bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improved Pregnancy Outcome in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis Who Followed an Ideal Clinical Pathway
Authors: Bortoluzzi Alessandra , Andreoli Laura , Carrara Greta , Ramoni Véronique , Rumi Federica , Padovan Melissa , Govoni Marcello , Tincani Angela , Scirè and Carlo Alberto ,   the Record-Linkage on Rheumatic Diseases Study of the Italian Society for Rheumatology
Published: January 2020

Objective

To assess the effect of optimal management of pregnancy on a composite outcome of miscarriage and complicated birth among women with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

Data were extracted from health care databases of the Lombardy Region, Italy (2004–2013) as a part of the Record‐Linkage on Rheumatic Diseases Study. Analyses included women with RA identified through a copayment exemption code (International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification code 714.0) and controls from the general population, ages 18–50 years. Seven health care quality indicators (HCQI) were constructed and summarized in 3 pathway indicators: diagnostic, therapeutic, and prenatal follow‐up. Complicated birth or miscarriage were used to identify the adverse pregnancy outcome (APO). The relationship between HCQI and APO was analyzed using logistic models, and the results were presented as odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs).

Results

Data from the study cohort included the first pregnancy observed in 443 patients with RA compared with 6,097 women belonging to the general population. In the RA population, patients who followed the 3 pathway indicators had a reduced risk of overall APO, with an OR of 0.60 (95% CI 0.39–0.94), and reduced risk of miscarriage/perinatal death, with an OR of 0.40 (95% CI 0.24–0.69), compared to those who did not follow the pathway indicators. Compared with the general population, patients with RA who met all HCQI during pregnancy displayed a risk of APO with an OR of 0.92 (95% CI 0.61–1.38) and miscarriage/perinatal death with an OR of 0.77 (95% CI 0.47–1.29).

Conclusion

The adherence to an ideal clinical pathway of pregnancy management in women with RA restored the risk of APO to that expected for the general population.
The Endogenous Plasma Small RNAome of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Ormseth Michelle J. , Solus Joseph F. , Sheng Quanhu , Ye Fei , Song Haocan , Wu Qiong , Guo Yan , Oeser Annette M. , Allen Ryan M. , Vickers Kasey C. , Stein C. Michael
Published: January 2020

Objective

Small RNA (sRNA) sequencing has revealed new sRNA classes beyond microRNAs (miRNAs). These sRNAs can regulate genes and act as biomarkers. The aim of this study was to determine if the endogenous plasma sRNA landscape is altered in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) compared with control subjects and to determine its association with disease‐related parameters in RA.

Methods

sRNA sequencing was performed on plasma from 165 RA and 90 control subjects who were frequency‐matched for age, race, and sex. Endogenous sRNAs, such as miRNAs, isomiRs, sRNAs derived from small nuclear RNAs (snDRs), small nucleolar RNAs (snoDRs), Y RNAs (yDRs), transfer‐derived RNAs (tDRs), long noncoding RNAs (lncDRs) as well as miscellaneous sRNAs (miscRNAs), were quantified using Tools for Integrative Genome analysis of Extracellular sRNAs (TIGER). Individual and categories of sRNAs were compared between RA and controls, and significantly altered sRNAs and sRNA categories were correlated with disease activity and general laboratory measures in RA.

Results

Patients with RA had more miRNAs (1.42‐fold, P = 0.01), more tDRs (1.14‐fold, P = 0.04), and fewer yDRs (−1.41‐fold, P = 0.009) compared with control subjects. Disease duration was inversely associated with yDRs. Disease‐related parameters, such as Disease Activity Score‐28 (DAS28), swollen joint count, and inflammatory markers were significantly positively associated with tDRs and miscRNAs, and miR‐22‐3p and related sequences and isomiRs were most significantly associated with DAS28.

Conclusion

Endogenous plasma sRNAs are altered in RA compared with control subjects. Although individual miRNAs have been well studied and many are excellent biomarkers in RA, several non‐miRNA sRNAs were significantly associated with disease‐related parameters as classes and may represent novel biomarkers for RA.
Transparent cap‐assisted, water‐exchange colonoscopy in previous incomplete difficult colonoscopy patients: A retrospective study
Authors: Lin Lien‐Fu , Huang Pi‐Teh
Published: January 2020

The reported rates of incomplete colonoscopy (IC) range from 4% to 25% for both screening and nonscreening colonoscopy. Colonic neoplasm can be found in up to 53% on successful repeat colonoscopy. Transparent cap‐assisted colonoscopy (TCAC) and water‐exchange colonoscopy (WEC) have been applied seperately for repeat colonoscopy in the setting of failed difficult colonoscopy, but combination of these two methods for previous incomplete difficult colonoscopy has not been reported. The aim of this study is to report the success rate, time‐to cecum duration, polyp detection rate, and any complications using the combined methods of TCAC and WEC for previous incomplete difficult colonoscopy. Eight cases of incomplete difficult colonoscopy were enrolled from November 2016 to October 2018. Water exchange method (air‐less colonoscopy) performed during insertion of Cap‐fitted colonoscope, and after reaching the cecum, CO2 was insufflated for examination during withdrawal. The mean age of all eight female patients was 59 years (39‐72 year). One patient had failed colonoscopy twice previously, four had previous abdominal surgery. Six cases were performed by gastroenterologists, and two by colorectal surgeons previously. The cecal intubation rate was 100% on repeat colonoscopy with the combined TCAC and WEC methods without complications. The mean duration time to reach the ceum was 12.5 minutes (6.8‐23.3 minutes). Out of the eight patients, four had colon polyps, all confined to proximal colon. Two patients have advanced colon adenoma. Combining cap‐assisted colonoscopy (TCAC), and water exchange colonoscopy (WEC) are useful in previous incomplete colonoscopy cases.
A Syrian patient with Steel syndrome due to compound heterozygous COL27A1 mutations with colobomata of the eye
Authors: Pölsler Laura , Schatz Ulrich A. , Simma Burkhard , Zschocke Johannes , Rudnik‐Schöneborn Sabine
Published: January 2020

