bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dithienylethene‐Based Photochromic Siloles: A Straightforward and Divergent Synthetic Strategy
Authors: Devillard Marc , Nour Eddine Nour , Cordier Marie , Alcaraz Gilles
Published: March 2021

A straightforward synthetic methodology for the preparation of photochromic siloles based on the dithienylethene motif is developed. It relies upon an efficient palladium‐catalyzed annulation reaction of a 2,3‐bis(3‐thienyl)‐silirene with terminal alkynes in mild conditions. The reaction is functional group‐tolerant and can be performed in high yields with a variety of functional terminal alkynes. It can even be extended to a polymeric polypropargylmethacrylamide (PPMA) substrate affording the corresponding photochromic polymer with different degree of photochromic unit incorporation by simply adjusting the polymer/ silirene stoichiometric ratio.
Trimetallic Spinel NiCo2−xFexO4 Nanoboxes for Highly Efficient Electrocatalytic Oxygen Evolution
Authors: Huang Yi , Zhang Song Lin , Lu Xue Feng , Wu Zhi‐Peng , Luan Deyan , Lou Xiong Wen (David)
Published: March 2021

The development of efficient and low‐cost electrocatalysts toward the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is critical for improving the efficiency of several electrochemical energy conversion and storage devices. Here, we report an elaborate design and synthesis of porous Co‐based trimetallic spinel oxide nanoboxes (NiCo2−xFexO4 NBs) by a novel metal‐organic framework engaged strategy, which involves chemical etching, cation exchange, and subsequent thermal oxidation processes. Owing to the structural and compositional advantages, the optimized trimetallic NiCo2−xFexO4 NBs (x is about 0.117) deliver superior electrocatalytic performance for OER with an overpotential of 274 mV at 10 mA cm−2, a small Tafel slope of 42 mV dec−1, and good stability in alkaline electrolyte, which is much better than that of Co‐based bi/monometallic spinel oxides and even commercial RuO2.
Eating disturbances in adults with autism spectrum disorder without intellectual disabilities
Authors: Demartini Benedetta , Nisticò Veronica , Bertino Vincenzo , Tedesco Roberta , Faggioli Raffaella , Priori Alberto , Gambini Orsola
Published: March 2021

There is a growing interest in the relationship between autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) and eating disorders (EDs), two relatively common conditions lying on a spectrum from mild to severe clinical features. However, only limited data are available about pathological eating behaviors throughout adults on the autistic spectrum. The aim of the present study is to assess dysfunctional eating behaviors, including EDs manifestations and ASDs‐related eating disturbances, in a population of adults with ASDs without intellectual disabilities. We recruited 106 adults on the autistic spectrum, without intellectual disability and 103 neurotypical adults (NAs). Participants completed the “Eating Attitude Test” (EAT‐26), to measure symptoms and concerns characteristic of EDs, and the “Swedish Eating Assessment for Autism Spectrum Disorders” (SWEAA), to assess eating behaviors frequently observed within the autistic spectrum. Participants with ASDs scored significantly higher than NA at the EAT‐26 and at the SWEAA. Moreover, participants with ASDs scored higher than NA at the EAT‐26 subscales Dieting and Bulimia. The difference between groups remained significant after controlling for the effect of age, biological sex, and BMI. These results suggest that adults with ASDs without intellectual disability presented not only a higher prevalence of eating disturbances typical of the autistic spectrum, but also other symptoms of EDs in comparison to NA.

Lay Summary

For both scales assessing eating disturbances (EAT‐26 and SWEAA), participants with ASDs scored higher than NA, presenting a higher prevalence both of eating disturbances typical of ASDs and of ED symptoms (distorted body image, tendency toward bulimic behaviors, and self‐control of eating).
Biosynthesis of Sinapigladioside, an Antifungal Isothiocyanate from Burkholderia Symbionts
Authors: Dose Benjamin , Niehs Sarah P. , Scherlach Kirstin , Shahda Sophie , Flórez Laura V. , Kaltenpoth Martin , Hertweck Christian
Published: March 2021

Sinapigladioside is a rare isothiocyanate‐bearing natural product from beetle‐associated bacteria (Burkholderia gladioli) that might protect beetle offspring against entomopathogenic fungi. The biosynthetic origin of sinapigladioside has been elusive, and little is known about bacterial isothiocyanate biosynthesis in general. On the basis of stable‐isotope labeling, bioinformatics, and mutagenesis, we identified the sinapigladioside biosynthesis gene cluster in the symbiont and found that an isonitrile synthase plays a key role in the biosynthetic pathway. Genome mining and network analyses indicate that related gene clusters are distributed across various bacterial phyla including producers of both nitriles and isothiocyanates. Our findings support a model for bacterial isothiocyanate biosynthesis by sulfur transfer into isonitrile precursors.
Calcium activity in response to nAChR ligands in murine bone marrow granulocytes with different Gr‐1 expression
Authors: Serov Dmitriy , Tikhonova Irina , Safronova Valentina , Astashev Maksim
Published: March 2021

