bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antibiotic Resistance of Bacteria of the Bacillus cereus Group Isolated from Attiéké, A Local Dish Sold in the Streets of the Town of Daloa (Côte d’Ivoire)
Authors: Athanase Kouassi Kra , Djeni Assohoun Marina Christelle Epouse , Clément Kouassi Kouassi , Ibourahema Coulibaly , Ibrahim Konate
Published: May 2021

Bacillus cereus often causes problems in the food industry. It deteriorates the marketable quality of food. Bacillus cereus spores can withstand high temperatures and persist in finished or semi-finished products. The objective of this work was to assess the level of resistance to antibiotics in strains of Bacillus cereus isolated from attiéké, a local delicacy sold in the streets of Daloa. To do this, around sixty (60) suspected strains of Bacillus cereus isolated from attiéké were identified using standard biochemical tests and thirty-five (35) were confirmed by the API 20E gallery. These thirty-five confirmed strains were subjected to an antibiogram according to the recommendations of the Antibiotic Committee of the French Society of Microbiology (CASFM). The results obtained after analysis show that the strains of Bacillus cereus are subdivided into four profiles. No resistant strain has been demonstrated for imipenem, gentamycin and vancomycin. No strain produced broad spectrum beta-lactamases. The least active molecule was trimethoprim-sulfametoxazole with a level of 40%. This study showed the existence of multi-resistant strains of Bacillus cereus, which would require monitoring of resistance in street foods, particularly attiéké
Studies on Molecular Docking of Moringa Oleifera Leaf Phytochemical Constituents on Alpha Glucosidase, Alpha Amylase and Dipeptidyl Peptidase
Authors: Nwakulite Arvin , Obeagu Emmanuel Ifeanyi , Nwanjo H. U. , Nwosu D. C. , Nnatuanya I. N. , Eze Richard , Obeagu Getrude Uzoma , Vincent C. C. N. , Amaechi Chukwudi Ofodile , Okafor Chukwuma J. , Ezeoru Vivian , Chukwuani Ufuoma , Adu Mathew E.
Published: May 2021

Moringa oleifera leaf have been used for treatment of diabetes, in this work we studied pancreatic gene expression, trace elements, enzymatic antioxidants, kidney injury biomarkers in streptozocin induced diabetic rats treated with M. oleifera  leaf powder and molecular ducking of M. oleifera  leaf ethanolic, ethyl acetate, hexane and aqueous extracts phytochemicals into protein bank, focusing on the ligands that possesses inhibitory affinity closer to the co-crystalline ligands of alpha amylase, alpha glucosidase and dipeptidyl peptidase-4, for detection of active polyphenols that aid glucose reduction. Molecular docking methods used for predicting binding modes to proteins and energies of ligands [1]. Using the Autodock vina program compiled under Ubuntu 14.04 LTS, the compounds were docked into the target protein to get the respective binding affinity.  The proteins were viewed on pymol to show the amino acid sequence and the co-crystallized ligandsStevioside Stigmaste, γ-Sitosterol and Campesterol has affinity energy (-6.893,-5.500, -5.294, -5.260) respectively, close to the co-ligand of α-amylase (-7.811). 2-Butyloxycarbonyloxy-1 has affinity energy (-5.583) closer to the co-ligand of DPP-4 (-6.102). Butanoic acid has affinity energy (-4.239) close to the co-ligand of α-glucosidase (-6.488). Ethanolic and ethyl acetate extract contains 24 compounds; hexane extract contains 22 compounds while aqueous extract contains only 6 compounds.
Who can best find Waldo? Exploring individual differences that bolster performance in a security surveillance microworld
Authors: Marois Alexandre , Hodgetts Helen M. , Chamberland Cindy , Williot Alexandre , Tremblay Sébastien
Published: May 2021

Closed‐circuit television (CCTV) surveillance units largely rely on the support of surveillance operators. Although this job is cognitively challenging, few studies have investigated the main human factors improving the ability to detect critical incidents in this context. This study aimed to explore the contribution of individual characteristics and cognitive abilities to performance in a realistic CCTV monitoring simulation. Non‐expert participants took part in a surveillance simulation and were screened on several measures of individual differences. Improved detection abilities and quicker speed of detection were related to lower age and to better knowledge of the area, cognitive flexibility, working memory, and visual/threat detection abilities. Moreover, more false alarms were associated with higher goal commitment but with lower working memory, visual/threat detection abilities, and cognitive flexibility. Results highlight the potential to screen for a series of cognitive and non‐cognitive skills as part of personnel selection procedures for CCTV centers.
Recursive least squares estimation methods for a class of nonlinear systems based on non‐uniform sampling
Authors: Liu Qilin , Chen Feiyan , Ding Feng , Alsaedi Ahmed , Hayat Tasawar
Published: May 2021

Many dynamic processes in practice have nonlinear characteristics and must be described by using nonlinear models. It remains to be a challenging problem to build the models of such nonlinear systems and to estimate their parameters. This article studies the parameter estimation problem for a class of Hammerstein‐Wiener nonlinear systems based on non‐uniform sampling. By means of the auxiliary model identification idea, an auxiliary model‐based recursive least squares algorithm is derived for the systems. In order to enhance the computational efficiency, an auxiliary model‐based hierarchical least squares algorithm is proposed by utilizing the hierarchical identification principle. The simulation results confirm the effectiveness of the proposed algorithms.
Microwell Array Based Opto‐Electrochemical Detections Revealing Co‐Adaptation of Rheological Properties and Oxygen Metabolism in Budding Yeast
Authors: Vajrala Venkata Suresh , Alric Baptiste , Laborde Adrian , Colin Camille , Suraniti Emmanuel , Temple‐Boyer Pierre , Arbault Stephane , Delarue Morgan , Launay Jérôme
Published: May 2021

