bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aged Breast Extracellular Matrix Drives Mammary Epithelial Cells to an Invasive and Cancer‐Like Phenotype
Authors: Bahcecioglu Gokhan , Yue Xiaoshan , Howe Erin , Guldner Ian , Stack M. Sharon , Nakshatri Harikrishna , Zhang Siyuan , Zorlutuna Pinar
Published: October 2021

Age is a major risk factor for cancer. While the importance of age related genetic alterations in cells on cancer progression is well documented, the effect of aging extracellular matrix (ECM) has been overlooked. This study shows that the aging breast ECM alone is sufficient to drive normal human mammary epithelial cells (KTB21) to a more invasive and cancer‐like phenotype, while promoting motility and invasiveness in MDA‐MB‐231 cells. Decellularized breast matrix from aged mice leads to loss of E‐cadherin membrane localization in KTB21 cells, increased cell motility and invasion, and increased production of inflammatory cytokines and cancer‐related proteins. The aged matrix upregulates cancer‐related genes in KTB21 cells and enriches a cell subpopulation highly expressing epithelial‐mesenchymal transition‐related genes. Lysyl oxidase knockdown reverts the aged matrix‐induced changes to the young levels; it relocalizes E‐cadherin to cell membrane, and reduces cell motility, invasion, and cytokine production. These results show for the first time that the aging ECM harbors key biochemical, physical, and mechanical cues contributing to invasive and cancer‐like behavior in healthy and cancer mammary cells. Differential response of cells to young and aged ECMs can lead to identification of new targets for cancer treatment and prevention.
Mastery learning improves simulated central venous catheter insertion by emergency medicine teaching faculty
Authors: Pokrajac Nicholas , Schertzer Kimberly , Roszczynialski Kelly N. , Rider Ashley , Williams Sarah R. , Poffenberger Cori M. , Gisondi Michael A.
Published: October 2021

Objectives

Routine competency assessments of procedure skills, such as central venous catheter (CVC) insertion, do not occur beyond residency training. Evidence suggests variable, suboptimal attending physician procedure skills. Our study aimed to assess CVC insertion skill by academic emergency physicians, determine whether a simulation‐based mastery learning (SBML) intervention improves performance and investigate for variables that predict competence.

Methods

This is a pretest–posttest study that evaluated simulated CVC insertion by emergency medicine (EM) faculty physicians. We assessed 44 volunteer participants at a large academic medical center over a 1‐month period using a published 29‐item checklist. Our primary outcome was the difference in assessment score before and after a SBML intervention. A secondary analysis evaluated predictors of pretest performance.

Results

A total of 44 subjects participated. Only four of 44 (9.1%) of subjects met a predefined minimum passing score on pretest. Mean assessment scores increased by 21.5% following the SBML intervention (95% confidence interval [CI] of the difference = 18.1% to 24.8%, p < 0.001). In a regression model, pretest scores increased by 10.8% (95% CI = 2.9 to 18.7%, p = 0.009) if subjects completed postgraduate training within 5 years. Frequency of CVC insertion did not predict performance, but 25 of 44 (56.8%) faculty members had no documented performance or supervision of a CVC insertion within 1 year of assessment.

Conclusions

SBML is a promising method to assess and improve CVC insertion performance by EM faculty physicians. Recent completion of postgraduate training was a significant predictor of CVC insertion performance. Our results require validation in larger cohorts of EM physicians across other academic institutions.
Assessing parametric and nitrogen fertilizer input uncertainties in the ORYZA_V3 model predictions
Authors: Yu Jin , Shi Liangsheng , Han Jingye , Yang Qi , Huang Jiesheng , Ye Ming
Published: October 2021

The ORYZA_V3 model is widely used for simulating paddy rice (Oryza sativa L.) growth. However, few studies have assessed the uncertainties in the ORYZA_V3 model predictions. This study examined the effects of uncertainties in crop parameters and input nitrogen (N) fertilizer rates on four growth variable predictions using the Markov Chain Monte Carlo and Monte Carlo methods. The results showed: (a) This model generated accurate predictions of the yield and aboveground biomass (AGB) at harvesting and leaf N concentration (FNLV) at the early (FNLVE) and middle (FNLVM) development stages but poor predictions of the FNLV at the late development stage (FNLVL) and leaf area index (LAI) at tillering, stem elongation, and panicle initiation development stages. (b) Parametric uncertainty had a significant effect on FNLVE and FNLVM predictions but had a negligible effect on LAI predictions at the three development stages. (c) Different input N fertilizer rates produced different degrees of parametric uncertainty in yield, AGB, FNLVM, and FNLVL predictions. (d) Incorporating the uncertainty in the input N rates increased the predictive variance of the variables. The average magnitude of increase was 69.45% for yield; 9.73% for AGB; 0.43% for LAI; and 0, 101.71, and 146.91% for FNLVE, FNLVM, and FNLVL, respectively. However, the mean values of the prediction distributions varied slightly after incorporating the uncertain input N rates. This study demonstrated the importance of the input N rates for simulating the yield, AGB, FNLVM, and FNLVL. The ORYZA_V3 model can be used to determine the impacts of N on rice growth.
Learning to Prevent Grasp Failure with Soft Hands: From Online Prediction to Dual‐Arm Grasp Recovery
Authors: Averta Giuseppe , Barontini Federica , Valdambrini Irene , Cheli Paolo , Bacciu Davide , Bianchi Matteo
Published: October 2021