Polymorphonuclear neutrophilic granulocytes (PMNs) are the largest proportion of leukocytes in adult human blood that perform numerous functions, including phagocytosis, degranulation, generation of reactive oxygen species, and NETosis. Excessive neutrophil activity associates with hyperinflammation and tissue damage during pathologies such as inflammatory bowel disease, diabetes mellitus, tuberculosis, and coronavirus disease 2019. Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) can modulate immune cells, including neutrophils, functions, therefore, nAChR ligands are considered as the potent agents for therapy of inflammation. Earlier it was shown, that about 30% of PMNs from the acute inflammatory site responded to nicotine by calcium spikes. In this study, we studied the generation of calcium spikes in murine granulocytes with different maturity level (evaluated by Gr‐1 expression) isolated from bone marrow in response to ligands of nAChRs in control and under chronic nicotine consumption. It was found that nearly 20%–25% cells in the granulocyte population responded to nicotine or selective antagonists of different type of nAChRs (α‐cobratoxin, GIC, and Vc1.1). We demonstrated that in the control group Ca2+‐mobilizing activity was regulated through α7 and α9α10 nAChRs in immature granulocytes (Gr‐1int), whereas in mature granulocytes (Gr‐1hi) it was regulated through α7, α3β2, and α9‐contained nAChRs. Sensitivity of PMNs to nicotine depended on their maturity level after chronic nicotine consumption. Gr‐1int cells responded to nicotine through α7 and α9‐contained nAChRs, while Gr‐1hi did not respond to nicotine. Thus, calcium response to nAChR ligands in bone marrow PMNs depends on their maturity level.
Targeted organizational capability development: Comparative analysis of operational and dynamic capabilities
Authors: Slaouti Abdenour
Published: March 2021

Managers often face the need to renew their capabilities in dynamic markets. To increase their chances of success, we first offer a model of the capability‐building process that details five interconnected phases as well as the precautions and conditions to be taken into account for its completion. Our subsequent analysis of 29 empirical studies shows the advantages of integrating the routines of new capabilities, and this, for a successful process. Finally, we identify four situations around the formation of distinct capabilities, which should enlighten managers in their decision‐making in relation to the construction of new organizational capabilities.
Asymmetric Synthesis of Chiral 1,3‐Disubstituted Allylsilanes via Copper(I)‐Catalyzed 1,4‐Conjugate Silylation of α,β‐Unsaturated Sulfones and Subsequent Julia‐Kocienski Olefination
Authors: Wang Xian‐Liang , Yin Xing‐Hao , Xiao Jun‐Zhao , Jia Xue‐Shun , Yin Liang
Published: March 2021

Main observation and conclusion

A general synthesis of chiral 1,3‐disubstituted allylsilanes is established through copper(I)‐catalyzed asymmetric 1,4‐conjugate silylation of α,β‐unsaturated sulfones and subsequent Julia‐Kocienski olefination. By modification of McQuade's NHC ligand, the catalytic asymmetric conjugate silylation with a broad substrate scope is achieved in high enantioselectivity. The following Julia‐Kocienski olefination proceeds smoothly at room temperature to deliver an array of chiral allylsilanes in moderate yields. More interestingly, a one‐pot asymmetric synthesis with high synthetic efficiency is successfully realized. Utility of the prepared chiral 1,3‐disubsituted allylsilanes is demonstrated in the asymmetric allylation of both aldehyde and aldimine. Finally, an interesting “match and mismatch” phenomenon is observed in the asymmetric allylation of chiral aldehydes.
Molecular and clinical predictors of improvement in progression‐free survival with maintenance PARP inhibitor therapy in women with platinum‐sensitive, recurrent ovarian cancer: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Lee Chee Khoon , Friedlander Michael L. , Tjokrowidjaja Angelina , Ledermann Jonathan A. , Coleman Robert L. , Mirza Mansoor R. , Matulonis Ursula A. , Pujade‐Lauraine Eric , Bloomfield Ralph , Goble Sandra , Wang Ping , Glasspool Rosalind M. , Scott Clare L. ,   the Gynecologic Cancer Intergroup Meta‐Analysis Committee
Published: March 2021

BACKGROUND

The authors performed a meta‐analysis to better quantify the benefit of maintenance poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerase inhibitor (PARPi) therapy to inform practice in platinum‐sensitive, recurrent, high‐grade ovarian cancer for patient subsets with the following characteristics: germline BRCA mutation (gBRCAm), somatic BRCA mutation (sBRCAm), wild‐type BRCA but homologous recombinant‐deficient (HRD), homologous recombinant‐proficient (HRP), and baseline clinical prognostic characteristics.

METHODS

Randomized trials comparing a PARPi versus placebo as maintenance treatment were identified from electronic databases. Treatment estimates of progression‐free survival were pooled across trials using the inverse variance weighted method.

RESULTS

Four trials included 972 patients who received a PARPi (olaparib, 31%; niraparib, 35%; or rucaparib, 34%) and 530 patients who received placebo. For patients who had germline BRCA1 mutation (gBRCAm1) (N = 471), the hazard ratio (HR) was 0.29 (95% CI, 0.23‐0.37); for those who had germline BRCA2 mutation (gBRCAm2) (N = 236), the HR was 0.26 (95% CI, 0.17‐0.39); and, for those who had sBRCAm (N = 123), the HR was 0.22 (95% CI, 0.12‐0.41). The treatment effect was similar between the gBRCAm and sBRCAm subsets (P = .48). In patients who had wild‐type BRCA HRD tumors (excluding sBRCAm; N = 309), the HR was 0.41 (95% CI, 0.31‐0.56); and, in those who had wild‐type BRCA HRP tumors (N = 346), the HR was 0.64 (95% CI, 0.49‐0.83). The relative treatment effect was greater for the BRCAm versus HRD (P = .03), BRCAm versus HRP (P < .00001), and HRD versus HRP (P < .00001) subsets. There was no difference in benefit based on age, response after recent chemotherapy, and prior bevacizumab.

