bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors and tendencies of housing abandonment: An analysis of a survey of vacant houses in Kawaguchi City, Saitama
Authors: Baba Hiroki , Hino Kimihiro
Published: April 2019

The issue of vacant houses is receiving increased attention in the field of urban policy and planning in Japan. We aim to describe the factors of vacant houses that lead to abandonment from the perspectives of the characteristics of the built environment and property owners using a logistic regression model to analyze the relationship between housing abandonment and these characteristics. There were five major findings. First, building age and attachment to a road less than four meters wide increase the probability of housing abandonment, although urbanization before 1960 lowers the probability. Second, an exclusively residential zone is more likely to be associated with floor area, which makes abandonment more likely and building age in this zone has a positive relationship particularly to an overgrowth of trees. Third, the further away the property owner's own residence is from the vacant house, the greater the likelihood that it will be abandoned. Fourth, vacancies owing to the demise of the previous occupants significantly raise the likelihood of housing abandonment. Fifth, the probability of housing abandonment is extremely high when the owner of the vacant house is unknown.
Photothermal Clothing for Thermally Preserving Pipeline Transportation of Crude Oil
Authors: Lyu Shanzhi , He Yonglin , Yao Yuge , Zhang Man , Wang Yapei
Published: April 2019

Pipeline transportation is the most practically used means to deliver crude oil before it enters refining factories. External heating on pipelines is routinely needed in order to make the oil flow easier, especially in areas with low ambient temperature, which has to involve tremendous energy consumption and causes a significant increase in transportation costs. Here, a green and cost‐effective strategy of “photothermal clothing” is conceived by which the pipeline is only warmed by sunlight based on photothermal conversion. The photothermal material is a complex of polypyrrole and polyurethane interpenetrated at the molecular level, which guarantees the elasticity endures considerable deformation when it is bound on pipelines as a form of tubular fibers. Both simulation and thermal tests verify the excellent performance in photothermal warming and heat preservation at low ambient temperature. As a practical demonstration, the rate of frozen crude oil flowing from pipelines is remarkably sped up solely under solar illumination. By a rough estimation, the photothermal pipeline, at a given length of 1 m, is supposed to harvest solar energy with a calorific value that equals combusting natural gas for more than 30 m3 a year.
Metal Halide Perovskite Light‐Emitting Devices: Promising Technology for Next‐Generation Displays
Authors: Lu Min , Zhang Yu , Wang Shixun , Guo Jie , Yu William W. , Rogach Andrey L.
Published: April 2019

As the requirements and expectation for displays in society are growing, higher standards of the display technology are proposed, including wider color gamut, higher color purity, and higher resolution. The recent emergence of light‐emitting halide perovskites has come with numerous advantages, such as high charge‐carrier mobility, tunable emission wavelength, narrow emission linewidth, and intrinsically high photoluminescence quantum yield. Recent advancement of perovskite‐based light‐emitting diodes (PeLEDs) as a promising technology for next‐generation displays is reviewed. Here, how the attractive optical and electrical properties of perovskite materials can be translated into high PeLED performance are discussed, and working mechanisms and optimization approaches of both perovskite materials and the respective devices are analyzed. On the material side this includes the control of size and composition of perovskites grains and nanocrystals, surface and interface passivation, doping and alloying, while on the device side this includes the interfacial engineering and energy level adjustments, and photon emission enhancement. Several challenges such as performance of blue PeLEDs, the environmental and operational stability of PeLEDs, and the toxicity issues of lead halide perovskites are discussed, and perspectives on future developments of perovskite materials and PeLEDs for the display technology are offered.
High‐Performance, Room Temperature, Ultra‐Broadband Photodetectors Based on Air‐Stable PdSe2
Authors: Liang Qijie , Wang Qixing , Zhang Qian , Wei Jingxuan , Lim Sharon Xiaodai , Zhu Rui , Hu Junxiong , Wei Wei , Lee Chengkuo , Sow ChorngHaur , Zhang Wenjing , Wee Andrew Thye Shen
Published: April 2019

Photodetection over a broad spectral range is crucial for optoelectronic applications such as sensing, imaging, and communication. Herein, a high‐performance ultra‐broadband photodetector based on PdSe2 with unique pentagonal atomic structure is reported. The photodetector responds from visible to mid‐infrared range (up to ≈4.05 µm), and operates stably in ambient and at room temperature. It promises improved applications compared to conventional mid‐infrared photodetectors. The highest responsivity and external quantum efficiency achieved are 708 A W−1 and 82 700%, respectively, at the wavelength of 1064 nm. Efficient optical absorption beyond 8 µm is observed, indicating that the photodetection range can extend to longer than 4.05 µm. Owing to the low crystalline symmetry of layered PdSe2, anisotropic properties of the photodetectors are observed. This emerging material shows potential for future infrared optoelectronics and novel devices in which anisotropic properties are desirable.
Diffused Lattice Vibration and Ultralow Thermal Conductivity in the Binary Ln–Nb–O Oxide System
Authors: Yang Jun , Qian Xin , Pan Wei , Yang Ronggui , Li Zheng , Han Yi , Zhao Meng , Huang Muzhang , Wan Chunlei
Published: April 2019

