bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Apatinib inhibits glioma cell malignancy in patient-derived orthotopic xenograft mouse model by targeting thrombospondin 1/myosin heavy chain 9 axis
Authors: Yao Hui , Liu Jiangang , Zhang Chi , Shao Yunxiang , Li Xuetao , Yu Zhengquan , Huang Yulun
Published: October 2021

We determined the antitumor mechanism of apatinib in glioma using a patient-derived orthotopic xenograft (PDOX) glioma mouse model and glioblastoma (GBM) cell lines. The PDOX mouse model was established using tumor tissues from two glioma patients via single-cell injections. Sixteen mice were successfully modeled and randomly divided into two equal groups (n = 8/group): apatinib and normal control. Survival analysis and in vivo imaging was performed to determine the effect of apatinib on glioma proliferation in vivo. Candidate genes in GBM cells that may be affected by apatinib treatment were screened using RNA-sequencing coupled with quantitative mass spectrometry, data mining of The Cancer Genome Atlas, and Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas databases, and immunohistochemistry analysis of clinical high-grade glioma pathology samples. Quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), western blotting, and co-immunoprecipitation (co-IP) were performed to assess gene expression and the apatinib-mediated effect on glioma cell malignancy. Apatinib inhibited the proliferation and malignancy of glioma cells in vivo and in vitro. Thrombospondin 1 (THBS1) was identified as a potential target of apatinib that lead to inhibited glioma cell proliferation. Apatinib-mediated THBS1 downregulation in glioma cells was confirmed by qPCR and western blotting. Co-IP and mass spectrometry analysis revealed that THBS1 could interact with myosin heavy chain 9 (MYH9) in glioma cells. Simultaneous THBS1 overexpression and MYH9 knockdown suppressed glioma cell invasion and migration. These data suggest that apatinib targets THBS1 in glioma cells, potentially via MYH9, to inhibit glioma cell malignancy and may provide novel targets for glioma therapy.
MicroRNA in extracellular vesicles regulates inflammation through macrophages under hypoxia
Authors: Li Ye , Tan Jin , Miao Yuyang , Zhang Qiang
Published: October 2021

Extracellular vesicle (EV), critical mediators of cell-cell communication, allow cells to exchange proteins, lipids, and genetic material and therefore profoundly affect the general homeostasis. A hypoxic environment can affect the biogenesis and secrete of EVs, and the cargoes carried can participate in a variety of physiological and pathological processes. In hypoxia-induced inflammation, microRNA(miRNA) in EV participates in transcriptional regulation through various pathways to promote or reduce the inflammatory response. Meanwhile, as an important factor of immune response, the polarization of macrophages is closely linked to miRNAs, which will eventually affect the inflammatory state. In this review, we outline the possible molecular mechanism of EV changes under hypoxia, focusing on the signaling pathways of several microRNAs involved in inflammation regulation and describing the process and mechanism of EV-miRNAs regulating macrophage polarization in hypoxic diseases.
Rapid and unconditional parametric reset protocol for tunable superconducting qubits
Authors: Zhou Yu , Zhang Zhenxing , Yin Zelong , Huai Sainan , Gu Xiu , Xu Xiong , Allcock Jonathan , Liu Fuming , Xi Guanglei , Yu Qiaonian , Zhang Hualiang , Zhang Mengyu , Li Hekang , Song Xiaohui , Wang Zhan , Zheng Dongning , An Shuoming , Zheng Yarui , Zhang Shengyu
Published: October 2021

Qubit initialization is a critical task in quantum computation and communication. Extensive efforts have been made to achieve this with high speed, efficiency and scalability. However, previous approaches have either been measurement-based and required fast feedback, suffered from crosstalk or required sophisticated calibration. Here, we report a fast and high-fidelity reset scheme, avoiding the issues above without any additional chip architecture. By modulating the flux through a transmon qubit, we realize a swap between the qubit and its readout resonator that suppresses the excited state population to 0.08% ± 0.08% within 34 ns (284 ns if photon depletion of the resonator is required). Furthermore, our approach (i) can achieve effective second excited state depletion, (ii) has negligible effects on neighboring qubits, and (iii) offers a way to entangle the qubit with an itinerant single photon, useful in quantum communication applications.
Fine cubic Cu2O nanocrystals as highly selective catalyst for propylene epoxidation with molecular oxygen
Authors: Xiong Wei , Gu Xiang-Kui , Zhang Zhenhua , Chai Peng , Zang Yijing , Yu Zongyou , Li Dan , Zhang Hui , Liu Zhi , Huang Weixin
Published: October 2021

Propylene epoxidation with O2to propylene oxide is a very valuable reaction but remains as a long-standing challenge due to unavailable efficient catalysts with high selectivity. Herein, we successfully explore 27 nm-sized cubic Cu2O nanocrystals enclosed with {100} faces and {110} edges as a highly selective catalyst for propylene epoxidation with O2, which acquires propylene oxide selectivity of more than 80% at 90–110 °C. Propylene epoxidation with weakly-adsorbed O2species at the {110} edge sites exhibits a low barrier and is the dominant reaction occurring at low reaction temperatures, leading to the high propylene oxide selectivity. Such a weakly-adsorbed O2species is not stable at high reaction temperatures, and the surface lattice oxygen species becomes the active oxygen species to participate in propylene epoxidation to propylene oxide and propylene partial oxidation to acrolein at the {110} edge sites and propylene combustion to CO2at the {100} face sites, which all exhibit high barriers and result in decreased propylene oxide selectivity.
Three chromosome-level duck genome assemblies provide insights into genomic variation during domestication
Authors: Zhu Feng , Yin Zhong-Tao , Wang Zheng , Smith Jacqueline , Zhang Fan , Martin Fergal , Ogeh Denye , Hincke Maxwell , Lin Fang-Bing , Burt David W. , Zhou Zheng-Kui , Hou Shui-Sheng , Zhao Qiang-Sen , Li Xiao-Qin , Ding Si-Ran , Li Guan-Sheng , Yang Fang-Xi , Hao Jing-Pin , Zhang Ziding , Lu Li-Zhi , Yang Ning , Hou Zhuo-Cheng
Published: October 2021

