bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Parallel and antiparallel peptide double β‐helices controlled by metal‐induced folding and assembly
Authors: Sawada Tomohisa , Iwasaki Wataru , Yamagami Motoya , Fujita Makoto
Published: April 2021

Short peptides with sequences of alternating l‐ and d‐residues are known to form antiparallel double β‐helical structures, but their equilibrium structures have not been characterized in detail. Here, we use metal coordination of a simple octapeptide, ‐(l‐Val‐d‐Val)4‐, modified with two coordinating side chains at the (i, j)‐th residues to uncover these elusive structures. When (i, j) = (3, 5), complexation with ZnI2 induces a parallel double β‐helix, which is not commonly seen. In contrast, when (i, j) = (5, 7), a commonly occurring antiparallel double β‐helix (Type I) is formed. Interestingly, complexation of the peptide with (i, j) = (3, 7) gives another antiparallel double β‐helix, the unknown Type II structure, which has an inverted orientation of the two strands. Complexation of a monotopic peptide (i = 3) with trans‐PdCl2 yields a Pd(II)‐linked dimeric bundle of two antiparallel β‐helices. These results demonstrate that metal coordination can induce even as‐yet unrecognized structures in the folding and assembly pathways of short peptides.

Key points

Structural elucidation of elusive peptide nanostructures

Precise structural control of double helical molecules

Fusion of peptide folding and metal‐directed self‐assembly
Working alliance and attachment orientations in the patient‐oncologist relationship
Authors: Henny Amir , Sivan Levi , Gil Goldzweig , Michal Braun
Published: April 2021

Objective

Accumulating research suggests that the working alliance (WA) is a key component in the patient–oncologist relationship. Attachment theory provides a useful framework for understanding this alliance within the oncological setting, where patients' attachment systems are often activated. This study examined the association between attachment orientations of both dyad members (i.e., patient and oncologist) and patients' WA experience. It also probed whether this link was mediated by patients' attachment‐related attitudes towards the oncologist, using a recently developed measure.

Method

Oncologists and their respective patients (N = 113: 103 patients, 10 oncologists) were sampled at oncological clinics. Eligible patients filled out online measures of the WA, attachment‐related attitudes, and attachment orientations. The later was also completed by oncologists.

Results

Structural equation modeling demonstrated that both patients' and oncologists' avoidant attachment orientation inversely predicted patients' WA experience, via patients' experience of feeling unsupported by their oncologists.

Conclusions

Findings suggest that attributes of both members of the patient–oncologist dyad are related to patients' WA experience, and that attachment‐related attitudes towards oncologists occur within this relationship. Oncologists' understanding of patients' unique attachment behaviors, as well as their own such behaviors, could improve cancer patients' quality of care and illness outcomes. Results represent another step forward in fully exploring whether oncologists can serve as attachment figures for their patients.
Central airway issues in bronchopulmonary dysplasia
Authors: Hysinger Erik B.
Published: April 2021

While there is a very large focus on the abnormalities of parenchymal lung development and extensive efforts to minimize alveolar damage with “gentle ventilation” and noninvasive respiratory support for neonates with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), there is relatively little consideration for the implications of central airway disease in this patient population. There are significant changes in the structure and conformation of the central airway during the last half of gestation, and premature birth disrupts this natural developmental process. The arrest of maturation results in a smaller airway that is more compliant, easier to deform, and more susceptible to damage. Consequently, neonates with BPD are prone to developing central airway pathology, particularly for patients who require intubation and positive pressure ventilation. Central airway disease can be divided into dynamic and fixed airway obstruction and results in increased respiratory morbidity in neonates with chronic lung disease of prematurity.
Effect of MnSi2‐Induced Solid Solution Strengthening on Mechanical Behavior of 316L Stainless Steel Fabricated by Selective Laser Melting
Authors: Li Meng , Wu Meiping , Lu Peipei , Liu Xin , Wang Yiyao , Miao Xiaojin
Published: April 2021

As an emerging additive manufacturing technology, selective laser melting (SLM) can manufacture metal matrix composites with high performance. Herein, a MnSi2 compound is innovatively utilized to improve the mechanical properties of the 316L substrate. The results indicate that an appropriate mass fraction of the MnSi2 compound can promote the solid solution, leading to an increment in the surface quality, microhardness, and tensile strength of the 316L substrate. When the addition of MnSi2 is 6.0 wt%, the sample exhibits the highest microhardness and tensile strength with the value of 426 HV0.2 and 860 MPa, respectively. However, microcracks are observed and the ultimate tensile displacement is decreased synchronously; meanwhile, its fracture behavior exhibits mixed‐mode ductile fracture and brittle fracture. Overall, this study explains a novel hypothetical mechanism of solid solution reinforcement by adding a MnSi2 compound into 316L.
Sex‐related differences in cognitive trajectories in older individuals with type 2 diabetes and overweight or obesity
Authors: Espeland Mark A. , Yassine Hussein , Hayden Kathleen D. , Hugenschmidt Christina , Bennett Wendy L. , Chao Ariana , Neiberg Rebecca , Kahn Steven E. , Luchsinger José A. ,   for the Action for Health in Diabetes (Look AHEAD) Research Group
Published: April 2021

Introduction

It is unknown whether rates of cognitive decline differ between older women and men with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and overweight or obesity.

Methods

Two to four cognitive assessments were obtained across up to 10 years from 2799 adults (mean age 68 years; 62% women) with T2D who had been enrolled in a clinical trial of weight loss intervention. Sex‐related differences in means and rates of decline of cognitive scores were assessed.

