bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transition‐Metal‐Free Matsuda‐Heck Type Cross‐Coupling and Mechanistic Evidence for a Radical Mechanism
Authors: Bergès Julien , Zaid Yassir , Tlili Anis , Sotiropoulos Jean‐Marc , Taillefer Marc
Published: January 2021

The Matsuda‐Heck reaction, usually performed with palladium catalysts, can be carried out under transition‐metal‐free conditions in the presence of a KOtBu/DMF couple. This system allows the selective and direct synthesis of stilbenes from aryldiazonium salts under mild temperature (20 °C). Mechanistic studies suggest a radical pathway in which the DMF acts as the initiator of the overall process.
Formal Semisynthesis of Demethylgorgosterol Utilizing a Stereoselective Intermolecular Cyclopropanation Reaction
Authors: Rosenbaum Nicolai , Schmidt Lisa , Mohr Florian , Fuhr Olaf , Nieger Martin , Bräse Stefan
Published: January 2021

In this study, we report a convenient and high yielding formal semisynthesis of demethylgorgosterol, a marine steroid with an intriguing sidechain containing a cyclopropane unit. This was achieved through the synthesis of an advanced ketone intermediate. The synthetic route features a total of ten steps, starting from commercially available stigmasterol, with an overall yield of 27 %. The key step was a stereoselective intermolecular cyclopropanation reaction. This reaction proceeded in 82 % yield, the resulting cyclopropane carboxylic ester shows a trans/cis ratio of 89 : 11, with a diastereomeric ratio for the trans‐diastereomers of >99 : 1. A reduction/oxidation sequence afforded the corresponding aldehyde, which was used in a Grignard reaction. A final oxidation step then yielded the desired ketone. This novel route presents a platform to further investigate the medicinal applications of gorgosterol‐type steroids and to fully understand their role in coral symbiosis.
Nutritional and medicinal properties of Star fruit (Averrhoa carambola): A review
Authors: Lakmal Kasun , Yasawardene Pamodh , Jayarajah Umesh , Seneviratne Suranjith L
Published: January 2021

Star fruit (Averrhoa carambola), a popular fruit in many parts of the world, is considered to have many beneficial nutritional and medicinal effects. However, harmful nephrotoxic and neurotoxic effects have also been described. In this review, we have discussed the reported beneficial effects of star fruit, explored the potential mechanisms for such beneficial effects, and outline factors that may affect the safe level of consumption. The beneficial effects include the following: antioxidant (mediated via L‐ascorbic acid, epicatechin, and gallic acid), hypoglycemic (mediated via high fiber levels and 2‐dodecyl‐6‐methoxycyclohexa‐2,5‐diene‐1,4‐dione), hypotensive (mediated via apigenin), hypocholesterolemic (mediated via micronized fiber), anti‐inflammatory, anti‐infective, antitumor effects, and immune‐boosting effects. The presence of chronic kidney disease, gastroenteropathies, chronic pancreatitis, dehydration, consumption on an empty stomach, and higher concentration of oxalate in fruit/juice consumed predisposes to toxicity. The level of ingestion at which the beneficial effects transition to nephrotoxicity and neurotoxicity is still to be accurately ascertained. Furthermore, the relationship between the amount of star fruit ingested and the severity of toxicity is not certain and warrants further study.
Elderly's food security and its associated socioeconomic determinants in Tehran: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Alipour Vahid , Rezapour Aziz , Shali Mahboobeh , Harati Khalilabad Touraj
Published: January 2021

Introduction

Food security as a component of the fundamental foundation in the elderly's health was a priority in the 20‐year vision development plan of the country. The main goal of the present study was to determine the elderly food security status and its influential factors in the city of Tehran, Iran.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study was conducted on 1000 people age over 60 from Tehran city capital of Iran in 2018. A validated short questionnaire with six and nine questions used to measure the food security and socioeconomic status of the elderly, respectively. The data were analyzed using the chi‐square test and logistic regression model.

Results

The findings revealed that 39.1% of the investigated elderly were facing food insecurity, 59% had chronic diseases, and 13% of them had no insurance coverage. Elderly with monthly income ≤ 10 million Iranian rial (odds ratio [OR] = 3.19, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.61‐4.48), who had chronic diseases (OR = 3.54, 95% CI = 1.94‐6.62), and had a diploma degree or less (OR = 2.02, 95% CI = 1.4‐3.72) were more likely to be food insecure.

Conclusion

Expanding social security insurance for the elderly besides financial support, reforming inappropriate food habits, and increasing elderly’ nutritional awareness can be effective in promoting food security for the aging population of this country.
Analysis of fractional derivatives in thermal and solutal transfer equations of second‐grade non‐Newtonian fluids: A numerical study
Authors: Borah Gourangajit , Dutta Palash , Hazarika Gopal Chandra
Published: January 2021

A numerical analysis is carried out using Atangana–Baleanu and Caputo–Fabrizio time‐fractional derivatives to study the mixed convective unsteady flow of a second‐grade fluid past an infinite vertical porous plate under the influence of a uniform transverse magnetic field. As finding the exact solutions of fluid equations presents huge difficulties due to the vagueness or uncertainty associated with the fluid parameters, fuzzy theoretic concepts are used rather than the classical crisp theoretic ones. Governing partial differential equations are made dimensionless and are then subject to fuzzification. The finite‐difference scheme is used to discretize the equations, and hence suitable programming codes are developed in PYTHON for AB and CF fractional derivatives. The results are obtained and plotted graphically. Interpretations based on these physical parameters imply that both AB and CF methods agreed well.
Personalized recommendation by using fused user preference to construct smart library
Authors: Zhao Limei
Published: January 2021

