bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Density Functional Theory for Electrocatalysis
Authors: Liao Xiaobin , Lu Ruihu , Xia Lixue , Liu Qian , Wang Huan , Zhao Kristin , Wang Zhaoyang , Zhao Yan
Published: April 2021

It is a considerably promising strategy to produce fuels and high‐value chemicals through an electrochemical conversion process in the green and sustainable energy systems. Catalysts for electrocatalytic reactions, including hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), oxygen evolution reaction (OER), oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR), carbon dioxide reduction reaction (CO2RR), play a significant role in the advanced energy conversion technologies, such as water splitting devices, fuel cells, and rechargeable metal‐air batteries. Developing low‐cost and highly efficient electrocatalysts is closely related to establishing the composition–structure–activity relationships and fundamental understanding of catalytic mechanisms. Density functional theory (DFT) is emerging as an important computational tool that can provide insights into the relationship between the electrochemical performances and physical/chemical properties of catalysts. This article presents a review on the progress of the DFT, and the computational simulations, within the framework of DFT, for the electrocatalytic processes, as well as the computational designs and virtual screenings of new electrocatalysts. Some useful descriptors and analysis tools for evaluating the electrocatalytic performances are highlighted, including formation energies, d‐band model, scaling relation, eg orbital occupation, and free energies of adsorption. Furthermore, the remaining questions and perspectives for the development of DFT for electrocatalysis are also proposed.
A Convenient Synthesis of 4‐CF3‐Quinolines from 1‐Trifluoromethyl‐prop‐2‐yne 1‐Iminium Salts and Arylamines
Authors: Schneider Thomas , Fleischmann Maximilian , Hergesell Daniel , Majstorović Nicola , Maas Gerhard
Published: April 2021

A convenient synthesis of 4‐trifluoromethyl‐quinolines from 1‐trifluoromethyl‐prop‐2‐yne 1‐iminium triflates and anilines in a one‐pot two‐step Michael addition/intramolecular cyclization sequence is reported. With ring‐substituted anilines, a wide range of 4‐CF3‐quinolines bearing additional substituents and functional groups in the C‐2, C‐6, and C‐8 positions were prepared, mostly in high yields. Even a 4‐CF3‐5‐Me‐quinoline could be obtained. From mono‐Boc protected 1,4‐ and 1,3‐phenylenediamine, 2‐aryl‐substituted 6‐amino‐4‐CF3‐quinoline and 7‐amino‐4‐CF3‐quinoline, respectively, were prepared. 4‐CF3‐benzo[h]quinolines were obtained from the mentioned acetylenic iminium salts and 1‐naphthylamine. With N‐monosubstituted aromatic amines such as N‐methylaniline and 1,2,3,4‐tetrahydroquinoline, N‐substituted 4‐CF3‐quinolinium salts and pyrrolo[1,2‐a:3,4‐c']diquinoline derivatives bearing two CF3 substituents could be prepared.
Behind the scenes: Are latent memories supported by calcium independent plasticity?
Authors: Keith Rachel E. , Ogoe Richard H. , Dumas Theodore C.
Published: April 2021

N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptors (NMDARs) can be considered to be the de facto “plasticity” receptors in the brain due to their central role in the activity‐dependent modification of neuronal morphology and synaptic transmission. Since the 1980s, research on NMDARs has focused on the second messenger properties of calcium and the downstream signaling pathways that mediate alterations in neural form and function. Recently, NMDARs were shown to drive activity‐dependent synaptic plasticity without calcium influx. How this “nonionotropic” plasticity occurs in vitro is becoming clearer, but research on its involvement in behavior and cognition is in its infancy. There is a partial overlap in the downstream signaling molecules that are involved in ionotropic and nonionotropic NMDAR‐dependent plasticity. Given this, and prior studies of the cognitive impacts of ionotropic NMDAR plasticity, a preliminary model explaining how NMDAR nonionotropic plasticity affects learning and memory can be established. We hypothesize that nonionotropic NMDAR plasticity takes part in latent memory encoding in immature rodents through nonassociative depression of synaptic efficacy, and possibly shrinking of dendritic spines. Further, the late postnatal alteration in NMDAR composition in the hippocampus appears to reduce nonionotropic signaling and remove a restriction on memory retrieval. This framework substantially alters the canonical model of NMDAR involvement in spatial cognition and hippocampal maturation and provides novel and exciting inroads for future studies.
Final results of the randomized phase 2 LEO trial and bone protective effects of everolimus for premenopausal hormone receptor‐positive, HER2‐negative metastatic breast cancer
Authors: Jeong Hyehyun , Jeong Jae Ho , Kim Jeong Eun , Ahn Jin‐Hee , Jung Kyung Hae , Koh Su‐Jin , Cheon Jaekyung , Sohn Joohyuk , Kim Gun Min , Lee Keun Seok , Sim Sung Hoon , Park In Hae , Kim Sung‐Bae
Published: April 2021

