bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genome‐wide analysis of acute leukemia and clonally related histiocytic sarcoma in a series of three pediatric patients
Authors: Bleeke Matthias , Johann Pascal , Gröbner Susanne , Alten Julia , Cario Gunnar , Schäfer Hansjörg , Klapper Wolfram , Khoury Joseph , Pfister Stefan , Müller Ingo
Published: November 2019

Pediatric histiocytic sarcoma (HS) clonally related to anteceding leukemia is a rare malignancy with poor outcome. We performed a molecular characterization of HS and the corresponding leukemia by methylation arrays and whole‐exome sequencing and found a variety of aberrations in both entities with deletions of CDKN2A/B as a recurrent finding. Furthermore, data from genome‐wide mutation analysis from one patient allowed the reconstruction of a sequence of tumorigenesis of leukemia and HS lesions including the acquisition of a putatively activating KRAS frameshift deletion (p.A66fs). Our results provide an insight into the genetic landscape of pediatric HS clonally related to anteceding leukemia.
Malignancy and lymphoid proliferation in primary immune deficiencies; hard to define, hard to treat
Authors: Kiykim Ayca , Eker Nursah , Surekli Ozlem , Nain Ercan , Kasap Nurhan , Aktürk Hacer , Dogru Omer , Canbolat Aylin , Somer Ayper , Koc Ahmet , Tokuc Gulnur , Bozkurt Suheyla , Turkoz Kemal , Karakoc‐Aydiner Elif , Ozen Ahmet , Baris Safa
Published: November 2019

Background

Regarding the difficulties in recognition and management of the malignancies in primary immune deficiencies (PIDs), we aimed to present the types, risk factors, treatment options, and prognosis of the cancers in this specific group.

Methods

Seventeen patients with PID who developed malignancies or malignant‐like diseases were evaluated for demographics, clinical features, treatment, toxicity, and prognosis.

Results

The median age of malignancy was 12.2 years (range, 2.2‐26). Lymphoma was the most frequent malignancy (n = 7), followed by adenocarcinoma (n = 3), squamous cell carcinoma (n = 2), cholangiocarcinoma (n = 1), Wilms tumor (n = 1), and acute myeloid leukemia (n = 1). Nonneoplastic lymphoproliferation mimicking lymphoma was observed in five patients. The total overall survival (OS) was 62.5% ± 12.1%. The OS for lymphoma was 62.2% ± 17.1% and found to be inferior to non‐PID patients with lymphoma (P = 0.001).

Conclusion

In patients with PIDs, malignancy may occur and negatively affect the OS. The diagnosis can be challenging in the presence of nonneoplastic lymphoproliferative disease or bone marrow abnormalities. Awareness of susceptibility to malignant transformation and early diagnosis with multidisciplinary approach can save the patients’ lives.
The use of fetal MRI for renal and urogenital tract anomalies
Authors: Chalouhi Gihad E. , Millischer Anne‐Élodie , Mahallati Houman , Siauve Nathalie , Melbourne Andrew , Grevent David , Vinit Nicolas , Heidet Laurence , Aigrain Yves , Ville Yves , Blanc Thomas , Salomon Laurent J.
Published: November 2019

Fetal anomalies are detected in approximately 2% of all fetuses and, among these, genitourinary tract abnormalities account for 30% to 50% of all structural anomalies present at birth. Although ultrasound remains the first line diagnostic modality, fetal MRI provides important additional structural and functional information, especially with the development of faster sequences and the use of functional sequences. The added value of MRI‐based imaging is three‐fold: (a) improvement of diagnostic accuracy by adequate morphological examination, (b) detection of additional anomalies, and (c) in addition, MRI has the potential to provide information regarding renal function. In this review, we describe the role of fetal MRI in the anatomical evaluation of renal and urogenital tract anomalies, and we also touch upon the contribution of functional MRI to the diagnostic workup of these conditions.
Identifying monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance in electronic health data
Authors: Epstein Mara Meyer , Saphirak Cassandra , Zhou Yanhua , LeBlanc Candace , Rosmarin Alan G. , Ash Arlene , Singh Sonal , Fisher Kimberly , Birmann Brenda M. , Gurwitz Jerry H.
Published: November 2019

Purpose

Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) is a prevalent yet largely asymptomatic precursor to multiple myeloma. Patients with MGUS must undergo regular surveillance and testing, with few known predictors of progression. We developed an algorithm to identify MGUS patients in electronic health data to facilitate large‐scale, population‐based studies of this premalignant condition.

Methods

We developed a four‐step algorithm using electronic health record and health claims data from men and women aged 50 years or older receiving care from a large, multispecialty medical group between 2007 and 2015. The case definition required patients to have at least two MGUS ICD‐9 diagnosis codes within 12 months, at least one serum and/or urine protein electrophoresis and one immunofixation test, and at least one in‐office hematology/oncology visit. Medical charts for selected cases were abstracted then adjudicated independently by two physicians. We assessed algorithm validity by positive predictive value (PPV).

Results

We identified 833 people with at least two MGUS diagnosis codes; 429 (52%) met all four algorithm criteria. We randomly selected 252 charts for review, including 206 from patients meeting all four algorithm criteria. The PPV for the 206 algorithm‐identified charts was 76% (95% CI, 70%‐82%). Among the 49 cases deemed to be false positives (24%), 33 were judged to have multiple myeloma or another lymphoproliferative condition, such as lymphoma.

