bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physiological quality of peanut seed affected by tomato spotted wilt disease
Authors: Suassuna Tais M. F. , Grey Timothy Lane , Luo Xuelin , Culbreath Albert K. , Pilon Cristiane
Published: December 2021

Tomato spotted wilt disease (TSW) caused by tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV) (genus Orthotospovirus) is a relevant disease in the peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) crop. The effects of TSW in the plant are well documented. However, its effect on the seed physiology is unknown. The objective of this study was to evaluate the vigor and germination of peanut seeds from different genotypes with TSW symptoms. One cultivar and six germplasm lines related to A. ipaënsis Krapov. & W.C. Gregory and A. duranensis Krapov. & W.C. Gregory in addition to two U.S. cultivars (resistant and susceptible checks) were evaluated. Seeds were separated into symptomatic and asymptomatic classes. The mass of 100 seeds varied from 31 to 72 g among the genotypes. Germination and vigor were assessed by using a thermal gradient table (12–32 °C). Seeds that did not germinate during the test on the table were transferred to an incubator at 25 °C for three additional days to quantify total germination. Seed vigor was high across all genotypes and symptomology classes. Total germination was reduced for seeds kept at low temperature (12–16 °C) in the thermal table, regardless of genotype or symptomology. Overall, TSW symptoms did not affect germination, vigor, and seed size negatively.
Spatial heterogeneity of soil nutrients in black soil areas of Northeast China
Authors: Ba Zhidan , Wang Jingfa , Song Chunwei , Du Huishi
Published: December 2021

Exploring the distribution and evolution of soil nutrients, it is needed to maintain quality of land and ensure food production. Based on geostatistical theory, 1,054 soil sites were selected from the surface (0–20 cm) of the typical black soil area in Northeast China. The spatial structure of soil pH, alkali‐hydrolyzed N, effective P, and available K was investigated using Kriging and spatial statistics. The soils in the study area are acidic, alkali‐hydrolyzed N, effective P, and available K content at moderate to high levels. Coefficients of variation for various nutrients ranged from 5 to 80%, all showing moderate variation. The pH, alkali‐hydrolyzed N, effective P, and available K increased from South to North, the value of soil nutrients near the city were high. The results provide reference values for future work targeted at improving food security and reducing the effect on the environment.
Tetramethylammonium Iodide (TMAI)‐Promoted Sulfenylation/Annulation of Enaminones with Thiosulfonates
Authors: Zhang De‐Run , Hu Lin‐Ping , Yang Cai‐Yun , Li Xia , Teng Ming‐Yu , Liu Bo , Huang Guo‐Li
Published: December 2021

A highly efficient and eco‐friendly method for the tetramethylammonium iodide‐mediated sulfenylation/annulation of enaminones using thiosulfonates as the sulfenyl source was described under open‐air, metal‐, and oxidant‐free conditions. This method provides an alternative way of constructing C−S bonds, affords various substituted sulfenylated chromones in moderate to good yields, and shows broad substrate scope, and good functional group tolerance.
Green‐Chemistry‐Inspired Synthesis of Cyclobutane‐Based Hole‐Selective Materials for Highly Efficient Perovskite Solar Cells and Modules
Authors: Daskeviciute‐Geguziene Sarune , Zhang Yi , Rakstys Kasparas , Kreiza Gediminas , Khan Sher Bahadar , Kanda Hiroyuki , Paek Sanghyun , Daskeviciene Maryte , Kamarauskas Egidijus , Jankauskas Vygintas , Asiri Abdullah M. , Getautis Vytautas , Nazeeruddin Mohammad Khaja
Published: December 2021

Hybrid lead halide perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have emerged as potential competitors to silicon‐based solar cells with an unprecedented increase in power conversion efficiency (PCE), nearing the breakthrough point toward commercialization. However, for hole‐transporting materials, it is generally acknowledged that complex structures often create issues such as increased costs and hazardous substances in the synthetic schemes, when translated from the laboratory to manufacture on a large scale. Here, we present cyclobutane‐based hole‐selective materials synthesized using simple and green‐chemistry inspired protocols in order to reduce costs and adverse environmental impact. A series of novel semiconductors with molecularly engineered side arms were successfully applied in perovskite solar cells. V1366‐based PSCs feature impressive efficiency of 21 %, along with long‐term operational stability under atmospheric environment. Most importantly, we also fabricated perovskite solar modules exhibiting a record efficiency over 19 % with an active area of 30.24 cm2.
Dual Active Centers Bridged by Oxygen Vacancies of Ruthenium Single‐Atom Hybrids Supported on Molybdenum Oxide for Photocatalytic Ammonia Synthesis
Authors: Yin Haibo , Chen Zhen , Peng Yue , Xiong Shangchao , Li Yadong , Yamashita Hiromi , Li Junhua
Published: December 2021

Photocatalytic synthesis of ammonia (NH3) holds significant potential compared with the Haber–Bosch process. However, the reported photocatalysts suffer from low efficiency owing to localized electron deficiency. Herein, Ru‐SA (single atoms)/HxMoO3−y hybrids with abundant of Mon+ (4<n<6) species neighboring oxygen vacancies (OV) are synthesized via a H‐spillover process. Detailed characterizations demonstrate that Ru‐SA/HxMoO3−y hybrids can quantitatively produce NH3 from N2 and H2 through the presence of dual active centers (Ru SA and Mon+). The Ru SA boost the activation and migration of H2, and Mon+ species act as the trapping sites of localized electrons and the adsorption and dissociation sites of N2, finally leading to NH3 synthesis on Mon+−OH. The NH3 generation rate is up to 4.0 mmol h−1 g−1, accompanied by an apparent quantum efficiency over 6.0 % at 650 nm.
Stabilization of Polyoxometalate Charge Carriers via Redox‐Driven Nanoconfinement in Single‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Jordan Jack W. , Cameron Jamie M. , Lowe Grace A. , Rance Graham A. , Fung Kayleigh L. Y. , Johnson Lee R. , Walsh Darren A. , Khlobystov Andrei N. , Newton Graham N.
Published: December 2021

