bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Responses of rhizosphere soil bacteria to 2-year tillage rotation treatments during fallow period in semiarid southeastern Loess Plateau
Authors: Xia Qing , Liu Xiaoli , Gao Zhiqiang , Wang Jianming , Yang Zhenping
Published: May 2020

Background

Soil compaction can be mitigated by deep tillage and subsoiling practices following a long period of no-tillage. Fallow tillage rotation methods are frequently used to improve water availability in the soils of the southeastern Loess Plateau region of China. Rhizosphere soil bacteria are ecologically important for the transformation of matter and energy in the plant root system and can be influenced by tillage rotation treatments. However, the effect of tillage rotations on the bacterial community and structure of rhizosphere soil is not well understood.

Methods

A two-year field experiment was conducted with four tillage rotation treatments, including subsoil–subsoil (SS-SS), subsoil–deep tillage (SS-DT), deep tillage–deep tillage (DT-DT), and the control treatment of no-tillage–no-tillage (NT-NT). Our study was conducted during wheat’s fallow period to investigate the abundance, diversity, and functions of rhizosphere soil bacteria using high-throughput sequencing technology.

Results

Our results showed that tillage rotation methods significantly influenced the bacterial diversity and composition of the rhizosphere soil in the plough layer (20–40 cm depth) by altering the moisture content of the soil. The metabolism, environmental information processing, and genetic information processing of the bacteria in the rhizosphere soil were affected. The most abundant phyla across all samples were Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Acidobacteria, Planctomycetes, Bacteroidetes, Gemmatimonadetes, Frimicutes, Chloroflexi, Nitrospirae, and Verrucomicrobia, which are classic bacterial decomposers in soil. The bacterial diversity and composition was similar for treatments causing higher soil perturbation (SS-DT and DT-DT), which disrupted the balance between aerobic and anaerobic bacteria. The less disruptive tillage methods (SS-SS and NT-NT), preserved the integrity of the soil bacteria. However, the NT-NT treatment may have led to soil compaction, particularly in the 20–40 cm layer. These results suggested that SS-SS was the most effective tillage rotation practice to accumulate soil moisture, maintain the balance between aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, and to enhance the metabolic capacity of rhizosphere soil bacteria. This method may have a significant impact on the sustainable development and farming practices of dryland agriculture.
Effect of Poultry Manure and NPK Fertilizer on the Growth, Fruit and Yield of Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) in Afaka Community of Guinea Savannah, Kaduna State, Nigeria
Authors: Sodimu A. I.
Published: May 2020

The experiment was conducted at the Federal College of Forestry Mechanization, Afaka-Kaduna, to determine the effect of poultry manure and NPK fertilizer on the growth, fruit and yield of cucumber. Two (2) treatment of poultry manure (10tons/ha and 15tons/ha) and two (2) treatment NPK fertilizer (150 kg/ha) and (200 kg/ha) were used. Experiment was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) and parameters measured include number of leaves, leaf diameter, vine length, number of flowers, fruit weight and fruit diameter the data was collected at 3, 6 and 9 WAP and subjected to analysis of variance and Duncan’s Multiple Range Test (DMRT) at the end of the experiment, the results showed a significant effect (P < 0.05) of above treatment generally, poultry manure (15ton/ha) has the highest yield (P < 0.05), while the control plant has the lowest (P < 0.05) yield. It is recommended that the horticulturist in the study area should adopt poultry manure (15 tons/ha) for effective growth and good fruit yield of cucumber.
Concealment of trauma and occupational accidents among Fukushima nuclear disaster decontamination workers: A case report
Authors: Sawano Toyoaki , Tanaka Hayato , Watanabe Daiki , Ozaki Akihiko , Tsukada Manabu , Nishikawa Yoshitaka , Saito Hiroaki , Shimada Yuki , Morita Tomohiro , Ohira Hiromichi , Tsubokura Masaharu
Published: May 2020

Objectives

Limited information exists concerning occupational risks in decontamination work after the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant (FDNPP) accident. Workers involved tend to be migrant workers, face various health risks, and are usually from a low socioeconomic background and generally have difficulty in finding employment. We report a specific case to illustrate the way these workers tend to get injured during working hours and draw attention to the problems arising.

Case presentation

A 59-year-old Japanese male decontamination worker was referred to our emergency department after a fall while he was working in an Exclusion Zone surrounding the FDNPP. He was blind in his right eye. He was diagnosed with traumatic multiple rib fractures and a tube thoracostomy was performed. He was discharged from hospital after 7 days. Payment has been changed from “occupational accident,” which is required to be reported to the Local Labor Standards Office, to “general medical treatment” which is no obligation.

Conclusion

Trauma or physical injury of any kind is an occupational hazard for workers, especially those operating in the chaotic and unpredictable environments following any disasters. Companies employing such workers and owners of any facilities or locations in which they may be working are responsible for the safety of their workers. They should provide appropriate training and should comply with all prevailing Employment Laws and follow mandatory safety regulations. If companies and authorities are in breach of any laws, ignore their responsibilities, or jeopardize the health of their workers, they should be held accountable.
Consecutive medical exome analysis at a tertiary center: Diagnostic and health‐economic outcomes
Authors: Kosaki Rika , Kubota Masaya , Uehara Tomoko , Suzuki Hisato , Takenouchi Toshiki , Kosaki Kenjiro
Published: May 2020