CONCLUSIONS

In platinum‐sensitive, recurrent, high‐grade ovarian cancer, maintenance PARPi improves progression‐free survival for all patient subsets. PARPi therapy has a similar magnitude of benefit for sBRCAm and gBRCAm. Although patients with BRCAm derive the greatest benefit, the absence of a BRCAm or HRD could not be used to exclude patients from maintenance PARPi therapy.
How to distinguish red coloring matter used in prehistoric time? The contribution of visible near‐infrared diffuse reflectance spectroscopy
Authors: Chalmin Emilie , Schmitt Bernard , Chanteraud Claire , de Kergommeaux Aurélie Chassin , Soufi Fayçal , Salomon Hélène
Published: March 2021

Although the main prehistoric color used for paintings is red, knowledge of this coloring matter often boils down to saying that it is “ochre.” However, the red coloring matter of Prehistory is numerous and may have been the subject of various preparations, mixtures, or even alterations. Understanding the use and transformation of coloring matter raises questions about the technical processes but also about the supply strategies of these ancient societies. In the case of analysis of solid archaeological remains, we can access the petrography, mineralogy and chemistry of these ferruginous rocks. But, when it is about deposited powder, the means of investigation become limited. We therefore propose to test the complementarity of spectro‐radiometry, a non‐invasive method that allows us to obtain a spectral signature of the material whatever its mode of preparation. From six geological reference samples chosen for their color (from red to yellow) and for their mineralogical composition, spectra in the visible and near‐infrared were recorded under several experimental conditions and several modes of preparation of the matter, using two spectro‐gonio radiometers. It is then possible to discriminate these different coloring matter on the basis of their spectral signature and to understand the link with their mineral composition.
Relationship of the Calcitonin Gene‐Related Peptide Monoclonal Antibody Galcanezumab Pharmacokinetics and Capsaicin‐Induced Dermal Blood Flow in Healthy Subjects
Authors: Fiedler‐Kelly Jill , Raddad Eyas , de Hoon Jan , Ludwig Elizabeth A. , Passarell Julie , Kielbasa William , Collins Emily C.
Published: March 2021

Galcanezumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody targeting calcitonin gene‐related peptide, was recently approved for migraine prophylaxis. The pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) relationship between galcanezumab concentration and inhibition of capsaicin‐induced dermal blood flow (CIDBF) was evaluated using first‐in‐human data following 6 single subcutaneous doses (1 to 600 mg) or multiple (4) 150‐mg doses every 2 weeks in 7 cohorts (7 actively treated subjects and 2 placebo‐treated healthy subjects). Galcanezumab pharmacokinetics were best described by a 1‐compartment model with delayed first‐order absorption/linear elimination. Apparent estimates (between‐subject variability) of clearance, volume of distribution, absorption rate constant, and lag time were 0.0106 L/h (27%CV), 11.2 L (21%CV), 0.0192 h–1 (89%CV), and 0.202 hours, respectively. Estimated elimination half‐life was about 30 days. An effect compartment link model described the concentration‐effect relationship; estimated maximum inhibitory effect was 70.5%, and 50% maximum inhibitory effect concentration (IC50) was 1060 ng/mL. Galcanezumab showed dose‐ and concentration‐dependent potent and durable inhibition of CIDBF. Simulated effect compartment concentrations were maintained above IC50 after 12 weeks of dosing. Near‐maximal CIDBF inhibition occurred with 150 mg biweekly for 12 weeks lasting ≥24 weeks or with ≥30 mg every 2 weeks or 195 mg every 13 weeks. Quantitative modeling of galcanezumab PK/PD supported dose selection for the phase 2 proof‐of‐concept study.
A weakly supervised tooth‐mark and crack detection method in tongue image
Authors: Weng Hui , Li Lei , Lei Huangwei , Luo Zhiming , Li Candong , Li Shaozi
Published: March 2021

Tongue diagnosis is one of the primary clinical diagnostic methods in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Recognizing the tooth‐marked tongue and the crackled tongue plays an essential role in evaluating the status of patients. Previous methods mainly focus on identifying whether a tongue image is a tooth‐marked tongue (cracked tongue) or not, while cannot provide more details. In this study, we propose a weakly supervised method for training the tooth‐mark and crack detection model by leveraging fully bounding‐box level annotated and coarse image‐level annotated tongue images. The proposed model is extended from the YOLO object detection model, and we add several classification branches for recognizing the tooth‐marked tongue and cracked tongue. The classification branch aims to predict the coarse label for both coarse‐labeled data and fully annotated data. The detection branch is used to locate the position of tooth marks and cracks from the fully annotated data. Finally, we utilize a multitask loss function for training the model. Experimental results on a challenging tongue image dataset demonstrate the effectiveness of our proposed weakly supervised method.
Application of near infrared spectroscopy for determination of relationship between crop year, maturity group, location, and carbohydrate composition in soybeans
Authors: Singh Mukti , Bowman Michael J. , Berhow Mark A. , Price Neil P. J. , Liu Sean X.
Published: March 2021