We describe the preparation of hybrid redox materials based on polyoxomolybdates encapsulated within single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs). Polyoxomolybdates readily oxidize SWNTs under ambient conditions in solution, and here we study their charge‐transfer interactions with SWNTs to provide detailed mechanistic insights into the redox‐driven encapsulation of these and similar nanoclusters. We are able to correlate the relative redox potentials of the encapsulated clusters with the level of SWNT oxidation in the resultant hybrid materials and use this to show that precise redox tuning is a necessary requirement for successful encapsulation. The host–guest redox materials described here exhibit exceptional electrochemical stability, retaining up to 86 % of their charge capacity over 1000 oxidation/reduction cycles, despite the typical lability and solution‐phase electrochemical instability of the polyoxomolybdates we have explored. Our findings illustrate the broad applicability of the redox‐driven encapsulation approach to the design and fabrication of tunable, highly conductive, ultra‐stable nanoconfined energy materials.
Recent Progress in Layered Double Hydroxide‐Based Electrocatalyst for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Chen Qingrong , Yu Yanhui , Li Jing , Nan Haoxiong , Luo Shengxu , Jia Chunman , Deng Peilin , Zhong Shengkui , Tian Xinlong
Published: December 2021

Hydrogen energy is considered as promising renewable resource and desirable alternative to fossil fuels for future energy supply. Hydrogen production from electrocatalytic water splitting is a green and key approach for hydrogen energy development and application, and the effective electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) with low cost is the focus of ongoing research. Currently, noble metals‐based materials are the most effective and durable electrocatalysts for HER, while the high cost and low reserves greatly hinder their commercial applications. Recently, layered double hydroxides (LDHs) with interesting properties, such as the tunability of metal cation and interlayer anions, the adjustability of the thickness and spacing for the layers, low cost, and memory effect, have emerged as excellent electrocatalysts to enhance HER performance. Herein, the principal mechanisms and some key parameters for HER are firstly briefly introduced. Afterwards, the structural features and characteristics of LDHs are provided, and the typical design strategies to improve the HER activity of binary and ternary LDHs‐based catalysts are analyzed and discussed. In addition, the relationship between the morphology, structure, composition and involved electronic effects are focused and emphasized. Finally, the challenges and prospects of LDHs‐based catalysts for enhanced HER performance are proposed.
Competition for Hydride Between Silicon and Boron: Synthesis and Characterization of a Hydroborane‐Stabilized Silylium Ion
Authors: Gao Haopeng , Müller Robert , Irran Elisabeth , Klare Hendrik F. T. , Kaupp Martin , Oestreich Martin
Published: December 2021

Potent main‐group Lewis acids are capable of activating element‐hydrogen bonds. To probe the rivalry for hydride between silylium‐ and borenium‐ion centers, a neutral precursor with the hydrosilane and hydroborane units in close proximity on a naphthalene‐1,8‐diyl platform was designed. Abstraction of one hydride leads to a hydroborane‐stabilized silylium ion rather than a hydrosilane‐coordinated borenium ion paired with [B(C6F5)4]− or [HCB11Cl11]− as counteranions. Characterization by multinuclear NMR spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction supported by DFT calculations reveals a cationic, unsymmetrical open three‐center, two‐electron (3c2e) Si−H−B linkage.
Electrodeposition of Ni‐P alloy from deep eutectic solvent and its electrocatalytic activity toward hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Li Lin , Sheng Shizhan , Wang Huihua , Qu Tianpeng , Hou Dong , Wang Deyong , Sheng Minqi
Published: December 2021

Ni‐P alloys have been successfully electrodeposited in the choline chloride and ethylene glycol with a molar proportion of 1:2(CE) electrolyte and their activities toward hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) have been also evaluated. The electrodeposition of Ni‐P alloy follows a co‐deposition process, and the bulk growth of which depends on an instantaneous nucleation under diffusion control. The morphologies of Ni‐P alloys are significantly influenced by the P content, and low P content can lead to a smooth surface. As expected, Ni‐9.0 wt.% P alloy shows an impressive HER catalytic performance with a Tafel slope (b) of 72.9 mV dec−1 and an overpotential of 105 mV at 50 mA, in agreement with its large ECSA (Cdl = 3.25 mF cm−2) and small interface charge‐transfer resistance. More interestingly, Ni‐9.0 wt.% P alloy exhibits a sustainable catalytic activity toward HER after 1000 cycling test with a tiny potential decline of ~10 mV at 100 mA cm−2. Such a striking HER activity of Ni‐9.0 wt.% P alloy can be attributed to the synergistic effect among the induced active sites from lattice contraction, negatively charged P incorporation, and a mixed nanometre crystal and amorphous structure. Thus, Ni‐P alloy electrodeposited in a CE‐based electrolyte can be used as a promising electrode material with high HER activity in alkaline solutions for hydrogen production.
Cluster analysis with regression of non‐Gaussian functional data on covariates
Authors: Jiang Jiakun , Lin Huazhen , Peng Heng , Fan Gang‐Zhi , Li Yi
Published: December 2021