Soft hands allow to simplify the grasp planning to achieve a successful grasp, thanks to their intrinsic adaptability. At the same time, their usage poses new challenges, related to the adoption of classical sensing techniques originally developed for rigid end defectors, which provide fundamental information, such as to detect object slippage. Under this regard, model‐based approaches for the processing of the gathered information are hard to use, due to the difficulties in modeling hand–object interaction when softness is involved. To overcome these limitations, in this article, we proposed to combine distributed tactile sensing and machine learning (recurrent neural network) to detect sliding conditions for a soft robotic hand mounted on a robotic manipulator, targeting the prediction of the grasp failure event and the direction of sliding. The outcomes of these predictions allow for an online triggering of a compensatory action performed with a second robotic arm–hand system, to prevent the failure. Despite the fact that the network is trained only with spherical and cylindrical objects, we demonstrate high generalization capabilities of our framework, achieving a correct prediction of the failure direction in of cases, and a of successful regrasps, for a selection of 12 objects of common use.
Loss of branches due to winter storms could favor deciduousness in oaks
Authors: Karban Richard , Pearse Ian S.
Published: October 2021

Premise

Ecologists have an incomplete understanding of the factors that select for deciduous, evergreen, and marcescent leaf habits. Evergreens have more opportunities for photosynthesis but may experience costs when abiotic conditions are unfavorable such as during ice and windstorms.

Methods

We documented branch loss for species of oaks (Quercusspp.) in a common garden in California during an unusual windstorm.

Results

Branches of marcescent trees were more likely to break during the storm, and this pattern had a negligible phylogenetic signature. Branches of evergreen and marcescent species were mostly alive before breaking, which likely accrued a fitness cost, while those of deciduous species were mostly already dead. One explanation for the overrepresentation of broken branches from marcescent species is that their petioles are inflexible and have greater wind loading compared to the flexible petioles of evergreen leaves and the leafless condition of deciduous branches.

Conclusions

These results suggest that branch loss during unusual winter storms may be an important cost of a marcescent leaf habit.
Tracking immature reticulocyte proteins for improved detection of recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO) abuse
Authors: Cox Holly D. , Miller Geoffrey D. , Manandhar Abhilasha , Husk Jacob D. , Crouch Andre K. , Eichner Daniel
Published: October 2021

Athletes abuse recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO) and erythropoiesis stimulating agents to increase hemoglobin mass and improve performance. To evade detection, athletes have developed sophisticated blood doping regimens, which often include rhEPO micro‐dosing. Detection of these methods requires biomarkers with increased sensitivity and a sample matrix that is more amenable to frequent testing in the field. We have developed a method to measure two immature reticulocyte proteins, CD71 and ferrochelatase (FECH), and one total erythrocyte protein, Band 3, in dried blood spots (DBS). This method was tested in response to rhEPO administration after low doses, 40 IU/kg, micro‐doses, 900 IU, or saline injection in 20 healthy subjects. During administration of low‐dose rhEPO, the mean CD71/Band 3 and FECH/Band 3 ratio increased by 412 ± 197% and 250 ± 44%, respectively. The mean response for the current biomarker, RET%, increased by 195 ± 35%. During administration of rhEPO micro‐doses, CD71/Band 3 increased to 127 ± 25% on day 35 and 139 ± 36% on day 39, while no increase was observed in RET%. After rhEPO administration, during the washout phase, mean values decreased to a minimum of 64 ± 4% and 64 ± 11% for CD71/Band 3 and RET%, respectively. However, CD71/Band 3 remained below 75% of baseline for at least 4 weeks after rhEPO injection, while RET% returned to baseline levels. The results demonstrate that immature reticulocyte proteins have a larger response to rhEPO administration than the current biomarker, RET%, and can be monitored in the DBS matrix.
Novel DIP2C gene splicing variant in an individual with focal infantile epilepsy
Authors: Yang Le , Zhao Siyu , Ma Nan , Liu Liang , Li Dongjing , Li Xia , Wang Zhijing , Song Xixiao , Wang Yan , Wang Dong
Published: October 2021

Disco‐interacting protein 2 C (DIP2C) encodes a disco‐interacting protein and is highly expressed in the nervous system. Most variants of DIP2C are microdeletions on chromosome 10p15.3. This study reports a 17‐month‐old infant with focal infantile epilepsy who has a single‐nucleotide variation in DIP2C that results in alternative splicing. The de novo variation (NM_014974.3: c.1057+2T>G) in DIP2C was uncovered through whole‐exome sequencing. Minigene assays were performed and verified the alternative splicing caused by the variation. Finally, an 80‐bp nucleotide deletion in the 3′ end of Exon 8 was detected. Our study identified a de novo splicing variant that affects the coding length of DIP2C. This finding provides a new candidate gene for focal infantile epilepsy. Importantly, our finding is the first to associate a single nucleotide variant in DIP2C with focal infantile epilepsy.
Organophotoredox‐Catalyzed Switchable Selective Transformation of Aromatic Aldehydes into Pinacols and Benzyl alcohols
Authors: Yedase Girish Suresh , John Maria , Yatham Veera Reddy
Published: October 2021

