bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Qualitative and quantitative analysis of chemical components in Eupatorium lindleyanum DC. by ultra‐performance liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry integrated with anti‐inflammatory activity research
Authors: Huang Lu , Xu Ding‐Qiao , Chen Yan‐Yan , Fu Rui‐Jia , Yue Shi‐Jun , Yin Jian‐Feng , Tang Yu‐Ping
Published: June 2021

As a traditional Chinese medicine, Eupatorium lindleyanum DC. has an effect on resolving phlegm, relieving cough, and relieving asthma. In this study, an ultra high performance liquid chromatography with quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry method was established for qualitative analysis of Eupatorium lindleyanum. Besides, we developed an ultra high performance liquid chromatography with triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry method in positive and negative multiple reaction monitor modes for the quantitative analysis of 27 chemical constituents from 19 different batches of Eupatorium lindleyanum. The methodology validated linearity, intraday and interday precision, stability, repeatability, and recovery. The results showed that there were some differences in different batches of Eupatorium lindleyanum, which might be attributed to the influence of different growth environments and climatic conditions on the accumulation of compounds. The variable importance of projection value of orthogonal partial least square discriminant analysis and anti‐inflammatory activity test showed that eupalinolide A, B, C, and K have high content and strong activity, which could provide a reference for the follow‐up study of the quality markers of Eupatorium lindleyanum. Collectively, we developed a rapid and efficient method for the qualitative analysis and simultaneous quantification of Eupatorium lindleyanum, which was beneficial for the comprehensive utilization and development of resources.
Endoscopic Repair of Type 1 Laryngeal Clefts and Deep Interarytenoid Notches: Cold Steel Versus Laser
Authors: Kou Yann‐Fuu , Kavoosi Tazheh , Redmann Andrew , Manning Amy , Tabangin Meredith , Myer Charles M. , Hart Catherine K. , Rutter Michael J. , de Alarcon Alessandro
Published: June 2021

Objectives/Hypothesis

Endoscopic repair is the preferred surgical treatment for type 1 laryngeal clefts (T1LCs) and deep interarytenoid notches (DINs). No studies exist showing differences in repair rates using laser and cold steel. Our objective is to assess overall success and revision rate for endoscopic cleft repair and determine whether there is any difference in surgical outcomes between cold steel and laser techniques.

Study Design

Retrospective chart review, cohort study.

Methods

Retrospective review at a quaternary care pediatric hospital. Included all patients who underwent endoscopic repair for T1LCs and DINs between January 2010 and December 2019. Demographics, comorbidities, surgical data, outcomes, and revision status were collected and analyzed. We excluded patients who did not have a follow‐up at our institution.

Results

A total of 194 patients were identified, 14 were excluded for lack of follow‐up data so 180 were analyzed. Of these, 127 had cold steel repair and 53 had laser repair. There is no significant difference in demographics or comorbidities. In the cold steel group, 4 of 127 (3.1%) had breakdown and in the laser group, 10 of 53 (18.9%) had breakdown. Patients who failed after a cold steel repair tended to break down later (median 12.7 months) when compared to laser repairs (median 2.1 months). Nine of the 10 patients with breakdown after laser repair were noted on initial postoperative evaluation.

Conclusions

Endoscopic cleft repair is a well‐described and effective method for repair of T1LCs and DINs. Both cold steel and laser have high success rates; however, higher failure rates were noted in the laser repair group. Failure after laser repair may occur earlier than failure after cold steel repair. But this did not reach significance.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 131:2805–2810, 2021
Esophageal stenosis in head and neck cancer patients: Imaging's accuracy to predict dilation response
Authors: Krishna Priya , Bomze Laura , Watson Wayanne , Yang Sara , Crawley Brianna , Inman Jared C.
Published: June 2021

Objectives

The primary goal of this study was to examine how well findings of cervical esophageal stenosis on modified barium swallow (MBS) and esophagram correlate with clinical improvement following dilation in patients with a history of head and neck (H&N) cancer.

Methods

A retrospective review was performed at an academic hospital. The study population included H&N cancer patients with a history of neck dissection surgery who underwent esophageal dilation from 2010 to2018. Pre and postdilation swallowing function was assessed. The Functional Outcomes Swallowing Scale (FOSS) and Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS) were used as outcome measures.

Results

The 95 patients were included. All patients had imaging prior to dilation. Post‐dilation FOSS and FOIS scores were significantly improved (P < .001). In identifying the patients that would have improvement from dilation, esophagram and MBS had average sensitivities of 81% and 82%, respectively. The negative predictive value (ie, the ability of a normal esophagram or normal MBS to exclude patients that would not improve with dilation) was only 46% and 38%, respectively. When the specific finding of aspiration on MBS was considered, the positive predictive value (PPV) (ie, the ability of an MBS positive for aspiration to predict that a patient would benefit from dilation) was 87% (P = .03). When only the specific finding of stenosis on esophagram was considered, the PPV of improvement post‐dilation was 58% (P = .97). The delay in time from imaging to dilation was significantly longer in those who had an unidentified stenosis (false negative) on imaging when compared to those who did not (46.8 ± 35.2 days vs 312.6 ± 244.1 days, P < .001).

