bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Potential use of thermal energy storage for shifting cooling and heating load to off‐peak load: A case study for residential building in Canada
Authors: Erdemir Dogan , Dincer Ibrahim
Published: December 2019

This study presents an investigation of the potential use of thermal energy storage for shifting cooling and heating loads to off‐peak hours in order to balance the electricity production and demand periods. In Canada, the main energy source for cooling and heating applications is generally electricity. Therefore, cooling and heating devices have a great impact on the electricity peak load. In this study, it is considered that heating and cooling loads on the electricity peak load periods are shifted to off‐peak hours by thermal energy storage systems. At the end of this study, it is observed that the thermal energy storage has great potential for shifting electricity peak load depending on cooling and heating load to off‐peak periods. The electricity peak loads can be reduced by 25% and 45% by shifting heating and cooling loads to off‐peak hours and doing storage. Furthermore, the thermal energy storage systems can help reduce both cooling and heating costs in Canadian dwellings by 20% and 18%, respectively.
Models based on mechanical stress, initial stress, voltage, current, and applied stress for Li‐ion batteries during different rates of discharge
Authors: Cui Xujian , Kam Shi Khai , Chin Christina May May , Chen Jihong , Babu Chitti , Peng Xiongbin
Published: December 2019

The most important criteria for any energy storage system such as the Li‐ion batteries are its capacity fading or the state of health (SOH). In real time, the parameters such as voltage, current cannot be used to predict SOH because these are not taken into account the self‐discharge. This article proposes experimental combined numerical methodology for studying coupled stress‐electrochemical performance of Li‐ion batteries. The work aims to evaluate and predict the SOH of lithium‐ion batteries based on mechanical stress, number of charging cycles, and induced load. Experiments are conducted to measure data corresponding to capacity, initial stress, and applied stress. Artificial neural networks are then applied in formulation of predictive models based on initial stress, stack stress, charging voltage, and discharging voltage. A neural net was successfully trained that managed to achieve correlation coefficient (prediction accuracy) of 0.9909 for capacity and 0.7260 for cycle number. This research was able to identify an ideal network configuration, predicting cycle number, and remaining capacity of a battery after multiple charges, trained from the given data values.
Study of flame‐retarded silicone rubber with ceramifiable property
Authors: Li Zhixi , Liang Wenjuan , Shan Yifei , Wang Xiaoxiao , Yang Kun , Cui Yongyan
Published: December 2019

Fire‐resistant ceramifiable silicone rubber composites with excellent comprehensive property were prepared in this paper. Silicone rubber was used as the base polymer, aluminum hydroxide, magnesium hydroxide, zinc borate, and glass frits were additives. The flammability and thermal stability properties, essentially focusing on the use of the limiting oxygen index and thermogravimetric analysis, were all studied. Besides, the ceramic residues were also studied by mechanical testing, scanning electron microscopy, and X‐ray diffraction. The ceramifying silicone rubber could achieve a limiting oxygen index value of 34.8%, and the flexural strength of ceramic residues formed at 800°C was 9.7 MPa. The residue of composites was approximately 58.6% at 700°C, which is significantly higher than that of neat silicone rubber. The scanning electron microscopy analysis depicted that a dense structure was formed as formed.
Preparation and odor characteristics of methylthiomethyl carboxylates
Authors: Wang Qiyi , Ding Rui , Huang Shuai , Liu Yongguo , Sun Baoguo , Tian Hongyu
Published: December 2019

Sixteen methylthiomethyl esters were prepared by the reactions of carboxylic acids with dimethyl sulfoxide and oxalyl chloride. The reactions were carried out at a low temperature by Pummerer rearrangement to produce the esters in 82‐94% yields. The odor characteristics of the esters obtained were evaluated by GC‐MS‐O and most of them possessed pleasant fruity odors.
Defining Applied Learning and Related Student Outcomes in Higher Education
Authors: Jach Elizabeth A. , Trolian Teniell L.
Published: December 2019

This chapter defines applied learning and considers related student outcomes.
Reflection, Integration, Application: Intentional Design Strategies for Senior Capstone Experiences
Authors: Henscheid Jean M. , Skipper Tracy L. , Young Dallin George
Published: December 2019

This chapter examines how senior capstone experiences can be intentionally designed and delivered to provide structured opportunities for reflection, integration, and applied learning, giving students an opportunity to recognize the kinds of learners, thinkers, and doers they have become through the sum total of their educational experiences.
Applied Learning in Higher Education: Conclusions and Recommendations for Institutional Leadership
Authors: Trolian Teniell L. , Jach Elizabeth A.
Published: December 2019

This chapter reviews applied learning and related student outcomes and considers applied learning in the context of the purpose of higher education.
Comparing postoperative outcomes after free flap surgery in a specialty step‐down unit vs nonspecialty intensive care unit
Authors: Yang Shiayin F. , Adams William , Lazzara Gina E. , Thorpe Eric J. , Pittman Amy L.
Published: December 2019

Background

To determine if there was a difference in postoperative outcomes of head and neck free flap reconstruction patients treated in a specialty step‐down unit compared to a nonspecialty intensive care unit (ICU).

Methods

A retrospective review was performed of all patients who underwent free flap reconstruction for head and neck defects from 2014 to 2017 at Loyola University Medical Center. Patients managed postoperatively in the ICU were compared to patients managed in a specialty step‐down unit. Postoperative outcomes, length of stay, and readmission were compared.

