bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Shakespeare's ‘Lady Editors'
Authors: Yarn Molly G.
Published: November 2021

The basic history of the Shakespearean editorial tradition is familiar and well-established. For nearly three centuries, men – most of them white and financially privileged – ensconced themselves in private and hard-to-access libraries, hammering out 'their' versions of Shakespeare's text. They produced enormous, learnèd tomes: monuments to their author's greatness and their own reputations. What if this is not the whole story? A bold, revisionist and alternative version of Shakespearean editorial history, this book recovers the lives and labours of almost seventy women editors. It challenges the received wisdom that, when it came to Shakespeare, the editorial profession was entirely male-dominated until the late twentieth century. In doing so, it demonstrates that taking these women's work seriously can transform our understanding of the history of editing, of the nature of editing as an enterprise, and of how we read Shakespeare in history.
Biofluid Mechanics
Authors: Grotberg James B.
Published: November 2021

Condensing 40 years of teaching experience, this unique textbook will provide students with an unrivalled understanding of the fundamentals of fluid mechanics, and enable them to place that understanding firmly within a biological context. Each chapter introduces, explains, and expands a core concept in biofluid mechanics, establishing a firm theoretical framework for students to build upon in further study. Practical biofluid applications, clinical correlations, and worked examples throughout the book provide real-world scenarios to help students quickly master key theoretical topics. Examples are drawn from biology, medicine, and biotechnology with applications to normal function, disease, and devices, accompanied by over 500 figures to reinforce student understanding. Featuring over 120 multicomponent end-of-chapter problems, flexible teaching pathways to enable tailor-made course structures, and extensive Matlab and Maple code examples, this is the definitive textbook for advanced undergraduate and graduate students studying a biologically-grounded course in fluid mechanics.
Propulsive jet aerodynamics and aeroacoustics
Authors: McGuirk J. J.
Published: November 2021

Comprehensive understanding of propulsive jet aerodynamics and aeroacoustics is key to engine design for reduced jet noise and infra-red signature in civil and military aerospace, respectively. Illustrated examples are provided of other aerodynamic/aeroacoustic problems involving jet development, including chevron nozzles, increased jet/wing/flap interference (as fan diameter increases), high acoustic environment (and potentially damaging screech) of supersonic jets on carrier decks and the strongly Three-Dimensional (3D) unsteady flow during the in-ground effect operation of Short Take-Off and Vertical Landing (STOVL) aircraft. To date, laboratory/rig test measurements have primarily been used to identify design solutions; increased use of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) would help achieve cost/time reductions, but Reynolds-Average Navier–Stokes (RANS) CFD with statistical turbulence modelling has proven inadequate for such flows. The scenarios described are far removed from flows used to calibrate model constants, and predictive accuracy demands detailed insight into unsteady flow. Large-Eddy Simulation (LES), whilst computationally more demanding, offers a potential solution. Research undertaken to assess LES capability to address the challenges described is reviewed here. This demonstrates that tremendous progress has been made, indicating that LES can provide sufficiently accurate predictions, representing high value for engineering design. A series of validation studies of increasing realism to practical engineering systems is presented to underpin this conclusion. Finally, areas for further work are suggested to support the combined application of RANS and LES that is probably the optimum way forward.
Tackling Grand Challenges beyond Dyads and Networks: Developing a Stakeholder Systems View Using the Metaphor of Ballet
Authors: Roulet Thomas J. , Bothello Joel
Published: November 2021

Tackling grand challenges requires coordination and sustained effort among multiple organizations and stakeholders. Yet research on stakeholder theory has been conceptually constrained in capturing this complexity: existing accounts tend to focus either on dyadic level firm–stakeholder ties or on stakeholder networks within which the focal organization is embedded. We suggest that addressing grand challenges requires a more generative conceptualization of organizations and their constituents as stakeholder systems. Using the metaphor of ballet and insights from dance theory, we highlight four defining dimensions of stakeholder systems (two structural and two dyadic); we proceed to offer a dynamic model of how those dimensions may interact and coevolve. Our metaphor and resulting theory of stakeholder systems are thereby well equipped to incorporate the complexity of tackling grand challenges, where many contemporary stakeholder arrangements are oriented around issues rather than firms.
Association between fat-soluble vitamins and self-reported health status: a cross-sectional analysis of the MARK-AGE cohort
Authors: Stokes Caroline Sarah , Weber Daniela , Wagenpfeil Stefan , Stuetz Wolfgang , Moreno-Villanueva María , Dollé Martijn E. T. , Jansen Eugène , Gonos Efstathios S. , Bernhardt Jürgen , Grubeck-Loebenstein Beatrix , Fiegl Simone , Sikora Ewa , Toussaint Olivier , Debacq-Chainiaux Florence , Capri Miriam , Hervonen Antti , Slagboom P. Eline , Breusing Nicolle , Frank Jan , Bürkle Alexander , Franceschi Claudio , Grune Tilman
Published: November 2021

