bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seed treatment with cold plasma and electromagnetic field induces changes in red clover root growth dynamics, flavonoid exudation, and activates nodulation
Authors: Mildaziene Vida , Ivankov Anatolii , Pauzaite Giedre , Naucienė Zita , Zukiene Rasa , Degutyte‐Fomins Laima , Pukalskas Audrius , Venskutonis Petras Rimantas , Filatova Irina , Lyushkevich Veronika
Published: September 2020

The effects of presowing treatment of red clover seeds with cold plasma (5 and 7 min) and electromagnetic field (10 and 15 min) on plant agronomic performance were studied. Seed treatments stimulated germination and this effect correlated with changes in the balance of seed phytohormones: a decreased amount of abscisic acid and an increased gibberellin/abscisic acid ratio. Experiments performed in rhizoboxes revealed that seed treatments stimulated root growth and root nodulation. Stressor and dose‐specific changes in the amounts of flavonoids important for communication with nitrogen‐fixing strains of rhizobacteria were detected in the root exudates. The results suggest that besides changes in plant's internal processes, the response of plants to seed treatment involves beneficial modulation of plant communication with microorganisms.
Plasma polymerization of hexamethyldisiloxane: Revisited
Authors: Hegemann Dirk , Bülbül Ezgi , Hanselmann Barbara , Schütz Urs , Amberg Martin , Gaiser Sandra
Published: September 2020

Activation reactions of molecules in plasma are investigated using plasma polymerization of hexamethyldisiloxane as a model system for plasma‐state polymerization. Underlying reaction pathways and film‐forming mechanisms are revisited based on a simplified macroscopic approach, considering the average energy available per monomer particle, Epl, in relation to the threshold energy, Eth, which represents an activation barrier for plasma polymerization. Basic principles are discussed involving averaged values for collision frequency, cross‐section, and reaction rate to produce film‐forming species combining macroscopic and microscopic quantities. Considering the energy uptake from the electric field by the electrons, the energy transfer from electrons to monomer molecules, and the conversion into film‐forming species, it is demonstrated that Epl/Eth is equally relevant as the electron energy distribution function for plasma‐chemical activation reactions.
The history of workforce concerns in pediatric pulmonary Medicine
Authors: Oermann Christopher M. , Lahiri Thomas , Peterson‐Carmichael Stacey L. , Weiss Pnina
Published: September 2020

Children are affected by a broad spectrum of acute and chronic respiratory disorders. The number of children with respiratory disease is increasing, as are the complexity of disease pathophysiology and the management demands on pediatric pulmonologists. Despite slowly increasing numbers of board‐certified pediatric pulmonologists, large areas of the country are underserved and there is a perception of an impending workforce crisis. There are multiple reasons for these concerns. A joint effort between the Pediatric Pulmonology Division Directors Association and Pediatric Pulmonary Training Directors Association was undertaken to address these issues.
Do changes in psychosocial factors, lifestyle factors and sitting posture influence the likelihood of musculoskeletal pain in high school computer users?
Authors: Brink Yolandi , Louw Quinette , Grimmer Karen
Published: September 2020

Objectives

Adolescents regularly engage in screen‐based activities. Complex factors influence adolescents' growth, and habitual sitting posture. The association between over‐time changes in their sitting posture, and upper quadrant musculoskeletal pain (UQMP) is poorly understood. This study tested the association between change over 12 months in seated posture angles (neck flexion [NF]; craniocervical angle [CCA] into flexion and extension; and thoracic flexion [TF]), UQMP, and predictor variables (anxiety and depression; sport activity, music participation; computer use).

Methods

A one‐year prospective longitudinal study enrolled 211 asymptomatic 15‐18‐year students. 3D motion analysis captured postural angles while students worked on desktop computers, at baseline and 12 months later. Height, weight, computing time, sport and music participation, and depression and anxiety were measured at both time periods. UQMP in the previous month was captured at 12 months. The association between over‐time change in sitting posture angles and predictor variables was determined using linear regression analysis (r2; p‐values). The association between predictor variables with UQMP, and predictor variables on the association between postural angles and UQMP was assessed using logistic regression models (Odds Ratios [95%CI]). Significant confounding effects were determined when the addition of a predictor variable to the posture‐UQMP model significantly changed the Likelihood Ratio chi square value.

Results

N = 153 students (72%) completed the study (48 with UQMP). Significant associations occurred between head flexion (HF) and body mass index (BMI) (r2= 4.20, p = .01); NF and computer use (r2=2.87, p = .036) and CCA and music participation (r2=9.99, p = .047). Music participants and non‐participants in sport or music had increased risk of UQMP with CCA changes into flexion (OR 12.0) and TF changes into extension (OR 7.6) respectively.

Conclusion

The association between over‐time‐change in sitting posture angles and UQMP is not influenced by anthropometrics, psychosocial factors or time spent computing. Music students, and students not participating in sport, require further postural analysis.
Impact of continuous passive motion on rehabilitation following total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Wirries Nils , Ezechieli Marco , Stimpel Kai , Skutek Michael
Published: September 2020

Background and Purpose

There is an ongoing controversy in respect of the usage of continuous passive motion (CPM) following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). We analysed the impact of CPM on the early rehabilitation after TKA and the clinical outcome over the time.

