively charged nanofiltration membrane based on polysulfone
Authors: Akbari Ahmad , Solymani Hosna , Rostami Sayed Majid Mojallali 
Published: February 2015

ABSTRACTThe goal of this study was to prepare positively charged nanofiltration (NF) membranes to remove cations from aqueous solutions. A composite NF membrane was fabricated by the modification of a polysulfone ultrafiltration support. The active top layer was formed by the interfacial crosslinking polymerization of poly(ethylene imine) (PEI) with p‐xylene dichloride (XDC). Then, it was quaternized by methyl iodide (MI) to form a perpetually positively charged layer. The chemical and morphological changes of the membrane surfaces were studied by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and atomic force microscopy. To optimize the membrane operation, the PEI solution concentration, PEI coating time, XDC concentration, crosslinking time, and MI concentration were optimized. Consequently, high water flux (5.4 L m−2 h−1 bar−1) and CaCl2 rejection (94%) values were obtained for the composite membranes at 4 bars and 30°C. The rejections of the NF membrane for different salt solutions, obtained from pH testing, followed the order Na2SO4 < MgSO4 < NaCl < CaCl2. The molecular weight cutoff was calculated by the retention of poly(ethylene glycol) solutions with different molecular weights, and finally, the stoke radius was calculated as 1.47 nm. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41988.
Apoptotic Mediators are Upregulated in the Skeletal Muscle of Chronic/Progressive Mouse Model of Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Erekat Nour S. 
Published: February 2015

ABSTRACTApoptosis has been implicated in the pathogenesis of Parkinson disease (PD). Parkinson disease is characterized by skeletal muscle abnormalities. The aim of this study is to illustrate the impact of PD induction on the expression of apoptotic mediators. Twenty normal albino mice were randomly selected and equally divided in control and PD groups. Chronic Parkinsonism was induced in the PD group using 1‐methyl‐4‐phenyl‐1,2,3,6‐tetrahydropyridine and probenecid (MPTP/p). After that, samples from gastrocnemius muscles were evaluated by immunohistochemistry to examine the expression of p53 and active caspase‐3 in the two groups of animals. P53 and active caspase‐3 expression was significantly higher in gastrocnemius skeletal muscle in PD mice compared with that in the control mice (P value <0.01). Furthermore, we show PD gastrocnemius muscle atrophy measured by significant reduction (P < 0.01) in the muscle fiber cross‐sectional area. Thus, our present data suggest that PD induction increased the expression of the apoptotic mediators p53 and active caspase‐3 in gastrocnemius muscle, indicating the induction of apoptosis, which was correlative with gastrocnemius muscle atrophy subsequent to the induction of PD. Anat Rec, 298:1472–1478, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Brief Report: Expression of Interferon‐γ Receptor Genes in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells Is Associated With Rheumatoid Arthritis and Its Radiographic Severity in African Americans
Authors: Tang Qi , Danila Maria I. , Cui Xiangqin , Parks Lauren , Baker Brandi J. , Reynolds Richard J. , Raman Chander , Wanseck Keith C. , Redden David T. , Johnson Martin R. ,   CLEAR Investigators, Bridges S. Louis 
Published: February 2015

ObjectiveThe factors responsible for radiographic severity in African American patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are poorly understood. We sought to identify genes whose expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells is associated with radiographic severity in RA.MethodsIn the first phase of the study, we performed real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction to analyze the expression of 182 candidate genes in 40 African American RA patients with extremes of radiographic damage (low versus high radiographic scores) and disease duration (≤2 years versus >2 years) and 20 healthy African American control subjects; the genes were selected based on plausible immune pathways. In the second phase, we analyzed the expression of the genes that were shown to be significantly associated with radiographic scores in 576 African American patients with RA and 51 African American control subjects who had not been studied previously, accounting for autoantibody status and disease duration.ResultsWe observed significant differences in IFNGR1 expression between patients with RA and control subjects (adjusted P [Padj] = 6 × 10−14) and in IFNGR2 expression between RA patients with erosions and those with no erosions (Padj = 0.01 by Wilcoxon's rank sum test). We also observed significant correlations between IFNGR2 expression and radiographic scores (Padj = 0.03 for erosions, Padj = 0.04 for joint space narrowing, and Padj = 0.03 for total radiographic score [zero‐inflated negative binomial regression model]) and annualized progression rate (Padj = 0.0024 by Spearman's correlation analysis).ConclusionThese findings have important implications with respect to the role of interferon‐γ (IFNγ) in the pathogenesis of RA and may lead to identification of a biomarker for radiographic damage. Additional studies are needed to define the cell subsets responsible for the association of IFNγ receptor gene expression with radiographic findings, which downstream mechanisms are involved, and generalizability to other RA populations.
The Rheumatoid Arthritis Risk Gene LBH Regulates Growth in Fibroblast‐like Synoviocytes
Authors: Ekwall Anna‐Karin H. , Whitaker John W. , Hammaker Deepa , Bugbee William D. , Wang Wei , Firestein Gary S. 
Published: February 2015

