bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Graphene Oxide/Hexylamine Superlattice Field‐Effect Biochemical Sensors
Authors: Huang Yingqi , Yin Shujia , Huang Yujia , Zhang Xiaoyan , Zhang Weizhe , Jiang Guangya , Zhu Hongwei , Wan Chunlei , Fu Wangyang
Published: February 2021

The bulky assembly of 2D materials is highly desired for macroscopic applications, but it is still challenging to access the exceptional properties of 2D materials owing to their spontaneous aggregation. Here, to facilitate the access of the field‐effect sensing abilities of semiconducting 2D materials in bulk quantities, 3D hybrid superlattices of alternating graphene oxide (GO) and hexylamine molecular layers are constructed. Strikingly, the fabricated flexible GO/hexylamine superlattice exhibits a “V”‐shaped ambipolar field‐effect transfer characteristic under electrolyte gating, with exceptional sensing ability to pH value and DNA molecules in buffer solutions. In contrast, GO paper prepared by annealing the hybrid superlattices exhibits neither field‐effect nor sensing responses to various analytes, highlighting the essential role that hexylamine plays in modulating the GO/hexylamine superlattice to enable a wider interlayer spacing for biomolecules transportation in the internal graphene layer. These achievements, along with stable electrical and sensing performance under mechanical stress of the 3D hybrid superlattices, highlight the unique potential of flexible graphene 3D hybrid superlattices for biochemical applications by overcoming multilayer aggregation.
Electrically Tunable Surface Acoustic Wave Propagation at MHz Frequencies Based on Carbon Nanotube Thin‐Film Transistors
Authors: Shen Chen , Lu Shiheng , Tian Zhenhua , Yang Shujie , Cardenas Jorge A. , Li Junfei , Peng Xiuyuan , Huang Tony Jun , Franklin Aaron D. , Cummer Steven A.
Published: February 2021

Surface acoustic waves (SAWs) that propagate on the surface of a solid at MHz frequencies are widely used in sensing, communication, and acoustic tweezers. However, their properties are difficult to be tuned electrically, and current devices suffer from complicated configurations, complicated tuning mechanisms, or small ranges of tunability. Here a structure featuring a thin‐film transistor configuration is proposed to achieve electrically tunable SAW propagation based on conductivity tuning. When a DC gate voltage is applied, the on‐site conductivity of the piezoelectric substrate is modulated, which leads to velocity and amplitude tuning of SAWs. The use of carbon nanotubes and crystalline nanocellulose as the channel and gate materials results in high tuning capacity and low gate voltage requirement. The tunability is manifested by a 2.5% phase velocity tuning and near 10 dB on/off switching of the signals. The proposed device holds the potential for the next generation SAW‐based devices.
A Novel Dual‐Crosslinked Functional Hydrogel Activated by POSS for Accelerating Wound Healing
Authors: Yang Cheng , Huang Hai , Fan Shicai , Yang Chengliang , Chen Yuhui , Yu Bo , Li Wenqiang , Liao Jianwen
Published: February 2021

Hydrogel dressings have attracted extensive attention owing to the similarity in their softness to that of the extracellular matrix, adjustability of physicochemical properties, and ability to remain moist even at the wound site. However, developing composite hydrogel with excellent mechanical behavior, adhesiveness to tissues, good biocompatibility, long‐term antibacterial properties, and enhanced vascularization capacity continues to be a great challenge. Herein, a novel nanocomposite hydrogel based on the photo‐cross‐linking of poly(ethylene glycol)diacrylate (PEGDA), thiolated chitosan (TCS), and modified polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) nanoparticles is designed. Moreover, silver ions (Ag+) are loaded into the system via dynamic coordination of Ag–S. The resultant PEGDA/TCS/POSSP@Ag hydrogel presents high toughness, strength, and good tissue adhesiveness and facilitates the attachment and proliferation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVCEs) in vitro. As a controlled release carrier of the bacteria‐killing activity of Ag+, the composite system achieves controlled release of Ag+ and good antibacterial activity. Further in vivo experiments demonstrated that the PEGDA/TCS/POSSP@Ag scaffolds significantly promote skin regeneration by reducing inflammation and inhibiting infection, a rat model with full‐thickness skin defects verified its ability to stimulate microvascular formation due to activation of POSS. Thus, the multi‐functional nanocomposite hydrogel is a highly promising dressing material for wound healing.
Quantum Confinement Effects on Excitonic Properties in the 2D vdW quantum system: The ZnO/WSe2 Case
Authors: Gao Qiang , Peng Yuting , Wang Tianxing , Shen Chenhai , Xia Congxin , Yang Juehan , Wei Zhongming
Published: February 2021

Quantum confinement effects play important roles in determining the electronic structures and optical properties of 2D quantum systems. Herein, the 2D ZnO/WSe2 van der Waals (vdW) system to study the influence of quantum confinement on excitonic optical properties, considering vdW heterobilayers (HBs), sandwiched trilayers (STs), and superlattice (SL), is taken. First‐principles calculations show that the quasiparticle (QP) bandgap, exciton binding energy, and band alignment depend obviously on quantum confinement. The QP bandgap and exciton binding energy decrease from 2.61 and 0.98 eV (HB) to 2.30 and 0.61 eV (ST), then to 2.02 and 0.28 eV (SL). Moreover, the conduction band offsets can be tuned from 0.87 eV (HB) to 0.79 eV (ST), then to 2.27 eV (SL). In addition, in ZnO/WSe2 vdW HB, increasing interlayer distance from 2.09 to 4.29 Å can induce exciton binding energy increase from 0.77 to 1.02 eV and QP bandgap increase from 2.49 to 2.62 eV. These results may be useful to tune excitonic properties and design optoelectronic devices by forming 2D vdW quantum systems.
Magnetic Field–Assisted Manipulation of Polymer Optical Microcavities
Authors: Annadhasan Mari , Vinod Kumar Avulu , Ravi Jada , Mamonov Evgeny , Murzina Tatiana , Chandrasekar Rajadurai
Published: February 2021

