bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of serum bilirubin levels with risk of cancer development and total death
Authors: Inoguchi Toyoshi , Nohara Yasunobu , Nojiri Chinatsu , Nakashima Naoki
Published: June 2021

Serum levels of bilirubin, a strong antioxidant, may influence cancer risk. We aimed to assess the association between serum bilirubin levels and cancer risk. Data were retrieved from 10-year electronic medical records at Kyushu University Hospital (Japan) for patients aged 20 to 69 years old. The associations of baseline bilirubin levels with cancer risk (lung, colon, breast, prostate, and cervical) were evaluated using a gradient boosting decision tree (GBDT) model, a machine learning algorithm, and Cox proportional hazard regression model, adjusted for age, smoking, body mass index, and diabetes. The number of study subjects was 29,080. Median follow-up time was 4.7 years. GBDT models illustrated that baseline bilirubin levels were negatively and non-linearly associated with the risk of lung (men), colon, and cervical cancer. In contrast, a U-shaped association was observed for breast and prostate cancer. Cox hazard regression analyses confirmed that baseline bilirubin levels (< 1.2 mg/dL) were negatively associated with lung cancer risk in men (HR = 0.474, 95% CI 0.271–0.828, P = 0.009) and cervical cancer risk (HR = 0.365, 95% CI 0.136–0.977, P = 0.045). Additionally, low bilirubin levels (< 0.6 mg/dL) were associated with total death (HR = 1.744, 95% CI 1.369–2.222, P < 0.001). Serum bilirubin may have a beneficial effect on the risk of some types of cancers.
Predicting lethal courses in critically ill COVID-19 patients using a machine learning model trained on patients with non-COVID-19 viral pneumonia
Authors: Lichtner Gregor , Balzer Felix , Haufe Stefan , Giesa Niklas , Schiefenhövel Fridtjof , Schmieding Malte , Jurth Carlo , Kopp Wolfgang , Akalin Altuna , Schaller Stefan J. , Weber-Carstens Steffen , Spies Claudia , von Dincklage Falk
Published: June 2021

In a pandemic with a novel disease, disease-specific prognosis models are available only with a delay. To bridge the critical early phase, models built for similar diseases might be applied. To test the accuracy of such a knowledge transfer, we investigated how precise lethal courses in critically ill COVID-19 patients can be predicted by a model trained on critically ill non-COVID-19 viral pneumonia patients. We trained gradient boosted decision tree models on 718 (245 deceased) non-COVID-19 viral pneumonia patients to predict individual ICU mortality and applied it to 1054 (369 deceased) COVID-19 patients. Our model showed a significantly better predictive performance (AUROC 0.86 [95% CI 0.86–0.87]) than the clinical scores APACHE2 (0.63 [95% CI 0.61–0.65]), SAPS2 (0.72 [95% CI 0.71–0.74]) and SOFA (0.76 [95% CI 0.75–0.77]), the COVID-19-specific mortality prediction models of Zhou (0.76 [95% CI 0.73–0.78]) and Wang (laboratory: 0.62 [95% CI 0.59–0.65]; clinical: 0.56 [95% CI 0.55–0.58]) and the 4C COVID-19 Mortality score (0.71 [95% CI 0.70–0.72]). We conclude that lethal courses in critically ill COVID-19 patients can be predicted by a machine learning model trained on non-COVID-19 patients. Our results suggest that in a pandemic with a novel disease, prognosis models built for similar diseases can be applied, even when the diseases differ in time courses and in rates of critical and lethal courses.
Pairwise interact-and-imitate dynamics
Authors: Bilancini Ennio , Boncinelli Leonardo , Campigotto Nicola
Published: June 2021

This paper introduces and studies a class of evolutionary dynamics—pairwise interact-and-imitate dynamics (PIID)—in which agents are matched in pairs, engage in a symmetric game, and imitate the opponent with a probability that depends on the difference in their payoffs. We provide a condition on the underlying game, named supremacy, and show that the population state in which all agents play the supreme strategy is globally asymptotically stable. We extend the framework to allow for payoff uncertainty, and check the robustness of our results to the introduction of some heterogeneity in the revision protocol followed by agents. Finally, we show that PIID can allow the survival of strictly dominated strategies, leads to the emergence of inefficient conventions in social dilemmas, and makes assortment ineffective in promoting cooperation.
High-throughput 16S rRNA gene sequencing of the microbial community associated with palm oil mill effluents of two oil processing systems
Authors: Aka Benedicte Ella Zranseu , Djeni Theodore N’dede , Amoikon Simon Laurent Tiemele , Kannengiesser Jan , Ouazzani Naaila , Dje Marcellin Koffi
Published: June 2021

