bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparative serum microRNA array analysis of the spleen‐stomach dampness‐heat syndrome in different diseases: Chronic hepatitis B and chronic gastritis
Authors: Li Baixue , Su Yue , Xiang Ne , Qin Bing , Li Guiyu , Wan Tingjun , Liu Xiyang , Wang Dong , Jiang Cen , Wen Li , Feng Quan‐Sheng
Published: July 2021

Spleen‐stomach dampness‐heat syndrome (SSDHS) is the common Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) syndrome observed in both chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and chronic gastritis (CG). The specialized TCM prescription for CHB and CG patients with SSDHS is same, but there is limited information about the biological characteristics of this TCM syndrome. This study aimed to identify the serum miRNAs profile for the SSDHS in two different diseases in order to evaluate the miRNA‐mediated biological characteristics of this TCM syndrome. We performed comparative microarray analysis of serum miRNA expression profiles in 10 CHB patients with SSDHS (SSDHS‐CHB), 10 CG patients with SSDHS (SSDHS‐CG), and 10 healthy controls (HC). The selected miRNAs were further validated by qRT‐PCR in 13 SSDHS‐CHB patients, 13 SSDHS‐CG patients, and 13 HC. Moreover, bioinformatics analysis (GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses) was applied to identify the involved target genes and pathways for these selected miRNAs. Nine significantly differentially expressed (SDE)‐miRNAs in the SSDHS‐CHB group and 24 SDE‐miRNAs in the SSDHS‐CG group were identified, compared with the HC group (fold change >2.0 and p < .05). Among these, upregulated hsa‐miR‐483‐3p and downregulated hsa‐miR‐223‐3p were identified as the common SDE‐miRNAs for both SSDHS‐CHB and SSDHS‐CG groups. Bioinformatics analysis of the common SDE‐miRNA's target genes showed their involvement in the regulation of inflammation, immune response, and tumorigenesis. SSDHS‐specific hsa‐miR‐483‐3p and hsa‐miR‐223‐3p identified in this study indicated a relevance to the underlying biological basis of SSDHS, and may provide scientific basis for the application of same TCM prescription in CHB and CG.
Mehrdimensionale hochzyklische Beanspruchungen im Experiment und im Finite‐Elemente‐Modell
Authors: Knittel Lukas , Triantafyllidis Theodoros
Published: July 2021

Das Verhalten granularer Böden unter mehrdimensionaler zyklischer Beanspruchung ist für viele baupraktische Fragestellungen von großer Bedeutung. Beispielsweise können bei Offshore‐Windenergieanlagen (OWEA) Wind‐ und Wellenbelastungen aus unterschiedlichen Richtungen sowie mit einem zeitlichen Versatz auf die geotechnische Struktur einwirken, woraus eine mehrdimensionale zyklische Beanspruchung resultiert. Es ist bekannt, dass eine mehrdimensionale zyklische Beanspruchung zu einer größeren Akkumulation der Verformung im Boden führt als eine eindimensionale Beanspruchung gleicher Amplitude. Werden die akkumulierten Verformungen zu groß, kann dies zu einem unvorhergesehenen Verlust der Gebrauchstauglichkeit führen. Die numerische Erfassung des mehrdimensionalen Problems und die Prognose der zu erwartenden Verformungen sind daher in solchen Fällen unerlässlich. Gegenstand dieses Aufsatzes ist eine Untersuchung des Bodenverhaltens unter mehrdimensionaler zyklischer Beanspruchung. In über 120 zyklischen Triaxial‐ und Hohlzylindertriaxialversuchen wird das Bodenverhalten unter ein‐ bis vierdimensionaler Beanspruchung intensiv untersucht. Erstmals kann dabei die mathematische Formulierung der mehrdimensionalen Dehnungsamplitude im hochzyklischen Akkumulationsmodell (HCA‐Modell) nach Niemunis et al. für ein‐ bis vierdimensionale Beanspruchungen versuchstechnisch überprüft werden. Das HCA‐Modell mit der validierten Definition der Dehnungsamplitude wird anschließend in exemplarischen numerischen Berechnungen einer OWEA‐Monopilegründung unter einer durch Wind‐ und Wellenbelastung hervorgerufenen mehrdimensionalen Beanspruchung studiert. Auf diese Weise werden die Anwendbarkeit und der Mehrwert der Definition der mehrdimensionalen Dehnungsamplitude im HCA‐Modell für baupraktische Zwecke verdeutlicht.
The role of non‐coding RNAs in drug resistance of oral squamous cell carcinoma and therapeutic potential
Authors: Meng Xiang , Lou Qiu‐Yue , Yang Wen‐Ying , Wang Yue‐Rong , Chen Ran , Wang Lu , Xu Tao , Zhang Lei
Published: July 2021

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), the eighth most prevalent cancer in the world, arises from the interaction of multiple factors including tobacco, alcohol consumption, and betel quid. Chemotherapeutic agents such as cisplatin, 5‐fluorouracil, and paclitaxel have now become the first‐line options for OSCC patients. Nevertheless, most OSCC patients eventually acquire drug resistance, leading to poor prognosis. With the discovery and identification of non‐coding RNAs (ncRNAs), the functions of dysregulated ncRNAs in OSCC development and drug resistance are gradually being widely recognized. The mechanisms of drug resistance of OSCC are intricate and involve drug efflux, epithelial‐mesenchymal transition, DNA damage repair, and autophagy. At present, strategies to explore the reversal of drug resistance of OSCC need to be urgently developed. Nano‐delivery and self‐cellular drug delivery platforms are considered as effective strategies to overcome drug resistance due to their tumor targeting, controlled release, and consistent pharmacokinetic profiles. In particular, the combined application of new technologies (including CRISPR systems) opened up new horizons for the treatment of drug resistance of OSCC. Hence, this review explored emerging regulatory functions of ncRNAs in drug resistance of OSCC, elucidated multiple ncRNA‐meditated mechanisms of drug resistance of OSCC, and discussed the potential value of drug delivery platforms using nanoparticles and self‐cells as carriers in drug resistance of OSCC.
Biochemical Characterization, Phytotoxic Effect and Antimicrobial Activity against Some Phytopathogens of New Gemifloxacin Schiff Base Metal Complexes
Authors: Mohamed Amira A. , Elshafie Hazem S. , Sadeek Sadeek A. , Camele Ippolito
Published: July 2021