Cluster analysis with functional data often imposes normality assumptions on outcomes and is typically carried out without covariates or supervision. However, nonnormal functional data are frequently encountered in practice, and unsupervised learning, without directly tying covariates to clusters, often makes the resulting clusters less interpretable. To address these issues, we propose a new semiparametric transformation functional regression model, which enables us to cluster nonnormal functional data in the presence of covariates. Our model incorporates several unique features. First, it omits the normality assumptions on the functional response, which adds more flexibility to the modelling. Second, our model allows clusters to have distinct relationships between functional responses and covariates, and thus makes the clusters formed more interpretable. Third, unlike various competing methods, we allow the number of clusters to be unspecified and data‐driven. We develop a new method, which combines penalized likelihood and estimating equations, to estimate the number of clusters, regression parameters, and transformation functions simultaneously; we also establish the large‐sample properties such as consistency and asymptotic normality. Simulations confirm the utility of our proposed approach. We use our proposed method to analyze Chinese housing market data and garner some interesting findings.
The changes in plant and soil C pools and their C:N stoichiometry control grassland N retention under elevated N inputs
Authors: Yang Sen , Liu Weixing , Guo Lulu , Wang Chengzhang , Deng Meifeng , Peng Ziyang , Liu Lingli
Published: December 2021

Nitrogen (N) retention is a critical ecosystem function for maintaining soil fertility and mitigating pollution caused by anthropogenic N input. However, it has not yet been elucidated how responses of plant and soil regulate ecosystem N retention. Here, we combined a 14‐year N addition experiment in a temperate steppe with a global meta‐analysis in grasslands, to assess changes in carbon (C) pool size and stoichiometric C:N ratio of plant and soil components and evaluate the contribution of each component to grassland N retention under increasing N levels. We found that N addition increased N storage in the plant pool by stimulating biomass production and reducing tissue C:N at the community level. However, the non‐random loss of forbs and legumes associated with a low C:N ratio partially offset the decline in community‐level C:N ratio, thereby diminishing the positive net effect of N enrichment on plant N storage. The observed increase in soil N storage was predominantly determined by the decrease in C:N ratio of topsoil, while no changes were detected in the subsoil. On 14‐year time scale, the upper limitation of N retention capacity in our study site was 167.02 g N/m2. Global meta‐analysis further indicated that a decade's N addition significantly increased the N storage in shoot, root and topsoil through enhancing the C pool and decreasing the C:N ratio, while did not affect those of subsoil. However, the positive correlation between the response of subsoil N storage and treatment duration further indicates that, though the accumulation of added N lagged behind that of topsoil, subsoil could play an important role in N retention on a longer time scale. Our study demonstrated that the enhanced plant productivity and altered physiological metabolism indicated by the decreased C:N ratio jointly determined grassland ecosystem N retention. The capacity of the grassland ecosystem to retain exogenous N input is limited, especially for a large amount of N input that occurs in a short period. However, in the context of chronically rising N deposition, the long‐term N retention capacity of grasslands should largely depend on the response of subsoil, especially after topsoil N is saturated.
Early detection of a tree pathogen using airborne remote sensing
Authors: Weingarten Erin , Martin Roberta E. , Hughes Richard Flint , Vaughn Nicholas R. , Shafron Ethan , Asner Gregory P.
Published: December 2021

Native forests of Hawaiʻi Island are experiencing an ecological crisis in the form of Rapid ʻŌhiʻa Death (ROD), a recently characterized disease caused by two fungal pathogens in the genus Ceratocystis. Since approximately 2010, this disease has caused extensive mortality of Hawaiʻi's keystone endemic tree, known as ʻōhiʻa (Metrosideros polymorpha). Visible symptoms of ROD include rapid browning of canopy leaves, followed by death of the tree within weeks. This quick progression leading to tree mortality makes early detection critical to understanding where the disease will move at a timescale feasible for controlling the disease. We used repeat laser‐guided imaging spectroscopy (LGIS) of forests on Hawaiʻi Island collected by the Global Airborne Observatory (GAO) in 2018 and 2019 to derive maps of foliar trait indices previously found to be important in distinguishing between ROD‐infected and healthy ʻōhiʻa canopies. Data from these maps were used to develop a prognostic indicator of tree stress prior to the visible onset of browning. We identified canopies that were green in 2018, but became brown in 2019 (defined as “to become brown”; TBB), and a corresponding set of canopies that remained green. The data mapped in 2018 showed separability of foliar trait indices between TBB and green ʻōhiʻa, indicating early detection of canopy stress prior to the onset of ROD. Overall, a combination of linear and non‐linear analyses revealed canopy water content (CWC), foliar tannins, leaf mass per area (LMA), phenols, cellulose, and non‐structural carbohydrates (NSC) are primary drivers of the prognostic spectral capability which collectively result in strong consistent changes in leaf spectral reflectance in the near‐infrared (700–1300 nm) and shortwave‐infrared regions (1300–2500 nm). Results provide insight into the underlying foliar traits that are indicative of physiological responses of M. polymorpha trees infected with Ceratocycstis and suggest that imaging spectroscopy is an effective tool for identifying trees likely to succumb to ROD prior to the onset of visible symptoms.
EcoDiet: A hierarchical Bayesian model to combine stomach, biotracer, and literature data into diet matrix estimation
Authors: Hernvann Pierre‐Yves , Gascuel Didier , Kopp Dorothée , Robert Marianne , Rivot Etienne
Published: December 2021