The utility of whole exome analysis has been extensively demonstrated in research settings, but its clinical utility as a first‐tier genetic test has not been well documented from diagnostic and health economic standpoints in real‐life clinical settings. We performed medical exome analyses focusing on a clinically interpretable portion of the genome (4,813 genes) as a first‐tier genetic test for 360 consecutive patients visiting a genetics clinic at a tertiary children's hospital in Japan, over a 3‐year period. Bioinformatics analyses were conducted using standard software. A molecular diagnosis was made in 171 patients involving a total of 107 causative genes. Among these 107 causative genes, 57 genes were classified as genes with potential organ‐specific interventions and management strategies. Clinically relevant results were obtained in 26% of the total cohort and 54% of the patients with a definitive molecular diagnosis. Performing the medical exome analysis at the time of the initial visit to the tertiary center, rather than after visits to pertinent specialists, brain MRI examination, and G‐banded chromosome testing, would have reduced the financial cost by 197 euros according to retrospective calculation under multiple assumption. The present study demonstrated a high diagnostic yield (47.5%) for singleton medical exome analysis as a first‐tier test in a real‐life setting. Medical exome analysis yielded clinically relevant information in a quarter of the total patient cohort. The application of genomic testing during the initial visit to a tertiary medical center could be a rational approach to the diagnosis of patients with suspected genetic disorders.
Enamel growth rates of anterior teeth in males and females from modern and ancient British populations
Authors: Aris Christopher , Mahoney Patrick , Deter Chris
Published: May 2020

Objective

This study explored biological sex differences in the regional daily growth rates of human anterior enamel from modern and ancient populations in Britain.

Methods

Maxillary permanent incisors (n = 80) and canines (n = 69) from Roman, Anglo‐Saxon, Medieval, and Modern day populations were analyzed using histological methods. Daily secretion rates (DSRs) were collected for inner, mid, and outer regions of cuspal and lateral enamel. Modern day samples were of known sex, archeological individuals had sex determined using standard osteological methods. Variation in DSRs between the sexes, both between and within populations, was sought using parametric and nonparametric tests.

Results

When all samples were pooled, there was no significant difference between males and females. Similarly no significant differences in DSRs were identified between male and females within each population. When DSRs were compared between the populations, DSRs decreased from the more ancient to the more recent populations for males, and for females. More interpopulation differences were observed in males.

Discussion

This study presents evidence for the relative consistency of enamel DSRs between male and female groups within each British population. Interpopulation analyses found DSRs slowed significantly between Roman and modern day populations for both sexes, with male DSRs showing the greatest variation between populations.
Binding of Resonant Dielectric Particles to Metal Surfaces Using Plasmons
Authors: Maslov Alexey V.
Published: May 2020

Forces between dielectric particles induced by optical fields can bind them into new systems, varying from optical molecules to large aggregates. Here it is shown that surface plasmons can bind resonant dielectric particles to the waveguiding surfaces resulting in stable levitation of the particles by the optical forces alone. At the same time, the particles can be propelled efficiently along the surface. The predictions follow from solving the 3D electromagnetic problem of plasmon scattering on a dielectric microsphere near the metal surface. To tackle the problem, an accurate and fast hybrid approach is developed: the fields are expanded into 2D angular components which are calculated using finite‐difference time‐domain simulations. The rigorous numerical results are also explained qualitatively using an analytically solvable model in which a resonant magnetic dipole illuminated by a plasmon interacts with the surface. The particle binding to surfaces is a remarkable outcome of the strong optical interaction at nanoscale and it may offer new configurations for particle manipulations by guided waves, especially in chip‐scale structures.
Ein seltenes Low‐Spin‐CoIV‐Bis(β‐silyldiamid) mit hoher thermischer Stabilität: Sterische Erzwingung einer Dublettkonfiguration
Authors: Zanders David , Bačić Goran , Leckie Dominique , Odegbesan Oluwadamilola , Rawson Jeremy , Masuda Jason D. , Devi Anjana , Barry Seán T.
Published: May 2020

Der Versuch zur Herstellung eines chelatisierten CoII‐β‐Silylamids führte zur unvorhergesehenen Disproportionierung zu Co0 und einem spirozyklischen Cobalt(IV)‐Bis(β‐silyldiamid): [Co[(NtBu)2SiMe2]2] (1). Dieses hatte bei Raumtemperatur ein magnetisches Moment von 1.8 B.M. und ein axiales Festkörper‐EPR‐Spektrum, das diagnostisch für eine seltene S=
‐Konfiguration des tetraedrischen CoIV‐Komplexes war. Halbkanonische Ab‐initio‐Coupled‐Cluster‐Rechnungen (DLPNO‐CCSD(T)) zeigten zudem, dass der Dublettzustand gegenüber höheren Spinkonfigurationen nur für die tert‐Butyl‐substituierte Spezies eindeutig stabiler war (−27 kcal mol−1). Anders als andere CoIV‐Komplexe war 1 thermisch bemerkenswert stabil und ermöglichte die Bildung einer stabilen, selbstlimitierten Monolage in ersten Atomlagenabscheidungsexperimenten zur Oberflächensättigung. Die einfache Synthese und hohe thermische Stabilität machen 1 zu einem vielversprechenden Ausgangspunkt für die Synthese und Erforschung bislang nicht zugänglicher CoIV‐Intermediate und neuer Materialien.
Rolf Huisgen's Classic Studies of Cyclic Triene Diels–Alder Reactions Elaborated by Modern Computational Analysis
Authors: Chen Pan‐Pan , Seeman Jeffrey I. , Houk Kendall N.
Published: May 2020