String of Fe(III), Cu(II), Zn(II) and Zr(IV) complexes were synthesized with tetradentateamino Schiff base ligand derived by condensation of ethylene diamine with gemifloxacin. The novel Schiff base (4E,4′E)‐4,4′‐(ethane‐1,2‐diyldiazanylylidene)bis{7‐[(4Z)‐3‐(aminomethyl)‐4‐(methoxyimino)pyrrolidin‐1‐yl]‐1‐cyclopropyl‐6‐fluoro‐1,4‐dihydro‐1,8‐naphthyridine‐3‐carboxylic acid} (GMFX‐en) and its metal complexes were identified and confirmed by elemental analyses, FT‐IR, UV/VIS,1H‐NMR spectra, magnetic susceptibility, conductometric measurements and thermal analyses. The FT‐IR spectral data showed the chelation behavior of GMFX‐en toward the metal ions through oxygen of carboxylate group and nitrogen of azomethine group. In the light of all spectral data, these complexes presumably have octahedral geometry configurations. Thermal analysis specified that the decaying of the metal complexes exist in two or three steps with the final residue metal oxides. Antimicrobial activity of the new prepared metal complexes was screened against some common phytopathogens and their mode of action has been also discussed. The potential phytotoxic effectiveness of the new complexes was furthermore inspected on two commonly experimental plants. The complexes showed significant antimicrobial and phytotoxic effects against the majority of tested phytopathogens and the two tested plants, respectively. The potential antimicrobial activity of the complexes proved their possibility to be used successfully in agropharmacutical industry to control many serious phytopathogens. The phytotoxicity of the studied complexes also indicated their possibility as potential bio‐based herbicides alternatives to weed control in crop fields.
Upregulation of OGT by Caveolin‐1 promotes hepatocellular carcinoma cell migration and invasion
Authors: Wang Lingyan , Feng Yuan , Zhang Cheng , Chen Xixi , Huang Huang , Li Wenli , Zhang Jianing , Liu Yubo
Published: July 2021

Caveolin‐1 (CAV1), a major structural protein of caveolae, is reported to exert a positive regulatory effect on tumor growth and to play a crucial role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell metastasis by regulating glycosyltransferase expression and cellular glycosylation. However, the role of CAV1 in modulating protein glycosylation and tumor metastasis remains to be further elucidated. In the present study, we showed that CAV1 promoted the expression of O‐GlcNAc transferase (OGT), which catalyzed the addition of O‐GlcNAc residues to a variety of nuclear and cytoplasmic proteins. In human HCC cell lines with different metastatic potentials, high levels of OGT and cellular O‐GlcNAcylation were associated with CAV1 expression and cell metastasis. Overexpression of CAV1 increased the levels of OGT and O‐GlcNAcylation, and cell migration was also increased. Furthermore, CAV1 was found to reduce the expression of Runt‑related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) in HCC cells. Subsequently, this effect resulted in the attenuation of the RUNX2‐induced transcription of microRNA24 (miR24), a microRNA previously shown to suppress OGT mRNA expression by targeting its 3′ untranslated regions (UTR). Finally, we demonstrated that CAV1 induced cellular O‐GlcNAcylation and HCC cell invasion. This study provides evidence of CAV1‐mediated increases in OGT expression and O‐GlcNAcylation. These data provide insight into a novel mechanism underlying HCC metastasis and suggest a novel strategy for the treatment of HCC.
Progress and Perspectives on Covalent‐Organic Frameworks (COFs) and Composites for Various Energy Applications
Authors: Kumar Ravinder , Naz Ansari Shagufi , Deka Rakesh , Kumar Praveen , Saraf Mohit , Mobin Shaikh M.
Published: July 2021

Covalent‐organic frameworks (COFs), being a new member of the crystalline porous materials family, have emerged as important materials for energy storage/conversion/generation devices. They possess high surface areas, ordered micro/mesopores, designable structures and an ability to precisely control electro‐active groups in their pores, which broaden their application window. Thanks to their low weight density, long range crystallinity, reticular nature and tunable synthesis approach towards two and three dimensional (2D and 3D) networks, they have been found suitable for a range of challenging electrochemical applications. Our review focuses on the progress made on the design, synthesis and structure of COFs and their composites for various energy applications, such as metal‐ion batteries, supercapacitors, water‐splitting and solar cells. Additionally, attempts have been made to correlate the structural and mechanistic characteristics of COFs with their applications.
Azo‐Functionalized Zirconium‐Based Metal−Organic Polyhedron as an Efficient Catalyst for CO2 Fixation with Epoxides
Authors: Tang Jia , Wei Fen , Ding Shujiang , Wang Xiaoxia , Xie Guanqun , Fan Hongbo
Published: July 2021

