bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Automated Quantitative Image Evaluation of Antigen Retrieval Methods for 17 Antibodies in Placentation and Implantation Diagnostic and Research
Authors: Fuchs Julia , Nonn Olivia , Daxboeck Christine , Groiss Silvia , Moser Gerit , Gauster Martin , Lang-Olip Ingrid , Brislinger Dagmar
Published: October 2021

Immunostaining in clinical routine and research highly depends on standardized staining methods and quantitative image analyses. We qualitatively and quantitatively compared antigen retrieval methods (no pretreatment, pretreatment with pepsin, and heat-induced pretreatment with pH 6 or pH 9) for 17 antibodies relevant for placenta and implantation diagnostics and research. Using our newly established, comprehensive automated quantitative image analysis approach, fluorescent signal intensities were evaluated. Automated quantitative image analysis found that 9 out of 17 antibodies needed antigen retrieval to show positive staining. Heat induction proved to be the most efficient form of antigen retrieval. Eight markers stained positive after pepsin digestion, with β-hCG and vWF showing enhanced staining intensities. To avoid the misinterpretation of quantitative image data, the qualitative aspect should always be considered. Results from native placental tissue were compared with sections of a placental invasion model based on thermo-sensitive scaffolds. Immunostaining on placentas in vitro leads to new insights into fetal development and maternal pathophysiological pathways, as pregnant women are justifiably excluded from clinical studies. Thus, there is a clear need for the assessment of reliable immunofluorescent staining and pretreatment methods. Our evaluation offers a powerful tool for antibody and pretreatment selection in placental research providing objective and precise results.
PTV margin calculation for head and neck patients treated with VMAT: a systematic literature review
Authors: Caruana Kristina , Refalo Nick , Spiteri Denise , Couto José Guilherme , Zarb Frank , Bezzina Paul
Published: October 2021

Aim:

The intent of the review was to identify different methodological approaches used to calculate the planning target volume (PTV) margin for head and neck patients treated with volumetric arc therapy (VMAT), and whether the necessary factors to calculate the margin size with the selected formula were used.

Materials and Methods:

A comprehensive, systematic search of related studies was done using the Hydi search engine and different databases: MEDLINE, PubMed, CINAHL, ProQuest (Nursing and Allied Health), Scopus, ScienceDirect and tipsRO. The literature search included studies published between January 2007 and December 2020. Eligibility screening was performed by two reviewers.

Results:

A total of seven studies were found. All the reviewed studies used the Van Herk formula to measure the PTV margin. None of the studies incorporated the systematic errors of target volume delineation in the PTV equation. Inter-fraction translational errors were assessed in all the studies, whilst intra-fraction errors were only included in the margin equation for two studies. The studies showed great heterogeneity in the key characteristics, aims and methods.

Findings:

Since systemic errors from target volume delineation were not considered and not all studies assess intra-fraction errors, PTV margins may be underestimated. The recommendations are that studies need to determine the effect of target volume variance on PTV margins. It is also recommended to compare PTV margin results using various formulas.
Vanishing Glaciers at Southeast Tibetan Plateau Have Not Offset the Declining Runoff at Yarlung Zangbo
Authors: Wang Yuanwei , Wang Lei , Zhou Jing , Yao Tandong , Yang Wei , Zhong Xiaoyang , Liu Ruishun , Hu Zhidan , Luo Lun , Ye Qinghua , Chen Ningsheng , Ding Haitao
Published: October 2021

The Third Pole experiences accelerated glacier retreating particularly in the eastern‐Himalaya, coinciding with a decrease of monsoon‐precipitation in the early 21st century. The extent to which the vanishing abundant maritime glaciers buffer the declining precipitation‐runoff remains unclear. Here, with a state‐of‐the‐art enthalpy‐based distributed cryosphere‐hydrology model and first‐hand hydrometeorology observations at Motuo (latest accessible Chinese county), we carefully examine the Yarlung Zangbo basin along Himalayas. We find that during 1998–2019, the rising downstream runoff (lower Nuxia; +6.40 × 108 m3/yr) offsets the dropping upstream runoff (upper Nuxia; −6.89 × 108 m3/yr); however, only the marginal contribution from the vanishing eastern‐Himalaya and Nyainqêntanglha glaciers. During 1998–2019, dry upstream illustrates limited glacier melt (15.7 mm/yr) with dominated snow melt (78.8 mm/yr); while much larger at humid downstream (144.8 mm/yr for glacier melt and 219.1 mm/yr for snow melt). From 1981 to 2019, we observe glacier‐to‐snow melt transition in both upstream and downstream due to glacier degradation and growing nonmonsoon‐season precipitation.
DNA-methylation patterns imply a common cellular origin of virus- and UV-associated Merkel cell carcinoma
Authors: Gravemeyer Jan , Spassova Ivelina , Verhaegen Monique E. , Dlugosz Andrzej A. , Hoffmann Daniel , Lange Anja , Becker Jürgen C.
Published: October 2021