Manipulation of optical microcavities using a magnetic field is a novel and clean strategy as the molecular structure and its packing are not affected in this technique, unlike in mechanical and light‐based ones. As a proof of principle, herein magnetic field–triggered orientation of polystyrene optical cavities loaded with 1) red‐emitting dye and 2) magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles is demonstrated. Due to the incorporation of the dye, the nonemissive polymer cavities show whispering gallery modes in the fluorescence spectra with the Q‐factor in the range of 400. Further, the integration of iron oxide nanoparticles facilitates the collective alignment of polymer cavities efficiently depending upon the applied magnetic field direction. The presented new method, which combines magnetic field–assisted micromanipulation and organic nanophotonics, is anticipated to offer prospects in the area of biophotonics, biomedicine, and magnetic field sensors.
Layered Structure Na2Ti3O7 as a Promising Anode Material for Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Pan Jun , Wang Nana , Lv Dan , Dong Wujie , Yang Jian , Huang Fuqiang
Published: February 2021

Sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs), as next‐generation energy storage devices, can be made by a similar production process to lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs). The key to accelerating their commercialization is to discover appropriate high‐performance electrode materials with low cost, nontoxicity, and simple synthetic features. Herein, layered‐structure Na2Ti3O7, with the advantages of appropriate charge/discharge plateaus, superior stability, environmental friendliness, and ease of preparation using cheap raw materials, is selected for assembly in full‐cell battery packs to evaluate its suitability for practical application. When evaluated in a coin cell, it has a capacity of 77.2 mAh g−1 at 1 A g−1 after 10 000 cycles with capacity retention of 99.9%, demonstrating its excellent stability. In the case of a soft‐pack battery, it retains 22.3 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1 and 18.1 mAh g−1 at 0.05 A g−1 after 50 cycles. After cycling, there is no sodium dendrite formation or active material shedding, further confirming its safety in practical application. Therefore, Na2Ti3O7 as another intercalation/deintercalation mechanism material has application potential in the future.
Graduate medical education tool kit for the Supplemental Offer and Acceptance Program: Navigating the National Resident Matching Program supplemental offer assistance program
Authors: Vance Steve , Figg Bethany J. , Wagner Mary Jo
Published: February 2021

More residency training programs are involved in the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) Supplemental Offer and Acceptance Program (SOAP) than in the past, which is unanticipated by many. Without an action plan in place, the SOAP process can be chaotic and could result in offers to incompletely vetted residency applicants and unfilled residency slots. Faced with this challenge, it is important that programs have a unified, clear process and action plan for the SOAP. Our instution has created a SOAP tool kit that documents our strategies, scripts, and timelines in preparation of SOAP. The success of our approach has been gauged by the positive response from the key stakeholders who found this easy to use without significant advanced training. Faculty and staff noted significant efficiencies and improvements in the process when using the SOAP tool kit. Applicants indicated that the process was more organized than other residency programs they interacted with during the SOAP week. We anticipate that the use of the documents in the SOAP tool kit will help other training programs improve their performance during the SOAP process.
3D Cell Culture—Can It Be As Popular as 2D Cell Culture?
Authors: Sun Miao , Liu An , Yang Xiaofu , Gong Jiaxing , Yu Mengfei , Yao Xinhua , Wang Huiming , He Yong
Published: February 2021

A 3D cell culture has developed rapidly in recent years, as cells growing on a flat substrate in a static environment are far from achieving an in vivo status. Currently, researchers have also gradually realized that to achieve cell morphology, structure, and physiological functions in vitro, 3D cell culture should be capable of simulating key features of an in vivo environment, including the interaction of cell–cell, cell–extracellular matrix (ECM), and cell–organ interactions. Herein, the development of the 3D cell culture system related to the following three perspectives is outlined: 1) biomaterial systems with a hydrogel system as the core; 2) biomanufacturing technology with bioprinting as the main means; and 3) culture device systems supported by microfluidic chips and bioreactors. The question is whether 3D cell culture will be as popular as 2D culture in the future. The key may lie in the development of simple and standard protocols for 3D culture.
Following Electroenzymatic Hydrogen Production by Rotating Ring–Disk Electrochemistry and Mass Spectrometry**
Authors: Khushvakov Jaloliddin , Nussbaum Robin , Cadoux Cécile , Duan Jifu , Stripp Sven T. , Milton Ross D.
Published: February 2021

