bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Freezing in a warming climate: Marked declines of a subnivean hibernator after a snow drought
Authors: Johnston Aaron N. , Christophersen Roger G. , Beever Erik A. , Ransom Jason I. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractRecent snow droughts associated with unusually warm winters are predicted to increase in frequency and affect species dependent upon snowpack for winter survival. Changes in populations of some cold‐adapted species have been attributed to heat stress or indirect effects on habitat from unusually warm summers, but little is known about the importance of winter weather to population dynamics and how responses to snow drought vary among sympatric species. We evaluated changes in abundance of hoary marmots (Marmota caligata) over a period that included a year of record‐low snowpack to identify mechanisms associated with weather and snowpack. To consider interspecies comparisons, our analysis used the same a priori model set as a concurrent study that evaluated responses of American pikas (Ochotona princeps) to weather and snowpack in the same study area of North Cascades National Park, Washington, USA. We hypothesized that marmot abundance reflected mechanisms related to heat stress, cold stress, cold exposure without an insulating snowpack, snowpack duration, atmospheric moisture, growing‐season precipitation, or select combinations of these mechanisms. Changes in marmot abundances included a 74% decline from 2007 to 2016 and were best explained by an interaction of chronic dryness with exposure to acute cold without snowpack in winter. Physiological stress during hibernation from exposure to cold, dry air appeared to be the most likely mechanism of change in marmot abundance. Alternative mechanisms associated with changes to winter weather, including early emergence from hibernation or altered vegetation dynamics, had less support. A post hoc assessment of vegetative phenology and productivity did not support vegetation dynamics as a primary driver of marmot abundance across years. Although marmot and pika abundances were explained by strikingly similar models over periods of many years, details of the mechanisms involved likely differ between species because pika abundances increased in areas where marmots declined. Such differences may lead to diverging geographic distributions of these species as global change continues.
Ag[B(S2O7)2]: The First Transition Metal Borosulfate Featuring Disulfate Groups
Authors: Netzsch Philip , Höppe Henning A. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractHitherto, the structural diversity of transition metal borosulfates has been limited to B−O−S and B−O−B bridges. Ag[B(S2O7)2] represents the very first transition metal borosulfate featuring S−O−S bridges. The compound was synthesized solvothermally in oleum (65 % SO3) and crystallizes in a new structure type in P21/c (no. 14) with Z=4, a=950.7(4) pm, b=960.1(4) pm, c=1173.0(4) pm and β=98.350(11)°. The crystal structure comprises complex anions [B(S2O7)2]− – consisting of a central boron atom and two chelating disulfate groups – and charge balancing Ag+ ions. Vibrational spectroscopy confirms the presence of S−O−S bridges. A thermal decomposition from Ag[B(S2O7)2] towards Ag[B(SO4)2] was monitored by means of thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and temperature programmed X‐ray diffraction (TPXRD).
Turbulent wind flow through permeable claddings mounted on elevated scaffold using CFD simulation
Authors: Agarwal Ashish , Irtaza Hassan 
Published: December 2020

AbstractAn extensive numerical study was carried out to evaluate the turbulent wind effects on permeable nets and impermeable film claddings mounted on elevated access scaffolding using computational fluid dynamics techniques. Debris net/sheet scaffold cladding was placed at a distance 1.5 m ahead of the cubical building. Permeable nets of various porosities and aerodynamic coefficients were simulated, and the effects of aerodynamic coefficients on the pressure coefficients were studied on the scaffolding. The airflow behavior around and through the claddings and the cubical building, were also investigated. Permeable claddings have been modeled as porous media following the Forchheimer equation. The renormalization group k–ε turbulence model using Reynolds averaged Navier–Stokes equations (RANS) was used to simulate turbulent wind through/around the scaffold cladding. Commercially available software ANSYS FLUENT 6.3 was used for simulation and analysis. Results showed that the force/pressure coefficients on permeable/debris net claddings are proportional to the aerodynamic coefficient.
