bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Continuous-wave upconversion lasing with a sub-10 W cm−2 threshold enabled by atomic disorder in the host matrix
Authors: Moon Byeong-Seok , Lee Tae Kyung , Jeon Woo Cheol , Kwak Sang Kyu , Kim Young-Jin , Kim Dong-Hwan
Published: July 2021

Microscale lasers efficiently deliver coherent photons into small volumes for intracellular biosensors and all-photonic microprocessors. Such technologies have given rise to a compelling pursuit of ever-smaller and ever-more-efficient microlasers. Upconversion microlasers have great potential owing to their large anti-Stokes shifts but have lagged behind other microlasers due to their high pump power requirement for population inversion of multiphoton-excited states. Here, we demonstrate continuous-wave upconversion lasing at an ultralow lasing threshold (4.7 W cm−2) by adopting monolithic whispering-gallery-mode microspheres synthesized by laser-induced liquefaction of upconversion nanoparticles and subsequent rapid quenching (“liquid-quenching”). Liquid-quenching completely integrates upconversion nanoparticles to provide high pump-to-gain interaction with low intracavity losses for efficient lasing. Atomic-scale disorder in the liquid-quenched host matrix suppresses phonon-assisted energy back transfer to achieve efficient population inversion. Narrow laser lines were spectrally tuned by up to 3.56 nm by injection pump power and operation temperature adjustments. Our low-threshold, wavelength-tunable, and continuous-wave upconversion microlaser with a narrow linewidth represents the anti-Stokes-shift microlaser that is competitive against state-of-the-art Stokes-shift microlasers, which paves the way for high-resolution atomic spectroscopy, biomedical quantitative phase imaging, and high-speed optical communication via wavelength-division-multiplexing.
Machine learning approach for discrimination of genotypes based on bright-field cellular images
Authors: Suzuki Godai , Saito Yutaka , Seki Motoaki , Evans-Yamamoto Daniel , Negishi Mikiko , Kakoi Kentaro , Kawai Hiroki , Landry Christian R. , Yachie Nozomu , Mitsuyama Toutai
Published: July 2021

Morphological profiling is a combination of established optical microscopes and cutting-edge machine vision technologies, which stacks up successful applications in high-throughput phenotyping. One major question is how much information can be extracted from an image to identify genetic differences between cells. While fluorescent microscopy images of specific organelles have been broadly used for single-cell profiling, the potential ability of bright-field (BF) microscopy images of label-free cells remains to be tested. Here, we examine whether single-gene perturbation can be discriminated based on BF images of label-free cells using a machine learning approach. We acquired hundreds of BF images of single-gene mutant cells, quantified single-cell profiles consisting of texture features of cellular regions, and constructed a machine learning model to discriminate mutant cells from wild-type cells. Interestingly, the mutants were successfully discriminated from the wild type (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve = 0.773). The features that contributed to the discrimination were identified, and they included those related to the morphology of structures that appeared within cellular regions. Furthermore, functionally close gene pairs showed similar feature profiles of the mutant cells. Our study reveals that single-gene mutant cells can be discriminated from wild-type cells based on BF images, suggesting the potential as a useful tool for mutant cell profiling.
Integrating ensemble systems biology feature selection and bimodal deep neural network for breast cancer prognosis prediction
Authors: Cheng Li-Hsin , Hsu Te-Cheng , Lin Che
Published: July 2021

Breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease. To guide proper treatment decisions for each patient, robust prognostic biomarkers, which allow reliable prognosis prediction, are necessary. Gene feature selection based on microarray data is an approach to discover potential biomarkers systematically. However, standard pure-statistical feature selection approaches often fail to incorporate prior biological knowledge and select genes that lack biological insights. Besides, due to the high dimensionality and low sample size properties of microarray data, selecting robust gene features is an intrinsically challenging problem. We hence combined systems biology feature selection with ensemble learning in this study, aiming to select genes with biological insights and robust prognostic predictive power. Moreover, to capture breast cancer's complex molecular processes, we adopted a multi-gene approach to predict the prognosis status using deep learning classifiers. We found that all ensemble approaches could improve feature selection robustness, wherein the hybrid ensemble approach led to the most robust result. Among all prognosis prediction models, the bimodal deep neural network (DNN) achieved the highest test performance, further verified by survival analysis. In summary, this study demonstrated the potential of combining ensemble learning and bimodal DNN in guiding precision medicine.
Associations between lipids in selected brain regions, plasma miRNA, and behavioral and cognitive measures following 28Si ion irradiation
Authors: Minnier Jessica , Emmett Mark R. , Perez Ruby , Ding Liang-Hao , Barnette Brooke L. , Larios Rianna E. , Hong Changjin , Hwang Tae Hyun , Yu Yongjia , Fallgren Christina M. , Story Michael D. , Weil Michael M. , Raber Jacob
Published: July 2021

