bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intraoperative Faszientraktion (IFT) zur Behandlung großer ventraler Hernien
Authors: Niebuhr Henning , Malaibari Zaid Omar , Köckerling Ferdinand , Reinpold Wolfgang , Dag Halil , Eucker Dietmar , Aufenberg Thomas , Fikatas Panagiotis , Fortelny René H. , Kukleta Jan , Meier Hansjörg , Flamm Christian , Baschleben Guido , Helmedag Marius
Published: December 2021

Ziel

Es sollen die Effektivität, klinische Praktikabilität und Komplikationsrate der intraoperativen Faszientraktion (IFT) in der Behandlung großer ventraler Hernien untersucht werden.

Methode

In der Untersuchung wurden 50 Patienten aus 11 spezialisierten Zentren mit einem direkt gemessenen Faszienabstand von mehr als 8 cm ausgewertet, die mittels einer IFT (Traktionszeit 30–35 min) unter Verwendung des fasciotens® Hernia-Zugverfahrens (fasciotens Gmbh, Essen, Deutschland) behandelt wurden.

Ergebnisse

Die präoperativ gemessenen Faszienabstände betrugen 8–44 cm, wobei die meisten Patienten (94 %) einen Faszienabstand über 10 cm aufwiesen (W3 nach Klassifikation der European Hernia Society). Der durchschnittliche Faszienabstand wurde von 16,1 ± 0,8 auf 5,8 ± 0,7 cm reduziert (Streckengewinn 10,2 ± 0,7 cm, p < 0,0001, Wilcoxon-matched-pairs-signed-ranks-Test). Bei drei Viertel der Patienten konnte eine Reduktion des Faszienabstands um mindestens 50 % erreicht werden, und bei der Hälfte der behandelten Patienten betrug die Reduktion des Faszienabstands sogar über 70 %. Die durch die IFT nach einer mittleren Operationsdauer von 207,3 ± 11,0 min erreichte Verschlussrate betrug 90 % (45/50). Der Hernienverschluss erfolgte in allen Fällen mittels einer Netzaugmentation in Sublay-Position. Postoperative Komplikationen traten bei 6 Patienten auf (12 %). Bei 3 Patienten (6 %) war jeweils eine Reoperation erforderlich.

Schlussfolgerung

Mit der beschriebenen IFT steht ein neues Verfahren für die Bauchwanddehnung bei großen ventralen Hernien zur Verfügung. Die vorliegende Untersuchung zeigt eine hohe Effektivität der IFT bei guter klinischer Praktikabilität und niedriger Komplikationsrate.
Foundation forces caused by dynamic air gap torques of converter driven induction motors influenced by active vibration control: a theoretical analysis
Authors: Werner Ulrich
Published: December 2021

In the paper, a theoretical analysis regarding foundation forces caused by dynamic air gap torques of converter-driven induction motors, influenced by active vibration control, is shown. Based on a plane model, where actuators are placed between the motor feet and steel frame foundation and where the vertical motor feet accelerations are controlled, a mathematical description in the time domain, Laplace domain, and Fourier domain is presented, as well as a block diagram for numerical simulation. A numerical example is shown, where a 2-pole induction motor (2 MW) is analyzed for different cases—motor directly mounted on a steel frame foundation (case 1), actuators between motor feet and foundation, operating passively (case 2) and actively (case 3). It could be shown, that with the presented active vibration control concept the foundation forces due to dynamic air gap torques can be clearly reduced.
Impaction bone grafting for segmental acetabular defects: a biomechanical study
Authors: Nele Wagener , Martina Fritsch , Stefan Reinicke , Frank Layher , Georg Matziolis
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Implant loosening is the most common indication for revision after total hip arthroplasty and is associated with progressive bone destruction. Contained defects can be treated with impaction bone grafting (IBG). Segmental defects are successfully restored with metal augmentation. Considering the increasing number of hip arthroplasty cases in young patients, it would appear sensible to reconstruct the bone stock for future revisions by biological bone defect reduction. The data on the treatment of segmental defects with IBG without additional stabilization are lacking.

Materials and methods

Paprosky type IIB defects were milled into 15 porcine hemipelves with segmental defect angles of 40°, 80° and 120°. Contained defects without segmental defects (Paprosky type I) and acetabula without defects served as controls. After IBG, a cemented polyethylene cup (PE) was implanted in each case. Cup migration, rotational stiffness and maximum rupture torque were determined under physiological loading conditions after 2500 cycles.

Results

Compared with the control without defects, IBG cups showed an asymptotic migration of 0.26 mm ± 0.11 mm on average. This seating was not dependent on the size of the defect. The maximum rupture moment was also not dependent on the defect size for cups after IBG. In contrast, the torsional stiffness of cups with an 120° segmental defect angle was significantly lower than in the control group without defects. All other defects did not differ in torsional stiffness from the control without defects.

