bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Engineered Customizable Microvessels for Progressive Vascularization in Large Regenerative Implants
Authors: Li Cuidi , Han Xiaoyu , Ma Zhenjiang , Jie Tianyang , Wang Jinwu , Deng Lianfu , Cui Wenguo
Published: November 2021

Inspired by the rapid angiogenesis of natural microvessels in vivo, engineered customizable microvessels (ECMVs) are developed which can naturally angiogenic sprout and induce vascular network formation via combing a celluar coaxial microfluidic extrusion technique with microsurgery post‐process. ECMVs can be used for customization of primarily pre‐vascularized soft tissue regenerative implants with personalized shape and vascular density with the aid of sacrificial printing technology. After collaborating with surrounding cells, ECMVs angiogenic sprouted and formed daughter vascular networks. Through techniques such as injection and suturing, ECMVs can also be introduced into large bone repair implants for pre‐vascularization and osteogenesis promotion. Furthermore, the microvessel networks with personalized shapes are customized by connecting the coaxial microfluidic system to a 3D printer. It is further demonstrated that the vascularization promotion and anastomose with host vessels of the ECMVs in vivo. Thus, ECMVs provide a simple engineering strategy for rapid vascularization of clinically large regenerative soft/hard tissue implants.
Electronically and Geometrically Modified Single‐Atom Fe Sites by Adjacent Fe Nanoparticles for Enhanced Oxygen Reduction
Authors: Zhao Shu‐Na , Li Jun‐Kang , Wang Rui , Cai Jinmeng , Zang Shuang‐Quan
Published: November 2021

Fe–N–C materials exhibit excellent activity and stability for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), as one of the most promising candidates to replace commercial Pt/C catalysts. However, it is challenging to unravel features of the superior ORR activity originating from Fe–N–C materials. In this work, the electronic and geometric structures of the isolated Fe–N–C sites and their correlations with the ORR performance are investigated by varying the secondary thermal activation temperature of a rationally designed NC‐supported Fe single‐atom catalyst (SAC). The systematic analyses demonstrate the significant role of coordinated atoms of SA and metallic Fe nanoparticles (NPs) in altering the electronic structure of isolated Fe–N–C sites. Meanwhile, strong interaction between isolated Fe–N–C sites and adjacent Fe NPs can change the geometric structure of isolated Fe–N–C sites. Theoretical calculations reveal that optimal regulation of the electronic and geometric structure of isolated Fe–N–C sites by the co‐existence of Fe NPs narrows the energy barriers of the rate‐limiting steps of ORR, resulting in outstanding ORR performance. This work not only provides the fundamental understanding of the underlying structure–activity relationship, but also sheds light on designing efficient Fe–N–C catalysts.
Polymer Stabilized Paraboloid Liquid Crystal Microlenses with Integrated Pancharatnam–Berry Phase
Authors: Perera Kelum , Padmini Haputhanhtrige Nilanthi , Mann Elizabeth , Jákli Antal
Published: November 2021

Aspheric lenses reduce aberration and provide sharper images with improved spot size compared to spherical lenses. This paper demonstrates that applying shear flow can produce plano‐concave liquid crystal (LC) lens arrays with paraboloid aspheric profiles. The focal length of individual lenses, with a 0.2 mm aperture, decreases from 0.67 to 0.45 mm as the chiral dopant increases from 0 to 6 wt%. The focal length is also sensitive to the polarization state of the incoming light. The lenses are stabilized by photopolymerizing with 6 wt% of reactive monomer added to the LC. A qualitative explanation for the flow‐induced lens formation and the optical properties of the lenses is provided. The potential tunability of the lenses in various fields and their use as paraboloid reflectors are discussed.
Defective Ultrathin ZnIn2S4 for Photoreductive Deuteration of Carbonyls Using D2O as the Deuterium Source
Authors: Han Chuang , Han Guanqun , Yao Shukai , Yuan Lan , Liu Xingwu , Cao Zhi , Mannodi‐Kanakkithodi Arun , Sun Yujie
Published: November 2021

Deuterium (D) labeling is of great value in organic synthesis, pharmaceutical industry, and materials science. However, the state‐of‐the‐art deuteration methods generally require noble metal catalysts, expensive deuterium sources, or harsh reaction conditions. Herein, noble metal‐free and ultrathin ZnIn2S4 (ZIS) is reported as an effective photocatalyst for visible light‐driven reductive deuteration of carbonyls to produce deuterated alcohols using heavy water (D2O) as the sole deuterium source. Defective two‐dimensional ZIS nanosheets (D‐ZIS) are prepared in a surfactant assisted bottom‐up route exhibited much enhanced performance than the pristine ZIS counterpart. A systematic study is carried out to elucidate the contributing factors and it is found that the in situ surfactant modification enabled D‐ZIS to expose more defect sites for charge carrier separation and active D‐species generation, as well as high specific surface area, all of which are beneficial for the desirable deuteration reaction. This work highlights the great potential in developing low‐cost semiconductor‐based photocatalysts for organic deuteration in D2O, circumventing expensive deuterium reagents and harsh conditions.
A Multimodal Multi‐Shank Fluorescence Neural Probe for Cell‐Type‐Specific Electrophysiology in Multiple Regions across a Neural Circuit
Authors: Chou Namsun , Shin Hyogeun , Kim Kanghwan , Chae Uikyu , Jang Minsu , Jeong Ui‐Jin , Hwang Kyeong‐Seob , Yi Bumjun , Lee Seung Eun , Woo Jiwan , Cho Yakdol , Lee Changhyuk , Baker Bradley J. , Oh Soo‐Jin , Nam Min‐Ho , Choi Nakwon , Cho Il‐Joo
Published: November 2021