We report a versatile and efficient organophotoredox‐catalyzed (4CzIPN) chemo‐selective conversion of aromatic aldehydes and ketones into pinacols and benzyl alcohols. Hantzsch ester and thiophenol were used as the electron, proton and hydrogen atom donors. Product selectivity can be switched from pinacols to benzyl alcohols simply by adding a stoichiometric amount of thiophenol to the reaction system. The operationally simple protocol tolerates a variety of functional groups and selectively converts aromatic aldehyde into pinacol or benzyl alcohol in the presence of both aromatic ketone and aliphatic aldehyde.
Transition Metal‐Catalyzed Carboamination of Alkenes and Allenes: Recent Progress
Authors: Nanda Santosh Kumar , Mallik Rosy
Published: October 2021

Vicinal carboamination of carbon‐carbon multiple bonds is a highly reliable and efficient practical strategy for the quick preparation of valuable and diverse amine derivatives starting from simple synthons. The last decade has witnessed numerous practical methods employing transition metal carboamination approaches of alkenes and allenes for the synthesis of these N‐bearing entities. Driven by the renaissance of transition metal catalysis, inter‐and intramolecular carboamination of alkenes and allenes comprising concomitant C−N and C−C bond formation has been studied extensively. Interestingly, existing reviews describing developments on carboamination of alkenes are mostly reaction path specific and confined to a particular metal catalyst. Whereas, guiding congregation of literature on carboamination of allene is not documented. In this review, different conceptual approaches will be discussed and examples from the recent literature will be presented with special focus to the detailed reaction mechanism.
N‐Iodosuccinimide‐promoted Regioselective Selenylation of 4H‐Pyrido‐[1,2‐a]‐pyrimidin‐4‐ones with Diselenides at Room Temperature
Authors: Guo Lina , Su Meiyun , Lv Junliang , Liu Wenjie , Wang Shaohua
Published: October 2021

A novel and efficient approach for the regioselective selenylation of 4H‐pyrido‐[1,2‐a]‐pyrimidin‐4‐ones with diselenides at room temperature has been developed. This procedure is catalyzed by N‐iodosuccinimide under metal‐free conditions with a broad range of substrate scopes and affords C3 selenylation products in good to excellent yields. Furthermore, the sulfenylation with diphenyl disulfides and 4‐methylbenzenethiol in this transformation is successful.
Self‐photocatalyzed Homolytic Dehalogenative Alkylation/Cyclization of Unactivated Alkenes Based on the Quinazolinone Skeleton via Energy Transfer
Authors: Sun Bin , Tang Xiaoli , Shi Rongcheng , Yan Zhiyang , Li Bingqian , Tang Chen , Jin Can , Wu Chunlei L. , Shen Runpu P.
Published: October 2021

A mild, external photocatalyst‐ and additive‐free protocol for photo‐induced alkylation/cyclization of unactivated alkenes with halides has been developed. This strategy showed excellent regioselectivity and simple operation to synthesize alkyl‐substituted quinazolinones with a broad substrate scope. More importantly, chlorinated alkanes were also compatible with this transformation.
“I want to become part of the Australian community”: Challenging the marginalisation of women resettled as refugees in Australia – Findings from a photovoice project
Authors: Lumbus Anita , Fleay Caroline , Hartley Lisa K. , Gower Shelley , Creado Andrea , Dantas Jaya A. R.
Published: October 2021

This article discusses a community‐based participatory research (CPBR) project, which used photovoice to explore 43 refugee women's perspectives of settlement in Perth, Western Australia. The research was conducted between a university and a multicultural women's health service from 2016 to 17. The women were given cameras and chose topics to photograph, which represented their settlement experiences and, using reflective group dialogue, reflected on their settlement successes and challenges and provided policy recommendations for improving the settlement process. Eleven women were interviewed for further in‐depth reflections, and 22 women selected photographs and wrote accompanying narratives for a travelling photography exhibition. Key themes of the importance of English language learning and family support during the settlement process are explored. Drawing on intersectionality and postcolonial feminist theories, this article discusses how government provisions for English education are incongruent with the settlement needs of women and access to family reunion is largely unattainable, which has negative implications for women's health and well‐being. This article demonstrates how government policy marginalises women and reinforces an existing gendered, racial hierarchy. An intersectional approach to settlement policymaking and programmes is recommended for women's successful settlement.
A Modular Cascade Synthetic Strategy Toward Structurally Constrained Boron‐Doped Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons
Authors: Zhang Jin‐Jiang , Yang Lin , Liu Fupin , Fu Yubin , Liu Junzhi , Popov Alexey A. , Ma Ji , Feng Xinliang
Published: October 2021

A novel synthetic strategy was developed for the construction of difficult‐to‐access structurally constrained boron‐doped polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (sc‐B‐PAHs) via a cascade reaction from the readily available ortho‐aryl‐substituted diarylalkynes. This domino process involves borylative cyclization, 1,4‐boron migration and successive two‐fold electrophilic borylation. Two types of sc‐B‐PAHs bearing B‐doped [4]helicene (1 a‐1 i) or BN‐doped [4]helicene (1 n‐1 t) and double [4]helicene (1 u‐1 v) are constructed by this cascade reaction. Remarkably, this synthetic strategy is characterized by modest yields (20–50 %) and broad substrate scope (18 examples) with versatile functional group tolerance. The resultant sc‐B‐PAHs show good stability under ambient conditions and are thoroughly investigated by X‐ray crystallography, UV/Vis absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy, and cyclic voltammetry. Interestingly enough, BN‐doped [4]helicene 1 o forms a unique alternating π‐stacked dimer of enantiomers within a helical columnar superstructure, while BN‐doped double [4]helicene 1 u establishes an unprecedented π‐stacked trimeric sandwich structure with a rare 2D lamellar π‐stacking. The synthetic approach reported herein represents a powerful tool for the rapid generation of novel sc‐B‐PAHs, which are highly attractive for the elucidation of the structure‐property relationship and for potential optoelectronic applications.
An Immunomodulatory Peptide Dendrimer Inspired from Glatiramer Acetate
Authors: Erzina Dina , Capecchi Alice , Javor Sacha , Reymond Jean‐Louis
Published: October 2021