Conclusion

In high risk patients for cervical esophageal stenosis, such as those with a history of H&N cancer and open neck surgery with or without radiation, MBS and esophagram appear to have mixed reliability as predictors of response to esophageal dilation. In these patients, a “negative” result on MBS and esophagram may not be diagnostically accurate enough to exclude patients from consideration of dilation.

Level of Evidence

IIb
Ocean acidification may mitigate negative effects of warming on carbon burial potential in subtidal unvegetated estuarine sediments
Authors: Simone Michelle N. , Schulz Kai G. , Eyre Bradley D. , Oakes Joanne M.
Published: June 2021

Estuarine sediments make an important contribution to the global carbon cycle, but we do not know how this will change under a future climate, which is expected to have lower pH oceans and frequent high‐temperature days. Six combinations of warming and partial pressures of CO2(pCO2) were chosen to investigate the combined and individual effects of short‐term pressures on the diel metabolic response of shallow unvegetated sediments ex‐situ. Whereas warming significantly increased respiration, making sediments more heterotrophic, high‐pCO2increased net primary productivity, resulting in less heterotrophic sediments. As a result, warming decreased the carbon burial potential of estuarine sediments and high‐pCO2had the opposite effect. High‐pCO2mitigates the negative effects of warming on benthic metabolism under the combined scenario, with carbon burial similar to that expected under high‐pCO2conditions alone. Climate scenarios also changed the diurnalpCO2variation, with ranges increasing by 33% with warming, and almost doubling under high‐pCO2conditions. An additive response inpCO2variability was observed under the combined scenario, increasing to 2.3× the current diel‐pCO2range, highlighting the reduced buffering capacity of the water associated with a high CO2climate. Future carbon burial and export under increased frequencies of unseasonably warm days projected for mid and end of century (30% and 50% of days‐per‐year, respectively) were estimated with and without ocean acidification. By 2100, warming alone could decrease annual estuarine sediment burial potential by 25%. However, ocean acidification could mitigate the negative effects of more frequent high‐temperature days and increase carbon burial potential over current conditions by ~18%.
Inversion‐recovery MR elastography of the human brain for improved stiffness quantification near fluid–solid boundaries
Authors: Lilaj Ledia , Herthum Helge , Meyer Tom , Shahryari Mehrgan , Bertalan Gergely , Caiazzo Alfonso , Braun Jürgen , Fischer Thomas , Hirsch Sebastian , Sack Ingolf
Published: June 2021

Purpose

In vivo MR elastography (MRE) holds promise as a neuroimaging marker. In cerebral MRE, shear waves are introduced into the brain, which also stimulate vibrations in adjacent CSF, resulting in blurring and biased stiffness values near brain surfaces. We here propose inversion‐recovery MRE (IR‐MRE) to suppress CSF signal and improve stiffness quantification in brain surface areas.

Methods

Inversion‐recovery MRE was demonstrated in agar‐based phantoms with solid‐fluid interfaces and 11 healthy volunteers using 31.25‐Hz harmonic vibrations. It was performed by standard single‐shot, spin‐echo EPI MRE following 2800‐ms IR preparation. Wave fields were acquired in 10 axial slices and analyzed for shear wave speed (SWS) as a surrogate marker of tissue stiffness by wavenumber‐based multicomponent inversion.

Results

Phantom SWS values near fluid interfaces were 7.5 ± 3.0% higher in IR‐MRE than MRE (P= .01). In the brain, IR‐MRE SNR was 17% lower than in MRE, without influencing parenchymal SWS (MRE: 1.38 ± 0.02 m/s; IR‐MRE: 1.39 ± 0.03 m/s;P= .18). The IR‐MRE tissue–CSF interfaces appeared sharper, showing 10% higher SWS near brain surfaces (MRE: 1.01 ± 0.03 m/s; IR‐MRE: 1.11 ± 0.01 m/s;P< .001) and 39% smaller ventricle sizes than MRE (P< .001).

Conclusions

Our results show that brain MRE is affected by fluid oscillations that can be suppressed by IR‐MRE, which improves the depiction of anatomy in stiffness maps and the quantification of stiffness values in brain surface areas. Moreover, we measured similar stiffness values in brain parenchyma with and without fluid suppression, which indicates that shear wavelengths in solid and fluid compartments are identical, consistent with the theory of biphasic poroelastic media.
Influence of Dietary Replacement of Fish Meal with Crayfish Shell Meal on the Skin Coloration, Muscle Texture, and Amino Acid Composition of Oujiang Color Common Carp Cyprinus carpio var. color
Authors: Cheng Xiao-Fei , Wu Hao , Gao Jin-Wei , Tian Xing , Xiang Jin , He Zhi-Gang , Zou Li , Song Rui , Li Chuan-Wu
Published: June 2021