Domestic ducks are raised for meat, eggs and feather down, and almost all varieties are descended from the Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos). Here, we report chromosome-level high-quality genome assemblies for meat and laying duck breeds, and the Mallard. Our new genomic databases contain annotations for thousands of new protein-coding genes and recover a major percentage of the presumed “missing genes” in birds. We obtain the entire genomic sequences for the C-type lectin (CTL) family members that regulate eggshell biomineralization. Our population and comparative genomics analyses provide more than 36 million sequence variants between duck populations. Furthermore, a mutant cell line allows confirmation of the predicted anti-adipogenic function of NR2F2 in the duck, and uncovered mutations specific to Pekin duck that potentially affect adipose deposition. Our study provides insights into avian evolution and the genetics of oviparity, and will be a rich resource for the future genetic improvement of commercial traits in the duck.
Author Correction: A phenotypic high-content, high-throughput screen identifies inhibitors of NLRP3 inflammasome activation
Authors: Nizami Sohaib , Millar Val , Arunasalam Kanisa , Zarganes-Tzitzikas Tryfon , Brough David , Tresadern Gary , Brennan Paul E. , Davis John B. , Ebner Daniel , Di Daniel Elena
Published: October 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.
Tailoring plasticity mechanisms in compositionally graded hierarchical steels fabricated using additive manufacturing
Authors: Sridharan Niyanth , Gussev Maxim , Babu Sudarsanam
Published: October 2021

While there exists in nature abundant examples of materials with site-specific gradients in microstructures and properties, engineers and designers have traditionally used monolithic materials with discrete properties. Now, however, additive manufacturing (AM) offers the possibility of creating structures that mimic some aspects of nature. One example that has attracted attention in the recent years is the hierarchical structure in bamboo. The hierarchical architecture in bamboo is characterized by spatial gradients in properties and microstructures and is well suited to accommodate and survive complex stress states, severe mechanical forces, and large deformations. While AM has been used routinely to fabricate functionally graded materials, this study distinguishes itself by leveraging AM and physical metallurgy concepts to trigger cascading deformation in a single sample. Specifically, we have been successful in using AM to fabricate steel with unique spatial hierarchies in structure and property to emulate the structure and deformation mechanisms in natural materials. This study shows an improvement in the strength and ductility of the nature-inspired “hierarchical steel” compared with conventional cast stainless steels. In situ characterization proves that this improvement is due to the sequential activation of multiple deformation mechanisms namely twinning, transformation-induced plasticity, and dislocation-based plasticity. While significantly higher strengths can be achieved by refining the chemical and processing technique, this study sets the stage to achieve the paradigm of using AM to fabricate structures which emulate the flexibility in mechanical properties of natural materials and are able to adapt to in-service conditions.
Atmospheric ionization and cloud radiative forcing
Authors: Svensmark Henrik , Svensmark Jacob , Enghoff Martin Bødker , Shaviv Nir J.
Published: October 2021

Atmospheric ionization produced by cosmic rays has been suspected to influence aerosols and clouds, but its actual importance has been questioned. If changes in atmospheric ionization have a substantial impact on clouds, one would expect to observe significant responses in Earth’s energy budget. Here it is shown that the average of the five strongest week-long decreases in atmospheric ionization coincides with changes in the average net radiative balance of 1.7 W/m$$^2$$

2

(median value: 1.2 W/m$$^2$$

2

) using CERES satellite observations. Simultaneous satellite observations of clouds show that these variations are mainly caused by changes in the short-wave radiation of low liquid clouds along with small changes in the long-wave radiation, and are almost exclusively located over the pristine areas of the oceans. These observed radiation and cloud changes are consistent with a link in which atmospheric ionization modulates aerosol's formation and growth, which survive to cloud condensation nuclei and ultimately affect cloud formation and thereby temporarily the radiative balance of Earth.
Humans use minimum cost movements in a whole-body task
Authors: Liu Lijia , Ballard Dana
Published: October 2021

Humans have elegant bodies that allow gymnastics, piano playing, and tool use, but understanding how they do this in detail is difficult because their musculoskeletal systems are extraordinarily complicated. Nonetheless, common movements like walking and reaching can be stereotypical, and a very large number of studies have shown their energetic cost to be a major factor. In contrast, one might think that general movements are very individuated and intractable, but our previous study has shown that in an arbitrary set of whole-body movements used to trace large-scale closed curves, near-identical posture sequences were chosen across different subjects, both in the average trajectories of the body’s limbs and in the variance within trajectories. The commonalities in that result motivate explanations for its generality. One explanation could be that humans also choose trajectories that are economical in cost. To test this hypothesis, we situate the tracing data within a forty eight degree of freedom human dynamic model that allows the computation of movement cost. Using the model to compare movement cost data from nominal tracings against various perturbed tracings shows that the latter are more energetically expensive, inferring that the original traces were chosen on the basis of minimum cost.
Transcriptome analysis and connectivity mapping of Cissampelos pareira L. provides molecular links of ESR1 modulation to viral inhibition
Authors: Haider Madiha , Dholakia Dhwani , Panwar Aleksha , Garg Parth , Gheware Atish , Singh Dayanidhi , Singhal Khushboo , Burse Shaunak A. , Kumari Surekha , Sharma Anmol , Ray Arjun , Medigeshi Guruprasad R. , Sharma Upendra , Prasher Bhavana , Mukerji Mitali
Published: October 2021