Rolf Huisgen explored the Diels–Alder reactions of 1,3,5‐cycloheptatriene (CHT) and cyclooctatetraene (COT) with the dienophiles maleic anhydride and 4‐phenyl‐1,2,4‐triazoline‐3,5‐dione (PTAD) to determine the kinetics and mechanisms of various electrocyclizations and Diels–Alder reactions. These reactions have been examined with density functional theory. Modern computational chemistry has provided information not previously available by experiment. Transition states for all the reactions have been identified, and their Gibbs energies are used to explain the experimental reactivities. Zwitterionic intermediates were not found in the [4+2] cycloadditions of both CHT or COT with PTAD and are thus not involved in these reactions. [2+2+2] cycloadditions, as an alternative path to the Diels–Alder products, are highly disfavored. Rapid double nitrogen inversion was found for the cycloaddition products with PTAD.
Switching between Local and Global Aromaticity in a Conjugated Macrocycle for High‐Performance Organic Sodium‐Ion Battery Anodes
Authors: Eder Simon , Yoo Dong‐Joo , Nogala Wojciech , Pletzer Matthias , Santana Bonilla Alejandro , White Andrew J. P. , Jelfs Kim E. , Heeney Martin , Choi Jang Wook , Glöcklhofer Florian
Published: May 2020

Aromatic organic compounds can be used as electrode materials in rechargeable batteries and are expected to advance the development of both anode and cathode materials for sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs). However, most aromatic organic compounds assessed as anode materials in SIBs to date exhibit significant degradation issues under fast‐charge/discharge conditions and unsatisfying long‐term cycling performance. Now, a molecular design concept is presented for improving the stability of organic compounds for battery electrodes. The molecular design of the investigated compound, [2.2.2.2]paracyclophane‐1,9,17,25‐tetraene (PCT), can stabilize the neutral state by local aromaticity and the doubly reduced state by global aromaticity, resulting in an anode material with extraordinarily stable cycling performance and outstanding performance under fast‐charge/discharge conditions, demonstrating an exciting new path for the development of electrode materials for SIBs and other types of batteries.
A Rare Low‐Spin CoIV Bis(β‐silyldiamide) with High Thermal Stability: Steric Enforcement of a Doublet Configuration
Authors: Zanders David , Bačić Goran , Leckie Dominique , Odegbesan Oluwadamilola , Rawson Jeremy , Masuda Jason D. , Devi Anjana , Barry Seán T.
Published: May 2020

Attempted preparation of a chelated CoII β‐silylamide resulted in the unprecedented disproportionation to Co0 and a spirocyclic cobalt(IV) bis(β‐silyldiamide): [Co[(NtBu)2SiMe2]2] (1). Compound 1 exhibited a room‐temperature magnetic moment of 1.8 B.M. and a solid‐state axial EPR spectrum diagnostic of a rare S=
configuration for tetrahedral CoIV. Ab initio semicanonical coupled‐cluster calculations (DLPNO‐CCSD(T)) revealed the doublet state was clearly preferred (−27 kcal mol−1) over higher spin configurations only for the bulky tert‐butyl‐substituted analogue. Unlike other CoIV complexes, 1 had remarkable thermal stability, and was demonstrated to form a stable self‐limiting monolayer in preliminary atomic layer deposition (ALD) surface saturation experiments. The ease of synthesis and high stability make 1 an attractive starting point to investigate otherwise inaccessible CoIV intermediates and for synthesizing new materials.
Tumor‐Exocytosed Exosome/Aggregation‐Induced Emission Luminogen Hybrid Nanovesicles Facilitate Efficient Tumor Penetration and Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Zhu Daoming , Duo Yanhong , Suo Meng , Zhao Yonghua , Xia Ligang , Zheng Zheng , Li Yang , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: May 2020

The development of novel photosensitizing agents with aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) properties has fueled significant advances in the field of photodynamic therapy (PDT). An electroporation method was used to prepare tumor‐exocytosed exosome/AIE luminogen (AIEgen) hybrid nanovesicles (DES) that could facilitate efficient tumor penetration. Dexamethasone was then used to normalize vascular function within the tumor microenvironment (TME) to reduce local hypoxia, thereby significantly enhancing the PDT efficacy of DES nanovesicles, and allowing them to effectively inhibit tumor growth. The hybridization of AIEgen and biological tumor‐exocytosed exosomes was achieved for the first time, and combined with PDT approaches by normalizing the intratumoral vasculature as a means of reducing local tissue hypoxia. This work highlights a new approach to the design of AIEgen‐based PDT systems and underscores the potential clinical value of AIEgens.
Coal fly ash‐derived mesoporous SBA‐15 as support material for production of liquid hydrocarbon through Fischer–Tropsch route
Authors: Gupta Pavan K. , Mahato Abhishek , Oraon Pikkoo , Gupta Goutam Kishore , Maity Sudip
Published: May 2020

The supernatant solution of silicate species extracted from coal fly ash (CFA) by NaOH fusion is used under acidic conditions with surfactant pluronic P‐123 to prepare the mesoporous silica (SBA‐15). Structural properties of prepared SBA‐15 are found close to those prepared by pure chemicals. Furthermore, the synthesized mesoporous silica (SBA‐15) from CFA is used as support in Fischer–Tropsch synthesis (FTS). The obtained mesoporous material has a surface area of 643 m2/g and a pore size of 8.24 nm. Co–Fe bimetallic catalyst containing 15 wt% of cobalt and 5 wt% of iron is prepared by incipient wetness impregnation of cobalt nitrate and iron nitrate salts over CFA‐derived SBA‐15. These mesoporous support and catalyst are characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), N2 adsorption–desorption, H2‐temperature‐programmed reduction (TPR), NH3‐temperature‐programmed desorption (TPD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). FTS experiment is showing 65.53% of C5+ selectivity. The results indicate that the nanosubstrate material derived from CFA may be used as support for FTS activity with further improvements.
Novel self‐initiating UV‐curable acrylate monomers
Authors: Zhao Yuquan , Tao Xingyu , Li Xinyi , Zhang Tao
Published: May 2020

