bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dioxaborin Compounds with Terminal Carbazole Groups: Enhancing Electron Acceptor in Organic Photovoltaics
Authors: Kobayashi Hironori , Izawa Seiichiro , Kitamura Chitoshi , Hiramoto Masahiro , Ono Katsuhiko
Published: August 2023

Three donor−acceptor−donor dioxaborin compounds containing carbazoles as the terminal electron donor groups were synthesized. Their electronic and photovoltaic properties were compared with those of an analog with terminal triphenylamine groups. The HOMO and LUMO levels of the N‐phenylcarbazole derivative were 0.3 and 0.1 eV lower, respectively, than those of the triphenylamine analog. During the evaluation of organic photovoltaic characteristics, the N‐phenylcarbazole derivative exhibited a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 2.06 % when combined with a conducting polymer (PTB7‐Th). Contrarily, the triphenylamine analog exhibited a PCE of 2.85 % when combined with a fullerene acceptor (PC61BM). The results showed that the N‐phenylcarbazole and triphenylamine derivatives functioned as electron acceptor and donor materials, respectively. The conversion from the electron donor to the acceptor was achieved via a slight change in the structure of the terminal donor groups of the dioxaborin compounds. This study will prove valuable for the development of nonfullerene acceptors.
Passive acoustic monitoring using smartphones reveals an alarming gibbon decline in a protected area in the central Annamite Mountains, Vietnam
Authors: Vu Thinh T. , Doherty Paul F. , T. Nguyen Hoa , Clink Dena J. , Nguyen Manh D. , Dong Hai T. , Cheyne Susan M. , Giang Toan T. , Phan Dai V. , Ta Nga T. , Tran Dung V.
Published: August 2023

Monitoring populations is critical for understanding how they respond to anthropogenic disturbance and for management of protected areas. The use of passive acoustic monitoring can improve monitoring efforts as it allows for collection of data on vocal animals at spatial and temporal scales that are difficult using only human observers. In this study, we used a multiseason occupancy model to monitor occurrence, apparent extinction, and colonization probabilities of a northern yellow‐cheeked gibbon, Nomascus annamensis population with acoustic data collected from mobile smartphones in Dakrong Nature Reserve, Vietnam. Forty‐five sites were randomly selected for repeated surveys in 2019 and 2022. At each site, a mobile smartphone was attached to a tree and recorded sounds for 4.2 days and 3.89 days on average, in 2019 and 2022, respectively. We manually annotated spectrograms for the presence of gibbon calls, and we detected gibbons at 24 and 12 recording posts in 2019 and 2022, respectively. Estimated local apparent extinction from occupancy models was high with 67% of occupied sites in 2019 becoming unoccupied in 2022. Apparent colonization was low with ~25% of unoccupied sites in 2019 becoming occupied in 2022. As a result, the apparent occurrence probability declined from 0.58 in 2019 to 0.30 in 2022. If the absence of calls indicates that cells are unoccupied this would mean an alarming decline of the gibbon population in the nature reserve. We suggest that in the areas with high hunting pressure, monitoring intervals should be shortened to at least yearly. In addition, urgent actions, such as patrolling, or gun confiscation, should be implemented to conserve the gibbon populations in Dakrong Nature Reserve and other protected areas with the same management context.
Copper‐Catalyzed Aryne Insertion into the Carbon‐Iodine Bond of Heteroaryl Iodides
Authors: Cao Wen‐Xuan , Zhu Lei , He Yiyi , Wang Run , Liu Ming , Ouyang Qin , Xiao Qing
Published: August 2023

Aryne insertions into the carbon‐iodine bond of heteroaryl iodides has been achieved for the first time. This novel reaction provides an efficient pathway for the synthesis of valuable building blocks 2‐iodoheterobiaryls from heteroaryl iodides and o‐silylaryl triflates in excellent regioselectivity. The copper(I) catalyst, which bears a N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligand, is essential to accomplish the reaction. Control reactions and DFT calculations indicate that the coordination of copper, as a Lewis acid, with nitrogen atoms of heteroaryl iodides mediates the insertion of arynes into heteroaryl carbon‐iodine bonds.
Enhanced ablation resistance of carbon/phenolic composites based on mesophase pitch reinforced particles
Authors: Yue Yaoqun , Huang Yisen , Zou Huawei , Chen Yang , Liang Mei
Published: August 2023

Phenolic resin (PR)‐based composites are the main materials used in thermal protection system (TPS) at present. However, the low graphitization degree of the char layer formed by PR easily leads to cracks and other defects. In this study, carbon/phenolic composites were modified by mesophase pitch (MP) to improve the structural strength, fracture toughness and crack propagation resistance. The ablation rate was significantly decreased after MP modification compared with the blank sample. With the increase of MP, the size of cracks and char blocks on the ablation center of the composites were reduced, and the surface was flat and dense. The Interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) of carbonized composites (5 wt% MP) were 9.79 MPa, and the flexural strength was 121.5 MPa, which improved 62.9% and 40.8% relative to the pure sample. The flexural strength of 5 wt% MP‐reinforced carbon/phenolic composites reached 525.6 MPa, which was 26.9% higher than that of pure carbon/phenolic composites, mainly due to the particle reinforcement effect of MP distributed between carbon fibers. The above results show that the carbon/phenolic composites modified by MP has great application prospects in the field of aircraft thermal protection.
Effect of mesophase pitch/polyacrylonitrile mixture as the core‐layer on the interphase region structure of coaxial polyacrylonitrile/mesophase pitch composite fibers
Authors: Zhou Zhengyu , Zhang Ke , Xu Lianghua , Liu Yutao , Li Changqing
Published: August 2023