Gas‐processing metalloenzymes are of interest to future bio‐ and bioinspired technologies. Of particular importance are hydrogenases and nitrogenases, which both produce molecular hydrogen (H2) from proton (H+) reduction. Herein, we report on the use of rotating ring–disk electrochemistry (RRDE) and mass spectrometry (MS) to follow the production of H2 and isotopes produced from deuteron (D+) reduction (HD and D2) using the [FeFe]‐hydrogenase from Clostridium pasteurianum, a model hydrogen‐evolving metalloenzyme. This facilitates enzymology studies independent of non‐innocent chemical reductants. We anticipate that these approaches will be of value in resolving the catalytic mechanisms of H2‐producing metalloenzymes and the design of bioinspired catalysts for H2 production and N2 fixation.
Structural biomaterials engineered from lignocellulosic agricultural waste
Authors: Kárpáti Zoltán , Kun Dávid , Fekete Erika , Móczó János
Published: February 2021

Milled sunflower husk was added to three types of polyolefins (polypropylene, low‐density and high‐density polyethylene) in a wide composition range. Composite series were prepared with or without maleic anhydride‐grafted polyolefin coupling agents to investigate the effect of coupling on the mechanical properties and micromechanical deformation processes. Several independent approaches were followed to estimate interfacial adhesion qualitatively and quantitatively, respectively. The results show that interfacial adhesion is significantly improved in the presence of a coupling agent. As a result, coupling changes the dominant deformation process from matrix/filler debonding to the fracture of sunflower husk particles. Milled sunflower husk can enhance significantly the modulus of polyolefins; however, elongation‐at‐break values are very small, especially at larger filler content, which represents the largest obstacle of practical application.
“Striking out on your own”—A study of research information management problems on university campuses
Authors: Stvilia Besiki , Lee Dong Joon , Han Na‐eun
Published: February 2021

Here, we report on a qualitative study that examined research information management (RIM) ecosystems on research university campuses from the perspectives of research information (RI) managers and librarians. In the study, we identified 21 RIM services offered to researchers, ranging from discovering, storing, and sharing authored content to identifying expertise, recruiting faculty, and ensuring the diversity of committee assignments. In addition, we identified 15 types of RIM service provision and adoption problems, analyzed their activity structures, and connected them to strategies for their resolution. Finally, we report on skills that the study participants reported as being needed in their work. These findings can inform the development of best practice guides for RIM on university campuses. The study also advances the state of the art of RIM research by applying the typology of contradictions from activity theory to categorize the problems of RIM service provision and connect their resolution to theories and findings of prior studies in the literature. In this way, the research expands the theoretical base used to study RIM in general and RIM at research universities in particular.
Mastery criteria and the maintenance of skills in children with developmental disabilities
Authors: Pitts Laura , Hoerger Marguerite L.
Published: February 2021

Behavior analysts typically set a criterion for correct responding to determine when a skill is considered mastered. Practitioners often preset the criteria arbitrarily as there is little empirical evidence about the effects of differing mastery criteria on the maintenance of skills. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the effects of differing mastery criteria on skill maintenance. The impact of 80%, 90%, and 100% correct responding on the maintenance of sets of skills taught during discrete trial teaching was evaluated. Four children aged between 5‐ and 9‐years‐old with a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder participated in the research. Participants were taught to recognize words. Sets of words were taught until each of the three criteria were met, skill maintenance was probed after 1 week, and again once per week for another 3 weeks. Results demonstrated that skills were maintained at a response accuracy similar to the mastery criteria employed; with mastery criteria of 100% reliably producing higher levels of accurate responding during maintenance than a mastery criteria of 80% and 90%.
Investigating teachers' enactment of engineering design practices in a CAD simulation‐enhanced learning environment
Authors: Dasgupta Chandan , Magana Alejandra J. , Kirkham Lisa
Published: February 2021

Engineering design problems are ill‐structured, and as a result, learners find it challenging to engage productively in relevant practices of analysis, synthesis, and evaluation for solving problems in the domain. Teachers find it particularly difficult to effectively support such engagement. Thus, there is a need to understand how teachers orchestrate their classrooms for maximizing opportunities for students to engage in these practices. In this paper, we use the case study methodology to investigate how teachers materialize and enact engineering design practices in a CAD simulation‐enhanced learning environment. Three teachers (cases) provide evidence for the following orchestration techniques—scaffolding development of students' expertise via teacher‐guided decomposition of problem space, apriori teacher‐led parameter determination, and student‐generated contrasting cases. These techniques scaffolded students' engagement in engineering design practices in all three cases. Common themes across the three cases—problem decomposition, modeling of expert practices, and facilitating students' active involvement—revealed a combination of pedagogical strategies that were interconnected and made evident through the cognitive apprenticeship model. The strategies suggest the integration of types of knowledge and engineering practices required for effective apprenticeships in similar contexts.
Embracing consumer ambivalence in the luxury shopping experience
Authors: Prestini Stefano , Sebastiani Roberta
Published: February 2021