Over 40,000 discrete samples of soybeans (Glycine max) were obtained from locations around the United States grown during the years 2013–2018. The samples were ground and scanned on near infrared spectrometer (NIRS). The carbohydrate composition—sucrose, raffinose family oligosaccharides, total soluble sugar composition, total insoluble sugars, and total uronic acids—was determined by prediction using NIRS calibration models. Multiple linear regression models were developed using about 2,300 soybean samples and an additional 700 samples for validation with NIRS scans and carbohydrate composition measurements using analytical methods. Relationship between carbohydrates and the agronomic traits of the soybeans were determined. It was found that crop year, maturity group, and location had a significant effect on the carbohydrate composition of soybeans. NIRS is an accurate, rapid, and nondestructive method to determine carbohydrate composition in large numbers of soybeans.
A Bayesian resampling approach to estimate the difference in effect sizes in consumer social responses to CSR initiatives versus corporate abilities
Authors: Marquina Percy , Charles Vincent
Published: March 2021

We expand previous analyses and advance our understanding of the difference in the impact on consumer purchasing behaviour between pursuing corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives and improving corporate abilities. To this aim, a Bayesian bootstrapping simulation is applied to selected consumer samples for 123 homogeneous choice‐based conjoint studies. We develop a simulation‐based approach to estimate the empirical distributions of effect sizes under two Bayesian bootstrap resampling schemes. This approach permits us to evaluate the results for two predefined classifications: Foote‐Cone‐Belding (FCB) and gender. The results indicate that females exhibit higher concern for CSR initiatives. Furthermore, we found that managers can exploit the classification of their product in the FCB grid and obtain more efficient consumer responses by implementing strategies focused on certain attributes. This is the first application of the FCB grid to identify differences in consumer responses across different products with different levels of rational consideration and involvement.
Harmonics mitigation approach by using pulse‐doubling circuit in the AC–DC rectifier
Authors: Abdollahi Rohollah , Badfar Ehsan
Published: March 2021

In this research, a novel pulse‐doubling circuit (PDC) is employed to upgrade the 28‐pulse rectifier to the efficient 56‐pulse rectifier. The main objective of this research is to reduce the power kVA rating. In the autotransformer with a 14‐phase polygon structure, the kVA rating is approximately 39.5% of the load power. Since the pulse‐doubling method is utilized, the rectifier with 56 pulses has benefited from a simpler structure. With a comparison to the other rectifiers, the harmonic mitigation is the clearest feature of the proposed rectifier. According to the experimental and theoretical results, in the proposed rectifier with 56 pulses, the input current THD is less than 3%. Finally, the volume and cost of the proposed rectifier with 56 pulses show a notable reduction. In other words, the proposed rectifier is an economical choice for most sectors of the industry.
Clinical characteristics of endocrinopathies in Chinese patients with hereditary haemochromatosis
Authors: Wu Han , Yu Miao , Xiao Cheng , Zhang Qian , Xiao Xinhua
Published: March 2021

Aims

Hereditary haemochromatosis (HH) is a genetic disorder characterised by systemic iron overload and can lead to end‐organ failure. However, very few data on this disorder, especially those on endocrine gland involvement in Chinese populations, are currently available. This study aimed to analyse the clinical features of endocrinopathies in patients with HH to generate concern among endocrinologists and improve the management of this disorder.

Materials and Methods

Chinese patients with HH‐related endocrine dysfunction were enrolled at Peking Union Medical College Hospital from January 2010 to December 2018. All clinical data were analysed and summarised.

Results

A total of six patients were enrolled in this study, comprising five men and one woman; the average age was 36.5 ± 13.3 years. Mean serum ferritin concentration was 4508.8 ± 1074.3 ng/ml, and median transferrin saturation was 97.9% (96.6%–110.0%). Endocrine gland involvement associated with HH included the pancreas (5/6 patients), the adenohypophysis (5/6 patients) and the bones (1/6 patients); secondary endocrinopathies consisted of diabetes mellitus, hypogonadism, adrenal insufficiency and osteoporosis. Based on phlebotomy and iron chelation therapy, five patients were treated with exogenous insulin preparations, and three patients were treated with exogenous sex hormone replacement therapy. The clinical symptoms of five patients improved, although one patient died of hepatic encephalopathy and multiple organ failure.

Conclusions

HH can cause multiple endocrinopathies. The possibility of HH should be carefully considered in patients with endocrine gland dysfunctions and concomitant elevated serum ferritin levels. Endocrine gland function should also be assessed and followed up in patients with a clear diagnosis of HH.
Deep reefs are not refugium for shallow‐water fish communities in the southwestern Atlantic
Authors: Medeiros Aline P. M. , Ferreira Beatrice P. , Alvarado Fredy , Betancur‐R Ricardo , Soares Marcelo O. , Santos Bráulio A.
Published: March 2021

The deep reef refugia hypothesis (DRRH) predicts that deep reef ecosystems may act as refugium for the biota of disturbed shallow waters. Because deep reefs are among the most understudied habitats on Earth, formal tests of the DRRH remain scarce. If the DRRH is valid at the community level, the diversity of species, functions, and lineages of fish communities of shallow reefs should be encapsulated in deep reefs.

We tested the DRRH by assessing the taxonomic, functional, and phylogenetic diversity of 22 Brazilian fish communities between 2 and 62 m depth. We partitioned the gamma diversity of shallow (<30 m) and deep reefs (>30 m) into independent alpha and beta components, accounted for species’ abundance, and assessed whether beta patterns were mostly driven by spatial turnover or nestedness.