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a neuroendocrine tumor either induced by integration of the Merkel cell polyomavirus into the cell genome or by accumulation of UV-light-associated mutations (VP-MCC and UV-MCC). Whether VP- and UV-MCC have the same or different cellular origins is unclear; with mesenchymal or epidermal origins discussed. DNA-methylation patterns have a proven utility in determining cellular origins of cancers. Therefore, we used this approach to uncover evidence regarding the cell of origin of classical VP- and UV-MCC cell lines, i.e., cell lines with a neuroendocrine growth pattern (n = 9 and n = 4, respectively). Surprisingly, we observed high global similarities in the DNA-methylation of UV- and VP-MCC cell lines. CpGs of lower methylation in VP-MCC cell lines were associated with neuroendocrine marker genes such as SOX2 and INSM1, or linked to binding sites of EZH2 and SUZ12 of the polycomb repressive complex 2, i.e., genes with an impact on carcinogenesis and differentiation of neuroendocrine cancers. Thus, the observed differences appear to be rooted in viral compared to mutation-driven carcinogenesis rather than distinct cells of origin. To test this hypothesis, we used principal component analysis, to compare DNA-methylation data from different epithelial and non-epithelial neuroendocrine cancers and established a scoring model for epithelial and neuroendocrine characteristics. Subsequently, we applied this scoring model to the DNA-methylation data of the VP- and UV-MCC cell lines, revealing that both clearly scored as epithelial cancers. In summary, our comprehensive analysis of DNA-methylation suggests a common epithelial origin of UV- and VP-MCC cell lines.
Complete loss of miR-200 family induces EMT associated cellular senescence in gastric cancer
Authors: Yu Liang , Cao Can , Li Xu , Zhang Mili , Gu Qisheng , Gao Hugh , Balic Jesse J. , Xu Duogang , Zhang Lei , Ying Le , Xu Dakang , Yang Yuqin , Wu Di , He Baokun , Jenkins Brendan J. , Liu Youdong , Li Jikun
Published: October 2021

The EMT (epithelial-to-mesenchymal-transition) subtype of gastric cancer (GC) is associated with poor treatment responses and unfavorable clinical outcomes. Despite the broad physiological roles of the micro-RNA (miR)-200 family, they largely serve to maintain the overall epithelial phenotype. However, during late-stage gastric tumorigenesis, members of the miR-200 family are markedly suppressed, resulting in the transition to the mesenchymal state and the acquisition of invasive properties. As such, the miR-200 family represents a robust molecular marker of EMT, and subsequently, disease severity and prognosis. Most reports have studied the effect of single miR-200 family member knockdown. Here, we employ a multiplex CRISPR/Cas9 system to generate a complete miR-200 family knockout (FKO) to investigate their collective and summative role in regulating key cellular processes during GC pathogenesis. Genetic deletion of all miR-200s in the human GC cell lines induced potent morphological alterations, G1/S cell cycle arrest, increased senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β−Gal) activity, and aberrant metabolism, collectively resembling the senescent phenotype. Coupling RNA-seq data with publicly available datasets, we revealed a clear separation of senescent and non-senescent states amongst FKO cells and control cells, respectively. Further analysis identified key senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) components in FKO cells and a positive feedback loop for maintenance of the senescent state controlled by activation of TGF-β and TNF-α pathways. Finally, we showed that miR-200 FKO associated senescence in cancer epithelial cells significantly recruited stromal cells in the tumor microenvironment. Our work has identified a new role of miR-200 family members which function as an integrated unit serving to link senescence with EMT, two major conserved biological processes.
A longitudinal study of gene expression in first-episode schizophrenia; exploring relapse mechanisms by co-expression analysis in peripheral blood
Authors: Gassó P. , Rodríguez N. , Martínez-Pinteño A. , Mezquida G. , Ribeiro M. , González-Peñas J. , Zorrilla I. , Martínez-Sadurni L. , Rodriguez-Jimenez R. , Corripio I. , Sarró S. , Ibáñez A. , Usall J. , Lobo A. , Moren C. , Cuesta M. J. , Parellada M. , González-Pinto A. , Berrocoso E. , Bernardo M. , Mas S. ,   2EPs Group, Bioque M. , Amoretti S. , Andreu-Bernabeu A. , Gurriarán X. , Alonso-Solís A. , Grasa E. , López P. , Garcia E. , Bergé D. , Trabsa A. , Sànchez-Pastor L. , Jiménez-Rodríguez O. , Pomarol-Clotet E. , Feria-Raposo I. , Butjosa A. , Pardo M. , Moreno-Izco L. , Sánchez-Torres A. M. , Saiz-Ruiz J. , León-Quismondo L. , Nacher J. , Contreras F. , De-la-Cámara C. , Gutiérrez M. , Sáiz P. A.
Published: October 2021

Little is known about the pathophysiological mechanisms of relapse in first-episode schizophrenia, which limits the study of potential biomarkers. To explore relapse mechanisms and identify potential biomarkers for relapse prediction, we analyzed gene expression in peripheral blood in a cohort of first-episode schizophrenia patients with less than 5 years of evolution who had been evaluated over a 3-year follow-up period. A total of 91 participants of the 2EPs project formed the sample for baseline gene expression analysis. Of these, 67 provided biological samples at follow-up (36 after 3 years and 31 at relapse). Gene expression was assessed using the Clariom S Human Array. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis was applied to identify modules of co-expressed genes and to analyze their preservation after 3 years of follow-up or at relapse. Among the 25 modules identified, one module was semi-conserved at relapse (DarkTurquoise) and was enriched with risk genes for schizophrenia, showing a dysregulation of the TCF4 gene network in the module. Two modules were semi-conserved both at relapse and after 3 years of follow-up (DarkRed and DarkGrey) and were found to be biologically associated with protein modification and protein location processes. Higher expression of DarkRed genes was associated with higher risk of suffering a relapse and early appearance of relapse (p = 0.045). Our findings suggest that a dysregulation of the TCF4 network could be an important step in the biological process that leads to relapse and suggest that genes related to the ubiquitin proteosome system could be potential biomarkers of relapse.
Molecular and genomic characterisation of a panel of human anal cancer cell lines
Authors: Guerra Glen R. , Kong Joseph C. , Millen Rosemary M. , Read Matthew , Liu David S. , Roth Sara , Sampurno Shienny , Sia Joseph , Bernardi Maria-Pia , Chittleborough Timothy J. , Behrenbruch Corina C. , Teh Jiasian , Xu Huiling , Haynes Nicole M. , Yu Jiaan , Lupat Richard , Hawkes David , Di Costanzo Natasha , Tothill Richard W. , Mitchell Catherine , Ngan Samuel Y. , Heriot Alexander G. , Ramsay Robert G. , Phillips Wayne A.
Published: October 2021