Conclusions

IBG did not show inferior biomechanical properties in segmental type IIB defect angles up to 80°, compared to cups without defects.
Alternative tissue fixation for combined histopathological and molecular analysis in a clinically representative setting
Authors: Meecham Amelia , Miranda Elena , Morris Hayley T. , Hair Jane , Oien Karin A. , Gerrard Gareth , Guppy Naomi , Mooney David , Shaw Emily C. , Ashton-Key Margaret , Lees Robert , Flanagan Adrienne , Rodriguez-Justo Manuel
Published: December 2021

Formalin is the principal tissue fixative used worldwide for clinical and research purposes. Despite optimal preservation of morphology, its preservation of DNA and RNA is poor. As clinical diagnostics increasingly incorporates molecular-based analysis, the requirement for maintaining nucleic acid quality is of increasing importance. Here we assess an alternative non-formalin-based tissue fixation method, PAXgene Tissue system, with the aim of better preserving nucleic acids, while maintaining the quality of the tissue to be used for vital existing diagnostic techniques. In this study, these criteria are assessed in a clinically representative setting. In total, 203 paired PAXgene Tissue and formalin-fixed samples were obtained. Blind-scored haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) sections showed comparable and acceptable staining. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining was suboptimal using existing protocols but improved with minor method adjustment and optimisation. Quality of DNA and RNA was significantly improved by PAXgene tissue fixation [RIN 2.8 versus 3.8 (p < 0.01), DIN 5.68 versus 6.77 (p < 0.001)], which translated into improved performance on qPCR assay. These results demonstrate the potential of PAXgene Tissue to be used routinely in place of formalin, maintaining adequate histological staining and significantly improving the preservation of biological molecules in the genomic era.
Epigenetic upregulation of TET2 is an independent poor prognostic factor for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Yamashita Hironori , Tourna Aikaterini , Akita Masayuki , Itoh Tomoo , Chokshi Shilpa , Ajiki Tetsuo , Fukumoto Takumi , Youngson Neil A. , Zen Yoh
Published: December 2021

Mutations in IDH1/2 and the epigenetic silencing of TET2 occur in leukaemia or glioma in a mutually exclusive manner. Although intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) may harbour IDH1/2 mutations, the contribution of TET2 to carcinogenesis remains unknown. In the present study, the expression and promoter methylation of TET2 were investigated in iCCA. The expression of TET2 was assessed in 52 cases of iCCA (small-duct type, n = 33; large-duct type, n = 19) by quantitative PCR, immunohistochemistry (IHC) and a sequencing-based methylation assay, and its relationships with clinicopathological features and alterations in cancer-related genes (e.g., KRAS and IDH1) were investigated. In contrast to non-neoplastic bile ducts, which were negative for TET2 on IHC, 42 cases (81%) of iCCA showed the nuclear overexpression of TET2. Based on IHC scores (area × intensity), these cases were classified as TET2-high (n = 25) and TET2-low (n = 27). The histological type, tumour size, lymph node metastasis and frequency of mutations in cancer-related genes did not significantly differ between the two groups. Overall and recurrence-free survival were significantly worse in patients with TET2-high iCCA than in those with TET2-low iCCA. A multivariate analysis identified the high expression of TET2 as an independent prognostic factor (HR = 2.94; p = 0.007). The degree of methylation at two promoter CpG sites was significantly less in TET2-high iCCA than in TET2-low iCCA or non-cancer tissue. In conclusion, in contrast to other IDH-related neoplasms, TET2 overexpression is common in iCCA of both subtypes, and its high expression, potentially induced by promoter hypomethylation, is an independent poor prognostic factor.
Craniofacial morphology and growth in Muenke syndrome, Saethre-Chotzen syndrome, and TCF12-related craniosynostosis
Authors: Choi T. M. , Lijten O. W. , Mathijssen I. M. J. , Wolvius E. B. , Ongkosuwito E. M.
Published: December 2021

Objectives

To determine whether the midface of patients with Muenke syndrome, Saethre-Chotzen syndrome, or TCF12-related craniosynostosis is hypoplastic compared to skeletal facial proportions of a Dutch control group.

Material and methods

We included seventy-four patients (43 patients with Muenke syndrome, 22 patients with Saethre-Chotzen syndrome, and 9 patients with TCF12-related craniosynostosis) who were referred between 1990 and 2020 (age range 4.84 to 16.83 years) and were treated at the Department of Oral Maxillofacial Surgery, Special Dental Care and Orthodontics, Children’s Hospital Erasmus University Medical Center, Sophia, Rotterdam, the Netherlands. The control group consisted of 208 healthy children.

Results

Cephalometric values comprising the midface were decreased in Muenke syndrome (ANB: β = –1.87, p = 0.001; and PC1: p < 0,001), Saethre-Chotzen syndrome (ANB: β = –1.76, p = 0.001; and PC1: p < 0.001), and TCF12-related craniosynostosis (ANB: β = –1.70, p = 0.015; and PC1: p < 0.033).

Conclusions

In this study, we showed that the midface is hypoplastic in Muenke syndrome, Saethre-Chotzen syndrome, and TCF12-related craniosynostosis compared to the Dutch control group. Furthermore, the rotation of the maxilla and the typical craniofacial buildup is significantly different in these three craniosynostosis syndromes compared to the controls.

