bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Role of Extracellular Vesicles from Adipose Tissue- and Bone Marrow-Mesenchymal Stromal Cells in Endothelial Proliferation and Chondrogenesis
Authors: Gorgun Cansu , Palamà Maria Elisabetta Federica , Reverberi Daniele , Gagliani Maria Cristina , Cortese Katia , Tasso Roberta , Gentili Chiara 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
The secretome of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) derived from different tissue sources is considered an innovative therapeutic tool for regenerative medicine. Although adipose tissue-and bone marrow-derived MSCs (ADSCs and BMSCs, respectively) share many biological features, the different tissue origins can be mirrored by variations in their secretory profile, and in particular in the secreted extracellular vesicles (EVs). In this study, we carried out a detailed and comparative characterization of middle- and small-sized EVs (mEVs and sEVs, respectively) released by either ADSCs or BMSCs. Their involvement in an endochondral ossification setting was investigated using ex vivo metatarsal culture models that allowed to explore both blood vessel sprouting and bone growth plate dynamics. Although EVs separated from both cell sources presented similar characteristics in terms of size, concentration, and marker expression, they exhibited different characteristics in terms of protein content and functional effects. ADSC-EVs overexpressed pro-angiogenic factors in comparison to the BMSC-counterpart, and, consequently, they were able to induce a significant increase in endothelial cord outgrowth. On the other hand, BMSC-EVs contained a higher amount of pro-differentiation and chemotactic proteins, and they were able to prompt growth plate organization. The present study highlights the importance of selecting the appropriate cell source of EVs for targeted therapeutic applications.
The long‐term consequences of entrepreneurship: Earnings trajectories of former entrepreneurs
Authors: Mahieu Jeroen , Melillo Francesca , Thompson Peter 
Published: September 2021

AbstractResearch SummaryPrevious literature has documented a large short‐term earnings gap for entrepreneurs that return to the wage sector. Using matched employer–employee data from the Belgian Labor Market & Social Protection Database, we document how this initial gap is remarkably persistent. Former entrepreneurs earn 27% less than propensity‐scored matched controls 5 years after returning to wage work, which is almost unchanged from the short‐term earnings drop. About 60% of this gap results from reductions in hours worked while the remaining 40% is due to reductions in the wage rate. We offer evidence that the decline in hours worked is a choice of former entrepreneurs and therefore reflects a compensating differential, while the decline in the wage rate is a penalty resulting from statistical discrimination by employers.Managerial SummaryWhile previous work recognizes that entrepreneurs experience reduced earnings when they return to the wage sector, little evidence exists about the long‐term consequences of a spell of entrepreneurship. Using detailed administrative data from a large sample of Belgian entrepreneurs and wage employees, we document an earnings gap of about 27% compared with observationally equivalent employees 5 years after returning to wage work. About 60% of this earnings gap results from a reduction in hours worked, and this part appears to be the result of individual choices. The remaining 40% of the earnings gap is due to a decline in the wage rate, and this part appears to be imposed on returning entrepreneurs by employers.
Key Factors for Binders to Enhance the Electrochemical Performance of Silicon Anodes through Molecular Design
Authors: Wang Haoli , Wu Baozhu , Wu Xikai , Zhuang Qiangqiang , Liu Tong , Pan Yu , Shi Gejun , Yi Huimin , Xu Pu , Xiong Zhennan , Chou Shu‐Lei , Wang Baofeng 
Published: September 2021

AbstractSilicon is considered the most promising candidate for anode material in lithium‐ion batteries due to the high theoretical capacity. Unfortunately, the vast volume change and low electric conductivity have limited the application of silicon anodes. In the silicon anode system, the binders are essential for mechanical and conductive integrity. However, there are few reviews to comprehensively introduce binders from the perspective of factors affecting performance and modification methods, which are crucial to the development of binders. In this review, several key factors that have great impact on binders’ performance are summarized, including molecular weight, interfacial bonding, and molecular structure. Moreover, some commonly used modification methods for binders are also provided to control these influencing factors and obtain the binders with better performance. Finally, to overcome the existing problems and challenges about binders, several possible development directions of binders are suggested.