Palm Oil Mill Effluents (POME) are complex fermentative substrates which habour diverse native microbial contaminants. However, knowledge on the microbiota community shift caused by the anthropogenic effects of POME in the environment is up to date still to be extensively documented. In this study, the bacterial and archaeal communities of POME from two palm oil processing systems (artisanal and industrial) were investigated by Illumina MiSeq Platform. Despite the common characteristics of these wastewaters, we found that their microbial communities were significantly different with regard to their diversity and relative abundance of their different Amplicon Sequence Variants (ASV). Indeed, POME from industrial plants harboured as dominant phylaFirmicutes(46.24%),Bacteroidetes(34.19%),Proteobacteria(15.11%), with the particular presence ofSpirochaetes,verrucomicrobiaandSynergistetes, while those from artisanal production were colonized byFirmicutes(92.06%),Proteobacteria(4.21%) andActinobacteria(2.09%). Furthermore, 43 AVSs of archaea were detected only in POME from industrial plants and assigned toCrenarchaeota,Diapherotrites,EuryarchaeotaandNanoarchaeaeotaphyla, populated mainly by many methane-forming archaea. Definitively, the microbial community composition of POME from both type of processing was markedly different, showing that the history of these ecosystems and various processing conditions have a great impact on each microbial community structure and diversity. By improving knowledge about this microbiome, the results also provide insight into the potential microbial contaminants of soils and rivers receiving these wastewaters.
Deterministic and stochastic modelling of impacts from genomic selection and phenomics on genetic gain for perennial ryegrass dry matter yield
Authors: Jahufer M. Z. Z. , Arojju Sai Krishna , Faville Marty J. , Ghamkhar Kioumars , Luo Dongwen , Arief Vivi , Yang Wen-Hsi , Sun Mingzhu , DeLacy Ian H. , Griffiths Andrew G. , Eady Colin , Clayton Will , Stewart Alan V. , George Richard M. , Hoyos-Villegas Valerio , Basford Kaye E. , Barrett Brent
Published: June 2021

Increasing the efficiency of current forage breeding programs through adoption of new technologies, such as genomic selection (GS) and phenomics (Ph), is challenging without proof of concept demonstrating cost effective genetic gain (∆G). This paper uses decision support software DeltaGen (tactical tool) and QU-GENE (strategic tool), to model and assess relative efficiency of five breeding methods. The effect on ∆G and cost ($) of integrating GS andPhinto an among half-sib (HS) family phenotypic selection breeding strategy was investigated. Deterministic and stochastic modelling were conducted using mock data sets of 200 and 1000 perennial ryegrass HS families using year-by-season-by-location dry matter (DM) yield data and in silico generated data, respectively. Results demonstrated short (deterministic)- and long-term (stochastic) impacts of breeding strategy and integration of key technologies, GS andPh, on ∆G. These technologies offer substantial improvements in the rate of ∆G, and in some cases improved cost-efficiency. Applying 1% within HS family GS, predicted a 6.35 and 8.10% ∆G per cycle for DM yield from the 200 HS and 1000 HS, respectively. The application of GS in both among and within HS selection provided a significant boost to total annual ∆G, even at low GS accuracy rAof 0.12. Despite some reduction in ∆G, usingPhto assess seasonal DM yield clearly demonstrated its impact by reducing cost per percentage ∆G relative to standard DM cuts. Open-source software tools, DeltaGen and QuLinePlus/QU-GENE, offer ways to model the impact of breeding methodology and technology integration under a range of breeding scenarios.
Constructing graphs from genetic encodings
Authors: Barabási Dániel L. , Czégel Dániel
Published: June 2021

Our understanding of real-world connected systems has benefited from studying their evolution, from random wirings and rewirings to growth-dependent topologies. Long overlooked in this search has been the role of the innate: networks that connect based on identity-dependent compatibility rules. Inspired by the genetic principles that guide brain connectivity, we derive a network encoding process that can utilize wiring rules to reproducibly generate specific topologies. To illustrate the representational power of this approach, we propose stochastic and deterministic processes for generating a wide range of network topologies. Specifically, we detail network heuristics that generate structured graphs, such as feed-forward and hierarchical networks. In addition, we characterize a Random Genetic (RG) family of networks, which, like Erdős–Rényi graphs, display critical phase transitions, however their modular underpinnings lead to markedly different behaviors under targeted attacks. The proposed framework provides a relevant null-model for social and biological systems, where diverse metrics of identity underpin a node’s preferred connectivity.
Superiority of coarse eggshell as a calcium source over limestone, cockle shell, oyster shell, and fine eggshell in old laying hens
Authors: Lee Woo-Do , Kothari Damini , Niu Kai-Min , Lim Jeong-Min , Park Da-Hye , Ko Jaeeun , Eom Kidong , Kim Soo-Ki
Published: June 2021

Chicken eggshell (ES) waste is a rich source of calcium carbonate (CaCO3); however, the potential of ES as dietary calcium (Ca) in old laying hens has not been explored. This study compared the effects of feeding limestone, cockle shell, oyster shell, fine ES, and coarse ES as the sole Ca source on production performance, egg quality, blood biochemical constituents, and tibia characteristics in old laying hens. A total of 450 ISA-Brown laying hens at 73 wk of age with similar egg production rate (EPR) were randomly assigned to 5 treatment groups (90 hens/group, 9 hens/replicate) for 7 wk. Dietary treatment groups comprised a corn-soybean meal based diet containing different Ca sources: (i) limestone (LS; < 2 mm and 2–4 mm mixed in the ratio of 3:7) as control, (ii) cockle shell (CS; 1–4 mm), (iii) oyster shell (OS; 3–16 mm), (iv) ES fine particles (ESF; < 1 mm), and (v) ES coarse particles (ESC; 3–5 mm). Results indicated that dietary inclusion of coarse ES particles significantly increased average egg weight (P < 0.001) and daily egg mass (P < 0.05), and decreased feed conversion ratio (P < 0.001) as compared with the other treatments. However, no significant differences in EPR, feed intake, cracked egg proportion, and mortality were observed among the dietary treatments (P > 0.05). Notably, the use of ESF led to a lower proportion of cracked eggs than ESC (P < 0.05). ESC fed hens produced the heaviest eggs whereas CS fed hens produced the lightest (P < 0.001); the particle size of ES also affected the egg weight (P < 0.05). The eggs from OS and ESC fed hens showed a greater albumen height in comparison to eggs from CS group (P < 0.05); but no significant difference was observed among the LS, OS, ESF, and ESC groups (P > 0.05). The yolk color was darker in the eggs of group ESF as compared with other dietary groups (P < 0.01). However, no significant effects on Haugh units and shell properties were observed among the treatments (P > 0.05). The blood biochemistry results were not affected by the dietary Ca (P > 0.05) except for lower levels of high-density lipoprotein percentage (HDL %) in OS and ESC fed hens (P < 0.05). The tibia characteristics including weight, length, width, and breaking strength did not differ among the dietary groups (P > 0.05). However, the ESC and OS fed hens showed higher tibia bone mineral density (BMD) than the other groups (P < 0.001). In conclusion, coarse ES as a sole Ca source had beneficial effects on the production performance, egg quality, and tibia BMD in old laying hens.
Transport properties through graphene with sequence of alternative magnetic barriers and wells in the presence of time-periodic scalar potential
Authors: Pakdel Fatemeh , Maleki Mohammad Ali
Published: June 2021