Results

Women outperformed men in verbal learning and processing speed (P < 0.001), but not executive function (P = 0.22). The rates of decline over time for women and men were similar (P ≥  0.10); however women, but not men, with apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 alleles had steeper declines in verbal learning (P = 0.02) and processing speed (P = 0.007) than those without these alleles.

Discussion

Cognitive advantages for women with T2D and overweight/obesity over men are preserved as they age; however, these are eroded by the APOE ε4 genotype.
John Palmer, Earl of Selborne
Authors: Trees Sandy
Published: April 2021

Although not a vet, Lord Selborne had an extensive influence on the veterinary profession.
Application of zeolitic imidazolate framework for hexavalent chromium removal: A feasibility and mechanism study
Authors: Ou Jiun‐Hau , Sheu Yih‐Terng , Chang Bor Kae , Verpoort Francis , Surampalli Rao Y. , Kao Chih‐Ming
Published: April 2021

The mechanisms and effectiveness of using zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF‐8) [a sub‐family of metal‐organic framework (MOF)] particles on hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] removal were evaluated. The ultrasonic mixing method was applied for the preparation of ZIF‐8, and chemicals used for ZIF‐8 synthesis included ammonium hydroxide, zinc nitrate hexahydrate, and 2‐methylimidazole. ZIF‐8 particle had a clear rhombic dodecahedron morphology shape and a strong peak intensity with high crystallinity. The adsorption capacity (AC) of ZIF‐8 was 30.3 mg of Cr(VI)/g of ZIF‐8 [Cr(VI) = 50 mg/L]. The AC of Cr(VI) raised to 34.3 mg/g under acidic conditions (pH = 5), and the AC dropped to below 13.7 mg/g with a pH range from 7 to 11. It could be because of the competitive effects between CrO42− and hydroxide ions for adsorption locations of ZIF‐8. Cr(VI) removal relied on the amount of Cr(VI) adsorbed on the particles of ZIF‐8, and the mechanisms of Cr(VI) adsorption by ZIF‐8 included chemical/physical processes and the rate‐limiting step was the chemical adsorption. A fraction of sorbed Cr(VI) was reduced to Cr(III), and thus, ZIF‐8 could serve as a reducing agent during Cr(VI) reduction. Cr(VI) was removed effectively from the water phase by ZIF‐8 via adsorption and reduction mechanisms.

Practitioner Points

ZIF‐8 particles had an adsorption capacity of 30.33 mg of Cr(VI)/g of ZIF‐8.

Cr(VI) sorption by ZIF‐8 has chemical (rate‐limiting step) and physical processes.

ZIF‐8 can serve as a reducing agent for Cr(VI) reduction.

Cr(VI) can be removed by ZIF‐8 via the adsorption and reduction mechanisms.
Top-quark mass determination from t-channel single top production at the LHC
Authors: Gao Mei Sen , Yuan Shu Run , Gao Jun
Published: April 2021

Abstract

We study the determination of the top-quark mass using leptonic observables in t-channel single top-quark production at the LHC. We demonstrate sensitivity of transverse momentum of the charged lepton on the input top-quark mass. We present predictions at next-to-next-to-leading order (NNLO) in QCD with narrow width approximation and structure function approach. Further corrections due to parton shower and hadronization, non-resonant and non-factorized contributions are discussed. To reduce impact of SM backgrounds we propose to use the charge weighted distribution for the measurement, i.e., differences between distributions of charged lepton with positive and negative charges. By modeling both signal and background processes, we found the projections for (HL-)LHC to be promising, with a total theoretical uncertainty on the extracted top-quark mass of about 1 ∼ 2 GeV.
Evidenzbasierung in Primärprävention und Gesundheitsförderung: Methoden und Vorgehensweisen in 5 Forschungsverbünden
Authors: Brandes Mirko , Muellmann Saskia , Allweiss Theresa , Bauer Ulrich , Bethmann Andreas , Forberger Sarah , Frense Jennifer , Gelius Peter , Pfeifer Klaus , Okan Orkan , Renner Britta , Schupp Harald , Wright Michael , Zeeb Hajo
Published: April 2021

Von 2014 bis 2022 erforschen die 5 deutschen Forschungsverbünde AEQUIPA, CAPITAL4HEALTH, HLCA, PartKommPlus und SMARTACT Themen der Primärprävention und Gesundheitsförderung mit dem Ziel, die Evidenzgrundlagen in diesen Bereichen weiterzuentwickeln. In diesem Beitrag wird die Arbeit der 5 Forschungsverbünde für Primärprävention und Gesundheitsförderung unter dem Aspekt der Evidenzbasierung aus der internen Perspektive vorgestellt, analysiert und diskutiert. Als orientierender Rahmen dient ein Modell der evidenzbasierten Public Health.

Die 5 Forschungsverbünde nutzen für die Evidenzgenerierung vielfältige Zugangswege bzgl. der Beteiligung nichtakademischer, zivilgesellschaftlicher Akteur*innen und Nutzer*innen. Es finden sich vielfältige Studiendesigns, die von randomisiert kontrollierten Studien und systematischen Reviews zu diversen qualitativen Designs reichen. Die Nutzung von Modellen und Theorien unterstützt die Evidenzbasierung. Über die Evidenzentwicklung hinaus legen alle Verbünde einen Schwerpunkt auf die zumindest exemplarische Implementierung des neuen Wissens.

