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Background: The effects of laser therapy on normal cells are well known and accepted, but the impact of this therapy on malignant cells are not yet fully understood. This review aims to map and outline what the scientific literature addresses on the effects of laser therapy on malignant cells. Methods: This review article followed the guidelines of the PRISMA‐ScR protocol, being all the search, analysis, and selection of articles based on it. Results: After all application of the predetermined criteria, five studies were included, dated between the years 2013 and 2021. With the complete reading of the selected studies, 100% of the articles were classified as category III of the Agency for Healthcare as Research and Quality classification. Similar themes among the papers included were investigated and compared. In these five studies, the visible red and near infrared wavelengths were used, and energy densities varied between 1 and 5 J/cm2. It was observed that low‐level laser could alter the expression of cell proliferation and migration proteins, such as cyclin D1, E‐cadherin, and β‐catenin. In addition, changes related to increased cell viability and metabolism were also identified. Conclusion: The low‐level laser seems to positively regulate the proliferative, migratory, and viability capacity of neoplastic cells, depending on the protocol used. All these studies included in the review are equivalent to in vitro studies; the cells are not in such a complex environment as is an organized tissue, making it necessary to carry out more complex tests, such as in vivo research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on the Dual cell structure display, this paper proposes an effective contrast enhancement scheme. By using the lower cell to control the backlight brightness, local dimming is realized at the pixel level. Combined with spatial filtering, the ghosting problem of the Dual cell structure display is solved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: In this paper, a dynamic and location‐based power allocation mechanism is proposed which could be adopted at both macrocell (MC) and overlaid fixed/mobile small cells (SCs) to mitigate inter‐cell interference (ICI) effects in heterogeneous cellular networks (HetCNs). The proposed Dynamic Power Allocation based on User Location (DPAUL) mechanism allows both MCs and deployed fixed/mobile SCs to dynamically allocate transmit power to its serving base stations (BSs) based on the location of a user in the cell. The paper illustrates the mitigation of dynamic downlink interferences occurring due to the mobility of SCs and users. The mobility of cell and its users is analyzed by introducing the Cell‐User mobility (CUM) model in the network. The proposed DPAUL mechanism is compared with the authors' other ICI mitigation techniques: Dynamic Fixed Region Cooperation (DFRC) and Dynamic Power Allocation Mechanism (DPAM). The network metrics Sumrate, User throughput, Energy‐efficiency, and Outage probability are investigated with allocation of sub 6 GHz and mmWave spectrums at MCs and fSCs/mSCs, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Microscopy is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Cardiac remodelling refers to changes in left ventricular structure and function over time, with a progressive deterioration that may lead to heart failure (HF) development (adverse remodelling) or vice versa a recovery (reverse remodelling) in response to HF treatment. Adverse remodelling predicts a worse outcome, whilst reverse remodelling predicts a better prognosis. The geometry, systolic and diastolic function and electric activity of the left ventricle are affected, as well as the left atrium and on the long term even right heart chambers. At a cellular and molecular level, remodelling involves all components of cardiac tissue: cardiomyocytes, fibroblasts, endothelial cells and leucocytes. The molecular, cellular and histological signatures of remodelling may differ according to the cause and severity of cardiac damage, and clearly to the global trend toward worsening or recovery. These processes cannot be routinely evaluated through endomyocardial biopsies, but may be reflected by circulating levels of several biomarkers. Different classes of biomarkers (e.g. proteins, non‐coding RNAs, metabolites and/or epigenetic modifications) and several biomarkers of each class might inform on some aspects on HF development, progression and long‐term outcomes, but most have failed to enter clinical practice. This may be due to the biological complexity of remodelling, so that no single biomarker could provide great insight on remodelling when assessed alone. Another possible reason is a still incomplete understanding of the role of biomarkers in the pathophysiology of cardiac remodelling. Such role will be investigated in the first part of this review paper on biomarkers of cardiac remodelling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fringe‐Field Switch (FFS) mode cell with Photo alignment technology have been widely used in many kinds of devices due to its excellent performance of LC display. In this paper, the local area cell parameter, include cell gap, pre‐tilt angle and twist angle of dosage have been compared. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Indoor and cell‐edge coverage has been a major issue of concern for predeployed traditional macrocell (MC)–based homogeneous cellular network. Moreover, with the extensive increase of mobile users and developments of smart and highly specified devices, user demands and activities have led to huge cellular traffic. The key solutions to these that include network upgradation, overlaying of small cells (SCs), and scaling of resources have turned out to be the major causes for intercell interference (ICI) and energy‐efficiency degradation in heterogeneous cellular networks (HetCNs). In this paper, authors have tried to analyze the downlink performance metrics of cell boundary users with MCs overlaying SCs for three‐cell circular and seven‐cell sectorized networks through frequency reuse (FR) schemes. This paper also discusses the impact of ICI being encountered by users and the effect of SCs on the energy efficiency of the network. The locations for SCs are perceived where user density is large and demands high data rate such as at hot‐spot (HS) areas, railway stations, shopping malls, working farms, and organization. The performance metrics sum rate, average user throughput, and energy