Clinical relevance

The maxillary growth in patients with Muenke syndrome, Saethre-Chotzen syndrome, or TCF12-related craniosynostosis is impaired, leading to a deviant dental development. Therefore, timely orthodontic follow-up is recommended. In order to increase expertise and support treatment planning by medical and dental specialists for these patients, and also because of the specific differences between the syndromes, we recommend the management of patients with Muenke syndrome, Saethre-Chotzen syndrome, or TCF12-related craniosynostosis in specialized multidisciplinary teams.
Implementation of transanal minimally invasive surgery (TAMIS) for rectal neoplasms: results from a single centre
Authors: Lossius W. , Stornes T. , Bernstein T. E. , Wibe A.
Published: December 2021

Background

Local excisions are important in a tailored approach to treatment of rectal neoplasms. In cases of low risk T1 local excision facilitates rectal-preserving treatment. Transanal minimally invasive surgery (TAMIS) is the most recent alternative developed for local excision. In this study we evaluate the results after implementing TAMIS as the routine procedure for local excision of rectal neoplasms.

Methods

All patients who underwent TAMIS from January 2016 to January 2020 at St. Olav’s University Hospital were included, and clinical, pathological and oncological data were prospectively registered. The primary endpoint was local recurrence, and the secondary endpoint was complications.

Results

There were 76 patients (42 men, mean age was 69 years [range 26–88 years]), The mean tumour level was 82 mm (range 20–140 mm) from the anal verge measured on rigid proctoscopy, and mean tumour size was 32 mm (range 8–73 mm). Three patients experienced complications needing intervention (Clavien–Dindo > 3A). Seventeen patients had rectal adenocarcinoma, 9 of whom underwent R0 completion total mesorectal excision (cTME). Fifty-five patients had an adenoma, 3 of whom developed recurrence (5.4%) within 12 months. All recurrences were treated successfully with a new TAMIS procedure. In addition, TAMIS was used in treatment of 2 patients with a neuroendocrine tumour, 1 patient with a haemangioma and 1 patient with a solitary rectal ulcer.

Conclusions

TAMIS surgery is associated with a low risk of complications and a low recurrence rate in rectal neoplasms. In cases of adenocarcinoma, R0 cTME surgery is feasible in the sub-group with high risk T1 and T2 tumours.
A fractional version of Rivière’s GL(n)-gauge
Authors: Da Lio Francesca , Mazowiecka Katarzyna , Schikorra Armin
Published: December 2021

We prove that for antisymmetric vector field$$\Omega $$Ωwith small$$L^2$$L2-norm there exists a gauge$$A \in L^\infty \cap {\dot{W}}^{1/2,2}({\mathbb {R}}^1,GL(N))$$A∈L∞∩W˙1/2,2(R1,GL(N))such that$$\begin{aligned} {\text {div}}_{\frac{1}{2}} (A\Omega - d_{\frac{1}{2}} A) = 0. \end{aligned}$$div12(AΩ-d12A)=0.This extends a celebrated theorem by Rivière to the nonlocal case and provides conservation laws for a class of nonlocal equations with antisymmetric potentials, as well as stability under weak convergence.
Socioeconomic differences in informal caregiving in Europe
Authors: Quashie Nekehia T. , Wagner Melanie , Verbakel Ellen , Deindl Christian
Published: December 2021

Disclosing socioeconomic differences in informal care provision is increasingly important in aging societies as it helps to identify the segments of the population that may need targeted support and the types of national investments to support family caregivers. This study examines the association between individual-level socioeconomic status and informal care provision within the household. We also examine the role of contextual factors, income inequality, and the generosity of social spending, to identify how macro-level socioeconomic resource structures shape individuals’ provision of care to household members. We use pooled data from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE, waves 1, 2, 4, 5, 6) and the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA, waves 2, 3, 4, 6, 7). Poisson regression multilevel models estimate the associations between household socioeconomic status (education, income, and wealth), and country socioeconomic resources (income inequality and social spending as a percentage of GDP), and the likelihood of older adults’ informal care provision within the household. Results indicate that lower individual socioeconomic resources—education, income, and wealth—were associated with a higher incidence of older adults’ informal care provision within the household. At the macro-level, income inequality was positively associated while social spending was negatively associated with older adults’ care provision within the household. Our findings suggest that socioeconomically disadvantaged groups are more likely to provide informal care, which may reinforce socioeconomic inequalities. At the national level, more equitable resource distribution and social spending may reduce intensive family caregiving.
An Experimental Model for the Study of Underwater Pressure Waves on the Central Nervous System in Rodents: A Feasibility Study
Authors: Günther Mattias , Arborelius Ulf , Risling Mårten , Gustavsson Jenny , Sondén Anders
Published: December 2021

