Development of a novel, high-efficacy oncolytic herpes simplex virus type 1 platform equipped with two distinct retargeting modalities.

To retarget oncolytic herpes simplex virus (oHSV) to cancer-specific antigens, we designed a novel, double-retargeted oHSV platform that uses single-chain antibodies (scFvs) incorporated into both glycoprotein H and a bispecific adapter expressed from the viral genome to mediate infection predominantly via tumor-associated antigens. Successful retargeting was achieved using a nectin-1-detargeted HSV that remains capable of interacting with herpesvirus entry mediator (HVEM), the second canonical HSV entry receptor, and is, therefore, recognized by the adapter consisting of the virus-binding N-terminal 82 residues of HVEM fused to the target-specific scFv. We tested both an epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM)- and a human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-specific scFv separately and together to target cells expressing one, the other, or both receptors.

Long-term neuropeptide modulation of female sexual drive via the TRP channel in .

Connectomics research has made it more feasible to explore how neural circuits can generate multiple outputs. Female sexual drive provides a good model for understanding reversible, long-term functional changes in motivational circuits. After emerging, female flies avoid male courtship, but they become sexually receptive over 2 d.

Mixing behavior of Ti-Al interface during the ultrasonic welding process and its welding strength: Molecular dynamics study.

In this study, we conducted molecular dynamics simulations to investigate the mechanical mixing and deformation behavior of hcp Ti/fcc Al bimetal formed by ultrasonic welding (UW). To analyze the effect of the interface shape, we considered sixteen sinusoidal interfaces of various heights and spatial periods along with the flat interface. Mechanical mixing between Ti and Al occurs mainly in the vibrational loading direction, while it is suppressed in the interface-normal direction, as the loading direction lies within the slip planes of both the hcp and fcc structures.

Characteristics of Microcellular Foamed Ceramic Urethane.

Ceramics are non-metallic inorganic materials fabricated from natural or high-purity raw materials through heating and cooling processes. Urethane is a three-dimensional plastic with both elasticity and chemical resistance; moreover, it is used as a rubber substitute. The use of both materials in various applications is gradually increasing.

The neuropeptide allatostatin C from clock-associated DN1p neurons generates the circadian rhythm for oogenesis.

The link between the biological clock and reproduction is evident in most metazoans. The fruit fly , a key model organism in the field of chronobiology because of its well-defined networks of molecular clock genes and pacemaker neurons in the brain, shows a pronounced diurnal rhythmicity in oogenesis. Still, it is unclear how the circadian clock generates this reproductive rhythm.

Linear Micro-patterned Drug Eluting Balloon (LMDEB) for Enhanced Endovascular Drug Delivery.

In-stent restenosis (ISR) often occurs after applying drug eluting stents to the blood vessels suffering from atherosclerosis or thrombosis. For treatment of ISR, drug eluting balloons (DEB) have been developed to deliver anti-proliferative drugs to the lesions with ISR. However, there are still limitations of DEB such as low drug delivery efficiency and drug loss to blood flow.

Female-specific myoinhibitory peptide neurons regulate mating receptivity in Drosophila melanogaster.

Upon mating, fruit fly females become refractory to further mating for several days. An ejaculate protein called sex peptide (SP) acts on uterine neurons to trigger this behavioural change, but it is still unclear how the SP signal modifies the mating decision. Here we describe two groups of female-specific local interneurons that are important for this process-the ventral abdominal lateral (vAL) and ventral abdominal medial (vAM) interneurons.

Identification of a Peptidergic Pathway Critical to Satiety Responses in Drosophila.

Although several neural pathways have been implicated in feeding behaviors in mammals [1-7], it remains unclear how the brain coordinates feeding motivations to maintain a constant body weight (BW). Here, we identified a neuropeptide pathway important for the satiety and BW control in Drosophila. Silencing of myoinhibitory peptide (MIP) neurons significantly increased BW through augmented food intake and fat storage.

Conductive fiber-based ultrasensitive textile pressure sensor for wearable electronics.

A flexible and sensitive textile-based pressure sensor is developed using highly conductive fibers coated with dielectric rubber materials. The pressure sensor exhibits superior sensitivity, very fast response time, and high stability, compared with previous textile-based pressure sensors. By using a weaving method, the pressure sensor can be applied to make smart gloves and clothes that can control machines wirelessly as human-machine interfaces.