bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chimeric antigen receptor T‐cells safety: A pharmacovigilance and meta‐analysis study
Authors: Dolladille Charles , Ederhy Stéphane , Ezine Emilien , Choquet Sylvain , Nguyen Lee S. , Alexandre Joachim , Moslehi Javid J. , Dechartres Agnès , Salem Joe‐Elie
Published: May 2021

Chimeric‐antigen‐receptor T cells directed against CD19 (CAR‐T) are emerging hematological therapeutics with scarce data on its overall safety profile spectrum. To determine the clinical features and incidence of adverse‐drug reactions (ADR) associated with CAR‐T. This observational, cross‐sectional, pharmacovigilance cohort study examined individual case safety reports from the World Health Organization database VigiBase and meta‐analysis of data from CAR‐T trials and cohorts in the literature was also performed through March, 2020. The primary objective was to identify ADR associated with approved CAR‐T (axicabtagene‐ciloleucel; tisagenlecleucel). We conducted a Bayesian disproportionate analysis with the 95% lower credibility‐interval of information component (IC025, significance > 0). We also performed a systematic‐review and meta‐analysis of CAR‐T trials and cohorts in the literature to evaluate ADR incidence. Nine ADR classes were associated with CAR‐T: Cytokine release syndrome (CRS, n = 1378, IC025 = 4.24), neurological disorders (n = 963, IC025 = 2.42), hematological disorders (n = 532, IC025 = 3.32), infections (n = 287, IC025 = 2.38), cardiovascular disorders (n = 256, IC025 = 2.81), pulmonary disorders (n = 186, IC025 = 3.80), reno‐metabolic disorders (n = 123, IC025 = 1.89), hemophagocytic‐lymphohistiocytosis (n = 36, IC025 = 5.01) and hepatic disorders (n = 32, IC025 = 2.49). ADR‐related fatalities accounted for 99/1783 (5.5%) of the reports and 262/1783 (14.7%) for all‐cause mortality. These ADR‐related fatalities were associated with hemophagocytic‐lymphohistiocytosis, cerebral vascular disorder, infections, and respiratory failure. In meta‐analyses, the most frequent any‐grade ADRs were CRS, hematological disorders, and neurological disorders. Fatal ADR were most found with neurological disorders, CRS, and infections. Note, CAR‐T infusion may be associated with severe ADR mainly following the week of administration, though rarely fatal. Infections, hemophagocytic‐lymphohistiocytosis and end organ failures including neurological or lung involvements require scrutiny.
Human cytogenetics at Johns Hopkins Hospital, 1959–1962
Authors: Ferguson‐Smith Malcolm A.
Published: May 2021

An account is given of the introduction of human cytogenetics to the Division of Medical Genetics at Johns Hopkins Hospital, and the first 3 years' work of the chromosome diagnostic laboratory that was established at the time. Research on human sex chromosome disorders, including novel discoveries in the Turner and Klinefelter syndromes, is described together with original observations on chromosome behavior at mitosis. It is written in celebration of the centenary of the birth of Victor McKusick, the acknowledged father of Medical Genetics, who established the Division and had the foresight to ensure that it included the investigation of human chromosomes.
Facet Selectivity Guided Assembly of Nanoarchitectures onto Two‐Dimensional Metal–Organic Framework Nanosheets
Authors: Li Zhihao , Gao Huajian , Shen Ruichen , Zhang Caixin , Li Leisi , Lv Yawei , Tang Liming , Du Yaping , Yuan Quan
Published: May 2021

Facet‐selective nanostructures in living systems usually exhibit outstanding optical and enzymatic properties, playing important roles in photonics, matter exchange, and biocatalysis. Bioinspired construction of facet‐selective nanostructures offers great opportunities for sophisticated nanomaterials, but remains a formidable task. We have developed a macromolecule‐mediated strategy for the assembly of upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs)/two‐dimensional metal–organic frameworks (2DMOFs) heterostructures with facet selectivity. Both experimental and theoretical results demonstrate that polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) can be utilized as an interface‐selective mediator to further promote the facet‐selective assembly of MOFs onto the surface of UCNPs. The UCNPs/2DMOFs nanostructures with facet selectivity display specific optical properties and show great advantages in anti‐counterfeiting. Our demonstration of UCNPs/2DMOFs provides a vivid example for the controlled fabrication of facet‐selective nanostructures and can promote the development of advanced functional materials for applications in biosensing, energy conversion, and information assurance.
A Top‐Down Strategy to Realize Surface Reconstruction of Small‐Sized Platinum‐Based Nanoparticles for Selective Hydrogenation
Authors: Jin Yu , Wang Pengtang , Mao Xinnan , Liu Shangheng , Li Leigang , Wang Lu , Shao Qi , Xu Yong , Huang Xiaoqing
Published: May 2021

Over the past decades, despite the substantial efforts that have been devoted to the modifications of Pt nanoparticles (NPs) to tailor their selectivities for hydrogenation reactions, there are still a lack of facile strategies for precisely regulation of the surface properties of NPs, especially for those with small sizes. In this work, we propose a top‐down thermal annealing strategy for tuning the surface properties of Pt‐based NPs (≈4 nm) without the occurrence of aggregation. Compared to conventional bottom‐up methods, the present top‐down strategy can precisely regulate the surface compositions of Pt‐Cd NPs and other ternary Pt‐Cd‐M NPs (M=Fe, Ni, Co, Mn, and Sn). The optimized Pt‐Cd NPs exhibit excellent selectivity toward phenylacetylene and 4‐nitrostyrene hydrogenations with a styrene selectivity and 4‐aminophenyl styrene selectivity of 95.2 % and 94.5 %, respectively. This work provides a general strategy for the surface reconstructions of Pt‐based NPs, and promotes fundamental research on catalyst design for heterogeneous catalysis.
Creep resistance of linear low density polyethylene/carbonaceous hybrid nanocomposites: Experiments and modeling
Authors: Charitos Ilias , Kontou Evagelia
Published: May 2021