The phase 2 LEO study showed that everolimus (EVE) plus letrozole (LET) with ovarian suppression increased progression‐free survival (PFS) in tamoxifen‐exposed premenopausal women with hormone receptor‐positive, HER2‐negative metastatic breast cancer with visceral metastases. Here we report final survival outcomes from the LEO study, and the results of exploratory analyses of bone turnover marker changes and bone‐specific progressive disease. Patients who were exposed to or progressed on tamoxifen as adjuvant/palliative treatments were randomly assigned (2:1) to the EVE (leuprorelin + LET + EVE, n = 92) or LET (leuprorelin + LET, n = 45) arm. In a median 51‐months of follow‐up, the median PFS was 17.5 and 13.8 months in the EVE and LET arms, respectively (P = .245). Patients in the EVE arm with baseline visceral (median PFS 16.4 vs 9.5 months, P = .040) and bone (median PFS 17.1 vs 10.9, P = .003) metastases had greater PFS compared to the LET arm. No differences in overall survival (OS) were observed (median OS, 48.3 vs 50.8 months, P = .948). The 1‐year cumulative incidences of bone‐specific disease progression were 6.0% and 23.4% in the EVE and LET arms, respectively (hazard ratio 0.26, P < .001). Bone turnover markers at 6 and 12 weeks after treatment decreased in the EVE arm but were increased or stationary in the LET arm. Skeletal‐related events occurred in 6.5% and 11.1% of patients in the EVE and LET arms, respectively. EVE + LET with ovarian suppression prolonged PFS in patients with baseline visceral or bone metastases and offered bone‐protective effects in the overall study population. However, these clinical benefits did not translate into an OS benefit.
Development for water, food, and nutrition security in Asia*1
Authors: Miyagawa Kenji
Published: April 2021

The Japanese National Committee on Irrigation and Drainage (JNCID) held a workshop on Development for Water, Food, and Nutrition Security in Asia at the 3rd World Irrigation Forum in Bali, Indonesia, in September 2019. In this workshop, under the chair Hatcho (JNCID), keynote speeches were presented by representatives of Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Japan, and of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) followed by an enthusiastic discussion on the theme. In this paper, I would like to introduce the workshop summary and hope it will be a reference on how to develop water, food, and nutrition security in Asia under the rapid economic development, population increase, and frequent and severe disasters such as heavy rain and drought caused by climate change.
Flow characteristics and diaphragm deformation of pressure‐compensating drip irrigation emitters*
Authors: Chen Xueli , Wei Zhengying , Ma Chao , Wei Caixiang
Published: April 2021

Pressure‐compensating (PC) emitters are extensively utilized because they can enhance the irrigation uniformity and the terrain adaptability of drip irrigation systems. To examine the interaction between the elastic diaphragm and fluid of PC emitters, the internal flow behaviour and the diaphragm deformation of PC emitters were studied by one‐way and two‐way fluid–structure interaction (FSI) numerical simulation methods. The deformation characteristics of the elastic diaphragm, the change of the outflow section around the outlet of the pressure‐compensating chamber, and the pressure and velocity distribution of the flow field were analysed in this study. The results illustrate that the deformation process of an elastic diaphragm during the entire working process could be divided into three phases: rapid deformation, slow deformation, and long‐term tiny deformation. After the diaphragm contacted convex land, the overflow groove was the only channel where water could flow out of the PC emitters; and as working pressure increased, the increment of the diaphragm deformation was extremely tiny. However, it was the tiny deformation of the elastic diaphragm that maintained the flow rate of the PC emitters constant over a wide range of working pressures. The results can provide references for exploring the pressure‐compensating mechanism of PC emitters and their optimal design.
Triazole based copper(II) complexes: Synthesis, spectroscopic characterization, Density Function Theory study, and biomimicking of copper containing oxidase proteins
Authors: Ibrahim Mohamed M. , Fathy Ahmad M. , Al‐Harbi Sami A. , Ramadan Abd El‐Motaleb M.
Published: April 2021

Within the framework of the present study, a polydentate ligand with S and N donor sites along with its CuII‐based chelates were prepared and characterized. Elemental and thermal analyses, μeff and ΛM measurements as well as spectroscopy techniques including FT‐IR, electronic spectra, and EPR are the characterization tools. Computational chemistry calculations were applied to confirm the geometrical assignments of the penta and hexa coordinated perchlorato and chloro derivatives, respectively. Octahedral and trigonal bipyramidal stereochemistries were assigned for these copper(II) chelates. Powder X‐ray spectroscopy data were processed by Expo 2014 computer program for the structural illustration of one of the existing octahedral metal complexes. Biomimicking of copper(II) containing proteins phenoxazinone synthase and catechol oxidase was studied and the obtained results demonstrated promising oxidase‐like activity of the present CuII‐base complexes. Kinetic measurements were also performed to identify the potential catalytic pathways of the studied oxidation processes. The type of the counter‐anion included in the complexes significantly controls the structural features and the catalytic properties.
Ciliary extracellular vesicles are distinct from the cytosolic extracellular vesicles
Authors: Mohieldin Ashraf M. , Pala Rajasekharreddy , Beuttler Richard , Moresco James J. , Yates John R. , Nauli Surya M.
Published: April 2021

