bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Natural deep eutectic systems for nature‐inspired cryopreservation of cells
Authors: Hornberger Kathlyn , Li Rui , Duarte Ana Rita C. , Hubel Allison
Published: October 2020

Natural deep eutectic systems (NADES) are emerging as potential cryoprotective agents (CPA) for cell preservation. In this investigation, we develop an optimized CPA formulation using trehalose‐glycerol NADES (T:G) diluted in Normosol‐R and supplemented with isoleucine. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) is used to define the thermophysical properties of NADES‐based solutions, and Raman spectroscopy is used to characterize the effect of NADES on ice formation and hydrogen bonding. Jurkat cells are cryopreserved in each solution, and post‐thaw cell recovery, apoptosis, and growth are quantified. Raman spectra and heat maps show that NADES suppresses both ice formation and dehydration of the nonfrozen region. Supplementing NADES with isoleucine does not affect the solution's thermophysical properties but significantly improves the cells' survival and proliferation post‐thaw. The study indicates that thermophysical properties of CPA solutions alone cannot predict optimal cell survival, suggesting that stabilization of biological structures by CPAs may play a role in successful cryopreservation.
14‐day reverse hybrid therapy vs 7‐day concomitant therapy in the first‐line treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection
Authors: Chang Shiuh‐Nan , Shih Yung‐Hsiung , Lee Wen‐Ching , Kuo Ming‐Te , Tsay Feng‐Woei , Kuo Li‐Fu , Huang Wen‐Wei , Shie Chang‐Bih
Published: October 2020

Increasing antibiotics resistance poses a great challenge for the treatment of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection. The reported eradication rates of 7‐day standard triple therapy have fallen below 80% in most countries due to increasing clarithromycin resistance. Both 14‐day reverse hybrid therapy and 7‐day concomitant therapy have been reported to yield high eradication rates for the treatment of H. pylori infection. However, whether 14‐day reverse hybrid therapy can achieve a higher eradication rate than 7‐day concomitant therapy remains unanswered. The aim of this study is to compare the efficacies of 14‐day reverse hybrid and 7‐day concomitant therapies for the first‐line treatment of H. pylori infection in a primary care setting. From May 2016 to December 2019, 322 H. pylori‐infected patients receiving either 14‐day reverse hybrid therapy (a proton pump inhibitor [PPI] plus amoxicillin 1 g b.d. for 14 days, and clarithromycin 500 mg plus metronidazole 500 mg b.d. for the initial 7 days, n = 142) or 7‐day concomitant therapy (PPI plus amoxicillin 1 g, clarithromycin 500 mg, and metronidazole 500 mg b.d. for 7 days, n = 180) in our clinic were included in the retrospective study. All the patients underwent a follow‐up endoscopy with a rapid urease test or a urea breath test at least 4 weeks after completion of anti‐H. pylori therapy and at least 2 weeks after discontinuation of PPI. Intention‐to‐treat analysis demonstrated a significantly higher eradication rate for the 14‐day reverse hybrid group than for the 7‐day concomitant group (95.8% vs 88.9%, P = .024). Per‐protocol analysis also yielded similar results (97.8% vs 90.3%, P = .009). Both groups had similar frequencies of adverse events (14.1% vs 13.9%, P = .990) and drug compliance (95.8% vs 97.2%, P = .478).

Conclusions

Fourteen‐day reverse hybrid therapy achieves a higher eradication rate than 7‐day concomitant therapy in the first‐line treatment of H. pylori infection.
Stationary Entanglement between Light and Microwave via Ferromagnetic Magnons
Authors: Cai Qizhi , Liao Jinkun , Zhou Qiang
Published: October 2020

It is shown how to generate stationary entanglement between light and microwave in a hybrid opto‐electro‐magnonical system which mainly consists of a microwave cavity, a yttrium iron garnet (YIG) sphere, and a nanofiber. The optical modes in nanofiber can evanescently be coupled to whispering gallery modes, that are able to interact with magnon mode via spin–orbit interaction, in YIG sphere, while the microwave cavity photons and magnons are coupled through magnetic dipole interaction simultaneously. Under reasonable parameter regimes, pretty amount of entanglement can be generated, and it also shows persistence against temperature. The present work is expected to provide a new perspective for building more advanced and comprehensive quantum networks along with magnons for fast‐developing quantum technologies and for studying the macroscopic quantum phenomena.
Chiral Bicyclic Imidazole‐Catalyzed Acylative Dynamic Kinetic Resolution for the Synthesis of Chiral Phthalidyl Esters
Authors: Zhou Muxing , Gridneva Tatiana , Zhang Zhenfeng , He Ende , Liu Yangang , Zhang Wanbin
Published: October 2020

Utilizing a chiral bicyclic imidazole organocatalyst and adopting a continuous injection process, an alternative route has been developed for the efficient synthesis of chiral phthalidyl ester prodrugs via dynamic kinetic resolution of 3‐hydroxyphthalides through enantioselective acylation (up to 99 % ee). The computational studies suggest a general base catalytic mechanism differing from the widely accepted nucleophilic catalytic mechanism. The structure analysis of the key transition states shows that the CH‐π interactions and not the previously considered cation/π‐π interactions between the catalyst and substrate is the dominant factor giving rise to the observed stereocontrol.
Biofunctionalized silver and gold nanoparticles as potential curative agents
Authors: Priya Velammal Subramanian , Peter Amaladhas Thomas
Published: October 2020