Self-rated health (SRH) is associated with higher risk of death. Since low plasma levels of fat-soluble vitamins are related to mortality, we aimed to assess whether plasma concentrations of vitamins A, D and E were associated with SRH in the MARK-AGE study. We included 3158 participants (52 % female) aged between 35 and 75 years. Cross-sectional data were collected via questionnaires. An enzyme immunoassay quantified 25-hydroxyvitamin D and HPLC determined α-tocopherol and retinol plasma concentrations. The median 25-hydroxyvitamin D and retinol concentrations differed significantly (P < 0·001) between SRH categories and were lower in the combined fair/poor category v. the excellent, very good and good categories (25-hydroxvitamin D: 40·8 v. 51·9, 49·3, 46·7 nmol/l, respectively; retinol: 1·67 v. 1·75, 1·74, 1·70 µmol/l, respectively). Both vitamin D and retinol status were independently associated with fair/poor SRH in multiple regression analyses: adjusted OR (95 % CI) for the vitamin D insufficiency, deficiency and severe deficiency categories were 1·33 (1·06–1·68), 1·50 (1·17–1·93) and 1·83 (1·34–2·50), respectively; P = 0·015, P = 0·001 and P < 0·001, and for the second/third/fourth retinol quartiles: 1·44 (1·18–1·75), 1·57 (1·28–1·93) and 1·49 (1·20–1·84); all P < 0·001. No significant associations were reported for α-tocopherol quartiles. Lower vitamin A and D status emerged as independent markers for fair/poor SRH. Further insights into the long-term implications of these modifiable nutrients on health status are warranted.
Insights into the uniquely human origins of understanding other minds
Authors: Grossmann Tobias , Dela Cruz Kenn Lacsamana
Published: November 2021

We summarize research and theory to show that, from early in human ontogeny, much information about other minds can be gleaned from reading the eyes. This analysis suggests that eyes serve as uniquely human windows into other minds, which critically extends the target article by drawing attention to what might be considered the neurodevelopmental origins of knowledge attribution in humans.
Infants actively seek and transmit knowledge via communication
Authors: Bazhydai Marina , Harris Paul L.
Published: November 2021

Supporting the central claim that knowledge representation is more basic than belief representation, we focus on the emerging evidence for preverbal infants' active and selective communication based on their representation of both knowledge and ignorance. We highlight infants' ontogenetically early deliberate information seeking and information transmission in the context of active social learning, arguing that these capacities are unique to humans.
A novel regional collision risk assessment method considering aggregation density under multi-ship encounter situations
Authors: Zhen Rong , Shi Ziqiang , Shao Zheping , Liu Jialun
Published: November 2021

The regional ship collision risk assessment for multiple ships in restricted waters is of great significance to the early warning of ship collision risk and the intelligent supervision of maritime traffic. Given the existed method of regional ship collision risk assessment without considering the impact of ship aggregation density, this paper proposes a novel regional ship collision risk assessment method that considers the aggregation density (AD) of the clusters of encounter ships (CES) for intelligent surveillance and navigation. The effectiveness of the proposed method has been examined by the experimental case study in the waters of Xiamen, China, and analysis has been compared with other existed studies to show the advantages of the new proposed algorithm. The results show that the study method can more intuitively and effectively quantify the temporal and spatial distribution of regional collision risks in the restricted sea area. The proposed method can improve the efficiency of traffic management when monitoring the ship collision risks in macroscopic view, and assist the safety of manned and unmanned ship navigation.
Eradication of a highly invasive bird, the Common MynaAcridotheres tristis, facilitates the establishment of insurance populations of island endemic birds
Authors: FEARE CHRIS J. , BRISTOL RACHEL M. , VAN DE CROMMENACKER JANSKE
Published: November 2021

Common MynaAcridotheres tristisis considered to be among the world’s most damaging invasive species through disturbance, predation, competition pathogen introduction to native birds and other taxa. Claimed impacts on native birds have often been based on anecdotal reports. More substantive evidence of interference with small-island endemic birds has been reported, but impacts have rarely been quantified or subjected to experimental manipulation. On Denis Island (Seychelles), up to 10% of Seychelles WarblersAcrocephalus sechellensis, and small numbers of Seychelles FodiesFoudia sechellesisand Seychelles Paradise FlycatchersTerpsiphone corvinahad head injuries following myna attacks, stimulating an eradication of the mynas. Populations of four species of Seychelles’ endemic birds, introduced to the island to establish insurance populations, were estimated before, during and after the completion of the eradication, permitting assessment of the impact of myna removal on populations of the endemics. Numbers of all four endemics increased following introduction, but increases in the numbers of Seychelles Magpie RobinsCopsychus sechellensisand Seychelles Paradise Flycatchers accelerated after >90% of the mynas had been removed. All endemic populations continued to increase during and after completion of the eradication in 2015, and injuries to Seychelles Warblers, Seychelles Fodies, and Seychelles Paradise Flycatchers ceased. Habitat management within a designated conservation zone on the island, into which the endemics were released and subsequently spread to occupy most of the island, also contributed to the endemic birds’ global populations and to their improved conservation status. This study confirms that mynas negatively impact small island populations of endemic birds and suggests that their potential impact has been underestimated. Myna eradication should be considered vital before endangered endemic birds and other taxa susceptible to their negative impacts are translocated to small islands for conservation reasons.
Introduction to the Oliver E. Williamson memorial issue
Authors: Langlois Richard N.
Published: November 2021

