bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Construction of a Poly(anthraquinone Sulfide)/Carbon Nanotube Composite with Enhanced Li‐ion Storage Capacity
Authors: Mao Wutao , Ding Yiming , Li Maolong , Ma Chao , Cao Zhixiang , He Chang , Bao Keyan , Qian Yitai
Published: April 2021

Quinone compounds are among the most promising candidate organic materials for energy storage due to advantages such as their higher theoretical energy density. In the present paper, a one‐step condensation method is described for connecting anthraquinone units via thioether bonds to generate a poly(anthraquinone sulfide) (PAQS) material as a promising lithium energy‐storage system. Poly(anthraquinone sulfide)/carbon nanotube (PAQS/CNT) frameworks are then prepared via an in‐situ chemical solution method. The good electrochemical performance of the PAQS/CNT composite with 2 wt % carbon nanotubes is then demonstrated, with a significantly higher discharge specific capacity (187.2 mA h g−1) than that of a pure PAQS electrode (101.0 mA h g−1). Moreover, the specific capacity remains at 168.4 mA h g−1 after 200 cycles, with a retention rate of 90.0 %. It is confirmed that CNTs play a number of roles in the composite polymer material, such as stabilizing the material structure during battery charging and discharging, improving the electronic conductivity, and alleviating the dissolution of the components of the organic electrolyte.
Sandwich Structure of 3D Porous Carbon and Water‐Pillared V2O5 Nanosheets for Superior Zinc‐Ion Storage Properties
Authors: Shao Yalong , Zeng Jing , Li Junjie , Ren Honglin , Zhang Zhonghua , Liu Jing , Mao Changming , Guo Xiaosong , Li Guicun
Published: April 2021

Vanadium oxides are promising cathode materials for rechargeable aqueous zinc‐ion batteries (RAZIBs). However, the self‐agglomeration and poor ion/electron conductivity of vanadium oxides in the charge/discharge process usually lead to low capacity and capacity attenuation, which limits their commercial application. Herein, we report a facile and mass‐production method for fabricating 3D porous carbon/water‐pillared V2O5 nanosheet composites with sandwich structure (PC/V2O5 ⋅ nH2O), which can further reduce the preparation cost of vanadium‐oxide‐based cathodes. Moreover, the excellent structural characteristics of PC/V2O5 ⋅ nH2O not only effectively inhibits the aggregation and stacking of V2O5 ⋅ nH2O but also increases the contact area between the active substance and the electrolyte, which is conducive to the transport of zinc ions and improves the electrochemical performance of RAZIBs. The PC/V2O5 ⋅ nH2O cathode displays an excellent rate performance (325.3 mAh g−1 at high current density 20 A g−1), a high specific discharge capacity of 415.4 mAh g−1 at 0.5 A g−1, an outstanding cyclic stability, and capacity retention (after 1000 cycles the capacity retention rate about 97.1 %). Ex situ XRD patterns reveal that the charge/discharge process of the PC/V2O5 ⋅ nH2O electrode undergoes a reversible intercalation and conversion process. The method used in this work provides an idea for large‐scale synthesis of vanadium‐based cathode materials for multivalent batteries.
Facile Preparation of CuCo2S4/Cu7.2S4 Nanocomposites as High‐Performance Cathode Materials for Rechargeable Magnesium Batteries**
Authors: Zhang Qin , Hu Yaobo , Wang Jun , Dai Yuanxiao , Pan Fusheng
Published: April 2021

Rechargeable magnesium batteries (RMBs) have been considered a promising energy‐storage device due to their high energy density and high safety, but they still suffer from a lack of high‐rate performance and cycle performance of the cathode. Nanosized CuCo2S4/Cu7.2S4 composites have been synthesized for the first time by a facile solvothermal method. Herein, the magnesium ion storage behavior when applied in the cathode for RMBs is discussed. Electrochemical results demonstrated that the CuCo2S4/Cu7.2S4 composites exhibit a high initial discharge capacity of 256 mAh g−1 at 10 mA g−1 and 123 mAh g−1 at 300 mA g−1 at room temperature and an outstanding long‐term cyclic stability over 300 cycles at 300 mA g−1. Furthermore, the electrochemical storage mechanism demonstrated that the storage process of magnesium ion in the CuCo2S4/Cu7.2S4 cathode is mainly driven by strong pseudocapacitive effects.
Ruthenium‐Catalyzed Deuteration of Aromatic Carbonyl Compounds with a Catalytic Transient Directing Group
Authors: Kopf Sara , Ye Fei , Neumann Helfried , Beller Matthias
Published: April 2021

A novel ruthenium‐catalyzed C−H activation methodology for hydrogen isotope exchange of aromatic carbonyl compounds is presented. In the presence of catalytic amounts of specific amine additives, a transient directing group is formed in situ, which directs selective deuteration. A high degree of deuteration is achieved for α‐carbonyl and aromatic ortho‐positions. In addition, appropriate choice of conditions allows for exclusive labeling of the α‐carbonyl position while a procedure for the preparation of merely ortho‐deuterated compounds is also reported. This methodology proceeds with good functional group tolerance and can be also applied for deuteration of pharmaceutical drugs. Mechanistic studies reveal a kinetic isotope effect of 2.2, showing that the C−H activation is likely the rate‐determining step of the catalytic cycle. Using deuterium oxide as a cheap and convenient source of deuterium, the methodology presents a cost‐efficient alternative to state‐of‐the‐art iridium‐catalyzed procedures.
Thiazolidinediones: An In–Depth Study of Their Synthesis and Application to Medicinal Chemistry in the Treatment of Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Long Nathan , Le Gresley Adam , Wren Stephen P.
Published: April 2021