In this study, the bark of an important medicinal plant, Indigofera aspalathoides is utilized as a bioreductant for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). The formation of nanoparticles was monitored, and the reaction parameters were optimized by UV–Vis spectroscopy. The attachment of biocomponents as stabilizer was proved employing Fourier‐transform infrared (FT‐IR) studies. Through transmission electron microscopy (TEM), the morphology was found to be predominantly spherical and a mixture of triangle and hexagon in the case of AgNPs and AuNPs, respectively. The crystallite size of AgNPs and AuNPs was affirmed through X‐ray diffraction (XRD) studies using Sherrer formula as 22.03 and 47.70 nm, respectively. DPPH method was adopted to analyse the free‐radical quenching ability, and the AgNPs, AuNPs and extract showed inhibition of 76%, 89% and 59% at a concentration of 200 μg ml−1, and the corresponding IC50 values were 86.49, 55.20 and 149.19 μg ml−1. The binding of nanoparticles to calf‐thymus DNA (CT‐DNA) was through groove and the high binding constants (8.49 × 106 M−1 and 2.34 × 107 M−1 for AgNPs and AuNPs) point out the potential of these nanoparticles as curative drugs. The MTT assay showed that AgNPs were 100% toxic, and the low IC50 value suggests that this can be used in the medicinal field as a safe drug.
DOPO‐based curing flame retardant of epoxy composite material for char formation and intumescent flame retardance
Authors: Chen Yao Kun , Lu Qing Xin , Zhong Gang , Zhang Hua Gui , Chen Ming Feng , Liu Can Pei
Published: October 2020

Phosphorus‐containing flame retardant (HBAEA‐DOPO) for epoxy resin was synthesized by addition reaction of 9,10‐dihydro‐9‐oxa‐10‐phosphaphenanthrene‐10‐oxide (DOPO) with bis[2‐(4‐hydroxybenzylideneamino)ethyl]amine (HBAEA) that was synthesized via 4‐hydroxybenzaldehyde with diethylenetriamine. HBAEA‐DOPO was mixed with 4,4′‐diaminodiphenyl sulfone to co‐cure the epoxy resin of diglycidyl ether bisphenol A. The silane modified nano‐silica (nano‐SiO2) was used to reinforce the epoxy resin. Thermal stability and dynamic mechanical properties of the cured epoxy materials were studied with the use of thermogravimetric analysis and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis. Flame retardance and burning behavior were evaluated by the limiting oxygen index (LOI), vertical burning test, and the cone calorimetry. The cured epoxy materials have excellent thermal stability, and the temperatures at the maximum weight loss rate are over 384.0°C. The characteristic temperature corresponding to 5.00 wt% of thermal decomposition reaches 341.5°C as 1.00 wt% of phosphorus content is loaded. Flame retardant grade meets the V‐0 level. The fire residue mass gradually increases with HBAEA‐DOPO and nano‐SiO2. The characteristics of high flame retardance and smoke suppression of HBAEA‐DOPO and nano‐SiO2 on the cured epoxy composites have been demonstrated to be related to char formation and intumescent flame retardance in the condensed phase.
Antistatic packaging based on PTT/PTT‐g‐MA/ABS/MWCNT nanocomposites: Effect of the chemical functionalization of MWCNTs
Authors: Braga Natália Ferreira , Ding Hao , Sun Luyi , Passador Fabio Roberto
Published: October 2020

Polymer/carbon nanotube nanocomposites have attracted high interest for a wide spectrum of applications, including antistatic packaging used to protect electronic devices against electrostatic discharge. Polytrimethylene terephthalate (PTT)/maleic‐anhydride‐grafted PTT (PTT‐g‐MA)/acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) blend‐based multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) nanocomposites were prepared through extrusion. It was conducted chemical functionalization on the MWCNTs by oxidation using nitric acid to introduce functional groups. The effect of the amount (0.5 or 1.0 wt%) and functionalization of MWCNTs on the nanocomposites was investigated. Despite the poor barrier properties of PTT/PTT‐g‐MA/ABS/MWCNT nanocomposites due to the presence of voids confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the nanocomposites with functionalized MWCNT (MWCNTf) showed excellent barrier properties, indicating that the functionalization process improved the interaction between the MWCNTs and the matrix. The addition of MWCNTs into PTT/PTT‐g‐MA/ABS blend decreased the electrical resistivity by eight orders of magnitude. The use of MWCNTf may still disrupt the electrical network pathway and slightly decreasing the electrical resistivity, but the nanocomposites present the desired properties required for antistatic packaging.
Platinum cross‐linked chitosan hydrogels synthesized in water saturated with CO2 under high pressure
Authors: Pigaleva Marina A. , Novikov Ilya V. , Nikolaev Alexander Yu. , Vasil'ev Viktor G. , Abramchuk Sergei S. , Naumkin Alexander V. , Arkharova Natalya A. , Sadykova Vera S. , Kuvarina Anastasia E. , Gallyamov Marat O.
Published: October 2020