Anal cancer is a rare disease that has doubled in incidence over the last four decades. Current treatment and survival of patients with this disease has not changed substantially over this period of time, due, in part, to a paucity of preclinical models to assess new therapeutic options. To address this hiatus, we set-out to establish, validate and characterise a panel of human anal squamous cell carcinoma (ASCC) cell lines by employing an explant technique using fresh human ASCC tumour tissue. The panel of five human ASCC cell lines were validated to confirm their origin, squamous features and tumourigenicity, followed by molecular and genomic (whole-exome sequencing) characterisation. This panel recapitulates the genetic and molecular characteristics previously described in ASCC including phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K) mutations in three of the human papillomavirus (HPV) positive lines and TP53 mutations in the HPV negative line. The cell lines demonstrate the ability to form tumouroids and retain their tumourigenic potential upon xenotransplantation, with varied inducible expression of major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC class I) and Programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1). We observed differential responses to standard chemotherapy, radiotherapy and a PI3K specific molecular targeted agent in vitro, which correlated with the clinical response of the patient tumours from which they were derived. We anticipate this novel panel of human ASCC cell lines will form a valuable resource for future studies into the biology and therapeutics of this rare disease.
Downregulation of PHLPP induced by endoplasmic reticulum stress promotes eIF2α phosphorylation and chemoresistance in colon cancer
Authors: Guo Bianqin , Xiong Xiaopeng , Hasani Sumati , Wen Yang-An , Li Austin T. , Martinez Rebecca , Skaggs Ashley T. , Gao Tianyan
Published: October 2021

Aberrant activation of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress by extrinsic and intrinsic factors contributes to tumorigenesis and resistance to chemotherapies in various cancer types. Our previous studies have shown that the downregulation of PHLPP, a novel family of Ser/Thr protein phosphatases, promotes tumor initiation, and progression. Here we investigated the functional interaction between the ER stress and PHLPP expression in colon cancer. We found that induction of ER stress significantly decreased the expression of PHLPP proteins through a proteasome-dependent mechanism. Knockdown of PHLPP increased the phosphorylation of eIF2α as well as the expression of autophagy-associated genes downstream of the eIF2α/ATF4 signaling pathway. In addition, results from immunoprecipitation experiments showed that PHLPP interacted with eIF2α and this interaction was enhanced by ER stress. Functionally, knockdown of PHLPP improved cell survival under ER stress conditions, whereas overexpression of a degradation-resistant mutant PHLPP1 had the opposite effect. Taken together, our studies identified ER stress as a novel mechanism that triggers PHLPP downregulation; and PHLPP-loss promotes chemoresistance by upregulating the eIF2α/ATF4 signaling axis in colon cancer cells.
Genomic health data generation in the UK: a 360 view
Authors: Ormondroyd Elizabeth , Border Peter , Hayward Judith , Papanikitas Andrew
Published: October 2021

In the UK, genomic health data is being generated in three major contexts: the healthcare system (based on clinical indication), in large scale research programmes, and for purchasers of direct-to-consumer genetic tests. The recently delivered hybrid clinical/research programme, 100,000 Genomes Project set the scene for a new Genomic Medicine Service, through which the National Health Service aims to deliver consistent and equitable care informed by genomics, while providing data to inform academic and industry research and development. In parallel, a large scale research study, Our Future Health, has UK Government and Industry investment and aims to recruit 5 million volunteers to support research intended to improve early detection, risk stratification, and early intervention for chronic diseases. To explore how current models of genomic health data generation intersect, and to understand clinical, ethical, legal, policy and social issues arising from this intersection, we conducted a series of five multidisciplinary panel discussions attended by 28 invited stakeholders. Meetings were recorded and transcribed. We present a summary of issues identified: genomic test attributes; reasons for generating genomic health data; individuals’ motivation to seek genomic data; health service impacts; role of genetic counseling; equity; data uses and security; consent; governance and regulation. We conclude with some suggestions for policy consideration.
Satb2 acts as a gatekeeper for major developmental transitions during early vertebrate embryogenesis
Authors: Pradhan Saurabh J. , Reddy Puli Chandramouli , Smutny Michael , Sharma Ankita , Sako Keisuke , Oak Meghana S. , Shah Rini , Pal Mrinmoy , Deshpande Ojas , Dsilva Greg , Tang Yin , Mishra Rakesh , Deshpande Girish , Giraldez Antonio J. , Sonawane Mahendra , Heisenberg Carl-Philipp , Galande Sanjeev
Published: October 2021

Zygotic genome activation (ZGA) initiates regionalized transcription underlying distinct cellular identities. ZGA is dependent upon dynamic chromatin architecture sculpted by conserved DNA-binding proteins. However, the direct mechanistic link between the onset of ZGA and the tissue-specific transcription remains unclear. Here, we have addressed the involvement of chromatin organizer Satb2 in orchestrating both processes during zebrafish embryogenesis. Integrative analysis of transcriptome, genome-wide occupancy and chromatin accessibility reveals contrasting molecular activities of maternally deposited and zygotically synthesized Satb2. Maternal Satb2 prevents premature transcription of zygotic genes by influencing the interplay between the pluripotency factors. By contrast, zygotic Satb2 activates transcription of the same group of genes during neural crest development and organogenesis. Thus, our comparative analysis of maternal versus zygotic function of Satb2 underscores how these antithetical activities are temporally coordinated and functionally implemented highlighting the evolutionary implications of the biphasic and bimodal regulation of landmark developmental transitions by a single determinant.
Reaching silicon-based NEMS performances with 3D printed nanomechanical resonators
Authors: Stassi Stefano , Cooperstein Ido , Tortello Mauro , Pirri Candido Fabrizio , Magdassi Shlomo , Ricciardi Carlo
Published: October 2021