Emotions, feelings, attitudes, and beliefs play a pivotal role in consumer decision‐making. The literature shows that psychological concepts with opposing valence coexist in people's shopping experience. This consumer ambivalence is relevant in hedonic contexts, where cognitive and affective elements play a central role in consumer outcomes (e.g., satisfaction, loyalty, and patronage). However, there is a paucity of consumer ambivalence literature focused on hedonic retail settings; thus, this study focuses on consumer ambivalence in luxury shopping experiences. Using a multi‐method approach, the study investigated luxury shoppers' psychological concepts, both positive and negative, in order to better understand consumer ambivalence and its impact on consumer outcomes. Thus, this paper makes two main contributions. First, it revealed three types of consumer ambivalence: awe and pride; uncertainty and contentment; guilt and pleasure. Second, the combination of negative and positive cognitive and affective elements in the luxury shopping experience positively impacted consumer outcomes and led to specific shopping behaviors. On these bases, luxury brands should leverage consumer ambivalences that are embedded in and signify the overall shopping experience.
Oxa Analogues of Nexturastat A Demonstrate Improved HDAC6 Selectivity and Superior Antileukaemia Activity
Authors: Pflieger Marc , Sönnichsen Melf , Horstick‐Muche Nadine , Yang Jing , Schliehe‐Diecks Julian , Schöler Andrea , Borkhardt Arndt , Hamacher Alexandra , Kassack Matthias U. , Hansen Finn K. , Bhatia Sanil , Kurz Thomas
Published: February 2021

The acetylome is important for maintaining the homeostasis of cells. Abnormal changes can result in the pathogenesis of immunological or neurological diseases, and degeneration can promote the manifestation of cancer. In particular, pharmacological intervention in the acetylome with pan‐histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors is clinically validated. However, these drugs exhibit an undesirable risk‐benefit profile due to severe side effects. Selective HDAC inhibitors might promote patient compliance and represent a valuable opportunity in personalised medicine. Therefore, we envisioned the development of HDAC6‐selective inhibitors. During our lead structure identification, we demonstrated that an alkoxyurea‐based connecting unit proves to be beneficial for HDAC6 selectivity and established the synthesis of alkoxyurea‐based hydroxamic acids. Herein, we report highly potent N‐alkoxyurea‐based hydroxamic acids with improved HDAC6 preference compared to nexturastat A. We further validated the biological activity of these oxa analogues of nexturastat A in a broad subset of leukaemia cell lines and demonstrated their superior anti‐proliferative properties compared to nexturastat A.
Contextual contracts for component‐oriented resource abstraction in a cloud of high performance computing services
Authors: de Carvalho Junior Francisco Heron , Al‐Alam Wagner Guimarães , de Oliveira Dantas Allberson B.
Published: February 2021

Efforts to support high performance computing (HPC) applications' requirements in the context of cloud computing have motivated us to design HPC Shelf, a cloud computing services platform to build and deploy large‐scale parallel computing systems. We introduce Alite, the contextual contract system of HPC Shelf, to select component implementations according to requirements of the host application, target parallel computing platform characteristics (e.g., clusters and MPPs), quality of service (QoS) properties, and cost restrictions. It is evaluated through a small‐scale case study employing two complementary component‐based frameworks. The first one aims to represent components that implement linear algebra computations based on the BLAS interface. In turn, the second one aims to represent parallel computing platforms on the IaaS cloud offered by Amazon EC2 Service.
A multilevel model exploring the relationships between individual spirituality, spiritual climate, and nonviolent work behavior
Authors: Sarkar Ayatakshee , Garg Naval
Published: February 2021

Based on Social Cognitive Theory (SCT), the present study investigated relationships between spiritual climate (environmental factor), individual spirituality (personal factor), and nonviolent work behavior. A significant association was observed between individual spirituality and nonviolent behavior. Results also concluded a significant moderation effect of spiritual climate. Transcendence, meaningful life, faith, and practicing spirituality are reported as significant predictors of nonviolent work. Two dimensions of spiritual climate, that is, authenticity and meditative work, are found to exhibit a statistically significant moderation effect. The sense of community and lokasangraha did not divulge considerable moderation. The study expands the horizon of triad relationships by suggesting indirect relationships between three factors of the SCT theory.
Green Recycling Process for Polyurethane Foams by a Chem‐Biotech Approach
Authors: Magnin Audrey , Entzmann Lisa , Bazin Alfred , Pollet Eric , Avérous Luc
Published: February 2021

Polyurethanes (PUs) are highly resistant materials used for building insulation or automotive seats. The polyurethane end‐of‐life issue must be addressed by the development of efficient recycling techniques. Since conventional recycling processes are not suitable for thermosets, waste management of PU foam is particularly questioning. By coupling biological and chemical processes, this study aimed at developing a green recycling pathway for PU foam using enzymes for depolymerization. For instance, enzymatic degradation of a PU foam synthesized with polycaprolactone and toluene diisocyanate led to a weight loss of 25 % after 24 h of incubation. The corresponding degradation products were recovered and identified as 6‐hydroxycaproic acid and a short acid‐terminated diurethane. An organometallic‐catalyzed synthesis of second‐generation polymers from these building blocks was carried out. A polymer with a high average molar mass of 74000 (Mw) was obtained by mixing 50 % of recycled building blocks and 50 % of neat 6‐hydroxycaproic acid. A poly(ester urethane) was synthesized without the use of toxic and decried polyisocyanates. It is the first time that a study offers the vision of a recycling loop starting from PU wastes and finishing with a second‐generation polymer in a full circular approach.
Joint effects of patch edges and habitat degradation on faunal predation risk in a widespread marine foundation species
Authors: Hovel Kevin A. , Duffy J. Emmett , Stachowicz John J. , Reynolds Pamela , Boström Christoffer , Boyer Katharyn E. , Cimon Stéphanie , Cusson Mathieu , Fodrie Fredrick Joel , Gagnon Karine , Hereu Clara M. , Hori Masakazu , Jorgensen Pablo , Kruschel Claudia , Lee Kun‐Seop , Nakaoka Masahiro , O’Connor Nessa E. , Rossi Francesca , Ruesink Jennifer , Tomas Fiona , Ziegler Shelby
Published: February 2021

