bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Timing of Elevations of Autoantibody Isotypes Prior to Diagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Kelmenson Lindsay B. , Wagner Brandie D. , McNair Bryan K. , Frazer‐Abel Ashley , Demoruelle M. Kristen , Bergstedt Dylan T. , Feser Marie L. , Moss Laura K. , Parish Mark C. , Mewshaw Elizabeth A. , Mikuls Ted R. , Edison Jess D. , Holers V. Michael , Deane Kevin D.
Published: August 2019

Objective

To evaluate patterns of elevations of isotypes of rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti–citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPAs) pre–rheumatoid arthritis (RA) diagnosis and post–RA diagnosis.

Methods

Using the Department of Defense Serum Repository we identified 214 RA cases and 210 matched controls. Up to 3 pre–RA diagnosis and 1 post–RA diagnosis serum samples per subject were tested for RF and for IgA, IgG, and IgM ACPAs. The timing and trajectories of elevations of autoantibodies were evaluated.

Results

Autoantibody levels were elevated in cases versus controls a mean of 17.9 years before RA diagnosis for IgG ACPA, 14.2 years for IgA‐RF, 7.2 years for IgM‐RF, 6.2 years for IgA ACPA, and 5.0 years for both IgM ACPA and IgG‐RF (P < 0.01 for all comparisons). There were similar relationships for positive or negative autoantibody status, with cases first showing positivity for IgG ACPA 1.9 years pre‐RA and for IgA‐RF 1.7 years pre‐RA, followed by the other isotypes. Only IgA ACPA positivity was significantly increased in post–RA diagnosis samples (19% 0–2 years pre‐RA versus 39% >2 years post–RA diagnosis; P = 0.04). All autoantibody levels demonstrated an early initial elevation, a period of stability, then an increase immediately before RA diagnosis. A pre‐RA endotype of early elevation of autoantibodies was associated with increased use of biologic therapy, and a higher prevalence of sicca symptoms and lung disease post–RA diagnosis.

Conclusion

Differences in patterns of elevations of autoantibody isotypes have implications for understanding the pathophysiology of RA development. These include understanding what factors drive initial autoantibody elevations compared to what factors (including mucosal) drive later increases in autoantibody levels and a transition to clinically apparent RA, and how pre‐RA endotypes may influence post–RA diagnosis phenotypes.
Octa[4‐(9‐carbazolyl)phenyl]silsesquioxane‐Based Porous Material for Dyes Adsorption and Sensing of Nitroaromatic Compounds
Authors: Li Wanli , Jiang Chundong , Liu Huanhuan , Yan Yehao , Liu Hongzhi
Published: August 2019

A new fluorescent hybrid porous polymer (HPP) is synthesized by an anhydrous FeCl3‐mediated oxidative coupling reaction of octa[4‐(9‐carbazolyl)phenyl]silsesquioxane (OCPS). The polymer possesses a surface area of 1741 m2 g−1 and hierarchical bimodal micropores (1.41 and 1.69 nm) and mesopores (2.65 nm). The material serves as an excellent adsorbent for CO2 and dyes with high adsorption capacity for CO2 (8.53 wt %,1.94 mmol g−1), congo red (1715 mg g−1) and rhodamine B (1501 mg g−1). In addition, the presence of peripheral cabozolyl groups with extended π‐conjugation in the crosslinked framework imparts luminescent character to the polymer and offers the detection of nitroaromatic compounds.
Large‐scale meteorological control on the spatial pattern of wintertime PM2.5 pollution over China
Authors: Wang Ziwei , Chen Gang , Gu Yu , Zhao Bin , Ma Qiao , Wang Shuxiao , Liou Kuo‐Nan
Published: August 2019

The frequent episodes of severe air pollution over China during recent years have posed serious health threats to densely populated eastern China. Although several studies investigated the linkage between enhanced severity and frequency of air pollution and the large‐scale weather patterns over China, the day‐to‐day covariability between them, as well as its local and remote mechanisms, has not been systematically documented. The wintertime synoptic covariability between PM2.5 and large‐scale meteorological fields is studied using surface observations of PM2.5 in 2013/2014–2016/2017 and ERA‐Interim meteorological fields through maximum covariance analysis (MCA). The first MCA mode (MCA1) suggests a consistent accumulation of ambient PM2.5 as a result of weakened winds that block the pollutant removal passage in heavily polluted areas of eastern China, as well as moist air from southeast coast favoring haze formation. A northeast–southwest belt that extends into northeastern China and central China on each end is more sensitive to MCA1. The second MCA mode (MCA2) shows a north–south dipole in PM2.5 linked to the contrast of boundary layer height and surface wind speed between northern and southern regions of China. Spatial patterns of both modes are supported by the GEOS‐Chem chemistry transport model with realistic emission inventory. The spatial patterns of the two modes are robust on the interannual time scales. Based on that, we investigate the variability of the first two modes of the identified modes on the multidecadal scale by projecting GPM_500 pattern to 1981–2010. Correlation analysis of the projected time series and climate indices over 30 years indicates the possible linkage of Arctic oscillation, ENSO indices, Pacific decadal oscillation and east Atlantic/western Russia to regional air pollution patterns over China.
Familial confounding of the association between maternal smoking in pregnancy and autism spectrum disorder in offspring
Authors: Kalkbrenner Amy E. , Meier Sandra M. , Madley‐Dowd Paul , Ladd‐Acosta Christine , Fallin Margaret Daniele , Parner Erik , Schendel Diana
Published: August 2019