The space radiation environment consists of multiple species of charged particles, including28Si ions, that may impact brain function during and following missions. To develop biomarkers of the space radiation response, BALB/c and C3H female and male mice and their F2 hybrid progeny were irradiated with28Si ions (350 MeV/n, 0.2 Gy) and tested for behavioral and cognitive performance 1, 6, and 12 months following irradiation. The plasma of the mice was collected for analysis of miRNA levels. Select pertinent brain regions were dissected for lipidomic analyses and analyses of levels of select biomarkers shown to be sensitive to effects of space radiation in previous studies. There were associations between lipids in select brain regions, plasma miRNA, and cognitive measures and behavioral following28Si ion irradiation. Different but overlapping sets of miRNAs in plasma were found to be associated with cognitive measures and behavioral in sham and irradiated mice at the three time points. The radiation condition revealed pathways involved in neurodegenerative conditions and cancers. Levels of the dendritic marker MAP2 in the cortex were higher in irradiated than sham-irradiated mice at middle age, which might be part of a compensatory response. Relationships were also revealed with CD68 in miRNAs in an anatomical distinct fashion, suggesting that distinct miRNAs modulate neuroinflammation in different brain regions. The associations between lipids in selected brain regions, plasma miRNA, and behavioral and cognitive measures following28Si ion irradiation could be used for the development of biomarker of the space radiation response.
PAX8 lineage-driven T cell engaging antibody for the treatment of high-grade serous ovarian cancer
Authors: Lee Emily , Szvetecz Sarah , Polli Ryan , Grauel Angelo , Chen Jayson , Judge Joyce , Jaiswal Smita , Maeda Rie , Schwartz Stephanie , Voedisch Bernd , Piksa Mateusz , Japutra Chietara , Sadhasivam Lingheswar , Wang Yiqin , Carrion Ana , Isim Sinan , Liang Jinsheng , Nicholson Thomas , Lei Hong , Fang Qing , Steinkrauss Michelle , Walker Dana , Wagner Joel , Cremasco Viviana , Wang Hui Qin , Galli Giorgio G. , Granda Brian , Mansfield Keith , Simmons Quincey , Nguyen Andrew Anh , Vincent Jordan Nicole
Published: July 2021

High-grade serous ovarian cancers (HGSOC) represent the most common subtype of ovarian malignancies. Due to the frequency of late-stage diagnosis and high rates of recurrence following standard of care treatments, novel therapies are needed to promote durable responses. We investigated the anti-tumor activity of CD3 T cell engaging bispecific antibodies (TCBs) directed against the PAX8 lineage-driven HGSOC tumor antigen LYPD1 and demonstrated that anti-LYPD1 TCBs induce T cell activation and promote in vivo tumor growth inhibition in LYPD1-expressing HGSOC. To selectively target LYPD1-expressing tumor cells with high expression while sparing cells with low expression, we coupled bivalent low-affinity anti-LYPD1 antigen-binding fragments (Fabs) with the anti-CD3 scFv. In contrast to the monovalent anti-LYPD1 high-affinity TCB (VHP354), the bivalent low-affinity anti-LYPD1 TCB (QZC131) demonstrated antigen density-dependent selectivity and showed tolerability in cynomolgus monkeys at the maximum dose tested of 3 mg/kg. Collectively, these data demonstrate that bivalent TCBs directed against LYPD1 have compelling efficacy and safety profiles to support its use as a treatment for high-grade serous ovarian cancers.
Lipid bilayer degradation induced by SARS-CoV-2 spike protein as revealed by neutron reflectometry
Authors: Luchini Alessandra , Micciulla Samantha , Corucci Giacomo , Batchu Krishna Chaithanya , Santamaria Andreas , Laux Valerie , Darwish Tamim , Russell Robert A. , Thepaut Michel , Bally Isabelle , Fieschi Franck , Fragneto Giovanna
Published: July 2021

SARS-CoV-2 spike proteins are responsible for the membrane fusion event, which allows the virus to enter the host cell and cause infection. This process starts with the binding of the spike extramembrane domain to the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), a membrane receptor highly abundant in the lungs. In this study, the extramembrane domain of SARS-CoV-2 Spike (sSpike) was injected on model membranes formed by supported lipid bilayers in presence and absence of the soluble part of receptor ACE2 (sACE2), and the structural features were studied at sub-nanometer level by neutron reflection. In all cases the presence of the protein produced a remarkable degradation of the lipid bilayer. Indeed, both for membranes from synthetic and natural lipids, a significant reduction of the surface coverage was observed. Quartz crystal microbalance measurements showed that lipid extraction starts immediately after sSpike protein injection. All measurements indicate that the presence of proteins induces the removal of membrane lipids, both in the presence and in the absence of ACE2, suggesting that sSpike molecules strongly associate with lipids, and strip them away from the bilayer, via a non-specific interaction. A cooperative effect of sACE2 and sSpike on lipid extraction was also observed.
Trichoderma reesei fungal degradation boosted the potentiality of date pit extract in fighting scopolamine-induced neurotoxicity in male rats
Authors: Saleh Samar R. , Masry Asmaa M. , Ghareeb Doaa A. , Newairy Al-Sayeda A. , Sheta Eman , Maher Adham M.
Published: July 2021

Date pits are nutritious by-products, containing high levels of indigestible carbohydrates and polyphenols. To maximize the biological effects of the active ingredients, the hard shell of the polysaccharide must be degraded. Therefore, the current study aimed to assess the protective potentials of date pits extract (DP) and fungal degraded date pits extract (FDDP) against scopolamine (SCO)-induced neurodegeneration in male rats. Date pits were subjected to fungal degradation and extraction, followed by the measurement of phytochemicals and free radical scavenging activities. Forty-two adult Sprague–Dawley male rats were divided into seven groups: three control groups administered with either saline, DP or FDDP; four groups with neurodegeneration receiving SCO (ip 2 mg/kg/day, SCO group) with no treatment, SCO with DP (oral 100 mg/kg/day, DP + SCO group), SCO with FDDP (oral, 100 mg/kg/day, FDDP + SCO group), and SCO with donepezil (DON, oral, 2.25 mg/kg/day, DON + SCO group). The treatment duration was 28 days, and in the last 14 days, SCO was administered daily. Morris water maze test, acetylcholine esterase activity, oxidative stress, markers of inflammation and amyloidogenesis, and brain histopathology were assessed.
Changes in peanut canopy structure and photosynthetic characteristics induced by an arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus in a nutrient-poor environment
Authors: Bi Yinli , Zhou Huili
Published: July 2021