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are cell‐derived membrane vesicles that are released into the extracellular space. EVs encapsulate key proteins and mediate intercellular signalling pathways. Recently, primary cilia have been shown to release EVs under fluid‐shear flow, but many proteins encapsulated in these vesicles have never been identified. Primary cilia are ubiquitous mechanosensory organelles that protrude from the apical surface of almost all human cells. Primary cilia also serve as compartments for signalling pathways, and their defects have been associated with a wide range of human genetic diseases called ciliopathies. To better understand the mechanism of ciliopathies, it is imperative to know the distinctive protein profiles of the differently sourced EVs (cilia vs cytosol). Here, we isolated EVs from ciliated wild‐type (WT) and non‐ciliated IFT88 knockout (KO) mouse endothelial cells using fluid‐shear flow followed by a conventional method of EV isolation. EVs isolated from WT and KO exhibited distinctive sizes. Differences in EV protein contents were studied using liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS‐MS) and proteomic comparative analysis, which allowed us to classify proteins between ciliary EVs and cytosolic EVs derived from WT and KO, respectively. A total of 79 proteins were exclusively expressed in WT EVs, 145 solely in KO EVs, and 524 in both EVs. Our bioinformatics analyses revealed 29% distinct protein classes and 75% distinct signalling pathways between WT and KO EVs. Based on our statistical analyses and in vitro studies, we identified NADPH‐cytochrome P450 reductase (POR), and CD166 antigen (CD166) as potential biomarkers for ciliary and cytosolic EVs, respectively. Our protein‐protein interaction network analysis revealed that POR, but not CD166, interacted with either established or strong ciliopathy gene candidates. This report shows the unique differences between EVs secreted from cilia and the cytosol. These results will be important in advancing our understanding of human genetic diseases.

video
Fine structure of the epicuticular secretion coat and associated glands of Pedipalpi and Palpigradi (Arachnida)
Authors: Seiter Michael , Schwaha Thomas , Ferreira Rodrigo L. , Prendini Lorenzo , Wolff Jonas O.
Published: April 2021

Pedipalpi Latreille, 1810 is a poorly studied clade of arachnids comprising the whip spiders (Amblypygi Thorell, 1883), short‐tailed whip scorpions (Schizomida Petrunkevitch, 1945) and whip scorpions (Thelyphonida Cambridge, 1872). It has recently been shown that whip spiders coat their exoskeleton with a solid cement layer (cerotegument) that forms elaborate microstructures and turns the cuticle into a super‐hydrophobic state. The amblypygid cerotegument provides taxonomic information due to its fine structural diversity, but its presence and variation in the sister groups was previously unknown. The present contribution reports the surface structure of the cuticle in species of Palpigradi, Thelyphonida, and Schizomida to determine if these taxa possess a solid epicuticular secretion coat. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that in addition to Amblypygi only species of Thelyphonida possess solid epicuticular secretion layers. Unlike in Amblypygi, in the Thelyphonida this layer does not usually form microstructures and is less rigidly attached to the underlying cuticle. A species of Typopeltis Pocock, 1894, which exhibited globular structures analogous to the amblypygid cerotegument, was an exception. Glandular structures associated with cement secretions in Amblypygi and Thelyphonida were considered homologous due to similar structure. Solid epicuticular secretion coats were absent from Schizomida, which is interpreted as a secondary loss despite the presence of slit‐like glandular openings that appear to produce such epicuticular secretions. The micro‐whip scorpion order Palpigradi Thorell, 1900 exhibited markedly different cuticular surface structures and lacked solid epicuticular secretions, consistent with the hypothesis that this order is not closely related to Pedipalpi. These results enhance the knowledge of the small, enigmatic orders of Arachnida.
Tracking the origins of moisture over Vietnam: The role of moisture sources and atmospheric drivers on seasonal hydroclimatic conditions
Authors: Stojanovic Milica , Nieto Raquel , Liberato Margarida L.R. , Sorí Rogert , Vázquez Marta , Gimeno Luis
Published: April 2021

A Lagrangian approach is used to identify the seasonal climatological moisture sources of the seven climate subregions of Vietnam during 1980–2017. Using the outputs from the FLEXPART model, three main oceanic moisture sources, located in the Arabian Sea, Bay of Bengal, and China Seas, and three terrestrial moisture sources, located in the Indian Peninsula, East Asia, and South Asia, are identified. The most important moisture source during the rainy season (May–October) is the Bay of Bengal, followed by the East Asia continental source for the North‐East and North Plain subregions, while for the remaining sub‐regions Arabian Sea is the main source. For the dry season (November–April), the China Sea supplies more than the half of the total moisture over almost all subregions, while the continental South Asia source is the primary one for the North‐West subregion. The moisture contributions from oceanic moisture sources are the major contributions to the Vietnam subregions, except for the North‐West subregion where the terrestrial sources form the major percentage. Severe and extremely dry conditions are identified for both the rainy and dry seasons in all subregions using the 6‐month Standardised Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI6), and a positive significant linear relationship is found between the SPEI6 time series and the anomalies of moisture contribution from the sources. Thus, for both seasons, a reduction in moisture supply from the most important sources is found during severe and extreme droughts. The dependence on ENSO phase is also assessed. Finally, although the correlations are not statistically significant, we found that the rainy (dry) season in the northern subregions show a tendency towards wetting (drying), while the opposite was found for the southern subregions. This behaviour is consistent with the trends observed in precipitation, potential evapotranspiration, and moisture contribution values from the different sources.
Effects of salt and heat treatment on the physicochemical properties, microstructure, secondary structure, and simulated in vitro gastrointestinal digestion of duck egg white
Authors: Gao Xuejing , Guo Weibo , Wu Na , Yao Yao , Du Huaying , Xu Mingsheng , Zhao Yan , Tu Yonggang
Published: April 2021

BACKGROUND

The texture and structure of the duck egg white (DEW) gel under salt and heat treatment are crucial to its digestibility. Specifically, the structural changes of food protein gels have been recognized for their potential to regulate in vitro digestion. In this study, the effects of gel characteristics and simulated in vitro gastrointestinal digestion of DEW under combined salt and heat treatment were investigated.