Evidence supports no link between maternal smoking in pregnancy and autism spectrum disorder (autism) overall. To address remaining questions about the unexplained heterogeneity between study results and the possibility of risk for specific autism sub‐phenotypes, we conducted a whole‐population cohort study in Denmark. We followed births 1991–2011 (1,294,906 persons, including 993,301 siblings in 728,271 families), from 1 year of age until an autism diagnosis (13,547), death, emigration, or December 31, 2012. Autism, with and without attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and with and without intellectual disability (ID) were based on ICD‐8 and ICD‐10 codes from Danish national health registers, including 3,319 autism + ADHD, 10,228 autism − no ADHD, 2,205 autism + ID, and 11,342 autism − no ID. We estimated hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) between any maternal smoking (from birth records) and autism (or sub‐phenotypes) using survival models with robust standard errors, stratifying by birth year and adjusting for child sex, parity, and parental age, education, income, and psychiatric history. To additionally address confounding using family designs, we constructed a maternal cluster model (adjusting for the smoking proportion within the family), and a stratified sibling model. Associations with maternal smoking and autism were elevated in conventional adjusted analyses (HR of 1.17 [1.13–1.22]) but attenuated in the maternal cluster (0.98 [0.88–1.09]) and sibling (0.86 [0.64–1.15]) models. Similarly, risks of autism sub‐phenotypes with maternal smoking were attenuated in the family‐based models. Together these results support that smoking in pregnancy is not linked with autism or select autism comorbid sub‐phenotypes after accounting for familial confounding. Autism Res 2020, 13: 134–144. © 2019 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Lay Summary

Smoking during pregnancy has many harmful impacts, which may include harming the baby's developing brain. However, in a study of thousands of families in Denmark, it does not appear that smoking in pregnancy leads to autism or autism in combination with intellectual problems or attention deficits, once you account for the way smoking patterns and developmental disabilities run in families.
Some Applications of the Family of Discrete Exponential Distributions in Biology and Toxicology
Authors: Janardan K. G. , Schaeffer D. J.
Published: August 2019

In this paper the relationship between the number of males and females in a community, between the number of boys and girls in a family, between the number of animals trapped and untrapped in an animal experiment, between the number of infected and uninfected in an epidemiological study, between the number of mutagens and non‐mutagens in a given sample of toxicological experiments, and others, is studied. The general expression for the correlation coefficient, ϱ, is obtained when N, the community size N, has a discrete exponential family distribution recently studied by Janardan (1980). This is then specialized to some well known discrete distributions.
Simulation of Factor Structures (SIMFAK)
Authors: Meier R.
Published: August 2019

A general method for the simulation of factor structures is developed, which contains different possibilities for simulation. The generalization of the method SIMFAK shows, that it is possible to simulate factor structures of maximum likelihood method, of minres method and of alpha factor analysis. Computation results demonstrate the practicability of SIMFAK.
Association between giant cell glioblastoma and glioblastoma multiforme in the United States: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Bin Abdulrahman Amro K. , Bin Abdulrahman Khalid A. , Bukhari Yousef R. , Faqihi Abdulaziz M. , Ruiz Juan Gabriel
Published: August 2019

Objectives

The current study aims to find the differences between glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) and giant cell glioblastoma (GCG) regarding mortality and prognosis among adults and elderly patients in the U.S.

Methods and Materials

This study is a historical cohort type of study and is conducted on adults and elderly individuals with GBM or GCG from the years 1985–2014 in the U.S. Data were collected from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program (SEER) database. The study exposure was GBM or GCG and the outcome was mortality. The potential confounders were age, sex, race, ethnicity, year of diagnosis, primary site, brain overlap, and surgery. A chi‐square test was used for categorical data. A univariate analysis was used for variables having a p‐value <.05. Potential confounders were selected and evaluated using multivariate logistic regression models to calculate the odds ratio with stepwise selection.

Results

The study sample was 25,117. The incidences of GBM and GCG were not similar in relation to age group. Also, Spanish–Hispanic ethnicity was independently protective of GBM and GCG as compared to Non‐Spanish–Hispanic ethnicity patients with GBM have a higher mortality rate than do GCG patients. The mortality rate was higher among patients diagnosed before 2010.

Conclusion

GCG was not statistically significant in association to reduced mortality. Non‐Spanish–Hispanics with GBM or GCG had a higher mortality rate than did Spanish–Hispanics. Factors such as being female, being age 59–65, and having a year of diagnosis before 2010 were independently associated with increased mortality.
RIG‐I promotes IFN/JAK2 expression and the endoplasmic reticulum stress response to inhibit chemoradiation resistance in nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Jing Di , Zhou Weibing , Shen Lin , Zhang Qian , Xie Wang‐Ti , Shen Erdong , Li Zhi , Shen Liang‐Fang , Sun Lun‐Quan
Published: August 2019