Oliver E. Williamson, who died on May 21, 2020 at the age of 87, was one of the most influential social scientists of modern times. In 2009, he was co-recipient of the Nobel Prize in Economics. As of mid-October 2021, he had been cited an astonishing 317,838 times according to Google Scholar. His measured influence outdistances that of even his fellow Nobel Laureates Elinor Ostrom (230,667), Douglass C. North (187,577) and Ronald H. Coase (123,686). This special issue of the Journal of Institutional Economics brings together a distinguished roster of scholars to remember Williamson, to elucidate some of his key ideas and influences, and to extend the reach of his ideas to new arenas.
Die Erhebung von kommunikativ-pragmatischen Fähigkeiten und Lebensqualität nach Schädel-Hirn-Trauma
Authors: Falkowska Zofia , Heider Nathalie , Resch Katharina , Royko Julia , Büttner-Kunert Julia
Published: November 2021

Zusammenfassung. Hintergrund: Kommunikationsstörungen nach Schädel-Hirn-Trauma (SHT) können die Betroffenen langfristig in der sozialen Teilhabe und damit in der Lebensqualität (LQ) beeinträchtigen. Der Erfassung dieser Störungen liegt aktuell kein einheitliches Vorgehen zugrunde. Ziele: Ziel des vorliegenden Scoping Reviews war die Erfassung von Diagnostikverfahren, welche die kommunikativ-pragmatischen Kompetenzen und die Auswirkung möglicher kommunikativer Defizite auf soziale Teilhabe und LQ bei Menschen mit SHT überprüfen. Ergebnisse: Eine systematische Datenbankrecherche für den Veröffentlichungszeitraum 2010 bis 2020 identifizierte 14 relevante Testverfahren (6 auf Deutsch verfügbar). Eine inhaltliche und methodische Analyse stellte Verfahren zur Überprüfung der Kommunikationsfähigkeit (z. B. La Trobe Communication Questionnaire [LCQ]) und Verfahren zur Erfassung von Partizipation und LQ (z. B. Quality of Life after Brain Injury [QOLIBRI]) heraus. Zusammenfassung: Trotz der hohen Auftretenshäufigkeit und Persistenz kommunikativer Störungen nach SHT stehen im deutschsprachigen Raum bislang wenige geeignete Diagnostikverfahren zur Ermittlung von Kommunikationsfähigkeiten und LQ zur Verfügung. Eine weiterführende Entwicklung erscheint unerlässlich.
The German Standard and Short Authentic and Hubristic Pride	Scales
Authors: Körner Robert , Schütz Astrid
Published: November 2021

Abstract. The authentic and hubristic pride (A&HP) model is the domineering paradigm in pride research. Authentic pride (AP) comprises feelings of accomplishment and self-worth, whereas hubristic pride (HP) includes conceit and arrogance. We provide a German version of the A&HP scale ( Tracy & Robins, 2007 ), the GAHPS. We found a good fit for a two-factor solution. Internal consistencies were high. Nomological validity was supported for personality, self-esteem, and narcissism (Study 1, N = 569), status (Study 2, N = 565), and other emotions (Study 3, N = 204). In Study 4 ( N = 184), AP and HP had different associations with prosocial and antisocial behavior. We found high self-other agreement (109 dyads) for AP but not for HP. Further, people used different words to describe AP and HP when they described themselves and peers, thus suggesting that the two forms are associated with different linguistic styles. Finally, using an Ant Colony Optimization algorithm, we derived a short form for the scale. Researchers are advised to choose the standard or short scale, depending on the research purpose. This research broadens the validity testing of the A&HP model and, for the first time, provides linguistic correlates of the two forms of pride.
Understanding Abrupt Climate Change in the Late Quaternary
Authors: Bradley Raymond , Diaz Henry
Published: November 2021

During the late Quaternary period, a series of abrupt climate changes in the tropics and sub-tropics driven by changes in ocean circulation were both dramatic and disruptive.
Fast Response of Amazon Rivers to Quaternary Climate Cycles
Authors: Goldberg Samuel L. , Schmidt Morgan J. , Perron J. Taylor
Published: November 2021

Large alluvial rivers transport water and sediment across continents and shape lowland landscapes. Repeated glacial cycles have dominated Earth's recent climate, but it is unclear whether these rivers are sensitive to such rapid changes. The Amazon River system, the largest and highest‐discharge in the world, features extensive young terraces that demonstrate geologically rapid change temporally correlated with changes in runoff from Quaternary climate cycles. To test the plausibility of a causal relationship, we use a simple model to estimate from empirical measurements how quickly a river profile responds to changes in discharge or sediment supply. Applying this model to data from 30 gauging stations along alluvial rivers throughout the Brazilian Amazon, we find that many rivers of the Amazon basin can respond faster than glacially induced changes in runoff or sediment flux. The Amazon basin is unusually responsive compared to other large river systems due to its high discharge and sediment flux, narrow floodplains, and low slopes. As a result, we predict that the Amazon basin has been highly dynamic during Quaternary glacial cycles, with cyclical aggradation and incision of lowland rivers driving repeated habitat and environmental change throughout the region. This dynamic landscape may have contributed to the exceptional biodiversity of the region and patterns of ancient human settlement.
A novel endoplasmic stress mediator, Kelch domain containing 7B (KLHDC7B), increased Harakiri (HRK) in the SubAB-induced apoptosis signaling pathway
Authors: Yahiro Kinnosuke , Ogura Kohei , Tsutsuki Hiroyasu , Iyoda Sunao , Ohnishi Makoto , Moss Joel
Published: November 2021

