bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pregnancy Outcomes in Undifferentiated Connective Tissue Disease Compared to Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Single Academic Center's Experience
Authors: Kaufman Katherine P. , Eudy Amanda M. , Harris Nathaniel , Neil Laura , Clowse Megan E. B.
Published: May 2021

Objective

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients have more pregnancy complications than healthy patients. Data regarding pregnancy outcomes in women with undifferentiated connective tissue disease (UCTD) are more limited, and existing studies are concentrated in Italy and predominantly in patients with a new diagnosis. Our objective was to compare pregnancy outcomes for UCTD and SLE patients with established disease.

Methods

Between 2008 and 2017, patients with UCTD and SLE at an academic medical center were recruited to a prospective pregnancy registry. UCTD was defined as a positive autoantibody plus connective tissue disease symptoms not meeting criteria for another rheumatic diagnosis. SLE was defined by American College of Rheumatology or Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics classification criteria or by physician diagnosis. Data were collected throughout pregnancy and postpartum. Comparator groups included UCTD, low‐activity SLE, and high‐activity SLE.

Results

A total of 150 SLE and 51 UCTD pregnancies were analyzed. Disease activity was low in most patients, although more patients with SLE had severe activity during pregnancy (12% versus 2%; P = 0.05). The frequencies of prematurity and preeclampsia were significantly lower in UCTD than in high‐activity SLE patients (preterm 17% versus 45% [P = 0.004] and preeclampsia 6% versus 34% [P = 0.0008]), although similar to low‐activity SLE patients. More infants who were small for gestational age were born to SLE than UCTD patients (33% versus 7% [P = 0.0005]), regardless of disease activity level.

Conclusion

Pregnancies in women with UCTD managed by a rheumatologist have a high rate of pregnancy success and fewer risks than those in women with active SLE.
A Critical Look at Race‐Based Practices in Rheumatology Guidelines
Authors: Olson Rose McKeon , Feldman Candace H.
Published: May 2021

Objective

To assess how race has been incorporated into rheumatology practice guidelines, including how race is defined and used in diagnostic and treatment recommendations.

Methods

We searched race and ethnicity terms in all clinical practice guidelines from the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) and European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR) that were published between 2010 and 2020 and publicly available on professional society websites. Findings were summarized and assessed through standardized data abstraction forms. Key themes were identified through a thematic analysis approach.

Results

A total of 23 ACR clinical practice guidelines and 42 EULAR recommendations were reviewed. In total, 16 of 65 (25%) of the guidelines used race terms in their text. No guideline clearly defined race, and race was often conflated with ethnicity and/or genetic ancestry. Reported racial categories varied substantially by guideline and often used classifications that oversimplified and excluded non‐White races. Research with insufficient racial diversity was used to make race‐based recommendations for Black patients that may not be generalizable. Additionally, recommendations using research on predominantly White populations reinforced data of White populations as normative and perpetuated race‐based stereotypes, especially for rare diseases. Structural causes of identified racial disparities were not discussed in clinical guidelines.

Conclusion

There is an urgent need for standardized race reporting in rheumatology. Recommendations are provided to enhance consistency and accuracy of race and ethnicity terms, mitigate conflation of race with ethnicity or genetic ancestry, encourage a critical reanalysis of race‐based diagnostic tools and treatment options, and better address the structural causes of racial disparities.
Prognosis and Treatment of Myositis‐Associated Severe Interstitial Lung Disease: A Descriptive Study Using a Nationwide Inpatient Database in Japan
Authors: Furuya Hiroki , Nakajima Mikio , Ikeda Kei , Nakamura Kaito , Ohbe Hiroyuki , Aso Shotaro , Kumazawa Ryosuke , Iwamoto Taro , Iwata Arifumi , Furuta Shunsuke , Matsui Hiroki , Fushimi Kiyohide , Yasunaga Hideo , Nakajima Hiroshi
Published: May 2021

Objective

The aim of this study was to determine the prognosis, clinical course, and current management of severe interstitial lung disease (ILD) associated with myositis in Japan.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective descriptive study using a nationwide database for inpatient care of acute illness in Japan. Among a total of ~66 million inpatient admissions, we identified patients with severe ILD associated with polymyositis (PM) or dermatomyositis (DM) who required mechanical ventilation and methylprednisolone pulse therapy (≥1 gm/day of methylprednisolone) from July 2010 to March 2018.

Results

We identified 155 patients with PM and 394 with DM who fulfilled the above criteria. The median age of patients was 65 years; DM patients were significantly younger than PM patients (64 versus 68 years; P < 0.001). The numbers of patients who were treated with calcineurin inhibitors, intravenous cyclophosphamide, and polymyxin B–immobilized fiber column direct hemoperfusion (PMX‐DHP) were 403 (73.4%), 318 (57.9%), and 78 (14.2%), respectively. All these treatments were given significantly more frequently to the patients with DM compared with those with PM. The uses of other treatment options were much less frequent. The median periods after hospitalization when methylprednisolone pulse therapy, calcineurin inhibitors, mechanical ventilation, intravenous cyclophosphamide, and PMX‐DHP were initiated and in‐hospital death occurred among patients with DM were 2, 4, 7, 8, 17, and 36 days, respectively. In‐hospital mortality was significantly higher in patients with DM than in those with PM (76.6% versus 56.8%; P < 0.001).