A well-developed canopy structure can increase the biomass accumulation and yield of crops. Peanut seeds were sown in a soil inoculated with an arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus (AMF) and uninoculated controls were also sown. Canopy structure was monitored using a 3-D laser scanner and photosynthetic characteristics with an LI-6400 XT photosynthesis system after 30, 45 and 70 days of growth to explore the effects of the AMF on growth, canopy structure and photosynthetic characteristics and yield. The AMF colonized the roots and AMF inoculation significantly increased the height, canopy width and total leaf area of the host plants and improved canopy structure. AMF reduced the tiller angle of the upper and middle canopy layers, increased that of the lower layer, reduced the leaf inclination of the upper, middle and lower layers, and increased the average leaf area and leaf area index after 45 days of growth, producing a well-developed and hierarchical canopy. Moreover, AMF inoculation increased the net photosynthetic rate in the upper, middle and lower layers. Plant height, canopy width, and total leaf area were positively correlated with net photosynthetic rate, and the inclination angle and tiller angle of the upper leaves were negatively correlated with net photosynthetic rate. Overall, the results demonstrate the effects of AMF inoculation on plant canopy structure and net photosynthetic rate.
Identification of Bacillus anthracis, Brucella spp., and Coxiella burnetii DNA signatures from bushmeat
Authors: Katani Robab , Schilling Megan A. , Lyimo Beatus , Eblate Ernest , Martin Andimile , Tonui Triza , Cattadori Isabella M. , Francesconi Stephen C. , Estes Anna B. , Rentsch Dennis , Srinivasan Sreenidhi , Lyimo Samson , Munuo Lidia , Tiambo Christian K. , Stomeo Francesca , Gwakisa Paul , Mosha Fausta , Hudson Peter J. , Buza Joram J. , Kapur Vivek
Published: July 2021

Meat from wildlife species (bushmeat) represents a major source of dietary protein in low- and middle-income countries where humans and wildlife live in close proximity. Despite the occurrence of zoonotic pathogens in wildlife, their prevalence in bushmeat remains unknown. To assess the risk of exposure to major pathogens in bushmeat, a total of 3784 samples, both fresh and processed, were collected from three major regions in Tanzania during both rainy and dry seasons, and were screened by real-time PCR for the presence of DNA signatures of Bacillus anthracis (B. anthracis), Brucella spp. (Brucella) and Coxiella burnetii (Coxiella). The analysis identified DNA signatures of B. anthracis (0.48%), Brucella (0.9%), and Coxiella (0.66%) in a total of 77 samples. Highest prevalence rates of B. anthracis, Brucella, and Coxiella were observed in wildebeest (56%), dik-dik (50%), and impala (24%), respectively. Fresh samples, those collected during the rainy season, and samples from Selous or Serengeti had a greater relative risk of being positive. Microbiome characterization identified Firmicutes and Proteobacteria as the most abundant phyla. The results highlight and define potential risks of exposure to endemic wildlife diseases from bushmeat and the need for future investigations to address the public health and emerging infectious disease risks associated with bushmeat harvesting, trade, and consumption.
Variable rather than extreme slow reaction times distinguish brain states during sustained attention
Authors: Yamashita Ayumu , Rothlein David , Kucyi Aaron , Valera Eve M. , Germine Laura , Wilmer Jeremy , DeGutis Joseph , Esterman Michael
Published: July 2021

A common behavioral marker of optimal attention focus is faster responses or reduced response variability. Our previous study found two dominant brain states during sustained attention, and these states differed in their behavioral accuracy and reaction time (RT) variability. However, RT distributions are often positively skewed with a long tail (i.e., reflecting occasional slow responses). Therefore, a larger RT variance could also be explained by this long tail rather than the variance around an assumed normal distribution (i.e., reflecting pervasive response instability based on both faster and slower responses). Resolving this ambiguity is important for better understanding mechanisms of sustained attention. Here, using a large dataset of over 20,000 participants who performed a sustained attention task, we first demonstrated the utility of the exGuassian distribution that can decompose RTs into a strategy factor, a variance factor, and a long tail factor. We then investigated which factor(s) differed between the two brain states using fMRI. Across two independent datasets, results indicate unambiguously that the variance factor differs between the two dominant brain states. These findings indicate that ‘suboptimal’ is different from ‘slow’ at the behavior and neural level, and have implications for theoretically and methodologically guiding future sustained attention research.
Immune system challenge improves recognition memory and reverses malaria-induced cognitive impairment in mice
Authors: de Sousa Luciana Pereira , Ribeiro-Gomes Flávia Lima , de Almeida Roberto Farina , Souza Tadeu Mello e , Werneck Guilherme Loureiro , Souza Diogo Onofre , Daniel-Ribeiro Cláudio Tadeu
Published: July 2021

The immune system plays a role in the maintenance of healthy neurocognitive function. Different patterns of immune response triggered by distinct stimuli may affect nervous functions through regulatory or deregulatory signals, depending on the properties of the exogenous immunogens. Here, we investigate the effect of immune stimulation on cognitive-behavioural parameters in healthy mice and its impact on cognitive sequelae resulting from non-severe experimental malaria. We show that immune modulation induced by a specific combination of immune stimuli that induce a type 2 immune response can enhance long-term recognition memory in healthy adult mice subjected to novel object recognition task (NORT) and reverse a lack of recognition ability in NORT and anxiety-like behaviour in a light/dark task that result from a single episode of mild Plasmodium berghei ANKA malaria. Our findings suggest a potential use of immunogens for boosting and recovering recognition memory that may be impaired by chronic and infectious diseases and by the effects of ageing.
Associations between smoking and blood-group, and the risk of dyslipidaemia amongst French women
Authors: MacDonald C. J. , Madika A. L. , Severi G. , Fournier A. , Boutron-Ruault M. C.
Published: July 2021