Human activities degrade and fragment coastal marine habitats, reducing their structural complexity and making habitat edges a prevalent seascape feature. Though habitat edges frequently are implicated in reduced faunal survival and biodiversity, results of experiments on edge effects have been inconsistent, calling for a mechanistic approach to the study of edges that explicitly includes indirect and interactive effects of habitat alteration at multiple scales across biogeographic gradients. We used an experimental network spanning 17 eelgrass (Zostera marina) sites across the Atlantic and Pacific oceans and the Mediterranean Sea to determine (1) if eelgrass edges consistently increase faunal predation risk, (2) whether edge effects on predation risk are altered by habitat degradation (shoot thinning), and (3) whether variation in the strength of edge effects among sites can be explained by biogeographical variability in covarying eelgrass habitat features. Contrary to expectations, at most sites, predation risk for tethered crustaceans (crabs or shrimps) was lower along patch edges than in patch interiors, regardless of the extent of habitat degradation. However, the extent to which edges reduced predation risk, compared to the patch interior, was correlated with the extent to which edges supported higher eelgrass structural complexity and prey biomass compared to patch interiors. This suggests an indirect component to edge effects in which the impact of edge proximity on predation risk is mediated by the effect of edges on other key biotic factors. Our results suggest that studies on edge effects should consider structural characteristics of patch edges, which may vary geographically, and multiple ways that humans degrade habitats.
Efficient microfluidic enrichment of nano‐/submicroparticle in viscoelastic fluid
Authors: Fan Liang‐Liang , Tian Zhuang‐Zhuang , Zhe Jiang , Zhao Liang
Published: February 2021

The enrichment and focusing of the nano‐/submicroparticle (e.g., 150–1000 nm microvesicle shed from the plasma membrane) in the viscoelastic fluid has great potentials in the biomedical and clinical applications such as the disease diagnosis and the prognostic test for liquid biopsy. However, due to the small size and the resulting weak hydrodynamic force, the efficient manipulation of the nano‐/submicroparticle by the passive viscoelastic microfluidic technology remains a major challenge. For instance, a typically long channel length is often required to achieve the focusing or the separation of the nano‐/submicroparticle, which makes it difficult to be integrated in small chip area. In this work, a microchannel with gradually contracted cross‐section and high aspect ratio (the ratio of the height to the average width of channel) is utilized to enhance the hydrodynamic force and change the force direction, eventually leading to the efficient enrichment of nano‐/submicroparticles (500 and 860 nm) in a short channel length (2 cm). The influence of the flow rate, the particle size, the solid concentration, and the channel geometry on the enrichment of the nano‐/submicroparticles are investigated. With simple structure, small footprint, easy operation, and good performance, the present device would be a promising platform for various lab‐chip microvesicle‐related biomedical research and disease diagnosis.
Applicability of a single‐use bioreactor compared to a glass bioreactor for the fermentation of filamentous fungi and evaluation of the reproducibility of growth in pellet form
Authors: Soerjawinata Winda , Schlegel Konstantin , Fuchs Natalie , Schüffler Anja , Schirmeister Tanja , Ulber Roland , Kampeis Percy
Published: February 2021

The implementation of single‐use technologies offers several major advantages, e.g. prevention of cross‐contamination, especially when spore‐forming microorganisms are present. This study investigated the application of a single‐use bioreactor in batch fermentation of filamentous fungus Penicillium sp. (IBWF 040‐09) from the Institute of Biotechnology and Drug Research (IBWF), which is capable of intracellular production of a protease inhibitor against parasitic proteases as a secondary metabolite. Several modifications to the SU bioreactor were suggested in this study to allow the fermentation in which the fungus forms pellets. Simultaneously, fermentations in conventional glass bioreactor were also conducted as reference. Although there are significant differences in the construction material and gassing system, the similarity of the two types of bioreactors in terms of fungal metabolic activity and the reproducibility of fermentations could be demonstrated using statistic methods. Under the selected cultivation conditions, growth rate, yield coefficient, substrate uptake rate, and formation of intracellular protease‐inhibiting substance in the single‐use bioreactor were similar to those in the glass bioreactor.
Sickle cell disease is a global prototype for integrative research and healthcare
Authors: Royal Charmaine D. M. , Babyak Michael , Shah Nirmish , Srivatsa Shantanu , Stewart Kearsley A. , Tanabe Paula , Wonkam Ambroise , Asnani Monika
Published: February 2021

Differences in health outcomes and treatment responses within and between global populations have been well documented. There is growing recognition of the need to move beyond simple inventories and descriptions of these differences and our linear explanations for them, and gain a better understanding of the multifaceted systems and networks underlying them in order to develop more precise and effective remedies. Typical targets for such integrative research have been common multifactorial diseases. We propose sickle cell disease, one of the most common monogenic diseases, as an ideal candidate for elucidating the complexity of the influences of endogenous and exogenous factors on disease pathophysiology, phenotypic diversity, and variations in responses to treatments at both the individual and population levels. We provide data‐informed representations of diverse contributors to sickle cell disease complications that could guide innovative efforts to advance scientific knowledge, clinical practice, and policy formulation related to the disease; help improve outcomes for people worldwide with sickle cell disease; and inform approaches to studying and addressing other diseases.
Middle to Late Triassic granitic magmatism in the East Kunlun Orogenic Belt, NW China: Petrogenesis and implications for a transition from subduction to post‐collision setting of the Palaeo‐Tethys Ocean
Authors: Gao Hongchang , Sun Fengyue
Published: February 2021