Although quantifying trophic interactions is a critical path to understanding and forecasting ecosystem functioning, fitting trophic models to field data remains challenging. It requires flexible statistical tools to combine different sources of information from the literature and fieldwork samples. We present EcoDiet, a hierarchical Bayesian modeling framework to simultaneously estimate food‐web topology and diet composition of all consumers in the food web, by combining (1) a priori knowledge from the literature on both food‐web topology and diet proportions; (2) stomach content analyses, with frequencies of prey occurrence used as the primary source of data to update the prior knowledge on the topological food‐web structure; (3) and biotracers data through a mixing model (MM). Inferences are derived in a Bayesian probabilistic rationale that provides a formal way to incorporate prior information and quantifies uncertainty around both the topological structure of the food web and the dietary proportions. EcoDiet was implemented as an open‐source R package, providing a user‐friendly interface to execute the model, as well as examples and guidelines to familiarize with its use. We used simulated data to demonstrate the benefits of EcoDiet and how the framework can improve inferences on diet matrix by comparison with classical network MM. We applied EcoDiet to the Celtic Sea ecosystem, and showed how combining multiple data types within an integrated approach provides a more robust and holistic picture of the food‐web topology and diet matrices than the literature or classical MM approach alone. EcoDiet has the potential to become a reference method for building diet matrices as a preliminary step of ecosystem modeling and to improve our understanding of prey–predator interactions.
Diabetes and pre‐diabetes in patients with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction
Authors: Jackson Alice M. , Rørth Rasmus , Liu Jiankang , Kristensen Søren Lund , Anand Inder S. , Claggett Brian L. , Cleland John G.F. , Chopra Vijay K. , Desai Akshay S. , Ge Junbo , Gong Jianjian , Lam Carolyn S.P. , Lefkowitz Martin P. , Maggioni Aldo P. , Martinez Felipe , Packer Milton , Pfeffer Marc A. , Pieske Burkert , Redfield Margaret M. , Rizkala Adel R. , Rouleau Jean L. , Seferović Petar M. , Tromp Jasper , Van Veldhuisen Dirk J. , Yilmaz Mehmet B. , Zannad Faiez , Zile Michael R. , Køber Lars , Petrie Mark C. , Jhund Pardeep S. , Solomon Scott D. , McMurray John J.V. ,   PARAGON‐HF Committees and Investigators
Published: December 2021

Aim

There is an association between heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and insulin resistance, but less is known about the diabetic continuum, and in particular about pre‐diabetes, in HFpEF. We examined characteristics and outcomes of participants with diabetes or pre‐diabetes in PARAGON‐HF.

Methods and results

Patients aged ≥50 years with left ventricular ejection fraction ≥45%, structural heart disease and elevated N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) were eligible. Patients were classified according to glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c): (i) normal HbA1c, <6.0%; (ii) pre‐diabetes, 6.0%–6.4%; (iii) diabetes, ≥6.5% or history of diabetes. The primary outcome was a composite of cardiovascular (CV) death and total heart failure hospitalizations (HFH). Of 4796 patients, 50% had diabetes and 18% had pre‐diabetes. Compared to patients with normal HbA1c, patients with pre‐diabetes and diabetes more often were obese, had a history of myocardial infarction and had lower Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire scores, while patients with diabetes had more clinical evidence of congestion, but similar NT‐proBNP concentrations. The risks of the primary composite outcome (rate ratio [RR] 1.59, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.35–1.88), total HFH (RR 1.67, 95% CI 1.39–2.02) and CV death (hazard ratio [HR] 1.35, 95% CI 1.07–1.71) were higher among patients with diabetes, compared to those with normal HbA1c. Patients with pre‐diabetes had a higher risk (which was intermediate between that of patients with diabetes and those with normal HbA1c) of the primary outcome (HR 1.27, 95% CI 1.00–1.60) and HFH (HR 1.35, 95% CI 1.03–1.77), but not of CV death (HR 1.02, 95% CI 0.75–1.40). Patients with diabetes treated with insulin had worse outcomes than those not, and those with ‘lean diabetes’ had similar mortality rates to those with a higher body mass index, but lower rates of HFH.

Conclusion

Pre‐diabetes is common in patients with HFpEF and is associated with worse clinical status and greater risk of HFH. Clinical Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT01920711.
Ensemble learning‐based modeling and short‐term forecasting algorithm for time series with small sample
Authors: Zhang Yang , Ren Gang , Liu Xiaojie , Gao Guanglan , Zhu Mingdong
Published: December 2021

Due to missing data or a short sensing period, only a minimal amount of data can be captured in some IoT cases. Making accurate time series predictions with tiny samples is a huge task. To address this problem, this article proposes a time series modeling and prediction method based on gradient boosting. Our ensemble model is obtained by iteratively combining a set of simple learners. Each iteration inputs only part of the external attributes, thus solving the dimensional disaster problem. Simple learners are selected based on the attributes of the current input and can benefit from the researcher's expertise. In short‐term forecasting of electricity consumption, our method's average and maximum relative errors are 2.72% and 5.30%, respectively, which is much better than the reference approach.
Effects of Avian Eggshell Oiling With Diluted Bitumen Show Sublethal Embryonic Polycyclic Aromatic Compound Exposure
Authors: King Mason D. , Elliott John E. , Marlatt Vicki , Crump Doug , Idowu Ifeoluwa , Wallace Sarah J. , Tomy Gregg T. , Williams Tony D.
Published: December 2021