The extreme miniaturization in NEMS resonators offers the possibility to reach an unprecedented resolution in high-performance mass sensing. These very low limits of detection are related to the combination of two factors: a small resonator mass and a high quality factor. The main drawback of NEMS is represented by the highly complex, multi-steps, and expensive fabrication processes. Several alternatives fabrication processes have been exploited, but they are still limited to MEMS range and very low-quality factor. Here we report the fabrication of rigid NEMS resonators with high-quality factors by a 3D printing approach. After a thermal step, we reach complex geometry printed devices composed of ceramic structures with high Young’s modulus and low damping showing performances in line with silicon-based NEMS resonators ones. We demonstrate the possibility of rapid fabrication of NEMS devices that present an effective alternative to semiconducting resonators as highly sensitive mass and force sensors.
Structural basis of soluble membrane attack complex packaging for clearance
Authors: Menny Anaïs , Lukassen Marie V. , Couves Emma C. , Franc Vojtech , Heck Albert J. R. , Bubeck Doryen
Published: October 2021

Unregulated complement activation causes inflammatory and immunological pathologies with consequences for human disease. To prevent bystander damage during an immune response, extracellular chaperones (clusterin and vitronectin) capture and clear soluble precursors to the membrane attack complex (sMAC). However, how these chaperones block further polymerization of MAC and prevent the complex from binding target membranes remains unclear. Here, we address that question by combining cryo electron microscopy (cryoEM) and cross-linking mass spectrometry (XL-MS) to solve the structure of sMAC. Together our data reveal how clusterin recognizes and inhibits polymerizing complement proteins by binding a negatively charged surface of sMAC. Furthermore, we show that the pore-forming C9 protein is trapped in an intermediate conformation whereby only one of its two transmembrane β-hairpins has unfurled. This structure provides molecular details for immune pore formation and helps explain a complement control mechanism that has potential implications for how cell clearance pathways mediate immune homeostasis.
Two-billion-year-old volcanism on the Moon from Chang’e-5 basalts
Authors: Li Qiu-Li , Zhou Qin , Liu Yu , Xiao Zhiyong , Lin Yangting , Li Jin-Hua , Ma Hong-Xia , Tang Guo-Qiang , Guo Shun , Tang Xu , Yuan Jiang-Yan , Li Jiao , Wu Fu-Yuan , Ouyang Ziyuan , Li Chunlai , Li Xian-Hua
Published: October 2021

The Moon has a magmatic and thermal history that is distinct from that of the terrestrial planets1. Radioisotope dating of lunar samples suggests that most lunar basaltic magmatism ceased by around 2.9–2.8 billion years ago (Ga)2,3, although younger basalts between 3 Ga and 1 Ga have been suggested by crater-counting chronology, which has large uncertainties owing to the lack of returned samples for calibration4,5. Here we report a precise lead–lead age of 2,030 ± 4 million years ago for basalt clasts returned by the Chang’e-5 mission, and a 238U/204Pb ratio (µ value)6 of about 680 for a source that evolved through two stages of differentiation. This is the youngest crystallization age reported so far for lunar basalts by radiometric dating, extending the duration of lunar volcanism by approximately 800–900 million years. The µ value of the Chang’e-5 basalt mantle source is within the range of low-titanium and high-titanium basalts from Apollo sites (µ value of about 300–1,000), but notably lower than those of potassium, rare-earth elements and phosphorus (KREEP) and high-aluminium basalts7 (µ value of about 2,600–3,700), indicating that the Chang’e-5 basalts were produced by melting of a KREEP-poor source. This age provides a pivotal calibration point for crater-counting chronology in the inner Solar System and provides insight on the volcanic and thermal history of the Moon.
Automated CUT&Tag profiling of chromatin heterogeneity in mixed-lineage leukemia
Authors: Janssens Derek H. , Meers Michael P. , Wu Steven J. , Babaeva Ekaterina , Meshinchi Soheil , Sarthy Jay F. , Ahmad Kami , Henikoff Steven
Published: October 2021

Acute myeloid and lymphoid leukemias often harbor chromosomal translocations involving the KMT2A gene, encoding the KMT2A lysine methyltransferase (also known as mixed-lineage leukemia-1), and produce in-frame fusions of KMT2A to other chromatin-regulatory proteins. Here we map fusion-specific targets across the genome for diverse KMT2A oncofusion proteins in cell lines and patient samples. By modifying CUT&Tag chromatin profiling for full automation, we identify common and tumor-subtype-specific sites of aberrant chromatin regulation induced by KMT2A oncofusion proteins. A subset of KMT2A oncofusion-binding sites are marked by bivalent (H3K4me3 and H3K27me3) chromatin signatures, and single-cell CUT&Tag profiling reveals that these sites display cell-to-cell heterogeneity suggestive of lineage plasticity. In addition, we find that aberrant enrichment of H3K4me3 in gene bodies is sensitive to Menin inhibitors, demonstrating the utility of automated chromatin profiling for identifying therapeutic vulnerabilities. Thus, integration of automated and single-cell CUT&Tag can uncover epigenomic heterogeneity within patient samples and predict sensitivity to therapeutic agents.
Biocompatible artificial synapses based on a zein active layer obtained from maize for neuromorphic computing
Authors: Kim Youngjin , Park Chul Hyeon , An Jun Seop , Choi Seung-Hye , Kim Tae Whan
Published: October 2021