Dyslipidaemia is a major risk factor for cardio-vascular disease, as it promotes atherosclerosis. While cross-sectional studies have identified higher serum cholesterol amongst individuals with the A blood group, there is less evidence from prospective studies whether this translates into a higher risk of dyslipidaemia that requires treatment, nor if this genetic factor interacts with smoking status. This study aimed to prospectively determine potential associations between smoking, ABO blood groups, and risk of incident dyslipidaemia requiring treatment, and to assess associations over strata of blood ABO group. We assessed associations between blood ABO group, smoking and dyslipidaemia in 74,206 women participating in the E3N cohort. We included women who did not have cardiovascular disease at baseline. Logistic regression was used to determine associations between ABO group, smoking and prevalent dyslipidaemia at baseline. Cox proportional hazard models were then used to determine if blood ABO group and smoking were associated with the risk of incident dyslipidaemia, amongst women free of dyslipidaemia at baseline. At baseline 28,281 women with prevalent dyslipidaemia were identified. Compared to the O-blood group, the non-O blood group was associated higher odds of with prevalent dyslipidaemia (ORnon-O = 1.09 [1.06: 1.13]). Amongst the women free of dyslipidaemia at baseline, 6041 incident cases of treated dyslipidaemia were identified during 454,951 person-years of follow-up. The non-O blood groups were associated with an increased risk of dyslipidaemia when compared to the O-group (HRnon-O = 1.16 [1.11: 1.22]), specifically the A blood-group (HRA = 1.18 [1.12: 1.25]). Current smokers were associated with an increased risk of incident dyslipidaemia (HR smokers = 1.27 [1.16: 1.37]), compared to never-smokers. No evidence for effect modification between smoking and ABO blood group was observed (p-effect modification = 0.45), although the highest risk was observed among AB blood group women who smoked (HR = 1.76 [1.22: 2.55]). In conclusion, the non-O blood groups, specifically the A group were associated with an increased risk of dyslipidaemia. Current smokers were associated with a 30% increased risk of dyslipidaemia. These results could aid in personalised approaches to the prevention of cardiovascular risk-factors.
Serum zinc status is a matter of concern among children and non-pregnant women in a nationwide survey of Nepal
Authors: Mehata Suresh , Tamang Man Kumar , Parajuli Kedar Raj , Rayamajhee Binod , Yadav Uday Narayan , Mehta Ranju Kumari , Singh Dipendra Raman
Published: July 2021

Nationally representative population data on zinc status in Nepal is lacking at present. This study analyzed data from the recent Nepal National Micronutrient status survey 2016 to determine the prevalence of zinc deficiency and associated risk factors among children aged 6–59 months (n = 1462) and non-pregnant women aged 15–49 years (n = 1923). Venous blood was collected from the participants to measure micronutrients such as zinc, markers of anemia, RBP (vitamin A), and markers of inflammation. Stool samples were collected to assess soil-transmitted helminths and Helicobacter pylori infection. Socio-demographic, household, and other relevant factors were collected by a structured questionnaire. Serum zinc concentration was measured by Microwave Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometry, and zinc deficiency was defined according to the International Zinc Nutrition Consultative Group’s guidelines. Logistic regression was used to examine the predictors of zinc deficiency among the participants. The overall zinc deficiency in children was 22.9%, while it was higher in non-pregnant women (24.7%). The prevalence of anemia among zinc-deficient children was higher (21.3%) than the zinc non-deficit children (18.7%). The prevalence of anemia was 18% among zinc-deficient non-pregnant women compared to 22% non-deficit non-pregnant women. Predictors associated with zinc deficiency among the study children were living in rural areas (AOR = 2.25, 95% CI, [1.13, 4.49]), the occurrence of diarrhea during the two weeks preceding the survey (AOR = 1.57, 95% CI, [1.07, 2.30]), lowest household wealth quintile (AOR = 0.48, 95% CI, [0.25, 0.92]) and lower vitamin A status (AOR = 0.49, 95% CI, [0.28, 0.85]. The predictors associated with zinc deficiency among non-pregnant women were: being underweight (AOR = 1.55, 95% CI, [1.12, 2.15]), fever occurrence during two weeks preceding the survey (AOR = 1.43, 95% CI, [1.04, 1.98]), H. pylori in the stool (AOR = 1.33, 95% CI, [1.04, 1.71]), lowest household wealth quintile (AOR = 0.62, 95% CI,[0.40, 0.94]) and being at risk of folate deficiency (AOR = 0.58, 95% CI,[0.36, 0.94]). We conclude that community-level intervention programs focused on rural children and women to prevent diarrhea, improve nutrition counseling, and provide economic opportunities in rural communities may help to lower zinc deficiency and other micronutrient deficiencies in the Nepalese population. We believe that intervention programs to address zinc deficiency should not be isolated. Instead, integrated approaches are beneficial to improve overall micronutrient status, such as encouraging dietary diversity, providing livelihood opportunities to the unemployed, micronutrient supplementation to vulnerable populations, and consumption of zinc-rich animal-based foods.
CD276 is an important player in macrophage recruitment into the tumor and an upstream regulator for PAI-1
Authors: Durlanik Sibel , Fundel-Clemens Katrin , Viollet Coralie , Huber Heinrich J. , Lenter Martin , Kitt Kerstin , Pflanz Stefan
Published: July 2021