Glatiramer acetate (GA) is a random polypeptide drug used to treat multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic autoimmune disease. With the aim of identifying a precisely defined alternative to GA, we synthesized a library of peptide dendrimers with an amino acid composition similar to GA. We then challenged the dendrimers to trigger the release of the anti‐inflammatory cytokine interleukin‐1 receptor antagonist (IL‐1Ra) from human monocytes, which is one of the effects of GA on immune cells. Several of the largest dendrimers tested were as active as GA. Detailed profiling of the best hit showed that this dendrimer induces the differentiation of monocytes towards an M2 (anti‐inflammatory) state as GA does, however with a distinct immune marker profile. Our peptide dendrimer might serve as starting point to develop a well‐defined immunomodulatory analog of GA.
Thin‐Layer Chromatography and Coomassie Staining of Phospholipids for Fast and Simple Lipidomics Sample Preparation
Authors: Hofmann Tommy , Barth Marie , Meister Annette , Kastritis Panagiotis L. , Schmidt Carla
Published: October 2021

Invited for this month's cover is the group of Prof. Carla Schmidt at the University of Halle‐Wittenberg. The cover picture shows a Coomassie‐stained thin‐layer chromatography plate. Separation of three lipidomes is exemplified: (i) Escherichia coli, (ii) SH‐SY5Y neuroblastoma cells, and (iii) lipids assembled in polymer nanodiscs. Subsequent identification of the lipids by mass spectrometry is indicated. More information can be found in the Full Paper at 10.1002/anse.202100029.
Development of DNA intercalative, HSA binder pyridine‐based novel Schiff base Cu(II), Ni(II) complexes with effective anticancer property: A combined experimental and theoretical approach
Authors: Satapathi Dibyendu , Das Manik , Rajak Karunamoy , Laha Soumik , Islam Md. Maidul , Choudhuri Indranil , Bhattacharyya Nandan , Das Sinjan , Samanta Bidhan Chandra , Maity Tithi
Published: October 2021

The two novel Cu(II) complexes [Cu(L)(CH3COO)] and [Cu(L)(N3)] (1, 2) and one Ni(II) complex [Ni(L)(N)3] (3) have been developed by using the ligand HL, obtained by the condensation of 2 amino methyl pyridine and 5‐bromo salicylaldehyde. All the three complexes are spectroscopically characterized along with molar conductance measurement. With the help of EPR, density functional theory (DFT) studies, the occupants of distorted square planer geometry with azide (2 and 3), acetate (1) as a secondary anionic residue, and the presence of +2 oxidation state on metal center of the complexes have been documented. After structural determination, all the complexes have been exposed to inspect their DNA and human serum albumin (HSA) binding efficacy. Initially, the higher binding constants, obtained from electronic titration among complexes and DNA, the impressive reduction of fluorescence intensities of the HSA and Ethidium Bromide (EtBr)‐DNA adduct, after incremental addition of complexes separately, assure the high binding ability of complexes 2 and 3 in compare with 1. The time‐dependent fluorescence study, isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC), and circular dichroism (CD) spectral titration provide the additional support to get affirmation about the binding potentiality of the aforementioned complexes with DNA/HSA. The molecular docking study authenticates the experimental approach. Furthermore, the anticancer study of all the complexes has been checked by implementing the MTT assay method on two cancer cell lines and one normal cell line. The MTT assay results explore the better anticancer property of complex 2 in comparison with complexes 1 and 3 with low toxicity to the normal cell, and this fact may be correlated with the impressive DNA and HSA binding efficacy of complex 2. Finally, the nuclear staining study by AO/PI dual sensor discloses the nuclear morphological change of cancer cells along with the opening of cell death mechanism, suggesting the apoptotic pathway.
Synthesis and performance of moisture curable solvent free silane terminated polyurethanes for coating and sealant applications
Authors: Camadanli Sebnem , Hisir Arif , Dural Sevilay
Published: October 2021

Polyurethanes (PUs) constitute one of the most versatile class of polymers with respect to composition, properties, and applications. Having an excellent elastomeric performance, PUs has been used in a wide range of applications. Additionally, silane terminated modified polyurethanes (STPUs) combine advantageous characteristics of PUs and organosilicon. Two PUs and four STPUs modified by a silane end‐capper N‐ethyl‐3‐trimethoxysilyl‐2‐methylpropanamine and N‐cyclohexyl aminomethyltriethoxysilane were synthesized and acted as an adhesives or coatings which could be suitable for use in moisture‐curing compositions at room temperature without releasing CO2. The effect of isocyanate groups in the polyurethane backbone and organofunctional groups in the aminosilane structure (R1–NH–R2–Si[OC2H5]3), R1 (alkyl or aryl), the spacer R2 (α or γ) was examined. The chemical and physical structures of the PUs and STPUs were investigated by nuclear magnetic resonance (13C and 1H), dynamical mechanical analysis (DMA), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR) and the mechanical properties were evaluated by universal tensile tests. The results showed that STPUs were successfully synthesized as moisture curable, exhibiting low viscosity with adequate tensile strength and elongation can be prepared environmentally benign by utilizing secondary aminosilane end‐cappers and an optimal combination of the polyol molecular weight and NCO/OH ratio.
Influence of ambient pressure on thermal response of polymer matrix composites
Authors: Guo Jin , Huang Jie , Huang Haiming , Yao Jun , Jiang Xuedong
Published: October 2021

