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We present the observations and analysis of a high-magnification microlensing planetary event, KMT-2022-BLG-0440, for which the weak and short-lived planetary signal was covered by both the KMTNet survey and follow-up observations. The binary-lens models with a central caustic provide the best fits, with a planet/host mass ratio, q  = 0.75–1.00 × 10−4 at 1σ. The binary-lens models with a resonant caustic and a brown-dwarf mass ratio are both excluded by Δχ2 > 70. The binary-source model can fit the anomaly well but is rejected by the 'colour argument' on the second source. From Bayesian analyses, it is estimated that the host star is likely a K or M dwarf located in the Galactic disc, the planet probably has a Neptune-mass, and the projected planet-host separation is |$1.9^{+0.6}_{-0.7}$| or |$4.6^{+1.4}_{-1.7}$|  au, subject to the close/wide degeneracy. This is the third q < 10−4 planet from a high-magnification planetary signal (A ≳ 65). Together with another such planet, KMT-2021-BLG-0171Lb, the ongoing follow-up program for the KMTNet high-magnification events has demonstrated its ability to detect high-magnification planetary signals for q < 10−4 planets, which are challenging for the current microlensing surveys. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Hypothesis Psychotic Like Experiences (PLEs) are widely prevalent in children and adolescents and increase the risk of developing psychosis. Cortical gyrification characterizes brain development from in utero till about the first 2 years of life and can be measured in later years as static gyrification changes demonstrating neurodevelopment and dynamic gyrification changes reflecting brain maturation during adolescence. We hypothesized that PLEs would be associated with static cortical gyrification changes reflecting a neurodevelopmental abnormality. Study Design We studied 1252 adolescents recruited in the IMAGEN consortium. We used a longitudinal study design, with Magnetic Resonance Imaging measurements at age 14 years and age 19 years; measurement of PLEs using the Community Assessment of Psychic Experiences (CAPE) questionnaire at age 19 years; and clinical diagnoses at age 23 years. Study Results Our results show static gyrification changes in adolescents with elevated PLEs on 3 items of the CAPE—voice hearing, unusual experiences of receiving messages, and persecutory ideas—with lower cortical gyrification in fronto-temporal regions in the left hemisphere. This group also demonstrated dynamic gyrification changes with higher cortical gyrification in right parietal cortex in late adolescence; a finding that we replicated in an independent sample of patients with first-episode psychosis. Adolescents with high PLEs were also 5.6 times more likely to transition to psychosis in adulthood by age 23 years. Conclusions This is the largest study in adolescents that demonstrates fronto-temporal abnormality of cortical gyrification as a potential biomarker for vulnerability to PLEs and transition to psychosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background The Medical Certificate of Stillbirth (MCS) records data about a baby's death after 24 weeks of gestation but before birth. Major errors that could alter interpretation of the MCS were widespread in two UK-based regional studies. Methods A multicentre evaluation was conducted, examining MCS issued 1 January 2018 to 31 December 2018 in 76 UK obstetric units. A systematic case-note review of stillbirths was conducted by Obstetric and Gynaecology trainees, generating individual 'ideal MCSs' and comparing these to the actual MCS issued. Anonymized central data analysis described rates and types of error, agreement and factors associated with major errors. Results There were 1120 MCSs suitable for assessment, with 126 additional submitted data sets unsuitable for accuracy analysis (total 1246 cases). Gestational age demonstrated 'substantial' agreement [K = 0.73 (95% CI 0.70–0.76)]. Primary cause of death (COD) showed 'fair' agreement [K = 0.26 (95% CI 0.24–0.29)]. Major errors [696/1120; 62.1% (95% CI 59.3–64.9%)] included certificates issued for fetal demise at <24 weeks' gestation [23/696; 3.3% (95% CI 2.2–4.9%)] or neonatal death [2/696; 0.3% (95% CI 0.1–1.1%)] or incorrect primary COD [667/696; 95.8% (95% CI 94.1–97.1%)]. Of 540/1246 [43.3% (95% CI 40.6–46.1%)] 'unexplained' stillbirths, only 119/540 [22.0% (95% CI 18.8–25.7%)] remained unexplained; the majority were redesignated as either fetal growth restriction [FGR: 195/540; 36.1% (95% CI 32.2–40.3%)] or placental insufficiency [184/540; 34.1% (95% CI 30.2–38.2)]. Overall, FGR [306/1246; 24.6% (95% CI 22.3–27.0%)] was the leading