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Related‐party transactions (RPTs) and transfer pricing techniques are typically used by multinational enterprises to reduce their tax obligations by shifting the income to zero or to low‐tax countries. These techniques have thrived and have emerged as a significant concern for tax authorities. This study investigates the effect of tax haven utilisation on related‐party sales pricing in a sample of Australian listed firms. We find that tax haven use is positively and significantly associated with related‐party sales pricing. Moreover, we identify a positive and significant interaction between tax havens and earnings management with related‐party sales pricing. Ownership concentration and its interaction effect with tax havens are significant predictors of the increased use of related‐party sales pricing. Overall, the empirical findings demonstrate that earnings management, a high level of ownership concentration and the use of tax havens are substantial factors that enable firms to obtain tax benefits via the use of RPTs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

5‐hydroxymethylfurfural represents a key chemical in the drive towards a sustainable circular economy within the chemical industry. The final step in 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural production is the acid catalysed dehydration of fructose, for which supported organoacids are excellent potential catalyst candidates. Here we report a range of solid acid catalysis based on sulphonic acid grafted onto different porous silica nanosphere architectures, as confirmed by TEM, N2 porosimetry, XPS and ATR‐IR. All four catalysts display enhanced active site normalised activity and productivity, relative to alternative silica supported equivalent systems in the literature, with in‐pore diffusion of both substrate and product key to both performance and humin formation pathway. An increase in‐pore diffusion coefficient of 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural within wormlike and stellate structures results in optimal productivity. In contrast, poor diffusion within a raspberry‐like morphology decreases rates of 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural production and increases its consumption within humin formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Replication initiator proteins (Reps) from the HUH endonuclease family process specific single‐stranded DNA sequences to initiate rolling‐circle replication in viruses. Here, the first crystal structure of the apo state of a Rep domain from the smacovirus family is reported. The structure of the human smacovirus 1 Rep domain was obtained at 1.33 Å resolution and represents an expansion of the HUH endonuclease superfamily, allowing greater diversity in bioconjugation‐tag applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pyrolysis bio‐oils, one of the products of lignocellulosic biomass pyrolysis, have the potential to be widely used as fuels. The chemical composition of bio‐oils is very complicated as they contain hundreds, if not thousands, of different, mostly oxygen‐containing, compounds with a wide distribution of physical properties, chemical structures, and concentrations. Detailed knowledge of bio‐oil composition is crucial for optimizing both the pyrolysis processes and for any subsequent upgrading into a more viable fuel resource. Here we report the successful use of low‐field, or benchtop, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectrometers in the analysis of pyrolysis oils. Pyrolysis oils from four different feedstocks were derivatized and analyzed using 19F NMR techniques. The NMR results compare favorably with titrations for total carbonyl content. In addition, the benchtop NMR spectrometer proves able to reveal key spectral features, thus allowing the quantification of different carbonyl groups, such as aldehydes, ketones and quinones. Benchtop NMR spectrometers are typically compact, cheaper than their superconducting counterparts and do not require cryogens. Their use will make NMR analysis of pyrolysis oils easier and more accessible to a wide range of different potential users. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

20 July 1969: approximately 240 000 mi away from Earth, two astronauts named Neil Armstrong and Edwin E. Aldrin Jr. landed on the moon. 20 October 2020: approximately 200 million miles away from Earth, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) managed to land a spacecraft on an asteroid named Bennu and collect a sample from its surface. Sometime 2030s: approximately 34 million miles away from Earth, NASA is looking to successfully send humans to Mars. So, why is all this important? The effects of climate change are apparent on Earth today—temperatures around the world higher than normal, a rising sea level, natural disasters increasing in frequency and strength—and these effects continue to become ever more apparent as time goes on; thus, there is a need for solutions, which outer space has become one that is simultaneously grown in seriousness over the years. Colonizing space, traveling to distant planets and inhabiting them, these are definite possibilities for humans, as evidenced above by the remarkable progress NASA has made; however, one of the biggest obstacles NASA is dealing with in bringing those possibilities into fruition is their food system—all the actors and interactions within a food chain, meaning those who grow the food, those who process the food, those who transport the food, those who sell the food and finally, those who consume and dispose of the food. The shelf life