RIG‐I is associated with the occurrence and development of many tumors. However, the role of RIG‐I in radiotherapy and chemotherapy in NPC has not been reported to date. In our study, RIG‐I expression was significantly reduced in chemoradiotherapy‐resistant NPC tissues and cells compared with that in therapy‐sensitive tissues and cells. RIG‐I expression increased in nonresistant NPC cells, including CNE1 and CNE2, in a dose‐dependent manner with increasing chemotherapy drug concentration or radiotherapy dose. RIG‐I overexpression promoted radiotherapy and chemotherapy sensitivity in NPC cells, leading to cellular apoptosis and increased expression of the proapoptotic factors BAX and caspase‐3. Similarly, RIG‐I knockdown in NPC cells promoted chemoradiotherapy resistance and reduced apoptosis. Analysis of microarray data indicated that the expression of IFN/JAK2 and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response markers, such as JAK2, STAT1, IRF9, IFNB1, IRF3, p‐IRF3, XBP1, ATF6, IFIT2, and ISG15, was inhibited in chemoradiotherapy‐resistant cells compared with that in sensitive cells. Conversely, activation of IFN/JAK2 and ER stress response pathways in NPC cells reduced paclitaxel resistance and increased apoptosis. RIG‐I promotes IFN/JAK2 and ER stress response‐mediated apoptosis to inhibit chemoradiation resistance in nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
Prognostic factors among single primary gliosarcoma cases: A study using Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results data from 1973–2013
Authors: Chen Bin , Liu Bin , Wu Chao , Wang Zhenyu
Published: August 2019

Background

Prognostic factors for single primary gliosarcoma (PGS) remain unknown.

Objective

The purpose of our study was to examine patient, tumor, and treatment characteristics as potential predictors of survival using Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) program data (1973‐2013).

Methods

The patients of single PGS were selected based on the exclusion criteria from SEER. Kaplan‐Meier survival analysis, log‐rank test and Cox proportional hazards models were used to analyze all the data.

Results

Single PGS has an apparent popularity for the temporal lobe (35.2%, hazard ratio [HR] = 0.440, 95%CI = 0.251‐0.770) and frontal lobe (20.9%, HR = 0.408, 95%CI = 0.231‐0.720) which could achieve a better survival rate than cerebrum (P = .034). The mean age at diagnosis was 60.07 ± 14.161. The overall 6‐month, 1‐year, 2‐year, and 5‐year survival was 55.40%, 29.58%, 10.01%, and 2.73%. Age at diagnosis was proved to be a significant predictor of overall survival (OS) (P < .001). There is no significant difference in race, marital status, or grade. Patients' tumor size which is located in 41‐60 mm (P = .047, HR = 1.468, 95%CI = 1.004‐2.147) and >60 mm (P= .003, HR = 1.899, 95%CI = 1.244‐2.901) showed a higher risk of death. Surgery played a critical role in OS (P < .001). Radiation after surgery was another predictor of OS of PGS (P < .001). Among all the radiation methods, combination of beam with implants or isotopes (P = .000, HR = 0.491, 95%CI = 0.412‐0.585) or radiation NOS (P = .027, HR = 0.362, 95%CI = 0.148‐0.889) were more beneficial to patients.

Conclusion

This study indicated that single PGS has a poor prognosis. Prognosis of single PGS would become poorer along with patients' age and tumor size (>40 mm). Surgery intervention and radiation therapy were beneficial factors.
Parenchymal‐sparing versus extended hepatectomy for colorectal liver metastases: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Deng Gang , Li Hui , Jia Gui‐qing , Fang Dan , Tang You‐yin , Xie Jie , Chen Ke‐fei , Chen Zhe‐yu
Published: August 2019

Aims

To assess the safety and efficacy of parenchymal‐sparing hepatectomy (PSH) as a treatment of colorectal liver metastases (CLM).

Methods

A comprehensive medical literature search was performed. Perioperative and long‐term survival outcomes were pooled. Subgroup analysis and meta‐regression analysis were performed to identify potential sources of heterogeneity.

Results

A total of 18 studies comprising 7081 CLM patients were eligible for this study. The PSH was performed on 3974 (56.1%) patients. We found that the OS (overall survival; hazard ratio [HR] = 1.01, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.94‐1.08) and RFS (recurrence‐free survival; HR = 1.00, 95% CI: 0.94‐1.07) were comparable between non‐PSH and PSH group. The perioperative outcomes were better in PSH than in non‐PSH group. Non‐PSH group was significantly associated with longer operative time (standard mean difference [SMD] = 1.17, 95% CI: 0.33‐2.00), increased estimated blood loss (SMD = 1.36, 95% CI: 0.64‐2.07), higher intraoperative transfusion rate (risk ratio [RR] = 2.27, 95% CI: 1.60‐3.23), and more postoperative complications (RR = 1.39, 95% CI: 1.16‐1.66). Meta‐regression analyses revealed that no variable influenced the association between surgical types and the survival outcomes.