Rill and ephemeral gully erosion in a small olive grove catchment in Spain: Interactions between management and conservation measures
Authors: Taguas E.V. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractConcentrated flow erosion in Mediterranean cultivated areas is considered a major process of land degradation. Rills and ephemeral gullies in a 6.4 ha olive orchard catchment located in an intensive commercial farm, which could represent a common degradation scenario in hilly areas, were measured and compared with the sediment loads at the outlet. Four GPS survey campaigns were carried out between March 2009 and March 2014, for periods with cumulative precipitation ranging between 728 and 121 mm. Chopped pruning residues were kept on the lanes during campaigns 2–4, whereas a grass cover crop was seeded in campaign 4. Rainfall, runoff and sediment loads were measured in a flume gauge station at the catchment outlet.The ratio of concentrated flow erosion to catchment sediment load varied between 1.0 and 35.0. Total concentrated flow erosion ranged between 25.0 and 0.1 t ha−1. Rill erosion was the dominant process on ephemeral gullies for three campaigns, with a mean contribution to the total concentrated flow erosion of 55%. Rills clearly followed tractor tracks along the most parallel lanes to the maximum slope. Therefore, a change in traffic direction would be helpful to reduce the connectivity, controlled by the spatial distribution of rows and lanes in the farm. Olive plantation distributions should prioritize hydrological criteria to adapt traffic patterns in olive farms, as long as the tractor manoeuvrability and risk of overturning are not adversely affected.Although the farmer only kept the cover crop for one campaign, it proved to be an efficient measure for interrupting rills along the lanes, whereas pruning residues were effective for the control of interrill erosion. On‐site application of pruning residues reduced their handling and transport costs, while increasing the soil fertility and soil cover. However, guidelines for the efficient application of pruning residues are still necessary in terms of residue rates and orientation.
Predictive model of operative time in transoral endoscopic thyroidectomy vestibular approach
Authors: Tanavde Ved A. , Razavi Christopher R. , Chen Lena W. , Ranganath Rohit , Tufano Ralph P. , Russell Jonathon O. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackgroundTransoral Endoscopic Thyroidectomy Vestibular Approach (TOETVA) has demonstrated excellent safety and is receiving wider use in North America. Understanding which factors lead to operative difficulty, as evaluated by operative time (OT), may help to improve safety and refine indications for this procedure.MethodsCases of TOETVA performed at our institution were reviewed. Multivariate linear regression was performed using patient demographics, thyroid characteristics, and operative variables to predict OT.ResultsA total of 207 cases were included for analysis. A multivariate linear regression model, controlling for age, sex, and BMI, was developed from 104 cases with an R2 of 0.47 (p < 0.001). Cross‐validation on 103 remaining cases showed root‐mean‐square error of 46.37. Total thyroidectomy and lobe size were the only significant predictors (p < 0.001).ConclusionsWe successfully developed a model to predict OT for TOETVA based on preoperative and operative variables. Lobe size, but not BMI, is a significant predictor of OT.
How Scientific is Chemistry?
Authors: Kozuch Sebastian 
Published: December 2020

Abstractφ for philosophy, χ for chemistry. Is there a connection? Is there any interaction? Do chemists have something useful to learn from philosophers? Do philosophers from chemists? How can we define if chemistry is a science, or at least trustworthy? Which disciplines, styles and personalities are progressive in chemistry? Which ones are truth‐seekers, progress‐seekers or profit‐seekers? Is there a point in asking these questions? Is there even an answer to them?
Liraglutide reduces attenuation coefficient as a measure of hepatic steatosis during 16 weeks' treatment in nondiabetic obese patients: A pilot trial
Authors: Wang Xiao Jing , Gong Ping , Zhou Chenyun , Huang Chengwu , Lok U‐Wai , Tang Shanshan , Taylor Ann , Eckert Deborah , Chen Shigao , Camilleri Michael 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackground and AimLiraglutide, a long‐acting GLP‐1 analog, is approved for the treatment of obesity with improvements in fasting blood glucose, hemoglobin A1c, and cardiovascular health. Our aim was to measure the impact of liraglutide dose for obesity on hepatic steatosis measured by ultrasound.MethodsA single‐center, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled pilot trial was undertaken in nondiabetic obese, otherwise healthy patients aged 18–65 years. Participants were randomly assigned to receive subcutaneous liraglutide (3.0 mg) or placebo over 16 weeks with dose escalation following US Food and Drug Administration guidelines. Both groups received standardized nutritional and behavioral counseling during the 16 weeks. Hepatic fat content was measured by ultrasound at baseline, 8 weeks, and 16 weeks as an attenuation coefficient (ACE). Effects of treatment were assessed using t‐test for the entire groups and for patient subgroup with baseline ACE >0.66 (indicating significant steatosis).ResultsAmong 30 patients (93% female) enrolled, 16 were randomized to placebo and 14 to liraglutide. Baseline body mass indices (BMIs) and average age were similar in the two groups. After 16 weeks, the liraglutide group had a significant improvement in steatosis ACE scores (−0.068 ± 0.02 vs −0.0077 ± 0.02 placebo, P = 0.05). Change in steatosis was positively correlated with change in BMI (R2 = 0.402, P = 0.0007). Within the liraglutide group, patients with baseline ACE >0.66 had improvement in ACE (−0.134 ± 0.03) compared to those without significant steatosis (−0.041 ± 0.02, P = 0.05).ConclusionsIn this pilot trial, liraglutide, 3.0 mg over 16 weeks, reduced hepatic steatosis; a reduction in hepatic steatosis is correlated with BMI reduction, and effects are particularly evident in those with a significant degree of steatosis by ultrasound imaging.