More than 70% of colorectal, prostate, ovarian, pancreatic and breast cancer specimens show expression of CD276 (B7–H3), a potential immune checkpoint family member. Several studies have shown that high CD276 expression in cancer cells correlates with a poor clinical prognosis. This has been associated with the presence of lower tumor infiltrating leukocytes. Among those, tumor-associated macrophages can comprise up to 50% of the tumor mass and are thought to support tumor growth through various mechanisms. However, a lack of information on CD276 function and interaction partner(s) impedes rigorous evaluation of CD276 as a therapeutic target in oncology. Therefore, we aimed to understand the relevance of CD276 in tumor-macrophage interaction by employing a 3D spheroid coculture system with human cells. Our data show a role for tumor-expressed CD276 on the macrophage recruitment into the tumor spheroid, and also in regulation of the extracellular matrix modulator PAI-1. Furthermore, our experiments focusing on macrophage-expressed CD276 suggest that the antibody-dependent CD276 engagement triggers predominantly inhibitory signaling networks in human macrophages.
Cost effective dye sensitized solar cell based on novel Cu polypyrrole multiwall carbon nanotubes nanocomposites counter electrode
Authors: Rafique Shaista , Rashid Imran , Sharif Rehana
Published: July 2021

In order to replace Pt CE in dye sensitized solar cell (DSSC) with simple and low cost, copper polypyyrol functionalized multiwall carbon nanotubes (Cu-PPy-FWCNTS) nanocomposite CE was fabricated by two step electrodeposition method on the stainless-steel substrate. The surface morphology, electrical conductivity, electrochemical properties of Cu-PPy-FWCNTS nanocomposite CE electrodes were observed by using verity of techniques such as scanning electron microscopy, a four-probe method and electrochemical workstation. The Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy confirms the presence of FMWCNTS into PPy-FMWCNTS nanocomposite and XRD analysis verified the Cu nanostructures had come into being. The cyclic voltammogram and Tafel polarization measurement demonstrated that solution processed Cu-PPy-FWCNTS nanocomposites CE had smaller charge transfer resistance Rct (4.31 Ω cm2) and higher electrocatalytic performance for I3−/I− redox solution. Finally, the photovoltaic efficiency of DSSC assembled with Cu-PPy-FWCNTS nanocomposite CE and Platinized CE were compared. The results revealed that the photovoltaic efficiency of DSSC with Cu-PPy-FWCNTS nanocomposites CE reached (7.1%), which is superior to Platinized CE (6.4%). The higher photovoltaic efficiency of the Cu-PPy-FMWCNTS film is due to copper nanostructures that lead to higher cathodic current density (2.35 mA/cm2). The simple fabrication method, excellent electrocatalytic and photovoltaic properties permit the Cu-PPy-FWCNTS nanocomposites credible alternative CE to save the cost of DSSC.
First experimental evidence of the piezoelectric nature of struvite
Authors: Prywer Jolanta , Kruszyński Rafał , Świątkowski Marcin , Soszyński Andrzej , Kajewski Dariusz , Roleder Krystian
Published: July 2021

In this paper, we present the first experimental evidence of the piezoelectric nature of struvite (MgNH4PO4·6H2O). Using a single diffusion gel growth technique, we have grown struvite crystals in the form of plane parallel plates. For struvite crystals of this shape, we measured the piezoelectric coefficients d33 and d32. We have found that at room temperature the value of piezoelectric coefficient d33 is 3.5 pm/V, while that of d32 is 4.7 pm/V. These values are comparable with the values for other minerals. Struvite shows stable piezoelectric properties up to the temperature slightly above 350 K, for the heating rate of 0.4 K/min. For this heating rate, and above this temperature, the thermal decomposition of struvite begins, which, consequently, leads to its transformation into dittmarite with the same non-centrosymmetric symmetry as in case of struvite. The struvite-dittmarite transformation temperature is dependent on the heating rate. The higher the heating rate, the higher the temperature of this transformation. We have also shown that dittmarite, like struvite exhibits piezoelectric properties.
The association between douching, genital talc use, and the risk of prevalent and incident cervical cancer
Authors: O’Brien Katie M. , Weinberg Clarice R. , D’Aloisio Aimee A. , Moore Kristen R. , Sandler Dale P.
Published: July 2021

While human papillomavirus is the primary cause of cervical cancer, other factors may influence susceptibility and response to the virus. Candidates include douching and talcum powder applied in the genital area. We used Cox proportional hazards models to estimate confounder-adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) in the Sister Study (2003–2009), a US cohort of women aged 35–74. We considered pre-baseline (n = 523) and incident (n = 31) cervical cancers. Douching at ages 10–13 was positively associated with pre-baseline cervical cancer (HR 1.32, 95% CI 0.86–2.03), though the association was not statistically significant. We did not observe an association between adolescent talc use and pre-baseline cervical cancer (HR 0.95, 95% CI 0.76–1.19). Douching in the year before enrollment was positively associated with incident cervical cancer (HR 2.56, 95% CI 1.10–5.99). The association between recent genital talc use and incident cervical cancer was positive, but not statistically significant (HR 1.79, 95% CI 0.78–4.11). The observed positive association between douching and incident cervical cancer is consistent with previous retrospective case–control studies. In the first study to examine genital talc use and cervical cancer, we did not see evidence of an association.
Minimal-moderate variation of human oral virome and microbiome in IgA deficiency
Authors: de la Cruz Peña Maria José , Gonzalez-Granado Luis Ignacio , Garcia-Heredia Inmaculada , Carballa Lucia Maestre , Martinez-Garcia Manuel
Published: July 2021

Immunoglobulin A (IgA) is the dominant antibody found in our mucosal secretions and has long been recognized to play an important role in protecting our epithelium from pathogens. Recently, IgA has been shown to be involved in gut homeostatic regulation by ‘recognizing’ and shaping our commensal microbes. Paradoxically, yet selective IgA-deficiency is often described as asymptomatic and there is a paucity of studies only focused on the mice and human gut microbiome context fully ignoring other niches of our body and our commensal viruses. Here, we used as a model the human oral cavity and employed a holistic view and studied the impact of IgA deficiency and also common variable IgA and IgM immunodeficiencies (CVID), on both the human virome and microbiome. Unexpectedly, metagenomic and experimental data in human IgA deficiency and CVID indicate minimal-moderate changes in microbiome and virome composition compared to healthy control group and point out to a rather functional, resilient oral commensal viruses and microbes. However, a significant depletion (two fold) of bacterial cells (p-value < 0.01) and viruses was observed in IgA-deficiency. Our results demonstrate that, within the limits of our cohort, IgA role is not critical for maintaining a rather functional salivary microbiome and suggest that IgA is not a major influence on the composition of abundant commensal microbes.
Chemopreventive effects of pterostilbene through p53 and cell cycle in mouse lung of squamous cell carcinoma model
Authors: Surien Omchit , Ghazali Ahmad Rohi , Masre Siti Fathiah
Published: July 2021