RESULTS

With the increase in salting time and temperature, a porous opaque gel with large particles was formed, the moisture content of DEW showed a downward trend, and the same was true for hardness changes. The microstructure suggested that, with the penetration of NaCl, DEW proteins were denatured, and the protein molecules gradually unfolded and then aggregated after 7 days. The secondary structure revealed that, as the salting time and temperature increased, the proportion of intermolecular β‐sheets and α‐helices decreased. In terms of in vitro digestion, the highest digestibility was obtained at 14 days of salting combined with 100 °C heat treatment, and the digestibility was the lowest when marinated for 7 days at 121 °C. Liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) indicated that the number of different types of peptides and specific peptides was positively correlated with the salting time and temperature of the DEW at the end of gastric digestion.

CONCLUSIONS

Heat treatment at 100 °C has a higher in vitro digestibility than at 121 °C. Gels with low hardness, large pores, and rough textures are easier to digest by pepsin and release more peptides. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Grain chalkiness traits is affected by the synthesis and dynamic accumulation of the storage protein in rice
Authors: Xi Min , Wu Wenge , Xu Youzun , Zhou Yongjin , Chen Gang , Ji Yalan , Sun Xueyuan
Published: April 2021

BACKGROUOND

Grain chalkiness lowers the market value of rice. Alleviating grain chalkiness is the most challenging issue in many rice‐producing areas of the world. Nitrogen (N) metabolism has received increasing attention as a result of its relationship with grain chalkiness, although little information is available on the mechanism of N‐induced grain chalk.

RESULTS

A highly chalky rice variety OM052 was used to explore the protein synthesis and its accumulation in the grain exposed to N topdressing (N+) at the panicle initiation stage and a control (N–). The results showed that chalky kernels were stimulated by the N+ treatment and more prone to occur on the top and primary rachis. The grain protein content was increased because of the increased average and maximum rates of protein accumulation during grain filling, which was related to the enhanced activities of glutamine synthetase, glutamate synthase, glutamic oxalo‐acetic transaminase and glutamate pyruvate transaminase under the N+ treatment. The activities of these enzymes at 15 days after flowering (DAF) were notably positively correlated with grain chalky traits and protein content.

CONCLUSION

N topdressing regulates the synthesis and accumulation of the protein by affecting the key enzymes, especially at 15 DAF, which is attributed to grain chalkiness in rice. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Prenatal Diagnosis of Fetal Oral Masses by Ultrasound Combined With Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Yan Can , Shentu Weihui , Gu Congmin , Cao Yaxian , Chen Yunyu , Li Xiaofei , Wang Hongying
Published: April 2021

Objectives

To analyze the imaging manifestations of common fetal oral masses by ultrasound combined with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and to discuss their differential diagnoses.

Methods

A retrospective study of 6 fetuses with oral masses was performed at a tertiary referral center. The imaging features of prenatal ultrasonography and MRI in the diagnosis of fetal oral masses were analyzed.

Results

Histopathological examination and/or postpartum ultrasound revealed lymphangioma malformation in 2 fetuses, and mucosal retention cyst, mature teratoma, immature teratoma, and cranial meningocele in 1 fetus, respectively. The teratoma had a characteristic sonographic appearance. In our study, the 4 cases of cystic masses did not have an abnormal vessel architecture. Supplemental MRI revealed a mass effect at the level of the hypopharynx, and in 2 cases with polyhydramnios, the mass obstructed the fetuses' upper airway. Thus, ex‐utero intrapartum therapy surgery was performed to secure the newborn's airway.

Conclusions

Oral fetal tumors represent rare congenital malformations. This study shows that a prenatal diagnosis of oral masses is feasible by ultrasound examination. MRI can further confirm the results of ultrasonography and clearly show the relationship between the mass and the hypopharynx. Ultrasonography combined with MRI could, to a large extent, facilitate early detection and appropriate treatment and improve outcome.
Search antecedents and outcomes of new venture perceived and actual knowledge incongruence
Authors: Bloodgood James M. , Bilgili Tsvetomira V. , Bilgili Hansin , Turnley William H.
Published: April 2021

This study explores the new venture knowledge search process, including what role differences in perceived and actual knowledge play, and the resulting influence on strategic choice and performance. A model was created that identifies proposed relationships among key constructs associated with knowledge satisfaction, search, strategy, and new venture performance. We found that perceived relative knowledge strength is deemed to influence the degree of strategic leverage a new venture selects, which subsequently influences performance, contingent on actual relative knowledge strength. The model more clearly distinguishes the role of search in perceived and actual knowledge, which identifies potentially disadvantageous effects on strategic choice and performance. Research implications include the importance of acknowledging that perceived knowledge is just as critical as actual knowledge when utilizing the resource‐based and knowledge‐based views of the firm. Both internal and external search contain advantages and disadvantages that are important for firms trying to achieve external fit within a dynamic competitive environment. Practical implications include that new ventures should be cognizant of potential differences between perceived knowledge and actual knowledge because any incongruence can mislead new ventures in their search efforts and strategic initiatives. Moreover, new ventures should continually engage in external search, even when they have superior knowledge, because the process of external search provides a variety of competitive information that can help new ventures determine their degree of advantage. New ventures also need to recognize the dynamic nature of competition and accurately assess performance fluctuations in order to enhance their performance.
Very‐Low Energy Monopolar Reduces Post‐Tonsillectomy Hemorrhage Versus Standard Energy Techniques
Authors: Shotts Steven D. , Welsh Donald V. , Nakamura Aisaku , Stromberg Arnold J.
Published: April 2021

Objectives/Hypothesis

To compare rates of post‐tonsillectomy hemorrhage (PTH) between a very‐low energy transfer monopolar technique (VLET) and standard energy techniques.