In the pursuit of low thermal conductivity materials for thermal management, one always tries to increase the material entropy by increasing the number of components in the materials to scatter heat‐carrying phonons. However, it also drastically increases the technological complexity to synthesize materials with the target complex composition. Here, a material family is presented with simple composition Ln3NbO7, which only contains binary oxides of Ln2O3 (Ln = Dy, Er, Y, Yb) and Nb2O5. The thermal conductivities approach the theoretical minimum limit, where the large chemical inhomogeneity due to the charge disorder and fluctuation of bonding length in Ln3NbO7 plays a major role. Despite the simple composition, Ln3NbO7 demonstrates an unprecedentedly high scattering rate of vibration states, as confirmed by the highest elastic constant/thermal conductivity ratio, as well as the diffused wavevector‐frequency dispersion. In contrast to the conventional wisdom that low thermal conductivity materials should be explored in the pool of “complex” multiple‐component materials, this work points out an avenue to look into materials with simple composition but large internal chemical inhomogeneity, which would be of both scientific and technological significance in the fields of thermal barrier coating, thermoelectric materials, etc.
Oil Recovery from Nanoporous Media via Water Condensation
Authors: Gimenez Rocio , Berli Claudio L. A. , Bellino Martín G.
Published: April 2019

Oil–nanoporous materials interplay is ubiquitous in oil recovery from unconventional reservoirs, environmental clean‐up, and membrane technology, so there is a genuine need for novel approaches that can monitor, manipulate, and also extract the oil present in nanoporous media. Here demonstrated is a water condensation–assisted method of extracting oil from nanopores. Under cooling‐induced condensation at room conditions, distinctive droplet modes act as both decoupling and collecting elements to transport oil from the pore space toward the nanomaterial surface after water evaporation. Even the movement of the oil through the nanoporous network can be visualized by taking advantage of the interference response of visible light in a nanoporous thin‐film platform. The method and results presented in this work open different routes to exploit oil–water–nanopore interactions and enable novel perspectives for oil recovery and environmental clean‐up.
Pulverization‐Tolerance and Capacity Recovery of Copper Sulfide for High‐Performance Sodium Storage
Authors: Park Jae Yeol , Kim Sung Joo , Yim Kanghoon , Dae Kyun Seong , Lee Yonghee , Dao Khoi Phuong , Park Ji Su , Jeong Han Beom , Chang Joon Ha , Seo Hyeon Kook , Ahn Chi Won , Yuk Jong Min
Published: April 2019

Finding suitable electrode materials is one of the challenges for the commercialization of a sodium ion battery due to its pulverization accompanied by high volume expansion upon sodiation. Here, copper sulfide is suggested as a superior electrode material with high capacity, high rate, and long‐term cyclability owing to its unique conversion reaction mechanism that is pulverization‐tolerant and thus induces the capacity recovery. Such a desirable consequence comes from the combined effect among formation of stable grain boundaries, semi‐coherent boundaries, and solid‐electrolyte interphase layers. The characteristics enable high cyclic stability of a copper sulfide electrode without any need of size and morphological optimization. This work provides a key finding on high‐performance conversion reaction based electrode materials for sodium ion batteries.
Simultaneous Achieving of High Faradaic Efficiency and CO Partial Current Density for CO2 Reduction via Robust, Noble‐Metal‐Free Zn Nanosheets with Favorable Adsorption Energy
Authors: Liu Kaihua , Wang Jiazhi , Shi Miaomiao , Yan Junmin , Jiang Qing
Published: April 2019

Electrocatalytic CO2 reduction to fuels is considered a promising strategy for the sustainable carbon cycle. However, the improvement of the catalytic performance of CO2 electrocatalysts still poses many challenges, especially achieving the large partial current density of product and high faradaic efficiency simultaneously, which are essential for future applications of the electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction. In response, herein, an in situ porous Zn catalyst is prepared and exhibits high faradaic efficiency and large CO partial current density at the same time, benefiting from the porous architecture with increased exposure and accessibility of active sites. Furthermore, density functional theory calculations demonstrate that the high faradaic efficiency is attributed to the favorable adsorption energy of the key intermediate, which promotes CO2 electroreduction to CO.
Zika virus in workers: Considerations for ongoing exposure prevention
Authors: Brown Christopher K. , Shugart Jill M.
Published: April 2019

Since at least 2015, a major Zika virus epidemic has impacted the Americas and the Caribbean. There is an ongoing risk of Aedes mosquito‐borne transmission in more than 90 countries and territories worldwide. In these areas, as well as in places that are not experiencing active outbreaks, workers in a variety of jobs may be exposed to the virus. In addition to outdoor workers in places with ongoing, vector‐borne transmission who may be exposed when bitten by Zika‐infected mosquitoes, biomedical researchers studying the virus and health care workers and staff in clinical laboratories may encounter blood and infectious body fluids from infected individuals, including travelers from Zika virus‐affected areas. Because of potentially serious health outcomes, including reproductive effects, sometimes associated with Zika, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health previously issued guidance to help US employers protect workers from exposure to the virus on the job. This commentary summarizes the details of these recommendations and explains their rationale, which is important to understand when adapting and implementing workplace controls to prevent occupational Zika virus exposures and infections at individual worksites. The industrial hygiene hierarchy of controls, including elimination and substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls, and safe work practices, and personal protective equipment, serves as a framework for infection prevention practices for at‐risk workers discussed here.
An Efficient Synthesis of 1,3‐Disubstituted Pyrazoles from 2‐Acylaziridines
Authors: Kim Soo Hyun , Na Sang‐Yun , Ha Hyun‐Joon , Lee Won Koo
Published: April 2019