efficiency are compared by employing FR‐1 (full spectrum) and FR‐3 (three subbands) among MCs and deployed SCs. For both scenarios, simulation results and analyses depict that without SCs, utilization of FR‐1 results in performance degradation due to ICI effects. However, the downlink performance of cell boundary user and energy efficiency of the network could be enhanced by overlaying SCs near cell boundaries of preexisting MCs along with the allocation of FR‐1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The authors have proposed a cell voltage equalizer with an LC series circuit in a previous work. The proposed circuit, however, has the disadvantage that the equalization time tends to be longer than that of other conventional equalizers. Therefore, the authors have studied some control methods to reduce the equalization time. This paper proposes a novel equalization time reduction method using the magnitude relation of each cell voltage estimated from the equalization current for the proposed equalizer. The proposed method can reduce the equalization time without an additional voltage sensor, so the size of the equalizer is not changed and the cost is not higher than an equalizer using the conventional control method. In addition, the characteristics and the effectiveness of the proposed method were verified by the simulations and the experiments. It was confirmed that the proposed method could reduce the equalization time to about 67.7% of that of the conventional control method by the experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MCL, Mincle and Dectin‐2 are C‐type lectin receptors expressed by subsets of myeloid cells, and their genes cluster together in the APLEC/Dectin‐2 gene complex. We have previously shown that MCL and Mincle form a heterodimer in the rat, and others have shown that MCL and Dectin‐2 form a heterodimer in the mouse. In the rat, Dectin‐2 is a pseudogene, but here, we examine the association of the three receptors in human. In co‐transfection experiments analyzed with flow cytometry and immunoprecipitation, we here show that human MCL and Mincle form a disulphide‐linked heterodimer that associates with the signalling adaptor molecule FcεRIγ, in accordance with our previous findings in the rat. In contrast to previous findings in the rat, data in this paper indicate a direct association of MCL with FcεRIγ, as previously shown for mouse MCL. We were unable to demonstrate the formation of a heterodimer between human MCL and Dectin‐2. Thus, despite similarities, there may be important differences in the conformation of these receptors between rat, mouse and human, and this may have functional consequences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The error‐correcting performance of multi‐level‐cell (MLC) NAND flash memory is closely related to the block length of error‐correcting codes (ECCs) and log‐likelihood‐ratios of the read‐voltage thresholds. Driven by this issue, this paper optimizes the read‐voltage thresholds for MLC flash memory to improve the decoding performance of ECCs with finite block length. First, through the analysis of channel coding rate and decoding error probability under finite block length, the optimization problem of read‐voltage thresholds to minimize the maximum decoding error probability is formulated. Second, a cross‐iterative search algorithm to optimize read‐voltage thresholds under the perfect knowledge of flash memory channel is developed. However, it is challenging to analytically characterize the voltage distribution under the effect of data retention noise. To address this problem, a deep neural network (DNN)‐aided optimization strategy to optimize the read‐voltage thresholds is developed, where a multi‐layer perception network is employed to learn the relationship between voltage distribution and read‐voltage thresholds. Simulation results show that, compared with the existing schemes, the proposed DNN‐aided read‐voltage threshold optimization strategy with a well‐designed Low Density Parity Check (LDPC) code can not only improve the program‐and‐erase endurance but also reduce the read latency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Local dimming technology can significantly improve the contrast ratio (CR) of LCD products, the more the backlight units, the higher the CR. But due to technical limitations, backlight partitions cannot be made particularly fine. By adding a layer of light control cell between backlight and display panel, the pixel‐level local dimming can be achieved. This paper proposed a high precision and high contrast algorithm based on dual‐cell LCD. The proposed method took pixel shape and position into account which can guarantee two cells matching perfectly and realize low distortion and high contrast display. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ability to trap precise quantities of cells or particles into confined areas has numerous applications for biological purposes. In particular, single cell trapping has received considerable attention because it permits the study of heterogeneity in a population, while trapping larger groups of cells have been used to form aggregates. Among several methods, the use of microwell offers a simple platform to capture cells or particles using hydrodynamic forces. This review examines the use of microwells in both static and microfluidic environments, and the application of microfluidic geometric arrays for trapping. This paper discusses the design and fabrication methods of microwells and compares the trapping and release techniques used in both static and microfluidics‐integrated microwells. Finally, we will summarize novel microfluidic geometric arrays used to capture cells or particles through hydrodynamic trapping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Telecytology for second opinion consultation has largely been limited by technical issues, such as the inability to focus well on cellular material. Nevertheless, international telecytology consultation was undertaken at our institution with partners in China and Italy. To overcome issues with scanning cytology slides, we adopted a cell‐block (CB) preference for teleconsultation. Methods: Telecytology consultation cases received over a 7.5‐year period were retrospectively reviewed. Cytology glass slides were scanned without Z‐stacking using different whole slide scanners. For one referring site, only haematoxylin‐eosin‐stained CBs were scanned, as well as immunostains requested by consultants. For another host centre, aspirate smears were