In online digital library, it makes people be convenient to visit latest books or magazines via digitization. Online digital library becomes the platform for people to search and browse latest books or magazines. From digital library to smart library, the key is how to recommend interesting items from personalized preference according to visiting history records, comments, and discussions. This paper introduces user preference into digital library recommendation system. Generally, if two users have similar preference, they also like the books or magazines from the same or related topics. First, the topics is estimated by a Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) model; second, the topics with high user preference score is recommended to the user. Thus, the user can receive the item list which are close to the topics which he or she is interested in. The experimental results on a university digital library show the effectiveness of the user preference based recommendation system for smart library.
Influence of Asiatic acid on cell proliferation and DNA damage in vitro and in vivo systems
Authors: Ribeiro Arthur B. , Ozelin Saulo D. , da Silva Lucas H. D. , Rinaldi‐Neto Francisco , Freitas Karoline S. , Nicolella Heloiza D. , de Souza Larissa D. R. , Furtado Ricardo A. , Cunha Wilson Roberto , Tavares Denise C.
Published: January 2021

Asiatic acid (AA) is a triterpene with promising pharmacological activity. In the present study, in vitro and in vivo assays were conducted to understand the effect of AA on cell proliferation and genomic instability. AA was cytotoxic to human tumor cell lines (M059J, HeLa, and MCF‐7), with IC50values ranging from 13.91 to 111.72 µM. In the case of M059J, AA exhibited selective cytotoxicity after 48 h of treatment (IC50 = 24 µM), decreasing the percentage of cells in the G0/G1 phase, increasing the percentage of cells in the S phase, and inducing apoptosis. A significant increase in chromosomal damage was observed in V79 cell cultures treated with AA (40 µM), revealing genotoxic activity. In contrast, low concentrations (5, 10, and 20 µM) of AA significantly reduced the frequencies of micronuclei induced by the mutagens doxorubicin (DXR), methyl methanesulfonate, and hydrogen peroxide. A reduction of DXR‐induced intracellular free radicals was found in V79 cells treated with AA (10 µM). The antigenotoxic effect of AA (30 mg/kg) was also observed against DXR‐induced chromosomal damage in Swiss mice. Significant reductions in p53 levels were verified in the liver tissue of these animals. Taken together, the data indicate that AA exerted antiproliferative activity in M059J tumor cells, which is probably related to the induction of DNA damage, leading to cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. Additionally, low concentrations of AA exhibited antigenotoxic effects and its antioxidant activity may be responsible, at least in part, for chemoprevention.
Proanthocyanidin alleviates doxorubicin‐induced cardiac injury by inhibiting NF‐kB pathway and modulating oxidative stress, cell cycle, and fibrogenesis
Authors: Sadek Kadry M. , Mahmoud Sahar F. E. , Zeweil Mohamed F. , Abouzed Tarek K.
Published: January 2021

This study investigated the potential mechanism(s) and the signaling pathway(s) underlying the prophylactic effect of proanthocyanidin extract (PE) against doxorubicin (DOX)‐induced cardiotoxicity in rats. A total of 32 male albino rats were randomly allocated into four groups. Control rats were orally administrated normal saline. Rats in the second group were orally administrated PE (50 mg/kg bw/once daily) for 4 weeks. Rats in the third group were intraperitoneally injected with DOX (10 mg/kg on Days 3, 9, 15, and 21 of the experiment). Rats in the fourth group were injected with DOX and PE simultaneously for 4 weeks. DOX significantly augmented the levels of serum heart damage biomarkers. In addition, histopathology indicated that DOX‐induced cardiac tissue injury upregulated the expression of fibrogenic factors, alpha smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA), transforming growth factor β1 (TGF‐ β1), and p16INK4A. Downregulation of cell proliferation markers, cyclin‐dependent kinase‐4 (CDK4), and retinoblastoma (Rb) was also observed. Furthermore, DOX‐induced oxidative and inflammatory stress resulted in increased cardiac malondialdehyde (MDA), protein carbonyl (PC), interleukin‐2 (IL‐2), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), and tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α). Decreased cardiac glutathione (GSH) levels and enzyme activity of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione S‐transferase (GST) were observed. Treatment of DOX‐induced rat cardiotoxicity with PE normalized serum parameters for the aforementioned parameters and alleviated cardiac tissue structure. Furthermore, reduced cardiac tissue α‐SMA and TGF‐β1, and increased CDK4 and Rb protein expression, along with the amelioration of oxidative and inflammatory effects were observed. PE attenuates DOX‐induced cardiomyocyte inflammation possibly by attenuating the nuclear factor kappa‐B (NF‐
kB) signaling pathway. These results indicate that PE may be useful as a preventative agent against DOX‐induced cardiac toxicity.
Possible value of galectin‐3 on follow‐up of cardiac remodeling during glucocorticoid treatment
Authors: Akin Senay , Kubat Gokhan B. , Guray Umit , Akin Yesim , Demirel Haydar A.
Published: January 2021

