bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Association Between HLA Genetic Susceptibility Markers and Sonographic Enthesitis in Psoriatic Arthritis
Authors: Polachek Ari , Cook Richard , Chandran Vinod , Abji Fatima , Gladman Dafna , Eder Lihi
Published: January 2018

Objective

Enthesitis is an important pathophysiologic component of psoriatic arthritis (PsA). HLA genes are implicated in the pathogenesis of PsA. Little is known about the relationship between HLA genetic susceptibility markers and enthesitis in PsA patients. Our aim was to examine the association between HLA genetic susceptibility markers and sonographic enthesitis in PsA.

Methods

A cross‐sectional analysis was conducted in patients with PsA. Sonographic enthesitis was assessed according to the Madrid Sonography Enthesitis Index scoring system. HLA genotyping was performed using sequence‐specific oligonucleotide probes. The association between 6 HLA susceptibility markers of PsA and the severity of sonographic enthesitis was assessed using multivariate regression models adjusted for age, sex, body mass index, and disease duration.

Results

Two hundred twenty‐five patients were included, 57.8% of whom were men. The mean ± SD age was 56.1 ± 12.7 years, and the mean ± SD PsA duration was 16.9 ± 12.3 years. In the multivariate regression model, HLA–B*27 was associated with a higher enthesitis score (β = 4.24 [95% confidence interval {95% CI} 0.02, 8.46]), and the interaction between HLA–B*27 and PsA duration was statistically significant, showing an increasing effect of HLA–B*27 with longer PsA duration (β = 4.62 [95% CI 1.38, 7.86]).

Conclusion

HLA–B*27 is associated with more severe sonographic enthesitis in PsA, particularly in patients with longer disease duration. This finding highlights the possible role of genetic variants in predisposing to PsA subphenotypes.
The Ratio of Blood T Follicular Regulatory Cells to T Follicular Helper Cells Marks Ectopic Lymphoid Structure Formation While Activated Follicular Helper T Cells Indicate Disease Activity in Primary Sjögren's Syndrome
Authors: Fonseca Valter R. , Romão Vasco C. , Agua‐Doce Ana , Santos Mara , López‐Presa Dolores , Ferreira Ana Cristina , Fonseca João Eurico , Graca Luis
Published: January 2018

Objective

To investigate whether the balance of blood follicular helper T (Tfh) cells and T follicular regulatory (Tfr) cells can provide information about ectopic lymphoid neogenesis and disease activity in primary Sjögren's syndrome (SS).

Methods

We prospectively recruited 56 patients clinically suspected of having SS. Sixteen of these patients subsequently fulfilled the American–European Consensus Group criteria for SS and were compared to 16 patients with non‐SS sicca syndrome. Paired blood and minor salivary gland (MSG) biopsy samples were analyzed to study Tfr cells and subsets of Tfh cells in both compartments.

Results

Patients with primary SS had normal Tfh cell counts in peripheral blood; however, activated programmed death 1–positive (PD‐1+) inducible costimulator–positive (ICOS+) Tfh cells in peripheral blood were strongly associated with disease activity assessed by the European League Against Rheumatism Sjögren's Syndrome Disease Activity Index (r = 0.8547, P = 0.0008). Conversely, the blood Tfr cell:Tfh cell ratio indicated ectopic lymphoid structure formation in MSGs, being strongly associated with B cell, CD4+ T cell, and PD‐1+ICOS+ T cell infiltration in MSGs, and was especially increased in patients with focal sialadenitis. Further analysis showed that the blood Tfr cell:Tfh cell ratio allowed discrimination between SS patients and healthy donors with excellent accuracy and was a strong predictor of SS diagnosis (odds ratio [OR] 12.96, P = 0.028) and the presence of focal sialadenitis (OR 10, P = 0.022) in patients investigated for sicca symptoms, thus highlighting the potential clinical value of this marker.

Conclusion

The blood Tfr cell:Tfh cell ratio and PD‐1+ICOS+ Tfh cells constitute potential novel biomarkers for different features of primary SS. While the blood Tfr cell:Tfh cell ratio is associated with ectopic lymphoid neogenesis, activated Tfh cells indicate disease activity.
Ethylene Glycol Electrooxidation Based on Pentangle‐Like PtCu Nanocatalysts
Authors: Xu Hui , Liu Chaofan , Song Pingping , Wang Jin , Gao Fei , Zhang Yangping , Shiraishi Yukihide , Di Junwei , Du Yukou
Published: January 2018

The research of active and stable electrocatalysts toward liquid‐fuel oxidation reaction is of great significance for the large‐scale commercialization of fuel cells. Although extensive efforts have been devoted to pursuing high‐performance nanocatalysts for fuel cells, both the high cost and sluggish reaction kinetics have been two major drawbacks that limited its commercial development. In this regard, we demonstrated a facile solvothermal method for the syntheses of an advanced class of PtCu nanocatalysts with a unique pentangle‐like shape. By combining the merits of a highly active surface area as well as the synergistic and electronic effects, the as‐prepared pentangle‐like Pt3Cu nanocatalysts showed superior electrocatalytic activity towards ethylene glycol oxidation with a mass and specific activities of 5162.6 mA mg−1 and 9.7 mA cm−2, approximately 5.0 and 5.1 times higher than the commercial Pt/C, respectively. More significantly, the Pt3Cu pentangle also showed excellent long‐term stability with less activity decay and negligible changes in structure after 500 cycles, indicating another class of anode catalysts for fuel cells and beyond.
Distinguishing the Ratio Bias from Unsystematic Error: Situation and Individual‐difference Effects
Authors: Stone Eric R. , Parker Andrew M. , Townsend Lauren D.
Published: January 2018