We investigate the electronic transport properties of a graphene sheet under the magnetic barriers and wells through the oscillating scalar potential combined with the static scalar potential barrier having two types of uniform and alternative profiles. We compute the total sideband transmission of the system by additional sidebands at energy, in presence of oscillating potential, $$V_1$$

V
1

, using the transfer-matrix formalism and the Floquet sidebands series. The oscillating potential, generally, suppresses the Klein tunneling and the confinement of the charge carriers. In the absence of $$V_1$$

V
1

, both profiles show the wave vector filtering effect for the carriers by controlling the energy E relative to the potential barrier height, $$V_0$$

V
0

. The $$(N-1)$$

(
N
-
1
)

-fold resonance splittings are observed through a region around $$E=V_0$$

E
=

V
0

with reduction of the transmission. The transmission vanishes in this region upon increasing the number of magnetic blocks N, strength of the magnetic field B in both configurations. We present an estimate relation for the width of the reduction region expressed in terms of E, $$V_0$$

V
0

, B and the angle of incidence of the quasiparticles. We observe, in the second profile, $$(N-1)$$

(
N
-
1
)

-fold resonances in the transmission for special values of $$E=V_0$$

E
=

V
0

with a separation depending on the width of the magnetic blocks. The magnetic field and the width of the magnetic blocks have critical values, where the transmission reduces to zero. All the features observed in the transmission reflect to the conductance. In both configurations, there are some peaks in the conductance corresponding to the resonances of the transmission. The oscillations of the conductance are obtained which was observed in the experimental results. We, also, find the possibility for switching the transport properties of the system by changing the characteristic parameters of the magnetic system.
Salivary melatonin in oral squamous cell carcinoma patients
Authors: Salarić Ivan , Karmelić Ivana , Lovrić Jasna , Baždarić Ksenija , Rožman Marko , Čvrljević Igor , Zajc Ivan , Brajdić Davor , Macan Darko
Published: June 2021

Melatonin’s role in circadian rhythm is well documented, as are its’ anti-oxidant, oncostatic and anti-inflammatory properties. Poor sleep quality has been associated as a potential risk factor for several malignancies, including head and neck cancers. The purpose of this study is to determine salivary melatonin (MLT) levels in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) patients, compare the salivary MLT levels with those in healthy individuals and compare the salivary and serum levels in OSCC patients. Furthermore, the aim is to investigate the potential relationship between sleep quality and salivary MLT levels in OSCC patients. Unstimulated (UWS) and stimulated (SWS) whole saliva was sampled from patients with T1N0M0 and T2N0M0 OSCC (N = 34) and 33 sex and age matched healthy subjects. Serum samples were taken from 11 OSCC patients. Sleep quality was measured using Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) questionnaire. Melatonin levels in UWS and SWS were significantly higher in the OSCC group. Sleep quality was significantly lower in patients with OSCC (P = 0.0001). ROC analysis was found to be significant (P < 0.001) in evaluating MLT concentration limit in diagnosing OSCC. The expected relationship between sleep quality and salivary MLT levels in OSCC patients was not observed. Our results suggest salivary MLT as a potential biomarker that might facilitate non-invasive detection of early stage OSCC.
The c-Abl inhibitor, radotinib induces apoptosis in multiple myeloma cells via mitochondrial-dependent pathway
Authors: Heo Sook-Kyoung , Noh Eui-Kyu , Kim Jeong Yi , Yu Ho-Min , Sung Jun Young , Ju Lan Jeong , Kim Do Kyoung , Seo Hye Jin , Lee Yoo Jin , Cheon Jaekyung , Koh SuJin , Min Young Joo , Choi Yunsuk , Jo Jae-Cheol
Published: June 2021

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a hematological cancer resulting from accumulated abnormal plasma cells. Unfortunately, MM remains an incurable disease, as relapse is very common. Therefore, there is urgent need to develop new treatment options for MM. Radotinib is a novel anti-cancer drug, currently approved in South Korea for the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia patients. Its mechanism of action involves inhibition of the tyrosine kinase Bcr-Abl and the platelet-derived growth factor receptor. Generally, the mechanism of inhibition of non-receptor tyrosine kinase c-Abl has played an essential role in the inhibition of cancer progression. However, little is known regarding the effects of the c-Abl inhibitor, radotinib on MM cells. In this study, we analyzed the effect of radotinib on multiple myeloma cells. Interestingly, radotinib caused apoptosis in MM cells including RPMI-8226, MM.1S, and IM-9 cells, even in the absence of c-kit expression in 2 of these lines. Radotinib treatment significantly increased the number Annexin V-positive cells and decreased the mitochondrial membrane potential in MM cells. Additionally, we observed that cytochrome C was localized in the cytosol of radotinib-treated MM cells. Moreover, radotinib decreased the expression of Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL, and increased the expression of Bax and Bak in MM cells. Furthermore, radotinib promoted caspase pathway activation by inducing the expression and activity of caspase-3, -7, and -9. Expression of cleaved PARP-1 was also increased by radotinib treatment in various MM cells. In addition, radotinib significantly suppressed MM cell growth in a xenograft animal model using RPMI-8226 cells, and killed ex vivo myeloma cells from patients. In conclusion, radotinib may play an important role as a candidate agent or chemosensitizer for the treatment of MM.
Quantification of triglyceride levels in fresh human blood by terahertz time-domain spectroscopy
Authors: Wang Dan , Zhang Yu , Han Juan , Li Xiao , Chen Xiaofeng , Qiu Tianzhu , Chen Hua
Published: June 2021