Glucocorticoids are among the most prescribed drugs globally due to their potent anti‐inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties. Although they have positive effects on the treatment of various disease states; long‐term administration is associated with high blood pressure, insulin resistance, and susceptibility to type 2 diabetes. The heart attempts to cope with increased blood pressure and a decrease in glucose utilization by developing pathological cardiac remodeling. However, in this process, cardiac fibrosis formation and deterioration in heart structure and functions occur. Galectin‐3, a member of the β‐galactoside binding lectins, is consistently associated with inflammation and fibrosis in the pathogenesis of various disease states including insulin resistance and heart failure. Galectin‐3 expression is markedly increased in activated macrophages and a subset of activated fibroblasts and vascular cells. Also, failing and remodeling myocardium show increased Gal‐3 expression and elevated Gal‐3 levels are related to heart failure severity and prognosis. Furthermore, Gal‐3‐related pathways are recently suggested as therapeutic targets both pharmacologically and genetically to increase insulin sensitivity in vivo. The objective of this review is to provide a summary of our current understanding of the role of glucocorticoid‐associated insulin resistance, which is important for some cardiac events, and the potential role of galectin in this pathophysiological process.
An explanatory sequential investigation of the working alliance as a change process in videoconferencing psychotherapy
Authors: Norwood Carl , Sabin‐Farrell Rachel , Malins Sam , Moghaddam Nima G.
Published: January 2021

Objectives and Design

Debate exists as to patient experience, and the importance, of the working alliance (WA) in videoconferencing psychotherapy (VCP). This study used a two‐phase explanatory sequential design to investigate the WA as a change process in VCP.

Methods

Phase I: sessional VCP outcome and WA data were analysed using multilevel modelling (n = 46). Phase II: participants (n = 12) from Phase I were recruited to semi‐structured interviews, analysed using thematic framework analysis.

Results and Conclusions

Results demonstrate: (1) a significant correlation between WA and outcome (F(1, 15.19) = 25.01, p < 0.001), (2) previous session WA significantly predicted outcome in the next session (F(1, 355.61) = 4.47, p < 0.05), and (3) previous session outcome significantly predicted next session WA (F(1, 55.3) = 15.19, p < 0.001), with three core themes explaining patient experience (engaging with the medium, connection with the therapist, and working via the medium). Results are discussed and future research recommended.
Incorporating compassion into compassion fatigue: The development of a new scale
Authors: Eng Linnéa , Nordström Jennie , Schad Elinor
Published: January 2021

Objective

Although theory supports compassion fatigue as a separate condition, compassion fatigue, burnout, and secondary traumatic stress (STS) are terms often used interchangeably. We aim to create a compassion fatigue scale while comparing it to burnout and STS.

Method

Survey data were collected from 651 psychologists working in Sweden using a Compassion Fatigue Inventory (CFI), the Copenhagen Burnout Inventory, and the STS Scale.

Results

An exploratory factor analysis was used to evaluate the CFI resulting in high internal consistency generating three subfactors: Reduced Compassion, Social Life, and Workplace. Even though Compassion fatigue had a high correlation with both burnout and STS, the results suggest a narrower conceptualization of compassion fatigue. The only background variable related to compassion fatigue was years of work experience.

Conclusion

This new CFI can be useful in examining reduced compassion in health care professionals.
Evolution of observed and modelled temperatures in Finland in 1901–2018 and potential dynamical reasons for the differences
Authors: Ruosteenoja Kimmo , Räisänen Jouni
Published: January 2021

Observed monthly and annual mean temperatures in Finland in 1901–2018 were compared with simulations performed with 28 global climate models (GCMs), and dynamical factors behind the emerging differences were studied by regression analysis. Observational temperatures were extracted from high‐quality kriging analyses specifically tailored for Finland. Considering the entire time interval, the increase in the annual multi‐GCM mean temperature agrees well with the observed warming, even though observations exhibit substantial inter‐decadal fluctuations. After 2000, the mean temperatures have been higher than during any period in the 20th century. In the baseline regression model, the 10 leading EOFs of the European—Northeast Atlantic sea‐level pressure (SLP) field were used to explain differences between the GCM‐mean and observed evolution of temperature. The regression model is able to reduce the mean squared difference of the temporally‐smoothed temperature by 58%. The performance is highest in winter and summer and lowest in April. For a sensitivity assessment, multiple alternative regression models were tested, for example, one using the local SLP, geostrophic wind and vorticity as predictors. These models mostly showed somewhat inferior performance. We specifically explored the trends of monthly temperatures during 1961–2018, a period considerably affected by anthropogenic emissions. Compared with the multi‐GCM mean, warming proved to be negligible in June, fairly slow in October and quite rapid in December. All these features were explained rather nicely by dynamical factors. Accordingly, the deviations of the observed regional temperature trends from the multi‐GCM mean largely appear to be related to internal variability.
Elevated organic carbon pulses persist in estuarine environment after major storm events
Authors: Asmala Eero , Osburn Christopher L. , Paerl Ryan W. , Paerl Hans W.
Published: January 2021

Estuaries regulate transport of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) from land to ocean. Export of terrestrial DOC from coastal watersheds is exacerbated by increasing major rainfall and storm events and human activities, leading to pulses of DOC that are shunted through rivers downstream to estuaries. Despite an upward trend of extreme events, the fate of the pulsed terrestrial DOC in estuaries remains unclear. We analyzed the effects of seven major tropical cyclones (TC) from 1999 to 2017 on the quantity and fate of DOC in the Neuse River Estuary (NC, USA). Significant TC‐induced increases in DOC were observed throughout the estuary; the increase lasting from around 50 d at head‐of‐tide to over 6 months in lower estuary. Our results suggest that pulsed terrestrial DOC associated with TCs temporarily overwhelms the estuarine filter's abiotic and biotic degradation capacity under such high flow events, enhancing the shunt of terrestrial carbon to the coastal ocean.
Optically‐Controlled Quantum Size Effect in a Hybrid Nanocavity Composed of a Perovskite Nanoparticle and a Thin Gold Film
Authors: Li Shulei , Yuan Maohui , Zhuang Weijie , Zhao Xin , Tie Shaolong , Xiang Jin , Lan Sheng
Published: January 2021