The creation of biocompatible composite hydrogels from renewable biopolymers with stabilized functional platinum nanoparticles seems to be an important scientific task. The formation of such hydrogels in a unique medium of carbonic acid under high pressure CO2 is promising due to its sterilizing ability under pressure, biocompatibility after decompression and environmental friendliness. In the present work, stable chitosan hydrogels with platinum nanoparticles were obtained in such solutions. The hydrogel nature of the composites was confirmed by rotational rheology. The physicochemical characteristics were studied using Fourier transform infrared, X‐ray photoelectron, ultraviolet–visible spectroscopies, transmission electron, scanning electron and atomic force microscopies. It was found that nanoparticles of oxidized Pt of approximately 4.5 nm in size are stabilized by chitosan in the composite. The resulting chitosan/Pt hydrogels were also tested for antimicrobial activity and shown strong activity against Gram‐positive bacteria (B. subtilis and B. coagulans) and slight activity against E. coli.
Recent Advances in Iridoid Chemistry: Biosynthesis and Chemical Synthesis
Authors: Kouda Ryuji , Yakushiji Fumika
Published: October 2020

Iridoids are a large family of monoterpenoids found in traditional medicinal plants and show significant effects for the human species. In addition to their wide range of biological activities, such as neuroprotective and antitumor activities, the cis‐fused bicyclic ring systems of iridoids are still attractive as synthetic targets to apply novel synthetic methodologies. Accordingly, recent progress regarding the biosynthesis and chemical synthesis of iridoids is covered in this minireview. Identification of new enzymes for the iridoid biosynthesis in Catharanthus roseus and ingenious synthetic strategies for the construction of the iridoid skeleton are described.
White matter abnormalities and cognitive function in euthymic patients with bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder
Authors: Masuda Yoshikazu , Okada Go , Takamura Masahiro , Shibasaki Chiyo , Yoshino Atsuo , Yokoyama Satoshi , Ichikawa Naho , Okuhata Shiho , Kobayashi Tetsuo , Yamawaki Shigeto , Okamoto Yasumasa
Published: October 2020

Objectives

In recent years, a growing number of diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) studies have compared white matter integrity between patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar disorder (BD). However, few studies have examined the pathophysiological significance of different degrees of white matter abnormalities between the two disorders. The present study comprehensively assessed white matter integrity among healthy controls (HC) and euthymic patients with MDD and BD using whole‐brain tractography and examined associations between white matter integrity and cognitive functioning.

Methods

We performed neurocognitive examinations and DTI with 30 HCs, 30 patients with MDD, and 30 patients with BD. We statistically evaluated white matter integrity and cognitive function differences across the three groups, assessing associations between white matter integrities and cognitive function.

Results

The BD group showed lower fractional anisotropy (FA) for the corpus callosum body, as well as lower, sustained attention and set‐shifting scores compared to the other groups. FA for the left body of the corpus callosum was correlated with sustained attention in patients with BD.

Conclusions

The significant reduction of white matter integrity in the corpus callosum in BD, compared to MDD, was associated with an impairment of sustained attention. This result promotes the understanding of the significance of white matter integrity in mood disorders.
Vacuum steam treatment of soft wheat: Quality and reduction of Escherichia coli O121 and Salmonella Enteritidis PT30
Authors: Simsek Senay , Snelling Jane , Malekmohammadi Sahar , Bergholz Teresa M.
Published: October 2020

Background and objectives

Several foodborne outbreaks due to contaminated wheat flour have occurred, resulting in a need for a microbial reduction process. Thermal treatments utilizing high temperatures can compromise wheat end‐use quality. Vacuum steam treatment (VST) is a promising method for reducing pathogens on wheat. This study determined the pathogen inactivation levels on soft red winter (SRW) wheat while maintaining flour functionality.

Findings

Soft red winter wheat samples underwent VST for 4 and 8 min at 65, 75, and 85°C prior to milling. SRW flour was evaluated for end‐product quality. Increasing VST temperatures negatively impacted bread quality due to protein denaturation. Cake and cookie quality parameters resulted in little to no significant (p < .05) difference with increasing VST temperatures. SRW wheat was also inoculated with Escherichia coli O121 and Salmonella Enteritidis PT30. The treatments resulted in a maximum average microbial reduction of 5.09 ± 0.50 log CFU/g for Salmonella and 7.34 ± 0.11 log CFU/g for E. coli.

Conclusions

Vacuum steam treatment could be used by the milling industry to effectively inactive pathogens without compromising soft wheat flour quality.

Significance and novelty

Vacuum steam treatment process could improve the safety of wheat flour‐based products without adding chemical treatments and while maintaining flour quality.
Intracranial bleeding following soccer‐related head trauma in a young student with occult factor VII deficiency
Authors: Lopetegui Lia Nerea , Luke Abigael , Asad Syed Daniyal , Sama Shashank , Wolansky Leo J. , Hegde Upendra P.
Published: October 2020

It is important to obtain coagulation tests to assess bleeding risk in trauma patients undergoing emergency surgery when a bleeding disorder may be obscured. Identifying specific clotting factor defects is critical in successful patient management.
Confining Pore‐mouth: an Efficient Way to Increase the Selectivity to Ethylene in the MTO Reaction
Authors: Ding Jiajia , Shen Xuefeng , Zhou Jian , Ye Yingchun , Liu Hongxing , Xie Zaiku
Published: October 2020