Conclusions

We developed a simple algorithm that identified MGUS cases in electronic health data with reasonable accuracy. Inclusion of additional steps to eliminate cases with malignant disease may improve algorithm performance.
Usability of encounter data for Medicaid comprehensive managed care vs traditional Medicaid fee‐for‐service claims among pregnant women
Authors: Choi Yoonyoung , Park Haesuk , Hampp Christian , Brumback Babette , Meissner H. Cody , Li Yan , Roussos‐Ross Dikea , Zhu Yanmin , Henriksen Carl , Winterstein Almut G.
Published: November 2019

Background

The completeness of medical encounters capture among Medicaid enrollees in comprehensive managed care (CMC) has been shown to vary across states and years. CMC penetration has grown, and CMC encounter capture specific to pregnancy care is understudied.

Objectives

To compare the completeness of encounter data for pregnant beneficiaries in CMC versus traditional fee‐for‐service (FFS) in Texas and Florida between 2007 and 2010.

Methods

Using Medicaid Analytic eXtract (MAX) data linked to Florida and Texas birth certificate records, for each state and study year, we compared proportions using seven themes: (a) delivery; (b) prenatal visits; (c) dispensed prescriptions during pregnancy; (d) gestational diabetes and blood glucose testing; (e) antidiabetics and diagnosis of diabetes mellitus; (f) antibiotics for urinary tract infection and outpatient encounter; and (g) bacterial vaginosis and dispensing for metronidazole or clindamycin. We considered CMC data to be acceptable if proportions were no less than 10% below the corresponding (2007 to 2010) FFS control values.

Results

Pregnancy‐related characteristics of FFS vs CMC denominators were comparable. Proportions for the seven measures among FFS controls ranged from 26% to 98%. In Texas, CMC encounter data met the thresholds for all measures between 2007 and 2010. Florida had usable CMC encounter data starting from 2009 with incomplete medical and pharmacy records in 2007 and 2008.

Conclusions

The quality of CMC encounter data in MAX files for pregnant women varied in Florida and Texas and improved over time. Use of pregnancy‐specific measures can aid researchers in selecting states and years with acceptable encounter data quality.
Fabrication of Polypropylene Nanofibers from Polypropylene/Polyvinyl Butyral Blend Films Using Laser‐Assisted Melt‐Electrospinning
Authors: Zakaria Mohammad , Nakane Koji
Published: November 2019

Polypropylene (PP) nanofibers, a few hundred nanometers in diameter, are of immense importance in the fiber industry. This article reports the fabrication of delicate PP nanofibers. Polyvinyl butyral (PVB) was added to PP as a blend component, and a nozzle‐free melt‐electrospinning system with a line‐like CO2 laser melting device was used to manufacture PP nanofibers. We investigated the effect of PVB ratio on fiber diameter. The addition of PVB was found to be potentially very beneficial in PP/PVB blends, resulting in improved PP crystallinity and a steady decrease of fiber diameter with high productivity. The reduction of fiber diameter was attributed to the decline of viscosity, increase of surface adhesion properties, and polarity of blends due to the inclusion of PVB. To produce PP nanofiber, the PVB was removed from PP/PVB blend fibers with an ethanol treatment. A drastic drop of PP fiber diameter followed by fiber splitting was observed after PVB removal. We obtained PP nanofibers with a diameter as low as 181 ± 105 nm from the blend fiber with 90% PVB. Infrared spectroscopy of fibers demonstrated that PP fibers from pure polymer and blends showed the same characteristic peaks. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 60: 362–370, 2019. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers
III‐V//Si multijunction solar cells with 30% efficiency using smart stack technology with Pd nanoparticle array
Authors: Makita Kikuo , Mizuno Hidenori , Tayagaki Takeshi , Aihara Taketo , Oshima Ryuji , Shoji Yasushi , Sai Hitoshi , Takato Hidetaka , Müller Ralph , Beutel Paul , Lackner David , Benick Jan , Hermle Martin , Dimroth Frank , Sugaya Takeyoshi
Published: November 2019

Multijunction (MJ) solar cells achieve very high efficiencies by effectively utilizing the entire solar spectrum. Previously, we constructed a III‐V//Si MJ solar cell using the smart stack technology, a unique mechanical stacking technology with Pd nanoparticle array. In this study, we fabricated an InGaP/AlGaAs//Si three‐junction solar cell with an efficiency of 30.8% under AM 1.5G solar spectrum illumination. This efficiency is considerably higher than our previous result (25.1%). The superior performance was achieved by optimizing the structure of the upper GaAs‐based cell and employing a tunnel oxide passivated contact Si cell. Furthermore, we examined the low solar concentration performance of the device and obtained a maximum efficiency of 32.6% at 5.5 suns. This performance is sufficient for realistic low concentration photovoltaic applications (below 10 suns). In addition, we characterize the reliability of the InGaP/AlGaAs//Si three‐junction solar cell with a damp heat test (85 °C and 85% humidity for 1000 h). It was confirmed that our solar cells have high long‐term stability under severe conditions. The results demonstrate the potential of GaAs//Si MJ solar cells as next‐generation photovoltaic cells and the effectiveness of smart stack technology in fabricating multijunction cells.
Platelet‐Rich Plasma Vs Autologous Blood Vs Corticosteroid Injections in the Treatment of Lateral Epicondylitis: A Systematic Review, Pairwise and Network Meta‐Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Tang Siqi , Wang Xiaoshuai , Wu Peihui , Wu Peiqi , Yang Jiaming , Du Zefeng , Liu Shaoyu , Wei Fuxin
Published: November 2019

Objective

To compare the effectiveness of platelet‐rich plasma (PRP), autologous blood (AB), and corticosteroid injections in patients with lateral epicondylitis.