Carrier Free Photodynamic Synergists for Oxidative Damage Amplified Tumor Therapy
Authors: Li Xin‐Yu , Deng Fu‐An , Zheng Rong‐Rong , Liu Ling‐Shan , Liu Yi‐Bin , Kong Ren‐Jiang , Chen A‐Li , Yu Xi‐Yong , Li Shi‐Ying , Cheng Hong 
Published: September 2021

AbstractTumor cells adapt to excessive oxidative stress by actuating reactive oxygen species (ROS)‐defensing system, leading to a resistance to oxidation therapy. In this work, self‐delivery photodynamic synergists (designated as PhotoSyn) are developed for oxidative damage amplified tumor therapy. Specifically, PhotoSyn are fabricated by the self‐assembly of chlorine e6 (Ce6) and TH588 through π–π stacking and hydrophobic interactions. Without additional carriers, nanoscale PhotoSyn possess an extremely high drug loading rate (up to 100%) and they are found to be fairly stable in aqueous phase with a uniform size distribution. Intravenously injected PhotoSyn prefer to accumulate at tumor sites for effective cellular uptake. More importantly, TH588‐mediated MTH1 inhibition could destroy the ROS‐defensing system of tumor cells by preventing the elimination of 8‐oxo‐2′‐deoxyguanosine triphosphate (8‐oxo‐dG), thereby exacerbating the oxidative DNA damage induced by the photodynamic therapy (PDT) of Ce6 under light irradiation. As a consequence, PhotoSyn exhibit enhanced photo toxicity and a significant antitumor effect. This amplified oxidative damage strategy improves the PDT efficiency with a reduced side effect by increasing the lethality of ROS without generating superabundant ROS, which would provide a new insight for developing self‐delivery nanoplatforms in photodynamic tumor therapy in clinic.
Endogenous Stem Cell‐Based In Situ Tissue Regeneration Using Electrostatically Interactive Hydrogel with a Newly Discovered Substance P Analog and VEGF‐Mimicking Peptide
Authors: Park Seung Hun , Ju Hyeon Jin , Ji Yun Bae , Shah Masaud , Min Byoung Hyun , Choi Hak Soo , Choi Sangdun , Kim Moon Suk 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThe use of chemoattractants to promote endogenous stem cell‐based in situ tissue regeneration has recently garnered much attention. This study is the first to assess the endogenous stem cell migration using a newly discovered substance P (SP) analog (SP1) by molecular dynamics simulations as an efficient chemoattractant. Further, a novel strategy based on electrostatic interaction using cationic chitosan (Ch) and anionic hyaluronic acid (HA) to prepare an SP1‐loaded injectable C/H formulation without SP1 loss is developed. The formulation quickly forms an SP1‐loaded C/H hydrogel in situ through in vivo injection. The newly discovered SP1 is found to possess human mesenchymal stromal cells (hMSCs) migration‐inducing ability that is approximately two to three times higher than that of the existing SP. The designed VEGF‐mimicking peptide (VP) chemically reacts with the hydrogel (C/H‐VP) to sustain the release of VP, thus inducing vasculogenic differentiation of the hMSCs that migrate toward the C/H‐VP hydrogel. Similarly, in animal experiments, SP1 attracts a large number of hMSCs toward the C/H‐VP hydrogel, after which VP induces vasculogenic differentiation. Collectively, these findings indicate that SP1‐loaded C/H‐VP hydrogels are a promising strategy to facilitate endogenous stem cell‐based in situ tissue regeneration.
The influence from steel bar on concrete fracture behavior under different impact velocities
Authors: Song Min , Wang Zhiyong , Zhang Jie , Ma Gang , Wang Zhihua 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThree‐point bending tests on notched plain concrete beams and lightly reinforced concrete beams were carried out with a drop‐hammer impact instrument. The shape of the specimen followed the RILEM recommendation, that is, 150 mm × 150 mm in cross section, 800 mm in length, and span was kept constant 600 mm. And only one conventional steel bar was placed in the lightly reinforced concrete beam. The high‐speed camera and digital image correlation (DIC) technology were applied to catch the fracture process under dynamic loads. And the reaction force, mid‐span deflection, crack velocity, the horizontal strain of concrete at the notch root, and the strain of steel bar midpoint were measured over three impact velocities (i.e., 9.89 × 102, 1.71 × 103, and 2.21 × 103 mm/s). The test results showed that the dynamic fracture energy for plain concrete and reinforced concrete increased with the increase of the impact velocity. When the impact velocity reached 2.21 × 103 mm/s, the steel bar reached yielding, which resulted in the influence from reinforcement on fracture energy weakened. Both of the dynamic fracture toughness for plain concrete and lightly reinforced concrete increased linearly as the growth of impact velocity. Furthermore, the crack extended with a decreasing speed for plain concrete and reinforced concrete. And the first‐stage crack velocity in concrete was inhibited effectively by steel bar, but the inhibitory effect declined as the increase of impact velocities.
