bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stereodivergent Synthesis of Carbocyclic Quaternary α‐Amino Acid Derivatives Containing Two Contiguous Stereocenters
Authors: Fu Cong , Xiong Qi , Xiao Lu , He Ling , Bai Tian , Zhang Zongpeng , Dong Xiu‐Qin , Wang Chun‐Jiang
Published: January 2022

Comprehensive Summary

A novel approach to stereodivergent synthesis of carbocyclic α‐quaternary amino acid derivatives, bearing two contiguous stereocenters, is proposed through sequential dual Cu/Ir‐catalyzed asymmetric allylation and ring‐closing metathesis. A variety of five and six‐membered carbocyclic α‐quaternary amino acid derivatives could be readily achieved in good to high yields with exclusive regioselectivities, excellent diastereoselectivities (13: 1‐ > 20: 1 dr) and enantioselectivities (generally >99% ee). Of particular note is that the current protocol is also a versatile synthetic tool for the stereodivergent construction of the challenging seven and eight‐membered carbocyclic α‐amino acid derivatives. All four stereoisomers of these important molecules could be precisely synthesized through the permutation of chiral Cu/Ir catalytic system. The power of this strategy has been demonstrated for the facile access to some biologically active chiral molecules, such as spiro‐hydantoins.
Wood‐Based, Bifunctional, Mulberry‐Like Nanostructured Black Titania Evaporator for Solar‐Driven Clean Water Generation
Authors: Xiao Bo , Yu Fang , Xia Yue , Wang Junshi , Xiong Xin , Wang Xianbao
Published: January 2022

Developing an integrative and highly performant solar evaporator is essential for a solar steam generation technology to alleviate clean water scarcity. Herein, a bioinspired mulberry‐like black titanium dioxide loading on the surface of wood (BTW) as a solar absorber is constructed. Mulberry‐shaped black titanium dioxide nanoparticles not only possess outstanding full‐spectrum light absorption, but also multiple refractions and scattering of light are obtained by the special groove structure. The wood substrate provides natural and vertical water channels, resulting in excellent water transport and thermal insulation properties. Under a simulated light of 1 kW m−2, the BTW achieves an evaporation rate of 2.04 kg m−2 h−1 and has a high solar steam efficiency of 90.06%. In addition, the black titanium dioxide exhibits an excellent photocatalysis degradation ability, which is able to achieve 90% degradation of the methyl orange and 50% degradation of the tetracycline solution. The bifunctional solar evaporator is capable of simultaneous desalination and degradation of organic pollutants, while opening up a new approach in the field of clean water generation.
Amyloid‐β plaques affect astrocyte Kir4.1 protein expression but not function in the dentate gyrus of APP/PS1 mice
Authors: Huffels Christiaan F. M. , Osborn Lana M. , Hulshof Lianne A. , Kooijman Lieneke , Henning Lukas , Steinhäuser Christian , Hol Elly M.
Published: January 2022

Alzheimer pathology is accompanied by astrogliosis. Reactive astrocytes surrounding amyloid plaques may directly affect neuronal communication, and one of the mechanisms by which astrocytes impact neuronal function is by affecting K+ homeostasis. Here we studied, using hippocampal slices from 9‐month‐old Alzheimer mice (APP/PS1) and wild‐type littermates, whether astrocyte function is changed by analyzing Kir4.1 expression and function and astrocyte coupling in astrocytes surrounding amyloid‐β plaques. Immunohistochemical analysis of Kir4.1 protein in the dentate gyrus revealed localized increases in astrocytes surrounding amyloid‐β plaque deposits. We subsequently focused on changes in astrocyte function by using patch‐clamp slice electrophysiology on both plaque‐ and non‐plaque associated astrocytes to characterize general membrane properties. We found that Ba2+‐sensitive Kir4.1 conductance in astrocytes surrounding plaques was not affected by changes in Kir4.1 protein expression. Additional analysis of astrocyte gap junction coupling efficiency in the dentate gyrus revealed no apparent changes. Quantification of basic features of glutamatergic transmission to granule cells did not indicate disturbed neuronal communication in the dentate gyrus of APP/PS1 mice. Together, these results suggest that astrocytes in the dentate gyrus of APP/PS1 mice maintain their ability to buffer extracellular K+ and attempt to rectify imbalances in K+ concentration to maintain normal neuronal and synaptic function, possibly by localized increases in Kir4.1 protein expression. Our earlier transcriptomic data indicated that chronically activated astrocytes lose their neuronal support function. Here we show that, despite localized increased Kir4.1 protein expression, astrocyte Kir4.1 channel dysfunction is likely not involved in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease.
Comparison of three different nutrition screening tools for pediatric inpatients
Authors: Seremet Kurklu Nilgun , Geyin Ferda , Ceylan Latife , Korkut Genc Deniz , Kamarli Altun Hulya , Karacil Ermumcu Merve Seyda
Published: January 2022