Type of Study

Network meta‐analysis.

Literature Survey

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared any two forms of injections among PRP, AB, and corticosteroid for the treatment of lateral epicondylitis were searched from inception to 30 November 2018, on PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane library.

Methodology

Two researchers independently selected and assessed the quality of RCTs with the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. All relevant data from the included studies were extracted and heterogeneity was checked by Cochran's Q test and inconsistency statistic (I2). Publication bias was evaluated by constructing contour‐enhanced funnel plots. Stata 15 software was applied for pairwise meta‐analysis and network meta‐analysis. To explore the efficacy between different follow‐up periods, we considered the duration within 2 months to be short term, whereas 2 months or more was considered long term.

Synthesis

Twenty RCTs (n = 1271) were included in this network meta‐analysis. According to ranking probabilities, corticosteroid ranked first for visual analog score (VAS) (surface under the cumulative ranking [SUCRA] = 90.7), modified Nirschl score (82.9), maximum grip strength (69.5), modified Mayo score (MMS) (77.9), and Patient‐Related Tennis Elbow Evaluation (PRTEE) score (93.3) for the short‐term period. For the long‐term period, PRP ranked first for VAS (94.3), pressure pain threshold (99.8), Disabilities of Arm Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score (75.2), MMS (88.2), and the PRTEE score (81.8).

Conclusion

PRP was associated with more improvement in pain intensity and function in the long term than were the comparators. However, in the short term, corticosteroids were associated with the most improvement.
Relationship Between Fear of Falling and Physical Activity in People Aging With a Disability
Authors: Matsuda Patricia N. , Eagen Thomas , Hreha Kimberly P. , Finlayson Marcia L. , Molton Ivan R.
Published: November 2019

Background

An estimated one billion people worldwide live with some form of disability and may face many challenges as they age, including increased fall risk. Understanding the risk factors linking falls, fear of falling, and activity restriction is critical for developing effective programs to increase activity levels among persons with disabilities.

Objectives

To determine if differences exist in the level of physical activity in people with different types of conditions associated with disability and to investigate if fear of falling is associated with physical activity in individuals who are aging with a long‐term disability.

Design

Cross‐sectional retrospective design.

Setting

Community.

Participants

A convenience sample of 1812 community‐dwelling individuals who had one of four diagnoses: multiple sclerosis (MS), muscular dystrophy (MD), spinal cord injury (SCI), or post‐polio syndrome (PPS).

Methods

Descriptive statistics, chi‐square, and analysis of variance, followed by multivariate linear regression analysis were used to examine the association between physical activity status and fear of falling.

Main Outcome Measurements

Physical activity volume and fear of falling.

Results

After controlling for age, sex, duration of disability, and mobility level, there was variation across diagnostic groups (P < .001). People with SCI reported greater physical activity (M = 25.19) compared to other groups (MS: M = 18.70; MD: M = 21.83; PPS: M = 15.47). Patients with PPS had the greatest concerns about falling (M = 16.08), and patients with MS had the lowest (M = 13.12). Fear of falling was associated with physical activity (P < .001), which remained significant after controlling for diagnosis type, falls history, and level of mobility.

Conclusion

Level of physical activity appears to vary among disability diagnoses. These results highlight the importance of addressing fear of falling in people with long‐term disability because fear of falling is associated with physical activity.
Effect of surface modification of colloidal silica nanoparticles on the rigid amorphous fraction and mechanical properties of amorphous polyurethane–urea–silica nanocomposites
Authors: Oguz Oguzhan , Candau Nicolas , Bernhard Stéphane H. F. , Kosak Soz Cagla , Heinz Ozge , Stochlet Grégory , Plummer Christopher J. G. , Yilgor Emel , Yilgor Iskender , Menceloglu Yusuf Z.
Published: November 2019

Colloidal silica nanoparticles (NPs) modified with eight different silane coupling agents were incorporated into an amorphous poly(tetramethylene oxide)‐based polyurethane–urea copolymer matrix at a concentration of 10 wt % (4.4 vol %) in order to investigate the effect of their surface chemistry on the structure–property behavior of the resulting nanocomposites. The rigid amorphous fraction (RAF) of the nanocomposite matrix as determined by differential scanning calorimetry and dynamic mechanical analysis was confirmed to vary significantly with the surface chemistry of the NPs and to be strongly correlated with the bulk mechanical properties in simple tension. Hence, nanocomposites with an RAF of about 30 wt % showed a 120% increase in Young's modulus, a 25% increase in tensile strength, a 15% decrease in elongation at break with respect to the neat matrix, which had no detectable RAF, whereas nanocomposites with an RAF of less than 5% showed a 60% increase in Young's modulus, a 10% increase in tensile strength and a 5% decrease in the elongation at break. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2019, 57, 2543–2556
Challenge and Solution of Characterizing Glass Transition Temperature for Conjugated Polymers by Differential Scanning Calorimetry
Authors: Qian Zhiyuan , Galuska Luke , McNutt William W. , Ocheje Michael U. , He Youjun , Cao Zhiqiang , Zhang Song , Xu Jie , Hong Kunlun , Goodman Renée B. , Rondeau‐Gagné Simon , Mei Jianguo , Gu Xiaodan
Published: November 2019

