bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular‐Level Design of Pyrrhotite Electrocatalyst Decorated Hierarchical Porous Carbon Spheres as Nanoreactors for Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Boyjoo Yash , Shi Haodong , Olsson Emilia , Cai Qiong , Wu Zhong‐Shuai , Liu Jian , Lu Gao Qing (Max)
Published: April 2020

Lithium–sulfur batteries (LSBs) are a class of new‐generation rechargeable high‐energy‐density batteries. However, the persisting issue of lithium polysulfides (LiPs) dissolution and the shuttling effect that impedes the efficiency of LSBs are challenging to resolve. Herein a general synthesis of highly dispersed pyrrhotite Fe1−xS nanoparticles embedded in hierarchically porous nitrogen‐doped carbon spheres (Fe1−xS‐NC) is proposed. Fe1−xS‐NC has a high specific surface area (627 m2 g−1), large pore volume (0.41 cm3 g−1), and enhanced adsorption and electrocatalytic transition toward LiPs. Furthermore, in situ generated large mesoporous pores within carbon spheres can accommodate high sulfur loading of up to 75%, and sustain volume variations during charge/discharge cycles as well as improve ionic/mass transfer. The exceptional adsorption properties of Fe1−xS‐NC for LiPs are predicted theoretically and confirmed experimentally. Subsequently, the electrocatalytic activity of Fe1−xS‐NC is thoroughly verified. The results confirm Fe1−xS‐NC is a highly efficient nanoreactor for sulfur loading. Consequently, the Fe1−xS‐NC nanoreactor performs extremely well as a cathodic material for LSBs, exhibiting a high initial capacity of 1070 mAh g−1 with nearly no capacity loss after 200 cycles at 0.5 C. Furthermore, the resulting LSBs display remarkably enhanced rate capability and cyclability even at a high sulfur loading of 8.14 mg cm−2.
Elemental Sulfur‐Promoted [2+3+1] Annulation for Synthesis of Functionalized Thiochromeno[2,3‐b]indoles from Indole Derivatives
Authors: Liu Jianming , Wang Zhixian , Wang Ke , Liu Dong , Yang Yan , Fan Junjun , Zhuo Kelei , Yue Yuanyuan
Published: April 2020

An intermolecular [2+3+1] annulation between indole and 2‐bromobenzylaldehyde derivatives was successfully achieved by utilizing elemental sulfur as the promoter and coupling partner. This direct and operationally simple procedure provided a rapid and reliable approach to synthesize functionalized thiochromeno[2,3‐b]indoles. Preliminary mechanistic studies indicated that elemental sulfur enhanced the nucleophilicity of the 3‐position of indole to attack an aldehyde group, and C−H cleavage of indole was not involved in the rate‐determining step.
Das neue Verschlusssystem des Hochwassersperrtors Ladenburg
Authors: Walter Bernd , Weber Gordon , Metz Johannes
Published: April 2020

Das 1931 in Betrieb gegangene Hochwassersperrtor Ladenburg wird ab einem Hochwasser mit einem Wiederkehrintervall von zwei Jahren geschlossen und schützt damit die sich entlang des Seitenkanals befindlichen Industrie‐ und Wohngebiete vor Überflutung. Das Hochwassersperrtor wird nun durch einen Neubau ersetzt. Als bewegliches Verschlusssystem kommt ein Drucksegment mit zweiseitigem hydraulischem Antrieb zum Einsatz. Um eine ständige Einsatzbereitschaft zu garantieren, lässt sich der Segmentkörper im Notfall auch ohne Energiezufuhr schließen. Die Antriebs‐ und Steuerungstechnik wurde hierfür entsprechend ausgelegt. Zudem wurde auf geringen Betriebs‐ und Unterhaltungsaufwand besonderer Wert gelegt.

Bei der Entwicklung und der Umsetzung des Einhub‐ und Montagekonzepts stellten die Dimensionen und der Einbauort des Segmentkörpers die maßgeblichen Herausforderungen dar. Aufgrund von Änderungen der Randbedingungen während der laufenden Baumaßnahme musste das Einhub‐ und Montagekonzept angepasst werden, was umfangreiche Umbauarbeiten am schon fertiggestellten Segmentkörper erforderlich machte.
Oligonucleotides: Current Trends and Innovative Applications in the Synthesis, Characterization, and Purification
Authors: Catani Martina , De Luca Chiara , Medeiros Garcia Alcântara João , Manfredini Nicolò , Perrone Daniela , Marchesi Elena , Weldon Richard , Müller‐Späth Thomas , Cavazzini Alberto , Morbidelli Massimo , Sponchioni Mattia
Published: April 2020

Oligonucleotides (ONs) are gaining increasing importance as a promising novel class of biopharmaceuticals. Thanks to their fundamental role in gene regulation, they can be used to develop custom‐made drugs (also called N‐to‐1) able to act on the gene expression at pre‐translational level. With recent approvals of ON‐based therapeutics by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), a growing demand for high‐quality chemically modified ONs is emerging and their market is expected to impressively prosper in the near future. To satisfy this growing market demand, a scalable and economically sustainable ON production is needed. In this paper, the state of the art of the whole ON production process is illustrated with the aim of highlighting the most promising routes toward the auspicated market‐size production. In particular, the most recent advancements in both the upstream stage, mainly based on solid‐phase synthesis and recombinant technology, and the downstream one, focusing on chromatographic techniques, are reviewed. Since ON production is projected to expand to the large scale, automatized multicolumn countercurrent technologies will reasonably be required soon to replace the current ones based on batch single‐column operations. This consideration is supported by a recent cutting‐edge application of continuous chromatography for the ON purification.
Association of bacteria in pancreatic fistula fluid with complications after pancreatic surgery
Authors: Demir E , Abdelhai K , Demir I E , Jäger C , Scheufele F , Schorn S , Rothe K , Friess H , Ceyhan G O
Published: April 2020

Background

Pancreatic fistula (PF) is a common complication after pancreatic surgery. It is unclear how microbes in PF fluid affect outcomes and which microbes are present after pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) and distal pancreatectomy (DP). The aim of this study was to compare the microbiological spectrum of PF fluid after PD versus DP, and its association with postoperative complications.