Conclusion

The mortality of patients with myositis‐associated severe ILD who require mechanical ventilation is extremely high despite aggressive and prompt interventions.
Deep Optical Switching on Subpicosecond Timescales in an Amorphous Ge Metamaterial
Authors: Lemasters Robert , Shcherbakov Maxim R. , Yang Guoce , Song Jia , Lian Tianquan , Harutyunyan Hayk , Shvets Gennady
Published: May 2021

Active nanostructured optical components show promise as potential building blocks for novel light‐based computing and data processing architectures. However, nanoscale all‐optical switches that have low activation powers and high‐contrast ultrafast switching have been elusive so far. Here, pump–probe measurements performed on amorphous‐Ge‐based micro‐resonator metasurfaces that exhibit strong resonant modes in the mid‐infrared are reported. Relative change is observed in transmittance of ΔT/T ≈ 1 with picosecond (down to τ ≈ 0.5 ps) free carrier relaxation rates, obtained with very low pump fluences of 50 μJ cm−2. These observations are attributed to efficient free carrier promotion, affecting light transmittance via high quality‐factor optical resonances, followed by an increased electron–phonon scattering of free carriers due to the amorphous crystal structure of Ge. Full‐wave simulations based on a permittivity model that describes free‐carrier damping through crystal structure disorder find excellent agreement with the experimental data. These findings offer an efficient and robust platform for all‐optical switching at the nanoscale.
Microelectrode Arrays for Simultaneous Electrophysiology and Advanced Optical Microscopy
Authors: Middya Sagnik , Curto Vincenzo F. , Fernández‐Villegas Ana , Robbins Miranda , Gurke Johannes , Moonen Emma J. M. , Kaminski Schierle Gabriele S. , Malliaras George G.
Published: May 2021

Advanced optical imaging techniques address important biological questions in neuroscience, where structures such as synapses are below the resolution limit of a conventional microscope. At the same time, microelectrode arrays (MEAs) are indispensable in understanding the language of neurons. Here, the authors show transparent MEAs capable of recording action potentials from neurons and compatible with advanced microscopy. The electrodes are made of the conducting polymer poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) doped with polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) and are patterned by optical lithography, ensuring scalable fabrication with good control over device parameters. A thickness of 380 nm ensures low enough impedance and >75% transparency throughout the visible part of the spectrum making them suitable for artefact‐free recording in the presence of laser illumination. Using primary neuronal cells, the arrays record single units from multiple nearby sources with a signal‐to‐noise ratio of 7.7 (17.7 dB). Additionally, it is possible to perform calcium (Ca2+) imaging, a measure of neuronal activity, using the novel transparent electrodes. Different biomarkers are imaged through the electrodes using conventional and super‐resolution microscopy (SRM), showing no qualitative differences compared to glass substrates. These transparent MEAs pave the way for harnessing the synergy between the superior temporal resolution of electrophysiology and the selectivity and high spatial resolution of optical imaging.
Geographic variation in work disability burden: Identifying hotspots, coldspots, and associated sociodemographic factors
Authors: Lane Tyler J. , Collie Alex
Published: May 2021

Objectives

To identify geographic hotspots and coldspots of work disability burden and their associated sociodemographic factors in Australia.

Methods

Using Australian workers' compensation and census data, we calculated weeks of compensated time off work per 1000 labor force, an indicator of work disability burden, at Statistical Area Level 4, the smallest level of labor force data produced by the Australian Bureau of Statistics. Records included all claims with at least 1 day of compensated time off work lodged between 2010 and 2015. Work disability burden wasz‐transformed by state and territory and mapped across Australia. Statistical Areas that were more than 1 standard deviationfrom the state or territory mean were considered hotspots and coldspots. We tested several sociodemographic factors as predictors of work disability burden.

Results

Work disability burden hotspots were concentrated in lower socioeconomic suburbs and exurbs of state capitals, in addition to several regional areas. Coldspots were primarily in wealthy central urban and suburban areas. Factors associated with greater work disability burden include higher area socioeconomic disadvantage, rurality, lower labor force participation, higher unemployment, higher proportion of work in production industries and in blue‐collar occupations, and higher numbers of those with core activity limitations, those aged 65+ years, and foreign‐born residents.

Conclusions

Work disability burden is unequally distributed across Australia and strongly influenced by sociodemographic and occupational factors. The findings can guide more efficient allocation of resources for work disability prevention and rehabilitation.
G20 Summit and emergency medical services in Osaka, Japan
Authors: Tanaka Kenta , Morikawa Kosuke , Katayama Yusuke , Kitamura Tetsuhisa , Sobue Tomotaka , Nakao Shota , Nitta Masahiko , Iwami Taku , Fujimi Satoshi , Uejima Toshifumi , Miyamoto Yuji , Baba Takehiko , Mizobata Yasumitsu , Kuwagata Yasuyuki , Matsuoka Tetsuya , Shimazu Takeshi
Published: May 2021

Aim

To assess the impact of the Summit on Financial Markets and the World Economy held in Osaka City, Japan (G20 Osaka Summit) on the emergency medical services (EMS) system.

Methods

This study used the ORION database with its population‐based registry of emergency patients comprising both ambulance and in‐hospital records in Osaka Prefecture, Japan. The G20 Osaka Summit was held in Osaka City from 28 to 29 June, 2019. Changes in the EMS system and traffic regulations in Osaka were made during the period from 27 to 30 June, but we focused on the two summit days as the G20 period. The control periods comprised the same calendar days 1 week before and 1 week after the G20 period. We evaluated differences in the number of emergency transports, difficulties in obtaining hospital acceptance of patients, deaths among hospitalized emergency patients, and ambulance transport times between the two periods.