Cell proliferation and cell death abnormalities are strongly linked to the development of cancer, including lung cancer. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of pterostilbene on cell proliferation and cell death via cell cycle arrest during the transition from G1 to S phase and the p53 pathway. A total of 24 female Balb/C mice were randomly categorized into four groups (n = 6): N-nitroso-tris-chloroethyl urea (NTCU) induced SCC of the lungs, vehicle control, low dose of 10 mg/kg PS + NTCU (PS10), and high dose of 50 mg/kg PS + NTCU (PS50). At week 26, all lungs were harvested for immunohistochemistry and Western blotting analysis. Ki-67 expression is significantly lower, while caspase-3 expression is significantly higher in PS10 and PS50 as compared to the NTCU (p < 0.05). There was a significant decrease in cyclin D1 and cyclin E2 protein expression in PS10 and PS50 when compared to the NTCU (p < 0.05). PS50 significantly increased p53, p21, and p27 protein expression when compared to NTCU (p < 0.05). Pterostilbene is a potential chemoprevention agent for lung SCC as it has the ability to upregulate the p53/p21 pathway, causing cell cycle arrest.
Targeted delivery of cytotoxic proteins to prostate cancer via conjugation to small molecule urea-based PSMA inhibitors
Authors: Rogers O. C. , Rosen D. M. , Antony L. , Harper H. M. , Das D. , Yang X. , Minn I. , Mease R. C. , Pomper M. G. , Denmeade S. R.
Published: July 2021

Prostate cancer cells are characterized by a remarkably low proliferative rate and the production of high levels of prostate-specific proteases. Protein-based toxins are attractive candidates for prostate cancer therapy because they kill cells via proliferation-independent mechanisms. However, the non-specific cytotoxicity of these potent cytotoxins must be redirected to avoid toxicity to normal tissues. Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen (PSMA) is membrane-bound carboxypeptidase that is highly expressed by prostate cancer cells. Potent dipeptide PSMA inhibitors have been developed that can selectively deliver and concentrate imaging agents within prostate cancer cells based on continuous PSMA internalization and endosomal cycling. On this basis, we conjugated a PSMA inhibitor to the apoptosis-inducing human protease Granzyme B and the potent Pseudomonas exotoxin protein toxin fragment, PE35. We assessed selective PSMA binding and entrance into tumor cell to induce cell death. We demonstrated these agents selectively bound to PSMA and became internalized. PSMA-targeted PE35 toxin was selectively toxic to PSMA producing cells in vitro. Intratumoral and intravenous administration of this toxin produced marked tumor killing of PSMA-producing xenografts with minimal host toxicity. These studies demonstrate that urea-based PSMA inhibitors represent a simpler, less expensive alternative to antibodies as a means to deliver cytotoxic proteins to prostate cancer cells.
Recent applications of asymmetric organocatalytic annulation reactions in natural product synthesis
Authors: Wang Nengzhong , Wu Zugen , Wang Junjie , Ullah Nisar , Lu Yixin
Published: July 2021

A comprehensive and updated summary of asymmetric organocatalytic annulation reactions is presented; in particular, the applications of these annulation strategies to natural products synthesis are highlighted.
Engineering of nanomaterials for mass spectrometry analysis of biomolecules
Authors: Xu Hongmei , Zhang Zhenzhen , Wang Yihan , Lu Weifeng , Min Qianhao
Published: July 2021

We review the endeavors on the compositional and structural engineering of nanomaterials in the MS characterization of biomolecules in terms of enriching targets, enhancing the ionization efficiency and amplifying the ion signals.
Differential detection of immune cell activation by label-free radiation pressure force
Authors: Lu Qin. , Barlow Daniel. E. , Haridas Dhanya
Published: July 2021

Cell size, refractive index, complexity and surface roughness affect the magnitude of radiation pressure forceFpr.The velocity of a cell traveling through the focal region of a laser beam is inversely proportional to the magnitude ofFpr.
Overcoming lithium analysis difficulties with a simple colorimetric/spectrophotometric method
Authors: Quartarolli Lucas F. , Silveira Alceu T. , Toma Henrique E.
Published: July 2021

The analytical determination of lithium ions can be performed colorimetrically with a smartphone.
Quantitative and specific detection of viable pathogens on a portable microfluidic chip system by combining improved propidium monoazide (PMAxx) and loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP)
Authors: Lin Xue , Jin Xiangyu , Du Wenli , Shan Xiaohui , Huang Qin , Fu Rongxin , Lv Wenqi , Yang Han , Su Ya , Huang Guoliang
Published: July 2021

Improved propidium monoazide (PMAxx) and loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) were used to distinguish between viable and dead C. albicans. A portable microfluidic chip system was developed to detect multiple viable pathogens in parallel.
An ethanethioate functionalized polythiophene as an optical probe for sensitive and fast detection of water content in organic solvents
Authors: Liu Lihua , Zhang Qiang , Duan Hongfei , Li Chenxi , Lu Yan
Published: July 2021