Coaxial composite fibers with a cortex of polyacrylonitrile (PAN) and a core layer of mesophase pitch (MP) and PAN have been prepared by the wet spinning method, formed in a mixed solution of N,N‐dimethylformamide and deionized water to optimize the composition of the core‐layer mixture. The XRD curves of the PAN/MP coaxial composite fibers only showed the crystalline and amorphous diffraction peaks of PAN. With increasing MP mass fraction in the mixed PAN/MP solution, the crystallinity of the coaxial composite fiber gradually decreased from 27.95% to 26.21%, because MP intermixed between the PAN macromolecules, weakening the interaction between the PAN molecular chains. In the core layer of the coaxial composite fibers, spherical MP particles were dispersed in the network structure of PAN. Different proportions of PAN/MP mixed solution will result in different core structure. The coaxial composite fiber consisted of a core layer with a low gray value, a transition layer with increasing gray value, and a cortex with a high gray value. From the core layer to the cortex, taking Group C as an example, the C content gradually decreased from 68.64% to 61.23% and the N content gradually increased from 13.68% to 22.19%, which was consistent with the gradual decrease of the MP content and the gradual increase of the PAN content. Gray‐value analysis, micro‐region EDS, and SEM showed that a transition layer structure formed at the junction of the cortex and core layer. The size and amplitude of the transition layer were related to the viscosity of the mixed PAN/MP solution, and high MP content in the mixed PAN/MP solution was conducive to formation of a stable and good interface structure.
Evaluation of shape memory effect in PLA/copolymers blends
Authors: da Cunha Rafael Braga , Cavalcanti Shirley Nóbrega , Agrawal Pankaj , de Figueiredo Brito Gustavo , de Mélo Tomás Jeferson Alves
Published: August 2023

In this work, polylactic acid (PLA)/copolymer blends were prepared by melt blending. Ethylene‐glycidyl methacrylate (E‐GMA) and ethylene‐butyl acrylate‐maleic anhydride (EBA‐MAH) functional block copolymers were used. A ternary blend of PLA/E‐GMA/EBA‐MAH was also studied. FTIR analyses evidenced the occurrence of reactive compatibilization of E‐GMA and EBA‐MAH with PLA in the binary blends due to the reactivity of the GMA and MAH functional groups with the terminal hydroxyl and carboxyl groups of PLA. Rheological measurements evidenced the occurrence of cross‐link reactions between E‐GMA and EBA‐MAH copolymers in the ternary blend. Three distinct morphologies were observed in the blends: PLA/E‐GMA exhibited a sea‐island structure, PLA/EBA‐MAH exhibited a co‐continuous structure, and PLA/E‐GMA/EBA‐MAH exhibited a semi‐interpenetrating polymer network (SIPN) structure. The shape memory effect (SME) of PLA and PLA/copolymers blends was evaluated by three different methods: fold‐deploy, tension, and torsion. Fold‐deploy tests were conducted in a water bath, whereas the tension and torsion tests were conducted using a rheometer. All methods proved to be effective; however, some precautions must be taken to choose the most suitable test for a given purpose, which is thoroughly discussed in this work. The SME of PLA was enhanced through the incorporation of the copolymers. Blending PLA with E‐GMA, EBA‐MAH, and E‐GMA/EBA‐MAH copolymers increased its shape recovery from 32% to 84%, 79.2%, and 80%, respectively, while its shape fixity remained around 100%.
Fashioning hate: Driving the runway of desire
Authors: Goldenberg David , Brown Patrick Viersen
Published: August 2023

Sexist and homophobic attitudes are an individual's expression of the dominant sociocultural position which endorses sexism and anti‐homosexuality. We contend that misogyny and homophobia are pathological symptoms representing the internalization of these malignant social values. First, we explain that homosexuality (and other non‐binary identities), though previously experiencing widespread condemnation, are not and never were mental disorders. Instead, it is homophobia ‐ the fear of homosexuality—that reflects psychopathology and, ultimately, prejudice. We argue that these beliefs, in both straight and gay men, are related to fear and anxiety about one's own projected and gendered aggression. We maintain that they reflect the unsuccessful and incomplete resolution of the normative conflicts met during gender identity development. Essential to all healthy gender identity development is the childhood experience of attuned and accepting mirroring of the child by the parents and the culture. Without this regular experience of mutuality, recognition, and approval, especially regarding their most basic gender identity, children who are at risk develop ego‐syntonic misogynistic and homophobic beliefs. We include a case illustration of a gay‐identified man who was wounded and traumatized by homophobia and uses the concept and experience of homophobia as a defense.
GOgetter: A pipeline for summarizing and visualizing GO slim annotations for plant genetic data
Authors: Sessa Emily B. , Masalia Rishi R. , Arrigo Nils , Barker Michael S. , Pelosi Jessie A.
Published: August 2023

Premise

The functional annotation of genes is a crucial component of genomic analyses. A common way to summarize functional annotations is with hierarchical gene ontologies, such as the Gene Ontology (GO) Resource. GO includes information about the cellular location, molecular function(s), and products/processes that genes produce or are involved in. For a set of genes, summarizing GO annotations using pre‐defined, higher‐order terms (GO slims) is often desirable in order to characterize the overall function of the data set, and it is impractical to do this manually.