Thermomechanical properties of polymers highly depend on their glass transition temperature (T
g). Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) is commonly used to measure T
g of polymers. However, many conjugated polymers (CPs), especially donor–acceptor CPs (D–A CPs), do not show a clear glass transition when measured by conventional DSC using simple heat and cool scan. In this work, we discuss the origin of the difficulty for measuring T
g in such type of polymers. The changes in specific heat capacity (Δc
p) at T
g were accurately probed for a series of CPs by DSC. The results showed a significant decrease in Δc
p from flexible polymer (0.28 J g−1 K−1 for polystyrene) to rigid CPs (10−3 J g−1 K−1 for a naphthalene diimide‐based D–A CP). When a conjugation breaker unit (flexible unit) is added to the D–A CPs, we observed restoration of the Δc
p at T
g by a factor of 10, confirming that backbone rigidity reduces the Δc
p. Additionally, an increase in the crystalline fraction of the CPs further reduces Δc
p. We conclude that the difficulties of determining T
g for CPs using DSC are mainly due to rigid backbone and semicrystalline nature. We also demonstrate that physical aging can be used on DSC to help locate and confirm the glass transition for D‐A CPs with weak transition signals. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2019, 57, 1635–1644
Directional Self‐Assembly of Fluorinated Star Block Polymer Thin Films Using Mixed Solvent Vapor Annealing
Authors: Sung Seung Hyun , Farnham William B. , Burch Heidi E. , Brun Yefim , Qi Kai , Epps Thomas H.
Published: November 2019

We demonstrate the directional alignment of perpendicular‐lamellae domains in fluorinated three‐armed star block polymer (BP) thin films using solvent vapor annealing with shear stress. The control of orientation and alignment was accomplished without any substrate surface modification. Additionally, three‐armed star poly(methyl methacrylate‐block‐styrene) [PMMA‐PS] and poly(octafluoropentyl methacrylate‐block‐styrene) were compared to their linear analogues to examine the impact of fluorine content and star architecture on self‐assembled BP feature sizes and interdomain density profiles. X‐ray reflectometry results indicated that the star BP molecular architecture increased the effective polymer segregation strength and could possibly facilitate reduced polymer domain spacings, which are useful in next‐generation nanolithographic applications. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2019, 57, 1663–1672
Hot Spot Chemistry in Several Polymer‐Bound Explosives under Nanosecond Shock Conditions
Authors: Bassett Will P. , Johnson Belinda P. , Dlott Dana D.
Published: November 2019

Initial hot spot temperatures and temperature evolutions for 4 polymer‐bound explosives under shock compression by laser‐driven flyer plates at speeds from 1.5–4.5 km s−1 are presented. A new averaging routine allows for improved signal to noise in shock compressed impactor experiments and yields temperature dynamics which are more accurate than has been previously available. The PBX formulations studied here consist of either pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN), 1,3,5‐trinitro‐1,3,5‐triazinane (RDX), 2,4,6‐trinitrotoluene (TNT), or 1,3,5‐triamino‐2,4,6‐trinitrobenzene (TATB) in a 80/20 wt.% mixture with a silicone elastomer binder. The temperature dynamics demonstrate a unique shock strength dependence for each base explosive. The initial hot spot temperature and its evolution in time are shown to be indicative of chemistry occurring within the reaction zone of the four explosives. The number density of hot spots is qualitatively inferred from the spatially‐averaged emissivity and appears to increase exponentially with shock strength. An increased emissivity for formulations consisting of TNT and TATB is consistent with carbon‐rich explosives and in increased hot spot volume. Qualitative conclusions about sensitivity were drawn from the initial hot spot temperature and rate at which the number of hot spots appear to grow.
Correlation between cribriform/intraductal prostatic adenocarcinoma and percent Gleason pattern 4 to a 22‐gene genomic classifier
Authors: Taylor Alexander S. , Morgan Todd M. , Wallington David G. , Chinnaiyan Arul M. , Spratt Daniel E. , Mehra Rohit
Published: November 2019

Background

The Decipher test measures expression of 22 RNA biomarkers associated with aggressive prostate cancer used to improve risk stratification of patients to help guide management. To date, Decipher's genomic classification has not been extensively correlated with specific histologic growth patterns in prostatic adenocarcinoma. With a growing understanding of the clinical aggressiveness associated with cribriform growth pattern (CF), intraductal carcinoma (IDC), and percent Gleason pattern 4 (G4%), we sought to determine if their presence was associated with an increased genomic risk as measured by the Decipher assay.

Design

Clinical use of the Decipher assay was performed on the highest Gleason score (GS) tumor nodule of prostatectomy specimens from a prospective cohort of 48 patients, with GS varying from 7 through 9 to help guide clinical risk stratification. The tumors were reviewed for CF, IDC, and G4%, which were then compared to the Decipher score (0‐1) and risk stratification (high vs not high).

Results

The presence of CF/IDC was significantly associated with Decipher risk score (P = .007), with a high‐risk Decipher score in 22% vs 56% of patients without or with CF/IDC. On binary logistic regression analysis, G4% (odds ratio [OR] 1.04 per percent increase [95% confidence interval [CI], 1.02‐1.06]; P = .0004) and CF predominant (OR, 9.60 [95%CI, 1.48‐62.16]; P = .02) were significantly associated with a high‐risk GC score. IDC did not reach significance (OR, 1.92 [95%CI, 0.65‐5.67]; P = .24).