We developed an efficient and environmentally benign method for pyrazole synthesis by condensation between 2‐acylaziridines and hydrazine‐CO2 salts in high yields. The sequential reactions involved include an acid‐catalyzed intramolecular aziridine ring opening and a subsequent benzylamine elimination. In additional to the ease of handling the hydrazine as a solid without any smell, all of the processes were carried out with no organic solvent, except for a small amount of phenol as an acid catalyst.
Gut microbiome composition of wild western lowland gorillas is associated with individual age and sex factors
Authors: Pafčo Barbora , Sharma Ashok K. , Petrželková Klára J. , Vlčková Klára , Todd Angelique , Yeoman Carl J. , Wilson Brenda A. , Stumpf Rebecca , White Bryan A. , Nelson Karen E. , Leigh Steven , Gomez Andres
Published: April 2019

Objectives

Environmental and ecological factors, such as geographic range, anthropogenic pressure, group identity, and feeding behavior are known to influence the gastrointestinal microbiomes of great apes. However, the influence of individual host traits such as age and sex, given specific dietary and social constraints, has been less studied. The objective of this investigation was to determine the associations between an individual's age and sex on the diversity and composition of the gut microbiome in wild western lowland gorillas.

Materials and Methods

Publicly available 16S rRNA data generated from fecal samples of different groups ofGorilla gorillagorillain the Central African Republic were downloaded and bioinformatically processed. The groups analyzed included habituated, partially habituated and unhabituated gorillas, sampled during low fruit (dry,n = 28) and high fruit (wet,n = 82) seasons. Microbial community analyses (alpha and beta diversity and analyses of discriminant taxa), in tandem with network‐wide approaches, were used to (a) mine for specific age and sex based differences in gut bacterial community composition and to (b) asses for gut community modularity and bacterial taxa with potential functional roles, in the context of seasonal food variation, and social group affiliation.

Results

Both age and sex significantly influenced gut microbiome diversity and composition in wild western lowland gorillas. However, the largest differences were observed between infants and adults in habituated groups and between adults and immature gorillas within all groups, and across dry and wet seasons. Specifically, although adults always showed greater bacterial richness than infants and immature gorillas, network‐wide analyses showed higher microbial community complexity and modularity in the infant gorilla gut. Sex‐based microbiome differences were not evident among adults, being only detected among immature gorillas.

Conclusions

The results presented point to a dynamic gut microbiome inGorillaspp., associated with ontogeny and individual development. Of note, the gut microbiomes of breastfeeding infants seemed to reflect early exposure to complex, herbaceous vegetation. Whether increased compositional complexity of the infant gorilla gut microbiome is an adaptive response to an energy‐limited diet and an underdeveloped gut needs to be further tested. Overall, age and sex based gut microbiome differences, as shown here, maybe mainly attributed to access to specific feeding sources, and social interactions between individuals within groups.
Coordination‐driven self‐assembly of Cp*Rh‐Based Rectangles, Cages and Their Host−Guest Binding Study
Authors: Lin Lin , Lin Yue‐Jian , Jin Guo‐Xin
Published: April 2019

Supramolecular coordination‐driven self‐assembly rectangle 1a have be formation of distorted shapes, with a strong π···π interactions between the L1 and anthracene in 1b (1a ⊃ anthracene) that changed the size to desired and supported by single‐crystal Xray diffraction data. The formation of 1c(1a ⊃ DMF) has been further corroborated by the single‐crystal and 1b also can reaction with decaborane to form ortho‐carborane complex 1d. A self‐assembled triangular prism cage 2a consisting of binuclear half‐sandwich metal precursors [Cp*2Rh2(μ‐BiBzIm)]Cl2 (BiBzIm = 2,2′‐bisbenzimidazole) ligands and L2 were found to capsulated a triphenylene in cage. Another two kinds of prismatic cages (3a and 3b) were obtained from the reactions of the bis‐chelating‐coordinated [Cp*2Rh2(μ‐CA)]Cl2(CA = chloranilate) with L2 and L3 in the presence of AgOTf (OTf = CF3SO3) in CH3OH, and cage 3b have a perfect sized cavity to self‐assembled with anthracene in it.
Managing threats and restoring wetlands within catchments of the Great Barrier Reef, Australia
Authors: Adame Maria Fernanda , Arthington Angela H. , Waltham Nathan , Hasan Syezlin , Selles Amelia , Ronan Mike
Published: April 2019

The catchments of the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) in Australia include more than one million ha of wetlands, which help to sustain the health and resilience of the reef.

This article reviews the status, values, and threats of wetlands in the GBR catchments, as well as the management, protection, and challenges and opportunities for their restoration and rehabilitation.

At present, wetlands in the GBR catchments have low rates of area loss and are generally well protected; however, they face major management challenges owing to the intensive land use of the catchments, especially for grazing, agriculture, horticulture, and mining. Major threats to these wetlands include water pollution, invasive species, changes in hydrology, and increasing temperature and salinity resulting from climate change.

In recent years wetlands have been considered primarily for their role in improving water quality to ameliorate contaminated terrestrial run‐off to the GBR, with little attention given to their intrinsic value and other ecosystem services.

Financial opportunities for wetland restoration in addition to government‐funded schemes include water pollution offsets, payment for ecosystem services, and nitrogen markets.