also scanned in some cases. Results: A total of 51 non‐gynaecological cases (44 CB only) were evaluated from 48 patients. The specimens included pleural fluids (19), pancreas (14), lymph nodes (6), peritoneal fluids (2) and miscellaneous samples (10). The cytological diagnoses spectrum included 16 (31.37%) cases positive for malignancy, 7 (13.72%) positive for neoplasm, 6 (11.76%) suspicious for malignancy, 10 (19.60%) atypical, 10 (19.60%) negative for malignancy and 2 (3.92%) non‐diagnostic. In 42 (82.35%) cases, immunocytochemistry was requested. Turn‐around‐time ranged from 1.5 to 306 hours. Conclusions: Our experience shows that international telecytology for consultation purposes involving non‐gynaecological cases is feasible. A second opinion interpretation was rendered in the majority (64.7%) of cases. Utilising CB only for cytology consultations by whole slide imaging solved focus issues that typically plague evaluation of cytology aspirate smears. The role of telecytology for consultation is emerging. This paper describes the authors experience with the use of cell blocks and whole slide imaging for international telecytology consultation and outlines key factors responsible for a successful telecytology consultation service at an academic institution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

publisher‐imprint‐name Springer volume‐issue‐count 1 issue‐article‐count 0 issue‐toc‐levels 0 issue‐pricelist‐year 2016 issue‐copyright‐holder The Author(s) issue‐copyright‐year 2016 article‐contains‐esm No article‐numbering‐style Unnumbered article‐registration‐date‐year 2016 article‐registration‐date‐month 2 article‐registration‐date‐day 19 article‐toc‐levels 0 toc‐levels 0 volume‐type Regular journal‐product ArchiveJournal numbering‐style Unnumbered article‐grants‐type OpenChoice metadata‐grant OpenAccess abstract‐grant OpenAccess bodypdf‐grant OpenAccess bodyhtml‐grant OpenAccess bibliography‐grant OpenAccess esm‐grant OpenAccess online‐first false pdf‐file‐reference BodyRef/PDF/40169_2016_Article_87.pdf target‐type OnlinePDF issue‐type Regular article‐type ReviewPaper journal‐subject‐primary Medicine & Public Health journal‐subject‐secondary Medicine/Public Health, general journal‐subject‐collection SC11 open‐access true --> Extracellular microvesicles (ExMVs) are part of the cell secretome, and evidence has accumulated for their involvement in several biological processes. Fourteen years ago our team demonstrated for the first time that ExMVs carry functional RNA species and proteins from one cell to another, an observation that opened up the new research field of horizontal transfer of bioactive molecules in cell‐to‐cell communication. Moreover, the presence of mRNA, noncoding RNA, and miRNA in ExMVs in blood and other biological fluids opened up the possibility of employing ExMVs as new detection markers for pathological processes, and ExMVs became a target for "liquid biopsy" approaches. While ExMV‐derived mRNAs may be translated in target cells into appropriate proteins, miRNAs regulate expression of corresponding mRNA species, and both RNA‐depended ExMV‐mediated mechanisms lead to functional changes in the target cells. Following from this observation, several excellent papers have been published that confirm the existence of the horizontal transfer of RNA. Moreover, in addition to RNA, proteins, bioactive lipids, infectious particles and intact organelles such as mitochondria may follow a similar mechanism. In this review we will summarize the impressive progress in this field—14 years after initial report. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The paper presents a class‐AB flipped voltage follower (FVF) cell based on quasi‐floating gate and bulk‐driven techniques. The quasi‐floating gate technique is used to increase the current sinking capability, whereas the bulk‐driven technique is used to enhance the current sourcing capability by reducing the threshold voltage. Using these two techniques, the proposed class‐ AB FVF cell offers high current sinking and sourcing capabilities. Also, it provides high symmetrical slew rate without any additional circuitry. The physical layout of the proposed class‐ AB FVF cell has been designed in Cadence Virtuoso Layout XL editor using BSIM3v3 180‐nm CMOS technology, and post‐layout simulation results have been presented to validate its performance. The corner analysis of the proposed class‐ AB FVF cell has also been performed with temperature and supply voltage as design variables to show its performance under extreme conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cell volume regulation, as one of the fundamental homeostasis of the cell, is associated with many cellular behaviors and functions. With the increased studies on the effect of environmental mechanical cues on cell volume regulation, the relationship between cell volume regulation and mechanotransduction becomes more and more clear. In this paper, we review the mechanisms and hypotheses by which cell maintains its volume homeostasis both in vivo and in constructed cell mechanical microenvironment (CMM) in vitro. We discuss how the growth‐division regulation maintains the volume homeostasis of cells in the cell cycle and how the cell cortex/membrane tension mediates the effect of CMM (i.e., osmotic pressure, matrix stiffness, and mechanical force) on cell volume regulation. We also highlight the roles of cell volume as a perfect integrator of the downstream signals of mechanotransduction from different aspects of CMM and an effective indicator for the mechanical condition that cell confronts. This interdisciplinary perspective can provide new insight into biomechanics and may shed light on bioengineering and pathological research work. We hope this review can facilitate future studies on the investigation of the role of cell volume in mechanotransduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Primary human papillomavirus (HPV) screening, testing for the virus responsible for 99% of cervical cancers, was introduced in 2018‐2020 in the UK. This was preceded by HPV triage of low‐grade cytology from 2012. Much of the evidence incorporated into current National Health Service (NHS) colposcopy guidance assessed outcomes prior to this change in screening. The aim of this paper is to assess adherence to NHS cervical screening programme standards, determine the incidence of cases reported as high‐risk HPV plus borderline nuclear change in endocervical cells, to calculate colposcopic accuracy and assess histological outcomes in this