Methods

Bacterial strains and antibiotic resistance rates of bacterial swabs obtained from the PF fluid of patients who underwent DP or PD were analysed. Cultured bacteria were classified as Enterobacterales and as ‘other intestinal and non-intestinal microorganisms’ based on whether they are typically part of the normal human intestinal flora.

Results

A total of 847 patients had a pancreatic resection (PD 600; DP 247) between July 2007 and December 2016. Clinically relevant PF was detected in 131 patients (15·5 per cent). Bacterial swabs were obtained from 108 patients (DP 47; PD 61), of which 19 (17·6 per cent) were sterile. Enterobacterales were detected in 74 per cent of PF fluid swabs after PD, and in 34 per cent after DP. Infected, polymicrobial or multidrug-resistant PF fluid was more common after PD (rates of 95, 50 and 48 per cent respectively) than after DP (66, 26 and 6 per cent respectively). Patients with higher grade complications (Clavien–Dindo grade IV–V) or grade C PF had more Enterobacterales and multidrug-resistant Enterobacterales in the PF fluid after DP.

Conclusion

Enterobacterales and multidrug-resistant bacteria are detected frequently after PD and DP, and are associated with more severe complications and PF in patients undergoing DP.
Chemical Constituents from Sargassum fusiforme (Harv.) Setch.
Authors: Wang Si‐Yu , Xiang Jun , Huang Xiao‐Jun , Wei Xia , Zhang Qi , Du Xian‐Hua , Hu Jin‐Shan , Wang Yu‐Mei , Zhang Cui‐Xian
Published: April 2020

Phytochemical investigation of Sargassum fusiforme (Harv.) Setch. led to the discovery of fifteen secondary metabolites, including three sterols, three monoterpenes, five nitrogenous compounds, two fatty acids, and two others. Among them, two compounds are new, while the other thirteen compounds were isolated from S. fusiforme for the first time. The structures of the two new compounds were identified by NMR and HR‐ESI‐MS data analyses, and the absolute configurations were established by comparing the calculated and experimental ECD spectroscopic data.
Synthesis of Polycyclic Spiro Pyrrolidone Derivatives via DBU‐Catalyzed Diastereoselective Vinylogous Aldol‐Michael Cascade Reaction
Authors: Liu Dandan , Wang Jiansheng , Liu Wenqin , Zhang Fang‐Lin , Zhou Yirong
Published: April 2020

A new DBU‐catalyzed vinylogous aldol‐Michael cascade strategy was developed for highly efficient construction of polycyclic heterocycles bearing a spiro pyrrolidone unit. Readily available o‐succinimide‐substituted benzaldehydes and 2(5H)‐furanone were utilized as bifunctional starting materials, both of which possess two potential reactive sites. Good to high yields were achieved under mild metal‐free conditions, along with the excellent diastereoselective generation of four adjacent stereogenic centers. This newly developed methodology provided an efficient and complementary synthetic approach to access spiro pyrrolidone derivatives.
Synthesis and Characterization of Telmisartan‐Derived Cell Death Modulators to Circumvent Imatinib Resistance in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Schoepf Anna M. , Salcher Stefan , Hohn Verena , Veider Florina , Obexer Petra , Gust Ronald
Published: April 2020

New strategies to eradicate cancer stem cells in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) include a combination of imatinib with peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) ligands. Recently, we identified the partial PPARγ agonist telmisartan as effective sensitizer of resistant K562 CML cells to imatinib treatment. Here, the importance of the heterocyclic core on the cell death‐modulating effects of the telmisartan‐derived lead 4′‐((2‐propyl‐1H‐benzo[d]imidazol‐1‐yl)methyl)‐[1,1′‐biphenyl]‐2‐carboxylic acid (3 b) was investigated. Inspired by the pharmacodynamics of HYL‐6d and the selective PPARγ ligand VSP‐51, the benzimidazole was replaced by a carbazole or an indole core. The results indicate no correlation between PPARγ activation and sensitization of resistant CML cells to imatinib. The 2‐COOH derivatives of the carbazoles or indoles achieved low activity at PPARγ, while the benzimidazoles showed 60‐100 % activation. Among the 2‐CO2CH3 derivatives, only the ester of the lead (2 b) slightly activated PPARγ. Sensitizing effects were further observed for this non‐cytotoxic 2 b (80 % cell death), and to a lesser extent for the lead 3 b or the 5‐Br‐substituted ester of the benzimidazoles (5 b).
Effect of deficit irrigation on physiology and forage yield of forage sorghum, pearl millet, and corn
Authors: Bhattarai Bishwoyog , Singh Sukhbir , West Charles P. , Ritchie Glen L. , Trostle Calvin L.
Published: April 2020