Microdevices composed of microwell arrays integrating nanoelectrodes (OptoElecWell) are developed to achieve dual high‐resolution optical and electrochemical detections on single Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast cells. Each array consists of 1.6 × 105 microwells measuring 8 µm in diameter and 5 µm height, with a platinum nanoring electrode for in situ electrochemistry, all integrated on a transparent thin wafer for further high‐resolution live‐cell imaging. After optimizing the filling rate, 32% of cells are effectively trapped within microwells. This allows to analyse S. cerevisiae metabolism associated with basal respiration while simultaneously measuring optically other cellular parameters. In this study, the impact of glucose concentration on respiration and intracellular rheology is focused. It is found that while the oxygen uptake rate decreases with increasing glucose concentration, diffusion of tracer nanoparticles increases. The OptoElecWell‐based respiration methodology provides similar results compared to the commercial gold‐standard Seahorse XF analyzer, while using 20 times fewer biological samples, paving the way to achieve single cell metabolomics. In addition, it facilitates an optical route to monitor the contents within single cells. The proposed device, in combination with the dual detection analysis, opens up new avenues for measuring cellular metabolism, and relating it to cellular physiological indicators at single cell level.
PEDOT:PSS‐Based Bioelectronic Devices for Recording and Modulation of Electrophysiological and Biochemical Cell Signals
Authors: Liang Yuanying , Offenhäusser Andreas , Ingebrandt Sven , Mayer Dirk
Published: May 2021

To understand the physiology and pathology of electrogenic cells and the corresponding tissue in their full complexity, the quantitative investigation of the transmission of ions as well as the release of chemical signals is important. Organic (semi‐) conducting materials and in particular organic electrochemical transistor are gaining in importance for the investigation of electrophysiological and recently biochemical signals due to their synthetic nature and thus chemical diversity and modifiability, their biocompatible and compliant properties, as well as their mixed electronic and ionic conductivity featuring ion‐to‐electron conversion. Here, the aim is to summarize recent progress on the development of bioelectronic devices utilizing polymer polyethylenedioxythiophene: poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) to interface electronics and biological matter including microelectrode arrays, neural cuff electrodes, organic electrochemical transistors, PEDOT:PSS‐based biosensors, and organic electronic ion pumps. Finally, progress in the material development is summarized for the improvement of polymer conductivity, stretchability, higher transistor transconductance, or to extend their field of application such as cation sensing or metabolite recognition. This survey of recent trends in PEDOT:PSS electrophysiological sensors highlights the potential of this multifunctional material to revolve current technology and to enable long‐lasting, multichannel polymer probes for simultaneous recordings of electrophysiological and biochemical signals from electrogenic cells.
Reconfigurable Magnetic Origami Actuators with On‐Board Sensing for Guided Assembly
Authors: Ha Minjeong , Cañón Bermúdez Gilbert Santiago , Liu Jessica A.‐C. , Oliveros Mata Eduardo Sergio , Evans Emily E. , Tracy Joseph B. , Makarov Denys
Published: May 2021

Origami utilizes orchestrated transformation of soft 2D structures into complex 3D architectures, mimicking shapes and functions found in nature. In contrast to origami in nature, synthetic origami lacks the ability to monitor the environment and correspondingly adjust its behavior. Here, magnetic origami actuators with capabilities to sense their orientation and displacement as well as detect their own magnetization state and readiness for supervised folding are designed, fabricated, and demonstrated. These origami actuators integrate photothermal heating and magnetic actuation by using composite thin films (≈60 µm thick) of shape‐memory polymers with embedded magnetic NdFeB microparticles. Mechanically compliant magnetic field sensors, known as magnetosensitive electronic skins, are laminated on the surface of the soft actuators. These ultrathin actuators accomplish sequential folding and recovery, with hinge locations programmed on the fly. Endowing mechanically active smart materials with cognition is an important step toward realizing intelligent, stimuli‐responsive structures.
High‐Performance Planar Heterojunction Perovskite Solar Cells Based on BaCl2 Additive and Power Conversion Efficiency of Over 21%
Authors: Zong Beibei , Zhang Zizhao , Shun Qing , Kang Bonan , Silva S. Ravi P. , Lu Ge yu
Published: May 2021

The photoelectric conversion efficiency of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) has rapidly developed in the past decade. However, the development of PSCs still has many limitations: for instance, the accumulation of harmful defects on their surfaces and grain boundaries limit their performance. Here, PSCs with ITO/SnO2/FAxMA1−xPb(IyBr1−y)3/Spiro‐OMeTAD/Ag structure are fabricated under air conditions, meanwhile, the effect the different masses of BaCl2 (0, 10, 15, 20, and 25 mg) added to FAxMA1−xPb(IyBr1−y)3 perovskite precursor solution on the performance of PSCs is investigated. The results show that the best performance is obtained when 20 mg BaCl2 is added, and the performance parameters Jsc, Voc, FF of the PSCs (those with 20 mg BaCl2) are 24.43 mA cm−2, 1137 mV, and 75.82, respectively, and their power conversion efficiency is up to 21.06%, which is ≈25% higher than that of the reference devices (those without BaCl2). Test results, such as XRD, SEM, TRPL, SCLC, UV–Vis, show that right amount of BaCl2 additive can significantly improve the crystallinity, absorbance, and interface defect state of perovskite films. It can also increase the separation and mobility of charge carriers, thus greatly improving the performance of PSCs.
Lodging resistance increased by varying the distance between adjacent maize rows
Authors: Qi Bingqin , Ma Buyi , Xue Jun , Li Bixia , Hu Jing , Zhang Wangfeng , Gou Ling
Published: May 2021