Methods

Forty patients were prospectively randomized to postoperative protocols following TKA. Half of them (n = 20) received the standard manual therapy alone and the others (n = 20) were treated additionally with CPM. Identical implants were used in all patients. Passive range of movement (PROM) was noted. Patient satisfaction and knee function was evaluated using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) as well as the Knee Society Score (KSS) at time of discharge and 2 years postoperatively.

Results

The patients in the solitary manual therapy group (MT) showed preoperatively a 7.2° greater PROM (p = .03) with 5.4° higher flexion (p = .05). Analogously, the KSS presented with 42.7 points a higher score result compared to the CPM group with 35.9 points (p = .03). Although the preoperative ability with 105.2° for flexion and 97.2° for the PROM were in favour of the group without CPM (99.8° resp. 90.0°), at time of discharge the patients with CPM reached with 111.0° a significant higher flexion and with 109.0° a higher PROM (MT group: 107.0° resp. 103.5°) (p = .04/.02). At 2 years follow‐up both scores (WOMAC/KSS) and function (extension, flexion and PROM) were balanced (p > .05). Patella resurfacing showed no impact on the clinical results at discharge or at time of last follow‐up (p > .05).

Discussion

Although the addition of CPM did significantly improve knee flexion in the early postoperative stage, the difference might not represent a clinical relevance. Further, there were no notable effects on long‐term clinical and functional results following TKA, so the routine application of CPM in the above stated setting might be ceased.
Pharmaceutical technologies with potential application to insecticide discovery†
Authors: Wing Keith D
Published: September 2020

Novel neuroactive insecticides are discovered/registered differently, have a lower value in use, and exert their physiological actions in manners distinct from neuroactive pharmaceuticals, but there are clear similarities in their biochemical modes of action. Insecticides are generally discovered using whole pest insect screens, and this eases difficulties in ‘translational science’ from laboratory to field, as opposed to pharmaceutical translation from biochemical or cell‐based targets to animal models to human clinical trials to registered drug. This paper examines recent trends in pharmaceutical science and identifies some technologies which may represent complementary approaches to insecticide discovery screening and mode of action determination beyond the sound processes in common practice today. Examples will be drawn from nanoparticle delivery of neuroactives, unique ligand–polymer conjugates, proposed advances in insect cell culture following from pharmaceutical cell biology, and laboratory or organ‐on‐a‐chip approaches. It is hoped that these concepts will stimulate novel thinking which may enable discovery of efficacious new neuroactive insecticides. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Cyst nematode bio‐communication with plants: implications for novel management approaches
Authors: Ochola Juliet , Coyne Danny , Cortada Laura , Haukeland Solveig , Ng'ang'a Margaret , Hassanali Ahmed , Opperman Charles , Torto Baldwyn
Published: September 2020

Bio‐communication occurs when living organisms interact with each other, facilitated by the exchange of signals including visual, auditory, tactile and chemical. The most common form of bio‐communication between organisms is mediated by chemical signals, commonly referred to as ‘semiochemicals’, and it involves an emitter releasing the chemical signal that is detected by a receiver leading to a phenotypic response in the latter organism. The quality and quantity of the chemical signal released may be influenced by abiotic and biotic factors. Bio‐communication has been reported to occur in both above‐ and below‐ground interactions and it can be exploited for the management of pests, such as cyst nematodes, which are pervasive soil‐borne pests that cause significant crop production losses worldwide. Cyst nematode hatching and successful infection of hosts are biological processes that are largely influenced by semiochemicals including hatching stimulators, hatching inhibitors, attractants and repellents. These semiochemicals can be used to disrupt interactions between host plants and cyst nematodes. Advances in RNAi techniques such as host‐induced gene silencing to interfere with cyst nematode hatching and host location can also be exploited for development of synthetic resistant host cultivars. © 2020 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Nonconsensus motif directed chemical synthesis of glutamine‐based glycopeptides
Authors: Sršan Laura , Ziegler Thomas
Published: September 2020

Besides the most common sequon of amino acids found in glycopeptides, namely, N‐X‐S/T, where X can be any amino acid except proline, a small number of nonconsensus motifs have been found in both eukaryotic and prokaryotic organisms, for example, Q‐G‐T. Because of the importance of glycopeptides in biotechnology and pharmacy, an adequate synthetic approach to these structures is highly important. In this manuscript, we report the efficient chemical batch synthesis of new glutamine‐based glycopeptide structures, which can be used to represent cell surface elements in further biological investigations.
Social ties, spatial migration paradigm, and mental health among two generations of migrants in China
Authors: Xiao Yang , Miao Siyu , Sarkar Chinmoy
Published: September 2020