Ambient pressure is crucial to the thermal performance of polymer matrix composites, which are usually used as the thermal protection system (TPS) materials of hypersonic vehicles. Aiming at studying the influence of ambient pressure on thermal response of polymer matrix composites, a novel pyrolysis layer model with pressure is presented, and its mathematical model is deduced and programmed in MATLAB. Comparison between numerical results and experimental results of theoretical ablative composite for open testing is given to verify the accuracy of the presented model. After that, thermal responses of phenolic impregnated carbon ablator under ambient pressures range from 1 to 500 kPa are simulated. It is found that accumulation and backstreaming of generated pyrolysis gasses begin to appear with the increase of ambient pressure. And there is an obvious linear correlation between the reciprocal of the material internal pressure and the ambient pressure. In addition, bondline temperature of polymer matrix composites declines as the ambient pressure decreases. Effect of ambient pressure on thermal response of polymer matrix composites cannot be neglected, which should be taken into account in the TPS design. This study contributes to the accurate prediction of thermal response of polymer matrix composites.
Hybrids of glass fibers coated with carbon nanotubes and nickel for high‐performance electromagnetic wave absorption composites
Authors: Liu Yu , He Delong , Dubrunfaut Olivier , Zhang Anne , Pichon Lionel , Bai Jinbo
Published: October 2021

To expand the application of insulating glass fiber (GF) in the field of microwave absorption, one type of GF hybrids with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and nickel (Ni) was successfully synthesized by chemical vapor deposition and electroless plating methods. By changing the reaction conditions, the morphology of GF hybrids including CNT's length, CNT's growth density, and Ni′s thickness could be adjusted. The as‐produced hybrids were used as multifunctional reinforcement to fabricate epoxy composites. The dielectric properties of composites were particularly measured from 1 to 18 GHz. It was found that the variation of GF hybrids structure significantly changed the dielectric properties of the composites in the tested frequency range. Furthermore, the analytical simulation work based on the experimental results was conducted for optimizing the structural parameters of multilayered composites. The results showed that the best reflection loss of −60 dB with a −10 dB range of 5.6 GHz could be obtained in an absorber with a triple‐layered structure composed by GF‐CNTs/epoxy with different CNT contents and GF‐CNTs@Ni/epoxy. Thus, the proposed hybrid method might be quite efficient for developing composites that can achieve high‐performance electromagnetic absorbing.
Microstructure and properties of poly(butylene terephthalate)/poly(ethylene terephthalate) composites based on carbon nanotubes/graphene nanoplatelets hybrid filler systems
Authors: Gao Zhuyi , Dong Qunfeng , Shang Mengyao , Shentu Baoqing , Wu Chinan
Published: October 2021

This work describes the preparation of poly(butylene terephthalate) (PBT)/poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) composites using carbon nanotubes (CNTs)/graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) hybrid fillers by melt blending process. The effects of CNTs/GNPs hybrid fillers on the thermal conductivity, electrical conductivity, electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness (EMI SE) and mechanical properties of composites with varying CNTs/GNPs weight ratios were investigated. Scanning electron microscopy showed that the CNTs/GNPs hybrid fillers had better dispersion in PBT/PET matrix, they could effectively cooperate to build filler network structure. The excellent synergistic effects of hybrid fillers could significantly improve the mechanical properties and thermal conductivity. When adding 2 phr CNTs and 8 phr GNPs simultaneously, the thermal conductivity reached 0.84 W m−1 K−1 and Young's modulus was 1.2‐fold compared with PBT/PET blends. In addition, all hybrid composites with higher CNTs/GNPs weight ratios showed better electrical conductivity and EMI SE. The measurement of EMI SE and study of shielding mechanism indicated that absorption loss was the main mechanism for the attenuation of incident electromagnetic waves in hybrid composites over X‐band frequency.
Synthesis of Poly‐Substituted Pyridines via Noble‐Metal‐Free Cycloaddition of Ketones and Imines
Authors: Mao Yeting , Mao Hong , Xu Jiaojiao , Liu Tianqi , Liu Bingxin , Tan Qitao , Ding Chang‐Hua , Xu Bin
Published: October 2021

An eco‐friendly and noble‐metal‐free formal [4+2] cycloaddition reaction was developed for the efficient synthesis of biologically interesting poly‐substituted pyridines from easily available ketones and imines, whereby two sequential C−C bonds are formed. The given approach features a unique synthetic strategy of imines and ketones with wide substrate scope, good functional group tolerance, mild conditions and operational simplicity, which represents a more direct pathway to synthesize poly‐substituted pyridines than traditional methods.
Design and Dosimetric Characterization of a Broadband Exposure Facility for In Vitro Experiments in the Frequency Range 18–40.5 GHz
Authors: Schmid Gernot , Hirtl Rene , Gronau Isabel , Meyer Vivian , Drees Karen , Lerchl Alexander
Published: October 2021