High planting density of maize (Zea mays L.) changes the distribution of photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) in the canopy and reduces the stalk quality, thus increasing the risk of lodging. The light distribution in the canopy can be changed by changing the row spacing between adjacent row, which in turn may affect lodging resistance. Two maize cultivars, Zhongdan 909 and Xinyu 41 were planted in 60 cm (CK) and three configurations that had different distances between the rows. These treatment were 70 + 50 cm where rows 1 and 2 were separated by 50 cm and rows 2 and 3 were separated by 70 cm. The other treatments were 80 + 40 and 90 + 30 cm. All rows had an equal number of plants. In these plots, canopy light distribution and stalk lodging resistance was measured. The results showed that the intercepted photosynthetically active radiation (IPAR) of the whole canopy in the 70 + 50 and 80 + 40 cm did not differ from the CK, but the IPAR from ear level to halfway below the ear level and the soil (H3–H2) increased by 12.5 and 20.1%, compared with the CK. Basal internode cellulose and lignin contents, rind puncture strength (RPS) increased, and lodging rate decreased by 2.8 and 4.5% in the 70 + 50‐ and 80 + 40‐cm treatments compared to the CK. Intercepted PAR in the 90 + 30‐cm treatment decreased, as did its cellulose contents, and RPS, while lodging increased. Therefore, the 70 + 50‐ and 80 + 40‐cm treatments could increased IPAR in the H3–H2 layer, then cause the increase of the cellulose content in the basal internode and lodging resistance.
Imaging the dynamics and microstructure of fibrin clot polymerization in cardiac surgical patients using spectrally encoded confocal microscopy
Authors: Tshikudi Diane M. , Simandoux Olivier , Kang Dongkyun , Van Cott Elizabeth M. , Andrawes Michael N. , Yelin Dvir , Nadkarni Seemantini K.
Published: May 2021

During cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB), altered hemostatic balance may disrupt fibrin assembly, predisposing patients to perioperative hemorrhage. We investigated the utility of a novel device termed spectrally‐encoded confocal microscopy (SECM) for assessing fibrin clot polymerization following heparin and protamine administration in CPB patients. SECM is a novel, high‐speed optical approach to visualize and quantify fibrin clot formation in three dimensions with high spatial resolution (1.0 μm) over a volumetric field‐of‐view (165 × 4000 × 36 μm). The measurement sensitivity of SECM was first determined using plasma samples from normal subjects spiked with heparin and protamine. Next, SECM was performed in plasma samples from patients on CPB to quantify the extent to which fibrin clot dynamics and microstructure were altered by CPB exposure. In spiked samples, prolonged fibrin time (4.4 ± 1.8 to 49.3 ± 16.8 min, p < 0.001) and diminished fibrin network density (0.079 ± 0.010 to 0.001 ± 0.002 A.U, p < 0.001) with increasing heparin concentration were reported by SECM. Furthermore, fibrin network density was not restored to baseline levels in protamine‐treated samples. In CPB patients, SECM reported lower fibrin network density in protaminized samples (0.055 ± 0.01 A.U. [Arbitrary units]) vs baseline values (0.066 ± 0.009 A.U.) (p = 0.03) despite comparable fibrin time (baseline = 6.0 ± 1.3, protamine = 6.4 ± 1.6 min, p = 0.5). In these patients, additional metrics including fibrin heterogeneity, length and straightness were quantified. Note, SECM revealed that following protamine administration with CPB exposure, fibrin clots were more heterogeneous (baseline = 0.11 ± 0.02 A.U, protamine = 0.08 ± 0.01 A.U, p = 0.008) with straighter fibers (baseline = 0.918 ± 0.003A.U, protamine = 0.928 ± 0.0006A.U. p < 0.001). By providing the capability to rapidly visualize and quantify fibrin clot microstructure, SECM could furnish a new approach for assessing clot stability and hemostasis in cardiac surgical patients.
Trisomy 9 mosaic syndrome: Sixteen additional patients with new and/or less commonly reported features, literature review, and suggested clinical guidelines
Authors: Li Mindy , Glass Jennifer , Du Xiaoli , Dubbs Holly , Harr Margaret Horton , Falk Marni , Smolarek Teresa , Hopkin Robert J. , Zackai Elaine , Sheppard Sarah E.
Published: May 2021