Results

Three hundred and five patients were included in the study. Patients managed postoperatively in the specialty step‐down unit had comparable rates of postoperative complications and flap failure as ICU patients. Step‐down patients had significantly shorter lengths of stay (Mdn = 5 days, IQR = 5‐7 days) than patients in the ICU (Mdn = 6 days, IQR = 5‐6 days; P < .001).
CD34 cells in somatic, regenerative and cancer stem cells: Developmental biology, cell therapy, and omics big data perspective
Authors: Kapoor Saketh , Shenoy Sudheer P. , Bose Bipasha
Published: December 2019

The transmembrane phosphoglycoprotein protein CD34 has conventionally been regarded as a marker for hematopoietic progenitors. Its expression on these cells has been leveraged for cell therapy applications in various hematological disorders. More recently, the expression of CD34 has also been reported on cells of nonhematopoietic origin. The list includes somatic cells such as endothelial cells, fibrocytes and interstitial cells and regenerative stem cells such as corneal keratocytes, muscle satellite cells, and muscle‐derived stem cells. Furthermore, its expression on some cancer stem cells (CSCs) has also been reported. Till date, the functional roles of this molecule have been implicated in a multitude of cellular processes including cell adhesion, signal transduction, and maintenance of progenitor phenotype. However, the complete understanding about this molecule including its developmental origins, its embryonic connection, and associated functions is far from complete. Here, we review our present understanding of the structure and putative functions of the CD34 molecule based upon our literature survey. We also probed various biological databases to retrieve data related to the expression and associated molecular functions of CD34. Such information, upon synthesis, is hence likely to provide the suitability of such cells for cell therapy. Moreover, we have also covered the existing cell therapy and speculated cell therapy applications of CD34+ cells isolated from various lineages. We have also attempted here to speculate the role(s) of CD34 on CSCs. Finally, we discuss number of large‐scale proteomics and transcriptomics studies that have been performed using CD34+ cells.
Integrating high‐throughput microRNA and mRNA expression data to identify risk mRNA signature for pancreatic cancer prognosis
Authors: Wang Ping , Li Weidong , Zhai Bo , Jiang Xian , Jiang Hongchi , Zhang Chunlong , Sun Xueying
Published: December 2019

Pancreatic cancer is a malignancy of the digestive system characterized by poor prognosis. A number of prognostic messenger RNA (mRNA) signatures have been identified by using the high‐throughput expression profiles. MicroRNAs (miRNA) play a critical role in regulating multiple cellular functions. However, no such integrated analysis of miRNAs and mRNAs for studying the prognostic mechanisms of pancreatic cancer has been reported. In this study, we first identified prognostic mRNAs and miRNAs based on The Cancer Genome Atlas datasets, and then performed an enrichment analysis to explore the underlying biological mechanisms involved in pancreatic cancer prognosis at the mRNA level. Furthermore, we performed an integrated analysis of mRNAs and miRNAs to identify prognostic subpathways, which were closely associated with pancreatic cancer genes and tumor hallmarks and involved in hypoxia, oxidative phosphyorylation and xenobiotic metabolisms. Meanwhile, we performed a random walk algorithm based on global network, prognostic mRNAs and miRNAs, and identified top risk mRNAs as the prognostic signature. Finally, an independent testing set was used to confirm the predictive power of the top mRNA signature, and most of these genes involved were known oncogenes. In conclusion, we performed a series of integrated analyses by comprehensively exploring pancreatic cancer prognosis and systematically optimized the prognostic signature for clinical use.
Prognostic implication and functional annotations of Rad50 expression in patients with prostate cancer
Authors: Xu Wen‐Hao , Wang Jun , Sheng Hao‐Yue , Qu Yuan‐Yuan , Wang Hong‐Kai , Zhu Yu , Shi Guo‐Hai , Zhang Hai‐Liang , Ye Ding‐Wei
Published: December 2019

Increasing evidence has shown that Rad50, a protein involved in the DNA damage repair process, significantly correlated with tumor prognosis. This study focused on Rad50 expression in tumor samples and its prognostic value for patients with prostate cancer (PCa). In this study, significantly elevated Rad50 expression in PCa tissues compared to normal tissues (P < .01). Five independent Oncomine databases validated significant differential expression of Rad50 (P < .001). Hence, 80 patients with PCa from Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center (FUSCC) and 351 patients with PCa with available protein expression data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) were included to investigate the survival benefit. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed to investigate the significance of clinicopathological factors on disease‐free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). Kaplan‐Meier analysis indicated that elevated Rad50 protein expression levels significantly correlated with unfavorable DFS (P = .005) in the FUSCC cohort and poorer OS (P = .04) in TCGA cohort. Furthermore, coregulation analysis of proteins indicated that 76 coregulated proteins were associated with Rad50, while 11 most highly involved hub proteins, including Rad50, MRE11A, DUT, POLR3A, MCM3AP, RECQL, PNPT1, RANBP3, DDX1, SNRPB, and UGN, were significantly coregulated in the protein‐protein interaction network. Functional enrichment analysis consecutively indicated significant functions and signaling pathways including DNA replication, spliceosome, DNA geometric change, homologous recombination, and G2M checkpoint. This study first reveals that elevated Rad50 expression is significantly associated with aggressive progression and poor survival for patients with PCa. Together, these data suggest that Rad50 may act as an oncoprotein, guide the molecular diagnosis, and may shed light on novel individual therapeutic strategies for progressive PCa patients.
Systematic analysis of survival‐associated alternative splicing signatures in clear cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Chen Tao , Zheng Wenzhong , Chen Jianbo , Lin Shouren , Zou Zihao , Li Xianxin , Tan Zhengling
Published: December 2019