The chemical liquid deposition modification can decorate the pore aperture size by external surface deposition, which is a very efficient way to further improve the shape‐selective performance of zeolites. Here, SAPO‐34 zeolite was modified with silica by chemical liquid deposition, and then was applied in MTO reaction. It was found the Brønsted acid of SiO2‐modified SAPO‐34 zeolite increased, mainly due to the transformation from Al‐OH to Si‐OH‐Al, which can promote the selectivity to light olefins in MTO reaction. After the chemical liquid deposition, the silica located on the external surface of SAPO‐34 zeolite, reduces the apparent diffusion coefficient of propylene, which will restrain the formation and diffusion of propylene. So the selectivity to ethylene and the ratio of ethylene to propylene were significantly increased over the SiO2‐modified SAPO‐34 in the MTO reaction. Furthermore, the increase of the reactive sites can prolong the lifetime of catalyst effectively.
Comparative thermodynamic analysis of CO2 based dimethyl carbonate synthesis routes
Authors: Pandey Shailesh , Srivastava Vimal C. , Kumar Vimal
Published: October 2020

The chemical equilibrium analysis of various possible reactions involved in the five CO2‐based routes for the synthesis of dimethyl carbonate (DMC), a green chemical reagent, was performed in the present study. The variation of the molar Gibbs free energy change with temperature for the major reactions of DMC synthesis in all five routes was studied in the specified temperature range of 298.15 K‐453.15 K and at both 1 bar and 28 bar pressures (1 bar = 105 Pa) to observe the thermodynamic favourability of all routes. To observe the temperature effect, the molar heat capacities for various compounds were estimated in terms of temperature. A second‐order group additivity method called the Ruzicka‐Domalski method was used to estimate these heat capacity values. The major reactions of DMC synthesis in urea methanolysis, EC transesterification, PC transesterification, and direct CO2 synthesis routes were compared by investigating the effect of temperature (in the range of 298.15 K‐453.15 K) on the chemical equilibrium constants and the equilibrium conversions of methanol at a constant pressure of 28 bar. The one‐pot propylene oxide (PO) synthesis route was observed to be better among all the five CO2 based routes when it was compared with respect to values of the chemical equilibrium constant and equilibrium conversion of methanol at standard conditions. The reliability of the EC transesterification route was found better among all the routes at initial conditions (T = 298.15 K; P = 28 bar). While the urea methanolysis route was found as least favourable at initial conditions.
A Peptide Binder of E3 Ligase Adaptor SPOP Disrupts Oncogenic SPOP‐Protein Interactions in Kidney Cancer Cells
Authors: Wang Zhen , Zhang Hao , Chen Baoen , Ouyang Sisheng , Zheng Tong , Zhou Ran , Dong Ze , Huang Yue , Zhang Tao , Jiang Hualiang , Gan Jianhua , Luo Cheng , Yang Cai‐Guang
Published: October 2020

Main observation and conclusion

The E3 ligase adaptor SPOP, overexpressed in the nucleus but frequently dislocated into the cytoplasm in all clear cell Renal Cell Carcinomas (ccRCC), serves as a regulatory hub to promote kidney cancer through the ubiquitination and degradation of multiple downstream cancer proteins. Recently, our identification of a selective small‐molecule inhibitor of the SPOP‐phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) interaction has demonstrated that the oncogenic SPOP‐protein interaction would be a druggable target specific to ccRCC therapy. To our knowledge, this is the first time such a small‐molecule inhibitor has been developed. Herein, we have identified a peptide binder for the SPOP‐MATH domain that disrupts the oncogenic SPOP‐protein interactions in kidney cancer cells. Computational design and biophysical characterization yielded peptide Pep38 that binds to the MATH domain of SPOP and competes on PTEN‐binding to SPOP in vitro. The X‐ray complex structure reveals that the peptide binder features the following combination: one, a mimic of the native peptide binder and two, an additional β‐strand motif in sequence, which could contribute to increased binding affinity. In order to improve cellular permeability, we fused Pep38 with the delivery peptide TAT to prepare peptide TAT38, which inhibits the endogenous substrate binding to SPOP and suppresses the proliferation of the ccRCC cells. Our identification of the peptide inhibitors for SPOP‐protein interactions provides further validation that the oncogenic SPOP‐signaling pathway in ccRCC could be a druggable target specifically applicable to the therapy of kidney cancers.
The amygdaloid body of two carnivore species: The feliform banded mongoose and the caniform domestic ferret
Authors: Pillay Sashrika , Bhagwandin Adhil , Bertelsen Mads F. , Patzke Nina , Engler Gerhard , Engel Andreas K. , Manger Paul R.
Published: October 2020

The current study provides an analysis of the cytoarchitecture, myeloarchitecture, and chemoarchitecture of the amygdaloid body of the banded mongoose (Mungos mungo) and domestic ferret (Mustela putorius furo). Using architectural and immunohistochemical stains, we observe that the organization of the nuclear and cortical portions of the amygdaloid complex is very similar in both species. The one major difference is the presence of a cortex‐amygdala transition zone observed in the domestic ferret that is absent in the banded mongoose. In addition, the chemoarchitecture is, for the most part, quite similar in the two species, but several variances, such as differing densities of neurons expressing the calcium‐binding proteins in specific nuclei are noted. Despite this, certain aspects of the chemoarchitecture, such as the cholinergic innervation of the magnocellular division of the basal nuclear cluster and the presence of doublecortin expressing neurons in the shell division of the accessory basal nuclear cluster, appear to be consistent features of the Eutherian mammal amygdala. The domestic ferret presented with an overall lower myelin density throughout the amygdaloid body than the banded mongoose, a feature that may reflect artificial selection in the process of domestication for increased juvenile‐like behavior in the adult domestic ferret, such as a muted fear response. The shared, but temporally distant, ancestry of the banded mongoose and domestic ferret allows us to generate observations relevant to understanding the relative influence that phylogenetic constraints, adaptive evolutionary plasticity, and the domestication process may play in the organization and chemoarchitecture of the amygdaloid body.
Selection of potato clones for heat tolerance and resistance to potato viruses X and Y for processing purposes
Authors: Fernandes Filho Claudio Carlos , Andrade Mário Henrique Murad Leite , de Souza Marçal Tiago , Fernandes Maiara Oliveira , Bastos Abel Jamir Ribeiro , Guedes Márcio Lisboa , Ribeiro Silvia Regina Rodrigues de Paula , Pinto César Augusto Brasil Pereira , Nunes José Airton Rodrigues
Published: October 2020

Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is one of the most important crops for human consumption worldwide, representing an essential component for the food security of several countries. However, yield and quality are negatively affected by biotic and abiotic stresses. In this sense, the selection of potato cultivars tolerant to heat and resistant to diseases is of great importance. Our goal was to select clones suitable for the chips industry, having heat tolerance and bearing the Rx1 and Ryadg alleles, which confer resistance to Potato virus X and Potato virus Y. We evaluated 491 clones originating from 31 biparental crosses under three different seasons in terms of heat stress (without heat stress [WHS], moderate heat stress [MHS], and high heat stress [HHS]). The evaluated traits were specific gravity (SG), dry matter yield (DMY), and proportion of physiological disorders (PD). After evaluation in the WHS and MHS seasons, the presence of the Rx1 and Ryadg alleles was investigated with the help of molecular markers in the 68 clones showing the best performance, which descended from the DGN2103 and DGN4002 parental clones. To gather the genotypic values for all traits in each season, the clones were ranked according to an index based on the genotype–ideotype distance. On average of all seasons, the top 10% selected clones by the index were 9 and 0.1% higher than the Atlantic cultivar for the traits DMY and SG, respectively, and 80% lower than Atlantic cultivar for PD. In conclusion, we report the selection of potato clones suitable for industrial processing.
Assessment of the potential of wild Ipomoea spp. for the improvement of drought tolerance in cultivated sweetpotato Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam
Authors: Nhanala Stella E. C. , Yencho G. Craig
Published: October 2020

Sweetpotato [Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam] is cultivated worldwide, and it is a staple food in many developing countries. In some regions (e.g., Africa) drought is a major production constraint that results in significant yield loss. Climate change is predicted to result in even greater losses due to long periods of drought and elevated temperatures. The goal of this study was to assess the potential of wild Ipomoea spp. as a source of drought tolerance in cultivated sweetpotato. We evaluated the drought tolerance of I. batatas, I. cynanchifolia, I. leucantha, I. trifida and I. triloba in a randomized complete block design, with five levels of simulated drought: control (daily irrigation), and no irrigation for 7, 9, 21 and 50 days. We observed that post drought re‐irrigation of the wild species subjected to 21 days of stress resulted in plant recovery and an increase of the stomatal conductance of up to 99% in I. leucantha. However, under extreme stress (50 d) the wild plants did not respond to re‐irrigation, resulting in up to 89% (I. leucantha) plant mortality. The wild species did not produce storage roots, while the I. batatas cultivars produced storage roots. Under 50 days of stress I. batatas had a survival rate between 44% (cv. Tanzania) and 89% (cv. Beauregard). We concluded that the wild genotypes screened may not be a valuable source of germplasm for drought tolerance and that significant levels of drought tolerance may exist in cultivated sweetpotato.
Dynamic iteration schemes and port‐Hamiltonian formulation in coupled differential‐algebraic equation circuit simulation
Authors: Günther Michael , Bartel Andreas , Jacob Birgit , Reis Timo
Published: October 2020

Electric circuits are usually described by charge/flux‐oriented modified nodal analysis. Here, we derive models as port‐Hamiltonian systems on several levels: overall systems, multiply coupled systems, and systems within dynamic iteration procedures. To this end, we introduce new classes of port‐Hamiltonian differential‐algebraic equations. Thereby, we additionally allow for nonlinear dissipation on a subspace of the state space. Both, each subsystem and the overall system possess a port‐Hamiltonian structure. A structural analysis is performed for the new setups. Dynamic iteration schemes are investigated, and we show that the Jacobi approach as well as an adapted Gauss‐Seidel approach lead to port‐Hamiltonian differential‐algebraic equations.
Genetic variability, management, and conservation implications of the critically endangered Brazilian pitviper Bothrops insularis
Authors: Salles‐Oliveira Igor , Machado Taís , Banci Karina Rodrigues da Silva , Almeida‐Santos Selma M. , Silva Maria José de J.
Published: October 2020