ObjectiveFibroblast‐like synoviocytes (FLS) are key players in the synovial pathology of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Currently, there is no treatment that specifically targets these aggressive cells. By combining 3 different “omics” data sets, i.e., 1) risk genes in RA, 2) differentially expressed genes, and 3) differential DNA methylation in RA versus osteoarthritis (OA) FLS, we identified LBH (limb bud and heart development) as a candidate gene in RA. The present study was undertaken to define the role of this gene in FLS.MethodsSynovial tissue specimens from RA and OA patients were collected at the time of joint replacement surgery. LBH expression was silenced using small interfering RNA or overexpressed using an LBH expression vector in primary FLS. Gene expression profiles were determined by microarray and assessed using Ingenuity Pathway Analysis. Effects of modified LBH expression were investigated in functional assays.ResultsLBH was expressed in the synovial lining layer in patients with RA. Transforming growth factor β1 significantly increased LBH expression in primary FLS, and platelet‐derived growth factor BB decreased it. Pathway analysis of the transcriptome of LBH‐deficient FLS compared to control FLS identified “cellular growth and proliferation” as the most significantly enriched pathway. In growth assays, LBH deficiency increased FLS proliferation. Conversely, LBH overexpression significantly inhibited cell growth. Cell cycle analysis demonstrated a marked increase in cells entering the cell cycle in LBH‐deficient FLS compared to controls. LBH did not alter apoptosis.ConclusionLBH is a candidate gene for synovial pathology in RA. It is regulated by growth factors and modulates cell growth in primary FLS. Our data suggest a novel mechanism for synovial intimal hyperplasia and joint damage in RA.
Endothelin Receptor Blockade Ameliorates Vascular Fragility in Endothelial Cell–Specific Fli‐1–Knockout Mice by Increasing Fli‐1 DNA Binding Ability
Authors: Akamata Kaname , Asano Yoshihide , Yamashita Takashi , Noda Shinji , Taniguchi Takashi , Takahashi Takehiro , Ichimura Yohei , Toyama Tetsuo , Trojanowska Maria , Sato Shinichi 
Published: February 2015

ObjectiveIt is generally accepted that blockade of endothelin receptors has potentially beneficial effects on vasculopathy associated with systemic sclerosis (SSc). The aim of this study was to clarify the molecular mechanism underlying these effects using endothelial cell–specific Fli‐1–knockout (Fli‐1 ECKO) mice, an animal model of SSc vasculopathy.MethodsLevels of messenger RNA for target genes and the expression and phosphorylation levels of target proteins were determined in human and murine dermal microvascular endothelial cells by real‐time quantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction and immunoblotting, respectively. The binding of Fli‐1 to the target gene promoters was evaluated using chromatin immunoprecipitation. Expression levels of Fli‐1 and α‐smooth muscle actin in murine skin were evaluated using immunohistochemistry. Vascular structure and permeability were evaluated in mice injected with fluorescein isothiocyanate–dextran and Evans blue dye, respectively.ResultsIn human dermal microvascular endothelial cells, endothelin 1 induced phosphorylation of Fli‐1 at Thr312 through the sequential activation of c‐Abl and protein kinase Cδ, leading to a decrease in Fli‐1 protein levels as well as a decrease in binding of Fli‐1 to the target gene promoters, whereas bosentan treatment reversed those effects. In Fli‐1 ECKO mice, 4 weeks of treatment with bosentan increased endothelial Fli‐1 expression, resulting in vascular stabilization and the restoration of impaired leaky vessels.ConclusionThe vascular fragility of Fli‐1 ECKO mice was improved by bosentan through the normalization of Fli‐1 protein levels and activity in endothelial cells, which may explain, in part, the mechanism underlying the beneficial effects of endothelin receptor blockade on SSc vasculopathy.
Risk of Hospitalized Infection Among Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients Concurrently Treated With a Biologic Agent and Denosumab
Authors: Curtis Jeffrey R. , Xie Fenglong , Yun Huifeng , Saag Kenneth G. , Chen Lang , Delzell Elizabeth 
Published: February 2015

ObjectiveDenosumab is a biologic agent used to treat osteoporosis. Its safety profile given concurrently with biologic drugs for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has not been well studied. We evaluated hospitalized infections among patients treated with biologic agents for RA who initiated denosumab or zoledronic acid (ZA), a parenteral bisphosphonate without known associations with infection. We hypothesized that the rate of hospitalized infection with denosumab would be noninferior to ZA.MethodsWe identified RA patients enrolled in Medicare in 2006–2012 treated with biologic agents who initiated denosumab or ZA. Cox proportional hazards models compared the risk for hospitalized infection, comparing denosumab users to ZA users and adjusting for potentially confounding factors. A noninferiority margin was specified a priori to demonstrate that denosumab had no greater infection risk than ZA if the upper bound of the 95% confidence interval (95% CI) of the hazard ratio (HR) was <1.5.ResultsEligible RA patients receiving biologic agents initiated denosumab (n = 1,354) or ZA (n = 4,460). Characteristics of the denosumab users were as follows: mean ± SD age 73.0 ± 8.9, 98.2% women, with a majority receiving infliximab (35.7%) or abatacept (18.6%). Denosumab users had a higher prevalence of prior infections (11.5% hospitalized and 48.3% outpatient) and infection‐related risk factors. The crude rate of hospitalized infections for denosumab (14.9/100 person‐years [95% CI 12.2–18.1]) was comparable to that for ZA (13.9/100 person‐years [95% CI 12.5–15.4]). After adjustment, the HR of hospitalized infection for denosumab users was noninferior to that for ZA users (HR 0.89 [95% CI 0.69–1.15]).ConclusionThe rate of hospitalized infection among RA patients receiving denosumab concurrently with biologic agents for RA was not increased compared to those receiving zoledronate.