Despite emerging literature on the effects of cross‐border ties on international immigration's mental health, research concerning China's internal migrants' mental health remains scarce. After 40 years of China's “one‐child policy,” new‐generation migrants (born after 1980) have been found to have poorer mental health status. With smaller family structures, previous studies found that new‐generation migrants are more likely to be affected by migration‐related stresses, with social ties having mixed effects on their mental health. In this paper, we examine the effects of local ties (in host cities) and trans‐local ties (in the migrants' original home location) on China's rural and urban migrants' mental health by using a national‐level survey data comprising N = 16,000 participants. We focus on whether these relationships vary among the four categories of migrants—grouped according to their place of origin and date of birth. The study results show that both local and trans‐local “kinship” ties have positive effects on migrants' mental health, whereas participation in organisation or activities have negative effects. In addition, new‐generation migrants were found to have relatively poor mental health, being more easily affected by trans‐local kinship ties. Moreover, participation in local activities had more significant adverse influence on interprovincial floating migrants, who had poorer mental health than the intraprovincial group. The study deciphered underlying negative health consequences attributed to the one‐child policy and calls for intraprovincial mobility with local urbanisation. The study concludes that social integration of new‐generation migrants can act as a protective intervention aimed at enhancing the mental capital of Chinese cities.
Crystalline Truncated Micropyramids Grown from GaAs Liquid Phase on GaP (001) Substrates
Authors: Rocha-Reina Francisco J. , Castillo-Baldivia Edith G. , Del Pozo-Zamudio Osvaldo , de Luna-Bugallo Andrés , Michournyi Vyatcheslav A. , Cerda-Méndez Edgar A. , Balderas-Navarro Raúl E. , Gorbatchev Andrei
Published: September 2020

Herein, a report on the growth of crystalline truncated pyramid microstructures by liquid‐phase epitaxy of Ga–As liquid phase on GaP (001) substrates under nonequilibrium (NEQ) conditions with different contact times and growth temperatures is provided. The micropyramids (MPs) have rectangular bases which are between 5 and 10 μm long, with the long sides aligned with the [110] direction. Remarkably, the results show that the growth rates of the MP under NEQ are very high compared with those of traditional epitaxial layers grown under near‐equilibrium conditions. Spatially resolved microphotoluminescence mappings reveal a spatial dependence of the near‐band edge emission in both wavelength and intensity within a single MP. The measured emission‐wavelength range corresponds to ternary GaAs1–xPx alloys, which attests to the diffusion of P atoms from the substrate into the MPs during growth. The content of P atoms in the MPs is confirmed by spatially resolved energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy. Both studies show that the concentration of P is higher in the {111} planes than in the rest of the MP. A thermodynamic argument is proposed to support the experimental findings.
Toward Performance and Applications of Large Area Optical Thermometry Based on the Luminescence of Germanium‐Vacancy Defects in Diamond Nanocrystals
Authors: Miller Caius , Puust Laurits , Ekimov Evgeny , Vlasov Igor , Vanetsev Alexander , Vinogradova Elena , Orlovskii Yurii , Treshchalov Aleksei , Sildos Ilmo
Published: September 2020

Herein optical properties of aggregates of hydrophobic nanodiamonds (NDs) with germanium‐vacancy (GeV) defects distributed on substrates with different hydrophilicities (bare Si or TiO2 (anatase) film on Si substrate) are investigated with an aim to achieve millimeter‐scale, nearly homogeneous spatial distribution of ND aggregates. ND aggregates are spread by drop casting of a water colloid. The luminescence spectra of GeV defects are studied in a wide temperature range (85–400 K). The possibility of optical thermometry operating in a wide temperature range also covering biotemperatures is demonstrated using a separate microaggregate of NDs on the anatase film.
Over 59 mV pH−1 Sensitivity with Fluorocarbon Thin Film via Fluorine Termination for pH Sensing Using Boron‐Doped Diamond Solution‐Gate Field‐Effect Transistors
Authors: Chang Yu Hao , Iyama Yutaro , Tadenuma Kaito , Kawaguchi Shuto , Takarada Teruaki , Falina Shaili , Syamsul Mohd , Kawarada Hiroshi
Published: September 2020

pH sensing facilitates many substantial aspects of the society such as chemical laboratory analysis, agriculture, or water and soil qualities. However, existing pH sensors have problems and limitations such as fragility, hysteresis, or slow responding time. In this research, a new method utilizing fluorocarbon thin film via fluorine termination and boron‐doped diamond (BDD) solution‐gate field‐effect transistors (SGFETs) for pH sensing is developed for the first time. The fluorocarbon film device demonstrates a high pH sensitivity of 67.4 and 34.9 mV pH−1 in acid and alkaline pH regions, respectively.
Prediction and precursors of Idai and 38 other tropical cyclones and storms in the Mozambique Channel
Authors: Kolstad Erik W.
Published: September 2020

On average, about two tropical storms or cyclones enter or form in the Mozambique Channel between the African mainland and Madagascar each year. Their impact can be devastating. The tropical cyclone Idai, which hit land in Mozambique in 2019, was one of the deadliest storms on record in the Southern Hemisphere. Previous studies have found that the tracks and strengths of tropical storms and cyclones are difficult to predict more than a few days ahead. An extension of this forecast horizon would be crucial for enabling authorities to take precautionary actions. Here, the ability of the European Centre for Medium‐range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) state‐of‐the‐art ensemble prediction model to predict Idai and 38 other tropical systems is assessed. Local wind speed maxima and sea‐level pressure (SLP) minima were predicted by about 25% of the ensemble members at lead times of 1–3 days but only about 5% of the members at 7–9 days' lead times. However, several variables showed potential as precursors of tropical storms and cyclones, and some of these could be predicted at long lead times. In particular, SLP anomalies, which were significantly lower than normal multiple days before the peaks of the storms, were skilfully predicted by the ensemble mean at lead times of at least 3 weeks. Specific humidity at 500 hPa and divergence at 200 hPa were higher than normal several days before the peaks, and these potential precursors were also forecasted with skill up to about 2 weeks in advance. The inclusion of forecasts of these variables as predictors in hybrid statistical–dynamical forecasting systems could potentially extend the time horizon for prediction and early detection of possible tropical storms and cyclones in the region.
Systemic multipotent adult progenitor cells protect the cerebellum after asphyxia in fetal sheep
Authors: Gussenhoven Ruth , Ophelders Daan R.M.G. , Dudink Jeroen , Pieterman Kay , Lammens Martin , Mays Robert W. , Zimmermann Luc J. , Kramer Boris W. , Wolfs Tim G.A.M. , Jellema Reint K.
Published: September 2020