Methods and Results

The GOgetter pipeline consists of bash and Python scripts. From an input FASTA file of nucleotide gene sequences, it outputs text and image files that list (1) the best hit for each input gene in a set of reference gene models, (2) all GO terms and annotations associated with those hits, and (3) a summary and visualization of GO slim categories for the data set. These output files can be queried further and analyzed statistically, depending on the downstream need(s).

Conclusions

GO annotations are a widely used “universal language” for describing gene functions and products. GOgetter is a fast and easy‐to‐implement pipeline for obtaining, summarizing, and visualizing GO slim categories associated with a set of genes.
Short Versus Long Range Exchange Interactions in Twisted Bilayer Graphene
Authors: Jimeno‐Pozo Alejandro , Goodwin Zachary A. H. , Pantaleón Pierre A. , Vitale Valerio , Klebl Lennart , Kennes Dante M. , Mostofi Arash A. , Lischner Johannes , Guinea Francisco
Published: August 2023

This study discusses the effect of long‐range interactions within the self‐consistent Hartree‐Fock (HF) approximation in comparison to short‐range atomic Hubbard interactions on the band structure of twisted bilayer graphene (TBG) at charge neutrality for various twist angles. Starting from atomistic calculations, it determines the quasi‐particle band structure of TBG with Hubbard interactions for three magnetic orderings: modulated anti‐ferromagnetic (MAFM), (NAFM) and hexagonal anti‐ferromagnetic (HAFM). Then, it develops an approach to incorporate these magnetic orderings along with the HF potential in the continuum approximation. Away from the magic angle, it observes a drastic effect of the magnetic order on the band structure of TBG compared to the influence of the HF potential. Near the magic angle, the HF potential plays a major role in the band structure, with HAFM and MAFM being secondary effects, but NAFM appears to still significantly distort the electronic structure at the magic angle. These findings suggest that the spin‐valley degenerate broken symmetry state often found in HF calculations of charge neutral TBG near the magic angle should favor magnetic order, since the atomistic Hubbard interaction will break this symmetry in favor of spin polarization.
Conservation‐relevant reproductive parameters from long‐term tagging of two globally important sea turtle nesting aggregations in Central Africa
Authors: Casale Paolo , Abitsi Gaspard , Agamboue Pierre Didier , Augowet Eric , Bayet Jean Pierre , Billes Alexis , Bitsindou Abdon , Collins Tim , Doherty Phil D. , Faure François Edgard , Fretey Jacques , du Plessis Philippe , Gibudi Alain , Godley Brendan J. , Kema Kema Judicaël Regis , Koumba Mabert Brice D. , Lamou Boussamba François , Maganga Pierre Brice , Manfoumbi Jean Churley , Ondo Ndong Bienvenue , Metcalfe Kristian , Minton Gianna , Mounguengui Gil Avery , Ngouessono Solange , Nzegoue Jacob , Kouerey Oliwina Carmen Karen , Parnell Richard J. , Ricois Sandrine , Roumet Dominique , Sounguet Guy‐Philippe , Tilley Dominic , van Leeuwe Hilde , Verhage Bas , White Lee , Witt Matthew J. , Viljoen Wynand , Formia Angela
Published: August 2023

Assessing abundance and monitoring ecology and population trends are of critical importance for animal species of conservation concern. For sea turtles, annual nest counts represent the most common method of estimating population size. However, to develop a better understanding of population trends, these data need to be complemented by other reproductive parameters, which are lacking for many nesting populations across central Africa.

To this end, an intensive capture–mark–recapture programme was conducted spanning 21 years (1997–2018) in the most important nesting sites on the Atlantic coast of central Africa (Gabon and Congo) for leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea) and olive ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea) sea turtles.

A total of 18,105 encounters of 14,109 D. coriacea individuals and 2678 encounters of 2427 L. olivacea individuals were recorded. Biological and technical parameters such as clutch frequency, inter‐nesting interval, remigration interval, annual survival rate, somatic growth, size trends, tag loss and number of annual nesting females were estimated through a variety of methods and models.

The study detected a decline in body size and low survival probability (not due to tag loss) in both species but no clear decline in estimated annual number of nesting females. High fidelity to nesting sites (<30 km for both species) implies that the current conservation strategy, protecting the main nesting areas, could be effective.

We recommend that local conservation managers promote: (i) continued monitoring of the nesting activity of the two species through capture–mark–recapture programmes; (ii) continued nest counts at long‐term monitoring sites, which may also detect possible spatial shifts; and (iii) strengthening of cross‐border cooperation between Gabon and Republic of the Congo given the observed connectivity between nesting sites of the two countries.
A Novel High‐Performance Electrolyte for Extreme Fast Charging in Pilot Scale Lithium‐Ion Pouch Cells
Authors: Du Zhijia , Yang Zhenzhen , Tao Runming , Shipitsyn Vadim , Wu Xianyang , Robertson David C. , Livingston Kelsey M. , Hagler Shae , Kwon James , Ma Lin , Bloom Ira D. , Ingram Brian J.
Published: August 2023

Realizing extreme fast charging (XFC) in lithium‐ion batteries for electric vehicles is still challenging due to the insufficient lithium‐ion transport kinetics, especially in the electrolyte. Herein, a novel high‐performance electrolyte (HPE) consisting of lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (LiFSI), lithium hexafluorophosphate (LiPF6) and carbonates is proposed and tested in pilot‐scale, 2‐Ah pouch cells. Moreover, the origin of improved electrochemical performance is comprehensively studied via various characterizations, suggesting that the proposed HPE exhibits high ionic conductivity and excellent electrochemical stability at high charging rate of 6‐C. Therefore, the HPE‐based pouch cells deliver improved discharge specific capacity and excellent long‐term cyclability up to 1500 cycles under XFC conditions, which is superior to the conventional state‐of‐the‐art baseline electrolyte.
Cation and Anion Modulation Strategies toward Ideal Zinc Artificial Interface
Authors: Yang Jingjing , Zhang Anqi , Zhao Ran , Wu Chuan , Bai Ying
Published: August 2023