Conclusions

This study shows that PSH is associated with better perioperative outcomes without compromising oncological outcomes. Given the increasing incidence of hepatic parenchyma, the PSH treatment offers a greater opportunity of repeat resection for intrahepatic recurrent tumors. It should be considered as an effective surgical approach for CLM.
Assignment of Vibrational Circular Dichroism Cross‐Referenced Electronic Circular Dichroism Spectra of Flexible Foldamer Building Blocks: Towards Assigning Pure Chiroptical Properties of Foldamers
Authors: Farkas Viktor , Nagy Adrienn , Menyhárd Dóra K. , Perczel András
Published: August 2019

Assignment of the most established electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra of polypeptides and foldamers is either “evidence based” or relies on the 3D structures of longer oligomers of limited internal dynamics, which are derived from NMR spectroscopy (or X‐ray) data. Critics warn that the use of NMR spectroscopy and ECD side by side has severe limitations for flexible molecules because explicit knowledge of conformational ensembles is a challenge. Herein, an old–new method of comparing ab initio computed and measured vibrational circular dichroism (VCD) data is presented to validate both the structures (conf(i)) and their relative weights (c(i)) that make up the conformational ensemble. Based on the array of {conf(i), c(i)}, the pure ECD spectra, g(i)conf(i), can be ab initio calculated. The reconstructed spectrum Σc(i)g(i)conf(i) can thus help to assign any experimental ECD counterparts. Herein, such a protocol is successfully applied to flexible foldamer building blocks of sugar β‐amino acid diamides. The epimeric pair of the model system was selected because these molecules were conformationally tunable by simple chemical modification, and thus, the robustness of the current approach could be probed. The initial hydrogen bond (NH⋅⋅⋅O) eliminated by N‐methylation reorients the amide plain, which influences the chiroptical properties of the foldamer building block; this structural change is successfully monitored by changes to the VCD and ECD transitions, which are now assigned to pure conformers. The current method seems to be general and effective without requiring extensive CPU and spectroscopic resources.
FOXC2 expression and epithelial–mesenchymal phenotypes are associated with castration resistance, metastasis and survival in prostate cancer
Authors: Børretzen Astrid , Gravdal Karsten , Haukaas Svein A , Beisland Christian , Akslen Lars A , Halvorsen Ole J
Published: August 2019

Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) is important for tumour cell invasion and metastasis and is a feature of aggressive carcinomas. EMT is characterised by reduced E‐cadherin and increased N‐cadherin expression (EN‐switch), and increased expression of the EMT‐regulating transcription factor Forkhead box protein C2 (FOXC2) has been associated with progression and poor prognosis in various malignancies. FOXC2 was recently highlighted as a novel therapy target in prostate cancer, but survival data on FOXC2 are lacking. This study evaluates the expression of FOXC2, E‐cadherin and N‐cadherin in different prostatic tissues focusing on EMT, clinico‐pathological phenotype, recurrence and patient survival. Tissue microarray sections from 338 radical prostatectomies (1986–2007) with long and complete follow‐up, 33 castration resistant prostate cancers, 33 non‐skeletal metastases, 13 skeletal metastases and 41 prostatic hyperplasias were stained immunohistochemically for FOXC2, E‐cadherin and N‐cadherin. FOXC2 was strongly expressed in primary carcinomas, including castration resistant tumours and metastatic lesions as compared to benign prostatic hyperplasia. A hybrid epithelial–mesenchymal phenotype, with co‐expression of E‐cadherin and N‐cadherin, was found in the majority of skeletal metastases and in a substantial proportion of castration resistant tumours. In localised carcinomas, the EN‐switch was associated with adverse clinico‐pathological variables, such as extra‐prostatic extension, high pathological stage and lymph node infiltration. In univariate survival analyses of the clinically important, large subgroup of 199 patients with Gleason score 7, high FOXC2 expression and EN‐switching were significantly associated with shorter time to clinical recurrence, skeletal metastases and cancer specific death. In multivariate Cox' survival analysis, high FOXC2 and the EN‐switch, together with Gleason grade group (GG3 versus GG2), were independent predictors of time to these end‐points. High FOXC2 gene expression (mRNA) was also related to patient outcome, validating our immunohistochemical findings. FOXC2 and factors signifying EMT or its intermediate states may prove important as biomarkers for aggressive disease and are potential novel therapy targets in prostate cancer.
Using analysis information in the synchronization‐free GPU solution of sparse triangular systems
Authors: Dufrechou Ernesto , Ezzatti Pablo
Published: August 2019

The solution of sparse triangular linear systems is one of the most important building blocks for a large number of science and engineering problems. For these reasons, it has been studied steadily for several decades, principally in order to take advantage of emerging parallel platforms. In the context of massively parallel platforms such as GPUs, the standard strategy of parallel solution is based on performing a level‐set analysis of the sparse matrix, and the kernel included in the nVidia cuSparse library is the most prominent example of this approach. However, a weak spot of this implementation is the costly analysis phase and the constant synchronizations with the CPU during the solution stage. In previous work, we presented a self‐scheduled and synchronization‐free GPU algorithm that avoided the analysis phase and the synchronizations of the standard approach. Here, we extend this proposal and show how the level‐set information can be leveraged to improve its performance. In particular, we present new GPU solution routines that attack some of the weak spots of the self‐scheduled solver, such as the under‐utilization of the GPU resources in the case of highly sparse matrices. The experimental evaluation reveals a sensible runtime reduction over cuSparse and the state‐of‐the‐art synchronization‐free method.
Naked‐Eye Heterogeneous Sensing of Fluoride Ions by Co‐Polymeric Nanosponge Systems Comprising Aromatic‐Imide‐Functionalized Nanocellulose and Branched Polyethyleneimine
Authors: Riva Laura , Fiorati Andrea , Sganappa Aurora , Melone Lucio , Punta Carlo , Cametti Massimo
Published: August 2019