of NASA's current food system will not last past 18 months in the unique environment of space, where there are the hazards of galactic cosmic rays, solar radiation and microgravity. Recognizing this—essentially recognizing that achieving such aforementioned feats would require a food system that can last much longer—NASA and others have constantly been researching and experimenting with their food system, ranging from how its food is grown, processed and preserved to the focus of this literature review: how it is packaged. Henceforth, the purpose of this literature review is to chronologically look at and discuss the major materials and technologies used in NASA's space food packaging of the past—the 1960s–1970s—look at and discuss those of the present—the 1980s–2000s—and finally, look ahead and discuss those of the future, entailing materials and technologies currently being worked on or considered for future use in NASA space missions. At that, here's to 60 years of activity in space. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alkali activated binders are a promising alternative to the use of Portland cement in the manufacture of concrete for curbing CO2 emissions. Novel sources of silicates have been investigated in recent years for reducing cost and environmental impacts associated with the use of chemical activators. This study describes the production of solid sodium silicate (SS) activating powder from bamboo leaf ash (BLA). Bamboo leaves were calcined at 550–800°C, mixed with NaOH pellets, and heated in an oven at 300°C. The obtained silicate powder was used for activating blended fly ash/slag samples. Mechanical and microstructural properties of BLA‐based samples were compared to those of samples made with commercially available chemicals. The strength of BLA‐activated mortars matched the commercially‐sourced activators, being 25–30 MPa at 7 days and exceeding 40 MPa at 28 days. The microstructural analysis suggested that BLA‐based SS showed a lesser degree of dissolution of precursors at 7 days, but the quality of the matrix was higher than that of NaOH‐activated samples. These results confirmed that the reactivity of BLA‐silicate powder was similar to that of commercial SS solutions, and show the potential valorization of future biomass renewable waste in the production of low carbon, alkali‐activated concretes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Current methodologies for microplastic polymer identification such as Fourier‐transform infrared and differential scanning calorimetry are neither cost‐efficient nor practical in fieldwork. Density analysis is an inexpensive and readily transportable alternative method. However, current density analysis methods use many different hazardous solutions to carry out separation and identification of plastics. We demonstrate the use of water, sucrose, and ethanol solutions for the density analysis of microplastics. The method developed was able to successfully distinguish between and identify 8 polymers commonly found in microplastic pollution. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:3299–3305. © 2021 SETAC [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Two phase 2 studies were conducted to assess the efficacy and safety of lidocaine‐releasing intravesical system (LiRIS) in patients with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) with (Study 001; NCT02395042) or without, (Study 002; NCT02411110) Hunner lesions (HL). Methods: Both were multicenter, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, and enrolled women aged ≥18 years. In Study 001, patients were randomized 2:1:1 to LiRIS 400 mg/LiRIS 400 mg, placebo/LiRIS 400 mg, or placebo/placebo for a continuous 28 (2 × 14)‐day period. In Study 002, patients were randomized 1:1 to LiRIS 400 mg or placebo for a continuous (single treatment) 14‐day period. Results: In total, 59 and 131 patients received treatment in Studies 001 and 002, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in the primary endpoint, the change from baseline to Week 4 of follow‐up post‐removal in mean daily average bladder numeric rating scale (NRS) pain score in either study (Study 001: placebo/placebo, −1.6; LiRIS/LiRIS, −2.7, p = 0.142; placebo/LiRIS, −2.5, p = 0.319; Study 002: LiRIS −1.2; placebo, −1.5, p = 0.505). There was no statistically significant difference between groups in daily worst NRS pain score, number of micturitions/day or urgency episodes/day. There was no clear trend for reduction in number of HL for LiRIS vs placebo. The frequency of treatment‐emergent adverse events was similar between treatment groups in both studies; most were mild or moderate intensity. Conclusion: These studies did not demonstrate a treatment effect of LiRIS 400 mg compared with placebo, either in patients with IC/BPS with HL, or in those without HL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Gene expression profiling of bladder biopsies in patients with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS), typically obtained following therapeutic bladder hydrodistention (HOD), is used to improve our understanding of molecular phenotypes. The objective of this study was to determine if the HOD procedure itself impacts the biopsy gene expression profile and, by extension, whether biopsies from non‐HOD bladders are appropriate controls. Methods: Bladder biopsies were obtained just before HOD and immediately following HOD from 10 consecutively recruited IC/BPS patients undergoing therapeutic HOD. Biopsies were also obtained from four non‐IC/BPS patients who did not undergo HOD (controls). Total RNA was isolated from each of the 24 samples and used to query