Artificial synaptic devices based on natural organic materials are becoming the most desirable for extending their fields of applications to include wearable and implantable devices due to their biocompatibility, flexibility, lightweight, and scalability. Herein, we proposed a zein material, extracted from natural maize, as an active layer in an artificial synapse. The synaptic device exhibited notable digital-data storage and analog data processing capabilities. Remarkably, the zein-based synaptic device achieved recognition accuracy of up to 87% and exhibited clear digit-classification results on the learning and inference test. Moreover, the recognition accuracy of the zein-based artificial synapse was maintained within a difference of less than 2%, regardless of mechanically stressed conditions. We believe that this work will be an important asset toward the realization of wearable and implantable devices utilizing artificial synapses.
Dopant activation process in Mg-implanted GaN studied by monoenergetic positron beam
Authors: Uedono Akira , Tanaka Ryo , Takashima Shinya , Ueno Katsunori , Edo Masaharu , Shima Kohei , Kojima Kazunobu , Chichibu Shigefusa F. , Ishibashi Shoji
Published: October 2021

A process for activating Mg and its relationship with vacancy-type defects in Mg-implanted GaN were studied by positron annihilation spectroscopy. Mg+ ions were implanted with an energy of 10 keV, and the Mg concentration in the subsurface region (≤ 50 nm) was on the order of 1019 cm−3. After the Mg-implantation, N+ ions were implanted to provide a 300-nm-deep box profile with a N concentration of 6 × 1018 cm−3. From capacitance–voltage measurements, the sequential implantation of N was found to enhance the activation of Mg. For N-implanted GaN before annealing, the major defect species were determined to Ga-vacancy related defects such as divacancy. After annealing below 1000 °C, the clustering of vacancies was observed. Above 1200 °C annealing, however, the size of the vacancies started to decrease, which was due to recombinations of vacancy clusters and excess N atoms in the damaged region. The suppression of vacancy clustering by sequential N-implantation in Mg-implanted GaN was attributed to the origin of the enhancement of the Mg activation.
Radiation effects on 3D rotating flow of Cu-water nanoliquid with viscous heating and prescribed heat flux using modified Buongiorno model
Authors: Owhaib Wahib , Basavarajappa Mahanthesh , Al-Kouz Wael
Published: October 2021

In this article, the three-dimensional (3D) flow and heat transport of viscous dissipating Cu-H2O nanoliquid over an elongated plate in a rotating frame of reference is studied by considering the modified Buongiorno model. The mechanisms of haphazard motion and thermo-migration of nanoparticles along with effective nanoliquid properties are comprised in the modified Buongiorno model (MBM). The Rosseland radiative heat flux and prescribed heat flux at the boundary are accounted. The governing nonlinear problem subjected to Prandtl’s boundary layer approximation is solved numerically. The consequence of dimensionless parameters on the velocities, temperature, and nanoparticles volume fraction profiles is analyzed via graphical representations. The temperature of the base liquid is improved significantly owing to the existence of copper nanoparticles in it. The phenomenon of rotation improves the structure of the thermal boundary layer, while, the momentum layer thickness gets reduced. The thermal layer structure gets enhanced due to the Brownian movement and thermo-migration of nanoparticles. Moreover, it is shown that temperature enhances owing to the presence of thermal radiation. In addition, it is revealed that the haphazard motion of nanoparticles decays the nanoparticle volume fraction layer thickness. Also, the skin friction coefficients found to have a similar trend for larger values of rotation parameter. Furthermore, the results of the single-phase nanoliquid model are limiting the case of this study.
Proposal for an initial screening method for identifying microplastics in marine sediments
Authors: Hata Toshiro , Jiang Ningjun
Published: October 2021

Marine debris, which is often called microplastics, is widespread in marine environments, particularly in sediments, and is recognized as an environmental hazard because it concentrates contaminants, forms biofilms, and sinks into marine sediments. In sediments, it may be ingested by benthos and have a negative impact on higher food chain levels. In this study, a new protocol was developed to identify microplastics in various sediment fractions. This protocol combined sieving and staining based on ordinal geotechnical/geological testing methods. The sieving process was derived from the conventional particle size distribution test, and nontoxic dyes were employed in the staining process. The protocol is safe and easy to perform as it merely involves the use of conventional geological/geotechnical testing equipment. The new protocol was successfully employed to stain and categorize different types and sizes of microplastic particles from contaminated sediments. This safe, easy-to-use, and efficient protocol can serve as the basis for a new alternative approach to study microplastics present in sediments, which can be performed using basic materials familiar to geotechnical/geological engineers.
Enriching laying hens eggs by feeding diets with different fatty acid composition and antioxidants
Authors: Vlaicu Petru Alexandru , Panaite Tatiana Dumitra , Turcu Raluca Paula
Published: October 2021

The current study was conducted to evaluate egg quality, egg yolk fatty acids, health-related indices and antioxidants from laying hens' eggs fed different combined vegetable by-products, rich in fatty acids and antioxidants. One hundred twenty 50 weeks-old Tetra SL laying hens were divided into three groups. They were given daily a standard diet (Control, C), a diet containing 9% rapeseed meal with 3% grapeseed meal (T1 diet), or a diet containing 9% flaxseed meal and 3% sea buckthorn meal (T2 diet). Hen production performances, egg quality, egg yolk fatty acids total polyphenols content and antioxidant capacity were determined. The T1 diet significantly reduced the egg yolk content of palmitic acid from 76.615 mg (C) to 46.843 mg (T1) and that of oleic acid from 788.13 mg (C) to 682.83 mg (T1). Feeding flaxseed and sea buckthorn meals significantly increased the egg yolk content of α-linolenic acid in T2 yolks (35.297 mg) compared with C yolks (4.752 mg) and that of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) from 16.282 mg (C) to 74.918 mg (T2). The atherogenicity indices (AI) were not significantly affected, whereas the thrombogenicity indices (TI) decreased significantly (p < 0.0007) from 0.72 (C) to 0.60 (T1) and 0.66 (T2), respectively. Adding this combination of meals to the hens' diets, increased the total polyphenol content and antioxidant capacity in T1 and T2 eggs compared to C eggs. The significant enrichment of eggs with n-3 fatty acids and antioxidant capacity, as well on the health-related indices especially from T2 eggs, represents a potential functional feed ingredient in poultry feeding, to obtain eggs as functional food.
A longitudinal cohort study on benefit finding evolution in Chinese women breast cancer survivals
Authors: Bi Weiyun , Wang Huaning , Yang Guitao , Zhu Cailin
Published: October 2021