The declining Ogallala aquifer in the Texas High Plains may no longer meet the irrigation requirement to produce high water‐demanding forage crops like silage corn (Zea mays L.) to support a large number of beef and dairy enterprises. Forage sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) and pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.) can be viable alternatives to silage corn due to their relative drought tolerance than silage corn. A field experiment was conducted at New Deal, TX to assess and compare the physiology, forage yield, and nutrient composition of the brown midrib (BMR) forage sorghum, BMR pearl millet, and corn under deficit irrigation in 2018 and 2019. The experiment was conducted in a split‐plot design with three irrigation levels (I0 [50 mm], I1 [200 mm], and I2 [350 mm]) as main‐plot and five cultivars (P1498AM [corn], AF7401 and Silo700D [BMR sorghum], and Epic and Exceed [BMR pearl millet]) as sub‐plot with four replications. The higher leaf water potential (LWP), stomatal conductance, and leaf area index resulted in greater biomass assimilation in I2 compared to I1 and I0 irrigation treatments in both years. Sorghum and pearl millet cultivars showed lower water status through lower LWP and canopy‐air temperature difference compared to corn cultivar. However, sorghum cultivars yielded greater fresh biomass than pearl millet and corn in both years. Lower lignin concentration and higher digestible energy were observed in corn, followed by pearl millet and sorghum. These results suggest that under water‐stress conditions BMR sorghum can produce higher forage yield with acceptable nutritive value.
A design of cellular automata‐based PUF and its implementation on FPGA
Authors: Goncu Emre , Yalcin Mustak Erhan
Published: April 2020

Since the number of networked devices increases continuously, ensuring the safety and reliability of these systems is growing at the same time. Today, a unique identity of a device can be obtained from physical unclonable functions (PUFs) and this identity as a trust anchor in higher‐level security architectures. This article is exploring the cellular automaton (CA) paradigm to extract and magnify unique features of the underlying hardware to uniquely identify a device. The proposed PUF is based on a field‐programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) implementation of CA with random memory (CARM) model. Implementation of the memory part of CARM is the challenge of the introduced PUF, and corresponding response is obtained from the introduced evolution figure metric. The uniqueness and reliability of the PUF hardware are compared with the results from the state‐of‐the‐art PUF designs implemented on FPGA in the literature. The test results show that the introduced CA‐based design is a promising and competitive candidate for PUF primitives.
The “nonideal” drain‐loaded source‐follower and accurate differential‐amplifier analysis
Authors: Hasan S.M. Rezaul
Published: April 2020

This paper presents an elegant technique for the mid‐band analysis of a “nonideal” drain‐loaded source‐follower. The analysis of the drain‐loaded source‐follower is then applied to the superposition‐based mismatch differential‐gain analysis of a differential amplifier. This novel technique provides a more comprehensive mismatch gain analysis of the differential amplifier compared to that available in text books and other published sources. The presented analysis of a “nonideal” drain‐loaded source‐follower has not been reported before in open literature in any form. This new method renders the need for the well‐known and commonly employed “voltage‐divider” form of the source‐follower analysis unnecessary. A more accurate differential‐amplifier mismatch gain expression is attained using a much simpler source‐follower mid‐band analysis technique.
Variation in brown rat cranial shape shows directional selection over 120 years in New York City
Authors: Puckett Emily E. , Sherratt Emma , Combs Matthew , Carlen Elizabeth J. , Harcourt‐Smith William , Munshi‐South Jason
Published: April 2020

Urbanization exposes species to novel environments and selection pressures that may change morphological traits within a population. We investigated how the shape and size of crania and mandibles changed over time within a population of brown rats (Rattus norvegicus) living in Manhattan, New York, USA, a highly urbanized environment. We measured 3D landmarks on the cranium and mandible of 62 adult individuals sampled in the 1890s and 2010s. Static allometry explained approximately 22% of shape variation in crania and mandible datasets, while time accounted for approximately 14% of variation. We did not observe significant changes in skull size through time or between the sexes. Estimating the P‐matrix revealed that directional selection explained temporal change of the crania but not the mandible. Specifically, rats from the 2010s had longer noses and shorter upper molar tooth rows, traits identified as adaptive to colder environments and higher quality or softer diets, respectively. Our results highlight the continual evolution to selection pressures. We acknowledge that urban selection pressures impacting cranial shape likely began in Europe prior to the introduction of rats to Manhattan. Yet, our study period spanned changes in intensity of artificial lighting, human population density, and human diet, thereby altering various aspects of rat ecology and hence pressures on the skull.
Evolution of ungulate mating systems: Integrating social and environmental factors
Authors: Bowyer R. Terry , McCullough Dale R. , Rachlow Janet L. , Ciuti Simone , Whiting Jericho C.
Published: April 2020

Ungulates exhibit diverse mating systems that range from monogamous pair territories to highly polygynous leks. We review mating systems and behaviors across ungulates and offer a new approach synthesizing how interacting factors may shape those mating systems. Variability exists in mating systems among and within species of ungulates and likely is affected by predation risk, availability of resources (food and mates), habitat structure, and sociality. Ungulate mating systems may be labile as a consequence of the varying strength of those interacting factors. In addition, degree of polygyny and sexual dimorphism in size are associated with the evolution of mating systems. Neither male–male combat nor paternal care, however, can completely explain differences in sexual size dimorphism for ungulates, a necessary component in understanding the development of some mating systems. Whatever the evolutionary pathway, sexual segregation limits paternal care allowing more intense male–male competition. Selection of habitat structure, because it modifies risk of predation, is a major determinant of sociality for ungulates. Likewise, ruggedness and steepness of terrain limit the types of mating systems that can occur because of limitations in group size and cohesiveness, as well as the ability of males to herd even small groups of females effectively. The quality and defensibility of resources affect mating systems, as does the defensibility of females. Population density of females also may be a critical determinant of the types of mating systems that develop. Size of groups likewise constrains the types of mating tactics that males can employ. Our aim was to use those relationships to create a broad conceptual model that predicts how various environmental and social factors interact to structure mating systems in ungulates. This model provides a useful framework for future tests of the roles of both ecological and social conditions in influencing the social systems of ungulates.
Modifying connectivity to promote state change reversal: the importance of geomorphic context and plant–soil feedbacks
Authors: Peters Debra P. C. , Okin Gregory S. , Herrick Jeffrey E. , Savoy Heather M. , Anderson John P. , Scroggs Stacey L. P. , Zhang Junzhe
Published: April 2020