Trisomy 9 mosaic syndrome (T9M) is a rare condition characterized by multiorgan system involvement including craniofacial dysmorphisms, cardiac, genitourinary (GU), skeletal, and central nervous system (CNS) abnormalities. Although more than 100 cases have been reported in the literature, a comprehensive review has not been performed nor have clinical guidelines been established. Therefore, we describe the clinical features of 16 additional patients, review features of previously reported individuals, and suggest clinical guidelines. Our findings expand the clinical phenotype of T9M, including novel features of amblyopia, astigmatism, corectopia of pupil, posterior embryotoxon, and diaphragmatic eventration. Most patients had prenatal and perinatal issues, particularly from respiratory, growth, and feeding standpoints. Although small birth parameters were common, long‐term growth trends varied widely. An association with advanced parental ages was also identified. The spectrum of growth and development was wide, ranging from nonverbal patients to those able to participate in educational programs with age‐appropriate peers. The severity of clinical outcomes was unrelated to blood lymphocyte mosaicism levels. Microarray analysis had a higher diagnostic rate compared to standard karyotype analysis and should be utilized if this diagnosis is suspected. Future longitudinal studies will be key to monitor long‐term outcomes of individuals with T9M and determine best practices for clinical management.
Porous cellulose triacetate particles prepared from recycled corrugated cases for adsorption of crystal violet
Authors: Yuan Luxuan , Jiang Wenwei
Published: May 2021

The treatment of dye wastewater is of great significance to environmental protection. In addition, corrugated boxes are the main materials used in express packaging in the Internet shopping era, and its recycling has great value for sustainable development. In this study, cellulose triacetate (CTA) was successfully synthesized from discarded corrugated boxes with iodine as catalyst. And the obtained CTA was prepared by the emulsion solvent evaporation method into porous CTA particles, which can be used as an adsorbent to remove the dye crystal violet (CV). The adsorption kinetic and adsorption isotherm models revealed that the adsorption process was a single‐layer adsorption process with equal adsorption sites. The removal efficiency (R) of the CV solution (40 mg/L) at about 50 min R reaching equilibrium and was over 98%. The estimated maximum adsorption capacities for CV reached 9.1116 mg g−1. This research provides a new idea for the preparation of low‐cost dye wastewater treatment materials.
Effects of harmful algal blooms on regulated disinfection byproducts: Findings from five utility case studies
Authors: Foreman Katherine , Vacs Renwick Deborah , McCabe Morgan , Cadwallader Adam , Holsinger Hannah , Kormondy Charlene , Albert Ryan
Published: May 2021

During a cyanobacterial harmful algal bloom (HAB) event, drinking water treatment systems face the challenge of balancing acute and chronic health risks by treating the potentially toxin‐producing HAB and simultaneously managing for disinfection byproduct (DBP) formation. To explore the relationship between HAB events and DBP formation, a unique full‐scale study, including paired source water and finished water monitoring, was conducted at five drinking water utilities with HAB‐impacted source waters. Results confirm bench‐scale findings that HAB events in source water contribute to increases in DBP precursors. However, unlike results from laboratory studies, source water HAB‐related parameters and finished water DBPs were not consistently correlated at the five study utilities. These different outcomes suggest regulated DBP formation in utilities with HAB‐impacted source water is complex and influenced by a variety of site‐specific conditions, including source water conditions and data available for operational decision‐making, timing of treatment adjustments, and key operational choices.
Twelve reasons why boards and executives should be clear that profit is not the purpose of their company
Authors: Kravatzky Axel , Stephens Mark
Published: May 2021

Leaders of companies are increasingly expected to ensure that their companies fulfill a purpose beyond profits. Many still have doubts, and privately believe the real purpose of the company is simply to make a profit. Here, Dr. Axel Kravatzky and Mark Stephens summarize twelve arguments why profit alone is not, cannot, and ought not be purpose of a company.
Switching ON of Transcription‐Translation System Using GUV Fusion by Co‐supplementation of Calcium with Long‐Chain Polyethylene Glycol
Authors: Uwaguchi Yusuke , Fujiwara Kei , Doi Nobuhide
Published: May 2021

Giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs) have been used as a material for bottom‐up synthetic biology. However, due to the semi‐permeability of the membrane, the need for methods to fuse GUVs has increased. To this aim, methods that are simple and show low leakage during fusion are important. In this study, we report a method of GUV fusion by a divalent cation (Ca2+) enhanced with a long chain polyethylene glycol (PEG20k). The methods showed significant GUV fusion without leakage of internal components of GUVs and maintained cell‐free transcription‐translation ability inside the GUVs without external supplementation of macromolecules. We demonstrate that the Ca‐PEG method can be applied for switching ON of transcription‐translation in GUVs in a fusion‐dependent manner. The method developed here can be applied to extend bottom‐up synthetic biology and molecular robotics that use GUVs as a chassis.
Effectiveness of interpersonal psychotherapy for community living depressed women involved with the justice system
Authors: Black Suzie , Bowyer Debra , Graham Patricia , Irvine Fitzpatrick Linda , Pate Kirsty , Woodrow Amanda , Schwannauer Matthias
Published: May 2021

Background

Despite the prevalence of depression among women in the justice system, and its potentially significant consequences, there is a dearth of studies investigating psychological treatments for depression in this context, especially outside prison.

Aims

Our aim was to gather preliminary data on whether individual interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) is an acceptable and effective treatment for depression in women at an early stage in the justice system.

Method

In this pilot study, IPT was offered to 24 depressed women following their first or second contact with the justice system. The women were assessed using a range of scales to quantify depression, anxiety, post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and social support. Multilevel models were used to explore interactions between change in depression and other features given the multiplicity and complexity of problems. Details on engagement and attrition were also collected.

