bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Field evaluation of weed suppression in fine fescue (Festuca spp.)
Authors: Breuillin‐Sessoms Florence , Petrella Dominic P. , Trappe Jon M. , Mihelich Nicole T. , Patton Aaron J. , Watkins Eric 
Published: March 2021

AbstractWeed suppression has been observed in the fine fescues, a group of low‐input turfgrasses. Of the fine fescues, Chewings fescue (Festuca rubra L. ssp. commutata Gaudin; CH) and strong creeping red fescue (F. rubra L. ssp. rubra Gaudin; ST) displayed the strongest weed suppression ability in previous research while hard fescue (F. brevipila Tracey; HF) did not appear to have the same level of suppression. However, most of this research occurred more than 10 years ago and did not lead to improved cultivars. There is a need for confirmation of these results using diverse germplasm that may have genetic variability for weed suppression; this information would be useful for turfgrass breeding efforts. Our objective was to screen for weed suppression abilities in 19 fine fescue accessions originally collected in Europe, at two distinct field locations, St. Paul, MN and West Lafayette, IN, infested with smooth crabgrass (Digitaria ischaemum (Schreb.) Schreb. ex Muhl.). Our results confirmed previous reports that the F. rubra taxa are more crabgrass suppressive than HF. Chewings fescue and slender creeping red fescue [F. rubra L. ssp. littoralis (G. Mey.) Auquier; SL] displayed the strongest ability to suppress smooth crabgrass. Results also indicated that there is large variability between the entries within each taxon, including within HF. Slender creeping red fescues were relatively more weed suppressive than previously shown, and this taxon needs further attention. Results suggest further opportunities for plant breeders to develop new weed suppressive cultivars for low‐input turfgrass systems.
Erroneous expression of NKG2D on granulocytes detected by phycoerythrin‐conjugated clone 149810 antibody
Authors: Chitadze Guranda , Lettau Marcus , Peters Christian , Luecke Stefanie , Flüh Charlotte , Quabius Elgar Susanne , Synowitz Michael , Held‐Feindt Janka , Kabelitz Dieter 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe activating Natural killer group 2 member D (NKG2D) receptor is typically expressed on NK cells, CD8 T lymphocytes, γδ T cells and small subsets of CD4 T lymphocytes. During the course of an extensive flow cytometry phenotyping of immune cells in the peripheral blood of patients with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) we noticed an unexpected expression of NKG2D receptor on granulocytes using the phycoerythrin (PE)‐conjugated clone 149810 antibody.MethodsPeripheral blood samples from 35 patients with GBM and 22 age‐matched healthy control (HC) donors were analyzed using flow cytometry, imaging cytometry and real‐time quantitative reverse transcription PCR to validate the observed expression of NKG2D receptor on myeloid cells.ResultsReactivity with PE‐149810 was mostly observed on granulocytes from GBM patients on dexamethasone treatment where it correlated with inferior survival rates. Surprisingly, such NKG2D expression on granulocytes was not observed using the allophycocyanin (APC)‐conjugate of the same clone 149810 antibody or an indirect staining procedure with unconjugated clone 149810 antibody. Moreover, the PE‐conjugate of a different anti‐NKG2D clone (1D11) also did not stain granulocytes. Imaging cytometry indicated cell surface and intracellular localization of PE‐149810 but not of PE‐1D11 in granulocytes.ConclusionOur results uncover an erroneous and false positive reactivity of PE‐labeled (but not of APC‐labeled or unconjugated) anti‐NKG2D antibody 149810 on granulocytes from dexamethasone‐treated GBM patients and raise a note of caution for studies of NKG2D expression on non‐lymphoid cells.