Alternative states maintained by feedbacks are notoriously difficult, if not impossible, to reverse. Although positive interactions that modify soil conditions may have the greatest potential to alter self‐reinforcing feedbacks, the conditions leading to these state change reversals have not been resolved. In a 9‐yr study, we modified horizontal connectivity of resources by wind or water on different geomorphic surfaces in an attempt to alter plant–soil feedbacks and shift woody‐plant‐dominated states back toward perennial grass dominance. Modifying connectivity resulted in an increase in litter cover regardless of the vector of transport (wind, water) followed by an increase in perennial grass cover 2 yr later. Modifying connectivity was most effective on sandy soils where wind is the dominant vector, and least effective on gravelly soils on stable surfaces with low sediment movement by water. We found that grass cover was related to precipitation in the first 5 yr of our study, and plant–soil feedbacks developed following 6 yr of modified connectivity to overwhelm effects of precipitation on sandy, wind‐blown soils. These feedbacks persisted through time under variable annual rainfall. On alluvial soils, either plant–soil feedbacks developed after 7 yr that were not persistent (active soils) or did not develop (stable soils). This novel approach has application to drylands globally where desertified lands have suffered losses in ecosystem services, and to other ecosystems where connectivity‐mediated feedbacks modified at fine scales can be expected to impact plant recovery and state change reversals at larger scales, in particular for wind‐impacted sites.
Incident heart failure in outpatients with chronic coronary syndrome: results from the international prospective CLARIFY registry
Authors: Parma Zofia , Jasilek Adam , Greenlaw Nicola , Ferrari Roberto , Ford Ian , Fox Kim , Tardif Jean‐Claude , Tendera Michal , Steg P. Gabriel
Published: April 2020

Aim

The contemporary incidence of heart failure (HF) in patients with chronic coronary syndrome is unclear. We aimed to study the incidence and predictors of cardiovascular (CV) death, HF hospitalization or new‐onset HF not requiring hospitalization, in patients included in the CLARIFY registry.

Methods and results

CLARIFY is a contemporary, international registry of ambulatory patients with chronic coronary artery disease, conducted in 45 countries. At baseline, data on demographics, ethnicity, CV risk factors, medical history, cardiac parameters and medication were collected. Patients were followed up yearly up to 5 years. In this analysis, 26 769 patients with no HF history were included. At 5‐year follow‐up, 4393 patients (16.4%) reached the primary endpoint comprising CV death, HF hospitalization, or new‐onset HF. Only 16.7% of them (n = 732) required hospitalization for HF. All‐cause death occurred in 6.6% of patients (61.4% were CV). Age over 70 years, left ventricular ejection fraction <50%, Canadian Cardiovascular Society class ≥2 angina, atrial fibrillation or paced rhythm on the ECG, body mass index <20 kg/m2, and a history of stroke, were the most robust predictors of the primary outcome. Age <50 years, Asian ethnicity, and percutaneous revascularization were negative predictors of the outcome.

Conclusion

A sizeable proportion of patients with chronic coronary syndrome develop HF, which only infrequently requires hospitalization. Early identification of patients with HF may lead to early treatment, and help to further decrease mortality and morbidity. This concept needs confirmation in future studies.
Sestrin1 inhibits oxidized low‐density lipoprotein‐induced activation of NLRP3 inflammasome in macrophages in a murine atherosclerosis model
Authors: Keping Yang , Yunfeng Sun , Pengzhuo Xiao , Liang Li , Chenhong Xu , Jinghua Mao
Published: April 2020

Macrophages play a crucial role in the progression of atherosclerotic lesions. In the current study, we analyzed the expression and function of sestrin1 (SESN1) in the aorta macrophages in a murine atherosclerosis model. We identified high SESN1 expression in the aorta macrophages in atherosclerotic mice. Using lentivirus‐mediated SESN1 overexpression in macrophages, we found that SESN1 inhibited oxidized low‐density lipoprotein–induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐primed macrophages, as evidenced by less ASC‐NLRP3 complex formation, lower caspase‐1 activation, and lower generation of mature IL‐1β. Besides, SESN1 impeded oxidized low‐density lipoprotein–induced activation of NK‐κB signaling in macrophages. Furthermore, SESN1 suppressed cholesterol crystal‐induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation and foam cell formation. Adoptive transfer of SESN1 overexpressing macrophages reduced the expression of pro‐inflammatory cytokines in infiltrating macrophages and the whole aorta tissue. Adoptive transfer of SESN1 knockdown macrophages enhanced the expression of pro‐inflammatory cytokines in infiltrating macrophages and the whole aorta tissue. Overall, our study sheds light on the significance of SESN1 for macrophage‐mediated aorta inflammation.
Geomorphological evolution and sediment stratigraphy of numerically simulated alluvial fans
Authors: Welivitiya W.D. Dimuth P. , Willgoose Garry R. , Hancock Greg R.
Published: April 2020