In this study, we present new geochronological and petrogenetic data for the Triassic granitoids of the East Kunlun Orogenic Belt (EKOB), in order to constrain their precise ages, petrogenesis, and tectonic settings. LA‐ICP‐MS zircon U–Pb data indicate that the Triassic granitoids were emplaced in two stages: (a) Middle Triassic (247–240 Ma), represented by a suite of porphyritic granites and granodiorites; and (b) Late Triassic (234–227 Ma), forming an intrusive rock association of K‐feldspar granites, granodiorites, and porphyritic granites. Geochemical analyses and mineral associations suggest that all the Triassic granitoids belong to I‐type granites but have different origins. The Middle Triassic granitoids have high SiO2, low to moderate Mg# values (25–37 for XSG porphyritic granite; 45–47 for DB granodiorite), low Sr/Y ratios (2.2–4.6 for XSG porphyritic granite; 17.8–20.8 for DB granodiorite), and relatively restricted zircon εHf(t) values (+2.4 − +4.6 for the ca. 247 Ma porphyritic granite, and − 8.0 to −1.5 for the ca. 240 Ma granodiorite), indicating that they were dominantly generated from partial melting of different crust sources (either juvenile or ancient) in a normal lower crust level. In contrast, the Late Triassic granitoids have high SiO2, K2O, and Y contents, low MgO and HREE contents, and variable zircon εHf(t) values (from negative to positive, −4.9 to +3.3), implying a strong crustal–mantle interaction that occurred during the Late Triassic, and this stage of granitoids were derived from a complex magma source possibly a mixture of mantle‐derived and ancient crustal‐derived materials. By combining these new data with the previous data, we conclude that the two stages of Triassic granitoids were emplaced in an active continental margin setting and a post‐collisional extension setting, respectively. Moreover, this study suggests a tectonic shift of the Palaeo‐Tethys Ocean in the EKOB from subduction during the Middle Triassic to a post‐collision during the Late Triassic.
The Kiryu Experimental Watershed: 50‐years of rainfall‐runoff data for a forest catchment in central Japan
Authors: Katsuyama Masanori , Ohte Nobuhito , Kosugi Yoshiko , Tani Makoto
Published: February 2021

The Kiryu Experimental Catchment (KEW) is a small (5.99 ha) forest catchment located in Shiga Prefecture, central Japan (34°58′ N, 136°00′ E; www.bluemoon.kais.kyoto-u.ac.jp/kiryu/contents.html). Around this area, forest devastation occurred from ca. 1250 to ca. 150 years ago because of overuse of forest and timbers. Then, hillside forestation was carried out for more than 100 years to prevent soil erosion and support the timber industry, and consequently, most of this area is now covered with plantation forests mainly by Chamaecyparis obtusa Sieb. et Zucc. (Japanese cypress) planted around 1960's. This plantation forest is not actively managed. The KEW is one of the leading experimental forests with long‐term monitoring data in Japan. Research in the KEW began in 1967 to elucidate the hydrological and biogeochemical processes in the forested catchment in relation to climate, geology, soil, and vegetation growth. Since then, the long‐term hydrological data of precipitation, runoff and sediment transport are continuously monitoring. In this study, we provide the data and preliminarily discuss the rainfall–runoff patterns and sediment transport through 50 years in the KEW. The annual precipitation and the maximum daily rainfall have been greater than the average over the last decade. In response to the rainfall patterns, the ratio of annual direct runoff to precipitation was also larger in the last decade. The sediment transport in this decade was consequently larger than the preceding decades. Our data presented here suggest that a close relationship exists between the climate condition, rainfall–runoff response, sediment dynamics, as well as a slowly progressing change of forest condition.
Microcephaly, disproportionate pontine, and cerebellar hypoplasia syndrome: Two novel mutations in the CASK gene were discovered in Chinese females
Authors: Zhao Jianhui , Hou Mei , Wang Haiqiao , Liu Qiuyan , Sun Dianrong , Wei Wei
Published: February 2021

Microcephaly, disproportionate pontine and cerebellar hypoplasia (MICPCH) syndrome is a rare and genetic disorder, which is mainly caused by mutations in the CASK gene. We described four variations in the CASK gene in Chinese female patients with MICPCH, who presented with microcephaly, developmental delay, and motor disorder. The CASK mutations were identified using NGS (the next‐generation sequencing), copy number variation sequencing. Two novel variations in the CASK gene were revealed including a frameshift mutation c.1000_1001insG (p.Asp334GlyfsTer32) and a nonsense mutation c.2110A > T (p.Lys704Ter). Two other aberrations were c.316C > T (p.Arg106Ter) and Xp11.4‐p11.3 (41,700,001–44,660,000) × 1 loss. We provided clinical manifestations and neuroimaging findings of the four patients. The genetic variation spectrum of MICPCH caused by CASK was updated. Furthermore, we expounded on the molecular mechanism of the disease and noticed that it was not possible to relate the magnitude of the genetic alteration to a particular phenotype.
Remembering Metchnikoff in the time of COVID-19
Authors: Gordon Siamon
Published: February 2021

xx
Acoustic Noise and Magnetic Resonance Imaging: A Narrative/Descriptive Review
Authors: McJury Mark J.
Published: February 2021

Magnetic resonance imaging generates unwanted acoustic noise. This review describes the work characterizing the acoustic noise, and the various solutions to control and attenuate the acoustic noise. There are also discussions about the permissible limits, and guidance regarding acoustic noise exposure for staff, patients, and volunteers.