We conducted a pilot clinical study to investigate ex vivo fresh human blood from 93 patients with coronary heart disease (CHD). The results indicated that terahertz (THz) time-domain spectroscopy (TDS) can be used to quantify triglyceride (TG) levels in human blood. Based on the TG concentrations and corresponding THz absorption coefficients, the Pearson correlation analysis demonstrated that the THz absorption coefficients have a significant negative linear correlation with TG concentration. Comparisons between the THz measurements at 0.2 THz and an automatic biochemical analyzer were performed using an additional 20 blood samples, and the results confirmed that the relative error was less than 15%. Our ex vivo human blood study indicates that the THz technique can be used to assess blood TG levels in clinical diagnostic practice.
Why heel spurs are traction spurs after all
Authors: Zwirner Johann , Singh Aqeeda , Templer Francesca , Ondruschka Benjamin , Hammer Niels
Published: June 2021

It is unclear whether plantar and posterior heel spurs are truly pathological findings and whether they are stimulated by traction or compression forces. Previous histological investigations focused on either one of the two spur locations, thereby potentially overlooking common features that refer to a uniform developmental mechanism. In this study, 19 feet from 16 cadavers were X-ray scanned to preselect calcanei with either plantar or posterior spurs. Subsequently, seven plantar and posterior spurs were histologically assessed. Five spur-free Achilles tendon and three plantar fascia entheses served as controls. Plantar spurs were located either intra- or supra-fascial whereas all Achilles spurs were intra-fascial. Both spur types consistently presented a trabecular architecture without a particular pattern, fibrocartilage at the tendinous entheses and the orientation of the spur tips was in line with the course of the attached soft tissues. Spurs of both entities revealed tapered areas close to their bases with bulky tips. Achilles and plantar heel spurs seem to be non-pathological calcaneal exostoses, which are likely results of traction forces. Both spur types revealed commonalities such as their trabecular architecture or the tip direction in relation to the attached soft tissues. Morphologically, heel spurs seem poorly adapted to compressive loads.
Healthcare-related impact of gout in hospitalized patients in Spain
Authors: Benavent Diego , Peiteado Diana , Martinez-Huedo María Ángeles , Hernandez-Hurtado María , Balsa Alejandro , de Miguel Eugenio
Published: June 2021

To analyze the epidemiology, clinical features and costs of hospitalized patients with gout during the last decade in Spain. Retrospective observational study based on data from the Minimum Basic Data Set (MBDS) from the Spanish National Health Service database. Patients ≥ 18 years with any gout diagnosis at discharge who had been admitted to public or private hospitals between 2005 and 2015 were included. Patients were divided in two periods: p1 (2005–2010) and p2 (2011–2015) to compare the number of hospitalizations, mean costs and mortality rates. Data from 192,037 patients with gout was analyzed. There was an increase in the number of hospitalized patients with gout (p < 0.001). The more frequent comorbidities were diabetes (27.6% of patients), kidney disease (26.6%) and heart failure (19.3%). Liver disease (OR 2.61), dementia (OR 2.13), cerebrovascular diseases (OR 1.57), heart failure (OR 1.41), and kidney disease (OR 1.34) were associated with a higher mortality risk. Women had a lower risk of mortality than men (OR 0.85). General mortality rates in these hospitalized patients progressively increased over the years (p < 0.001). In addition, costs gradually rose, presenting a significant increase in p2 even after adjusting for inflation (p = 0.001). A progressive increase in hospitalizations, mortality rates and cost in hospitalized patients with gout was observed. This harmful trend in a preventable illness highlights the need for change and the search for new healthcare strategies.
The neurodynamic treatment induces biological changes in sensory and motor neurons in vitro
Authors: Carta Giacomo , Gambarotta Giovanna , Fornasari Benedetta Elena , Muratori Luisa , El Soury Marwa , Geuna Stefano , Raimondo Stefania , Fregnan Federica
Published: June 2021

Nerves are subjected to tensile forces in various paradigms such as injury and regeneration, joint movement, and rehabilitation treatments, as in the case of neurodynamic treatment (NDT). The NDT induces selective uniaxial repeated tension on the nerve and was described to be an effective treatment to reduce pain in patients. Nevertheless, the biological mechanisms activated by the NDT promoting the healing processes of the nerve are yet still unknown. Moreover, a dose–response analysis to define a standard protocol of treatment is unavailable. In this study, we aimed to define in vitro whether NDT protocols could induce selective biological effects on sensory and motor neurons, also investigating the possible involved molecular mechanisms taking a role behind this change. The obtained results demonstrate that NDT induced significant dose-dependent changes promoting cell differentiation, neurite outgrowth, and neuron survival, especially in nociceptive neurons. Notably, NDT significantly upregulated PIEZO1 gene expression. A gene that is coding for an ion channel that is expressed both in murine and human sensory neurons and is related to mechanical stimuli transduction and pain suppression. Other genes involved in mechanical allodynia related to neuroinflammation were not modified by NDT. The results of the present study contribute to increase the knowledge behind the biological mechanisms activated in response to NDT and to understand its efficacy in improving nerve regenerational physiological processes and pain reduction.
Influence of osteoporosis on the compressive properties of femoral cancellous bone and its dependence on various density parameters
Authors: Metzner F. , Neupetsch C. , Fischer J.-P. , Drossel W.-G. , Heyde C.-E. , Schleifenbaum S.
Published: June 2021