Results

Therapy attrition was low, despite challenging life‐circumstances and depression scores followed a linear trajectory with scores significantly decreasing over the time (β = −0.59, SE = 0.07, p < 0.001). Participants with more adverse life events, attachment related anxiety and lower social support had poorer outcomes.

Conclusions and Implications

Results are encouraging. More than half of the hard‐to‐reach women who were eligible did engage, and retention rates suggest the therapy was acceptable to them. Depression scores improved, and potential factors affecting treatment outcome were identified. A randomised controlled trial is now warranted, ensuring adequate supplementary support for women with dependants living on their own and without employment.
The recovery of 15N in the aerial biomass of alfalfa–bahiagrass mixtures
Authors: White Joshua A. , Lemus Rocky , Varco Jac J.
Published: May 2021

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) overseeded into bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum Flueggé) has the potential to increase nutritive value and dry matter (DM) yield as well as extend the growing season in the southeastern United States. To maximize N2 fixation by alfalfa plants, alfalfa/grass mixtures are typically not fertilized with N. As a result, the grass component can lack in available N for uptake which can be detrimental to grass production. On the other hand, when N fertilizer is applied, the degree of fertilizer recovery by both species is not well understood. The objective of this study was to quantify competitive fertilizer 15N recovery between aerial biomass portions of alfalfa and bahiagrass when grown in a mixture. This was accomplished by using two rates of 15N labeled fertilizer (25 and 50 lb N acre−1) and two application timings (after second and third harvest). Fertilizer recovery was greatest for bahiagrass when application was delayed until after the third harvest (21%). Alfalfa recovered up to 66% of the applied N, when fertilizer was applied after the second harvest of the season while grass averaged <12%. Delaying fertilizer application limited alfalfa fertilizer recovery but did not necessarily increase grass recovery as expected. The percent 15N fertilizer fraction within the grass biomass was similar to that found in alfalfa biomass suggesting a greater reliance on applied fertilizer.
Biocatalytic asymmetric synthesis of (R)‐1‐tetralol using Lactobacillus paracasei BD101
Authors: Kalay Erbay , Şahin Engin
Published: May 2021

Asymmetric bioreduction of ketones is a fundamental process in the production of organic molecules. Compounds containing tetralone rings are found in the structure of many biologically active and pharmaceutical molecules. Biocatalytic reduction of ketones is one of the most promising and significant routes to prepare optically active alcohols. In this study, the reductive capacity of Lactobacillus paracasei BD101 was investigated as whole‐cell biocatalyst in the enantioselective reduction of 1‐tetralone (1). In biocatalytic reduction reactions, the conversion of the substrate and the enantiomeric excess (ee) of the product are significantly affected by optimization parameters such as temperature, agitation rate, pH, and incubation time. Effects of these parameters on ee and conversion were investigated comprehensively. (R)‐1‐tetralol ((R)‐2), which can be used to treat disorder such as obsessive compulsive, post‐traumatic stress, premenstrual dysphoric, and social anxiety, was manufactured in enantiopure form, high yield and gram‐scale, using whole‐cell biocatalysts of L. paracasei BD101. The 7.04 g of (R)‐2 was obtained in optically pure form with 95% yield. Also, to our knowledge, this is the first report on production of (R)‐2 using whole‐cell biocatalyst in excellent yield, conversion, enantiopure form and gram scale. This is a clean, eco‐friendly and cheap method for the synthesis of (R)‐2 compared with chemical catalyst.
Subacute (De Quervain) thyroiditis during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Abreu Rodrigo , Miguel Renata , Saieg Mauro
Published: May 2021

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) is a new disease whose clinical presentation and potential complications are not yet fully understood. One of these possible reported complications is the onset of subacute (De Quervain) thyroiditis (SAT). Here a series of cases of SAT during the COVID‐19 pandemic are reported, and a possible correlation between these 2 entities is extrapolated.
An reinforcement learning approach for allocating software resources
Authors: Yin Xiaojing , Huang Jiwei , Liu Lei , He Wei , Cui Lizhen
Published: May 2021

Software resource allocation is an significant factor of system configuration which plays a critical role in guaranteeing the performance of multitier web service systems. Computing the optimal allocation of different software resources in order to meet performance requirements under dynamic workloads conditions is in highly challenging. Existing approaches mostly rely on translating domain knowledge from experts into computational solutions through heuristics‐based optimization techniques. While such techniques are useful, they cannot leverage actual usage data generated by system users which may contain allocation strategies that are not captured by domain experts' knowledge. In this paper, we propose an iterative feedback mechanism which solves the problem to some extent by optimizing software resource allocation of multitier web systems through imitating system users who have achieved excellent performance. Specifically, we propose a deep Q‐learning network‐based approach for performance prediction to deal with the dynamic changes of complex workloads. The performance prediction method involves the reinforcement learning method for capturing the dynamics of online software resource allocation, and then computing the current optimal policy. We implement the approach in the multitier web benchmark system, and the experimental results demonstrated significant improvement compared to models built based on domain knowledge.
Heterogeneous Catalysis and Parahydrogen‐Induced Polarization
Authors: Pokochueva Ekaterina V. , Burueva Dudari B. , Salnikov Oleg G. , Koptyug Igor V.
Published: May 2021