primary COD after review, yet only 53/306 [17.3% (95% CI 13.5–22.1%)] FGR cases were originally attributed correctly. Conclusion This study demonstrates widespread major errors in MCS completion across the UK. MCS should only be completed following structured case-note review, with particular attention on the fetal growth trajectory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Follow-up observations of high-magnification gravitational microlensing events can fully exploit their intrinsic sensitivity to detect extrasolar planets, especially those with small mass ratios. To make followup observations more uniform and efficient, we develop a system, HighMagFinder, to automatically alert possible ongoing high-magnification events based on the real-time data from the Korea Microlensing Telescope Network (KMTNet). We started a new phase of follow-up observations with the help of HighMagFinder in 2021. Here we report the discovery of two planets in high-magnification microlensing events, KMT-2021-BLG-0171 and KMT-2021-BLG-1689, which were identified by the HighMagFinder. We find that both events suffer the 'central-resonant' caustic degeneracy. The planet-host mass-ratio is q ∼ 4.7 × 10−5 or q ∼ 2.2 × 10−5 for KMT-2021-BLG-0171, and q ∼ 2.5 × 10−4 or q ∼ 1.8 × 10−4 for KMT-2021-BLG-1689. Together with two other events, four cases that suffer such degeneracy have been discovered in the 2021 season alone, indicating that the degenerate solutions may have been missed in some previous studies. We also propose a quantitative factor to weight the probability of each solution from the phase space. The resonant interpretations for the two events are disfavoured under this consideration. This factor can be included in future statistical studies to weight degenerate solutions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Individuals with low serum vitamin B-12 and high serum folate have higher plasma concentrations of methylmalonic acid (MMA). Whether folic acid (FA) causes an increase in MMA is not known.Objectives: We aimed to determine the impact of FA supplementation on plasma MMA concentration in people with low or marginal serum vitamin B-12.Methods: We conducted a multicenter double-blind placebo-controlled randomized trial of oral FA (5 mg/d for 12 wk) in middle-aged patients treated with antidepressant medication participating in the FoLATED (Folate Augmentation of Treatment-Evaluation for Depression) trial. Participants defined as having "low" serum vitamin B-12 (vitamin B-12 ≥150 and <220 ng/L) or "marginal" serum vitamin B-12 (vitamin B-12 ≥ 220 and <280 ng/L) were included. The primary outcome of this substudy was MMA at week 12. A mixed-effects linear regression was fitted and reported using the adjusted mean difference (aMD).Results: A total of 177 participants were included (85 randomly assigned to placebo and 92 to FA); the mean ± SD age was 46.2 ± 11.8 y, and 112 (63.3%) were female. The MMA analysis included 135 participants and the aMD was -0.01 (95% CI: -0.06, 0.04; P = 0.71). Serum folate was measured on 166 participants and increased in the supplementation group; the aMD was 21.6 μg/L (95% CI: 8.13, 25.02 μg/L; P < 0.001). A total of 117 participants were assessed for RBC folate, which also increased in the supplementation group; the aMD was 461 μg/L (95% CI: 387, 535 μg/L; P < 0.001).Conclusions: Supplementation of FA leads to an increase of serum and RBC folate, but does not change plasma MMA concentration in individuals with serum vitamin B-12 between 150 and 280 ng/L. We cannot exclude effects in older people or those with serum vitamin B-12 <150 ng/L. Previously reported associations may arise from effects of impaired vitamin B-12 status on folate metabolism.This trial was registered at www.isrctn.com as ISRCTN37558856. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coumarins are bioactive molecules that often serve as defenses in plant and animal systems, and understanding their fundamental behavior is essential for understanding their bioactivity. Aesculetin (6,7-dihydroxycoumarin) has recently attracted attention due to its ability to act as an antioxidant, but little is known about its photophysical properties. The fluorescence lifetimes of its neutral and anion form in water are 19 ± 2 ps and 2.3 ± 0.1 ns, respectively. Assuming the short lifetime of the neutral is determined by ESPT, we estimate kPT ~ 5 × 1010 s–1. Using steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy, we determine its ground and excited-state p K a 1 to be 7.3 and –1, respectively, making it one of the strongest photoacids of the natural coumarins. Aesculetin exhibits a strong pH dependence of the relative fluorescence quantum yield becoming much more fluorescent above p K a 1 . The aesculetin anion has slightly photobasic character. We also report that aesculetin forms a fluorescent catechol-like complex with boric acid, and this complex has a p K c of 5.6. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Epidemiological studies have demonstrated a positive association between chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) and non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC). We hypothesized that shared genetic risk factors between CLL and NMSC could contribute to the association observed between these diseases.Methods: We examined the association between (i) established NMSC susceptibility loci and CLL risk in a meta-analysis including 3100 CLL cases and 7667 controls and (ii) established CLL loci and NMSC risk in a study of 4242 basal cell carcinoma (BCC) cases, 825 squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) cases and 12802 controls. Polygenic risk scores (PRS) for CLL, BCC and SCC were constructed using established loci. Logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).Results: Higher CLL-PRS was associated with increased BCC risk (OR4th-quartile-vs-1st-quartile = 1.13, 95% CI: 1.02-1.24, Ptrend = 0.009), even after removing the shared 6p25.3 locus. No association was observed with BCC-PRS and CLL risk (Ptrend = 0.68). These findings support a contributory role for CLL in BCC risk, but not for BCC in CLL risk. Increased CLL risk was observed with higher SCC-PRS (OR4th-quartile-vs-1st-quartile = 1.22, 95% CI: 1.08-1.38, Ptrend = 1.36 × 10-5), which was driven by shared genetic susceptibility at the 6p25.3 locus.Conclusion: These findings highlight the role of pleiotropy regarding the pathogenesis of CLL and NMSC and shows that a single pleiotropic locus, 6p25.3, drives the observed association between genetic susceptibility to SCC and increased CLL risk. The study also provides evidence that genetic susceptibility for CLL increases BCC risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Main observation and conclusion: Three diamines (1,8‐diaminooctane/p‐phenylenediamine/biphenylenediamine) with different alkyl groups were used to synthesize the functionalized graphene networks. Pd as the common metal catalyst was used to explore the effects of alkyl types of diamines on anti‐stacking, metal anchoring ability of functional graphene and hence the catalytic performance. The results were discussed by characterization of the material and its catalytic properties. All catalysts showed excellent catalytic performance on the Suzuki cross‐coupling reaction with a high yield of up to 100%. The p‐phenylenediamine and biphenylenediamine functionalized graphene with larger specific surface area was beneficial to improve the stability of the graphene catalyst and maintain good catalytic activity after 5 cycles. The Pd nanoparticles in 1,8‐octanediamine materials have smaller size and a smaller loading with the same or even better catalytic performance than p‐phenylenediamine, biphenylenediamine materials, due to the stronger electron donating ability of N of octanediamine than that of p‐phenylenediamine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Defining current inpatient management of cervicofacial infections is key to identifying strategies to optimise care. Steroid use is beneficial in peritonsillar and orbital abscess, but there are few studies of steroid use in odontogenic cervicofacial infections. Our previous research identified widespread variation in practice, necessitating a national audit to define current practice. Methods: A multicentre, trainee-led snapshot audit was carried out across 25 hospitals in the UK. Information recorded included demographic features, presentation, surgical and medical management, and steroid administration. Results: One thousand two admissions were recorded. Fifty-five percent were male, with mean age 37.3 years (range 0–94 years). Steroids were administered to 357 patients (36%), 159 of whom received steroids on admission, and 254 peri-operatively. Patients who were prescribed steroids had significantly higher white cell count (12.4 vs 11.5), CRP (79.5 vs 57) and heart rate (94 vs 88) on admission. Justifications given for administration included swelling (74), dysphagia (21), and airway compromise (7). Three patients (0.8%) reported steroid-related side effects. Conclusions: This study uses the largest recorded cohort of cervicofacial infections to define current inpatient steroid administration. Our results suggest that steroids are targeted towards the most compromised 1/3 of patients. The incidence of steroid-related side effects was low. Defining the characteristics of patients currently receiving steroids will aid