whole‐genome microarrays. Differential gene expression analysis was performed to compare expression profiles of IC/BPS biopsies before and after HOD, and between IC/BPS and control biopsies. Results: Principal component analysis revealed complete separation between gene expression profiles from IC/BPS and control samples (q ≤ 0.05) and while IC/BPS samples before and after HOD showed no significant differences in expressed genes, 68 transcripts were found to be significantly different between IC/BPS and control samples (q ≤ 0.05). Conclusions: The bladder HOD procedure itself does not significantly change gene expression within the IC/BPS patient bladder, a finding that provides evidence to support the use of biopsies from non‐IC/BPS patients that have not undergone HOD as controls for gene expression studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wiedemann‐Steiner syndrome (WDSTS) is an exceptionally rare autosomal dominant syndrome with considerable phenotypical variation. Clinical features include dysmorphic facial and skeletal features, growth deficiency, developmental delay, hypertrichosis cubiti and various dental features. We present a 7‐year‐old female with premature exfoliation of primary teeth and premature eruption of permanent teeth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores a series of Carolingian historians, writing in the early ninth century, who marginalized the role of God's agency, in sharp contrast to the pattern established by the Annales Regni Francorum. Where this has been noted before, largely in relation to Einhard's Vita Karoli, it has been explained either as a clash between lay and monastic ideals or as a by‐product of the classical renewal at the Carolingian court. Examining this process across multiple texts suggests, however, that these historians can be understood as self‐consciously 'secularizing' in response to contemporary crises. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many interesting target guest molecules have low symmetry, yet most methods for synthesising hosts result in highly symmetrical capsules. Methods of generating lower symmetry pores are thus required to maximise the binding affinity in host–guest complexes. Herein, we use mixtures of tetraaldehyde building blocks with cyclohexanediamine to access low‐symmetry imine cages. Whether a low‐energy cage is isolated can be correctly predicted from the thermodynamic preference observed in computational models. The stability of the observed structures depends on the geometrical match of the aldehyde building blocks. One bent aldehyde stands out as unable to assemble into high‐symmetry cages‐and the same aldehyde generates low‐symmetry socially self‐sorted cages when combined with a linear aldehyde. We exploit this finding to synthesise a family of low‐symmetry cages containing heteroatoms, illustrating that pores of varying geometries and surface chemistries may be reliably accessed through computational prediction and self‐sorting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine whether patients with interstitial cystitis have elevated levels of toxic urinary cations, to identify and quantify these cationic metabolites, and to assess their cytotoxicity. Methods: Isolation of cationic fraction was achieved by solid phase extraction using an Oasis MCX cartridge on urine specimens from interstitial cystitis patients and controls. C18 reverse phase high‐performance liquid chromatography was used to profile cationic metabolites, and they were quantified by the area under the peaks and normalized to creatinine. Major cationic fraction peaks were identified by reverse phase high‐performance liquid chromatography and liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. HTB‐4 urothelial cells were used to determine the cytotoxicity of cationic fraction and of individual metabolites. Results: The reverse phase high‐performance liquid chromatography analysis was carried out on cationic fraction metabolites isolated from urine samples of 70 interstitial cystitis patients and 34 controls. The mean for controls versus patients was 3.84 (standard error of the mean 0.20) versus 6.71 (0.37) mAU*min/µg creatinine, respectively (P = 0.0001). The cationic fraction cytotoxicity normalized to creatinine for controls versus patients in mean percentage was −7.79% (standard error of the mean 3.32%) versus 20.03% (standard error of the mean 2.75%; P < 0.0005). The major toxic cations were 1‐methyladenosine, 1‐methylguanine, N2,N2‐dimethylguanosine and L‐tryptophan. Conclusions: These data confirm significant elevation of toxic cations in the urine of interstitial cystitis patients. These toxic cations likely represent a primary cause of interstitial cystitis, as they can injure the bladder mucus and initiate an epithelial leak. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Rep domain of Wheat dwarf virus (WDV Rep) is an HUH endonuclease involved in rolling‐circle replication. HUH endonucleases coordinate a metal ion to enable the nicking of a specific ssDNA sequence and the subsequent formation of an intermediate phosphotyrosine bond. This covalent protein–ssDNA adduct makes HUH endonucleases attractive fusion tags (HUH‐tags) in a diverse number of biotechnological applications. Solving the structure of an HUH endonuclease in complex with ssDNA will provide critical information about ssDNA recognition and sequence specificity, thus enabling rationally engineered protein–DNA interactions that are programmable. The structure of the WDV Rep domain reported here was solved in the apo state from a crystal diffracting to 1.24 Å resolution and represents an initial step in the direction of solving the structure of a protein–ssDNA complex. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nature and role of social groups is a central tension in sociology. On the one hand, the idea of a group enables sociologists to locate and describe individuals in terms of characteristics that are shared with others. On the other, emphasizing the fluidity of categories such as gender or ethnicity undermines their legitimacy as ways of classifying people and, by extension, the legitimacy of categorization as a goal of sociological research. In this paper, we use a new research method known as the Imitation Game to defend the social group as a sociological concept. We show that, despite the diversity of practices that may be consistent with self‐identified membership of a group, there are also shared normative expectations – typically narrower in nature than the diversity displayed by individual group members – that shape the ways in which category membership can be discussed with, and performed to, others. Two claims follow from this. First, the Imitation Game provides a way of simultaneously revealing both the diversity and 'groupishness' of social groups. Second, that the social group, in the quasi‐Durkheimian sense of something that transcends the individual, remains an important concept for sociology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Off‐site impacts of soil erosion are of greater social and economic concern in Western Europe than on‐site impacts. They fall into two related categories: muddy flooding of properties and ecological impacts on watercourses because of excessive sedimentation and associated pollutants. Critical to these impacts is the connectedness of the runoff and sediment system between agricultural fields and the river system. We argue that well‐connected systems causing off‐site damage are not necessarily related to areas of high erosion rates; emphasis should therefore be on the way in which connections occur. In temperate, arable systems, important elements of connectivity are anthropogenic in origin: roads, tracks, sunken lanes, field drains, ditches, culverts and permeable field boundaries. Mapping these features allows us to understand how they affect runoff and modify its impacts, to design appropriate mitigation measures and to better validate model predictions. Published maps (digital and paper) do not, by themselves, give sufficient information. Field mapping and observation, aided by remote sensing, are also necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: River discharge and nutrient measurements are subject to aleatory and epistemic uncertainties. In this study, we present a novel method for estimating these uncertainties in colocated discharge and phosphorus (P) measurements. The “voting point”‐based method constrains the derived stage‐discharge rating curve both on the fit to available gaugings and to the catchment water balance. This helps reduce the uncertainty beyond the range of available gaugings and during out of bank situations. In the example presented here, for the top 5% of flows, uncertainties are shown to be 139% using a traditional power law fit, compared with 40% when using our updated “voting point” method. Furthermore, the method is extended to in situ and lab analysed nutrient concentration data pairings, with lower uncertainties (81%) shown for high concentrations (top 5%) than when a traditional regression is applied (102%). Overall, for both discharge and nutrient data, the method presented goes some way to accounting for epistemic uncertainties associated with nonstationary physical characteristics of the monitoring site. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monitoring of runoff and erosion in farmers' fields and their impacts gives a better understanding of erosion. However, it is rare that monitoring at frequent intervals is done over a prolonged period. A part of the upper Wissey catchment in central Norfolk, eastern England was monitored for 10 years to assess the extent and frequency of erosion and runoff, their causes and impacts. Surface wash occurred more widely and more frequently than expected. Runoff and erosion took place a number of times in a year in a range of autumn- and spring-sown crops, and occurred dominantly down tractor wheelings or ruts left after harvesting potatoes or sugar beet under wet conditions. Over 10 years erosion affected about half the 105 fields monitored, often more than once. Erosion was more extensive in autumn-sown cereal fields, but often more severe and with greater off-field effects, for example muddy flooding of roads from spring-sown late harvested crops such as potatoes and sugar beet. Runoff from outdoor pig fields also flooded roads and houses. This study confirms other studies of the extent, frequency and severity of erosion in Britain, that rill erosion does not occur in every field in the landscape, that in the main, fields do not erode frequently and rates of erosion are generally small. Runoff and erosion within a field took place more frequently than had been suspected. Compaction and destruction of topsoil structure by machinery especially at harvest, or by outdoor pigs, is important in initiating runoff. Rates of erosion were generally very low and will not affect soil productivity adversely over the short-term. However, flooding of roads and property, and especially pollution of water courses by sediment, nutrients and pesticides are important off-field impacts and are the primary reason, over the short-term, for mitigating runoff and erosion. Monitoring such as this sheds light on the problems of modelling to predict risk of erosion based on erosion rates. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Nicolaides-Baraitser Syndrome( NCBRS) is an extremely rare condition which has been reported in only a few cases. NCBRS is a distinct clinical condition with typical clinical features of pre- and post-natal global developmental delay, impaired speech, and seizures. Microcephaly, sparse hair, anteverted alae nasi, undefined philtrum, prominence of distal phalanges and interphalangeal joints, and short metacarpals are also typical of NCBRS. Case Report There are no reported cases in the literature of patients with NCBRS presenting with multiple dental impactions, and to the authors' knowledge, this is the 28th fully documented case of NCBRS and only 75 cases identified as potentially having NCBRS. The clinical features, diagnosis, and course of management are also described. Conclusion Although NCBRS is very rare, it is important to assess dental development in view of the possibility of multiple supernumerary teeth which can have detrimental effects on the occlusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AIMS Interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) is a poorly understood disease with no absolute diagnostic marker. A molecular-based tool (biomarker) for IC/BPS diagnosis would have immediate clinical utility. We have generated a bank of bladder biopsy tissue from IC/BPS patients and require a control group for comparative gene expression studies. The objective of this pilot study was to investigate the feasibility of cadaveric bladder specimens as a viable source of control tissue. METHODS Cryopreserved cadaveric bladder specimens were obtained through the National Disease Research Interchange (NDRI) tissue repository. Decedent demographics, postmortem interval to autopsy, necropsy location and size were recorded. At least two punch biopsies were taken from each bladder sample and total RNA was extracted. Nucleic acid concentration and quality were measured as was the RNA integrity number (RIN). RESULTS We purchased 15 necropsy bladder specimens that had been harvested from women postmortem and flash-frozen. For each bladder specimen, RNA was isolated from multiple sites for comparison both within and between individuals. Bioanalyzer results revealed severe degradation in the majority of samples as indicated by RINs ranging from 'n/a' to 6.6, with most samples yielding RINs ≤2.5. Shorter postmortem interval did not correlate with an increase in RNA quantity or quality. CONCLUSIONS Cadaver-derived bladder tissue from the NDRI does not routinely yield high-quality RNA needed for downstream gene expression applications, such as microarray and next-generation sequencing and, therefore, cannot be used as a reliable source for control samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tillage can alter soil properties and affect crop yield and quality. A 4‐yr study was conducted on a Lihen sandy loam soil loam (sandy, mixed, frigid Entic Haplustoll) to evaluate the effect of tillage depth on sugarbeet (Beta vulgaris L.) root yield, root quality, and soil penetration resistance (PR). Tillage treatments consisted of no‐tillage (NT), shallow tillage (ST), and deep tillage (DT). Soil PR was measured with a penetrometer in 2.5‐cm increments to a 40‐cm depth at three locations within each plot. Roots were hand harvested from each plot and each sample consisted of roots of two adjacent rows. Sugarbeet root yield and adjusted sucrose yield were not significantly affected by the depth of tillage in 2008, 2009, and 2011. In 2010, root yield was significantly greater (16.5%) in DT than in NT. The average sugarbeet yields across 4 yr were 58.77, 60.30, and 63.03 Mg ha−1 for NT, ST, and DT, respectively. Root yield was lower in 2011 than other 3 yr due to cold and wet weather conditions in the spring. Soil PR values were significantly lower in DT than in ST and NT from 5‐ to 30‐cm depth. However, significant differences were found between ST and NT at the 5‐ to 7.5‐cm depth. Overall, DT enhanced soil physical environment but on average across 4 yr had no statistically significant effect on sugarbeet root yield and quality compared to both ST and NT practices, though a trend was noted that as tillage depth increased root yield increased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Strip tillage (ST) and high‐efficiency overhead irrigation methods reduce fuel and water inputs compared to conventional practices, but have not been extensively evaluated in sugarbeet (Beta vulgaris L.)–malt barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) cropping systems. A field study comparing conventional tillage (CT) and ST systems and two sprinkler irrigation methods (mid‐elevation spray application, MESA; low‐energy precision application, LEPA) was conducted near Sidney, MT, from 2004 to 2008. Strip tillage was performed (for sugarbeet only) using a single operation that left alternating 30‐cm wide strips of tilled and untilled soil while fertilizer was simultaneously banded 10 cm below the seed row. Conventional tillage for sugarbeet consisted of six separate tillage operations following a broadcast application of fertilizer. Tillage preceding malt barley consisted of one pass each with a disk and a field cultivator following a broadcast application of fertilizer. Sugarbeet grown with ST yielded as well as when grown with CT. Irrigation method did not affect sugarbeet yield. Malt barley yield was not affected by irrigation method but was 5.4% lower following ST sugarbeet than when following CT sugarbeet. Tillage and fertilizer application costs for the sugarbeet phase of the 2‐yr rotation