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Proteolysis‐targeting chimeras (PROTACs) have become a popular therapeutic strategy, and the development of multi‐functional PROTACs has added complexity to their synthetic process. Although click reactions have been widely applied to prepare highly functionalized biomolecules, most of them are limited to two‐component reactions, restricting the creation of more complex structures. Here, we developed a convenient multi‐component assembly strategy via strain‐promoted alkyne–nitrone cycloaddition (SPANC), which can be extended to a 3‐component reaction when combined with nitrone formation. Using the 2‐component assembly, we demonstrated the targeted protein degradation with both preassembled and in‐cell assembled PROTACs. This strategy was also applied to facilitate the screening of E3 ligases in PROTACs and the preparation of various biological probes. Moreover, the 3‐component assembly, via sequential nitrone formation and SPANC, enabled the synthesis of trifunctional 3‐component PROTACs. The N‐substituent, serving as an additional functional moiety, was designed as a photocage for sterically controlling PROTAC activity. The 3‐component assembly can be further modified to provide additional control or enhance the cell‐targeting ability of PROTACs. In short, our multi‐component SPANC assembly strategy offers a modular and versatile synthetic platform for creating multi‐functional PROTACs and biological probes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key Clinical Message: Lumbar facet fracture‐dislocation is rare, often due to hyperflexion with rotational force. Abnormal scoliosis on radiography is a key sign, prompting further imaging. Facetectomy and laminectomy ensure safe reduction, while instrumented fusion is an effective surgical treatment. Traumatic lumbar facet dislocation is an uncommon condition, particularly when unilateral lumbar facet dislocation is accompanied by a contralateral facet fracture. The patient had a locked facet joint at the left L4–L5, a fracture of the right superior articular process of L5 and a comminuted fracture at the peritrochanteric region of the right femur following a fall. Emergent operation was conducted, starting with open reduction and fixation for the right proximal femur, followed by posterior open reduction and posterolateral fusion with instrumentation, without interbody fusion, for the lumbar spine injury. The patient exhibited positive outcomes throughout the follow‐up. This article highlights the trauma mechanism of lumbar facet dislocation, emphasizing hyperflexion with rotational force. Abnormal local scoliosis is a distinctive imaging sign of facet joint dislocation. Facetectomy and laminectomy are recommended for safe reduction and instrumented fusion is considered a safe and effective surgical treatment for facet joint dislocation injuries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the present study was to investigate the association among the largest follicle (LF), preovulatory estradiol (E2), and predominant vaginal epithelial cell at the completion of hormonal ovarian stimulation for fixed‐time artificial insemination (FTAI) in goats. Thirty‐seven crossbred Boer does received gonadotropin‐releasing hormone (GnRH) and intravaginal progesterone (P4)‐releasing devices (day 0). On day 5, P4 devices were removed and does received prostaglandin F2α and equine chorionic gonadotrophin. On day 7, does received GnRH, and FTAI was undertaken. On day 7, does were divided into three groups, i.e. small‐sized (3–3.9 mm; n = 5), medium‐sized (4–4.9 mm; n = 8), and large‐sized (≥5 mm; n = 24) according to the diameter of the ovarian LF; follicular characteristics (number and diameter) were identified, and blood samples and vaginal smears were collected. The average diameters of total antral follicles and LF and the percentage of superficial cell were greatest in large‐sized LF does (p <.01). The average diameters of total antral follicle (r =.68) and LF (r =.71), number of preovulatory follicle (r =.58), and plasma E2 concentrations (r =.61) were positively correlated with the percentage of superficial cells (p <.01). The likelihood of a pregnancy outcome after the FTAI increased by 13.71 times in does with a greater average diameter of antral follicle, 14.18 times with emergence of a large preovulatory follicle, and 36.83 times with a higher percentage of vaginal superficial cells (p <.01). It was concluded that there is a relationship between the cell types of the vaginal epithelium, the diameters of the largest ovarian follicles, and the concentration of E2 in goats subjected to FTAI protocols. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Described is a new synthetic route to bis(2‐hydroxy‐3,5‐di‐t‐butylphenyl)methanone and its derivatives. The combined esterification/photo‐Fries rearrangement approach enables a modular preparation of keto‐bridged polyphenols. This protecting group‐free process is highly atom‐ and step‐economic, and a scalable production was easily achieved in the continuous‐flow mode. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Basal cell carcinoma (BCC), the most common skin cancer in humans, requires early detection. Dermoscopy enhances diagnostic accuracy through a noninvasive approach. Pigmented BCC (pBCC) is characterized by distinctive dermoscopic features, including the presence of pigmented globules or nests. While dermoscopic features of large pBCC (size >6 mm) have been extensively studied, limited data are available on small pBCC (size ≤6 mm) and its relationship with tumor progression. Methods: Dermoscopic images of histologically proven pBCCs were collected between 2014 and 2022 at Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital. Each image was analyzed for patterns of pigmentation, vasculature, and epidermal and dermal structures. Statistical analysis was performed to compare the differences according to the size and the trend during tumor progression. Results: In total, 135 pBCCs (48 small and 87 large) were included. Pigment structures were present in all cases. Short fine telangiectasia and small erosions constituted over 85% of the cases, showing no significant distinction between small and large pBCCs, nor any specific pattern correlating with tumor enlargement. The number of arborizing vessels, ulcerations, and shiny white structures showed an increasing trend associated with size progression. Arborizing vessels appeared when tumor size exceeded 6 mm. Conclusions: This study provides a dynamic interpretation of the dermoscopic features of pBCC according to size enlargement. Short fine telangiectasia and small erosions are highly important features for the early diagnosis of small pBCCs. Arborizing vessels, ulceration, and shiny white structures are more frequent in large pBCCs, and they increase in association with tumor progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prolyl‐tRNA