Myeloid sarcoma diagnosed on pleural effusion cytology: A case report and literature review
Authors: Cross Ashley , Chajewski Olga S , Rutland Cooper , Smith Keenen , Woodham Paige , Skipper Daniel , Lindsey Kathryn G 
Published: March 2021

AbstractMyeloid sarcoma (MS) is a mass‐forming, extramedullary infiltration of myeloid blasts rarely presenting in cases of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). These tumoral masses rarely occur at any and multiple anatomic sites, precedent or coincident with bone marrow evidence of AML. We report a case of MS that presented as pancreatic and cardiac masses where subsequent evaluation of pleural effusion cytology rendered the diagnosis. Primary MS diagnosed via pleural effusion cytology is not yet reported in literature. Herein, we report the case of a 45‐year‐old man who presented with abdominal pain. An infiltrative mass was identified in the pancreatic head, suspicious for pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Despite multiple attempts, Fine needle aspiration cytology of the pancreatic mass failed to render a definitive diagnosis. Subsequent thoracentesis of a right pleural effusion revealed cytologically malignant cells, identified as myeloid blasts after immunohistochemical and flow cytometric evaluation. Although rare, MS should be considered as a diagnostic possibility in the evaluation of malignancy with an unknown primary.
Successful biological control of winter moth, Operophtera brumata, in the northeastern United States
Authors: Elkinton Joseph S. , Boettner George H. , Broadley Hannah J. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractWinter moth, Operophtera brumata, native to Europe, invaded the northeastern United States in the late 1990s, where it caused widespread defoliation of forests and shade trees ranging from 2,266 to 36,360 ha/yr between 2003 and 2015 in Massachusetts. In 2005, we initiated a biological control effort based on the specialist tachinid parasitoid Cyzenis albicans, which had previously been introduced along with the generalist ichneumonid parasitoid Agrypon flaveolatum to control winter moth in Nova Scotia in the 1950s and British Columbia in the 1970s. Due to concerns of possible non‐target impacts by A. flaveolatum, we focused entirely on the specialist C. albicans. Each year for 14 yr, we collected several thousand individuals of C. albicans from British Columbia and released them in widely spaced sites in the northeastern United States. As of 2020, we had established C. albicans at 41 of 44 sites from coastal Maine to southeastern Connecticut. By 2016, winter moth densities (pupae/m2) had declined from 100–500 to 0–10 pupae/m2 at six release sites at least 10 km apart and this was coincident with the onset of 10–40% parasitism. At one site in Wellesley, Massachusetts, the decline occurred in 2012 and winter moth densities have remained low for seven subsequent years. Defoliation in Massachusetts has been reduced to undetectable levels by aerial survey since 2016. DNA sequencing of the barcoding region of the mitochondrial gene CO1 confirmed that all C. albicans reared from winter moth matched the C. albicans collected from Vancouver Island and were distinct from parasitic flies (presumably a native species) reared from a native congener of winter moth, Bruce spanworm (O. bruceata). Successful establishment of C. albicans on winter moth represents a rare, if not the only, example of the biological control of a major forest defoliator that attacks a wide range of tree species anywhere in the world by the establishment of a single specialist natural enemy.
SGLT2i versus ARNI in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Yan Yuling , Liu Bin , Du Jun , Wang Jing , Jing Xiaodong , Liu Yajie , Deng Songbai , Du Jianlin , She Qiang 
Published: March 2021

AbstractAimsThis study aimed to determine the effects of sodium‐glucose cotransporter‐2 inhibitor (SGLT2i) in heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), compare the effect of SGLT2i with angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI), and find whether combination of SGLT2i and ARNI is better than monotherapy.Methods and resultsEmbase, Medline, and Cochrane Central Registry of Controlled Trials were searched for randomized controlled trials evaluating SGLT2i or ARNI in HFrEF. And a total of six trials were included. SGLT2i was found to significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular death or hospitalization for heart failure by 27% [hazard ratio (HR) 0.73, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.67–0.80], hospitalization for heart failure by 31% (HR 0.69, 95% CI 0.62–0.77), cardiovascular death by 16% (HR 0.84, 95% CI 0.74–0.95), and all‐cause death by 16% (HR 0.84, 95% CI 0.75–0.94) in HFrEF only with a statistically higher risk of genital infection (risk ratio (RR) 2.78, 95% CI 1.46–5.29). The reduction in cardiovascular death or hospitalization for heart failure was of similar magnitude in patients with or without diabetes mellitus (HR 0.71, 95% CI 0.64–0.80 vs. HR 0.75, 95% CI 0.65–0.87) using SGLT2i. Indirect treatment comparison showed that SGLT2i and ARNI had similar effects on primary outcome (HR 0.93, 95% CI 0.82–1.06). And combination of SGLT2i and ARNI achieved a better prognosis performance (HR 0.68, 95% CI 0.53–0.89) compared with ARNI monotherapy.ConclusionsSGLT2i could safely reduce cardiovascular death or hospitalization for heart failure in HFrEF regardless of diabetes mellitus status. SGLT2i and ARNI demonstrate similar effects, while combination of SGLT2i and ARNI results in a better cardiovascular protective effect.