Chemical fixation of CO2 as C1 source at ambient temperature and low pressure is an energy‐saving way to make use of the green‐house gas, but it still remains a challenge since efficient catalyst with high catalytic active sites is required. Here, a novel monoclinic azo‐functionalized Zr‐based metal−organic polyhedron (Zr‐AZDA) has been prepared and applied in CO2 fixation with epoxides. The inherent azo groups not only endow Zr‐AZDA with good solubilization, but also act as basic sites to enrich CO2 showing efficient synergistic catalysis as confirmed by TPD‐CO2 analysis. XPS results demonstrate that the Zr active sites in Zr‐AZDA possess suitable Lewis acidity, which satisfies both substrates activation and products desorption. DFT calculation indicates the energy barrier of the rate‐determining step in CO2 cycloaddition could be reduced remarkably (by ca. 60.9 %) in the presence of Zr‐AZDA, which may rationalize the mild and efficient reaction condition employed (80 °C and 1 atm of CO2). The work provides an effective multi‐functional cooperative method for improvement of CO2 cycloaddition.
Beiwerte zur Berechnung maximal zulässiger Einzellasten an Stutzen in zylindrischen Behälterschalen und deren Vergleich mit DIN EN 13445‐3
Authors: Benitz Klaus
Published: July 2021

Die Ergebnisse einer Parameterstudie werden vorgestellt, in der die Beanspruchungen im Verschneidungsbereich von Stutzen mit der Behälterschale infolge von Axialkraft und Momenten in Längs‐ und Umfangsrichtung mit der Finite‐Elemente‐Methode (FEM) berechnet wurden. Durch den untersuchten Betrachtungsumfang wird ein weiter Bereich der in der Praxis vorkommenden Anwendungsfälle abgedeckt. Die Ergebnisse werden in Form von Spannungsbeiwerten dargestellt, die direkt vergleichbar sind mit den entsprechenden Berechnungsbeiwerten C1, C2 und C3 nach DIN EN 13445‐3. Die Spannungsbeiwerte aus FEM‐Berechnungen sind, bis auf Stutzen geringer Wanddicke, größer als die Werte nach den Kurven der DIN‐Norm. Die Unterschiede zwischen den Spannungsbeiwerten werden auf die vereinfachenden Annahmen zur analytischen Berechnung der dimensionslosen Schnittlasten zurückgeführt, die den Spannungsbeiwerten der DIN EN 13445‐3 zugrunde liegen.
25CN‐NBOH: A Selective Agonist for in vitro and in vivo Investigations of the Serotonin 2A Receptor
Authors: Märcher Rørsted Emil , Jensen Anders A. , Kristensen Jesper L.
Published: July 2021

4‐(2‐((2‐hydroxybenzyl)amino)ethyl)‐2,5‐dimethoxybenzonitrile (25CN‐NBOH) was first reported as a potent and selective serotonin 2A receptor (5‐HT2AR) agonist in 2014, and it has since found extensive use as a pharmacological tool in a variety of in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo studies. 25CN‐NBOH is readily available from a synthetic perspective using standard chemical transformations, and displays favorable physiochemical properties in terms of stability and solubility. Due to its superior selectivity for 5‐HT2AR, 25CN‐NBOH has been used to investigate the effects of selective 5‐HT2AR activation in vivo, and has thus become an important pharmacological tool for the exploration of 5‐HT2AR signaling in a range of animal models. In the present review, we outline the discovery of 25CN‐NBOH, its pharmacological profile and major findings from studies where it has been used.
A Bioequivalence Study of Avanafil in Healthy Chinese Male Subjects Under Fasting and Fed Conditions: Results of a Randomized, Open‐Label, Single‐Dose, 2‐Sequence, 2‐Period Crossover Study
Authors: Ren Xiuhua , Yu Hengyi , Qi Xingxing , Chen Qian , Yang Jingwen , Fang Yinian , Lei Yongfang , Zhang Donglin , Zuo Qin , Liu Dong
Published: July 2021

This bioequivalence study was conducted to determine the pharmacokinetics and safety profiles of an originator and a generic avanafil formulation in Chinese male subjects under fed and fasting conditions. Each eligible subject was initially randomly given avanafil (200 mg) in a test‐reference or reference‐test order, before being switched to another study drug sequence after 7 drug‐free days. The bioequivalence of test and reference avanafil were determined if the 90%CIs of the geometric mean ratio (GMR) for the area under plasma concentration‐time curve (AUC) from time 0 to infinity (AUC0‐∞), AUC from time 0 to the last detectable concentration (AUC0‐t), and the maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) fell within the range 80%‐125%. Under fasting/fed conditions, the 90%CIs of GMR for AUC0‐∞, AUC0‐t, and Cmax were 98.9% to 109.5%/96.0% to 101.2%, 99.6% to 110.3%/96.6% to 102.4%, and 99.3% to 116.8%/94.3% to 106.7%, respectively, which were all within the 80%‐125% range. Adverse events (AEs) occurred in 20.8% of subjects under fasting conditions and 20.7% of subjects under fed conditions, with a severity of grade 1. No significant difference was found in the rate of occurrence of AEs and drug‐related AEs in the test and reference‐avanafil groups (all P > .05). We concluded that the test and reference avanafil were bioequivalent in healthy Chinese male subjects under fasting and fed conditions.
A Case Study on the Desired Selectivity in Solid‐State Mechano‐ and Slow‐Chemistry, Melt, and Solution Methodologies
Authors: Budny‐Godlewski Krzysztof , Leszczyński Michał K. , Tulewicz Adam , Justyniak Iwona , Pinkowicz Dawid , Sieklucka Barbara , Kruczała Krzysztof , Sojka Zbigniew , Lewiński Janusz
Published: July 2021