Underwater blast differs from blast in air. The increased density and viscosity of water relative to air cause injuries to occur almost exclusively as primary blast, and may cause disorientation in a diver, which may lead to inability to protect the airway and cause drowning. However, cognitive impairments from under water blast wave exposure have not been properly investigated, and no experimental model has been described. We established an experimental model (water shock tube) for simulating the effects of underwater blast pressure waves in rodents, and to investigate neurology in relation to organ injury. The model produced standardized pressure waves (duration of the primary peak 3.5 ms, duration of the entire complex waveform including all subsequent reflections 325 ms, mean impulse 141–281 kPa-ms, mean peak pressure 91–194 kPa). 31 rats were randomized to control (n = 6), exposure 90 kPa (n = 8), 152 kPa (n = 8), and 194 kPa (n = 9). There was a linear trend between the drop height of the water shock tube and electroencephalography (EEG) changes (p = 0.014), while no differences in oxygen saturation, heart rate, S100b or macroscopic bleedings were detected. Microscopic bleedings were detected in lung, intestines, and meninges. Underwater pressure waves caused changes in EEG, at pressures when mild hemorrhage occurred in organs, suggesting an impact on brain functions. The consistent injury profile enabled for the addition of future experimental interventions.
Coalescent angiogenesis—evidence for a novel concept of vascular network maturation
Authors: Nitzsche Bianca , Rong Wen Wei , Goede Andrean , Hoffmann Björn , Scarpa Fabio , Kuebler Wolfgang M. , Secomb Timothy W. , Pries Axel R.
Published: December 2021

Angiogenesis describes the formation of new blood vessels from pre-existing vascular structures. While the most studied mode of angiogenesis is vascular sprouting, specific conditions or organs favor intussusception, i.e., the division or splitting of an existing vessel, as preferential mode of new vessel formation. In the present study, sustained (33-h) intravital microscopy of the vasculature in the chick chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) led to the hypothesis of a novel non-sprouting mode for vessel generation, which we termed “coalescent angiogenesis.” In this process, preferential flow pathways evolve from isotropic capillary meshes enclosing tissue islands. These preferential flow pathways progressively enlarge by coalescence of capillaries and elimination of internal tissue pillars, in a process that is the reverse of intussusception. Concomitantly, less perfused segments regress. In this way, an initially mesh-like capillary network is remodeled into a tree structure, while conserving vascular wall components and maintaining blood flow. Coalescent angiogenesis, thus, describes the remodeling of an initial, hemodynamically inefficient mesh structure, into a hierarchical tree structure that provides efficient convective transport, allowing for the rapid expansion of the vasculature with maintained blood supply and function during development.
An empirical investigation of command-line customization
Authors: Schröder Michael , Cito Jürgen
Published: December 2021

The interactive command line, also known as the shell, is a prominent mechanism used extensively by a wide range of software professionals (engineers, system administrators, data scientists, etc.). Shell customizations can therefore provide insight into the tasks they repeatedly perform, how well the standard environment supports those tasks, and ways in which the environment could be productively extended or modified. To characterize the patterns and complexities of command-line customization, we mined the collective knowledge of command-line users by analyzing more than 2.2 million shell alias definitions found on GitHub. Shell aliases allow command-line users to customize their environment by defining arbitrarily complex command substitutions. Using inductive coding methods, we found three types of aliases that each enable a number of customization practices:Shortcuts(fornicknaming commands,abbreviating subcommands, andbookmarking locations),Modifications(forsubstituting commands,overriding defaults,colorizing output, andelevating privilege), andScripts(fortransforming dataandchaining subcommands). We conjecture that identifying common customization practices can point to particular usability issues within command-line programs, and that a deeper understanding of these practices can support researchers and tool developers in designing better user experiences. In addition to our analysis, we provide an extensive reproducibility package in the form of a curated dataset together with well-documented computational notebooks enabling further knowledge discovery and a basis for learning approaches to improve command-line workflows.
Deconstructing the Phantom: Duhem and the Scientific Realism Debate
Authors: Kotowski Mateusz , Szlachcic Krzysztof
Published: December 2021

For many decades, Duhem has been considered a paradigmatic instrumentalist, and while some commentators have argued against classifying him in this way, it still seems prevalent as an interpretation of his philosophy of science. Yet such a construal bears scant resemblance to the views presented in his own works—so little, indeed, that it might be said to constitute no more than a mere phantom with respect to his actual thought. In this article, we aim to deconstruct this phantom, tracing the sources of the misconceptions surrounding his ideas and pinpointing the sources and/or causes of its proliferation. We subsequently point out and discuss those elements of his philosophy that, taken together, support the view of him as a scientific realist of a sophisticated kind. Finally, we defend our own interpretation of his thought against suggestions to the effect that it is oriented towards neither instrumentalism nor scientific realism.
The impact of the first COVID-19 lockdown in the UK for doctoral and early career researchers
Authors: Jackman Patricia C. , Sanderson Rebecca , Haughey Tandy J. , Brett Caroline E. , White Naomi , Zile Amy , Tyrrell Katie , Byrom Nicola C.
Published: December 2021