Data collection of mechanical parameters from compressive tests play a fundamental role in FE modelling of bone tissues or the developing and designing of bone implants, especially referring to osteoporosis or other forms of bone loss. A total of 43 cylindrical samples (Ø8 × 16 mm) were taken from 43 freshly frozen proximal femora using a tenon cutter. All femora underwent BMD measurement and additionally apparent- and relative- and bulk density (ρapp, ρr, ρb) were determined using samples bordering the compressive specimen on the proximal and distal regions. All samples were classified as "normal", "osteopenia" and "osteoporosis" based on the DEXA measurements. Distal apparent density was most suitable for predicting bone strength and BMD. One novel aspect is the examination of the plateau stress as it describes the stress at which the failure of spongious bone progresses. No significant differences in mechanical properties (compressive modulus E; compressive stress σmax and plateau stress σp) were found between osteopenic and osteoporotic bone. The results suggest that already in the case of a known osteopenia, actions should be taken as they are applied in the case of osteoporosis A review of the literature regarding extraction and testing methods illustrates the urgent need for standardized biomechanical compressive material testing.
Novel light-driven functional AgNPs induce cancer death at extra low concentrations
Authors: Bunyatova Ulviye , Hammouda Manel Ben , Zhang Jennifer
Published: June 2021

The current study is aimed at preparing light-driven novel functional AgNPs- bio-hydrogel and evaluating anticancer potency against human melanoma cells. With an average size of 16–18 nm, the hydrogel nano-silver particle composite (AgNPs@C_MA_O) was synthesized using a soft white LED approach and analyzed by UV–Vis, DLS, FTIR, X-ray, SEM–EDX and TEM techniques. The anticancer activity of the obtained novel functionalized AgNPs@C_MA_O was tested in-vitro in the A375 melanoma cell line. Dose–response analysis showed that AgNPs at 0.01 mg/mL and 0.005 mg/mL doses reduced the viability of A375 cells by 50% at 24 and 48-h time-points, respectively. A375 cells treated with AgNPs@C_MA_O for 24 h at IC50 displayed abnormal morphology such as detachment edges and feet, shrinkage, membrane damage, and the loss of contact with adjacent cells. Our work is the first study showing that non-ionizing radiation mediated biofunctionalized AgNPs have an anti-tumoral effect at such a low concentration of 0.01 mg/mL. Our approach of using harmless wLED increased synergy between soft biopolymer compounds and AgNPs, and enhanced anticancer efficiency of the AgNPs@C_MA_O biohydrogel. Ultimately, the AgNPs accessed through the use of the wLED approach in colloidal syntheses can open new applications and combinatorial advanced cancer treatments and diagnostics.
Recovery of high specific activity molybdenum-99 from accelerator-induced fission on low-enriched uranium for technetium-99m generators
Authors: Brown M. Alex , Johnson Nathan , Gelis Artem V. , Stika Milan , Servis Anna G. , Bakken Alex , Krizmanich Christine , Shannon Kristin , Kozak Peter , Barnhart Amanda , Denbrock Chad , Luciani Nicolas , Grimm Terry , Tkac Peter
Published: June 2021

A new process was developed to recover high specific activity (no carrier added) 99Mo from electron-accelerator irradiated U3O8 or uranyl sulfate targets. The process leverages a novel solvent extraction scheme to recover Mo using di(2-ethylhexyl) phosphoric acid following uranium and transuranics removal with tri-n-butyl phosphate. An anion-exchange concentration column step provides a final purification, generating pure 99Mo intended for making 99Mo/99mTc generators. The process was demonstrated with irradiated uranium targets resulting in more than 95% 99Mo recovery and without presence of fission products or actinides in the product.
Characterization of key enzymes involved in triacylglycerol biosynthesis in mycobacteria
Authors: Crotta Asis Agostina , Savoretti Franco , Cabruja Matías , Gramajo Hugo , Gago Gabriela
Published: June 2021

Phosphatidic acid phosphatase (PAP) catalyzes the dephosphorylation of phosphatidic acid (PA) yielding diacylglycerol (DAG), the lipid precursor for triacylglycerol (TAG) biosynthesis. PAP activity has a key role in the regulation of PA flux towards TAG or glycerophospholipid synthesis. In this work we have characterized two Mycobacterium smegmatis genes encoding for functional PAP proteins. Disruption of both genes provoked a sharp reduction in de novo TAG biosynthesis in early growth phase cultures under stress conditions. In vivo labeling experiments demonstrated that TAG biosynthesis was restored in the ∆PAP mutant when bacteria reached exponential growth phase, with a concomitant reduction of phospholipid synthesis. In addition, comparative lipidomic analysis showed that the ∆PAP strain had increased levels of odd chain fatty acids esterified into TAGs, suggesting that the absence of PAP activity triggered other rearrangements of lipid metabolism, like phospholipid recycling, in order to maintain the wild type levels of TAG. Finally, the lipid changes observed in the ∆PAP mutant led to defective biofilm formation. Understanding the interaction between TAG synthesis and the lipid composition of mycobacterial cell envelope is a key step to better understand how lipid homeostasis is regulated during Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection.
A novel method to realize a non-uniform heat flux distribution through the variable-speed scanning of an electron beam
Authors: Zheng Chuanmao , Yao Hongxin , Wang Xiyao , Ye Hong
Published: June 2021