People often perceive the occurrence of events to be less likely when the likelihood of the event is expressed in ratios consisting of smaller numbers versus larger numbers, an effect known as the ratio bias. This work presents a theoretical framework for the conditions that need to be met for the ratio bias to occur. In doing so, we contrast effects on the ratio bias to those on unsystematic error, which have often been confounded in previous research. We find that the ratio bias is weaker (1) when both sets of numbers are relatively large than when both sets of numbers are relatively small; (2) for scenarios involving lottery tickets than for scenarios involving drawing balls from a bin; and (3) when a physical display depicting the numbers is provided to participants. Each of these factors reduced the ratio bias without reducing unsystematic error. Additionally, we show that unsystematic error is lower among people who (1) reason on the basis of proportions rather than on the basis of the numerator and denominator individually; (2) score higher on the rational scale of the Rational–Experiential Inventory; and (3) are of higher numeracy. We use these results to distinguish causes of error generally from those on the ratio bias specifically and discuss the implications for our understanding of when the ratio bias occurs. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Multitasking Ska in Chromosome Segregation: Its Distinct Pools Might Specify Various Functions
Authors: Zhang Qian , Chen Yujue , Yang Lu , Liu Hong
Published: January 2018

The human spindle and kinetochore associated (Ska) complex is required for proper mitotic progression. Extensive studies have demonstrated its important functions in both stable kinetochore‐microtubule interactions and spindle checkpoint silencing. We suggest a model to explain how various Ska functions might be fulfilled by distinct pools of Ska at kinetochores. The Ndc80‐loop pool of Ska is recruited by the Ndc80 loop, or together with some of its flanking sequences, and the recruitment is also dependent on Cdk1‐mediated Ska3 phosphorylation. This pool seems to play a more important role in silencing the spindle checkpoint than stabilizing kinetochore‐microtubule interactions. In contrast, the Ndc80‐N‐terminus pool of Ska is recruited by the N‐terminal domains of Ndc80 and appears to be more important for stabilizing kinetochore‐microtubule interactions. Here, we review and discuss the evidence that supports this model and suggest further experiments to test the functioning mechanisms of the Ska complex.
An efficient scheme for purification of a novel recombinant immunotoxin, rCCK8PE38, for anti‐tumour experiments
Authors: Hu Pan , Zhang Song , Lu Shi‐ying , Li Meng , Chang Jiang , Wang Meng‐yun , Li Chang , Zhao Ke , Guan Yu‐Ting , Zhang Yuan‐Yuan , Li Yan‐Song , Zhou Yu , Liu Zeng‐Shan , Bai Ou , Ren Hong‐Lin
Published: January 2018

rCCK8PE38 is a novel immunotoxin that targets choleystokinin B receptor, which is over‐expressed in some tumor tissues. Although we constructed a prokaryotic expression vector to express rCCK8PE38 in our laboratory, thorough purification was necessary to quantitatively assess its anti‐tumor effect. In this study, we established a purification protocol to obtain rCCK8PE38 with high purity from E. coli. Three different types of chromatography, hydrophobic chromatography, ion exchange chromatography and size exclusion chromatography, were used in combination. The purification technological parameters of each chromatography type were optimized. The whole process of purification was arranged to minimize the purification steps and achieve purity and bioactivity. Finally, through this optimized scheme, we obtained a recombinant protein with a purity of >95%; then, the protein was stored at −80°C after lyophilization. The purified protein was used in a tumor inhibition experiment and was effective in killing tumor cells that over‐expressed choleystokinin B receptor. The results of this study may provide some valuable information about protein purification and lay the foundation for further clinical experiments with rCCK8PE38.
DLGAP1 andNMDAreceptor‐associated postsynaptic density protein genes influence executive function in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Fan Zili , Qian Ying , Lu Qing , Wang Yufeng , Chang Suhua , Yang Li
Published: January 2018

Objective

To explore the association ofDLGAP1 gene with executive function (EF) in attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) children.

Method

A total of 763ADHDchildren and 140 healthy controls were enrolled. The difference ofEFbetweenADHDand controls was analyzed using the analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), withIQ, sex, and age as covariates. Both the associations ofSNPs withEFand three symptom traits ofADHDwere conducted using an additive linear regression model byPLINKwith the same covariates asANCOVA.

Results

Compared with controls, children withADHDshowed poorer cognitive flexibility and inhibition. TwoSNPs (rs2049161,p‐value = 5.08e‐7, adjustedp‐value = 1.63e‐4, rs16946051,p‐value = 5.18e‐7, adjustedp‐value = 1.66e‐4) survived multiple tests in Trail Making Test. BothSNPs also showed association withTOH(rs2049161,p = 6.82e‐4, rs16946051,p = 7.91e‐4). Set‐based analysis for geneDLGAP1 and its functional pathwayDLGAP1‐DLG4‐NMDAshowed they were associated with cognitive flexibility at both gene (p = .0057) and pathway level (p = .0321). Furthermore, the gene and pathway also showed association withADHDsymptom score. The associatedSNPs and theirLDproxies were related to the expression ofDLGAP1 in medulla and frontal cortex.