Background

Early detection of children at risk of developing malnutrition during hospitalization prevents the development of complications. This study aims to determine the malnutrition risk of pediatric inpatients by using three different nutrition screening tools and to evaluate the reliability/sensitivity of the screening tools.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study included 176 children who were 1–16 years of age and were admitted to the pediatrics service of a second‐line hospital. Body weight and height were used to evaluate the nutrition status of children. Age‐ and sex‐specific z‐score values for height for age (HFA), weight for age (WFA), and body mass index for age (BFA) were indicators of malnutrition. The Screening Tool for Risk of Impaired Nutritional Status and Growth (STRONGkids), Pediatric Yorkhill Malnutrition Score (PYMS), and Pediatric Nutrition Screening Tool (PNST) were used under the responsibility of pediatricians and dietitians to evaluate the risk of malnutrition in children.

Results

At admission, according to the HFA, BFA, and WFA SD scores (SDSs), the incidence of malnutrition in children was 8.5%, 14.8%, and 6.3%, respectively. Three screening tools determined that WFA SDSs were significantly higher in children without malnutrition risk than in those at risk of malnutrition (P < 0.05). PYMS revealed a relatively higher sensitivity of 90.9% and 84.6% for WFA and BFA, respectively, and PNST revealed a relatively higher sensitivity of 88.9% for HFA.

Conclusions

PYMS and PNST are suitable for use in malnutrition risk assessment in pediatric inpatients because of the screening tools’ high sensitivity.
The impaired nomad: A bioarchaeological study on an Early Iron Age case of knee ankylosis from the Jiaerkenjiaga Cemetery, Northwestern China
Authors: Zhang Wenxin , Wang Anqi , Zou Zining , Jakob Tina , Chen Peng , Alifujiang Niyazi , Zhang Quanchao , Wang Qian
Published: January 2022

Abnormality of the knee joint due to diseases or injury would disable the patient's affected leg, lead to difficulty in locomotion and daily life, and in turn makes the patient demand special care from his/her family and community. In this study, we report a case of knee fusion from Jiaerkenjiaga Cemetery, northwestern China, from a male individual who died at the age between 35 and 45 years. Carbon dating of his bone sample shows that he died during 542–391 BCE. The phenomenon was examined through macroscopic observation, digital radiography, and CT scanning. Results demonstrate that the right femur and tibia were fused at the right knee, whilst the patella was fused to the lateral condyle of the right femur. Otherwise, there were no signs of fracture, neoplasm, or other pathological conditions. It was diagnosed as knee ankylosis. It was proposed that this abnormality was likely due to the rupture of the medial patellofemoral ligament and subsequent complication of patella dislocation and septic arthritis. Given the nomadic lifestyle of the Jiaerkenjiaga people, it is speculated that the right patellofemoral ligament of this individual was torn in an accident likely related to horse riding. The well‐remodelled nature of the new bone formation indicates that the injury might have happened years before his death. The impairment would have limited his ability to walk and ride unaided, so someone in his community must have provided him with long‐term care.
Enzymatic Bromocyclization of α‐ and γ‐Allenols by Chloroperoxidase from Curvularia inaequalis
Authors: Naapuri Janne M. , Wagner Philip K. , Hollmann Frank , Deska Jan
Published: January 2022