In defense of the quasimolecular ion
Authors: Murray Kermit K. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThe term quasimolecular ion has been used to describe ions comprising a molecule and weakly bound positive or negative ion or an ion formed by the loss of a proton from a molecule. This term was used in mass spectrometry from the late 1960s after the development of chemical ionization but has been deprecated in recent terms recommendations due to what is perceived as its overly broad use. This letter argues that the term is well defined and has a long history of use in mass spectrometry and other fields and should be considered as a recommended term.
Tri‐ and dipeptides identification in whey protein and porcine liver protein hydrolysates by fast LC–MS/MS neutral loss screening and de novo sequencing
Authors: Poliseli Camila B. , Tonin Angelica P.P. , Martinez Fernanda C. , Nascimento Nicholas C. do , Braz Vilmar , Maluf Jose , Ribeiro Valquiria M.S. , Della Rosa Fernanda A. , Souza Gustavo H.M.F. , Meurer Eduardo C. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractWe describe a fast (5 min) liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method (LC–MS/MS) based on a 46 Da neutral loss of formic acid (H2O and CO) to identify tri‐ and dipeptides (DIPEP) in whey protein and porcine liver protein hydrolysates and confirmed by further de novo sequencing. Sample solutions were acidified to favor [dipep + H]+ ions, and a m/z range of 50–300 was used to improve sensitivity. All dipeptide candidates were selected based on all possibilities of the 20 amino acid combinations, and their collision‐induced dissociation fragments were screened via de novo sequencing. To determine their biological activities, sequenced dipeptides were compared with the Biopep database and other data from literature. Altogether, 18 dipeptides and 7 tripeptides were identified from the whey protein hydrolysate; they seemed to be broadly active, and peptides were identified as active dipeptidyl peptidase IV inhibitors and active angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE), according to available information. Porcine liver hydrolysate showed 14 dipeptides which exhibit similar biological activities to whey protein hydrolysate.
Purification of a killer toxin from Aureobasidium pullulans for the biocontrol of phytopathogens
Authors: Moura Vanessa S. , Pollettini Flávia L. , Ferraz Luriany P. , Mazzi Maurício V. , Kupper Katia C. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThe objectives of the present study were to purify and assess the killer toxin effect produced by Aureobasidium pullulans under casual agents of green mold (Penicillum digitatum) and sour rot (Geotrichum citri‐aurantii). Initially, different methods of protein precipitation were tested. The proteolytic activity and the presence of proteins acting on cell wall receptors, β‐1,3‐glucanase and chitinase were determined, and toxin purification was conducted by Sephadex G‐75 gel exclusion chromatography and cellulose chromatography (medium fibers). Subsequently, purification was confirmed by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and the detection of killer activity was performed in solid YEPD‐methylene blue buffered with citrate‐phosphate (0.1 M, pH 4.6). Toxin identification was performed by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. The results showed that the best protein precipitation method was 2:1 ethanol (vol/vol ethanol/supernatant). It was possible to observe the presence of enzymes with proteolytic activity, including β‐1,3‐glucanase and chitinase. During the purification process, it was verified that the killer toxin produced by the yeast has a low‐molecular‐weight protein belonging to the ubiquitin family, which presents killer activity against P. digitatum and G. citri‐aurantii.