synthetase (ProRS), belonging to the family of aminoacyl‐tRNA synthetases responsible for pairing specific amino acids with their respective tRNAs, is categorized into two distinct types: the eukaryote/archaeon‐like type (E‐type) and the prokaryote‐like type (P‐type). Notably, these types are specific to their corresponding cognate tRNAs. In an intriguing paradox, Thermus thermophilus ProRS (TtProRS) aligns with the E‐type ProRS but selectively charges the P‐type tRNAPro, featuring the bacterium‐specific acceptor‐stem elements G72 and A73. This investigation reveals TtProRS's notable resilience to the inhibitor halofuginone, a synthetic derivative of febrifugine emulating Pro‐A76, resembling the characteristics of the P‐type ProRS. Furthermore, akin to the P‐type ProRS, TtProRS identifies its cognate tRNA through recognition of the acceptor‐stem elements G72/A73, along with the anticodon elements G35/G36. However, in contrast to the P‐type ProRS, which relies on a strictly conserved R residue within the bacterium‐like motif 2 loop for recognizing G72/A73, TtProRS achieves this through a non‐conserved sequence, RTR, within the otherwise non‐interacting eukaryote‐like motif 2 loop. This investigation sheds light on the adaptive capacity of a typically conserved housekeeping enzyme to accommodate a novel substrate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Color Sequential Front‐lit LCOS (CSFLLCOS) is a compact (<0.5cc) and high brightness (110000nits/300mW) imaging solution for AR displays. However, as large FOV AR glasses i.e. >40 o become more and more popular, a higher brightness output requirement is imposed on the imager. A new LED coupling lens and waveguide plate structure have recently been proposed to promote the polarization recycling efficiency (PCE) and TpRs ratio respectively in CSFLLCOS. It is expected that the brightness will be 50% higher. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The environmental oxygen tension has been reported to impact the blastocyst quality and cell numbers in the inner cell mass (ICM) during human and murine embryogenesis. While the molecular mechanisms leading to increased ICM cell numbers and pluripotency gene expression under hypoxia have been deciphered, it remains unknown which regulatory pathways caused the underweight fetal body and overweight placenta after maternal exposure to hyperbaric oxygen (HBO). Results: The blastocysts from the HBO‐exposed pregnant mice revealed significantly increased signals of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nuclear Nrf2 staining, decreased Nf2 and Oct4 expression, increased nuclear Tp53bp1 and active caspase‐3 staining, and ectopic nuclear signals of Cdx2, Yap, and the Notch1 intracellular domain (N1ICD) in the ICM. In the ICM of the HBO‐exposed blastocysts, both Nf2 cDNA microinjection and Nrf2 shRNA microinjection significantly decreased the ectopic nuclear expression of Cdx2, Tp53bp1, and Yap whereas increased Oct4 expression, while Nrf2 shRNA microinjection also significantly decreased Notch1 mRNA levels and nuclear expression of N1ICD and active caspase‐3. Conclusion: We show for the first time that maternal exposure to HBO at the preimplantation stage induces apoptosis and impairs ICM cell specification via upregulating Nrf2‐Notch1‐Cdx2 expression and downregulating Nf2‐Oct4 expression. Key Findings: Compared to the blastocysts derived from normoxia‐exposed female mice, the blastocysts from hyperbaric oxygen (HBO)‐exposed mothers exhibited significantly increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nuclear Nrf2 staining, along with significantly decreased membranous Nf2 staining throughout the entire embryo in immunofluorescence analyses. Additionally, there was a significant decrease in Oct4 expression, increased nuclear staining of Tp53bp1 and active caspase‐3, and ectopic expression of Cdx2, Yap, and the Notch1 intracellular domain (N1ICD) specifically within the inner cell mass (ICM).Both microinjections of Nf2 overexpressor cDNA and Nrf2 shRNA into the pronuclear zygotes followed by oviduct transfer before daily HBO exposures significantly decreased the nuclear expression of Cdx2, Tp53bp1 and Yap whereas increased Oct4 expression in the ICM of the HBO‐exposed blastocysts.Microinjection of Nrf2 shRNA into the pronuclear zygotes before daily HBO exposures significantly decreased Notch1 mRNA levels and nuclear expression of ectopic N1ICD and active caspase‐3 in the ICM of the HBO‐exposed blastocysts.Microinjection of Nf2 overexpressor cDNA into the pronuclear zygotes before HBO exposure did not affect the levels of cell apoptosis, Notch1 mRNA and ectopic N1ICD expression in the ICM of the HBO‐exposed blastocysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) is a rare tumor with extraordinarily different features between Eastern and Western countries. Vascular endothelial growth factor‐A (VEGFA) was originally identified as a secreted signaling protein and regulator of vascular development and cancer progression. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying the regulation of VEGFA by microRNA in UTUC. Methods: VEGFA expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry in 140 human UTUC tissue samples. Next, we assessed the regulatory relationship between VEGFA and miR‐299‐3p by real‐time PCR, western blotting, ELISA and dual‐luciferase reporter assays using two UTUC cell lines. The role of miR‐299‐3p/VEGFA in cell proliferation, motility, invasion, and tube formation was analyzed in vitro. Results: High VEGFA expression was significantly associated with tumor stage, grade, distant metastasis and cancer‐related death and correlated with poor progression‐free and cancer‐specific survival. VEGFA knockdown repressed proliferation, migration, invasion and angiogenesis in UTUC cell lines. miR‐299‐3p significantly reduced VEGFA protein expression and miR‐299‐3p overexpression inhibited VEGFA mRNA and protein expression by directly targeting its 3′‐UTR. Functional studies indicated that VEGFA overexpression reversed the miR‐299‐3p‐mediated suppression of tumor cell proliferation, migration, invasion and angiogenesis. In addition, miR‐299‐3p/VEGFA suppressed cellular functions in UTUC by modulating the expression of P18 and cyclin E2. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that miR‐299‐3p possibly suppresses UTUC cell proliferation, motility, invasion and angiogenesis via VEGFA. VEGFA may act as a prognostic predictor, and both VEGFA and miR‐299‐3p could be potential therapeutic targets for UTUC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A lightweight, compact, and high efficiency display is the essential component for AR glasses. We proposed a so‐call Front‐lit LCOS (FLLCOS) device to fit all performance metrics. It just weights less than 1gram. The size of the full module is as small as <0.52cc. It can deliver over 30000nits using Color Filter Front lit LCOS. Recently, we are also developing Color Sequential Front lit LCOS which can provide 3 times brighter image for AR applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We compared the accuracy of the fluoroscopic dorsal tangential view (DTV) and an ultrasound (US) examination in detecting dorsal screw penetration during volar distal radius plating. In six fresh cadaveric distal radii, seven periarticular locking screws in two rows for each plate were inserted according to the measured length using a depth gauge and then replaced with another that was 1 and 2 mm longer, respectively. The actual protruded length of each screw was determined using computed tomography (CT) images. The accuracy of US and DTV measurements was determined using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), as both measurements were compared with CT measurements. The ICC of US and DTV was 0.96 and 0.75, respectively, for all screws. After excluding the data for proximal‐row screws, the ICC of US remained unchanged at 0.96, and that of DTV improved to 0.86. The ICC of US was significantly higher than that of DTV (p < 0.01). US had a 100% detection rate for screw protrusion of more than 1.0 mm. US examination showed excellent consistency with CT measurements and its accuracy was not affected by screw location. US might thus be a practical tool for detecting dorsal cortex screw penetration during volar distal radius plating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Molecules based on benzimidazolone‐dioxazine are known as blue/violet pigments and have been commercialized for decades. However, unfavorable solubility limits the application of these structures as building blocks of conjugated polymers despite their low band gaps. Herein, a series of donor–acceptor conjugated polymers containing soluble benzimidazolone‐dioxazine structures as the acceptors and oligothiophene as donors are synthesized and investigated. With increasing numbers of thiophene rings, the steric hindrance diminishes and high molecular weight polymers can be achieved, leading to an improved performance in organic field effect transistor devices. The hole mobility of polymers with three to six thiophene units is in the order of 10−1 cm2 V−1 s −1. Among all the polymers, polymer P3 with three thiophene units between benzimidazolone‐dioxazine structures shows the best hole mobility of 0.4 cm2 V−1 s −1. Grazing‐incidence wide‐angle X‐ray scattering results reveal that the high mobility of organic field‐effect transistors (OFETs) can be accredited by matched donor–acceptor packing in the solid thin films. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Raman spectra of hydrogen‐bonded water oligomers have been resolved from concentration‐dependent Raman spectra of tetrahydrofuran (THF)–water binary solutions with the use of multivariate curve resolution with alternating least‐squares (MCR‐ALS) analysis, assisted by hypothetical addition multivariate analysis with numerical differentiation (HAMAND) procedure. A total of 38 Raman spectra acquired in the broad spectral range of 700–3810 cm−1 were analyzed in a multistep procedure to explain the spectral variations in terms of four components: pure THF, Spectra A, Spectra B, and Spectra C. A four‐component MCR‐ALS analysis was performed with initial guesses by HAMAND analysis to refine the spectral components and determine their concentration dependence. Of the MCR‐ALS resolved three spectra, A was identified as THF(H2O), B as THF(H2O)2 with two hydrogens attached to THF, and C as THF(H2O)n having two or more linearly hydrogen‐bonded oligomers of water (n = 2–4). Observed spectral changes of the OH stretch vibrations of water and those of the C–C/C–O stretches of THF were well reproduced by quantum chemical calculations. Formation of hydrogen‐bonded water oligomers in THF–water complexes has thus been revealed. The present study provides a new insight into the basics of hydrogen bonding formation in aqueous systems. It also provides experimental methodology for extracting concentration‐dependent minor spectral components contained in complex condensed‐phase Raman spectra. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Described is our effort toward establishing a practical and sustainable synthesis of bis(2‐hydroxy‐3,5‐di‐t‐butylphenyl)methanone. In it, we found the phenol‐aldehyde condensation could be efficiently catalyzed by sulfonic acid‐functionalized microporous carbon spheres (MCS‐SO3H). Additionally, we developed practical and sustainable procedures for the synthesis of the title ligand by applying readily available reagents in lieu of toxic chromium trioxide and fuming boron tribromide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A 2D SnSe2 layered film‐based gas detector incorporating a floating‐gate device coupled with metal interconnect wiring structures is proposed and demonstrated for the first time. Linear amplification can be readily implemented using a coupling ratio design, which refers to the capacitance ratio between the gate and device in the sense amplifier circuits. A sensitivity of 102 mV ppm−1 can be obtained using the 2D SnSe2 layered film with a thickness of 10 nm. The 2D SnSe2 layered film‐based complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor (CMOS) gas detector features highly sensitive, wide, and adjustable dynamic ranges with a real‐time response of the sub‐ppm detection limit on NO2 gas. In addition, the synthesis process of the SnSe2 layered film can occur at a low temperature and be operated at room temperature. Furthermore, 3 × 3 gas detector arrays with peripheral circuits demonstrate the functionality of multiple gas detection simultaneously and 16 × 16 arrays with a decoder and other peripheral circuits are constructed and simulated, providing the spatial distribution of the gas concentration in a specific region. The performance of the proposed detector is comparable to that of the other state‐of‐the‐art gas sensors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The self‐assembly behaviors, crystal morphologies, and charge transporting properties of π–conjugated framework can be strongly affected by the functional group/substituent it carries, as well as the way the film is prepared. In this work, thin films of mono‐ and di‐alkylated [1]benzothieno[3,2‐b][1]‐benzothiophene (BTBT) derivatives were prepared on a silicon substrate by solution‐shearing method. Their film morphologies and crystal packing details were examined using polarized optical microscope, grazing incident wide‐angle X‐ray scattering, and atomic force microscope. With 2‐tridecyl[1]benzothieno[3,2‐b][1]‐benzothiophene (C13‐BTBT), a film with well‐aligned molecules packed in face‐to‐face π‐stacking arrangement was obtained, rendering a 1D‐like charge conduction channel. For 2,7‐bis‐tridecyl[1]benzothieno[3,2‐b][1]‐benzothiophene (C13‐BTBT‐C13), well‐aligned molecules packed in a layered‐herringbone arrangement were obtained. With