Locus for Enterocyte Effacement (LEE)-positive Shiga-toxigenicEscherichia coli(STEC) contributes to many global foodborne diseases, with infection characterized by severe gastrointestinal symptoms, including bloody diarrhea. The incidence of LEE-negative STEC-mediated disease is also increasing globally. Subtilase cytotoxin (SubAB) is released by some LEE-negative STEC strains. It cleaves BiP, which is a chaperone protein located in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), thereby causing apoptosis induced by ER stress. To date, the apoptotic signaling pathway mediated by SubAB has not been identified. In the current study, RNA-seq analysis showed that SubAB significantly induced the expression of Kelch domain containing 7B (KLHDC7B). We explored the role of KLHDC7B in the SubAB-induced apoptotic pathway. SubAB-induced KLHDC7B mRNA expression was increased after 12 h of incubation of toxin with HeLa cells. KLHDC7B expression was downregulated by knockdown of PKR-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK), CEBP homologous protein (CHOP), activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4), and CEBP β (CEBPB). KLHDC7B knockdown suppressed SubAB-stimulated CHOP expression, poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) cleavage, and cytotoxicity. The over-expressed KLHDC7B was localized to the nucleus and cytosolic fractions. Next, we used RNA-seq to analyze the effect of KLHDC7B knockdown on apoptosis induced by SubAB, and found that the gene encoding for the pro-apoptotic Bcl-2 family protein, Harakiri (HRK), was upregulated in SubAB-treated control cells. However, this effect was not observed in SubAB-treated KLHDC7B-knockdown cells. Therefore, we identified the pathway through which SubAB-induced KLHDC7B regulates HRK expression, which is essential for apoptosis in toxin-mediated ER stress.
Spatiotemporal regulation of endogenous MSCs using a functional injectable hydrogel system for cartilage regeneration
Authors: Dong Yunsheng , Liu Yufei , Chen Yuehua , Sun Xun , Zhang Lin , Zhang Zhiling , Wang Yanying , Qi Chunxiao , Wang Shufang , Yang Qiang
Published: November 2021

Hydrogels have been extensively favored as drug and cell carriers for the repair of knee cartilage defects. Recruiting mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in situ to the defect region could reduce the risk of contamination during cell delivery, which is a highly promising strategy to enhance cartilage repair. Here, a cell-free cartilage tissue engineering (TE) system was developed by applying an injectable chitosan/silk fibroin hydrogel. The hydrogel system could release first stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1) and then kartogenin (KGN) in a unique sequential drug release mode, which could spatiotemporally promote the recruitment and chondrogenic differentiation of MSCs. This system showed good performance when formulated with SDF-1 (200 ng/mL) and PLGA microspheres loaded with KGN (10 μΜ). The results showed that the hydrogel had good injectability and a reticular porous structure. The microspheres were distributed uniformly in the hydrogel and permitted the sequential release of SDF-1 and KGN. The results of in vitro experiments showed that the hydrogel system had good cytocompatibility and promoted the migration and differentiation of MSCs into chondrocytes. In vivo experiments on articular cartilage defects in rabbits showed that the cell-free hydrogel system was beneficial for cartilage regeneration. Therefore, the composite hydrogel system shows potential for application in cell-free cartilage TE.
Three-dimensional printing of bioceramic-induced macrophage exosomes: immunomodulation and osteogenesis/angiogenesis
Authors: Sun Yuhua , Zhang Bingjun , Zhai Dong , Wu Chengtie
Published: November 2021

Exosomes have attracted increasing attention in tissue regeneration and repair due to their roles in intercellular communication. Developing a customized delivery system is key to exosome-based regenerative therapeutics. Bioceramics play an important role in the immunomodulation of macrophages. Here, three-dimensional (3D) printing was applied to construct porous scaffolds with β-tricalcium phosphate (β-TCP) bioceramic-induced macrophage exosomes (BC-Exos). The three-dimensional-printed BC-Exo scaffolds, exhibiting a predefined structure and persistent release of exosomes, displayed distinct immunomodulatory effects and improved osteogenesis/angiogenesis. The BC-Exos in the printed scaffolds modulated macrophage polarization and the expression of chemokines for the recruitment of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) and endothelial cells. Scaffolds with BC-Exos from macrophages with a mixed phenotype significantly enhanced the osteogenic differentiation and immunosuppression of BMSCs and improved the angiogenic activity of human umbilical vein endothelial cells in vitro. For the potential mechanism, β-TCP bioceramics have an important effect on the immunomodulation of macrophages by regulating gene expression, increasing exosome production, and altering exosomal miRNA cargos, thereby affecting the paracrine effects of BC-Exos on immunomodulation and osteogenesis/angiogenesis. This study suggests that 3D printing of bioceramic-induced macrophage exosomes may be a useful strategy for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
Large scale discovery of coronavirus-host factor protein interaction motifs reveals SARS-CoV-2 specific mechanisms and vulnerabilities
Authors: Kruse Thomas , Benz Caroline , Garvanska Dimitriya H. , Lindqvist Richard , Mihalic Filip , Coscia Fabian , Inturi Raviteja , Sayadi Ahmed , Simonetti Leandro , Nilsson Emma , Ali Muhammad , Kliche Johanna , Moliner Morro Ainhoa , Mund Andreas , Andersson Eva , McInerney Gerald , Mann Matthias , Jemth Per , Davey Norman E. , Överby Anna K. , Nilsson Jakob , Ivarsson Ylva
Published: November 2021