When a sediment laden river reaches a flat basin area the coarse fraction of their sediment load is deposited in a cone shaped structure called an alluvial fan. In this article we used the State Space Soil Production and Assessment Model (SSSPAM) coupled landform–soilscape evolution model to simulate the development of alluvial fans in two‐ and three‐dimensional landforms. In SSSPAM the physical processes of erosion and armouring, soil weathering and sediment deposition were modelled using state‐space matrices, in both two and three dimensions. The results of the two‐dimensional fan showed that the fan grew vertically and laterally keeping a concave up long profile. It also showed a downstream fining of the sediments along the fan profile. Both of these observations are in agreement with available literature concerning natural and experimental fan formations. Simulations with the three‐dimensional landform produced a fan with a semicircular shape with concave up long profiles and concave down cross profiles which is typical for fans found in nature and ones developed in laboratory conditions. During the simulation the main channel which brings sediment to the fan structure changed its position constantly leading to the semicircular shape of the fan. This behaviour is similar to the autogenic process of ‘fanhead trenching’ which is the major mechanism of sediment redistribution while the fan is developing. The three‐dimensional fan simulation also exhibited the downstream fining of sediments from the fan apex to the peripheries. Further, the simulated fan also developed complex internal sediment stratification which is modelled by SSSPAM. Currently such complex sediment stratification is thought to be a result of allogenic processes. However, this simulation shows that, such complex internal sediment structures can develop through autogenic processes as well. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Detection and defense against network isolation attacks in software‐defined networks
Authors: Yu Zhipeng , Zhu Hui , Xiao Rui , Song Chao , Dong Jian , Li Hui
Published: April 2020

With the development and pervasiveness of Internet of Things (IoT) devices, Software‐Defined Networks (SDN) technology has been deployed to bring great convenience to network transmission. However, SDN over IoT network still faces many challenges on devices data security. Our work demonstrates a novel attack of SDN networks, named Network Harvesting (NH). In NH, an attacker has the ability to steal the users' network privileges without the awareness of victims and the switchers. Furthermore, to solve the above attack, we construct a detection scheme and a defense scheme, named RSDetector and SpoofDefender. RSDetector detects the presence of rogue switches in the network by leveraging the prediction power of machine learning. At the same time, SpoofDefender prevents a number of spoofing attacks including NH by the global control of the SDN networks. In addition, RSDetector and SpoofDefender are also evaluated on ONOS 1.10.4 and Mininet. A good deal of simulation results demonstrate that our proposed schemes have great optimization in reducing communication and computation costs.
Generation of flavor compounds by biotransformation of genetically modified hairy roots of Hypericum perforatum (L.) with basidiomycetes
Authors: Ibrahimi Hamide , Gadzovska‐Simic Sonja , Tusevski Oliver , Haziri Arben
Published: April 2020

Altogether, 14 basidiomycetes (12BAD, 95PCH, 9WCOC, 5PSA, 96BCI, 331SHIBD, 4MSC, 74HFA, 220MPS, 115PFLA, 111 ICO C, 16LED, 6TSU, and 61LYP) were grown on solid and in liquid media using hairy roots of genetically modified Hypericum perforatum (L.) as the only source of carbon and nitrogen. After the first screening by GC‐MS/MS‐O, two fungi (115PFLA and 61LYP) which resulted in the most pleasant complex natural flavor by biotransformation were selected for further analysis. Twenty‐four new volatile compounds were produced, from which 21 were identified (ethyl hexanoate, ethyl octanoate, benzaldehyde, 2‐undecanone, (E,E)‐2,4‐decadienal, 1‐octen‐3‐one, (E)‐2‐nonenal, ethyl nonanoate, 2‐heptenal, 1‐methoxy‐4‐methylbenzene, 3‐octanone, 1‐decen‐3‐one, (E)‐2‐octenal, 1‐octen‐3‐ol, β‐linalool, ±trans‐nerolidol, anisole, methyl benzoate, 2‐pentylfuran, 1,3‐dichloro‐2‐methoxybenzene, and 1‐dodecanol). Thereof, 15 compounds were perceived at the ODP, from which 13 were identified. Compound identification was performed by comparison of Kovats indices (KI) and mass spectra to those of authentic reference compounds on a polar VF‐WAXms column using headspace solid‐phase microextraction–gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (HS‐SPME‐GC‐MS).
Optimized precooling combined with SO2‐released paper treatment improves the storability of longan (Dimocarpus longan Lour.) fruits stored at room temperature
Authors: Han Dongmei , Luo Tao , Zhang Lu , Wu Jiaqi , Wu Huitao , Wu Zhenxian , Li Jianguang , Wang Jing , Pan Xuewen
Published: April 2020