Level of Evidence

5

Technical Efficacy Stage

1
Stiffness Could be a Predictor of AJCC Prognostic Stage Groups in Preoperative Invasive Ductal Carcinoma
Authors: Min Xiang , Zhu Jiang , Shang Mengmeng , Liu Jikai , Zhang Kai , Guo Lu , Li Liang , Cheng Lin , Li Jie
Published: February 2021

Objectives

This study aimed to evaluate the stiffness of 2‐dimensional (2D) shear wave elastography (SWE) in preoperatively predicting the prognostic stage groups of invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC).

Methods

Eighty‐six newly diagnosed lesions on 83 patients with IDCs were analyzed. All parameters from conventional ultrasound and stiffness to virtual touch tissue imaging and quantification were collected, and mean shear wave velocity (SWVmean) was calculated. Data on maximum diameter, estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), histologic grading system and Tumor Node Metastasis (TNM) stages were collected. The levels of maximum shear wave velocity (SWVmax), minimum shear wave velocity (SWVmin) and SWVmean were compared. In receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves analysis, the diagnostic efficacy was found in area under the curve (AUC). Parallel mode was used to improve the predictive value of sensitivity.

Results

The median stiffness of SWVmax and SWVmean for IDCs were 9.38 and 6.32 m/s for late stage (stages II, III, IV) and 6.39 m/s and 4.72 m/s for early stage (stage I) of the prognostic stage groups, respectively. The median stiffness values in the late stage were significantly higher than those in the early stage (P = .003, P = .005). The optimal cutoff stiffness of SWVmax and SWVmean were 8.62 and 6.13 m/s, respectively. In ROC curves analysis, the AUC for SWVmax was 0.742, and it showed a better diagnostic value than SWVmean (0.725). In predictive diagnosis, the sensitivity for SWVmax and SWVmean were both 62.50%. The parallel mode improved the prediction power of sensitivity to 68.75%.

Conclusions

Preoperative SWV level may serve as a promising prognostic imaging indicator for breast IDCs.
Photoluminescence‐Induced Four‐Wave Mixing Generation in a Monolayer‐MoS2‐Cladded GaN Microdisk Resonator
Authors: Chen Hao , Guo Kai , Yin Jinde , He Siqing , Qiu Guoqing , Zhang Mengyu , Xu Zihan , Zhu Gangyi , Yang Junbo , Yan Peiguang
Published: February 2021

Integrated photonics are expected to replace the conventional free‐space optical systems, yet there remains a challenge of low nonlinear response due to small nonlinear refractive index and short interaction length. Here, the large‐area monolayer MoS2 is used to facilitate excellent nonlinear response, and a pump strategy is proposed with respect to the spontaneous four‐wave mixing in the visible spectral range. The external pump incident from the top resonates in the GaN microdisk resonator and is thoroughly absorbed by the monolayer MoS2 to generate the four‐wave mixing pump via the excitonic photoluminescence. Being driven by the internal photoluminescence pump and enhanced by the microcavity structure, it is validated that the proposed structure well suffices efficient degenerate spontaneous four‐wave mixing generation. Since the emission spectrum can be tailored through careful temperature control, this work holds a great potential in various functionalities, not only on‐chip visible light sources but also optical field control.
Habitat Suitability Modeling and Mapping to Assess the Influence of Freshwater Withdrawals on Spatial Distributions and Population Numbers of Estuarine Species in the Lower Peace River and Charlotte Harbor, Florida
Authors: Rubec Peter J. , Santi Christi , Chen XinJian , Ghile Yonas
Published: February 2021

The effects of potential reductions of freshwater inflow were evaluated for the lower Peace River and its largest tributary, lower Shell Creek, which flow into the Charlotte Harbor estuary in southwest Florida. Habitat suitability modeling (HSM) and mapping of fish and invertebrate species life stages were used to seasonally predict changes in spatial distributions and population numbers associated with simulated freshwater withdrawals. Seasonal salinity grids and temperature grids derived from values predicted by hydrodynamic modeling (2007–2014) were similar between baseline (i.e., flows not affected by water withdrawals) and minimum flows (flows associated with water withdrawals). Depth grids, bottom type grids, and seasonal dissolved oxygen grids were held constant between the two scenarios. Seasonal habitat suitability models were applied to 28 fish and invertebrate species life stages with affinities for low or moderate salinity. Salinity was the most significant factor in seasonal models for species life stages. The seasonal HSM maps produced showed that spatial distributions were similar between baseline and minimum flows for each species life stage. Most seasonal estimates of population numbers under minimum flows were less than the estimates for the baseline condition, indicating some effect on population numbers associated with flow reductions. Reductions in population numbers under minimum flows ranged from 0.3% to 21.0%, with 3 out of 28 seasonal comparisons indicating losses >15% and 12 comparisons indicating losses between 5% and 15%. Although other factors related to freshwater inflow can also influence species abundance and distribution, these results demonstrate how output from hydrodynamic modeling can be applied to HSM analyses and mapping to estimate spatial changes in habitat areas and population numbers for the life stages of selected fish and invertebrate species in relation to changes in salinity distributions, which can be used to identify areas of an estuary that are particularly susceptible to the effects of inflow reductions.
Sex, Food, and the Gut Microbiota: Disparate Response to Caloric Restriction Diet with Fiber Supplementation in Women and Men
Authors: Benítez‐Páez Alfonso , Hess Anne Lundby , Krautbauer Sabrina , Liebisch Gerhard , Christensen Lars , Hjorth Mads F. , Larsen Thomas Meinert , Sanz Yolanda ,   MyNewGut consortium
Published: February 2021