Conclusion

Children withADHDshowed deficit inEF, especially, cognitive flexibility and inhibition.DLGAP1 was associated with cognitive flexibility and plan, and the role ofDLGAP1 might be implemented through the complex ofDLGAP1‐DLG4‐NMDA.
Parallel SPH fluid control with dynamic details
Authors: Zhang Xiaoyong , Liu Shiguang
Published: January 2018

Real‐time fluid control is indispensable in computer animation, games, virtual reality, etc. In the field of Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH) fluid control, the strategy of control force is often employed to control fluid particles; however, the artificial viscosity introduced by the control force would frequently lead to the loss of fine‐scale details. Although the introduction of the low‐pass filter can add back details, it may easily destroy the control target, and the control force method itself cannot make SPH fluid follow the fast‐moving control target. Meanwhile, this type of method is computation intensive and time consuming. To remedy the above problems, this paper proposed a novel, interactive SPH fluid control framework with turbulent details. We run SPH fluid simulation on Compute Unified Device Architecture (CUDA) and greatly improve the efficiency of fluid control. The control particle with curvature framework was adapted in this paper. We specially designed spring forces to make the fluid match a fast‐moving control target. Moreover, fine fluid details were preserved separately by calculating the fluid turbulence under control and the free fluid turbulence. This improved SPH fluid control can run in real time, which can enhance the visual quality of fluid animation as well. Our novel method can be applied in fluid animation with special control effects to guide fluid to form a target shape while greatly preserving the dynamic details of fluid. Various experiment results demonstrated the ability of our novel method.
Ethanol Electro‐oxidation in Aqueous and Poly(acrylic acid)‐Based Gel Alkaline Electrolytes, Varying the PdxAgy Composition by using Differential Pulse Amperometry
Authors: Martínez Ciro M. , Ambriz‐Peláez Oscar , Álvarez‐Contreras Lorena , Ledesma‐García Janet , Guerra‐Balcázar Minerva , Arjona Noé
Published: January 2018

In this work, we prepared a polymer gel based on poly (acrylic acid) partial potassium salt (PAA‐K) for its use as an electrolyte in the ethanol electro‐oxidation. In addition, we synthesized PdxAgy materials by varying the metallic ratio through differential pulse amperometry (DPA). These materials showed particle sizes ranging from 40 to 60 nm, and their compositions were Pd75Ag25, Pd60Ag40, and Pd50Ag50, as determined by X‐ray fluorescence. Electrocatalytic evaluation of ethanol oxidation in aqueous electrolyte at 1.0 M ethanol resulted in the following activity trend: Pd60Ag40>Pd50Ag50>Pd75Ag25≥Pd, where Pd60Ag40 showed the highest current density with 102.6 mA mg−1 Pd. In the PAA‐K gel electrolyte, Pd60Ag40 also achieved the highest peak current density (7.5 mA mg−1 Pd). Additionally, Pd60Ag40 maintained almost the same oxidation potential (−0.41 V vs. NHE) in aqueous and gel electrolytes, but the current density decreased 13.7‐fold owing to the high viscosity of PAA‐K electrolyte (∼400 cP).
Evidence of Nitrogen Contribution to the Electronic Structure of the CH3NH3PbI3 Perovskite
Authors: Kot Małgorzata , Wojciechowski Konrad , Snaith Henry , Schmeißer Dieter
Published: January 2018

Despite fast development of hybrid perovskite solar cells, there are many fundamental questions related to the perovskite film which remain open. For example, there are contradicting theoretical reports on the role of the organic methylammonium cation (CH3NH3+) in the methylammonium lead triiodide (CH3NH3PbI3) perovskite film. From one side it is reported that the organic cation does not contribute to electronic structure of the CH3NH3PbI3 film. From the other side, valence band maximum fluctuations, dependent on the CH3NH3+ rotation, have been theoretically predicted. The resonant X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy results reported here show experimental evidence of nitrogen contribution to the CH3NH3PbI3 electronic structure. Moreover, the observed strong resonances of nitrogen with the I 5s and the Pb 5d‐6s levels indicate that the CH3NH3PbI3 valence band is extended up to ≈18 eV below the Fermi energy, and therefore one should also consider these shallow core levels while modeling its electronic structure.
Low‐Energy Electron‐Induced Strand Breaks in Telomere‐Derived DNA Sequences—Influence of DNA Sequence and Topology
Authors: Rackwitz Jenny , Bald Ilko
Published: January 2018

During cancer radiation therapy high‐energy radiation is used to reduce tumour tissue. The irradiation produces a shower of secondary low‐energy (<20 eV) electrons, which are able to damage DNA very efficiently by dissociative electron attachment. Recently, it was suggested that low‐energy electron‐induced DNA strand breaks strongly depend on the specific DNA sequence with a high sensitivity of G‐rich sequences. Here, we use DNA origami platforms to expose G‐rich telomere sequences to low‐energy (8.8 eV) electrons to determine absolute cross sections for strand breakage and to study the influence of sequence modifications and topology of telomeric DNA on the strand breakage. We find that the telomeric DNA 5′‐(TTA GGG)2 is more sensitive to low‐energy electrons than an intermixed sequence 5′‐(TGT GTG A)2 confirming the unique electronic properties resulting from G‐stacking. With increasing length of the oligonucleotide (i.e., going from 5′‐(GGG ATT)2 to 5′‐(GGG ATT)4), both the variety of topology and the electron‐induced strand break cross sections increase. Addition of K+ ions decreases the strand break cross section for all sequences that are able to fold G‐quadruplexes or G‐intermediates, whereas the strand break cross section for the intermixed sequence remains unchanged. These results indicate that telomeric DNA is rather sensitive towards low‐energy electron‐induced strand breakage suggesting significant telomere shortening that can also occur during cancer radiation therapy.
Photoluminescence of Visible and NIR‐Emitting Lanthanide‐Doped Bismuth‐Organic Materials
Authors: Batrice Rami J. , Ayscue R. Lee , Adcock Alyssa K. , Sullivan Benjamin R. , Han Sae Young , Piccoli Philip M. , Bertke Jeffery A. , Knope Karah E.
Published: January 2018