Bioactive fractions obtained from medicinal plants which have been used for the treatment of multiple diseases could exert their effects by targeting common pathways. Prior knowledge of their usage could allow us to identify novel molecular links. In this study, we explored the molecular basis of action of one such herbal formulation Cissampelos pareira L. (Cipa), used for the treatment of female hormone disorders and fever. Transcriptomic studies on MCF7 cell lines treated with Cipa extract carried out using Affymetrix arrays revealed a downregulation of signatures of estrogen response potentially modulated through estrogen receptor α (ERα). Molecular docking analysis identified 38 Cipa constituents that potentially bind (ΔG <  − 7.5) with ERα at the same site as estrogen. The expression signatures in the connectivity map (https://clue.io/;) revealed high positive scores with translation inhibitors such as emetine (score: 99.61) and knockdown signatures of genes linked to the antiviral response such as ribosomal protein RPL7 (score: 99.92), which is a reported ERα coactivator. Further, gene knockdown experiments revealed that Cipa exhibits antiviral activity in dengue infected MCF7 cells potentially modulated through estrogen receptor 1. This approach reveals a novel pathway involving the ESR1-RPL7 axis which could be a potential target in dengue viral infection.
A millisecond passive micromixer with low flow rate, low sample consumption and easy fabrication
Authors: Liao Yuanyuan , Mechulam Yves , Lassalle-Kaiser Benedikt
Published: October 2021

Fast mixing of small volumes of solutions in microfluidic devices is essential for an accurate control and observation of the dynamics of a reaction in biological or chemical studies. It is often, however, a challenging task, as the Reynolds number (Re) in microscopic devices is typically < 100. In this report, we detail a novel mixer based on the “staggered herring bone” (SHB) pattern and “split-recombination” strategies with an optimized geometry, the periodic rotation of the flow structure can be controlled and recombined in a way that the vortices and phase shifts of the flow induce intertwined lamellar structures, thus increasing the contact surface and enhancing mixing. The optimization improves the mixing while using a low flow rate, hence a small volume for mixing and moderate pressure drops. The performances of the patterns were first simulated using COMSOL Multiphysics under different operating conditions. The simulation indicates that at very low flow rate (1–12 µL·min−1) and Re (3.3–40), as well as a very small working volume (~ 3 nL), a very good mixing (~ 98%) can be achieved in the ms time range (4.5–78 ms). The most promising design was then visualized experimentally, showing results that are consistent with the outcomes of the simulations. Importantly, the devices were fabricated using a classical soft-lithography method, as opposed to additive manufacturing often used to generate complex mixing structures. This new device minimizes the sample consumption and could therefore be applied for studies using precious samples.
Assessing the impacts of irrigation termination periods on cotton productivity under strategic deficit irrigation regimes
Authors: Himanshu Sushil K. , Ale Srinivasulu , Bordovsky James P. , Kim JungJin , Samanta Sayantan , Omani Nina , Barnes Edward M.
Published: October 2021

Determining optimum irrigation termination periods for cotton (Gossypium hirsutumL.) is crucial for efficient utilization and conservation of finite groundwater resources of the Ogallala Aquifer in the Texas High Plains (THP) region. The goal of this study was to suggest optimum irrigation termination periods for different Evapotranspiration (ET) replacement-based irrigation strategies to optimize cotton yield and irrigation water use efficiency (IWUE) using the CROPGRO-Cotton model. We re-evaluated a previously evaluated CROPGRO-Cotton model using updated yield and in-season physiological data from 2017 to 2019 growing seasons from an IWUE experiment at Halfway, TX. The re-evaluated model was then used to study the effects of combinations of irrigation termination periods (between August 15 and September 30) and deficit/excess irrigation strategies (55%-115% ET-replacement) under dry, normal and wet years using weather data from 1978 to 2019. The 85% ET-replacement strategy was found ideal for optimizing irrigation water use and cotton yield, and the optimum irrigation termination period for this strategy was found to be the first week of September during dry and normal years, and the last week of August during wet years. Irrigation termination periods suggested in this study are useful for optimizing cotton production and IWUE under different levels of irrigation water availability.
Phage tail-like nanostructures affect microbial interactions between Streptomyces and fungi
Authors: Nagakubo Toshiki , Yamamoto Tatsuya , Asamizu Shumpei , Toyofuku Masanori , Nomura Nobuhiko , Onaka Hiroyasu
Published: October 2021

Extracellular contractile injection systems (eCISs) are structurally similar to headless phages and are versatile nanomachines conserved among diverse classes of bacteria. Herein, Streptomyces species, which comprise filamentous Gram-positive bacteria and are ubiquitous in soil, were shown to produce Streptomyces phage tail-like particles (SLPs) from eCIS-related genes that are widely conserved among Streptomyces species. In some Streptomyces species, these eCIS-related genes are regulated by a key regulatory gene, which is essential for Streptomyces life cycle and is involved in morphological differentiation and antibiotic production. Deletion mutants of S. lividans of the eCIS-related genes appeared phenotypically normal in terms of morphological differentiation and antibiotic production, suggesting that SLPs are involved in other aspects of Streptomyces life cycle. Using co-culture method, we found that colonies of SLP-deficient mutants of S. lividans were more severely invaded by fungi, including Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Schizosaccharomyces pombe. In addition, microscopic and transcriptional analyses demonstrated that SLP expression was elevated upon co-culture with the fungi. In contrast, co-culture with Bacillus subtilis markedly decreased SLP expression and increased antibiotic production. Our findings demonstrate that in Streptomyces, eCIS-related genes affect microbial competition, and the patterns of SLP expression can differ depending on the competitor species.
Rapid changes in brain estrogen concentration during male sexual behavior are site and stimulus specific
Authors: de Bournonville Marie-Pierre , de Bournonville Catherine , Vandries Laura M. , Nys Gwenaël , Fillet Marianne , Ball Gregory F. , Balthazart Jacques , Cornil Charlotte A.
Published: October 2021