Precooling and sulfur dioxide fumigation were proved as effective methods for the preservation of longan (Dimocarpus longan Lour.) fruits. However, inadequate precooling and sulfur dioxide fumigation resulted in unexpected losses and short shelf life. A L9(34) orthogonal test was conducted to screen out ideal dosage of sodium metabisulfite (factor A), precooling method (factor B), and precooling duration (factor C) to improve the storability of longan fruit stored for 48 hr at room temperature (RT) (25℃). The overall qualities of all of the treated longan fruits after a 48‐hr storage (OQST) and during the 5‐day shelf at 25℃ (OQSF) were better than those of the control fruits. The treated fruits showed brighter fresh color (higher L*, b*, C*, and h° values but lower a* value), higher flavonoid, and chlorophyll contents. Moreover, the SO2 residue was concentrated in pericarp but little in aril for any of the 12 treatments. The multivariate variance analysis showed that factor A was dominant to determine both of the OQST and OQSF, while factor B affected the OQST, and factor C affected the OQSF. In total, “0.22% sodium metabisulfite + 4 hr precooling + uncovered precooling” was considered to be an ideal treatment. These results would contribute to improving longan postharvest preservation technology.
Care of immunocompromised patients with head and neck cancer during the COVID‐19 pandemic: Two challenging and informative clinical cases
Authors: Civantos Alyssa M. , Carey Ryan M. , Lichtenstein Gary R. , Lukens John N. , Cohen Roger B. , Rassekh Christopher H.
Published: April 2020

Background and Methods

There is an added level of complexity in the management of head and neck cancer patients with underlying immunosuppressive disorders during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Head and neck oncologists are tasked with balancing the dual risks of cancer progression in the setting of impaired tumor immunity and increased susceptibility to life‐threatening complications from exposure to viral infection for patients and providers. Through two cases of immunocompromised patients with newly diagnosed head and neck malignancies, we aim to provide guidance to clinicians struggling with how to best counsel and manage this unique subset of patients under these difficult circumstances.

Results

After careful consideration of the options, we took different approaches in the care of these two patients.

Conclusions

Ultimately, there is no uniform set of rules to apply to this heterogeneous group of immunocompromised patients. We provide some general principles to help guide patient management during the current pandemic.
Atmospheric vapour and precipitation are not in isotopic equilibrium in a continental mountain environment
Authors: Mercer Jason J. , Liefert David T. , Williams David G.
Published: April 2020

Isotopic exchange with atmospheric vapour can strongly influence the isotopic values of evaporating surface water bodies (e.g., lakes), influencing our understanding of hydrological processes across aquatic and terrestrial environments. Rather than measure the isotopic values of the atmosphere directly, it is much more common to estimate values by assuming equilibrium with local precipitation. This assumption may introduce large errors, thereby biasing hydrological inferences and understanding. The pattern and magnitude of this error has been quantified only in a few circumstances. We compared observations of vapour and precipitation isotope values over a four‐year record collected in a montane environment in the central Rocky Mountains of North America. We further investigated factors and conditions promoting disequilibrium. Scenario comparisons assessed the impact of theoretical and methodological elements on the accuracy of the equilibrium assumption. We found that the equilibrium assumption was not well supported by direct and continuous observations of vapour isotopes using tower‐based laser isotope spectroscopy, particularly during the summer months. Across all scenarios, errors associated with the equilibrium assumption were high, credibly ranging from 14 to 154 ‰ forδ2H and 1.5 to 16.3 ‰ forδ18O. Environmental covariates (e.g., vapour pressure deficit, air pressure) helped explain some of the apparent disequilibrium. Although the equilibrium assumption for estimating atmospheric vapour isotope values may not be applicable in a continental montane environment, our findings highlight opportunities for using direct vapour isotope measurements to better understand vapour sources, air mass mixing, and phase changes over complex mountainous terrain, which in turn may better constrain regional‐ to global‐scale hydrological process estimates, such as evapotranspiration rates and the water budgets of mountain lakes.
Tricomponent composite containing copper–hydroxyapatite/chitosan/polyvinyl pyrrolidone for bone tissue engineering
Authors: Narayanan Valarmathi , Sumathi Shanmugam , Narayanasamy Arunai Nambi Raj
Published: April 2020

The tricomponent composite chitosan/polyvinyl pyrrolidone (CS/PVP) with different weight ratios of (0, 20, 40, 60, and 80 wt%) of copper–hydroxyapatite (Cu‐HAP) were prepared by solvent casting technique, which was characterized by X‐ray diffraction, Fourier‐transform infrared, and scanning electron microscopy with energy‐dispersive X‐ray to confirm the formation of Cu‐HAP/CS/PVP composite. The Cu‐HAP/CS/PVP composite with 80 wt% Cu‐HAP showed 98.73 ± 1.14% of porosity with highest tensile strength (101.45 ± 0.98 MPa) and less swelling percentage (19.51 ± 1.03%) compared to others. In vitro antimicrobial activity was investigated against bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, and Escherichia coli) and fungus (Candida albicans, Penicillium notatum, and Rhizopus stolonifer). In vitro hemocompatibility study proves that the Cu‐HAP/CS/PVP composites are blood compatible with the hemolytic ratio of less than 2%. In vitro bioactivity study revealed the formation of apatite on the optimized Cu‐HAP/CS/PVP composite (80 wt% of Cu‐HAP) in simulated body fluid (SBF) solution. ICP‐OES (Inductively Coupled Plasma‐Optical Emission Spectroscopy) analysis was used to find out the leaching of Ca, P, and Cu ions from the SBF. In vitro biocompatibility was studied against human osteosarcoma cell line by MTT (3‐(4,5‐Dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐DiphenyltetrazoliumBromide) assay.
A Novel Disorder of Osteoporosis, Osteonecrosis, and Metaphyseal Fracture
Authors: Zmierczak Hans‐Georg , Taylor Guy , Cundy Tim
Published: April 2020