cohort. Method: A retrospective audit of women referred to a colposcopy clinic in one NHS trust from 2016 to 2018. Data relating to histological outcomes, cytological follow‐up and demographics were collected. Results: Of 2001 referrals, 22 data sets identifying HPV‐positive borderline endocervical change were eligible for analysis (1.2% incidence). Median age was 29.5. Two‐thirds (68.2%, n = 15) had high‐grade dysplasia at diagnostic biopsy. Those women with reassuring histology had normal cytological follow‐up. Colposcopic accuracy was moderate (positive predictive value 43.8%, negative predictive value 100%). Conclusions: Borderline nuclear change in endocervical cells is an uncommon condition but should be treated as a high‐grade referral. All women should be offered a diagnostic biopsy at the initial colposcopy; if no histopathological abnormality is identified, alternative sources of pathology should be considered. Excisional treatment should be recommended to unreliable attenders, those with a complete family and inadequate colposcopy (TZ3) and considered in younger women with a TZ3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the use of hp‐basis functions with higher differentiability properties is discussed in the context of the finite cell method and numerical simulations on complex geometries. For this purpose, Ckhp‐basis functions based on classical B‐splines and a new approach for the construction of C1hp‐basis functions with minimal local support are introduced. Both approaches allow for hanging nodes, whereas the new C1 approach also includes varying polynomial degrees. The properties of the hp‐basis functions are studied in several numerical experiments, in which a linear elastic problem with some singularities is discretized with adaptive refinements. Furthermore, the application of the Ckhp‐basis functions based on B‐splines is investigated in the context of nonlinear material models, namely hyperelasticity and elastoplasicity with finite strains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Triassic to Recent fossil record of the dinoflagellates is represented overwhelmingly by geologically resistant, organic‐walled, non‐motile resting cysts; such cysts are formed following the sexual phase in the life cycle. Very few confirmed records exist of the motile stage being preserved in the fossil record. This paper reports the occurrence of two very unusual dinoflagellate taphofacies, one developed in bituminous shales and the other in micrites, from the Oligocene fossil Lagerstätte at Sieblos, Hesse, Germany. A new dinoflagellate taxon, Sieblososphaera martini sp. nov. has been identified through analysis of dissociated skeletal elements in the bituminous shales and external moulds and casts in the micrites. The unique preservation of these fossils confirms them not only as primary biogenically silicified motile thecate cells, but also indicates that there was a much greater range of tabulation present within the subfamily Lithoperidiniaceae than has hitherto been recognized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

All‐solid‐state batteries are promising energy storage devices in which high‐energy‐density and superior safety can be obtained by efficient cell design and the use of nonflammable solid electrolytes, respectively. This paper presents a systematic study of experimental factors that affect the electrochemical performance of all‐solid‐state batteries. The morphological changes in composite electrodes fabricated using different mixing speeds are carefully observed, and the corresponding electrochemical performances are evaluated in symmetric cell and half‐cell configurations. We also investigate the effect of the composite electrode thickness at different charge/discharge rates for the realization of all‐solid‐state batteries with high‐energy‐density. The results of this investigation confirm a consistent relationship between the cell capacity and the ionic resistance within the composite electrodes. Finally, a concentration‐gradient composite electrode design is presented for enhanced power density in thick composite electrodes; it provides a promising route to improving the cell performance simply by composite electrode design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Multiple degrees‐of‐freedom (multi‐DOF) cell orientation control is a vital important technique involved in single cell surgery applications. Currently, few studies have been performed toward automation of multi‐DOF cell orientation control using robotically controlled optical tweezers. In this paper, a robust control framework is developed to perform multi‐DOF cell rotational control with consideration of model uncertainties and external disturbances. Both simulation and experimental studies are presented to illustrate the performance of the proposed control strategy. The main contributions of this work lie in that this is the first time to develop a unified framework to achieve multi‐DOF cell orientation control without the need for accurate dynamic model parameters and/or any knowledge about uncertainty characteristic, which greatly enhances the robustness of the overall system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the renewable energy scenario, energy storage is of essence. In this context, power‐to‐liquid (PtL) and power‐to‐gas (PtG) concepts have attracted large attention, where the use of solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOECs) has a huge potential, due to their high conversion efficiencies. However, performance and durability of these cells still need to be improved for a large‐scale commercialization of the SOEC technology. It is often difficult to identify the various loss and degradation mechanisms limiting the cell performance and durability. This paper contributes to this scientific discussion, by providing a careful analysis of the degradation mechanisms occurring in three different cells during long‐term H2O and CO2 co‐electrolysis, at 1,200 mV. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) is measured before, during and after the electrolysis operation, and is utilized to address the individual electrode degradation mechanisms and the development of leaks through the electrolyte. Moreover, the leak rates under open circuit voltage (OCV) measurements were compared. In addition, microstructural analysis of the electrodes and electrolytes is related to the electrochemical findings to contribute to the discussion on the interdependency of the degradation mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents the numerical and experimental results of a miniaturized half‐mode substrate integrated waveguide HMSIW C‐band pass filter with defected ground structure DGS, using two slots and dumbbell shape defected ground structure. These two slots which are etched on the upper plane of the SIW cavity are used to constitute a multiple‐mode resonator, and the dumbbell‐shape fractal DGS etched on the bottom plane can considerably enhance the filter's performances. The manufactured band‐pass filter in half mode based on SIW technology has a size nearly half of that of a normal filter. The measurements results obtained by CST in C‐band show that the manufactured filter has a large transmitted bandwidth of about 1.53 GHz from 5.97 to 7.5 GHz. The higher measured insertion is about −2.6 dB and the lower return loss measured is about −34 dB. The size of filter design achieved is 7.48 × 38.12 mm2 which make it the more compact in comparison with some published works at the C‐band frequency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multi‐junction cells can significantly improve the energy yield of photovoltaic systems over a single‐junction cell. The internal interconnection scheme of the subcells is an important aspect in determining the resulting levelized cost of electricity. For a dual‐junction cell, two approaches are commonly discussed: series‐connected tandem cells with two terminals or independently working subcells in a four‐terminal (4T) tandem device. In this paper, we explore the working principle and the operation modes of a third, rarely discussed option: a three‐terminal (3T) tandem cell using a back‐contacted bottom cell with 3Ts. We use current–voltage measurements of illuminated 3T interdigitated back contact cells and confirm that the front and rear base contacts are at similar quasi‐Fermi level positions, which enables the bottom cell to either efficiently collect surplus carriers, in the case of a current‐limiting or carrier injecting top cell, or inject majority carriers, in the case of a current‐limiting bottom cell. As a result, no current matching is needed. The power output of an idealized 3T bottom cell without resistive effects is independent of the current density applied from the top cell. These characteristics of the 3T bottom cells enable a 3T tandem to operate as efficiently as a 4T tandem, while being compatible with monolithic design and not requiring intermediate grids. We propose a simple equivalent circuit model including additional resistive effects, which describes a real 3T bottom cell and achieves excellent agreement to the experiment. We deduce design guidelines for a 3T bottom cell in different operation regimes. We explore the working principle and operation modes of a back‐contacted bottom cell with three terminals (3Ts) for tandem application. Since the third terminal enables efficient collection and injection of majority carriers, current matching in a 3T tandem is superfluous, and the power output of a 3T bottom cell is mostly independent of the current applied from the top cell. A monolithic 3T tandem is predicted to operate as efficiently as a four‐terminal tandem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mechanical force is known to influence the behavior of biological cells. To study how external mechanical forces may affect cellular response and function necessitates the development of sophisticated force-control techniques for accurate application of dynamical forces on living cells. In this paper, we develop a robust force control algorithm that enables accurate application of an external force on a dynamics model of biological cells. Such force control is achieved by utilizing a six-strut cellular tensegrity model constructed based on the structural approach. Leveraging on the more comprehensive description of the nonlinearity and dynamic coupling of internal structural elements provided by this tensegrity model, we synthesize a novel robust control law that can effectively deal with model uncertainties and partial state measurability. Numerical simulations (involving forces of different dynamics profiles) are conducted to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposal force control algorithm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microglia, the brain's tissue‐resident macrophages, contribute to the developmental elimination of extranumerary synapses and to pathologic synapse loss in mouse models of neurodegeneration. Two papers published in The EMBO Journal reveal that phosphatidylserine (PS) is a neuronal cue for microglial synapse elimination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: IgE and not IgG is usually associated with allergy. IgE lodged on mast cells in skin or gut and basophils in the blood allows for the prolonged duration of allergy through the persistent expression of high affinity IgE receptors. However, many allergic reactions are not dependent on IgE and are generated in the absence of allergen specific and even total IgE. Instead, IgG plasma cells are involved in induction of, and for much of the pathogenesis of, allergic diseases. The pattern of IgG producing plasma cells in atopic children and the tendency for direct or further class switching to IgE are the principle factors responsible for long‐lasting sensitization of mast cells in allergic children. Indirect class switching from IgG producing plasma cells has been shown to be the predominant pathway for production of IgE while a Th2 microenvironment, genetic predisposition, and the concentration and nature of allergens together act on IgG plasma cells in the atopic tendency to undergo further immunoglobulin gene recombination. The seminal involvement of IgG in allergy is further indicated by the principal role of IgG4 in the natural resolution of allergy and as the favourable immunological response to immunotherapy. This paper will look at allergy through the role of different antibodies than IgE and give current knowledge of the nature and role of IgG antibodies in the start, maintenance and resolution of allergy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrogenic cells such as cardiomyocytes and neurons rely mainly on electrical signals for intercellular communication. Microelectrode arrays (MEAs) have been developed for long-term recording of cell signals and stimulation of electrogenic cells under low-cell-stress conditions, providing new insights in the behavior of electrogenic cells and the operation of the brain. To date, MEAs are relying on flat or needle-shaped electrode