Involvement of the cerebellum in the pathophysiology of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) in preterm infants is increasingly recognized. We aimed to assess the neuroprotective potential of intravenously administered multipotent adult progenitor cells (MAPCs) in the preterm cerebellum. Instrumented preterm ovine fetuses were subjected to transient global hypoxia-ischemia (HI) by 25 minutes of umbilical cord occlusion at 0.7 of gestation. After reperfusion, two doses of MAPCs were administered intravenously. MAPCs are a plastic adherent bone-marrow-derived population of adult progenitor cells with neuroprotective potency in experimental and clinical studies. Global HI caused marked cortical injury in the cerebellum, histologically indicated by disruption of cortical strata, impeded Purkinje cell development, and decreased dendritic arborization. Furthermore, global HI induced histopathological microgliosis, hypomyelination, and disruption of white matter organization. MAPC treatment significantly prevented cortical injury and region-specifically attenuated white matter injury in the cerebellum following global HI. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) detected HI-induced injury and MAPC neuroprotection in the preterm cerebellum. This study has demonstrated in a preclinical large animal model that early systemic MAPC therapy improved structural injury of the preterm cerebellum following global HI. Microstructural improvement was detectable with DTI. These findings support the potential of MAPC therapy for the treatment of HIE and the added clinical value of DTI for the detection of cerebellar injury and the evaluation of cell-based therapy.
Smart Bilayer Polyacrylamide/DNA Hybrid Hydrogel Film Actuators Exhibiting Programmable Responsive and Reversible Macroscopic Shape Deformations
Authors: Bi Yanhui , Du Xiaoxue , He Pingping , Wang Chunyan , Liu Chang , Guo Weiwei
Published: September 2020

As a crucial instinct for the survival of organisms, adaptive smart deformation has been well shown via profusely astounding examples within biological morphogenesis in nature, which inspired the construction of biomimetic shape‐morphing materials with controlled actuating behaviors. Herein, the construction of nature‐inspired bilayer hydrogel film actuators, composed of a polyacrylamide hydrogel passive layer and a polyacrylamide‐DNA hybrid hydrogel active layer, which exhibited programmable stimuli‐responsive and reversible macroscopic shape deformations directed by the sequence of DNA crosslinking units in the active layer, is reported. As a proof‐of‐concept, the introduction of DNA i‐motif based crosslinking structures into the active layer, which can undergo pH‐stimulated formation and dissociation of crosslinking between polymers and therefore change the crosslinking density of the active layer, lead to the redistribution of the internal stresses within the bilayer structure, and result in the pH‐stimulated shape deformations. By programming the sequence of DNA units in the active layer, a Ag+/Cysteamine‐stimulated bilayer DNA hybrid hydrogel film actuator is further constructed and exhibits excellent actuation behaviors. Thanks to the micrometer‐scale thickness of the films, these actuators exhibit a high degree of macroscopic and reversible shape deformations at high speed, which may find use in future smart biosensing and biomedical applications.
Engineering Gadolinium‐Integrated Tellurium Nanorods for Theory‐Oriented Photonic Hyperthermia in the NIR‐II Biowindow
Authors: Dong Lile , Li Kai , Wen Ding , Gao Xuan , Feng Jing , Zhang Hongjie
Published: September 2020

Near‐infrared (NIR) light‐triggered hyperthermia has exhibited promising prospects in oncology therapy due to the unique merits including minimal invasiveness, monitorable, excellent therapeutic effect, and negligible side effects. Especially, the second NIR biowindow (NIR‐II, 1000–1700 nm) with less absorbance and scattering by skin tissue, and deep tissue penetration, has received extensive attention for photonic hyperthermia. Unfortunately, the dissatisfactory photothermal conversion efficiency (PCE) and cumbersome preparation process of photo‐driven heat conversion nanomaterials seriously hamper the future clinical application. To combat the aforementioned challenges, high imaging performance and desired therapeutic outcome 1D nanorods are constructed based on gadolinium‐integrated tellurium nanorods (Te–Gd). In this system, magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and X‐ray computed tomography (CT) imaging‐guided photonic hyperthermia can be easily implemented in cooperation with Te–Gd. Importantly, Te–Gd possesses high PCE (41%) in the NIR‐II biowindow because the transition of the excited electron can easily occur from the valence band (VB) to the conduction band (CB) on (1 0 1) and (1 0 2) crystal planes. Furthermore, the distinctive photostability, high tumor accumulation, as well as low systemic adverse effects of Te–Gd guarantee the potential in the clinic.
Low‐Load Pt Nanoclusters Anchored on Graphene Hollow Spheres for Efficient Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Fan Chuang , Jiang Xian , Chen Jiangyue , Wang Xu , Qian Shiyun , Zhao Chenzhang , Ding Linfei , Sun Dongmei , Tang Yawen
Published: September 2020