Axial compression behavior of basalt fiber‐reinforced recycled aggregate concrete‐filled square steel tubular stub column
Authors: Zhang Xianggang , Gao Xiang , Ding Yahong , Xu Ping , Zhou Gaoqiang , Xu Jinjun 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThis study aimed to determine the mechanical properties of the basalt fiber‐reinforced recycled aggregate concrete (BFRRAC)‐filled square steel tubular stub columns under axial compression. The replacement ratio of recycled coarse aggregate, the content of basalt fiber, and the strength grade of the BFRRAC were designed as the variable parameters, seven BFRRAC‐filled square steel tubular stub columns were designed and subjected to axial compression tests. The failure process and morphologies of the specimens were observed, the load–displacement/strain curves were measured, and the influence rule of variable parameters on the axial compression performance indexes, such as peak bearing capacity, energy dissipation capacity, and ductility coefficient, was discussed. Based on the degradation law of combined secant‐stiffness under axial compression, a piecewise mathematical model of stiffness degradation was established. The parametric influence factor was introduced into the design, and the axial compressive stress–strain curve equation was established. Results show that the local bulging failure of all specimens belongs to the category of strength failure. The working process of BFRRAC‐filled square steel tubular stub column under axial compression can be divided into three stages: elastic, elastic–plastic, and plasticity. With the increase in the replacement ratio of recycled coarse aggregate, the peak bearing capacity and ductility of specimens were finally weakened, and the energy dissipation capacity first increased and then decreased. With the increase in BFRRAC strength grade, the peak bearing capacity and energy dissipation capacity of the specimens increased while ductility decreased. The addition of a certain amount of basalt fiber has a little effect on the peak‐bearing capacity of the specimen, but can improve its energy dissipation capacity and ductility.
Strategies for Improved Electrochemical CO2 Reduction to Value‐Added Products by Highly Anticipated Copper‐Based Nanoarchitectures
Authors: Khan Ibrahim 
Published: September 2021

AbstractUncontrolled CO2 emission from various industrial and domestic sources is a considerable threat to environmental sustainability. Scientists are trying to develop multiple approaches to not only reduce CO2 emissions but also utilize this potent pollutant to get economically feasible products. The electrochemical reduction of CO2 (ERC) is one way to effectively convert CO2 to more useful products (ranging from C1 to C5). Nevertheless, this process is kinetically hindered and less selective towards a specific product and, consequently, requires an efficient electrocatalyst with characteristics like selectivity, stability, reusability, low cost, and environmentally benign. Owing to specified commercial features, copper (Cu)‐based materials are highly anticipated and widely investigated for the last two decades. However, their non‐modified polycrystalline Cu forms usually lack selectivity and lower overpotential of CO2 reduction. Therefore, extensive research is in progress to induce various alterations ranging from morphological and surface chemistry tuning to structural and optoelectrical characteristics modifications. This review provides an overview of those strategies to improve the CO2 conversion efficiency through Cu‐based ERC into valuable C1, C2, and higher molecular weight hydrocarbons. The thermodynamics and kinetics of CO2 reduction via Cu‐based electrocatalysts are discussed in detail with the support of the first principle DFT‐based models. In the last portion of the review, the reported mechanisms for various products are summarized, with a short overview of the outlook. This review is expected to provide important basics as well as advanced information for experienced as well as new researchers to develop various strategies for Cu and related materials to achieve improved ERC.