Alternative splicing (AS) constitutes a major reason for messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein diversity. Increasing studies have shown a link to splicing dysfunction associated with malignant neoplasia. Systematic analysis of AS events in kidney cancer remains poorly reported. Therefore, we generated AS profiles in 533 kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC) patients in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database using RNA‐seq data. Then, prognostic models were developed in a primary cohort (N = 351) and validated in a validation cohort (N = 182). In addition, splicing networks were built by integrating bioinformatics analyses. A total of 11 268 and 8083 AS variants were significantly associated with patient overall survival time in the primary and validation KIRC cohorts, respectively, including STAT1, DAZAP1, IDS, NUDT7, and KLHDC4. The AS events in the primary KIRC cohorts served as candidate AS events to screen the independent risk factors associated with survival in the primary cohort and to develop prognostic models. The area under the curve of the receiver‐operator characteristic curve for prognostic prediction in the primary and validation KIRC cohorts was 0.84 and 0.82 at 2500 days of overall survival, respectively. In addition, splicing correlation networks revealed key splicing factors (SFs) in KIRC, such as HNRNPH1, HNRNPU, KHDBS1, KHDBS3, SRSF9, RBMX, SFQ, SRP54, HNRNPA0, and SRSF6. In this study, we analyzed the AS landscape in the TCGA KIRC cohort and detected predictors (prognostic) based on AS variants with high performance for risk stratification of the KIRC cohort and revealed key SFs in splicing networks, which could act as underlying mechanisms.
Protective effect of cholecystokinin octapeptide on angiotensin II‐induced apoptosis in H9c2 cardiomyoblast cells
Authors: Wang Can , Yu Huan , Wei Limu , Zhang Jingqi , Hong Mingyang , Chen Lin , Dong Xiaoying , Fu Lu
Published: December 2019

Cholecystokinin (CCK) and its receptors are expressed in mammalian cardiomyocytes and are involved in cardiovascular system regulation; however, the exact effect and underlying mechanism of CCK in cardiomyocyte apoptosis remain to be elucidated. We examined whether sulfated CCK octapeptide (CCK‐8) protects H9c2 cardiomyoblast cells against angiotensin II (Ang II)‐induced apoptosis. The H9c2 cardiomyoblasts were subjected to Ang II with or without CCK‐8 and the viability and apoptotic rate were detected using a Cell Counting Kit‐8 assay, Hoechst 33342 staining, terminal deoxyribonucleotide transferase‐mediated nick‐end labeling assays, and flow cytometry. In addition, specific antiapoptotic mechanisms of CCK‐8 were investigated using specific CCK1 (Devazepide) or CCK2 (L365260) receptor antagonists, or the PI3K inhibitor LY294002. The expression of CCK, CCK1 receptor, CCK2 receptor, Akt, p‐Akt, Bad, p‐Bad, Bax, Bcl‐2, and caspase‐3 were detected by Western blot analysis and real‐time polymerase chain reaction. We found that CCK and its receptor messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein are expressed in H9c2 cardiomyoblasts. Ang II‐induced increased levels of CCK mRNA and protein expression and decreased levels of CCK1 receptor protein and mRNA. Pretreatment of CCK‐8 attenuated Ang II‐induced cell toxicity and apoptosis. In addition, pretreatment of H9c2 cells with CCK‐8 markedly induced expression of p‐Akt, p‐bad, and Bcl‐2 and decreased the expression levels of Bax and caspase‐3. The protective effects of CCK‐8 were partly abolished by Devazepide or LY294002. Our results suggest that CCK‐8 protects H9c2 cardiomyoblasts from Ang II‐induced apoptosis partly via activation of the CCK1 receptor and the phosphatidyqinositol‐3 kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) signaling pathway.
Synthesis, characterization, and dyeing performance of some azo thienopyridine and thienopyrimidine dyes based on wool and nylon
Authors: Regal Mohsen K. A. , Rafat El‐Hady , El‐Sattar Nour E. A. Abd
Published: December 2019

A string of novel heterocyclic mono azo dyes were synthesized and their utilization in dyeing different fabrics as wool and nylon were discussed. Thienopyridine azo dyes 4 and 6were prepared by reaction of chloro acetamidederivative 2 with diamino compounds to yield 3 and 5, followed by reaction with NaNO2/HCl and coupling with nucleophilic reagent. One‐pot reaction of chloro acetamide 2 with ammonium thiocyanat in solvent ethanol gave the unexpected thienopyrimidine derivative 7, which contain two active sites, the former is primary amine that was able to form diazonium salt that coupled with N,N‐dimethylaniline, resorcinol, and/or self‐coupling to afford the azo dyes 8‐10, and the latter is active methylene group that underwent coupling with different diazonium salts to give the azo thienopyrimidine derivative dye 11‐15. The dyeing performance of these azo dyes had been investigated in terms of their dyeing behavior and fastness properties on different fabrics. Results showed that the color strength (K/S) values, as well as, washing, rubbing, and resistance to acid, alkali and light showed high efficiency of these heterocyclic mono azo dyes to dye wool rather than nylon fibers.
Tetrabutylammonium HPLC analysis: shortcomings in the Ph. Eur. method
Authors: Bogni Anna , Laera Luca , Cucchi Claudio , Seregni Ettore , Pascali Claudio
Published: December 2019