were estimated to be approximately $141 ha−1 less with ST than with CT representing reductions of 66% for the sugarbeet phase alone and 47% for the 2‐yr cropping system. It was concluded that both ST and LEPA are applicable to irrigated sugarbeet–malt barley cropping systems and may provide substantial cost savings compared to conventional practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Objectives The aim of this retrospective study was to quantify the level of dental developmental delay in a group of patients with Aperts syndrome when compared to matched controls. Methods Twenty-six Dental Panoramic Tomographic ( DPT) radiographs of patients with Apert syndrome attending Great Ormond Street Hospital were compared to controls ( n = 29) from the Eastman Dental Hospital, UK. Dental development was assessed using the staging systems of Demirjian and Haavikko, and dental age (DA) was estimated using the weighted averages method. Results Dental age, as estimated using the 12 stages of Haavikko and eight stages of Demirjian, suggested no statistical evidence of developmental delay between the Aperts and control group. Conclusions The hypothesis 'that there is no difference in the dental development of subjects with Apert syndrome, when compared to a group of matched controls', was accepted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of today's greatest challenges of irrigated agriculture is to produce more food and fiber with less water, which can be accomplished by maximizing crop water productivity (CWP). A study was conducted to evaluate and compare the effect of conventional tillage (CT) and strip tillage (ST) on crop water use (CWU) and CWP of sugarbeet (Beta vulgaris L.) on clay loam soil in the northern Great Plains (NGP). Seasonal CWU and CWP for sugarbeet root and sucrose yields were determined for the 2006, 2007, and 2008 growing seasons according to the water balance and CWP equations under CT and ST practices. No significant differences due to tillage were found for CWU of sugarbeet. In 2006, CWP for root yield was significantly greater in ST relative to CT due to wind damage early in the spring which reduced sugarbeet plant population in the CT. The mean CWP for root yield across three growing seasons was10% greater for ST than for CT due to the protected soil-plant environment under the ST. The ST greatly reduces wind erosion and the related plant damage. The ST system used 0.0093 m³ and 0.061 m³ of irrigation water less than CT system to produce 1 kg of sugarbeet root and 1 kg of sucrose yield, respectively, throughout the growing season. We concluded that ST can be used to produce sugarbeet root yield and CWP comparable to CT or even in some instances greater than CT in areas that are prone to wind damage to sugarbeet seedlings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims To estimate the short-term effectiveness, feasibility and acceptability of a smoking cessation intervention (the i Quit system) that consists of tailored printed and Short Message Service ( SMS) text message self-help delivered as an adjunct to cessation support in primary care to inform the design of a definitive trial. Design A stratified two parallel-group randomized controlled trial comparing usual care (control) with usual care plus the i Quit system (intervention), delivered by primary care nurses/healthcare assistants who were blinded to the allocation sequence. Setting Thirty-two general practice ( GP) surgeries in England, UK. Participants A total of 602 smokers initiating smoking cessation support from their local GP surgery were randomized (control n = 303, intervention n = 299). Measurements Primary outcome was self-reported 2-week point prevalence abstinence at 8 weeks follow-up. Secondary smoking outcomes and feasibility and acceptability measures were collected at 4 weeks after quit date, 8 weeks and 6 months follow-up. Findings There were no significant between-group differences in the primary outcome [control 40.3%, i Quit 45.2%; odds ratio ( OR) = 1.22, 95% confidence interval ( CI) = 0.88-1.69] or in secondary short-term smoking outcomes. Six-month prolonged abstinence was significantly higher in the i Quit arm (control 8.9%, i Quit 15.1%; OR = 1.81, 95% CI = 1.09-3.01). i Quit support took on average 7.7 minutes (standard deviation = 4.0) to deliver and 18.9% (95% CI = 14.8-23.7%) of intervention participants discontinued the text message support during the programme. Conclusions Tailored printed and text message self-help delivered alongside routine smoking cessation support in primary care does not significantly increase short-term abstinence, but may increase long-term abstinence and demonstrated feasibility and acceptability compared with routine cessation support alone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Isoguanosine-containing dendritic small molecules self-assemble into decameric nucleodendrimers as observed by 1D NMR spectroscopy, 2D DOSY, and mass spectrometry. In particular, apolar building blocks readily form pentameric structures in acetonitrile while the presence of alkali metals promotes the formation of stable decameric assemblies with a preference for cesium ions. Remarkably, co-incubation of guanosine and isoguanosine-containing nucleodendrons results in the formation of decameric structures in absence of added salts. Further analysis of the mixture indicated that guanosine derivatives facilitate the formation, but are not involved in decameric structures; a process reminiscent of molecular crowding. This molecular system provides a powerful canvas for the rapid and modular assembly of polyfunctional dendritic