Results

In total, 2,590 cases in the G20 period and 5,152 cases in the control periods were registered. The relative risk of cases during the G20 versus control periods was 1.01 (0.96–1.05). Significant decreases were observed in the number of traffic accidents as ambulance calls (relative risk = 0.77; 95% confidence interval, 0.64–0.91). There were no significant differences in difficulties in obtaining hospital acceptance or deaths among hospitalized emergency patients between the G20 and control periods. In addition, ambulance transport times during the G20 period were not significantly longer than those in the control periods.

Conclusion

The G20 Osaka Summit did not adversely impact the provision of emergency medical care in the Osaka area.
Aziridine Formation by a FeII/α‐Ketoglutarate Dependent Oxygenase and 2‐Aminoisobutyrate Biosynthesis in Fungi
Authors: Bunno Reito , Awakawa Takayoshi , Mori Takahiro , Abe Ikuro
Published: May 2021

Aziridine is a characteristically reactive molecule with increased bioactivity due to its strained ring structure. Here, we investigated the biosynthesis of 2‐aminoisobutyric acid (AIB) in Penicillium, and successfully reconstituted the three‐step biosynthesis from L‐Val to AIB in vitro. This previously unknown aziridine formation pathway proceeded with the non‐heme iron and α‐ketoglutarate‐dependent (FeII/αKG) oxygenase TqaL, followed by aziridine ring opening by the haloalkanoic acid dehalogenase (HAD)‐type hydrolase TqaF, and subsequent oxidative decarboxylation by the NovR/CloR‐like non‐heme iron oxygenase TqaM. Furthermore, the X‐ray crystal structure of the C−N bond forming FeII/αKG oxygenase TqaL was solved at 2.0 Å resolution. This work presents the first molecular basis for aziridine biogenesis, thereby expanding the catalytic repertoire of the FeII/αKG oxygenases. We also report the unique aziridine ring opening by a HAD‐type hydrolase and the remarkable oxidative decarboxylation by a non‐heme iron oxygenase to produce AIB.
Uncovering the Role of Bicarbonate in Calcium Carbonate Formation at Near‐Neutral pH
Authors: Huang Yu‐Chieh , Rao Ashit , Huang Shing‐Jong , Chang Chun‐Yu , Drechsler Markus , Knaus Jennifer , Chan Jerry Chun Chung , Raiteri Paolo , Gale Julian D. , Gebauer Denis
Published: May 2021

Mechanistic pathways relevant to mineralization are not well‐understood fundamentally, let alone in the context of their biological and geological environments. Through quantitative analysis of ion association at near‐neutral pH, we identify the involvement of HCO3− ions in CaCO3 nucleation. Incorporation of HCO3− ions into the structure of amorphous intermediates is corroborated by solid‐state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, complemented by quantum mechanical calculations and molecular dynamics simulations. We identify the roles of HCO3− ions as being through (i) competition for ion association during the formation of ion pairs and ion clusters prior to nucleation and (ii) incorporation as a significant structural component of amorphous mineral particles. The roles of HCO3− ions as active soluble species and structural constituents in CaCO3 formation are of fundamental importance and provide a basis for a better understanding of physiological and geological mineralization.
Improved creep performance of melt‐extruded polycaprolactone/organo‐bentonite nanocomposites
Authors: Ollier Romina P. , Casado Ulises , Torres Nicolini Andres , Alvarez Vera A. , Pérez Claudio J. , Ludueña Leandro Nicolas
Published: May 2021

In this work, biodegradable nanocomposites based on polycaprolactone reinforced with pristine and organo‐modified bentonites are prepared by melt extrusion. Bentonite is exchanged with benzalkonium chloride (CBK) in a pilot plant scale reactor. The influence of clay type and loading on morphology, rheology, mechanical properties, and creep performance of the resulting materials is analyzed. Besides, several theoretical models then applied to experimental creep data and master curves are used to relate time and temperature with the compliance of the materials. The morphology characterization of the nanocomposites show that the organo‐modification of the clay greatly improves its dispersion in the polymer matrix. As a consequence, it is demonstrated that reinforcement of PCL with 3 wt% loading of organoclay produces the strongest improvement in creep resistance. The instantaneous creep strain and the experimental creep rate decrease more than 9% and 27%, respectively, in the range of temperatures analyzed. Moreover, the experimental values are used to adequately fit theoretical creep models for different clay loadings. On the other hand, the material with optimal creep behavior also shows the greatest improvements in tensile mechanical properties.
Science for conserving Amazon freshwater ecosystems
Authors: Castello Leandro
Published: May 2021

The Amazon Basin is being degraded at unprecedented rates, yet conservation efforts have implemented protected areas to curb deforestation, leaving freshwater ecosystems vulnerable to degradation. Amazon freshwater ecosystems are largely unprotected because a terrestrial bias has limited the ability of science to affect policy.

Overcoming this bias requires increasing exchange of information among stakeholders across the basin to raise awareness of threats to Amazon freshwater ecosystems and promote discussions and access to conservation solutions. To help address this need, this Special Issue collates 15 synthetic articles that advance knowledge and identify conservation solutions.

Three articles highlight the importance of considering the hydrological and limnological processes that control the integrity of these freshwater ecosystems and offer new insights on how to extrapolate them across the basin.