these films as a conducting channel in transistor fabrication, high‐field‐effect mobility was realized for C13‐BTBT‐C13, with a maximum mobility (μh) of 0.645 cm2 /Vs and low anisotropic effect, presumably owing to the 2D growth of the π–conjugated skeleton in LHB packing. This study demonstrated the advantage of 2D semiconducting channels formed from C13‐BTBT‐C13 by low‐cost and scalable solution‐shearing processes, necessary for practical use in industry‐level and future flexible electronics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Kinesio tape (KT) is an elastic therapeutic tape used for treating sports-related injuries and a number of other disorders. To date, the objective evidence to link pathophysiological effects and actual reactions triggered by KT is limited.Purpose: To explore the effect of KT on the lumbar paraspinal muscles by magnetic resonance (MR) elastography.Study Type: Prospective observational study.Population: Sixty-six asymptomatic volunteers with 31 women and 35 men.Field Strength/sequence: 3.0T MRI and elastography with vibration frequency of 120 Hz.Assessment: The 5-cm-width KT with full tension was placed on a single side of the lumbar paraspinal muscle. The taping side and adhering direction were randomly decided. Two rectangular regions of interest (ROIs) of 5- and 2.5-cm-width were positioned at the bilateral paraspinal regions from the L2 to L4 level on the confidence map of MR elastography before and after KT taping. The mean shear stiffness values of the ROIs at the superficial, middle, and deep depths were recorded; then the differences between the taping and reference sides were calculated.Statistical Tests: Paired t-test and Pearson correlations were used to evaluate the stiffness changes after KT application and intraoperator errors of the stiffness measures on the reference side, respectively.Results: A significant decrease in the muscle stiffness value between taping and reference sides (-0.71 kPa ± 0.60 with KT and -0.25 kPa ± 0.78 without KT, P < 0.0001 for 5-cm ROI; -0.67 kPa ± 1.12 with KT and -0.16 kPa ± 1.17 without KT, P = 0.0004 for 2.5-cm ROI) was found in the superficial depth, but no significant differences in the middle and deep depths (P = 0.25 and P = 0.79 for 5-cm ROI; P = 0.09 and P = 0.67 for 2.5-cm ROI, respectively). There were no significant differences of muscle stiffness differences between gender (P = 0.11 for superficial, P = 0.37 for middle, P = 0.78 for deep) and taping direction (P = 0.18 for superficial, P = 0.13 for middle, P = 0.15 for deep).Data Conclusion: Our results demonstrate that KT can reduce the MR elastography-derived shear stiffness in the superficial depth of paraspinal muscles.Level Of Evidence: 2 Technical Efficacy: Stage 2 J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;49:1039-1045. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Smart portable device equipped with active matrix organic light emitting diode (AMOLED) display is a trend in modern consumer market. In this paper, we present not only a 15.6‐inch foldable 4K ultra high definition (UHD) resolution of low temperature poly‐silicon thin film transistor (LTPS‐TFT) AMOLED panel, but also a display driver integrated circuit (DDIC) module which integrate the cascade structure and high‐magnification demura 6 times compression technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although encryption and signatures have been two fundamental technologies for cryptosystems, they still receive considerable attention in academia due to the focus on reducing computational costs and communication overhead. In the past decade, applying certificateless signcryption schemes to solve the higher cost of maintaining the certificate chain issued by a certificate authority (CA) has been studied. With the recent increase in the interest in blockchains, signcryption is being revisited as a new possibility. The concepts of a blockchain as a CA and a transaction as a certificate proposed in this paper aim to use a blockchain without CAs or a trusted third party (TTP). The proposed provably secure signcryption scheme implements a designated recipient beforehand such that a sender can cryptographically facilitate the interoperation on the blockchain information with the designated recipient. Thus, the proposed scheme benefits from the following advantages: (1) it removes the high maintenance cost from involving CAs or a TTP, (2) it seamlessly integrates with blockchains, and (3) it provides confidential transactions. This paper also presents the theoretical security analysis and assesses the performance via the simulation results. Upon evaluating the operational cost in real currency based on Ethereum, the experimental results demonstrate that the proposed scheme only requires a small cost as a fee. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

IMT is a rare but sometimes life‐threatening tumor. Although presenting with muscle invasion, local surgical resection with TURBT and close follow‐up are adequate with bladder function and life quality preservation compared to partial cystectomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To turn on the fluorescence of the native green fluorescence protein (GFP) chromophore, 4‐hydroxybenzylidene‐dimethylimidazolinone (HBDI), in an artificial supramolecular system has been a challenging task, because it requires high local environmental rigidity. This work shows that the formation of H‐aggregates of an HBDI‐containing organogelator results in two orders of magnitude fluorescence enhancement (Φf=2.9 vs. 0.02 %), in which the inter‐HBDI OH⋅⋅⋅OH H‐bonds play a crucial role. The aggregation‐induced fluorescence enhancement of HBDI has important implications on the origin of the high fluorescence quantum efficiency of HBDI in the GFP β‐barrel and on the supramolecular strategy for a full fluorescence recovery of HBDI. These results reveal a new approach to designing rigid chromophore aggregates for high‐performance optoelectronic properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