Metal halide perovskites have attracted great interest in recent years and their emission wavelength can be adjusted either by doping impurities or by exploiting quantum size effect. Here, it is reported that the realization of optically‐controlled quantum size effect in a hybrid nanocavity composed of a perovskite (CsPbBr3) nanoparticle and a thin gold (Au) film. Such nanocavities are created by synthesizing polycrystalline CsPbBr3 nanoparticles composed of quantum dots on a thin Au film via chemical vapor deposition, which emit luminescence at ≈488 nm under the excitation of femtosecond laser pulses with a low repetition rate. The phase transition from polycrystalline to monocrystalline, which quenches the quantum size effect and shifts the emission wavelength to ≈515 nm, can be introduced in CsPbBr3 nanoparticles by simply increasing the laser power. Interestingly, such a phase transition is reversible provided that the laser power is lower than a threshold. Consequently, four optical states including dual‐wavelength emission, can be achieved by deliberately setting the laser power. The underlying physical mechanism is unveiled by the static and transient temperature distributions simulated for the hybrid nanocavity. The findings open a new avenue for designing novel photonic devices based on perovskite nanoparticles and plasmonic nanostructures.
Increased Climbing Fiber Lateral Crossings on Purkinje Cell Dendrites in the Cerebellar Hemisphere in Essential Tremor
Authors: Wu Yueh‐Chi , Louis Elan D. , Gionco John , Pan Ming‐Kai , Faust Phyllis L. , Kuo Sheng‐Han
Published: January 2021

Background

Climbing fibers (CFs) innervate Purkinje cells (PCs) with 1:1 relationship to ensure proper cerebellar function. Although CFs abnormally extend into the parallel fiber domain of PC dendrites in essential tremor (ET), the architecture of CFs in relation to PCs has yet to be investigated in detail.

Objective

The aim of this work was to study the architecture of CFs in relation to PCs in ET.

Methods

The number of PC somas and PC dendrites that a single CF crossed was quantified in the postmortem cerebellum of 15 ET cases and 15 control cases.

Results

In ET, CFs crossed a greater number of PC somas and PC dendrites than in control cases, raising the possibility that there is abnormal CF wiring onto the PCs. Interestingly, the increase in CF–PC crossings positively correlated with tremor severity.

Conclusions

Patients with ET have increased CF crossings on PC dendrites. This abnormal architectural arrangement may contribute to synchronous brain activity and tremor. © 2021 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Depression myths, realities unveiled during NAMI Maryland webinar series
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: January 2021

Both a psychologist and a psychiatrist last week discussed effective treatments, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and psychotherapy, and dispelled many myths related to depression treatment during a webinar hosted by the National Alliance on Mental Illness Maryland (NAMI Maryland).
Construction of a novel supramolecular self‐assembly photocatalyst for full visible light spectrum photooxidation of phenol
Authors: Zhang Kai , Yang Wenjuan , Ge Zaochuan , Yang Qingui , Yang Haipeng
Published: January 2021

The sluggish full visible light response of organic supramolecular catalysts is a challenge that greatly restricts their development in the photocatalytic field. Herein, we successfully fabricated a K, Cl‐codoped Bi2WO6/perylene‐diimide(PDI) catalyst with a novel, general, and facile ultrasound assisted water bath heating method. The UV adsorption onset of K, Cl‐codoped Bi2WO6/PDI is redshifted from 750 to 760 nm compared with that of the heterojunction of Bi2WO6/PDI. Under visible light, the phenol is thoroughly mineralized into CO2 and H2O, and the phenol degradation rate was three times higher than that of pure Bi2WO6/PDI. The electrons transfer from PDI to K‐ and Cl‐codoped Bi2WO6/PDI according to the charge density difference calculation. The built‐in potential of K‐ and Cl‐codoped Bi2WO6/PDI could increase from 2.09 to 5.54 eV. The excellent full visible light spectrum photooxidation of phenol is attributed to the suitably strong built‐in potential at the heterojunction between PDI and K, Cl‐codoped Bi2WO6.
Disease‐specific hospitalizations among 5‐year survivors of Wilms tumor: A Nordic population‐based cohort study
Authors: Høgsholt Stine , Asdahl Peter Haubjerg , Bonnesen Trine Gade , Holmqvist Anna Sällfors , Madanat‐Harjuoja Laura , Tryggvadottir Laufey , Bautz Andrea , Albieri Vanna , Green Daniel , Winther Jeanette Falck , Hasle Henrik
Published: January 2021

Background

With modern therapy, over 90% of Wilms tumor patients can expect to become long‐term survivors, and focus on morbidity and late effects become increasingly important. We provide a novel evaluation and insight to subsequent hospitalizations in 5‐year survivors of Wilms tumor.