Classically, estrogens regulate male sexual behavior through effects initiated in the nucleus. However, neuroestrogens, i.e., estrogens locally produced in the brain, can act within minutes via membrane-initiated events. In male quail, rapid changes in brain aromatase activity occur after exposure to sexual stimuli. We report here that local extracellular estrogen concentrations measured by in vivo microdialysis increase during sexual interactions in a brain site- and stimulus-specific manner. Indeed, estrogen concentrations rose within 10 min of the initiation of sexual interaction with a female in the medial preoptic nucleus only, while visual access to a female led to an increase in estrogen concentrations only in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis. These are the fastest fluctuations in local estrogen concentrations ever observed in the vertebrate brain. Their site and stimulus specificity strongly confirm the neuromodulatory function of neuroestrogens on behavior.
The damping of terahertz acoustic modes in aqueous nanoparticle suspensions
Authors: De Francesco Alessio , Scaccia Luisa , Formisano Ferdinando , Guarini Eleonora , Bafile Ubaldo , Maccarini Marco , Zhang Yugang , Nykypanchuck Dmytro , Alatas Ahmet , Cunsolo Alessandro
Published: October 2021

In this work, we investigate the possibility of controlling the acoustic damping in a liquid when nanoparticles are suspended in it. To shed light on this topic, we performed Inelastic X-Ray Scattering (IXS) measurements of the terahertz collective dynamics of aqueous suspensions of nanospheres of various materials, size, and relative concentration, either charged or neutral. A Bayesian analysis of measured spectra indicates that the damping of the two acoustic modes of water increases upon nanoparticle immersion. This effect seems particularly pronounced for the longitudinal acoustic mode, which, whenever visible at all, rapidly damps off when increasing the exchanged wavevector. Results also indicate that the observed effect strongly depends on the material the immersed nanoparticles are made of.
Gene regulation of adult skeletogenesis in starfish and modifications during gene network co-option
Authors: Yamazaki Atsuko , Yamakawa Shumpei , Morino Yoshiaki , Sasakura Yasunori , Wada Hiroshi
Published: October 2021

The larval skeleton of the echinoderm is believed to have been acquired through co-option of a pre-existing gene regulatory network (GRN); that is, the mechanism for adult skeleton formation in the echinoderm was deployed in early embryogenesis during echinoderm diversification. To explore the evolutionary changes that occurred during co-option, we examined the mechanism for adult skeletogenesis using the starfish Patiria pectinifera. Expression patterns of skeletogenesis-related genes (vegf, vegfr, ets1/2, erg, alx1, ca1, and clect) suggest that adult skeletogenic cells develop from the posterior coelom after the start of feeding. Treatment with inhibitors and gene knockout using transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs) suggest that the feeding-nutrient sensing pathway activates Vegf signaling via target of rapamycin (TOR) activity, leading to the activation of skeletogenic regulatory genes in starfish. In the larval skeletogenesis of sea urchins, the homeobox gene pmar1 activates skeletogenic regulatory genes, but in starfish, localized expression of the pmar1-related genes phbA and phbB was not detected during the adult skeleton formation stage. Based on these data, we provide a model for the adult skeletogenic GRN in the echinoderm and propose that the upstream regulatory system changed from the feeding-TOR-Vegf pathway to a homeobox gene-system during co-option of the skeletogenic GRN.
Insights into soil bacterial and physicochemical properties of annual ryegrass-maize rotation (ARMR) system in southern China
Authors: Xiong Yanli , Yang Xiaopeng , Xiong Yi , Xiong Chaohui , Gou Wenlong , Ma Xiao
Published: October 2021

The popularized application of annual ryegrass—maize rotation (ARMR) in southern China has been proposed to fully utilize the farmlands and to increase forage yield and quality. Herein, one growth cycle of ARMR was conducted and soil bacteria were analyzed by 16S rRNA sequencing for control (CK), after the preceding crop (monoculture, or mixed sowing of annual ryegrass and oat) and the successive crop (maize). Our results indicated that the α-diversity of soil bacteria was changed in the ARMR system, which was related to the activity of urease and available phosphatase. The mixed sowing of annual ryegrass and oat in preceding crop could improve the yield and quality, while it was accompanied by unbalanced soil community. With the increased sowing proportion of oat to annual ryegrass, the soil pH increased while the soil available phosphatase decreased. The ARMR system was found to benefit the soil microenvironment by increasing the beneficial soil bacteria and enzyme activity or decreasing the harmful soil bacteria. Considering the soil bacteria α-diversity index and physicochemical properties comprehensively, the recommended sowing regime is the mixed sowing of M2 (22.5 kg·hm−2 annual ryegrass with 75 kg·hm−2 oat).
Jejunal transcriptomic profiling of two layer strains throughout the entire production period
Authors: Omotoso Adewunmi Omolade , Reyer Henry , Oster Michael , Ponsuksili Siriluck , Trakooljul Nares , Muráni Eduard , Sommerfeld Vera , Rodehutscord Markus , Wimmers Klaus
Published: October 2021