Wetlands need to be protected, managed, and restored for the ecosystem services that they provide to the GBR, but also for their intrinsic value as significant features of coastal landscapes.
Reactions Coupled Self‐ and Co‐Assembly: A Highly Dynamic Process and the Resultant Spatially Inhomogeneous Structure
Authors: Li Song , Yu Yang , Liu Jun , Xu Shujue , Zhang Shengrui , Li Minjie , Zhang Sean Xiao‐An
Published: April 2019

Reactions coupled self‐assembly represents a step forward towards biomimetic behavior in the field of supramolecular research. Here, two pH‐dependent reactions of thiol‐disulfide exchange and ligand exchange were used to couple with the self‐assembly of an AuI‐thiolate coordination polymer consisting of two ligands. Thanks to the comparable rates between the reactions and self‐assembly, the compositions of the assemblies change continuously with time, resulting in a highly dynamic assembly process and spatially inhomogeneous structure that are very common in life systems but cannot be easily obtained with one‐pot artificial methods.
An index reflecting mesoscale vortex–vortex interaction and its diagnostic applications for rainstorm area
Authors: Chen Yongren , Li Yueqing , Kang Lan
Published: April 2019

The Tibetan Plateau Vortex (TPV) and Southwest China Vortex (SWCV) are important precipitation systems of the upper reaches of the Yangtze River in China in the warm half year (May–October). Sometimes, the vortices both move towards the Sichuan Basin, and encounter one other to merge into a deep vortex that induces mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) and heavy rainfall. In this paper, a formula for the depth of the positive vorticity column (PVC) in two extreme rainstorm events was constructed to reveal the dynamical characteristics of TPV–SWCV interaction. The results showed that: (a) One feature of TPV–SWCV interaction was to form a deep vortex with very deep positive vorticity in the vertical direction, and the occurrence of extreme rainstorms was closely related to the deep vortex. (b) The PVC depth can describe the thickness features of the deep vortex well: MCSs with low brightness temperature were observed in the area of >2 × 102 hPa PVC depth, and their frequent activities were the direct reason for the occurrence of extreme rainstorms. (c) The rainstorm areas were basically consistent with the area of large PVC depth, especially the area of 5–7 × 102 hPa PVC depth where 24‐hr accumulated precipitation reached 100 mm or more. The study indicates that the PVC depth can reflect the development of vortices in the vertical direction, and has the potential to be a valuable index for diagnosing heavy rainfall area.
Improved Outcomes Associated with the use of Shock Protocols: Updates from the National Cardiogenic Shock Initiative
Authors: Basir Mir B. , Kapur Navin K. , Patel Kirit , Salam Murad A. , Schreiber Theodore , Kaki Amir , Hanson Ivan , Almany Steve , Timmis Steve , Dixon Simon , Kolski Brian , Todd Josh , Senter Shaun , Marso Steven , Lasorda David , Wilkins Charles , Lalonde Thomas , Attallah Antonious , Larkin Timothy , Dupont Allison , Marshall Jeffrey , Patel Nainesh , Overly Tjuan , Green Michael , Tehrani Behnam , Truesdell Alexander G. , Sharma Rahul , Akhtar Yasir , McRae Thomas , O'Neill Brian , Finley John , Rahman Ayaz , Foster Malcolm , Askari Raza , Goldsweig Andrew , Martin Scott , Bharadwaj Aditya , Khuddus Matheen , Caputo Christopher , Korpas Denes , Cawich Ian , McAllister David , Blank Nimrod , Alraies M. Chadi , Fisher Ruth , Khandelwal Akshay , Alaswad Khaldoon , Lemor Alejandro , Johnson Tyrell , Hacala Michael , O'Neill William W. ,   on behalf of the National Cardiogenic Shock Initiative Investigators
Published: April 2019

Background

The National Cardiogenic Shock Initiative is a single‐arm, prospective, multicenter study to assess outcomes associated with early mechanical circulatory support (MCS) in patients presenting with acute myocardial infarction and cardiogenic shock (AMICS) treated with percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Methods

Between July 2016 and February 2019, 35 sites participated and enrolled into the study. All centers agreed to treat patients with AMICS using a standard protocol emphasizing invasive hemodynamic monitoring and rapid initiation of MCS. Inclusion and exclusion criteria mimicked those of the “SHOCK” trial with an additional exclusion criteria of intra‐aortic balloon pump counter‐pulsation prior to MCS.

Results

A total of 171 consecutive patients were enrolled. Patients had an average age of 63 years, 77% were male, and 68% were admitted with AMICS. About 83% of patients were on vasopressors or inotropes, 20% had a witnessed out of hospital cardiac arrest, 29% had in‐hospital cardiac arrest, and 10% were under active cardiopulmonary resuscitation during MCS implantation. In accordance with the protocol, 74% of patients had MCS implanted prior to PCI. Right heart catheterization was performed in 92%. About 78% of patients presented with ST‐elevation myocardial infarction with average door to support times of 85 ± 63 min and door to balloon times of 87 ± 58 min.

Survival to discharge was 72%. Creatinine ≥2, lactate >4, cardiac power output (CPO) <0.6 W, and age ≥ 70 years were predictors of mortality. Lactate and CPO measurements at 12–24 hr reliably predicted overall mortality postindex procedure.