Based on the addition reaction of hydroxyl groups and the isocyanate groups in the bi‐functional monomer acroyloxyethyl isocyanate (AOI), two novel self‐initiating ultraviolet (UV)‐curable acrylate monomers were synthesized from benzoin and 2‐hydroxy‐4′‐(2‐hydroxyethoxy)‐2‐methylpropiophenone (commercial‐available Irgacure® 2959), and the products were denoted as Benzoin‐AOI and 2959‐AOI, respectively. The chemical structures of the products were confirmed by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The UV–visible absorption spectrum showed that the self‐initiating acrylates exhibited similar maximum absorption wavelengths to both benzoin (250 nm) and Irgacure® 2959 (270 nm). When the products were continually exposed to a mercury lamp, the maximum absorption peak gradually blue shifted, showing that the products decomposed under the UV radiation. The photo differential scanning calorimetry (Photo‐DSC) analysis showed that the self‐initiating monomers could initiate the polymerization of 1,6‐hexanediol diacrylate (HDDA) as quickly as the original photo‐initiator, and the efficiency of Benzoin‐AOI was slightly lower than that of benzoin, while for 2959‐AOI, the efficiency remained stable after being linked to the AOI moiety. The cytotoxicity assay against fibroblasts cell line L929 showed that 2959‐AOI exhibited lower cytotoxicity at low dosages but higher cytotoxicity at high dosages compared to Irgacure® 2959 after the introduction of the AOI structure.
Operational Asset Management Roundtable
Authors:   AWWA Asset Management Committee
Published: May 2020

Key Takeaways

At ACE19, AWWA's Asset Management Subcommittee led a session on operational asset management titled the “Gamification of Asset Management.”

Participants discussed the different stages of maturity utilities face in developing their programs and how using sports terminology can help utilities form a better game plan and team‐centered approach.

A challenging aspect of asset management is ensuring there is on‐the‐ground acceptance, interdepartmental coordination, and good data that can measure results.
Is It Real or Just Apparent? A Case Study in Determining Water Loss
Authors: Tromble Evan , Mach Mary Elizabeth , Bendinelli Jana
Published: May 2020

Key Takeaways

A southwestern US town undertook a multiphase study to resolve persistent water loss in its distribution system despite pipe renewal and replacement efforts.

Hydraulic modeling helps utilities analyze water loss in distribution systems in real time to determine causes of and find solutions for nonrevenue water.

Automated meter reading and meter replacement can be planned in stages within a utility's budget to realize long‐term benefits of reducing water loss.
Prognostic significance of tumor size for primary invasive cutaneous melanoma: A population‐based study, 2004‐2016
Authors: Ma Qiuying , Suo Huinan , Zhu Li , Qian Yue , Sun Xiaoyan , Xie Jun , Li Qianru , Fu Yangxue , Li Jun , Tao Juan
Published: May 2020

Background

This study aimed to assess the independent prognostic value of tumor size compared with other clinical and pathologic features of primary invasive cutaneous melanoma (CM).

Methods

This study included 28,593 patients with primary invasive CM in Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program database diagnosed from 2004 through 2016. Tumor size was divided into five subgroups (≤6, 7‐12, 13‐30, 31‐42, and >42 mm). The primary endpoint was melanoma‐specific survival (MSS).

Results

The relationship between tumor size and survival was piecewise. After adjusting for age, sex, primary site, histopathologic cell type, Breslow thickness, ulceration, mitotic rate, regional metastasis, and distant metastasis, the hazard ratio (HR) of MSS increased with increasing tumor size until a peak at 31‐42 mm (HRs, 1.33, 1.59, 2.41, respectively; all P < .0001), and then decreased when tumor size was larger than 42 mm using tumor size ≤ 6 mm as the reference (HR, 2.11; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.84 −2.42; P < .0001). This pattern mostly remained after stratification by T subcategories from T1 to T4 in localized primary CM except that tumor size >42 mm subgroup had the shortest MSS in T4. In addition, tumor size with a cutoff value of 12 mm showed stronger prognostic value for MSS (HR, 2.32; 95% CI, 1.80‐2.98; P < .0001) than Breslow thickness and mitotic rate in primary CM with T1N0M0.

Conclusions

Tumor size was an important independent prognostic factor for MSS in patients with primary invasive CM. Tumor size larger than 30 mm would provide additional and important prognostic information in each T subcategory of localized CM. Furthermore, tumor size with a cutoff value of 12 mm has great potential in improving the accuracy of melanoma T1 substaging.
Duration of therapy for locally advanced pancreatic cancer: Does it matter?
Authors: Tuli Richard , David John , Lobaugh Stephanie , Zhang Zhigang , O'Reilly Eileen M.
Published: May 2020

Introduction

Evidence‐based recommendations on duration of multiagent systemic therapy for LAPC are lacking. Herein, we assess the impact of duration of combination systemic therapy on survival of patients with LAPC.

Methods

The National Cancer Database was interrogated to identify patients with untreated LAPC diagnosed from 2004 to 2014. Patients treated with ≥ 1 month of multiagent chemotherapy (MAC) and ≥ 6 months of follow‐up were included. Kaplan‐Meier survival curves were generated to examine OS of each MAC duration group. Univariable and multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression was used to examine the association between OS with demographic and clinical variables. Statistical computations were performed using SAS Software Version 9.4.

Results

Of the 3410 patients, 1114 met inclusion criteria. Median age was 64 years. Median treatment duration was 3.2 months (range 1‐19.8). Median follow‐up was 23.5 months (range 3‐120). Median OS of all patients was 9.4 months (95% CI: 8.7‐10.1). Median OS of patients receiving ≥ 1‐4 months, >4‐6 months and > 6 months of MAC was 8.4 months (95% CI: 7.7‐9), 10.2 months (95% CI: 9‐11.8), and 12.8 months (95% CI 11.6‐16). Twelve‐month survival was 37% for patients receiving ≥ 1‐4 months, 43% for > 4‐6 months, and 56% for > 6 months. Female sex (P = .02), higher median household income (P = .03), and longer duration of MAC (P < .001) were independently associated with improved OS following multivariable analysis.