Three articles on crocodilians, aquatic mammals, and migratory fishes document threats and knowledge gaps, and identify the missing role of governments as an impediment to conservation of their populations.

Three articles evaluate the multi‐faceted effects of hydropower dams on fish, birds, and floodplain trees. They reinforce perceptions that dams are key environmental threats and offer guidance for improving protocols for dam site selection and impact assessment.

Three articles assessing the effectiveness of protected areas to safeguard fish and aquatic invertebrates show there is an urgent need to redesign the Amazon protected area network to adequately protect freshwater biota.

Three forward‐looking articles show that: (i) conservation initiatives by local communities are ‘bright spots’ for freshwater conservation; (ii) microchemistry analyses of the ear bones of fishes could boost the knowledge base needed to conserve them; and (iii) strengthening the Amazon conservation framework requires a reversal of Brazil's current governmental priorities, remobilization of stakeholders, investments in capacity building, and expanding protections to terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems.
Cardiovascular Safety of Hydroxychloroquine in US Veterans With Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Faselis Charles , Zeng‐Treitler Qing , Cheng Yan , Kerr Gail S. , Nashel David J. , Liappis Angelike P. , Weintrob Amy C. , Karasik Pamela E. , Arundel Cherinne , Boehm Denise , Heimall Michael S. , Connell Lawrence B. , Taub Daniel D. , Shao Yijun , Redd Douglas F. , Sheriff Helen M. , Zhang Sijian , Fletcher Ross D. , Fonarow Gregg C. , Moore Hans J. , Ahmed Ali
Published: May 2021

Objective

Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) may prolong the QT interval, a risk factor for torsade de pointes, a potentially fatal ventricular arrhythmia. This study was undertaken to examine the cardiovascular safety of HCQ in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

We conducted an active comparator safety study of HCQ in a propensity score–matched cohort of 8,852 US veterans newly diagnosed as having RA between October 1, 2001 and December 31, 2017. Patients were started on HCQ (n = 4,426) or another nonbiologic disease‐modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD; n = 4,426) after RA diagnosis, up to December 31, 2018, and followed up for 12 months after therapy initiation, up to December 31, 2019.

Results

Patients had a mean ± SD age of 64 ± 12 years, 14% were women, and 28% were African American. The treatment groups were balanced with regard to 87 baseline characteristics. There were 3 long QT syndrome events (0.03%), 2 of which occurred in patients receiving HCQ. Of the 56 arrhythmia‐related hospitalizations (0.63%), 30 occurred in patients in the HCQ group (hazard ratio [HR] associated with HCQ 1.16 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.68–1.95]). All‐cause mortality occurred in 144 (3.25%) and 136 (3.07%) of the patients in the HCQ and non‐HCQ groups, respectively (HR associated with HCQ 1.06 [95% CI, 0.84–1.34]). During the first 30 days of follow‐up, there were no long QT syndrome events, 2 arrhythmia‐related hospitalizations (none in the HCQ group), and 13 deaths (6 in the HCQ group).

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that the incidence of long QT syndrome and arrhythmia‐related hospitalization is low in patients with RA during the first year after the initiation of HCQ or another nonbiologic DMARD. We found no evidence that HCQ therapy is associated with a higher risk of adverse cardiovascular events or death.
Immer wieder neu denken – Der Ingenieur und Hochschullehrer Stefan Polónyi † (1930–2021)
Authors: Bollinger Klaus , Hauke Bernhard , Kloft Harald
Published: May 2021

Der Ingenieur und Hochschullehrer Univ.‐Prof. em. Dr.‐Ing. E.h. mult. Stefan Polónyi ist am 9. April 2021 in Köln verstorben. Der nachfolgende Beitrag ist ein gekürztes Essay aus dem Jahrbuch Ingenieurbaukunst 2021. Dieser Beitrag erscheint auch in den Ernst & Sohn‐Zeitschriften Beton‐ und Stahlbetonbau Heft 5 und Stahlbau Heft 5.
The remnant of our success
Authors: Prior Patrick , Gray William A.
Published: May 2021

Key Points

Mortality associated with ST‐elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) has increased despite improved door to balloon times due to increased patient complexity with more patients presenting to the catheterization lab with cardiac arrest and cardiogenic shock.

Emphasis on multimodal treatments of STEMI patients presenting with cardiogenic shock including early percutaneous coronary intervention with circulatory support when appropriate will likely provide the best clinical outcomes.

Future research should involve continued study of clinical outcomes in STEMI patients as use of various mechanical support increases.
Determination of soluble wheat protein fractions using the Bradford assay
Authors: Rekowski Azin , Langenkämper Georg , Dier Markus , Wimmer Monika A. , Scherf Katharina A. , Zörb Christian
Published: May 2021

Background and objectives

Determination of different grain protein fractions in wheat cultivars is an important task in analyzing bread baking quality. In many laboratories, the Bradford assay is used to determine protein concentrations in solutions. In any protein assay (including Bradford), the ideal protein to use as a standard is the purified protein being assayed. In the absence of such an absolute reference, protein another protein must be selected as a relative standard such as bovine serum albumin (BSA) which is widely used. The aim of this work was to find conversion factors for BSA to determine correct albumin–globulin, gliadin, and glutenin concentrations, because these purified wheat grain protein fractions are mostly not available to be used for calibration purposes.