Solution‐based syntheses are omnipresent in chemistry but are often associated with obvious disadvantages, and the search for new mild and green synthetic methods continues to be a hot topic. Here, comparative studies in four different reaction media were conducted, that is, the solid‐state mechano‐ and slow‐chemistry synthesis, melted phase, and solution protocols, and the impact of the employed solvent‐free solid‐state versus liquid‐phase synthetic approaches was highlighted on a pool of products. A moderately exothermic model reaction system was chosen based on bis(pentafluorophenyl)zinc, (C6F5)2Zn, and 2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidinyl oxide (TEMPO) as a stable nitroxyl radical, anticipating that these reagents may offer a unique landscape for addressing kinetic and thermodynamic aspects of wet and solvent‐free solid‐state processes. In a toluene solution two distinct paramagnetic Lewis acid‐base adducts (C6F5)2Zn(η1‐TEMPO) (1) and (C6F5)2Zn(η1‐TEMPO)2(2) equilibrated, but only2was affordable by crystallization. In turn, crystallization from the melt was the only method yielding single crystals of1. Moreover, the solid‐state approaches were stoichiometry sensitive and allowed for the selective synthesis of both adducts by simple stoichiometric control over the substrates. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were carried out to examine selected structural and thermodynamic features of the adducts1and2. Compound2is a unique non‐redox active metal complex supported by two nitroxide radicals, and the magnetic studies revealed weak‐to‐moderate intramolecular antiferromagnetic interactions between the two coordinated TEMPO molecules.
Cytomorphologic analysis of dyshormonogenetic goiter
Authors: Bhalekar Surekha , Shetty Divya , Mhatre Devarshi , Bhalekar Hemant
Published: July 2021

Dyshormonogenetic goiter is a rare cause for congenital hypothyroidism because of the lack of enzymes needed for the synthesis of thyroid hormones. They are usually treated with hormonal treatment. Cytomorphological features can lead to misdiagnosis of malignancy. Elaboration on the cytomorphological features of dyshormonogenetic goiter is scarce, with only four case reports in the literature. We present a case of a child with dyshormonogenetic goiter, highlighting its cytological features, and common differential diagnosis. We also compared cytomorphologic features with other cases reported in the literature.
New Variants of (110)‐Oriented Layered Lead Bromide Perovskites, Templated by Formamidinium or Pyrazolium
Authors: Guo Yuan‐Yuan , Elliott Clement , McNulty Jason A. , Cordes David B. , Slawin Alexandra M. Z. , Lightfoot Philip
Published: July 2021

Four new hybrid lead(II) halide perovskites, γ‐(FA)2PbBr4, (FA)1.5(AA)0.5PbBr4, (PY)(GA)PbBr4 and (PY)(TZ)PbBr4 ((FA)=formamidinium, (AA)=acetamidinium, (PY)=pyrazolium, (GA)=guanidinium and (TZ)=1,2,3‐triazolium), adopt (110)‐oriented layered perovskite structures. While (PY) is found to template the formation of ‘conventional’ (110)‐oriented structure types (i. e. containing staggered [PbBr4]∞ layers), (FA) is shown to facilitate formation of much less common variants based 3 : 1 ordering of the interlayer species or 3×2 step‐like corrugation of the perovskite‐like layers themselves.
Aryl Fluoroalkyl Sulfoxides: Optical Stability and pKa Measurement
Authors: Messara Amélia , Vanthuyne Nicolas , Diter Patrick , Elhabiri Mourad , Panossian Armen , Hanquet Gilles , Magnier Emmanuel , Leroux Frédéric R.
Published: July 2021

The enantiomeric separation of aryl trifluoromethyl and difluoromethyl sulfoxides was realized via chiral chromatography. The configurational stability of each set of enantiomers was then studied by thermal enantiomerization. The ΔG≠ values obtained cover a range of 38.2–41.0 kcal mol−1 at 214 °C, thus demonstrating their optical stability at room temperature. However, a shorter half‐life time has been observed for difluoromethyl sulfoxides. Furthermore, the acidities of six aryl difluoromethyl sulfoxides were determined in DMSO by an overlapping indicator method using UV‐visible spectrophotometric titrations. The pKa values fall in range of 20.3–22.5 and differ by about 10 log units compared to non‐fluorinated analogues.
The role of psychological flexibility, perceived injustice and body image in Vulvodynia: A longitudinal study
Authors: Chisari Claudia , Budhraja Mahira , Monajemi Mani B. , Lewis Fiona , Moss‐Morris Rona , Scott Whitney , McCracken Lance M.
Published: July 2021

Background

Women with Vulvodynia experience pain, related impacts on sex and daily functioning, and depression. While psychosocial factors are associated with outcomes in Vulvodynia, longitudinal data are limited, especially in mixed/spontaneous Vulvodynia. Broad psychological models such as psychological flexibility (PF) and content‐specific factors, such as body‐exposure anxiety (BEA) and avoidance during sexual activities and perceived injustice, have not been adequately investigated in Vulvodynia. The aim of this study was to explore whether these factors assessed at baseline predict pain severity, pain interference, sexual functioning and satisfaction and depression 3 months later.

Methods

A longitudinal study of 349 women with Vulvodynia was conducted. Participants completed online self‐report measures of pain‐related and sexual outcomes, depression, BEA, perceived injustice and facets of PF (present moment awareness, pain acceptance, committed action) at baseline and after 3 months, overlapping with the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic.