Parahydrogen‐induced polarization with heterogeneous catalysts (HET‐PHIP) has been a subject of extensive research in the last decade since its first observation in 2007. While NMR signal enhancements obtained with such catalysts are currently below those achieved with transition metal complexes in homogeneous hydrogenations in solution, this relatively new field demonstrates major prospects for a broad range of advanced fundamental and practical applications, from providing catalyst‐free hyperpolarized fluids for biomedical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to exploring mechanisms of industrially important heterogeneous catalytic processes. This review covers the evolution of the heterogeneous catalysts used for PHIP observation, from metal complexes immobilized on solid supports to bulk metals and single‐atom catalysts and discusses the general visions for maximizing the obtained NMR signal enhancements using HET‐PHIP. Various practical applications of HET‐PHIP, both for catalytic studies and for potential production of hyperpolarized contrast agents for MRI, are described.
An Androsterone‐H2@C60 hybrid: Synthesis, Properties and Molecular Docking Simulations with SARS‐Cov‐2
Authors: Suárez Margarita , Makowski Kamil , Lemos Reinier , Almagro Luis , Rodríguez Hortensia , Herranz María Ángeles , Molero Dolores , Ortiz Orlando , Maroto Enrique , Albericio Fernando , Murata Yasujiro , Martín Nazario
Published: May 2021

Invited for this month's cover are the collaborating groups of Dr. Margarita Suárez at Universidad de La Habana, Cuba, and Dr. Nazario Martín at Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Spain, together with groups at other institutions worldwide. The Front Cover shows a representation of the H2@C60 hybrid molecule with a dehydroepiandrosterone moiety interacting with the active site of the SARS Cov‐2. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/cplu.202000770.
Effects of pulsed resources on the dynamics of seed consumer populations: a comparative demographic study in wild boar
Authors: Gamelon Marlène , Touzot Laura , Baubet Éric , Cachelou Jessica , Focardi Stefano , Franzetti Barbara , Nivois Éveline , Veylit Lara , Sæther Bernt‐Erik
Published: May 2021

Mast seeding is a well‐known example of pulsed resources in terrestrial ecosystems. Despite the large literature available so far on the effects of mast seeding on the dynamics of seed consumer populations, it remains unknown whether heterogeneity in demographic responses to mast seeding exists both within a population of consumers and among consumer populations. Here, we fill this knowledge gap by assessing the effects of acorn production (i.e., oak mast) on all stage‐specific demographic rates (i.e., survival, growth, reproduction) in several consumer populations. From long‐term capture–mark–recapture data collected in three wild boar populations in Europe and detailed information on annual acorn production, we quantified the effects of acorn production on body mass‐specific demographic rates in these populations. We then built a body mass‐structured population model for each population and assessed the effect of acorn production on generation time—the mean age of mother at childbirth—and population growth rate using a combination of prospective and retrospective demographic analyses. Within populations, acorn production had a positive effect on reproduction (proportion of breeding females) and growth of small‐sized females. Survival remained buffered against environmental variation, in accordance with the demographic buffering hypothesis. Thus, all stage‐specific demographic rates were not influenced in the same way by acorn production. In turn, higher reproduction and growth probabilities involved higher population growth rates and shorter generation times. Despite these common demographic responses to mast seeding among populations, we highlighted marked among‐population variation in the magnitude of these responses. Also, while populations inhabiting resource‐rich environments took advantage of current acorn conditions, populations under resource‐poor environments stored and allocated acorns produced the preceding year to reproduction indicating contrasting breeding tactics along the capital–income continuum. Our results suggest heterogeneity in demographic responses to mast seeding, within and among populations. This is an important finding for our understanding of the effects of mast seeding on the dynamics of seed consumer populations.
Tetrahedral Cu(I) complexes as electrocatalysts for the reduction of protons to dihydrogen gas
Authors: Loke Wen Liang James , Hu Chen , Fan Wai Yip
Published: May 2021

Four copper(I) complexes [Cu(MeCN)4]PF6 (1), [Cu(dppe)2]PF6 (2), [Cu(bpy)2]PF6 (3) and [Cu(bpy)(dppe)]PF6 (4) have been used as electrocatalysts in the generation of dihydrogen from proton reduction. Low overpotentials of 0.4 V have been measured using cyclic voltammetry when 1 and 3 were used as the catalysts in the presence of acetic acid as the proton source in acetonitrile. In contrast, a higher overpotential is observed for 4 while 2 is unable to catalyse the process. A mechanism for proton reduction has been proposed.
Performance Prediction and Optimization of the Air‐Cooled Condenser in a Large‐Scale Power Plant Using Machine Learning
Authors: Chen Heng , Peng Weike , Nie Chunming , Xu Gang , Lei Jing
Published: May 2021

An artificial intelligence approach using machine learning (ML) is applied to predict and optimize the operational performance of the air‐cooled condenser (ACC) in a large‐scale power plant. The in situ data of one whole year are collected from a typical coal‐fired power plant equipped with an ACC. The ML models for predicting the gross power output and the ACC power consumption are established using the artificial neural network (ANN) and random forest (RF) algorithms, and appropriate parameters are determined for the ML models. As the RF models with lower errors are demonstrated to be superior to the ANN models, the RF models are selected. Then the RF models are simplified by identifying the primary input parameters and exploiting fewer input parameters. Based on the derived RF models, the operational performance of the ACC is examined when the total rotational frequency of air fans varies, and the maximum net power output is obtained with the optimal total rotational frequency of fans. Due to the optimization, the average net power output of the plant can be promoted by 0.9774 MW, and the mean of the total rotational frequency of fans increases by 11.40 Hz. Therefore, the proposed approach is beneficial and advantageous.
Developing Binder‐Free Electrode Based on Metal‐Organic Frameworks and Graphene Hydrogel for Electrochemical Energy Storage
Authors: Yao Shuangrui , Xiao Peng , Xiao Liyue , Xiong Yuli , Peng Junren , Zhu Yan , Zhang Yunhuai , Wei Xijun
Published: May 2021