The joint occurrence of short stature, congenital dislocation of the hip, carpal coalition, dislocation of the radial head, cavus deformity, scoliosis, and vertebral anomalies was first described in 1993 by Steel et al. (OMIM #615155) in 23 children from Puerto Rico. The condition is caused by a deficient matrix protein, collagen type XXVII alpha 1 chain, due to bi‐allelic loss of function mutations in the gene COL27A1. Outside of Puerto Rico, only four families have been described, in three of which the patients also had hearing loss. However, structural eye defects have not yet been reported in conjunction with this rare autosomal recessive syndrome. Here, we describe a 9‐year‐old girl born to nonconsanguineous Syrian parents with the characteristic features of Steel syndrome, including short stature, massive malalignment of large joints, kyphoscoliosis, hearing loss, and typical facial dysmorphism. However, she was also born with bilateral colobomata of the irides and choroido‐retinae with unilateral affection of the macula. Whole exome sequencing identified two pathogenic compound heterozygous variants in COL27A1: c.93del, p.(Phe32Leufs*71) and c.3075del, p.(Lys1026Argfs*33). There was no discernible alternative cause for the colobomata. Our findings might indicate an association of this exceptionally rare disorder caused by COL27A1 mutations with developmental defects of the eye from the anophthalmia/microphthalmia/coloboma spectrum.
Brief communication: Maximum ingested bite size in captive western lowland gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla)
Authors: Paciulli Lisa M. , Leischner Carissa , Lane Brooks A. , McCaughey Mary , Guertin Emily , Davis John , Eberth John F. , Hartstone‐Rose Adam
Published: January 2020

Objectives

Previously, we found that maximum ingested bite size (Vb), the largest piece of food an animal can consume without biting it into smaller pieces first, isometrically scales relative to body size in strepsirrhines and with negative allometry in anthropoids. In the current study, we rectify the omission of great apes from the earlier sample to now characterize the Vb of the entire size‐range of the order.

Materials and Methods

Five gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla—G. g. gorilla) were studied to ascertain Vb in relation to the mechanical properties of five foods.

Results

Gorilla Vb ranged from 166.38 cm3 (for the least obdurate food: watermelon) to 8 cm3 (for the most obdurate food: turnip), with an average Vb of 33.50 cm3 across all food types.

Conclusions

When these data were compared to those from our previous studies, we found that gorillas consumed relatively slightly smaller volumes of food compared to the trend found across primates. However, because the more frugivorous gorillas consumed relatively larger pieces of food than the large folivorous monkeys previously studied, including the gorilla data increased the slope of the linear regression between body mass and Vb in anthropoids. Thus, the addition of the largest living primate brings the anthropoid Vb trend closer to the Vb trend of the order. Notwithstanding, there is still negative allometry in anthropoid Vb, in contrast with the isometry in strepsirrhine Vb. Future research should include species with body masses between the smaller anthropoids and gorillas by studying the Vb of large papionids and the other great apes.
Evolvability in human postcranial traits across ecogeographic regions
Authors: Savell Kristen R. R.
Published: January 2020

Objectives

Though recent quantitative genetic analyses have indicated that directional selection appears to be acting on limb lengths and measures of body size in modern humans, these studies assume equal evolvability across modern human groups. However, differences in trait covariance structure due to ancient migration patterns and/or selection may limit the evolvability of populations further from Africa. This study therefore explores patterns of human evolvability across ecogeographic regions.

Materials and Methods

Mean evolvability, respondability, conditional evolvability, and autonomy were calculated from variance–covariance matrices of limb length and body size measures representing 14 human groups spanning four ecogeographic regions. Measures of evolvability were compared across groups and regions, and the minimum sample size, inaccuracy, and bias were calculated for each.

Results

When compared between regions, humans demonstrate significant differences between indices of evolvability across regions. Despite the relatively recent evolution of modern humans, several measures of evolvability show a strong negative correlation with latitude across regions, demonstrating a reduction in genetic variance that is potentially reflective of human migration and/or response to selection.

Conclusions

These results demonstrate the importance of establishing patterns of evolvability prior to additional quantitative genetic analyses, and emphasize the influence of sample size on the accuracy of estimated evolvability measures. These findings also suggest that while modern human groups share similar covariance structures, there is evidence for emergent differentiation in evolvability and respondability between human groups across ecogeographic regions, further complicating our ability to apply results derived from modern human groups to ancient hominin lineages.
Two‐Step Oxidation Synthesis of Sulfur with a Red Aggregation‐Induced Emission
Authors: Wang Zhenguang , Zhang Chuanchuan , Wang Henggang , Xiong Yuan , Yang Xinjian , Shi Yu‐e , Rogach Andrey L.
Published: January 2020