surfaces, mainly due to limitations in the lithographic processes. This paper relies on a previously reported elasto-capillary aggregation process to create 3D carbon nanotube (CNT) MEAs. This study shows that CNTs aggregate in well-shaped structures of similar size as cardiomyocytes are particularly interesting for MEA applications. This is because i) CNT microwells of the right diameter preferentially trap individual cardiomyocytes, which facilitates single cell recording without the need for clamping cells or signal deconvolution, and ii) once the cells are trapped inside of the CNT wells, this 3D CNT structure is used as an electrode surrounding the cell, which increases the cell-electrode contact area. As a result, this study finds that the recorded output voltages increase significantly (more than 200%). This fabrication process paves the way for future study of complex interactions between electrogenic cells and 3D recording electrodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper designs and synthesizes a novel amphiphilic fluorinated block copolymer, composed of oligo ethylene glycol methyl ether methacrylate, 2-( N, N-dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate, and developing 2-((2-methacryloyloxy ethyl) disulfanyl) ethyl 3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl) benzoate, by reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer polymerization. This amphiphilic block copolymer can self-assemble with hydrophobic lanthanide-based upconversion nanoparticles to form hybrid colloidal nanoclusters. The obtained nanoclusters exhibit not only good water-dispersibility, high biocompatibility, and strong stability in biological milieu, but excellent pH/redox-dual-responsive release in vitro behavior for doxorubicin (DOX). And the DOX-loaded nanoclusters have much better therapeutic effect than free DOX and can be uptaken by MCF-7 cells with evident upconversion luminescence signal for intracellular imaging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we formulate a ( n + 3)-dimensional nonlinear virus dynamics model that considers n-stages of the infected cells and n + 1 distributed time delays. The model incorporates humoral immune response and general nonlinear forms for the incidence rate of infection, the generation and removal rates of the cells and viruses. Under a set of conditions on the general functions, the basic infection reproduction number [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Front cover: Cover image: Col1a1 expression in cells of the bovine annulus fi brosus, see paper by K. Li et al., this issue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Invited for this month′s cover is the group of Tobias Placke and Martin Winter at the MEET Battery Research Center (University of Münster). The image shows the failure mechanism of high‐voltage operated NCM523 || graphite lithium‐ion cells, that is, the dissolution of transition metals (Mn, Co, Ni) from the NCM523 cathode and subsequent deposition at the graphite anode, resulting in formation of Li metal dendrites. The Full Paper itself is available at 10.1002/cssc.202002113. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Specific structural repeat units can be used as quasi‐unit cells of decagonal quasicrystals. So far, the most famous and almost exclusively employed one has been the Gummelt decagon. However, in an increasing number of cases Lück decagons have been found to be more appropriate without going into depth. The diversities and commonalities of these two basic decagonal clusters and of some more general ones are discussed. The importance of the type of underlying tiling for the correct classification of a quasi‐unit cell is demonstrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Interference alignment (IA) is a beneficial interference management technique in heterogeneous networks (HetNets). Bearing this in mind, we target partially connected networks of small cells that are allocated randomly in a macrocell, whereas IA feasibility conditions may not be satisfied. To address this issue, we propose a new scheme with novel clustering and scheduling algorithms that is accomplished in three stages. The proposed scheme is accomplished by knowing the connection matrix of the established links that is obtained by different threshold values in the first stage. In the second stage, a new clustering algorithm is proposed to separate the cells to groups in which IA is feasible, and the feedback overhead is reduced. In the last stage, cluster scheduling method is proposed to efficiently schedule the clusters. The cluster scheduling allows the selected clusters with trivial intercluster interferences to transmit at the same time slot. The simulation results indicate the improvement of achievable averaged sum rate by the proposed clustering and cluster scheduling. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Beta-cryptoxanthin is a common carotenoid that is found in fruit, and in human blood and tissues. Foods that are rich in beta-cryptoxanthin include tangerines, persimmons and oranges. Beta-cryptoxanthin has several functions that are important for human health, including roles in antioxidant defense and cell-to-cell communication. Most importantly, beta-cryptoxanthin is a precursor of vitamin A, which is an essential nutrient needed for eyesight, growth, development and immune response. We evaluate the evidence for beta-cryptoxanthin as a vitamin A-forming carotenoid in this paper. Observational, in vitro, animal model and human studies suggest that beta-cryptoxanthin has greater bioavailability from its common food sources than do alpha- and beta-carotene from theirs. Although beta-cryptoxanthin appears to be a poorer substrate for beta-carotene 15,15′ oxygenase than is beta-carotene, animal model and human studies suggest that the comparatively high bioavailability of beta-cryptoxanthin from foods makes beta-cryptoxanthin-rich foods equivalent to beta-carotene-rich foods as sources of vitamin A. These results mean that beta-cryptoxanthin-rich foods are probably better sources of vitamin A, and more important for human health in general, than previously assumed. Published 2014. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents abstracts of research papers related to chemistry, including "The Principle of Membrane Fusion in the Cell," by J. E. Rothman, "The Molecular Machinery of Neurotransmitter Release," by T. C. Südhof and "Facile and Scalable Preparation of Pure and Dense DNA Origami Solutiosn," by E. Stahl et al.