Tetrabutylammonium is a phase‐transfer agent commonly used in PET radiochemistry. Its toxicity makes its quantification mandatory. However, the official HPLC method for tetrabutylammonium analysis reported in the European Pharmacopoeia (Ph. Eur.) apparently fails to achieve the described separation in most new generation reverse‐phase columns. The study highlights the differences in separation achievable by varying some of the chromatographic conditions, such as temperature, eluent composition and ion‐pairing agent concentration. In the end, variations to the method within the limits allowed by the Ph. Eur. were not sufficient to overcome the problem, thus forcing to a more radical change of the organic component of the mobile phase.
Analysis of time delay between computed tomography and digital subtraction angiography on the technical success of interventional embolisation for treatment of lower gastrointestinal bleeding
Authors: Bruce Gillian , Erskine Brendan
Published: December 2019

Introduction

A retrospective study was undertaken to determine a potential relationship, based on the time delay, between a positive lower gastrointestinal bleed demonstrated on computed tomography (CT) and a positive digital subtraction angiographic (DSA) study and the impact on technical success.

Methods

This study investigated the correlation of time delays between imaging modalities and technical success with endovascular embolisation procedures over a 10‐year period.

Results

A total of 110 patient events were analysed, and it was observed that the greater the time delay between modalities (up to 7 h), the weaker the correlation between a bleed observed on CT and DSA. This was also reflected by the technical success of the embolisation treatment. Patients experienced shorter delays when the event occurred out of normal business hours, however with decreased rates of technical success.

Conclusions

There is a suggestion patients should be escalated to the angiography suite for DSA imaging as soon as possible to maximise the ability to angiographically observe acute bleeding and treat appropriately with interventional embolisation. More research in this area is required to statistically confirm this.
Mode of action of carboplatin via activating p53/miR‐145 axis in head and neck cancers
Authors: Kilic Ahsen , Barlak Neslisah , Sanli Fatma , Aytatli Abdulmelik , Capik Ozel , Karatas Omer F.
Published: December 2019

Objectives

In this study, we aimed at investigating the expressions of miR‐145 and its well‐characterized direct targets on carboplatin treatment.

Study Design

Laboratory study.

Methods

The effect of carboplatin and miR‐145 on the proliferative capacity of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cells was evaluated using Cell Viability Detection Kit‐8. Expressions of miR‐145 and its targets were evaluated using quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction on carboplatin treatment and p53 inhibition. Western blot was used to measure the levels of p53 and its acetylated versions in cells treated with carboplatin and/or pifithrin‐α.

Results

We demonstrated that carboplatin induced the expression of miR‐145 in a dose‐dependent manner and suppressed the expressions of miR‐145 direct targets. In addition, we showed that inhibition of p53 by pifithrin‐α in carboplatin‐treated cells reduced miR‐145 expression and reversed the suppression of miR‐145 direct targets.

Conclusions

Considering all these findings together, one of the proposed mechanisms of carboplatin to kill cells might be the induction of miR‐145 and deregulation of its targets in parallel, via p53 activation, which happens through carboplatin's DNA‐damaging property. To the best of our knowledge, these findings are the first to reveal the relationship between carboplatin and miR‐145 in cancer cells.

Level of Evidence

NA

Laryngoscope, 2019
What supports the deep chlorophyll maximum in acidic lakes? The role of the bacterial CO2 production in the hypolimnion
Authors: Soria‐Píriz Sara , Lara Miguel , Jiménez‐Arias Juan Luis , Papaspyrou Sokratis , Úbeda Bárbara , García‐Robledo Emilio , Bohórquez Julio , Gálvez José Ángel , Revsbech Niels Peter , Corzo Alfonso
Published: December 2019

The interactions between phytoplankton, bacteria and resources, irradiance, and nutrients, leading to the formation of deep chlorophyll maxima (DCMs), are little understood in acid lakes. In “El Sancho” reservoir (Iberian Pyritic belt, Huelva, Spain), an acid mine drainage impacted waterbody (pH 3.5–4.0), a strong DCM forms in the metalimnion during the stratification period. The DCM was located always below the 1% irradiance level, where the decreasing irradiance profile overlapped with a dissolved inorganic carbon concentration (CO2) gradient decreasing upward from the hypolimnion. The DCM was dominated by the chlorophyte Carteria sp. and showed the highest volumetric photosynthetic and dark respiration rates. The DCM, however, only contributed around 20% of water column integrated gross primary production, while it accounted for 54–66% of water column chlorophyll. The total bacterial abundance correlated significantly with the CO2 concentration (r = 0.74). To test the hypothesis of a possible dependence of the formation of the DCM in acid lakes on the production of CO2 by heterotrophic bacteria, a one‐dimensional reactive transport model (DCM‐CO2) was developed and tested. The DCM‐CO2 model simulated the vertical distribution of chlorophyll (R2 > 0.63) and the vertical profile of CO2 rather accurately (R2 > 0.79), the position of DCM depending on both light penetration and an upward flux of CO2 produced by hypolimnetic heterotrophic bacteria. Overall, the results support the hypothesis of microbial degradation of organic matter being a source of CO2 for acid lake primary producers at the DCM.
Toughening Rigid Epoxy Using Novel Potassium Silanolate Ionic Interactions
Authors: Wu Xiao , Yang Xin , Zuo Xiao‐Biao , Yu Ran , Zhao Xiao‐Juan , Zhang Ying , Huang Wei
Published: December 2019