Findings

In case of BSA calibration, gluten concentration was underestimated (50%–54%) compared to calibration with the respective purified wheat proteins (65%–70%) in extracts of wheat grain samples. This result is explained with the different amino acid composition of BSA and wheat protein fractions leading to a more intense signal with BSA in the Bradford assay. Calibration of the Bradford assay using BSA as well as purified wheat protein fractions allowed to calculate the conversion factors of 2.11 for BSA/albumin–globulin, 4.25 for BSA/gliadin, and 3.42 for BSA/glutenin. Application of these conversion factors proved to accurately adjust protein concentrations of wheat fractions originating from ten cultivars, determined with BSA calibration of the Bradford assay.

Conclusions

BSA calibration of the Bradford assay in combination with the conversion factors can be used to determine protein concentration of wheat grain fractions.

Significance and novelty

Findings of this study make a contribution toward the correction of a common method, to provide a basis for better comparability of research results from different laboratories.
Eosinophilic pustular folliculitis of infancy: A rare diagnosis in children
Authors: Frølunde Anne Sofie , Olesen Anne Braae , Riber‐Hansen Rikke , Pallesen Kristine Appel Uldall
Published: May 2021

Remember EPFI as a differential diagnosis in children with a rash on the scalp and no effect of antibiotic treatment.
Design of a Neuro‐Based Computing Paradigm for Simulation of Industrial Olefin Plants
Authors: Esmaeili-Faraj Seyyed Hamid , Vaferi Behzad , Bolhasani Akbar , Karamian Soroush , Hosseini Shahin , Rashedi Reza
Published: May 2021

A neuro‐based computing technique is used for simulation of olefin plants at industrial scale. Artificial neural networks are applied to estimate the flow rate of the main products of the olefin unit from available information in terms of flow rate of feed streams and operating condition of furnaces. The structure of the smart model is determined through a trial‐and‐error procedure taking the real plant information over four successive years. The proposed paradigm estimates the tonnage of the product streams by an absolute average relative deviation in the range of 0.9 % for methane to 3.14 % for propylene. Results confirmed that this smart simulation not only presents accurate predictions, but is easy to use, straightforward, and can be simply employed for optimization and control of the unit.
Pseudocapacitive and Ion‐Insertion Materials: A Bridge between Energy Storage, Electronics and Neuromorphic Computing
Authors: Mastragostino Marina , Soavi Francesca
Published: May 2021

There is considerable interest in new solid‐state materials for many applications, from energy storage to electronics and neuromorphic computing. This concept paper highlights how pseudocapacitive and ion‐insertion materials, for their inherent capability of storing charge and modulate electron conduction, represent a bridge between energy storage, electronics and neuromorphic computing and enable the design of new device architectures.
Dinuclear Re(I) Complexes as New Electrocatalytic Systems for CO2 Reduction
Authors: Quartapelle Procopio Elsa , Boni Alessandro , Veronese Lorenzo , Marcaccio Massimo , Mercandelli Pierluigi , Valenti Giovanni , Panigati Monica , Paolucci Francesco
Published: May 2021

A family of dinuclear tricarbonyl rhenium (I) complexes containing bridging 1,2‐diazine ligand and halide anions as ancillary ligands and able to catalyze CO2 reduction is presented. Electrochemical studies show that the highest catalytic efficiency is obtained for the complex containing the 4,5‐bipenthyl‐pyridazine and iodide as ancillary halogen ligands. This complex gives rise to TOF=15 s−1 that clearly outperforms the values reported for the benchmark mononuclear Re(CO)3Cl(bpy) (11.1 s−1). The role of the substituents on the pyridazine ligand and the nature of the bridging halide ligands on the catalytic activity have been deeply investigated through a systematic study on the structure‐properties relationship to understand the improved catalytic efficiencies of this class of complexes.
Liquid and solids phase backmixing in a bubble and slurry bubble column using a virtual tracer response methodology based on the trajectory data of the radioactive particle tracking (RPT) technique
Authors: Han Lu , Kamalanathan Premkumar , Al‐Dahhan Muthanna H.
Published: May 2021

Virtual tracer response methodology developed based on the trajectory data of the computer aided radioactive particle tracking (CARPT) technique was demonstrated. The demonstrated virtual tracer technique has advantages of non‐invasiveness, near perfect injection/sampling, and flexibility in choosing the sampling/injection boundaries in a specific spatial pattern. With the developed virtual tracer technique, liquid and solids backmixing were investigated at the conditions mimicking Fischer‐Tropsch synthesis. Experiments were conducted at different pressure, solids loading, and superficial gas velocity. The axial dispersion model (ADM) and recirculation and cross flow dispersion (RCFD) models were used to model the liquid mixing. Transient sedimentation dispersion model (SDM) was used to model the solids mixing. It was found that the measured axial dispersion coefficient (Dl) in the ADM model increases with increase in the pressure. The increase of dispersion coefficient was explained with the experimental values of mean axial diffusivity and mean recirculation velocity. Axial dispersion coefficients (Dz,uDz,d) in the RCFD model (compartment model) were apparently lower than the Dl, due to the decoupling of global recirculation from the dispersion coefficients in the RCFD. Further, it was found that the dispersion coefficients in the RCFD model follow the trend of the axial eddy diffusivity with change in the operating conditions revealing the dominance of the turbulence in the upflow and downflow compartments. From the solids backmixing study, axial dispersion coefficient (Ds) of solids was found to increase with increase in the solids loading, pressure, and superficial gas velocity at the studied conditions.
Uncommon Polycyclic Merosesquiterpenoids and Asteriscanoids from the Hainan Soft Coral Sinularia humesi†
Authors: Chen Zi‐Hui , Yao Li‐Gong , Wu Qihao , Guo Yue‐Wei
Published: May 2021