Aqueous zinc‐ion batteries (ZIBs) stand out as promising next‐generation energy storage systems. However, the Zn anode failure caused by the unstable Zn/electrolyte interface hinders their practical applications. Constructing artificial layer on the Zn surface provides an effective method to optimize the interfacial stability and mitigate the issues, while most of the current investigations put emphasis on the discussion of Zn2+ and H2O regulation, we notice that the anions and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) intermediates also play a crucial role in the occurrence of side reactions, thus a comprehensive evaluation of interfacial modulation strategies regarding all the different ion species in ZIBs system is helpful for developing advanced artificial interface. Herein, this work systematically reviews the achievements about cation and anion modulation strategies for stabilizing Zn/electrolyte interface and emphasizes on the relationship between the material properties and ionic regulation mechanisms for the first time, aiming to provide an unprecedented design reference. Furthermore, some noteworthy points and perspectives are proposed, which has guiding significance for the realization of high‐performance and multi‐level regulated Zn anode.
Power, positionality and practitioner research: Schoolteachers' experiences of professional doctorates in education
Authors: Czerniawski Gerry
Published: August 2023

The growth, internationally, in professional doctorates over the last 25 years has been well documented, as are the forms, fields and disciplines that such doctorates embrace. Yet relatively little is known about the professional tensions teachers encounter, in relation to their positionality, when carrying out doctoral research in the schools where they work. This paper draws attention, not only to the contribution the Professional Doctorate in Education (EdD) makes to research as a whole, but also to the significance of teachers as invaluable members of the research community. Findings will be presented from interviews with 30 senior teachers from schools in England who are carrying out practitioner research as part of their doctoral studies. The paper draws attention to how power relations in the research process ferment the structural and agentic concerns of the participants in this study when discussing their researcher positionality. The scholarly significance of this study is its contribution to knowledge of how schools are increasingly becoming both sites of research and research‐rich environments. With its focus on researcher positionality the paper draws attention not just to the tensions and dilemmas these participants encounter on their doctoral journey, but also to the importance of teacher researchers and their role in research knowledge production.
Post‐remission cytopenia management in patients with AML treated with venetoclax in combination with hypomethylating agents: Pre‐ versus post‐VIALE‐A real‐world experience from a predominantly US community setting
Authors: Vachhani Pankit , Ma Esprit , Xu Tao , Montez Melissa , Worth Sarah , Yellow‐Duke Archibong , Cheng Wei‐Han , Werner Michael E. , Abbas Jonathan , Donnellan William
Published: August 2023

Background

This retrospective cohort study used an electronic health record‐derived, de‐identified, US patient‐level database to better understand the real‐world treatment experience, in a predominantly community setting (80.3% of patients), of venetoclax+hypomethylating agents (HMAs) in routine clinical care, pre‐ and post‐VIALE‐A, to determine whether the post‐remission cytopenia management insight from VIALE‐A was reflected in real‐world clinical practice.

Methods

Patients with newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia (AML; N = 498), who initiated venetoclax+HMA ≤30 days from AML diagnosis from June 1, 2018, to March 31, 2021, were stratified into pre‐(n = 330) and post‐(n = 168) VIALE‐A cohorts.

Results

More patients in the post‐(61%) versus pre‐(45%) VIALE‐A cohort had their first biopsy by 28 ± 14 days post‐treatment initiation. Patients underwent bone marrow (BM) assessment earlier in the post‐ versus pre‐VIALE‐A cohort, and first identification of response was also earlier (2.5 vs 5.1 months, respectively). More venetoclax schedule modifications post‐remission occurred among post‐(82.1%) versus pre‐(73.8%) VIALE‐A responders; the most common reason for modification was treatment toxicities, specifically cytopenia. Treatment survival outcomes were comparable with or without venetoclax schedule modifications.

Conclusions

Findings suggest that venetoclax schedule modifications can be used to manage cytopenia events without adversely affecting outcomes. Opportunities remain to improve earlier BM assessment to determine venetoclax schedule modifications, providing the best chance for optimal treatment outcomes.
Entecavir‐induced neutropenia in an adult living donor liver transplant recipient: Successful conversion to tenofovir alafenamide
Authors: Lim I. Vern , Yurttaş Nurgül Özgür , Ayer Mesut , Poturoğlu Şule , Kınacı Erdem , Özden İlgin
Published: August 2023

Key Clinical Message

At 22 weeks post‐transplantation for HBV‐related cirrhosis, an adult woman developed neutropenia which was aggravated by COVID‐19 (ANC 0.4 × 109/L). Covid resolution and all “conventional” modifications were ineffective. Success within 2 weeks was achieved by switching entecavir to tenofovir alafenamide. A step‐by‐step judicious approach to post‐transplant neutropenia is vital.
A case report of hypokalemic periodic muscular weakness secondary to Sjögren's syndrome with distal renal tubular acidosis
Authors: Iqbal Marhaba , Khan Qaisar Ali , Belay Naod F. , Azeem Moheem , Amatul‐Hadi Faiza , Afzal Muhammad , Pande Harshawardhan , Shah Syed Yasir , Ahmed Rahma , Iram Sumaira , Verma Ravina
Published: August 2023

Key Clinical Message

An underlying autoimmune condition should be suspected in patients who presented with periodic muscular weakness secondary to distal RTA that leads to hypokalemia because distal RTA is commonly associated with autoimmune disorders such as Sjögren's syndrome.