Yield and nutrient uptake dissected through complementarity and selection effects in the maize/soybean intercropping
Authors: Zhang Runzhi , Meng Lingbo , Li Ying , Wang Xuerong , Ogundeji Abiola O. , Li Xinrui , Sang Ping , Mu Yao , Wu Haolei , Li Shumin 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe yield and nutrient uptake advantages in an intercropping system are commonly supposed to be driven by the overall functional complementarity and temporal/space niche differentiation between the species. However, studies on the separation of the complementarity effect (CE) and selection effect (SE) on yield and nutrient uptake to understand the underlying mechanisms of intercropping mediated by N application rates are relatively few. Here, field experiments with four N application rates (maize: 0, 180, 240, and 300 kg N ha−1; soybean: 0, 40, 80, and 120 kg N ha−1) were conducted to study yield and nutrient uptake advantages in the maize/soybean intercropping system in 2017 and 2018. Intercropping significantly enhanced the maize yield and decreased the soybean yield, and yield advantage was observed across all N application rates. Also, the gross profit was significantly affected by N application rates and intercropping, and the maximum increase in intercropped compared to that of monoculture appeared at the N2 treatment in 2018. Moreover, nutrient uptake was significantly affected by intercropping and N application rates; the N uptake of the intercropping system (on average of two years) was highest at the N2 application rate, which increased by 13.8% compared to that of monoculture system. CE and SE of grain yield were positive over the two‐year study and were both the main contributions. Furthermore, SE in N and P (only observed in 2017) uptake increased with the increase in N application rate, and SE was the main contribution to P uptake. Application of the additive partitioning method to intercropping may help to analyze the drivers of yield and nutrient advantage of intercropping and promote careful management of fertilizer application to improve nutrient use efficiency.
Civic Learning for a Democracy in Crisis
Authors: Jennings Bruce , Gusmano Michael K. , Kaebnick Gregory E. , Neuhaus Carolyn P. , Solomon Mildred Z. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThis essay introduces a special report from The Hastings Center entitled Democracy in Crisis: Civic Learning and the Reconstruction of Common Purpose, which grew out of a project supported by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation. This multiauthored report offers wide‐ranging assessments of increasing polarization and partisanship in American government and politics, and it proposes constructive responses to this in the provision of objective information, institutional reforms in government and the electoral system, and a reexamination of cultural and political values needed if democracy is to function well in a pluralistic and diverse society. The essays in the special report explore the norms of civic learning and institutions, social movements, and communal innovations that can revitalize civic learning in practice. This introductory essay defines and explains the notion of civic learning, which is a lynchpin connecting many of the essays in the report. Civic learning pertains to the ways in which citizens learn about collective social problems and make decisions about them that reflect the duties and responsibilities of citizenship. Such learning can occur in many social settings in everyday life, and it can also be facilitated through participation in the processes of democratic governance on many levels. Civic learning is not doctrinaire and is compatible with a range of public goals and policies. It is an activity that increases what might be called the democratic capability of a people.