Main observation and conclusion

A rare highly fused racemic merosesquiterpenoid, 9‐epi‐verrubenzospirolactone (1), six new asteriscane‐type sesquiterpenoids, sinuhumesins A—F (4—9), and two related known ones (10 and 11) were isolated from Hainan soft coral Sinularia humesi. Compound 1 was further separated by chiral HPLC resolution to one pair of enantiomers [(+)‐1 and (–)‐1], respectively. The full structures of the new compounds were unambiguously determined by extensive spectroscopic analysis, chemical computation approaches, modified Mosher's method and/or X‐ray diffraction analysis, as well as comparison with previously reported data of related model compounds.
Is substance use among young cancer survivors the result of emotional and physical pain?
Authors: Milam Joel , Miller Kimberly A. , Hoyt Michael A. , Ritt‐Olson Anamara
Published: May 2021

Substance use commonly co‐occurs with physical and emotional (eg, depression) pain. Results from Ji and colleagues in this issue of Cancer support greater outreach and communication regarding these issues among young cancer survivors.
Characterizing skin color before and after 100‐m sprinting
Authors: Jiang Li , Wang Han , Zhang Xiaohui , Gao Cheng , Xiao Kaida , Melgosa Manuel , Li Changjun
Published: May 2021

We studied skin color in participants before and after a 100‐m sprint using a Konica Minolta CM‐2600d spectrophotometer. Four body positions (forehead, cheek, neck, and inner forearm) were measured for the approximately 30 students (non‐professional runners) who participated in the experiment. Skin reflectance was measured three times at each position before running and again soon afterward. Analysis of the data showed that average measurement repeatability (mean color difference from the mean [MCDM]) was 0.5, 0.4, 0.3, and 0.2 CIELAB units for forehead, cheek, neck, and inner forearm, respectively. However, average skin color differences produced by running were 1.8, 2.2, 2.0, and 1.7 CIELAB units for forehead, cheek, neck, and inner forearm positions, respectively, which are considerably higher than repeatability before or after running. Furthermore, appearance variation was analyzed in the CIELAB space, and it was found that sprinting for 100 m considerably changes the values of the red‐green a* coordinate, while the lightness L* and yellow‐blue b* coordinates remain almost constant. More specifically, on average, a* decreases after running for the forehead, cheek, and neck positions, while the opposite is true for the inner forearm position. The findings in this article may be useful to test previous physical models, achieve more realistic images of human skin after sprinting, and contribute to work of CIE TC 1‐92 on skin spectra database.
Cost‐Sharing Increase, Medication Adherence, and Hospitalizations in Schizophrenia Patients: A Natural Experiment
Authors: Serra‐Burriel Miquel , Hurtado Isabel , Sanfélix‐Gimeno Gabriel , García‐Sempere Aníbal , Peiró Salvador
Published: May 2021

Increases in medication cost‐sharing rates remain a controversial system‐wide cost‐containment measure for chronic mental health patients. The objective was to investigate the effects of cost‐sharing increases on adherence to prescribed antipsychotic medication and psychiatric hospitalizations among patients with schizophrenia. In July 2012, a Spanish National Law raised the cost‐sharing rate from 0 to 10% for pensioner outpatient medication while cost‐sharing remained at 0% for other socioeconomic groups. To estimate the effects of the reform, we analyzed the prevalent adult schizophrenic population of Valencia, Spain, followed up 1 year before and after the Law took effect. We used a quasi‐experimental design with a patient fixed‐effects difference‐in‐differences regression to evaluate the reform effects on antipsychotic medication adherence, prescription, and hospitalization rates. A total of 5,672 included patients were exposed to the reform, whereas 5,545 were not. There were no differences in adherence, prescription, or hospitalization rates between exposed and nonexposed patients prior to its implementation. The odds ratio of exposed patients remaining adherent to issued prescriptions after the reform took effect were 0.70 99% confidence interval (CI 0.66–0.75), in relation to the nonexposed group. Additionally, the reform was associated with a reduction in exposure to antipsychotic medication (odds ratio (OR) 0.85, 99%CI 0.83–0.88) and an increase in hospitalization risk (OR 1.13, 99% CI 1.05–1.23) during the first year after implementation. Policies raising the cost‐sharing rate of medication for patients with schizophrenia are simultaneously associated with unintended effects. We report decreases in antipsychotic exposure and increases in hospitalization rates that lasted for 1 year after follow‐up.
Overview of Chemotaxis Behavior Assays in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Queirós Libânia , Marques Carlos , Pereira Joana L. , Gonçalves Fernando J. M. , Aschner Michael , Pereira Patrícia
Published: May 2021