Even though the prevalence of benefit finding (BF) has been empirically shown to exist among breast cancer (BC) survivals, how does benefit finding evolve over time remains inadequately investigated. The objective of this cohort study is to examine how BF evolves over time among Chinese breast cancer survivals and determine the demographic, medical and psychosocial factors that can sustain BF increase over time. Participants were 486 women with different stages of breast cancer (stages I, II and III) followed from completion of primary treatment. Analysis were performed on the data collected during 2014–2019. During the assessment, each participant completed self-report questionnaires of characteristics and benefit finding at six time points with the interval of 6 months since BC diagnosis. The relationships between demographic, medical and psychosocial characteristics and benefit finding evolution over time were examined using mixed models. Participants reported mixed results on the evolving patterns of benefit finding: 28% reported an upward trend in BF scoring over time, 49% instead reported an downward trend, and the remaining 23% reported no obvious change. Our study has shown that some well-known covariates of benefit finding, e.g. education, income, and social support, are not associated with BF trends. In comparison, levels of spirituality and disease coping at diagnosis can more reliably predict BF evolution over time. Identifying the sustaining factors of benefit finding in the experience of breast cancer is the key to design effective psycho clinical solutions for patients’ long-term post-traumatic growth. As time goes by, breast cancer patients may experience less benefit finding. Our results strongly indicate that benefit finding can be sustained and increased by encouraging attempts at meaning-making and active disease coping during breast cancer treatment. To the best of our knowledge, this study is among the first to examine the evolution trends of benefit finding over time on breast cancer survivals and determine their psychosocial predictors in developing countries.
Starting dose and dose adjustment of non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulation agents in a nationwide cohort of patients with atrial fibrillation
Authors: Gozzo L. , Di Lenarda A. , Mammarella F. , Olimpieri P. P. , Cirilli A. , Cuomo M. , Gulizia M. M. , Colivicchi F. , Murri G. , Kunutsor S. K. , Gabrielli D. , Trotta F.
Published: October 2021

This study aims to provide real-world data about starting-dose of NOACs and dose-adjustment in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). In fact, even if new oral anticoagulation agents (NOACs) have a predictable effect without need for regular monitoring, dose-adjustments should be performed according to the summary of product information and international guidelines. We employed the Italian Medicines Agency monitoring registries comprising data on a nationwide cohort of patients with AF treated with NOACs from 2013 to 2018. Logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the determinants of dosage choice. During the reference period, treatment was commenced for 866,539 patients. Forty-five percent of the first prescriptions were dispensed at a reduced dose (dabigatran 60.3%, edoxaban 45.2%, apixaban 40.9%, rivaroxaban 37.4%). The prescription of reduced dose was associated with older age, renal disease, bleeding risk and the concomitant use of drugs predisposing to bleeding, but not with CHA2DS2-VASc and HAS-BLED. A relative reduction of the proportion of patients treated with low dosages was evident overtime for dabigatran and rivaroxaban; whereas prescription of low dose apixaban and edoxaban increased progressively among elderly patients. Evidence based on real-world data shows a high frequency of low dose prescriptions of NOACs in AF patients. Except for older age, renal disease, bleeding risk and the concomitant use of drugs predisposing to bleeding, other factors that may determine the choice of reduced dose could not be ascertained. There may be potential under-treatment of AF patients, but further evaluation is warranted.
Ensemble classification and segmentation for intracranial metastatic tumors on MRI images based on 2D U-nets
Authors: Li Cheng-Chung , Wu Meng-Yun , Sun Ying-Chou , Chen Hung-Hsun , Wu Hsiu-Mei , Fang Ssu-Ting , Chung Wen-Yuh , Guo Wan-Yuo , Lu Henry Horng-Shing
Published: October 2021

The extraction of brain tumor tissues in 3D Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) plays an important role in diagnosis before the gamma knife radiosurgery (GKRS). In this article, the post-contrast T1 whole-brain MRI images had been collected by Taipei Veterans General Hospital (TVGH) and stored in DICOM format (dated from 1999 to 2018). The proposed method starts with the active contour model to get the region of interest (ROI) automatically and enhance the image contrast. The segmentation models are trained by MRI images with tumors to avoid imbalanced data problem under model construction. In order to achieve this objective, a two-step ensemble approach is used to establish such diagnosis, first, classify whether there is any tumor in the image, and second, segment the intracranial metastatic tumors by ensemble neural networks based on 2D U-Net architecture. The ensemble for classification and segmentation simultaneously also improves segmentation accuracy. The result of classification achieves a F1-measure of $$75.64\%$$

75.64
%

, while the result of segmentation achieves an IoU of $$84.83\%$$

84.83
%

and a DICE score of $$86.21\%$$

86.21
%

. Significantly reduce the time for manual labeling from 30 min to 18 s per patient.
Spatially-resolved electronic structure of stripe domains in IrTe2 through electronic structure microscopy
Authors: Bao Changhua , Zhang Hongyun , Li Qian , Zhou Shaohua , Zhang Haoxiong , Deng Ke , Zhang Kenan , Luo Laipeng , Yao Wei , Chen Chaoyu , Avila José , Asensio Maria C. , Wu Yang , Zhou Shuyun
Published: October 2021