An 8-week feeding trial was conducted to investigate the influence of dietary replacement of fish meal with crayfish shell meal (red swamp crayfish Procambarus clarkii) on the skin coloration, muscle texture, and amino acid composition of Oujiang color common carp Cyprinus carpio var. color. One-hundred-eighty fish with average initial weight of 3.0 ± 0.5 g were fed with two isonitrogenous and isolipidic diets (a control diet and a crayfish shell meal diet with 25% substitution of fish meal protein [CSM25]). At the termination of the feeding trial, there were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of lightness (L*), redness (a*), and yellowness (b*) values. Interestingly, one unexpected finding was the extent to which the highest value for total color difference (ΔE) was observed in caudal skin. The springiness, adhesiveness, cohesiveness, gumminess, and chewiness of the muscle were not affected by the CSM25 diet in this study. Muscle hardness was decreased by dietary supplementation with crayfish shell meal, although this decrease was not significant. Notably, there were significant increases in the levels of threonine, leucine, and lysine in the CSM25 group. The current results indicate that crayfish shell meal can alter some essential amino acid levels in muscle. These findings might help others to better understand the influence of dietary replacement of fish meal with crayfish shell meal on skin coloration, muscle texture, and amino acid composition.
Conflicting and entangled human–nature relationships: A discursive‐material analysis of the documentary film Kiruna ‐ A Brand New World
Authors: Carpentier Nico , Doudaki Vaia , Rozsypal Pajerová Anna
Published: June 2021

Kiruna ‐ A Brand New World(2019) is a documentary film directed by Greta Stocklassa, and produced by the Czech company Analog Vision. It analyses the move of (part of) Kiruna, a north‐Swedish mining city, which is threatened by destruction because of the operations of the state‐owned ore mining company, Luossavaara‐Kiirunavaara (LKAB). The film focusses on the lives of a number of inhabitants, including Timo, a local activist opposing the move, the teenage Sami Maja and Abdalrahman, a teenage refugee from Yemen.

Our discursive‐material analysis (see Carpentier, 2017) focusses on how the film represents and intervenes in a discursive‐material struggle over the identity of three actors—the soil, the city and the mine—and their interconnections.

The article starts with a theoretical discussion on discourse theory, enriched by new materialist approaches, to develop a theoretical framework that does justice to the discursive‐material entanglement.

This framework is then used to identify a hegemonic cluster of discourses that give meaning to nature, consisting of anthropocentrism, dualism and prometheanism, and a counterhegemonic cluster, consisting of ecocentrism, integrationism and survivalism.

The analysis shows that the documentary film shows the workings of the hegemonic cluster (centred around the topoi of progress and TINA), but also visualizes the gaps in, and limits of, this hegemonic cluster. Second, the film also gently highlights the discursive‐material conflict by giving voice to those who identify with the counterhegemonic discourses, and by representing the soil as having material agency, resisting its exploitation.

A freePlain Language Summarycan be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Traditional food or biocultural threat? Concerns about the use of tilapia fish in Indigenous cuisine in the Amazonia of Ecuador
Authors: Santafe‐Troncoso Verónica , Loring Philip A.
Published: June 2021

This article contributes to streams of knowledge related to biocultural diversity, food tourism and the cultural impacts of introduced species. Specifically, it explores the concerns that arise from the promotion of tilapia fish Oreochromis niloticus in Indigenous cuisine along a touristic route in the Amazon region of Ecuador.

Although the environmental impacts of tilapia in the Amazon ecosystem have been largely documented, reports of cultural impacts are still scarce. This research addresses this gap by applying a biocultural approach, which provides a more systemic and pluralistic view of this introduced species in the local food systems of this region.

This qualitative research used semi‐structured interviews, observations, a workshop and the analysis of restaurant menus to understand the complexity of the tilapia issue in this case.

The results report the factors influencing the promotion of tilapia fish as traditional food, how locals perceive this promotion and its impacts on local culture and biocultural conservation, and locals’ proposals to mitigate these impacts.

The discussion section uses a biocultural ethics approach to analyse these results. We focus on stakeholders' perspectives and actions to address the tilapia issue in their region while navigating their multiple ways of valuing their human–environment relations and adapting to uncertain scenarios.
Connecting young people with greenspaces: The case for participatory video
Authors: Eastwood Antonia , Juárez‐Bourke Alba , Herrett Scott , Hague Alice
Published: June 2021

The values that people hold are thought to be key in bringing about the transformative change needed to halt biodiversity loss. Caring for nature has been conceptualised as a relational value and is thought to be largely shaped in childhood and adolescence. Relational values, arising from human–nature interactions, are increasingly being viewed as critical to halting biodiversity loss. However, caring for nature is not seen as sufficient to bring about pro‐environmental behaviour; a sense of efficacy is thought to also be required.

As human societies become more urbanised, the greenspaces in and around our cites will become increasingly important as spaces where people can experience human–nature interactions.

In our study, we explore participatory video (PV) as a tool for (a) providing new insights on young people's experience of greenspace, (b) enabling meaningful and transformative human–nature interactions and (c) building efficacy.

The films produced by the young people showed that greenspaces were not for them; they were associated with violence and bullying or simply thought of as ‘boring’. The study also provided unexpected evidence for the potential of PV, to not only transform the way previously disengaged young people viewed their local greenspace but also how they use it, benefit from it and begin to change their behaviours towards it. The PV process also enabled young people, individually and collectively, to connect with nature and experience activities that enhanced their efficacy, confidence and sense of empowerment.

We go on to discuss the potential of PV to help leverage the transformative change necessary to halt biodiversity loss and build more sustainable futures.