Durch die Methodenvielfalt kann eine breit gefächerte Evidenzbasierung unter Berücksichtigung verbundspezifischer Aspekte realisiert werden. Grenzen für eine weitere systematische Stärkung der Evidenzbasierung liegen in strukturellen Rahmenbedingungen. Insbesondere die Einbindung von nichtakademischen, zivilgesellschaftlichen Akteur*innen und Nutzer*innen für die Arbeit mit schwer erreichbaren Zielgruppen kann oft nicht ausfinanziert bzw. zeitlich berücksichtigt werden. Die COVID-19-Pandemie verdeutlicht die Wichtigkeit eines flexiblen Methodenspektrums, in dem ein sinnvolles Zusammenspiel von digitalen und analogen Methoden anzustreben ist.
“It’s a Big Family Here.” Becoming and Belonging in a Service Providing Employment-Related Support for People with Mental Health Problems: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis
Authors: Chauhan Nisha , Leeming Dawn , Wattis John
Published: April 2021

The impact of employment for individuals with mental health problems is complex. However, research suggests that when support is provided for accessing employment and gaining roles and skills that are valued by others, a positive effect can be seen on recovery. Employment-related support can take many forms and there is a need for further research into the experience of accessing different kinds of services. The current paper examines the lived experience of 11 people participating in a UK social enterprise providing work experience, training, and skills development for those with mental health problems. Although ‘sheltered’, the organisational ethos strongly emphasised service-user empowerment, co-production, equality with staff, provision of valued social roles and person-centred support. Phenomenological analysis revealed that participants valued a sense of belonging and authentic relationships within the service, whilst being given the opportunity to rediscover an identity that may have been lost because of their mental health problem. However, participants also discussed how, although the service improved their self-value, some feared the ‘real world’ outside of the service and were unsure whether they would be met with the same support. Tensions between field dominant approaches in supported employment and the experiences and values of the participants are explored. We argue that the findings highlight the importance of a nurturing working environment and the value for recovery of a range of meaningful roles, beyond competitive employment.
Gauge-Underdetermination and Shades of Locality in the Aharonov–Bohm Effect
Authors: Mulder Ruward A.
Published: April 2021

I address the view that the classical electromagnetic potentials are shown by the Aharonov–Bohm effect to be physically real (which I dub: ‘the potentials view’). I give a historico-philosophical presentation of this view and assess its prospects, more precisely than has so far been done in the literature. Taking the potential as physically real runs prima facie into ‘gauge-underdetermination’: different gauge choices represent different physical states of affairs and hence different theories. This fact is usually not acknowledged in the literature (or in classrooms), neither by proponents nor by opponents of the potentials view. I then illustrate this theme by what I take to be the basic insight of the AB effect for the potentials view, namely that the gauge equivalence class that directly corresponds to the electric and magnetic fields (which I call the Wide Equivalence Class) is too wide, i.e., the Narrow Equivalence Class encodes additional physical degrees of freedom: these only play a distinct role in a multiply-connected space. There is a trade-off between explanatory power and gauge symmetries. On the one hand, this narrower equivalence class gives a local explanation of the AB effect in the sense that the phase is incrementally picked up along the path of the electron. On the other hand, locality is not satisfied in the sense of signal locality, viz. the finite speed of propagation exhibited by electric and magnetic fields. It is therefore intellectually mandatory to seek desiderata that will distinguish even within these narrower equivalence classes, i.e. will prefer some elements of such an equivalence class over others. I consider various formulations of locality, such as Bell locality, local interaction Hamiltonians, and signal locality. I show that Bell locality can only be evaluated if one fixes the gauge freedom completely. Yet, an explanation in terms of signal locality can be accommodated by the Lorenz gauge: the potentials propagate in waves at finite speed. I therefore suggest the Lorenz gauge potentials theory—an even narrower gauge equivalence relation—as the ontology of electrodynamics.
Balancing scarce hospital resources during the COVID-19 pandemic using discrete-event simulation
Authors: Melman G.J. , Parlikad A.K. , Cameron E.A.B.
Published: April 2021

COVID-19 has disrupted healthcare operations and resulted in large-scale cancellations of elective surgery. Hospitals throughout the world made life-altering resource allocation decisions and prioritised the care of COVID-19 patients. Without effective models to evaluate resource allocation strategies encompassing COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 care, hospitals face the risk of making sub-optimal local resource allocation decisions. A discrete-event-simulation model is proposed in this paper to describe COVID-19, elective surgery, and emergency surgery patient flows. COVID-19-specific patient flows and a surgical patient flow network were constructed based on data of 475 COVID-19 patients and 28,831 non-COVID-19 patients in Addenbrooke’s hospital in the UK. The model enabled the evaluation of three resource allocation strategies, for two COVID-19 wave scenarios: proactive cancellation of elective surgery, reactive cancellation of elective surgery, and ring-fencing operating theatre capacity. The results suggest that a ring-fencing strategy outperforms the other strategies, regardless of the COVID-19 scenario, in terms of total direct deaths and the number of surgeries performed. However, this does come at the cost of 50% more critical care rejections. In terms of aggregate hospital performance, a reactive cancellation strategy prioritising COVID-19 is no longer favourable if more than 7.3% of elective surgeries can be considered life-saving. Additionally, the model demonstrates the impact of timely hospital preparation and staff availability, on the ability to treat patients during a pandemic. The model can aid hospitals worldwide during pandemics and disasters, to evaluate their resource allocation strategies and identify the effect of redefining the prioritisation of patients.
The Ponto-Caspian parasite Plagioporus cf. skrjabini reaches the River Rhine system in Central Europe: higher infestation in the native than in the introduced Danubian form of the gastropod Theodoxus fluviatilis
Authors: Rothmeier Louisa Marie , Sahm René , Watermann Burkard , Grabow Karsten , Koester Meike , Cichy Anna , Martens Andreas
Published: April 2021