Results

Seventy percent of women responded at both assessments (n = 244). There were significant decreases in pain severity, pain interference, present moment awareness, committed action and a significant increase in depression at 3 months. All the baseline psychosocial factors significantly correlated with at least one outcome at 3 months. When adjusting for baseline outcome and demographics, committed action significantly positively predicted depression at 3 months and pain acceptance significantly positively predicted pain interference at 3 months.

Conclusions

Among women with Vulvodynia, pain acceptance and committed action are prospectively associated with pain interference and depression. The reliability and generalizability of these results needs to be established given the overlap with the COVID‐19 pandemic. Future studies should investigate whether targeting these factors enhances outcomes in Vulvodynia.

Significance

This longitudinal study explored the role of PF, perceived injustice and body image during sexual activities in predicting pain severity, pain interference, sexual functioning, sexual satisfaction and depression in women with Vulvodynia. The study findings reveal that two facets of PF (committed action and pain acceptance) predicted pain interference and depression over time. It may be important to incorporate these processes in treatments developed for Vulvodynia.
Electrochemical Fluorination of Dithiocarbonates Using a Triarylamine Mediator
Authors: Okuda Hirokazu , Taniguchi Kohei , Inagi Shinsuke , Fuchigami Toshio
Published: July 2021

Electrochemical oxidation of O‐(4‐chlorobenzyl) S‐methyl dithiocarbonate using tris(2,4‐dibromophenyl)amine as a redox mediator was studied by cyclic voltammetric measurements. The triarylamine mediated anodic fluorodesulfurization of O‐(4‐chlorobenzyl) and O‐(4‐bromobenzyl) S‐methyl dithiocarbonates provided 4‐chloro‐ and 4‐bromobenzyl fluorides, respectively in moderate yields. On the other hand, similar anodic fluorination of O‐(2‐phenethyl) S‐octyl dithiocarbonate and O‐(4‐bromophenyl) S‐methyl dithiocarbonate afforded 2‐phenethyl trifluoromethyl ether and difluoro(methylthio)methyl 4‐bromophenyl ether, respectively. Mechanistic aspects are also discussed.
The effects of ginseng on the metabolic syndrome: An updated review
Authors: Aminifard Tahereh , Razavi Bibi Marjan , Hosseinzadeh Hossein
Published: July 2021

Metabolic syndrome is a group of risk factors including high blood glucose, dyslipidemia, high blood pressure, and high body weight. It can increase the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disorders, which are the important reasons for death around the world. Nowadays, there are numerous demands for herbal medicine because of less harmful effects and more useful effects in comparison with chemical options. Ginseng is one of the most famous herbs used as a drug for a variety of disorders in humans. The antihyperlipidemia, antihypertension, antihyperglycemic, and anti‐obesity effects of ginseng and its active constituents such as ginsenosides have been shown in different studies. In this review article, the different in vitro, in vivo, and human studies concerning the effects of ginseng and its active constituents in metabolic syndrome have been summarized. According to these studies, ginseng can control metabolic syndrome and related diseases.
The lead of oil price rises on US equity market beliefs and preferences
Authors: Dark Jonathan
Published: July 2021

We find that oil price rises from a strengthening global economy have a state‐dependent lead on US equity market beliefs and preferences. When equity volatility is low, rising oil prices lead higher cashflow expectations, lower long‐run (LR) volatility, and increased LR risk aversion. When volatility is high, markets focus on the contractionary effects of higher input costs, with rising oil prices leading decreased cashflow expectations, higher LR volatility, and decreased LR risk aversion. Findings suggest important refinements for asset pricing, portfolio choice, and models that link financial markets to the macroeconomy.
Structural atrophy of the right superior frontal gyrus in adolescents with severe irritability
Authors: Seok Ji‐Woo , Bajaj Sahil , Soltis‐Vaughan Brigette , Lerdahl Arica , Garvey William , Bohn Alexandra , Edwards Ryan , Kratochvil Christopher J. , Blair James , Hwang Soonjo
Published: July 2021

Severe irritability is common in youths with psychiatric disorders and results in significant dysfunction across domains (academic, social, and familial). Prior structural MRI studies in the pediatric population demonstrated that aberrations of cortical thickness (CT) and gray matter volume (GMV) in the fronto‐striatal‐temporal regions which have been associated with irritability. However, the directions of the correlations between structural alteration and irritability in the individual indices were not consistent. Thus, we aim to address this by implementing comprehensive assessments of CT, GMV, and local gyrification index (LGI) simultaneously in youths with severe levels of irritability by voxel‐based morphometry and surface‐based morphometry. One hundred and eight adolescents (46 youths with severe irritability and 62 healthy youths, average age = 14.08 years, standard deviation = 2.36) were scanned with a T1‐weighted MRI sequence. The severity of irritability was measured using the affective reactivity index. In youths with severe irritability, there was decreased CT, GMV, and LGI in the right superior frontal gyrus (SFG) compared to healthy youths, and negative correlations between these indices of the SFG and irritability. Our findings suggest that structural deficits in the SFG, potentially related to its role in inhibitory control, may be critical for the neurobiology of irritability.
Epidemiologic distinctions between base of tongue and tonsil oropharyngeal carcinomas
Authors: Windon Melina J. , Fakhry Carole , Margalit Danielle N. , Dey Tanujit , Rettig Eleni M.
Published: July 2021

Background

Human papillomavirus (HPV)‐positive tonsil and base of tongue (BOT) cancers have been considered together. However, important differences may exist.

Methods

Demographic and tumor characteristics, and survival, were compared by oropharyngeal cancer subsite from 2004 to 2016 in the National Cancer Database (NCDB). Trends in tonsillectomy from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011–2014 were examined.