Efficient water splitting through electrocatalysis has been studied extensively in modern energy devices, whereas the development of catalysts with high activity and stability with low‐load Pt is still a great challenge. Through the spatial confinement effect and template method, herein, hollow graphene spheres with functionalized Pt nanoclusters (Pt/GHSs) are constructed and developed as effective electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Electrochemical tests show that Pt/GHSs exhibit a high electrocatalytic activity and stability compared with commercial Pt/C catalysts toward HER in alkaline media. The electric double‐layer capacitance value reaches 26.0 mF cm−2, indicating that Pt/GHSs have a large electrochemically active area. Meanwhile, the load of metal Pt in the Pt/GHSs is only one‐fifth of commercial Pt/C catalysts, which significantly reduces the production cost of the catalyst. Herein a new opportunity for the low‐cost mass production of efficient and stable catalysts for practical applications is provided.
Influence mechanisms under different immersion methods and different strengths of concrete in corrosive environments, and verification via long‐term field test
Authors: Zhang Rongling , Ma Lina , Liu Peng , Chen Huisu , Zhu Han Xing , Xiao Huigang , Xiong Zeyu
Published: September 2020

This paper is to study the influence of sulphate corrosion on the mechanical behaviors of concrete, especially concrete corrosion under actual corrosion environment. This study investigated different immersion methods for concrete in a corrosion environment, and different strengths of concrete specimens with contents of sodium sulphate and magnesium chloride of 10.36% and 12.00%, respectively. Strength tests were performed on the specimens for the different immersion methods of full immersion, half‐immersion, and dry‐wet cycles, and with different strengths for the concrete of C20, C35, and C50. To study the internal mechanisms of the corrosion of concrete with different immersion methods and different strengths, a microscopic pore structure test was conducted. The field tests were performed after 12 years to evaluate the long term performance of the concrete under the actual environmental conditions. The test results show that full immersion mainly led to chemical corrosion, half immersion led to double damage from salt crystallization and chemical corrosion, and dry‐wet cycles accelerated the corrosions of the salt crystallization and chemical corrosion. The higher the strength of concrete, the better its resistance to the sulphate corrosion. In comparison with the strength of the concrete before corrosion, field test results show that the strength of uncorroded concrete after 12 years is increased by 9.5% and the strength of corroded concrete after 12 years is reduced by 56.2%. The results of the strength tests and pore structure tests show that sulphate has a significant impact on concrete strength after 12 years of field tests. This study will contribute to improve long‐term performance of the concrete, provide guidance for concrete structure design in corroded areas, and suggested that increasing attention should be paid to the effects of sulphate on concrete performance.
Integration principles for complex systems
Authors: Grumbach Joshua Logan , Thomas Lawrence Dale
Published: September 2020

The integration of complex systems is an important aspect of systems engineering. This paper defines six integration principles to consider when planning and executing system development and integration processes. This paper describes these integration principles and validates them through a historical system survey. The 14 systems studied represent both integration successes and integration failures to show the universal applicability of the principles. The historical system analysis supported the validity of four of the six principles. The validity of one of the remaining principles could not be concluded through the evidence gathered. The validity of the final principle was inconclusive due to a lack of evidence found. Understanding these principles and how to apply them to an integration program will increase the probability of successful integration of future systems.
Expansion of Lordhowea, and a new genus for scapose, alpine Australian species of Senecioneae (Asteraceae)
Authors: Schmidt‐Lebuhn Alexander N. , Zeil‐Rolfe Isabel , Lepschi Brendan , Gooden Ben
Published: September 2020

The Senecioneae are one of the largest tribes of Asteraceae, with more than 3000 species and a global distribution. They also contain a large number of invasive species such as fireweed (Senecio madagascariensis), cape ivy (Delairea odorata), and ragwort (Jacobaea vulgaris). Although sequence data are available for many species, published phylogenies are for the most part restricted to specific subgroups, and the most broadly sampled phylogenies have limited coverage in depth. Fifty‐two of 126 native Australian or introduced species remain unsequenced. As a consequence, the phylogenetic relationships of introduced and native Australian taxa remain difficult to assess, hampering research in biocontrol. We inferred ribosomal and chloroplast phylogenies of the Senecioneae incorporating all available data for the four most frequently sequenced gene regions (nrITS, nrETS, psbA‐trnH, trnL) and generated sequence data for 32 additional species to inform the assembly of biocontrol test lists. Our results indicate that nine newly sequenced species currently classified as Senecio are phylogenetically distant from that genus. Although initially unexpected, the inferred affiliations of eight of these species are also supported by morphology, biogeography and chromosome numbers, together providing strong evidence in favour of taxonomic changes. Three species are added to previously phylogenetically isolated and monotypic Lordhowea, and the new genus Scapisenecio is created to accommodate five species characterised by a rosette habit with scapose capitulescences occurring in alpine to subalpine habitats of southeastern Australia.
The Bestmann‐Ohira Reagent and Related Diazo Compounds for the Synthesis of Azaheterocycles
Authors: Jamali Muhammad Fahad , Vaishanv Narendra Kumar , Mohanan Kishor
Published: September 2020