The jejunum plays crucial roles for the digestion and absorption of nutrients and minerals and for barrier functions that are essential for a healthy, productive life cycle of farm animals, including laying hens. Accordingly, knowledge of the molecular pathways that emerge in the intestine during development, and particularly at the beginning of laying activity, will help to derive strategies for improving nutrient efficiency in laying hens. In this study, jejunal samples were obtained from two high-yielding layer strains at five developmental stages (weeks 10, 16, 24, 30 and 60 of life) for RNA-sequencing, alongside the profiling of blood plasma parameters to approximate the dynamics of mineral homeostasis. The results reflected a marked distinction between the pre-laying and laying phase as inferred from levels of parathyroid hormone, triiodothyronine, estradiol, vitamin D, and calcium. Moreover, the expression patterns of the intestinal mucosa responded directly to the changing metabolic and nutritional profiles at the beginning of the laying phase in maturing high-yielding strains of laying hens. These comprise signaling events namely RANK/RANKL signaling and cellular senescence. Taken together, the timing of sexual maturity of laying hens demands closer examination to unravel metabolic requirements and associated endogenous mechanisms.
Effect of wearing diapers on toddler’s gait
Authors: Ueda Tomoya , Asano Haruna , Tsuge Kyoko , Seo Kanako , Sudo Motoki , Fukuda Yuko , Okuda Yasuyuki , Kataoka Kiyoshi , Iwasaki Hiroyuki , Naito Hisashi , Lu Da Jiang
Published: October 2021

Gait maturation in infants develops gradually through several phases. However, external factors such as childrearing practices, especially the wearing of diapers, may affect an infant’s motor development. This study investigated the influence of different bulk stresses on the gait of toddlers wearing a disposable diaper. Twenty-six healthy toddlers (age: 19.2 ± 0.9 months) participated in this study. We measured the joint kinematics (pelvis angle and hip-joint angle) and spatiotemporal parameters (step length and step width) of the toddlers’ gait under four dress conditions (wearing Type A_WET, Type A_DRY, and Type B_WET diapers and naked). Type B_WET had a higher bulk stress than Type A_WET, and Type A_DRY had lower stress than Type A _ WET. Our results indicate that the walk of toddlers when wearing a diaper differs from that when naked. This difference is due to the effect of the bulk of the diaper on the lower limb. A high bulk stress has a greater influence than that of a low bulk stress on joint dynamics and step width. Therefore, our findings suggest that wearing diapers with high bulk stress may inhibit the natural gait patterns of toddlers.
Regulation of uterine function during estrous cycle, anestrus phase and pregnancy by steroids in red deer (Cervus elaphus L.)
Authors: Kotlarczyk Angelika M. , Grzyb Martyna , Korzekwa Anna J.
Published: October 2021

Steroid synthesis and production in ruminant uterus is not obvious, especially in seasonally reproduced. We compared steroid production by investigating enzymes involved in red deer uterine steroid metabolism in reproductive seasons. Blood and uteri (endometrium and myometrium) were collected post mortem from hinds on 4th day (N = 8), 13th day of the cycle (N = 8), anestrus (N = 8) and pregnancy (N = 8). The expression of cytochrome P450 aromatase (P450), 3 -beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD), 17 -beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17β-HSD), aldo–keto reductase family 1 C1 (AKR1C1), estrogen receptor alpha (ERα), and progesterone receptors (PRs), were analyzed using real-time-PCR and Western Blotting. Plasma samples were assayed for 17-beta-estradiol (E2), progesterone (P4), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and testosterone (T4) concentrations by EIA. Hinds at the beginning of the estrous cycle, mainly in endometrium, were characterized by a high mRNA expression of 3β-HSD, AKR1C1, PRs and ERα, contrary to the expression in myometrium during pregnancy (P < 0.05). For P4, E2, and FSH, concentration was the highest during the 13th day of the estrous cycle (P < 0.05). Uterine steroid production and output in hinds as a representative seasonally reproduced ruminant occurred mainly during the estrous cycle and sustained in anestrus.
Long-term maintenance of functional primary human hepatocytes in 3D gelatin matrices produced by solution blow spinning
Authors: Klaas Mariliis , Möll Kaidi , Mäemets-Allas Kristina , Loog Mart , Järvekülg Martin , Jaks Viljar
Published: October 2021

Solution blow spinning (SBS) has recently emerged as a novel method that can produce nano- and microfiber structures suitable for tissue engineering. Gelatin is an excellent precursor for SBS as it is derived mainly from collagens that are abundant in natural extracellular matrices. Here we report, for the first time the successful generation of 3D thermally crosslinked preforms by using SBS from porcine gelatin. These SBS mats were shown to have three-dimensional fibrous porous structure similar to that of mammalian tissue extracellular matrix. In pharma industry, there is an urgent need for adequate 3D liver tissue models that could be used in high throughput setting for drug screening and to assess drug induced liver injury. We used SBS mats as culturing substrates for human hepatocytes to create an array of 3D human liver tissue equivalents in 96-well format. The SBS mats were highly cytocompatible, facilitated the induction of hepatocyte specific CYP gene expression in response to common medications, and supported the maintenance of hepatocyte differentiation and polarization status in long term cultures for more than 3 weeks. Together, our results show that SBS-generated gelatin scaffolds are a simple and efficient platform for use in vitro for drug testing applications.
Highly efficient mode-locked and Q-switched Er3+-doped fiber lasers using a gold nanorod saturable absorber
Authors: Lee Yin-Wen , Chen Chien-Ming , Chuang Wei-Hsiang , Cho Ching-Yi , Yu Cheng-Hsien , Paul M. C.
Published: October 2021