Conclusion

This analysis in LAPC patients suggests that combination systemic therapy regimens of 6 months or more may optimize survival outcomes. Further investigation on the duration of systemic therapy question in LAPC is needed.
Histone Deacetylase 2 (HDAC2) Inhibitors Containing Boron
Authors: Kavianpour Poya , Gemmell Madeleine C. M. , Kahlert Jan U. , Rendina Louis M.
Published: May 2020

Histone deacetylase enzymes (HDACs) are responsible for the global silencing of tumour‐suppressor genes. Treatment with a histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACi) can reverse this process and restore normal cell function. Herein, we report a small series of boron‐based (boronic acid, boronate ester and closo‐1,2‐carborane) HDAC2 inhibitors with IC50 values in the nanomolar range. The boronate ester 4 b was the most potent compound assessed in this study (IC50=40.6±1.5 nM), followed closely by the 1,2‐closo‐carborane (IC50=42.9±1.5 nM). Compound 4 b exceeds the potency of the related gold‐standard HDAC pan‐inhibitor vorinostat (1) toward this particular HDAC isoform.
Anthrax Protective Antigen Retargeted with Single‐Chain Variable Fragments Delivers Enzymes to Pancreatic Cancer Cells
Authors: Loftis Alexander R. , Santos Michael S. , Truex Nicholas L. , Biancucci Marco , Satchell Karla J. F. , Pentelute Bradley L.
Published: May 2020

The nontoxic, anthrax protective antigen/lethal factor N‐terminal domain (PA/LFN) complex is an effective platform for translocating proteins into the cytosol of cells. Mutant PA (mPA) was recently fused to epidermal growth factor (EGF) to retarget delivery of LFN to cells bearing EGF receptors (EGFR), but the requirement for a known cognate ligand limits the applicability of this approach. Here, we render practical protective antigen retargeting to a variety of receptors with mPA single‐chain variable fragment (scFv) fusion constructs. Our design enables the targeting of two pancreatic cancer‐relevant receptors, EGFR and carcinoembryonic antigen. We demonstrate that fusion to scFvs does not disturb the basic functions of mPA. Moreover, mPA−scFv fusions enable cell‐specific delivery of diphtheria toxin catalytic domain and Ras/Rap1‐specific endopeptidase to pancreatic cancer cells. Importantly, mPA−scFv fusion‐based treatments display potent cell‐specific toxicity in vitro, opening fundamentally new routes toward engineered immunotoxins and providing a potential solution to the challenge of targeted protein delivery to the cytosol of cancer cells.
Trends and Innovations in Biosensors for COVID‐19 Mass Testing
Authors: Santiago Ibon
Published: May 2020

Fast and widespread diagnosis is crucial to fighting against the outbreak of COVID‐19. This work surveys the landscape of available and emerging biosensor technologies for COVID‐19 testing. Molecular diagnostic assays based on quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction are used in most clinical laboratories. However, the COVID‐19 pandemic has overwhelmed testing capacity and motivated the development of fast point‐of‐care tests and the adoption of isothermal DNA amplification. Antigenic and serological rapid tests based on lateral‐flow immunoassays suffer from low sensitivity. Advanced digital systems enhance performance at the expense of speed and the need for large equipment. Emerging technologies, including CRISPR gene‐editing tools, benefit from high sensitivity and specificity of molecular diagnostics and the easy use of lateral‐flow assays. DNA sequencing and sample pooling strategies are highlighted to bring out the full capacity of the available biosensor technologies and accelerate mass testing.
Inhibition of miR‐103a‐3p suppresses lipopolysaccharide‐induced sepsis and liver injury by regulating FBXW7 expression
Authors: Zhou Yu‐Ping , Xia Qin
Published: May 2020

Inflammation, apoptosis, and oxidative stress are involved in septic liver dysfunction. Herein, the role of miR‐103a‐3p/FBXW7 axis in lipopolysaccharides (LPS)‐induced septic liver injury was investigated in mice. Hematoxylin‐eosin staining was used to evaluate LPS‐induced liver injury. Quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction was performed to determine the expression of microRNA (miR) and messenger RNA, and western blot analysis was conducted to examine the protein levels. Dual‐luciferase reporter assay was used to confirm the binding between miR‐103a‐3p and FBXW7. Both annexin V‐fluoresceine isothiocyanate/propidium iodide staining and caspase‐3 activity were employed to determine cell apoptosis. First, miR‐103a‐3p was upregulated in the septic serum of mice and patients with sepsis, and miR‐103a‐3p was elevated in the septic liver of LPS‐induced mice. Then, interfering miR‐103a‐3p significantly decreased apoptosis by suppressing Bax expression and upregulating Bcl‐2 levels in LPS‐induced AML12 and LO2 cells, and septic liver of mice. Furthermore, inhibition of miR‐103a‐3p repressed LPS‐induced inflammation by downregulating the expression of tumor necrosis factor, interleukin 1β, and interleukin 6 in vitro and in vivo. Meanwhile, interfering miR‐103a‐3p obviously attenuated LPS‐induced overactivation of oxidation via promoting expression of antioxidative enzymes, including catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, FBXW7 was a target of miR‐103a‐3p, and overexpression of FBXW7 significantly ameliorated LPS‐induced septic liver injury in mice. Finally, knockdown of FBXW7 markedly reversed anti‐miR‐103a‐3p‐mediated suppression of septic liver injury in mice. In conclusion, interfering miR‐103a‐3p or overexpression of FBXW7 improved LPS‐induced septic liver injury by suppressing apoptosis, inflammation, and oxidative reaction.
Impact of kernel thickness on parboiled rice properties
Authors: Jannasch Annegret , Carvalho Lucas , Patindol James , Wang Ya‐Jane , Mauromoustakos Andy
Published: May 2020

Background and objective

Approximately 15% of the rice produced in the world is parboiled. Parboiling, a hydrothermal process involving soaking, steaming, and drying, is conventionally utilized to improve milling quality, nutritional value, and shelf life of rice. Because rice is composed of kernels of varying thickness, rice kernel thickness may impact parboiled rice properties. This study investigated the milling and color properties of parboiled rice prepared from two rice cultivars with different kernel thickness distributions and chemical compositions by subjecting them to different soaking temperatures and durations.