We describe two unrelated women who in their fifth decade developed a severe disorder characterized by large joint osteonecrosis and multiple minimal trauma fractures in both the axial and appendicular skeleton, including unusual metaphyseal fractures of the proximal tibia. Bone density testing showed borderline osteoporosis of the spine and osteopenia of the femur. Therapy with bisphosphonates and teriparatide failed to prevent further fractures. To our knowledge, this disorder has not been described previously. Investigations to date, including a genetic screen, have not revealed its cause. © 2020 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Diagnostic fragmentation‐assisted mass spectral networking coupled with in silico dereplication for deep annotation of steroidal alkaloids in medicinal Fritillariae Bulbus
Authors: Liu Feng‐Jie , Jiang Yan , Li Ping , Liu Yang‐Dan , Xin Gui‐Zhong , Yao Zhong‐Ping , Li Hui‐Jun
Published: April 2020

Fully understanding the chemicals in an herbal medicine remains a challenging task. Molecular networking (MN) allows to organize tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) data in complex samples by mass spectral similarity, which yet suffers from low coverage and accuracy of compound annotation due to the size limitation of available databases and differentiation obstacle of similar chemical scaffolds. In this work, an enhanced MN‐based strategy named diagnostic fragmentation‐assisted molecular networking coupled with in silico dereplication (DFMN‐ISD) was introduced to overcome these obstacles: the rule‐based fragmentation patterns provide insights into similar chemical scaffolds, the generated in silico candidates based on metabolic reactions expand the available natural product databases, and the in silico annotation method facilitates the further dereplication of candidates by computing their fragmentation trees. As a case, this approach was applied to globally profile the steroidal alkaloids in Fritillariae bulbus, a commonly used antitussive and expectorant herbal medicine. Consequently, a total of 325 steroidal alkaloids were discovered, including 106 cis‐D/E‐cevanines, 142 trans‐D/E‐cevanines, 29 jervines, 23 veratramines, and 25 verazines. And 10 of them were confirmed by available reference standards. Approximately 70% of the putative steroidal alkaloids have never been reported in previous publications, demonstrating the benefit of DFMN‐ISD approach for the comprehensive characterization of chemicals in a complex plant organism.
Ammonium‐driven nitrification plays a key role in increasing Mn availability in calcareous soils
Authors: Dreyer Michael , Wichmann Merle , Rischen Marie , Görlach Bruno M. , Ehmke Annika , Pitann Britta , Mühling Karl H.
Published: April 2020

Background: Manganese deficiency often becomes a yield limiting factor, particularly on calcareous soils, even though the total soil manganese content is usually sufficient. Although it is known that acidifying N fertilizers can improve Mn availability, the reason of this effect is still unknown.

Aim: Our aim was to investigate the effect of stabilized ammonium fertilizers as a tool to distinguish between physiological‐ and nitrification‐induced acidification.

Method: Two pot experiments with Triticum aestivum L. and one soil incubation experiment using different nitrogen forms (CN = calcium nitrate, AN = ammonium nitrate, AS = ammonium sulfate, ATS = ammonium thiosulfate) with and without addition of nitrification inhibitors (DCD, Nitrapyrin, Piadin, DMPP) were conducted to examine the effect on Mn availability in the soil and Mn uptake by the plants at different development stages (EC 31 und 39).

Results: With increasing fertilizer
content a higher Mn concentration was detected: CN: 32 µg Mn g−1 DM, AN: 39 µg Mn g−1 DW, AS: 55 µg Mn g−1 DM, ATS: 109 µg Mn g−1 DM. The addition of a nitrification inhibitor resulted in a significantly lower rhizosphere pH compared to the non‐stabilized fertilizer. Surprisingly, the use of different nitrification inhibitors led to unchanged (CN, AN) or lower Mn concentrations of wheat. Especially in the
treatments (AS and ATS), this negative effect was very evident (AS+DCD: 42 µg Mn g−1 DM; ATS+DCD: 55 µg Mn g−1 DM).

Conclusions: Mn availability was enhanced by ongoing nitrification process rather than physiological acidification. Compared to other N forms, ammonium thiosulfate led to the highest Mn availability in bulk soil.
Bioactive compounds, total antioxidant capacity and yield of kiwiberry fruit under different nitrogen regimes in field conditions
Authors: Stefaniak Jan , Przybył Jarosław L , Latocha Piotr , Łata Barbara
Published: April 2020

BACKGROUND

Actinidia arguta known as the ‘kiwiberry’ or ‘mini kiwi’ is relatively new among the cultivated berry species. Recent studies indicate the kiwiberry fruit could be an important source of many health‐promoting compounds. A knowledge‐based fertilisation concept was evolved to define optimal strategies for feeding Actinidia with nitrogen (N) because a deficit and excess of N both have a negative impact on plants and the surrounding environment.

RESULTS

Kiwiberry yield and fruit internal quality significantly depended on soil N level, cultivar and growing season. A higher soil N led to an increase in carotenoid content and a decrease in phenolic content, whereas ascorbic acid and glutathione contents were not affected by soil N fertility. Under the highest N dose, enzymatic antioxidants were activated. Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity clearly decreased with an increasing N level.