A freePlain Language Summarycan be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Probing the tumorigenic potential of genetic interactions reconstituted in murine fallopian tube organoids
Authors: Maru Yoshiaki , Tanaka Naotake , Tatsumi Yasutoshi , Nakamura Yuki , Yao Ryoji , Noda Tetsuo , Itami Makiko , Hippo Yoshitaka
Published: June 2021

Genetically engineered mice have been the gold standard in modeling tumor development. Recent studies have demonstrated that genetically engineered organoids can develop subcutaneous tumors in immunocompromised mice, at least for organs that prefer predominant driver mutations for tumorigenesis. To further substantiate this concept, the fallopian tube (FT), a major cell of origin of ovarian high‐grade serous carcinoma (HGSC), which almost invariably carries TP53 mutations, was investigated for p53 inactivation‐driven tumorigenesis. Murine FT organoids subjected to lentiviral Cre‐mediated Trp53 deletion did not develop tumors. However, subsequent suppression of Pten and simultaneous induction of mutant Pik3ca led to the development of carcinoma in situ and HGSC‐like tumors, respectively, whereas concurrent deletion of Apc resulted in the development of benign cysts, mirroring frequent activation of the PI3K/AKT axis and the marginal impact of Wnt pathway activation in HGSC. Consistent with the frequent activation of the RAS pathway in HGSC, mutant Kras cooperated with Trp53 deletion for the development of tumors, which unexpectedly contained sarcoma cells in addition to carcinoma cells, despite the epithelial origin of the inoculated organoids. This finding is in sharp contrast with the exclusive adenocarcinoma development from gastrointestinal organoids with the same genotype reported in previous studies, suggesting a tissue‐specific epithelial–mesenchymal transition program. In tumor‐derived organoids, the Cre‐mediated recombination rate reached 100% for Trp53 but not for the other genes, highlighting the advantage of p53 inactivation in FT tumorigenesis. The Trp53 wildtype FT organoids expressing the mutant Kras developed sarcoma and carcinoma upon Cdkn2a suppression and Tgfbr2 deletion, respectively, revealing novel pro‐tumorigenic genetic cooperation and critical roles of TGF‐β signaling for epithelial–mesenchymal transition in FT‐derived tumorigenesis. Collectively, the organoid‐based approach represents a shortcut to tumorigenesis and provides novel insights into the relationships among genotype, cell type, and tumor phenotype underlying tumorigenesis. © 2021 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Malignant brain tumor in an infant showing histopathological features of yolk sac tumor but genetic and epigenetic features of AT/RT
Authors: Nakano Yoshiko , Satomi Kaishi , Okada Keiko , Gotoh Masahiro , Ushiama Mineko , Sakamoto Hiromi , Yoshida Teruhiko , Kunihiro Noritsugu , Hira Kouta , Fukushima Hiroko , Inoue Takeshi , Hirato Junko , Ichimura Koichi , Hara Junichi
Published: June 2021

SMARCA4 pathogenic variants are rarely detected in pediatric brain tumors other than atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumors (AT/RTs) without INI1 deficiency or in some cases of medulloblastoma. Here, we report an atypical intracranial immature teratoma that recurred as a yolk sac tumor with metastatic spinal and lung lesions. Sequencing of the tumor revealed two SMARCA4 variants, including a splice‐site variant and a non‐synonymous variant of uncertain significance. Additionally, the methylation signature of the tumor was close to that of AT/RTs. Our case might be a yet‐unrecognized subtype of pediatric tumors in which inactivation of SMARCA4 contributes to the pathogenesis.
Pediatric tracheostomy surveillance
Authors: Leonard James A. , Mamidi Ishwarya S. , Mudd Pamela , Espinel Alexandra
Published: June 2021

We report an unusual case of a 14‐month‐old ex‐28 week, ventilator‐dependent male with a history of bronchopulmonary dysplasia and tracheostomy at 2 months of age. Lost to follow‐up, at age 9 months, he presented to the emergency department with worsening respiratory distress. The patient was taken to the operating room at which time direct visualization of the airway demonstrated a mass filling the entire glottic inlet without supraglottic or pharyngeal mucosal attachments. The solid, nonvascular, mass appeared to be emanating from a suprastomal site. Excision proved to relieve the airway obstruction and postoperatively the patient has thrived.
Structural analyses of the malaria parasite aminoacyl‐tRNA synthetases provide new avenues for antimalarial drug discovery
Authors: Chhibber‐Goel Jyoti , Yogavel Manickam , Sharma Amit
Published: June 2021

Malaria is a parasitic illness caused by the genus Plasmodium from the apicomplexan phylum. Five plasmodial species of P. falciparum (Pf), P. knowlesi, P. malariae, P. ovale, and P. vivax (Pv) are responsible for causing malaria in humans. According to the World Malaria Report 2020, there were 229 million cases and ~ 0.04 million deaths of which 67% were in children below 5 years of age. While more than 3 billion people are at risk of malaria infection globally, antimalarial drugs are their only option for treatment. Antimalarial drug resistance keeps arising periodically and thus threatens the main line of malaria treatment, emphasizing the need to find new alternatives. The availability of whole genomes of P. falciparum and P. vivax has allowed targeting their unexplored plasmodial enzymes for inhibitor development with a focus on multistage targets that are crucial for parasite viability in both the blood and liver stages. Over the past decades, aminoacyl‐tRNA synthetases (aaRSs) have been explored as anti‐bacterial and anti‐fungal drug targets, and more recently (since 2009) aaRSs are also the focus of antimalarial drug targeting. Here, we dissect the structure‐based knowledge of the most advanced three aaRSs—lysyl‐ (KRS), prolyl‐ (PRS), and phenylalanyl‐ (FRS) synthetases in terms of development of antimalarial drugs. These examples showcase the promising potential of this family of enzymes to provide druggable targets that stall protein synthesis upon inhibition and thereby kill malaria parasites selectively.
Increasing rates of NCCN high and very high‐risk prostate cancer versus number of prostate biopsy cores
Authors: Wenzel Mike , Würnschimmel Christoph , Ruvolo Claudia C. , Nocera Luigi , Tian Zhe , Saad Fred , Briganti Alberto , Tilki Derya , Graefen Markus , Kluth Luis A. , Mandel Philipp , Chun Felix K.H. , Karakiewicz Pierre I.
Published: June 2021