Study Design

Retrospective controlled cohort study.

Methods

All tonsillectomies performed by practice physicians during the period January 1, 2010 to August 31, 2019 were identified. Three groups were created based on surgeon technique utilization: the study group (VLET) and two control groups (exclusive standard energy monopolar [Standard]; exclusive “hot” technique without exclusive monopolar use [Mixed “Hot”]). Each group's PTH occurrences requiring surgical intervention (PTHRSI) were identified and rates compared.

Results

During the study period 11,348 tonsillectomies were performed (4,427 Standard, 1,374 VLET, 5,547 Mixed “Hot”), and 167 (1.47%) PTHRSI events identified (14 primary (<24 hours), 153 secondary (>24 hours), 12 repeat (>1PTHRSI/patient). Compared to the Standard group secondary and total PTHRSI rates (1.47%, 1.60%), the Mixed “Hot” group experienced similar rates (1.57%, P = .54; 1.68%, P = .64), but the VLET group experienced significantly lower rates (0.15%, P = .0026, adjusted odds ratio [OR] 0.114 [0.028–0.469]; 0.22%, P = .0016, adjusted OR 0.155 [0.048–0.494]). Age was a significant risk factor for both secondary and total PTHRSI (P = .0025, P = .0024, adjusted OR 1.02/year [1.01–1.03]). No significant difference in rate of primary PTHRSI was seen collectively or in any age group. The <12VLET Group experienced 0 episodes of secondary PTHRSI and a total PTHRSI rate of 0.09% in 1060 tonsillectomies.

Conclusions

Standard energy techniques had an adjusted odds ratio over 8‐fold higher for secondary PTHRSI and over 6‐fold higher for total PTHRSI compared to the minimized energy transfer VLET technique.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 131:2505–2511, 2021
Flat‐Top Pumped Multi‐Millijoule Mid‐Infrared Parametric Chirped‐Pulse Amplifier at 10 kHz Repetition Rate
Authors: Zou Xiao , Li Wenkai , Qu Shizhen , Liu Kun , Li Hao , Wang Qi Jie , Zhang Ying , Liang Houkun
Published: April 2021

The advancement of mid‐infrared (MIR) parametric amplification technique serves as the main driving force of multiple strong‐field experiments in the frontier of science such as the generation of coherent soft X‐ray and isolated attosecond pulses. However, the low parametric down‐conversion efficiency especially in the MIR wavelength is a major bottleneck that hinders the further exploration of the MIR‐laser‐driven strong‐field physics. Here, a simple and robust method that doubles the efficiency of a MIR optical parametric chirped‐pulse amplifier (OPCPA) is reported, as a demonstration of the concept, through engineering a flat‐top pump profile via high‐efficiency diffractive optical elements. With the proposed flat‐top pump scheme, a MIR OPCPA system at 3 μm and 10 kHz repetition rate with both the record pulse energy of 2.7 mJ and the highest average power at 27 W among the MIR OPCPAs with kHz repetition rate is demonstrated. This work provides a promising approach for achieving high energy high power MIR few‐cycle lasers that can be readily used in emerging strong field experiments. In addition, it is believed that the developed technique in this work can become a general method of parametric efficiency enhancement, which is applicable to other nonlinear conversions and wavelength ranges.
Facile Synthesis of CO2‐Responsive Nano‐Objects: Batch versus Semi‐Batch RAFT Copolymerization
Authors: Guo Xiaofeng , Shi Wencheng , Yin Hang , Pan Jiasheng , Wang Zhao , Feng Anchao , Thang San H.
Published: April 2021

Precise polymer architecture and self‐assembled morphological control are attractive due to their promising applications, such as drug delivery, biosensors, tissue engineering and “smart” optical systems. Herein, starting from the same hydrophilic units poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), using CO2‐sensitive monomer N, N‐diethylaminoethyl methacrylate (DEAEMA) and hydrophobic monomer benzyl methacrylate (BzMA), a series of well‐defined statistical, block, and gradient copolymers is designed and synthesized with similar degree of polymerization but different monomer sequences by batch and semi‐batch RAFT polymerization process and their CO2‐responsive behaviors of these nano‐objects is systematically studied. The gradient copolymers are generated by using semi‐batch methods with programmed monomer feed rate controlled by syringe pumps, achieving precise control over desired gradient copolymer composition distribution. In aqueous solution, the copolymers could self‐assemble into various aggregates before CO2 stimulus. Upon bubbling CO2, the gradient copolymers preferred to form nanosheet‐like structures, while the block and statistical copolymers with similar molar mass could only form larger vesicles with thinner membrane thickness or disassemble. The semi‐batch strategy to precisely control over the desired composition distribution of the gradient segment presents an emerging trend for the fabrication and application of stimuli‐responsive polymers.
MR to ultrasound image registration with segmentation‐based learning for HDR prostate brachytherapy
Authors: Chen Yizheng , Xing Lei , Yu Lequan , Liu Wu , Pooya Fahimian Benjamin , Niedermayr Thomas , Bagshaw Hilary P. , Buyyounouski Mark , Han Bin
Published: April 2021

Purpose

Propagation of contours from high‐quality magnetic resonance (MR) images to treatment planning ultrasound (US) images with severe needle artifacts is a challenging task, which can greatly aid the organ contouring in high dose rate (HDR) prostate brachytherapy. In this study, a deep learning approach was developed to automatize this registration procedure for HDR brachytherapy practice.