Vanadate‐dependent chloroperoxidase from Curvularia inaequalis catalyzes 5‐endo‐trig bromocyclizations of α‐allenols to produce valuable halofunctionalized furans as versatile synthetic building blocks. In contrast to other haloperoxidases, also the more challenging 5‐exo‐trig halocyclizations of γ‐allenols succeed with this system even though the scope still remains more narrow. Benefitting from the vanadate chloroperoxidase‘s high resiliency towards oxidative conditions, cyclization‐inducing reactive hypohalite species are generated in situ from bromide salts and hydrogen peroxide. Crucial requirements for high conversions are aqueous biphasic emulsions as reaction media, stabilized by either cationic or non‐ionic surfactants.
Mechanism of Diiron Hydrogenase Complexes Controlled by Nature of Bridging Dithiolate Ligand
Authors: Natarajan Mookan , Kumar Naveen , Joshi Meenakshi , Stein Matthias , Kaur‐Ghumaan Sandeep
Published: January 2022

Bio‐inorganic complexes inspired by hydrogenase enzymes are designed to catalyze the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). A series of new diiron hydrogenase mimic complexes with one or two terminal tris(4‐methoxyphenyl)phosphine and different μ‐bridging dithiolate ligands and show catalytic activity towards electrochemical proton reduction in the presence of weak and strong acids. A series of propane‐ and benzene‐dithiolato‐bridged complexes was synthesized, crystallized, and characterized by various spectroscopic techniques and quantum chemical calculations. Their electrochemical properties as well as the detailed reaction mechanisms of the HER are elucidated by density functional theory (DFT) methods. The nature of the μ‐bridging dithiolate is critically controlling the reaction and performance of the HER of the complexes. In contrast, terminal phosphine ligands have no significant effects on redox activities and mechanism. Mono‐ or di‐substituted propane‐dithiolate complexes afford a sequential reduction (electrochemical; E) and protonation (chemical; C) mechanism (ECEC), while the μ‐benzene dithiolate complexes follow a different reaction mechanism and are more efficient HER catalysts.
Integrating organisational and individual performance management systems for improved foster care service delivery
Authors: Mautla Madimetja Joseph , Mazenda Adrino , Mushayanyama Tinashe
Published: January 2022

Despite efforts by the South African government to manage public sector performance, the Department of Social Development (DSD) is facing lawsuits for failing to provide public value to the foster care placement beneficiaries. This article examines the integration of organisational and individual performance management systems to enhance foster care service delivery in Waterberg District, Limpopo Province, South Africa. A parallel convergent mixed‐method research design was adopted, and drew on the principal component analysis (PCA) and thematic analysis to analyse the impact of integrating organisational and individual performance management systems amongst social workers. The PCA findings accentuate the significant role of strategic human resources management, work experience and performance management delivery systems. Furthermore, performance targets as critical elements to enhance effective foster care service delivery in South Africa is highlighted. In complementing the PCA findings, the thematic analysis attributed the failure to manage and address the challenges associated with the backlog in foster care by the DSD as a consequence of misalignment between strategic intent, workforce and internal integration between different programmes at the operational level, in particular between social work and community development programmes. Peer review procedures should be designed to enhance the effectiveness of the performance management deployment system. Consequently, strategic human resource management practices should correspond with the department's resources and needs to enhance performance and service quality.
Influence of different amino functional groups on structural, optical, and morphological properties of PMMA and their nanocomposites
Authors: Singh Paramjit , Madhav Hari , Singh Neetika , Jaiswar Gautam , Nishat Nahid
Published: January 2022

Functional polymers have a wide range of applications, that is, biomedical applications, self‐healing polymers, OLED devices, optical applications, etc. due to improved plasticity, ductility, heat resistance, etc. The present study contributed to reinforcing the concept of functionalization to design facile and cost‐effective material with desired properties or tweak the existing properties of polymers. The advancement of this research study provided insight into the effect of different amino functional groups on the optical properties such as UV shielding, morphology, fluorescence, and crystallinity of PMMA. Results indicated that PHNG3 exhibited very strong UV absorption in comparison with other fun‐PMMAs. The chemical shift (δ) at ~3.5 ppm for β‐NH/NH2 and the existence of aromatic protons at ~7.138 to 9.134 ppm confirmed the functionalization of PMMA.
Facile Fabrication of CuO Nanosheets and In Situ Transmission Electron Microscopy/X‐Ray Diffraction Heating Characterization of Microstructure Evolution
Authors: Yang Baoshuo , Ai Yuan
Published: January 2022