Methods

As part of the Adult Life after Childhood Cancer in Scandinavia (ALiCCS) study, we identified 5‐year survivors of Wilms tumor. Based on stratified random sampling, we constructed a population comparison cohort. Outcomes of interest were overall hospitalizations; hospitalizations for specific organ systems and disease‐specific categories. Standardized hospitalization rate ratios (SHRR) and absolute excess risks (AER) were calculated.

Results

We included 913, 5‐year survivors of Wilms tumor and 152 231 population comparisons. Survivors of Wilms tumor had an increased overall risk of being hospitalized (SHRR 1.8; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.7‐2.0). The hospitalization risk was increased within all major organ systems: urinary and genital organs (SHRR 2.5; 95% CI 2.1‐3.0), endocrine (SHRR 2.5; 95% CI 1.9‐3.3), cardiovascular (SHRR 2.2; 95% CI 1.7‐2.9), and gastrointestinal (SHRR 1.5; 95% CI 1.3‐1.8). Risks for specific diseases are reported in the study.

Conclusions

Survivors of Wilms tumor had higher risks than population comparisons for a wide range of diseases, with the highest risks seen for urinary, endocrine, and cardiovascular disorders. Five to 20 years after the Wilms tumor diagnosis, 43% of survivors had been hospitalized at least once versus 29% of population comparisons. The overall AER was 2.3, which translates into 0.2 extra hospitalizations in 10 years for every Wilms tumor survivor.
Structure, thermal stability and electrical properties of cellulose‐6‐phosphate: development of a novel fast Na‐ionic conductor
Authors: Marzouki Riadh , Brahmia Ameni , Alsulami Qana A , Keshk Sherif MAS , Emwas Abdul‐Hamid , Jaremko Mariusz , Zid Mohamed F , Heinze Thomas
Published: January 2021

In this study, alkali cellulose‐6‐phosphate (A‐CP) was prepared by the treatment of cellulose‐6‐phosphate (CP) with an aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide. X‐ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared, 13C NMR, 31P NMR and 23Na NMR spectroscopies were used to characterize the studied polymers. CP and A‐CP crystallize in the monoclinic system of the P21 space group (cellulose Iβ). CP and A‐CP, with relative densities of 70% and 77%, respectively, were shaped into cylindrical pellets by uniaxial pressing and sintering at 423 K of A‐CP. Electrical conductivity measurements of CP and A‐CP were carried out using complex impedance spectroscopy between 298 and 433 K in the frequency range 5 Hz to 13 MHz. The influence of aqueous NaOH on the structure, thermal stability and electrical conductivity of cellulose phosphate was observed. In contrast to CP, A‐CP was stable up to temperatures exceeding 433 K and showed fast ionic conductivity σ393K = 2.03 × 10−6 S cm−1 with an activation energy of 0.73 eV. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry
Enhanced metabolism confers a high level of cyhalofop‐butyl resistance in a Chinese sprangletop (Leptochloa chinensis (L.) Nees) population
Authors: Deng Wei , Yang Mengting , Li Yang , Xia Zhiming , Chen Yongrui , Yuan Shuzhong , Yang Qian
Published: January 2021

BACKGROUND

Chinese sprangletop (Leptochloa chinensis (L.) Nees) is one of main grass weeds invading Chinese rice fields. The target‐site resistance (TSR) of cyhalofop‐butyl have been widely reported in L. chinensis populations, but the non‐target‐site resistance (NTSR) mechanisms have not yet been well‐characterized. This study aims to investigate the likely NTSR in a cyhalofop‐butyl‐resistant L. chinensis population (YZ‐R), which was collected from Yangzhou city, Jiangsu Province, China.

RESULTS

Dose–response assays showed the YZ‐R population exhibited 191.6‐fold resistance to cyhalofop‐butyl, compared to the susceptible population (YZ‐S). This resistance is not target‐site based, because no mutations in the two ACCase genes were detected in the YZ‐R plants compared to the YZ‐S plants, and the ACCase genes expression levels were similar in YZ‐S and YZ‐R plants. In addition, the cytochrome P450 inhibitor malathion and piperonyl butoxide (PBO), and glutathione S‐transferase (GST) inhibitor 4‐chloro‐7‐nitrobenzoxadiazole (NBD‐Cl) did not significantly reverse cyhalofop‐butyl resistance in the YZ‐R population. However, liquid chromatography−mass spectrometry (LC–MS) analysis indicated that the metabolic rates of cyhalofop acid in YZ‐R plants was significantly faster (5 to 10‐ fold) than in YZ‐S plants. Furthermore, the YZ‐R population showed no cross‐resistance to other ACCase‐inhibiting herbicides.

CONCLUSION

These results indicated that cyhalofop‐butyl resistance in the YZ‐R population is due to non‐target‐site based enhanced herbicide metabolism. Resistance in this population is likely involved in a specific detoxification enzyme, with possible high catalytic efficiency and strong substrate specificity, therefore leading to high‐level and single resistance to cyhalofop‐butyl. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry
Subsidiary Governance Case
Authors: Hilb Martin
Published: January 2021

You are the newly appointed Vice President for Europe of Computex Corporation, a San Francisco-based computer manufacturer.