In the present work, the creep response of nanocomposites based on metallocene linear low density polyethylene (mLLDPE), reinforced with three types of carbonaceous nanofillers, namely carbon nanotubes (CNTs), graphene oxide (GO) platelets, and carbon nanofibers (CNFs) was experimentally studied. The effect of the nanofiller loading and the hybrid character of nanocomposites on the creep resistance of the nanocompsites was analyzed. In all cases, the creep resistance of the nanocomposites examined has been postulated. To support these results, creep has been modeled by a power creep law, while the creep‐ recovery modeling was achieved by a viscoelastic model. The implementation of the viscoelastic model has been made by assuming that the nanocomposite's structure can be represented by a physical network, with the dispersed nanofillers participating in the molecular rearrangements, which take place upon the imposition of stress. The time dependent constitutive equation involves a relaxation function, based on a Gaussian type distribution function, associated with the energy barriers that molecular segments need to overcome, for transitions to occur. It was found that creep‐recovery strain could be accurately captured with the same set of parameters, whereas the number of required model parameters was quite lower than that in the widely known viscoelastic models.
Improving fire behavior and smoke suppression of flame‐retardant PBS composites using lignin chelate as carbonization agent and catalyst
Authors: Yue Xiaopeng , Li Yu , Li Jian , Xu Yongjian
Published: May 2021

A copolymer of alkali lignin and polyacrylamide was fabricated by graft copolymerization, and further chelated with Fe3+. The obtained lignin chelate with star structure was used as synergistic agent and catalyst with the incorporation of intumescent flame retardants (IFRs) to prepare flame‐retarded poly (butylene succinate) (PBS) composites. The replacement of IFR by lignin chelate favors the enhancement of mechanical performance, resulting in the synchronous improvement of tensile and flexural properties. Compared with the specimen used 25 wt% IFRs (75P/25I), the tensile strength, flexural strength, and modulus of specimen prepared by 23 wt% IFRs and 2 wt% lignin chelate (75P/23I/2LC) exhibited significant increased. A synergistic effect between IFR and lignin chelate occurred when they were combined with an appropriate ratio. When IFR and lignin chelate loadings were 24 and 1 wt%, respectively (75P/24I/1 LC), the limited oxygen index (LOI) value of 36.2% and UL‐94 V0 rate of composite could be achieved. Compared with 75P/25I, the char residue mass of 75P/24I/1 LC increased by 35.7%. Moreover, SEM images indicated that a more compact, smooth, and continuous char layer of 75P/24I/1 LC could be formed during combustion. The peak heat release rate (pHRR) and total heat release (THR) of 75P/24I/1 LC decreased by 58.9% and 9.9% compared with PBS, also decreased by 10.3% and 4.8% compared with 75P/25I, respectively. TGIR and FTIR analysis also indicated that lignin chelate exhibited an excellent synergistic effect with IFRs, and gave PBS a good flame retardancy by making contribution to char‐formation and gas‐phase flame retardancy. This study provides an alternative way for the application of natural polymers such as lignin in flame retardant materials.
Our contempt for weakness
Authors: Gullestad Siri Erika
Published: May 2021

In this paper, I explore the mental consequences of Covid‐19. Starting with the images of the pandemic – the intubated patient, the anonymous mass grave, and the death on FaceTime – images that express the horrendous threat of the coronavirus death, I emphasize that the pandemic reminds us of our vulnerability and existential dependence on the other. Based on examples, I discuss different reactions to Covid‐19 from a psychoanalytic perspective, specifically highlighting the mechanisms of denial, splitting and projection – the latter is illustrated in the scapegoating of the pandemic, for example, blaming China, the immigrants or youth parties. I argue that a common characteristic of those different defense mechanisms may be a contempt for weakness – as demonstrated when coronavirus deniers and Proud Boys are marching together. The paper also examines the importance of structure and the consequences of the loss of everyday structure – be it job, school, peer groups, training studios, senior centers, or culture. I conclude by emphasizing that the pandemic has taught us how dependent we are on each other – and that it should inspire us to greater tolerance for vulnerability, and less contempt for weakness.
On observability analysis and observer design for a class of nonlinear uncertain systems with general elastic vibration dynamics
Authors: Zhang Xiaoyan , Xue Wenchao , Zhao Yanlong
Published: May 2021

This paper focuses on the observability analysis for a general class of rigid‐flexible coupling systems constituted of rigid‐body mode and elastic vibration modes with uncertain dynamics and disturbances. And the measured output is a linear combination of rigid‐body mode and elastic vibration modes. Firstly, the necessary and sufficient condition of the observability for such system is given. Secondly, the general extended state observer design is proposed to estimate the states of both rigid‐body mode and elastic vibration modes as well as “total disturbance.” Next, the convergence of estimation errors of the general extended state observer is discussed. Then, under unobservable case, a compressed extended state observer is designed to estimate the states and the “total disturbance” acting on rigid‐body mode, and the corresponding estimation errors are studied. In addition, the theoretical results are demonstrated via the simulation on a rigid‐flexible coupling system.
Circalunar clocks—Old experiments for a new era
Authors: Kaiser Tobias S. , Neumann Jule
Published: May 2021