Sulfur is not normally considered a light‐emitting material, even though there have been reports of a dim luminescence of this compound in the blue‐to‐green spectral region. Now, it is shown how to make red‐emissive sulfur by a two‐step oxidation approach using elemental sulfur and Na2S as starting materials, with a high photoluminescence quantum yield of 7.2 %. Polysulfide is formed first and is partially transformed into Na2S2O3 in the first step, and then turns back to elemental S in the second step. The elevated temperature and relatively oxygen‐deficient environment during the second step transforms Na2S2O3 into Na2SO3 incorporated with oxygen vacancies, thus resulting in the formation of a solid‐state powder consisting of elemental S embedded in Na2SO3. It shows aggregation‐induced emission properties, attributed to the influence of oxygen vacancies on the emission dynamics of sulfur by providing additional lower energy states that facilitate the radiative relaxation of excitons.
Impact of organoclays on the phase morphology and the compatibilization efficiency of immiscible poly(ethylene terephthalate)/poly(ε‐caprolactone) blends
Authors: Saaoui Dalila , Benali Samira , Mincheva Rosica , Habi Abderrahmane , Dubois Philippe , Raquez Jean‐Marie
Published: January 2020

Adding nanofillers Cloisite 30B (C30B) and Cloisite 15A (C15A) to poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET)/poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) (70/30, wt/wt) blends via melt blending can improve their phase morphology and change their interface properties. The effects of the different selective localization of clay on the structure and the morphologies are studied and evaluated by theoretical and experimental methods. It is found that C30B is selectively localized in PET and at the PET‐PCL interface, whereas C15A is mainly localized at the interface. Moreover, the changes in the rheological behavior of the blends are attributed to the formation of clay network‐like structures. X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscope, and transmission electron micrograph observations also evidenced an exfoliated and/or intercalated structure of C30B, and intercalated structure of C15A in the blend, together with significant morphology changes of the initially immiscible blend. The relative permeability to PET/PCL of the nanocomposites decreased with the increasing of nanoclays content. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48812.
Fabrication of oriented electrospun cellulose nanocrystals–polystyrene composite fibers on a rotating drum
Authors: Kalantari Mahsa , McDermott Mark , Ayranci Cagri , Boluk Yaman
Published: January 2020

Nitrobenzene (CNC‐1), trifluoromethyl benzene (CNC‐2) modified and polystyrene‐grafted (CNC‐g) cellulose nanocrystals in polystyrene (PS)‐N,N dimethylformamide (DMF) solutions were electrospun and collected as stretched and aligned fibers on a rotating drum. Scanning electron microscope pictures showed significant alignment in the case of unmodified and nitrobenzene‐modified CNC‐1/PS nanocomposite fibers once the linear speed of rotor reached to 15 m s−1. Fiber diameter decrease was more strong with rotor speed increase in the case of trifluoromethyl benzene modified (CNC‐2) and polystyrene‐grafted (CNC‐g) cellulose nanocrystals/PS systems. Dynamic mechanical analysis including storage and elastic modulus of electrospun‐oriented fibers were performed on surface‐modified and polymer‐grafted CNC/PS samples. According to α transition peak, the increase in the glass‐transition temperature with filler concentration was the highest in polymer‐grafted CNC‐g/PS composite fibers. It was due to the interpenetration of grafted polymer brushes and free polymer chains in continuous phase and resulted in restrictions of motions of polymer chains in the PS matrix. The elastic moduli of nitrobenzene (CNC‐1) and trifluoromethyl benzene (CNC‐2)‐modified CNC‐filled PS composite fibers agreed well with percolation model, which indicates the CNC–CNC interactions and network formation with an increase in concentration. Magnitude of the elastic modulus of polymer grafted CNC‐g at 0.33 vol % in PS was significantly higher than the prediction from percolation theory. It was due the immobilized polymer chains around CNC‐g particles. However, grafted polymer chains, at higher CNC concentrations acted like stickers among CNC particles and caused CNC agglomerates with entrapped free polystyrene from the matrix, thus caused a decrease in the elastic modulus. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48942.
Fetal growth and well‐being in a study of maternal hypertension in rabbits
Authors: Coombs Peter , Walton Sarah L. , Maduwegedera Devaki , Flower Rebecca L. , Denton Kate M.
Published: January 2020

Obtaining growth and physiologic data in the postnatal laboratory animal is common. However, monitoring growth in utero is far more difficult, with little data available except upon termination of pregnancy. High‐resolution ultrasound was used to monitor growth, morphology, and fetal well‐being in normotensive and hypertensive rabbits (21 fetuses) at day 16, 20, and 26 of the 32 day gestational period. Set protocols, comparable to those routinely assessed in humans, were devised and followed for each examination. Birth weight was greater in offspring of hypertensive as compared to normotensive mothers (p < 0.001); however, litter size was reduced. The greater birth weight was reflected in growth parameters measured throughout gestation indicating the predictive value of ultrasound. High‐resolution ultrasound was a reliable and sensitive method for biometric and morphologic assessment of the fetal rabbit, demonstrating that growth trajectory of offspring of hypertensive mothers may be altered early in gestation.
Dielectric Properties of Normal and Metastatic Lymph Nodes Ex Vivo From Lung Cancer Surgeries
Authors: Yu Xuefei , Sun Ying , Cai Kaican , Yu Hongfeng , Zhou Difu , Lu Di , Xin Sherman Xuegang
Published: January 2020