This morning you received a strange letter signed by six (out of ten) members of your sales force team in the recently established subsidiary, located in Gothenburg. They asked you to fire the General Manager of Computex Sweden “... who loses his temper almost daily...”
Start-Up Investor Governance Case
Authors: LoBue Robert M.
Published: January 2021

In the current age of innovative business financing opportunities available from fintech apps, social media crowdfunding sites such as Kickstarter, Indiegogo, and RocketHub, et.al., and friends and family private equity investors, start-up firms can strategically source their venture capital funds from many globally disperse organizations and individuals. As the firm in this case learned, the benefit of alternative investing sources comes with a critical hidden risk for corporate governance. After a financial restructuring, a typical Silicon Valley software start-up found itself with close to 300 external individual shareholders, some of whom had not been documented as accredited investors. The regulatory agency could decide that the prior actions of the founders and the decisions of the board had been prejudicial to the interests of the minority investors. The management of this small private company faced an atypical investor relations dilemma, before its initial public offering (IPO).
Reward Governance Case
Authors: Dubs Rolf
Published: January 2021

Many members of the supervisory and managing boards get an annual bonus not depending on the financial results. Collaborators usually do not receive such a bonus. More and more people are criticizing this policy. This case presents a discussion at a board meeting, wherein board member proposes a bonus for all collaborators of this company.
MOBIL-Studie, methodisches Vorgehen und Forschungsfrage
Authors: Engel Ole
Published: January 2021

Im Folgenden wird das Forschungsdesign der vorliegenden Arbeit erläutert. In einem ersten Schritt wird kurz der grundlegende methodische Zugang beschrieben, bevor in einem zweiten Schritt die Datenerhebung im Kontext der MOBIL-Studie wird. Dabei werden sowohl Pretest und Erstellung des Fragebogens als auch Rekrutierung und Datenbereinigung genauer beschrieben.
Axonal swellings are related to type 2 diabetes, but not to distal diabetic sensorimotor polyneuropathy
Authors: Karlsson Pall , Gylfadottir Sandra S. , Kristensen Alexander G. , Ramirez Juan D. , Cruz Pedro , Le Nhu , Shillo Pallai R. , Tesfaye Solomon , Rice Andrew S. C. , Tankisi Hatice , Finnerup Nanna B. , Nyengaard Jens R. , Jensen Troels S. , Bennett David L. H. , Themistocleous Andreas C.
Published: January 2021

Aims/hypothesis

Distal diabetic sensorimotor polyneuropathy (DSP) is a common complication of diabetes with many patients showing a reduction of intraepidermal nerve fibre density (IENFD) from skin biopsy, a validated and sensitive diagnostic tool for the assessment of DSP. Axonal swelling ratio is a morphological quantification altered in DSP. It is, however, unclear if axonal swellings are related to diabetes or DSP. The aim of this study was to investigate how axonal swellings in cutaneous nerve fibres are related to type 2 diabetes mellitus, DSP and neuropathic pain in a well-defined cohort of patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.

Methods

A total of 249 participants, from the Pain in Neuropathy Study (UK) and the International Diabetic Neuropathy Consortium (Denmark), underwent a structured neurological examination, nerve conduction studies, quantitative sensory testing and skin biopsy. The study included four groups: healthy control study participants without diabetes (n = 45); participants with type 2 diabetes without DSP (DSP−; n = 31); and participants with evidence of DSP (DSP+; n = 173); the last were further separated into painless DSP+ (n = 74) and painful DSP+ (n = 99). Axonal swellings were defined as enlargements on epidermal-penetrating fibres exceeding 1.5 μm in diameter. Axonal swelling ratio is calculated by dividing the number of axonal swellings by the number of intraepidermal nerve fibres.

Results

Median (IQR) IENFD (fibres/mm) was: 6.7 (5.2–9.2) for healthy control participants; 6.2 (4.4–7.3) for DSP−; 1.3 (0.5–2.2) for painless DSP+; and 0.84 (0.4–1.6) for painful DSP+. Swelling ratios were calculated for all participants and those with IENFD > 1.0 fibre/mm. When only those participants with IENFD > 1.0 fibre/mm were included, the axonal swelling ratio was higher in participants with type 2 diabetes when compared with healthy control participants (p < 0.001); however, there was no difference between DSP− and painless DSP+ participants, or between painless DSP+ and painful DSP+ participants. The axonal swelling ratio correlated weakly with HbA1c (r = 0.16, p = 0.04), but did not correlate with the Toronto Clinical Scoring System (surrogate measure of DSP severity), BMI or type 2 diabetes duration.

Conclusions/interpretation

In individuals with type 2 diabetes where IENFD is >1.0 fibre/mm, axonal swelling ratio is related to type 2 diabetes but is not related to DSP or painful DSP. Axonal swellings may be an early marker of sensory nerve injury in type 2 diabetes.

Graphical abstract
Adapted tool design for the cold forging of gears from non-ferrous and light metals
Authors: Rohrmoser Andreas , Hagenah Hinnerk , Merklein Marion
Published: January 2021

Due to growing competitive pressure within the manufacturing sector, there have been increasing attempts to establish resource saving production methods in gear manufacturing within recent years. Cold forging offers the potential—in addition to a high material and energy efficiency—to produce gears with an excellent surface quality, increased hardness as well as a load adapted fiber orientation. With regard to the wide range of applications there is a broad demand for gear materials, ranging from high-strength steels to non-ferrous and light metals. The flow behavior of the material has a significant influence on the cold forging process. Therefore, no consistent process result is achieved when forming different materials. Challenges exist due to deficient die filling and poor resulting geometrical accuracy. In this contribution, material-specific challenges during the full forward extrusion of gears from non-ferrous and light metals have been identified and suitable tool-sided measures were derived. A validated numerical process model was used to determine the underlying mechanisms of action and to verify the derived measures. A reduced yield stress leads to inflow formation, insufficient die filling, and low achievable strain hardening, as well as gearing accuracy. The tool-sided measures achieved a significant increase of resulting die filling and gearing accuracy as well as the mechanical properties. That provides the basis for the production of ready-to-use gears from various metal materials.
Regularized reconstruction of peak ground velocity and acceleration from very high-rate GNSS precise point positioning with applications to the 2013 Lushan Mw6.6 earthquake
Authors: Xu Peiliang , Du Fang , Shu Yuanming , Zhang Hongping , Shi Yun
Published: January 2021