macromolecules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lactoferrin (Lf) was shown to exhibit its antiviral activity at an early phase of viral infection and a mechanism whereby the protein interacts with host cell surface molecules has been suggested. In this study, human Lf (HLf) and seven HLf-derived synthetic peptides (HLP) corresponding to the N-terminal domain of the native protein (1-47 amino acids sequence) were assayed for their capacity to prevent hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and replication using the HepaRG and HepG2.2.2.15 cell lines. Of the series tested, four peptides showed 40-75% inhibition of HBV infection in HepaRG cells, HLP1-23, containing the GRRRR cationic cluster, being the most potent. Interestingly, this cluster is one of the two glycosaminoglycan binding sites of the native HLf involved in its antiviral activity; however, the mechanism of the HLP1-23 action was different from that of the full-length protein, the peptide inhibiting HBV infection when pre-incubated with the virus, while no effect was observed on the target cells. It is suggested that the cationic cluster is sufficient for the peptide to interact stably with negatively charged residues on the virion envelope, while the absence of the second glycosaminoglycan binding site prevents its efficient attachment to the cells. In conclusion, this peptide may constitute a non-toxic approach for potential clinical applications in inhibiting HBV entry by neutralizing the viral particles. J. Med. Virol. 85:780-788, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bestechend einfach: Eine neue Methode wird vorgestellt, mit der der Diffusionskoeffizient eines kleinen Moleküls nur anhand des Molekulargewichts und der Viskosität des Lösungsmittels abgeschätzt werden kann. Die Methode ermöglicht die quantitative Interpretation der Diffusionsdomäne diffusionsgeordneter NMR ‐ Spektren (siehe Bild). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agricultural system models are useful tools to synthesize field experimental data and to extrapolate results to longer periods of weather and to other cropping systems. The objectives of this study were: (i) to quantify the effects of crop management practices and tillage on soil water and spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) production in a continuous spring wheat system using the RZWQM2 model (coupled with CERES‐Wheat) under a dryland condition, and (ii) to extend the RZWQM2 model results to longer term weather conditions and propose alternate cropping systems and management practices. Measured soil water content, yield, and total aboveground biomass under different tillage and plant management practices were used to calibrate and evaluate the RZWQM2 model. The model showed no impacts of tillage but late planting greatly reduced grain yield and biomass, in agreement with observed differences among treatments. The hydrologic analysis under long‐term climate variability showed a large water deficit (32.3 cm) for spring wheat. Fallowing the cropland every other year conserved 4.2 cm of water for the following wheat year, of which only 1.7 cm water was taken up by wheat, resulting in a yield increase of 249 kg ha−1 (13.7%); however, the annualized mean yield decreased 782 kg ha−1 (43.1%) due to 1 yr of fallow. Other long‐term simulations showed that optimal planting dates ranged from 1 March to 10 April and the seeding rates with optimum economic return were 3.71 and 3.95 × 106 seeds ha−1 for conventional and ecological management treatments, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the interleukin-1 inhibitor rilonacept (interleukin-1 Trap) for gout flare prevention during initiation of uric acid-lowering therapy (ULT). Methods In total, 241 adult patients with gout, ≥2 gout flares within the past year, and a serum urate level ≥7.5 mg/dl were initiated on allopurinol 300 mg daily and randomly allocated in a 1:1:1 ratio to receive 16 once-weekly subcutaneous injections of placebo, rilonacept 80 mg, or rilonacept 160 mg, with a double (loading) dose on day 1. Allopurinol was titrated to achieve a serum urate level of <6.0 mg/dl. The study was powered for the primary efficacy end point, the number of gout flares per patient through week 16. Results More patients in the rilonacept groups (80.0% in the rilonacept 80 mg group, 86.4% in the rilonacept 160 mg group) completed the study than in the placebo group (72.5%; P < 0.05 for the rilonacept 160 mg group versus the placebo group). Over 16 weeks, the mean number of gout flares per patient was significantly reduced by rilonacept treatment (placebo: 1.06, rilonacept 80 mg: 0.29 [ P < 0.001], rilonacept 160 mg: 0.21 [ P < 0.001]). Significantly lower proportions of patients reported ≥1 gout flares with rilonacept 80 mg (18.8%) and rilonacept 160 mg (16.3%) relative to placebo (46.8%; P < 0.001 for both). Except for injection site reactions (1.3% in the placebo group versus 8.8% in the rilonacept 80 mg group [ P = 0.0635, post hoc analysis] and 19.8% in the rilonacept 160 mg group [ P = 0.0001, post hoc analysis]), the incidence of adverse events was generally balanced among the treatment groups. Conclusion Rilonacept markedly reduced the occurrence of gout flares associated with the initiation of ULT. The efficacy and safety profile suggests that rilonacept may have the potential to improve long-term disease control for some patients by improving adherence to ULT by reducing flares during the first months after ULT initiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