“Someone Is Watching Me While I Write”: Monolingual Ideologies and Multilingual Writers Behind the Scenes of L2 Writing Tutorials
Authors: Elabdali Rima 
Published: September 2021

AbstractIn the present study, I draw on Canagarajah’s (2019) negotiated‐literacy orientation and the systemic functional linguistic (SFL) approach to discourse analysis (Eggins & Slade, 1997) to demonstrate the varying degrees to which Fatima and Chow, two multilingual doctoral students, were able to question and negotiate normative literacy practices during L2 writing tutorials and how such negotiations may be impacted by the language ideologies internalized by the writers and/or their tutor. The main sources of evidence were interviews with the two doctoral students and excerpts from audio‐recorded writing tutorials, complemented with stimulated‐recall data contrasting tutor and writer interpretations of the same recorded literacy events. The results suggest that the variable degree to which the two multilingual writers are cognizant and resistant of monolingual ideologies impacted their orientation to negotiate literacy in the tutorials. In addition, some of the tutor’s interactional practices were seen to restrict the space for meaning negotiations and hamper the potential to reconcile the diverse literacy dispositions of the tutor and the two multilingual writers. By grounding aspects of negotiated literacy in specific discourse‐semantic moves, the study puts forth implications for a more critical tutoring pedagogy.
Inhibition of NCAPG expression inactivates the Wnt/β‐catenin signal to suppresses endometrial cancer cell growth in vitro
Authors: Liu Cong , Yan Yani , Di Fusheng , Li Weiwei , Yin Xiurong , Dong Lixia 
Published: September 2021

AbstractEndometrial cancer (EC) ranks as the most prevalent malignancy occurring in the female genital tract. Non‐SMC condensin I complex subunit G (NCAPG), a mitotic associated chromosomal condensing protein, is reported to be frequently abnormally expressed in several tumors and plays a vital role in carcinogenesis. Our study aimed to explore the effect of NCAPG on cell proliferation and apoptosis in EC cells and to determine the underlying mechanism. Expression and survival data of NCAPG in EC tissues were analyzed by bioinformatics methods. Cell proliferation was evaluated by EdU and CCK‐8 assays. Apoptosis was assessed by flow cytometry analysis. Expression of NCAPG, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), Ki67, Bcl‐2, Bax, active caspase‐3, active β‐catenin, and c‐Myc were determined by western blotting. NCAPG was highly expressed in EC tissues and cells and predicted poor survival for EC patients. NCAPG knockdown inhibited cell proliferation and induced apoptosis in EC cells. Additionally, NCAPG knockdown inactivated the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway in EC cells. Mechanistically, β‐catenin overexpression blocked the tumorigenic effects of NCAPG in EC cells. In conclusion, NCAPG silencing inhibited cell proliferation and induced apoptosis in EC cells via inhibiting the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway.
Autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome with hypoadrenocorticism and diabetes mellitus in a dog: A rare case
Authors: Hwang Seo‐Young , An Ju‐Hyun , Lee Jeong‐Hwa , Park Su‐Min , Kyu Chae Hyung , Kim Kyung‐Bo , Song Woo‐Jin , Youn Hwa‐Young 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBackgroundAutoimmune polyendocrine syndrome, also called polyglandular autoimmune syndrome, is a rare immune‐mediated disorder that involves various endocrine glands.PurposeTo report autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome in a dog.MethodsA 9‐year‐old spayed female miniature poodle diagnosed with insulin‐dependent diabetes mellitus emergently visited our clinic for anorexia, severe depression, and vomiting. Hyponatremia, hypochloridemia, and recurrent hypoglycaemia were found. Hypoadrenocorticism was diagnosed based on consistent clinical signs and repeated adrenocorticotropic hormone stimulation tests.ResultsAfter injecting deoxycorticosterone pivalate and increasing the oral prednisolone dose, the patient's systemic condition improved.ConclusionsTo the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report of hypoadrenocorticism concurrent with diabetes mellitus in a dog. Furthermore, we would like to present the probability of an immune‐mediated disorder with multiple organs involved, like type IV autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome in humans.