A rigid and densely cross‐linked epoxy resin is successfully toughened by introducing novel potassium silanolate ionic interactions, exhibiting simultaneous improvement in toughness, strength, modulus, and glass transition temperature. The ionic interactions are incorporated through a simple way into epoxy cured with a novel potassium silanolate ionic groups‐containing amine curing agent. Small angle X‐ray scattering/wide angle X‐ray scattering and dynamic thermomechanical analysis results show that the ionic groups aggregated into multiplets and clusters in the prepared epoxy ionomers. The temporary physical cross‐link effect of ionic aggregates and the consequently formed chain‐restricting ionomeric nanodomains account for the stiffening and toughening performance. Furthermore, the densely cross‐linked epoxy ionomers possess high stretchability at elevated temperature (about 800% at 200 °C) due to the dynamic ion‐hopping effect.
An Ambrosetti–Prodi type result for fractional spectral problems
Authors: Ambrosio Vincenzo
Published: December 2019

We consider the following class of fractional parametric problems
where is a smooth bounded domain, , , is the fractional Dirichlet Laplacian, is a locally Lipschitz nonlinearity having linear or superlinear growth and satisfying Ambrosetti–Prodi type assumptions, , φ1 is the first eigenfunction of the Laplacian with homogenous boundary conditions, and is a bounded function. Using variational methods, we prove that there exists a such that the above problem admits at least two distinct solutions for any . We also discuss the existence of solutions for a fractional periodic Ambrosetti–Prodi type problem.
Deformations of plane curves and Jacobian syzygies
Authors: Dimca Alexandru , Sticlaru Gabriel
Published: December 2019

We relate the equianalytic and the equisingular deformations of a reduced complex plane curve to the Jacobian syzygies of its defining equation. Several examples and conjectures involving rational cuspidal curves are discussed.
Low‐cost, low‐profile and miniaturized single‐plane antenna design for an Internet of Thing device applications operating in 5G, 4G, V2X, DSRC, WiFi 6 band, WLAN, and WiMAX communication systems
Authors: Chung Ming‐An , Chang Wei‐Hsuan
Published: December 2019

An integrated multi‐band monopole antenna with three radiating strips having a compact structure to provide a double‐wideband operation in an Internet of Things (IoT) device is studied and presented. The proposed antenna is very suitable for the heterogeneous multi‐access network integration trend applications in mobile or fixed IoT devices, which can cover the 4G and 5G operating frequencies, the vehicle‐to‐everything and dedicated short range communication band from the IEEE 802.11p based wireless technology, the WiFi 6 band from the IEEE 802.11ax, the WLAN, and the WiMAX operating frequencies. The proposed antenna is manufactured on a single side of high quality FR4 substrate, which has a compact dimension of 8(L) × 8(W) × 0.8(T) mm3, and is composed of multibranch strips, namely, multiple curved shapes, L shapes to be embedded in the IoT device as an built‐in antenna. There are two operating bands designed between 2355‐5000 and 5112‐7000 MHz with well radiation efficiencies. The measured results show that the two operating bands are satisfied with reflection coefficient better than −6 dB, and total efficiencies of higher than 44% to 83%. In addition to that, the proposed antenna with multiband operation having a single side structure is simple to manufacture, low cost, low profile, and compact advantages.
Magnetic resonance imaging correlates with electrical impedance myography in facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy
Authors: Hamel Johanna , Lee Phil , Glenn Melanie D. , Burka Tekalign , Choi In‐Young , Friedman Seth D. , Shaw Dennis W. W. , McCalley Ayla , Herbelin Laura , Dimachkie Mazen M. , Lemmers Richard , van der Maarel Silvère M. , Barohn Richard J. , Tawil Rabi , Statland Jeffrey M.
Published: December 2019

Introduction

Electrical impedance myography (EIM) has been proposed as a noninvasive biomarker of muscle composition in facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD). Here we determine the associations of EIM variables with muscle structure measured by MRI.

Methods

We evaluated 20 patients with FSHD at two centers, comparing EIM measurements (resistance, reactance, and phase at 50, 100, and 211 kHZ) recorded from bilateral vastus lateralis, tibialis anterior, and medial gastrocnemius muscles to MRI skin and subcutaneous fat thickness, MRI T1‐based muscle severity score (T1 muscle score), and MRI quantitative intramuscular Dixon fat fraction (FF).

Results

While reactance and phase both correlated with FF and T1 muscle score, 50 kHz reactance was most sensitive to muscle structure alterations measured by both T1 score (ρ = −0.71, P < .001) and FF (ρ = −0.74, P < .001).

Discussion

This study establishes the correlation of EIM with structural MRI features in FSHD and supports further evaluation of EIM as a potential biomarker in FSHD clinical trials.
Limitations of 6‐minute walk test reference values for spinal muscular atrophy
Authors: Goodwin Ashley M. , Cornett Kayla M.D. , McKay Marnee J. , Burns Joshua , Garber Carol Ewing , De Vivo Darryl C. , Montes Jacqueline
Published: December 2019

Introduction

The 6‐minute walk test (6MWT) is a well‐established clinical assessment of functional endurance, validated as a measure of walking ability in spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). The current availability of disease‐modifying therapies for SMA indicates a growing need for normative reference data to compare SMA patients with healthy controls.