Background

Recently, an increase in the rates of high‐risk prostate cancer (PCa) was reported. We tested whether the rates of and low, intermediate, high and very high‐risk PCa changed over time. We also tested whether the number of prostate biopsy cores contributed to changes rates over time.

Methods

Within the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) database (2010–2015), annual rates of low, intermediate, high‐risk according to traditional National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) and high versus very high‐risk PCa according to Johns Hopkins classification were tabulated without and with adjustment for the number of prostate biopsy cores.

Results

In 119,574 eligible prostate cancer patients, the rates of NCCN low, intermediate, and high‐risk PCa were, respectively, 29.7%, 47.8%, and 22.5%. Of high‐risk patients, 39.6% and 60.4% fulfilled high and very high‐risk criteria. Without adjustment for number of prostate biopsy cores, the estimated annual percentage changes (EAPC) for low, intermediate, high and very high‐risk were respectively −5.5% (32.4%–24.9%, p < .01), +0.5% (47.6%–48.4%, p = .09), +4.1% (8.2%–9.9%, p < .01), and +8.9% (11.8%–16.9%, p < .01), between 2010 and 2015. After adjustment for number of prostate biopsy cores, differences in rates over time disappeared and ranged from 29.8%–29.7% for low risk, 47.9%–47.9% for intermediate risk, 8.9%–9.0% for high‐risk, and 13.6%–13.6% for very high‐risk PCa (all p > .05).

Conclusions

The rates of high and very high‐risk PCa are strongly associated with the number of prostate biopsy cores, that in turn may be driven by broader use magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
Long noncoding RNA GAS5 interacts and suppresses androgen receptor activity in prostate cancer cells
Authors: Lv Shidong , Pu Xiaochun , Luo Mayao , Wen Haoran , Xu Zhuofan , Wei Qiang , Dang Qiang
Published: June 2021

The androgen receptor (AR) plays an important role in the progression of prostate cancer and is the most important therapeutic target. However, androgen deprivation therapy will finally lead patients to progress to castration‐resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). Here, we confirmed that GAS5, a long noncoding RNA, could interact and suppress AR transactivation in CRPC C4‐2 cells. Knockdown GAS5 by short hairpin RNA would enhance the transcription of AR via promote AR recruitment to the promoter of its downstream target genes. Functionally, GAS5 overexpression inhibits cell proliferation partially through inhibiting AR transactivation in C4‐2 cells. Moreover, knocking down GAS5 protects C4‐2 cells from the docetaxel‐induced cell apoptosis. In return, the suppressed AR was found to downregulate the GAS5 expression, which forms a feedback loop resulted in AR high transcription activity in CRPC. Collectively, our findings revealed the important role of GAS5 in AR axis activity regulation and CRPC progression. Targeting GAS5 to intervene the feedback loop might be a new potential therapeutic approach for the patients at CRPC stage.
Systematic, small‐scale screening with Arabidopsis reveals herbicides synergies that extend to lettuce
Authors: Sukhoverkov Kirill V , Mylne Joshua S
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUND

Combining herbicides into a mixture is a common approach used to overcome the potential for herbicide resistance in weeds. Many herbicide mixtures can be antagonistic and they are rarely synergistic. Here, 24 commercial herbicides, each representing a different mode of action were used to create a matrix of all 276 unique combinations to search for new synergies in agar using Arabidopsis thaliana.

RESULTS

Herbicides were used at an appropriate sublethal dose such that any synergies gave visible growth inhibition. We found five synergies including three new ones, namely mesotrione–norflurazon, mesotrione–clethodim and clomazone–paraquat. All three were reproducible in soil‐grown conditions. Interestingly, the three new combinations all included a bleaching herbicide, suggesting that synergy might be a class‐specific phenomenon. We also found that mesotrione–norflurazon and mesotrione–clethodim combinations were also synergistic against lettuce (Lactuca sativa), but not tef (Eragrostis tef).