First P wave arrival‐time data from local earthquakes recorded by a dense geophone array deployed on the Ilan Plain and by existing permanent stations were combined to invert for high‐resolution P wave velocity structures under northeast Taiwan. With relatively high resolution, we were able to examine the structures in more detail and to investigate their significance and tectonic implications. We introduce two distinct groups of proposals for mechanisms of subduction polarity flipping in Taiwan, referred to as the "tear model" and "breakoff model." While the predicted Philippine Sea Plate boundaries differ between the two models, those of the breakoff model and the related subducting indenter model are geodynamically similar. The surface junction and the west edge of the imaged high Vp anomalous Philippine Sea Plate comply with those predicted by the subducting indenter model and thus favor the breakoff model over the tear model. While the observed high Vp anomalous region in the mantle wedge can be explained as eclogitization of previously subducted crust, eclogitization of the overriding continental crustal roots cannot be ruled out. Those beneath the Taipei Basin and the Tatun Volcano Group exhibit a pattern potentially connected to the low Vp anomalies in the mantle wedge, suggesting the involvement of the Philippine Sea slab, either by asthenospheric upwelling due to extensional collapse or by fluid migration due to slab dehydration. Those beneath the Ilan Plain exhibit a low Vp pattern extending to deeper origins in the eastern offshore region, suggesting a connection with the opening of the Okinawa Trough. Key Points: High‐resolution tomography conducted in northeast Taiwan enables us to investigate its tectonic implicationsThe imaged high Vp anomalies of the Philippine Sea Plate comply with the subducting indenter model and favor the breakoff modelShallow low Vp anomalies beneath the Ilan Plain extend to those beneath the Okinawa Trough [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Preparation of functional domains with a spacing of 10 nm is a benchmark set to fabricate next‐generation electronic devices. Organic–inorganic block copolymers form well‐ordered microphase separations with very small domain sizes. The design and preparation of a novel block copolymer consisting of syndiotactic polymethyl methacrylate (st‐PMMA) and polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS)‐functionalized polymethacrylate, designated as st‐PMMA‐b‐PMAPOSS, which can recognize functional molecules, are reported. The st‐PMMA segments form a helical structure and encapsulate C60 in the helical nanocavity, leading to the formation of an inclusion complex. Although the ordering of the domains is not high, C60 domains that are in a quasi‐equilibrium state, with about 10‐nm domain spacings, are generated using st‐PMMA‐b‐PMAPOSS that can recognize functional molecules. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2019, 57, 2181–2189 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Purpose: Myristoylated alanine‐rich C kinase substrate (MARCKS), a PKC substrate, facilitates mucus production and neutrophil migration. However, the effects of therapeutic procedures targeting the phosphorylation site of MARCKS on steroid‐resistant asthma and the mechanisms underlying such effects have not yet been investigated. We designed a peptide that targets the MARCKS phosphorylation site (MPS peptide) and assessed its therapeutic potential against steroid‐resistant asthma. Experimental Approach Mice were sensitized with ovalbumin (OVA), alum, and challenged with aerosolized OVA five times a week for 1 month. The mice were intratracheally administered MPS peptides three times a week, 1 hr before OVA challenge. Asthma symptoms and cell profiles in the bronchoalveolar lavage were assessed, and key proteins were analysed using Western blotting. Key Results: Phosphorylated (p)‐MARCKS was highly expressed in inflammatory and bronchial epithelial cells in OVA‐immunized mice. MPS peptide reduced eosinophils, neutrophils, mucus production, collagen deposition, and airway hyper‐responsiveness. Dexamethasone (Dexa) did not alleviate steroid‐resistant asthma symptoms. MPS peptide caused a decrease in p‐MARCKS, nitrotyrosine and the expression of oxidative stress enzymes, NADPH oxidase dual oxidase 1 and inducible NOS, in lung tissues. Compared to Dexa, MPS peptides inhibited C5a production and attenuated IL‐17A and KC production in the airway more effectively, thus suppressing asthma symptoms. Conclusions and Implications: Our findings indicate that targeting MARCKS phosphorylation through MPS treatment may inhibit neutrophilic inflammation and relieve asthma symptoms, thereby highlighting its potential as a therapeutic agent for steroid‐resistant asthma. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The design and performance of a triple‐band ground radiation antenna with a compact balun are shown in this paper. A microstrip balun is integrated with a modified rectangular ground plane has provided wideband frequency characteristics. With the help of the theory of the characteristic mode, the resonance phenomenon of the rectangular ground plane is analyzed. An eight‐like‐loop slit is embedded in the ground plane to excite multiple resonant modes. In, addition, by etching two rectangular slots at two terminals of the eight‐like‐loop slit, the capacitance of the ground‐plane resonator decreases such that the impedance‐matching condition in the upper‐frequency band can be improved. Finally, a triple‐band frequency performance is derived by embedding a simple matching circuit. The proposed antenna achieves the measured impedance bandwidths from 1.02 to 1.06, from 1.35 to 1.62, and from 1.96 to 2.55 GHz. The simulated current distributions of a ground‐plane prototype are also experimentally verified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Using the Community Earth System Model, with the Community Atmosphere Model version 5.3, we investigate the cloud radiative effects of anthropogenic aerosols emitted from different source regions and global shipping. We also analyze aerosol burdens, cloud condensation nuclei concentration, liquid water path, and ice water path. Due to transboundary transport and sublinearity in the response of clouds to aerosols, the cloud radiative effects of emissions from a given source region are influenced by emissions from other source regions. For example, the shortwave cloud radiative effect of shipping is −0.39 ± 0.03 W/m2 when other anthropogenic emissions sources are present (the "present‐day background" assumption) compared with −0.60 ± 0.03 W/m2 when other anthropogenic emissions sources are absent (the "natural background" assumption). In general, the cloud radiative effects are weaker if present‐day background conditions are assumed compared with if natural background conditions are assumed. Assumptions about background conditions should be carefully considered when investigating the climate impacts of aerosol emissions from a given source region. Plain Language Summary: Particulate air pollutants interact with clouds, influencing Earth's radiation budget. We use a global climate model to investigate the cloud radiative effects of particulate emissions from different source regions and global shipping. Due to nonlinearity, the radiative effects of emissions from one region are influenced by emissions from other regions—this should be taken into account when investigating the climate impacts of particulate pollutants. Key Points: The responses of the shortwave and the longwave cloud radiative effects to aerosol emissions are sub‐linearThe cloud radiative effects of anthropogenic aerosol emissions from a given source region are sensitive to emissions from other regionsThe cloud radiative effects are