Cell‐type‐specific, activity‐dependent electrophysiology can allow in‐depth analysis of functional connectivity inside complex neural circuits composed of various cell types. To date, optics‐based fluorescence recording devices enable monitoring cell‐type‐specific activities. However, the monitoring is typically limited to a single brain region, and the temporal resolution is significantly low. Herein, a multimodal multi‐shank fluorescence neural probe that allows cell‐type‐specific electrophysiology from multiple deep‐brain regions at a high spatiotemporal resolution is presented. A photodiode and an electrode‐array pair are monolithically integrated on each tip of a minimal‐form‐factor silicon device. Both fluorescence and electrical signals are successfully measured simultaneously in GCaMP6f expressing mice, and the cell type from sorted neural spikes is identified. The probe's capability of combined electro‐optical recordings for cell‐type‐specific electrophysiology at multiple brain regions within a neural circuit is demonstrated. The new experimental paradigm to enable the precise investigation of functional connectivity inside and across complex neural circuits composed of various cell types is expected.
Teach Self‐Awareness and Self‐of‐the‐Therapist in a Chinese Society: A Class Example at National Taiwan University
Authors: Chen Hao‐Min , Hsiung Ping‐Chuan
Published: November 2021

This paper discusses major cultural differences and corresponding teaching strategies when training student therapists in Taiwan about the concepts of self‐of‐the‐therapist and self‐awareness in marriage and family therapy. The authors present their years of teaching experience and observations about these cultural differences as well as a class example to address these differences. Specifically, a detailed summary of a master’s level course titled ‘Self‐Development for Helping Professionals’ will be illustrated.
A study on hydrocarbon resins as an advanced material for performance enhancement of radial passenger tyre tread compound
Authors: Shee Biswajit , Chanda Jagannath , Dasgupta Mridul , Sen Amit Kumar , Bhattacharyya Sanjay Kumar , Das Gupta Saikat , Mukhopadhyay Rabindra
Published: November 2021

Advancement in radial passenger car tyre tread compound introduces performance resin as a potential ingredient to improve wet grip (WG) and rolling resistance (RR). In this direction, our approach is to investigate the effect of two types of performance resins as Resin‐1 (mixture of aliphatic and aromatic) and Resin‐2 (aliphatic hydrocarbon) in silica filled solution polymerized styrene butadiene rubber (SSBR)/butadiene rubber (BR) based tread cap compound. Resin‐1 and Resin‐2 replaced low poly cyclic aromatic (PCA) oil by 10 phr (partially) and 20 phr (completely) with respect to the reference compound. It was observed that Resin‐1 has improved WG by 18% and 52%, whereas Resin‐2 showed 33% and 54% improvement at 10 phr and 20 phr replacement, respectively. Microscopic analysis was carried out to identify the dispersion of silica after replacement of oil by resins. Abrasion and fatigue resistance were studied by Laboratory Abrasion Tester (LAT‐100) and Tear Fatigue Analyzer (TFA) to understand the wear and fracture behavior of the modified compounds. Resin‐2 displayed 54% improvements in WG keeping similar RR and fatigue resistance by complete replacement of oil, whereas partial replacement was not appreciated due to less impact in dynamic mechanical properties.
Super‐twisting disturbance observer‐based intelligence adaptive fault‐tolerant formation control for a class of CAUS with switching topology
Authors: Gao Erxin , Ning Xin , Wang Zheng , Yue Xiaokui
Published: November 2021

This paper investigates a super‐twisting disturbance observer (STDO)‐based intelligence adaptive fault‐tolerant formation control structure for cluster aerospace unmanned systems (CAUSs) subject to the external disturbances and actuator faults with switching topology. Firstly, in order to surmount the effects of the actuator unknown control gain and the deviation faults, a number of adaptive laws are developed. Secondly, benefiting from the precisely performance of STDO, we introduced a compensation term into the controller design to overcome the influence of the high dynamic external disturbances. Moreover, in order to achieve the communication and update of the information, CAUS controller maintains the leader‐following consensus under the switching communication topology, which can promote the adaptability of the time‐varying actual task demands. Numerical simulation results are demonstrated to illustrate the effectiveness and advantages of the proposed STDO‐based intelligence adaptive formation control method for the CAUS.
Quantization control for flexible manipulators with PDE model
Authors: Wang Jiacheng , Yang Hongjun , Liu Jinkun , Wang Shuquan
Published: November 2021

In this paper, two different quantization control laws are proposed for the single‐link manipulator system with horizontal motion and input signal quantization. Considering the characteristics of distributed parameters of the flexible system, the dynamic model of the system is represented by partial differential equations (PDEs) and boundary conditions. One of the control laws is proposed to follow the desired time‐varying joint angle and eliminate boundary deformation of the link simultaneously. The other control law is proposed to track the required constant angle and suppress the distributed deformation of the link. The two control schemes can not only guarantee the stability of the system but also meet the control requirements under the premise of input signal quantization. Numerical simulations are provided to verify the performance of the controller.
Isothermal titration calorimetric assessment of lignin conversion by laccases
Authors: A. Islam Shams T. , Zhang Jie , Tonin Fabio , Hinderks Renske , Deurloo Yanthi N. , Urlacher Vlada B. , Hagedoorn Peter‐Leon
Published: November 2021