Circalunar clocks, which allow organisms to time reproduction to lunar phase, have been experimentally proven but are still not understood at the molecular level. Currently, a new generation of researchers with new tools is setting out to fill this gap. Our essay provides an overview of classic experiments on circalunar clocks. From the unpublished work of the late D. Neumann we also present a novel phase response curve for a circalunar clock. These experiments highlight avenues for molecular work and call for rigor in setting up and analyzing the logistically complex experiments on circalunar clocks. Re‐evaluating classic experiments, we propose that (1) circalunar clocks in different organisms will have divergent mechanisms and physiological bases, (2) they may have properties very different from the well‐studied circadian clocks and (3) they may have close mechanistic and molecular relations to seasonal rhythms and diapause.
Nanoporous Titanium‐Oxo Molecular Cluster for CO2 Selective Adsorption
Authors: Jun Byeongsun , Lee Chi Ho , Kim Joonwoo , Lee Sang Uck
Published: May 2021

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), a new family of porous materials, have received great attention over the past several decades as potential materials for gas separation and storage, and drug delivery. However, the widespread use of these materials has been seriously hampered by their susceptibility to moisture, which impacts their sorption properties. Here, we explored the sorption properties of a titanium‐oxo cluster that can maintain sorption properties in a humid environment for CO2 capture and H2 purification using Monte Carlo (MC) simulations and density functional theory (DFT). The CO2, N2, CH4, and H2 gas‐sorption properties of the titanium‐oxo cluster were investigated using by comparing sorption site and binding energies, demonstrating that the titanium‐oxo cluster can be utilized as a CO2 separator and H2 purification. The comparison between MC and DFT calculations reveals that atomistic MC simulation is particularly useful in the investigation of the sorption behavior of such a complex material.
Proteomics and metabolomics analyses reveal the full spectrum of inflammatory and lipid metabolic abnormalities in dyslipidemia
Authors: Du Hui , Rao Yifei , Liu Ronghua , Deng Kesui , Guan Yongmei , Luo Dewei , Mao Qiping , Yu Jianwei , Bo Tao , Fan Ziquan , Ouyang Hui , Feng Yulin , Zhu Weifeng
Published: May 2021

Dyslipidemia is a common, chronic metabolic disease associated with cardiovascular complications. Due to the multiplicity of etiological factors, the pathogenesis of dyslipidemia is still unclear. In this study, we combined proteomics and metabolomics methods to analyze the plasma of patients with dyslipidemia and healthy subjects. isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ) markers, combined with LC–MS/MS proteomics technology and the UHPLC/Orbitfast‐X Tribrid system, were used to establish the metabolite profile in clinical dyslipidemia. A total of 137 differentially expressed proteins, mainly related to biological processes such as protein activation cascades, adaptive immune responses, complement activation, acute inflammatory responses, and regulation of acute inflammatory responses, were identified. These proteins are involved in the regulation of important metabolic pathways, such as immunity and inflammation, coagulation and hemostasis, lipid metabolism, and oxidation and antioxidant defenses. The analysis of clinical metabolites showed there were 69 different metabolites in plasma, mainly related to glycerolipid, sphingolipid, porphyrin, α‐linolenic acid, linoleic acid, and arachidonic acid metabolism, suggesting that the regulation of inflammation and lipid metabolism may be disturbed in patients with dyslipidemia. Among these, significant changes were observed in indole‐3‐propionic acid (IPA), which is considered as a potential biomarker of dyslipidemia. The combined analysis of proteins and metabolites showed that arachidonic acid, linoleic acid, and lipid metabolic pathways were closely related to dyslipidemia. IPA may be a potential biomarker. The information provided in this study may provide new insights into the pathogenesis of animal models of dyslipidemia and related disease models, as well as potential intervention targets.
Upregulation of P53 promotes nucleus pulposus cell apoptosis in intervertebral disc degeneration through upregulating NDRG2
Authors: Zhang Kejie , Zhang Yuanbin , Zhang Cong , Zhu Limin
Published: May 2021

P53 is an apoptosis marker which is involved in determining nucleus pulposus (NP) cell fate. Little is known about P53 interaction with N‐Myc downstream‐regulated gene 2 (NDRG2) in intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD). Here, we studied the role of the P53‐NDRG2 axis in IVDD. We found that NDRG2 was expressed in NP tissue obtained from patients with IVDD. The level of NDRG2 was positively related to the severity of IVDD, as determined by Pfirrmann grading. Subsequently, we overexpressed NDRG2 in human NP cells by adenoviral transfection and studied the effects of increased levels of NDRG2 on the viability and apoptosis of these cells. NDRG2 overexpression induced NP cell apoptosis and reduced viability in NP cells obtained from patient with IVDD. We also found that the level of P53 was elevated in NP cells from patients with IVDD and treatment with exogenous P53 upregulated NDRG2 in NP cells. Last, IVDD model was established in P53 knockout mice and the pathological changes in the intervertebral discs and NDRG2 expression were examined. P53 knockout can reduce the damage of NP tissues after IVDD surgery to some extent. Restoration of NDRG2 antagonized the effect of P53 knockout on IVDD. Collectively, this study suggests that elevated P53 in NP cells stimulates apoptosis of the cells by upregulating NDRG2 expression, thereby exacerbating IVDD.
Ethylcyclohexane Hydroconversion in EU‐1 Zeolite: DFT‐based Microkinetic Modeling Reveals the Nature of the Kinetically Relevant Intermediates
Authors: Gutierrez‐Acebo Ester , Rey Jérôme , Bouchy Christophe , Schuurman Yves , Chizallet Céline
Published: May 2021