weaker under present‐day background conditions compared with under natural background conditions [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although targeted therapy is usually the first‐line treatment for advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC), some patients can experience drug resistance. Cancer stem cells are tumour‐initiating cells that play a vital role in drug resistance, metastasis and cancer relapse, while galectins (Gal) participate in tumour progression and drug resistance. However, the exact role of galectins in RCC stemness is yet unknown. In this study, we grew a subpopulation of RCC cells as tumour spheres with higher levels of stemness‐related genes, such as Oct4, Sox2 and Nanog. Among the Gal family, Gal‐3 in particular was highly expressed in RCC tumour spheres. To further investigate Gal‐3's role in the stemness of RCC, lentivirus‐mediated knockdown and overexpression of Gal‐3 in RCC cells were used to examine both in vitro and in vivo tumorigenicity. We further assessed Gal‐3 expression in RCC tissue microarray using immunohistochemistry. Upon suppressing Gal‐3 in parental RCC cells, invasion, colony formation, sphere‐forming ability, drug resistance and stemness‐related gene expression were all significantly decreased. Furthermore, CXCL6, CXCL7 and CXCR2 were down‐regulated in Gal‐3‐knockdown tumour spheres, while CXCR2 overexpression in Gal‐3‐knockdown RCC restored the ability of sphere formation. Gal‐3 overexpression in RCC promoted both in vitro and in vivo tumorigenicity, and its expression was correlated with CXCR2 expression and tumour progression in clinical tissues. RCC patients with higher co‐expressions of Gal‐3 and CXCR2 demonstrated a worse survival rate. These results indicate that highly expressed Gal‐3 may up‐regulate CXCR2 to augment RCC stemness. Gal‐3 may be a prognostic and innovative target of combined therapy for treating RCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Many molecules and signaling pathways involved in neural development play a role in neurodegenerative diseases and brain tumor progression. Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor (PPAR) proteins regulate the differentiation of tissues and the progression of many diseases. However, the role of these proteins in neural development is unclear. Results: We examined the function of Pparα in the neural development of zebrafish. Two duplicate paralogs for mammalian PPARA/Ppara, namely pparaa and pparab, are present in the zebrafish genome. Both pparaa and pparab are expressed in the developing central nervous system in zebrafish embryos. Inhibiting the function of Pparα by using either the PPARα/Pparα antagonist GW6471 or pparaa or pparab truncated constructs produced identical phenotypes, which were sufficient to reduce the proliferation of neuronal and glial precursor cells without affecting the formation of neural progenitors. Conclusions: We demonstrated that both Pparαa and Pparαb proteins are essential regulators of the proliferation of neuronal and glial precursors. This study provides a better understanding of the functions of PPARα/Pparα in neural development and further expands our knowledge of the potential role of PPARα/Pparα in neurological disorders and brain tumors. Developmental Dynamics 247:1264–1275, 2018. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Key Findings: Zebrafish pparaa and pparab are expressed in the developing nervous system.Ppara deficiency reduces the proliferation of neuronal precursor cells.Ppara deficiency reduces the proliferation of glial precursors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: We report herein a series of tetrablock‐mimic azobenzene‐containing [60]fullerene dyads that form supramolecular liquid crystals (LCs) from phase‐segregated two‐dimensional (2D) crystals. The unique double‐, triple‐, and quadruple‐layer packing structure of fullerenes in the 2D crystals leads to different smectic supramolecular LC phases, and novel LC phase transitions were observed upon changes in the fullerene packing layer number in the 2D crystals. Interestingly, by combining the LC properties with 2D crystals, these materials show excellent electron mobility in the order of 10−3 cm2 V−1 s−1, despite their relatively low fullerene content. Our results provide a novel method to manipulate 2D crystal layer thickness, with promising applications in optoelectronic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the increasing popularity of mobile devices and wireless networks, location-based services have become widely adopted by consumers. As business points of interest (POIs) and associated information are subject to change over time, it is critical to ensure the correctness of data with a reasonable cost of data verification. In this article, we propose new machine learning approaches for detecting outdated POI information (e.g., location/address and POI name) via web-derived features. We represent POI information by pairs and formulate the problem of detecting the outdated POI pairs in two forms: a classification problem and a ranking problem. We evaluate the proposed methods using a real-world dataset crawled from Yellow Pages websites. For POI pairs with a one-to-one relationship between addresses and names (Address-to-one-POI), the supervised approaches achieve 95.7% accuracy. For POI pairs with a one‐to‐many relationship between addresses and names (Address-to-many-POIs), the best accuracy is 65.8%. By exploiting the strengths of different classifiers, we improve performance by tri‐training to achieve an accuracy of 72.8%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The Massachusetts Institute of Technology Integrated Global System Model (IGSM) is designed for analyzing the global environmental changes that may result from anthropogenic causes, quantifying the uncertainties associated with the projected changes, and assessing the costs and environmental effectiveness of proposed policies to mitigate climate risk. The IGSM consists of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Earth System Model (MESM) of intermediate complexity and the Economic Projections and Policy Analysis model. This paper documents the current version of the MESM, which includes a two‐dimensional (zonally averaged) atmospheric model with interactive chemistry coupled to the zonally averaged version of Global Land System model and an anomaly‐diffusing ocean model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Four soluble dialkylated tetrathienoacene (TTAR)‐based small molecular semiconductors featuring the combination of a TTAR central core, π‐conjugated spacers comprising bithiophene (bT) or thiophene (T), and with/without cyanoacrylate (CA) end‐capping moieties are synthesized and characterized. The molecule DbT‐TTAR exhibits a promising hole mobility up to 0.36 cm2 V−1 s−1 due to the enhanced crystallinity of the microribbon‐like films. Binary blends of