Lignin valorization may offer a sustainable approach to achieve a chemical industry that is not completely dependent on fossil resources for the production of aromatics. However, lignin is a recalcitrant, heterogeneous, and complex polymeric compound for which only very few catalysts can act in a predictable and reproducible manner. Laccase is one of those catalysts and has often been referred to as an ideal “green” catalyst, as it is able to oxidize various linkages within lignin to release aromatic products, with the use of molecular oxygen and formation of water as the only side product. The extent and rate of laccase‐catalyzed lignin conversion were measured using the label‐free analytical technique isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC). IITC provides the molar enthalpy of the reaction, which reflects the extent of conversion and the time‐dependent power trace, which reflects the rate of the reaction. Calorimetric assessment of the lignin conversion brought about by various fungal and bacterial laccases in the absence of mediators showed marked differences in the extent and rate of conversion for the different enzymes. Kraft lignin conversion by Trametes versicolor laccase followed Michaelis–Menten kinetics and was characterized by the following thermodynamic and kinetic parameters ΔHITC = −(2.06 ± 0.06)·103 kJ mol−1, KM = 6.6 ± 1.2 μM and Vmax = 0.30 ± 0.02 U/mg at 25°C and pH 6.5. We envision calorimetric techniques as important tools for the development of enzymatic lignin valorization strategies.
It’s not what you said, it’s how you said it: An analysis of therapist vocal features during psychotherapy
Authors: Soma Christina S. , Knox Dillon , Greer Timothy , Gunnerson Keith , Young Alexander , Narayanan Shrikanth
Published: November 2021

Psychotherapy is a conversation, whereby, at its foundation, many interventions are derived from the therapist talking. Research suggests that the voice can convey a variety of emotional and social information, and individuals may change their voice based on the context and content of the conversation (e.g. talking to a baby or delivering difficult news to patients with cancer). As such, therapists may adjust aspects of their voice throughout a therapy session depending on if they are beginning a therapy session and checking in with a client, conducting more therapeutic ‘work’ or ending the session. In this study, we modelled three vocal features—pitch, energy and rate—with linear and quadratic multilevel models to understand how therapists’ vocal features change throughout a therapy session. We hypothesised that all three vocal features would be best fit with a quadratic function—starting high and more congruent with a conversational voice, decreasing during the middle portions of therapy where more therapeutic interventions were being administered, and increasing again at the end of the session. Results indicated a quadratic model for all three vocal features was superior in fitting the data, as compared to a linear model, suggesting that therapists begin and end therapy using a different style of voice than in the middle of a session.
Modulator‐Assisted Photosynthesis: Green and Powerful Approach towards Superstructured π−Conjugated Covalent Organic Frameworks with Enhanced Electrochemical Performances
Authors: Zhang Lu , Wang Tianping , Wang Weiwen , Wang Xiangnan , Zhang Zhen , Cheng Chong , Liu Xikui
Published: November 2021

Fully aromatic π‐conjugated covalent organic frameworks (COFs) have garnered great attention because of their potential applications in optoelectronics and energy storage; however, achieving crystallinity is far from trivial mainly because most covalent bond connection in these π‐conjugated COFs have been deemed as an irreversible synthetic dead end because of aromatic stabilization. Here we report a green photosynthesis approach towards crystalline superstructured π‐conjugated COFs, the introduction of aromatic‐ortho‐diamine (o‐diamine) as dynamic modulator provide a powerful strategy to enhance the multi‐scale structure control and resulted in π‐conjugated COF with high crystallinity, rarely observed staggered AB stacking and uniform superstructured crystals of hundreds of micrometers. The mechanism behind this modulator‐assisted photosynthesis approach is a polymerization‐induced‐crystallization process. The prepared π‐conjugated crystalline framework displays superior electrochemical performance with a specific capacitance of more than 600 F g−1at a scan rate of 10 mV s−1, and excellent metal‐free 2e oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) electrocatalytic activity with peak potentials of 0.764 V with excellent cycling stability, these values are among the highest electrochemical performance reported for COF materials.
Do the evolutionary interactions between moths and bats promote niche partitioning between bats and birds?
Authors: Bullington Lorinda S. , Seidensticker Mathew T. , Schwab Nathan , Ramsey Philip W. , Stone Kate
Published: November 2021

Ecological theory suggests that the coexistence of species is promoted by the partitioning of available resources, as in dietary niche partitioning where predators partition prey. Yet, the mechanisms underlying dietary niche partitioning are not always clear. We used fecal DNA metabarcoding to investigate the diets of seven nocturnal insectivorous bird and bat species. Low diet overlap (2%–22%) supported resource partitioning among all species. Differences in diet corresponded with species identity, prey detection method, and foraging behavior of predators. Insects with ultrasonic hearing capabilities were consumed significantly more often by birds than bats, consistent with an evolved avoidance of echolocating strategies. In turn, bats consumed a greater proportion of noneared insects such as spruce budworms. Overall, our results suggest that evolutionary interactions among bats and moths translate to dietary niche partitioning and coexistence among bats and nocturnal birds.
Effects of enhanced productivity of resources shared by predators in a food‐web module: Comparing results of a field experiment to predictions of mathematical models of intra‐guild predation
Authors: Wise David H. , Farfan Monica A.
Published: November 2021