Mode-locked and Q-switched pulsed fiber laser sources with wavelengths of 1.55 μm are widely used in various fields. Gold nanorods (GNRs) have been applied in biomedicine and optics owing to their biocompatibility, easy fabrication, and unique optical properties. This paper presents the analysis of a saturable absorber based on a colloidal gold nanorod (GNR) thin film for dual-function passively mode-locked and Q-switched 1.55-μm fiber lasers. The colloidal GNR thin film possesses superior properties such as a wide operating wavelength range, large nonlinear absorption coefficient, and a picosecond-order recovery time. Its modulation depth and saturation intensity at 1.55 μm are 7.8% and 6.55 MW/cm2, respectively. Passive mode-locked or Q-switched laser operation is achieved by changing the number of GNR thin-film layers. The advantages of these high-quality GNRs in mode-locked and Q-switched fiber lasers with record-high slope efficiency are verified by conducting comprehensive material and laser dynamic analyses. The self-starting mode-locked fiber laser with an efficiency as high as 24.91% and passively Q-switched fiber laser with the maximum energy of 0.403 μJ are successfully demonstrated. This paper presents the novel demonstration of reconfigurable mode-locked and Q-switched all-fiber lasers by incorporating colloidal GNR thin films.
A wearable eddy current based pulmonary function sensor for continuous non-contact point-of-care monitoring during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Shahrestani Shane , Chou Tzu-Chieh , Shang Kuang-Ming , Zada Gabriel , Borok Zea , Rao Adupa P. , Tai Yu-Chong
Published: October 2021

Pulmonary function testing (PFT) allows for quantitative analysis of lung function. However, as a result of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, a majority of international medical societies have postponed PFTs in an effort to mitigate disease transmission, complicating the continuity of care in high-risk patients diagnosed with COVID-19 or preexisting lung pathologies. Here, we describe the development of a non-contact wearable pulmonary sensor for pulmonary waveform analysis, pulmonary volume quantification, and crude thoracic imaging using the eddy current (EC) phenomenon. Statistical regression analysis is performed to confirm the predictive validity of the sensor, and all data are continuously and digitally stored with a sampling rate of 6,660 samples/second. Wearable pulmonary function sensors may facilitate rapid point-of-care monitoring for high-risk individuals, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, and easily interface with patient hospital records or telehealth services.
Robust imaging habitat computation using voxel-wise radiomics features
Authors: Bernatowicz Kinga , Grussu Francesco , Ligero Marta , Garcia Alonso , Delgado Eric , Perez-Lopez Raquel
Published: October 2021

Tumor heterogeneity has been postulated as a hallmark of treatment resistance and a cure constraint in cancer patients. Conventional quantitative medical imaging (radiomics) can be extended to computing voxel-wise features and aggregating tumor subregions with similar radiological phenotypes (imaging habitats) to elucidate the distribution of tumor heterogeneity within and among tumors. Despite the promising applications of imaging habitats, they may be affected by variability of radiomics features, preventing comparison and generalization of imaging habitats techniques. We performed a comprehensive repeatability and reproducibility analysis of voxel-wise radiomics features in more than 500 lung cancer patients with computed tomography (CT) images and demonstrated the effect of voxel-wise radiomics variability on imaging habitats computation in 30 lung cancer patients with test–retest images. Repeatable voxel-wise features characterized texture heterogeneity and were reproducible regardless of the applied feature extraction parameters. Imaging habitats computed using robust radiomics features were more stable than those computed using all features in test–retest CTs from the same patient. Nine voxel-wise radiomics features (joint energy, joint entropy, sum entropy, maximum probability, difference entropy, Imc1, Imc2, Idn and Idmn) were repeatable and reproducible. This supports their application for computing imaging habitats in lung tumors towards the discovery of previously unseen tumor heterogeneity and the development of novel non-invasive imaging biomarkers for precision medicine.
Breast cancer patients with isolated bone metastases and oligometastatic bone disease show different survival outcomes
Authors: Zengel Baha , Kilic Mustafa , Tasli Funda , Simsek Cenk , Karatas Murat , Ozdemir Ozlem , Cavdar Demet , Durusoy Raika , Bas Kadir Koray , Uslu Adam
Published: October 2021

In this study, we planned to investigate the clinical course of patients with breast cancer with oligometastatic bone disease (OMBD). The patients were grouped according to the characteristics and the sites of metastases. Group I included 928 patients without metastasis. Group II, the OMBD group, included 68 patients. Group III, the widespread metastasis group, comprised 185 patients with multiple bone metastases and/or solid organ metastases. The mean overall survival of the groups was 16.7 ± 0.3 years in group 1, and 7.8 ± 0.8 and 5.9 ± 0.4 years in groups 2 and 3, respectively (p < 0.001 for the comparison of all three groups together; p < 0.001 for group 1 vs. 2 and 3) and (p = 0.037 for group 2 vs. group 3). In the subgroup survival analysis of patients in group 2 (OMBD), the mean and median survival was 5.5 ± 0.8 and 4.0 ± 0.8 years vs. 9.2 ± 0.98 and 9.0 ± 1.05 years in patients with more than one bone metastasis and single bone metastasis, respectively (p = 0.019). OMBD seems to be a different disease than breast cancer with isolated bone metastases. The high risk of developing OMBD, especially following locoregional recurrence, increases the importance of locoregional therapy in large T and N stage tumors.
Essential oils of Bursera morelensis and Lippia graveolens for the development of a new biopesticides in postharvest control
Authors: Medina-Romero Yoli Mariana , Hernandez-Hernandez Ana Bertha , Rodriguez-Monroy Marco Aurelio , Canales-Martínez María Margarita
Published: October 2021