Findings

RoyJ was composed of a greater proportion of thinner kernels, whereas XL756 was composed of a greater proportion of thicker kernels. The head rice yield (HRY) of the resultant parboiled rice was strongly affected by rice cultivar and thickness fraction, but was not impacted by their chemical compositions. RoyJ had a greater HRY than XL756 for the same thickness fraction under the same soaking conditions. Lightness (L*) and yellowness (b*) appeared to be greatly affected by cultivar with RoyJ displaying greater L* and b* values than XL756 for most conditions.

Conclusion

Kernel thickness and soaking duration were important factors affecting the HRY of parboiled rice for both rice cultivars. Rice cultivars composed of a greater percentage of thinner kernels would be more susceptible to severe parboiling conditions and thus produce more variation in the HRY of parboiled rice.

Significance and novelty

The distribution of kernel thickness is different for different rice cultivars and should be taken into consideration when choosing parboiling conditions to maximize the HRY of parboiled rice.
Zn‐Based Oxides Anchored to Nitrogen‐Doped Carbon Nanotubes as Efficient Bifunctional Catalysts for Zn‐Air Batteries
Authors: Aasen Drew A. , Shen Yi , Ivey Douglas G.
Published: May 2020

Zn−Co oxide (ZnCoOx), Zn−Mn oxide (ZnMnOx), Zn−Mn−Co oxide (ZMCO), and Zn−Co−Fe oxide (ZCFO) nanoparticles were successfully synthesized on nitrogen‐doped carbon nanotubes in a one‐pot process. Porous carbon paper was simultaneously impregnated with the catalysts during synthesis and used as air electrodes for Zn‐air batteries. ZnMnOx/N‐CNT catalysts had the best ORR performance in half‐cell LSV experiments with a more positive onset potential than that of Pt−Ru/C (−0.067 V and −0.078 V vs Hg/HgO, respectively). ZCFO/N‐CNT catalysts had the best activity towards OER among the Zn‐based oxide catalysts in half‐cell linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) testing with an onset potential of 0.62 V vs Hg/HgO. Round‐trip efficiencies from battery rate tests at a current density of 20 mA cm−2 were 55.3 %, 57.5 %, 58.7 %, and 58.3 % for ZnCoOx/N‐CNT, ZnMnOx/N‐CNT, ZMCO/N‐CNT, and ZCFO/N‐CNT, respectively. Bifunctional cycling of the catalysts was done in a homemade Zn‐air battery at a current density of 10 mA cm−2 for 200 cycles. The final round trip efficiencies for ZnCoOx/N‐CNT, ZnMnOx/N‐CNT, ZMCO/N‐CNT, and ZCFO/N‐CNT were 55.8 %, 56.6 %, 54.2 %, and 55.0 %, respectively. All catalysts except ZCFO/N‐CNT compared favorably with Pt−Ru/C in terms of round‐trip efficiency after cycling (55.3 %). Incorporation of Zn into the metal oxide particles showed improved catalytic activity for ZnCoOx/N‐CNT and ZnMnOx/N‐CNT compared with MnOx/N‐CNT and CoOx/N‐CNT catalysts prepared via the same technique.
Glycerol Boosted Rh‐Catalyzed Hydroaminomethylation Reaction: A Mechanistic Insight
Authors: Serrano‐Maldonado Alejandro , Dang‐Bao Trung , Favier Isabelle , Guerrero‐Ríos Itzel , Pla Daniel , Gómez Montserrat
Published: May 2020

We report a Rh‐catalyzed hydroaminomethylation reaction of terminal alkenes in glycerol that proceeds efficiently under mild conditions to produce the corresponding amines in relatively high selectivity towards linear amines, moderate to excellent yields by using a low catalyst loading (1 mol % [Rh], 2 mol % phosphine) and relative low pressure (H2/CO, 1:1, total pressure 10 bar). This work sheds light on the importance of glycerol in enabling enamine reduction via hydrogen transfer. Moreover, evidence for the crucial role of Rh as chemoselective catalyst in the condensation step has been obtained for the first time in the frame of the hydroaminomethylation reaction by precluding deleterious aldol condensation reactions. The hydroaminomethylation proceeds under a molecular regime; the outcome of catalytically active species into metal‐based nanoparticles renders the catalytic system inactive.
Materialwissenschaftliche Analyse des Abbindeverhaltens von Holzklebstoffen am Beispiel von 1K‐PUR
Authors: Winkler Christoph , Schwarz Ulrich , Senge Bernhard
Published: May 2020

Das Abbinden von Holzklebstoffen wird bisher anhand von Parametern bewertet, die kaum eine prozesstechnische Optimierung ermöglichen. Mithilfe von Oszillationsmessungen und einem an dem Klebeprozess angepassten Versuchsaufbau kann dieser jedoch detailliert erfasst werden. Am Beispiel durchgeführter Timesweep‐Messungen kann der Klebeprozess in charakteristische Bereiche molekularer und struktureller Abläufe eingeteilt werden. Diese Methode wird anhand eines Polyurethan‐Prepolymers zum Fügen von Holzwerkstoffen dargestellt und analysiert.
Law of Mass Action Type Chemical Mechanisms for Modeling Autocatalysis and Hypercycles: Their Role in the Evolutionary Race
Authors: Horváth Attila K.
Published: May 2020