Breeding birds that become oiled may contaminate the shells of their eggs, and studies of conventional crude oil suggest that even small quantities can be absorbed through the eggshell and cause embryotoxicity. Unconventional crude oils remain untested, so we evaluated whether a major Canadian oil sands product, diluted bitumen (dilbit), would be absorbed and cause toxicity when applied to eggshells of two species, domestic chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus) and double-crested cormorant (Nannopterum auritum). We artificially incubated eggs and applied lightly weathered dilbit (Cold Lake blend) to the eggshells (0.015–0.15 mg g−1 egg in chicken; 0.1–0.4 mg g−1 egg in cormorant) at various points during incubation before sampling prehatch embryos. Polycyclic aromatic compound (PAC) residue in cormorant embryos was elevated only at the highest dilbit application (0.4 mg g−1 egg) closest (day 16) to sampling on day 22. In contrast, cormorant liver cytochrome P450 1a4 (Cyp1a4) mRNA expression (quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay) was elevated only in embryos treated with the earliest and lowest dilbit application (0.1 mg g−1 egg on day 4). These results confirm that dilbit can cross through the eggshell and be absorbed by embryos, and they imply rapid biotransformation of PACs and a nonmonotonic Cyp1a4 response. Despite evidence of exposure in cormorant, we found no detectable effects on the frequency of survival, deformity, and gross lesions, nor did we find effects on physiological endpoints indicative of growth and cardiovascular function in either chicken or cormorant. In ovo dilbit exposure may be less toxic than well-studied conventional crude oils. The effects of an oil spill scenario involving dilbit to bird embryos might be subtle, and PACs may be rapidly metabolized. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:159–174. © 2021 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.

Abstract

Conventional crude oils that may contact the avian eggshell can cause embryotoxicity in very small amounts, so we conducted an egg oiling experiment with diluted bitumen, an increasingly common type of unconventional crude oil, to assess whether applications to the eggshell result in embryonic exposure and adverse effects. Cyp1a4 = cytochrome P450 1a4; PAC = polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon.
Concentrations and Toxic Implications of Dioxin-Like Polychlorinated Biphenyls in Soil Samples from Electrical Power Stations in Lagos, Nigeria
Authors: Folarin Bilikis T. , Abdallah Mohamed , Oluseyi Temilola O. , Harrad Stuart , Olayinka Kehinde O.
Published: December 2021

Dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (dl-PCBs) are ubiquitous chemicals which mediate toxicity in a way similar to polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and polychlorinated dibenzofurans. In silico modeling was used to predict the absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) properties of eight dioxin-like PCBs in soil samples of 12 power stations in Lagos, Nigeria. Concentrations of Σdl-PCB8 in soil samples ranged from 490 to 61,000 pg g−1, with mean concentrations of 17,000 pg g−1. The corresponding toxic equivalent (TEQ) concentrations of Ʃdl-PCB8 ranged from 0.01 to 450 pg TEQ g−1, with a mean value of 42 pg TEQ g−1. Mean TEQ concentrations for Ʃdl-PCB8 in soil samples from all but one of the sites exceeded the Canadian guideline value of 4 pg TEQ g−1 and the US and German guideline values of 5–10 pg TEQ g−1. However, the TEQ concentrations obtained were all below the US action level of 1000 pg TEQ g−1. The ADMET predictions revealed that all studied dl-PCBs are inhibitors of three major isoforms (1A2, 2C9, and 2C19) of cytochrome P450 enzyme. Acute oral toxicity (median lethal dose) predictions revealed that all target dl-PCBs were class III compounds. Hepatotoxicity and carcinogenicity were positive, signifying that the studied compounds all have a tendency to elicit these effects. Occupational daily TEQ exposure via soil ingestion was estimated for an average adult worker weighing 70 kg. The maximum exposure obtained was 0.14 pg TEQ kg−1 body weight day−1, which is half of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) tolerable daily intake (TDI) for dioxin-like compounds. This raises concern over the possible exceedance of the EFSA TDI for these workers if other dietary and nondietary exposure pathways and dioxin-like compounds are considered. Environ Toxicol Chem 2022;41:800–809. © 2021 SETAC
The information content of the volatility index options trading volume
Authors: Gu Chen , Guo Xu , Kurov Alexander , Stan Raluca
Published: December 2021

This paper investigates the predictive content of the Volatility Index (VIX) options trading volume for the future dynamics of the underlying VIX index. Using a novel data set from the Chicago Board Options Exchange, we calculate the put–call ratio based on the VIX option volume initiated by buyers to open new positions. We show that the put–call ratio negatively predicts the subsequent changes in the VIX index. The predictability is stronger during periods of elevated VIX levels and for short‐dated contracts. These results support the hypothesis that informed traders use the VIX option market as a venue for their trading.
A systemic change of measure from central clearing
Authors: Hwang Injun , Kim Baeho
Published: December 2021

This study investigates the systemic impact of central clearing based on a financial network model in which edge weights represent the sensitivities of one participant's failure to its counterparties' default likelihood. The reduced‐form model specifies the mechanism of systemic risk concentration under central clearing in that a central counterparty redistributes the probability mass of the systemic failure from the center of the distribution into its tail. Numerical illustrations shed light on implications for regulating the adverse dependence between risk concentration under central clearing and the resiliency of the financial system via proper margin schemes.
Toxicity of induction chemotherapy in head and neck cancer: The central role of skeletal muscle mass
Authors: Lere‐Chevaleyre Alexane , Bernadach Maureen , Lambert Céline , Cassagnes Lucie , Puechmaille Mathilde , Mom Thierry , Gilain Laurent , Lapeyre Michel , Boirie Yves , Biau Julian , Saroul Nicolas
Published: December 2021

Background

To assess the impact of nutritional status on tolerance to induction chemotherapy by docetaxel, cisplatin and 5‐fluorouracil (ICT) in head and neck cancer (HNC).