Phenotypic and genetic parameter estimates for early growth, growth rate and growth efficiency‐related traits of Fogera cattle in Ethiopia
Authors: Kassahun Demelash , Taye Mengistie , Kebede Damitie , Tilahun Mekonen , Tesfa Assemu , Bitew Addisu , Kebede Adebabay , Meseret Mulugeta , Lakew Eyasu , Bimrow Tewodros , Haile Aynalem 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBackgroundUnderstanding the phenotypic and genetic parameter estimates of growth traits is important for an effective livestock genetic improvement programme.ObjectivesIn this study, we evaluated the phenotypic performances and estimated genetic parameters for birthweight (BWT), weaning weight (WWT), pre‐weaning average daily gain (PADG), pre‐weaning Kleiber ratio (PKR), pre‐weaning growth efficiency (PGE) and pre‐weaning relative growth rate (PRGR) of Fogera cattle in Ethiopia.MethodsGrowth data collected from 2000 to 2018 in Andassa Livestock Research Center were used for the study. General linear model of SAS 9.1 was used to estimate the least squares mean (LSM) ± standard error (SE) for phenotypic performances, and AI‐REML of Wombat software combined with a series of five single‐trait animal models to estimate phenotypic variance and its direct, maternal and residual components. Calf sex, calf birth season and calf birth year were the fixed effects considered.ResultsThe overall LSM ± SE BWT, WWT, PADG, PKR, PGE and PRGR were 21.28 ± 0.05 kg, 97.99 ± 0.67 kg, 320.29 ± 2.79 g, 10.10 ± 0.04, 3.51 ± 0.35 and 1.95 ± 0.00, respectively. All the fixed effects considered significantly (p < 0.001) affected all the traits. The direct heritability estimates for BWT, WWT, PADG, PKR, PGE and PRGR were 0.21 ± 0.07, 0.26 ± 0.01, 0.55 ± 0.19, 0.53 ± 0.18, 0.33 ± 0.00 and 0.50 ± 0.00, respectively. The genetic correlations among the traits ranged from negative (−0.20 ± 0.04; BWT‐PKR) to positive (0.99 ± 0.00; BW‐PGE, BW‐GR, WWT‐PGE, WWT‐PGR, ADG‐PGR, PKR‐PGR, PKR‐PGE and PGE‐PGR). Similarly, the phenotypic correlations ranged from −0.03 ± 0.20 to 0.99 ± 0.01; BWT‐PGE, BWT‐PRGR, WWT‐PGE, WWT‐PRGR, PKR‐PGE, PKR‐PRGR and PGE‐PRGR).ConclusionThe positive and larger phenotypic and genetic correlations between most of the traits implied that selection based on one trait could improve the other traits. However, the negative phenotypic and genetic correlation between BWT‐PKRA implies that selection of Fogera calves based on either of the traits has an adverse effect on the other. Therefore, caution should be taken when designing the selection criteria for growth improvement.
Attention along the cortical hierarchy: Development matters
Authors: Lynn Andrew , Amso Dima 
Published: September 2021

AbstractWe build on the existing biased competition view to argue that attention is an emergent property of neural computations within and across hierarchically embedded and structurally connected cortical pathways. Critically then, one must ask, what is attention emergent from? Within this framework, developmental changes in the quality of sensory input and feedforward‐feedback information flow shape the emergence and efficiency of attention. Several gradients of developing structural and functional cortical architecture across the caudal‐to‐rostral axis provide the substrate for attention to emerge. Neural activity within visual areas depends on neuronal density, receptive field size, tuning properties of neurons, and the location of and competition between features and objects in the visual field. These visual cortical properties highlight the information processing bottleneck attention needs to resolve. Recurrent feedforward and feedback connections convey sensory information through a series of steps at each level of the cortical hierarchy, integrating sensory information across the entire extent of the cortical hierarchy and linking sensory processing to higher‐order brain regions. Higher‐order regions concurrently provide input conveying behavioral context and goals. Thus, attention reflects the output of a series of complex biased competition neural computations that occur within and across hierarchically embedded cortical regions. Cortical development proceeds along the caudal‐to‐rostral axis, mirroring the flow in sensory information from caudal to rostral regions, and visual processing continues to develop into childhood. Examining both typical and atypical development will offer critical mechanistic insight not otherwise available in the adult stable state.This article is categorized under:
Psychology > Attention
Accurate Graphic Symbol Detection in Ancient Document Digital Reproductions
Authors: Ziran Zahra , Bernasconi Eleonora , Ghignoli Antonella , Leotta Francesco , Mecella Massimo 
Published: September 2021

AbstractDigital reproductions of historical documents from Late Antiquity to early medieval Europe contain annotations in handwritten graphic symbols or signs. The study of such symbols may potentially reveal essential insights into the social and historical context. However, finding such symbols in handwritten documents is not an easy task, requiring the knowledge and skills of expert users, i.e., paleographers. An AI-based system can be designed, highlighting potential symbols to be validated and enriched by the experts, whose decisions are used to improve the detection performance. This paper shows how this task can benefit from feature auto-encoding, showing how detection performance improves with respect to trivial template matching.