A 22‐year‐old female presented with a sudden onset of bilateral weakness in both upper and lower limbs. The patient had a history of muscular weakness secondary to hypokalemia and dryness of the eyes for the last 3 years. Laboratory investigations revealed decreased potassium and metabolic acidosis. Further investigations confirmed distal renal tubular acidosis (RTA) and Sjögren's syndrome. A diagnosis of distal RTA secondary to Sjögren's syndrome was made. Her potassium levels were replaced, and she was discharged with oral potassium supplements, steroids, and artificial tears.
Three‐dimensional transesophageal echocardiography‐guided transseptal puncture for percutaneous mitral valve edge‐to‐edge repair post‐percutaneous atrial septal defect closure
Authors: Tabata Hiroyuki , Isotani Akihiro , Shirai Shinichi , Ando Kenji
Published: August 2023

Key Clinical Message

Three‐dimensional multiplanar analysis and real‐time three‐dimensional guidance using transesophageal echocardiography can help to identify and access the ideal position for transseptal puncture even in the presence of atrial septal occluders.

Transseptal puncture (TSP) for the percutaneous mitral valve edge‐to‐edge repair (PMVR) after percutaneous atrial septal defect (ASD) closure is a rare and challenging issue. Here, we present a case illustrating the feasibility of real‐time three‐dimensional transesophageal echocardiographic guidance for TSP without ASD closure device injury.
Exploring adolescents' occupational possible selves: The role of gender and socioeconomic status
Authors: Li Yaoran , Du Hanxiang , Martin Ian , Hidalgo Edward , Jiang Yang , Xing Wanli , Popov Vitaliy
Published: August 2023

Adolescence is an important stage in forming one's identity and developing career inspirations. The current empirical study aims to investigate gender and socioeconomic status (SES) differences in adolescents’ occupational possible selves. A total of 3336 sixth‐ to eighth‐grade students participated in the survey research and reported (1) hoped‐for occupation, (2) desire for the hoped‐for occupation, (3) likelihood of attaining the hoped‐for occupation, and (4) whether and what actions were taken toward the hoped‐for occupation. A series of regression models and advanced natural language processing techniques were applied to the survey data. Results revealed evident gender differences and some nuanced SES differences in the named occupational possible selves with a significant interaction between gender and SES on adolescents’ career‐related actions. However, this study did not find gender or SES differences in adolescents’ desire to pursue their occupational possible selves.
Sensitization patterns to cat molecular allergens in subjects with allergic sensitization to cat dander
Authors: Özuygur Ermis Saliha Selin , Norouzi Aram , Borres Magnus P. , Basna Rani , Ekerljung Linda , Malmhäll Carina , Goksör Emma , Wennergren Göran , Rådinger Madeleine , Lötvall Jan , Kankaanranta Hannu , Nwaru Bright I.
Published: August 2023

Background

The use of molecular allergology has increasingly become common in the diagnosis and management of allergic diseases. However, there is still a lack of data on cat molecular allergens in adults. Therefore, we aimed to uncover the sensitization patterns to cat molecular allergens.

Methods

Participants were recruited from the West Asthma Sweden Study, a population‐based study enriched with asthma subjects aged 16–75 years. Of 1872, 361 individuals were positive for cat dander immunoglobulin E and were further analysed for cat molecular allergens (Fel d 1/2/4/7). Sensitization patterns were classified as monosensitization, polysensitization, and concomitant sensitization, and were related to demographic and clinical measurements.

Results

Among cat‐sensitized subjects, 84.2% were sensitized to secretoglobin, while 42.4% were sensitized to lipocalins. Nearly half of the subjects were monosensitized to Fel d 1. Polysensitization was observed in 20.2%, and concomitant sensitization to protein families was seen in 7.2%. Asthma prevalence, cat exposure, and rural living were associated with poly‐ and concomitant sensitization to protein families. Concomitant sensitization to single allergens was more common in those with asthma than in those without, while concomitant sensitization to both Fel d 1 and Fel d 4 was the most common pattern in individuals with asthma. Sensitization patterns also differed according to cat ownership and the degree of urbanization.

Conclusion

Sensitization to molecular allergens was observed in 90.9% of cat‐sensitized subjects and showed variations across participants' background characteristics and the presence of asthma. Identification of sensitization patterns to cat allergens might provide better characterization of cat‐allergic subjects.
Exploration of the Pharmacophore for Cytoskeletal Targeting Ruthenium Polypyridyl Complexes
Authors: Reardon Melissa M. , Guerrero Matthew , Alatrash Nagham , MacDonnell Frederick M.
Published: August 2023