2,4‐Thiazolidinedione (TZD) is a privileged and highly utilised scaffold for the development of pharmaceutically active compounds. This sulfur‐containing heterocycle is a versatile pharmacophore that confers a diverse range of pharmacological activities. TZD has been shown to exhibit biological action towards a vast range of targets interesting to medicinal chemists. In this review, we attempt to provide insight into both the historical conventional and the use of novel methodologies to synthesise the TZD core framework. Further to this, synthetic procedures utilised to substitute the TZD molecule at the activated methylene C5and N3position are reviewed. Finally, research into developing clinical agents, which act as modulators of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptors gamma (PPARγ), protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) and aldose reductase 2 (ALR2), are discussed. These are the three most targeted receptors for the treatment of diabetes mellitus (DM).
Tetrahydroquinoline/4,5‐Dihydroisoxazole Molecular Hybrids as Inhibitors of Breast Cancer Resistance Protein (BCRP/ABCG2)
Authors: Vesga Luis C. , Kronenberger Thales , Tonduru Arun Kumar , Kita Diogo Henrique , Zattoni Ingrid Fatima , Bernal Cristian Camilo , Bohórquez Arnold R. Romero , Mendez‐Sánchez Stelia Carolina , Ambudkar Suresh V. , Valdameri Glaucio , Poso Antti
Published: April 2021

Multidrug resistance (MDR) is one of the major factors in the failure of many chemotherapy approaches. In cancer cells, MDR is mainly associated with the expression of ABC transporters such as P‐glycoprotein, MRP1 and ABCG2. Despite major efforts to develop new selective and potent inhibitors of ABC drug transporters, no ABCG2‐specific inhibitors for clinical use are yet available. Here, we report the evaluation of sixteen tetrahydroquinoline/4,5‐dihydroisoxazole derivatives as a new class of ABCG2 inhibitors. The affinity of the five best inhibitors was further investigated by the vanadate‐sensitive ATPase assay. Molecular modelling data, proposing a potential binding mode, suggest that they can inhibit the ABCG2 activity by binding on site S1, previously reported as inhibitors binding region, as well targeting site S2, a selective region for substrates, and by specifically interacting with residues Asn436, Gln398, and Leu555. Altogether, this study provided new insights into THQ/4,5‐dihydroisoxazole molecular hybrids, generating great potential for the development of novel most potent ABCG2 inhibitors.
On the Finite Time Blowup of the De Gregorio Model for the 3D Euler Equations
Authors: Chen Jiajie , Hou Thomas Y. , Huang De
Published: April 2021

We present a novel method of analysis and prove finite time asymptotically self‐similar blowup of the De Gregorio model [13, 14] for some smooth initial data on the real line with compact support. We also prove self‐similar blowup results for the generalized De Gregorio model [41] for the entire range of parameter on ℝ or for Hölder‐continuous initial data with compact support. Our strategy is to reformulate the problem of proving finite time asymptotically self‐similar singularity into the problem of establishing the nonlinear stability of an approximate self‐similar profile with a small residual error using the dynamic rescaling equation. We use the energy method with appropriate singular weight functions to extract the damping effect from the linearized operator around the approximate self‐similar profile and take into account cancellation among various nonlocal terms to establish stability analysis. We remark that our analysis does not rule out the possibility that the original De Gregorio model is well‐posed for smooth initial data on a circle. The method of analysis presented in this paper provides a promising new framework to analyze finite time singularity of nonlinear nonlocal systems of partial differential equations. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Can Counter‐Intuitive Halogen Bonding Be Coulombic?
Authors: Murray Jane S. , Politzer Peter
Published: April 2021

We use the term “counter‐intuitive” to describe an intermolecular interaction in which the electrostatic potentials of the interacting regions of the ground‐state molecules have the same sign, both positive or both negative. In the present work, we consider counter‐intuitive halogen bonding with nitrogen bases, in which both the halogen σ‐hole and the nitrogen lone pair have negative potentials on their molecular surfaces. We show that these interactions can be treated as Coulombic despite the apparent repulsion between the ground‐state molecules, provided that both electrostatics and polarization are explicitly taken into account. We demonstrate first that the energies of 20 counter‐intuitive interactions with four nitrogen bases can be expressed very well in terms of just two molecular properties: the electrostatic potential of the halogen σ‐hole and the average polarizability of the nitrogen base. Then we show that the same two properties can also represent the energies of an expanded data base that includes the 20 counter‐intuitive plus an additional 20 weak and moderately‐strong intuitive halogen bonding interactions (in which the σ‐hole potentials are now positive).
Cloning and functional analysis of LH2, a gene controlling late heading in rice
Authors: Dong Shiqing , Sun Dayun , Han Xiaokang , Zhu Yu , Niu Fuan , Liu Yang , Liu Shuang , Sun Xuejun , Ren Ding , Hu Zejun , Wang Ying , Yan Peiwen , Xin Xiaoyun , Yang Jinshui , Luo Xiaojin
Published: April 2021