CuO nanosheets (NSs) are synthesized by a one‐step template‐free solution method. The thermal characteristics are further accounted for by studying the morphological and structural evolution at different temperatures. The initial morphology and structure of the prepared CuO NSs are explored by scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), selected area electron diffraction (SAED), and X‐ray diffraction (XRD). These results confirm the advantages of smooth surface, and uniform and good crystalline array structure with a thickness of several tens of nanometers. During thermal analysis, in situ TEM heating is conducted from room temperature to 1120 °C, accompanied by the appearance and evolution of porous membrane areas and fusion areas. The changing process of shrinking and final disappearance is studied by in‐depth and detailed research. At the same time, in situ XRD heating from room temperature to 1100 °C and EDS analysis at 1020 °C provide auxiliary analysis of phase transition from CuO to Cu2O during in situ TEM heating.
An assessment of long‐range corrected density functional approximations in the calculation of the reduction potentials of Ni(S2C2H2)2, Ni(Se2C2H2)2, Ni(S2C2H2)(N2C2H4), and Ni(Se2C2H2)(N2C2H4) complexes
Authors: Elder Jesse B. , Bushnell Eric A. C.
Published: January 2022

Herein an assessment of several long range corrected (LRC) density functional theory (DFT) methods for the calculation of reduction potentials of the ([Ni(X2C2H2)2]n/[Ni(X2C2H2)2]n−1), and ([Ni(X2C2H2)(N2C2H4)]n/[Ni(X2C2H2)(N2C2H4)]n−1) and (where X = S or Se and n = 0, or −1) redox couples was done. From the results the values of ω that provide best agreement with CCSD(T) for the tested LRC DFT methods are 0.05, 0.15, 0.05, and 0.20 bohr−1 for ω‐B97XD, LC‐BLYP, CAM‐B3LYP, and ω‐B97, respectively. With these values the unsigned average in error was 0.12 V with a SD of 0.13 V for ω‐B97XD. For LC‐BLYP, CAM‐B3LYP, and ω‐B97 the unsigned averages in relative errors were 0.12, 0.11, and 0.13 V, respectively, with respective SDs of 0.11, 0.12, and 0.13 V.
Adsorption of H2S on AgO(001) surface: A density‐functional theory investigation
Authors: Nzouana Etienne , N'dollo Martin , Poaty Lodvert Tchibota , Malonda‐Boungou Brice Rodrigue , Moussounda Paul Sand
Published: January 2022

The adsorption of the harmful H2S molecule on the AgO(001) surface was investigated using the GGA + PBE and GGA + U methods. Firstly, we have calculated the band structure of AgO. The GGA + PBE functional predicts that the AgO system is metallic, while the GGA + U calculation shows that AgO is semimetallic with a small band gap. Secondly, we have studied the interaction between the H2S molecule and the (001) surface of AgO with oxygen (O) or silver (Ag) termination. Adsorption energies, structural parameters, projected density of states (PDOS), and difference in electron density distribution have determined. Our calculations show that the favorable adsorption site of H2S on AgO(001) surface is dependent of the number of layers of the AgO(001) slab, the exchange correlation functional (GGA + PBE or GGA + U), and the termination used.
Multifocal cryptococcosis diagnosis by peripheral lymph node aspirates in a cat
Authors: Butterfield Sarah , Matthias Charles R. J. , Fenn Joseph , Szladovits Balazs , Crawford Abbe H.
Published: January 2022

A 4‐year‐old, female, neutered, domestic shorthair cat presented with a 5‐day history of progressive inappetence, obtundation, vestibular ataxia and tetraparesis. Neurological examination findings on presentation were consistent with a multifocal localisation (central vestibular with cerebellar involvement). Magnetic resonance imaging of the head showed diffuse brain parenchymal swelling, foramen magnum herniation, diffuse meningeal contrast enhancement and lymphadenopathy (enlargement and marked contrast enhancement of the parotid, mandibular and medial retropharyngeal lymph nodes). Fine‐needle aspirates of the retropharyngeal and prescapular lymph nodes showed macrophagic and eosinophilic inflammation with multiple yeast organisms on cytology, consistent with Cryptococcus spp. The cat suffered a cardiopulmonary arrest following diagnosis, suspected secondary to severe brainstem compression. The findings emphasise that systemic cryptococcosis can cause severe clinical signs, including presumptive central nervous system dysfunction, as in this cat. Furthermore, this case adds to the limited descriptions of neurological presentations and imaging findings associated with cryptococcosis in companion animals in the United Kingdom.
Climate Change in the Attention Arena of the Middle Class
Authors: von Storch Hans
Published: January 2022