Fruit and vegetable crops that are not consumed immediately, unlike other agricultural products, require economic and time investments until they reach the final consumers. Synthetic agrochemicals are used to maintain and prolong the storage life of crops and avoid losses caused by phytopathogenic microorganisms. However, the excessive use of synthetic agrochemicals creates health problems and contributes to environmental pollution. To avoid these problems, less toxic and environment-friendly alternatives are sought. One of these alternatives is the application of biopesticides. However, few biopesticides are currently used. In this study, the biopesticide activity of Bursera morelensis and Lippia graveolens essential oils was evaluated. Their antifungal activity has been verified in an in vitro model, and chemical composition has been determined using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Their antifungal activity was corroborated in vitro, and their activity as biopesticides was subsequently evaluated in a plant model. In addition, the persistence of these essential oils on the surface of the plant model was determined. Results suggest that both essential oils are promising candidates for producing biopesticides. This is the first study showing that B. morelensis and L. graveolens essential oils work by inhibiting mycelial growth and spore germination and are environment-friendly biopesticides.
Immune pathways and TP53 missense mutations are associated with longer survival in canine osteosarcoma
Authors: Das Sunetra , Idate Rupa , Regan Daniel P. , Fowles Jared S. , Lana Susan E. , Thamm Douglas H. , Gustafson Daniel L. , Duval Dawn L.
Published: October 2021

Osteosarcoma affects about 2.8% of dogs with cancer, with a one-year survival rate of approximately 45%. The purpose of this study was to characterize mutation and expression profiles of osteosarcoma and its association with outcome in dogs. The number of somatic variants identified across 26 samples ranged from 145 to 2,697 with top recurrent mutations observed in TP53 and SETD2. Additionally, 47 cancer genes were identified with copy number variations. Missense TP53 mutation status and low pre-treatment blood monocyte counts were associated with a longer disease-free interval (DFI). Patients with longer DFI also showed increased transcript levels of anti-tumor immune response genes. Although, T-cell and myeloid cell quantifications were not significantly associated with outcome; immune related genes, PDL-1 and CD160, were correlated with T-cell abundance. Overall, the association of gene expression and mutation profiles to outcome provides insights into pathogenesis and therapeutic interventions in osteosarcoma patients.
Emergent colloidal currents across ordered and disordered landscapes
Authors: Lips Dominik , Stoop Ralph L. , Maass Philipp , Tierno Pietro
Published: October 2021

Many-particle effects in driven systems far from equilibrium lead to a rich variety of emergent phenomena. Their classification and understanding often require suitable model systems. Here we show that microscopic magnetic particles driven along ordered and defective lattices by a traveling wave potential display a nonlinear current-density relationship, which arises from the interplay of two effects. The first one originates from particle sizes nearly commensurate with the substrate in combination with attractive pair interactions. It governs the colloidal current at small densities and leads to a superlinear increase. We explain such effect by an exactly solvable model of constrained cluster dynamics. The second effect is interpreted to result from a defect-induced breakup of coherent cluster motion, leading to jamming at higher densities. Finally, we demonstrate that a lattice gas model with parallel update is able to capture the experimental findings for this complex many-body system.
The role of biomaterials and scaffolds in immune responses in regenerative medicine: macrophage phenotype modulation by biomaterial properties and scaffold architectures
Authors: Antmen Ezgi , Vrana Nihal Engin , Hasirci Vasif
Published: October 2021

Tissue engineering and control over biomaterials must be considered at the first step of immune modulation in the near future for complete functional recovery of immune response.
Biomimetic polydopamine-laced hydroxyapatite collagen material orients osteoclast behavior to an anti-resorptive pattern without compromising osteoclasts’ coupling to osteoblasts
Authors: Wang Lufei , Wu Tai-Hsien , Hu Xiangxiang , Liu Jie , Wu Di , Miguez Patricia A. , Wright John Timothy , Zhang Shaoping , Chi Jen-Tsan , Tseng Henry C. , Ko Ching-Chang
Published: October 2021

A PDHC scaffold material orients osteoclast behavior to an anti-resorptive pattern without compromising osteoclasts’ coupling to osteoblasts. Such a feature is favorable for the net increase of bone mass in bone defect repair.
Porous materials confining noble metals for the catalytic reduction of nitroaromatics: controllable synthesis and enhanced mechanism
Authors: Li Yixia , Fu Yukui , Lai Cui , Qin Lei , Li Bisheng , Liu Shiyu , Yi Huan , Xu Fuhang , Li Ling , Zhang Mingming , Xu Mengyi , Du Chunyan , Chen Wenjing
Published: October 2021

In the field of nanocatalysis, noble metal nanoparticles (NPs) have aroused tremendous attention owing to their superb catalytic efficiency, especially in the catalytic reduction of nitroaromatics.
Selective As(v) capture by a novel magnetic green Fe-biochar composite in a packed column: an application of central composite design
Authors: Sawood Ghazi Mohd , Dixit Shobhit , Mishra Gaurav , Gupta S. K.
Published: October 2021

Arsenic contamination in groundwater is a prominent global issue due to its substantial toxicological impacts on the environment and human health.
Effects of external electric field on the sensing property of volatile organic compounds over Janus MoSSe monolayer: a first-principles investigation
Authors: Yeh Chen-Hao , Chen Yu-Tang , Hsieh Dah-Wei
Published: October 2021