We recorded 3,821 fishes belonging to 85 species and 36 families. Contrary to DRRH expectations, only 48% of the species occurred in both shallow and deep reefs. Alpha diversity of rare species was higher in deep reefs as expected, but alpha diversity of typical and dominant species did not vary with depth. Alpha functional diversity was higher in deep reefs only for rare and typical species, but not for dominant species. Alpha phylogenetic diversity was consistently higher in deep reefs, supporting DRRH expectations.

Profiles of taxonomic, functional, and phylogenetic beta diversity indicated that deep reefs were not more heterogeneous than shallow reefs, contradicting expectations of biotic homogenization near sea surface. Furthermore, pairwise beta‐diversity analyses revealed that the patterns were mostly driven by spatial turnover rather than nestedness at any depth.

Conclusions. Although some results support the DRRH, most indicate that the shallow‐water reef fish diversity is not fully encapsulated in deep reefs. Every reef contributes significantly to the regional diversity and must be managed and protected accordingly.
Phylogeography of sugar kelp: Northern ice‐age refugia in the Gulf of Alaska
Authors: Grant William Stewart , Chenoweth Erica
Published: March 2021

Many Northeast (NE) Pacific fishes and invertebrates survived Pleistocene glaciations in northern refugia, but the extent that kelps survived in northern areas is uncertain. Here, we test the hypothesis that populations of sugar kelp (Saccharina latissima) persisted in the Gulf of Alaska during ice‐age maxima when the western margin of the Cordilleran ice sheet covered coastal areas around the NE Pacific Ocean. We estimated genetic diversities within and phylogeographical relationships among 14 populations along 2,800 km in the NE Pacific and Bering Sea with partial sequences of mitochondrial DNA 5′‐cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI, bp = 624, n = 543), chloroplast DNA ribulose‐1,5‐bisphosphate carboxylase large subunit‐3′ (rbcL, bp = 735, n = 514), and 11 microsatellite loci. Concatenated sequences of rbcL and COI showed moderate levels of within‐population genetic diversity (mean h = 0.200) but substantial differences among populations (ΦST = 0.834, p < .0001). Microsatellites showed moderate levels of heterozygosity within populations (mean HE = 0.391). Kelps in the same organellar lineage tended to cluster together, regardless of geographic origins, as indicated in a principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) of microsatellite genotypes. The PCoA also showed evidence of nuclear hybridizations between co‐occurring organellar lineages. Individual admixture plots with population clusters of K = 2, 6, and 9 showed increasing complexity with considerable historical admixture between some clusters. A time‐calibrated phylogeny placed divergences between rbcL‐COI lineages at 1.4 million years at most. The time frames of mutation in the rbcL‐COI lineages and microsatellite population clusters differed among locations. The existence of ancient lineages in the Gulf of Alaska, moderate levels of genetic diversity, and the absence of departures from neutrality are consistent with northern refugia during multiple Croll‐Milankovitch climate cycles in the Pleistocene Epoch.
Embryo ecology: Developmental synchrony and asynchrony in the embryonic development of wild annual fish populations
Authors: Polačik Matej , Vrtílek Milan , Reichard Martin , Žák Jakub , Blažek Radim , Podrabsky Jason
Published: March 2021

Embryo–environment interactions are of paramount importance during the development of all organisms, and impacts during this period can echo far into later stages of ontogeny. African annual fish of the genus Nothobranchius live in temporary pools and their eggs survive the dry season in the dry bottom substrate of the pools by entering a facultative developmental arrest termed diapause. Uniquely among animals, the embryos (encased in eggs) may enter diapause at three different developmental stages. Such a system allows for the potential to employ different regulation mechanisms for each diapause. We sampled multiple Nothobranchius embryo banks across the progressing season, species, and populations. We present important baseline field data and examine the role of environmental regulation in the embryonic development of this unique system. We describe the course of embryo development in the wild and find it to be very different from the typical development under laboratory conditions. Development across the embryo banks was synchronized within and across the sampled populations with all embryos entering diapause I during the rainy season and diapause II during the dry season. Asynchrony occurred at transient phases of the habitat, during the process of habitat desiccation, and at the end of the dry season. Our findings reveal the significance of environmental conditions in the serial character of the annual fish diapauses.
An empirical test of the bet‐hedging polyandry hypothesis: Female red flour beetles avoid extinction via multiple mating
Authors: Matsumura Kentarou , Miyatake Takahisa , Yasui Yukio
Published: March 2021

Bet‐hedging via polyandry (spreading the extinction risk of the female's lineage over multiple males) may explain the evolution of female multiple mating, which is found in a wide range of animal and plant taxa. This hypothesis posits that females can increase their fitness via polyandrous mating when “unsuitable” males (i.e., males causing reproductive failure for various reasons) are frequent in the population and females cannot discriminate such unsuitable mates. Although recent theoretical studies have shown that polyandry can operate as a bet‐hedging strategy, empirical tests are scarce. In the present study, we tested the bet‐hedging polyandry hypothesis by using the red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum. We compared female reproductive success between monandry and polyandry treatments when females mated with males randomly collected from an experimental population, including 20% irradiated (infertile) males. In addition, we evaluated geometric mean fitness across multiple generations as the index of adaptability of bet‐hedging traits. Polyandrous females showed a significantly higher egg hatching rate and higher geometric mean fitness than monandrous females. These results strongly support the bet‐hedging polyandry hypothesis.
Hypogonadism induced by surgical stress and brain trauma is reversed by human chorionic gonadotropin in male rats: A potential therapy for surgical and TBI‐induced hypogonadism?
Authors: Geddes Rastafa I. , Kapoor Amita , Hayashi Kentaro , Rauh Ryan , Wehber Marlyse , Bongers Quinn , Jansen Alex D. , Anderson Icelle M. , Farquhar Gabrielle , Vadakkadath‐Meethal Sivan , Ziegler Toni E. , Atwood Craig S.
Published: March 2021