Viral proteins make extensive use of short peptide interaction motifs to hijack cellular host factors. However, most current large-scale methods do not identify this important class of protein-protein interactions. Uncovering peptide mediated interactions provides both a molecular understanding of viral interactions with their host and the foundation for developing novel antiviral reagents. Here we describe a viral peptide discovery approach covering 23 coronavirus strains that provides high resolution information on direct virus-host interactions. We identify 269 peptide-based interactions for 18 coronaviruses including a specific interaction between the human G3BP1/2 proteins and an ΦxFG peptide motif in the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid (N) protein. This interaction supports viral replication and through its ΦxFG motif N rewires the G3BP1/2 interactome to disrupt stress granules. A peptide-based inhibitor disrupting the G3BP1/2-N interaction dampened SARS-CoV-2 infection showing that our results can be directly translated into novel specific antiviral reagents.
Resurgent Na+ currents promote ultrafast spiking in projection neurons that drive fine motor control
Authors: Zemel Benjamin M. , Nevue Alexander A. , Dagostin Andre , Lovell Peter V. , Mello Claudio V. , von Gersdorff Henrique
Published: November 2021

The underlying mechanisms that promote precise spiking in upper motor neurons controlling fine motor skills are not well understood. Here we report that projection neurons in the adult zebra finch song nucleus RA display robust high-frequency firing, ultra-narrow spike waveforms, superfast Na+ current inactivation kinetics, and large resurgent Na+ currents (INaR). These properties of songbird pallial motor neurons closely resemble those of specialized large pyramidal neurons in mammalian primary motor cortex. They emerge during the early phases of song development in males, but not females, coinciding with a complete switch of Na+ channel subunit expression from Navβ3 to Navβ4. Dynamic clamping and dialysis of Navβ4’s C-terminal peptide into juvenile RA neurons provide evidence that Navβ4, and its associated INaR, promote neuronal excitability. We thus propose that INaR modulates the excitability of upper motor neurons that are required for the execution of fine motor skills.
Cooperative herbivory between two important pests of rice
Authors: Liu Qingsong , Hu Xiaoyun , Su Shuangli , Ning Yuese , Peng Yufa , Ye Gongyin , Lou Yonggen , Turlings Ted C. J. , Li Yunhe
Published: November 2021

Normally, when different species of herbivorous arthropods feed on the same plant this leads to fitness-reducing competition. We found this to be different for two of Asia’s most destructive rice pests, the brown planthopper and the rice striped stem borer. Both insects directly and indirectly benefit from jointly attacking the same host plant. Double infestation improved host plant quality, particularly for the stemborer because the planthopper fully suppresses caterpillar-induced production of proteinase inhibitors. It also reduced the risk of egg parasitism, due to diminished parasitoid attraction. Females of both pests have adapted their oviposition behaviour accordingly. Their strong preference for plants infested by the other species even overrides their avoidance of plants already attacked by conspecifics. This cooperation between herbivores is telling of adaptations resulting from the evolution of plant-insect interactions, and points out mechanistic vulnerabilities that can be targeted to control these major pests.
Electrochemical C–N bond activation for deaminative reductive coupling of Katritzky salts
Authors: Liu Yeqing , Tao Xiangzhang , Mao Yu , Yuan Xin , Qiu Jiangkai , Kong Linyu , Ni Shengyang , Guo Kai , Wang Yi , Pan Yi
Published: November 2021

Electrosynthesis has received great attention among researchers in both academia and industry as an ideal technique to promote single electron reduction without the use of expensive catalysts. In this work, we report the electrochemical reduction of Katritzky salts to alkyl radicals by sacrificing the easily accessible metal anode. This catalyst and electrolyte free platform has broad applicability to single electron transfer chemistry, including fluoroalkenylation, alkynylation and thiolation. The deaminative functionalization is facilitated by the rapid molecular diffusion across microfluidic channels, demonstrating the practicality that outpaces the conventional electrochemistry setups.
Water cluster in hydrophobic crystalline porous covalent organic frameworks
Authors: Tan Ke Tian , Tao Shanshan , Huang Ning , Jiang Donglin
Published: November 2021

Progress over the past decades in water confinement has generated a variety of polymers and porous materials. However, most studies are based on a preconception that small hydrophobic pores eventually repulse water molecules, which precludes the exploration of hydrophobic microporous materials for water confinement. Here, we demonstrate water confinement across hydrophobic microporous channels in crystalline covalent organic frameworks. The frameworks are designed to constitute dense, aligned and one-dimensional polygonal channels that are open and accessible to water molecules. The hydrophobic microporous frameworks achieve full occupation of pores by water via synergistic nucleation and capillary condensation and deliver quick water exchange at low pressures. Water confinement experiments with large-pore frameworks pinpoint thresholds of pore size where confinement becomes dominated by high uptake pressure and large exchange hysteresis. Our results reveal a platform based on microporous hydrophobic covalent organic frameworks for water confinement.
Excitonic effects in absorption spectra of carbon dioxide reduction photocatalysts
Authors: Biswas Tathagata , Singh Arunima K.
Published: November 2021