The dielectric properties of normal and tumor human tissues have been widely reported in recent years. However, the dielectric properties of intrathoracic lymph nodes (LNs) have not been reported. In this communication, we measured the dielectric properties (i.e., permittivity and conductivity) of ex vivo intrathoracic LNs obtained from lung cancer surgeries. Results show that the permittivity and conductivity of metastatic LNs are higher than those of normal LNs over the frequency range of 1 MHz–4 GHz. Statistically significant differences are observed at single specific frequencies (64, 128, 298, 433, and 915 MHz and 2.45 GHz). Our study provides the basic data to support future‐related research and fills the research gap on the dielectric properties of LNs in the lungs. Bioelectromagnetics. 2020;41:148–155. © 2020 Bioelectromagnetics Society.
Eight‐Year Period Prevalence of Physical Abuse in Hospitalised Infants and Corresponding In‐hospital Mortality in France
Authors: Gilard‐Pioc Séverine , Cottenet Jonathan , Mikaeloff Yann , Gouyon Jean‐Bernard , Francois‐Purssell Irène , Quantin Catherine
Published: January 2020

Child abuse is a global public health issue; however, there is a severe lack of reliable epidemiological data. This study estimates the period prevalence of child physical abuse requiring hospitalisation and the corresponding in‐hospital mortality, using the French medico‐administrative database. We included all children less than one year old who were hospitalised from 2007 to 2014. Three groups were defined: group one – physically abused children; group two – possible physically abused children; and group three – all other hospitalised children. Estimation of the national eight‐year period prevalence of physical abuse among hospitalised children was equivalent to the number of children included in group one or groups one and two divided by the number of children aged less than one year in France from 2007 to 2014. Infants hospitalised for physical abuse represent between 0.04 per cent (group 1) and 0.10 per cent (groups 1 and 2) of all children less than one year old in France, which corresponds to 0.28 per cent (group 1) and 0.74 per cent (groups 1 and 2) of all hospitalised children (less than one year old). Hospital mortality at first admission ranged from 2.93 per cent (group 1) to 2.36 per cent (groups 1 and 2). To our knowledge, this is the first study to provide an estimation of the period prevalence of child physical abuse requiring hospitalisation in France and the corresponding in‐hospital mortality. More effective prevention strategies are needed to help health professionals identify and protect at‐risk children. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Key Practitioner Messages

The average hospital stay for physically abused children was much longer than for other children.

The in‐hospital mortality rate is higher for physically abused children than for those with other trauma‐related cases.

Identifying and coding child abuse accurately is an important step towards understanding the extent of this public health problem.
Absorb bioresorbable vascular scaffold outcomes following implantation with routine intravascular imaging guidance
Authors: Costantini Costantino R. , Denk Marcos A. , De Macedo Rafael M. , Tarbine Sergio G. , Santos Marcelo F. , Luize Marcio M. , Folador Joao C. , Costantini Costantino O. , Stone Gregg W.
Published: January 2020

Objectives

We sought to describe the outcomes of BVS use from a single‐center experience in which scaffold implantation was guided by intravascular imaging (ultrasound and/or optical coherence tomography) to identify and treat mechanical factors potentially related to BVS failure.

Background

The Absorb bioresorbable vascular scaffold (BVS) has been associated with an unexpectedly high incidence of thrombosis.

Methods

Between 11/2014 and 10/2016, 100 patients were treated with BVS. Intravascular imaging assessment before and after BVS implantation was performed in all cases.

Results

Mean age was 58.1 years; 88% were male, 31% had diabetes, and 28% presented with acute coronary syndromes. A total of 171 lesions in 141 vessels were treated with 190 BVS (mean 1.9 scaffolds/patient). Further intervention following intravascular imaging to optimize BVS implantation was required in 31% of patients. Procedure success was 100%. All patients completed a 1‐year follow‐up. The 1‐year rate of target lesion failure was 4%, and there were no cases (0%) of scaffold thrombosis, myocardial infarction, or death.

Conclusions

In this real‐world experience, the use of intravascular imaging to guide BVS implantation was associated with a high 1‐year event‐free survival rate, with no scaffold thrombosis.
Incidence and feasibility of coronary access after transcatheter aortic valve replacement
Authors: Nai Fovino Luca , Scotti Andrea , Massussi Mauro , Fabris Tommaso , Cardaioli Francesco , Rodinò Giulio , Matsuda Yuji , Frigo Francesca , Fraccaro Chiara , Tarantini Giuseppe
Published: January 2020

Background

Incidence of coronary access (CA) after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) at long‐term follow‐up remains unknown. CA and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) after TAVR might present technical challenges, particularly with supra‐annular devices.

Methods

Patients undergoing CA after being treated with TAVR at our institution were included in the study. Coronary interventions for coronary obstruction during TAVR procedure were excluded. Incidence, feasibility and outcomes of CA after TAVR were analyzed.

Results

Out of 912 patients aged 80 ± 7 years treated with TAVR at our institution between 2007 and 2018, 48 (5.3%) underwent CA at a median follow up of 769 [363–1,471] days. Twenty‐one had received a SAPIEN XT, 15 a SAPIEN 3, 6 Corevalve, 2 Evolut Pro, 2 JenaValve, and 2 Lotus valve. PCI was indicated in 26 (54%) cases. Seventeen (35%) procedures were performed for acute coronary syndromes (ACS). Independent predictors of CA after TAVR were younger age, previous PCI, and CABG. CA of both vessels was feasible in all patients with an intra‐annular device, while the right coronary artery was not engaged in two patients with a supra‐annular valve. PCI was successful in all but one case. All‐cause mortality was similar between patients needing CA for ACS and those who had other clinical indications.