Doctoral researchers and early career researchers (ECRs) are crucial to producing scientific advancements and represent the future of academic leadership. Their research endeavours were changed radically by lockdowns in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The aim of this study was to explore the perceived benefits and challenges of the national lockdown in the UK from the perspective of doctoral researchers and ECRs. We present analysis of qualitative survey data from 1,142 doctoral researchers and ECRs on their experiences of the first UK lockdown collected from April 16, 2020–May 14, 2020. Our findings suggest considerable heterogeneity in how the pandemic impacted this key group of academic workers. Challenges arising from the lockdown largely cohered around a poor work environment, limited access to resources, perceptions of pressure, and negative psychological outcomes. Conversely, respondents also highlighted several benefits in the early stages of the pandemic, with the change to working from home creating more time, resulting in greater productivity and a better work-life balance. Collectively, findings indicate the importance of considering the personal circumstances and needs of individual researchers. We discuss the implications for support these researchers require to rebuild their careers in the wake of the initial disruption.
Deformed $$\sigma $$-models, Ricci flow and Toda field theories
Authors: Bykov Dmitri , Lüst Dieter
Published: December 2021

It is shown that the Pohlmeyer map of a $$\sigma $$
σ
-model with a toric two-dimensional target space naturally leads to the ‘sausage’ metric. We then elaborate the trigonometric deformation of the $$\mathbb {CP}^{n-1}$$

CP

n
-
1

-model, proving that its T-dual metric is Kähler and solves the Ricci flow equation. Finally, we discuss a relation between flag manifold $$\sigma $$
σ
-models and Toda field theories.
Computational Studies on the Mechanisms for Deaminative Amide Hydrogenation by Homogeneous Bifunctional Catalysts
Authors: Artús Suàrez Lluís , Balcells David , Nova Ainara
Published: December 2021

The deaminative hydrogenation of amides is one of the most convenient pathways for the synthesis of amines and alcohols. The ideal source of reducing equivalents for this reaction is molecular hydrogen, though, in practice, this approach requires high pressures and temperatures, with many catalysts achieving only small turnover numbers and frequencies. Nonetheless, during the last ten years, this field has made major advances towards larger turnovers under milder conditions thanks to the development of bifunctional catalysts. These systems promote the heterolytic cleavage of hydrogen into proton and hydride by combining a basic ligand with an acidic metal centre. The present review focuses on the computational study of the reaction mechanism underlying bifunctional catalysis. This review is structured around the fundamental steps of this mechanism, namely the C=O and C–N hydrogenation of the amide, the C–N protonolysis of the hemiaminal, the C=O hydrogenation of the aldehyde, and the competition between hydrogen activation and catalyst deactivation. In line with the complexity of the mechanism, we also provide a perspective on the use of microkinetic models. Both Noyori- and Milstein-type catalysts are discussed and compared.
The value of entrepreneurship by gender on regional behaviour
Authors: Crecente Fernando , Sarabia María , del Val María Teresa
Published: December 2021

This paper examines how the value of entrepreneurship by gender is related to regional behaviour. Researchers have traditionally defined entrepreneurial organization as separate to gender and to economic growth. Using the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor (GEM) we complete a dataset of 50 countries using variables such as total early-stage entrepreneurial activity (TEA) and opportunity-driven entrepreneurial activity (OPP). The methodology used proposes an analysis of regional convergence, comparing the evolution over time of both the rate of entrepreneurial activity and the ratios of opportunity-driven and need-driven entrepreneurial activity, distinguishing by gender. On the other hand, a regression model is proposed that explains the greater presence of female entrepreneurship. The results show that entrepreneurship by gender is an important factor to define different cluster of countries according to how men and women entrepreneurs create new economic opportunities.
A multi-scale integrated assessment model to support urban sustainability
Authors: Purvis Ben , Mao Yong , Robinson Darren
Published: December 2021

Tools purposed towards supporting the transition to more sustainable urban futures typically focus on specific phenomena at the local level. Whilst such approaches remain valuable, there is a need to complement this micro approach with broader integrated methods which deal with the interaction between different urban components as well as their relation to processes and policies enacted at higher scales. Through the adaptation of the World3 global model of Meadows et al. (The limits to growth, Universe Books, New York, 1972; Limits to growth: the 30-year update. Earthscan, London 2005), integrating both an urban system layer, and a national data layer inputting new data, we develop a proof-of-concept multi-scale integrated assessment model. This model is used to explore the relationship between the sustainability of the urban system relative to higher-scale contexts. By emphasising feedback, cascading effects, and unintended consequences, such a modelling framework allows for deeper consideration of coupling mechanisms between subsystems both within the urban system and across broader scales. Following the description of our model, we take Meadows et al. (2005)’s ‘Scenario 3’ as a starting point to generate several scenarios exploring potential intervention taken at the level of the individual urban system to tackle food security and localised pollution. Our results demonstrate that the evolution of the urban system is sensitively dependent on wider global events, and that while concerted intervention may mitigate some effects, the future of an individual system is largely at the mercy of the evolution of the global system. We argue that the results of this exercise suggest an important role for multi-scale models for informing the wider context of policy measures taken across different hierarchical scales. In an extended discussion section, we outline barriers and potential routes for building our work beyond a proof-of-concept relating to data, boundaries, politicisation, and building confidence in model outputs.
Organised crime and animals
Authors: van Uhm Daan , Siegel Dina
Published: December 2021