Heterogeneous colorimetric sensors for fluoride ions were obtained by cross‐linking TEMPO‐oxidized cellulose nanofibers (TOCNF) with chemically modified branched polyethyleneimine 25 kDa (bPEI). Functionalization of bPEI primary amino groups with aromatic anhydrides led to the formation of the corresponding mono‐ and bis‐imides on the grafted polymers (f‐bPEI). A microwave‐assisted procedure allowed the optimization of the synthetic protocol by reducing reaction time from 17 h to 30 minutes. Hydrogels obtained by mixing different ratios of TOCNF, bPEI and f‐bPEI were lyophilized and thermally treated at about 100 °C to promote the formation of amide bonds between the amino groups of poly‐cationic polymers and the carboxylic groups of cellulose nanofibers. This approach generated a series of cellulose nanosponges S1‐S3 which were characterized by FT‐IR and by solid state 13C CPMAS NMR. These sponge materials can act as colorimetric sensors for the selective naked‐eye recognition of fluoride ions over chloride, phosphate and acetate ions at concentrations of up to 0.05 M in DMSO. Moreover, when the sponges were functionalized with perylene tetracarboxylic diimide, successful naked‐eye detection was achieved with only 0.02 % w/w of chromophore units per gram of material.
Catalytic One‐Pot Conversion of Renewable Platform Chemicals to Hydrocarbon and Ether Biofuels through Tandem Hf(OTf)4+Pd/C Catalysis
Authors: Liu Dong‐Huang , Marks Tobin J. , Li Zhi
Published: August 2019

Efficient conversion of renewable biomass platform chemicals into high‐quality fuels remains challenging. A one‐pot catalytic approach has been developed to synthesize various structurally defined biofuels by using Hf(OTf)4 and Pd/C for selective tandem catalysis and 2‐methylfuran (2‐MF) as a renewable feedstock. 2‐MF first undergoes Lewis acid‐catalyzed hydroxyalkylation/alkylation (HAA) condensation with carbonyl compounds to afford intermediates containing the targeted carbon skeletons of hydrocarbon or ether products, and these intermediates then undergo hydrogenation or hydrodeoxygenation to afford the target products, catalyzed by metal triflate+Pd/C in the same pot. The present process can produce structurally defined alkanes and cyclic ethers under mild conditions.
Assessment of 50 kWp rooftop solar photovoltaic plant at The ICFAI University, Jaipur: A case study
Authors: Mukherji Rana , Mathur Vishal , Bhati Amit , Mukherji Manishita
Published: August 2019

Currently, India is espousing nonconventional energy sources at an express rate owing to concerns about climate change, emission of harmful greenhouse gases (GHG), and exhausting conventional energy sources. The solar photovoltaic (SPV) plants are, hence, expected to play a noteworthy role to meet energy security and sustainability goals. Contemporary studies reveal substantial ecological concerns associated with installing the ground mounted SPV plants in urban locations. Further observations depict that aforementioned plants need additional land, transmission, and distribution infrastructures. Consequently, rooftop SPV plants are the best solution to produce energy in urban locations, owing to the availability of a large number of empty rooftop spaces with least capacity expenditure. The present article discusses the techno‐economic and ecological aspects of a 50 kWp rooftop SPV plant installed at ICFAI University, Jaipur. The plant has produced around 64.149 MWh in the year 2017. The technical assessment focuses on the effects of the meteorological parameters upon energy generation factors. The annual average final yield, reference yield, capacity utilization factor, and performance ratio found to be 106.9 kWh/kWp/month, 149.7 kWh/kWp/month, 14.64 and 70%, respectively. The economic parameters like net present value, internal rate of return, profitability index, and payback period are computed with 0–50% subsidy rates, which supports the financial viability of the plant. The plant contributed significantly to reducing GHG emissions by mitigating 102 t CO2, 128 kg SO2, 268 kg NOx, and 7,033 kg ash in the year 2017 as evident from the ecological investigation.

Statement of industrial relevance

Manufacturing industries are extremely power intensive, as they utilize a substantial amount of energy during the production process. The utilization of sustainable energy sources can considerably curtail the major overhead cost, that is, power, and at the same time minimize pollution. Solar energy utilization is a viable option as large spaces are available not only on rooftops but also allied spaces like parking lots of the industries for installation of rooftop SPV plants. The industries by virtue of location receive extended periods of unimpeded sunlight, as these setups are positioned in separate industrial areas away from residential clusters of buildings. Hence, the problems related to shading is eliminated. This makes solar plant setup more effective and functionally robust. The findings of the present work delineate a broad view on technical, economic, and ecological viability of the rooftop solar plant. The work, thus, emboldens industries to adopt strategies toward the installation of rooftop solar plant in their premises.
Novel study design to assess the efficacy and tolerability of antiseizure medications for focal‐onset seizures in infants and young children: A consensus document from the regulatory task force and the pediatric commission of the International League against Epilepsy (ILAE), in collaboration with the Pediatric Epilepsy Research Consortium (PERC)
Authors: Auvin Stéphane , French Jacqueline , Dlugos Denis , Knupp Kelly G. , Perucca Emilio , Arzimanoglou Alexis , Whalen Ed , Shellhaas Renée A.
Published: August 2019