Methods

Because of the lack of training labels and difficulty of accurate registration from inferior image quality, a new segmentation‐based registration framework was proposed for this multi‐modality image registration problem. The framework consisted of two segmentation networks and a deformable registration network, based on the weakly ‐supervised registration strategy. Specifically, two 3D V‐Nets were trained for the prostate segmentation on the MR and US images separately, to generate the weak supervision labels for the registration network training. Besides the image pair, the corresponding prostate probability maps from the segmentation were further fed to the registration network to predict the deformation matrix, and an augmentation method was designed to randomly scale the input and label probability maps during the registration network training. The overlap between the deformed and fixed prostate contours was analyzed to evaluate the registration accuracy. Three datasets were collected from our institution for the MR and US image segmentation networks, and the registration network learning, which contained 121, 104, and 63 patient cases, respectively.

Results

The mean Dice similarity coefficient (DSC) results of the two prostate segmentation networks are 0.86 ± 0.05 and 0.90 ± 0.03, for MR images and the US images after the needle insertion, respectively. The mean DSC, center‐of‐mass (COM) distance, Hausdorff distance (HD), and averaged symmetric surface distance (ASSD) results for the registration of manual prostate contours were 0.87 ± 0.05, 1.70 ± 0.89 mm, 7.21 ± 2.07 mm, 1.61 ± 0.64 mm, respectively. By providing the prostate probability map from the segmentation to the registration network, as well as applying the random map augmentation method, the evaluation results of the four metrics were all improved, such as an increase in DSC from 0.83 ± 0.08 to 0.86 ± 0.06 and from 0.86 ± 0.06 to 0.87 ± 0.05, respectively.

Conclusions

A novel segmentation‐based registration framework was proposed to automatically register prostate MR images to the treatment planning US images with metal artifacts, which not only largely saved the labor work on the data preparation, but also improved the registration accuracy. The evaluation results showed the potential of this approach in HDR prostate brachytherapy practice.
Cytokines and pregnancy: Potential regulation by histone deacetylases
Authors: Munro Sheryl K. , Balakrishnan Biju , Lissaman Abbey C. , Gujral Palak , Ponnampalam Anna P.
Published: April 2021

Cytokines are important regulators of pregnancy and parturition. Aberrant expression of proinflammatory cytokines during pregnancy contributes towards preterm labor, pre‐eclampsia, and gestational diabetes mellitus. The regulation of cytokine expression in human cells is highly complex, involving interactions between environment, transcription factors, and feedback mechanisms. Recent developments in epigenetic research have made tremendous advancements in exploring histone modifications as a key epigenetic regulator of cytokine expression and the effect of their signaling molecules on various organ systems in the human body. Histone acetylation and subsequent deacetylation by histone deacetylases (HDACs) are major epigenetic regulators of protein expression in the human body. The expression of various proinflammatory cytokines, their role in normal and abnormal pregnancy, and their epigenetic regulation via HDACs will be discussed in this review.
Growth, Fry Production, and Cost Analysis for Sabaki Tilapia Production Systems
Authors: Young Benjamin C. , Alfaggeh Riyadh Hussain , AlMoutiri Ibrahim
Published: April 2021

This study estimated the survival, growth, fry production, and farming cost of Sabaki Tilapia Oreochromis spilurus broodstock in the following five outdoor production system types: arena, raceway, cage, concrete pond, and earth pond. The experiments were performed in triplicates in the year 2020 with 300 broodstocks per production system. Survival rate, growth performance, fry production, and farming cost were monitored. Our results indicated that Sabaki Tilapia fry production was feasible under high-salinity conditions in the production system types studied; however, the systems showed significant differences in terms of survival rate, growth performance, and fry production. The arena and raceway systems were the most effective and exhibited the highest fry production.
An analytical approach for optimization of computer network design considering the integration of the communication and power infrastructures
Authors: Guimarães Almir , Maciel Paulo , Matias Rivalino , Silva Bruno , Nogueira Bruno
Published: April 2021

Nowadays, computer networks are critical to the success of small and large businesses. They connect people, support applications and services, and provide access to the resources that keep the businesses running. Our work proposes analytical models and a methodology for supporting the optimization of the network infrastructure design, considering both technical and business oriented metrics, such as availability, reliability, and total cost. The integration of communication and power infrastructures is supported by this methodology. The dependability (availability/reliability) models were created using the Reliability Block Diagram and Stochastic Petri Net modeling mechanisms following a hierarchical approach. A case study considering the design of a real‐world network infrastructure is presented to illustrate the proposed methodology. The results showed a significant reduction in the design complexity as well as an improvement in the relationship between technical and business aspects.
Post Hoc Health-Related Quality of Life Analysis According to Response Among Patients with Prostate Cancer in the PROSELICA and FIRSTANA Studies
Authors: Thiery-Vuillemin Antoine , Fizazi Karim , Sartor Oliver , Oudard Stéphane , Bury Denise , Ozatilgan Ayse , Poole Elizabeth M. , Eisenberger Mario , Bono Johann
Published: April 2021