Conclusions

In this high‐risk AS population, incidence of CA after TAVR at long‐term follow‐up was rather low. CA and PCI were safe and successful in most cases, with a lower rate of selective CA for supra‐annular devices.
CoFe2O4@Carbon Spheres Electrode: A One‐Step Solvothermal Method for Enhancing the Electrochemical Performance of Hybrid Supercapacitors
Authors: Elseman Ahmed Mourtada , Fayed Moataz G. , Mohamed Saad G. , Rayan Diaa A. , Allam Nageh K. , Rashad Mohamed M. , Song Qun Liang
Published: January 2020

Constructing electrode materials with high energy densities are the effective way to develop asymmetric supercapacitor devices. Therefore, the inlay of conductive materials into pseudocapacitive constituents is a practical approach to increase the performance of supercapacitor electrodes. Herein, we declare a facile one‐step as an economic strategy for tailoring carbon spheres (CSs) impregnated by CoFe2O4 to form a CoFe2O4@CSs composite. The CoFe2O4@CSs composite was fully characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), which evidenced that CoFe2O4 nanoparticles were densely cored inside the carbon spheres. Moreover, the electrochemical characterization of the CoFe2O4@CSs composite was manifested high specific capacitance of (600 F/g) at a current density (1 A/g), high performance rate, and cycling stability. CoFe2O4@CSs has achieved capacitance retention of 94.1 % after 5000 charge/discharge cycles at a current density of 20 mA/g. The device‐based asymmetric supercapacitors were found to improve the energy density to 27.08 Wh/kg at a power density of 750 W/kg with 99 % capacitance retention, which is higher than the values previously reported. The exceptional performance of CoFe2O4@CSs composites gives high priority for such materials in variant electrochemical fields, owing to the harmony between CoFe2O4 nanoparticles and carbon spheres.
Overcoming Crystallinity Limitations of Aluminium Metal‐Organic Frameworks by Oxalic Acid Modulated Synthesis
Authors: Canossa Stefano , Gonzalez‐Nelson Adrian , Shupletsov Leonid , del Carmen Martin Maria , Van der Veen Monique A.
Published: January 2020

A modulated synthesis approach based on the chelating properties of oxalic acid (H2C2O4) is presented as a robust and versatile method to achieve highly crystalline Al‐based metal‐organic frameworks. A comparative study on this method and the already established modulation by hydrofluoric acid was conducted using MIL‐53 as test system. The superior performance of oxalic acid modulation in terms of crystallinity and absence of undesired impurities is explained by assessing the coordination modes of the two modulators and the structural features of the product. The validity of our approach was confirmed for a diverse set of Al‐MOFs, namely X‐MIL‐53 (X=OH, CH3O, Br, NO2), CAU‐10, MIL‐69, and Al(OH)ndc (ndc=1,4‐naphtalenedicarboxylate), highlighting the potential benefits of extending the use of this modulator to other coordination materials.
CD14 and CD16 expression in noninfectious granulomatous skin diseases
Authors: Ito Yuta , Kitakawa Maki , Koshikawa Sachiko , Watanabe Hideaki , Sueki Hirohiko
Published: January 2020

Objectives

Peripheral blood monocytes are categorized as classical (CD14++/CD16−) or nonclassical (CD14−/CD16+ and CD14+/CD16+) based on their CD14 expression and CD16 expression. Maturation of classical monocytes produces CD14+/CD16+ macrophages. Our aim was to clarify the in vivo distribution of CD14 and C16 monocytes/macrophages in three granulomatous skin diseases—sarcoidosis, granuloma annulare, and lupus miliaris disseminatus faciei.

Methods

CD14 and CD16 immunohistochemistry, and CD14/CD16, CD16/CD11c, CD16/CD68, and CD16/factor XIIIa dual labeling were performed in tissues sampled from three cases of sarcoidosis, four cases of granuloma annulare, and three cases of lupus miliaris disseminatus faciei.

Results

The main infiltrating cell types were CD14+/CD16+ and CD14−/CD16++ macrophages. A small number of CD14+/CD16− macrophages localized along the granuloma periphery. Dual immunofluorescence showed that CD16+ overlapped the most with CD68+ cells, partially overlapped with CD11c+ cells, and did not overlap with FXIIIa+ cells.

Conclusions

Inflammatory granulomatous skin diseases are characterized by CD16+, mature and inflammatory macrophages; some of which are in the process of maturation.
Diagnostic efficacy and molecular testing by combined fine‐needle aspiration and core needle biopsy in patients with a lung nodule
Authors: Chen Lan , Jing He , Gong Yun , Tam Alda L. , Stewart John , Staerkel Gregg , Guo Ming
Published: January 2020

Background

Combined image‐guided fine‐needle aspiration biopsy (FNA) and core needle biopsy (CNB) has become the standard of care for diagnosis and/or molecular testing for patients with a solitary lung nodule at our institution. Our purpose was to evaluate the efficacy of this practice.

Methods

We identified patients who underwent combined lung FNA/CNB during 2012 at our institution. A total of 667 patients who underwent 682 combined lung FNA/CNB procedures were included in the study, including 355 men and 312 women. Combined lung FNA/CNB procedures were performed by a radiologist. The adequacy of FNA specimens was assessed immediately by a cytopathologist. The FNA and CNB specimens were interpreted separately by a cytopathologist and a surgical pathologist, respectively. The diagnostic accuracy of the combined technique was determined.