A new polythiophene-based colorimetric and fluorometric dual modal probe can quickly (within 10 s) detect the water content in THF, DMF and DMAc with high accuracy and excellent practicality.
Simultaneous determination of four fertility-related hormones in saliva using disposable multiplexed immunoplatforms coupled to a custom-designed and field-portable potentiostat
Authors: Arévalo Beatriz , Serafín Verónica , Beltrán-Sánchez José Francisco , Aznar-Poveda Juan , López-Pastor José Antonio , García-Sánchez Antonio Javier , García-Haro Joan , Campuzano Susana , Yañez-Sedeño Paloma , Pingarrón José M.
Published: July 2021

This work reports the first amperometric immunoplatform for the simultaneous determination of four fertility-related hormones in saliva: progesterone (P4), luteinizing hormone (LH), estradiol (E2), and prolactin (PRL) using a custom-designed and field-portable quadruple potentiostat.
Visible-light-facilitated P-center radical addition to CX (X = C, N) bonds results in cyclizations
Authors: Li Chong , Wang Juan , Yang Shang-Dong
Published: July 2021

Different strategies and new P-radical precursor induced C–P bond formation by visible light photocatalysis were summarized.
Rhodium(iii)-catalyzed asymmetric [4+1] spiroannulations of O-pivaloyl oximes with α-diazo compounds
Authors: Sun Lincong , Liu Bingxian , Zhao Yanlian , Chang Junbiao , Kong Lingheng , Wang Fen , Deng Wei-Qiao , Li Xingwei
Published: July 2021

Catalytic asymmetric [4+1] spiroannulation of O-pivaloyl oximes with α-diazo homophthalimides has been realized for enantioselective synthesis of spirocyclic imines.
Allenic phosphonium borate zwitterions via a phosphonium allenylidene intermediate
Authors: Torres Lucas C. , Dobrovetsky Roman , Caputo Christopher B.
Published: July 2021

An unexpected alkynyl phosphane rearrangement with Lewis acids yield a phosphonium borato-allene zwitterion via a transient tricoordinate phosphorus electrophile.
Mechanisms of bismuth-activated near-infrared photoluminescence – a first-principles study on the MXCl3series
Authors: Chen Qiaoling , Jing Weiguo , Yeung Yau-Yuen , Yin Min , Duan Chang-Kui
Published: July 2021

The bismuth site occupancy and valence state with the condition of synthesis, and the luminescent mechanisms of Bi+are clarified.
Role of the OH-group in the adsorption properties of methanol, ethanol, and ethylene glycol on 15-atom 3d, 4d, and 5d transition-metal clusters
Authors: Bezerra Raquel C. , Mendonça João Paulo A. de , Mendes Paulo C. D. , Passos Raimundo R. , Da Silva Juarez L. F.
Published: July 2021

Adsorption modes of methanol, ethanol, and ethylene glycol on TM15 clusters.
Rational design of selective HDAC2 inhibitors for liver cancer treatment: computational insights into the selectivity mechanism through molecular dynamics simulations and QM/MM calculations
Authors: Yang Ye , Hu Baichun , Yang Yi , Gong Kaihua , Wang Huibin , Guo Qi , Tang Xinjie , Li Yujuan , Wang Jian
Published: July 2021

The comprehensive elucidation of the selectivity mechanism towards HDAC2 over HDAC8 would guide rational design of selective HDAC2 inhibitors for liver cancer treatment.
Insight into the structure–elastic property relationship of calcium silicate glasses: a multi-length scale approach
Authors: Naji Mohamed , El Kssiri Othman , Ory Sandra , Canizarès Aurélien , Filali Mohammed , Simon Patrick , Faik Abdessamad , Vaills Yann
Published: July 2021

Based on a combination of molecular dynamics simulations, and Raman and Brillouin light scattering spectroscopies, we investigate the structure and elastic properties relationship in an archetypical calcium silicate glass system.
Evaluation of ultrasmall coinage metal M13(dppe)6 M = Cu, Ag, and Au clusters. Bonding, structural and optical properties from relativistic DFT calculations
Authors: Rodríguez-Kessler Peter L. , Rojas-Poblete Macarena , Muñoz-Castro Alvaro
Published: July 2021

Ultrasmall ligand-protected clusters are prototypical species for evaluating the variation at the bottom of the nanoscale range.
Spectroscopic characterization and photochemistry of the vinylsulfinyl radical
Authors: Wu Zhuang , Wang Lina , Lu Bo , Eckhardt André K. , Schreiner Peter R. , Zeng Xiaoqing
Published: July 2021

The simplest α,β-unsaturated sulfinyl radical CH2C(H)SO˙ has been generated and characterized with matrix-isolation IR and UV/Vis spectroscopy. In addition to the cis ⇋ trans conformational interconversion, its photochemistry and bonding properties have been disclosed.
Simulated Raman spectra of bulk and low-dimensional phosphorus allotropes
Authors: Impellizzeri A. , Vorfolomeeva A. A. , Surovtsev N. V. , Okotrub A. V. , Ewels C. P. , Rybkovskiy D. V.
Published: July 2021

The Placzek approximation with DFT accurately reproduces experimental Raman spectra for phosphorus allotropes. We explain bulk allotrope spectral features in black and white phosphorus, and predict spectra for phosphorus nanostructures.
Novel {Cu4} and {Cu4Cd6} clusters derived from flexible aminoalcohols: synthesis, characterization, crystal structures, and evaluation of anticancer properties
Authors: Iman Khushboo , Raza Md Kausar , Ansari Mursaleem , Monika  , Ansari Azaj , Ahmad Musheer , Ahamad M. Naqi , Qasem Khalil M. A. , Hussain Sameer , Akhtar Muhammad Nadeem , Shahid M.
Published: July 2021