Information on demographic, genetic, and environmental parameters of wild and captive animal populations has proven to be crucial to conservation programs and strategies. Genetic approaches in conservation programs of Brazilian snakes remain scarce despite their importance for critically endangered species, such as Bothrops insularis, the golden lancehead, which is endemic to Ilha da Queimada Grande, coast of São Paulo State, Brazil. This study aims to (a) characterize the genetic diversity of ex situ and in situ populations of B. insularis using heterologous microsatellites; (b) investigate genetic structure among and within these populations; and (c) provide data for the conservation program of the species. Twelve informative microsatellites obtained from three species of the B. neuwiedi group were used to access genetic diversity indexes of ex situ and in situ populations. Low‐to‐medium genetic diversity parameters were found. Both populations showed low—albeit significant—values of system of mating inbreeding coefficient, whereas only the in situ population showed a significant value of pedigree inbreeding coefficient. Significant values of genetic differentiation indexes suggest a small differentiation between the two populations. Discriminant analysis of principal components (DAPC) recovered five clusters. No geographic relationship was found in the island, suggesting the occurrence of gene flow. Also, our data allowed the establishment of six preferential breeding couples, aiming to minimize inbreeding and elucidate uncertain parental relationships in the captive population. In a conservation perspective, continuous monitoring of both populations is demanded: it involves the incorporation of new individuals from the island into the captive population to avoid inbreeding and to achieve the recommended allelic similarity between the two populations. At last, we recommend that the genetic data support researches as a base to maintain a viable and healthy captive population, highly genetically similar to the in situ one, which is crucial for considering a reintroduction process into the island.
The dynamic trophic niche of an island bird of prey
Authors: Balza Ulises , Lois Nicolás A. , Polito Michael J. , Pütz Klemens , Salom Amira , Raya Rey Andrea
Published: October 2020

Optimal foraging theory predicts an inverse relationship between the availability of preferred prey and niche width in animals. Moreover, when individuals within a population have identical prey preferences and preferred prey is scarce, a nested pattern of trophic niche is expected if opportunistic and selective individuals can be identified. Here, we examined intraspecific variation in the trophic niche of a resident population of striated caracara (Phalcoboenus australis) on Isla de los Estados (Staten Island), Argentina, using pellet and stable isotope analyses. While this raptor specializes on seabird prey, we assessed this population's potential to forage on terrestrial prey, especially invasive herbivores as carrion, when seabirds are less accessible. We found that the isotopic niche of this species varies with season, age, breeding status, and, to a lesser extent, year. Our results were in general consistent with classic predictions of the optimal foraging theory, but we also explore other possible explanations for the observed pattern. Isotopic niche was broader for groups identified a priori as opportunistic (i.e., nonbreeding adults during the breeding season and the whole population during the nonbreeding season) than it was for individuals identified a priori as selective. Results suggested that terrestrial input was relatively low, and invasive mammals accounted for no more than 5% of the input. The seasonal pulse of rockhopper penguins likely interacts with caracara's reproductive status by constraining the spatial scale on which individuals forage. Niche expansion in spatially flexible individuals did not reflect an increase in terrestrial prey input; rather, it may be driven by a greater variation in the types of marine prey items consumed.
Genetic structure of recently fragmented suburban populations of European stag beetle
Authors: Cox Karen , McKeown Niall , Vanden Broeck An , Van Breusegem An , Cammaerts Roger , Thomaes Arno
Published: October 2020

Habitat loss and fragmentation due to urbanization can negatively affect metapopulation persistence when gene flow among populations is reduced and population sizes decrease. Inference of patterns and processes of population connectivity derived from spatial genetic analysis has proven invaluable for conservation and management. However, a more complete account of population dynamics may be obtained by combining spatial and temporal sampling. We, therefore, performed a genetic study on European stag beetle (Lucanus cervus L.) populations in a suburban context using samples collected in three locations and during the period 2002–2016. The sampling area has seen recent landscape changes which resulted in population declines. Through the use of a suite of FST, clustering analysis, individual assignment, and relatedness analysis, we assessed fine scale spatiotemporal genetic variation within and among habitat patches using 283 individuals successfully genotyped at 17 microsatellites. Our findings suggested the three locations to hold demographically independent populations, at least over time scales of relevance to conservation, though with higher levels of gene flow in the past. Contrary to expectation from tagging studies, dispersal appeared to be mainly female‐biased. Although the life cycle of stag beetle suggests its generations to be discrete, no clear temporal structure was identified, which could be attributed to the varying duration of larval development. Since population bottlenecks were detected and estimates of effective number of breeders were low, conservation actions are eminent which should include the establishment of suitable dead wood for oviposition on both local and regional scales to increase (re)colonization success and connectivity among current populations.
Extended phenotypes on coral reefs: cryptic phenotypes modulate coral‐vermetid interactions
Authors: Brown A. L. , Hamman E. A. , Shima J. S. , Wares J. P. , Osenberg C. W.
Published: October 2020

Phenotypic variation can lead to variation in the strength and outcome of species interactions. Variation in phenotypic traits can arise due to plastic responses to environmental stimuli, underlying genetic variation, or both, and may reflect differences in the focal organism or aspects of the extended phenotype (e.g., associated microbes). We used a reciprocal transplant experiment of Porites corals to evaluate the role of plasticity vs. heritable diversity on phenotypic traits and performance of corals that varied in their prior exposure to vermetid gastropods, an organism known to reduce coral growth and survival. We measured a suite of phenotypic traits associated with coral performance, many of which showed a plastic response to vermetid exposure. Vermetids decreased calcification of corals, increased microbial diversity, and shifted microbial composition. Most traits also showed a signature of previous exposure environment that persisted even when exposure was reversed: i.e., under the same conditions, corals naïve to vermetids had slower calcification rates, thicker tissues, higher Symbiodiniaceae densities, and different microbiomes than corals previously exposed to vermetids. We suggest the phenotypic differences are heritable, as reefs with and without vermetids were comprised of two different mitotypes, that revealed high, consistent genetic variation. Vermetids were only found on the fast‐growing coral mitotype that was characterized by thin tissue, and that likely had a history of disturbance. As extended phenotypes can have community impacts, we suggest vermetid, in addition to microbes, are part of the extended community phenotype of these corals. Coral genotypes can establish different reef trajectories, with thin‐tissue types more prone to disturbance and subsequent colonization by other species, like vermetids, which can further facilitate the degradation of coral reefs. The effects of the extended phenotype of species likely influence heterogeneity across landscapes as well as temporal differences in community composition.
Hidden introductions of freshwater red algae via the aquarium trade exposed by DNA barcodes
Authors: Zhan Shing Hei , Hsieh Tsai‐Yin , Yeh Lan‐Wei , Kuo Ting‐Chun , Suda Shoichiro , Liu Shao‐Lun
Published: October 2020