The introduction of non-indigenous organisms in new areas in the context of host-parasite interactions is still poorly understood. This study aimed at a parasitological and histopathological comparison of two phylogenetically distinct forms of the freshwater snail Theodoxus fluviatilis in the River Rhine system: the native Northern-European form, which showed a decline for unknown reasons and is nowadays extinct in the River Rhine, and the non-indigenous Danubian form, which was introduced via the Main–Danube canal. We histopathologically examined populations of Northern-European T. fluviatilis from three smaller rivers of the Rhine system and of Danubian T. fluviatilis from the River Rhine, after confirming the phylogenetic background of the respective population genetically. Results showed differences in the prevalence of trematodes and histopathologic organic alterations between the two snail forms. Both were infected with an opecoelid trematode Plagioporus cf. skrjabini, whereby its prevalence was significantly higher in the Northern-European than in the Danubian form. The parasitic trematode is, to our knowledge, a new trematode species in the River Rhine system, presumably co-introduced through the invasion of its second intermediate and final hosts, i.e. Ponto-Caspian amphipods and gobies. Its impact on native populations of Northern-European T. fluviatilis needs to be subject of future studies.
The Effects of Periodicity Assumptions in Porous Media Modelling
Authors: Forslund T. O. M. , Larsson I. A. S. , Hellström J. G. I. , Lundström T. S.
Published: April 2021

The effects of periodicity assumptions on the macroscopic properties of packed porous beds are evaluated using a cascaded Lattice-Boltzmann method model. The porous bed is modelled as cubic and staggered packings of mono-radii circular obstructions where the bed porosity is varied by altering the circle radii. The results for the macroscopic properties are validated using previously published results. For unsteady flows, it is found that one unit cell is not enough to represent all structures of the fluid flow which substantially impacts the permeability and dispersive properties of the porous bed. In the steady region, a single unit cell is shown to accurately represent the fluid flow across all cases studied
Teaching Medical Students to Help Patients Manage Their Weight: Outcomes of an Eight-School Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Ockene Judith K. , Pbert Lori , Crawford Sybil , Frisard Christine F. , Pendharkar Jyothi A. , Sadasivam Rajani S. , Faro Jamie , Okuliar Cathy , Eno Cassie , Margo Katherine , Shaw Monica Ann , Soleymani Taraneh , Stadler Diane D. , Warrier Sarita , White Katie , Geller Alan C.
Published: April 2021

BACKGROUND

Given the rising rates of obesity there is a pressing need for medical schools to better prepare students for intervening with patients who have overweight or obesity and for prevention efforts.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effect of a multi-modal weight management curriculum on counseling skills for health behavior change.

DESIGN

A pair-matched, group-randomized controlled trial (2015-2020) included students enrolled in eight U.S. medical schools randomized to receive either multi-modal weight management education (MME) or traditional weight management education (TE).

SETTING/PARTICIPANTS

Students from the class of 2020 (N=1305) were asked to participate in an objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) focused on weight management counseling and complete pre and post surveys. A total of 70.1% of eligible students (N=915) completed the OSCE and 69.3% (N=904) completed both surveys. INTERVENTIONS: The MME implemented over three years included a web-based course, a role-play classroom exercise, a web-patient encounter with feedback, and an enhanced clerkship experience with preceptors trained in weight management counseling (WMC). Counseling focused on the 5As (Ask, Advise, Assess, Assist, Arrange) and patient-centeredness.

MEASUREMENTS

The outcome was student 5As WMC skills assessed using an objective measure, an OSCE, scored using a behavior checklist, and a subjective measure, student self-reported skills for performing the 5As.

RESULTS

Among MME students who completed two of three WMC components compared to those who completed none, exposure was significantly associated with higher OSCE scores and self-reported 5A skills.

LIMITATIONS

Variability in medical schools requiring participation in the WMC curriculum.

CONCLUSIONS

This trial revealed that medical students struggle with delivering weight management counseling to their patients who have overweight or obesity. Medical schools, though restrained in adding curricula, should incorporate should incorporate multiple WMC curricula components early in medical student education to provide knowledge and build confidence for supporting patients in developing individualized plans for weight management.

NIH Trial Registry Number

R01-194787
Validation of a 5-Item Tool to Measure Patient Assessment of Clinician Compassion in Hospitals
Authors: Roberts Brian W. , Roberts Michael B. , Mazzarelli Anthony , Trzeciak Stephen
Published: April 2021

Background

We previously validated a 5-item compassion measure to assess patient experience of clinician compassion in the outpatient setting. However, currently, there is no validated and feasible method for health care systems to measure patient experience of clinician compassion in the inpatient setting across multiple hospitals.

Objective

To test if the 5-item compassion measure can validly and distinctly measure patient assessment of physician and nurse compassion in the inpatient setting.

Design

Cross-sectional study between July 1 and July 31, 2020, in a US health care network of 91 community hospitals across 16 states consisting of approximately 15,000 beds.