Background

The phase III PROSELICA (NCT01308580) and FIRSTANA (NCT01308567) trials investigated taxane chemotherapy among men with postdocetaxel metastatic, castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) or chemotherapy-naïve mCRPC, respectively. We present a post hoc analysis of patient-reported health-related quality of life (HRQL) among patients with or without a clinical (pain, tumor, or prostate-specific antigen [PSA]) response.

Materials and Methods

PROSELICA and FIRSTANA HRQL and pain data were collected and analyzed using protocol-defined Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Prostate (FACT-P) and McGill-Melzack (Present Pain Intensity scale) questionnaires. Outcomes included definitive FACT-P Total Score (TS) improvements and longitudinal assessment of FACT-P TS.

Results

In PROSELICA and FIRSTANA, the proportion of patients receiving taxane chemotherapy with a definitive FACT-P TS improvement was significantly higher among patients with versus without a pain or PSA response (pain: PROSELICA: 67% vs. 33.5%; p < .001; FIRSTANA: 75.2% vs. 45.8%; p < .001; PSA: PROSELICA: 50.3% vs. 34.2%; p < .001; FIRSTANA: 49.8% vs. 38.9%; p = .001). In PROSELICA, the proportion of patients receiving taxane chemotherapy with a definitive FACT-P TS improvement was significantly higher among patients with versus without a tumor response; the proportion was numerically higher in FIRSTANA (PROSELICA: 54.4% vs. 36.7%; p = .001; FIRSTANA: 50.6% vs. 45.3%). FACT-P TS was significantly improved or maintained for the majority of treatment cycles analyzed.

Conclusion

In PROSELICA and FIRSTANA, HRQL improvements were significantly higher among patients with a pain, tumor, or PSA response versus those without, with the exception of patients with a tumor response in FIRSTANA.

Implications for Practice

Using data from the FIRSTANA and PROSELICA phase III clinical trials, this study demonstrated that patients with metastatic, castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) receiving docetaxel or cabazitaxel who exhibited a response (pain, tumor, prostate-specific antigen), often experienced significantly greater improvements in health-related quality of life (HRQL) compared with patients without a response. For patients with a pain response, significant HRQL improvements occurred early and were maintained. This study provides further insight into the impact of taxane chemotherapy on the HRQL of patients with mCRPC and allows for a better understanding of the relationship between treatment, response, and HRQL, supporting therapeutic decision making.
Plants, people and long‐term ecological monitoring in the tropics
Authors: Pennington R. Toby , Baker Timothy R.
Published: April 2021

This special issue focuses on long‐term ecological monitoring in the tropics, with a particular focus, appropriate to Plants, People, Planet, on what it can offer both to local people and decision makers in tropical countries. Two of the contributed papers emphasise the role that long‐term, permanent monitoring plots can play in bringing together researchers, policymakers and communities, based on examples from Peru and Colombia (Baker et al., Norden et al.). The articles also highlight new plot‐based methods for monitoring the neglected tropical dry biomes of savannas and dry forests (The SEOSAW Partnership; Moonlight et al.) and new methods for field‐based monitoring of habitat degradation (Ahrends et al.) and the distribution of large trees (Harris et al.). Overall, the issue demonstrates that sustainable management of tropical environments requires long‐term, ground‐based monitoring that engages with the communities and institutions that manage these landscapes.
Novel Chain and Ribbon ZnO Nanoporous Crystalline Phases in Cubic Lattice
Authors: Tuoc Vu Ngoc , Thao Nguyen Thi , Lien Le Thi Hong , Liem Phan Thanh
Published: April 2021

The chain‐ and ribbon‐like structural hierarchies are used to design two nanoporous polymorphs composed of only four‐member and six‐member rings of ZnO as primary building blocks in cubic lattice frameworks. Specifically, the bottom‐up polymeric assembly of these small simple clusters into high cubic symmetric phases is considered, with energetic, dynamic, and mechanical stabilities proven by density‐functional‐based calculations. Both phases are rivaling with those of known cage‐like nanoporous polymorphs in many porous characteristics while preserving an intrinsic wide bandgap from ZnO tetragonal bonding. Furthermore, the design scheme is feasible to apply with different morphology motifs or extend to more cluster prototypes and materials.
Developments in defining exposure classes for durability design and specification
Authors: Beushausen Hans , Ndawula Joanitta , Helland Steinar , Papworth Frank , Linger Lionel
Published: April 2021