in determining whether steroid administration is an effective adjunct in treating odontogenic cervicofacial infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Main observation and conclusion: Record‐breaking organic solar cells (OSCs) based on blends of polymer donors and small molecule acceptors often show undesirable degradation, which severely precludes their practical use. Herein, we demonstrate a facile and cost‐effective approach to construct thermally stable OSCs at 150 oC by incorporating a small amount of a polymer insulator polyacenaphthylene (PAC) with high glass‐transition temperature over 230 oC into polymer:acceptor blends. The model PTB7‐Th:EH‐IDTBR blend with 10 wt% PAC maintained above 85% of its initial efficiency upon continuous heating at 150 oC for over 800 h, while the efficiency of the blend without PAC sharply dropped by 70% after ~300 h. Owing to high miscibility with acceptors, PAC confines the motion of the acceptor molecules and suppresses the acceptor crystallization at elevated temperatures, leading to significantly improved stability. Importantly, the effectiveness of this blending approach was also validated in many other OSC systems, showing great potential for achieving high‐performance thermally stable electronics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The remoteness and extreme conditions of the Arctic make it a very difficult environment to investigate. In these regions, the wind has a substantial effect and redistributes a large part of the snow, which complicates precipitation estimates. Moreover, the snow mass balance in the sea ice system is still poorly understood, notably due to the complex structure of its surface. Quantitatively assessing the snow distribution on sea ice and its connection to the sea ice surface features is an important step to remove these uncertainties. In this work we introduce snowBedFoam 1.0., a physics-based snow transport model implemented in the open source fluid dynamics software OpenFOAM. We combine the numerical simulations with terrestrial lidar observations of surface dynamics to simulate snow deposition on a piece of MOSAiC sea ice with a complicated structure typical for pressure ridges. The results demonstrate that a large fraction of snow accumulates in their vicinity, which compares favorably against terrestrial laser scans. However, the approximations imposed by the numerical framework together with potential measurement errors (precipitation) give rise to quantitative inaccuracies. The modelling of snow distribution on sea ice should help to better constrain precipitation estimates and more generally assess and predict snow and ice dynamics in the Arctic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To describe the intensive care needs and outcome of multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C).Methodology: This retrospective study was conducted in the pediatric emergency, pediatric intensive care unit (PICUs) and the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID 19) hospital of a tertiary teaching and referral hospital in North India over a period of 5 months (September 2020 to January 2021). Clinical details, laboratory investigations, intensive care needs, treatment and short-term outcome were recorded.Results: Forty children with median interquartile range age of 7 (5-10) years were enrolled. The common clinical features were fever (97.5%), mucocutaneous involvement (80%), abdominal (72.5%) and respiratory (50%) symptoms. Shock was noted in 80% children. Most cases (85%) required PICU admission where they received nasal prong oxygen (40%), non-invasive (22.5%) and invasive (22.5%) ventilation and vasoactive drug support (72.5%). The confirmation of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) exposure was in the form of positive serology (66.7%), reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (10%), and contact with SARS-CoV-2 positive case (12.5%). The common echocardiographic findings included myocardial dysfunction (ejection fraction <55%; 72.5%), and coronary artery dilatation or aneurysm (22.5%). The immunomodulatory treatment included intravenous immunoglobulin (2 g/kg) (100%) and steroids (methylprednisolone 10-30 mg/kg/day for 3-5 days) (85%). Aspirin was used in 80% and heparin (low molecular weight) in 7.5% cases. Two children died (5%) and median duration of PICU and hospital stay in survivors were 5 (2-8) and 7 (4-9) days, respectively. Children with shock showed higher total leucocyte count and higher rates of myocardial dysfunction.Conclusion: Cardiovascular involvement and shock are predominant features in severe disease. Early diagnosis can be challenging given the overlapping features with other