CONCLUSION

Our study shows that screening herbicide mixtures against A. thaliana is an efficient approach for finding rare herbicide synergies.
Earnings announcement saliency and option trading
Authors: Adams Tom , Neururer Thaddeus
Published: June 2021

The purpose of this study is to investigate option trading before earnings announcement dates as a function of report saliency. We define report saliency as the number of firms announcing earnings on the same day as an examined firm. We find that overall option trading volume is higher, option trading volume increases substantially near earnings announcement dates, and that investors trade more puts than calls when earnings announcements have higher visibility. Additional analyses indicate that these patterns are more pronounced for smaller firms and relate to investors buying and holding downside risk protection before salient earnings announcements.
Ultrasound‐Targeted Microbubble Destruction Mediates Gene Transfection for Beta‐Cell Regeneration and Glucose Regulation
Authors: Zhang Chao , Chen Shuyuan , Li Qunying , Wu Jiao , Qiu Fuqiang , Chen Zhiyi , Sun Yang , Luo Jieli , Bastarrachea Raul A. , Grayburn Paul A. , DeFronzo Ralph A. , Liu Yajing , Qian Kun , Huang Pintong
Published: June 2021

Ultrasound‐targeted microbubble destruction (UTMD) mediates gene transfection with high biosafety and thus has been promising toward treatment of type 1 diabetes. However, the potential application of UTMD in type 2 diabetes (T2D) is still limited, due to the lack of systematic design and dynamic monitoring. Herein, an efficient gene delivery system is constructed by plasmid deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) encoding glucagon‐like peptide 1 (GLP‐1) in ultrasound‐induced microbubbles, toward treatment of T2D in macaque. The as designed UTMD afforded enhancement of cell membrane penetration and GLP‐1 expression in macaque, which is characterized by ultrasound‐guided biopsy to monitor the dynamic process of islet cells for 6 months. Also, improvement of pancreatic beta cell regeneration, and regulation of plasma glucose in macaque with T2D is achieved. The approach would serve as promising alternatives for the treatment of T2D.
image2emmet: Automatic code generation from web user interface image
Authors: Xu Yong , Bo Lili , Sun Xiaobing , Li Bin , Jiang Jing , Zhou Wei
Published: June 2021

Web development usually follows with analyzing the functionality, designing the user interface (UI) prototype, implementing the UI by front‐end (FE) developers and implementing the REpresentational State Transfer (RESTful) application programming interface (API) by back‐end (BE) programmers. Unfortunately, web development is a tedious, cumbersome, and time‐consuming task, which makes it a challenge for the FE programmers to work in an efficient way. In this paper, we propose an approach, image2emmet, to assist FE programmers in implementing the UI. First, we collect HyperText Markup Language, Cascading Style Sheets (HTML‐CSS) dataset in an automatic and efficient way. The HTML‐CSS dataset used for model training consists of HTML‐CSS code and its display images. Second, the faster region‐based convolutional neural network (CNN) (R‐CNN) is utilized to detect the UI component. Finally, we build a model combining CNN and long short‐term memory (LSTM) to transform the UI component into the HTML‐CSS code. The empirical study demonstrates that image2emmet can achieve a precision of 80% on the UI component detection and 60% on the transformation of UI component into HTML‐CSS code.
Beyond the Limit of Goldschmidt Tolerance Factor: Crystal Surface Engineering to Boost the α‐Phase Stability of Formamidinium‐Only Hybrid Inorganic–Organic Perovskites
Authors: He Junjie , Chu Yanfang , Sun Yuchen , Zhang Rui , Li Jing , Zhao Lei , Zhao Hongmei , Liu Pengfei , Li Song
Published: June 2021

Hybrid inorganic−organic perovskites (HIOPs) have the widest absorption range and the highest power conversion efficiency. Among HIOPs, formamidinium lead iodide (FAPbI3) has a wider absorption range and better thermal and light stability. Unfortunately, the photovoltaic active α‐phase of FAPbI3 transforms into its δ‐phase within several hours in ambient environment. Although partly sublimation of FA+ with smaller cations can stabilize α‐FAPbI3, the multication systems suffer cation segregation and phase separation in long‐term use. Herein, a crystal surface engineering strategy to stabilize α‐FAPbI3 is developed. It is found that even introducing 1 mol% carboxylate anion can drastically improve the phase stability and operational stability of α‐FAPbI3 in the ambient environment (r.h. 50%, 25 °C). After 1 month of exposure to air, the phase change of α‐FAPbI3 is negligible. A detailed study indicates that the introduction of carboxylate anions prevents the water corroding the crystal surface and relaxes the strain in the crystals by increasing orientation diversity. The improved operational stability of the HIOPs arises from the intrinsic stability of pure formamidinium recipe and the stronger hydrogen bond between formamidinium and carboxylate. It not only provides a perovskite material for high‐performance solar cells, but also deepens the understanding of the phase stability of HIOPs.
Revealing the Mechanism of π Aromatic Molecule as an Effective Passivator and Stabilizer in Highly Efficient Wide‐Bandgap Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Liang Jiwei , Chen Cong , Hu Xuzhi , Xiao Meng , Wang Chen , Yao Fang , Li Jing , Wang Haibing , He Jingwang , Da Bo , Ding Zejun , Ke Weijun , Tao Chen , Fang Guojia
Published: June 2021

Trap‐induced nonradiative recombination and decomposition are the major limiting factors that hinder the development of mixed‐halide wide‐bandgap perovskite solar cells. Specifically, the incorporation of formamidinium (FA+) and bromide in wide‐bandgap (WBG) perovskite materials leads to shallow‐energy‐level traps and inferior light stability. Herein, the electron‐withdrawing molecule 2,3,5,6 tetrafluoro‐7,7,8,8‐tetracyanoquinodimethane (F4‐TCNQ) is used as an effective passivator and stabilizer, which has molecular interaction with the FA+ cation for reducing trap densities and enhancing the stability of WBG perovskite solar cells. It is found that the extended π aromatic system in F4‐TCNQ can enhance the binding energy and stabilize the FA+ cation in perovskite films. Furthermore, the 1.67 eV bandgap inverted perovskite solar cells with a small amount of F4‐TCNQ have shallower defect levels, reduced trap density, and decreased nonradiative recombination, therefore giving a remarkably improved power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 20.0%. Most importantly, the unencapsulated devices with F4‐TCNQ additive have greatly enhanced stability, maintaining 88% of their peak PCEs under continuous illumination after 840 h, whereas the control devices only retain 48% of their PCEs after 500 h.
An energy‐aware virtual machines consolidation method for cloud computing: Simulation and verification
Authors: Zolfaghari Rahmat , Sahafi Amir , Rahmani Amir Masoud , Rezaei Reza
Published: June 2021