A novel exposure facility for exposing cell monolayers to centimeter and millimeter waves (18–40.5 GHz) used by future 5G mobile communication technology and similar applications has been developed. A detailed dosimetric characterization of the apparatus for frequencies of 27 and 40.5 GHz and 60 mm petri dishes, used in a presently ongoing study on human dermal fibroblasts and keratinocytes, was carried out. The exposure facility enables a well‐defined, randomized, and blinded application of sham exposure and exposure with selectable values of incident power flux density, and additionally provides the possibility of continuous monitoring of the sample temperature during exposure while it does not require significant deviations from routine in vitro handling procedures, i.e. petri dishes are not required to be placed inside waveguides or TEM cells. Mean specific absorption rate (SAR) values inside the cell monolayer of 115 W/kg (27 GHz) and 160 W/kg (40.5 GHz) per watt antenna input power and corresponding transmitted power density (St) values at the bottom of the cell monolayer of 65 W/m2 (27 GHz) and 70 W/m2 (40.5 GHz) per watt antenna input power can be achieved, respectively. For reasonable amounts of harvested cells (80% of petri dish bottom area), the variation (max/min) of SAR and St over the cell monolayer remains below 3.7 dB (27 GHz) and 3.0 dB (40.5 GHz), respectively. © 2021 Bioelectromagnetics Society.
A novel method for purification of biologically active C‐terminal fragment of human recombinant anti‐mullerian hormone
Authors: Rak Alexandra Ya. , Protasov Evgeny A. , Trofimov Alexander V. , Pigareva Natalia V. , Ischenko Alexander M.
Published: October 2021

Anti‐mullerian hormone (AMH) is one of the least studied members of transforming growth factor beta superfamily showing pro‐apoptotic activity against cells positive for hormone type II receptor overexpressed by malignant cells in many cancer cases. Here, we propose an improved method for isolation of recombinant C‐terminal AMH fragment (C‐rAMH) to obtain homogeneous preparations of this protein with high biological activity. In contrast to our previously developed C‐rAMH purification technology based on reversed‐phase HPLC, the key stage of the new approach is hydrophobic interaction chromatography using Toyopearl Butyl‐650S resin performed under more benign conditions. This modification of the previously developed method allowed highly purified C‐rAMH to be obtained that is characterized by twice the specificity estimated as the ability to bind to the recombinant analog of AMH type II receptor and by significantly higher biological activity, that is, the ability to induce the death of target cells. Thus, we made the purification technology even more cost‐effective and suitable for the production of drug forms based on C‐rAMH.
Is there collaboration specific neurophysiological activation during collaborative task activity? An analysis of brain responses using electroencephalography and hyperscanning
Authors: Léné Paul , Karran Alexander J. , Labonté‐Lemoyne Elise , Sénécal Sylvain , Fredette Marc , Johnson Kevin J. , Léger Pierre‐Majorique
Published: October 2021

Collaboration between two individuals is thought to be associated with the synchrony of two different brain activities. Indeed, prefrontal cortical activation and alpha frequency band modulation has been widely reported, but little is known about interbrain synchrony (IBS) changes occurring during social interaction such as collaboration or competition. In this study, we assess the dynamic of IBS variation in order to provide novel insights into the frequency band modulation underlying collaboration. To address this question, we used electroencephalography (EEG) to simultaneously record the brain activity of two individuals playing a computer‐based game facing four different conditions: collaboration, competition, single participation, and passive observation. The computer‐based game consisted of a fast button response task. Using data recorded in sensor space, we calculated an IBS value for each frequency band using both wavelet coherence transform and phase‐locking value and performed single‐subject analysis to compare each condition. We found significant IBS in frontal electrodes only present during collaboration associated with alpha frequency band modulation. In addition, we observed significant IBS in the theta frequency band for both collaboration and competition conditions, along with a significant single‐subject cortical activity. Competition is distinguishable through single‐subject activity in several regions and frequency bands of the brain. Performance is correlated with single‐subject frontal activation during collaboration in the alpha and beta frequency band.
Highly sensitive detection of driver mutations from cytological samples and cfDNA in lung cancer
Authors: Fujita Kazutaka , Nakayama Masayuki , Sata Masafumi , Nagai Yoshiaki , Hisata Shu , Mato Naoko , Suzuki Takuji , Bando Masashi , Hizawa Nobuyuki , Hagiwara Koichi
Published: October 2021

Background

Bronchoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure for establishing the diagnosis of lung cancer. It sometimes fails to obtain tissue samples but readily collects cytological samples.

Methods

We developed PNA‐LNA dual‐PCR (PLDP), which amplified mutant sequences by a high‐fidelity DNA polymerase in the presence of a peptide nucleic acid (PNA) oligomer having a wild‐type sequence. Mutations are detected either by locked nucleic acid (LNA) probes for quick detection of a limited number of mutations, which are EGFR, KRAS, and BRAF mutations in the current study, or by direct sequencing for a comprehensive screening. In a total of 233 lung cancer samples, the results for cytological samples by PLDP were compared with those for tissue samples by cobas® EGFR mutation test (cobas) or by the PNA‐LNA PCR clamp method (P‐LPC). Moreover, the performance of PLDP using cell‐free DNA (cfDNA) was investigated.