High‐quality placebo‐controlled drug trials for focal‐onset seizures in infants and children younger than 4 years have become increasingly difficult to perform because of eligibility constraints and onerous study designs. Traditional designs used in these populations require a high baseline seizure frequency, two hospitalizations for video‐electroencephalography (video‐EEG) monitoring, and willingness to accept potential exposure to placebo when the drugs to be tested are usually already available for off‐label prescription. To address these constraints, the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) regulatory taskforce and the ILAE pediatric commission, in collaboration with the Pediatric Epilepsy Research Consortium (PERC), propose a novel trial design which involves seizure counting by caregivers based on previous video‐EEG/video validation of specific seizure semiologies. We present a novel randomized placebo‐controlled trial design intended to be used for studying new antiseizure medications (ASMs) for focal‐onset seizures (FOS) in children aged one month to four years. This design uses “time to Nth seizure” as the primary outcome and incorporates a new element of variable baseline duration. This approach permits enrollment of infants with lower seizure burden, who might not have video‐EEG‐recorded seizures within 2‐3 days of monitoring. Repeated hospitalizations for video‐EEG recordings are avoided, and duration of baseline and exposure to placebo or ineffective treatment(s) are minimized. By broadening eligibility criteria, reducing risks from prolonged placebo exposure, and relying on validated recording of seizure counting by caregivers, clinical trials will be likely to be completed more efficiently than in the recent past.
A Prospective Trial of Withdrawal and Reinstitution of Ursodeoxycholic Acid in Pediatric Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis
Authors: Black Dennis D. , Mack Cara , Kerkar Nanda , Miloh Tamir , Sundaram Shikha S. , Anand Ravinder , Gupta Ashutosh , Alonso Estella , Arnon Ronen , Bulut Pinar , Karpen Saul , Lin Chuan‐Hao , Rosenthal Philip , Ryan Matthew , Squires Robert H. , Valentino Pamela , Elsea Sarah H. , Shneider Benjamin L.
Published: August 2019

Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) is commonly used to treat several liver disorders in adults and children, including primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) for which it is not U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved. UDCA treatment has an uncertain impact on disease outcomes and has been reported in high doses to be associated with worse outcome in adults with PSC. In this context, controlled withdrawal and reintroduction of UDCA in children with PSC were studied. Prior to study initiation, participants were required to have alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and gamma‐glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) <2 times the upper limit of normal on stable UDCA dosing. The study included four phases: I (stable dosing), II (50% UDCA reduction), III (UDCA discontinuation), IV (UDCA reintroduction), with a primary endpoint of change in ALT and GGT between phases I and III. We enrolled 27 participants (22 completed) between March 2011 and June 2016. Changes in mean ALT and GGT between phases I and III were ALT, +29.5 IU/L (P = 0.105) and GGT, +60.4 IU/L (P = 0.003). In 7 participants, ALT and GGT ≤29 IU/L did not rise above 29 IU/L (null response group). Eight participants had increases of ALT or GGT >100 IU/L (flare group). None developed elevated bilirubin. All flares responded to UDCA reinstitution. Serum GGT, interleukin‐8, and tumor necrosis factor α levels were higher in the flare group at baseline. Liver biochemistries increased in children with PSC during controlled UDCA withdrawal; one third increased above 100 IU/L and one third remained normal during UDCA withdrawal. Conclusion: The impact of prolonged UDCA use in childhood PSC and the significance of a biochemical flare are unclear. Further studies of the natural history and treatment of pediatric PSC and UDCA use are needed.
Deoxyfluorination of (Hetero)aryl Aldehydes Using Tetramethylammonium Fluoride and Perfluorobutanesulfonyl Fluoride or Trifluoromethanesulfonic Anhydride
Authors: Ferguson Devin M. , Melvin Patrick R. , Sanford Melanie S.
Published: August 2019

This Communication describes the conversion of (hetero)aryl aldehydes into the corresponding (hetero)aryl difluoromethyl products using anhydrous NMe4F in combination with perfluorobutanesulfonyl fluoride or trifluoromethanesulfonic anhydride.
Moving tissue spectral window to the deep‐ultraviolet via optical clearing
Authors: Carneiro Isa , Carvalho Sónia , Henrique Rui , Oliveira Luís , Tuchin Valery
Published: August 2019

The optical immersion clearing technique has been successfully applied through the last 30 years in the visible to near infrared spectral range, and has proven to be a promising method to promote the application of optical technologies in clinical practice. To investigate its potential in the ultraviolet range, collimated transmittance spectra from 200 to 1000 nm were measured from colorectal muscle samples under treatment with glycerol‐water solutions. The treatments created two new optical windows with transmittance efficiency peaks at 230 and 300 nm, with magnitude increasing with glycerol concentration in the treating solution. Such discovery opens the opportunity to develop clinical procedures to perform diagnosis or treatments in the ultraviolet.
Interobserver agreement and diagnostic accuracy of shearwave elastography for the staging of hepatitis C virus‐associated liver fibrosis
Authors: Kaposi Pál N. , Unger Zsuzsanna , Fejér Bence , Kucsa András , Tóth Ambrus , Folhoffer Anikó , Szalay Ferenc , Bérczi Viktor
Published: August 2019

Purpose

Our study aimed to evaluate the technical success rate, interobserver reproducibility, and accuracy of shearwave elastography (SWE) in the staging of hepatitis C virus (HCV)‐associated liver fibrosis.

Methods

A total of 10 healthy controls and 49 patients with chronic liver disease were enrolled prospectively. Two examiners performed point shearwave elastography (pSWE) and two‐dimensional shearwave elastography (2D‐SWE) measurements with an RS85A ultrasound scanner using the S‐Shearwave application (Samsung Medison, Hongcheon, Korea). The performance of S‐Shearwave in the staging (METAVIR F0‐F4) of liver fibrosis was compared with prior transient elastography (TE) with receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.