Cloud systems have become an essential part of our daily lives owing to various Internet‐based services. Consequently, their energy utilization has also become a necessary concern in cloud computing systems increasingly. Live migration, including several virtual machines (VMs) packed on in minimal physical machines (PMs) as virtual machines consolidation (VMC) technique, is an approach to optimize power consumption. In this article, we have proposed an energy‐aware method for the VMC problem, which is called energy‐aware virtual machines consolidation (EVMC), to optimize the energy consumption regarding the quality of service guarantee, which comprises: (1) the support vector machine classification method based on the utilization rate of all resource of PMs that is used for PM detection in terms of the amount' load; (2) the modified minimization of migration approach which is used for VM selection; (3) the modified particle swarm optimization which is implemented for VM placement. Also, the evaluation of the functional requirements of the method is presented by the formal method and the non‐functional requirements by simulation. Finally, in contrast to the standard greedy algorithms such as modified best fit decreasing, the EVMC decreases the active PMs and migration of VMs, respectively, 30%, 50% on average. Also, it is more efficient for the energy 30% on average, resources and the balance degree 15% on average in the cloud.
Analysis of the Gaseous Reduction of Porous Wustite Pellets by Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Ghadi Ariyan Zare , Vahedi Seyed Masoud , Sohn Hong Yong
Published: June 2021

In the present study, numerical simulation, regression modeling, sensitivity analysis, and optimization are implemented to analyze how the reduction rates of wustite pellets are affected by the operational variables. Overall reduction time as a function of temperature, pellet diameter, porosity, gas ratio, tortuosity, gas utility, and pressure was computed by the numerical solution of the time‐dependent governing differential equations describing the gas concentrations and temperature variation within a porous pellet of wustite. Bulk temperature, pressure, and pellet size were selected based on the screening analysis, which were then used for the main regression modeling to quantify and evaluate their effects on the overall reduction time. The resulting correlation equation gives the reduction time as a function of the important reaction conditions, within their selected ranges, without having to numerically solve the complex partial differential equations. The pellet diameter and pressure were the two most influential factors, followed by other ones. The sensitivity analysis results showed that the higher the temperature and pressure, the less influential their variations in the reduction time, especially at small pellet diameters. On the other hand, the reduction time displayed the highest sensitivity to the aforementioned variables for large pellets and at low pressures and temperatures.
Local, Seasonal, and Yearly Condition of Juvenile Greenland Halibut Revealed by the Le Cren Condition Index
Authors: Ghinter Léopold , Ait Youcef Wahiba , Lambert Yvan , Morgan M. Joanne , Audet Céline
Published: June 2021

An understanding of biological characteristics, such as growth patterns, condition, and energy reserves, is important for better understanding the environmental constraints exerted on fish populations. This is especially true for exploited fish stocks in the current context of climate change. Using biological data collected from 2006 to 2009 during bottom trawl research surveys by Fisheries and Oceans Canada in the estuary and Gulf of St. Lawrence (EGSL) as well as data from 2000 to 2018 in the northwest Atlantic, we sought to improve our knowledge on the seasonal condition of Greenland Halibut Reinhardtius hippoglossoides juveniles and to better understand the divergence in some life history traits between juveniles captured in these two regions. We validated the use of the Le Cren condition index and evaluated its relationship with energetic status in juvenile (20–32‐cm TL) Greenland Halibut. In the EGSL, juvenile condition was higher in winter and spring compared to summer and fall. Such variations may result from this species’ pelagic predation activity and prey availability. Juveniles captured in the EGSL during 2016–2017 were larger but had a lower condition index than those captured in the northwest Atlantic, but we found no indication of earlier sexual maturation in the EGSL that could explain the sex ratio differences we observed in catches from these two areas.
Long‐term survival of a dog diagnosed with a primary multicentric hepatic plasma cell tumour treated with surgery and chemotherapy
Authors: Pierini Alessio , Binanti Diana , Marchetti Veronica , Speca Matteo , Pisani Guido
Published: June 2021

A 7‐year‐old, intact, female Jack Russell terrier was presented for evaluation of a mammary nodule. Abdominal ultrasonography for initial staging revealed a 1 cm hypoechoic nodule within the left lateral hepatic lobe (LLHL), which was histologically determined to be a plasma cell tumour (PCT). Computed tomography revealed an additional 5 mm nodule in the right medial hepatic lobe (RMHL). Exploratory celiotomy showed that the PCT in the LLHL adhered to the gastric wall. Partial liver lobectomy and partial gastrectomy were carried out to remove the PCT in the LLHL. Marginal excision was done to remove the RMHL nodule, which was determined to be a PCT. The dog was treated with prednisone and melphalan for 6 months and remained in complete clinical remission for 37 months. Surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy were successful in maintaining long‐term remission in this patient. This is the first report of primary multicentric hepatic PCT in a dog.
Nerve stimulator‐guided sciatic nerve block in a cockerel (Gallus gallus domesticus) for a bone marrow biopsy
Authors: Dmitrović Petra , Dupont Julien , Marlier Didier , Monchaux Marie , Sandersen Charlotte
Published: June 2021