Conclusions

Our findings add to an expanding knowledge base that supports G4% and CF/IDC as molecularly unique and clinically relevant features in prostatic adenocarcinoma. These histologic features should be standardly reported as they are associated with more aggressive prostate cancer. Future work should determine the independent information of these histologic findings that are relative to genomic assessment on long‐term outcomes.
Neural network for univariate and multivariate nonlinearity tests
Authors: Mohammadi Shapour
Published: November 2019

This paper aims to introduce a multiple output artificial neural network as a tool for testing nonlinearity in multivariate time series. Unlike previous studies, we use weights from trained networks to determine the support space for defining random weights of nonlinear regressors and obtain greater power. Moreover, this paper uses two hidden layer neural networks for univariate and multivariate nonlinearity tests. Simulation results show that the proposed method is more powerful than the Terasvirta, Lin, and Granger test in most functional forms and more powerful than the Tsay test in some cases. Taking into account univariate and multivariate time series, the neural network approach is much more powerful than both these tests.
Adult tissue–derived neural crest-like stem cells: Sources, regulatory networks, and translational potential
Authors: Mehrotra Pihu , Tseropoulos Georgios , Bronner Marianne E. , Andreadis Stelios T.
Published: November 2019

Neural crest (NC) cells are a multipotent stem cell population that give rise to a diverse array of cell types in the body, including peripheral neurons, Schwann cells (SC), craniofacial cartilage and bone, smooth muscle cells, and melanocytes. NC formation and differentiation into specific lineages takes place in response to a set of highly regulated signaling and transcriptional events within the neural plate border. Premigratory NC cells initially are contained within the dorsal neural tube from which they subsequently emigrate, migrating to often distant sites in the periphery. Following their migration and differentiation, some NC-like cells persist in adult tissues in a nascent multipotent state, making them potential candidates for autologous cell therapy. This review discusses the gene regulatory network responsible for NC development and maintenance of multipotency. We summarize the genes and signaling pathways that have been implicated in the differentiation of a postmigratory NC into mature myelinating SC. We elaborate on the signals and transcription factors involved in the acquisition of immature SC fate, axonal sorting of unmyelinated neuronal axons, and finally the path toward mature myelinating SC, which envelope axons within myelin sheaths, facilitating electrical signal propagation. The gene regulatory events guiding development of SC in vivo provides insights into means for differentiating NC-like cells from adult human tissues into functional SC, which have the potential to provide autologous cell sources for the treatment of demyelinating and neurodegenerative disorders.

Significance statement Neural crest (NC) cells have attracted attention for their multipotent nature and ease of isolation from adult tissues. This concise review reports the advantages of using NCs for the treatment of demyelinating disorders and spinal cord injury (SCI), over other cell sources such as induced pluripotent stem cells and embryonic stem cells. Adult tissue-derived NCs are easy to expand in vitro and can be derived from autologous sources. Moreover, differentiation of NCs to Schwann cells (SC) can be easily achieved without genetic mutation, making them safe for translation from a laboratory to a clinical setting. Adult NC-derived SC are functional and can myelinate neurons in vitro and spinal cord in vivo in mice. Hence, NCs derived from adult tissue are a promising cell source for the treatment of demyelinating disorders and SCI. Furthermore, this technology can also be used for disease modeling and drug testing, making way for personalized therapeutics for neurological disorders.
Dispositional mindfulness is associated with heart rate reactivity and recovery in response to a lab stressor
Authors: Beshai Shadi , Hammond Brooklyn K. , Bjornson Sarah E.
Published: November 2019

Heightened perceived stress is consistently associated with symptoms of psychopathology. Perceived stress can be reliably linked with physiological responses, such as increased heart rate. Even though dispositional mindfulness is associated with lower self‐reported stress, no studies to date have examined whether dispositional mindfulness can predict physiological responses to and recovery from stress. We recruited 142 student participants and administered a measure of dispositional mindfulness (Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire—Short Form/FFMQ‐SF) and a modified version of the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST). Specifically, during the TSST, we instructed participants that they were about to deliver a presentation to a panel of judges, then informed them they no longer need to deliver this presentation, all while measuring their heart rate. We found that total FFMQ‐SF and non‐reactivity subscale scores were positively and significantly correlated with heart rate reactivity to the lab stressor. Further, we found that the FFMQ‐SF facet of non‐judgment was negatively and significantly correlated with the time it took for participants' heart rates to return to and stabilize at baseline. The results of this study elucidate potential mechanisms of mindfulness in stress. Specifically, mindfulness may not necessarily make people less reactive to stressors, but may operate through top‐down processes to enhance recovery and resilience during stress.
The relationship between bicultural identity, acculturative stress, and psychological well‐being in multicultural adolescents: Verification using multivariate latent growth modelling
Authors: Bae Sung Man
Published: November 2019

This study aimed to examine causal relationships between bicultural identity, acculturative stress, and subjective well‐being among multicultural adolescents. Secondary longitudinal data that were obtained from 1,635 multicultural adolescents were analysed. The results showed that bicultural identity had a positive effect on psychological well‐being and a negative impact on acculturative stress; in addition, greater acculturative stress was associated with lower psychological well‐being. Finally, bicultural identity indirectly affected psychological well‐being by mediating the effects of acculturative stress. These findings underscore the need to facilitate the adaptation of multicultural adolescents by reducing acculturative stress and promoting bicultural acceptance in educational institutions.
Cellular Stemness Maintenance of Human Adipose‐Derived Stem Cells on ZnO Nanorod Arrays
Authors: Kong Ying , Ma Baojin , Liu Feng , Chen Duo , Zhang Shan , Duan Jiazhi , Huang Yuan , Sang Yuanhua , Wang Jianjun , Li Dong , Liu Hong , Wang Shuhua
Published: November 2019