Ruthenium(II) trisdiimine complexes of the formula, [Ru(dip)n(L−L)3‐n]2+, where n=0‐3; dip=4,7‐diphenyl‐1,10‐phenanthroline; L–L=2,2’‐bipyridine (bpy) or 1,10‐phenanthroline (phen) were prepared and tested for cytotoxicity in two cell lines (H358, MCF7). Cellular uptake and subcellular localization were determined by harvesting treated cells and determining the ruthenium concentration in whole or fractionated cells (cytosolic, nuclear, mitochondrial/ ER/Golgi, and cytoskeletal proteins) by Ru ICP‐MS. The logP values for the chloride salts of these complexes were measured and the data were analyzed to determine the role of lipophilicity versus structure in the various biological assays. Cellular uptake increased with lipophilicity but shows the biggest jump when the complex contains two or more dip ligands. Significantly, preferential cytoskeletal localization is also correlated with increased cytotoxicity. All of the RPCs promote tubulin polymerization in vitro, but [Ru(dip)2phen]2+ and [Ru(dip)3]2+ show the strongest activity. Analysis of the pellet formed by centrifugation of MTs formed in the presence of [Ru(dip)2phen]2+ establish a binding stoichiometry of one RPC per tubulin heterodimer. Complexes of the general formula [Ru(dip)2(L−L)]2+ possess the necessary characteristics to target the cytoskeleton in live cells and increase cytotoxicity, however the nature of the L−L ligand does influence the extent of the effect.
A phase 2 study of ibrutinib maintenance following first‐line high‐dose methotrexate‐based chemotherapy for elderly patients with primary central nervous system lymphoma
Authors: Bairey Osnat , Taliansky Alisa , Glik Amir , Amiel Alexandra , Yust‐Katz Shlomit , Gurion Ronit , Zektser Miri , Porges Tzvika , Sarid Nadav , Horowitz Netanel A. , Shina Tzahala Tzuk , Lebel Eyal , Cohen Amos , Geiger Karyn Revital , Raanani Pia , Wolach Ofir , Siegal Tali
Published: August 2023

Background

Elderly patients account for nearly 70% of all primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) cases. They cannot tolerate aggressive treatment and have poor prognosis with a median overall survival (OS) of less than 2 years and progression‐free survival (PFS) of 6–16 months. Ibrutinib penetrates the blood–brain barrier and has shown activity in PCNSL.

Methods

This prospective study investigated whether ibrutinib maintenance is feasible, and whether it can benefit elderly PCNSL patients in terms of expected 2‐year PFS. It is an open label, phase 2 study in newly diagnosed PCNSL patients 60–85 years old who responded to first‐line high‐dose methotrexate (HDMTX)‐based treatment with partial or complete response. Ibrutinib maintenance (560 mg/d) was continued until disease progression or intolerable toxicity.

Results

Twenty patients were enrolled, with a median age of 72 years (range, 61–80). Median time on ibrutinib maintenance was 12.5 (range, 2–46) months. Twelve patients stopped treatment: five due to central nervous system relapse and seven due to adverse events that were mainly grade 2. Five patients died (25%) all due to relapse. The 1‐ and 2‐year PFS are 90% and 72.6%, respectively, and the 2‐year OS is 89%.

Conclusions

The study reached its primary end points and also showed that ibrutinib maintenance is tolerated reasonably well by the elderly. Therefore, this study supports the concept that ibrutinib maintenance should be further evaluated as an optional consolidation measure in the elderly.
Real‐World Evidence to Supplement Randomized Clinical Trials: Tocilizumab for Severe COVID‐19 Pneumonia vs. a Cohort Receiving Standard of Care
Authors: Skarbinski Jacek , Fischer Heidi , Hong Vennis , Liu Liyan , Yau Vincent M. , Incerti Devin , Qian Lei , Ackerson Bradley K. , Amsden Laura B. , Shaw Sally F. , Tartof Sara Y.
Published: August 2023

Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) remain the gold standard for evaluating treatment efficacy, but real‐world evidence can supplement RCT results. Tocilizumab was not found to reduce 28‐day mortality in a phase III, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial (COVACTA) among hospitalized patients with severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pneumonia. We created a real‐world external comparator arm mirroring the COVACTA trial to confirm findings and assess the feasibility of using an external comparator arm to supplement an RCT. Eligible COVACTA participants in both the tocilizumab treatment and placebo arms were matched 1:1 using propensity score matching to persons without tocilizumab exposure in an external comparator arm. Adjusted Cox proportional hazard models estimated differences in 28‐day mortality comparing COVACTA participants to matched external comparator arm participants. Patients in the COVACTA tocilizumab treatment arm had a similar risk of death compared with patients in the external comparator arm (hazard ratio (HR): 1.09, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.64–1.84) with similar estimated 28‐day mortality in the COVACTA tocilizumab treatment arm compared with the external comparator arm (18%, 95% CI: 13–24 vs. 19%, 95% CI: 13–24, P > 0.9). COVACTA placebo treatment arm participants had a similar risk of mortality (adjusted HR: 0.69, 95% CI: 0.32–1.46) compared with the external comparator arm. Using an external comparator arm has the potential to supplement RCT data and support results of primary RCT analyses.
Issues facing college psychiatrists: Too many patients, not enough psychiatrists
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: August 2023

At a session on issues facing college psychiatrists conducted at the American Psychiatric Association annual meeting this spring, CPU heard a brainstorming session led by Meera Menon, M.D., a psychiatrist from Ohio State University, Amy Alexander, M.D., who runs the student health fellowship at Stanford University, Maryam Zulfiqar, M.D., a student mental health fellow in the Department of Psychiatry at Stanford, and Ludmila V. Barbarosa De Faria, M.D., a psychiatrist at the University of Florida.
Efficiency improvement of dual active bridge converter using simple graphical optimization method
Authors: Chen Zhangyong , Zheng Zhanchao , Tang Xuan , Wu Yunfeng , Xiang Tianyu
Published: August 2023