The transformation of cycloalkanes is a key‐reaction in refining and petrochemistry. Herein, we unravel the mechanism and the kinetics of the transformation of ethylcyclohexane, considering a bifunctional catalyst composed of platinum and of the EU‐1 zeolite, by experiments, density functional theory (DFT) calculations and DFT‐based microkinetic modeling. The simulated mechanisms involve carbenium intermediates. DFT shows the central kinetic role of the π‐complexes corresponding to secondary carbenium ions. Cycle contractions and expansions appear to be rate‐limiting. The DFT‐based microkinetic model includes a limited number of kinetic parameters optimized by regression with respect to the experimental data. The agreement with experimental results is very good, showing that the mechanisms proposed, the nature of the intermediates, and the values of the computed rate constants, are relevant. The reaction starts by the cycle contraction of 1‐ethylcyclohexene, then shifts to a second sequence of cycle expansion‐contraction reactions by intercalated methyl‐shifts.
Direct Conversion of 5‐Hydroxymethylfurfural to Furanic Diether by Copper‐Loaded Hierarchically Structured ZSM‐5 Catalyst in a Fixed‐Bed Reactor
Authors: Hu Hualei , Xue Tingting , Zhang Zhenxin , Gan Jiang , Chen Liangqi , Zhang Jian , Qu Fengzuo , Cai Weijie , Wang Lei
Published: May 2021

The highly‐efficient conversion of 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) to 2,5‐bis(ethoxymethyl)furan (BEMF) was achieved over the copper‐loaded hierarchically structured ZSM‐5 (Cu/HSZ) catalysts in the continuous fixed‐bed reactor. The main reaction path for BEMF synthesis on the Cu/HSZ catalysts was confirmed as following: HMF was firstly hydrogenated to BHMF intermediates over metal sites and then the formed BHMF was etherified by acid sites. Benefiting from the ammonia evaporation (AE) method promoted the dispersion of copper and reduced the acidity, the Cu/HSZ‐AE catalyst exhibited more excellent BEMF yield and stability than the catalyst prepared by conventional incipient‐wetness impregnation (Cu/HSZ‐IW). Indeed, the inactivation of Cu/HSZ‐IW catalyst was mainly attributed to the deactivation of copper by carbon species deposition.
Hydrochloric Acid‐Assisted Regeneration of Cobalt Ethylenediamine for NOx Remediation in Flue Gas
Authors: Yang Jie , Liu Shengyu , Fu Qianwen , Li-Chao Nengzi , Chen Li
Published: May 2021

Cobalt ethylenediamine ([Co(en)3]3+) is widely used for NOx remediation in flue gas. However, its industrial applications are limited due to the lack of an efficient regeneration method that converts Co3+ to Co2+. Here, hydrogen chloride is applied as an additive and the performance of cobalt ethylenediamine under variable flue gas compositions is analyzed. The results demonstrate that low pH values favor the conversion of Co3+ to Co2+. Further, a reaction temperature of 100 °C and more than three minutes reaction time were found to accelerate the reduction of Co3+. The NOx removal efficiency could reach more than 70 % after the first regeneration. After 23 consecutive days of continuous experiments, the denitration efficiency of flue gas could be as high as 60 % or more.
Low‐Temperature H2 Reduction of Copper Oxide Subnanoparticles
Authors: Sonobe Kazutaka , Tanabe Makoto , Imaoka Takane , Chun Wang‐Jae , Yamamoto Kimihisa
Published: May 2021

Invited for the cover of this issue is Kimihisa Yamamoto and co‐workers at Tokyo Institute of Technology and International Christian University. The image depicts enhanced reactivity of the copper oxide subnanoparticles under low‐temperature conditions. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/chem.202100508.
Exploring the Pyrolysis Mechanism towards OER Performance Optimization of Salophen‐ligated Binuclear Cobalt Complex†
Authors: An Qi , Pan Bingxin , Li Li , Peng Xu , Zeng Ming‐Hua
Published: May 2021

Main observation and conclusion

Exploring pyrolysis process is an efficient way to study the relationship between molecular level of the precursor structure and electrocatalytic functional materials in practice. Here, the unique semi‐enclosed sector structure of Salophen ligands with highly symmetric N, N, O, O mode was introduced to construct binuclear Co complex [Co2(salophen)(Cl)2(C2H3N)] (compound 1), which provides preliminary theoretical basis for the efficient coreshell structure electrocatalysts obtained by pyrolysis regulation. Moreover, we adopted TG‐MS to real‐time track the pyrolysis process from precursors of binuclear Co complexes with Salophen ligand to efficient catalytic materials with core‐shell nanostructures. As expected, the 1‐600 sample achieves ultra‐low overpotential of 256 mV at 10 mA·cm–2 and high catalytic stability within 10 h in 1 mol/L KOH solution. This work highlights salophen‐ligated complex as excellent precursor material system for the analysis of pyrolysis evolution process, and provides an opportunity for targeted preparation of efficient oxygen evolution reaction (OER) nanocatalysts.
Polysubstituted Pyrimidines as Potent Inhibitors of Prostaglandin E2 Production: Increasing Aqueous Solubility
Authors: Kalčic Filip , Kolman Viktor , Zídek Zdeněk , Janeba Zlatko
Published: May 2021