CONCLUSIONS

Competent and skilful fertilisation management should focus on balancing a high fruit yield and maintaining their high quality. Based on yield level and fruit antioxidant potential, the N guide values for A. arguta vary between 30 and 50 mg N per kg−1 of soil. The recommended N dose may depend on overall soil quality traits and cultivar N demand, as well as on weather conditions. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Reversed‐phase ion‐pair solid‐phase extraction and ion chromatography analysis of pyrrolidinium ionic liquid cations in environmental water samples
Authors: Liu Sheng , Yu Hong , Zhang Xue , Cai Ya‐qi
Published: April 2020

A method of reversed‐phase ion‐pair solid‐phase extraction combined with ion chromatography for determination of pyrrolidinium ionic liquid cations (N‐methyl‐N‐ethyl pyrrolidinium, N‐methyl‐N‐propyl pyrrolidinium, and N‐methyl‐N‐butyl pyrrolidinium) in water samples was developed in this study. First, ion‐pair reagent sodium heptanesulfonate was added to the water samples after static, centrifugation and filteration. Then, pyrrolidinium cations in the samples were enriched and purified by a reversed‐phase solid‐phase extraction column, and eluted from the column with methanol aqueous solution as eluent. Finally, the eluate collected was analyzed by ion chromatography. The separation and direct conductivity detection of these pyrrolidinium cations by ion‐exchange column using 1.0 mM methanesulfonic acid (in water)/acetonitrile (97:3, v:v) as mobile phase was achieved within 10 min. By using this method, pyrrolidinium cations in Songhua River and Hulan River were successfully extracted with the recoveries ranging from 74.2 to 97.1% and the enrichment factor assessed as 60. Pyrrolidinium cations with the concentration of 0.001−0.03 mg/L can be enriched and detected in the water samples. The developed method for the determination of pyrrolidinium ionic liquid cations in water samples is simple and reliable, which provides a reference for the study of the potential impact of ionic liquids on the environment.
Twelve Weeks of Reversed Umbilical Flow in a Fetal Growth Restriction Case Associated with Severe Periconceptional Maternal Anemia
Authors: Miescu Mihaela , Novac Marius , Ruican Dan , Nagy Rodica Daniela , Iliescu Dominic Gabriel
Published: April 2020

We present a case of a patient diagnosed with severe intrauterine growth restriction and periconceptional severe anemia, where the fetal well‐being features, including reversal of umbilical artery end‐diastolic flow and abnormal cerebroplacental ratio, remained stationary for 12 weeks. We are not aware of reports with similar findings, and the professionals should take into consideration the possibility of a “frozen” fetal well‐being for a long time. Possibly, in our case, the evolution may be due to the prompt correction of the chronic severe maternal anemia. This approach may offer the opportunity to prolong the pregnancy, even in cases with apparently imminent delivery, as the association of reversal of umbilical artery end‐diastolic flow.
Structure of infaunal communities in New Zealand submarine canyons is linked to origins of sediment organic matter
Authors: Leduc Daniel , Nodder Scott D. , Rowden Ashley A. , Gibbs Max , Berkenbusch Katrin , Wood Anna , De Leo Fabio , Smith Craig , Brown Julie , Bury Sarah J. , Pallentin Arne
Published: April 2020

Submarine canyons can facilitate the transfer of land‐derived organic matter to the deep sea. Here, we investigated links between variability in organic matter availability from land and marine sources and infauna communities in two contrasting canyon systems off New Zealand and used stable isotope analyses to identify potential food sources of benthic invertebrates. Kaikōura Canyon, a steep, short canyon close to the shore, was characterized by high food availability and varying proportions of marine‐ and land‐derived organic matter, whereas Hokitika Canyon, a narrow and lower‐gradient canyon that extends further from the coast, was characterized by low food availability and mostly land‐derived sediment organic matter throughout. Both macrofaunal and meiofaunal abundance and biomass were greater in Kaikōura Canyon than in Hokitika Canyon. Correlation analyses suggested that land‐derived organic matter may contribute to increased meiofaunal abundance in Kaikōura Canyon. Carbon and nitrogen isotopic analyses, however, did not provide unequivocal support for the uptake of land‐derived material by large benthic invertebrates in Kaikōura Canyon. Infaunal abundance and biomass were low throughout Hokitika Canyon despite similar concentrations of land‐derived organic matter in sediments of both canyons, which suggests that variations in marine‐derived organic matter inputs is the main driver of community differences among canyons. Refractory vascular plant material by itself may not provide an adequate food supply to infaunal organisms, but may represent a complementary food resource when more labile marine phytodetritus is also readily available.
Serum MicroRNA Signatures in Recovery From Acute and Chronic Liver Injury and Selection for Liver Transplantation
Authors: Salehi Siamak , Tavabie Oliver D. , Verma Suman , McPhail Mark J. W. , Farzaneh Farzin , Bernal William , Menon Krish , Agarwal Kosh , Aluvihare Varuna R.
Published: April 2020

We previously demonstrated a distinct hepatic microRNA (miRNA) signature (down‐regulation of miRNA‐23a, ‐150, ‐ 200b, ‐503, and ‐663 and up‐regulation of miRNA‐20a) is associated with successful regeneration in auxiliary liver transplantation (ALT). This study aimed to evaluate whether the serum expression of this regeneration‐linked miRNA signature is associated with clinical outcomes in acute and chronic liver disease. These were represented by patients with acetaminophen‐induced acute liver failure (ALF; n = 18) and patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) undergoing treatment with direct‐acting antivirals (n = 56), respectively. Patients were grouped depending on their clinical outcome. Global serum miRNA expression was analyzed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) arrays and selected miRNA expression using targeted PCR. We demonstrate that specific regeneration‐linked miRNAs discriminate outcomes in both clinical scenarios. We further show that miRNA‐20a, ‐23a, ‐150, ‐200b, ‐503, and ‐663 undergo concordant changes in expression in 3 distinct clinical settings: liver regeneration accompanying successful ALT, clinical recovery after ALF, and clinical recompensation after cure of HCV. This miRNA signature represents a potentially novel biomarker to predict outcome and optimize patient selection for liver transplantation in both acute and chronic liver disease.