Introduction

Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (HH) is an almost universal, yet underappreciated, endocrinological complication of traumatic brain injury (TBI). The goal of this study was to determine whether the developmental hormone human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) treatment could reverse HH induced by a TBI.

Methods

Plasma samples were collected at post‐surgery/post‐injury (PSD/PID) days ‐10, 1, 11, 19 and 29 from male Sprague‐Dawley rats (5‐ to 6‐month‐old) that had undergone a Sham surgery (craniectomy alone) or CCI injury (craniectomy + bilateral moderate‐to‐severe CCI injury) and treatment with saline or hCG (400 IU/kg; i.m.) every other day.

Results

Both Sham and CCI injury significantly decreased circulating testosterone (T), 11‐deoxycorticosterone (11‐DOC) and corticosterone concentrations to a similar extent (79.1% vs. 80.0%; 46.6% vs. 48.4%; 56.2% vs. 32.5%; respectively) by PSD/PID 1. hCG treatment  returned circulating T to baseline concentrations by PSD/PID 1 (8.9 ± 1.5 ng/ml and 8.3 ± 1.9 ng/ml; respectively) and was maintained through PSD/PID 29. hCG treatment significantly, but transiently, increased circulating progesterone (P4) ~3‐fold (30.2 ± 10.5 ng/ml and 24.2 ± 5.8 ng/ml) above that of baseline concentrations on PSD 1 and PID 1, respectively. hCG treatment did not reverse hypoadrenalism following either procedure.

Conclusions

Together, these data indicate that (1) craniectomy is sufficient to induce persistent hypogonadism and hypoadrenalism, (2) hCG can reverse hypogonadism induced by a craniectomy or craniectomy +CCI injury, suggesting that (3) craniectomy and CCI injury induce a persistent hypogonadism by decreasing hypothalamic and/or pituitary function rather than testicular function in male rats. The potential role of hCG as a cheap, safe and readily available treatment for reversing surgery or TBI‐induced hypogonadism is discussed.
The emotional face of anorexia nervosa: The neural correlates of emotional processing
Authors: Halls Daniel , Leslie Monica , Leppanen Jenni , Sedgewick Felicity , Surguladze Simon , Fonville Leon , Lang Katie , Simic Mima , Nicholls Dasha , Williams Steven , Tchanturia Kate
Published: March 2021

Social–emotional processing difficulties have been reported in Anorexia Nervosa (AN), yet the neural correlates remain unclear. Previous neuroimaging work is sparse and has not used functional connectivity paradigms to more fully explore the neural correlates of emotional difficulties. Fifty‐seven acutely unwell AN (AAN) women, 60 weight‐recovered AN (WR) women and 69 healthy control (HC) women categorised the gender of a series of emotional faces while undergoing Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging. The mean age of the AAN group was 19.40 (2.83), WR 18.37 (3.59) and HC 19.37 (3.36). A whole brain and psychophysical interaction connectivity approach was used. Parameter estimates from significant clusters were extracted and correlated with clinical symptoms. Whilst no group level differences in whole brain activation were demonstrated, significant group level functional connectivity differences emerged. WR participants showed increased connectivity between the bilateral occipital face area and the cingulate, precentral gyri, superior, middle, medial and inferior frontal gyri compared to AAN and HC when viewing happy valenced faces. Eating disorder symptoms and parameter estimates were positively correlated. Our findings characterise the neural basis of social–emotional processing in a large sample of individuals with AN.
Large‐scale functional network connectivity mediate the associations of gut microbiota with sleep quality and executive functions
Authors: Cai Huanhuan , Wang Chunli , Qian Yinfeng , Zhang Shujun , Zhang Cun , Zhao Wenming , Zhang Tingting , Zhang Biao , Chen Jingyao , Liu Siyu , Zhu Jiajia , Yu Yongqiang
Published: March 2021

Network neuroscience has broadly conceptualized the functions of the brain as complex communication within and between large‐scale neural networks. Nevertheless, whether and how the gut microbiota influence functional network connectivity that in turn impact human behaviors has yet to be determined. We collected fecal samples from 157 healthy young adults and used 16S sequencing to assess gut microbial diversity and enterotypes. Large‐scale inter‐ and intranetwork functional connectivity was measured using a combination of resting‐state functional MRI data and independent component analysis. Sleep quality and core executive functions were also evaluated. Then, we tested for potential associations between gut microbiota, functional network connectivity and behaviors. We found significant associations of gut microbial diversity with internetwork functional connectivity between the executive control, default mode and sensorimotor systems, and intranetwork connectivity of the executive control system. Moreover, some internetwork functional connectivity mediated the relations of microbial diversity with sleep quality, working memory, and attention. In addition, there was a significant effect of enterotypes on intranetwork connectivity of the executive control system, which could mediate the link between enterotypes and executive function. Our findings not only may expand existing biological knowledge of the gut microbiota‐brain‐behavior relationships from the perspective of large‐scale functional network organization, but also may ultimately inform a translational conceptualization of how to improve sleep quality and executive functions through the regulation of gut microbiota.
Medicaid expansion and the mental health of college students
Authors: Cowan Benjamin W. , Hao Zhuang
Published: March 2021