Water solubility is one of the key features of potential therapeutic agents. In order to enhance the low water solubility of the parent 5‐butyl‐4‐(4‐methoxyphenyl)‐6‐phenylpyrimidin‐2‐amine, a potent inhibitor of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production, we synthesized and evaluated a new series of derivatives in which the butyl group at the C5 position of the pyrimidine ring was replaced with a less lipophilic substituent, preferably with a hydrophilic aliphatic moiety. Except for the 5‐cyanopyrimidine derivative, all target compounds exhibited increased (2.7–87‐fold) water solubility relative to the parent compound. Although nontoxic in mouse peritoneal cells, the prepared compounds were either equipotent or weaker inhibitors of PGE2 production than the parent compound. The most promising compound from the series was found to be the 5‐(2,5,8,11‐tetraoxadodecyl)pyrimidine derivative (with three polyethylene glycol units at the C5 position), which exhibited 32‐fold higher water solubility and only slightly weaker inhibitory activity (22 % of remaining PGE2 production) compared with the parent compound (15 % of remaining PGE2 production).
Photoperiodic control of electrophysiological properties of the caudo‐dorsal cells in the pond snail, Lymnaea stagnalis
Authors: Hamanaka Yoshitaka , Shiga Sakiko
Published: May 2021

Egg laying in the pond snail, Lymnaea stagnalis is regulated by the photoperiod; long‐day conditions (16L8D) promote egg laying whereas medium‐day conditions (12L12D) suppress it. In this snail, a caudo‐dorsal cell hormone (CDCH) is produced by neurosecretory cells, CDCs in the cerebral ganglion (CG), and its release triggers ovulation and subsequent egg laying. However, the physiological basis for photoperiod‐dependent egg laying remains unraveled. Here, we compared electrophysiological properties of CDCs between 16L8D and 12L12D using intracellular recording, and found that CDC excitability is higher in 16L8D than in 12L12D. Striking differences are as follows: (1) a shallower resting membrane potential in 16L8D than in 12L12D, and (2) a smaller threshold voltage (minimum depolarization from rest to elicit action potentials) in 16L8D than in 12L12D. Switching of the excitability can be a physiological basis of a photoperiod‐dependent CDCH release. Simultaneous intracellular dye injection identified two morphological subtypes of CDCs, validating a previous report. Both types bear short lateral extensions in CG, some of which probably function as integration sites of photoperiodic inputs. In addition, we found two novel CDCH‐immunoreactive cell groups (CDCCOM and SCm) in the CG besides conventional CDCs and small cells expressing CDCH. The CDCCOM with cell bodies and fibers in the neurohemal commissure may be involved in triggering ovulation. Notably, the total number of CDCs is larger than that previously reported, the right CDC cluster with more cells than the left. Our findings are instructive in following the neurophysiology of photoperiodism in L. stagnalis.
Indian classical musical instrument classification using Timbral features
Authors: Gulhane Sushen Rameshpant , Shirbahadurkar Suresh Damodar , Badhe Sanjay Shrikrushna
Published: May 2021

Musical instrument classification becomes effective when the music signal arrives with profound characteristics. This urged the researchers to develop an automatic system of recognizing the music signals and classify the instruments interplayed through the music. Thus, this paper proposes a model for the Indian music classification system using the optimization‐based stacked autoencoder. The significance of this research is based on the proposed Cuckoo‐dragonfly optimization (CuDro)‐based stacked autoencoder, where the proposed CuDro optimization trains the stacked autoencoder for acquiring accurate classification results. The proposed CuDro technique is the combination of the standard Cuckoo search (CS) and the Dragonfly algorithm (DA) that renders optimal weights for training the stacked autoencoder (SAE). Moreover, the musical instrument classification using the proposed CuDro‐based stack autoencoder is based on the compact features, such as Timbral features and proposed FrMkMFCC features, which further add value to this research. The Timbral features like Spectral flux, spectral kurtosis (SK), Spectral skewness, Spectral pitch similarity, Roughness, In harmonicity are added in the research for efficient musical instrument classification. The proposed FrMkMFCC feature is the integration of the Fractional Fourier transforms and Multi kernel method, and Mel Frequency Cepstral Coefficient (MFCC) features. The analysis using the developed classification methodology confirms that the proposed method acquired the maximum accuracy of 96.16%, the sensitivity of 86.86%, and specificity of 92.85%, respectively.
Photochemical CO2 Reduction Using Rhenium(I) Tricarbonyl Complexes with Bipyridyl‐Type Ligands with and without Second Coordination Sphere Effects
Authors: Rotundo Laura , Grills David C. , Gobetto Roberto , Priola Emanuele , Nervi Carlo , Polyansky Dmitry E. , Fujita Etsuko
Published: May 2021

The front cover artwork is provided by Elena Amadio, University of Torino (Italy). The image shows the photocatalytic reduction of CO2 to CO by an aniline‐substituted Re‐bpy catalyst in the presence of a strong electron donor (BIH). Read the full text of the Article at 10.1002/cptc.2020000307.
13.4 % Efficiency from All‐Small‐Molecule Organic Solar Cells Based on a Crystalline Donor with Chlorine and Trialkylsilyl Substitutions
Authors: Su Wenyan , Wang Yang , Yin Zhihong , Fan Qunping , Guo Xia , Yu Liyang , Li Yuxiang , Hou Lintao , Zhang Maojie , Peng Qiang , Li Yongfang , Wang Ergang
Published: May 2021