diagnoses. A high index of suspicion is warranted in children with constellation of fever, mucocutaneous, gastrointestinal and cardiovascular involvement alongwith evidence of systemic inflammation and recent or concurrent SARS-CoV-2 infection. The short-term outcome is good with appropriate organ support therapies and immunomodulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the randomised TARGIT-A trial, risk-adapted targeted intraoperative radiotherapy (TARGIT-IORT) during lumpectomy was non-inferior to whole-breast external beam radiotherapy, for local recurrence. In the long-term, no difference was found in any breast cancer outcome, whereas there were fewer deaths from non-breast-cancer causes. TARGIT-IORT should be included in pre-operative consultations with eligible patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 41st Annual David W. Smith Workshop on Malformation and Morphogenesis was scheduled to take place in Skamania, Washington, on September 11–16, 2020. Due to the COVID‐19 pandemic and the associated recommendations to avoid travel and congregation in large groups, this meeting took place differently from its original plan. Rather than bringing trainees, clinicians and researchers with an interest in congenital malformations and their underlying morphogenesis together for several days in a workshop with submitted presentations and research lectures, this meeting took place virtually. A 1 day online meeting was organized in order to allow trainees to present their work. This Conference Report includes the highest scoring abstracts submitted by trainees and presented at the 2020 virtual David W. Smith Workshop. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: People with multiple sclerosis (MS) are predisposed to neurological induced incontinence due to the pathophysiology of the disease. Aims: This short article aims to discuss the underpinning rationale of neurological induced incontinence in people with MS and explores urinary catheter options. Urinary catheters will be discussed, exploring different types of catheter, catheter sizing, and information on the manufacturers that can support patients and services as well as procurement needs for staff. Findings: Neurogenic bladder occurs when transmissions between the brain and the bladder are delayed or interrupted. While some people are born with neurogenic bladder issues, in the case of MS patients, the disease's effect on the brain through the development of lesions leads to progressively worsening body functions, quite often in the lower extremities. Conclusions: As bladder function degrades due to neurogenic bladder, patients with MS can experience frequent, painful or urgent urination, urinary incontinence, and urinary retention. Urinary catheterisation may be an option they use to manage their symptoms and may enhance their quality of life, enabling them to continue with other activities of daily living. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agricultural straw is abundant worldwide, but efficient production of lactic acid from straw is still challenging. In this paper, Trichoderma viride R16 was cultivated using corncob as the substrate in a fed‐batch process, after which the enzymes from T. viride R16 broth were analyzed through protein mass spectrometry and used for lactic acid production. Dioxygenase activity was found in the T. viride R16 enzymes, and 0.2 g/L phenolics (vanillin, 4‐hydroxybenzaldehyde, syringaldehyde) was degraded during enzyme production. Lactic acid production and yield from NH3‐H2O2 pretreated and washed corncob were increased by more than 24% and total phenolics was significantly lower using T. viride R16 enzymes compared with commercial enzymes in batch and fed‐batch fermentation. These characteristics of T. viride R16 support industrial applications with efficient in situ detoxification of phenolic inhibitors without adding an extra step during lactic acid production from pretreated agricultural straw using simultaneous saccharification and fermentation. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rationale: Hyperglycemia is associated with mortality in patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), and hyperglycemia may be a biomarker of severity. However, hyperglycemia has a major disadvantage because the association is diminished in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). This hampers the use of hyperglycemia as a biomarker. Accounting for habitual glucose levels could overcome this disadvantage.Objectives: We hypothesized that the glycemic gap (the difference between plasma glucose and the estimated average glucose) may be associated with mortality irrespective of DM.Methods: Among 1,933 adults with CAP included in a prospective multicenter cohort, we investigated the association between the glycemic gap and 90-day mortality. Hemoglobin A1c was used to estimate the average glucose. The association was assessed with Cox proportional hazard models after adjustment for age, sex, CURB-65 (Confusion, urea >7 mmol/L, respiratory rate ≥30 breaths/minute, systolic blood pressure <90 mmHg or diastolic blood pressure ≤60 mmHg and age ≥65 years), and comorbidities. In the prespecified analysis the absolute and relative glycemic gaps were used as a continuous variable. In a post hoc analysis, the absolute and relative glycemic gaps were used as a categorical variable grouped according to quartiles.Results: In the post hoc analysis, patients with the lowest (negative) and highest (positive) absolute glycemic gap quartiles had increased risk of 90-day mortality (hazard ratio, 2.6; 95% confidence interval, 1.02-6.65; and hazard ratio, 2.5; 95% confidence interval, 1.01-6.06, respectively). A similar association was found for the relative glycemic gap. The associations were independent of age, CURB-65 score, sex, or number of comorbidities and not modified by DM.Conclusions: Patients with the highest and lowest glycemic gap may have an increased risk of 90-day mortality, and the association was not modified by DM. These associations were found in an exploratory post hoc analysis and should be validated in other populations before further conclusions can be made. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We thank the Chiun-Feng Tsai and colleagues for their interest in our Delphi study on the classification of fibrotic disease[1] and are grateful for the opportunity to respond. Nervous and reproductive systems were not sufficiently represented in subsequent rounds for consensus definition, contributing instead to clinical agreement. To minimize fatigue, the design excluded diseases that previously reached consensus definition, reducing the survey burden each round. [Extracted from the article]

An audit of randomly selected case records of 810 patients admitted to 13 hospitals between December 2015 and November 2016 was done. Prevalence of dehydration was 19.7% (2293 of 11 636) [95% CI: 17.1-22.6%], range across hospitals was 9.4% to 27.0%. Most cases with dehydration were clinically diagnosed (82 of 153; 53.6%), followed by excessive weight loss (54 of 153; 35.3%) and abnormal urea/electrolytes/creatinine (23 of 153; 15.0%). Documentation of fluids prescribed was poor but, where data were available, Ringers lactate (30 of 153; 19.6%) and 10% dextrose (18 of 153; 11.8%) were mostly used. Only 17 of 153 (11.1%) children had bolus fluid prescription, and Ringer's lactate was most commonly used for bolus at a median volume per kilogram body weight of 20 ml/kg (interquartile range, 12-30 ml/kg). Neonatal dehydration is common, but current documentation may underestimate the burden. Heterogeneity in practice likely reflects the absence of guidelines that in turn reflects a lack of research informing practical treatment guidelines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the reply from the author providing the first data describing the effects of initiating elexacaftor–tezacaftor–ivacaftor in a large cohort of patients with cystic fibrosis.

Objective: Traditionally, amniocentesis is performed between 17 and 23 weeks of gestation. This enables decisions regarding the course of pregnancy to be made before viability. Less frequently, amniocentesis is performed in the third trimester. Advanced genomic technologies such as chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) provide more detailed information about the fetus compared with traditional G-banded chromosomal analysis. The aim of this study was to assess the indications for and safety of late amniocentesis, genetic-test results (especially in the context of CMA technology) and outcome of pregnancies that underwent the procedure after 24 weeks.Methods: Medical records were analyzed retrospectively of all women in whom amniocentesis was performed at a gestational age of 24 + 0 to 38 + 6 weeks, at Hadassah Medical Center, between June 2013 and March 2017. Parameters investigated included indications for late amniocentesis, complications, CMA results and pregnancy outcome.Results: During the study period, 291 women (303 fetuses, 277 singleton and 14 twin pregnancies; in two twin pairs, one fetus was terminated before amniocentesis) underwent late amniocentesis. CMA was performed in all instances of amniocentesis. The most frequent indication was abnormal sonographic finding(s) (204/303 fetuses, 67%). Preterm delivery occurred in 1.7% and 5.1% of pregnancies within the first week and within 1 month