Azaheterocycles are one of the most prevalent classes of compounds present in numerous bioactive compounds, natural products, and agrochemicals, and undoubtedly, new methods to access them are always in high demand. Among the methods available, the 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition reactions involving diazo compounds are particularly attractive because of their ability to rapidly construct densely functionalized azaheterocycles in a regioselective manner. In this context, the Bestmann‐Ohira reagent has become a well‐known reagent for the 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition reactions to produce phosphonylated heterocycles, besides its widespread use as a homologating agent for the conversion of aldehydes to alkynes. This account details our efforts toward broadening the synthetic utility of the Bestmann‐Ohira reagent and related compounds for the preparation of azaheterocycles such as pyrazoles, spirooxindoles, triazoles, triazolines, and spiropyrazolines, emphasizing on domino multicomponent reactions employing readily available feedstock reagents.
Toward an antiracist genre pedagogy: Considerations for a North American context
Authors: Accurso Kathryn , Mizell Jason D.
Published: September 2020

This article combines principles from critical race theory and genre pedagogy to show how K–12 English language teachers can engage in antiracist genre‐based literacy instruction. Genre pedagogy has become increasingly popular in North America as an approach to supporting multilingual students’ literacy development. However, genres of schooling are often treated as ideologically neutral and not related to the structural racism that permeates North American schools. As a result, genre pedagogy is implemented in ways that reproduce dominant practices and reinforce deficit perspectives of multilingual students of color. Therefore, we propose principles for an antiracist genre pedagogy that (1) teaches community countertexts alongside dominant ones, (2) identifies ideologies and knowledge structures in each, (3) increases focus on interpersonal meanings to analyze racializing dimensions of texts, (4) promotes remixing genres for antiracist purposes, and (5) destabilizes the white measuring stick used to evaluate “appropriate” classroom language use. By combining functional methods with radical goals, we take seriously Ladson‐Billings’s (2014) call for remixing pedagogies in ways that benefit and empower students who have been disserved by dominant schooling ideologies—in this article, multilingual students of color.
In vitro effects of histamine receptor 1 antagonists on proliferation and histamine release in canine neoplastic mast cells
Authors: Gamperl Susanne , Stefanzl Gabriele , Willmann Michael , Valent Peter , Hadzijusufovic Emir
Published: September 2020

Canine mastocytomas (MCTs) are characterized by rapid proliferation of neoplastic mast cells (MCs) and clinical signs caused by MC‐derived mediators. In dogs suffering from MCT, histamine receptor 1 (HR1) antagonists are frequently used to control mediator‐related clinical symptoms. Previous studies have shown that the HR1 antagonists loratadine and terfenadine exert some growth‐inhibitory effects on neoplastic MCs. We examined whether other HR1 antagonists used in clinical practice (desloratadine, rupatadine, cyproheptadine, dimetindene, diphenhydramine) affect proliferation and survival of neoplastic MCs. Furthermore, we analysed whether these HR1 antagonists counteract IgE‐dependent histamine release from a MC line harbouring a functional IgE‐receptor. HR1 antagonists were applied on two canine MC lines, C2 and NI‐1, and on primary MCs obtained from three MCT samples. The HR1 antagonists desloratadine, rupatadine and cyproheptadine were found to be more potent in decreasing proliferation of C2 and NI‐1 cells when compared with dimetindene and diphenhydramine. Similar effects were seen in primary neoplastic MCs, except for diphenhydramine, which exerted more potent growth‐inhibitory effects than the other HR1 antagonists. Drug‐induced growth‐inhibition in C2 and NI‐1 cells was accompanied by apoptosis. Loratadine, desloratadine and rupatadine also suppressed IgE‐dependent histamine release in NI‐1 cells. However, drug concentrations required to elicit substantial effects on growth or histamine release were relatively high (>10 µM). Therefore, it remains unknown whether these drugs or similar, more potent, HR1‐targeting drugs can suppress growth or activation of canine neoplastic MCs in vivo.
Aspergillus awamori positively impacts the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, antioxidative activity and immune responses of growing rabbits
Authors: El‐Deep Mahmoud H. , Dawood Mahmoud A. O. , Assar Mohamed H. , Ahamad Paray Bilal
Published: September 2020

In this study, we explored the effects of dietary administration of Aspergillus awamori on the growth, intestinal histomorphology, immune parameters and antioxidant enzyme activity of growing rabbits. The rabbits of 5 weeks of age (body weight, 855 ± 5.53 g) were allotted into four groups (12 rabbits per group) and fed four experimental diets enriched with A. awamori at 0, 50, 100 and 150 mg per kg diet for 8 weeks. After the feeding trial, an equal number of male APRI rabbits (3 months old; 4 groups, 5 rabbits per group) were housed in metabolism cages and fed the test diets for 14 days for the digestibility trial. All A. awamori‐enriched diets induced a significant increase in the average body weight and weight gain of rabbits and significantly decreased the feed conversion ratio. In rabbits fed with A. awamori at 100 or 150 mg per kg diet, protein, lipid and fibber digestibility coefficients significantly increased compared with the control group. Intestinal villi measurements (length and thickness) were also enhanced in all rabbits fed with A. awamori. Adding A. awamori as a food supplement generally did not affect rabbit haematology and blood biochemistry values; however, at 150 mg per kg diet, it significantly increased the levels of haemoglobin and total protein, as well as red blood cell count. Furthermore, all enriched diets significantly increased rabbits’ phagocytic activity and their phagocytic index. Rabbits fed with A. awamori also showed decreased malondialdehyde but increased catalase activity. In conclusion, A. awamori administered as feed supplement at 100–150 mg per kg of growing rabbits’ diet enhances their growth, intestinal health and nutrient digestibility, and it raises the levels of their immune and antioxidative responses.
Molecular characterization of free fatty acid receptors FFAR2 and FFAR3 in the domestic cat
Authors: Yamamoto Ichiro , Kawasumi Koh , Ohkusu‐Tsukada Kozo , Arai Toshiro
Published: September 2020