Heading date is an important agronomic trait in rice (Oryza sativa L.). We previously fine‐mapped two complementary genes, Late Heading Date 1 and Late Heading Date 2 (LH2), that control the late heading trait in rice. Here, we cloned and analyzed the function of LH2. LH2 was fine‐mapped to a 53‐kb genomic region. Sequencing analysis revealed that there were differences in the coding sequence of LOC_Os08g07740 between the varieties ‘Bo B’ and ‘Yuefeng B’. Therefore, LOC_Os08g07740 was identified as a candidate gene for LH2 and subsequently determined that LH2 is a Type 3 allele of Days To Heading 8. Transgenic plants of Yuefeng B carrying LH2 from Bo B significantly delayed the heading date under short‐day and long‐day conditions. A yeast two‐hybrid analysis revealed that LH2 physically interacted with Heme Activator Protein (HAP) 5A, ‐H, ‐I, ‐L, ‐K, and HAP5‐LIKE. The HAP5 domain of HAP5 family members has various functions. Further analysis revealed that LH2 represses photoperiodic flowering by controlling the expression of Early Heading Date 1, Heading date 3a, and Rice Flowering Locus T1 in rice.
Symmetrical and asymmetrical microstripline‐based transmit/receive switches for 7‐Tesla magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Abuelhaija Ashraf , Saleh Gameel , Baldawi Tarik , Salama Sanaa
Published: April 2021

The transmit/receive (T/R) switch is an important device in magnetic resonance imaging scanners whenever T/R radio frequency coils are intended to be used. It is placed between transmit amplifiers and T/R radio frequency coils. The T/R switch adds loss to the radio frequency (RF) transmit chain, reducing the delivered power to the coil and increasing the noise figure of the receive chain. Therefore, T/R switches should be designed for as low insertion loss as possible. In addition, they need to handle high power in transmit. In this article, three T/R switches for 7‐Tesla magnetic resonance imaging scanners are designed using Eagle, and validated by simulation (HFSS & ANSYS) and measurement. Low reflection coefficients (< −20 dB), low insertion loss (≃0.3 dB), and high isolation (>40 dB) were demonstrated for the designed couplers. The fabricated microstripline‐based switches were more robust than a design utilizing commercial couplers in terms of heat dissipation, high power capabilities, and lower insertion loss.
Marine Phospholipids from Fishery By‐Products Attenuate Atherosclerosis
Authors: Liu Wenjie , Liu Jianmin , Xing Shu , Li Xiaobin , Han Liwen , Liu Kechun , Wei Tao , Zhou Mingyang
Published: April 2021

In this study, the anti‐atherosclerotic properties of three marine phospholipids (MPLs) extracts from fishery by‐products including codfish roe, squid gonad, and shrimp head are verified. Their effects on key factors involved in atherosclerosis are examined and compared to explore whether the differences in their constitutions lead to the differences in the function. All three MPLs dampen oxidation of low‐ density lipoproteins (LDL) in vitro. Treating RAW264.7 macrophages and HUVECs endothelial cells with each MPLs ranging 10–100 µg mL−1 does not decrease cell viability, yet ox‐LDL caused cytotoxicity of both cells are alleviated by 50 or 100 µg mL−1 MPLs treatment. In addition, the three MPLs reduce ox‐LDL induced macrophage foam‐like transition, mainly through inhibition of lipid uptake. Of the three MPLs, the one from squid gonad exhibits the best effect. On the other hand, all three MPLs modulate inflammatory responses, equally, by inhibiting the adhesion of monocytes to endothelial cells, and decreasing secretion of pro‐inflammatory cytokines IL‐6 and MCP‐1. Using a high‐cholesterol diet induced zebrafish model, it is found that all three MPLs, especially the one from squid gonad, alleviates cholesterol accumulation in early plaques, and decreases total cholesterol as well as lipid peroxide in vivo.

Practical Applications: As a way of making the best of the increasingly scarce marine resources, valuable lipid components can be recovered from by‐products and wastes from the fishery industry. Here, we tested the anti‐atherosclerotic effects and the mechanisms of three MPLs extracted from codfish roe, squid gonad, and shrimp head. Our study provides further evidence that marine phospholipids extracted from fishery by‐products could protect against atherosclerosis, and helps to elucidate the structure‐function relationship of MPLs.
Advanced methods to investigate hydro‐morphological processes in open‐water environments
Authors: Haun Stefan , Dietrich Stephan
Published: April 2021

Hydro‐morphology describes the interactions between water and sediments in fluvial systems and the corresponding processes across all spatial and temporal scales. The results are natural and anthropogenically influenced bed structures and fluvial landforms. However, many of these hydro‐morphological processes cannot be described analytically yet, as a result of their stochastic behaviour and the multitude of processes involved across spatial and temporal scales. Deeper knowledge of these processes is essential, not only for understanding the system itself, but also for practical applications, which rely on correct and reliable investigations of these processes. During the European Geoscience Union (EGU) General Assembly (GA) 2018 in Vienna, Austria, the conveners of the session on “Measurements, monitoring and numerical modelling of sedimentary and hydro‐morphological processes in open‐water environments” had the idea of initiating a special issue, containing a collection of recent achievements in this research field. The aim of this extended introduction is twofold. First, an overview on research needs in investigating hydro‐morphological processes in open‐water environments is given in this article. Second, recently published studies that aim to improve the understanding of hydro‐morphological processes in rivers, lakes and reservoirs by innovative measurement approaches are discussed. In addition to submitted papers collected from the EGU GA in 2017, 2018 and 2019, related studies published inEarth Surface Processes and Landforms(ESPL) over the last two years are also incorporated into this special issue. The papers selected cover a wide range of studies with differing spatial and temporal resolutions. This broad spectrum of different scales clearly indicates the challenges associated with the development and use of advanced methods for investigating hydro‐morphological processes in open‐water environments.
Structural differences in the hippocampus and amygdala of behaviorally inhibited macaque monkeys
Authors: Villard Justine , Bennett Jeffrey L. , Bliss‐Moreau Eliza , Capitanio John P. , Fox Nathan A. , Amaral David G. , Lavenex Pierre
Published: April 2021