Methods

The literature was searched in two scientific databases. Studies were evaluated and selected based on adherence to American Thoracic Society guidelines for administering the 6MWT. Reference equations from the selected studies were applied to 6MWT data collected from SMA patients to calculate and compare % predicted values.

Results

Three pediatric and six adult studies were selected for comparison. The % predicted values using the pediatric and adult equations ranged from 47.7 ± 18.2% to 67.6 ± 26.2% and 43.0 ± 17.9% to 59.5 ± 26.2%, respectively, and were significantly different (P < 0.001).

Discussion

Results suggest significant variability between % predicted values derived from published reference equations in children and adults, despite adherence to 6MWT standardization.
Antibody drug conjugates: Development, characterization, and regulatory considerations
Authors: Kommineni Nagavendra , Pandi Palpandi , Chella Naveen , Domb Abraham J. , Khan Wahid
Published: December 2019

Previously, cancer chemotherapy was often accompanied by severe side effects. Antibody drug conjugates (ADCs) were introduced to address this treatment complication. ADCs are a potent category of bioconjugates and immunoconjugates designed as targeted therapy for the treatment of cancer. ADCs are complex molecules composed of an antibody linked via linker chemistry to a cytotoxic payload or drug. Therefore, biologic properties of the cell‐surface target antigen are important in designing an effective ADC as an anticancer agent. ADCs have the ability to discriminate between the healthy and diseased tissue, so that healthy cells are less effected and get maximum therapeutic benefit. This review describes the development, characterization, and regulatory consideration of ADCs, and it summarizes the approved products in the market and in clinical trials.
The cost of a “benign” condition: Healthcare utilization and infectious outcomes in young children with primary autoimmune neutropenia
Authors: Kirk Susan E. , Grimes Amanda Bell , Shelke Sayali , Despotovic Jenny M. , Powers Jacquelyn M.
Published: December 2019

Background

Autoimmune neutropenia (AIN) is a common cause of chronic neutropenia in childhood. Despite an expected benign clinical course, many patients undergo extensive evaluation. Data on healthcare utilization and rates of bloodstream infections in young patients with AIN are limited.

Methods

All patients with a diagnosis code of leukopenia, neutropenia, or AIN followed within the outpatient hematology clinic of a single institution from 2014 to 2016 were identified. Patients aged ≤5 years with absolute neutrophil count (ANC) ≤500/µL persisting for ≥3 months, a clinical diagnosis of AIN, and documented resolution of neutropenia were included. Data on clinical management, including infectious outcomes and emergency center (EC) encounters, were collected.

Results

Forty‐three patients with AIN (18 male [42%], median age at diagnosis 12 months) met eligibility criteria. Children were followed by hematology for a median duration of 18 (range, 2‐85) months. Diagnostic evaluations were variable. Thirty patients (70%) had ≥ 1 EC encounters for evaluation of isolated fever with a total of 113 EC encounters for the overall cohort. Patients with ANC < 500/µL and isolated fever were admitted for observation, which resulted in 24 hospitalizations in 16 patients. Of 138 blood cultures drawn, two were positive, both later determined to be contaminants.

Conclusion

At a large tertiary care center, no bloodstream infections were identified in a cohort of 43 children with AIN presenting to the EC for assessment of fever. A less‐intensive, more cost‐effective management paradigm, which continues to prioritize patient safety, among young children with AIN is needed.
Interactions between birds and flowers of Rhododendron spp., and their implications for mountain communities in Nepal
Authors: Ollerton Jeff , Koju Narayan P. , Maharjan Sanu R. , Bashyal Bijay
Published: December 2019

Societal Impact Statement

Plant–pollinator relationships are fundamentally important for the conservation of the terrestrial biodiversity that rural communities in low‐income countries rely upon. In Nepal, a country that is biologically rich but economically poor, Rhododendron forests provide a range of ecosystem services that are under threat from overexploitation and climate change. Here, we suggest a vital role for pollinating birds in ensuring the sexual reproduction, and thus the long‐term survival, of Rhododendron populations. In this respect, the pollinators are an important link between people and the plants on which they depend. However, we also highlight how little we know about these interactions, with significant knowledge gaps for even the most basic aspects of their ecology.
PhoH2 proteins couple RNA helicase and RNAse activities
Authors: Andrews Emma S. V. , Arcus Vickery L.
Published: December 2019

PhoH2 proteins are found in a very diverse range of microorganisms that span bacteria and archaea. These proteins are composed of two domains: an N‐terminal PIN‐domain fused with a C‐terminal PhoH domain. Collectively this fusion functions as an RNA helicase and ribonuclease. In other genomic contexts, PINdomains and PhoHdomains are separate but adjacent suggesting association to achieve similar function. Exclusively among the mycobacteria, PhoH2 proteins are encoded in the genome with an upstream gene, phoAT, which is thought to play the role of an antitoxin (in place of the traditional VapB antitoxin that lies upstream of the 47 other PINdomains in the mycobacterial genome). This review examines PhoH2 proteins as a whole and describes the bioinformatics, biochemical, structural, and biological properties of the two domains that make up PhoH2: PIN and PhoH. We review the transcriptional regulators of phoH2 from two mycobacterial species and speculate on the function of PhoH2 proteins in the context of a Type II toxin–antitoxin system which are thought to play a role in the stress response in bacteria.
Linking spatial and social mobility: Is London's “escalator” as strong as it was?
Authors: Champion Tony , Gordon Ian
Published: December 2019