Environmental pollution related to anthropogenic pressures, and the associated repercussions on public health, represent a worldwide problem. Thus, the study of the effects that environmental contaminants can pose to natural ecosystems and human health is of vital importance. Laboratory model organisms such as Caenorhabditis elegans have played a significant role in clarifying multilevel effects of those agents. Although the evaluation of contaminant effects at the behavioral level of organisms is an emerging approach in ecotoxicology, studies assessing chemotaxis behavior in C. elegans within the ecotoxicological research context are still scarce. Chemotaxis studies in C. elegans have contributed to the understanding of both the neuronal mechanisms involved in the behavioral effects triggered by environmental cues and the impact of contaminants on natural ecosystems. Its compact and well‐characterized nervous system, as well as the availability of transgenic strains and molecular tools, allows a detailed examination of behavioral, molecular, and genetic chemosensation mechanisms. This overview provides a summary and general comparison of methods used to measure chemotaxis behavior in C. elegans, with the aim of helping researchers select the most suitable approach in their chemotaxis studies. We compare methods based on the type of chemical tested, advantages and drawbacks of the different approaches, and specific experimental goals. Lastly, we hope to encourage the evaluation of C. elegans chemotaxis behavior in ecotoxicology studies, as well as its potential integration in standardized protocols assessing environmental quality. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.
A cost‐effective and fault‐tolerant brushless direct current drive with open‐stator windings for low power electric vehicles
Authors: Patnana Hema Kumar , Veeramraju Tirumala Somasekhar
Published: May 2021

Dual‐inverter‐driven open‐end winding brushless direct current motor (OEWBLDCM) drives are amenable for the implementation of some interesting fault‐tolerant features, which could find useful applications in low power electric vehicles (EVs). The power semiconductor switching devices in the dual‐inverter system are vulnerable to the development of open‐circuit faults (OCFs) and the short‐circuit faults (SCFs). This paper investigates the possibility of imparting complete fault‐tolerant capability to EVs, which employ OEWBLDC motors for propulsion. With the proposed dynamic post‐fault reconfiguration of the power circuit and the reconnection of the battery banks, it is possible to deliver the rated (i.e., 100%) post‐fault output power to the BLDC motor, despite the failure of a power semiconductor switching device (because of either an OCF or an SCF) in the dual‐inverter system. The feasibility evaluation of the proposed fault‐tolerant drive reveals that the aforementioned objectives are realizable at an affordable hike in the raw material cost of the propulsion system. Simulation studies and Experimental verification on a laboratory prototype validate the proposed fault‐tolerant OEWBLDCM drive.
Alternating multi‐stage maximum power point tracking controlled parallelled photovoltaic systems for “solar cooker”
Authors: Atmane Ilias , El Moussaoui Noureddine , Kassmi Khalil , Deblecker Olivier , Bachiri Najib
Published: May 2021

In this paper we propose the control of a parallel multi‐stage photovoltaic (PV) system using a reliable and precise Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT) control strategy. This technique is based on the acquisition of the electrical output quantities (voltage, current, and power), common to DC/DC converters, and the control of the power switches, in alternation. In the case of two stages, during the time ti, converter 1 is regulated in real time by the MPPT control, and the second converter keeps the previous MPPT optimization parameters (ti − 1). During the following time ti + 1, converter 1 retains the previous MPPT optimization parameters (ti) and converter 2 is regulated in real time by the MPPT controller. The proposed technique is experimented on a photovoltaic system that feeds a solar cooker. This system is formed by a thermal resistance, two types of PV panels (200 and 230 W) and two DC/DC converters. Compared to the classical technique (instantaneous control), the results obtained show a significant performance and improvements: Convergence speed towards the maximum power point PPM of 48%, variations the electrical quantities gaps (current, voltage, power) at the input and output of the DC/DC converters by a factor of 2.46, electrical energy production of 4%, plate heating temperature of 27.3%, and an efficiency of 5%. The temperatures of the thermal resistances are validated by the thermal models established during this work. The improvements in DC/DC converter performance and solar cooker heating temperature are attributed, on the one hand, to the nature of the proposed MPPT control, which reduces the dispersion of electrical quantities at the input and output of the DC/DC converters, and, on the other hand, to the rapid heating of the solar cooker by the electrical energy produced by the photovoltaic panels.
On the formation of spin dependent double layer structure in astrophysical plasmas
Authors: Khanum Uzma , Iqbal Zafar , Shamir Muhammad , Murtaza Ghulam
Published: May 2021

Double layers (DLs) are nonlinear structures, and are thought to be responsible for particle acceleration in laboratory plasmas and astrophysical plasmas. In this paper, the existence of spin dependent DLs structure is explored using separate spin evolution quantum hydrodynamic model. Based on reductive perturbation method, we derived an extended Korteweg–de Vries (eKdV) equation to demonstrate the existence and nature of DLs. We found that spin polarization significantly enhanced the amplitude of the electrostatic potential associated with DLs. Further, spin polarization also increases the depth and width of the Sagdeev potential. It is noted that the contribution of Bohm potential effect is essential for the formation of DLs structure. Our results may be helpful to explain the phenomenon of particle acceleration in dense astrophysical environments specifically in a white dwarf.
Outcome of atypia of undetermined significance/follicular lesion of undetermined significance in thyroid fine‐needle aspirations: A six‐year institutional experience
Authors: Xu Xiao‐Meng , Angelova Evgeniya , Clement Cecilia G.
Published: May 2021

Background

Atypia of undetermined significance/follicular lesion of undetermined significance (AUS/FLUS) is one of six diagnostic categories of The Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology (BSRTC). The goal of our study is to assess the outcome of cases classified as AUS/FLUS at our institution.

Methods

AUS/FLUS cases were identified by computer searching of the thyroid fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) cases performed between 2010 and 2016. Outcomes were categorized as: follow‐up surgery, repeat FNA or no follow‐up available. Demographics, ultrasound findings and FNA diagnostic criteria were reviewed for AUS/FLUS cases with follow‐up surgical pathology diagnosis.