the p‐type DbT‐TTAR and the n‐type dicyanomethylene substituted dithienothiophene‐quinoid (DTTQ‐11) are investigated in terms of film morphology, microstructure, and organic field‐effect transistor (OFET) performance. The data indicate that as the DbT‐TTAR content in the blend film increases, the charge transport characteristics vary from unipolar (electron‐only) to ambipolar and then back to unipolar (hole‐only). With a 1:1 weight ratio of DbT‐TTAR DTTQ‐11 in the blend, well‐defined pathways for both charge carriers are achieved and resulted in ambipolar transport with high hole and electron mobilities of 0.83 and 0.37 cm2 V−1 s−1, respectively. This study provides a viable way for tuning microstructure and charge carrier transport in small molecules and their blends to achieve high‐performance solution‐processable OFETs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Hemothorax is most commonly resulted from a closed chest trauma, while a tube thoracostomy (TT) is usually the first procedure attempted to treat it. However, TT may lead to unexpected results and complications in some cases. The advantage of thoracic ultrasound (TUS) over a physical examination combined with chest radiograph (CXR) for diagnosing hemothorax1 has been proposed previously. However, its benefits in terms of avoiding non-therapeutic TT have not yet been confirmed. Therefore, this study is aimed to evaluate the severity of hemothorax in blunt chest trauma patients by using TUS in order to avoid non-therapeutic TT in stable cases.Methods: The data from 46,036 consecutive patient visits to our trauma center over a four-year period were collected, and those with blunt chest trauma were identified. Patients who met any of the following criteria were excluded: transferred from another facility, with an abbreviated injury scale (AIS) score ≥ 2 for any region except the chest region, with a documented finding of tension pneumothorax or pneumothorax >10%, younger than 16 years old and with indications requiring any non-thoracic major operation. The decision to perform TT for those patients in the non-TUS group was made on the basis of CXR findings and clinical symptoms. The continuous data were analyzed by using the two-tailed Student’s t test, and the discrete data were analyzed by Chi-square test.Results: A total of 84 patients met the criteria for inclusion in the final analysis, with TT having been performed on 42 (50%) of those patients. The mean volume of the drainage amount was 860 ml after TT. The TT drainage was less than 500 ml in 12 patients in the non-TUS group (40%), while none was less than 500 ml in the TUS group (p = 0.036, Fisher’s exact test). In terms of the positive rate of subsequent effective TT, the sensitivity of TUS was 90% and the specificity was 100%. There were 3 patients with delayed hemothorax: 2 of the 58 (3.6%) in the non-TUS group and 1 of 26 (4.5%) in the TUS group (p > 0.05, Fisher’s exact test). The hospital length of stay in the non-TUS group with non-therapeutic TT was significantly longer than in the TUS group without TT (8.2 vs. 5.4 days, p = 0.018). There were no other major complications or deaths in either group during the 90-day follow-up period.Conclusion: In the case of blunt trauma, TUS can rapidly and accurately evaluate hemothorax to avoid TT in patients who may not benefit much from it. As a result, the rate of non-therapeutic TT can be decreased, and the influence on shortening hospital length of stay may be further evaluated with prospective controlled study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: In this article, the frequency‐response analysis of an H‐shaped slot resonator etched in the ground plane is shown by using transmission‐line analysis and even‐and‐odd mode analysis. Based on a stepped‐impedance structure, we systematically derive a resonance analysis of the slot resonator, addressing resonance conditions, and harmonic responses. The design rule of the slotted‐ground‐plane resonator was successfully derived. The design equations and figures regarding the impedance ratio of the H‐shaped slot resonator have been analytically proven so that the resonant modes can be predicted without electromagnetism simulation software. Aided by the proposed design procedure, we demonstrate a low‐pass filter (LPF) with a unit‐cell topology, which consists of a uniform‐impedance transmission line, an H‐shaped slot resonator, and two C‐like slot resonators which are also designed with the same design rule. By embedding the two C‐like slot resonators inside the H‐shaped slot resonator, several additional transmission zeros are excited in frequency characteristics so that the device achieves wideband rejection performance. Finally, to enhance the frequency characteristics of the LPF, a modified case is also presented by adding a rectangular stub at the transmission line. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this mini‐review, the self‐assembly characteristics of dendritic liquid crystals (LCs) are summarized. By studying and comparing the mesomorphic behavior of dendritic LCs with various core units and peripheral mesogenic units, their packing principle is established. It is found that the chirality, connecting position, and curvature of the peripheral mesogenic units play significant roles in the resulting self‐assembly structures of dendritic LCs, whereas the core symmetry and strength of intramolecular interaction affect the geometry and conformational preferences of the dendritic LCs. This fundamental knowledge gives useful guidelines to predict the self‐assembly behaviors of novel functional molecular nanoparticles, which share very similar molecular architecture with dendritic LCs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two different reaction pathways were observed in the sulfonylation of N‐phenylbenzamidoximes. The reaction with o‐NsCl at a heating temperature gave N,N′‐diphenylureas via Tiemann rearrangement, while the reaction with Ts2O at a lower temperature formed 2‐phenylbenzimidazoles via intramolecular electrophilic aromatic substitution. When the amide nitrogen was replaced with carbon substituents, oxime derivatives of benzoins and benzils underwent Beckmann fragmentation reactions upon sulfonylation, whereas sulfonylation of 2‐phenylacetophenone oxime afforded exclusively the Beckmann rearrangement adduct. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The design and implementation of a 77 GHz phase‐locked loop (PLL) for automobile radar system in 90 nm CMOS technology is demonstrated. To enhance the operation frequency range of the voltage‐controlled oscillator in the PLL, reversely tunable LC source degeneration technique is adopted. To improve the frequency locking range of the divide‐by‐3 injection‐locked frequency divider in the PLL, a parallel inductor is used to parallel resonate the parasitic capacitance of the cross‐coupled transistors. In addition, a phase and frequency detector with enhanced D flip flops is used to effectively reduce the dead zone. The PLL consumes only 49.6 mW and exhibits an operation range of 2.4 GHz (76.8∼79.2 GHz) and reference sidebands of <–56 dBc. The chip area of the PLL is only 0.656 mm2 excluding the test pads. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the developing hypothalamus, the fat-derived hormone leptin stimulates the growth of axons from the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus (ARH) to other regions that control energy balance. These projections are significantly reduced in leptin deficient (Lepob/ob) mice and this phenotype is largely rescued by neonatal leptin treatments. However, treatment of mature Lepob/ob mice is ineffective, suggesting that the trophic action of leptin is limited to a developmental critical period. To temporally delineate closure of this critical period for leptin-stimulated growth, we treated Lepob/ob mice with exogenous leptin during a variety of discrete time periods, and measured the density of Agouti-Related Peptide (AgRP) containing projections from the ARH to the ventral part of the dorsomedial nucleus of the hypothalamus (DMHv), and to the medial parvocellular part of the paraventricular nucleus (PVHmp). The results indicate that leptin loses its neurotrophic potential at or near postnatal day 28. The duration of leptin exposure appears to be important, with 9- or 11-day treatments found to be more effective than shorter (5-day) treatments. Furthermore, leptin treatment for 9 days or more was sufficient to restore AgRP innervation to both the PVHmp and DMHv in Lepob/ob females, but only to the DMHv in Lepob/ob males. Together, these findings reveal that the trophic actions of leptin are contingent upon timing and duration of leptin exposure, display both target and sex specificity, and that modulation of leptin-dependent circuit formation by each of these factors may carry enduring consequences for feeding behavior, metabolism, and obesity risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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In this article, we propose several techniques for radiation characteristics improvement of a coplanar waveguide-fed monopole antenna with an asymmetric ground plane. Although utilization of an asymmetric ground plane provides wideband impedance characteristics, the cross-polarization of the monopole antenna increases, resulting from the unbalanced horizontal currents of the ground plane. The proposed techniques, which include etching a notch at the feedline, embedding a slot array in the ground plane, and adding several conducting strips on the top and bottom planes, are used to suppress cross-polarized power. From the simulated and measured results, it can be observed that the ratios of the maximum co-polarized power to the maximum cross-polarized power have been enhanced at the operating bands. The mechanisms of cross-polarization suppression are explained by using current density distributions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here, we report that long-term stable and efficient organic solar cells (OSCs) can be obtained through the following strategies: i) combination of rapid-drying blade-coating deposition with an appropriate thermal annealing treatment to obtain an optimized morphology of the active layer; ii) insertion of interfacial layers to optimize the interfacial properties. The resulting devices based on poly[4,8-bis(5-(2-ethylhexyl)thiophen-2-yl)benzo[1,2-b;4,5-b′]dithiophene-2,6-diyl- alt-(4-(2-ethylhexyl)-3-fluorothieno[3,4-b]thiophene-2-carboxylate-2,6-diyl)] (PBDTTT-EFT):[6,6]-phenyl C71 butyric acid methyl ester (PC71BM) blend as the active layer exhibits a power conversion efficiency (PCE) up to 9.57 %, which represents the highest efficiency ever reported for blade-coated OSCs. Importantly, the conventional structure devices based on poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT):phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) blend can retain approximately 65 % of their initial PCE for almost 2 years under operating conditions, which is the best result ever reported for long-term stable OSCs under operational conditions. More encouragingly, long-term stable large-area OSCs (active area=216 cm2) based on P3HT:PCBM blend are also demonstrated. Our findings represent an important step toward the development of large-area OSCs with high performance and long-term stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, a coplanar-waveguide (CPW)-fed dual-band antenna for applications of the multisystem integration has been demonstrated. The resonance analysis of the stepped-impedance (SI) monopole is presented by using the transmission-line analysis method. The frequency-response characteristics of the SI-monopole, such as the resonance condition and harmonic response, are systematically summarized. Furthermore, utilizing several simple techniques, such as bent feeding topology, asymmetric ground plane, and an L-shaped slot etched in the ground plane, a right-hand circularly polarized (RHCP) radiating wave at 1.57 GHz and a left-hand circularly polarized (LHCP) radiating wave at 2.33 GHz are excited for the applications of the global positioning system (GPS) and the satellite digital audio radio (SDAR) service system. After optimization of the geometrical parameters of the proposed antenna, the measured impedance bandwidths of a reflection coefficient less than −10 dB range from 1.40 to 2.98 GHz and from 4.48 to 6.27 GHz, and thus covers most of the commercial wireless communication systems, such as GPS, digital cellular system (DCS), personal communication system (PCS), international mobile telecommunications (IMT)−2000, wireless local area networks (WLAN), and long-term evolution (LTE) 2300/2600. The measured 3-dB axial ratio (AR) bandwidths are about 80 MHz at 1.57 GHz and 100 MHz at 2.33 GHz. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article proposes a unified framework to completely characterize the seller's optimal listing strategy in the online auction as a function of her rate of time impatience. Specifically, the fixed-price listing, the regular auction, and the buy-it-now (BIN) auction are each a solution of the seller's single optimization problem under different values of the rate of intertemporal discount: The perfectly patient seller adopts the regular auction, the sellers with a medium range of time impatience adopt the BIN auction, and the most impatient of sellers adopt the fixed-price listing. Moreover, under mild conditions, the reverse price is inversely related to the value of the seller's discount factor, either within or across formats. This in turn implies that the posted price in the fixed-price sale is greater than the reserve price of the BIN auction, followed by that of the regular auction. These predictions offer clear empirical implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]