Difference methods have been routinely used to compute velocity and acceleration from precise positioning with global navigation satellite systems (GNSS). A low sampling rate (say a rate not greater than 1 Hz, for example) has been always implicitly assumed for applicability of the methods, because random measurement errors are significantly amplified, either proportional to the sampling rate in the case of velocity or square-proportional to the sampling rate in the case of acceleration. Direct consequences of a low sampling rate are the distortion of the computed velocity and acceleration waveforms and the failure to obtain almost instantaneous values of velocity and acceleration. We reformulate the reconstruction of velocity and acceleration from very high-rate (50 Hz) precise GNSS as an inverse ill-posed problem and propose the criterion of minimum mean squared errors (MSE) to regularize solutions of velocity and acceleration. We successfully apply the MSE-based regularized method to reconstruct the very high-rate velocity and acceleration waveforms, the peak ground velocity (PGV) and the peak ground acceleration (PGA) from 50 Hz precise point positioning (PPP) position waveforms for the 2013 Lushan Mw6.6 earthquake. The reconstructed results of velocity and acceleration are shown to be in good agreement with the motion patterns in the PPP position waveforms and correctly recover the earthquake signal. The reconstructed GNSS-based PGA values are a few hundred times smaller than those from the strong motion seismometers.
Tibiocalcaneal arthrodesis using the Ilizarov fixator in compromised hosts: an analysis of 19 patients
Authors: Reinke Charlotte , Lotzien Sebastian , Yilmaz Emre , Hanusrichter Yannik , Ull Christopher , Baecker Hinnerk , Schildhauer Thomas A. , Geßmann Jan
Published: January 2021

Introduction

Salvage of joint destruction of the tibiotalar and subtalar joint with necrosis or infection of the talus in compromised hosts is a challenging problem. In these cases, tibiocalcaneal arthrodesis using the Ilizarov external fixator represents a possible alternative to amputation. This retrospective study presents the results and complications of this salvage procedure.

Materials and methods

Between 2005 and 2015, 19 patients were treated with tibiocalcaneal arthrodesis using the Ilizarov external fixator. Ten patients received tibiocalcaneal arthrodesis due to an acute or chronic infection with joint destruction. The other nine patients presented posttraumatic necrosis of the talus or Charcot arthropathy. In addition to demographic data, the time spent in the fixator, the major and minor complications and the endpoint of the consolidation were evaluated retrospectively. Furthermore, clinical outcomes were measured using the modified American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score.

Results

The average time spent in the fixator was 22 (range 14–34) weeks. The average follow-up in 17 patients was 116 (range 4–542) weeks. Two patients were lost to follow-up. Complete osseous consolidation was achieved in 14 out of 19 patients. One patient presented partial consolidation, and in four patients, pseudarthrosis could be detected. The mean modified AOFAS score at the final follow-up was 53 out of 86 possible points.

Conclusion

Tibiocalcaneal arthrodesis using the Ilizarov fixator is a possible salvage procedure even in compromised hosts. However, the healing rates are below the rates reported in the literature for tibiotalar arthrodesis in comparable clinical situations.
Anti-seizure medication is not associated with an increased risk to develop cancer in epilepsy patients
Authors: Stritzelberger Jenny , Lang Johannes D. , Mueller Tamara M. , Reindl Caroline , Westermayer Vivien , Kostev Karel , Hamer Hajo M.
Published: January 2021

Objective

Whether anti-seizure medication (ASM) increases the risk for cancer has been debated for decades. While for some ASM, a carcinoma-promoting effect has been suspected, carcinoma-protective effects have been shown for other ASM. However, the issue remains unresolved as data from preclinical and clinical studies have been inconsistent and contradictory.

Methods

We collected anonymous patient data from practice neurologists throughout Germany between 2009 and 2018 using the IMS Disease Analyzer database (QuintilesIMS, Frankfurt, Germany). People with epilepsy (PWE) with an initial cancer diagnosis and antiepileptic therapy prior to the index date were 1:1 matched with a control group of PWE without cancer according to age, gender, index year, Charlson Comorbidity Index, and treating physician. For both groups, the risk to develop cancer under treatment with different ASMs was analyzed using three different models (ever use vs. never use (I), effect per one (II) and per five therapy years (III).

Results

A total of 3152 PWE were included (each group, n = 1,576; age = 67.3 ± 14.0 years). The risk to develop cancer was not significantly elevated for any ASM. Carbamazepine was associated with a decreased cancer risk (OR Model I: 0.699, p < .0001, OR Model II: 0.952, p = .4878, OR Model III: 0.758, p < .0004).