As a kind of metal‐organic framework (MOF), Prussian blue (PB) and its analogues (PBAs) with open channel structure and adjustable composition have been widely used in alkali metal batteries. However, using PB and PBAs as electrode materials for supercapacitors directly is very rare, and most of them are prepared as derivatives for supercapacitor. Herein, a hybrid configuration of nickel–cobalt hexacyanoferrate (NiCoHCF)/graphene hydrogels (denoted as NCFG) is successfully prepared via a facile coprecipitation method combined with a hydrothermal process. The highly interconnected integrated 3D network structure not only compensates the conductivity of NiCoHCF, but can also be directly applied as both anode and cathode for a symmetric supercapacitor without adding conductive agent and binder, due to excellent mechanical robustness. The as‐prepared NCFG nanocomposite delivers a high specific capacitance of 321 F g−1 at 1 A g−1 in 1 m Na2SO4 aqueous electrolyte. Moreover, the assembled NCFG//NCFG symmetric supercapacitor exhibits a wide voltage window of 2.0 V with a high energy density of 41.6 Wh kg−1 at a power density of 1 kW kg−1. This work has reference significance for directly using MOFs as electrode materials for supercapacitors.
Impact of COVID‐19 in Liver Disease Progression
Authors: Martinez Miguel Angel , Franco Sandra
Published: May 2021

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus‐2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) is a novel coronavirus that causes coronavirus disease 19 (COVID‐19), which has infected millions of people worldwide in only a few months. A minority, but significant number, of infected individuals require hospitalization and intensive care. From the start of this new virus pandemic, it was apparent that obese and/or diabetic individuals had a bad prognosis for COVID‐19 progression, strongly suggesting an association between liver disease and severe COVID‐19. Because chronic liver disease (CLD) is associated with immune dysregulation and inflammation, it is unsurprising that patients with CLD may carry a greater risk of adverse outcomes following SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. Initial COVID‐19 data have also indicated that healthy infected individuals display abnormal liver function tests, suggesting a possible direct implication of SARS‐CoV‐2 in liver damage. Here we show that COVID‐19 affects the liver metabolism and increases the morbidity and mortality of individuals with underlying CLD.
Real‐world utilization of EGFR TKIs and prognostic factors for survival in EGFR‐mutated non‐small cell lung cancer patients with brain metastases
Authors: Yu Xiaoqing , Sheng Jiamin , Pan Guoqiang , Fan Yun
Published: May 2021

Brain metastases (BMs) cause morbidity and mortality in patients with non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The optimal management of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)‐mutated NSCLC with BM is debatable. We aimed to investigate the impact of different treatments among patients with EGFR‐mutated NSCLC. A cohort of 2058 lung cancer patients with BM between 2013 and 2018 was retrospectively studied. A total of 571 patients with EGFR‐mutated NSCLC and BM were enrolled. All patients had received EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). Overall survival (OS) was measured from the diagnosis of BM to death or last follow‐up. With a median follow‐up of 35.2 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 31.8‐38.6), the median survival after BM was 21.3 months (95% CI, 19.0‐23.6). Osimertinib resulted in significantly superior survival after resistance to front‐line TKIs (P < 0.0035); the median OS reached 28.0 months (95% CI, 23.0‐32.9), and the T790M status showed no difference in clinical effectiveness (P = 0.386). The combination of TKIs and chemotherapy/vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitors (anti‐VEGF) tended to have longer OS (P = 0.271). Intracranial local radiotherapy significantly improved survival (P = 0.0008). In multivariable analysis, we noted that age, Karnofsky performance score, EGFR mutation type, number of BMs and the presence of extracranial metastasis were independent pretreatment prognostic factors. In conclusion, EGFR TKIs have a significant effect on patients with EGFR‐mutant BM, and the application of osimertinib further improves survival outcomes regardless of T790M status. Patients who undergo intracranial local therapy can achieve a survival benefit.
Total Synthesis in the Trost Laboratories: Selected Milestones From the Past Twenty Years
Authors: Mata Guillaume , Kalnmals Christopher A.
Published: May 2021

Since the early days of his independent career, Prof. Barry M. Trost has maintained a keen interest in complex molecule synthesis. Over the past 55 years, Trost and coworkers have reported syntheses of more than 260 natural products, pharmaceuticals, and other complex biomolecules – a truly extraordinary feat and an incredible testament to Prof. Trost's inventiveness and ingenuity. Even more remarkably, Trost generated more than half of this output – as well as some of his most daring and ambitious syntheses – in just the past twenty years. This review provides a brief summary of all total syntheses from the Trost laboratories since 2000, as well as more detailed vignettes of sixteen particularly notable campaigns, including conquests of callipeltoside A, galanthamine and three related alkaloids, agelastatin A, terpestacin, pseudolaric acid B, ushikolide A, bryostatin 16, laulimalide, aeruginosin 98B, lasonolide A, perophoramidine, leustroducsin B,des‐epoxy‐amphidinolide N, bulleyanaline and three related alkaloids, and bryostatin 3.
Candidal emphysematous pyelonephritis: A case report on rare and challenging clinical entity
Authors: Thapa Bibechan , Bhusal Narayan
Published: May 2021