Results

The interobserver reproducibility was excellent with pSWE (ICC = 0.92, 95% CI: 0.86‐0.95, P < .001). A very good agreement was found between pSWE and TE measurements (ICC =0.85, 95% CI: 0.78‐0.89, P < .001). The ROC analysis determined the optimal cut‐off values of pSWE for the staging of chronic hepatitis C‐associated fibrosis (F2, 1.46 m/s; F3, 1.63 m/s; F4, 1.95 m/s). Both observers achieved excellent diagnostic accuracy (AUROC: 94% vs 97%) in the detection of significant (≥F2) liver fibrosis.

Conclusion

The interobserver agreement is excellent with S‐Shearwave pSWE, and observers can diagnose significant liver fibrosis with a comparable accuracy to TE.
Transpancreatic mattress suture with Vicryl mesh around the stump decreases postoperative pancreatic fistula after distal pancreatectomy
Authors: Yoshida Yuta , Matsumoto Ippei , Matsumoto Masataka , Kawaguchi Kohei , Murase Takaaki , Kamei Keiko , Satoi Shumpei , Takebe Atsushi , Nakai Takuya , Takeyama Yoshifumi
Published: August 2019

Background

Postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) after distal pancreatectomy (DP) remains the most common surgical complication. We have developed a novel stump closure technique after DP using transpancreatic mattress suture with Vicryl mesh (TMV) and reported our initial findings. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of TMV compared to the conventional handsewn stump closure technique (CHS).

Methods

This retrospective single‐center study included 165 consecutive patients who underwent open DP from January 2010 to May 2018. Of these, 71 patients underwent DP using TMV after September 2014 and 94 patients underwent DP with CHS. The surgical outcomes were compared between the two groups.

Results

Clinically relevant POPF rate in the TMV group was significantly lower than that in the CHS group (5.6% vs. 17.2%, P = 0.027). Morbidity rate was higher in the CHS group than that in the TMV group (16.9% vs. 27.7%, P = 0.104). In the multivariate analysis, absence of additional organ resection (OR 3.57; 95% CI 1.18–10.43; P = 0.025) and TMV (OR 0.24; 95% CI 0.07–0.73; P = 0.010) were identified as independent preventing factors for clinically relevant POPF.

Conclusion

TMV can be an effective stump closure technique for preventing POPF after DP.
Early Predictors of Enteral Autonomy in Pediatric Intestinal Failure Resulting From Short Bowel Syndrome: Development of a Disease Severity Scoring Tool
Authors: Belza Christina , Fitzgerald Kevin , de Silva Nicole , Avitzur Yaron , Wales Paul W.
Published: August 2019

Introduction

Patients with short bowel syndrome (SBS) are dependent on parenteral nutrition (PN) while their bowel attempts to compensate. Our objective was to create an SBS disease severity score to predict the probability of achieving enteral autonomy (EA).

Methods

A retrospective cohort study of children with SBS managed by our Intestinal Rehabilitation Program was completed. Data abstracted included demographic, bowel anatomy, and outcome variables including conjugated bilirubin (CB) and enteral nutrition (EN) tolerated 6 months postoperatively. Univariate analysis and Cox proportional hazards (CPH) model were performed. A score was created based on weighting of coefficients. An α‐value of < 0.05 was considered significant.

Results

One hundred thirty‐nine patients were analyzed (61% males). Ninety‐five (68%) achieved EA. Patients possessing >50% residual small bowel (hazard ratio [HR] 2.68 [95% confidence interval {CI} 1.60‐4.49], P < 0.001), ileocecal valve intact (HR 0.61 [95% CI 0.37‐1.01], P < 0.055), and >50% enteral tolerance at 6 months (HR 5.70 [95% CI 2.77‐11.74] P < 0.001) were positively associated with EA. CB >34 µmol/L (2 mg/dL) was negatively associated with EA (HR 0.42 [95% CI0.27‐0.66], P < 0.001). A severity score was created by weighting CPH parameter estimates (small bowel length >50%, ileocecal valve intact, CB <34 µmol/L, and EN >50% for a maximum score of 8), and disease severity strata were developed (severe [25.7% EA], moderate [52.9% EA], and mild [97.1% EA]).

Conclusion

We propose a pediatric SBS disease severity score that predicts probability of EA. The score allows prognostication of individual patients and could assist research by adjusting outcome reporting or stratifying recruitment.
A retrospective analysis of 1,717 paranasal sinus fungus ball cases from 2008 to 2017
Authors: Liu Xin , Liu Chengyao , Wei Hongzheng , He Shuai , Dong Shouxiang , Zhou Bing , Zhang Luo , Li Yunchuan
Published: August 2019

Objectives/Hypothesis

To analyze the epidemiological characteristics, clinical features, and the outcomes of histopathology and microbiology for fungus ball (FB) in the last 10 years in our department.

Study Design

Database review.

Methods

In total, 1,717 cases of FB were reviewed from the case database of Beijing Tongren Hospital (between 2008 and 2017). Epidemiologic data, clinical manifestations, histopathology, and microbiology were analyzed.