The formation and disassociation of excitons play a crucial role in any photovoltaic or photocatalytic application. However, excitonic effects are seldom considered in materials discovery studies due to the monumental computational cost associated with the examination of these properties. Here, we study the excitonic properties of nearly 50 photocatalysts using state-of-the-art Bethe–Salpeter formalism. These ~50 materials were recently recognized as promising photocatalysts for CO2 reduction through a data-driven screening of 68,860 materials. Here, we propose three screening criteria based on the optical properties of these materials, taking excitonic effects into account, to further down select six materials. Furthermore, we study the correlation between the exciton binding energies obtained from the Bethe–Salpeter formalism and those obtained from the computationally much less-expensive Wannier–Mott model for these chemically diverse ~50 materials. This work presents a paradigm towards the inclusion of excitonic effects in future materials discovery for solar-energy harvesting applications.
Spin liquid and ferroelectricity close to a quantum critical point in PbCuTe2O6
Authors: Thurn Christian , Eibisch Paul , Ata Arif , Winkler Maximilian , Lunkenheimer Peter , Kézsmárki István , Tutsch Ulrich , Saito Yohei , Hartmann Steffi , Zimmermann Jan , Hanna Abanoub R. N. , Islam A. T. M. Nazmul , Chillal Shravani , Lake Bella , Wolf Bernd , Lang Michael
Published: November 2021

Geometrical frustration among interacting spins combined with strong quantum fluctuations destabilize long-range magnetic order in favor of more exotic states such as spin liquids. By following this guiding principle, a number of spin liquid candidate systems were identified in quasi-two-dimensional (quasi-2D) systems. For 3D, however, the situation is less favorable as quantum fluctuations are reduced and competing states become more relevant. Here we report a comprehensive study of thermodynamic, magnetic and dielectric properties on single crystalline and pressed-powder samples of PbCuTe2O6, a candidate material for a 3D frustrated quantum spin liquid featuring a hyperkagome lattice. Whereas the low-temperature properties of the powder samples are consistent with the recently proposed quantum spin liquid state, an even more exotic behavior is revealed for the single crystals. These crystals show ferroelectric order at TFE ≈ 1 K, accompanied by strong lattice distortions, and a modified magnetic response—still consistent with a quantum spin liquid—but with clear indications for quantum critical behavior.
Chondrogenic differentiation induced by extracellular vesicles bound to a nanofibrous substrate
Authors: Casanova Marta R. , Osório Hugo , Reis Rui L. , Martins Albino , Neves Nuno M.
Published: November 2021

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are being increasingly studied owing to its regenerative potential, namely EVs derived from human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBM-MSCs). Those can be used for controlling inflammation, repairing injury, and enhancing tissue regeneration. Differently, the potential of EVs derived from human articular chondrocytes (hACs) to promote cartilage regeneration has not been thoroughly investigated. This work aims to develop an EVs immobilization system capable of selectively bind EVs present in conditioned medium obtained from cultures of hACs or hBM-MSC. For that, an anti-CD63 antibody was immobilized at the surface of an activated and functionalized electrospun nanofibrous mesh. The chondrogenic potential of bound EVs was further assessed by culturing hBM-MSCs during 28 days under basal conditions. EVs derived from hACs cultured under differentiation medium or from chondrogenically committed hBM-MSCs induced a chondrogenic phenotype characterized by marked induction of SOX9, COMP, Aggrecan and Collagen type II, and matrix glycosaminoglycans synthesis. Indeed, both EVs immobilization systems outperformed the currently used chondroinductive strategies. These data show that naturally secreted EVs can guide the chondrogenic commitment of hBM-MSCs in the absence of any other chemical or genetic chondrogenic inductors based in medium supplementation.
Branch water uptake and redistribution in two conifers at the alpine treeline
Authors: Losso Adriano , Bär Andreas , Unterholzner Lucrezia , Bahn Michael , Mayr Stefan
Published: November 2021

During winter, conifers at the alpine treeline suffer dramatic losses of hydraulic conductivity, which are successfully recovered during late winter. Previous studies indicated branch water uptake to support hydraulic recovery. We analyzed water absorption and redistribution inPicea abiesandLarix deciduagrowing at the treeline by in situ exposure of branches to δ2H-labelled water. Both species suffered high winter embolism rates (> 40–60% loss of conductivity) and recovered in late winter (< 20%). Isotopic analysis showed water to be absorbed over branches and redistributed within the crown during late winter. Labelled water was redistributed over 425 ± 5 cm within the axes system and shifted to the trunk, lower and higher branches (tree height 330 ± 40 cm). This demonstrated relevant branch water uptake and re-distribution in treeline conifers. The extent of water absorption and re-distribution was species-specific, withL. deciduashowing higher rates.In natura, melting snow might be the prime source for absorbed and redistributed water, enabling embolism repair and restoration of water reservoirs prior to the vegetation period. Pronounced water uptake in the deciduousL. deciduaindicated bark to participate in the process of water absorption.
Two-stage algorithms for visually exploring spatio-temporal clustering of avian influenza virus outbreaks in poultry farms
Authors: Wu Hong-Dar Isaac , Chao Day-Yu
Published: November 2021