We compared the response to resource enhancement of a simple empirical model of intra‐guild predation (IGP) to the predictions of published, simple mathematical models of asymmetric IGP (a generalist IG Predator that feeds both on a specialist IG Prey and a Resource that it shares with the IG Prey). The empirical model was a food‐web module created by pooling species abundances across many families in a speciose community of soil micro‐arthropods into three categories: IG Predator (large predatory mites), IG Prey (small predatory mites), and a shared Resource (fungivorous mites and springtails). By pooling abundances of species belonging to broadly defined functional groups, we tested the hypothesis that IGP is a dominant organizing principle in this community. Simple mathematical models of asymmetric IGP predict that increased input of nutrients and energy to the shared Resource will increase the equilibrium density of Resource and IG Predator, but will decrease that of IG Prey. In a field experiment, we observed how the three categories of the empirical model responded to two rates of addition of artificial detritus, which enhanced the food of fungivores, the Resource of the IGP module. By the experiment's end, fungivore densities had increased ~1.5× (ratio of pooled fungivore densities in the higher‐input treatment to plots with no addition of detritus), and densities of IG Predators had increased ~4×. Contrary to the prediction of mathematical models, IG Prey had not decreased, but instead had increased ~1.5×. We discuss possible reasons for the failure of the empirical model to agree with IGP theory. We then explore analogies between the behavior of the empirical model and another mathematical model of trophic interactions as one way to gain insights into the trophic connections in this community. We also propose one way forward for reporting comparisons of simple empirical and mathematical models.
Lewis Acid Catalyzed Ring‐Opening Reaction of Cyclobutanones towards Conjugated Enones
Authors: Zhang Min , Gao Jiqiang , Zhao Jinbo , Qiu Tingtian , Li Zhongjuan , Guo Ziteng , Liu Chunhui , Liu Yu
Published: November 2021

An unprecedented Fe‐catalyzed ring‐opening reaction of simple cyclobutanones is developed, which provides access to conjugated enones with good functional group tolerance in high yields under mild conditions. The product derivatization and gram‐scale experiments further showcased the synthetic utility of the reaction.
Multivariate risk preferences in the quality‐adjusted life year model
Authors: Attema Arthur E. , Frasch Jona J. , L’Haridon Olivier
Published: November 2021

The interest in multivariate and higher‐order risk preferences has increased. A growing body of literature has demonstrated the relevance and impact of these preferences, but for health the evidence is lacking. We measure multivariate and higher‐order risk preferences for quality of life (QoL) and longevity, the two attributes of the Quality‐Adjusted Life Year (QALY) model. We observe preferences for a positive correlation between these attributes and for pooling together a fixed loss in one of the attributes and a mean‐zero risk in the other, and for pooling together mean‐zero risks in QoL and longevity. The findings indicate that higher‐order risk preferences are stronger for health than for money. Furthermore, we test if preferences for a risky treatment for a disease affecting only QoL, depend on life expectancy. We find no such a relation, but there is a positive relation between riskiness of a comorbidity affecting life expectancy and risk aversion for a QoL treatment. We therefore observe no definitive deviation from the QALY model, although the model is more robust when expected longevity is high. Our findings suggest that the current practice of cost‐effectiveness analysis should be generalized to account for risk aversion in QoL and longevity, and higher‐order preferences.
Salvage therapy with “Dara‐KDT‐P(A)CE” in heavily pretreated, high‐risk, proliferative, relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma
Authors: Zhou Xiang , Ruckdeschel Anna , Peter Jessica , Böckle David , Hornburger Hannah , Danhof Sophia , Steinhardt Maximilian Johannes , Heimeshoff Larissa , Einsele Hermann , Kortüm Klaus Martin , Rasche Leo
Published: November 2021

The multi‐agent therapy “VDT‐PACE” represents an established regimen in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM). Here, we report on our experience with a “modified VDT‐PACE” incorporating new generation anti‐MM agents daratumumab and carfilzomib (“Dara‐KDT‐P(A)CE”). We retrospectively analyzed 38 patients with RRMM treated with “Dara‐KDT‐P(A)CE”. The median age was 62 (range 45–82) years, and the patients were heavily pretreated with a median of 5 (range 2–12) prior lines of therapy. Twenty‐one (55%) patients suffered from penta‐refractory MM. High‐risk cytogenetics was present in 31 (81%) patients. The patients received a median of 2 (range 1–10) cycles of this therapy, and the overall response rate (ORR) was 70%. Patients with penta‐refractory MM and high‐risk cytogenetics showed similar ORR of 65% and 79%, respectively. The median progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival were 4.1 (95% CI 2.7–5.4) and 8.4 (95% CI 6.7–10.0) months, respectively. Patients with lactate dehydrogenase >250 IU/L showed significantly shorter PFS in comparison with others patients (p = 0.006). We used this regimen as bridging therapy prior to chimeric antigen receptor T‐cell infusion in four patients. In conclusion, “Dara‐KDT‐P(A)CE” is an effective salvage therapy for patients with heavily pretreated, multi‐refractory, high‐risk RRMM lacking alternative options.
Controlled breeding in dairy cows. Part 2: selection and ethical implications
Authors: Lindley George , Willshire Jim , Martin Adam
Published: November 2021

Background: Controlled breeding programmes describe timed artificial insemination (TAI) protocol choice and a strategy for their implementation, encompassing when they will be used and which cattle will be enrolled. A holistic approach to the reproductive management of every dairy herd, tailored to meet the requirements and expectations of the individual client, is essential if success of a controlled breeding programme is to be maximised.