The effect of a heterometal on a Cu(ii) cluster has been exercised and observed to enhance anticancer activity and apoptosis.
Photoelectric properties of aromatic triangular tri-palladium complexes and their catalytic applications in the Suzuki–Miyaura coupling reaction
Authors: Li Xujun , Li Jia , Wang Xiaoshuang , Wu Lingang , Wang Yanlan , Maestri Giovanni , Malacria Max , Liu Xiang
Published: July 2021

Interesting photoelectric properties of robust aromatic triangular tri-palladium complexes and their highly efficient catalytic activities for C–I bonds in the Suzuki–Miyaura coupling reaction.
Facile preparation of a cobalt diamine diketonate adduct as a potential vapor phase precursor for Co3O4films
Authors: Klotzsche Max , Barreca Davide , Bigiani Lorenzo , Seraglia Roberta , Gasparotto Alberto , Vanin Laura , Jandl Christian , Pöthig Alexander , Roverso Marco , Bogialli Sara , Tabacchi Gloria , Fois Ettore , Callone Emanuela , Dirè Sandra , Maccato Chiara
Published: July 2021

A novel heteroleptic Co(ii) complex has been synthesized, characterized and successfully evaluated as a precursor for the CVD of Co3O4 thin films with tailored properties.
Towards rainbow photo/electro-luminescence in copper(i) complexes with the versatile bridged bis-pyridyl ancillary ligand
Authors: Mahoro Gilbert Umuhire , Fresta Elisa , Elie Margaux , di Nasso Davide , Zhang Qi , Lohier Jean-François , Renaud Jean-Luc , Linares Mathieu , Wannemacher Reinhold , Cabanillas-Gonzalez Juan , Costa Rubén D. , Gaillard Sylvain
Published: July 2021

The synthesis and characterization of a family of copper(i) complexes bearing a bridged bis-pyridyl ancillary ligand is reported, highlighting how the bridge nature impacts the photo- and electro-luminescent behaviours within the family.
Designed polynuclear lanthanide complexes for quantum information processing
Authors: Aguilà David , Roubeau Olivier , Aromí Guillem
Published: July 2021

The design of dissymmetric organic ligands has been exploited to produce heterometallic dinuclear and trinuclear lanthanide-based coordination compounds with the requirements to act as logical quantum gates for spin-based quantum computing.
Fabrication of one-dimensional CoFe2/C@MoS2 composites as efficient electromagnetic wave absorption materials
Authors: Liao Zijian , Ma Mingliang , Tong Zhouyu , Bi Yuxin , Chung Kwok L. , Qiao Mingtao , Ma Yong , Ma Aijie , Wu Guanglei , Zhong Xiang , Sun Ranran
Published: July 2021

New types of electromagnetic (EM) wave absorption materials with a light weight, strong absorption ability and wide absorption frequency have been widely explored.
From tetranuclear to pentanuclear [Co–Ln] (Ln = Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho) complexes across the lanthanide series: effect of varying sequence of ligand addition
Authors: Basak Dipmalya , Smythe Lucy , Herchel Radovan , Murrie Mark , Nemec Ivan , Ray Debashis
Published: July 2021

Effects of lanthanide contraction and order of ligand addition on the structure and nuclearity of [Co–Ln] aggregates along with their magnetic properties have been investigated.
NaGaI3O9F: a new alkali metal gallium iodate combined with IO3− and IO3F2− units
Authors: Wang Dandan , Gong Pifu , Zhang Xinyuan , Lin Zheshuai , Hu Zhanggui , Wu Yicheng
Published: July 2021

A new alkali metal gallium iodate NaGaI3O9F combined with IO3− and IO3F2− anion units was synthesized with a wide band gap and large birefringence.
Electrochemical product engineering towards sustainable recovery and manufacturing of critical metals
Authors: Wang Yunting , Xue Yudong , Zhang Chunhui
Published: July 2021

This review presents an overview of electrochemical product engineering towards critical metal recovery and manufacturing, looking at process optimization and product innovation aspects.
Application of saturation absorption spectroscopy to study the hyperfine structure of 235U and accurate 235U/238U isotope ratio determinations at 861.031 nm
Authors: Wei Wei , Savukov Igor , Castro Alonso
Published: July 2021

Experimental and theoretical studies of the 861 nm transition of uranium.
Engineering bio-inspired peptide–polyurea hybrids with thermo-responsive shape memory behaviour
Authors: Jang Daseul , Thompson Chase B. , Chatterjee Sourav , Korley LaShanda T. J.
Published: July 2021

This paper highlights the influence of peptide secondary structure on the shape memory behaviour of peptidic polyureas, driven by hydrogen bonding arrangement and microphase-separated morphology.
A porous diatomite ceramic separator for lithium ion batteries
Authors: Li Dongni , Li Ye , Yang Kuo , Ding Mingtao , Su Hao , Wang Hongyang , Zhang Zehai , Li Fangfei , Xue Bing
Published: July 2021

A lithium silicate ceramic separator with a porous structure is obtained by the reaction of diatomite with lithium hydroxide.
Cauliflower-like Mn0.2Cd0.8S decorated with ReS2nanosheets for boosting photocatalytic H2evolution activity
Authors: Xi Yue , Wang Fei , Feng Haoqiang , Xiong Yan , Huang Qunzeng
Published: July 2021

A novel ReS2/Mn0.2Cd0.8S composite was fabricated and exhibited enhanced H2evolution activity due to the modification of cauliflower-like Mn0.2Cd0.8S with ReS2nanosheets.
Intense photoluminescence from Cu-doped CdSe nanotetrapods triggered by ultrafast hole capture
Authors: Ali Fariyad , Das Sharmistha , Banerjee Sucheta , Maddala Bala Gopal , Rana Gourab , Datta Anindya
Published: July 2021

Ultrafast hole capture by dopant Cu+ ions leads to intense, red shifted and long-lived photoluminescence in doped tetrapod-shaped CdSe nanoparticles.