Reported mental health problems have risen dramatically among US college students over time, as has treatment for these problems. We examine the effect of state‐level Medicaid expansion following the 2014 implementation of the Affordable Care Act on the diagnosis of mental health conditions, psychotropic prescription drug use, and the mental health status of a national sample of college students. We find that students from disadvantaged backgrounds are more likely to report being on public insurance after 2014 in expansion states relative to non‐expansion states, while more advantaged students do not see this increase. Both diagnosis of common mental health conditions and psychotropic drug use increase following expansion for disadvantaged students relative to advantaged ones, which translates into an elimination of the pre‐expansion gap in these outcomes by family background in expansion states. However, in contrast to some recent work on Medicaid expansion and mental health, we do not find that these changes are associated with improvements in self‐reported mental health status. We also do not find that Medicaid expansion has affected risky health behaviors or academic outcomes.
Characterizing distant metastases and survival in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Saiyed Faiez K. , Guo Theresa , Johnson Faye , Myers Jeffrey N.
Published: March 2021

Background

Outcomes of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) after development of distant metastases (DM) in the context of human papillomavirus (HPV) tumor status remain controversial in the literature.

Methods

OPSCC patients with DM treated between June 2015 and March 2019 were included from a prospectively enrolled database. Characteristics of DM including sites, episodes, and timing of disease were analyzed in addition to survival after DM.

Results

Sixty‐nine HPV‐positive and 18 HPV‐negative OPSCC patients with DM were included. The 2‐year survival after DM was higher for HPV‐positive patients (54.0% vs. 11.3%, p < 0.001). HPV‐positive patients did not demonstrate greater episodes or sites of DM. Multiple sites of DM, early development of DM, and Charlson comorbidity Index were independently associated with worse survival after DM.

Conclusions

While multiple sites, early DM, and comorbidities were poor prognostic factors, OPSCC patients with distant progression can have substantial survival after DM, including M1 patients.
Spatial and temporal dynamics of nitrogen exchange in an upwelling reach of a groundwater‐fed river and potential response to perturbations changing rainfall patterns under UK climate change scenarios
Authors: Heathwaite Ann Louise , Heppell Catherine , Binley Andrew , Byrne Patrick , Lansdown Katrina , Trimmer Mark , Ullah Sami , Zhang Hao
Published: March 2021

We report the complex spatial and temporal dynamics of hyporheic exchange flows (HEFs) and nitrogen exchange in an upwelling reach of a 200 m groundwater‐fed river. We show how research combining hydrological measurement, geophysics and isotopes, together with nutrient speciation techniques provides insight on nitrogen pathways and transformations that could not have been captured otherwise, including a zone of vertical preferential discharge of nitrate from deeper groundwater, and a zone of rapid denitrification linking the floodplain with the riverbed. Nitrate attenuation in the reach is dominated by denitrification but is spatially highly variable. This variability is driven by groundwater flow pathways and landscape setting, which influences hyporheic flow, residence time and nitrate removal. We observed the spatial connectivity of the river to the riparian zone is important because zones of horizontal preferential discharge supply organic matter from the floodplain and create anoxic riverbed conditions with overlapping zones of nitrification potential and denitrification activity that peaked 10–20 cm below the riverbed. Our data also show that temporal variability in water pathways in the reach is driven by changes in stage of the order of tens of centimetres and by strength of water flux, which may influence the depth of delivery of dissolved organic carbon. The temporal variability is sensitive to changes to river flows under UK climate projections that anticipate a 14%–15% increase in regional median winter rainfall and a 14%–19% reduction in summer rainfall. Superimposed on seasonal projections is more intensive storm activity that will likely lead to a more dynamic and inherently complex (hydrologically and biogeochemically) hyporheic zone. We recorded direct evidence of suppression of upwelling groundwater (flow reversal) during rainfall events. Such flow reversal may fuel riverbed sediments whereby delivery of organic carbon to depth, and higher denitrification rates in HEFs might act in concert to make nitrate removal in the riverbed more efficient.
Sources of variation in sediment toxicity of hydrophobic organic chemicals: Meta-analysis of 10–14-day spiked-sediment tests with Hyalella azteca and Chironomus dilutus
Authors: Hiki Kyoshiro , Watanabe Haruna , Yamamoto Hiroshi
Published: March 2021