Aim of the article: This article, the second of a two‐part series, describes strategies for implementation of controlled breeding programmes on dairy farms. It considers factors aside from the TAI protocol that are essential for the success of any programme, as well as the ethical implications of hormone use in dairy cattle. The first part, published in last month's issue of In Practice, discussed common TAI protocols, how they manipulate ovarian activity and how to optimise protocol selection.
Ti atom doped single vacancy silicene for hydrogen energy storage: DFT study
Authors: Kalwar Basheer Ahmed , Fangzong Wang , Ahmed Irfan , Saeed Muhammad Hammad
Published: November 2021

Hydrogen adsorption on titanium (Ti) atom doped single vacancy silicene (SV‐SL) is investigated through first principles density functional theory (DFT) study. Strong hybridization of d‐orbitals of Ti atom to p‐orbitals of Si atoms results in a tight bond to the silicene sheet with energy of −6.48 eV and keeps away from metal clustering. Maximum 8 H2 molecules firmly bind to Ti atom doped SV‐SL sheet with an adsorption energy ranging from −0.481 to −0.201 eV per H2 molecule and hydrogen storage capacity (HSC) of 6.3 wt%. Double‐side H2 adsorptions on hollow sites of Ti atom doped SV‐SL sheet are verified by structural and electronic properties. The partial density of states (PDOS) analysis shows the kubas interaction mainly caused the molecular H2 adsorption. Further, the absence of spin‐up and spin‐down channels in electronic band structures of nH2 molecule adsorption to Ti atom doped SV‐SL systems indicates its nonmagnetic nature. Conclusively, this study reveals that the Ti atom doped SV‐SL can be a promising candidate for hydrogen storage applications.
Potential key factors involved in regulating adipocyte dedifferentiation
Authors: Liu Shiqi , Wang Liyi , Ling Defeng , Valencak Teresa G. , You Wenjing , Shan Tizhong
Published: November 2021

Adipocytes are the key constituents of adipose tissue, and their de‐differentiation process has been widely observed in physiological and pathological conditions. For obese people, the promotion of adipocyte de‐differentiation or maintenance of an undifferentiated state of adipocytes may help to improve their metabolic condition. Thus, understanding the regulatory mechanisms of adipocyte de‐differentiation is necessary for treating metabolic diseases. Attractively, in addition to intracellular signals regulating adipocyte de‐differentiation, external factors such as temperature and pressure also affect adipocyte de‐differentiation. In this review, we summarize the recent progress in the field and discuss the regulatory roles and mechanisms of involved endogenous and exogenous factors during the process of de‐differentiation.
Effect of nitrogen feast–famine cycles and semi‐continuous cultivation on the productivity of energy‐rich compounds by Scenedesmus obtusiusculus AT‐UAM
Authors: Gorry Pierre‐Louis , Ángeles Roxana , Revah Sergio , Morales‐Ibarría Marcia
Published: November 2021

BACKGROUND

Nitrogen (N) limitation is the most common strategy used to accumulate energy‐rich compounds in microalgae. However, this condition reduces the microalga growth rate and biomass, lipid and carbohydrate productivities. In this work, a semi‐continuous operation strategy combined with N feast–famine cycles were investigated in order to increase the lipid, carbohydrate and biomass contents in the microalga Scenedesmus obtusiusculus AT‐UAM.

RESULTS

Growth and lipid productivity were evaluated in a flat‐panel photobioreactor (FP‐PBR) under controlled conditions, through 72 and 24 h N feast–famine cycles at different N concentrations (6, 12 and 24 mg N L−1). The highest accumulation of microalgal biomass, lipid and carbohydrate (550 ± 28, 139 ± 4 and 198 ± 7 mg L−1 d−1) was obtained for 24 h cycles at 12 mg N L−1 and were up to ~2.4 times compared to that of 72 h N feast–famine cycles. This strategy was also applied in a bubble column photobioreactor (BC‐PBR) located in a greenhouse. Here, biomass productivities obtained under a semi‐continuous operation for 24 h N feast–famine cycles with 6 and 12 mg N L−1 were 536 ± 27 and 667 ± 33 mg L−1 d−1, respectively. The maximum productivity of lipid and carbohydrate reached 142 ± 10 and 169 ± 14 mg L−1 d−1 with 12 mg N L−1, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The studied N feast–famine cycles and semi‐continuous operations increased the productivity of biomass and lipids in S. obtusiusculus AT‐UAM. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Point‐of‐care ultrasound assessment with handheld ultrasound device attached to cell phone
Authors: Sauza‐Sosa Julio C. , Arratia‐Carlin Karen , Fernandez‐Tapia Jorge
Published: November 2021