Quartz lamp heaters and hypersonic wind tunnel are currently applied in thermal assessment of heat resistant materials and surface of aircraft. However, it is difficult to achieve precise heat flux distribution by quartz lamp heaters, while enormous energy is required by a large scale hypersonic wind tunnel. Electron beam can be focused into a beam spot of millimeter scale by an electromagnetic lens and electron-magnetically deflected to achieve a rapid scanning over a workpiece. Moreover, it is of high energy utilization efficiency when applying an electron beam to heat a metal workpiece. Therefore, we propose to apply an electron beam with a variable speed to establish a novel method to realize various non-uniform heat flux boundary conditions. Besides, an electron beam thermal assessment equipment is devised. To analyze the feasibility of this method, an approach to calculate the heat flux distribution formed by an electron beam with variable-speed scanning is constructed with beam power, diameter of the beam spot and dwell duration of the electron beam at various locations as the key parameters. To realize a desired non-uniform heat flux distribution of the maximum gradient of 1.1 MW/m3, a variable-speed scanning strategy is constructed on basis of the conservation of energy. Compared with the desired heat flux, the maximum deviation of the scanned heat flux is 4.5% and the deviation in the main thermal assessment area is less than 3%. To verify the method, taking the time-average scanned heat flux as the boundary condition, a heat transfer model is constructed and temperature results are calculated. The experiment of variable-speed scanning of an electron beam according to the scanning strategy has been carried out. The measured temperatures are in good agreement with the predicted results at various locations. Temperature fluctuation during the scanning process is analyzed, and it is found to be proportional to the scanned heat flux divided by volumetric heat capacity, which is applicable for different materials up to 3.35 MW/m2. This study provides a novel and effective method for precise realization of various non-uniform heat flux boundary conditions.
Morphological change of coiled bacterium Spirosoma linguale with acquisition of β-lactam resistance
Authors: Maeda Tomoya , Kotani Hazuki , Furusawa Chikara
Published: June 2021

Spirosoma linguale is a gram-negative, coiled bacterium belonging to the family Cytophagaceae. Its coiled morphology is unique in contrast to closely related bacteria belonging to the genus Spirosoma, which have a short, rod-shaped morphology. The mechanisms that generate unique cell morphology are still enigmatic. In this study, using the Spirosoma linguale ATCC33905 strain, we isolated β-lactam (cefoperazone and amoxicillin)-resistant clones. These clones showed two different cell morphological changes: relatively loosely curved cells or small, horseshoe-shaped cells. Whole-genome resequencing analysis revealed the genetic determinants of β-lactam resistance and changes in cell morphology. The loose-curved clones commonly had mutations in Slin_5958 genes encoding glutamyl-tRNA amidotransferase B subunit, whereas the small, horseshoe-shaped clones commonly had mutations in either Slin_5165 or Slin_5509 encoding pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) components. Two clones, CFP1ESL11 and CFL5ESL4, which carried only one mutation in Slin_5958, showed almost perfectly straight, rod-shaped cells in the presence of amoxicillin. This result suggests that penicillin-binding proteins targeted by amoxicillin play an important role in the formation of a coiled morphology in this bacterium. In contrast, supplementation with acetate did not rescue the growth defect and abnormal cell size of the CFP5ESL9 strain, which carried only one mutation in Slin_5509. These results suggest that PDH is involved in cell-size maintenance in this bacterium.
Oncological evaluation in the perioperative period using cfDNA with BRAF V600E mutation in patients with colorectal cancer
Authors: Tanaka Keita , Yoshida Yoichiro , Yamada Teppei , Hayashi Takaomi , Shimaoka Hideki , Yoshimura Fumihiro , Kajitani Ryuji , Munechika Taro , Matsumoto Yoshiko , Nagano Hideki , Komono Akira , Sakamoto Ryohei , Nakashima Ryo , Aisu Naoya , Yoshimatsu Gumpei , Hasegawa Suguru
Published: June 2021

The detection of circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) by liquid biopsy is reported to provide prognostic information in colorectal cancer (CRC). Although the frequency of BRAF V600E mutation in CRC is less than 10%, it is associated with poor responses to conventional chemotherapy. We conducted a prospective study to investigate the relationship between the perioperative mutant allele frequency (MAF) of BRAF V600E and tumor recurrence, and to evaluate the possibility of early detection of recurrence. Among 362 patients who underwent radical resection, cfDNA was extracted from the perioperative blood of 11 CRC patients with BRAF V600E mutation and analyzed using the digital polymerase chain reaction (dPCR) system. The median follow-up time was 22 months, and there were four cases of recurrence. Although there was no correlation between recurrence and the perioperative MAF of BRAF V600E, tumor diameter was correlated with the MAF (p = 0.024), and the MAF increased with time in two patients from whom additional samples were obtained prior to recurrence. In this study, we identified a correlation between the pathological tumor diameter and the MAF, but it was difficult to predict recurrence by measuring cfDNA with BRAF V600E mutation in the perioperative period of radical resection of CRC.
Impact of model resolution on the representation of the wind field along Nares Strait
Authors: Moore G. W. K.
Published: June 2021