Conclusion

In contemporary practice, use of a shock protocol emphasizing best practices is associated with improved outcomes.
Myocardial fibrosis and MitraClip: Does it even matter?
Authors: Shatila Wassim , Krajcer Zvonimir
Published: April 2019

Key Points

Preprocedural myocardial fibrosis as identified by magnetic resonance imaging correlates with worse outcomes after MitraClip placement.

Post‐MitraClip mitral regurgitation gradient >2 or ischemic cardiomyopathy also correlates with worse outcomes.

In the literature, other variables are mentioned (e.g., severe tricuspid regurgitation, atrial fibrillation, postoperative mitral valve area and/or gradient) that correlate with worse post‐MitraClip outcomes.
Stabilization of Pd3−xIn1+x Polymorphs with Pd‐like Crystal Structure and their Superior Performance as Catalysts for Semi‐Hydrogenation of Alkynes
Authors: Johnston Shaun K. , Bryant Thomas A. , Strong Jonathan , Lazzarini Laura , Ibhadon Alex O. , Francesconi Maria Grazia
Published: April 2019

Selective hydrogenation (semi‐hydrogenation) reactions of alkynes rely on Pd‐based catalysts to provide the correct pathway to favour formation of double bonds and avoid full hydrogenation to single bonds. Here, we present the preparation and characterisation of “Pd3In”/TiO2 nanocatalysts, which show improved activity and selectivity compared to pure Pd catalysts, towards the liquid phase semi‐hydrogenation of 2‐methyl‐3‐butyn‐2‐ol (MBY) to 2‐methyl‐3‐buten‐2‐ol (MBE), a fundamental step in the preparation of pharmaceuticals, and other industrially produced substances, as well as a model reaction for the semi‐hydrogenation of alkynes. For both the supported and unsupported “Pd3In” alloys (later re‐defined as Pd3−xIn1+x), we stabilised two new cubic polymorphs with a Pd‐like structure, instead of the tetragonal structure as reported so far in the literature. The stabilisation of these new polymorphs was made possible by using a solution‐based synthesis and, thanks to the use of different solvents, the reaction was carried out at different temperatures and the Pd/In ratio could be tuned. The same synthetic approach was adapted to prepare two “Pd3In”/TiO2 catalysts by adding the TiO2 support to the reaction mixture, in a practical one‐step, one‐pot reaction. HREM and X‐Ray maps show that the cubic crystal structure of “Pd3In” is maintained when prepared in the presence of the support, however, the support seems to influence the Pd/In ratio.
Influence of Shear‐Thinning Rheology on the Mixing Dynamics in Taylor‐Couette Flow
Authors: Cagney Neil , Balabani Stavroula
Published: April 2019

Non‐Newtonian rheology can have a significant effect on mixing efficiency, which remains poorly understood. The effect of shear‐thinning rheology in a Taylor‐Couette reactor is studied using a combination of particle image velocimetry and flow visualization. Shear‐thinning is found to alter the critical Reynolds numbers for the formation of Taylor vortices and the higher‐order wavy instability, and is associated with an increase in the axial wavelength. Strong shear‐thinning and weak viscoelasticity can also lead to sudden transitions in wavelength as the Reynolds number is varied. Finally, it is shown that shear‐thinning causes an increase in the mixing time within vortices, due to a reduction in their circulation, but enhances the axial dispersion of fluid in the reactor.
A complete derivation of the Kärger equations for analyzing NMR diffusion measurements of exchanging systems
Authors: Wijesekera Dj , Stait‐Gardner Timothy , Gupta Abhishek , Chen Johnny , Zheng Gang , Torres Allan M. , Price William S.
Published: April 2019

The use of NMR methods to quantitatively determine association/dissociation constants in biological and chemical systems (eg, drug binding/protein–ligand interactions) is long established. Among these, NMR diffusion‐based techniques are increasingly prominent. In this article, the Kärger equations, used for analyzing NMR diffusion‐based measurements of exchange, are derived from first principles and then solved in detail for the case of a two‐site freely diffusing system under simplifying assumptions that the chemical shift and the relaxation in both sites are the same. Care is taken to clarify the connections between the experimental variables and the parameters of the Kärger equations.
Novel disposable cell block processing device and method for high cellular yield
Authors: Saqi Anjali , Yeager Keith J.
Published: April 2019

Background

Cell blocks represent one of several cytology preparations, and play a significant role in providing tissue for ancillary studies, including immunohistochemistry and molecular testing. To the authors’ knowledge, there currently is no standardized cell block processing method, and cellular yield often is suboptimal. To overcome the shortcomings of available methods, the authors developed a novel disposable cell block device, XCellent, that uses centrifugation to collect cells into a sample chamber. The sample chamber contains and protects the specimen during tissue processing and also is embedded and sectioned. The primary objectives of the current study were to compare cellular yield, cytomorphological detail, and processing times of HistoGel and XCellent.

Methods

Split sample testing of primarily fluid specimens was performed. Group 1 comprised large‐volume and/or cloudy fluids and group 2 was residual samples in PreservCyt solution. Two cell blocks, 1 HistoGel cell block and 1 XCellent cell block, were processed from each sample. Cellularity was assessed using computerized image analysis and cytomorphology from 1+ to 3+. Processing times for 16 cell blocks also were recorded.

Results

A total of 50 cell blocks (25 HistoGel samples and 25 XCellent samples) were prepared. On average, cell blocks prepared using XCellent were 371% more cellular than those prepared with HistoGel and had better cytomorphology. Less preparation time was required for bulk processing of XCellent cell blocks (11 minutes) compared with the same quantity of bulk processed using HistoGel (38 minutes).