Recent advances in ultrasound technology have made modern handheld ultrasound devices and are contributing to make bedside ultrasound evaluation a practice available to all physicians. A 46‐year‐old woman with history of systemic erythematosus presented to our hospital with 14 days of COVID‐19. The patient suddenly presented greater respiratory distress, tachycardia, hypotension, and increased supplemental oxygen requirements; so she required mechanical ventilation. Point‐of‐care ultrasound assessment with handheld ultrasound device was observed on the apical view an apical thrombus in the right ventricle, McConnell's sign. The patient underwent systemic thrombolysis with alteplase showing improvement in mechanical ventilation parameters and is currently continuing treatment for COVID‐19 in the intensive care unit of our hospital. Emerging technologies such as handheld ultrasound devices can provide high‐quality care to the patients. Routine screening of patients with COVID‐19 using handheld ultrasound is feasible, may be able to define prognosis and treatment of cardiovascular complications.
Tissue fixation effects on human retinal lipid analysis by MALDI imaging and LC–MS/MS technologies
Authors: Kotnala Ankita , Anderson David M. G. , Patterson Nathan Heath , Cantrell Lee S. , Messinger Jeffrey D. , Curcio Christine A. , Schey Kevin L.
Published: November 2021

Imaging mass spectrometry (IMS) allows the location and abundance of lipids to be mapped across tissue sections of human retina. For reproducible and accurate information, sample preparation methods need to be optimized. Paraformaldehyde fixation of a delicate multilayer structure like human retina facilitates the preservation of tissue morphology by forming methylene bridge crosslinks between formaldehyde and amine/thiols in biomolecules; however, retina sections analyzed by IMS are typically fresh‐frozen. To determine if clinically significant inferences could be reliably based on fixed tissue, we evaluated the effect of fixation on analyte detection, spatial localization, and introduction of artifactual signals. Hence, we assessed the molecular identity of lipids generated by matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI‐IMS) and liquid chromatography coupled tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) for fixed and fresh‐frozen retina tissues in positive and negative ion modes. Based on MALDI‐IMS analysis, more lipid signals were observed in fixed compared with fresh‐frozen retina. More potassium adducts were observed in fresh‐frozen tissues than fixed as the fixation process caused displacement of potassium adducts to protonated and sodiated species in ion positive ion mode. LC–MS/MS analysis revealed an overall decrease in lipid signals due to fixation that reduced glycerophospholipids and glycerolipids and conserved most sphingolipids and cholesteryl esters. The high quality and reproducible information from untargeted lipidomics analysis of fixed retina informs on all major lipid classes, similar to fresh‐frozen retina, and serves as a steppingstone towards understanding of lipid alterations in retinal diseases.
An assimilatory sulfite reductase, CysI, negatively regulates the dormancy of Microbulbifer aggregans CCB‐MM1T
Authors: Diyana Tarmizi , Furusawa Go
Published: November 2021

Sulfur is one of the common and essential elements of all life. Sulfate, which is a major source of sulfur, plays an important role in synthesizing sulfur‐containing amino acids, such as cysteine and methionine, organic compounds essential to all living organisms. Some investigations reported that the assimilatory sulfate reduction pathway (ASRP) involved in cysteine synthesis is crucial to entering bacterial dormancy in pathogens. Our previous investigation reported that the halophilic marine bacterium, Microbulbifer aggregans CCB‐MM1T, possesses an ASRP and the dissimilatory sulfate reduction pathway (DSRP). The bacterium might use DSRP to generate energy required for entering its dormant. However, the role of the ASRP in the dormancy of M. aggregans CCB‐MM1T was so far unknown. In this study, we found that genes involved in ASRP were downregulated in the dormancy. The disruption of the gene encoding an assimilatory sulfite reductase, cysI, suppressed a completely dormant state under low nutrient conditions. In addition, the cysI mutant showed cell aggregation at the middle‐exponential phase under high nutrient conditions, indicating that the mutation might be stimulated to enter the dormancy. The wild‐type phenotype of the bacterium was recovered by the addition of cysteine. These results suggested that cysteine concentration may play an important role in inducing the dormancy of M. aggregans.
A systematic analysis of climate model precipitation in southern Brazil
Authors: Pereima Maria Fernanda R. , Chaffe Pedro L. B. , de Amorim Pablo Borges , Rodrigues Regina R.
Published: November 2021

Climate model precipitation is the foremost input for hydrological models in climate change risk assessment. However, some aspects of precipitation (e.g., frequency, seasonality, and extremes) are usually not well represented by climate models, especially at the regional scale and in the tropics. In this study, we use a set of well‐established metrics to evaluate the marginal, temporal, and spatial aspects of CMIP5 and CMIP6 precipitation in Southern Brazil. This region is in the transition between tropical and subtropical climates with diverse rainfall generation mechanisms and complex topography. We compare the multi‐model‐ensemble mean (MME) and a constrained ensemble (CE) of CMIP5 and CMIP6 against a high‐resolution precipitation data grid. The constrained ensemble is obtained using a weighting approach that minimizes the difference between the simulated and observed cumulative distribution functions. We find that CMIP6 outperforms CMIP5 for most metrics, especially in the simulation of the seasonal cycle and the spatial distribution of precipitation. Simulated precipitation is more seasonal and more spatially dependent than the observations, with a dry bias characterized by lower precipitation amounts and higher consecutive dry days. Our analysis suggests that the models are not able to reproduce the transition between tropical and subtropical climates in this region as well as the passage of frontal systems. Future studies using CMIP6 should focus on those regional mechanisms of precipitation variability.
A novel selection method of CMIP6 GCMs for robust climate projection
Authors: Hamed Mohammed Magdy , Nashwan Mohamed Salem , Shahid Shamsuddin
Published: November 2021