Results

Peptide nucleic acid‐LNA dual‐PCR was able to detect each synthesized mutant sequence with high sensitivity. PLDP detected EGFR mutations in 80 out of 149 clinical samples, while the cobas or the P‐LPC detected in 66 matched. The correctness of PLDP was confirmed both by clinical response and by the results of sequencing using a next‐generation sequencer. PLDP detected mutations from cfDNA in approximately 70% of patients who harbors mutations in the tumor.

Conclusions

Peptide nucleic acid‐LNA dual‐PCR exhibited an excellent performance, even using cytological samples. PLDP is applicable for the investigation of cfDNA. The combination of bronchoscopy and PLDP is attractive and will expand the utility of bronchoscopy in clinical practice.
Rare presentation of Graves’ disease with myalgia: A case report
Authors: Kurihara Masaru , Kinjo Shunichi , Tokuda Yasuharu
Published: October 2021

A 42‐year‐old woman presented with myalgia, which ameliorated a week after treatment. She was diagnosed with Graves’ disease. The presence of concomitant autoimmune diseases is important considerations for patients with Graves’ disease presenting with myalgia. Thyrotoxicosis should be included as a rare differential diagnosis for myalgia.
Design Principles for Tungsten Oxide Electrocatalysts for Water Splitting
Authors: Chen Xueying , Yang Jun , Cao Yifan , Kong Luo , Huang Jianfeng
Published: October 2021

Electrocatalytic water splitting involving the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is a crucial and effective pathway to obtain clean and renewable energy resources. The advanced electrocatalysts can significantly reduce the reaction energy barrier to realize high‐efficiency energy conversion. In this regard, noble‐metal catalysts display excellent catalytic performance for the water splitting reaction, but the high cost hinders its large‐scale application. As a low‐cost candidate for noble‐metal catalysts, tungsten oxide is endowed with the variable crystalline phase and adjustable composition, which provide more opportunities to achieve satisfactory catalytic activity by engineering crystal structure and modulating surface electronic states. To promote the reaction activity and stability, some effective strategies have been developed to optimize the surface crystal and electronic structure of tungsten oxide electrocatalysts for overall water splitting. In this review, we especially highlight the latest advances and progress in the exploration of tungsten oxide electrocatalysts for HER and OER, and systematically classify these strategies into several design principles involving adjustable surface morphology, engineering defects, and synergistic catalysis, providing a deep understanding of the relationship between the catalytic activity and crystal structure in the tungsten oxide. Some perspectives are also proposed to guide a rational design of tungsten oxide electrocatalyst for water splitting.
Pincer‐Supported Gallium Complexes for the Catalytic Hydroboration of Aldehydes, Ketones and Carbon Dioxide
Authors: Liu Lingyu , Lo Siu‐Kwan , Smith Cory , Goicoechea Jose M.
Published: October 2021

Gallium hydrides stabilised by primary and secondary amines are scarce due to their propensity to eliminate dihydrogen. Consequently, their reactivity has received limited attention. The synthesis of two novel gallium hydride complexes HGa(THF)[ON(H)O] and H2Ga[μ2‐ON(H)O]Ga[ON(H)O] ([ON(H)O]2−=N,N‐bis(3,5‐di‐tert‐butyl‐2‐phenoxy)amine) is described and their reactivity towards aldehydes and ketones is explored. These reactions afford alkoxide‐bridged dimers through 1,2‐hydrogallation reactions. The gallium hydrides can be regenerated through Ga−O/B−H metathesis from the reaction of such dimers with pinacol borane (HBpin) or 9‐borabicyclo[3.3.1]nonane (9‐BBN). These observations allowed us to target the catalytic reduction of carbonyl substrates (aldehydes, ketones and carbon dioxide) with low catalyst loadings at room temperature.
Metal Free Access to Polysubstituted Pyrimidines via Nitrile Activation and [2+2+2] Cycloaddition
Authors: Chai Jinkui , Nie Yu , Wang Zhao , Cheng Li , Liu Ying‐Guo , Wu Junliang
Published: October 2021

Tf2O mediated intermolecular / intramolecular [2+2+2] cycloaddition between alkynes and nitriles has been developed for efficient construction of polysubstituted pyrimidines and bicyclopyrimidines. In presence of Tf2O, aza‐allene species were generated in situ through nitrile activation and subsequently participated in the [2+2+2] cycloaddition, which was fully supported by deuteration experiments. The reaction had good substrate extensibility with moderate to excellent yield including trimethylsilylalkynes. The method was utilized as a synthetic tool in the preparation of a luminescent metal complex.
Testing normality of spatially indexed functional data
Authors: Hörmann Siegfried , Kokoszka Piotr , Kuenzer Thomas
Published: October 2021

We develop a test of normality for spatially indexed functions. The assumption of normality is common in spatial statistics, yet no significance tests, or other means of assessment, have been available for functional data. This article aims at filling this gap in the case of functional observations on a spatial grid. Our test compares the moments of the spatial (frequency domain) principal component scores to those of a suitable Gaussian distribution. Critical values can be readily obtained from a chi‐squared distribution. We provide rigorous theoretical justification for a broad class of weakly stationary functional random fields. We perform simulation studies to assess the power of the test against various alternatives. An application to surface incoming shortwave radiation illustrates the practical value of this procedure.
Wave mechanics fundaments for quantum chemistry in secondary education
Authors: Kraska Thomas
Published: October 2021