According to standard theory, the set of implementable efficient outcome functions is greatly reduced if the mechanism or contract can be renegotiated ex post. In some cases, contracts can achieve nothing and so, for example, the hold-up problem may be severe. This paper shows that if the mechanism is designed in such a way that sending a message involves a small cost, then renegotiation essentially does not restrict the set of efficient implementable functions. Given a weak preference-reversal condition, any Pareto-efficient, bounded social choice function can be implemented in subgame-perfect equilibrium in a renegotiation-proof manner, for any strictly positive message cost. The key point is that messages themselves can act as punishments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives To examine the evidence base for telemonitoring designed for patients who have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and heart failure, and to assess whether telemonitoring fulfils the principles of monitoring and is ready for implementation into routine settings. Design Qualitative data collection using interviews and participation in a multi-path mapping process. Participants Twenty-six purposively selected informants completed semi-structured interviews and 24 individuals with expertise in the relevant clinical and informatics domains from academia, industry, policy and provider organizations and participated in a multi-path mapping workshop. Results The evidence base for the effectiveness of telemonitoring is weak and inconsistent, with insufficient cost-effectiveness studies. When considered against an accepted definition of monitoring, telemonitoring is found wanting. Telemonitoring has not been able so far to ensure that the technologies fit into the life world of the patient and into the clinical and organizational milieu of health service delivery systems. Conclusions To develop effective telemonitoring for patients with chronic disease, more attention needs to be given to agreeing the central aim of early detection and, to ensure potential implementation, engaging a wide range of stakeholders in the design process, especially patients and clinicians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crop residue is important for erosion control, soil water storage, filling gaps in various agroecosystem-based modeling, and sink for atmospheric carbon. The use of remote sensing technology provides a fast, objective, and efficient tool for measuring and managing this resource. The challenge is to distinguish the crop residue from the soil and effectively estimate the residue cover across a variety of landscapes. The objective of this study is to assess a select Landsat Thematic Mapper (TM) and hyperspectral-based indices in estimating crop residue cover and amount for both standing and laid flat, and between two winter wheat (Triticum aestivurn L.) harvest managements (i.e., stripper-header and conventional header) and fallow following proso-millet (Panicum miliaceum L.) plots. The primary plots were located in Colorado with additional plots in eastern Montana, Oregon, and Washington states. Data collected include hyperspectral scans, crop residue amount (by weight) and residue cover (by photogrid). Mean analyses, correlation tests, and spectral signature comparison show that the relative position of the crop residues affected the values of some remote sensing indices more than harvest management. Geographical location did not seem to influence the results. There was not enough evidence to support the use of these indices to accurately estimate the amount of residue. Hyperspectral data may deliver better estimates, but in its absence, the use of two or more of these datasets might improve the estimation of residue cover. This information will be useful in guiding analysis of remotely sensed data and in planning data acquisition programs for crop residue, which are essentially nonexistent at present. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

* Premise of study: New Caledonia commonly experiences cyclones, so trees there are expected to have enhanced wood traits and trunk allometry that confer resistance to wind damage. We ask whether there is evidence of a trade-off between these traits and growth rate among species. * Methods: Wood traits, including density, microfibril angle (MFA), and modulus of elasticity (MOE), ratio of tree height to stem diameter, and growth rate were investigated in mature trees of 15 co-occurring canopy species in a New Caledonian rainforest. * Key results: In contrast to some studies, wood density did not correlate negatively with growth increment. Among angiosperms, wood density and MOE correlated positively with diameter-adjusted tree height, and MOE correlated positively with stem-diameter growth increment. Tall slender trees achieved high stiffness with high efficiency with respect to wood density, in part by low MFA, and with a higher diameter growth increment but a lower buckling safety factor. However, some tree species of a similar niche differed in whole-tree resistance to wind damage and achieved wood stiffness in different ways. * Conclusions: There was no evidence of a growth-safety trade-off in these trees. In forests that regularly experience cyclones, there may be stronger selection for high wood density and/or stiffness in fast-growing trees of the upper canopy, with the potential growth trade-off amortized by access to the upper canopy and by other plant traits. Furthermore, decreasing wood density does not necessarily decrease resistance to wind damage, resistance being influenced by other characteristics including cell-level traits (e.g., MFA) and whole-plant architecture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]