Phase separation in the nanometer- to micrometer-scale is characteristic for correlated materials, for example, high temperature superconductors, colossal magnetoresistance manganites, Mott insulators, etc. Resolving the electronic structure with spatially-resolved information is critical for revealing the fundamental physics of such inhomogeneous systems yet this is challenging experimentally. Here by using nanometer- and micrometer-spot angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopies (NanoARPES and MicroARPES), we reveal the spatially-resolved electronic structure in the stripe phase of IrTe2. Each separated domain shows two-fold symmetric electronic structure with the mirror axis aligned along 3 equivalent directions, and 6 × 1 replicas are clearly identified. Moreover, such electronic structure inhomogeneity disappears across the stripe phase transition, suggesting that electronic phase with broken symmetry induced by the 6 × 1 modulation is directly related to the stripe phase transition of IrTe2. Our work demonstrates the capability of NanoARPES and MicroARPES in elucidating the fundamental physics of phase-separated materials.
Tribochemistry of superlubricating amorphous carbon films
Authors: Zhu Dongxiang , Li Hongxuan , Ji Li , Zhou Huidi , Chen Jianmin
Published: October 2021

The recent progress in the superlubricity mechanism and properties regulation of DLC films is introduced from the perspective of tribochemistry.
Ba2[FeF4(IO3)2]IO3: a promising nonlinear optical material achieved by chemical-tailoring-induced structure evolution
Authors: Huang Qian-Ming , Hu Chun-Li , Yang Bing-Ping , Fang Zhi , Huang Yu , Mao Jiang-Gao
Published: October 2021

A noncentrosymmetric iron-iodate-fluoride Ba2[FeF4(IO3)2]IO3 with great nonlinear optical activity was ingeniously designed from the centrosymmetric Ba[FeF4(IO3)] through a chemical tailoring approach.
Excited state dynamics and photochemistry of nitroaromatic compounds
Authors: Rodríguez-Córdoba William , Gutiérrez-Arzaluz Luis , Cortés-Guzmán Fernando , Peon Jorge
Published: October 2021

Nitroaromatic compounds have unique excited state dynamics due to the presence of oxygen-centered non-bonding orbitals.
Trends in non-isocyanate polyurethane (NIPU) development
Authors: Gomez-Lopez Alvaro , Elizalde Fermin , Calvo Iñigo , Sardon Haritz
Published: October 2021

The transition towards safer and more sustainable production of polymers has led to a growing body of academic research into non-isocyanate polyurethanes (NIPUs) as potential replacements for conventional, isocyanate-based polyurethane materials.
Red emitting Sm(ii) phosphors: thermally switchable luminescence in Sm(AlX4)2 (X = Cl, Br) by 5d–4f and intra-4f transitions
Authors: Schäfer T. C. , Sorg J. R. , Sedykh A. E. , Müller-Buschbaum K.
Published: October 2021

Sm(AlX4)2 (X = Cl, Br) show thermally switchable luminescence of Sm2+ between broad-band 4f55d1 → 4f6 emission and thin line intra-4f-emission, rendering the compounds interesting Ln(ii)-based phosphors with samarium.
Taming CL-20 through hydrogen bond interaction with nitromethane
Authors: Zhang Wenjin , Bao Lingxiang , Fei Teng , Lv Penghao , Sun Chenghui , Pang Siping
Published: October 2021

A novel cocrystal explosive of CL-20/nitromethane in a 1 : 2 molar.
Effect of adsorption and substitutional B doping at different concentrations on the electronic and magnetic properties of a BeO monolayer: a first-principles study
Authors: Bafekry A. , Faraji M. , Fadlallah M. M. , Hoat D. M. , Khatibani A. Bagheri , Sarsari I. Abdolhosseini , Ghergherehchi M.
Published: October 2021

We studied the effect of the adsorption and substitutional of B atoms at different concentrations. The structural, mechanical, electronic, magnetic, and optical properties of these structures are investigated using first-principles calculations.
The solvent determines the product in the hydrogenation of aromatic ketones using unligated RhCl3 as catalyst precursor
Authors: Chakrabortty Soumyadeep , Rockstroh Nils , Bartling Stephan , Lund Henrik , Müller Bernd H. , Kamer Paul C. J. , de Vries Johannes G.
Published: October 2021

RhCl3-catalysed hydrogenation/hydrodeoxygenation of aromatic ketones produced alkylcyclohexanes in TFE and cyclohexyl alkyl alcohols in water at moderate temperatures. Rh-nanoparticles were found to be the true catalysts.
Inorganic radiopharmaceutical chemistry of oxine
Authors: Southcott Lily , Orvig Chris
Published: October 2021

8-Hydroxyquinoline, a molecule important in nuclear medicine, enables high resolution specific imaging for cell tracking, nanomedicine development and new highly-dentate ligands.
Cancer molecular biology and strategies for the design of cytotoxic gold(i) and gold(iii) complexes: a tutorial review
Authors: van der Westhuizen Danielle , Bezuidenhout Daniela I. , Munro Orde Q.
Published: October 2021

A perspective on the development of gold(i/iii) anticancer agents is given, covering the core concepts of apoptosis in cancer cell biology and macromolecular drug targets. Design elements that elicit cytotoxicity and stability are highlighted.
Alkali /alkaline earth-based metal–organic frameworks for biomedical applications
Authors: Ye Gaomin , Chen Chen , Lin Jingzhe , Peng Xinsheng , Kumar Abhinav , Liu Dong , Liu Jianqiang
Published: October 2021