following the procedure, respectively. Aneuploidy was detected in nine (3%) fetuses and nine (3%) others had a pathogenic/likely pathogenic copy number variant, suggesting that CMA doubled the diagnostic yield of traditional karyotyping. Maximal diagnostic yield (17.5%) was achieved for the subgroup of fetuses referred with abnormal sonographic findings in two or more fetal anatomical systems. Variants of uncertain significance or susceptibility loci were found in another nine (3%) fetuses.Conclusions: In pregnancies undergoing late amniocentesis, CMA increased detection rates of fetal abnormalities and had a shorter turnaround time compared with traditional chromosomal analysis; therefore, late amniocentesis may serve as a helpful tool for detecting fetal abnormalities or reassuring parents following late-appearing abnormal sonographic findings. However, CMA may expose findings of uncertain significance, about which the couple should be precounseled. The procedure appears to be safe. Copyright © 2018 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As preferred materials for bone tissue repair and replacement, titanium (Ti) and its alloys have been widely applied in clinical practice. However, since these materials are bioinert, synostosis cannot occur between these materials and natural bone. Therefore, modifying the surface of Ti with bioactive elements has been the subject of intense research. In the present study, a magnesium–copper–fluorine (Mg–Cu–F) codoped titanium dioxide microporous coating (MCFMT) was prepared on the surface of Ti by micro-arc oxidation (MAO). The coating had a micro/nanoporous structure and was uniformly doped with Mg, Cu and F. In vitro, the MCFMT could promote the adhesion, proliferation, differentiation, mineralization and apoptosis of MC3T3-E1 osteoblasts. In addition, MCFMT could inhibit the growth of Staphylococcus, providing a good antibacterial effect. Further studies showed that MCFMT promoted MAPK expression and might promote osteogenesis through ERK1/2 signaling. Therefore, establishing an MCFMT coating on the Ti surface is a feasible and effective way to improve the biological activity of Ti. This study provides a new concept and method for improving the biological activity of Ti and thus has important theoretical significance and potential applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While NanoCluster Beacon (NCB) is a versatile molecular probe, it suffers from a low target-specific signal issue due to impurities. Here we show that adding a “blocker” strand to the reaction can effectively block the nonfunctional probes and enhance the target-specific signal by 14 fold at a 0.1 target/probe ratio. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to identify the key factor governing the transport properties and extent of proton transfer in protic ionic liquids (PILs), a series of PILs were prepared by simple neutralisation of a super-strong acid, bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)amide acid (H[NTf2]), with a range of amines comprising diverse structures, including secondary and tertiary amines. The bulk physicochemical properties of the resulting PILs with a wide variation in the ΔpKa values of the constituent acid and protonated bases were compared to those of previously reported PILs derived from a super-strong base, 1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]-7-undecene (DBU), and different acids (M. S. Miran, H. Kinoshita, T. Yasuda, M. A. B. H. Susan and M. Watanabe, Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2012, 14, 5178–5186) with emphasis on the thermal stability, vibrational spectroscopy, density, viscosity, conductivity, and ionicity characteristics. The thermal stability of all PILs, as analysed by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), was found to linearly increase with the ΔpKa values. However, isothermal TGA measurements for an extended duration indicated that [NTf2]-based PILs exhibit higher thermal stability than [DBU]-based PILs at low ΔpKa values (＜15). PILs with secondary amines showed higher viscosity and lower ionic conductivity than those with tertiary amines because of the formation of multiple hydrogen bonds. The evaluated ionicity suggested that all [NTf2]-based PILs are “good PILs”, irrespective of the basicity of the amines, and have higher ionicity than [DBU]-based PILs particularly at low ΔpKa values (＜15). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Drosophila melanogaster cryptochrome functions as the primary blue-light receptor that mediates circadian photo entrainment. Absorption of a photon leads to reduction of the protein-bound FAD via consecutive electron transfer along a conserved tryptophan tetrad resembling the signalling state required for conformational changes and induction of subsequent signalling cascades. However, how the initial photochemistry and subsequent dark processes leading to downstream signalling are linked to each other at the molecular level is still poorly understood. Here, we investigated in detail the initial photochemical events in DmCRY by time-resolved and stationary absorption spectroscopy combined with quantum chemical and molecular dynamics calculations. We resolved the early events along the conserved tryptophan tetrad and the final deprotonation of the terminal tryptophanyl radical cation. These initial events lead to conformational changes, such as the known C-terminal tail release, Trp decomposition, and finally FAD release providing evidence that DmCRY does not undergo a photocycle. We propose that light is a negative regulator of DmCRY stability even under in vitro conditions where the proteasomal machinery is missing, that is in line with its biological function, i.e. entrainment of the circadian clock. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An anodic oxidation/cyclization of 2-(aryl)aryl phosphonic acid monoesters for ethoxy dibenzooxaphosphorin oxide synthesis has been developed. This unprecedented electrochemical oxidation reaction proceeds at room temperature with no oxidant or electrolyte required, and exhibits high atom-economy with H2 being the only byproduct. A series of ethoxy dibenzooxaphosphorin oxides were obtained in good yields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polymeric ionic liquids (i.e., PILs) are single ion-conducting materials that exhibit the thermal and electrochemical stability of ionic liquids and the mechanical properties of polymers. Although PILs are exciting for a variety of applications in energy conversion and storage, the tradeoff between mechanics and ion transport remains an important limitation in materials design. Herein, a photocrosslinkable PIL based on the cycloaddition reaction of anthracene is converted from a viscous liquid into a soft solid without detrimental effects on the bulk ionic conductivity. The independent control of mechanical- and ion-conducting properties results from negligible changes in polymer segmental dynamics (i.e., glass transition temperature) upon crosslinking. This was demonstrated for both a polymer (i.e., N = 279) and its corresponding oligomer (i.e., N = 10). The ease of processability facilitated by the presented molecular design is illustrated by both patterning the PIL into μm-sized features, and incorporating it as a dielectric in thin-film transistors for low-voltage operation independent of device fabrication geometry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sparse lipid fluorination enhances the lipids' 1H signal dispersion, enables clean molecular distinction by 19F NMR, and evinces micelle insertion of proteins via fluorine-induced signal shifts. We present a minimal fluorination scheme, and illustrate the concept on di-(4-fluoro)-heptanoylphosphatidylcholine micelles and solubilised seven-helix transmembrane pSRII protein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We analyze the temporal variation of the substrate optical reflectance during the formation of GaN nanowires in molecular beam epitaxy using transverse electric and transverse magnetic polarized light. The time dependence of the reflectance signal is simulated using an effective medium approach that takes into account the spatial fluctuations in the length and density of the nanowire ensemble within the area probed by the laser beam. Our study demonstrates that optical reflectometry is a powerful technique to detect the onset of nanowire nucleation, assess the deposition rate, and estimate the fluctuations in the nanowire length and covered area fraction at the μm scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A quinoline-based Schiff base compound, 2,5-dimethylbis(quinolin-2-ylmethylene)benzene-1,4-diamine (DQB), has been found to be a chemosensor for 2,4,6-trinitrophenol (TNP). DQB has been synthesized by condensation between two equivalents of quinoline-4-carboxaldehyde and one equivalent of 2,5-dimethyl-1,4-diaminobenzene in methanol under ambient reaction conditions and characterized by using standard spectroscopic methods. It shows an emission band at 440 nm with high intensity (λex = 390 nm). The emission intensity is quenched severely in the presence of TNP while other nitroaromatic compounds fail to reduce the intensity, signifying high selectivity towards TNP. The fluorescence quenching mechanism can be explained by theoretical calculations as an RET-ICT based pathway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]