Results

HPV‐positive BOT (N = 13 081) were older than HPV‐positive tonsil patients (N = 16 874; mean 61.5 vs. 58.4 years, p < 0.001), and individuals 70+ years were significantly more likely to have BOT tumors compared with individuals <50 (adjusted odd ratio [aOR] = 2.9, 95% confidence interval = 2.6–3.2). BOT patients were also more likely to be white, male, and have advanced tumor classification. Among 7418 NHANES participants, tonsillectomy was associated with older age and white race.

Conclusions

There are epidemiologic and tumor‐related differences among HPV‐positive tonsil and BOT carcinomas. Demographic differences may be attributable to tonsillectomy trends.
Feasibility of lateral sentinel lymph node biopsy in medullary thyroid cancer: Surrogate tool for determining prophylactic lateral neck dissection—A pilot study
Authors: Kim Min Jhi , Back Kyorim , Choe Jun‐Ho , Kim Jung‐Han , Kim Jee Soo
Published: July 2021

Backgrounds

This study aimed to evaluate usefulness of lateral sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) in determining lateral neck dissection (LND) of patients with medullary thyroid cancer (MTC).

Methods

Sixteen patients with MTC were enrolled in the study from January 2013 to June 2019. Intratumoral injection of technetium (Tc)‐99m phytate followed by lymphoscintigraphy was performed preoperatively. Lateral sentinel lymph nodes were detected by a collimated gamma probe and underwent frozen analysis. Ipsilateral LND was performed in all patients to assess lateral LN status.

Results

The identification rate of sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) detected by radioisotope was 87.5% (14 of 16 patients). The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of frozen analyses were 66.7%, 100%, 100%, and 91.6%, respectively. Based on final histopathology, however, the diagnostic values of lateral SLNB were all 100%.

Conclusions

This study showed that lateral SLNB can be a promising surgical tool for decisions on LND in patients with MTC.
A Test of a Theory of Strategically Retaliatory Trade Barriers
Authors: Gawande Kishore
Published: July 2021

Within a game‐theoretic lobbying model, the formation of strategic trade barriers is examined. Trade barriers are modeled as comprising a political component as well as a strategically retaliatory component that serves to deter foreign protectionism. Within this theoretical framework, the optimal policy is to erect retaliatory barriers against all imports even though the partner country protects only a subset of goods that are traded. The theory is described and tested using cross‐industry U.S. nontariff barrier (NTB) data against nine developed countries in 1983. A three‐equation simultaneous Tobit model is estimated for this purpose. Whether U.S. NTBs against these partner countries are retaliatory and, if so, whether the cross‐industry structure of protection validates the predictions of the theory are empirically addressed.
The Short‐Run Relationship Between Sectoral Shifts and U.S. Labor Market Fluctuations
Authors: Blackley Paul R.
Published: July 2021

Monthly data for the aggregate U.S. economy are used to assess competing hypotheses concerning the relationship between sectoral employment shifts and fluctuations in the unemployment rate. It is shown that sectoral shifts are caused by major work stoppages, aggregate fluctuations unrelated to permanent sectoral shifts, a reallocation‐timing effect, and allocative shocks at the sectoral level. Larger employment shifts are associated with higher unemployment during slow growth periods and lower unemployment during above‐average growth periods. Models are presented which demonstrate that both aggregate and allocative shocks are causes of cyclical increases in unemployment.
International Capital Competition and Environmental Standards
Authors: Chao Chi‐Chur , Yu Eden S. H.
Published: July 2021

This paper examines the welfare effects of capital taxation and environmental standards with and without a government spending constraint or international tax credits. This analysis delineates the intricate linkages of the two policy measures to both private income and government welfare. Loosening environmental control leads to more capital tax revenue for the government. The optimal capital tax rate may be of any sign, depending upon the ranking of the weights of government objectives and private utility. The same criterion also applies in determining how stringent the optimal environmental standards should be.
Faux Predation in Markets with Imperfect Information on Product Quality
Authors: Kamp Brad , Thomas Christopher R.
Published: July 2021

When consumers and producers are asymmetrically informed about product quality, faux predation is shown to be a profitable method of inducing a rival firm to exit. A successful episode of faux predation persuades an efficient rival to exit without requiring the faux predator to price below cost and recoup losses with higher prices in the future. Cost‐based rules for establishing presumptive evidence of predatory intent and behavior—such as the Areeda–Turner rule—will fail to detect faux predation since pricing below unit costs is not necessary. Faux predation can damage competition yet go undetected and undeterred under present antitrust law.
Level of Economic Development and Income Inequality: Evidence from the Postwar Developed World
Authors: Ram Rati
Published: July 2021

Using a recent high‐quality panel dataset on income distribution for 19 developed countries, the postwar relation between the level of economic development and income inequality is estimated in terms of several Kuznets‐type specifications. Contrary to what one might expect on the basis of Kuznets's hypothesis, inequality does not decline with an increase in income even at such high levels of development, but shows an uninverted‐U pattern that is characterized by an initial decline and a subsequent increase in income inequality. The estimates suggest that the position noted for the postwar United States is shared widely in the developed world.
A Consistent Method for Calibrating Contingent Value Survey Data
Authors: Mansfield Carol
Published: July 2021