SUMMARY In this paper, we propose a simple computational framework for the rapid simulation of the delivery of substances into cells. Our approach treats the substances and the cell membrane as a collection of particles forming a discrete dynamical system, which is described by Newtonian equations in a purely mechanistic way. Detailed aspects about the modeling of particle interactions are discussed and resolved. The main advantage of such an approach is that it can offer a good qualitative picture of the delivery mechanism without the need to resort to detailed descriptions of the complex intermolecular interactions that are observed at small scales of the cell membrane. A numerical time integration scheme is formulated for solution of the system dynamics, and examples of simulations are provided. Computational particle-based models render reliable and fast simulation tools. We believe they can be very useful to help advance the design of delivery systems. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Corrigendum to: NGF protects neuroblastoma cells against -amyloid induced apoptosis via the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway The correspondence address of the paper by Su I et al. i [1] was incorrect. 1 Su R, Su W and Jiao Q (2019) NGF protects neuroblastoma cells against -amyloid-induced apoptosis via the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway. [Extracted from the article]

In this study, a set of new single-phase pulse-width modulation (PWM) Single-ended primary-inductor converter (SEPIC) rectifiers are proposed, which integrates conventional SEPIC rectifier, three-state switch (TSS) and switched-capacitor (SC) concepts. A conventional ladder-type SC cell is modified so that it can be integrated with the SEPIC rectifier operating in discontinuous conduction mode. The set of new single-phase PWM SEPIC rectifiers are able to provide: (i) lower-voltage stress on the semiconductors; (ii) higher-output voltage; and (iii) a split-capacitor output voltage. The structure employs a TSS and three different implementations are proposed. Two of them are bridgeless versions, which can provide higher efficiencies. Hence, the proposed structures can support using the SEPIC rectifiers as step-up in many applications and thus it can broaden its field of use. The topologies and their topological states, a theoretical steady-state analysis, a theoretical analysis of the ladder-type SC cell integrated with the SEPIC rectifier, a dynamic model for the control and a design example are discussed herein. Furthermore, a 500 W prototype with a 220 V input voltage, two 200 V split-output voltages, 400 V total output voltage and 50 kHz switching frequency was designed to corroborate the theoretical study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work offers a fault-tolerant strategy that uses a combination of a hardware-based and a control-based faulttolerant methods for multilevel (ML) cascaded H-bridge (CHB) converters. The possibility of a switch failure in an ML converter is higher than a conventional inverter due to the increased number of power electronics switches. Although the event of a single switch failure is more likely, nonetheless, the fault tolerant operation of a ML converter with two or more faulty switches needs to be addressed as well. This article first offers a hardware topology that can bypass the faulty H-bridge cell and replace it with an auxiliary cell, in the event of a single switch failure. Then, it enhances the hardware topology with a modulation-based faulttolerant method for the event of more than one defective switch. Using this strategy, the CHB converter will be able to operate with maximum achievable output voltage in the post-fault condition. Experimental results are presented for a seven-level CHB converter for the validation of the theoretical outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Haapaniemi I et al i address the issues raised by Brown I et al i and discuss several differences between the analyses performed by the two groups. Our paper "CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing induces a p53-mediated DNA damage response" (Haapaniemi I et al i , [3]) in I Nature Medicine i demonstrated that the efficiency of precision gene editing by homologous recombination is impaired in the presence of functional p53. We provided evidence that Cas9 nuclease activity causes a p53-dependent, transient G1-phase arrest, which we hypothesized to cause the observed p53-dependent decrease in precise, template-mediated gene editing. [Extracted from the article]

The first ideas leading to The Two‐Signal Model of lymphocyte activation were published 50 years ago, but the model was not realized in one sitting. I describe the three phases that led to its contemporary formulations. A motivation underlying all these models was to generate a minimal description of what is required for antigen to inactivate and activate mature lymphocytes that, at the same time, accounts for how peripheral tolerance is achieved. I suggest the two signal model has not only provided a substantiated framework for understanding how antigen interacts differently with B cells and CD8 T cells, to result in their inactivation and activation, but its postulates are pertinent to contemporary issues concerning the inactivation and activation of CD4 T cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Orthodontic treatment consists of numerous appliance activations that rely on stimulation of osteoclasts at alveolar bone sites. However, the action of osteoclast-like cells on dentin ("odontoclasts") is a pathological side effect of orthodontic treatment. The aim of this article is twofold: (a) To report preliminary results from ongoing cell culture experiments to identify unique markers of dentin resorption, and (b) To discuss our work using nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) and exosomes for developing biological fluid-based biopsies to monitor clastic cell activity.Setting and Sample Population: Twelve healthy volunteers in permanent dentition.Material and Methods: For the in vitro experiments, murine clastic cell precursors were cultured on dentin or bone slices for 7 days and phage-display biopanning was used to identify molecular surface differences between osteoclasts and odontoclasts. In the human study, gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) samples were collected using different tools and analysed for protein and exosome recovery.Results: Biopanning generated antibody fragments that were uniquely reactive to odontoclasts. Numerous nanoparticles in the size range of exosomes were detected in all of the human GCF samples.Conclusions: Our results support that there are molecular differences between osteoclasts and odontoclasts. Emerging technologies may allow the use of exosomes in GCF as a clinical tool to detect markers of root resorption. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses a paper by N. Ullrich et al which shows that MITF stimulates expression of the gene encoding the cell adhesion molecule CEA-CAM1. It cites the need to ask how various mechanisms are integrated or under which conditions some pathways win and others lose given that MITF has positive and negative effects on cell migration. It suggests conducting a series of experiments to clarify the individual roles of CEACAM1 and MCAM in multiple cell types and under multiple conditions.