Methods

Ninety‐two HNC patients were included. Toxicity was assessed according to common terminology criteria for adverse events. Nutritional status was assessed by body mass index (BMI), serum albumin, nutritional risk index (NRI), and CT scan (skeletal muscle mass index [SMI] at the first lumbar vertebral level).

Results

Before treatment, average BMI was 22.7 ± 4.6 kg/m2, serum albumin 38.7 ± 5.8 g/L, NRI 97.6 ± 10.6, and SMI 36.4 ± 7.9 cm2/m2. After treatment, BMI was 23 ± 4.5, serum albumin 30.2 ± 7.1, and NRI 88.1 ± 9.2. During ICT, 52 (62%) patients developed at least one toxicity ≥ Grade 3. Pre‐treatment SMI was the only predictive factor of toxicity irrespective of BMI (p = 0.04).

Conclusion

Low skeletal muscle mass is a predictive factor of toxicity to ICT in HNC.
Hepatitis B in Senegal: A Successful Infant Vaccination Program but Urgent Need to Scale Up Screening and Treatment (ANRS 12356 AmBASS survey)
Authors: Périères Lauren , Diallo Aldiouma , Marcellin Fabienne , Nishimwe Marie Libérée , Ba El Hadji , Coste Marion , Lo Gora , Halfon Philippe , Touré Kane Coumba , Maradan Gwenaëlle , Carrieri Patrizia , Diouf Assane , Shimakawa Yusuke , Sokhna Cheikh , Boyer Sylvie ,   ANRS 12356 AmBASS Survey Study Group
Published: December 2021

Senegal introduced the infant hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccination in 2004 and recently committed to eliminating hepatitis B by 2030. Updated epidemiological data are needed to provide information on the progress being made and to develop new interventions. We estimated the prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) in children and adults living in rural Senegal and assessed hepatitis B treatment eligibility. A cross‐sectional population‐based serosurvey of HBsAg was conducted in 2018‐2019 in a large sample (n = 3,118) of residents living in the Niakhar area (Fatick region, Senegal). Individuals positive for HBsAg subsequently underwent clinical and biological assessments. Data were weighted for age and sex and calibrated to be representative of the area’s population. Among the 3,118 participants, 206 were HBsAg positive (prevalence, 6.9%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 5.6‐8.1). Prevalence varied markedly according to age group in individuals aged 0‐4, 5‐14, 15‐34, and ≥35 years as follows: 0.0% (95% CI, 0.00‐0.01); 1.5% (95% CI, 0.0‐2.3); 12.4% (95% CI, 9.1‐15.6); and 8.8% (95% CI, 6.1‐11.5), respectively. Of those subsequently assessed, 50.9% (95% CI, 41.8‐60.0) had active HBV infection; 4 (2.9%; 95% CI, 0.9‐9.4) were eligible for hepatitis B treatment. Conclusion: In this first population‐based serosurvey targeting children and adults in rural Senegal, HBsAg prevalence was very low in the former, meeting the World Health Organization’s (WHO) < 1% HBsAg 2020 target; however, it was high in young adults (15‐34 years old) born before the HBV vaccine was introduced in 2004. To reach national and WHO hepatitis elimination goals, general population testing (particularly for adolescents and young adults), care, and treatment scale‐up need to be implemented.
Modulation of lateral septal and dorsomedial striatal neurons by hippocampal sharp‐wave ripples, theta rhythm, and running speed
Authors: Howe Andrew G. , Blair Hugh T.
Published: December 2021

Single units were recorded in hippocampus, lateral septum (LS), and dorsomedial striatum (DMS) while freely behaving rats (n = 3) ran trials in a T‐maze task and rested in a holding bucket between trials. In LS, 28% (64/226) of recorded neurons were excited and 14% (31/226) were inhibited during sharp wave ripples (SWRs). LS neurons that were excited during SWRs fired preferentially on the downslope of hippocampal theta rhythm and had firing rates that were positively correlated with running speed; LS neurons that were inhibited during SWRs fired preferentially on the upslope of hippocampal theta rhythm and had firing rates that were negatively correlated with running speed. In DMS, only 3.3% (12/366) of recorded neurons were excited and 5.7% (21/366) were inhibited during SWRs. As in LS, DMS neurons that were excited by SWRs tended to have firing rates that were positively modulated by running speed, whereas DMS neurons that were inhibited by SWRs tended to have firing rates that were negatively modulated by running speed. But in contrast with LS, these two DMS subpopulations did not clearly segregate their spikes to different phases of the theta cycle. Based on these results and a review of prior findings, we discuss how concurrent activation of spatial trajectories in hippocampus and motor representations in LS and DMS may contribute to neural computations that support reinforcement learning and value‐based decision making.
Rhodium‐Catalyzed Tandem Addition–Cyclization of 1,5‐Enynes with Organoboronic Acids for the Synthesis of Alkylidene‐Cyclobutanes
Authors: Kim Hyeji , Choi Kyoungmin , Jang Dongseok , Um Hyun‐Suk , Kim Yeehwan , Lee Chulbom
Published: December 2021