Recommendations for Better Civic Learning: Building and Rebuilding Democracy
Authors: Jennings Bruce , Gusmano Michael K. , Kaebnick Gregory E. , Neuhaus Carolyn P. , Solomon Mildred Z. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThis is the concluding essay for a special report from The Hastings Center entitled Democracy in Crisis: Civic Learning and the Reconstruction of Common Purpose, which grew out of a project supported by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation. This essay provides an integrative discussion of various theoretical and practical reform perspectives offered by other essays in the report. It also offers a number of recommendations. It notes that the aim of the special report is not to propose specific reform measures but, rather, to consider larger, more theoretic concerns related to political and economic questions, which are personal and structural—psychological, cultural, and institutional—at the same time. In response, this essay argues that the best relationship between the citizenry and government in a democracy is not one of deference, nor one of contestation, but one that is critically constructive, which in turn is linked to practices of civic learning. To be constructive, citizens need scientific literacy, an understanding of how government and other institutions work, critical thinking abilities, and many open and diverse forums for civic learning to offset the increasingly isolating media “bubbles” that are the only source of information for many. The essay then formulates five recommendations designed to facilitate critically constructive citizenship and civic learning. These are creating a basis for civic participation, acquiring information, talking to each other, designing institutional change, and achieving deliberation.
“Sometimes, I Just Go on a Pinning Spree”: How One Middle Schooler Negotiates Multimodal Platforms
Authors: Morrison Jennifer D. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractCommunication is the result of meaning making based on one’s frames of knowing. For students, those frames of knowing derive heavily from multimedia communication, including social networking sites, that allow them to be the makers of content. In this study, I followed an eighth‐grade student who fluidly negotiated a multitude of available social technologies, integrating them in unique and personal ways to help her attain deep and complex literacy levels. Of significance is that her engagement with these literacies was done in ways invisible within school settings and could easily be unseen, overlooked, ignored, or undervalued, failing to reveal an accurate depiction of her literacy knowledge and skills. I used the multiliteracies’ concept of design to frame the study, and I provide suggestions for educators to better identify unobserved literacy practices.
Protective effects of paclitaxel on thioacetamide‐induced liver fibrosis in a rat model
Authors: Sharawy Maha H. , El‐Awady Mohammed S. , Makled Mirhan N. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractLiver fibrosis is a public health burden that is highly associated with morbidity and mortality. Therefore, this study aims to explore the anti‐fibrotic effects of low dose of paclitaxel (PTX) against thioacetamide (TAA)‐induced liver fibrosis in rats and the possible mechanisms involved. TAA was administered at a dose of 200 mg/kg twice weekly for 6 weeks in rats to induce liver fibrosis similar to that in humans. Liver dysfunction was shown by increased alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and γ‐glutamyl transferase, along with histopathological changes. Liver fibrosis was confirmed by Masson's Trichome staining, increased collagen content, and elevated α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA) protein expression. In addition, TAA induced liver apoptosis as indicated by the increased terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL)‐positive cells in liver tissues. This study demonstrated that the administration of PTX (0.3 mg/kg/i.p.) three times a week for 6 weeks significantly alleviated functional and biochemical changes induced by TAA in addition to improving the liver architecture. PTX attenuated liver fibrosis as reflected by the decreased collagen content and α‐SMA protein expression. Additionally, PTX attenuated liver apoptosis as indicated by the decreased TUNEL‐positive cells. Moreover, PTX prevented TAA‐induced elevation of transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1), platelet‐derived growth factor‐BB (PDGF‐BB), and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP‐1) levels in liver tissues. These findings suggest that the low dose of PTX prevented TAA‐induced liver fibrosis in rats, possibly by inhibiting the expression of TGF‐β1 and PDGF‐BB and subsequently suppressing the apoptosis and the expression of TIMP‐1.