Results

In the past 10 years, there has been a significant increase in patients with FB presenting at our department (P < .05). The mean age of patients with paranasal sinus FB was 54 years, and 67% of patients were female (1,156/1,717). The average age and female predominance were consistent with previous reports. In total, 1,626 cases (94.7%) were unilateral, and the most common location was the maxillary sinus (76.6%). Aspergillus spp. (72.8%) was the most abundant fungal species in our study. The direct smear positive rate was 68.6%, and the fungal culture rate was 22.6%. All cases were treated with functional endoscopic sinus surgery, with a very low rate of postoperative complications and reoperation (20/1,717).

Conclusions

Histopathological and microbiological analyses are essential for the diagnosis of FB. Surgery is the most effective method of treatment. Direct smear after surgery is not necessary. Oral or topical antimycotic treatments are not recommended after surgery or during the perioperative period.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 130:75–79, 2020
1H PFG‐NMR Diffusion Study on a Sequence‐Defined Macromolecule: Confirming Monodispersity
Authors: Guo Xiaoai , Wetzel Katharina S. , Solleder Susanne C. , Spann Sebastian , Meier Michael A. R. , Wilhelm Manfred , Luy Burkhard , Guthausen Gisela
Published: August 2019

A monodisperse decamer bearing ten different side chains, obtained via the iterative Passerini three‐component reaction and subsequent deprotection, is investigated by 1H pulsed field gradient (PFG) NMR. Both the stimulated echo (PFG‐STE) and a fast spin‐echo pulse sequence (β‐PFG‐SE) are applied to explore the translational diffusion properties of the sequence‐defined decamer in solution at different concentrations with the aim of establishing an independent and new method to confirm its monodispersity. The signals decay according to the expectation of monodisperse molecules in solution with a high experimental accuracy, indeed verifying the monodispersity of these decamers. The diffusion coefficients can further be interpreted in terms of molecular weight. Both NMR methods result in comparable diffusion coefficients, while the β‐PFG‐SE reduces the experimental time by a factor of about 18.
How Do Bioplastics and Fossil‐Based Plastics Play in a Circular Economy?
Authors: Kawashima Nobuyuki , Yagi Tadashi , Kojima Kouya
Published: August 2019

Because plastics contribute to healthy and sound everyday life, global usage volume of plastic is expected to increase. However, the chemical industry is facing challenges in plastics from the viewpoints of resource depletion and environmental burden. These trends have led to discussions on how plastics should move forward in a sustainable society and a circular economy considering resource conversion, efficient after‐use utilization, and environmental protection. Bioplastics, both bio‐based and biodegradable, have reemerged as potential solutions. To clarify the role of bio‐based, biodegradable, and fossil‐based plastics, it is meaningful to assess lessons learned from experiences in the 1990s and 2000s. Although industries have been delivering solutions through the provision of materials, a coordinated and innovative approach throughout the value chain is necessary to achieve an integrated business model that incorporates efficient resource utilization, applications, and after‐use utilization, including chemical recycling, mechanical recycling, and energy/thermal recovery.
Notes on bilinear multipliers on Orlicz spaces
Authors: Blasco Oscar , Osançlıol Alen
Published: August 2019

Let and Φ3 be Young functions and let , and be the corresponding Orlicz spaces. We say that a function defined on is a bilinear multiplier of type  if
defines a bounded bilinear operator from to . We denote by the space of all bilinear multipliers of type and investigate some properties of such a class. Under some conditions on the triple we give some examples of bilinear multipliers of type . We will focus on the case and get necessary conditions on to get non‐trivial multipliers in this class. In particular we recover some of the known results for Lebesgue spaces.
Adjusting catastrophe model ensembles using importance sampling, with application to damage estimation for varying levels of hurricane activity
Authors: Jewson Stephen , Barnes Clair , Cusack Stephen , Bellone Enrica
Published: August 2019

Risk modellers in the insurance industry use catastrophe models to estimate the distribution of possible damage from natural catastrophes. The output from catastrophe models is often adjusted to create alternative risk scenarios. These adjustments are made for many reasons, such as to reflect different scientific hypotheses, different interpretations of historical data or different scenarios related to climate variability and climate change. Models that present the output in a list of simulated synthetic events with their associated damage (so‐called event loss tables) can be adjusted rather easily, since information about desired adjustments is typically expressed in terms of changes in the properties of events. Models that present the output in a list of simulated synthetic years (so‐called year loss tables) are harder to adjust, however, because the occurrences of the events are hard‐wired into the simulated years. A method is described that allows the adjustment of the results in a year loss table by the application of weights to the years. The weights are calculated in such a way as to capture the specified changes in properties of the underlying events. The method is demonstrated by applying it to output from a catastrophe model and using it to quantify the changes in US hurricane wind damage due to shifts between long‐term average, active and inactive levels of hurricane activity. It is shown that the method works well by comparing the results with more accurate results derived directly from the underlying event loss table.
A new fractal nonlinear Burgers' equation arising in the acoustic signals propagation
Authors: Yang Xiao‐Jun , Tenreiro Machado J. A.
Published: August 2019

In this letter, we consider the new nonlinear Burgers' equation engaging local fractional derivative for the first time. With the use of the travelling‐wave transformation of non‐differentiable type, some exact solutions for the new nonlinear Burgers' equation are discussed in detail. The obtained results are accurate and efficient for the descriptions of the acoustic signals propagation in the fractal stratified media.