Aiming to the problems of high circulating current and low efficiency caused by the traditional strategy of dual active bridge (DAB) converter under light load, in this paper, simple graphical optimization method (GSO) is proposed to improve the efficiency of dual active bridge converter. Through the contour plot of transmission power and current stress, optimal efficiency point can be obtained by tangent of contour map under condition of constant power, and heavily calculation or complex iterations of existing conventional control strategies are avoided. Moreover, analysis of proposed graphical current stress optimization is addressed, and controller design of proposed method is given and described. Efficiency comparison between traditional modulation strategy and GSO is given to show the advantage of proposed mothed. An experimental prototype is built to verify the analysis.
Reconfigurable dual‐band wireless power transfer (RDB‐WPT) system using meander line for near‐field WPT applications
Authors: Atallah Hany A. , Hussein Rasha , Abdel‐Rahman Adel B.
Published: August 2023

In this work, the reconfigurable dual‐band wireless power transfer (RDB‐WPT) system is proposed. The studied system allows to transfer power or data in two frequency bands. The first band is tuned from 1.4 to 1.7 GHz while the second band is fixed at 2.17 GHz. The receiver circuit (Rx) is identical to the transmitter circuit (Tx), and they are coupled in back‐to‐back. The feed line is extended with a stub for matching, and it is built on the top layer. The meander line and the rectangular DGS are placed on the ground. The prototype is fabricated with a compact size of 30 × 15 mm2 to be used in small portable electronic devices. The measured efficiencies are 95% at the average of the tuned band and 92% at 2.17 GHz. Good agreements are achieved between the simulation, theoretical studies, and measurements.
Mesenchymal stem cell‐derived rapid drug screening system for Alzheimer's disease for the identification of novel drugs
Authors: Gamit Naisarg , Patil Manasi , B Sundrappa Soumya , Sundaram S. Mohana , Sethi Gautam , Dharmarajan Arun , Warrier Sudha
Published: August 2023

A reliable and efficient in vitro model is needed to screen drugs for Alzheimer's disease (AD), as many drugs are currently in the developmental stage. To address this, we developed an in vitro model using amniotic membrane‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (AM‐MSCs) to screen novel drugs for AD. We differentiated AM‐MSCs into neurons and degenerated them using beta amyloid1‐42 (Aß). We then tested AD drugs, which are commercially available such as donepezil, rivastigmine, memantine, citicoline, and two novel drugs, that is, probucol, an anti‐hyperlipidaemic drug, and NMJ‐2, a cinnamic acid analogue for their potential to protect the cells against neurodegeneration. We used gene expression and immunofluorescence staining to assess the neuroprotective ability of these drugs. We also measured the ability of these drugs to reduce lactate dehydrogenase, reactive oxygen species, and nitric oxide levels, as well as their ability to stabilize the mitochondrial membrane potential and increase acetylcholine (ACh) levels. The AD drugs and novel drugs reduced cytotoxicity and oxidative stress, stabilized mitochondrial membrane potential, and restored ACh levels. Furthermore, they reduced BACE1 expression, with a concomitant increase in the expression of cholinergic markers. This AM‐MSCs‐based AD‐like model has immense potential to be an accurate human model and an alternative to animal models for testing a large number of lead compounds in a short time. Our results also suggest that the novel drugs probucol and NMJ‐2 may protect against Aß‐induced neurodegeneration.
FAM64A aggravates proliferation, invasion, lipid droplet formation, and chemoresistance in gastric cancer: A biomarker for aggressiveness and a gene therapy target
Authors: Yun Wen‐jing , Zhang Li , Yang Ning , Cui Zheng‐guo , Jiang Hua‐mao , Ha Min‐wen , Yu Da‐yong , Zhao Ming‐zhen , Zheng Hua‐chuan
Published: August 2023

FAM64A is a mitogen‐induced regulator of the metaphase and anaphase transition. Here, we found that FAM64A messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein expression levels were higher in gastric cancer tissue than in normal mucosa (p < .05). FAM64A methylation was negatively correlated with FAM64A mRNA expression (p < .05). The differentially expressed genes of FAM64A were mainly involved in digestion, potassium transporting or exchanging ATPase, contractile fibers, endopeptidase, and pancreatic secretion (p < .05). The FAM64A‐related genes were principally categorized into ubiquitin‐mediated proteolysis, cell cycle, chromosome segregation and mitosis, microtubule binding and organization, metabolism of amino acids, cytokine receptors, lipid droplet, central nervous system, and collagen trimer (p < .05). FAM64A protein expression was lower in normal gastric mucosa than intestinal metaplasia, adenoma, and primary cancer (p < .05), negatively correlated with older age, T stage, lymphatic and venous invasion, tumor, node, metastasis stage, and dedifferentiation (p < .05), and associated with a favorable overall survival of gastric cancer patients. FAM64A overexpression promoted proliferation, antiapoptosis, migration, invasion, and epithelial–mesenchymal transition via the EGFR/Akt/mTOR/NF‐κB, while the opposite effect was observed for FAM64A knockdown. FAM64A also induced chemoresistance directly or indirectly through lipid droplet formation via ING5. These results suggested that upregulation of FAM64A expression might induce aggressive phenotypes, leading to gastric carcinogenesis and its subsequent progression. Thus, FAM64A could be regarded as a prognosis biomarker and a target for gene therapy.
Synthesis, characterization and differentiation of the structural isomers of valine and tert‐leucine derived synthetic cannabinoids
Authors: Sim Sui Boon Derek , Lee Hui Zhi Shirley , Ong Mei Ching , Zhang Shuhua , Lim Kheng Aik , Lim Jong Lee Wendy , Yap Tiong Whei Angeline
Published: August 2023