Nares Strait is a major pathway along which multi-year sea ice leaves the Arctic, an ice class that has seen a recent dramatic reduction in extent. The winds that blow along the strait play an important role in modulating this ice export as well as in establishing the Arctic’s largest and most productive polynya, the North Water, that forms at its southern terminus. However, its remote location has limited our knowledge of the winds along the strait. Here we use automatic weather station data from Hans Island, in the middle of the strait, to assess the ability of a set of atmospheric renalyses and analyses with a common lineage but with varying horizontal resolution to represent the variability in the wind field. We find that the flow is highly bidirectional, consistent with topographic channeling, with the highest wind speeds from the north and that a model resolution of ~ 9 km is required to capture the observed variability. The wind field at Hans Island is also found to be representative of variability in the flow along much of Nares Strait.
Relaxation processes in silicon heterojunction solar cells probed via noise spectroscopy
Authors: Davenport Kevin , Trinh C. T. , Hayward Mark , Lips Klaus , Rogachev Andrey
Published: June 2021

We have employed state-of-the-art cross-correlation noise spectroscopy (CCNS) to study carrier dynamics in silicon heterojunction solar cells (SHJ SCs). These cells were composed of a light absorbing n-doped monocrystalline silicon wafer contacted by passivating layers of i-a-Si:H and doped a-Si:H selective contact layers. Using CCNS, we are able to resolve and characterize four separate noise contributions: (1) shot noise with Fano factor close to unity due to holes tunneling through the np-junction, (2) a 1/f term connected to local potential fluctuations of charges trapped in a-Si:H defects, (3) generation-recombination noise with a time constant between 30 and 50 μs and attributed to recombination of holes at the interface between the ITO and n-a-Si:H window layer, and (4) a low-frequency generation-recombination term observed below 100 K which we assign to thermal emission over the ITO/ni-a-Si:H interface barrier. These results not only indicate that CCNS is capable of reveling otherwise undetectable relaxation process in SHJ SCs and other multi-layer devices, but also that the technique has a spatial selectivity allowing for the identification of the layer or interface where these processes are taking place.
Resolving cell state in iPSC-derived human neural samples with multiplexed fluorescence imaging
Authors: Tomov Martin L. , O’Neil Alison , Abbasi Hamdah S. , Cimini Beth A. , Carpenter Anne E. , Rubin Lee L. , Bathe Mark
Published: June 2021

Human induced pluripotent stem cell-derived (iPSC) neural cultures offer clinically relevant models of human diseases, including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Alzheimer’s, and Autism Spectrum Disorder. In situ characterization of the spatial-temporal evolution of cell state in 3D culture and subsequent 2D dissociated culture models based on protein expression levels and localizations is essential to understanding neural cell differentiation, disease state phenotypes, and sample-to-sample variability. Here, we apply PRobe-based Imaging for Sequential Multiplexing (PRISM) to facilitate multiplexed imaging with facile, rapid exchange of imaging probes to analyze iPSC-derived cortical and motor neuron cultures that are relevant to psychiatric and neurodegenerative disease models, using over ten protein targets. Our approach permits analysis of cell differentiation, cell composition, and functional marker expression in complex stem-cell derived neural cultures. Furthermore, our approach is amenable to automation, offering in principle the ability to scale-up to dozens of protein targets and samples.
An integrated framework for quantifying immune-tumour interactions in a 3D co-culture model
Authors: Al-Hity Gheed , Yang FengWei , Campillo-Funollet Eduard , Greenstein Andrew E. , Hunt Hazel , Mampay Myrthe , Intabli Haya , Falcinelli Marta , Madzvamuse Anotida , Venkataraman Chandrasekhar , Flint Melanie S.
Published: June 2021

Investigational in vitro models that reflect the complexity of the interaction between the immune system and tumours are limited and difficult to establish. Herein, we present a platform to study the tumour-immune interaction using a co-culture between cancer spheroids and activated immune cells. An algorithm was developed for analysis of confocal images of the co-culture to evaluate the following quantitatively; immune cell infiltration, spheroid roundness and spheroid growth. As a proof of concept, the effect of the glucocorticoid stress hormone, cortisol was tested on 66CL4 co-culture model. Results were comparable to 66CL4 syngeneic in vivo mouse model undergoing psychological stress. Furthermore, administration of glucocorticoid receptor antagonists demonstrated the use of this model to determine the effect of treatments on the immune-tumour interplay. In conclusion, we provide a method of quantifying the interaction between the immune system and cancer, which can become a screening tool in immunotherapy design.
Nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (NRF2) deficiency accelerates fast fibre type transition in soleus muscle during space flight
Authors: Hayashi Takuto , Kudo Takashi , Fujita Ryo , Fujita Shin-ichiro , Tsubouchi Hirona , Fuseya Sayaka , Suzuki Riku , Hamada Michito , Okada Risa , Muratani Masafumi , Shiba Dai , Suzuki Takafumi , Warabi Eiji , Yamamoto Masayuki , Takahashi Satoru
Published: June 2021

Microgravity induces skeletal muscle atrophy, particularly in the soleus muscle, which is predominantly composed of slow-twitch myofibre (type I) and is sensitive to disuse. Muscle atrophy is commonly known to be associated with increased production of reactive oxygen species. However, the role of NRF2, a master regulator of antioxidative response, in skeletal muscle plasticity during microgravity-induced atrophy, is not known. To investigate the role of NRF2 in skeletal muscle within a microgravity environment, wild-type andNrf2-knockout (KO) mice were housed in the International Space Station for 31 days. Gene expression and histological analyses demonstrated that, under microgravity conditions, the transition of type I (oxidative) muscle fibres to type IIa (glycolytic) was accelerated inNrf2-KO mice without affecting skeletal muscle mass. Therefore, our results suggest that NRF2 affects myofibre type transition during space flight.
Stable organic self-assembled microwire lasers for chemical vapor sensing
Authors: Chen Zheming , Dai Chenghu , Xiong Wei , Che Yanke , Zhang Chuang
Published: June 2021