Scope

Dietary‐based strategies are regularly explored in controlled clinical trials to provide cost‐effective therapies to tackle obesity and its comorbidities. The article presents a complementary analysis based on a multivariate multi‐omics approach of a caloric restriction intervention (CRD) with fiber supplementation to unveil synergic effects on body weight control, lipid metabolism, and gut microbiota.

Methods and results

The study explores fecal bile acids (BAs) and short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs), plasma BAs, and fecal shotgun metagenomics on 80 overweight participants of a 12‐week caloric restriction clinical trial (−500 kcal day−1) randomly allocated into fiber (10 g day−1 inulin + 10 g day−1 resistant maltodextrin) or placebo (maltodextrin) supplementation groups. The multi‐omic data integration analysis uncovered the benefits of the fiber supplementation and/or the CRD (e.g., increase of Parabacteroides distasonis and fecal propionate), showing sex‐specific effects on either adiposity and fasting insulin; effects thought to be linked to changes of specific gut microbiota species, functional genes, and bacterially produced metabolites like SCFAs and secondary BAs.

Conclusions

This study identifies diet‐microbe‐host interactions helping to design personalised interventions. It also suggests that sex perspective should be considered routinely in future studies on dietary interventions efficacy. All in all, the study uncovers that the dietary intervention is more beneficial for women than men.
The dyadic interaction model of relationship quality and the impact of attachment orientation and empathy on infertile couples in China
Authors: Du Kun , Dong Yuezhi
Published: February 2021

Aim

The study was conducted to examine the effect of attachment orientation and empathy on the relationship quality of infertile couples and assess the inter‐dependency model of these factors.

Design

A cross‐sectional survey.

Method

In this study, 168 infertile couples (336 individuals) were enrolled and asked to finish the following questionnaires: the revised Adult Attachment Scales, the Interpersonal Response Index questionnaire and the Relationship Quality sub‐scale of the Fertility Quality of Life (FertiQol). Hierarchical regression and path analysis were used to analyse the unique and combined contribution of the independent variables to relationship quality of couples.

Results

The attachment orientation of infertile couples can influence their relationship quality, and empathetic wives and husbands have actor and partner effects on the infertile couples' relationship quality. Empathetic infertile couples are conducive to the harmony of the relationship.
Recovery of tigers in India: Critical introspection and potential lessons
Authors: Jhala Yadvendradev , Gopal Rajesh , Mathur Vaibhav , Ghosh Prodipto , Negi Himmat Singh , Narain Sunita , Yadav Satya Prakash , Malik Amit , Garawad Rajendra , Qureshi Qamar
Published: February 2021

In a world where biodiversity is on the decline, examples of conservation success especially of large carnivores are of interest to policy makers and conservation practitioners. Herein, we elucidate the conservation actions that have been responsible for the recovery of tigers and their ecosystems in India; a feat many range countries are struggling to achieve.

Demand‐driven poaching resulted in extinctions at two prestigious Tiger Reserves. India's Prime Minister constituted a Tiger Task Force that led to the formation of the National Tiger Conservation Authority, the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau, scientific monitoring of tiger populations and incentivized voluntary relocation of human settlements from tiger reserves. Tiger Conservation Plans, cognizant of constraints imposed by small reserves embedded in human land uses, aimed to create source populations within tiger reserves with corridor links between sources and to sink habitats. Metapopulation management enhanced occupancy and long‐term viability of tiger populations. Tiger Protection Force and technology like MSTrIPES, E‐eye and drones effectively reduced poaching. Community support was attempted through profit sharing, mitigating human–tiger conflict with a fast, fair and transparent compensation process and removal of problem tigers. Reintroduction and reinforcement of tigers and prey assisted natural recovery. Political will ensured resources.

Tigers were monitored using Spatially Explicit Capture–Recapture with camera traps and ecological covariates. In 2018–2019 from 381,000 km2 of tiger habitat, 89,000 km2 was occupied. Currently, 50 tiger reserves cover 72,750 km2 and harbour 65% of India's ~3,000 tigers. Tiger reserves are managed with an annual investment of ~1,000 USD/km2 with one staff per 6.5 km2. Tiger reserves were regularly evaluated for Management Effectiveness. Tiger reserves were valued to have benefit flows between 76,900 and 292,300 US$ km−2year−1.

In the Anthropocene it is unlikely that tigers will survive without targeted conservation investments. Political commitment and resources can become available for conservation when people and tigers benefit simultaneously. Conscious balance by governments between development for rapid economic prosperity and long‐term ecological security will ensure that wild tigers and their intact ecosystems will survive for future generations.

A free Plain Language Summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.