Results

The rate of diagnostic consistency between FNA and CNB was 83.4%, and the rate of diagnostic accuracy for malignancy was 98.5% for combined FNA/CNB. Combined FNA/CNB showed a high diagnostic efficacy for malignancy (sensitivity, 97.6%; specificity, 100%). Combined FNA/CNB had a lower false‐negative rate for malignancy (2.2%) than either FNA (7.2%) or CNB (6.2%) alone. FNA contributed to 10.3% of molecular analyses as a complementary tissue source.

Conclusions

Combined lung FNA/CNB has high diagnostic efficacy for malignancy and a lower false‐negative rate than either procedure alone. FNA was a valuable complement to CNB for molecular testing, potentially reducing patient inconvenience and morbidity associated with repeated lung needle biopsy.
Fabrication of a Biocompatible Mica/Gold Surface for Tip‐Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: You Xiao , Casper Clayton B. , Lentz Emily E. , Erie Dorothy A. , Atkin Joanna M.
Published: January 2020

Tip‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (TERS) is a promising technique for structural studies of biological systems and biomolecules, owing to its ability to provide a chemical fingerprint with sub‐diffraction‐limit spatial resolution. This application of TERS has thus far been limited, due to difficulties in generating high field enhancements while maintaining biocompatibility. The high sensitivity achievable through TERS arises from the excitation of a localized surface plasmon resonance in a noble metal atomic force microscope (AFM) tip, which in combination with a metallic surface can produce huge enhancements in the local optical field. However, metals have poor biocompatibility, potentially introducing difficulties in characterizing native structure and conformation in biomolecules, whereas biocompatible surfaces have weak optical field enhancements. Herein, a novel, biocompatible, highly enhancing surface is designed and fabricated based on few‐monolayer mica flakes, mechanically exfoliated on a metal surface. These surfaces allow the formation of coupled plasmon enhancements for TERS imaging, while maintaining the biocompatibility and atomic flatness of the mica surface for high resolution AFM. The capability of these substrates for TERS is confirmed numerically and experimentally. We demonstrate up to five orders of magnitude improvement in TERS signals over conventional mica surfaces, expanding the sensitivity of TERS to a wide range of non‐resonant biomolecules with weak Raman cross‐sections. The increase in sensitivity obtained through this approach also enables the collection of nanoscale spectra with short integration times, improving hyperspectral mapping for these applications. These mica/metal surfaces therefore have the potential to revolutionize spectromicroscopy of complex, heterogeneous biological systems such as DNA and protein complexes.
Corn response to later than traditional planting dates in the Texas High Plains
Authors: Jiang Wen , Thapa Sushil , Jessup Kirk E. , Hao Baozhen , Hou Xiaobo , Marek Thomas , Becker Jacob , Bell Jourdan , Xue Qingwu
Published: January 2020

Planting date (PD) can significantly affect corn (Zea mays L.) yield. Our objective was to investigate the effects of hybrid and PD later than traditional time on irrigated corn performance in the Texas High Plains. A 2‐yr field study was conducted using four (2013) to six (2014) hybrids and four PDs (mid‐May [PD1], late May–early June [PD2], mid‐June [PD3], and late June–early July [PD4]). In PD1 and PD2, long‐season hybrids had greater yields (12–15 Mg ha−1) than short‐season hybrids (9–13 Mg ha−1). In PD4, short‐season hybrids (8–11 Mg ha−1) had yield advantage over long‐season hybrids (4–10 Mg ha−1). Low yield at late planting was related to reduced biomass, harvest index, kernel weight, and kernel number. Seasonal evapotranspiration (ET) was only reported in 2013. The average ET over PDs was 767 mm in a long‐season hybrid and 718 mm in a short‐season hybrid. Late planting resulted in lower ET (600 mm in PD4 vs. 822 mm in PD1). Hybrid and PD did not affect water use efficiency (WUE) except for 33D53AM, which had low WUE in PD4 due to low yield with late planting of this long‐season hybrid. This study demonstrated that high yield (∼15 Mg ha−1) and WUE (∼1.5 kg m−3) can be achieved with long‐season hybrids when planted before mid‐June, but short‐season hybrids were a better choice after mid‐June. With water limitations, further study is warranted on planting short‐season hybrids after mid‐June to reduce water use and irrigation.
Delayed timing of tillering fertilizer improved grain yield and nitrogen use efficiency in japonica rice
Authors: Yi Jun , Gao JiPing , Zhang WenZhong , Zhao YanZe , Zhao Chen , Zhao Ying , Li Ziang , Xin Wei
Published: January 2020

During conventional fertilization, N is applied before or during the early growth stages of rice (Oryza sativa L.), usually resulting in N loss and waste. Therefore, developing effective N management practices to reduce N losses and increase rice yield and N use efficiency (NUE) will be beneficial to farmers and the environment. Here, the effects of delayed timing and reduced N fertilizer on the yield and NUE of japonica rice grown in Shenyang, China, were investigated in 2016 and 2017. Fertilization during the early tillering stage had no significant effect on the leaf area index (LAI), amount of bleeding sap, dry matter accumulation, or N accumulation by the mid‐tillering (nine‐leaf) stage. After the jointing stage, compared with conventional N treatment, delayed timing of tillering fertilization from 5.5‐leaf stage (7 d after transplanting) to the nine‐leaf stage increased root activity and enhanced nitrate reductase and glutamine synthetase activities in rice leaves. Greater N accumulation from the jointing to grain‐filling stages increased LAI and dry matter accumulation. Average grain yield as a result of delayed N fertilization was 8.6 and 30.7% higher than conventional N treatment. Given the results, optimizing N application rates and timing improved NUE and decreased the amount of N fertilizer needed for maintaining and increasing yield. Collectively, these results indicate that the delayed timing of tillering N fertilizer improves rice yield and NUE.
Sugarcane and sugar yields in Louisiana (1911–2018): Varietal development and mechanization
Authors: Schmitz Andrew , Kennedy P. Lynn , Zhang Fangyi
Published: January 2020