Ever‐growing tissue regeneration and other stem cell therapies cause pressing need for large population of self‐renewable stem cells. However, stem cells gradually lose their stemness after long‐term in vitro cultivation. In this study, a ZnO nanorod (ZnO NR) array is used to maintain the stemness of human adipose‐derived stem cells (hADSCs). The results prove that after culturing hADSCs on ZnO NRs for 3 weeks, the stemness genes and protein expression level are higher than that on culture plates and ZnO film. ZnO NRs can maintain stemness of hADSCs without inhibiting the cell proliferation and oriented differentiation capabilities. KLF4 (Kruppel‐like factor 4) is a Zn2+‐binding gene that plays a vital role in cell proliferation and differentiation. Sustained Zn2+ release and the increased expression of KLF4 can be detected, suggesting that ZnO NRs have efficiently released Zn2+ for stemness maintenance. Taken together, the nanotopography of ZnO NRs and the Zn2+ release synergistically facilitate stemness maintenance. This study has provided a powerful tool for directing cell fate, maintaining stemness, and realizing the expansion of stem cells in vitro, which will open a new route for the manufacture of large populations of stem cells and fulfilling the growing demand for the cell therapy market.
Stable Fe2P2S6 Nanocrystal Catalyst for High‐Efficiency Water Electrolysis
Authors: Chang Jinfa , Wang Guanzhi , Belharsa Anas , Ge Junjie , Xing Wei , Yang Yang
Published: November 2019

A crucial step toward clean hydrogen (H2) energy production through water electrolysis is to develop high‐stability catalysts, which can be reliably used at high current densities for a long time. So far, platinum group metals (PGM) and their oxides, for example, Pt and iridium oxide (IrO2) have been well‐regarded as the criterion for hydrogen and oxygen evolution reactions (HER and OER) electrocatalysts. However, the PGM catalysts usually undergo severe performance decay during the long‐term operation. Herein, the in situ growth of iron phosphosulfate (Fe2P2S6) nanocrystals (NCs) catalysts on carbon paper synthesized by combing chemical vapor deposition with solvent‐thermal treatment is reported to show competitive performance and stability as compared to the state‐of‐the‐art PGM catalysts in a real water electrolyzer. A current density of 370 mA cm−2 is achieved at 1.8 V when using Fe2P2S6 NCs as bifunctional catalysts in an anion exchange membrane water electrolyzer. The Fe2P2S6 NCs also show much better stability than the Pt‐IrO2 catalysts at 300 mA cm−2 for a continuous 24 h test. The surface generated FeOOH on Fe2P2S6 is the real active site for OER. These results indicate that the Fe2P2S6 NCs potentially can be used to replace PGM catalysts for practical water electrolyzers.
Ultrafine Bimetallic Pt–Ni Nanoparticles Achieved by Metal–Organic Framework Templated Zirconia/Porous Carbon/Reduced Graphene Oxide: Remarkable Catalytic Activity in Dehydrogenation of Hydrous Hydrazine
Authors: Song Fu‐Zhan , Yang Xinchun , Xu Qiang
Published: November 2019

Emerging as a promising hydrogen carrier, hydrous hydrazine has attracted great attention in hydrogen storage and transportation. Herein, by using a wet‐chemical reduction method, ultrafine bimetallic PtNi nanoparticles (NPs) with an average size of 1.8 nm are immobilized on a metal–organic framework templated zirconia/porous carbon/reduced graphene oxide (ZrO2/C/rGO) support. Monometallic Pt and Ni NPs show no activities for the catalytic dehydrogenation of hydrous hydrazine. Surprisingly, the obtained bimetallic Pt–Ni NPs exhibits a significantly enhanced catalytic activity toward the hydrogen generation from hydrous hydrazine, with which an extremely high turnover frequency value can be afforded to 1920 h−1 at 323 K. The highly enhanced catalytic activity can be attributed to the small size effect, the strong synergistic effect between Pt and Ni atoms as well as the strong metal‐support interactions. The present work provides a new insight to developing high‐performance bimetallic catalysts for advanced catalytic and energy technologies.
Numerical study of isolation in the backfill zone of foundation pit method to reduce railway generated vibration in high‐rise buildings
Authors: Pan Peng , Zeng Yi , Yang Jun , Zhang Dongbin
Published: November 2019

The conventional methods to reduce building vibration include isolation of vibration sources, isolation of buildings, and setting trenches in the propagation path. However, it is evidenced that these methods are not feasible for high‐rise buildings in crowded urban areas. This paper proposes a new method to reduce vibration for high‐rise buildings by using the existing construction backfill zone, the isolation in the backfill zone of foundation pit (IBF). Numerical analyses were first carried out to obtain a realistic excitation time history, and a finite element–infinite element model was developed and calibrated using test data from an actual building site. The contributions of the basement sidewalls and foundation slabs to floor vibration and the influence of infill material properties are investigated. Lastly, a composite isolation layer was suggested to provide both sufficient restraining effects to the building foundation and satisfactory vibration isolation. The analyses confirmed that the proposed IBF method reduces ground‐borne vibration in high‐rise buildings by up to 66% when railway is on the ground.
Cadmium transcriptionally regulates Scd1 expression in silver pomfret
Authors: Shi Peng , Meng Ran , Liao Kai , Li Shuang , Hu Jiabao , Xu Jilin , Zhang Lin , Cao Jiayi , Ran Zhaoshou , Wang Danli , Xu Shanliang , Wang Yajun , Yan Xiaojun
Published: November 2019