Significance

Our findings suggest that ASM use does not increase the risk of cancer in epilepsy patients.
Correction to: Measuring proboscis length in Lepidoptera: a review
Authors: Vajna Flóra , Kis János , Szigeti Viktor
Published: January 2021

Authors would like to correct the error in citation and reference part.
The mechanical effects of bulges developed around bark-included branch junctions of hazel (Corylus avellana L.) and other trees
Authors: Slater Duncan
Published: January 2021

Key message

Large bulges formed around bark-included branch junctions can be conceived of as ‘compensatory growth’. Despite Claus Mattheck’s hypothesis that ‘the larger the bulges, the more likely the branch junction is to fail’, this study identifies that the extent of the defect inside such bulges is key information in predicting the junction’s load-bearing capacity.

A currently prevalent rule in European arboriculture is that if a bark-included branch junction in a tree is associated with a large bulge in-line with the plane of the included bark then it is more likely to fail than if there is a smaller bulge or the absence of bulging. This rule for arborists originates from an initial suggestion with no associated data and is not logically consistent with recent research into the effects of natural bracing in trees, nor guidance provided by the International Society of Arboriculture. This also raises the question of how to correctly interpret the function of these bulges formed at bark-included junctions: either as secondary growth that has been pushed to the side by internal growth pressures, or as compensatory growth developing around a weakened component. To test the veracity of this rule, 117 branch junctions of common hazel (Corylus avellanaL.) were subjected to tensile tests, comprising of controls with no bark included within them and bark-included specimens exhibiting a range of bulge sizes. In addition, photographs from the failure of 110 bark-included junctions were categorized to assess the frequency of failed specimens with different degrees of bulging. The results of the mechanical testing identified three significant factors that affected the maximal bending moment of these branch junctions: their categorized morphology, the diameter ratio of the branch junction and the width of the included bark at the apex of the junction. Overall, and in each category of branch junction tested, the extent of bulging was not found to be a significant predictor of the junctions’ maximal bending moment. This finding was reinforced by the analysis of the images of bark inclusion failure where the most frequent bark inclusions to fail were those associated with little to no bulging. Both findings identify that the bulging would be better interpreted as compensatory growth. This study highlights the need for further research on the load-bearing capacity of bark-included branch junctions to better inform arborists and tree managers as substantial variations in their biomechanical performance have not yet been elucidated.
Stem cells therapy in acute myocardial infarction: a new era?
Authors: Carbone R. G. , Monselise A. , Bottino G. , Negrini S. , Puppo F.
Published: January 2021

Stem cells transplantation after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) has been claimed to restore cardiac function. However, this therapy is still restricted to experimental studies and clinical trials. Early un-blinded studies suggested a benefit from stem cell therapy following AMI. More recent blinded randomized trials have produced mixed results and, notably, the last largest pan-European clinical trial showed the inconclusive results. Furthermore, mechanisms of potential benefit remain uncertain. This review analytically evaluates 34 blinded and un-blinded clinical trials comprising 3142 patients and is aimed to: (1) identify the pros and cons of stem cell therapy up to a 6-month follow-up after AMI comparing benefit or no effectiveness reported in clinical trials; (2) provide useful information for planning future clinical programs of cardiac stem cell therapy.
The Long-Term Growth Impact of Refugee Migration in Europe: A Case Study
Authors: Manthei Gerrit
Published: January 2021

Many questions have been raised about the political and economic consequences of the recent surge in refugee immigration in Europe. Can refugee immigration promote long-term per capita growth? How are the drivers of per capita growth influenced by immigration? What are the policy implications of refugee immigration? Using an adjusted Cobb-Douglas production function, with labour divided into two complementary groups, this article attempts to provide some answers. By applying the model to current immigration data from Germany, this study finds that refugee immigration can lead to long-term per capita growth in the host country and that the growth is higher if refugee immigrants are relatively young and have sufficiently high qualifications. Further, capital inflows are a prerequisite for boosting per capita growth. These findings can inform policymakers of countries that continue to grapple with refugee immigration.
3D magnetization transfer (MT) for the visualization of cardiac free-running Purkinje fibers: an ex vivo proof of concept
Authors: Magat Julie , Fouillet Arnaud , Constantin Marion , Haliot Kylian , Naulin Jérôme , El Hamrani Dounia , Benoist David , Charron Sabine , Walton Richard , Bernus Olivier , Quesson Bruno
Published: January 2021

Objectives

We investigate the possibility to exploit high-field MRI to acquire 3D images of Purkinje network which plays a crucial role in cardiac function. Since Purkinje fibers (PF) have a distinct cellular structure and are surrounded by connective tissue, we investigated conventional contrast mechanisms along with the magnetization transfer (MT) imaging technique to improve image contrast between ventricular structures of differing macromolecular content.

Methods

Three fixed porcine ventricular samples were used with free-running PFs on the endocardium. T1, T2*, T2, and M0 were evaluated on 2D slices for each sample at 9.4 T. MT parameters were optimized using hard pulses with different amplitudes, offset frequencies and durations. The cardiac structure was assessed through 2D and 3D T1w images with isotropic resolutions of 150 µm. Histology, immunofluorescence, and qPCR were performed to analyze collagen contents of cardiac tissue and PF.

Results

An MT preparation module of 350 ms duration inserted into the sequence with a B1 = 10 µT and frequency offset = 3000 Hz showed the best contrast, approximately 0.4 between PFs and myocardium. Magnetization transfer ratio (MTR) appeared higher in the cardiac tissue (MTR = 44.7 ± 3.5%) than in the PFs (MTR = 25.2 ± 6.3%).

Discussion

MT significantly improves contrast between PFs and ventricular myocardium and appears promising for imaging the 3D architecture of the Purkinje network.