How to simultaneously achieve both high open‐circuit voltage (Voc) and high short‐circuit current density (Jsc) is a big challenge for realising high power conversion efficiency (PCE) in all‐small‐molecule organic solar cells (all‐SM OSCs). Herein, a novel small molecule (SM)‐donor, namely FYSM−SiCl, with trialkylsilyl and chlorine substitutions was designed and synthesized. Compared to the original SM‐donor FYSM−H, FYSM−Si with trialkylsilyl substitution showed a decreased crystallinity and lower highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) level, while FYSM−SiCl had an improved crystallinity, more ordered packing arrangement, significantly lower HOMO level, and predominant “face‐on” orientation. Matched with a SM‐acceptor Y6, the FYSM−SiCl‐based all‐SM OSCs exhibited both high Voc of 0.85 V and high Jsc of 23.7 mA cm−2, which is rare for all‐SM OSCs and could be attributed to the low HOMO level of FYSM−SiCl donor and the delicate balance between high crystallinity and suitable blend morphology. As a result, FYSM−SiCl achieved a high PCE of 13.4 % in all‐SM OSCs, which was much higher than those of the FYSM−H‐ (10.9 %) and FYSM−Si‐based devices (12.2 %). This work demonstrated a promising method for the design of efficient SM‐donors by a side‐chain engineering strategy via the introduction of trialkylsilyl and chlorine substitutions.
Current rise phenomena due to electron emission from CTJ in vacuum
Authors: Asari Naoki , Tateyama Chihiro , Kondo Junichi , Miura Hayato , Yamazaki Ryuhei , Yamano Yasushi
Published: May 2021

In general, cathode triple junctions (CTJ) are regarded as electrical weakness points because of the occurrence of electron emission. It's believed that vacuum surface flashover starts from the initiation of electron emission at CTJ. Therefore, it is important to investigate electron emission phenomenon around the CTJ region. However, such a study which is direct measurement of the electron emission from CTJ has not been almost done because it is difficult to measure it directly. So, the purpose of this study is to elucidate the electron emission phenomenon from CTJ by investigating field electron emission current characteristics and charge distribution at CTJ region. Thus, we measured the electron emission current and the surface potential for the samples which CTJ was formed artificially. In addition, we simulated the electric lines of force near CTJ region. The results show that electron emission current increases due to the effect of the insulator surface being charged by the electrons emitted from the CTJ.
The extended discontinuous Galerkin method adapted for moving contact line problems via the generalized Navier boundary condition
Authors: Smuda Martin , Kummer Florian
Published: May 2021

In this work, an extended discontinuous Galerkin (extended DG/XDG also called unfitted DG) solver for two‐dimensional flow problems exhibiting moving contact lines is presented. The generalized Navier boundary condition is employed within the XDG discretization for the handling of the moving contact lines. The spatial discretization is based on a symmetric interior penalty method and the numerical treatment of the surface tension force is done via the Laplace–Beltrami formulation. The XDG method adapts the approximation space conformal to the position of the interface and allows a sub‐cell accurate representation within the sharp interface formulation. The interface is described as the zero set of a signed‐distance level‐set function and discretized by a standard DG method. No adaption of the level‐set evolution algorithm is needed for the extension to moving contact line problems. The developed solver is validated against typical two‐dimensional contact line driven flow phenomena including droplet simulations on a wall and the two‐phase Couette flow.
Energy, economy, and ecological (3E)‐based performance evaluation of a steam cycle power plant through optimization investigation
Authors: Raja Bansi D. , Hajabdollahi Hassan , Patel Vivek K. , Mudgal Anurag
Published: May 2021

Energy, economy, and ecological (3E)‐based analysis of steam cycle power plant evaluated through multiobjective investigation. The Montazer Ghaem steam‐based power plant situated in Iran is considered for investigation. Cycle efficiency, total cost, and ecological function of steam power cycle are treated as the 3E objective in the analysis. Simultaneous optimization of this performance parameter is executed through a heat transfer search algorithm. Fifteen operating variables of the steam power cycle, which includes different pressure, temperature, and isentropic efficiency are considered during the 3E‐based optimization investigation. The dryness fraction of the exhaust stream and condensing temperature are operating constraints considered in the present investigation. The results are presented in the form of Pareto solutions. The results of the Pareto solution indicate that a 6.73% variation in cycle efficiency, 44.67% variation in total cost rate, and 15.63% variation in ecological function (ECF) are observed between extreme values of 3E objectives. The obtained optimum condition is compared with the present actual operating condition of the steam power cycle. Comparative results reveal 5.27% higher cycle efficiency with 15.53% higher ECF as compared to the actual running case. For identical total cost rate of the system, 4.65% higher cycle efficiency with 1.21% rise in ECF was observed as compared to actual running case. Further, the uncertainty propagation of the Pareto points is obtained with different uncertainty levels to identify the robustness of the solutions. Finally, the important operating variables are identified and their effects on the 3E objectives are also investigated.
Genetic variants of CHEK1, PRIM2 and CDK6 in the mitotic phase‐related pathway are associated with nonsmall cell lung cancer survival
Authors: Mu Rui , Liu Hongliang , Luo Sheng , Patz Edward F. , Glass Carolyn , Su Li , Du Mulong , Christiani David C. , Jin Lei , Wei Qingyi
Published: May 2021

The mitotic phase is a vital step in cell division and may be involved in cancer progression, but it remains unclear whether genetic variants in mitotic phase‐related pathways genes impact the survival of these patients. Here, we investigated associations between 31 032 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 368 mitotic phase‐related pathway genes and overall survival (OS) of patients with nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We assessed the associations in a discovery data set of 1185 NSCLC patients from the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal and Ovarian (PLCO) Cancer Screening Trial and validated the findings in another data set of 984 patients from the Harvard Lung Cancer Susceptibility Study. As a result, we identified three independent SNPs (ie, CHEK1 rs76744140 T>C, PRIM2 rs6939623 G>T and CDK6 rs113181986 G>C) to be significantly associated with NSCLC OS with an adjusted hazard ratio of 1.29 (95% confidence interval = 1.11‐1.49, P = 8.26 × 10−4), 1.26 (1.12‐1.42, 1.10 × 10−4) and 0.73 (0.63‐0.86, 1.63 × 10−4), respectively. Moreover, the number of combined unfavorable genotypes of these three SNPs was significantly associated with NSCLC OS and disease‐specific survival in the PLCO data set (Ptrend < .0001 and .0003, respectively). Further expression quantitative trait loci analysis showed that the rs76744140C allele predicted CHEK1 mRNA expression levels in normal lung tissues and that rs113181986C allele predicted CDK6 mRNA expression levels in whole blood tissues. Additional analyses indicated CHEK1, PRIM2 and CDK6 may impact NSCLC survival. Taken together, these findings suggested that these genetic variants may be prognostic biomarkers of patients with NSCLC.
Fiber modifications enable fowl adenovirus 4 vectors to transduce human cells
Authors: Zhang Wenfeng , Guo Xiaojuan , Yin Fengcai , Zou Xiaohui , Hou Wenzhe , Lu Zhuozhuang
Published: May 2021