Introduction

Emphysematous pyelonephritis is a rare, severe acute necrotizing infection characterized by the presence of gas within the renal parenchyma, collecting system, and perirenal tissue. It is an aggressive disease with high morbidity and mortality. Patients have female preponderance and commonly have uncontrolled diabetes. It is caused most commonly by Escherichia coli and very rarely by Candida species. Unlike others, candidal emphysematous pyelonephritis has an indistinctive presentation and diagnosed late, thus delaying prompt treatment.

Case presentation

A 35‐year‐old Type 2 diabetic woman developed pyelonephritis. Computerized tomography revealed the gas in the renal parenchyma, establishing the diagnosis. Cultures isolated Candida albicans as a causative organism. The patient was treated successfully with nephrectomy as initial medical therapy and percutaneous nephrostomy failed.

Conclusion

Rare causative agent should be suspected if clinical presentation is indistinctive and conservative management fails. Nephrectomy is still preferred in such patients.
Benefits of a soil surfactant on putting greens under dry and wet conditions
Authors: Aamlid Trygve S. , Pettersen Trond
Published: May 2021

Soil surfactants are applied to alleviate soil water repellency (SWR). The ability of surfactants to improve turfgrass quality under dry conditions is well documented, but less information exists about their role in situations with water surplus. Our objective was to study responses to monthly application of the surfactant Qualibra® (20 L ha–1) under dry and wet conditions on a sand‐based green covered with creeping bentgrass. Dry conditions implied irrigation to field capacity (FC) once a week (FC1) in 2014 (a year with warm and dry weather from May through July) and deficit irrigation to 60% of FC once a week (DEF1) in 2015 (May through July cool and wet). Wet conditions implied excessive irrigation twice a week (EX2) with 50% more water than needed to replenish FC. The surfactant decreased the average soil water content of the surface 7.5 cm of the root zone from 0.193 to 0.168 m3 m–3 in 2014 and from 0.191 to 0.171 m3 m–3 in 2015. In 2015, the reduction in SWC was stronger with EX2 than with DEF1 irrigation, and this was accompanied by less organic matter accumulation on plots receiving EX2 irrigation. The surfactant reduced the water drop penetration time (WDPT) regardless of irrigation treatments, but improved turfgrass quality only with DEF1 irrigation in 2015. A harder playing surface due to Qualibra® was not observed in 2014 and only at one out of six observations with EX2 irrigation in 2015. We conclude that surfactants imply various benefits depending on water supply.
Early Discrimination Between Tumor-Induced Rickets/Osteomalacia and X-Linked Hypophosphatemia in Chinese Children and Adolescents: A Retrospective Case–Control Study
Authors: Jiajue Ruizhi , Ni Xiaolin , Jin Chenxi , Huo Li , Wu Huanwen , Liu Yong , Jin Jin , Yu Wei , Lv Wei , Zhou Lian , Xia Yu , Chi Yue , Cui Lijia , Pang Qianqian , Li Xiang , Jiang Yan , Wang Ou , Li Mei , Xing Xiaoping , Meng Xunwu , Xia Weibo
Published: May 2021

In children and adolescents, distinguishing tumor-induced rickets/osteomalacia (TIR/O) from hereditary hypophosphatemic rickets/osteomalacia (HR/O) is a medical challenge. We retrospectively studied 10 Chinese children and adolescents with TIR/O who underwent surgery at a mean age of 17.4 ± 2.1 years and compared their characteristics to 24 age- and sex-matched patients with X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH). Positive family history of HR/O and dental problems, such as enamel hypoplasia and dental abscess, were reported in 8 (33.3%) and 5 (20.8%) patients with XLX, respectively, but not in patients with TIR/O. In addition, in comparison with XLH patients, TIR/O patients had an older disease onset age (150 versus 24 months, p < 0.001), a higher height standard deviation score (SDS; −1.2 ± 1.8 versus −4.0 ± 1.4, p < 0.001), a lower Z-score of bone mineral density (BMD) at lumbar spine (LS) (−3.9 [6.0] versus +1.8 [7.0], p < 0.001), and a higher serum intact fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) level (500.27 ± 87.20 versus 121.71 ± 70.94 pg/mL, p < 0.001), corresponding to a lower serum phosphate level (0.52 ± 0.07 versus 0.64 ± 0.11 mmol/L, p = 0.005) and a higher serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) level (557 [631] versus 305 [249] U/L, p = 0.005). We generated receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and calculated the area under the ROC curve (AUC). The AUCs of onset age, FGF23, and LS Z-score were equal to 1, suggesting that these are excellent indices for the differential diagnosis between TIR/O and XLH. In summary, our study furthers our understanding of the spectrum of clinical, biochemical, and pathologic findings associated with TIR/O. For children and adolescent patients with HR/O, a comprehensive and careful clinical and laboratory evaluation is of great importance, and we recommend enquiry of the family history, onset age, and dental problems, as well as measurement of serum FGF23 and BMD. © 2021 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).