Louisiana is the second largest producer of sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) in the United States. New sugarcane cultivars better adapted for Louisiana have been in development since the inception of a three‐way cooperative breeding program in the 1920s. Piecewise regression is used to determine the growth in both Louisiana sugarcane and sugar yields and how new sugarcane cultivars and mechanization have had a positive impact of yields. The analysis uses several breakpoints for periods between 1911 and 2018 to consider the impact of varietal development and mechanization. In most cases, new sugarcane cultivars and changes in mechanization in Louisiana have significantly increased the yield of sugarcane and sugar. From 1911 to 2018, raw sugar yield increased at an annual rate of 0.061 t ha−1, while gross sugarcane yield increased by 0.47 t ha−1. Prior to 1927, yield growth was either negative or highly variable; since 1927, yield growth for both raw sugar and gross sugarcane have been positive and significant.
Load characterization and power conditioner synthesis using higher‐order elements
Authors: Jeltsema Dimitri
Published: January 2020

It is shown that virtually all nonlinear and/or time‐varying loads that generate harmonic current distortion can be characterized in terms of so‐called higher‐order circuit elements. The most relevant higher‐order elements exploited in this paper are the memristor, meminductor, and memcapacitor. Such elements naturally arise by introducing constitutive relationships in terms of higher‐order voltage and current differentials and integrals. Consequently, the power conditioner necessary to compensate for the load current distortions is synthesized similarly. The new characterization and compensation synthesis is applied to the half‐wave rectifier and the controlled bridge converter.
A novel RSA algorithm for secured key transmission in a centralized cloud environment
Authors: Ambika S. , Rajakumar S. , Anakath A.S.
Published: January 2020

Cloud computing has been gaining widespread significance in recent times, especially with the advent of state‐of‐the‐art communication technologies and data‐handling systems. Large volumes of data are being handled in real time and their availability is made feasible to consumers in an efficient manner through cloud computing networks. However, security of such data being transferred through clouds characterized in a centralized configuration is of prime concern, which has been investigated in this research paper. Secured transmission of data through a secured key transmission using appropriate authentication mechanism has been the driving force behind the research carried out in this paper. In order to resolve the existing issues in clouds in terms of computational as well as storage complexities, a secure key transmission Rivest‐Shamir‐Adleman (SKT‐RSA) protocol is proposed based on the secure key transmission. Key distribution between the certified authority and the end user is proposed. The proposed protocol is a tree‐based cluster key distribution scheme.
Benzoxaborole Catalyst for Site‐Selective Modification of Polyols
Authors: Kusano Shuhei , Miyamoto Shoto , Matsuoka Aki , Yamada Yuji , Ishikawa Ryuta , Hayashida Osamu
Published: January 2020

The site‐selective modification of polyols bearing several hydroxyl groups without the use of protecting groups remains a significant challenge in synthetic chemistry. To address this problem, novel benzoxaborole derivatives were designed as efficient catalysts for the highly site‐selective and protecting‐group‐free modification of polyols. To identify the effective substituent groups enhancing the catalytic activity and selectivity, a series of benzoxaborole catalysts 1a–k were synthesized. In‐depth analysis for the substituent effect revealed that 1i–k, bearing multiple electron‐withdrawing fluoro‐ and trifluoromethyl groups, exhibited the greatest catalytic activity and selectivity. Moreover, 1i‐catalyzed benzoylation, tosylation, benzylation, and glycosylation of various cis‐1,2‐diol derivatives proceeded with good yield and site‐selective manner.
C–C Cross‐Coupling Reactions of Organosilanes with Terminal Alkenes and Allylic Acetates Using PdII Catalyst Supported on Starch Coated Magnetic Nanoparticles
Authors: Patra Debabrata , Panja Subir , Saha Amit
Published: January 2020

Starch coated magnetic nanoparticles supported palladium catalyst has been explored to perform C–C cross coupling reactions, such as oxidative Heck coupling and Tsuji–Trost allylic coupling using organosilicon compounds as one of the coupling partners. The biopolymer coated magnetic catalyst was very easy to recover magnetically and was efficiently recycled in the subsequent batches. All the reactions were performed in air and thus the necessity of air and moisture free reaction condition is avoided. The present protocols show wide substrate scope and good yields of the products.
Hydroxylamine‐O‐Sulfonic Acid (HOSA) as a Redox‐Neutral Directing Group: Rhodium Catalyzed, Additive Free, One‐Pot Synthesis of Isoquinolines from Arylketones
Authors: Biswal Pragati , Pati Bedadyuti Vedvyas , Chebolu Rajesh , Ghosh Asit , Ravikumar P. C.
Published: January 2020