Background

Pre‐existing immunities hamper the application of human adenovirus (HAdV) vectors in gene therapy or vaccine development. Fowl adenovirus (FAdV)‐based vector might represent an alternative.

Methods

An intermediate plasmid containing FAdV‐4 fiber genes, pMD‐FAV4Fs, was separated from FAdV‐4 adenoviral plasmid pKFAV4GFP. An overlap extension polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was employed for fiber modification in pMD‐FAV4Fs, and the modified fibers were restored to generate new adenoviral plasmids through restriction‐assembly. FAdV‐4 vectors were rescued and amplified in chicken LMH cells. Fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry were used to evaluate the gene transfer efficiency. The amount of viruses binding to cells was determined by a real‐time PCR. A plaque‐forming assay and one‐step growth curve were used to evaluate virus growth.

Results

Four sites in the CD‐, DE‐, HI‐ and IJ‐loop of fiber1 knob could tolerate the insertion of exogenous peptide. The insertion of RGD4C peptide in the fiber1 knob significantly promoted FAdV‐4 transduction to human adherent cells such as 293, A549 and HEp‐2, and the insertion to the IJ‐loop demonstrated the best performance. The replacement of the fiber2 knob of FAdV‐4 with that of HAdV‐35 improved the gene transfer to human suspension cells such as Jurkat, K562 and U937. Fiber‐modified FAdV‐4 vectors could transduce approximately 80% human cells at an acceptable multiplicity of infection. Enhanced gene transfer mainly resulted from increased virus binding. Fiber modifications did not significantly influence the growth of recombinant FAdV‐4 in packaging cells.

Conclusions

As a proof of principle, it was feasible to enhance gene transduction of FAdV‐4 vectors to human cells by modifying the fibers.
Visualization of Spatial Distribution of Spermatogenesis in Mouse Testes Using Creatine Chemical Exchange Saturation Transfer Imaging
Authors: Takahashi Yusuke , Kioka Hidetaka , Fukuhara Shinichiro , Kuribayashi Sohei , Saito Shigeyoshi , Asano Yoshihiro , Takashima Seiji , Yoshioka Yoshichika , Sakata Yasushi
Published: May 2021

Background

When determining treatment strategies for male infertility, it is important to evaluate spermatogenesis and its spatial distribution in the testes.

Purpose

To investigate the usefulness of creatine chemical exchange saturation transfer (CrCEST) imaging for evaluating spermatogenesis and its spatial distribution.

Study Type

Prospective.

Animal Model

C57BL/6 control mice (n = 5) and model mice of male infertility induced by whole testis X‐ray irradiation (n = 11) or localized X‐ray irradiation to lower regions of testes (n = 3).

Field Strength/Sequence

A 11.7‐T vertical‐bore magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)/segmented fast low‐angle shot acquisition for CEST.

Assessment

The magnetization transfer ratio for the CrCEST effect (MTRCr*) was calculated in each testis of the control mice and X‐ray irradiation model mice at 10, 15, 20, and 30 days after irradiation. Correlation analysis was performed between MTRCr* and Johnsen's score, a histological score for spermatogenesis. In the localized X‐ray irradiation model, regional MTRCr* and Johnsen's score were calculated for correlation analysis.

Statistical Tests

Unpaired t‐test, one‐way analysis of variance with Tukey's HSD test and Pearson's correlation analysis. A P value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

In the irradiation model, CrCEST imaging revealed a significant linear decrease of MTRCr* after irradiation (control, 8.7 ± 0.6; 10 days, 7.9 ± 0.8; 15 days, 6.5 ± 0.6; 20 days, 5.4 ± 1.0; 30 days, 4.4 ± 0.8). A significant linear correlation was found between MTRCr* and Johnsen's score (Pearson's correlation coefficient (r) = 0.79). In the localized irradiation model, CrCEST imaging visualized a significant regional decrease of MTRCr* in the unshielded region (shielded, 6.9 ± 0.7; unshielded, 4.9 ± 1.0), and a significant linear correlation was found between regional MTRCr* and Johnsen's score (r = 0.78).

Data Conclusion

Testicular CrCEST effects correlated well with spermatogenesis. CrCEST imaging was useful for evaluating spermatogenesis and its spatial distribution.