A bismuth‐organic compound containing 2,2′:6′2“‐terpyridine (terpy) and 2‐thiophenecarboxylate (TC), of the general formula (terpy)Bi(κ2‐TC)3⋅0.47 H2O (BiOM‐1), has been synthesized under hydrothermal conditions. Addition of a lanthanide nitrate solution to the reaction mixture led to statistical replacement of the bismuth centers, and yielded isomorphous lanthanide containing compounds Bi1−xLnxOM‐1 (Ln=Nd, Sm, Eu, Tb, Dy, Er, and Yb) that showed bismuth and/or ligand sensitized lanthanide‐centered emission, and the first example of NIR emission from a lanthanide doped BiOM. The structure was determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, and the level and uniformity of lanthanide ion incorporation into the bismuth host was determined by ICP‐OES and electron microprobe analysis. For the visible emitters, lifetime data and quantum yields are presented. A high efficiency of sensitization was calculated for the europium analog (50.1 %), showing significant improvement over previously reported europium thiophenecarboxylates. These novel materials may provide strategies to address concerns over the long‐term sustainability of the rare earth elements, especially relating to optical devices.
The resolution of acyclic P‐stereogenic phosphine oxides via the formation of diastereomeric complexes: A case study on ethyl‐(2‐methylphenyl)‐phenylphosphine oxide
Authors: Bagi Péter , Varga Bence , Szilágyi András , Karaghiosoff Konstantin , Czugler Mátyás , Fogassy Elemér , Keglevich György
Published: January 2018

As an example of acyclic P‐chiral phosphine oxides, the resolution of ethyl‐(2‐methylphenyl)‐phenylphosphine oxide was elaborated with TADDOL derivatives, or with calcium salts of the tartaric acid derivatives. Besides the study on the resolving agents, several purification methods were developed in order to prepare enantiopure ethyl‐(2‐methylphenyl)‐phenylphosphine oxide. It was found that the title phosphine oxide is a racemic crystal‐forming compound, and the recrystallization of the enantiomeric mixtures could be used for the preparation of pure enantiomers. According to our best method, the (R)‐ethyl‐(2‐methylphenyl)‐phenylphosphine oxide could be obtained with an enantiomeric excess of 99% and in a yield of 47%. Complete racemization of the enantiomerically enriched phosphine oxide could be accomplished via the formation of a chlorophosphonium salt. Characterization of the crystal structures of the enantiopure phosphine oxide was complemented with that of the diastereomeric intermediate. X‐ray analysis revealed the main nonbonding interactions responsible for enantiomeric recognition.
Long‐term prognostic value of combined free triiodothyronine and late gadolinium enhancement in nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy
Authors: Zhang Kuo , Wang Wenyao , Zhao Shihua , Katz Stuart D. , Iervasi Giorgio , Gerdes A. Martin , Tang Yi‐Da
Published: January 2018

Background

Thyroid dysfunction and myocardial fibrosis are both associated with cardiovascular events in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM).

Hypothesis

The combination of thyroid hormone (TH) and myocardial fibrosis (detected by late gadolinium enhancement [LGE]) is an independent and incremental predictor of adverse events in DCM.

Methods

We consecutively enrolled 220 idiopathic DCM patients with thyroid function and LGE assessment at Fuwai Hospital (China) from January 2010 to October 2011 and followed up through December 2015. Patients were divided into 4 groups according to the presence or absence of LGE and FT3 value (median level of 2.79 pg/mL): LGE‐positive + FT3 < 2.79 pg/mL, LGE‐positive + FT3 ≥ 2.79 pg/mL, LGE‐negative + FT3 < 2.79 pg/mL, and LGE‐negative + FT3 ≥ 2.79 pg/mL.

Results

During a median follow‐up of 61 months, 56 patients (25.5%) died, with 27/56 (48.2%), 8/45 (17.8%), 12/54 (22.2%), and 9/65 (13.8%) among 4 groups (P = 0.009), respectively. Multivariable Cox regression analysis identified LGE‐positive and FT3 < 2.79 pg/mL as a significant independent predictor of all‐cause mortality (hazard ratio: 2.893, 95% confidence interval: 1.323‐6.326,P = 0.008). Combining the predictive value of FT3 and LGE status significantly improved risk reclassification for all‐cause mortality, as indicated by the net reclassification improvement (0.28;P = 0.005) and integrated discrimination improvement (0.058;P = 0.001).

Conclusions

The findings suggest that the combination of FT3 and LGE yielded a more accurate predictive value for long‐term prognosis in patients with DCM, which may improve patient selection for intensive interventions.
Use of two‐dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography to predict cardiac events: Comparison of patients with acute myocardial infarction and chronic coronary artery disease
Authors: Scharrenbroich Jörg , Hamada Sandra , Keszei Andras , Schröder Jörg , Napp Andreas , Almalla Mohammad , Becker Michael , Altiok Ertunc
Published: January 2018

Background

Two‐dimensional speckle strain (2D STE) echocardiography can aid in the prognosis of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and chronic coronary artery disease (CAD).

Hypothesis

Differences occur in the prediction of cardiac events using 2D STE in AMI vs CAD patients.