Described here is the rhodium(I)‐catalyzed tandem addition–cyclization of 1,5‐enynes with aryl‐ and alkenylboronic acids. In the presence of triethylamine and catalytic [Rh(OH)(COD)]2 in methanol, both the terminal and internal alkyne substrates possessing an electron‐deficient alkene undergo inter‐ and intramolecular C−C bond formations to yield alkylidene–cyclobutane products. The reaction proceeds through a series of processes involving generation of an aryl or alkenyl rhodium from the organoboronic acid, 1,2‐syn‐carbometalation of the alkyne and 4‐exo‐type‐cyclization of the resulting alkenyl rhodium intermediate with the tethered, carbonyl‐conjugated alkene. Thus, the reaction enables a net R,H‐addition across the 1,5‐enyne π‐system – hydroarylation and hydroalkenylation – under mild rhodium catalysis while achieving 4‐membered ring formation. Preliminary studies show that the reaction can also be rendered enantioselective by employing a chiral diene ligand for the rhodium catalyst.
Stormflow concentration–discharge dynamics of suspended sediment and dissolved phosphorus in an agricultural watershed
Authors: Rose Lucy A. , Karwan Diana L.
Published: December 2021

Concentration–discharge (C‐Q) relationships are an effective tool for identifying watershed biogeochemical source and transport dynamics over short and long timescales. We examined stormflow C‐Q, hysteresis, and flushing patterns of total suspended sediment (TSS) and soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP) in two stream reaches of a severely impaired agricultural watershed in northeastern Wisconsin, USA. The upper watershed reach—draining a relatively flat, row crop‐dominated contributing area—showed predominantly anti‐clockwise TSS hysteresis during storms, suggesting that particulate materials were mobilized more from distal upland sources than near‐ and in‐channel areas. In contrast, the incised lower watershed reach produced strong TSS flushing responses on the rising limb of storm hydrographs and clockwise hysteresis, signalling rapid mobilization of near‐ and in‐channel materials with increasing event flows. C‐Q relationships for SRP showed complex patterns in both the upper and lower reaches, demonstrating largely non‐linear chemodynamic C‐Q behaviour during events. As with TSS, anti‐clockwise SRP hysteresis in the upper reach suggested a delay in the hydrologic connectivity between SRP sources and the stream, with highly variable SRP concentrations during some events. A broad range of clockwise, anti‐clockwise, and complex SRP hysteresis patterns occurred in the lower watershed, possibly influenced by in‐channel legacy P stores and connection to tile drainage networks in the lower watershed area. Total suspended sediment and SRP responses were also strongly related to precipitation event characteristics including antecedent precipitation, recovery period, and precipitation intensity, highlighting the complexity of stormflow sediment and phosphorus responses in this severely impaired agricultural stream.
3D‐bulk to nanoforms of modified hydroxyapatite: Characterization and osteogenic potency in an in vitro 3D bone model system
Authors: Sundar Rebu , Joseph Josna , Babu Suresh , Varma Harikrishna , John Annie , Abraham Annie
Published: December 2021

Synthetic bioceramics are replacing conventional methods of treating bone defects with autografts owing to the high demand of bone substitutes, with their Surface topography and size contributing to favor cytocompatibility in tissue regeneration. This experimental study deals with the comparative evaluation of the physical characterizations of four different in‐house synthesized bioceramics from 3D‐bulk to nanoforms of hydroxyapatite (HA), Biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP), Strontium doped hydroxyapatite (SrHA) and Silica coated hydroxyapatite (HASi) and also simultaneously evaluates adhesion, proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of rabbit adipose derived mesenchymal stem cells (RADMSCs) on these biomimetic ceramic niches. The osteogenic induced cells grown on 3D scaffolds for a period of 7, 14, 21, and 28 days were analyzed for their viability (MTT, LDH, live‐dead assays), morphology (SEM), proliferation (Cytox‐Red) and osteogenic differentiation (ALP, osteocalcin expression). Cellular activities and differentiation of RADMSCs were significantly higher on SrHA indicating the role of strontium in the differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells on this ceramic platform to the bone lineage. In order to reinforce the materials for hard tissue implantation and drug delivery, nano‐SrHA (nSrHA) became the nanoparticle of choice based on its non‐toxicity, cytocompatibility and osteogenic properties (nSrHA > nHASi > nBCP > nHA).
Accuracy of Xpert MTB/RIF assay for the diagnosis of tuberculous pleural effusion
Authors: Qiu Yi‐Ran , Chen Yu‐Yan , Wu Xin‐Ran , Li Ya‐Ping , Cao Xun‐Jie , Yu Zi‐Yuan , Lin Min , Li Qiu‐Yin , Chen Ji‐Chun , Yin Xin , Weng Shu‐Chang , Guo Xu‐Guang
Published: December 2021

Background

Tuberculosis poses a severe threat to human health. At present, compared with the traditional diagnostic methods for tuberculosis pleural effusion, such as Löwenstein–Jensen culture, pleural biopsy, and Ziehl–Neelsen smear microscopy, Xpert MTB/RIF was regarded as an emerging technology for its efficiency. The Xpert MTB/RIF accuracy for tuberculous pleural effusion diagnosis was evaluated in this systematic study.

Materials and methods

We searched the relevant literature published before January 2021 in PubMed, Cochrane, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases. Utilizing Review Manager 5.3 software, the quality of the included literature was evaluated based on the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies criteria. Sensitivity, specificity, and the summary receiver operating characteristic curves were plotted and analyzed with Metadisc 1.40 software. We used Stata 12.0 software to evaluate the publication bias of this study.

Results

Eighteen articles were identified in total. The sensitivity of Xpert MTB/RIF in the pleural effusion was 0.24, and specificity was 1.00, respectively. The area under the summary receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.9737, which indicated that the overall accuracy of the Xpert MTB/RIF was high. In addition, based on the Deeks funnel plot, no publication bias of the study was found.