Results

Our AUS/FLUS thyroid FNA rate was 6% (117 out of 1984 FNAs). Only 15% of the AUS/FLUS cases had repeat FNA, while 41% underwent surgery. The risk of malignancy (ROM) for cases with follow‐up surgery was 17%. When considering all AUS/FLUS cases, the ROM was 7%. Statistically, benign neoplasms were more likely to be single lesions on ultrasound comparing to malignant neoplasms, and to exhibit architectural atypia as opposed to non‐neoplastic lesions on FNA. The malignancy rates among patients that directly went to surgical resection (17%) and patients having repeat FNA after the first AUS/FLUS diagnosis followed by surgery (29%) was not significantly different. However, repeat FNA was able to reclassify the majority of cases into more definitive categories.

Conclusion

The outcome of the thyroid FNAs diagnosed as AUS/FLUS in our institution meets the benchmark statistics for AUS/FLUS rate and ROM. This study constitutes a valuable quality assurance measure and serves as a baseline for subsequent quality improvement.
Cytomorphology, Immunophenotype, and cytogenetic profile of leukemic serous effusions
Authors: Kaur Kanwalpreet , Patel Trupti , Patra Sanjiban , Trivedi Priti
Published: May 2021

Background

Serous effusions (SE) in leukemic patients can be due to infections, therapy, volume overload, lymphatic obstruction or malignancy having implications on treatment and mortality. The objective of the present study is to highlight the spectrum of cytomorphology, immunophenotype, and cytogenetics in leukemic serous effusions (LSE).

Materials

Present study is retrospective and descriptive. We reviewed all the SE, which were reported as suspicious or positive of leukemic infiltration from 2016 to 2019 for cytomorphological features. CSF and effusions involved by lymphomas were excluded. Cyto‐diagnosis was compared with primary proven diagnosis (by ancillary techniques) and disconcordant cases were analyzed.

Results

Out of total 9723 effusions, only 0.4% (n = 40) showed leukemic involvement and included nine cases of AML, three of B‐ALL, 13 T‐ALL, 2 MPAL, 6 CML, 5CLL, one each of chronic myelomonocytic leukemia and AML with myelodysplasia. The most common site of involvement was the pleural cavity (n = 30), followed by the peritoneal cavity (n = 7) and the pericardial cavity (n = 3). T ‐ALL (41.9%) was the most common leukemia involving pleural fluid followed by AML (23.3%). CML (42.8%) was the most common leukemia involving the ascitic fluid followed by B‐ALL (28.6%). Accurate diagnosis was given on cytomorphology in 72.5% (29/40) cases and 15.0% (6/40) were reported as non‐Hodgkin lymphoma.

Conclusion

Cytology is an effective tool available to make a diagnosis of LSE. Nuclear indentations in large atypical cells and cells with eosinophilic granular cytoplasm with sparse or abundant eosinophils in the background are an important clue in favor of leukemia over lymphoma.
Quantitative resistance differences between and within natural populations of Solanum chilense against the oomycete pathogen Phytophthora infestans
Authors: Kahlon Parvinderdeep S. , Verin Melissa , Hückelhoven Ralph , Stam Remco
Published: May 2021

The wild tomato species Solanum chilense is divided into geographically and genetically distinct populations that show signs of defense gene selection and differential phenotypes when challenged with several phytopathogens, including the oomycete causal agent of late blight Phytophthora infestans. To better understand the phenotypic diversity of this disease resistance in S. chilense and to assess the effect of plant genotype versus pathogen isolate, respectively, we evaluated infection frequency in a systematic approach and with large sample sizes. We studied 85 genetically distinct individuals representing nine geographically separated populations of S. chilense. This showed that differences in quantitative resistance can be observed between but also within populations at the level of individual plants. Our data also did not reveal complete immunity in any of the genotypes. We further evaluated the resistance of a subset of the plants against P. infestans isolates with diverse virulence properties. This confirmed that the relative differences in resistance phenotypes between individuals were mainly determined by the plant genotype under consideration with modest effects of pathogen isolate used in the study. Thus, our report suggests that the observed quantitative resistance against P. infestans in natural populations of a wild tomato species S. chilense is the result of basal defense responses that depend on the host genotype and are pathogen isolate‐unspecific.
Relieving efforts in palm‐tree tissue sampling for population genetics analyses
Authors: Espinoza‐Ulloa Sebastian A.
Published: May 2021

The young leaves are the main source of nucleic acids for population genetic studies in palm‐trees; however, the access to this tissue may be limited by specific features of each species. Using root tissues as an alternative source of nucleic acids could facilitate the sampling in large populations.

This study tests root tissue viability as an alternative nucleic acid source (root versus. leaf) and explores different protocols (tissue storage and DNA extraction methods) to obtain high‐quality DNA samples.

The results showed no significant differences in DNA concentration (603.7 vs. 599.1 ng/μl) and quality ratios (A260/280:2.1 vs. 1.9, and A260/230:2.1 vs. 2.0) for the comparisons of tissue source (leaf vs. root) and DNA extraction method (manual vs. kit). For tissue storage method, DNA concentration was significantly higher for root tissues stored in 70% and 90% alcohol solutions (692.8 and 822.6 ng/μl, respectively) versus those obtained from leaf tissue (603.7 ng/μl); however, for the quality parameters, no differences were found.

Results showed the effective potential of using root tissue as an alternative source for nucleic acids, which could facilitate population sampling of palm‐tree species for future studies, and this methodological alternative could be applied to other plant systems with similar sampling challenges.

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