A new application of hydroxylamine‐O‐sulfonic acid (HOSA) has been discovered whereby aromatic ketones react with HOSA and alkynes to form isoquinolines in the presence of a RhIII catalyst. This C–H/N–O annulation methodology gives excellent yields even without any silver additive, acid/base or metal oxidant. This is the first report wherein a directing group is simultaneously forming in situ, acting as acid additive, and also as an internal oxidant.
Lignin‐Derived Hard Carbon Microspheres Synthesized via Emulsion‐Solvent Evaporation as Anode for Sodium Storage
Authors: Zhang Jie , Yu Baojun , Zhang Yang , Wang Chengyang
Published: January 2020

Lignin‐derived hard carbon microspheres with different amphiphilic carbonaceous material (ACM) contents are synthesized through a facile emulsion‐solvent evaporation process and subsequent thermal treatment. The influence of lignin/ACM mass ratio on morphology, microstructure, thermal stability, and electrochemical properties of carbon microspheres is studied in detail. Combined with Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR) and thermogravimetric analysis, the interaction between lignin and ACM leads to enhanced thermal stability with a carbonization yield of 50.6%. Meanwhile, X‐ray diffraction (XRD) results indicate enlarged graphite‐like crystallite dimensions, Laand Lc,which contribute to electric conductivity. Due to ACM addition, the electrochemical performance is improved. When the mass ratio of lignin/ACM is 3:1, the sample exhibits a well‐balanced performance. The reversible capacity is 296.5 mAh g−1 with a high initial Coulombic efficiency of 82.0%. In the cycling test, the sample retains a capacity of 276.8 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles, corresponding to a capacity retention ratio of 90.8%.
Synthesis and mechanism research of a new low molecular weight shale inhibitor on swelling of sodium montmorillonite
Authors: Huang Danchao , Xie Gang , Luo Pingya , Deng Mingyi , Wang Junmei
Published: January 2020

Shale gas as green and clean energy is attracting more interest. However, shale hydration and swelling have become the major challenges using water‐based drilling fluids, replacing oil‐based drilling fluids, for developing shale gas. In this work, a low molecular weight branched polyamine (NETS) as clay swelling inhibitor was synthesized. The NETS performed excellent inhibition property by linear expansion experiments and cuttings hot‐rolling recovery. The inhibition mechanism of NETS was investigated using X‐ray diffraction, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, cation exchange capacity, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and zeta potential. The results show that the NETS can adsorb on Na‐Mt, decrease the basal spacing of wet Na‐Mt from 1.91 to 1.43 nm, and replace majority sodium ions from interlayer of Na‐Mt. However, replaceability of sodium ions and inhibition of water molecules of ethylenediamine are worse than NETS. These indicate that the primary amines of NETS had strong interaction with Na‐Mt, tensed clay layers and decrease the basal spacing. The combination of long hydrophobic chain and primary amines makes NETS to adsorb on surface of Na‐Mt, intercalate into interlayer of Na‐Mt with tilted monolayer arrangement, and replace sodium ions. The more the number of primary amine groups, the better the inhibition performance. Therefore, NETS has a great potential to be an outstanding shale inhibitor of water‐based drilling fluids in the future.
Internet of Things data analytics for parking availability prediction and guidance
Authors: Atif Yacine , Kharrazi Sogol , Jianguo Ding , Andler Sten F.
Published: January 2020

Cutting‐edge sensors and devices are increasingly deployed within urban areas to make‐up the fabric of transmission control protocol/internet protocol connectivity driven by Internet of Things (IoT). This immersion into physical urban environments creates new data streams, which could be exploited to deliver novel cloud‐based services. Connected vehicles and road‐infrastructure data are leveraged in this article to build applications that alleviate notorious parking and induced traffic‐congestion issues. To optimize the utility of parking lots, our proposed SmartPark algorithm employs a discrete Markov‐chain model to demystify the future state of a parking lot, by the time a vehicle is expected to reach it. The algorithm features three modular sections. First, a search process is triggered to identify the expected arrival‐time periods to all parking lots in the targeted central business district (CBD) area. This process utilizes smart‐pole data streams reporting congestion rates across parking area junctions. Then, a predictive analytics phase uses consolidated historical data about past parking dynamics to infer a state‐transition matrix, showing the transformation of available spots in a parking lot over short periods of time. Finally, this matrix is projected against similar future seasonal periods to figure out the actual vacancy‐expectation of a lot. The performance evaluation over an actual busy CBD area in Stockholm (Sweden) shows increased scalability capabilities, when further parking resources are made available, compared to a baseline case algorithm. Using standard urban‐mobility simulation packages, the traffic‐congestion‐aware SmartPark is also shown to minimize the journey duration to the selected parking lot while maximizing the chances to find an available spot at the selected lot.
Research of extraction behavior of heavy metal Cd in tea based on backpropagation neural network
Authors: Guan Chengli , Yang Yue
Published: January 2020

In order to meet the increasing demand for food and beverage safety and quality, this study focused on the application of a back propagation (BP) neural network to determine the leaching rate of heavy metal in tea to improve the scientific health of tea drinking. The evaluation index and target expectations have been determined based on the extraction experiment of heavy metal Cd in tea soaking, with 3 evaluation index values taken as input layer parameters and the heavy metal extraction rate taken as output layer parameter. Then, employ the sample data standardized by min‐max linearization method to train and test the network model and get the satisfactory results, which showed that the constructed BP neural network expressed a fast convergence speed and the systematic error was as low as 0.0003509. Additionally, there was no significance between Cd leaching rate of experimental results and neural network model results by reliability testing with a correlation coefficient was .9895. These results revealed that the network model established possessed an outstanding training accuracy and generalization performance, which effectively reflected the extraction rate of heavy metal in tea soaking and improved the safety of tea drinking.