Patients

Adult patients who had an inpatient hospital stay and completed the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) survey.

Measurements

We adapted the original 5-item compassion measure to be specific for physicians, as well as for nurses. We disseminated both measures with the HCAHPS survey and used confirmatory factor analysis for validity testing. We tested reliability using Cronbach’s alpha, as well as convergent validity with patient assessment of physician and nursing communication and overall hospital rating questions from HCAHPS.

Results

We analyzed 4756 patient responses. Confirmatory factor analysis found good fit for two distinct constructs (i.e., physician and nurse compassion). Both measures demonstrated good internal consistency (alpha > 0.90) and good convergent validity but reflected a construct (compassionate care) distinct from what is currently captured in HCAHPS.

Conclusion

We validated two 5-item tools that can distinctly measure patient experience of physician and nurse compassion for use in the inpatient hospital setting in conjunction with HCAHPS.
Environmental Earth Sciences Progress Report 2020 and Outlook 2021
Authors: Kolditz Olaf , Teti Paola , Dörhöfer Gunter , LaMoreaux Jim , Andriani Gioacchino F. , Appleyard Stephen , Asch Ted , Buttafuoco Gabriele , Dietrich Peter , Hursthouse Andrew , Kim Derek , Merkel Broder J. , Schwarzbauer Jan , Siegesmund Siegfried , Kolditz Barbara
Published: April 2021

The present editorial 2020 continues the series of status reports in Environmental Earth Sciences (EES) in previous years 2017 and 2019 (Kolditz et al. in Environ Earth Sci 77: 8, 2018, Kolditz et al. in Environ Earth Sci 79: 11, 2020). The year 2020 coming to an end was heavily influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic affecting all areas of life including research work and, therefore, scientific publishing as well (“Introduction”). One bright spot which shows longevity of journals that produce a quality product is that Environmental Earth Sciences (EES) is celebrating its 45th anniversary of publication. To this extent EES continues the tradition to honor the most cited papers contributing to the 2020 Impact Factor (IF) (“Highly and most cited topics”) and provide information on the current status of EES as well as an outlook to 2021 (“Progress report”)
Beryllium-7 and Lead-210 are Associated with an Increase in the Arctic Oscillation: Evidence from Atmospheric Aerosols in a Remote Tropical Region in East Asia
Authors: Chen Xiaoxia , Lin Wuhui , He Xianwen , Feng Liangliang , Wang Kuo-Ying
Published: April 2021

The Arctic Oscillation (AO) accounts for a large fraction of recent decadal climate trends in Northern Hemisphere (NH) high latitudes. In East Asia, an elevated AO index (AOI) was associated with warmer temperatures in middle- to high-latitude regions, colder temperatures over low-latitude regions, and elevated ozone intrusion from the stratosphere. Elevated beryllium-7 (7Be) is produced in the stratosphere. Few studies have discussed the relationship between 7Be and the AO. Here, we identify the AO signature in 7Be and lead (Pb)-210 observed at a tropical ambient monitoring site in Nanning (22.8°N, 108.5°E) during the December 2014–December 2017 period. Our results show that the 7Be and 210Pb concentrations are positively and significantly correlated with the AOI (P < 0.01). These results show that elevated 7Be and 210Pb are associated with an increase in the AOI, reflecting air masses originating from NH high latitudes and vertically from the high-latitude upper troposphere and lower stratosphere regions to tropical latitudes in East Asia. These results have been verified with ozonesonde data without seasonality and with two meteorological data sets. Our results are also confirmed by observational data over the Pacific regions. We conclude that the AO exerts impacts over the tropical regions in East Asia, and 7Be can be used as a tracer to track the impacts of the AO.
Big and little Lipschitz one sets
Authors: Buczolich Zoltán , Hanson Bruce , Maga Balázs , Vértesy Gáspár
Published: April 2021

Given a continuous function $$f:{\mathbb {R}}\rightarrow {\mathbb {R}}$$

f
:
R
→
R

, we denote the so-called “big Lip” and “little lip” functions by "Equation missing" and "Equation missing" respectively. We are interested in the following question. Given a set $$E \subset {\mathbb {R}}$$

E
⊂
R

, is it possible to find a continuous function f such that "Equation missing" or "Equation missing"? For monotone continuous functions we provide a rather straightforward answer. For arbitrary continuous functions the answer is much more difficult to find. We introduce the concept of uniform density type (UDT) and show that if E is $$G_\delta $$

G
δ

and UDT then there exists a continuous function f satisfying "Equation missing", that is, E is a "Equation missing" set. In the other direction we show that every "Equation missing" set is $$G_\delta $$

G
δ

and weakly dense. We also show that the converse of this statement is not true, namely that there exist weakly dense $$G_{{\delta }}$$

G
δ

sets which are not "Equation missing". We say that a set $$E\subset \mathbb {R}$$

E
⊂
R

is "Equation missing" if there is a continuous function f such that "Equation missing". We introduce the concept of strongly one-sided density and show that every "Equation missing" set is a strongly one-sided dense $$F_\sigma $$

F
σ

set.
Measuring the Business Cycle Chronology with a Novel Business Cycle Indicator for Germany
Authors: Gehringer Agnieszka , Mayer Thomas
Published: April 2021