Behavioral inhibition is a temperamental disposition to react warily when confronted by unfamiliar people, objects, or events. Behaviorally inhibited children are at greater risk of developing anxiety disorders later in life. Previous studies reported that individuals with a history of childhood behavioral inhibition exhibit abnormal activity in the hippocampus and amygdala. However, few studies have investigated the structural differences that may underlie these functional abnormalities. In this exploratory study, we evaluated rhesus monkeys exhibiting a phenotype consistent with human behavioral inhibition. We performed quantitative neuroanatomical analyses that cannot be performed in humans including estimates of the volume and neuron number of distinct hippocampal regions and amygdala nuclei in behaviorally inhibited and control rhesus monkeys. Behaviorally inhibited monkeys had larger volumes of the rostral third of the hippocampal field CA3, smaller volumes of the rostral third of CA2, and smaller volumes of the accessory basal nucleus of the amygdala. Furthermore, behaviorally inhibited monkeys had fewer neurons in the rostral third of CA2. These structural differences may contribute to the functional abnormalities in the hippocampus and amygdala of behaviorally inhibited individuals. These structural findings in monkeys are consistent with a reduced modulation of amygdala activity via prefrontal cortex projections to the accessory basal nucleus. Given the putative roles of the amygdala in affective processing, CA3 in associative learning and CA2 in social memory, increased amygdala and CA3 activity, and diminished CA2 structure and function, may be associated with increased social anxiety and the heritability of behavioral inhibition. The findings from this exploratory study compel follow‐up investigations with larger sample sizes and additional analyses to provide greater insight and more definitive answers regarding the neurobiological bases of behavioral inhibition.
Bone fracture as a novel immune‐related adverse event with immune checkpoint inhibitors: Case series and large‐scale pharmacovigilance analysis
Authors: Filippini Daria Maria , Gatti Milo , Di Martino Vito , Cavalieri Stefano , Fusaroli Michele , Ardizzoni Andrea , Raschi Emanuel , Licitra Lisa
Published: April 2021

Although immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are associated with different immune‐related adverse events (irAEs), the potential effect on the skeleton is poorly defined albeit biologically plausible and assessable through pharmacovigilance. We described a case series of patients experiencing skeletal fractures while on ICIs at the National Cancer Institute of Milan. To better characterize the clinical features of skeletal irAEs reported with ICIs, we queried the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) and performed disproportionality analysis by means of reporting odds ratios (RORs), deemed significant by a lower limit of the 95% confidence interval (LL95% CI) > 1. Bone AEs emerging as significant were scrutinized in terms of demographic and clinical data, including concomitant irAEs or drugs affecting bone resorption or causing bone damage. Four patients with skeletal events while on ICIs were included in our case series, of which three exhibited vertebral fractures. In FAERS, 650 patients with bone and joint injuries and treated with ICIs were retrieved, accounting for 822 drug‐event pairs. Statistically significant ROR was found for eight, two and one bone AEs respectively with PD‐1, PD‐L1 and CTLA‐4 inhibitors, being pathological fracture (N = 46; ROR = 3.17; LL95%CI = 2.37), spinal compression fracture (42; 2.51; 1.91), and femoral neck fracture (26; 2.38; 1.62) the most common. Concomitant irAEs or drugs affecting bone metabolism were poorly reported. The increased reporting of serious vertebral fractures in patients without concomitant irAEs and no apparent preexisting risk factors could suggest a possible cause‐effect relationship and calls for close clinical monitoring and implementation of dedicated guidelines.
Investigation of deactivation effect of Au addition to Ce/TiO2 catalyst for selective catalytic reduction using real diesel engine exhaust samples at low temperature conditions
Authors: Keskin Zeycan
Published: April 2021

BACKGROUND

NOx emissions are very toxic and cause serious adverse environmental effects. NOx reduction technologies have been developed due to the harmful effects of NOx and increasingly stringent emission standards which apply in many countries. Selective catalytic reduction (SCR) is the most effective method of removing NOx from engine exhaust. The suitable active catalysts are important for providing higher NOx conversion efficiencies in the SCR system. Catalyst production methods affect catalytic activity due to change in elemental composition, morphology, dispersion of catalytic elements, and total surface area. In this study, de‐NOx performance of Ce/TiO2 and Au‐Ce/TiO2 catalysts were investigated with real exhaust gases. Tests were carried out within 200–300 °C temperature range to evaluate low temperature performance of the catalysts. Cordierite material was used as the support material and pre‐treated with hot acid solution to enhance surface area. Ce content of synthesized catalysts with impregnation method was adjusted as 4 wt% and Au content as 0.4, 0.8, and 1.6 wt%. The catalysts were characterized with Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), X‐Ray Diffractometer (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR) analysis.