This paper outlines a statistical method for calibrating contingent value survey data derived from the assumption that individuals make constrained utility maximizing decisions. The method proposed allows us to determine the influence of respondent characteristics on bias, as distinct from their influence on the preference parameters. A specific functional form for individual preferences was used to derive closed‐form analytical expressions for willingness‐to‐pay and willingness‐to‐accept that allow systematic deviations in individual responses to be explicitly modeled by providing a structural interpretation of the error term. Promising results are obtained for both open‐ended and dichotomous choice data using three CV data sets.
New Wine in Old Bottles: A Meta‐Analysis of Ricardian Equivalence
Authors: Stanley T. D.
Published: July 2021

A quantitative review, or meta‐analysis, of 28 empirical studies of the Ricardian equivalence theorem (RET) gives persuasive testament of its falsity. Although there is great dissonance concerning the validity of Ricardian equivalence among contributors and reviewers alike, my meta‐analysis reveals that the testing record, as a whole, entails a strong empirical rejection of RET. This conclusion is further strengthened by the fact that both a study's degrees of freedom and its proper econometric specification increase the likelihood of rejection. A meta‐regression analysis identifies nine study characteristics that help explain the large study‐to‐study variation found among reported RET test results (R2= 83%).
Effects of Government Spending on the Current Account with Endogenous Time Preference
Authors: Chang Wen‐Ya , Tsai Hsueh‐Fang , Liu Wen‐Fang
Published: July 2021

This paper extends a previous model to set up a small open economy with perfect capital mobility, and examines the effects of an unanticipated permanent rise in public spending on the optimal rates of private consumption and the current account. The novelty of the paper is consideration of the relationship between private and public consumption in the household's utility function as well as endogenous rates of time preference. It is found that the key factor determining the adjustment patterns of private consumption and the current account is the marginal utility of private consumption and of public spending, which results from endogenous recursive preferences.
The Fischer Black Hypothesis: Some Time‐Series Evidence
Authors: Caporale Tony , McKiernan Barbara
Published: July 2021

We estimate an ARCH‐M model to analyze the relationship between the conditional standard deviation of real gross national product (GNP) and its growth rate for the period 1871‐1993. We find that variability significantly increases output growth rates. In addition, impulse response functions show that the effect of variability on growth rates is dynamic. These results provide evidence in favor of Black's (1987) business cycle hypothesis.
Advertising and Quality in the U.S. Market for Automobiles
Authors: Nichols Mark W.
Published: July 2021

Using data consisting of domestic and foreign automobiles over the period 1985‐1990, the hypothesis that advertising serves as a signal of higher quality is empirically tested. This is accomplished by examining how advertising levels vary with a quality measure that is not observable at the time of purchase but becomes available subsequent to a model's release. Above average quality results in expenditures that are 15% higher than average quality outlays. Lending further support to the signalling hypothesis, the positive advertising–quality relationship holds strongest when a model significantly improves in quality relative to the previous year's model.
Tax and Spend, or Spend and Tax? An Inquiry into the Turkish Budgetary Process
Authors: Darrat Ali F.
Published: July 2021

For resolving the budget deficit problem, some economists have advocated spending cuts, while others support either tax increases or tax cuts. This paper investigates the interrelationship between the two fiscal variables for Turkey using bivariate and multivariate cointegrating models. The Engle‐Granger and Johansen tests consistently support the existence of one nonzero cointegrating vector representing a stable long‐run relationship between government spending and revenues in Turkey. Furthermore, the multivariate error‐correction model suggests that taxes unidirectionally Granger‐cause negative changes in spending in accordance with the Buchanan‐Wagner hypothesis. Thus, from the perspective of policy making and the deficit solution debate, raising taxes in Turkey is perhaps the optimal solution to the current budget deficit predicament.
Does GDP Distort Mexico's Economic Performance?
Authors: Fuess Scott M. , Van den Berg Hendrik
Published: July 2021

Between 1961 and 1980, Mexico's gross domestic product (GDP) per capita grew nearly 3.50% annually. During the 1980s, however, it shrank about 0.50% per year. GDP figures suggest that there was sustained economic growth for the 1960s and 1970s, changing suddenly to contraction in the 1980s. This impression may be misleading. GDP does not account for housework or informal production outside households. Further, GDP also may be distorted by transactional activities, which are expenditures to support transactions, not actual output consumed. This study recalculates output for Mexico for the 1961‐1990 sample period, controlling for transactional activities and nonmarket production. We find that GDP misstates Mexico's “actual” economic growth. In the 1960s, the economy expanded more quickly than GDP suggests. But in the 1970s, growth was less than half that of the 1960s. The economy indeed slumped in the 1980s, but not as terribly as the official figures indicate. Mexico's economy did not collapse suddenly in the early 1980s; actual economic growth had slowed dramatically during the 1970s.
Rural‐Urban Wage Differentials, Unemployment, and Efficiency Wages: An Open Economy Policy Analysis
Authors: Chin Judith C.
Published: July 2021

This paper analyzes the desirability of various policies designed to counteract the distorting nature of an equilibrium rural‐urban wage differential in a small, open, two‐sector economy with urban unemployment. A dual labor market model with an efficiency wage in the urban sector and urban unemployment is analyzed for the distributional and national output effects of an urban wage subsidy, an urban production subsidy, and a tariff on the urban good. While a small subsidy or tariff raises the value of national output, redistribution effects may limit the viability of intervention. However, subsidies can also be Pareto improving policies.
Liquidity, Transaction Costs, and Real Activity
Authors: Zhang Junxi
Published: July 2021

This paper studies the liquidity effect in a pecuniary transaction‐cost model. To model the asymmetric impact of monetary injections, we consider two behavioral assumptions: sluggish money demand and sluggish firm investment. It is found that, under reasonable parameterization, the model is capable of generating a dominant liquidity effect. Our result suggests that, with alternative monetary specifications and behavioral assumptions, general equilibrium models are still useful for studying the liquidity effect at business cycle frequencies.
Electoral Incentives, Public Policy, and the New Deal Realignment
Authors: Fleck Robert K.
Published: July 2021