The global aquarium trade can introduce non‐native invasive freshwater organisms, which can impact local aquatic ecosystems and their biodiversity. It is unassessed whether the aquarium trade spreads freshwater red macroalgae that hitchhike on ornamental aquatic plants and animals. We investigated this via a broad biodiversity survey and genetic analysis of freshwater red algae in the field and aquarium shops in East Asia. Using rbcL‐based DNA barcoding, we surveyed 125 samples from 46 field sites and 88 samples from 53 aquarium shops (213 samples in total) mostly across Taiwan—a key hub in the global aquarium trade—as well as in Hong Kong, Okinawa (Japan), the Philippines, and Thailand. We augmented our rbcL sequences with GenBank rbcL sequences that represent 40 additional countries globally. We found 26 molecular operational taxonomic units (mOTUs), some of which are cryptic, in Taiwan. Phylogeographical analysis revealed three potential introduced mOTUs, which exhibit no local genetic variation in Taiwan and are distributed across continents. Also, we posit that aquaria may serve as an unintentional ex situ conservation site for freshwater red algae that are vulnerable to water pollution due to anthropogenic disturbances. Collectively, these data suggest that freshwater red algae have been hitchhiking and dispersed via the aquarium trade, an important and overlooked mechanism of introduction of the organisms across the globe.
Nickel and Tungsten Bimetallic Nanoparticles Modified Pencil Graphite Electrode: A High‐performance Electrochemical Sensor for Detection of Endocrine Disruptor Bisphenol A
Authors: Lavanya Akkaraboyina Lakshmi , Kumari K. Gowri Bala , Prasad K. R. S. , Kumar Brahman Pradeep
Published: October 2020

In this work, an economically viable, very low cost, indigenous, ubiquitously available electrochemical sensor based on bimetallic nickel and tungsten nanoparticles modified pencil graphite electrode (NiNP‐WNP@PGE) was fabricated for the sensitive and selective detection of bisphenol A (BPA). The NiNP‐WNP@PGE sensor was prepared by a facile electrochemical one step co‐deposition method. The prepared nanocomposite was morphologically characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X‐ray (EDX), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), electrochemically by cyclic voltammetry (CV), and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The proposed sensor displayed high electrocatalytic activity towards electro‐oxidation of BPA with one irreversible peak. The fabricated sensor displayed a wide detection window between 0.025 μM and 250 μM with a limit of detection of 0.012 μM. PGE sensor was successfully engaged for the detection of BPA in bottled water, biological, and baby glass samples.
Adaptive evaluation model of web spam based on link relation
Authors: Wang Jingjing , Han Lansheng , Zhou Man , Qian Wenkui , An Dezhi
Published: October 2020

The credibility evaluation of web pages is an important part of current network information mining. Generally, content‐based evaluation and link relationship‐based evaluation are used to detect web spam. This paper proposes an algorithm based on link relationship which adjusts the weight of the link object according to the credibility of the link object to calculate the credibility of the web page. Considering the different linking conditions, (i) low‐scoring web pages actively linking to high‐scoring web pages, resulting in the reduction of high‐scoring web pages score; (ii) in order to endorse the low‐score web page, high‐score web pages actively linking to the low‐score web pages, adjust the score transmission. Obviously, the proposed algorithm is a recursive model. To avoid the amplification of the error caused by the loop and different evaluation results caused by different initial nodes, this paper presents a novel method to adaptively adjust the weights of the links according to the link conditions, then proves the convergence of the algorithm. Finally, we validate the proposed algorithm on the public datasets, which is compared with other up‐to‐date algorithms under different experimental indexes. The results show that the proposed algorithm can effectively reduce the ranks of spam pages in all web pages and improve the detection efficiency of spam pages.
Individual resting‐state frontocingular functional connectivity predicts the intermittent theta burst stimulation response to stress in healthy female volunteers
Authors: de Wandel Linde , Pulopulos Matias M. , Labanauskas Vytautas , de Witte Sara , Vanderhasselt Marie‐Anne , Baeken Chris
Published: October 2020

Intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) delivered to the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) has been investigated as a promising treatment for stress and stress‐related mental disorders such as major depression, yet large individual differences in responsiveness demand further exploration and optimization of its effectiveness. Clinical research suggests that resting‐state functional connectivity (rsFC) between the DLPFC and the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) can predict iTBS treatment response in depression. The present study aimed to investigate whether rsFC between the left DLPFC and ACC subregions could predict the degree to which the stress system is affected by iTBS. After assessment of baseline resting‐state fMRI data, 34 healthy female participants performed the Trier Social Stress Test on two separate days, each followed by active or sham iTBS over the left DLPFC. To evaluate iTBS effects on the stress‐system, salivary cortisol was measured throughout the procedure. Our results showed that a stronger negative correlation between the left DLPFC and the caudal ACC was linked to a larger attenuation of stress‐system sensitivity during active, but not during sham iTBS. In conclusion, based on individual rsFC between left DLPFC and caudal ACC, iTBS could be optimized to more effectively attenuate deregulation of the stress system.
Outpatient vs inpatient parotidectomy: Systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Benito Daniel A. , Pasick Luke J. , Bestourous Daniel , Thakkar Punam , Goodman Joseph F. , Joshi Arjun S.
Published: October 2020

The primary aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review and meta‐analysis to compare complications between outpatient vs inpatient parotidectomy. A systematic review was performed to identify patients undergoing either outpatient or inpatient partodiectomy, in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analysis guidelines, using PUBMED, SCOPUS, CINAHL, and the Cochrane library. Risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle‐Ottawa Scale. Postoperative complications (hematoma, seroma/sialocele, salivary fistula formation, Frey syndrome, surgical site infection [SSI]) were compared. Our search yielded 4958 nonduplicate articles, of which 13 studies were ultimately included (11 retrospective cohort, 2 prospective cohort), encompassing a total of 1323 patients (outpatient 46.33% vs inpatient 53.67%). There was no significant difference in total complications, hematoma, seroma, salivary fistula, or SSI rates between outpatient and inpatient groups. No significant difference in total complications was found between outpatient and inpatient groups when stratified by surgical approach (partial/superficial and total parotidectomy). Our findings suggest outpatient parotidectomy may be as safe as inpatient parotidectomy in appropriately selected patients.
Self‐reported medication adherence in differentiated thyroid cancer survivors: Role of illness perception and medication beliefs
Authors: Basım Pelin , Argun Derya , Özdenkaya Yaşar
Published: October 2020

Background

To investigate medication adherence (MA) to Levothyroxine in differentiated thyroid cancer survivors and analyze the related factors for nonadherence.

Methods

The Medication Adherence Report Scale (MARS), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HAD), Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire (B‐IPQ), and Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaire (BMQ) were used to assess MA.

Results

Nonadherence was reported in 77 of 197 patients (39.1%). Socioeconomic status and education levels were found to be significantly related to MA. The HAD scores, all items of B‐IPQ, and BMQ were associated with MA and showed a correlation with the MARS scores. The primary predictors of MA were greater confidence in treatment modality (odds ratio [OR]: 0.48, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.37‐0.63) and greater belief that the medication had minimal risk of harm (OR: 3.35, 95% CI: 1.50‐7.49).

Conclusions

Special attention should be paid to educational programs for differentiated thyroid carcinoma patients concerning the effectiveness and low risk of harm of medication in order to improve MA.
Modeling Outcomes in Children With Biliary Atresia With Native Liver After 2 Years of Age
Authors: Venkat Veena , Ng Vicky L. , Magee John C. , Ye Wen , Hawthorne Kieran , Harpavat Sanjiv , Molleston Jean P. , Murray Karen F. , Wang Kasper S. , Soufi Nisreen , Bass Lee M. , Alonso Estella M. , Bezerra Jorge A. , Jensen M. Kyle , Kamath Binita M. , Loomes Kathleen M. , Mack Cara L. , Rosenthal Philip , Shneider Benjamin L. , Squires Robert H. , Sokol Ronald J. , Karpen Saul J. ,   for the Childhood Liver Disease Research Network
Published: October 2020

Approximately 50% of infants with biliary atresia (BA) undergoing Kasai portoenterostomy show survival with native liver (SNL) at age 2 years. Predictors of disease progression after age 2 years are unknown, despite estimates of 20%‐30% undergoing liver transplant (LT) between age 2 and 18 years. We sought to address this knowledge gap by developing prognostic models in participants of the multicenter prospective National Institutes of Health‐supported Childhood Liver Disease Research Network. We extracted 14 clinical and biochemical variables at age 2 years to develop two models for future outcomes: 1) LT or death (LTD) and 2) first sentinel event (SE), either new onset ascites, hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS), or gastrointestinal (GI) bleed. A total of 240 participants, enrolled between 2004 and 2017, were followed until a median age of 5.1 years (range, 2.0‐13.3 years). Of these participants, 38 underwent LT (n = 37) or death (n = 1); cumulative incidence, 23.7% (95% confidence interval [CI], 16.2%‐32.0%). Twenty‐seven experienced either new‐onset ascites (n = 13), HPS (n = 1), or GI bleed (n = 14). One participant had ascites and GI bleed concurrently; cumulative incidence, 21.5% (95% CI, 14.2%‐29.8%) by age 10 years. The Cox proportional hazard model predicted risk of LTD, using total bilirubin, albumin, platelet count, and history of either ascites or cholangitis (BA LTD model), with a C‐index of 0.88 (range, 0.86‐0.89). A cause‐specific hazard competing risk model predicted SE using platelet count and gamma glutamyltransferase levels (BA SE model) with a C‐index of 0.81 (range, 0.80‐0.84). Internal model validity was assessed using Harrell’s C‐index with cross‐validation. Conclusion: Stratification using these models identified risk of poor outcomes in patients with BA SNL after age 2 years. The models may identify those who would benefit from enhanced clinical surveillance and prioritization in clinical trials.