Methods

In this prospective study, 94 patients with a first AMI and successful revascularization, and 137 patients with stable CAD after complete revascularization were included. In all patients, we performed echocardiography and myocardial deformation analysis for layer‐specific global circumferential strain (GCS) and longitudinal strain. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to predict the presence of a cardiac event using strain values and baseline characteristics in different regression models.

Results

Patients were followed for 3.6 ± 0.8 years. Strain parameters in AMI and CAD patients were significantly different with respect to the occurrence of a cardiac event. Frequency of diabetes and hypertension was associated with the presence of a cardiac event in CAD patients. Furthermore, in CAD patients, ROC analysis demonstrated that the addition of endocardial GCS to baseline characteristics and ejection fraction to a regression model significantly improved the prediction of cardiac events (area under curve = 0.86, cutoff value: 20%, sensitivity: 79%, specificity: 84%). In contrast, the addition of strain parameters in AMI patients did not increase the prediction power for cardiac events.

Conclusions

Global strain parameters by 2D STE may be useful for the prediction of cardiac events in patients with CAD but add no supplemental information to baseline characteristic and ejection fraction in patients with AMI.
Low‐temperature, Low‐Energy, and High‐Efficiency Pretreatment Technology for Large Wood Chips with a Redox Couple Catalyst
Authors: Gogoi Parikshit , Zhang Zhe , Geng Zhishuai , Liu Wei , Hu Weize , Deng Yulin
Published: January 2018

The pretreatment of lignocellulosic biomass plays a vital role in the conversion of cellulosic biomass to bioethanol, especially for softwoods and hardwoods. Although many pretreatment technologies have been reported so far, only a few pretreatment methods can handle large woodchips directly. To improve the efficiency of pretreatment, existing technologies require the grinding of the wood into small particles, which is an energy‐consuming process. Herein, for the first time, we report a simple, effective, and low‐temperature (≈100 °C) process for the pretreatment of hardwood (HW) and softwood (SW) chips directly by using a catalytic system of FeCl3/NaNO3 (FCSNRC). The pretreatment experiments were conducted systematically, and a conversion of 71.53 and 70.66 % of cellulose to sugar could be obtained for the direct use of large HW and SW chips. The new method reported here overcomes one of the critical barriers in biomass‐to‐biofuel conversion, and both grinding and thermal energies can be reduced significantly.
Analytical models for communication links in emergency management simulation
Authors: Adams Richelle , Singh Arvind
Published: January 2018

Emergency response involves the management of several different types of critical infrastructures and resources. Because of the interdependent nature of these systems, it is often very difficult for human decision makers to determine what the second‐ or third‐order effects of their decisions or actions might be. This has resulted in the development of several simulation tools that could be used to evaluate decisions or behaviours and better inform decision makers about the potential impacts of their decisions. One area that remains underdeveloped in this regard is the engagement of communication technologies by human agents, which has the potential to seriously affect delay times in response coordination. Given the size and complexity of simulating the interconnection of heterogeneous systems, developing reduced‐order simulation models has become important to maintain reasonable computation times. This paper describes the derivation of the distribution of the total connection time for a communication link where multiple technologies are engaged. Results show that communication link simulation times, which are among the most time‐consuming simulation routines can be significantly reduced by using the closed‐form distributions.
Efficient mobility prediction scheme for pervasive networks
Authors: Garg Neeraj , Dhurandher Sanjay K. , Nicopolitidis Petros , Lather J. S.
Published: January 2018

This paper aims towards probabilistic reasoning and Bayesian‐based recommendations to predict the next movement of a person. The proposed model in this work observes the behavior and movement patterns of humans for a day both at home and at their office to predict their future activities. To achieve this, an efficient model has been designed that provides the probable context‐based location of a person and predicts his next movement based on his behavior on some particular day at a particular time. The proposed model allows ubiquitous services to adapt to uncertain situations in today's world using different mechanisms such as monitoring the human behavior patterns and evaluating the user preferences and profiles. A case study of the office activity chart has been provided, and based on the experimentation performed on the related events, the probability in evaluating some “N”chained events of a person in a consecutive order using the proposed model has been found to be 0.002, which infers that there are fewer chances that the person will perform the same particular sequence of events.
Efficient REBTA data reporting algorithm for object tracking in wireless sensor networks
Authors: El‐Fouly Fatma H. , Ramadan Rabie A. , Mahmoud Mohamed I. , Dessouky Moawad I.
Published: January 2018

Object tracking is widely referred as one of the most interesting applications of wireless sensor networks (WSNs). This application is able to detect and track objects and report information about these objects to a central base station. One of the major drawbacks in the current research in WSNs is the quality of the data reporting where the major research focus is dedicated to localization of objects; however, few of these works were concentrated on the data reporting. An efficient data reporting algorithm for object tracking in WSNs is proposed in this paper. The main objective of this paper is to enhance the WSN lifetime by achieving both minimum energy and balancing such consumption in sensor nodes during reporting operation. Furthermore, in our model, the enhancement of network reliability is considered. Finally, it reduces the effects of congestion by sufficiently utilizing the under loaded nodes to improve the network throughput. This paper formulates the object tracking problem in large‐scale WSN into 0/1 integer linear programming problem, and then proposes a reliable energy balance traffic aware approach to solve the optimization problem. From the obtained simulation results, the proposed solution has proved to be able to enhance the network performance in network lifetime, throughput, end‐to‐end delay, energy balance, and complexity for both homogeneous and heterogeneous networks.
Isolation and Reactivity of a Chlorogermyliumylidene Featuring Two Ge–Cl Units
Authors: Su Yuanting , Li Yongxin , Ganguly Rakesh , Kinjo Rei
Published: January 2018