This paper develops a model of the effects of electoral incentives on policy, then applies the model to the New Deal realignment. In the model, policy is the outcome of an agenda‐setter game between the president and legislators. Specifically, the president sets policy subject to legislative approval. The president's ability to concentrate benefits in states with high electoral payoffs depends in part on his or her power to influence legislators' prospects for reelection. Regression analysis shows that New Deal spending and roll call voting patterns in the House of Representatives support the model. Historical accounts of other aspects of New Deal policy, including labor and civil rights issues, are consistent with the model. Together, the theoretical results and the empirical evidence help to explain several striking features of the policy and politics of the 1930s, including (i) why a government dominated by the Democratic Party would provide high benefits to swing states and much lower benefits to the traditionally Democratic South, (ii) why favoritism of swing states increased from the 1933‐1934 period to the 1937‐1938 period, (iii) why favoritism of swing states decreased from 1938 to 1939, and (iv) why, with the rise of the conservative coalition in Congress in the late 1930s, it was the representatives from traditionally loyal Democratic districts that created the strongest Democratic opposition to Roosevelt and the New Deal.
Statistical Inferences for Testing Marginal Rank and (Generalized) Lorenz Dominances
Authors: Zheng Buhong
Published: July 2021

This paper provides distribution‐free inferences for testing marginal rank dominance and Lorenz, and generalized Lorenz dominances. Marginal dominances refer to ordinary dominance relationships holding between an income distribution and its dependent after‐event distribution. Using the elegant Bahadur representation, I establish the asymptotic normal distributions of sample marginal changes and derive the variance–covariance structures. I also show that the inference procedures can be modified and applied to more general cases where samples are (partially) dependent. The approaches are illustrated by re‐evaluating the marginal impacts of working wives on the U.S. family income distribution using 1990 census data.
Are Wages Too Low? Empirical Implications of Efficiency Wage Models
Authors: Carter Thomas J.
Published: July 2021

Firms may pay efficiency wages to enhance productivity. The conventional presumption is that efficiency wages are inefficiently high because they lead to unemployment that is also inefficiently high; government policies that lower wages raise output. Using a simple and general efficiency wage model, this paper finds a necessary and sufficient condition for the opposite conclusion. If the condition holds, wages are inefficiently low, leading to productivity that is also inefficiently low. It is the high‐wage policies that raise output, even if they also lower employment. Published empirical results support the condition. No evidence is found for the conventional presumption.
Multimarket Equilibrium, Trade, and the Law of One Price
Authors: Laury Susan K. , Holt Charles A.
Published: July 2021

This paper describes the setup of two classroom markets, one with a thin supply side and relatively higher prices. A comparison of the equilibrium price tendencies in the two markets helps students discover how to apply supply and demand analysis in this context. The introduction of speculators, who buy in one market and sell in the other, reduces or eliminates the price disparity. Class discussion can be focused on how “nonproductive” speculation can increase surplus measures of efficiency when price is permitted to convey the correct information about opportunity cost.

Use: This experiment can be used in classes in the principles of economics, intermediate economics, or international trade to illustrate supply and demand analysis and the effects of inter‐market trade. In upper‐level classes, optimal bidding can be addressed as well.

Time: Reading instructions and completing five trading rounds takes 30 to 40 minutes. Discussion lasts an additional 15 minutes.

Materials: One deck of cards for up to 36 students, one copy of the instructions, and eight small blank slips of paper for each student.
The Effects of Labor Markets and Income Inequality on Crime: Evidence from Panel Data
Authors: Doyle Joanne M. , Ahmed Ehsan , Horn Robert N.
Published: July 2021

We estimate a model of crime using panel data for the U.S. We focus on the role of labor markets, income distribution, and demographics on property crime. We find strong evidence that favorable labor market conditions have a significant negative effect on property crime. We further test this result using sector‐specific wages and find that crime is most elastic with respect to wages in sectors that use low‐skilled labor. We also find that income inequality has no significant effect on crime and that the proportion of young males in the population has a significant positive effect on crime.
Estimation of Scale Economies Underlying Growth and Productivity: The Empirical Implications of Data Aggregation
Authors: Paul Catherine J. Morrison , Siegel Donald
Published: July 2021

Estimation of scale economies underlying growth and productivity patterns is typically based on aggregated data, raising questions about the potential for aggregation biases. This paper provides empirical evidence on the existence and patterns of such biases. We use a cost‐based model to estimate short/long‐run and internal/external scale effects for U.S. manufacturing data at different aggregation levels. Our results suggest that aggregation biases in such a model are not substantive. Also, internal scale economies seem more appropriately represented by the aggregate data, whereas more disaggregated data appears preferable for estimation of external or spillover effects that occur between industries or sectors.
Household Production of Health Investment: Analysis and Applications
Authors: Goodman Allen C. , Stano Miron , Tilford John M.
Published: July 2021

Michael Grossman's health investment model provides significant insights into allocations between both leisure and income and health and nonhealth goods. Our geometric extension (i) integrates labor‐leisure choice with the consumer's production of both health and nonhealth goods and (ii) distinguishes between medical expenditures and healthcare investment. This provides a framework for examining the effects of changes in incomes and wages, alternative insurance arrangements (including managed care), travel times, waiting times, and schooling. Observed differences between the income elasticities for health goods and health investment can be resolved through relative resource intensities in the production of health and nonhealth goods.