G protein‐coupled receptors 41 and 43 were identified and characterized as free fatty acid receptors (FFAR) 3 and 2, respectively. FFAR2 and FFAR3 mediate short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs) as signalling molecules. The present study aimed to give molecular characterization of FFAR2 and FFAR3 in the domestic cat. High homology with that in other mammals was revealed by cDNA cloning of cat FFAR2 FFAR3. We analyzed the tissue distribution of cat FFAR2 and FFAR3 mRNA using quantitative polymerase chain reaction. The inhibition of intracellular cAMP concentrations was observed in cells transfected with cat FFAR2 or FFAR3 and treated with SCFAs. The activation of nuclear factor of activated T cells‐luciferase reporter was only observed in cat FFAR2 transfected cells but not in FFAR3. Split luciferase assay (NanoLuc Binary Technology; NanoBiT) for FFAR2 or FFAR3 and Arrestin‐3/β‐arrestin‐2 revealed acetate‐/propionate‐induced recruitment to cat FFAR2 or FFAR3 in CHO‐K1 cells. Our results indicate that FFAR2 and FFAR3 are functional receptor proteins that are expressed in cat tissues and show differential distribution patterns.
Using Expert Elicitation to Build Long-Term Projection Assumptions
Authors: Dion Patrice , Galbraith Nora , Sirag Elham
Published: September 2020

Most statistical agencies consult with experts in some manner prior to formulating their assumptions about the future. Expert judgment is valuable when there is either a lack of good data, insufficient knowledge about underlying causal mechanisms, or apparent randomness in trends. In this paper, we describe the expert elicitation protocol developed by Statistics Canada in 2018 to inform the development of projection assumptions. The protocol may be useful for projection makers looking to adopt a formal approach to eliciting expert judgments, or for producing probabilistic projections, where it is necessary to obtain plausible estimates of uncertainty for components of population growth.
Alternative Forecasts of Danish Life Expectancy
Authors: Bergeron-Boucher Marie-Pier , Kjæ rgaard Søren , Pascariu Marius D. , Aburto José Manuel , Alvarez Jesús-Adrián , Basellini Ugofilippo , Rizzi Silvia , Vaupel James W.
Published: September 2020

In the last three decades, considerable progress in mortality forecasting has been achieved, with new and more sophisticated models being introduced. Most of these forecasting models are based on the extrapolation of past trends, often assuming linear (or log-linear) development of mortality indicators, such as death rates or life expectancy. However, this assumption can be problematic in countries where mortality development has not been linear, such as in Denmark. Life expectancy in Denmark experienced stagnation from the 1980s until the mid-1990s. To avoid including the effect of the stagnation, Denmark’s official forecasts are based on data from 1990 only. This chapter is divided into three parts. First, we highlight and discuss some of the key methodological issues for mortality forecasting in Denmark. How many years of data are needed to forecast? Should linear extrapolation be used? Second, we compare the forecast performance of 11 models for Danish females and males and for period and cohort data. Finally, we assess the implications of the various forecasts for Danish society, and, in particular, their implications for future lifespan variability and age at retirement.
Generic differential operators on Siegel modular forms and special polynomials
Authors: Ibukiyama Tomoyoshi
Published: September 2020

Holomorphic vector valued differential operators acting on Siegel modular forms and preserving automorphy under the restriction to diagonal blocks are important in many respects, including application to critical values of L functions. Such differential operators are associated with vectors of new special polynomials of several variables defined by certain harmonic conditions. They include the classical Gegenbauer polynomial as a prototype, and are interesting as themselves independently of Siegel modular forms. We will give formulas for all such polynomials in two different ways. One is to describe them using polynomials characterized by monomials in off-diagonal block variables. We will give an explicit and practical algorithm to give the vectors of polynomials through these. The other one is rather theoretical but seems much deeper. We construct an explicit generating series of polynomials mutually related under certain mixed Laplacians. Here substituting the variables of the polynomials to partial derivatives, we obtain the generic differential operator from which any other differential operators of this sort are obtained by certain projections. This process exhausts all the differential operators in question. This is also generic in the sense that for any number of variables and block partitions, it is given by a recursive unified expression. As an application, we prove that the Taylor coefficients of Siegel modular forms with respect to off-diagonal block variables, or of corresponding expansion of Jacobi forms, are essentially vector valued Siegel modular forms of lower degrees, which are obtained as images of the differential operators given above. We also show that the original forms are recovered by the images of our operators. This is an ultimate generalization of Eichler–Zagier’s results on Jacobi forms of degree one. Several more explicit results and practical construction are also given.
Antibiotische Therapie bei kritisch kranken Kindern – Ist weniger mehr?
Authors: Bruns N. , Dohna-Schwake C.
Published: September 2020