The development of visual tools for the timely identification of spatio-temporal clusters will assist in implementing control measures to prevent further damage. From January 2015 to June 2020, a total number of 1463 avian influenza outbreak farms were detected in Taiwan and further confirmed to be affected by highly pathogenic avian influenza subtype H5Nx. In this study, we adopted two common concepts of spatio-temporal clustering methods, the Knox test and scan statistics, with visual tools to explore the dynamic changes of clustering patterns. Since most (68.6%) of the outbreak farms were detected in 2015, only the data from 2015 was used in this study. The first two-stage algorithm performs the Knox test, which established a threshold of 7 days and identified 11 major clusters in the six counties of southwestern Taiwan, followed by the standard deviational ellipse (SDE) method implemented on each cluster to reveal the transmission direction. The second algorithm applies scan likelihood ratio statistics followed by AGC index to visualize the dynamic changes of the local aggregation pattern of disease clusters at the regional level. Compared to the one-stage aggregation approach, Knox-based and AGC mapping were more sensitive in small-scale spatio-temporal clustering.
Capturing hidden regulation based on noise change of gene expression level from single cell RNA-seq in yeast
Authors: Itoh Thoma , Makino Takashi
Published: November 2021

Recent progress in high throughput single cell RNA-seq (scRNA-seq) has activated the development of data-driven inferring methods of gene regulatory networks. Most network estimations assume that perturbations produce downstream effects. However, the effects of gene perturbations are sometimes compensated by a gene with redundant functionality (functional compensation). In order to avoid functional compensation, previous studies constructed double gene deletions, but its vast nature of gene combinations was not suitable for comprehensive network estimation. We hypothesized that functional compensation may emerge as a noise change without mean change (noise-only change) due to varying physical properties and strong compensation effects. Here, we show compensated interactions, which are not detected by mean change, are captured by noise-only change quantified from scRNA-seq. We investigated whether noise-only change genes caused by a single deletion of STP1 and STP2, which have strong functional compensation, are enriched in redundantly regulated genes. As a result, noise-only change genes are enriched in their redundantly regulated genes. Furthermore, novel downstream genes detected from noise change are enriched in “transport”, which is related to known downstream genes. Herein, we suggest the noise difference comparison has the potential to be applied as a new strategy for network estimation that capture even compensated interaction.
Association of pre-ESRD care education with patient outcomes in a 10-year longitudinal study of patients with CKD stages 3–5 in Taiwan
Authors: Chou Chu-Lin , Chung Chi-Hsiang , Chiu Hui-Wen , Liao Chia-Te , Wu Chia-Chao , Hsu Yung-Ho , Chien Wu-Chien
Published: November 2021

There is little comprehensive education for people with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) progress. We investigated the differences in terms of outcomes between patients with CKD stages 3–5 who enrolled and did not enroll in the pre-ESRD care education in Taiwan. This retrospective cohort study was conducted using data from the National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD). All patients diagnosed with CKD stages 3–5 who received the pre-ESRD care education through the pay for performance (P4P) program were enrolled. Based on whether or not they participated in the program, they were categorized into P4P or non-P4P groups. All analyses were performed from January 2006 through December 2015. Study outcomes were risk of hemodialysis dependency, hospitalization, and all-cause mortality. In this study of 29,337 patients, those with CKD stages 3–5 in the P4P group had lower events of hemodialysis, hospitalization, and all-cause mortality compared to patients in the non-P4P group. This study suggested that pre-ESRD care education is associated with increased patient outcomes, resulting in lower hemodialysis and hospitalization events and a higher overall survival rate in patients with CKD stages 3–5. Patient education could raise opportunities to improve pre-ESRD care by reaching patients outside the traditional health care setting.
β-elimination of hyaluronate by red king crab hyaluronidase
Authors: Sliadovskii Dmitrii , Ponomareva Tatyana , Molchanov Maxim , Pozdnyakova-Filatova Irina , Timchenko Maria , Marchenkov Victor , Gusev Oleg , Sogorin Evgeny
Published: November 2021

Crustacean hyaluronidases are poorly understood both in terms of their enzymatic properties and in terms of their structural features. In this work, we show that the hepatopancreas homogenate of the red king crab has a hyaluronidase activity that is an order of magnitude higher than its commercial counterpart. Zymography revealed that the molecular weight of a protein with hyalorunidase activity is 40–50 kDa. Analysis of the hepatopancreas transcriptome and results of cloning and sequencing of cDNA revealed a hyaluronidase sequence with an expected molecular weight of 42.5 kDa. Further analysis showed that hyaluronat enzymatic cleavage follows the$$\beta $$β-elimination mechanism, which is well known for bacterial hyaluronidases. The results of ion-exchange chromatography showed that the final product of hyaluronate degradation is unsaturated tetrasaccharide. Thus, we identified a new hyaluronidase of higher eukaryotes, which is not integrated into the modern classification of hyaluronidases.
Automated recognition of objects and types of forceps in surgical images using deep learning
Authors: Bamba Yoshiko , Ogawa Shimpei , Itabashi Michio , Kameoka Shingo , Okamoto Takahiro , Yamamoto Masakazu
Published: November 2021