The selection of global climate models (GCMs) is a major challenge for reliable projection of climate. A novel method is introduced in this study to select couple model intercomparison project phase 6 (CMIP6) GCMs. Climatology maps of GCM simulated precipitation, maximum temperature and minimum temperature data were rasterized to form 8‐bit grey scale images, which were subsequently merged to form a colour image. The GCMs' climatology images were compared with the climatology image prepared using gridded climate data for their performance assessment. This allowed an unbiased comparison of GCMs according to their ability to reconstruct three major climate variables' climatology. The proposed method was employed for CMIP6 GCMs selections and projection of climate of Egypt for different shared socioeconomic pathway (SSP) scenarios. The study recognized four GCMs suitable for climate projections of Egypt, ACCESS‐CM2, AWI‐CM‐1‐1‐MR, BCC‐CSM2‐MR and MRI‐ESM2‐0. The selected models' biases in simulating precipitation and temperature showed consistent results, underestimating the north and overestimating in the south for rainfall. However, the projections of different GCMs showed a considerable inconsistency. Overall, the results indicated a possible decrease in annual and winter precipitation in the range of 0 to −50% in the high rainfall regions in the north and a large increase in the low rainfall (~5 mm) region in the south. The low rainfall zone in the south showed a gradual expansion with the increase of SSPs and time. The maximum and minimum temperature showed a higher increase in the south, particularly southeast (>6°C in the far future) and least in the northern coastal zone.
Extension of the variational method to conformable quantum mechanics
Authors: Al‐Masaeed Mohamed , Rabei Eqab M. , Al‐Jamel Ahmed
Published: November 2021

In this work, the variational method is developed within the framework of conformable quantum mechanics where conformable derivative is implemented. Three related theorems are presented and proved. We furnished the work with three illustrative examples. It is observed that the conformable ground state energy in each example tends to the ground state energy of the corresponding traditional Hamiltonian when
.
Fast‐time complete controllability of nonlinear fractional delay integrodifferential evolution equations with nonlocal conditions and a parameter
Authors: Zhao Daliang , Liu Yansheng , Li Haitao
Published: November 2021

In this work, new controllability results for a class of nonlinear fractional delay integrodifferential evolution equations with nonlocal conditions and a parameter have been derived under a new concept that we define as fast‐time complete controllability. Nonlinearity here is only supposed to be continuous rather than Lipschitz continuous by contrast. The major tools we adopt are resolvent operator theory and the theory of nonlinear functional analysis. Theoretical and practical applications are presented to illustrate the effectiveness of the new abstract results.
Neurostimulation success rate of repetitive‐pulse focused ultrasound in an in vivo giant axon model: An acoustic parametric study
Authors: Vion‐Bailly Jérémy , Suarez‐Castellanos Ivan M. , Chapelon Jean‐Yves , Carpentier Alexandre , N'Djin W. Apoutou
Published: November 2021

Purpose

Focused ultrasound (FUS) is a promising tool to develop new modalities of therapeutic neurostimulation. The ability of FUS to stimulate the nervous system, in a noninvasive and spatiotemporally precise manner, has been demonstrated in animals and human subjects, but the underlying biomechanisms are not fully understood yet. The objective of the present study was to investigate the bioeffects involved in the generation of trains of action potentials (APs) by repetitive‐pulse FUS stimuli in a simple invertebrate neural model.

Methods

The respective influences of different acoustic parameters on the neurostimulation success rate (NSR), defined as the rate of FUS stimuli capable of evoking at least one AP, were explored using the system of afferent nerves and giant fibers of Lumbricus terrestris as neural model. Each parameter was studied independently by administering random FUS sequences while keeping all but one FUS parameter constant. The NSR was evaluated as a function of (i) the spatial‐average pulse‐average intensity (Isapa); (ii) the pulse duration (PD); (iii) the pulse repetition frequency (PRF); iv) the number of cycles per pulse (Ncycles); (v) two ultrasound frequencies, f0 = 1.1 MHz and f3 = 3.3 MHz, corresponding to the fundamental and third‐harmonic resonant frequencies of the FUS transducer, respectively (spherical, radius of curvature: 50 mm); and (vi) levels of emerging stable cavitation and inertial cavitation.

Results

The NSR associated to 1.1 MHz repetitive‐pulse FUS stimuli was found to increase as a function of increasing Isapa, PD, PRF, and Ncycles. When evaluating each parameter at f = 1.1 MHz, it was observed that NSRs close to 100% were achieved when sufficiently elevating their respective values. When computing the NSR as a function of the spatial‐average, temporal‐average intensity (Isata), defined as the product of PRF, PD, and Isapa, a significant elevation of the NSR from 0% to close to 100% was measured by increasing Isata from values approximate to 4 W/cm2 to values higher than 12 W/cm2. No clear and consistent trend was observed in trials aimed at exploring the effects of different levels of stable and inertial acoustic cavitation on the NSR. Finally, the feasibility of inducing neural responses with 3.3 MHz repetitive‐pulse FUS stimuli was also demonstrated with NSRs reaching up to 60%, in the range of FUS parameters studied.

Conclusion

The time‐averaged value of the radiation force per unit volume of tissue is proportional to the acoustic intensity. As a result, the observations from this study suggest that the neural structure responding to the stimulus is sensitive to the mean radiation force carried by the FUS sequence, regardless of the combination of FUS parameters giving rise to such force. The results from this study further revealed the existence of a minimal activation threshold with regard to Isapa.
Impact of a spatially dependent dose delivery time structure on the biological effectiveness of scanning proton therapy
Authors: Kasamatsu Koki , Tanaka Sodai , Miyazaki Koichi , Takao Seishin , Miyamoto Naoki , Hirayama Shusuke , Nishioka Kentaro , Hashimoto Takayuki , Aoyama Hidefumi , Umegaki Kikuo , Matsuura Taeko
Published: November 2021

Purpose

In the scanning beam delivery of protons, different portions of the target are irradiated with different linear energy transfer protons with various time intervals and irradiation times. This research aimed to evaluate the spatially dependent biological effectiveness of protracted irradiation in scanning proton therapy.