This paper introduces a Business Cycle Indicator to compile a transparent and reliable chronology of past business cycle turning points for Germany. The Indicator is derived applying the statistical method of Principal Component Analysis, based on information from 20 economic time series. In this way, the Business Cycle Indicator grasps the development of the broader economic activity and has several advantages over a business cycle assessment based on quarterly series of Gross Domestic Product.
Synthesis of flow‐compatible Ru-Me/Al2O3 catalysts and their application in hydrogenation of 1-iodo-4-nitrobenzene
Authors: Sebek Michael , Atia Hanan , Steinfeldt Norbert
Published: April 2021

The development of an active, selective, and long-term stable heterogeneous catalyst for the reductive hydrogenation of substituted nitrorarenes in continuous operation mode is still challenging. In this work, Ru based nanoparticles catalysts promoted with different transition metals (Zn, Co, Cu, Sn, or Fe) were supported on alumina spheres using spray wet impregnation method. The freshly prepared catalysts were characterized using complementary methods including scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) and temperature programmed reduction (TPR). The hydrogenation of 1-iodo-4-nitrobenzene served as model reaction to assess the catalytic performance of the prepared catalysts. The addition of the promotor affected the reducibility of Ru nanoparticles as well as the performance of the catalyst in the hydrogenation reaction. The highest yield of 4-iodoaniline (89 %) was obtained in a continuous flow process using Ru-Sn/Al2O3. The performance of this catalyst was also followed in a long-term experiment. With increasing operation time, a catalyst deactivation occurred which could only briefly compensate by an increase of the reaction temperature.
Beacons of Liberty
Authors: Abbott Elena K.
Published: April 2021

Before the Civil War, free African Americans and fugitive slaves crossed international borders to places like Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean in search of freedom and equality. Beacons of Liberty tells the story of how these bold migrants catalyzed contentious debates over citizenship, racial justice, and national character in the United States. Blending fresh historical analysis with incredible stories of escape and rebellion, Elena K. Abbott shows how the shifting geography of slavery and freedom beyond US borders helped shape the hopes and expectations of black radicals, white politicians, and fiery reformers engaged in the American anti-slavery movement. Featuring perspectives from activists and risk-takers like Mary Ann Shadd, Martin Delany, and James C. Brown, Beacons of Liberty illuminates the critical role that international free soil played in the long and arduous fight for emancipation and racial justice in the United States.
Privacy in the Age of Neuroscience
Authors: Grant David
Published: April 2021

Neuroscience has begun to intrude deeply into what it means to be human, an intrusion that offers profound benefits but will demolish our present understanding of privacy. In Privacy in the Age of Neuroscience, David Grant argues that we need to reconceptualize privacy in a manner that will allow us to reap the rewards of neuroscience while still protecting our privacy and, ultimately, our humanity. Grant delves into our relationship with technology, the latest in what he describes as a historical series of 'magnitudes', following Deity, the State and the Market, proposing the idea that, for this new magnitude (Technology), we must control rather than be subjected to it. In this provocative work, Grant unveils a radical account of privacy and an equally radical proposal to create the social infrastructure we need to support it.
Seven Deadly Economic Sins
Authors: Otteson James R.
Published: April 2021

You have heard of the Seven Deadly Sins: pride, greed, lust, envy, gluttony, wrath, and sloth. Each is a natural human weakness that impedes happiness. In addition to these vices, however, there are economic sins as well. And they, too, wreak havoc on our lives and in society. They can seem intuitively compelling, yet they lead to waste, loss, and forgone prosperity. In this thoughtful and compelling book, James Otteson tells the story of seven central economic fallacies, explaining why they are fallacies, why believing in them leads to mistakes and loss, and how exorcizing them from our thinking can help us avoid costly errors and enable us to live in peace and prosperity.
Topological Phases of Matter
Authors: Moessner Roderich , Moore Joel E.
Published: April 2021

Topological Phases of Matter are an exceptionally dynamic field of research: several of the most exciting recent experimental discoveries and conceptual advances in modern physics have originated in this field. These have generated new, topological, notions of order, interactions and excitations. This text provides an accessible, unified and comprehensive introduction to the phenomena surrounding topological matter, with detailed expositions of the underlying theoretical tools and conceptual framework, alongside accounts of the central experimental breakthroughs. Among the systems covered are topological insulators, magnets, semimetals, and superconductors. The emergence of new particles with remarkable properties such as fractional charge and statistics is discussed alongside possible applications such as fault-tolerant topological quantum computing. Suitable as a textbook for graduate or advanced undergraduate students, or as a reference for more experienced researchers, the book assumes little prior background, providing self-contained introductions to topics as varied as phase transitions, superconductivity, and localisation.
Is A Common Goal A False Hope in Convergence Research?: Opportunities and Challenges of International Convergence Research to Address Arctic Change
Authors: Ernakovich J. G. , Eklund N. , Varner R. K. , Kirchner N. , Jeuring J. , Duderstadt K. , Granebeck A. , Golubeva E. ,   ASIAQ participants
Published: April 2021

The Arctic faces multiple pressures including climate change, shifting demographics, human health risks, social justice imbalances, governance issues, and expanding resource extraction. A convergence of academic disciplines—such as natural and social sciences, engineering and technology, health and medicine—and international perspectives is required to meaningfully contribute to solving the challenges of Arctic peoples and ecosystems. However, successfully carrying out convergent, international research and education remains a challenge. Here, lessons from the planning phase of a convergence research project concerned with the health of Arctic waters developed by the Arctic Science IntegrAtion Quest (ASIAQ) are discussed. We discuss our perspective on the challenges, as well as strategies for success, in convergence research as gained from the ASIAQ project which assembled an international consortium of researchers from disparate disciplines representing six universities from four countries (Sweden, Japan, Russia, and the United States) during 2018–2020.
Diagnosing Non‐Gaussian Temperature Distribution Tails Using Back‐Trajectory Analysis
Authors: Catalano A. J. , Loikith P. C. , Neelin J. D.
Published: April 2021