This review mainly introduces the application of A/A-E MOF materials in drug delivery, sensing, and some materials with unique biomedical applications, and elaborates the challenges, obstacles and developments in future.
Direct detection of iron clusters in L ferritins through ESI-MS experiments
Authors: Massai Lara , Ciambellotti Silvia , Cosottini Lucrezia , Messori Luigi , Turano Paola , Pratesi Alessandro
Published: October 2021

ESI-MS allowed the detection of Fe clusters of different nuclearity bound to L ferritin, turning out to be an excellent method to capture such labile metal–protein interactions starting from a protein solution.
Cooperative dinitrogen capture by a diboraanthracene/samarocene pair
Authors: Xu Song , Essex Laura A. , Nguyen Joseph Q. , Farias Phillip , Ziller Joseph W. , Harman W. Hill , Evans William J.
Published: October 2021

The combination of a boron Lewis acid and a decamethylsamarocene, specifically 9,10-Me2-9,10-diboraanthracene with (C5Me5)2SmII(THF)2, in toluene leads to cooperative reductive capture of N2.
Investigating the origin and tissue concentration of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in seafood and health risk in Niger Delta, Nigeria
Authors: Udofia Udeme Sunday , Ameh Charles , Miller Eula , Ekpenyong Mandu Stephen
Published: October 2021

The origin, tissue concentration, and health risk of PAH contaminants in three economically important species of seafood, including catfish, prawns, and periwinkles from the crude oil-impacted Niger Delta region, were investigated.
Complementary green analytical procedure index (ComplexGAPI) and software
Authors: Płotka-Wasylka Justyna , Wojnowski Wojciech
Published: October 2021

It is not easy to find appropriate tools for the evaluation of the “green” nature of analytical methodologies which involve the use of compounds, materials, or chemicals manufactured prior to the analytical step.
Single-atom Ru catalyst for selective synthesis of 3-pentanone via ethylene hydroformylation
Authors: Qin Tingting , Dang Yaru , Lin Tiejun , Mei Bingbao , Wu Bo , Li Xiao , Li Shenggang , Jiang Zheng , Tang Zhiyong , Zhong Liangshu , Sun Yuhan
Published: October 2021

A Ru single-atom (Ru SA) catalyst supported on activated carbon was adopted to synthesize 3-pentanone with 83.3% selectivity via heterogeneous ethylene hydroformylation, while 52.1% ethane selectivity was obtained for Ru nanoparticles (Ru NPs).
Oxidative carbon–carbon bond cleavage of 1,2-diols to carboxylic acids/ketones by an inorganic-ligand supported iron catalyst
Authors: Chen Weiming , Xie Xin , Zhang Jian , Qu Jian , Luo Can , Lai Yaozhu , Jiang Feng , Yu Han , Wei Yongge
Published: October 2021

Catalyst (NH4)3[FeMo6O18(OH)6]·7H2O were used for carbon–carbon bond cleavage of 1,2-diols to carboxylic acids or ketones with high efficiency under mild conditions.
Programmed assembly of bespoke prototissues on a microfluidic platform
Authors: Ramsay Kaitlyn , Levy Jae , Gobbo Pierangelo , Elvira Katherine S.
Published: October 2021

A microfluidic platform to build bespoke prototissues with collective behaviours that depend on the chemical composition of the biomaterial.
Nitrogen-rich covalent organic frameworks: a promising class of sensory materials
Authors: Bhambri Himanshi , Khullar Sadhika , Sakshi  , Mandal Sanjay K.
Published: October 2021

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) have emerged as highly crystalline porous organic materials. Their potential has been demonstrated for use in various applications, particularly sensing with the nitrogen-rich analogs.
CdS nanoparticle decorated triazine-based COFs with enhanced photocatalytic activity for highly effective degradation of emerging contaminants
Authors: Cong Yanqing , Chen Xiang , Wang Wanxing , Lv Shi-Wen
Published: October 2021

COF-based photocatalysts containing C3N4 units decorated with CdS were constructed and employed as the mediator of peroxydisulfate activation for removing pollutants.
Atomic force microscopy reveals the mechanical properties of breast cancer bone metastases
Authors: Chen Xinyue , Hughes Russell , Mullin Nic , Hawkins Rhoda J. , Holen Ingunn , Brown Nicola J. , Hobbs Jamie K.
Published: October 2021

The metastatic tumour growing in bone is mechanically distinct from both its surrounding environment and in vitro models.
In situ surface reduction for accessing atomically dispersed platinum on carbon sheets for acidic hydrogen evolution
Authors: Quan Weiwei , Ruan Xinglin , Lin Yingbin , Luo Jiewei , Huang Yiyin
Published: October 2021

Atomically dispersed Pt catalysts were prepared by in situ surface reduction, resulting in efficient acidic HER with a current density of 84.3 mA cm−2 at the overpotential of only 50 mV, and better catalytic durability compared to commercial Pt/C.
A computational study of the reaction mechanism of 2,2-azobis(isobutyronitrile)-initiated oxidative cleavage of geminal alkenes
Authors: Eşsiz Selçuk , Bozkaya Uğur
Published: October 2021

A computational study of 2,2-azobis(isobutyronitrile) (AIBN)-initiated aerobic oxidative cleavage of alkenes is carried out employing density functional theory (DFT) and high-level coupled-cluster methods.
Electrochemical metal- and oxidant-free synthesis of S-thiocarbamates
Authors: Malviya Bhanwar Kumar , Verma Ved Prakash , Sharma Siddharth
Published: October 2021

A convenient electrochemical synthetic method for S-thiocarbamates has been developed under batch and continuous flow conditions.