The identification of the synthetic cannabinoids receptor agonists (SCRAs) has always posed a great challenge to drug testing laboratories with slight structural modifications aimed at evading drug legislation. In addition, the most prevalent synthetic cannabinoids have valine and tert‐leucine amino acid moieties where re‐arrangement of the carbon chains can result in structural isomers that are very similar to the parent synthetic cannabinoids. This makes their analysis and identification challenging, and the problem is compounded with the difficulty in purchasing reference standards quickly and a lack of literature for comparison. Therefore, in this investigation, four series of synthetic cannabinoids (AB‐PINACA, AB‐CHMINACA, MMB‐FUBINACA and 5‐fluoro‐MDMB‐PINACA) and their alkyl chain structural isomers at the amino acid moieties were synthesized and characterized using various analytical techniques—gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS), gas chromatography–infrared detection (GC–IRD) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy to evaluate the ability of each analytical technique to differentiate the respective isomers for their identification. A total of 12 isomers were synthesized and analysed together with the four parent synthetic cannabinoids. NMR was able to differentiate between all the compounds, whereas GC–IRD was able to discern between most of the synthetic cannabinoids and their isomers. GC–MS had the least discriminating power and was not able to differentiate some of the compounds that has very similar mass spectra. The results from this work will be useful to other drug testing laboratories that are facing the identification of related synthetic cannabinoids.
Effects of chemical cues and prior experience on predator avoidance in crayfish
Authors: Kaur Davinder , Iqbal Azeem , Soto Ismael , Kubec Jan , Buřič Miloš
Published: August 2023

Multisensory stimuli provide organisms with information to assess the threat present in the surroundings. Olfactory cues show dominance over other sensory modalities in the aquatic environment. The impact of chemical predator cues combined with experiences gained (learning) in species without previous contact is not fully understood. We investigated the foraging and shelter‐seeking behaviour of naïve and experienced marbled crayfish Procambarus virginalis juveniles in response to the chemical signals of pumpkinseed Lepomis gibbosus alone and in combination with alarm chemicals produced by preyed‐upon conspecifics. Naïve and experienced (previously exposed to pumpkinseed predation) juveniles were stocked in an arena with shelter and feed and exposed (1) to water from a tank containing a predator actively feeding on conspecifics, (2) water from a tank with predator only and (3) water only as control. Crayfish exposed to the combined stimuli avoided the inlet zone and gravitated to shelter zone of the arena to a greater extent than did those exposed to predator‐only cues and the control. Regardless of the treatment, experienced crayfish showed significantly reduced interest in feeding. Our findings imply that crayfish response to threat‐associated odours with the greatest potency when visual or tactile cues are present, while previous encounters with predators may make them more cautious.
The eDNA Society International Meeting 2023, “moving from knowledge into practice”
Authors: Yamanaka Hiroki , Doi Hideyuki , Araki Hitoshi , Uchii Kimiko , Minamoto Toshifumi
Published: August 2023

With the aim to gather and synthesize knowledge regarding environmental DNA analysis and its applications, The eDNA Society International Meeting 2023 was held in Otsu, Shiga, Japan, from May 17th to 19th with more than 252 participants from 19 countries. During the three core days, there were three plenary sessions with nine leading researchers in the field as invited speakers, as well as general oral sessions, a poster session, workshops presented by the society's corporate companies, and opening and closing ceremonies. The meeting had been postponed multiple times due to the COVID‐19 pandemic but was finally held in‐person, with options for online attendance, in front of Lake Biwa. This is a memorial site where the first field test for eDNA analysis in Japan was conducted. Here, we report the record of the meeting by sharing the highlights of the three core days. The proposed meeting theme, “Moving from Knowledge into Practice,” was well achieved during the meeting with energetic participants and enthusiastic discussion, which was stimulated by interesting presentations and lectures spanning from basic technical developments to practical applications.
Solvent Directed Diastereodivergent Synthesis of Spiro‐Oxindoles with Quaternary Carbon Center Forming
Authors: Zhang Yang , Liao Qian , Liu Jin‐Yu , Yang Ming‐Wen
Published: August 2023

An efficient method has been developed for the solvent‐directed diastereodivergent cyclization reactions with quaternary center formation. Various spiro‐oxindole diastereoisomers were synthesized with good yields (up to >99 %) and moderate to high diastereoselectivities (up to >20 : 1). Further study on NMR studies indicates that the key to this approach lies in different interactions between the substrate and organocatalyst across diverse solvents. This methodology may have significant implications for switchable, solvent‐directed diastereodivergent synthesis.
Evaluating the social cost: The mention of diversity and group identification moderate responses to high‐status ingroup claims of bias
Authors: Wellman Joseph D. , Nguyen Tuong‐Vy C. , Garcia Donna M. , Egbule Princess
Published: August 2023

Claims of discrimination made by high‐status groups (e.g., White people, men) have become increasingly more common. To understand ingroup support for such claims, we examined perceivers’ group identification (GID) and perceived social costs as contributing factors. In addition, we examined the impact of the claimant blaming 'diversity' as a source of discrimination to see if this may influence perceptions of social costs and ultimately support. Across three experiments, we found that GID predicted support for the claimant among Whites and men when the claim blamed diversity, which was mediated by perceptions of group‐level social costs, suggesting that mentioning diversity as part of their claim may influence support for the claimant. We found similar patterns of results for liking and behavioral intentions. Results suggest that it is important to examine aspects of the claim and perceivers’ perceptions of social costs when examining support for discrimination claimants.