Die antibiotische Therapie stellt eine wichtige und in vielen Fällen unverzichtbare Maßnahme zum Erreichen einer Restitutio ad integrum bei bakteriellen Infektionen dar. Hierdurch können auch schwere Infektionen bei immungeschwächten Patienten geheilt werden. Wir wissen heute aber auch, dass insbesondere kritisch kranke Kinder häufig inadäquat antibiotisch behandelt werden – mit ebenfalls potenziell schädlichen Nebenwirkungen. In diesem Spannungsfeld aus kritisch krankem Kind, der Angst, etwas zu verpassen, und potenzieller Übertherapie ist es oft nicht einfach, eine rationale Therapieentscheidung zu fällen. Im vorliegenden Review werden aktuelle Studien zu wichtigen Aspekten der antibiotischen Therapie bei kritisch kranken Kindern beleuchtet und im Hinblick auf klinische Umsetzbarkeit interpretiert. Folgende Teilaspekte werden besprochen: 1) Zeitpunkt der antibiotischen Therapie und Möglichkeiten eines abwartenden Verhaltens, 2) die Auswahl der Antibiotika in der empirischen Therapie, 3) Deeskalationsstrategien und 4) die Dauer der antibiotischen Therapie. Antibiotic-Stewardship-Programme, unter Einbeziehung von pädiatrischen Infektiologen, klinischen Pharmazeuten und Mikrobiologen, spielen bei den häufig schwierigen klinischen Entscheidungen eine entscheidende Rolle.
A complete folk theorem for finitely repeated games
Authors: Demeze-Jouatsa Ghislain-Herman
Published: September 2020

This paper analyzes the set of pure strategy subgame perfect Nash equilibria of any finitely repeated game with complete information and perfect monitoring. The main result is a complete characterization of the limit set, as the time horizon increases, of the set of pure strategy subgame perfect Nash equilibrium payoff vectors of the finitely repeated game. This model includes the special case of observable mixed strategies.
Estimation of a preliminary therapeutic reference range for children and adolescents with tic disorders treated with tiapride
Authors: Fekete Stefanie , Egberts K. , Preissler T. , Wewetzer C. , Mehler-Wex C. , Romanos M. , Gerlach M.
Published: September 2020

Purpose

Tiapride is commonly used in Europe for the treatment of tics. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between dose and serum concentrations of tiapride and potential influential pharmacokinetic factors in children and adolescents. In addition, a preliminary therapeutic reference range for children and adolescents with tics treated with tiapride was calculated.

Methods

Children and adolescents treated with tiapride at three university hospitals and two departments of child and adolescents psychiatry in Germany and Austria were included in the study. Patient characteristics, doses, serum concentrations, and therapeutic outcome were assessed during clinical routine care using standardised measures.

Results

In the 49 paediatric patients (83.7% male, mean age = 12.5 years), a positive correlation was found between tiapride dose (median 6.9 mg/kg, range 0.97–19.35) and serum concentration with marked inter-individual variability. The variation in dose explained 57% of the inter-patient variability in tiapride serum concentrations; age, gender, and concomitant medication did not contribute to the variability. The symptoms improved in 83.3% of the patients. 27.1% of the patients had mild or moderate ADRs. No patient suffered from severe ADRs.

Conclusions

This study shows that tiapride treatment was effective and safe in most patients with tics. Compared with the therapeutic concentration range established for adults with Chorea Huntington, our data hinted at a lower lower limit (560 ng/ml) and similar upper limit (2000 ng/ml).
Phase I, first-in-human trial of programmed cell death receptor-1 (PD-1) inhibitor, JTX-4014, in adult patients with advanced, refractory, solid tumors
Authors: Papadopoulos Kyriakos P. , Lakhani Nehal , Falchook Gerald S. , Riley Gosia , Baeck Johan , Brown Karen S. , Gordon Gilad , Le Lidya , Wang Judy S.
Published: September 2020

Background

Inhibition of programmed cell death receptor protein-1 (PD-1) has proven to be a highly effective strategy for immunotherapy of cancer. Approvals of both PD-1 and PD-L1 inhibitors [PD-(L)1i] in multiple tumor types are evidence of the durable benefits they provide to patients with cancer. In this first-in-human trial, we assessed the safety and tolerability of JTX-4014, a fully human antibody targeting PD-1.

Methods

JTX-4014 was administered to 18 patients with multiple solid tumor types who had not previously received a PD-(L)1i. The primary objectives were to evaluate the safety and tolerability of JTX-4014 and determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and recommended phase II dose (RP2D). Secondary objectives included evaluation of the pharmacokinetics (PK) of JTX-4014, anti-drug antibodies (ADA) against JTX-4014, and clinical activity.

Results

JTX-4014 was well tolerated and no new safety signals were identified as compared with other PD-1is. The MTD was not reached and the RP2D was selected, based on PK modelling and supportive safety data, to be 500 mg every 3 weeks or 1000 mg every 6 weeks. Clinical activity, based on RECIST v1.1 criteria, demonstrated an overall response rate of 16.7% (n = 3) with one complete and two partial responses and a disease control rate of 44.4% (n = 8). The responses occurred at different doses in patients with PD-L1 positive tumors and in tumor types that are not typically PD-1i responsive.

Conclusions

Further development of JTX-4014 is warranted as a monotherapy or in combination with other innovative cancer therapies.

Trial registration number

NCT03790488, December 31 2018.