This article provides an introduction to the special issue of Trends in Organized Crime on ‘Organised Crime and Animals’. The special issue contributes to the criminological literature on organised crime, new illicit markets and green criminology. The articles in this special issue offer a wide range of empirical evidence, criminological analysis and theoretical explorations of the various connections between organised crime and animals, including the illegal wildlife trade, gambling on animals, puppy trafficking, the killing of wolves and illegal, unreported fisheries and the regulatory and enforcement responses to these phenomena.
Transition to chaos in a reduced-order model of a shear layer
Authors: Cavalieri André V.G. , Rempel Erico L. , Nogueira Petrônio A.S.
Published: December 2021

The present work studies the nonlinear dynamics of a shear layer, driven by a body force and confined between parallel walls, a simplified setting to study transitional and turbulent shear layers. It was introduced by Nogueira & Cavalieri (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 907, 2021, A32), and is here studied using a reduced-order model based on a Galerkin projection of the Navier–Stokes system. By considering a confined shear layer with free-slip boundary conditions on the walls, periodic boundary conditions in streamwise and spanwise directions may be used, simplifying the system and enabling the use of methods of dynamical systems theory. A basis of eight modes is used in the Galerkin projection, representing the mean flow, Kelvin–Helmholtz vortices, rolls, streaks and oblique waves, structures observed in the cited work, and also present in shear layers and jets. A dynamical system is obtained, and its transition to chaos is studied. Increasing Reynolds number

$Re$

leads to pitchfork and Hopf bifurcations, and the latter leads to a limit cycle with amplitude modulation of vortices, as in the direct numerical simulations by Nogueira & Cavalieri. Further increase of

$Re$

leads to the appearance of a chaotic saddle, followed by the emergence of quasi-periodic and chaotic attractors. The chaotic attractors suffer a merging crisis for higher

$Re$

, leading to a chaotic dynamics with amplitude modulation and phase jumps of vortices. This is reminiscent of observations of coherent structures in turbulent jets, suggesting that the model represents a dynamics consistent with features of shear layers and jets.
Understanding the interplay between the gut microbiome, nutrition and health
Authors: Ball Derek , Athanasiadou Spiridoula
Published: December 2021

The Spring Conference 2021 focused on the theme of the gut microbiome and health that was divided across three separate but inter-related areas from the impact of nutrition on the gut microbiome, the cause and effect of nutrition and health on the gut microbiome to the interaction between pathogens and gut microbiota. The programme was supported by two plenary lectures, the first discussed the computational methods commonly employed to examine gut microbiota and the concluding lecture presented the interaction between the gut microbiome, nutrition and health in older populations. This short report provides a summary and highlights of the conference.
Accounting for diversity in older adults’ digital inclusion and literacy: the impact of a national intervention
Authors: McCosker Anthony , Critchley Christine , Walshe Jarrod , Tucker Julie , Suchowerska Roksolana
Published: December 2021

In many parts of the world, older adults continue to face significant barriers to digital inclusion, but the source of that inequality is not well understood. However, we do not know enough about differences among older people seeking to improve their digital skills. Examining the impact of a national three-year digital inclusion programme reaching more than 580,000 older adults in Australia, this study explores factors that affect digital skills and literacy later in life. A mixed-methods approach involving a two time-point survey (N = 337) along with participant interviews (N = 30) examined the effectiveness of programme elements. A latent class analysis was applied to examine differences in the way older adults engage with digital technologies. Qualitative analysis helped to detail those differences. Programme outcomes were far from uniform, reflecting diverse motivations, lifecourse experiences, needs and capabilities among older adults, countering much existing research that tends to elide those differences. With reference to the concept of situated literacies, we highlight the importance of life experiences, needs and motivations to the outcomes of digital inclusion interventions. Our findings emphasise the need to disaggregate older adult internet users, and account for differences in life experiences, needs and motivations in the design and delivery of digital inclusion interventions at scale.
Non-normality, topological transitivity and expanding families
Authors: MEYRATH THIERRY , MÜLLER JÜRGEN
Published: December 2021

We investigate the behaviour of families of meromorphic functions in the neighbourhood of points of non-normality and prove certain covering properties that complement Montel’s Theorem. In particular, we also obtain characterisations of non-normality in terms of such properties.
Securing the Automatic Identification System (AIS): Using public key cryptography to prevent spoofing whilst retaining backwards compatibility
Authors: Wimpenny Gareth , Šafář Jan , Grant Alan , Bransby Martin
Published: December 2021

The civilian Automatic Identification System (AIS) has no inherent protection against spoofing. Spoofed AIS messages have the potential to interfere with the safe navigation of a vessel by, amongst other approaches, spoofing maritime virtual aids to navigation and/or differential global navigation satellite system (DGNSS) correction data conveyed across it. Acting maliciously, a single transmitter may spoof thousands of AIS messages per minute with the potential to cause considerable nuisance; compromising information provided by AIS intended to enhance the mariner's situational awareness. This work describes an approach to authenticate AIS messages using public key cryptography (PKC) and thus provide unequivocal evidence that AIS messages originate from genuine sources and so can be trusted. Improvements to the proposed AIS authentication scheme are identified which address a security weakness and help avoid false positives to spoofing caused by changes to message syntax. A channel loading investigation concludes that sufficient bandwidth is available to routinely authenticate all AIS messages whilst retaining backwards compatibility by carrying PKC ‘digital signatures’ in a separate VHF Data Exchange System (VDES) side channel.
TERMINAL PLEISTOCENE THROUGH MIDDLE HOLOCENE OCCUPATIONS IN SOUTHEASTERN MESOAMERICA: LINKING ECOLOGY AND CULTURE IN THE CONTEXT OF NEOTROPICAL FORAGERS AND EARLY FARMERS
Authors: Prufer Keith M. , Robinson Mark , Kennett Douglas J.
Published: December 2021