The journal's editors and information on membership and subscriptions, as well as aims and scope, are presented.

Controlling cell adhesion to surfaces is an important, but difficult, problem. Current methods to control adhesion rely on surface functionalization, which have limited material choice to avoid cell toxicity and are typically cell specific. Herein, cell adhesion is modulated by using nanometric high‐k dielectric films. Voltage is applied across the dielectric film, changing the film surface's zeta potential, ζ. High performance dielectrics, HfO2 and SiO2, enables a change in the ζ polarity and magnitude over large, 100 mV, ranges by applying ≈1 V across the dielectrics with ≈1nW power draw. Freshwater Chlorella vulgaris and saltwater Nannochloropsis oculata, which have a negative ζ, are used as model cells. Cell adhesion is observed to be inhibited when both surface and cell ζ are negative and enhanced when surface ζ is positive and cell ζ are negative using microfluidic experiments. Finally, millimetric scale cell patterning is demonstrated by spatially modulating ζ with no observed toxicity to cells over 4 weeks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cell proliferation is vital for the development and homeostasis of the human body. For such to occur, cells go through the cell cycle during which they replicate their genetic material and ultimately complete cellular division, when one cell divides into two new cells with equal genetic material. However, if there are some errors or abnormalities during the cell cycle that disrupt the balance between cell death and proliferation, severe problems can occur, such as tumour development, which is currently one of the leading causes of death in the world. Nowadays, mathematical and computational models are used to understand and study several biological mechanisms and processes, namely cellular proliferation. Over the last forty‐five years, several models have attempted to describe cell proliferation and its regulation. Due to the complexity of the process, numerous assumptions and simplifications have been considered. This work presents a review of some of these models, focusing mainly on mammalian or generic eukaryotic models. Previously published continuum, discrete and hybrid approaches are presented and compared, in order to understand and highlight the relevance and capabilities of these models, their shortcomings and future challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work reports two new peptide-based fluorescence probes ( 1 and 2) for the detection of ds-DNA at physiological pH. Probes 1 and 2 contain a fluorophore, either amino-naphthalimide or diethyl-aminocoumarin, respectively, and two identical peptide arms each equipped with a guanidiniocarbonylpyrrole (GCP) anion-binding motif. These probes show 'switch-on' fluorescence response upon binding to ds-DNA, whereby they can differentiate between various types of polynucleotides. For instance, they exhibit more pronounced fluorescence response for AT-rich polynucleotides than GC-rich polynucleotides, and both give only negligible response to ds-RNA. The fluorimetric response of 1 is proportional to the AT-basepair content in DNA, whereas the fluorescence of 2 is sensitive to the secondary structure of the polynucleotide. Fluorescence experiments, thermal melting experiments and circular dichroism studies suggest that 1 interacts with ds-DNA in a combined intercalation and minor groove binding, whereas 2 interacts mainly with the outer surface of DNA/RNA. As 1 and 2 have a very low cytotoxicity, 1 can be applied for the imaging of nuclear DNA in cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Universal leucocyte depletion reduces the risk of transfusion‐transmitted cytomegalovirus; however, many clinicians still prescribe cytomegalovirus seronegative units. Aim: Our retrospective study aims to confirm the low risk of transfusion‐transmitted cytomegalovirus with leucocyte depletion alone and demonstrate the ongoing variability in cytomegalovirus seronegative transfusion prescribing. Methods: Over a 9‐year period (July 2009–July 2018), occurrences of transfusion transmitted cytomegalovirus in cytomegalovirus seronegative donor/recipient haemopoietic stem cell transplant pairs were compared at one allogeneic haemopoietic stem cell transplant centre providing cytomegalovirus seronegative blood products and leucocyte depletion (double prevention) versus another providing leucocyte depletion only (single prevention). Retrospective chart audit identified patient demographics, blood product exposure and cytomegalovirus infection by polymerase chain reaction. A separate audit examined cytomegalovirus seronegative blood product ordering in a broader range of hospital types. Results: We identified 122 and 66 cytomegalovirus‐negative donor/recipient haemopoietic stem cell transplant pairs using double and single transfusion prevention strategy respectively. Transfusion exposure to red cells and pooled platelets was similar, although more apheresis platelets were used in the double prevention group. The cytomegalovirus infection rate was 3 (2.4%) and zero in the double and single prevention groups respectively. Cytomegalovirus seronegative unit ordering was not limited to hospitals with obstetric or neonatal populations, suggesting ongoing reliance of cytomegalovirus seronegative units outside this population. Conclusions: The analysis suggests a double prevention strategy does not provide additional protection against transfusion‐transmitted cytomegalovirus. There is ongoing variability in the acceptance of leucocyte depletion alone despite the low risk of cytomegalovirus infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]