One of our most appealing challenge is to unravel the role of a presumably autocatalytic system in controlling the origin and spreading of Life on our entire planet. Here we show that in the simplest autocatalytic loop involving reactions capable of self‐replication and obeying law of mass action kinetics, concentration growth of the autocatalyst may be characterized by parametrization of direct and autocatalytic pathways rather than by kinetic orders of the autocatalyst. Extending this model by feasible elementary steps allows us to outline super‐exponential growth where kinetic order of the autocatalyst is higher than unity. Furthermore, it is shown in case of the simplest hypercycle that such a situation might appear where the otherwise more sluggish autocatalytic route receives a decisive support from the crosscatalytic pathway to become an apparently stronger autocatalytic loop even if the other route contains a more efficient autocatalysis. If the hypercycle is performed under flow conditions selection of autocatalyst depends on kinetic and flow parameters influenced by external factors mimicking that the most adaptive loop of hypercycle eventually finds its wining way in the evolutionary race.
Anion Binding of a Cyclopeptide‐Derived Molecular Cage in Aqueous Solvent Mixtures
Authors: Bartl Julia , Kubik Stefan
Published: May 2020

A molecular cage consisting of two cyclic hexapeptides with an alternating sequence of (2S,4S)‐4‐aminoproline and 6‐aminopicolinic acid subunits, covalently linkedviathree diglycolic acid subunits, interacts with a variety of inorganic anions in acetonitrile/water. In the respective complexes, the anion resides in a cavity between the two cyclopeptide rings where it interacts with six converging NH groups. The cage binds sulfate anions in acetonitrile/water, 2 : 1 (v/v) with a logKaof 6.7, ca. 2.5 orders of magnitude stronger than an analogous bis(cyclopeptide) with only one linker whose sulfate affinity logKaamounts to 4.3. The preorganization induced by the three linking units is thus beneficial for sulfate binding. In addition, these linkers cause the dissociation of the sulfate complex to have a substantial Gibbs free energy of activation ΔG≠of 68.9 kJ mol−1and they also seem to affect anion selectivity as illustrated by the different effects some anions produce on the1H NMR spectra of the triply and singly‐linked bis(cyclopeptides). Such anion binding cages represent promising scaffolds to mimic natural anion receptors such as the sulfate‐binding protein.
The impact of creating shared value on hotels online reputation
Authors: Fernández‐Gámez Manuel Ángel , Gutiérrez‐Ruiz A. Manuel , Becerra‐Vicario Rafael , Ruiz‐Palomo Daniel
Published: May 2020

In this study, we investigated the relationships between created shared value (CSV) strategies and online reputation (OR) within the hotel industry. Our results show that CSV strategies improve hotel OR assigned by clients participating in consumer review Websites. Our findings fundamentally indicate that the relationship between CSV and OR in the hotel industry is relevant in two major CSV aspects: reconceiving products and redefining productivity in the value chain. Hotel managers interested in improving their hotel OR should, therefore, implement CSV strategies in their companies.
Two‐Dimensional Covalent Organic Frameworks with Enhanced Aluminum Storage Properties
Authors: Lu Hongyan , Ning Fangyi , Jin Rong , Teng Chao , Wang Yong , Xi Kai , Zhou Dongshan , Xue Gi
Published: May 2020

Aluminum‐ion batteries (AIBs) are regarded as one of the most promising types of energy storage device in light of the safety, natural abundance, and electrochemical properties of aluminum. However, the rate capabilities of AIBs are limited owing to the sluggish kinetics of chloroaluminate anions. In this study, a covalent organic framework (COF) is adopted as the cathode material in AIBs. Theoretical and experimental results suggest that the COFs allow fast anion diffusion and intercalation without structure collapse, owing to the robust frameworks and the hierarchical pores with a large specific surface area of 1794 m2 g−1. The resultant AIB exhibits remarkable long‐term stability, with a reversible discharge capacity of 150 mAh g−1 after 13 000 cycles at 2 A g−1. It also shows an excellent rate capability of 113 mAh g−1 at 5 A g−1. This work fully demonstrates the potential of COFs in the storage of chloroaluminate anions and other large‐sized ions.
Primary Ewing sarcoma of the lung diagnosed on cytology: Case report with review of literature
Authors: Dharmalingam Priya , Nargund Ashwini , MukundaPai Malathi , Patil Okaly Geeta V
Published: May 2020

Primary Ewing sarcoma (ES) of the lung is anecdotally rare, with few cases reported in literature. This report describes a 46 year‐old man who presented with cough and chest pain. CT Thorax revealed a lesion in the right lung. Ultrasound guided fine‐needle aspiration of the mass and subsequent cytologic examination exhibited a small round cell morphology. Immunohistochemistry done on the cell block revealed CD 99 and FLI‐1 positivity, confirming the diagnosis of ES. FISH supported the diagnosis, showing the EWSR1 rearrangement. Radiologic investigations ruled out a primary tumour elsewhere, confirming the diagnosis of primary pulmonary ES. The patient was started on chemotherapy.
Resilience in coastal dune grasslands: pH and soil organic matter effects on P nutrition, plant strategies, and soil communities
Authors: Kooijman Annemieke , Morriën Elly , Jagers op Akkerhuis Gerard , Missong Anna , Bol Roland , Klumpp Erwin , van Hall Rutger , van Til Mark , Kalbitz Karsten , Bloem Jaap
Published: May 2020