Data from rock shelters in southern Belize show evidence of tool making, hunting, and aquatic resource exploitation by 10,500 cal b.c.; the shelters functioned as mortuary sites between 7600 and 2000 cal b.c. Early Holocene contexts contain stemmed and barbed bifaces as part of a tradition found broadly throughout the neotropics. After around 6000 cal b.c., bifacial tools largely disappear from the record, likely reflecting a shift to increasing reliance on plant foods, around the same time that the earliest domesticates appear in the archaeological record in the neotropics. We suggest that people living in southern Belize maintained close ties with neighbors to the south during the Early Holocene, but lagged behind in innovating new crops and farming technologies during the Middle Holocene. Maize farming in Belize intensified between 2750–2050 cal b.c. as maize became a dietary staple, 1000–1300 years later than in South America. Overall, we argue from multiple lines of data that the Neotropics of Central and South America were an area of shared information and technologies that heavily influenced cultural developments in southeastern Mesoamerica during the Early and Middle Holocene.
GATHERING AND SOWING ACROSS THE CENTRAL MAYA LOWLANDS: A REVIEW OF PLANT USE BY PRECERAMIC PEOPLES AND THE EARLY TO MIDDLE PRECLASSIC MAYA
Authors: Cagnato Clarissa
Published: December 2021

The recovery of macro- and microbotanicals, along with the study of chemical residues, allows us to shed light on a number of anthropological issues concerning ancient populations. This article reviews the data available to date on the plants used by preceramic peoples during the Archaic period and by the Early to Middle Preclassic Maya across the central Maya lowlands. Archaeobotanical data suggest that early preceramic populations took advantage of their ecologically rich natural environment by gathering a range of wild foods and by cultivating domesticates such as maize, manioc, and chili peppers, a pattern that seemingly continued into the Early to Middle Preclassic, as the Maya settled into village life and left more visible traces of modifications to their natural environment in the form of canals and terraces. This region is of particular interest with regard to the development of sociopolitical complexity, as mobile hunter-gatherers used domesticates during the millennia that preceded the onset of sedentary life. These early populations set the stage for patterns of plant use that endured through time, but also across space in the Maya region.
THE PRECERAMIC AND EARLY CERAMIC PERIODS IN BELIZE AND THE CENTRAL MAYA LOWLANDS
Authors: Stemp W. James , Awe Jaime J. , Marcus Joyce , Helmke Christophe , Sullivan Lauren A.
Published: December 2021

This introduction to the Special Section provides a summary of our current understanding of the first humans and the first Maya in these regions and presents seven articles that examine these critical periods from varied, intersecting perspectives. The Introduction begins with a brief history of early preceramic research (primarily in northern Belize) and provides a current chronology for the Paleoindian, Archaic, and Early Preclassic periods. The Paleoindian and Archaic (ca. 11,500–900b.c.) periods are discussed in terms of the origins of the first peoples in these regions, lithic technology, subsistence, and early ritual. Next, a summary of archaeological evidence for the transition to the first villages (ca. 1200–800b.c.) is provided, with examinations of a horticultural lifestyle, the earliest ceramics, increased socio-economic complexity, new ideology and ritual practices, and developing social inequality. Proto-Mayan and Mayan languages—their dating, origin, and early lexicon—are discussed in relation to the first Maya. Material culture and language are explored with regard to conceptions of Maya culture.
The importance of actuarial management in insurance business decision-making in the twenty-first century
Authors: Espinosa Oscar , Zarruk Armando
Published: December 2021

This study aims to carry out and document a systematic analysis of the literature on the importance of actuarial management in insurance managerial decision-making in the twenty-first century. After a short introduction to the business context, the paper presents an analysis of a rigorous review of the literature published between the years 2000 and 2020, which highlights the benefits and challenges of the formal application of various risk management tools. The following topics are emphasized: (i) actuarial cycle control and uncertainty management, (ii) quantitative strategic risk framework and financial modelling, and (iii) enterprise risk management with a value-based approach. This work will help future researchers to gain a better understanding of, and explicitly account for, the different contributions and benefits of actuarial management in the context of managerial decision-making in an organisation.
Whose risk? Bank de-risking and the politics of interpretation and vulnerability in the Middle East and North Africa
Authors: El Taraboulsi-McCarthy Sherine
Published: December 2021