RESULTS

Maximum NOx conversion ratios obtained at 300 °C with the Ce/TiO2, 0.4 Au‐Ce/TiO2, 0.8 Au‐Ce/TiO2, and 1.6 Au‐Ce/TiO2 catalysts were 95.1%, 92%, 92.6%, and 90.2%, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

The results showed that in general, de‐NOx effect of the Ce/TiO2 catalyst was greater than the Au doped Ce/TiO2 catalysts. Au addition adversely affected surface properties of the catalyst and therefore activity of the Au‐Ce/TiO2 catalysts decreased. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Synthesis of new tetrahydropyridopyrazine derivatives via continuous flow chemistry approach and their spectroscopic characterizations
Authors: Parmar Nilesh D. , Hadiyal Sanjay D. , Kapupara Vimal H. , Lalpara Jaydeep N. , Joshi Hitendra S.
Published: April 2021

We report here the synthesis of different substituted tetrahydropyridopyrazine derivatives. This approach of synthesis has been designed in a way that in first simple chloro‐amine coupling as an alternative of Buchwald coupling followed by heterogeneous hydrogenation of nitro to give amine and further cyclization of this amine with carboxylic acid was accomplished in a single process with the help of continuous flow hydrogenation reactor. This processing was a generation of hydrogen (in situ) by electrolysis of water molecule and using a pre‐packed cartridge of a palladium catalyst. In a further step, LAH was used to reduce lactam to a yielding product as tetrahydropyridopyrazine (TPP) scaffold. Final adducts were obtained using substituted benzoyl and sulfonyl derivatives.
Visible light induced nano copper catalyzed one pot synthesis of novel quinoline bejeweled thiobarbiturates as potential hypoglycemic agents
Authors: Angajala Gangadhara , Aruna Valmiki , Subashini Radhakrishnan
Published: April 2021

An efficient visible light induced one pot three component approach for the synthesis of new quinoline bejeweled thiobarbiturates via Knoevenagel condensation and N‐alkylation using copper nanoparticles (CuNPs) have been reported. These copper nanoparticles due to their diverse properties, smaller size (50–100 nm), and high surface area to volume ratio exhibit promising features for the reaction response such as the shorter reaction time, simple work‐up procedure, clean reaction profiles, and excellent product yields through reusability of the catalyst upto five cycles. The recovered catalyst was successfully characterized by EDAX and AFM analysis. In silico molecular docking studies were carried out to find out the effective binding affinity of the synthesized quinoline derivatives toward PPARγ protein. The results obtained showed that compounds 4d, 4e, and 4f possess good binding interaction toward PPARγ with binding energy of −7.4, −7.2 and, −7.6 k.cal/mol which was greater than standard rosiglitazone (−6.4 k.cal/mol) and comparable to that of standard pioglitazone (−7.9 k.cal/mol). In vitro α‐amylase and α‐glucosidase assays were performed for hypoglycemic activity evaluation. The compounds 4e and 4f at a concentration of 100 μg/ml showed 82.13% and 83.26% inhibition toward α‐glucosidase, 78.30% and 84.18% inhibition toward α‐amylase which was higher than standard pioglitazone and on par to that of rosiglitazone and acarbose.
Exact solutions of time fractional Korteweg–de Vries–Zakharov–Kuznetsov equation
Authors: Çulha Ünal Sevil , Daşcıoğlu Ayşegül
Published: April 2021

In this study, an analytic method based on the Jacobi elliptic functions has been presented to obtain the exact solutions of time fractional Korteweg–de Vries–Zakharov–Kuznetsov (KdV–ZK) equation. This equation is reduced to a nonlinear ordinary differential equation. The elementary and elliptic function solutions of this equation are investigated. Many exact solutions containing the rational, complex, trigonometric, and hyperbolic functions are also found. Besides, some of the solutions are demonstrated by the graphics.
A W‐band preamplified MMIC power detector for passive imaging applications
Authors: Wang Zuojun , Wang Chen , Hou Debin , Chen Jixin , Hong Wei
Published: April 2021

This article presents a W‐band preamplified power detector (PD) monolithic microwave integrated circuit (MMIC). The chip consists of a pseudomorphic high electron mobility transistor (pHEMT) PD with a six‐stage low noise amplifier (LNA) in a commercial 0.1‐μm GaAs pHEMT technology. In order to reduce the high risk of oscillating in a multistage LNA, a circulator‐based method for LNA interstage stability simulation, along with the concept of loop gain, is introduced and analyzed. The simulated loop gain of each node of the LNA is calculated through the proposed method to ensure the unconditional stability for the six‐stage LNA. By incorporating the high gain LNA over 32 dB in the front‐end of the PD, the measured chip achieves a peak responsivity of 3.4 MV/W and a minimum noise equivalent power (NEP) of 95 fW/Hz1/2 both at 85 GHz. To the best of the authors' knowledge, the proposed PD exhibits the best responsivity and NEP in published W‐band GaAs PD MMICs.
Esophageal disease among childhood cancer survivors—A report from the Childhood Cancer Survivors Study
Authors: Asdahl Peter H. , Oeffinger Kevin C. , Albieri Vanna , Hudson Melissa , Leisenring Wendy M. , Donaldson Sarah S. , Hasle Henrik , Winther Jeanette F. , Armstrong Gregory T. , Robison Leslie L.
Published: April 2021

There is limited information addressing the occurrence of esophageal strictures among the growing population of survivors of childhood cancer. Using the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study, we analyzed data from 17,121 5‐year survivors and 3400 siblings to determine the prevalence and risk factors for esophageal strictures. Prevalence among survivors was 2.0% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.8–2.2%), representing a 7.6‐fold increased risk compared to siblings. Factors significantly associated with risk of esophageal stricture included diagnosis of Hodgkin lymphoma, greater chest radiation dose, younger age at cancer diagnosis, platinum chemotherapy, and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. While uncommon, survivors are at risk for therapy‐related esophageal strictures.
Peptide receptor radionuclide therapy for treatment of metastatic neuroendocrine tumors in children
Authors: Foster Jennifer H. , Sher Andrew , Seghers Victor , Poston Jay , Wells Donald , Delpassand Ebrahim S. , Potter Samara , Mahajan Priya , Venkatramani Rajkumar
Published: April 2021

Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) of the pancreas and midgut are extremely rare in children, and patients presenting with metastatic disease have poor survival. Given this rarity, treatments are extrapolated from guidelines for adults with NET. Recent clinical trials in adults with NETs have shown that the addition of peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT) with 177Lu‐DOTATATE resulted in a disease control rate of nearly 80%, with minimal side effects. We report our experience using 177Lu‐DOTATATE to treat two pediatric patients with metastatic NET.
Mosaicism for copy number variations in the placenta is even more difficult to interpret than mosaicism for whole chromosome aneuploidy
Authors: Lund Ida C. Bay , Becher Naja , Graakjaer Jesper , Lildballe Dorte L. , Uldbjerg Niels , Bogaard Pauline , Petersen Astrid , Vestergaard Else M. , Vogel Ida
Published: April 2021

Objective

To compare mosaicisms in prenatal chorionic villus samples (CVSs) with corresponding postpartum placental samples.

Method

We collected placentas from 15 consecutive cases of mosaicism detected in CVSs and obtained five standardized samples on each placenta after delivery. All pre‐ and postnatal placental samples were uncultured and analyzed by high‐resolution chromosomal microarray.

Results

Ten cases of mosaicism for whole chromosome aneuploidy (mWC) and five cases with mosaicism for (sub)chromosomal copy number variations (mCNVs) were included. In 5/10 mWC cases and in 4/5 mCNV cases the prenatally detected aberration was confirmed in the postpartum placenta. Three postpartum placentas revealed various complex aberrations differing from the prenatal results: (1) mosaicisms for different deletions/duplications on 9p and 9q in all samples (prenatal: mosaic 5.3 Mb duplication on 9p24), (2) different regions with deletions/duplications/loss of heterozygosity on 1p in all samples (prenatal: mosaic 2.3 Mb 1p36 duplication), and (3) mosaicism for a duplication on 5q and a deletion on 6p in one out of five samples (prenatal: mosaic trisomy 7).

Conclusion

CNVs constitute a complex subgroup in placental mosaicism. Counseling of these couples after chorionic villus sampling should not focus on the specific CNV involved, but on the nature of mosaicism and the option of amniocentesis and ultrasound.
Survival of advanced melanoma patients treated with immunotherapy and targeted therapy: A real‐world study
Authors: Yu Su‐Yeon , Mckavanagh Dan , McPherson Ian , Walpole Euan , Atkinson Victoria , Hollingworth Samantha
Published: April 2021

Introduction

We aimed to examine the survival outcomes plus patient and treatment characteristics of advanced melanoma patients treated with first‐line immunotherapy (IT), targeted therapy (TT), and chemotherapy (CTH) and compare findings with information from pivotal trials for each therapy.

Materials and Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the use of systematic IT, TT and CTH therapies in melanoma patients in four Queensland public hospitals. We estimated median duration of overall survival (OS) and survival rates (6 months, 1, and 2 years) using Kaplan–Meier methods. We compared our findings to those of clinical trials.

Results

Five hundred three patients who met the inclusion criteria were divided into three groups based on the first‐line treatment: IT 232; TT 157; and CTH 114. OS was 18 months with IT (95% CI 13, 22); 12 months with TT (95% CI 8, 15); and 5 months with CTH (95% CI 5, 6). The demographic characteristics, treatment protocols, and durations for IT and TT were generally consistent with trials but fewer patients in our study had subsequent therapy than in the trials. The OS in our study was slightly lower than the OS reported in trials.

Conclusion

The OS of novel cancer therapy in the real world was lower than seen in trials but is expected given these are patients who have a poorer prognosis. A future study could investigate the impact of prognostic factors on survival in the longer term. This study provides evidence that we can use routinely collected real‐world data to evaluate the effectiveness of checkpoint and kinase inhibitors in patients with advanced melanoma.
In Situ Spectroscopic Probes for Structures and Processes at the Surface of Noble Metallic Nanoparticles
Authors: Xue Shan , Guha Pritam , Yuan Qunhui , Gan Wei
Published: April 2021

Metallic nanoparticles (NPs) have attracted significant attention in research because of their wide applicability in various areas. Because the properties of metallic NPs can be regulated by altering the covered ligand layer, it is crucial to be able to probe the composition, structure, and dynamic processes of molecules on metallic NPs for understanding nanoparticle–molecule interactions so as to enable the exploiting of NPs with desired properties and functionalities. However, a detailed description of the conformations of molecules and the dynamic interactions between molecules and metallic NPs is challenging owing to the requirement of real‐time, in situ, and non‐destructive surface probing technologies. This review presents an overview of probing the structures and dynamic processes of molecules on the surface of metallic NPs by different spectroscopic techniques.
Insights into modular polyketide synthase loops aided by repetitive sequences
Authors: Hirsch Melissa , Kumru Kaan , Desai Ronak R. , Fitzgerald Brendan J. , Miyazawa Takeshi , Ray Katherine A. , Saif Nisha , Spears Samantha , Keatinge‐Clay Adrian T.
Published: April 2021