Evidence Level

2

Technical Efficacy

Stage 2.
Achievement Goals and Creativity: Self‐Construal as an Antecedent
Authors: Wang Ling , Xu Huihui , Yang Dan , Tian Heng , Xi Rongrong , Du Kaiye , Shi Baoguo , Luo Zheng
Published: May 2021

The present study aimed to investigate the relationship among self‐construal, achievement goals, and creativity. A total of 464 junior high school students (mean age = 12.81 years; 44.2% male; 51.8% in seventh grade; and 48.2% in eighth grade) completed the Self‐Construal Scale, Goal Orientation Scales, Divergent Feeling Scale, and Kirton’s Adaption–Innovation Inventory. Correlation analyses showed that two types of self‐construal were positively correlated with mastery goals, performance‐approach goals, and creativity indexes (i.e., creative personality and innovative cognitive style); in addition, mastery goals and performance‐approach goals were positively correlated with both creativity indexes, while performance–avoidance goals were positively correlated only with creative personality. Structural equation modeling revealed that independent self‐construal positively predicted creativity; moreover, both independent self‐construal and interdependent self‐construal positively predicted mastery goals, and mastery goals positively predicted creativity, which suggests that both types of self‐construal show positive indirect prediction for creativity through the mediation of mastery goals. In general, self‐construal could predict creativity through achievement goals.
Leveraging differences in multiple prey traits allows selective copepods to meet their threshold elemental ratios
Authors: Herstoff Emily M. , Meunier Cédric L. , Boersma Maarten , Baines Stephen B.
Published: May 2021

Foraging based on prey elemental content could be more pronounced if consumers leveraged differences in physical traits among stoichiometrically distinct prey to ingest more favorable food, allowing consumers to meet their threshold elemental ratios (TER), the ratio of nutrients in the food where neither carbon nor nitrogen is limiting. We offered the marine copepod, Acartia tonsa, different combinations of large and small diatom congeners, grown to be either stoichiometrically replete or nitrogen‐deficient. When offered each diatom alone, A. tonsa exhibited compensatory grazing on large diatoms; although ingestion was low overall, the copepods ingested more nitrogen‐deficient cells relative to replete cells, resulting in A. tonsa obtaining similar amounts of N, yet differing amounts of C. When offered diatoms that differed in both size and stoichiometry, copepods mixed their diets to achieve a C:N indistinguishable from the literature‐obtained value of A. tonsa's optimal TER. This was achieved by grazing relatively large amounts of the smaller diatom species, regardless of whether it was replete or N‐deficient. When offered pairs of different‐sized diatoms of similar stoichiometry, A. tonsa preferred larger cells, suggesting evolutionary constraints drive choice when stoichiometric differences are minimal. Experiments describing selectivity on single traits may seriously underestimate how precisely copepods can optimize their dietary stoichiometry when feeding on a diverse natural prey assemblage.
Microstructural Abnormalities of the Dentatorubrothalamic Tract in Cervical Dystonia
Authors: Sondergaard Rachel E. , Rockel Conrad P. , Cortese Filomeno , Jasaui Yamile , Pringsheim Tamara M. , Sarna Justyna R. , Monchi Oury , Sadikot Abbas F. , Pike Bruce G. , Martino Davide
Published: May 2021

Background

The dentatorubrothalamic tract (DRTT) remains understudied in idiopathic cervical dystonia (CD), despite evidence that the pathway is relevant in the pathophysiology of the disorder.

Objective

The aim of this study was to examine the DRTT in patients with CD using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI)–based tractography.

Methods

Magnetic resonance imaging scans from 67 participants were collected to calculate diffusion tractography metrics using a binary tractography‐based DRTT template. Fractional anisotropy and diffusivity measures of left and right DRTT were computed and compared between 32 subjects with CD and 35 age‐matched healthy volunteers.

Results

Fractional anisotropy of right DRTT and mean and axial diffusivity of left DRTT were significantly reduced in patients with CD. Similar abnormalities were observed in patients with focal CD and patients with CD without tremor. DTI metrics did not correlate with disease duration or severity.

Conclusions

Significant reductions in DTI measures suggest microstructural abnormalities within the DRTT in CD, characterized by a tractography pattern consistent with decreased axonal integrity. © 2021 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Polymorphisms in the CYP2A6 and ABCC4 genes are associated with a protective effect on chronic myeloid leukemia in the Brazilian Amazon population
Authors: Monte Natasha , Pantoja Karla B. C. C. , Rodrigues Juliana C. G. , de Carvalho Darlen C. , Azevedo Tereza C. B. , Pereira Esdras E. B. , de Assumpção Paulo P. , dos Santos Sidney E. B. , Fernandes Marianne R. , dos Santos Ney P. C.
Published: May 2021

Background

Susceptibility to Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) may be modulated by genetic variables. However, the majority of previous investigations have focused on genetically homogeneous populations, resulting in a lack of evidence on how genetic factors may influence the development of CML in miscegenated populations. We analyzed 30 polymorphisms in genes related to DNA repair, folate metabolism, transmembrane transport, xenobiotic metabolism, and pyrimidine synthesis in relation to their potential role in the susceptibility of the individual to CML.

Methods

This case‐control study included 126 healthy individuals and 143 patients diagnosed with CML from the admixed population of the Brazilian Amazon. The samples were genotyped by real‐time PCR and the genetic ancestry analysis was based on a panel of 61 ancestry informative markers.

Results

The results indicated a protective effect against the development of CML in carriers of the C allele of the rs28399433 (CYP2A6) gene and the CC genotype of the rs3742106 (ABCC4) gene.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that the rs3742106 (ABCC4) and rs28399433 (CYP2A6) polymorphisms may modulate susceptibility to CML in a population of the Brazilian Amazon region.
On Jensen's gap by Taylor's theorem
Authors: Agahi Hamzeh
Published: May 2021

An important tool in probability and mathematics is Jensen's gap. Sharper bounds for the Jensen gap were studied by many researchers. In this paper, we first introduce Jensen‐Petrov's inequalities which improve the results of Liao and Berg on Jensen's gap (Liao, J. G., Berg, A. [2019]. The American Statistician 73: 278–281). We also present a modified version of Jensen–Petrov's inequality.