Cadmium (Cd) is one of the major contaminants in aquatic ecosystem. Stearoyl‐coenzyme A desaturase 1 (Scd1) has been implicated in adaptive responses to environmental stressors. The objectives of this study are (a) to characterize scd1 mRNA from silver pomfret (Pampus argenteus); (b) to investigate the expression and activity of Scd1 in silver pomfret exposed to Cd; and (c) to investigate how Cd modifies scd1 gene transcription in silver pomfret. Results indicated that Scd1 was generally conserved across fish species and scd1 mRNA level was higher by far in the brain and liver, followed by the kidney and intestine. Exposure to Cd led to significant changes of the expression and activity of Scd1 in in the liver and intestine. The liver mRNA abundance of scd1 was significantly lower in the Cd‐treated groups than in the control group. The 10 days treatment with 1 mg/L Cd significantly upregulated the intestinal scd1 mRNA level, an approximately 9‐fold higher in the 1 mg/L Cd‐treated group as compared with the control group. Accordingly, Scd1 activity indices (18:1n‐9/18:0) in the liver were significantly decreased in the 0.5 mg/L group compared with the control group, while Scd1 activity indices in the intestine were significantly increased in the 1 mg/L group compared with the control group. Moreover, overexpression of sterol regulatory element binding transcription factor 1 (Srebp1) and peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor γ (Pparγ )in HEK 293T cells produced a 2‐fold increment in the activity of the scd1 promoter. Furthermore, srebp1 had a similar expression pattern to scd1 in the liver and intestine of silver pomfret exposed to Cd. These results indicated that Cd could regulate scd1 expression, possibly through the transcriptional factor Srebp1.
Synthesis of a novel Fe–Mn binary oxide‐modified lava adsorbent and its effect on ammonium removal from aqueous solutions
Authors: Zhao Ziyi , He Shuang , Li Fayong , Jin Yingbing , Khan Sangar , Liu Feng , Liang Xinqiang
Published: November 2019

Ammonium is strongly related to eutrophication and a key control of eutrophication in aquatic systems, especially in agricultural runoff. In this study, a novel Fe–Mn binary oxide‐modified lava (FMML) granular adsorbent was synthesized for ammonium removal from aqueous solutions by co‐precipitation method. The kinetic data were described by pseudo‐second‐order kinetic model well and intraparticle diffusion had effects on ammonium adsorption. For pH between 4.0 and 10.0, the adsorption efficiency was >80%, and its optimum was recorded at pH 7.0. FMML exhibited strong ammonium adsorption selectivity under the single presence of cations like Na+, K+, Ca2+, and Mg2+. The optimum adsorbent dose and particle size were 4 g/L and 3–5 mm, respectively, for an aqueous solution containing 10 mg/L of ammonium under normal conditions (298 K and pH 7.0). Furthermore, the adsorption process was endothermic, following both the Langmuir (R2 > 0.98) and Freundlich (R2 > 0.96) models. Compared with other adsorbents, the FMML can be prepared following a simpler protocol. After 30 times of adsorption–regeneration cycle, the FMML also had a relatively high ammonium adsorption capacity; hence, we see it as a prospective adsorbent for ammonium adsorption from aqueous solutions.

Practitioner points

Fe–Mn binary oxide‐modified lava with Fe/Mn ratio 3:1 was prepared using co‐precipitation method.

Adsorption maximum of modified lava was 20.8 mg/g (298 K and pH 7.0).

Adsorption was sensitive to changes in adsorbent dose, particle size, and pH.

Inorganic cations decreased ammonium adsorption in order of Na+ > K+ > Ca2+ > Mg2+.

Mechanisms for ammonium removal by FMML include diffusion, electrostatic attraction, oxidation, and complexation reaction.
Development of a high‐temperature superconducting magnet for use in a cryogen‐free electron beam ion trap
Authors: Tamai Toshihiro , Sakaue Hiroyuki A. , Terazaki Yoshiro , Yanagi Nagato , Nakamura Nobuyuki
Published: November 2019

We present a design and test results of a high‐temperature superconducting magnet, which is under development for use in a new cryogen‐free electron beam ion trap. The magnet is designed to provide a magnetic field as high as about 3 T with a combination of six double‐pancake coils. In order to achieve such a high field, the critical current is increased by cooling the magnet down to 20 K with a refrigerator. Before the full development, a single‐pancake coil has been produced and tested.
Exploring Multiple Contexts and Shared Perspectives of Leadership Educators
Authors: GuramatunhuCooper Nyasha M. , McElravy L. J. , Hall Sadhana , Harvey Michael
Published: November 2019

Through short narratives, this chapter explores how personal factors, environmental factors, and significant life choices have shaped the teaching and scholarly perspectives of four collegiate leadership educators in the United States and invites others to reflect on how their purpose and impact in leadership education have been similarly shaped.
Weigh and see—Body mass recordings versus body condition scoring in European zoo elephants (Loxodonta africana and Elephas maximus)
Authors: Schiffmann Christian , Clauss Marcus , Hoby Stefan , Hatt Jean‐Michel
Published: November 2019