Durability design and service life modeling of concrete structures rely on environmental exposure classes based on the prevailing deterioration mechanisms. International standard environmental exposure classes, for example, those found in the fib Model Code 2010 and ISO 22965‐1:2007 are predominantly based on European environmental conditions. Although these exposure classes are more suited to the prescriptive design for durability, they may also be adapted to performance‐based design. For more complex design philosophies such as limit state design using partial factors, the generalizations of the standard exposure classes cannot be suitably employed and therefore a more rigorous characterization of the exposure environment is required. The standard exposure classes in the fib Model Code 2010 as well as various national codes from different regions of the world are critically reviewed, and their limitations highlighted. Based on the review, updates to the standard exposure classes for inclusion in the fib Model Code 2020 are proposed. This paper summarizes the work of TG8.8 WP3 (Commission 8: Durability, Task Group 8.8: Common approaches, Working Party 3: Exposure Zones) and represents the view of the Working Party members.
Parameter Identification of DC‐Link Capacitor for Electric Vehicle Based on IGWO‐BP Neural Network
Authors: Yao Fang , Dong Chaoqun , Tang Shengxue , He Wenxuan
Published: April 2021

DC‐link capacitor is one of the most vulnerable passive components in the drive system of electric vehicle, so the condition monitoring of DC‐link capacitors can significantly improve the reliability of drive system and even driving safety. The existing monitoring methods are subject to the low accuracy, added hardware and the irreversible impact on system. Therefore, based on Back Propagation (BP) neural network with Improved Gray Wolf Optimization (IGWO), a parameter identification method for the DC‐link capacitor in electric vehicle inverter is proposed. In this method, the capacitance (C) is taken as health parameter. The A‐phase current and DC‐link capacitor voltage in electric drive system are taken as inputs, and the capacitance (C) is taken as output for condition monitoring. IGWO algorithm can be applied to obtain the optimal weights and thresholds. Ultimately, under four actual working conditions in electric drive system, the condition monitoring test is carried out. The results are compared and analyzed, which show that the monitoring using IGWO‐BP neural network has better performance. © 2021 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Teachers’ Choices: Are they the Right Books for Science Instruction?
Authors: Broemmel Amy D. , Rearden Kristin T. , Buckner Carrie
Published: April 2021

In the 21st century, amidst the widespread adoption of the Next Generation Science Standards, many elementary teachers find it challenging to consistently incorporate science instruction. Although the research literature indicates that using science‐based content in the literacy block has the potential to improve student achievement in both areas, the process of identifying high‐quality picture books can be challenging. Thus, the authors analyzed the annual Teachers’ Choices lists from 2000‐2019, identifying 134 science‐based books to determine their potential for integration with literacy instruction. Findings suggest the majority are engaging and provide accurate science content pertaining primarily to life science. Narrative and non‐narrative information texts dominate the selections, and science‐based biographies appear for the first time. Overall, the analysis indicates that the Teachers’ Choices books can be used as a resource for identifying high‐quality, science‐based picture books useful for introducing challenging science content in elementary classrooms.
Lessons Learned from a Review of Diverse Literature in The Reading Teacher (2015–2020)
Authors: Kelly‐Howard Kaira S.
Published: April 2021

Educators in the 21stcentury must not only use texts to facilitate the acquisition of literacy but also support students in developing attitudes of acceptance and criticality for overgeneralizations of diverse characters and cultures represented in literature. Utilizing culturally sustaining pedagogies to enhance the literacy learning of elementary age students provides teachers with an opportunity to understand students’ perspectives and orientation toward the injustices represented in multicultural texts and to facilitate discussions of advocacy for tolerance and equity in today’s society. This manuscript explores literature published in The Reading Teacher (2015–2020) regarding the integration of diverse texts in elementary classrooms (grades K‐6). Implications from the reviewed articles are used to provide practical applications for enhancing culturally sustaining pedagogies in the elementary classroom.
Analyzing Representations of Individuals with Disabilities in Picture Books
Authors: Tondreau Amy , Rabinowitz Laurie
Published: April 2021

This article provides a critical literacy approach to reading picture books that represent individuals with disabilities. It details close reading with a critical literacy stance as a scaffolded method for teachers to support students’ increased access to conversations about disability. A sample lesson plan and three prompting guides are provided to support teachers in text selection, planning and facilitation of lessons that analyze disability representation. Consistently engaging in close reading with a critical literacy stance will help students internalize the transferrable process that enables them to challenge and critique the stereotypes of disability they encounter in other texts, media, and everyday interactions.
Forest Applications
Authors: Papathanassiou K. P. , Cloude S. R. , Pardini M. , Quiñones M. J. , Hoekman D. , Ferro-Famil L. , Goodenough D. , Chen H. , Tebaldini S. , Neumann M. , Ulander L. M. H. , Soja M. J.
Published: April 2021

The application of polarimetric Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) to forest observation for mapping, classification and parameter estimation (especially biomass) has a relatively long history. The radar penetration through forest volume, and hence the multi-layer nature of scattering models, make fully polarimetric data the observation space enabling a robust and full inversion of such models. A critical advance came with the introduction of polarimetric SAR interferometry, where polarimetry provides the parameter diversity, while the interferometric baseline proves a user-defined entropy control as well as spatial separation of scattering components, together with their location in the third dimension (height). Finally, the availability of multiple baselines leads to the full 3-D imaging of forest volumes through TomoSAR, the quality of which is again greatly enhanced by the inclusion of polarimetry. The objective of this Chapter is to review applications of SAR polarimetry, polarimetric interferometry and tomography to forest mapping and classification, height estimation, 3-D structure characterization and biomass estimation. This review includes not only models and algorithms, but it also contains a large number of experimental results in different test sites and forest types, and from airborne and space borne SAR data at different frequencies.