Während die Quantenchemie seit rund einhundert Jahren in der Fachwissenschaft das Standardmodell der chemischen Bindung darstellt, ist sie bislang nur eingeschränkt im Chemieunterricht angekommen. Insbesondere die Einführung der Welleneigenschaften der Materie wird oft vernachlässigt. Die Komplexität des Themas macht es erforderlich, die Grundlagen exemplarisch zu behandeln. Einfache Modelle mit unendlich hohen Potentialwänden und verschwindendem Potential im inneren können als Anregungen dienen, die es Lehrkräften ermöglichen sollen, dieses Gebiet zu unterrichten. Die mathematische Modellierung basiert hier im Wesentlichen auf der Sinusfunktion und ist somit grundsätzlich für die Schule geeignet. Grundlage der Bindungsbildung ist die Interferenz, die stattfindet, wenn elektronische Wellen bei Annäherung von Atomen aufeinandertreffen. Die Interferenz hat eine Umverteilung der Ladung zur Folge. Sofern diese Umverteilung mehr Raum einnimmt, führt dies in Folge zu einer Absenkung der kinetischen Energie. Daneben führt die Ladungsumverteilung zu Veränderungen in der potentiellen Energie. Dies ist Grundlage für eine Reihe von Regeln und Effekten, die in der Schulchemie häufig ohne Zusammenhang eingeführt werden. Auch wenn das Thema vornehmlich in der Oberstufe verortet ist, können jedoch bereits in der Mittelstufe die Welleneigenschaften gleichwertig zu den Teilcheneigenschaften phänomenologisch eingeführt werden.
The American Thyroid Association (ATA) integrates molecular testing into its framework for managing patients with anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC): Update on the 2021 ATA ATC guidelines
Authors: Silver Karcioglu Amanda , Iwata Ayaka J. , Pusztaszeri Marc , Abdelhamid Ahmed Amr H. , Randolph Gregory W.
Published: October 2021

The recently published 2021 guidelines for the management of patients with anaplastic thyroid cancer from the American Thyroid Association provide updated recommendations and guidance for the treatment of this rare but lethal thyroid cancer and incorporate significant advances since the initial guidelines were published in 2012. In particular, the focus on prompt cytopathologic and immunohistochemical diagnosis with the identification of potentially actionable genomic/molecular targets affirms the central and key role of pathologists and cytopathologists in not only the diagnosis but also the management of these patients.
Satb1 expression in retinal ganglion cells of marmosets, macaques, and humans
Authors: Nasir‐Ahmad Subha , Vanstone Kurt A. , Novelli Mario , Lee Sammy C. S. , Do Michael Tri H. , Martin Paul R. , Grünert Ulrike
Published: October 2021

Recent advances in single‐cell RNA sequencing have enabled the molecular distinction of ganglion cell populations in mammalian retinas. Here we used antibodies against the transcription factor special AT‐rich binding protein 1 (Satb1, a protein which is expressed by on‐off direction‐selective ganglion cells in mouse retina) to study Satb1 expression in the retina of marmosets (Callithrix jacchus), macaques (Macaca fascicularis), and humans. In all species, Satb1 was exclusively expressed in retinal ganglion cells. The Satb1 cells made up ∼2% of the ganglion cell population in the central retina of all species, rising to a maximum ∼7% in peripheral marmoset retina. Intracellular injections in marmoset and macaque retinas revealed that most Satb1 expressing ganglion cells are widefield ganglion cells. In marmoset, Satb1 cells have a densely branching dendritic tree and include broad and narrow thorny, recursive bistratified, and parasol cells, all of which show some costratification with the outer or inner cholinergic amacrine cells. The recursive bistratified cells showed the strongest costratification but did not show extensive cofasciculation as reported for on‐off direction‐selective ganglion cells in rabbit and rodent retinas. In macaque, Satb1 was not expressed in recursive bistratified cells, but in large sparsely branching cells. Our findings further support the idea that the expression of transcription factors in retinal ganglion cells is not conserved across Old World (human and macaque) and New World (marmoset) primates and provides a further step to link a molecular marker with specific cell types.
Effect of spectrophotometer biosafety barriers on composite resin color reading
Authors: Prado Mayara C. , Wandscher Vinicius F. , Marchionatti Ana Maria E. , Skupien Jovito A.
Published: October 2021

The purpose of this study is to verify whether the spectrophotometer makes similar color readings when subjected to the use of biosafety barriers. Eighty specimens were made in four colors of the Llis composite resin (EA1, DA1, EA3, DA3) and four of the Filtek Z350 XT (A1E, A1D, A3E e A3D) (n = 10). The specimens were subjected to color analysis with a VITA Easyshade device according to the groups regarding the physical barrier: the protector supplied with the VITA device, polyvinyl chloride plastic film, high‐density polyethylene bag, and without protection as a control. The color difference (ΔE00) between control and groups was evaluated and compared with the perceptibility and acceptability thresholds. In the Filtek Z350 XT, there was a significant ΔE00 in color A3E, in the polyethylene bag (P < .001), and in color A1D, in the supplied protector (P = .01) in relation to the other groups. For Llis, in color EA1 for all protective barriers (P = .014), and in color DA1 only for polyethylene bag in relation to the other barriers (P = .02). ΔE00 was higher than the perceptible threshold for all groups, colors, and brands. The results below the threshold of acceptability in relation to the ΔE00 did not demonstrate consistency between barriers, colors, and resins. It was not possible to identify a statistically significant pattern of ΔE00 between the barriers. The ΔE00 were above the perceptibility threshold, and few were below the acceptability threshold. It was not possible to suggest that one biosafety barrier was superior to another or could be indicated.