Analysis of operative data with convolutional neural networks (CNNs) is expected to improve the knowledge and professional skills of surgeons. Identification of objects in videos recorded during surgery can be used for surgical skill assessment and surgical navigation. The objectives of this study were to recognize objects and types of forceps in surgical videos acquired during colorectal surgeries and evaluate detection accuracy. Images (n = 1818) were extracted from 11 surgical videos for model training, and another 500 images were extracted from 6 additional videos for validation. The following 5 types of forceps were selected for annotation: ultrasonic scalpel, grasping, clip, angled (Maryland and right-angled), and spatula. IBM Visual Insights software was used, which incorporates the most popular open-source deep-learning CNN frameworks. In total, 1039/1062 (97.8%) forceps were correctly identified among 500 test images. Calculated recall and precision values were as follows: grasping forceps, 98.1% and 98.0%; ultrasonic scalpel, 99.4% and 93.9%; clip forceps, 96.2% and 92.7%; angled forceps, 94.9% and 100%; and spatula forceps, 98.1% and 94.5%, respectively. Forceps recognition can be achieved with high accuracy using deep-learning models, providing the opportunity to evaluate how forceps are used in various operations.
Individually designed fully covered self-expandable metal stents for pediatric refractory benign esophageal strictures
Authors: Wang Xing , Liu Haifeng , Hu Zhihong , Zhang Rufang , Gu Zhujun , Lin Kai , Feng Yuling
Published: November 2021

To share our institutional experience of placing individually designed fully covered self-expandable metal stents (FCSEMSs) for the treatment of refractory benign esophageal strictures (RBESs) in pediatric patients. A 10-year retrospective study between May 2009 and July 2020 that includes 14 children with RBESs who were treated with individually designed FCSEMSs. Patients were followed-up regularly after stent placement to observe the improvement of vomiting and dysphagia, changes in stenosis diameter and complications. A total of 20 stents were successfully placed in 14 patients. During a follow-up period ranging from 5 to 83 months, except for one 4-year-old child who could not endure chest pain, the remaining 13 patients all benefited from stenting. Their Ogilvie & Atkinson scores improved from grade III–IV to grade 0-I, and the diameters of the stenosis’ were enlarged from 2–5 mm to 9–14 mm. Two patients developed restenosis and granulation tissue hyperplasia was found in 2 patients and stent migration and malapposition in 2 patients with esophageal perforations that required further endoscopic intervention. The use of FCSEMS for RBES is safe and effective in selected pediatric patients. Rationally designed stents and timely management of postoperative complications are critical to ensure the success of this new method.
Direct and indirect effects of roads on space use by jaguars in Brazil
Authors: Cerqueira Rafaela Cobucci , de Rivera Oscar Rodríguez , Jaeger Jochen A. G. , Grilo Clara
Published: November 2021

Roads pose an imminent threat to wildlife directly through mortality and changes in individual behavior, and also indirectly through modification of the amount and configuration of wildlife habitat. However, few studies have addressed how these mechanisms interact to determine species response to roads. We used structural equation modeling to assess direct and indirect effects (via landscape modification) of roads on space use by jaguars in Brazil, using radio-tracking data available from the literature. We fit path models that directly link jaguars’ space use to roads and to land cover, and indirectly link jaguars’ space use to roads through the same land cover categories. Our findings show that space use by jaguars was not directly affected by roads, but indirect effects occurred through reductions in natural areas on which jaguars depend, and through urban sprawl. Males´ space use, however, was not negatively influenced by urban areas. Since jaguars seem to ignore roads, mitigation should be directed to road fencing and promoting safe crossings. We argue that planners and managers need to much more seriously take into account the deforestation and the unbridled urban expansion from roads to ensure jaguar conservation in Brazil.
Estimated prevalence of Niemann–Pick type C disease in Quebec
Authors: Labrecque Marjorie , Touma Lahoud , Bhérer Claude , Duquette Antoine , Tétreault Martine
Published: November 2021

Niemann–Pick type C (NP-C) disease is an autosomal recessive disease caused by variants in theNPC1orNPC2genes. It has a large range of symptoms depending on age of onset, thus making it difficult to diagnose. In adults, symptoms appear mainly in the form of psychiatric problems. The prevalence varies from 0.35 to 2.2 per 100,000 births depending on the country. The aim of this study is to calculate the estimated prevalence of NP-C in Quebec to determine if it is underdiagnosed in this population. The CARTaGENE database is a unique database that regroups individuals between 40 and 69 years old from metropolitan regions of Quebec. RNA-sequencing data was available for 911 individuals and exome sequencing for 198 individuals. We used a bioinformatic pipeline on those individuals to extract the variants in theNPC1/2genes. The prevalence in Quebec was estimated assuming Hardy–Weinberg Equilibrium. Two pathogenic variants were used. The variant p.Pro543Leu was found in three heterozygous individuals that share a common haplotype, which suggests a founder French-Canadian pathogenic variant. The variant p.Ile1061Thr was found in two heterozygous individuals. Both variants have previously been reported and are usually associated with infantile onset. The estimated prevalence calculated using those two variants is 0.61:100,000 births. This study represents the first estimate of NP-C in Quebec. The estimated prevalence for NP-C is likely underestimated due to misdiagnosis or missed cases. It is therefore important to diagnose all NP-C patients to initiate early treatment.