The loops of modular polyketide synthases (PKSs) serve diverse functions but are largely uncharacterized. They frequently contain amino acid repeats resulting from genetic events such as slipped‐strand mispairing. Determining the tolerance of loops to amino acid changes would aid in understanding and engineering these multidomain molecule factories. Here, tandem repeats in the DNA encoding 949 modules within 129 cis‐acyltransferase PKSs were cataloged, and the locations of the corresponding amino acids within the module were identified. The most frequently inserted interdomain loop corresponds with the updated module boundary immediately downstream of the ketosynthase (KS), while the loops bordering the dehydratase are nearly intolerant to such insertions. From the 949 modules, no repetitive sequence loop insertions are located within ACP, and only 2 reside within KS, indicating the sensitivity of these domains to alteration.
Mutation of P‐element somatic inhibitor induces male sterility in the diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella
Authors: Wang Yaohui , Xu Xia , Chen Xi'en , Li Xiaowei , Bi Honglun , Xu Jun , Zhu Chenxu , Niu Changying , Huang Yongping
Published: April 2021

BACKGROUND

Genetic manipulation of sex determination pathways in insects provides the basis for a broad range of strategies to benefit agricultural security and human health. The P‐element somatic inhibitor (PSI) protein, an exon splicing silencer that promotes male‐specific splicing of dsx, plays a critical role in male sexual differentiation and development. The functions of PSI have been characterized in the lepidopteran model species Bombyx mori. However, the molecular mechanism and functions of PSI in Plutella xylostella, a worldwide agricultural pest and taxonomically basal species, are still unknown.

RESULTS

Here we identified PxPSI transcripts and analyzed their spatiotemporal expression pattern in P. xylostella. Multiple sequence alignment revealed that PxPSI contains four KH domains and is highly conserved in lepidopterans. We used the CRISPR–Cas9 system to generate mutations of the PxPSI genomic locus. Disruptions of PxPSI caused male‐specific defects in internal and external genitals. In addition, we detected female‐specific Pxdsx transcripts in PxPSI male mutants. Mutations also caused changes in expression of several sex‐biased genes and induced male sterility.

CONCLUSION

Our study demonstrates that PxPSI plays a key role in male sex determination in P. xylostella and suggests a potential molecular target for genetic‐based pest management in lepidopteran pests. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry
Effects of long‐acting analogues of lamprey GLP‐1 and paddlefish glucagon on alpha‐ to beta‐cell transdifferentiation in an insulin‐deficient transgenic mouse model
Authors: Graham Galyna V. , Conlon J. Michael , Moffett R. Charlotte , Abdel‐Wahab Yasser H. , Flatt Peter R.
Published: April 2021

The abilities of the long‐acting, dual‐agonist anti‐diabetic peptides [D‐Ala2]palmitoyl‐lamprey GLP‐1 and [D‐Ser2]palmitoyl‐paddlefish glucagon to induce α‐cell to β‐cell transdifferentiation were investigated in GluCreERT2;ROSA26‐eYFP mice. These animals have been genetically engineered so that yellow fluorescent protein is specifically expressed in glucagon‐producing α‐cells, thereby allowing cell lineage tracing. Insulin deficiency was produced by treatment of the mice with multiple low doses of streptozotocin. Administration of the peptides (twice daily intraperitoneal injections of 25 nmol/kg body weight over 10 days) to streptozotocin‐treated mice produced significant (P < 0.05) increases in pancreatic insulin content and plasma insulin concentrations compared with control mice. Immunohistochemical studies demonstrated a significant (P < 0.05) increase in the % of cells staining for both insulin and fluorescent protein in islets located in the head region of the pancreas (from 10.0 ± 1.3% of total cells in untreated mice to 20.0 ± 3.85% in mice treated with D‐Ala2]palmitoyl‐lamprey GLP‐1 and to 17.3 ± 1.1% in mice treated with [D‐Ser2]palmitoyl‐paddlefish glucagon). Corresponding effects upon islets in the tail region were not significant. The data indicate an improvement in β‐cell mass and positive effects on transdifferentiation of glucagon‐producing to insulin‐producing cells. The study provides further evidence that proglucagon‐derived peptides from phylogenetical ancient fish show therapeutic potential for treatment of diabetes.
The phenomenon of spiritual homelessness in transnational spaces among international students in the United States
Authors: Maleku Arati , Phillips Rebecca , Um Mee Young , Kagotho Njeri , Lee Guijin , Coxe Kathryn
Published: April 2021

Although student mobility and educational border crossings, particularly from non‐Western economies to English‐speaking countries, such as the United States, are not new, theoretical concepts that help illuminate global student mobilities rarely examine lived realities of university students in transnational spaces. We aim to explore the phenomenon of ‘spiritual homelessness’ experienced by international students in the United States and how their perceived sense of belonging and not belonging in their home or host places contribute to their reconstruction of identity in transnational spaces. Based on a 3‐hour focus group discussion with international students from eight different countries (N = 11) studying at a large southern university in the United States, this study highlights the nexus between multiple, contradictory and simultaneous processes of belonging and identity through student‐defined transnational higher education spaces. Findings demonstrate that international students are part of multiple and contradictory discourses, where there is a synergetic construction of transnational spaces as open and diverse, but also discriminatory and exclusionary as they negotiate where they belong or not belong. This study provides a critical scoping of student‐defined spaces and foregrounds the typological theoretical construct of spiritual homelessness to provide new insights into global student mobilities and identity reconstruction in transnational spaces.
Mixing time of PageRank surfers on sparse random digraphs
Authors: Caputo Pietro , Quattropani Matteo
Published: April 2021