Changes in soil organic carbon fractions in response to wheat straw incorporation in a subtropical paddy field in China
Authors: Dai Wei , Gao Hui , Sha Zhimin , Penttinen Petri , Fang Kaikai , Wang Jun , Cao Linkui 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackground: Optimal wheat straw management in paddy fields is important for evaluating soil organic carbon (SOC) dynamics and sustaining soil quality.Aims: We investigated the effects of wheat straw incorporation in paddy soil on the total SOC content, soil labile organic C fractions [water soluble organic C (WSOC), hot‐water soluble organic C (HWSOC), easily oxidizable C (EOC), microbial biomass C (MBC), particulate organic C (POC), and light fraction organic C (LFOC)], and C pool management index (CPMI).Methods: Rice (var. Qingjiao 307) was grown from June to November 2019 in a subtropical paddy field, under four different treatments: without any amendments (control; CK); with N, P, and K fertilizers (NPK); with NPK and a moderate rate of wheat straw application (NPKS1); and with NPK and a high rate of wheat straw application (NPKS2). Soil samples were collected from depths of 0–5, 5–10, 10–20, and 20–30 cm after the rice was harvested.Results: In all soil layers, the bulk density was 10.79–51.85% lower and the total SOC, WSOC, HWSOC, EOC, MBC, POC, and LFOC contents were 13.87–145.97% higher in the NPKS2 treatment than in the CK treatment (p < 0.05). The CPMI was highest in the NPKS2 treatment in the top 20 cm soil. SOC correlated positively with labile C fractions and CPMI in the 0–5 and 5–10 cm soil layers (p < 0.05), with the exception of WSOC and LFOC in the 5–10 cm soil layer. The sensitivity of each soil labile organic C fraction to the different treatments varied in the 0–5 cm soil layer. Rice yield was highest in the NPKS2 treatment.Conclusions: Overall, the NPKS2 treatment had a positive effect on SOC stocks and higher soil quality in subtropical paddy soils in China.
Isolation and characterization of fast‐growing green snow bacteria from coastal East Antarctica
Authors: Smirnova Margarita , Miamin Uladzislau , Kohler Achim , Valentovich Leonid , Akhremchuk Artur , Sidarenka Anastasiya , Dolgikh Andrey , Shapaval Volha 
Published: December 2020

AbstractSnow microorganisms play a significant role in climate change and affecting the snow melting rate in the Arctic and Antarctic regions. While research on algae inhabiting green and red snow has been performed extensively, bacteria dwelling in this biotope have been studied to a much lesser extent. In this study, we performed 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing of two green snow samples collected from the coastal area of the eastern part of Antarctica and conducted genotypic and phenotypic profiling of 45 fast‐growing bacteria isolated from these samples. 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing of two green snow samples showed that bacteria inhabiting these samples are mostly represented by families Burkholderiaceae (46.31%), Flavobacteriaceae (22.98%), and Pseudomonadaceae (17.66%). Identification of 45 fast‐growing bacteria isolated from green snow was performed using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. We demonstrated that they belong to the phyla Actinobacteria and Proteobacteria, and are represented by the genera Arthrobacter, Cryobacterium, Leifsonia, Salinibacterium, Paeniglutamicibacter, Rhodococcus, Polaromonas, Pseudomonas, and Psychrobacter. Nearly all bacterial isolates exhibited various growth temperatures from 4°C to 25°C, and some isolates were characterized by a high level of enzymatic activity. Phenotyping using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy revealed a possible accumulation of intracellular polymer polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) or lipids in some isolates. The bacteria showed different lipids/PHA and protein profiles. It was shown that lipid/PHA and protein spectral regions are the most discriminative for differentiating the isolates.