Deprotonation of 1‐mesityl‐4,5‐diphenyl‐2‐imidazole 1 with nBuLi, followed by salt metathesis reaction with GeCl2·dioxane complex, led to the formation of the chlorogermyliumylidene 2 bearing two Ge–Cl units, which has been isolated and fully characterized by standard spectroscopic and X‐ray diffraction analysis. Structural and NMR spectroscopic data as well as computational studies revealed that the positive charge mainly resides on the Ge atom between two nitrogen atoms. Reduction of 2 with an excess amount of lithium metal resulted in Ge–Ge bond formation concomitant with elimination of one of the Ge atoms of 2, to give rise to the digermylenedilithium compound 3 involving intramolecular coordination of the imines and the lone pairs to the Li atoms.
Reversible Redox, Spin Crossover, and Superexchange Coupling in 3d Transition‐Metal Complexes of Bis‐azinyl Analogues of 2,2′:6′,2′′‐Terpyridine
Authors: Zhang Yixin , Harriman Katie L. M. , Brunet Gabriel , Pialat Amélie , Gabidullin Bulat , Murugesu Muralee
Published: January 2018

The terpyridine‐inspired tridentate ligand, 2,6‐bis(5,6‐dialkyl‐1,2,4‐triazin‐3‐yl)‐pyridine (BTP), was synthesized and utilized to isolate five [MII(BTP)2]2+ (M = Fe and Co) transition‐metal complexes of various anions (BF4–, ClO4–, and NCS–). Notably, when metal‐halide precursors are employed, 1:1 M/L products [Co2II(µ‐X)2(BTP)2X2] (X = Cl or Br) are obtained, exhibiting µ‐halide bridges. All complexes were structurally characterized through single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction and their electrochemical and magnetic properties were investigated. Electrochemical studies reveal that the free BTP ligand has a single irreversible reduction, however; upon coordination to a metal center, stabilization of the reduced BTP ligand occurs and up to four reductive processes associated with the molecule are observed within the solvent window. The metal‐centered redox processes were either reversible or partially reversible, and fall within the range of 0.13 < E1/2 < 0.90 V vs. Fc/Fc+. Although there was minimal effect on the redox properties of the metal centers, there is strong dependence on the spin state. SQUID magnetometry elucidated a low spin state for the FeII complexes at room temperature, revealing a diamagnetic electronic structure. On the other hand, the cobalt monometallic complexes, [CoII(BTP)2]2+, showed gradual spin crossover properties between 1.8–370 K, displaying a minor dependence on the spin crossover behavior based on the respective anion. Additionally, ferromagnetic exchange interactions of J = +2.57 and +2.98 cm–1 were obtained using the –2J formalism for the dinuclear CoII complexes, [Co2II(µ‐X)2(BTP)2X2] for X = Cl and Br, respectively.
Lipase RegioselectiveO‐Acetylations of amyo‐Inositol Derivative: Efficient Desymmetrization of 1,3‐Di‐O‐benzyl‐myo‐inositol
Authors: Ribeiro Marcela F. P. , Pais Karla C. , de Jesus Barbara S. M. , Fernandez‐Lafuente Roberto , Freire Denise M. G. , Manoel Evelin A. , Simas Alessandro B. C.
Published: January 2018

Chiralmyo‐inositol derivatives play key roles in cell‐signaling processes. Despite the relevance of these compounds, few syntheses of them rely on enantioselective catalytic reactions. Even fewer reports describe the use of desymmetrization ofmyo‐inositol derivatives. In fact, most routes involve resolution by derivatization. Thus, a symmetrical partially protectedmyo‐inositol derivative, 1,3‐di‐O‐benzyl‐myo‐inositol (1), was used as a substrate in fast lipase‐catalyzed desymmetrization reactions. Among the lipases tested, both Lipozyme RM‐IM and Lipozyme TL‐IM were effective in catalyzing the formation of the chiral acetatel‐(+)‐6‐O‐acetyl‐1,3‐di‐O‐benzyl‐myo‐inositol [l‐(+)‐2] with high conversion (98–99 %) andee(>99 %). Conversely, Novozyme 435 and Lipomod 34P as biocatalysts showed different regioselectivity, leading to the formation of the symmetrical 5‐O‐acetylated product. We were able to reuse TL‐IM lipase seven times without any noticeable decrease in the conversion. Acetatel‐(+)‐2is a potential precursor of biologically activemyo‐inositol derivatives and other relevant materials for cell biology studies.
Approaches to Pyranuronic β‐Sugar Amino Acid Building Blocks of Peptidosaccharide Foldamers
Authors: Goldschmidt Gőz Viktória , Pintér István , Harmat Veronika , Perczel András
Published: January 2018

Pyranuronic β‐sugar amino acids (β‐SAAs) are biocompatible and tuneable building blocks of foldamers and chimera‐peptides. The scalable and economical total synthesis of two building blocks is described here. These C‐4 epimers, Fmoc‐GlcAPU(Me)‐OH (7) and Fmoc‐GalAPU(Me)‐OH (8), which are suitable for solid phase peptide synthesis, were prepared via a common oxime intermediate 16. The new synthesis uses nine consecutive steps, starting from methyl α‐d‐glucopyranoside (6). The synthesis is fine‐tuned, optimized, and ready for large‐scale and cost‐efficient production.
pH‐Responsive Fluorescence Change Based on Dynamic Exchange between Emitting Aggregates and Quenching Monomers in Donor–Acceptor Dyes Bearing Carboxylic Acid Groups
Authors: Ishi‐i Tsutomu , Nakanishi Taishi
Published: January 2018