Effects of Hepatic Impairment on the Pharmacokinetics of Abrocitinib and Its Metabolites
Authors: Wang Ellen Q. , Le Vu , O'Gorman Melissa , Tripathy Sakambari , Dowty Martin E. , Wang Lisy , Malhotra Bimal K. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractAbrocitinib, an oral once‐daily Janus kinase 1 selective inhibitor, is under development for treatment of atopic dermatitis. This phase 1, nonrandomized, open‐label, single‐dose study (NCT03626415) investigated the effect of hepatic impairment on pharmacokinetics (PK), safety, and tolerability of abrocitinib and its metabolites after a 200‐mg oral dose. Twenty‐four subjects with varying degrees of hepatic function (normal, mild, and moderate impairment) were enrolled (N = 8/group). Active moiety PK parameters were calculated as the sum of unbound PK parameters for abrocitinib and its active metabolites. For abrocitinib, the ratios (percentages) of adjusted geometric means for area under the concentration‐time curve from time 0 extrapolated to infinite time (AUCinf) and maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) were 133.33 (90% confidence interval [CI], 86.17‐206.28) and 94.40 (90%CI, 62.96‐141.55), respectively, for subjects with mild hepatic impairment vs normal hepatic function. The corresponding comparisons of ratios (percentages) for AUCinf and Cmax were 153.99 (90%CI, 99.52‐238.25) and 105.53 (90%CI, 70.38‐158.24), respectively, for subjects with moderate hepatic impairment. Exposures of the metabolites were generally lower in subjects with hepatic impairment. For abrocitinib active moiety, the ratios (percentages) of adjusted geometric means of unbound AUCinf were 95.74 (90%CI, 72.71‐126.08) and 114.82 (90%CI, 87.19‐151.20) in subjects with mild and moderate impairment vs normal hepatic function, respectively. Abrocitinib was generally safe and well tolerated. Hepatic impairment had no clinically relevant effect on the PK and safety of abrocitinib and the exposure of abrocitinib active moiety. These results support the use of abrocitinib without dose adjustment in subjects with mild or moderate hepatic impairment.
Screwed up: Spirality of segments and other iterated structures suggest an underlying principle of seriality in bilaterians
Authors: Scholtz Gerhard 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThis review deals with helicomery, that is, the specific malformation of a spiral arrangement of segments and other serial structures. Helicomery was first described in annelid and arthropod body segments. However, corresponding patterns occur in arthropod appendages and other bilaterians with serially arranged body parts, such as tapeworms, nematodes, vertebrates, and probably chitons. The specifics of the spirals such as length, orientation, and handedness are described. Most spirals are dorsal and comprise only a few loops. Helicomery is formed by a shift of cells during development or in adults caused by changes in cell adhesion or mechanical impacts such as lesions. A model for the formation of helicomery is proposed, which is based on medieval church labyrinths. These complex spiral structures are derived from concentric lines by the shift of relatively few tiles. This principle of “small causes, great effect” also applies to “spiral segments,” because helicomery dissolves segmental patterns and questions the concept of segments as distinct structures. The widespread occurrence of helicomery in nonhomologous serial structures might indirectly indicate an underlying principle of seriality among Bilateria.
Extreme precipitation events and their relationships with circulation types in Italy
Authors: Iannuccilli Maurizio , Bartolini Giorgio , Betti Giulio , Crisci Alfonso , Grifoni Daniele , Gozzini Bernardo , Messeri Alessandro , Morabito Marco , Tei Claudio , Torrigiani Malaspina Tommaso , Vallorani Roberto , Messeri Gianni 
Published: March 2021

AbstractExtreme precipitation (EP) events are life‐threatening phenomena that are expected to continue to increase because of ongoing climate change. In the past decade, these events have been caused by important and well‐documented variations in large‐scale atmospheric circulation. Identifying the trends, dynamics, and related causes of EP could help in recognizing geographical areas that are at great risk and reducing their adverse impacts, particularly on a relatively small area such as the Italian peninsula. The relationships between large‐scale circulation types (CTs) and EP were investigated using a long time‐series (1979–2015) of meteorological data recorded by 46 weather stations in Italy. EP was defined as the number of days with accumulated precipitation above the 90th percentile (R90p). The seasonal trends of R90p were not homogeneous and showed significant increases primarily in winter and spring. Only a few CTs were significantly related to R90p, and this relationship was strongly dependent on latitude, orographic exposure, and season. Heterogeneous seasonal trends for daily CT occurrences were also observed. ‘Cyclonic’ CTs grouped together showed significant increasing trends in all seasons, whereas ‘Anticyclonic’ ones showed a generalized decreasing trend, explaining, only partially, the increase of R90p observed in some stations. Meanwhile, the R90p trends seem to be more influenced by the variations in the internal characteristics of CTs (i.e., the variation of some meteorological parameters that characterize them) observed over the past few decades than by changes in CT frequencies but still with high heterogeneity in Italy. The results of this and other similar studies can provide useful support for the implementation of mitigation and adaptation strategies to minimize the impacts of severe weather, particularly in complex areas such as the Mediterranean basin.