Janus 2D transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD) is a new generation 2D material with a unique asymmetric structure.
Selective targeting of CD38 hydrolase and cyclase activity as an approach to immunostimulation
Authors: Benton Thomas Z. , Mills Catherine M. , Turner Jonathan M. , Francis Megan J. , Solomon Dalan J. , Burger Pieter B. , Peterson Yuri K. , Dolloff Nathan G. , Bachmann André S. , Woster Patrick M.
Published: October 2021

Compounds 1 and 12 were identified as hydrolase- or cyclase-selective inhibitors of the ectoenzyme with IC50 values of 4.0 and 20.8 mM, respectively. Both compounds promoted increases in cellular NAD+ levels and interferon γ in vitro.
A metal-free 2D layered organic ammonium halide framework realizing full-color persistent room-temperature phosphorescence
Authors: Feng Shangwei , Huang Qiuqin , Yang Shuming , Lin Zhenghuan , Ling Qidan
Published: October 2021

A kind of metal-free organic ammonium halides characterized by a unique 2D layered structure show colorful ultralong phosphorescence. Phosphorescent quantum yield (up to 19%) and lifetime (up to 1.7 s) can be tuned by doping with different phosphors.
Ordered mesoporous photocatalysts for CO2photoreduction
Authors: Lo An-Ya , Taghipour Fariborz
Published: October 2021

This review provides a comprehensive guide to classifying the configurations of ordered mesoporous photocatalysts, as well as summarising their most recent developments with respect to CO2photoreduction and strategies to improve their CO2photoreduction performance.
The influence of electrochemical cycling protocols on capacity loss in nickel-rich lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Dose Wesley M. , Morzy Jędrzej K. , Mahadevegowda Amoghavarsha , Ducati Caterina , Grey Clare P. , De Volder Michael F. L.
Published: October 2021

Tailored electrochemical protocols and characterisation methods provide a detailed account of degradation mechanisms in high energy lithium-ion batteries with nickel-rich cathodes.
Accelerated identification of high-performance catalysts for low-temperature NH3-SCR by machine learning
Authors: Dong Yi , Zhang Yu , Ran Mingchu , Zhang Xiao , Liu Shaojun , Yang Yang , Hu Wenshuo , Zheng Chenghang , Gao Xiang
Published: October 2021

A machine learning approach for SCR catalyst discovery is presented to realize the rapid screening of optimal catalysts.
Synthesis, formation mechanisms and applications of biomass-derived carbonaceous materials: a critical review
Authors: Zhang Bei , Jiang Yiqun , Balasubramanian Rajasekhar
Published: October 2021

Synthesis and formation mechanisms of biomass-derived carbonaceous materials are critically reviewed in terms of biomass sources, conversion methods and additives for energy and environmental applications.
A tyrosinase-responsive tumor-specific cascade amplification drug release system for melanoma therapy
Authors: Li Dongdong , Zhou Xiaoxuan , Zhang Wei , Xu Hongxia , Xiao Bing , Xu Xiaodan , Shi Xueying , Wang Rui , Yao Shasha , Zhou Zhuxian , Gao Jianqing , Hu Hongjie , Shen Youqing , Slater Nigel K. H. , Tang Jianbin
Published: October 2021

A new tyrosinase-responsive cascade amplification release nanoparticle (TR-CARN) to achieve melanoma-specific treatment with enhanced biosafety.
Studying the effect of PDA@CeO2 nanoparticles with antioxidant activity on the mechanical properties of cells
Authors: Guo Xinyue , Li Zongjia , Liu Sitong , Zhang Miaomiao , Guan Yanxue , Qin Juan , Li Xiaomeng , Zhang Bailin , Tang Jilin
Published: October 2021

We successfully synthesized PDA@CeO2 NPs with ROS scavenging activity by a simple method, the intracellular anti-oxidant mechanism of the PDA@CeO2 NPs was investigated from the biomechanical perspective using atomic force microscopy.
Anti-thermal-quenching red-emitting GdNbO4:Pr3+ phosphor based on metal-to-metal charge transfer for optical thermometry application
Authors: Ye Wanggui , Ma Chaoyang , Li Yanbin , Zhao Chong , Wang Yuzhen , Zuo Chuandong , Wen Zicheng , Li Yingkui , Yuan Xuanyi , Cao Yongge
Published: October 2021

An anti-thermal quenching strategy is proposed to develop GdNbO4:Pr3+ red phosphor, which is a promising candidate for the high-performance optical temperature sensing with increasing red emission intensity during the heating process.
Low-cost materials for organic solar cells
Authors: Zhao Fuwen , Zhou Jixiang , He Dan , Wang Chunru , Lin Yuze
Published: October 2021

This review summarizes the recent advances in low-cost materials for OSCs from the aspects of the synthetic method, active materials, interfacial materials and processing solution.
“Dragging mode” electrohydrodynamic jet printing of polymer-wrapped semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotubes for NO gas-sensing field-effect transistors
Authors: Tang Xiaowu , Girma Henok Getachew , Li Zhijun , Hong Jisu , Lim Bogyu , Jung Seo-Hyun , Kim Yejin , Nam Sang Yong , Kim Kyunghun , Kong Hoyoul , Kim Se Hyun
Published: October 2021

In this study, we investigated facile “dragging mode” electrohydrodynamic (EHD) jet printing of a polymer-wrapped semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotube (s-SWCNT) ink, for fabrication of NO gas-sensing field-effect transistors (FETs).