pH imaging and measurement in biological systems is important because changes in pH are closely related with physiological and pathological processes. In this paper, a pH‐responsive fluorescence change based on the dynamic exchange between emitting aggregate state and quenching monomer state is reported. At low pH, the aggregate bearing a neutral carboxylic acid group in its protonated form continues to emit red light. In contrast, at high pH, the aggregate dissociates to the fluorescence‐quenching monomer owing to electrostatic repulsion among the anionic carboxylate moieties generated from the deprotonation process, resulting in a pH‐responsive change.
Truncating mutations of TP53AIP1 gene predispose to cutaneous melanoma
Authors: Benfodda Meriem , Gazal Steven , Descamps Vincent , Basset‐Seguin Nicole , Deschamps Lydia , Thomas Luc , Lebbe Celeste , Saiag Philippe , Zanetti Roberto , Sacchetto Lidia , Chiorino Giovanna , Scatolini Maria , Grandchamp Bernard , Bensussan Armand , Soufir Nadem
Published: January 2018

Genetic predisposition to cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM) involves highly penetrant predisposing genes and low and intermediate penetrant predisposing alleles. However, the missing heritability in (CMM) is still high. For such and in order to identify new genetic factors for CMM, we conducted an exome sequencing study in high‐risk CMM patients. Two rounds of exome sequencing were successively performed in 33 and 27 high‐risk patients. We focused on genes carrying rare nonsense, frameshift, and splice variants (allelic frequency <1%) that were present in both series of exomes. An extension study was then conducted in a large cohort (1 079 CMM patients and 1 230 Caucasian ethnically matched healthy controls), and the inactivating variants frequency was compared between groups using two‐sided Fisher exact test. Two TP53AIP1 truncating mutations were identified in four patients: a frameshift c.63_64insG, p.Q22Afs*81 in two patients from the same family and in the proband of a second family; and a nonsense mutation c.95 C > A, p.Ser32Stop in a patient with multiple CMMs. In all patients, TP53AIP1 truncating variants were strongly associated with CMM risk (two‐sided Fisher exact test = 0.004, OR = 3.3[1.3‐8.5]). Additionally, we showed that TP53AIP1 mRNA was strongly down‐regulated throughout different phases of melanoma progression. TP53AIP1 gene is a TP53 target which plays a key role by inducting apoptosis in response to UV‐induced DNA damage. Constitutional mutations of TP53AIP1 had previously been involved in susceptibility to prostate cancer. Our results show that constitutional truncating TP53AIP1 mutations predispose to CMM in the French population. Replication studies in other populations should be performed.
Time‐dependent differences in cortical measures and their associations with behavioral measures following mild traumatic brain injury
Authors: Bajaj Sahil , Dailey Natalie S. , Rosso Isabelle M. , Rauch Scott L. , Killgore William D. S.
Published: January 2018

There is currently a critical need to establish an improved understanding of time‐dependent differences in brain structure following mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). We compared differences in brain structure, specifically cortical thickness (CT), cortical volume (CV), and cortical surface area (CSA) in 54 individuals who sustained a recent mTBI and 33 healthy controls (HCs). Individuals with mTBI were split into three groups, depending on their time since injury. By comparing structural measures between mTBI and HC groups, differences in CT reflected cortical thickening within several areas following 0–3 (time‐point, TP1) and 3–6 months (TP2) post‐mTBI. Compared with the HC group, the mTBI group at TP2 showed lower CSA within several areas. Compared with the mTBI group at TP2, the mTBI group during the most chronic stage (TP3: 6–18 months post‐mTBI) showed significantly higher CSA in several areas. All the above reported differences in CT and CSA were significant at a cluster‐forming p < .01 (corrected for multiple comparisons). We also found that in the mTBI group at TP2, CT within two clusters (i.e., the left rostral middle frontal gyrus (L. RMFG) and the right postcentral gyrus (R. PostCG)) was negatively correlated with basic attention abilities (L. RMFG: r = −.41, p = .05 and R. PostCG: r = −.44, p = .03). Our findings suggest that alterations in CT and associated neuropsychological assessments may be more prominent during the early stages of mTBI. However, alterations in CSA may reflect compensatory structural recovery during the chronic stages of mTBI.
Socioeconomic disadvantage and altered corticostriatal circuitry in urban youth
Authors: Marshall Narcis A. , Marusak Hilary A. , Sala‐Hamrick Kelsey J. , Crespo Laura M. , Rabinak Christine A. , Thomason Moriah E.
Published: January 2018

Socioeconomic disadvantage (SED) experienced in early life is linked to a range of risk behaviors and diseases. Neuroimaging research indicates that this association is mediated by functional changes in corticostriatal reward systems that modulate goal‐directed behavior, reward evaluation, and affective processing. Existing research has focused largely on adults and within‐household measures as an index of SED, despite evidence that broader community‐level SED (e.g., neighborhood poverty levels) has significant and sometimes distinct effects on development and health outcomes. Here, we test effects of both household‐ and community‐level SED on resting‐state functional connectivity (rsFC) of the ventral striatum (VS) in 100 racially and economically diverse children and adolescents (ages 6–17). We observed unique effects of household income and community SED on VS circuitry such that higher community SED was associated with reduced rsFC between the VS and an anterior region of the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), whereas lower household income was associated with increased rsFC between the VS and the cerebellum, inferior temporal lobe, and lateral prefrontal cortex. Lower VS‐mPFC rsFC was also associated with higher self‐reported anxiety symptomology, and rsFC mediated the link between community SED and anxiety. These results indicate unique effects of community‐level SED on corticostriatal reward circuitry that can be detected in early life, which carries implications for future interventions and targeted therapies. In addition, our findings raise intriguing questions about the distinct pathways through which specific sources of SED can affect brain and emotional development.
Immunocompromised patients with metastatic cutaneous nodal squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck: Poor outcome unrelated to the index lesion
Authors: Lam Johnson K. S. , Sundaresan Puma , Gebski Val , Veness Michael J.
Published: January 2018

Background

Immunocompromised patients with metastatic cutaneous nodal head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) have worse outcomes compared to the immunocompetent. The purpose of this study was to investigate the characteristics of the primary cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), nodal pathology, and outcome between these 2 groups.