The “escalator region” concept became a key element of migration literature after Fielding's work on South East England and fuelled a welcome growth of interest in the links between spatial and social mobility. More recent research has shown that London has continued to perform an escalator function since the 1970s, but little attention has been given to how its strength has altered both over time and compared with other parts of the UK. Against the background of the declining rates of internal migration observed in the United States and several other countries, this paper seeks to identify whether London's escalator role was waxing or waning over the four intercensal decades between 1971 and 2011. The primary emphasis is on the chances of people shifting up from noncore to core white‐collar work during each decade for London's nonmigrant and in‐migrant populations, in both absolute terms and relative to England's second‐order cities. It is found that over the three decades since the 1970s London's escalator was still performing in the way originally conceived, but although its net gain of young adults from the rest of England and Wales steadily increased over this period, it was not operating as strongly in 2001–2011 as during the 1990s in terms of both the career‐progression premium gained by its in‐migrants and the extent of its advantage over England's second‐order cities.
Concurrent development and verification of an all‐software baseband for satellite ground operations
Authors: Mwakyanjala Moses B. , Nieto‐Peroy Cristóbal , Emami M. Reza , van de Beek Jaap
Published: December 2019

Communication systems are adopting all‐software architectures, because of their scalability, extensibility, flexibility, and cost‐effectiveness. This paper introduces a concurrent approach to the development and verification of baseband systems for satellite ground operations based on the behaviour‐driven development methodology. The open‐source GNU Radio development kit is used for developing the software‐defined radio baseband signal processing, as well as simulating the satellite and realistic channel impairments. The system performance at the end shows deviations of less than 1 dB with respect to the ideal performance and the Green Book standards specified by the Consultative Committee for Space Data Systems.
Generation of Anisotropic Au Nanostructures in Aqueous Carboxymethyl Cellulose Matrix for Potential Catalytic Application
Authors: Borgohain Xavy , Yomcha Jarpum , Khan Aslam , Rashid Md. Harunar
Published: December 2019

Carboxymethyl cellulose; Na‐salt (Na‐CMC), an economical and safe carbohydrate molecule has been successfully used as a reducing‐cum‐shape‐directing agent to prepare anisotropic Au nanostructures at room temperature. To better understand the growth habits, Au nanostructures have also been prepared using Na‐CMC at a higher temperature. Electron microscopy analysis confirmed the formation of tape‐like Au nanostructures at room temperature which are composed of triangular‐shaped structures attached orientally along (111) direction. Visual observation indicated a higher rate of formation of Au nanostructures at higher temperatures and hence thermodynamically stable nearly spherical Au nanoparticles are formed. Kinetic studies revealed that at room temperature, the formation of tape‐like structures starts from the beginning due to the assembled structures of Na‐CMC in water. These tape‐like Au nanostructures exhibit excellent catalytic performance in the borohydride reduction of p‐nitrophenol with maximum apparent rate constant, kapp value of 2.3 × 10‐2 s‐1.
Ultrathin 2D Ni‐UMOF Composites for Highly‐Efficient 4‐Nitrophenol Hydrogenation
Authors: Yang Xian‐Feng , Xiong Ren‐Jie , Chang Xue , Wang Shuo , Ding Zhu , Li Quan‐Wen , Wang Dan‐Hong , Zhang Ming‐Hui
Published: December 2019

It is a challenge to synthesize metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) catalysts with high catalytic activity and stability under reaction conditions. For this study, the combinations of two‐dimensional (2D) ultrathin nickel‐organic framework (Ni‐UMOF) with layered graphitic carbon nitride (g‐C3N4) or graphene oxide (GO) as promising composite catalysts for the hydrogenation of 4‐nitrophenol were reported. The ultrathin nanosheet composites (Ni‐UMOF/g‐C3N4 and Ni‐UMOF/GO) are obtained by a simple sol‐gel method and exhibit higher hydrogenation activity and recyclability than commercial Pd/C or Pt/C catalysts. The structures and properties of the catalysts are elucidated by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), atomic force microscope (AFM), fourier transform infrared spectra (FT‐IR), Raman, ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV‐Vis), X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), electron spin‐resonance spectroscopy (ESR) and temperature‐programmed reduction (TPR). The results reveal that oxygen vacancies are produced on the surface of Ni‐UMOF composites and act as the dominating active sites during hydrogenation process. This sol‐gel method can be applied to synthesize other 2D ultrathin MOFs composites with high catalytic activities and recyclability for redox reactions.
Highly Morphology‐Controllable and Highly Sensitive Capacitive Tactile Sensor Based on Epidermis‐Dermis‐Inspired Interlocked Asymmetric‐Nanocone Arrays for Detection of Tiny Pressure
Authors: Niu Hongsen , Gao Song , Yue Wenjing , Li Yang , Zhou Weijia , Liu Hong
Published: December 2019