Spiked-sediment toxicity tests with benthic organisms are routinely used to assess the potential ecological impact of sediment-associated hydrophobic organic contaminants. Although several sediment tests have been standardized, experimental factors such as spiking methods still vary between laboratories. To identify the experimental factors that affect the bioavailability of contaminants and account for the highest percentage of the variability of toxicity values (i.e., 50% lethal concentration; LC50), we performed a meta-analysis of published 10–14-day spiked-sediment toxicity tests with the standard test species Hyalella azteca and Chironomus dilutus. Analysis of 172 test records revealed that the variability of sediment LC50s for a given combination of chemical and test species was large. The mean coefficient of variation (CV) was 65%, even after organic carbon normalization, and was slightly larger than the CV in water-only tests (49%). Regression analyses revealed that the most important factor contributing to the variability of the sediment LC50s was sediment type (i.e., environmental or formulated sediment) and that use of formulated sediment (i.e., composed of peat, cellulose, or leaves as organic carbon source) tended to cause higher toxicity than use of environmental sediment. This might be caused by the difference in partitioning the coefficient of organic contaminants and the resulting difference in the bioavailability between sediment types. The effects of other factors, including aging periods and spiking methods, were insignificant or specific to certain chemicals. These discoveries facilitate refinement of the methodologies used in sediment toxicity testing and the correct interpretation of test results. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2021;17:1003–1013. © 2021 SETAC

KEY POINTS

A meta-analysis of 10–14 day spiked-sediment toxicity tests with the standard test species H. azteca and C. dilutus was performed. Sediment type (environmental or formulated sediment) was the most important factor that contributed to the variability in the sediment LC50s. Factors, such as aging periods and water renewal, were less significant or specific to certain chemicals.
The impact of precursors on aquatic exposure assessment for PFAS: Insights from bioaccumulation modeling
Authors: Glaser David , Lamoureux Elizabeth , Opdyke Dan , LaRoe Sarah , Reidy Deirdre , Connolly John
Published: March 2021

Risk assessment for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) is complicated by the fact that PFAS include several thousand compounds. Although new analytical methods have increased the number that can be identified in environmental samples, a significant fraction of them remain uncharacterized. Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) is the PFAS compound of primary interest when evaluating risks to humans and wildlife owing to the consumption of aquatic organisms. The exposure assessment for PFOS is complicated by the presence of PFOS precursors and their transformation, which can occur both in the environment and within organisms. Thus, the PFOS to which wildlife or people are exposed may consist of PFOS that was discharged directly into the environment and/or other PFOS precursors that were transformed into PFOS. This means that exposure assessment and the development of remedial strategies may depend on the relative concentrations and properties not only of PFOS but also of other PFAS that are transformed into PFOS. A bioaccumulation model was developed to explore these issues. The model embeds toxicokinetic and bioenergetic components within a larger food web calculation that accounts for uptake from both food and water, as well as predator–prey interactions. Multiple chemicals are modeled, including parent–daughter reactions. A series of illustrative simulations explores how chemical properties can influence exposure assessment and remedial decision making. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2021;17:705–715. © 2021 The Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC).

KEY POINTS

Accurate exposure assessment for PFAS may depend on the concentrations not only of PFOS, but also of other PFAS that are transformed into PFOS. A fish bioaccumulation model that includes the biotransformation of multiple precursor compounds into PFOS was developed. The bioenergetics-based model accounts for uptake from food and water, as well as predator/prey interactions, and captures the results of laboratory studies of PFAS biotransformation in fish and produces realistic BCFs and BMFs. Model results indicate that precursors at concentrations similar to those found in nature at some locations can produce PFOS concentrations in fish tissue that are potentially of regulatory interest.
Evaluation of accepted and rejected submissions in the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis: Gender and experience
Authors: Kranak Michael P. , Rooker Griffin W. , Carr Codey J. , Bradtke Peter , Falligant John Michael , Hausman Nicole L.
Published: March 2021

Researchers have examined factors of authors such as sex of author, gender identity, and seniority within the field of behavior analysis to determine if any biases towards a certain group existed. Most recently, Kranak et al. (2020) found that women and new authors are well‐represented in the Journal of Applied Behavior Analysis (JABA). However, that analysis included only published manuscripts. Thus, the degree to which these subpopulations are proportionally represented is unknown, because that analysis was unable to determine how often these subpopulations are submitting manuscripts. Therefore, the purpose of the current investigation was to extend Kranak et al. and analyze all accepted and rejected manuscripts submitted to JABA from 2015 – 2019. Results indicated that women and men had nearly identical acceptance rates during this time period, whereas veteran authors' acceptance rate was nearly 2.5 times greater than that of new authors. Implications for publishing, reviewing, and research mentorship practices are discussed.
Poly (γ‐glutamic acid)/chitooligo‐saccharide/papain hydrogel prevents hypertrophic scar during skin wound healing
Authors: Xue Yueming , Qi Chunxiao , Dong Yunsheng , Zhang Lin , Liu Xiangsheng , Liu Yufei , Wang Shufang
Published: March 2021

Hypertrophic scar, a common skin disorder typically caused by deep burns or scald were usually treated via surgical resection, laser irradiation, and drugs. However, all the approaches were always companied with complications and devastatingly subjected to relapse, which indicated the urgently need of an effective treatment method. In this project, a new hydrogel composed of Poly (γ‐glutamic acid) (γ‐PGA), Chitooligo‐saccharide, and Papain was developed via crosslinker (EDC&NHS), and characterized with good porously three‐dimensional network structure, good water absorption, and mechanical properties. Besides, G/C/P hydrogel facilitated cell adhesion and inhibited excessive proliferation of fibroblasts, which indicated the potential of in vivo application. After applied onto skin wound healing in vivo on a rabbit ear skin wound model, G/C/P hydrogel inhibited excessive collagen deposition and the generation of hyperplastic scars effectively during wound healing. The hydrogel described here provide a new platform for regeneration field and hold great promise for solving serious skin disorder.