Conclusion

Xpert MTB/RIF is a rapid method with high specificity but relatively low sensitivity for detecting Mycobacterium tuberculosis in pleural effusion. Its less sensitivity made it difficult to be used clinically, but the high specificity suggests that it can be used as a specific diagnostic method for tuberculous pleural effusion.
AAV‐mediated expression of galactose‐1‐phosphate uridyltransferase corrects defects of galactose metabolism in classic galactosemia patient fibroblasts
Authors: Brophy Megan L. , Stansfield John C. , Ahn Youngwook , Cheng Seng H. , Murphy John E. , Bell Robert D.
Published: December 2021

Classic galactosemia (CG) is a rare disorder of autosomal recessive inheritance. It is caused predominantly by point mutations as well as deletions in the gene encoding the enzyme galactose‐1‐phosphate uridyltransferase (GALT). The majority of the more than 350 mutations identified in the GALT gene cause a significant reduction in GALT enzyme activity resulting in the toxic buildup of galactose metabolites that in turn is associated with cellular stress and injury. Consequently, developing a therapeutic strategy that reverses both the oxidative and ER stress in CG cells may be helpful in combating this disease. Recombinant adeno‐associated virus (AAV)‐mediated gene therapy to restore GALT activity offers the potential to address the unmet medical needs of galactosemia patients. Here, utilizing fibroblasts derived from CG patients we demonstrated that AAV‐mediated augmentation of GALT protein and activity resulted in the prevention of ER and oxidative stress. We also demonstrate that these CG patient fibroblasts exhibit reduced CD109 and TGFβRII protein levels and that these effectors of cellular homeostasis could be restored following AAV‐mediated expression of GALT. Finally, we show initial in vivo proof‐of‐concept restoration of galactose metabolism in a GALT knockout mouse model following treatment with AAV‐GALT.
Multimodal therapy for synchronous bone oligometastatic NSCLC: The role of surgery
Authors: Congedo Maria Teresa , Nachira Dania , Bertolaccini Luca , Chiappetta Marco , Zanfrini Edoardo , Meacci Elisa , Vita Maria Letizia , Lococo Filippo , D'Argento Ettore , Spaggiari Lorenzo , Margaritora Stefano
Published: December 2021

Objectives

The study aimed to assess the feasibility of radical surgical treatment for selected bone‐oligometastatic non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients and to identify prognostic factors associated with survival.

Materials and methods

The clinical records of 27 patients with bone synchronous oligometastatic NSCLC were retrospectively analyzed.

Results

Thirteen (48.1%) bone metastases were treated by surgery and 14 (51.9%) by local radiotherapy. Eighteen (66.7%) patients underwent induction chemotherapy before lung surgery, and 3 (11.1%) concurrent radiotherapy. Pulmonary surgery was a major lung resection in 23 (85.2%) cases. Intraoperative and 30‐days mortality was null. Only one major (ARDS) and 10 (37.04%) mild complications (like air leakage, arrhythmia, and mucus retention) were recorded. 1‐year and 5‐years OS from the diagnosis and 1‐year, 3‐ years disease‐free survival (DFS) were 96%, 38%, and 66%, 30%, respectively. After stepwise Cox regression analysis, local recurrence (p = 0.05) and metachronous metastases (p = 0.04) maintained their independent prognostic value as overall survival negative determinants. Nodal upstaging (p = 0.04) and nonsurgical treatment of bone lesion (p = 0.03) turned out to be independent risk factors for shorter DFS; the vertebral localization of bone metastases showed only a remarkable trend towards significance (p = 0.06) as a risk factor for a worse DFS.

Conclusions

In selected patients, surgical treatment of primary NSCLC and bone synchronous metastasis seems to be safe and feasible and rewarding survivals may be expected.
Utility of Contrast‐Enhanced Ultrasound and 4‐Dimensional Computed Tomography for Preoperative Detection and Localization of Parathyroid Adenomas Compared With Surgical Results
Authors: Lerner Alexander , Grant Edward G. , Acharya Jay , Chambers Tamara N. , Maceri Dennis R. , Cen Steven Yong , Tchelepi Hisham
Published: December 2021

Objectives

To investigate the accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) for detection of parathyroid adenomas and compare it to those of 4‐dimensional computed tomography (4DCT), which has been established as a reliable, effective tool for preoperative localization of parathyroid adenomas.

Methods

About 27 patients with suspected parathyroid pathology underwent imaging evaluations with 4DCT and CEUS and 22 patients subsequently underwent surgical resection of parathyroid lesions. 4DCT and CEUS were performed and interpreted by consensus of two expert radiologists with extensive experience in each modality. Assessment for the side, z‐axis (craniocaudal axis), and quadrant of the pathologically proven lesion was performed based on the surgical report.

Results

For single‐gland disease, the accuracy for CEUS localization to the correct quadrant and side were 81.0 and 90.1% respectively. For single‐gland disease, the accuracy for 4DCT localization to the correct quadrant and side were 81.0 and 90.5% respectively. 4DCT localization sensitivity and specificity were comparable to those for CEUS. 4DCT allowed for accurate diagnosis in multigland disease in contradistinction to CEUS.

Conclusions

CEUS is a noninvasive, real‐time imaging technique that has relatively high diagnostic confidence and accuracy of localization which are comparable to the accuracy of 4DCT for preoperative parathyroid adenoma detection, characterization, and localization.

This technique should be considered for primary preoperative diagnosis, especially in younger patients.