Soil organic matter (SOM) and pH are key ecosystem drivers, influencing resilience to environmental change. We tested the separate effects of pH and SOM on nutrient availability, plant strategies, and soil community composition in calcareous and acidic Grey dunes (H2130) with low, intermediate, and/or high SOM, which differ in sensitivity to high atmospheric N deposition. Soil organic matter was mainly important for biomass parameters of plants, microbes, and soil animals, and for microarthropod diversity and network complexity. However, differences in pH led to fundamental differences in P availability and plant strategies, which overruled the normal soil community patterns, and influenced resilience to N deposition. In calcareous dunes with low grass‐encroachment, P availability was low despite high amounts of inorganic P, due to low solubility of calcium phosphates and strong P sorption to Fe oxides at high pH. Calcareous dunes were dominated by low‐competitive arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) plants, which profit from mycorrhiza especially at low P. In acidic dunes with high grass‐encroachment, P availability increased as calcium phosphates dissolved and P sorption weakened with the shift from Fe oxides to Fe‐OM complexes. Weakly sorbed and colloidal P increased, and at least part of the sorbed P was organic. Acidic dunes were dominated by nonmycorrhizal (NM) plants, which increase P uptake through exudation of carboxylates and phosphatase enzymes, which release weakly sorbed P, and disintegrate labile organic P. The shifts in P availability and plant strategies also changed the soil community. Contrary to expectations, the bacterial pathway was more important in acidic than in calcareous dunes, possibly due to exudation of carboxylates and phosphatases by NM plants, which serve as bacterial food resource. Also, the fungal AM pathway was enhanced in calcareous dunes, and fungal feeders more abundant, due to the presence of AM fungi. The changes in soil communities in turn reduced expected differences in N cycling between calcareous and acidic dunes. Our results show that SOM and pH are important, but separate ecosystem drivers in Grey dunes. Differences in resilience to N deposition are mainly due to pH effects on P availability and plant strategies, which in turn overruled soil community patterns.
On the tip of the tongue: natural history observations that transformed shorebird ecology
Authors: Beninger Peter G. , Elner Robert W.
Published: May 2020

A new field of shorebird feeding ecology has been opened, stemming directly from natural history observations of previously overlooked morphological and behavioral features. We describe how the pieces of this puzzle were assembled to reveal a fascinating story of small shorebird migration, trophic level shift, and direct feeding upon mudflat superficial biofilm just prior to breeding. Many unexplored avenues of research have arisen, including a trampoline effect of resource timing, the potential trade‐off between trophic imperatives and toxic co‐products, and the particular utilization of this resource in small, as opposed to large, shorebirds.
Radical Reactions in Alkaloid Synthesis: A Perspective from Carbon Radical Precursors
Authors: Bonjoch Josep , Diaba Faiza
Published: May 2020

The usefulness of radical reactions in alkaloid synthesis is reviewed from the perspective of the functional groups embedded in the molecular structure of synthetic intermediates, that act as precursors of carbon‐centered radicals in the construction of new C–C bonds. The functional groups featured are alkenes, alkynes, halides (alkyl, vinyl, aryl), xanthates, sulfides, selenides, aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acid derivatives (selenoesters, haloacetamides), β‐dicarbonyl compounds, and α‐heterosubstituted nitrogen‐compounds. The use of nitrogen‐centered radicals for C–N bond formation is also covered. Among the variety of radical processes applied, the most predominant are the hydride reductive method (Sn, Si), atom transfer radical reactions (Cu, Ru, B), and single‐electron transfer radical reactions promoted by Sm, Ni, Fe, Mn, Ti, and Ag. This review showcases the role radical reactions have played in the recent development of new strategies in alkaloid synthesis, as well as the implementation of new radical procedures in demanding substrates.
Ruthenium‐Catalyzed Dehydrogenation of Alcohols with Carbodiimide via a Hydrogen Transfer Mechanism
Authors: Sueki Shunsuke , Matsuyama Mizuki , Watanabe Azumi , Kanemaki Arata , Katakawa Kazuaki , Anada Masahiro
Published: May 2020

Ruthenium‐catalyzed oxidative dehydrogenation of alcohols using carbodiimide as an efficient hydrogen acceptor has been developed. The protocol exhibits wide substrate scope with good to excellent yields. The results of the kinetic analysis indicated that the reaction mechanism includes the hydrogen transfer process and that the addition of carbodiimide is essential for the reaction system, and the resulting amidine also could react as a hydrogen acceptor.
Hydraulic and geochemical interactions between surface water and sediment pore water in seasonal hypersaline Maharlu Lake, Iran
Authors: Khosravi Roghayeh , Zarei Mehdi , Sracek Ondra
Published: May 2020

Study of interactions between surface‐water and pore‐water in lakes is complicated due to spatio‐temporal heterogeneities in flow condition across the sediment–water interface. In this study, seasonal hypersaline Maharlu Lake was investigated by collecting surface‐water and pore‐water samples from four nests of multilevel piezometers installed at different distances from the inflow of rivers to the lake. The hydraulic heads in the piezometers as well as vertical profiles of Mg+2, Na/Cl, and Br/Cl were used to investigate both hydraulic and geochemical interactions between surface‐water and pore‐water in the lake. Depletion of lake surface water and pore water with respect to B, Br, Li+, K+, Mg2+ and the absence of Mg‐K chlorides and sulphates in the lake bed sediments is probably due to leakage of highly evaporated residual brine from the lake. Hydraulic gradients in the multilevel piezometric nests indicate that a general downward flow from surface‐water to pore‐water occurs across sediment–water interface. Vertical profiles of Br/Cl, Mg2+, and Na/Cl showed that the maximum flow rate was more than 1 m/yr close to the mouth of the inflowing rivers. The downward vertical flow was limited in the area far from the inflowing rivers due to the presence of an impermeable confining halite layer which interrupts the hydraulic connection between shallow pore water (less than 50 cm deep) and deeper zones. The hydraulic and geochemical interactions between surface‐water and pore‐water across sediment–water interface in the Maharlu Lake are of interest to find out the fate of pollutants and their distribution in the lake.