Conclusions

XCellent provides an alternative cell block processing technique that offers high cellular yield and cytomorphology. In addition, the method uses the standard centrifugation process, which integrates into the existing cytology laboratory workflow.
Programmed cell death ligand 1 expression in cytologic and surgical non–small cell lung carcinoma specimens from a single institution: Association with clinicopathologic features and molecular alterations
Authors: Mei Ping , Shilo Konstantin , Wei Lai , Shen Rulong , Tonkovich Dena , Li Zaibo
Published: April 2019

Background

Programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD‐L1) expression by the 22C3 pharmDx companion assay has been validated in surgical specimens to support pembrolizumab treatment decisions for patients with non–small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). The aims of this study were 1) to assess the adequacy of cytologic specimens for PD‐L1 evaluation and 2) to explore correlations of PD‐L1 expression with clinicopathologic and molecular features.

Methods

The study cohort included 100 cytology specimens (fluid [n = 28] and fine‐needle aspiration [n = 72]) and 165 surgical specimens (biopsy [n = 138] and resection [n = 27]). The PD‐L1 immunohistochemistry 22C3 assay and staining assessment were performed according to the manufacturer's instructions. PD‐L1 expression was correlated with patients' demographics, pathologic characteristics, and molecular alterations.

Results

One hundred forty‐two specimens (53.6%) were positive for PD‐L1 expression (≥1%). No statistically significant difference in PD‐L1 expression was identified between cytologic (56.0%) and surgical specimens (52.1%). Seventy‐four of 190 tested cases (38.9%) had genetic alterations. PD‐L1 positivity was significantly more prevalent in cases with genetic alterations than in cases without genetic alterations. Furthermore, both PD‐L1 positivity and high PD‐L1 expression (≥50%) had statistically significant associations with Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS) mutations. PD‐L1 expression had no significant association with histologic phenotypes or other clinicopathologic features.

Conclusions

The data indicate that cytologic specimens are comparable to surgical specimens for PD‐L1 evaluation. The association of PD‐L1 expression with KRAS mutations may have clinical relevance in selecting patients with NSCLC for immunotherapy.
Modeling the failures of power‐aware data centers by leveraging heat recirculation
Authors: Feng Hao , Deng Yuhui , Yu Liang
Published: April 2019

With the explosive growth of data, hundreds of thousands of servers may be contained in a single data center. Hence, node failures are unavoidable and generally negatively effects the performance of the whole data center. Additionally, data centers with a large number of nodes will cause plenty of energy consumption. Many existing task scheduling techniques can effectively reduce the power consumption in data centers by considering heat recirculation. However, the traditional techniques do not take the situation of node failures into account. This paper proposes an airflow‐based failure model for data centers by leveraging heat recirculation. In this model, the spatial distribution and time distribution of failures are considered. Furthermore, a genetic algorithm (GA) and a simulated annealing algorithm (SA) are implemented to evaluate the proposed failure model. Because the positions of node failures have a significant impact on the heat recirculation and the energy consumption of data centers, failures with different positions are analyzed and evaluated. The experimental results demonstrate that the energy consumption of data centers can be significantly reduced by using the GA and SA algorithms for task scheduling based on the proposed failure model.
Congestion‐aware HTTP adaptive streaming system over SDN‐enabled Wi‐Fi network
Authors: Noh Hyunmin , Lee Hwanwook , Go Yunmin , Park Hyun , Lee Jongman , Kim Jaewoo , Song Hwangjun
Published: April 2019

This paper proposes a novel congestion‐aware HTTP adaptive streaming (HAS) system to improve video quality of clients over software‐defined network (SDN)–enabled Wi‐Fi network. The proposed system employs SDN technology to efficiently control the network resources and video quality over the competing Wi‐Fi network. In the proposed system, an SDN‐enabled access point (AP) can monitor the streaming status of clients, such as the buffered playback time and information of requested segments. An SDN controller collects not only the streaming status of clients but also the Wi‐Fi network conditions from the AP using OpenFlow. Additionally, when a congestion is going to occur, it determines the segment bitrate of each client to provide seamless and high‐quality streaming services. The proposed system is fully implemented using open‐source programs, such as ONOS and hostapd, and is examined in a real Wi‐Fi network. The experimental results verify that the proposed system can provide seamless and high‐quality HAS services for the clients compared with existing systems.
Digital Droplet PCR for Monitoring Tissue‐Specific Cell Death Using DNA Methylation Patterns of Circulating Cell‐Free DNA
Authors: Shemer Ruth , Magenheim Judith , Dor Yuval
Published: April 2019

Cell death involves the release of short DNA fragments into blood, termed circulating cell‐free DNA (cfDNA). Sequencing of cfDNA in the plasma has recently emerged as a liquid biopsy for detecting fetal chromosomal aberrations, tumor DNA, and graft rejection. However, in cases where cfDNA is derived from tissues with a normal genome, its primary sequence is not informative regarding the tissue of origin. We developed a method of determining the tissue origins of cfDNA, allowing inference of tissue‐specific cell death, based on tissue‐specific methylation patterns. We have previously described a version of the method that uses next generation sequencing (NGS) to determine methylation patterns in specific marker loci. Here we describe a rapid and simple procedure for cfDNA methylation analysis using droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) on bisulfite treated cfDNA to accurately count the number of molecules carrying a specific methylation signature. Specificity and sensitivity of the assay increases by simultaneously interrogating four to six cytosines in the same molecule using two fluorescent probes. cfDNA methylation analysis using ddPCR can find multiple applications in the non‐invasive study of human tissue dynamics in health and disease. © 2019 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Photo‐Supercapacitors Based on Third‐Generation Solar Cells
Authors: Meng Hongguang , Pang Shuping , Cui Guanglei
Published: April 2019