Regular body mass (BM) monitoring plays a key role in preventative health care of zoo animals. In some species, including African (Loxodonta africana) and Asian elephants (Elephas maximus), the process of weighing can be challenging, and alternative methods such as visual body condition scoring (BCS) have been developed. We investigated the temporal development of both parameters regarding correlation patterns between them, and their suitability as monitoring measures in dependence of an elephant's life stage. While BM is more suitable in calves and juveniles under the age of 8 years, both BM and BCS are considered equally reliable in adult elephants. In elephants over the age of 40 years, BCS might be more suitable for assessing the physical status. Independent of species and sex, juvenile zoo elephants grow in BM nearly linearly with age, and reach a higher BM at an earlier age compared with conspecifics of free‐ranging and semi‐captive populations in the countries of origin. The BCS typically remains constant during this life stage, seemingly unaffected by growth. In adult animals, breeding females have a lower BM and BCS than nonbreeders, and BM and BCS typically indicate fluctuations in the same direction. In geriatric elephants (>40 years) a drop in BCS occurs commonly, while BM may even increase in this life stage. We recommend regular body mass recording in zoo elephants to enhance our knowledge of body mass development and allow the formulation of objective practical recommendations. BCS presents a valuable and simple tool for complementary monitoring of an elephant's condition, especially in adult and geriatric individuals.
Envisioning the Dutch Imperial Nation-State in the Age of Revolutions
Authors: Koekkoek René
Published: November 2019

This chapter examines the neglected debates about the future political architecture of the Dutch empire in the late eighteenth-century Batavian Revolution. Koekkoek shows that it was in the turbulent context of Atlantic imperial revolutions, international warfare, and French Saint-Domingue’s massive slave revolt, that Batavian revolutionaries transformed the company-ruled empire into a state-ruled colonial empire. Informed by ideals of the new nation-state’s ‘unity and indivisibility’ but severely checked by an unpredictable geopolitical reality, Batavian revolutionaries had to negotiate their imperial ideals. The ideal of a constitutionally unified empire of equal citizens was qualified from the beginning and soon abandoned. Yet Batavian revolutionaries laid the conceptual and constitutional foundations of the state’s imperial sovereignty, although the immediate impact on actual colonial practices was initially limited.
Internet of Things
Authors: Granell Carlos , Kamilaris Andreas , Kotsev Alexander , Ostermann Frank O. , Trilles Sergio
Published: November 2019

Digital Earth was born with the aim of replicating the real world within the digital world. Many efforts have been made to observe and sense the Earth, both from space (remote sensing) and by using in situ sensors. Focusing on the latter, advances in Digital Earth have established vital bridges to exploit these sensors and their networks by taking location as a key element. The current era of connectivity envisions that everything is connected to everything. The concept of the Internet of Things (IoT) emerged as a holistic proposal to enable an ecosystem of varied, heterogeneous networked objects and devices to speak to and interact with each other. To make the IoT ecosystem a reality, it is necessary to understand the electronic components, communication protocols, real-time analysis techniques, and the location of the objects and devices. The IoT ecosystem and the Digital Earth (DE) jointly form interrelated infrastructures for addressing today’s pressing issues and complex challenges. In this chapter, we explore the synergies and frictions in establishing an efficient and permanent collaboration between the two infrastructures, in order to adequately address multidisciplinary and increasingly complex real-world problems. Although there are still some pending issues, the identified synergies generate optimism for a true collaboration between the Internet of Things and the Digital Earth.
Digital City: An Urban Perspective on Digital Earth
Authors: Jackson Davina , Simpson Richard
Published: November 2019

Digital Earth and many other satellite and semiconductor-enabled cartography advances imply the need for a globally useful schema for more scientific and eco-ethical management of cities. How should we plan an internationally cohesive and locally effective system for understanding and managing urban stocks and flows around our planet? The answer to this question depends on new systems for managing geodata to underpin increasingly automated systems for evidence-based decision making. The current concept of Digital Earth as a “self-aware nervous system” is being advanced by urban proto-projects that are supported or followed by globally applicable initiatives including Singapore’s new Geospatial Masterplan, the International Standards Organization’s City Standards, Denmark’s Open Public Life Data Protocol, and the City-GML data model. These recent ventures are progressing a movement that extends far beyond the 1990s concepts of “smart cities” enabled by wireless telecommunications. In the Digital Earth science paradigm, cities must simulate their key situations and scenarios and analyze Earth observation data obtained via satellite-enabled devices that remotely detect and interpret all the light and radio waves of the electromagnetic spectrum.
Citizen Science in Support of Digital Earth
Authors: Brovelli Maria Antonia , Ponti Marisa , Schade Sven , Solís Patricia
Published: November 2019

Citizen science can be thought of as a tremendous catalyst for making Digital Earth a participation model of our world. This chapter presents a wide overview of the concept and practice of citizen science in terms of the technologies and social impact. Definitions of citizen science and various existing approaches to citizen involvement are described, from simple contributions to projects proposed by someone else to the design and planning of science as a bottom-up process. To illustrate these concepts, the relevant example of OpenStreetMap is described in detail, and other examples are mentioned and briefly discussed. Social innovation connected with citizen science is focused on to highlight different levels of direct citizen contributions to scientific research and indirect effects on academia, and studies driven by new questions that may support responsible research and innovation (RRI), governments and public administration in making better informed decisions. Despite its growth and success in relatively few years, citizen science has not fully overcome a number of persistent challenges related to quality, equity, inclusion, and governance. These themes and related complex facets are discussed in detail in the last section of the chapter.