Good intentions by the middle class are not always well guided and do not always lead to measurable or significant results. For example, efforts to limit greenhouse gas emissions may hold broad appeal but can still have negligible impact. Therefore, it is suggested to embark on “Apollo projects”, which bundle the potential and willingness of the middle class. These projects should focus on the development of specific technologies, with economic advantages to support their spread throughout the world. Doing so will harness the middle class in support of greenhouse gas emission reductions in the gigaton-range. Such pan-national projects, for example, could address emission-free ship- or air-propulsion, the electrification of heating or of processes in the chemical industry.
Transurethrale Resektion von Blasentumoren (TUR-B)
Authors: Oswald D. , Pallauf M. , Herrmann T. R. W. , Netsch C. , Becker B. , Lehrich K. , Miernik A. , Schöb D. S. , Sievert K. D. , Gross A. J. , Westphal J. , Lusuardi L. , Deininger S.
Published: January 2022

Die transurethrale Resektion von Blasengewebe (TUR-B) ist für die Diagnostik und Therapie bei Blasentumoren indiziert. Diese werden fragmentiert mittels diathermaler Schlinge abgetragen. Der Wundgrund wird zur Blutstillung koaguliert. Zu achten ist auf eine ausreichende Schnitttiefe, sodass die Detrusormuskulatur erfasst ist. Postoperativ kann zur Rezidivprophylaxe eine intravesikale Single-shot-Chemotherapie verabreicht werden. Methoden zur verbesserten Tumorvisualisation (insbesondere photodynamische Diagnostik) helfen, besonders bei multilokulärem Befund oder Carcinoma in situ (CIS) bessere Detektionsraten zu erreichen sowie das Rezidiv- und Progressionsrisiko zu senken. In Abhängigkeit von der Histologie ergibt sich das weitere Vorgehen: bei nicht muskelinvasivem Blasenkarzinom Nachsorge, adjuvante Instillationstherapie mittels Chemotherapie oder Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG), die Nachresektion („second look TUR-B“), die Frühzystektomie oder bei muskelinvasivem Blasenkarzinom die Zystektomie oder (onkologisch nachrangig) die trimodale Therapie mit erneuter TUR‑B, Radiotherapie und Chemotherapie. Mögliche Komplikationen im Rahmen der TUR‑B sind v. a. Nachblutung mit Blasentamponade, extra- oder intraperitoneale Blasenperforation oder Infektionen des Urogenitaltrakts.
Die ärztliche Leichenschau – Welcher Arzt führt die Untersuchung wann und wo durch?
Authors: Dasch Burkhard
Published: January 2022

Hintergrund

Bislang existieren nur wenige Untersuchungen zu strukturellen Rahmenbedingungen der ärztlichen Leichenschau.

Material und Methode

Es wurden alle archivierten Todesbescheinigungen der Stadt Münster des Jahres 2017 hinsichtlich des Leichenschauarztes sowie Tag, Uhrzeit und Ort der durchgeführten Leichenschau einer deskriptiven Analyse unterzogen.

Ergebnisse

Insgesamt wurden 3844 Todesbescheinigungen analysiert. Die Rangfolge der Leichenschauenden setzte sich wie folgt zusammen (ambulant/stationär/gesamt; %): Krankenhausärzte (K) 0,0/100/58,6; niedergelassene Ärzte (N) 42,8/0,0/17,7; Palliativmediziner der spezialisierten ambulanten Palliativversorgung (P) 40,7/0,0/16,8; Notärzte (NÄ) 11,3/0,0/4,7; Rechtsmediziner (R) 5,2/0,0/2,2. An Werktagen (W) bzw. Wochenenden/Feiertagen (WF) war die Leichenschau im ambulanten Bereich (1589) von folgenden Ärzten durchgeführt worden (W/WF, %): N (46,5/34,7), P (35,1/54,6), NÄ (11,1/10,5), R (7,4/0,2). Krankenhausärzte führten relativ unabhängig von der Tages- und Nachtzeit die Untersuchung durch, niedergelassene Ärzte präferierten an Werktagen die Zeit von 12:00 bis 15:59 Uhr. Unterteilt nach dem Sterbeort attestierten vorrangig folgende Ärzte die Todesbescheinigung: häusliches Umfeld (578) > N (31,5 %), P (32,4 %), stationäre Pflegeeinrichtungen (726) > N (65,0 %); Hospiz > P (90,4 %); öffentliche Orte > R (52,9 %), NÄ (44,1 %).