Photopowered energy systems (PPESs), which simultaneously achieve power conversion and energy storage, are one of the most promising auxiliaries to fulfill the giant and diversified power demand in modern society. Devices with a low cost, wearable, compact structure and the potential to add a variety of features (such as photochromic, flexible, textile, and wearable) have received extensive research attention. Photo‐supercapacitors are becoming one of the most extensively researched PPESs due to their ease of fabrication, mitigation of solar irradiation discontinuities, and the promotion of renewable energy utilization, and these devices have been fabricated with different combinations of photovoltage devices and energy‐storage technologies. This review summarizes the development of photo‐supercapacitors that integrate third‐generation solar cells and supercapacitors, with a focus on materials alignment, performance, structure design, and application. Finally, current challenges, possible solutions, and future perspectives are discussed.
Experiment on the electromagnetic radiation excited in an electron beam‐ion channel system
Authors: Yang Shengpeng , Xia Yuxi , Tang Changjian , Chen Shaoyong , Cheng Jun , Wang Zhanliang , Gong Yubin
Published: April 2019

An experimental study on electromagnetic (EM) radiation in an electron beam‐ion channel system is reported, which indicates the same result predicted by our previous theory. The system is formed in an arc plasma jet with a plasma density of 1017m−3, and the electron beam is driven by a voltage pulse of 20 kV. The result shows that the system can excite EM radiation in the range of the plasma frequency. The scheme is also hopeful to be used for generating high‐frequency and wide‐band EM radiation up to terahertz by enhancing the plasma density.
cis‐Regulatory analysis for later phase of anterior neuroectoderm‐specific foxQ2 expression in sea urchin embryos
Authors: Yamazaki Atsuko , Yamamoto Akane , Yaguchi Junko , Yaguchi Shunsuke
Published: April 2019

The specification of anterior neuroectoderm is controlled by a highly conserved molecular mechanism in bilaterians. A forkhead family gene, foxQ2, is known to be one of the pivotal regulators, which is zygotically expressed in this region during embryogenesis of a broad range of bilaterians. However, what controls the expression of this essential factor has remained unclear to date. To reveal the regulatory mechanism of foxQ2, we performed cis‐regulatory analysis of two foxQ2 genes, foxQ2a and foxQ2b, in a sea urchin Hemicentrotus pulcherrimus. In sea urchin embryos, foxQ2 is initially expressed in the entire animal hemisphere and subsequently shows narrower expression restricted to the anterior pole region. In this study, as a first step to understand the foxQ2 regulation, we focused on the later restricted expression and analyzed the upstream cis‐regulatory sequences of foxQ2a and foxQ2b by using the constructs fused to short half‐life green fluorescent protein. Based on deletion and mutation analyses of both foxQ2, we identified each of the five regulatory sequences, which were 4–9 bp long. Neither of the regulatory sequences contains any motifs for ectopic activation or spatial repression, suggesting that later mRNA localization is regulated in situ. We also suggest that the three amino acid loop extension‐class homeobox gene Meis is involved in the maintenance of foxQ2b, the expression of which is dominant during embryogenesis.
Exploring the reciprocal relationships between adolescents' perceptions of parental and peer attachment and disordered eating: A multiwave cross‐lagged panel analysis
Authors: Cortés‐García Laura , Hoffmann Svenja , Warschburger Petra , Senra Carmen
Published: April 2019

Objective

This prospective study explored bidirectional associations between attachment quality towards mother, father, and peers and disordered eating among a large population‐based sample of boys and girls in the transition from preadolescence to adolescence. Specifically, we examined whether insecure attachment relationships emerged as a risk factor for or as an outcome of disordered eating.

Method

A population‐based sample of 904 adolescent girls and boys was assessed four times, at baseline (T1; Mage = 10.8 years) and at 2‐, 4‐, and 6‐year follow‐up (T2, T3, and T4). Prospective data were analyzed using cross‐lagged panel models for each attachment figure (i.e., mother, father, peers) in a multigroup design to compare genders.

Results

Better attachment to the mother led to less pronounced disturbed eating in girls across the entire age range and in boys across two time periods. In girls, more pronounced disordered eating at T3 predicted worse attachment to the mother at T4 and better attachment to the father at T1 predicted less disturbed eating at T2. In boys, disordered eating at T1 predicted better attachment to the father at T2. Concerning peer attachment, better attachment at T1 predicted disordered eating at T2, in boys only. No other significant cross‐lagged effects emerged.