We consider the generalized PageRank walk on a digraph G, with refresh probability and resampling distribution . We analyze convergence to stationarity when G is a large sparse random digraph with given degree sequences, in the limit of vanishing . We identify three scenarios: when is much smaller than the inverse of the mixing time of G the relaxation to equilibrium is dominated by the simple random walk and displays a cutoff behavior; when is much larger than the inverse of the mixing time of G on the contrary one has pure exponential decay with rate ; when is comparable to the inverse of the mixing time of G there is a mixed behavior interpolating between cutoff and exponential decay. This trichotomy is shown to hold uniformly in the starting point and uniformly in the resampling distribution .
Electronic and Structural Properties of 2,3‐Naphthalimide in Open‐Shell Configurations Investigated by Pulse Radiolytic and Theoretical Approaches
Authors: Zhuang Bo , Tojo Sachiko , Fujitsuka Mamoru
Published: April 2021

Structural characterization of radical ions and triplet excited states is usually challenging because of their high reactivity and corresponding short lifetime, but can be achieved by combining pulse radiolysis and time‐resolved spectroscopic techniques. Herein, we report the transient absorption and time‐resolved resonance Raman spectra of the radical anionic and the lowest triplet states of a fundamental aromatic imide compound, 2,3‐naphthalimide, recorded during pulse radiolysis. Distinct spectral features are observed for these transient species, which are further explored in the context of theoretical calculations. We found that the molecular structures of 2,3‐naphthalimide in open‐shell configurations are closely related to the spin density localised on the naphthyl and carbonyl regions, as well as the decrease in local aromaticity because of changes of electron configurations. In particular, our results demonstrate that although in the neutral ground state and the lowest triplet state 2,3‐naphthalimide exists as a symmetric molecule, in its radical anionic state, the addition of an electron leads to a deformed structure with unusual in‐plane asymmetry.
External ophthalmoparesis as part of generalised myasthenia gravis in a dog: are there more similarities to the human counterpart than originally thought?
Authors: Bongers Jos , Gutierrez‐Quintana Rodrigo , Stalin Catherine Elizabeth
Published: April 2021

Myasthenia gravis in dogs is an autoimmune disease affecting the neuromuscular junction and resembling its human counterpart. Classification of the disease in humans includes an ocular and generalised form. Isolated ocular myasthenia gravis is confined to the extraocular muscles which most commonly results in ptosis, due to an impaired levator palpebrae superioris muscle responsible for elevating the upper eyelid, and diplopia (double vision) due to weakness of the extraocular bulbar muscles. Isolated ocular myasthenia gravis frequently becomes generalized over time or can present as part of generalised myasthenia gravis. Myasthenia gravis in dogs is classified by severity and distribution of clinical signs, as well as, serology and thymic status. However, it does not include the extraocular muscles. This is the first description of a case of ocular myasthenia gravis in a dog, progressing to generalised myasthenia gravis as seen in humans.
How to characterize a strain? Clonal heterogeneity in industrial Saccharomyces influences both phenotypes and heterogeneity in phenotypes
Authors: Rácz Hanna Viktória , Mukhtar Fezan , Imre Alexandra , Rádai Zoltán , Gombert Andreas Károly , Rátonyi Tamás , Nagy János , Pócsi István , Pfliegler Walter P.
Published: April 2021

Populations of microbes are constantly evolving heterogeneity that selection acts upon, yet heterogeneity is nontrivial to assess methodologically. The necessary practice of isolating single‐cell colonies and thus subclone lineages for establishing, transferring, and using a strain results in single‐cell bottlenecks with a generally neglected effect on the characteristics of the strain itself. Here, we present evidence that various subclone lineages for industrial yeasts sequenced for recent genomic studies show considerable differences, ranging from loss of heterozygosity to aneuploidies. Subsequently, we assessed whether phenotypic heterogeneity is also observable in industrial yeast, by individually testing subclone lineages obtained from products. Phenotyping of industrial yeast samples and their newly isolated subclones showed that single‐cell bottlenecks during isolation can indeed considerably influence the observable phenotype. Next, we decoupled fitness distributions on the level of individual cells from clonal interference by plating single‐cell colonies and quantifying colony area distributions. We describe and apply an approach using statistical modeling to compare the heterogeneity in phenotypes across samples and subclone lineages. One strain was further used to show how individual subclonal lineages are remarkably different not just in phenotype but also in the level of heterogeneity in phenotype. With these observations, we call attention to the fact that choosing an initial clonal lineage from an industrial yeast strain may vastly influence downstream performances and observations on karyotype, on phenotype, and also on heterogeneity.
Wrist and Hand
Authors: Khalilzadeh Omid , Canella Clarissa , Fayad Laura M.
Published: April 2021

The wrist and hand have complex anatomy with small bones and supporting soft tissue structures, which limits the diagnostic yield for radiologic assessment. Knowledge of anatomy and different clinical entities is key to the radiologic diagnosis. Some of the essential anatomic and clinical topics in radiologic interpretation include knowledge of the topographic tendon anatomy of wrist and hand, the intrinsic and extrinsic carpal ligaments, the thumb ligaments, thumb carpometacarpal ligaments, the triangular fibrocartilage complex, the extensor mechanism, and the flexor tendons and pulleys. In this chapter, common traumatic injuries affecting the wrist and hand are reviewed.