A cockerel (Gallus gallus domesticus) was presented for lameness investigation. A CT scan of the left leg and a bone marrow biopsy were planned. Both procedures were performed under general anaesthesia and, before the biopsy was performed, a sciatic nerve block was achieved with levobupivacaine 0.5% (0.75 mg/kg), aided by an electrical nerve locator. The nerve was located through a lateral approach, with a motor response to stimulation similar to that described in mammals. The efficacy of the block was assessed as satisfactory during the procedure. Postoperatively, the pain was subjectively assessed, but no pain scales were employed, as none are validated for birds. No iatrogenic complications occurred; therefore, this nerve block could be considered as a part of a multimodal approach to perioperative pain management.
Introduction: Private Wealth and Public Debt
Authors: von Weizsäcker Carl Christian , Krämer Hagen M.
Published: June 2021

In the economic area comprising the OECD countries plus China, almost half of private wealth consists of net public debt. Private wealth is nearly twice the size of private real assets. Due to the continuing rise in life expectancy, the share of public debt in private wealth is growing. As long as public debt does not become too great, real interest rates can be low, but positive in the twenty-first century. The main reason for this is private retirement planning in light of high life expectancy. Investment cannot keep up with increasing private saving. In the twenty-first century, public debt is a macroeconomic steering instrument. Fiscal policy uses it to ensure that a positive, but low real interest rate level continues to prevail.
A New Era of International Economic Policy
Authors: von Weizsäcker Carl Christian , Krämer Hagen M.
Published: June 2021

We distinguish between a “Friedman world” and a “Keynes world,” the latter being characterized by the zero lower bound problem. With the natural rate of interest tending to fall over time, the Keynes world is becoming the norm. In the Keynes world, voters defend their interests as producers more than their interests as consumers. This strengthens protectionism at the ballot box. We are less and less able to rely on the USA to serve as the engine of the global economy via its high current account deficits. In addition to the WTO rules, an international fiscal order is needed to rescuefree trade: 1. At low real interest rates, countries with current account surpluses undertake to eliminate them by increasing government net borrowing. 2. At high real interest rates, countries with current account deficits undertake to eliminate them by cutting fiscal expenditure or raising taxes.
The Natural Rate of Interest and the Optimal Rate of Interest in the Steady State
Authors: von Weizsäcker Carl Christian , Krämer Hagen M.
Published: June 2021

The “natural rate of interest” is the hypothetical, risk-free real rate of interest that would obtain in a closed economy, if net public debt were zero. It is considerably less than the optimal steady-state rate of interest, which is equal to the system’s growth rate. This holds for a very general “meta-model.” The fundamental equation of capital theory holds on the optimal steady-state path:T = Z − D, whereTis the overall economic period of production,Zis the representative private “waiting period” of consumers andDis the public debt ratio. Prosperity is at least 30% lower at the natural rate of interest than at the optimal rate.
Real Capital
Authors: von Weizsäcker Carl Christian , Krämer Hagen M.
Published: June 2021

Preshaped by the influence of Marx, Böhm-Bawerk and modern neoclassical economics, the general opinion is that the marginal product of capital must always be positive. With the help of the “period of production” T, we define a coefficient of intertemporal substitutionψ that is always non-negative. It can also be used when the real interest rate is negative. With the help of the concept of the “waiting period” Z, we can also define an always non-negative coefficient of intertemporal substitutionγ for the household side. The “loss formula” for deviations of the rate of interest from the growth rate is one application of ψ and γ. Ω = (ψT2 + γZ2)(r − g)2/2 provides a good approximation of the relative loss Ω. Overcomplexity of the system of production leads to negative marginal returns on capital. It can be empirically presumed that the OECD plus China region is on the cusp of overcomplexity. The hypothetical natural rate of interest in the eurozone is well into the minuses. To determine the value of the real capital of the private sector in the OECD plus China region, we use a framework of data taken from the World Inequality Database (WID.world). We have supplemented the data available there with data from other sources and adapted it to our theoretical objectives. According to our estimates, private wealth in the form of real capital in the OECD plus China region comes to approximately four times total annual consumption.
Predictive Manufacturing: Enabling Technologies, Frameworks and Applications
Authors: Pulikottil Terrin , Estrada-Jimenez Luis Alberto , Nikghadam-Hojjati Sanaz , Barata Jose
Published: June 2021

The impact of globalization and the recent advancements in Information and Communication Technologies has pushed the manufacturing sector towards a new transformation. Current manufacturers with the help of recent advances in Cloud Computing, Artificial Intelligence, and Internet of Things are moving towards a new intelligent system called Predictive Manufacturing Systems (PMS). These systems can be used in a wide array of applications, including proactive maintenance, improved quality control and higher performance. This paper provides an overview of the current trends in Predictive Manufacturing Systems in recent years. The paper discusses the developed frameworks, enabling technologies and various applications of Predictive Manufacturing Systems.