Methods

Analysis of a prospective database was performed. A 2:1 pooled analysis selected 46 immunocompetent patients matched with 23 immunocompromised patients. Overall survival (OS) and relapse‐free survival (RFS) were calculated using the Kaplan‐Meier method.

Results

No significant difference was found in the primary tumor characteristics between the 2 groups. In the immunocompromised group, RFS (hazard ratio [HR] 2.70; P = .01) and OS (HR 2.32; P = .04) were significantly worse. Extracapsular spread was present in 100% of the immunocompromised patients.

Conclusion

No significant difference was identified in the primary cutaneous SCC between the immunocompetent and immunocompromised patients. Immunosuppression predicted worse outcome.
Obviating the need for sternotomy: Safety and effectiveness of microdebrider use for retrosternal goiter
Authors: Dagan Elad , Kleid Stephen
Published: January 2018

Background

Most retrosternal goiter surgical removal can be performed via a transcervical approach. However, it is often a challenging procedure, which might include sternotomy.

Methods

We describe a surgical technique using a microdebrider for intracapsular volume reduction that precedes an extracapsular thyroidectomy, thereby avoiding the need for sternotomy, with decreased morbidity and risk. The procedure is described in detail with 2 representative cases and a summary of our experience in 26 cases.

Results

Twenty‐six patients with retrosternal goiters are included in our cohort. None of the patients needed a sternotomy, and no major or permanent complications occurred. The average length of hospital stay was 4.30 days after total thyroidectomy and 2.57 days after hemithyroidectomy.

Conclusion

The use of a microdebrider for intracapsular volume reduction thyroidectomy is extremely helpful for transcervical removal of retrosternal goiters in selected cases, and avoids the need for sternotomy, which is especially beneficial in elderly patients, and those with comorbidities for whom sternotomy should be avoided.
Understanding the water balance paradox in the Athabasca River Basin, Canada
Authors: Hwang Hyoun‐Tae , Park Young‐Jin , Sudicky Edward A. , Berg Steven J. , McLaughlin Robert , Jones Jon P.
Published: January 2018

This study demonstrates the importance of the including and appropriately parameterizing peatlands and forestlands for basin‐scale integrated surface–subsurface models in the northern boreal forest, with particular emphasis on the Athabasca River Basin (ARB). With a long‐term water balance approach to the ARB, we investigate reasons why downstream mean annual stream flow rates are consistently higher than upstream, despite the subhumid water deficit conditions in the downstream regimes. A high‐resolution 3D variably saturated subsurface and surface water flow and evapotranspiration model of the ARB is constructed based on the bedrock and surficial geology and the spatial distribution of peatlands and their corresponding eco‐regions. Historical climate data were used to drive the model for calibration against 40‐year long‐term average surface flow and groundwater observations during the historic instrumental period. The simulation results demonstrate that at the basin‐scale, peatlands and forestlands can have a strong influence on the surface–subsurface hydrologic systems. In particular, peatlands in the midstream and downstream regimes of the ARB increase the water availability to the surface–subsurface water systems by reducing water loss through evapotranspiration. Based on the comparison of forestland evapotranspiration between observation and simulation, the overall spatial average evapotranspiration in downstream forestlands is larger than that in peatlands and thus the water contribution to the stream flow in downstream areas is relatively minor. Therefore, appropriate representation of peatlands and forestlands within the basin‐scale hydrologic model is critical to reproduce the water balance of the ARB.
Trimodal system for in vivo skin cancer screening with combined optical coherence tomography‐Raman and colocalized optoacoustic measurements
Authors: Varkentin Arthur , Mazurenka Mikhail , Blumenröther Elias , Behrendt Lea , Emmert Steffen , Morgner Uwe , Meinhardt‐Wollweber Merve , Rahlves Maik , Roth Bernhard
Published: January 2018

A new multimodal system for rapid, noninvasive in vivo skin cancer screening is presented, combining optical coherence tomography (OCT) and optoacoustic (OA) modalities to provide precise tumor depth determination with a Raman spectroscopic modality capable of detecting the lesion type and, thus, providing diagnostic capability. Both OA and Raman setups use wide field skin illumination to ensure the compliance with maximum permissible exposure (MPE) requirements. The Raman signal is collected via the OCT scanning lens to maximize the signal‐to‐noise ratio of the measured signal while keeping radiation levels below MPE limits. OCT is used to optically determine the tumor thickness and for volumetric imaging whereas OA utilizes acoustic signals generated by optical absorption contrast for thickness determination at potentially higher penetration depths compared to OCT. Preliminary results of first clinical trials using our setup are presented. The measured lesion depth is in good agreement with histology results, while Raman measurements show distinctive differences between normal skin and melanocytic lesions, and, moreover, between different skin areas. In future, we will validate the setup presented for reliable detection of pathophysiological parameters, morphology and thickness of suspicious skin lesions.