Discussion

These findings highlight the differential and gender‐specific contribution of attachment figures to the development of disordered eating in adolescence. Programs aimed at improving communication and trust in the relationship with parents might be promising in the prevention of disordered eating and the subsequent deterioration of parent–child attachment relationships.
A pre‐Miocene Irano‐Turanian cradle: Origin and diversification of the species‐rich monocot genus Gagea (Liliaceae)
Authors: Peterson Angela , Harpke Dörte , Peterson Jens , Harpke Alexander , Peruzzi Lorenzo
Published: April 2019

The Irano‐Turanian (IT) floristic region is considered an important center of origin for many taxa. However, there is a lack of studies dealing with typical IT genera that also occur in neighboring areas. The species‐rich monocot genus Gagea Salisb. shows a center of diversity in IT region and a distribution in adjacent regions, therefore representing a good study object to investigate spatial and temporal relationships among IT region and its neighboring areas (East Asia, Euro‐Siberia, Himalaya, and Mediterranean). We aimed at (a) testing the origin of the genus and of its major lineages in the IT region, (b) reconstructing divergence times, and (c) reconstructing colonization events. To address these problems, sequences of the ribosomal DNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of 418 individuals and chloroplast intergenic spacers sequences (psbA‐trnH, trnL‐trnF) of 497 individuals, representing 116 species from all sections of the genus and nearly its entire distribution area were analyzed. Divergence times were estimated under a random molecular clock based on nrITS phylogeny, which was the most complete data set regarding the representation of species and distribution areas. Ancestral distribution ranges were estimated for the nrITS data set as well as for a combined data set, revealing that Gagea most likely originated in southwestern Asia. This genus first diversified there starting in the Early Miocene. In the Middle Miocene, Gagea migrated to the Mediterranean and to East Asia, while migration into Euro‐Siberia took place in the Late Miocene. During the Pleistocene, the Arctic was colonized and Gagea serotina, the most widespread species, reached North America. The Mediterranean basin was colonized multiple times from southwestern Asia or Euro‐Siberia. Most of the currently existing species originated during the last 3 Ma.
Strong patterns of intraspecific variation and local adaptation in Great Basin plants revealed through a review of 75 years of experiments
Authors: Baughman Owen W. , Agneray Alison C. , Forister Matthew L. , Kilkenny Francis F. , Espeland Erin K. , Fiegener Rob , Horning Matthew E. , Johnson Richard C. , Kaye Thomas N. , Ott Jeff , St. Clair John Bradley , Leger Elizabeth A.
Published: April 2019

Variation in natural selection across heterogeneous landscapes often produces (a) among‐population differences in phenotypic traits, (b) trait‐by‐environment associations, and (c) higher fitness of local populations. Using a broad literature review of common garden studies published between 1941 and 2017, we documented the commonness of these three signatures in plants native to North America's Great Basin, an area of extensive restoration and revegetation efforts, and asked which traits and environmental variables were involved. We also asked, independent of geographic distance, whether populations from more similar environments had more similar traits. From 327 experiments testing 121 taxa in 170 studies, we found 95.1% of 305 experiments reported among‐population differences, and 81.4% of 161 experiments reported trait‐by‐environment associations. Locals showed greater survival in 67% of 24 reciprocal experiments that reported survival, and higher fitness in 90% of 10 reciprocal experiments that reported reproductive output. A meta‐analysis on a subset of studies found that variation in eight commonly measured traits was associated with mean annual precipitation and mean annual temperature at the source location, with notably strong relationships for flowering phenology, leaf size, and survival, among others. Although the Great Basin is sometimes perceived as a region of homogeneous ecosystems, our results demonstrate widespread habitat‐related population differentiation and local adaptation. Locally sourced plants likely harbor adaptations at rates and magnitudes that are immediately relevant to restoration success, and our results suggest that certain key traits and environmental variables should be prioritized in future assessments of plants in this region.
Fatty Acid Composition and Lipid Profile of Oral/Enteral Nutrition Supplements Available on the Brazilian Market
Authors: Neia Vanessa Javera Castanheira , da Silva dos Santos Patrícia Daniele , Galuch Marília Bellanda , dos Santos Pizzo Jessica , Ito Adriela Albino Rydlewski , Santos Oscar Oliveira , Visentainer Jeane Eliete Laguila , Visentainer Jesuí Vergílio
Published: April 2019

Oral/enteral nutrition supplements enriched with fish oil are widely used for the recovery of the nutritional status of hospitalized patients, due to the omega‐3 fatty acids content. However, they are targets of adulteration. This study evaluates the lipid quality of five brands of oral/enteral nutrition supplements incorporated with fish oil, available on the Brazilian market (Brazil, Holland, and Germany). The fatty acids are quantified by gas chromatography–flame ionization detection, and the lipid profile is acquired by direct electrospray ionization–mass spectrometry, to assess how fatty acids are present in those samples. The eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) contents found ranged from 1.54 to 19.36% and 4.34 to 27.29%, respectively, in the form of triacylglycerols. However, brand 1 presents the lowest levels of EPA + DHA in its lipid composition, and in three brands, the addition of medium chain triglycerides is identified. The lipid quality assessment of these supplements allows an informed choice of appropriate supplements for the nutritional support of patients.

Practical Applications: The study highlights and provides information of the lipid composition and fatty acids of oral/enteral nutrition supplements enriched with fish oil, indicated for malnourished patients. The findings allow health professionals to make a more informed choice of oral/enteral nutrition for the adequate treatment of patients.

Fatty acids of five brands of oral/enteral nutrition supplements enriched with fish oil and available on the Brazilian marketare quantified by gas chromatography–flame ionization detection, and the lipid profile is acquired by electrospray ionization–mass spectrometry. No lipid pattern among the samples is identified.