Coherent regions exhibiting non‐Gaussian 2‐m temperature distribution tails are present across the globe, indicating changes in extreme temperatures under future warming may manifest in more complex ways than were the underlying distributions symmetric about the mean. To further the understanding of physical processes that govern temperature distribution tail shape, this work utilizes a back‐trajectory model to diagnose mechanisms for extreme daily mean temperature development at select extratropical locations exhibiting non‐Gaussian tails. Although characteristics such as direction, distance, and temperature evolution vary among back‐trajectories associated with extreme temperature days, results reveal principal pathways for air parcel propagation associated with preferred patterns in large‐scale circulation. A relatively persistent synoptic setup leads to thermal advection, which interacts with local geographic features to produce a shorter‐ or longer‐than‐Gaussian tail. Significant relationships with recurrent modes of atmospheric and sea surface temperature variability further suggest the influence of teleconnection wave patterns and ocean temperatures on extreme daily temperature occurrence over land, though local, smaller‐scale processes are also important. Air parcels transporting extreme temperatures at short‐tailed locations often originate in marine environments, constraining the magnitude of the temperature extreme, while locations exhibiting long cold tails require rare meteorological conditions to transport the coldest air from poleward source regions often partially blocked by topography or downstream of the prevailing wind. Processes governing longer‐than‐Gaussian warm tails at locations examined are more subtle and not as obviously dominated by horizontal advection. Results provide added insight into our understanding of temperature extremes and how they may change in the future at regional scales.
WBP2 negatively regulates the Hippo pathway by competitively binding to WWC3 with LATS1 to promote non-small cell lung cancer progression
Authors: Han Qiang , Rong Xuezhu , Lin Xuyong , Zhang Xiupeng , Fan Chuifeng , Zhao Huanyu , Wang Enhua
Published: April 2021

WW domain binding protein-2 (WBP2) can function as a Yes-associated protein/transcriptional co-activator with PDZ-binding motif (YAP/TAZ) co-activator and has a crucial role in promoting breast cancer progression. However, the expression and potential molecular mechanisms of WBP2 in the context of lung cancer are not fully understood. We determined that WBP2 was highly expressed in lung cancer specimens and cell lines and that this expression was closely related to the advanced pTNM stage, lymph node metastasis, and poor prognosis of patients. In addition, gain- and loss-of-function experiments revealed that WBP2 could significantly promote the proliferation and invasion of lung cancer cells both in vivo and in vitro. To elucidate the underlying molecular mechanism, we determined that wild-type WBP2 could competitively bind to the WW domain of WWC3 (WW and C2 domain-containing-3) with LATS1 (Large tumor suppressor-1) through its PPxY motifs, thus inhibiting the formation of the WWC3-LATS1 complex, reducing the phosphorylation level of LATS1, suppressing the activity of the Hippo pathway, and ultimately promoting YAP nuclear translocation. Therefore, from the aspect of upstream molecules of Hippo signaling, WBP2 promotes the malignant phenotype of lung cancer cells in a unique manner that is not directly dependent upon YAP, thus providing a corresponding experimental basis for the development of targeted therapeutic drugs for lung cancer.
Author Correction: Temporal changes in global soil respiration since 1987
Authors: Lei Jiesi , Guo Xue , Zeng Yufei , Zhou Jizhong , Gao Qun , Yang Yunfeng
Published: April 2021

A Correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-021-22014-5
Author Correction: Ultra-efficient frequency comb generation in AlGaAs-on-insulator microresonators
Authors: Chang Lin , Xie Weiqiang , Shu Haowen , Yang Qi-Fan , Shen Boqiang , Boes Andreas , Peters Jon D. , Jin Warren , Xiang Chao , Liu Songtao , Moille Gregory , Yu Su-Peng , Wang Xingjun , Srinivasan Kartik , Papp Scott B. , Vahala Kerry , Bowers John E.
Published: April 2021

A Correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-021-22031-4
Jordan products of quantum channels and their compatibility
Authors: Girard Mark , Plávala Martin , Sikora Jamie
Published: April 2021

Given two quantum channels, we examine the task of determining whether they are compatible—meaning that one can perform both channels simultaneously but, in the future, choose exactly one channel whose output is desired (while forfeiting the output of the other channel). Here, we present several results concerning this task. First, we show it is equivalent to the quantum state marginal problem, i.e., every quantum state marginal problem can be recast as the compatibility of two channels, and vice versa. Second, we show that compatible measure-and-prepare channels (i.e., entanglement-breaking channels) do not necessarily have a measure-and-prepare compatibilizing channel. Third, we extend the notion of the Jordan product of matrices to quantum channels and present sufficient conditions for channel compatibility. These Jordan products and their generalizations might be of independent interest. Last, we formulate the different notions of compatibility as semidefinite programs and numerically test when families of partially dephasing-depolarizing channels are compatible.
Direct electrosynthesis of 52% concentrated CO on silver’s twin boundary
Authors: Tang Can , Gong Peng , Xiao Taishi , Sun Zhengzong
Published: April 2021