Novel mutations in hyper‐IgM syndrome type 2 and X‐linked agammaglobulinemia detected in three patients with primary immunodeficiency disease
Authors: Chen Xihui , Liu Fangfang , Yuan Lijuan , Zhang Meng , Chen Kun , Wu Yuanming 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackgroundAmbiguous or atypical phenotypes can make a definite diagnosis of primary immunodeficiency diseases based on biochemical indices alone challenging. Further, mortality in early life because of infections in patients with these conditions supports the use of genetic tests to facilitate rapid and accurate diagnoses.MethodsGenetic and clinical analyses of three unrelated Chinese children with clinical manifestations of recurrent infections, who were considered to have primary immunodeficiency diseases, were conducted. Patient clinical features and serum immunological indices were recorded. Next‐generation sequencing was used to screen for suspected pathogenic variants. Family co‐segregation and in silico analysis were conducted to evaluate the pathogenicity of identified variants, following the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics guidance.ResultsAll three patients were found to have predominant antibody defects. Sequencing analysis revealed that one had two compound heterozygous variants, c.255C>A and c.295C>T, in the autosomal gene, activation‐induced cytidine deaminase (AICDA). The other two patients were each hemizygous for the variants c.1185G>A and c.82C>T in the Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) gene on the X chromosome. In silico analysis revealed that identified substituted amino acids were highly conserved and predicted to cause structural and functional damage to the proteins.ConclusionFour pathogenic variants in AICDA and BTK were confirmed to cause different forms of hyper‐IgM syndrome type 2 (HIGM2) and X‐linked agammaglobulinemia (XLA); two were novel mutations that have never been reported previously. This is the first report of HIGM2 caused by AICDA deficiency in a patient from the Chinese mainland.
Significance of thermodynamics and rheological characteristics of dope solutions on the morphological evolution of polyethersulfone ultrafiltration membranes
Authors: Alibakhshi Somayeh , Youssefi Mostafa , Hosseini Seyed Saeid , Zadhoush Ali 
Published: December 2020

AbstractHerein, the effect of solvent type and polymer concentration on the thermodynamic and viscoelastic properties, and performance of polyethersulfone (PES) ultrafiltration (UF) membranes are investigated. The morphology and mechanical properties of the membranes are examined too. Rheological measurements indicated that solidification and instantaneous demixing occurred fast for PES/N‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidone (NMP) dope solution. This resulted in a dense skin layer with a finger‐like structure confirmed by the scanning electron microscopy images. In comparison, PES/dimethylformamide (DMF) exhibited a delayed solidification and demixing with a sponge‐like structure. Rheological characteristics and ternary phase diagrams of two systems are examined to gain insights and make correlations with the morphology of resultant membranes. Performance analysis revealed that membranes derived from PES/NMP system exhibited both improved pure water flux and bovine serum albumin rejection suggesting the superiority of NMP compared to DMF as the solvent of choice for the preparation of PES UF membranes.
Identification of Blue Discoloration in PBX 9404 using Ultrahigh Pressure Liquid Chromatography with Quadrupole Time‐of‐Flight Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Freye Chris E. , Lease Nicholas , Brown Geoff W. , Tappan Bryce C. , Thompson Darla G. , Rosales Christopher J. , Larson Sheldon A. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractPBX 9404, composed of 94 wt% HMX (1,3,5,7‐Tetranitro‐1,3,5,7‐tetrazoctane), 3 wt% NC (nitrocellulose), 2.9 wt% CEF (tris(beta‐chloroethyl) phosphate) and 0.1 wt% DPA (diphenylamine), has often been observed with a slight to entire blue discoloration of the manufactured prills. This blue discoloration has been observed since the formulation development of PBX 9404 in the late 1950s. In order to determine the source of the blue discoloration in PBX 9404, ultraviolet/visible (UV/Vis) absorbance of PBX 9404 and two potential candidates for the discoloration, p‐nitrosodiphenylamine (p‐NDPA) and N‐nitrosodiphenylamine (N‐NDPA) were evaluated. An absorbance band at 590 nm in PBX 9404 sample was attributed to the blue discoloration while p‐NDPA and N‐NPDA had different absorbance bands. Using the knowledge gained from the UV/Vis analysis, a semi‐targeted approach using ultrahigh pressure liquid chromatography coupled to UV/Vis detector and quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC‐UV/Vis‐QTOF) was implemented. Investigating the UHPLC‐UV/Vis‐QTOF chromatograms at a wavelength of 590 nm, a single compound was tentatively identified as being the source of the blue discoloration. Targeted tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) on the compound and subsequent analysis indicated that 4,4′‐{[4‐(Phenylimino)‐2,5‐cyclohexadien‐1‐ylidene]methylene}bis(N‐phenylaniline), also known as Spirit Blue Base, was the source of the blue discoloration, which was confirmed using a standard. A theory on the formation of Spirit Blue Base in PBX 9404 involving DPA, nitric acid (HNO3) / nitrogen oxide(s) NOx, and formaldehyde is proposed.