Organic microlasers hold great potentials in fabricating on-chip sensors for integrated photonic circuits due to their chemical versatility and reactivity. However, chemical vapor detection is still challenging for organic microlaser sensors, as it requires not only optical gain and self-assembly capability, but also rapid response to stimuli and long-term stability under high excitation power. In this work, a new laser dye 4,7-bis(9-octyl-7-(4-(octyloxy)phenyl)-9H-carbazol-2-yl)benzo[c][1,2,5]thiadiazole (BPCBT) is designed and synthesized, which self-assembles into microwires showing strong intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) photoluminescence with >80% quantum efficiency. It enables the lasing from BPCBT microwires under a low threshold of 16 μJ·mm−2·pulse−1 with significantly improved stability over conventional organic microlasers. The stimulated emission amplifies the fluorescence change in the BPCBT microwires under chemical vapors including various acid, acetone, and ethanol vapors, indicating high sensitivity and high selectivity of organic microlaser sensors desirable for compact sensor arrays in integrated photonics.
Superconducting insulators and localization of Cooper pairs
Authors: Arutyunov Konstantin Yu. , Lehtinen Janne S. , Radkevich Alexey , Semenov Andrew G. , Zaikin Andrei D.
Published: June 2021

Rapid miniaturization of electronic devices and circuits demands profound understanding of fluctuation phenomena at the nanoscale. Superconducting nanowires – serving as important building blocks for such devices – may seriously suffer from fluctuations which tend to destroy long-range order and suppress superconductivity. In particular, quantum phase slips (QPS) proliferating at low temperatures may turn a quasi-one-dimensional superconductor into a resistor or an insulator. Here, we introduce a physical concept of QPS-controlled localization of Cooper pairs that may occur even in uniform nanowires without any dielectric barriers being a fundamental manifestation of the flux-charge duality in superconductors. We demonstrate – both experimentally and theoretically – that deep in the “insulating” state such nanowires actually exhibit non-trivial superposition of superconductivity and weak Coulomb blockade of Cooper pairs generated by quantum tunneling of magnetic fluxons across the wire.
Dominant role of vertical air flows in the unprecedented warming on the Antarctic Peninsula in February 2020
Authors: Xu Min , Yu Lejiang , Liang Kaixin , Vihma Timo , Bozkurt Deniz , Hu Xiaoming , Yang Qinghua
Published: June 2021

Near-surface air temperature at the Argentinian research base Esperanza on the northern tip of the Antarctic Peninsula reached 18.3 °C on 6 February 2020, which is the highest temperature ever recorded on the entire Antarctic continent. Here we use weather observations since 1973 together with the ERA5 reanalysis to investigate the circulation that shaped the 2020 event, and its context over the past decades. We find that, during the 2020 event, a high-pressure ridge over the 40°-100°W sector and a blocking high on the Drake Passage led to an anticyclonic circulation that brought warm and moist air from the Pacific Ocean to the Antarctic Peninsula. Vertical air flows in a foehn warming event dominated by sensible heat and radiation made the largest contribution to the abrupt warming. A further analysis with 196 extreme warm events in austral summer between 1973 and 2020 suggests that the mechanisms behind the 2020 event form one of the two most common clusters of the events, exhibiting that most of the extreme warm events at Esperanza station are linked to air masses originating over the Pacific Ocean.
Classification of raw sugar by PCA of voltammetric signals from tube electrodes
Authors: Maksyutova E. I. , Sidelnikov A. V. , Mustafin A. G. , Govorov E. V.
Published: June 2021

Electrochemical methods of analysis are increasingly used in enterprises of various industries.
Long-term stability of a sulfhydryl-Au modification reagent in the biological detection at room temperature
Authors: Chen Mingli , Sun Jiaojiao , Yuan Tongkuo , Yin Jian , Yin Huancai
Published: June 2021

As a good substrate, gold has been widely applied in the fields of biological diagnosis and biological analysis.
Ultrasensitive and turn-on homogeneous Hg2+ sensing based on a target-triggered isothermal cycling reaction and dsDNA-templated copper nanoparticles
Authors: Chai Qingli , Wan Yuqi , Zou Yanyun , Zhu Ting , Li Ningxing , Chen Jinyang , Lai Guosong
Published: June 2021

An ultrasensitive and turn-on sensor for homogeneous Hg2+ detection has been constructed based on a target-triggered isothermal cycling reaction and rapid label-free signal output with dsDNA-templated copper nanoparticles (CuNPs).
A selective and stable Fe/TiO2catalyst for selective hydrogenation of butadiene in alkene-rich stream
Authors: Wang Zhao , Santander de Soto Laura , Méthivier Christophe , Casale Sandra , Louis Catherine , Delannoy Laurent
Published: June 2021

The Fe/TiO2catalyst shows high selectivity to alkenes at high butadiene conversion and good stability at 175 °C.
Reversible metal-centered reduction empowers a Ni-Corrin to mimic F430
Authors: Brenig Christopher , Mosberger Leila , Blacque Olivier , Kissner Reinhard , Zelder Felix
Published: June 2021

This communication presents a novel truncated NiII-containing metbalamin and describes its reversible one electron reduction to a catalytically active NiIspecies, that features cofactor F430 model character.