The gaseous product concentration in direct electrochemical CO2 reduction is usually hurdled by the electrode’s Faradaic efficiency, current density, and inevitable mixing with the unreacted CO2. A concentrated gaseous product with high purity will greatly lower the barrier for large-scale CO2 fixation and follow-up industrial usage. Here, we developed a pneumatic trough setup to collect the CO2 reduction product from a precisely engineered nanotwinned electrocatalyst, without using ion-exchange membrane. The silver catalyst’s twin boundary density can be tuned from 0.3 to 1.5 × 104 cm−1. With the lengthy and winding twin boundaries, this catalyst exhibits a Faradaic efficiency up to 92% at −1.0 V and a turnover frequency of 127 s−1 in converting CO2 to CO. Through a tandem electrochemical-CVD system, we successfully produced CO with a volume percentage of up to 52%, and further transformed it into single layer graphene film.
Taming nitroformate through encapsulation with nitrogen-rich hydrogen-bonded organic frameworks
Authors: Zhang Jichuan , Feng Yongan , Staples Richard J. , Zhang Jiaheng , Shreeve Jean’ne M.
Published: April 2021

Owing to its simple preparation and high oxygen content, nitroformate [−C(NO2)3, NF] is an extremely attractive oxidant component for propellants and explosives. However, the poor thermostability of NF-based derivatives has been an unconquerable barrier for more than 150 years, thus hindering its application. In this study, the first example of a nitrogen-rich hydrogen-bonded organic framework (HOF-NF) is designed and constructed through self-assembly in energetic materials, in which NF anions are trapped in pores of the resulting framework via the dual force of ionic and hydrogen bonds from the strengthened framework. These factors lead to the decomposition temperature of the resulting HOF-NF moiety being 200 °C, which exceeds the challenge of thermal stability over 180 °C for the first time among NF-based compounds. A large number of NF-based compounds with high stabilities and excellent properties can be designed and synthesized on the basis of this work.
Publisher Correction: Pre-symptomatic Caspase-1 inhibitor delays cognitive decline in a mouse model of Alzheimer disease and aging
Authors: Flores Joseph , Noël Anastasia , Foveau Bénédicte , Beauchet Olivier , LeBlanc Andréa C.
Published: April 2021

A Correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-021-22789-7
SOX4 and SMARCA4 cooperatively regulate PI3k signaling through transcriptional activation of TGFBR2
Authors: Mehta Gaurav A. , Angus Steven P. , Khella Christen A. , Tong Kevin , Khanna Pooja , Dixon Shelley A. H. , Verzi Michael P. , Johnson Gary L. , Gatza Michael L.
Published: April 2021

Dysregulation of PI3K/Akt signaling is a dominant feature in basal-like or triple-negative breast cancers (TNBC). However, the mechanisms regulating this pathway are largely unknown in this subset of aggressive tumors. Here we demonstrate that the transcription factor SOX4 is a key regulator of PI3K signaling in TNBC. Genomic and proteomic analyses coupled with mechanistic studies identified TGFBR2 as a direct transcriptional target of SOX4 and demonstrated that TGFBR2 is required to mediate SOX4-dependent PI3K signaling. We further report that SOX4 and the SWI/SNF ATPase SMARCA4, which are uniformly overexpressed in basal-like tumors, form a previously unreported complex that is required to maintain an open chromatin conformation at the TGFBR2 regulatory regions in order to mediate TGFBR2 expression and PI3K signaling. Collectively, our findings delineate the mechanism by which SOX4 and SMARCA4 cooperatively regulate PI3K/Akt signaling and suggest that this complex may play an essential role in TNBC genesis and/or progression.
Characterization of clostridium botulinum neurotoxin serotype A (BoNT/A) and fibroblast growth factor receptor interactions using novel receptor dimerization assay
Authors: James Nicholas G. , Malik Shiazah , Sanstrum Bethany J. , Rhéaume Catherine , Broide Ron S. , Jameson David M. , Brideau-Andersen Amy , Jacky Birgitte S.
Published: April 2021

Clostridium botulinum neurotoxin serotype A (BoNT/A) is a potent neurotoxin that serves as an effective therapeutic for several neuromuscular disorders via induction of temporary muscular paralysis. Specific binding and internalization of BoNT/A into neuronal cells is mediated by its binding domain (HC/A), which binds to gangliosides, including GT1b, and protein cell surface receptors, including SV2. Previously, recombinant HC/A was also shown to bind to FGFR3. As FGFR dimerization is an indirect measure of ligand-receptor binding, an FCS & TIRF receptor dimerization assay was developed to measure rHC/A-induced dimerization of fluorescently tagged FGFR subtypes (FGFR1-3) in cells. rHC/A dimerized FGFR subtypes in the rank order FGFR3c (EC50 ≈ 27 nM) > FGFR2b (EC50 ≈ 70 nM) > FGFR1c (EC50 ≈ 163 nM); rHC/A dimerized FGFR3c with similar potency as the native FGFR3c ligand, FGF9 (EC50 ≈ 18 nM). Mutating the ganglioside binding site in HC/A, or removal of GT1b from the media, resulted in decreased dimerization. Interestingly, reduced dimerization was also observed with an SV2 mutant variant of HC/A. Overall, the results suggest that the FCS & TIRF receptor dimerization assay can assess FGFR dimerization with known and novel ligands and support a model wherein HC/A, either directly or indirectly, interacts with FGFRs and induces receptor dimerization.