The tactile sensor lies at the heart of electronic skin and is of great importance in the development of flexible electronic devices. To date, it still remains a critical challenge to develop a large‐scale capacitive tactile sensor with high sensitivity and controllable morphology in an economical way. Inspired by the interlocked microridges between the epidermis and dermis, herein, a highly sensitive capacitive tactile sensor by creating interlocked asymmetric‐nanocones in poly(vinylidenefluoride‐co‐trifluoroethylene) film is proposed. Particularly, a facile method based on cone‐shaped nanoporous anodized aluminum oxide templates is proposed to cost‐effectively fabricate the highly ordered nanocones in a controllable manner and on a large scale. Finite‐element analysis reveals that under vertical forces, the strain/stress can be highly strengthened and localized at the contact apexes, resulting in an amplified variation of film permittivity and thickness. Benefiting from this, the developed tactile sensor presents several conspicuous features, including the maximum sensitivity (6.583 kPa−1) in the low pressure region (0–100 Pa), ultralow detection limit (≈3 Pa), rapid response/recovery time (48/36 ms), excellent stability and reproducibility (10 000 cycles). These salient merits enable the sensor to be successfully applied in a variety of applications including sign language gesture detection, spatial pressure mapping, Braille recognition, and physiological signal monitoring.
Temperature Dependence of the STM Morphology and Electronic Level Structure of Silver‐Containing DNA
Authors: Fardian‐Melamed Natalie , Eidelshtein Gennady , Rotem Dvir , Kotlyar Alexander , Porath Danny
Published: December 2019

Understanding the effect of external conditions, temperature in particular, on novel nanomaterials is of great significance. The powerful ability of scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) to characterize topography and electronic levels on a single molecule scale is utilized herein to characterize individual silver‐containing poly(dG)–poly(dC) DNA molecules, at different temperatures. These measurements indicate that the molecule is a truly hybrid metal–organic nanomaterial with electronic states originating from both the DNA and the embedded silver. The temperature dependence of this density of states (DOS) leads to the temperature dependent STM apparent height of the molecule—a phenomenon that has not been observed before for other complex nanostructures.
Transparent Electrothermal Film Defoggers and Antiicing Coatings based on Wrinkled Graphene
Authors: Li Zechen , Zhen Zhen , Chai Maosheng , Zhao Xuanliang , Zhong Yujia , Zhu Hongwei
Published: December 2019

Fog, frost, ice, and other natural phenomena can inevitably affect human life and the function of equipment. Therefore, removal or prevention is an urgent problem to be solved. As a new type of 2D material, graphene possesses great application potential in defogging and antiicing. In this work, a graphene film with intentionally increased defects and uniformly distributed wrinkles is synthesized on copper–zinc alloy substrates by chemical vapor deposition, and transparent electrothermal film defoggers are prepared based on such material. The defoggers can completely remove fog within 5 s when supplying a safe voltage of 28 V. The surface resistance of the defoggers is sensitive to humidity and it can monitor the defogging process in real time. Such outstanding performance is attributed to the ultrafast evaporation mechanism, which can prevent excessive water accumulation. The antiicing performance of wrinkled graphene (WG) is further studied. The antiicing coatings can delay freezing for 1.25 h at −15 °C or 2.8 h at −10 °C. The superior performance of WG can be explained by its unique surface structure and nanoscale roughness. Taken together, WG is expected to be used in antifog glass, rearview mirror defogging, aircraft surface deicing, and other applications.
Experimental investigation of prestressed two layer reinforced concrete beams
Authors: Iskhakov Iakov , Ribakov Yuri , Holschemacher Klaus , Kaeseberg Stefan
Published: December 2019

This study continues a series of investigation of two‐layer beams (TLB), performed by the authors. This series includes developing an idea of a TLB, testing steel fibered high strength concrete (SFHSC) as material, testing simple supported and continuous two‐span TLBs. The present research is focused on testing full‐scale prestressed simple supported TLBs (PTLBs). The study is aimed at investigating PTLBs behavior at four‐point bending and its comparison with that of nonprestressed ones. Like in the previous research stages, interaction of concrete layers in a PTLB was studied to prove the efficiency of such beams for real long‐span reinforced concrete beams. No de‐bonding between the SFHSC and normal strength concrete layers was observed up to the ultimate limit state of the tested beams that demonstrates proper interaction between the layers. Results, obtained in the present study, enable to recommend PTLB for further investigation of full‐scale reinforced concrete elements with longer spans (9–12 m) and their practical application as effective and economical bending elements.
Emotional Intelligence: What does it look like in Education Leadership?
Authors: Mendelson Richard A. , Stabile Christopher
Published: December 2019

Emotional intelligence influences educational leaders, educators, and the overall performance of learning institutions.
Building Bridges: An Examination of the Facets of Mental Toughness and Their Relationship With the Concept of Emotional Intelligence (A Critical Literature Review)
Authors: Guy Steven Michael
Published: December 2019

This chapter reviews the current literature on mental toughness and emotional intelligence to develop an understanding of how they may be interrelated.
Emotional Intelligence Training in Higher Education
Authors: Joseph Dana L. , Zemen Betsir , McCord Mallory A. , Fado Stephanie
Published: December 2019

This chapter reviews the existing literature on emotional intelligence training in higher education and the emotional intelligence courses offered at top ranking national universities.
Social and Emotional Learning in Graduate School to Improve Student Well‐Being and Performance: A Proposed Training Program
Authors: Edwards Marissa S. , King Jemma B. , Ashkanasy Neal M.
Published: December 2019

This chapter explains that the core principles and practices of social and emotional learning should be used to support doctoral students and enhance their personal welfare and academic performance in graduate school.