Methods

One and two parallel opposed fields plans were created in water phantom with the prescribed dose of 2 Gy. Three scenarios (instantaneous, continuous, and layered scans) were used with the corresponding beam delivery models. The biological dose (physical dose × relative biological effectiveness) was calculated using the linear quadratic model and the theory of dual radiation action to quantitatively evaluate the dose delivery time effect. In addition, simulations using clinical plans (postoperative seminoma and prostate tumor cases) were conducted to assess the impact of the effects on the dose volume histogram parameters and homogeneity coefficient (HC) in targets.

Results

In a single‐field plan of water phantom, when the treatment time was 19 min, the layered‐scan scenario showed a decrease of <0.2% (almost 3.3%) in the biological dose from the plan on the distal (proximal) side because of the high (low) dose rate. This is in contrast to the continuous scenario, where the biological dose was almost uniformly decreased over the target by approximately 3.3%. The simulation with clinical geometry showed that the decrease rates in D99% were 0.9% and 1.5% for every 10 min of treatment time prolongation for postoperative seminoma and prostate tumor cases, respectively, whereas the increase rates in HC were 0.7% and 0.2%.

Conclusions

In protracted irradiation in scanning proton therapy, the spatially dependent dose delivery time structure in scanning beam delivery can be an important factor for accurate evaluation of biological effectiveness.
A C‐term truncated EIF2Bγ protein encoded by an intronically polyadenylated isoform introduces unfavorable EIF2Bγ–EIF2γ interactions
Authors: Circir Ayca , Koksal Bicakci Gozde , Savas Busra , Doken Didem Naz , Henden Şevki Onur , Can Tolga , Karaca Ezgi , Erson‐Bensan Ayse Elif
Published: November 2021

Eukaryotic translation initiates upon recruitment of the EIF2‐GTP·Met‐tRNAi ternary complex (TC) to the ribosomes. EIF2 (α, β, γ subunits) is a GTPase. The GDP to GTP exchange within EIF2 is facilitated by the guanine nucleotide exchange factor EIF2B (α‐ε subunits). During stress‐induced conditions, phosphorylation of the α‐subunit of EIF2 turns EIF2 into an inhibitor of EIF2B. In turn, inhibition of EIF2B decreases TC formation and triggers the internal stress response (ISR), which determines the cell fate. Deregulated ISR has been linked to neurodegenerative disorders and cancer, positioning EIF2B as a promising therapeutic target. Hence, a better understanding of the mechanisms/factors that regulate EIF2B activity is required. Here, combining transcript and protein level analyses, we describe an intronically polyadenylated (IPA) transcript of EIF2B's γ‐subunit. We show that the IPA mRNA isoform is translated into a C‐terminus truncated protein. Using structural modeling, we predict that the truncated EIF2Bγ protein has unfavorable interactions with EIF2γ, leading to a potential decrease in the stability of the nonproductive EIF2:EIF2B complex. While we discovered and confirmed the IPA mRNA isoform in breast cancer cells, the expression of this isoform is not cancer‐specific and is widely present in normal tissues. Overall, our data show that a truncated EIF2Bγ protein co‐exists with the canonical protein and is an additional player to regulate the equilibrium between productive and nonproductive states of the EIF2:EIF2B complex. These results may have implications in stress‐induced translation control in normal and disease states. Our combinatorial approach demonstrates the need to study noncanonical mRNA and protein isoforms to understand protein interactions and intricate molecular mechanisms.
Female workers, male managers: Gender, leadership, and risk‐taking
Authors: Rinne Ulf , Sonnabend Hendrik
Published: November 2021

This study examines gender differences in risk‐taking behavior among managers in a female‐dominated industry. Using data from international top‐level women's soccer, we provide evidence that on average, male coaches show a lower level of risk‐taking than female coaches. We also find a U‐shaped age effect that is independent of gender, meaning that young and more mature individuals tend to take riskier decisions. Our main results therefore strongly contrast with the majority of previous studies on gender differences in risk preferences, and thereby emphasize the importance of considering institutional differences or labor market specifics. Underlying selection processes may play an important role as well as gender stereotypes. Lastly, we find no correlation between gender differences in risk‐taking and female empowerment defined by national gender equality scores.
On performatives being statements too
Authors: Simchen Ori ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: November 2021

Performative utterances such as ‘I promise you to φ’, issued under suitable conditions, have been claimed by Austin (1962) to constitute the enactment of something rather than the stating of something. They are thus not to be assessed in terms of truth and falsity. Subsequent theorists have typically contested half of this Austinian view, agreeing that a performative utterance such as ‘I promise you to φ’ is the enactment of a promise, but claiming that it is also a statement to the effect that the promise is issued. I argue that speech-act-theoretically, uttering ‘I promise you to φ’ under suitable conditions is not also the statement that the promise is issued. This is compatible, however, with the fact that semantically, ‘I promise you to φ’ is true just in case my promise to you to φ is issued.