Following the events of 11 September 2001, measures aimed at countering the financing of terrorism (CFT) were intensified by States. Many countries around the world adopted strict anti-money laundering and CFT regulations for the transfer of funds globally. This process increased the costs of complying with regulatory requirements and imposed high penalties on banks for non-compliance. As a result, preventive measures – often known as “de-risking” – were taken up by banks, including terminating the accounts of clients perceived as “high-risk” for money laundering or terrorist financing, and delaying transfers. These measures, however, have had negative consequences, reducing financial access for local civil society organizations in conflict-affected contexts that are deemed high-risk for terrorist activities. Drawing on five years of research to understand the impact of de-risking on conflict-affected contexts from a local perspective, this paper reflects on the local political economy of CFT, with a focus on the Middle East and North Africa. It explores two key areas of inquiry. The first of these is the politics of interpretation – how counterterrorism as a discourse and a set of practices, of which CFT is one, gets interpreted by local authorities and banks, and subsequently gets reinterpreted to the population. This also has implications for which local actors are better positioned to access funds than others, and why. The second area of inquiry is the politics of vulnerability – how the local political economy impact of CFT can increase the social and economic vulnerabilities of some groups more than others. This paper demonstrates that under the guise of “counterterrorism”, local authorities in conflict-affected contexts have used CFT to restrict the non-profit and philanthropic space and are using banking regulations to shape that space in ways that are bound to have negative medium- and long-term implications for it.
A Hotter Earth Means Stronger Tornadoes
Authors: Sidik Saima
Published: December 2021

Although their frequency may decrease, models suggest anthropogenic climate change will increase the intensity of tornado outbreaks.
Indigenous Communities Outline Their Climate Data Priorities
Authors: Palmer Jane
Published: December 2021

Native American tribal communities are actively engaged in adapting to climate change. What information and data will help them build resilience to the new normal?
Nonlinear Enhancement of Radiative Absorption by Black Carbon in Response to Particle Mixing Structure
Authors: Wang Yuanyuan , Li Weijun , Huang Jin , Liu Lei , Pang Yuner , He Cenlin , Liu Fengshan , Liu Dantong , Bi Lei , Zhang Xiaoye , Shi Zongbo
Published: December 2021

Black carbon (BC) strongly absorbs solar radiation, contributing to global warming. Absorption enhancement of BC particles is difficult to quantify due to an inadequate representation of their complex morphology and mixing structures, as well as interaction with radiation. Here, we apply a 3D method accounting for detailed BC mixing structures to predict the absorption enhancement of individual BC particles (Eabs) and the total BC particle population (Eabs, bulk). The diverse range of mixing structures in individual BC particles leads to variable Eabs that could hardly be predicted by empirical approximations. We find that the volume proportion of the BC embedded in coating (F) determines Eabs when the particle to BC core diameter ratio (Dp/Dc) is larger than 2.0. Our findings reveal the potential mechanism behind the differences in observed and modeled Eabs, bulk. The framework builds a bridge connecting the microscopic mixing structure of individual BC particle with Eabs, bulk.
Soft and flexible: core-shell ionic liquid resistive memory for electronic synapses
Authors: Khan Muhammad Umair , Saqib Qazi Muhammad , Chougale Mahesh Y. , Shaukat Rayyan Ali , Kim Jungmin , Bae Jinho
Published: December 2021

The human brain is the most efficient computational and intelligent system, and researchers are trying to mimic the human brain using solid-state materials. However, the use of solid-state materials has a limitation due to the movement of neurotransmitters. Hence, soft memory devices are receiving tremendous attention for smooth neurotransmission due to the ion concentration polarization mechanism. This paper proposes a core-shell soft ionic liquid (IL)-resistive memory device for electronic synapses using Cu/Ag@AgCl/Cu with multistate resistive behavior. The presence of the Ag@AgCl core shell in the liquid electrolyte significantly helps to control the movement of Cu2+ ions, which results in multistate resistive switching behavior. The core-shell IL soft memory device can open a gateway for electronic synapses.
p53-mediated AKT and mTOR inhibition requires RFX7 and DDIT4 and depends on nutrient abundance
Authors: Coronel Luis , Häckes David , Schwab Katjana , Riege Konstantin , Hoffmann Steve , Fischer Martin
Published: December 2021

In recent years the tumor suppressor p53 has been increasingly recognized as a potent regulator of the cell metabolism and for its ability to inhibit the critical pro-survival kinases AKT and mTOR. The mechanisms through which p53 controls AKT and mTOR, however, are largely unclear. Here, we demonstrate that p53 activates the metabolic regulator DDIT4 indirectly through the regulatory factor X 7 (RFX7). We provide evidence that DDIT4 is required for p53 to inhibit mTOR complex 2 (mTORC2)-dependent AKT activation. Most strikingly, we also find that the DDIT4 regulator RFX7 is required for p53-mediated inhibition of mTORC1 and AKT. Our results suggest that AMPK activation plays no role and p53-mediated AKT inhibition is not critical for p53-mediated mTORC1 inhibition. Moreover, using recently developed physiological cell culture media we uncover that basal p53 and RFX7 activity can play a critical role in restricting mTORC1 activity under physiological nutrient conditions, and we propose a nutrient-dependent model for p53-RFX7-mediated mTORC1 inhibition. These results establish RFX7 and its downstream target DDIT4 as essential effectors in metabolic control elicited by p53.