Schlussfolgerung

Die ärztliche Leichenschau wurde 2017 in der Stadt Münster am häufigsten von Krankenhausärzten durchgeführt. Im ambulanten Bereich wurde diese Aufgabe zu etwa gleichen Anteilen von niedergelassenen Ärzten und Palliativmedizinern übernommen. Niedergelassene Ärzte präferierten die Mittagszeit zwischen den klassischen Praxisöffnungszeiten zur Durchführung der Leichenschau.
On the monodromy of the deformed cubic oscillator
Authors: Bridgeland Tom , Masoero Davide
Published: January 2022

We study a second-order linear differential equation known as the deformed cubic oscillator, whose isomonodromic deformations are controlled by the first Painlevé equation. We use the generalised monodromy map for this equation to give solutions to the Riemann-Hilbert problems of (Bridgeland in Invent Math 216(1):69–124, 2019) arising from the Donaldson-Thomas theory of the A$$_2$$

2

quiver. These are the first known solutions to such problems beyond the uncoupled case. The appendix by Davide Masoero contains a WKB analysis of the asymptotics of the monodromy map.
Existence of parabolic minimizers to the total variation flow on metric measure spaces
Authors: Buffa Vito , Collins Michael , Camacho Cintia Pacchiano
Published: January 2022

We give an existence proof for variational solutionsuassociated to the total variation flow. Here, the functions being considered are defined on a metric measure space$$({\mathcal {X}}, d, \mu )$$(X,d,μ)satisfying a doubling condition and supporting a Poincaré inequality. For such parabolic minimizers that coincide with a time-independent Cauchy–Dirichlet datum$$u_0$$u0on the parabolic boundary of a space-time-cylinder$$\Omega \times (0, T)$$Ω×(0,T)with$$\Omega \subset {\mathcal {X}}$$Ω⊂Xan open set and$$T > 0$$T>0, we prove existence in the weak parabolic function space$$L^1_w(0, T; \mathrm {BV}(\Omega ))$$Lw1(0,T;BV(Ω)). In this paper, we generalize results from a previous work by Bögelein, Duzaar and Marcellini by introducing a more abstract notion for$$\mathrm {BV}$$BV-valued parabolic function spaces. We argue completely on a variational level.
Structural basis of NLR activation and innate immune signalling in plants
Authors: Maruta Natsumi , Burdett Hayden , Lim Bryan Y. J. , Hu Xiahao , Desa Sneha , Manik Mohammad Kawsar , Kobe Bostjan
Published: January 2022

Animals and plants have NLRs (nucleotide-binding leucine-rich repeat receptors) that recognize the presence of pathogens and initiate innate immune responses. In plants, there are three types of NLRs distinguished by their N-terminal domain: the CC (coiled-coil) domain NLRs, the TIR (Toll/interleukin-1 receptor) domain NLRs and the RPW8 (resistance to powdery mildew 8)-like coiled-coil domain NLRs. CC-NLRs (CNLs) and TIR-NLRs (TNLs) generally act as sensors of effectors secreted by pathogens, while RPW8-NLRs (RNLs) signal downstream of many sensor NLRs and are called helper NLRs. Recent studies have revealed three dimensional structures of a CNL (ZAR1) including its inactive, intermediate and active oligomeric state, as well as TNLs (RPP1 and ROQ1) in their active oligomeric states. Furthermore, accumulating evidence suggests that members of the family of lipase-like EDS1 (enhanced disease susceptibility 1) proteins, which are uniquely found in seed plants, play a key role in providing a link between sensor NLRs and helper NLRs during innate immune responses. Here, we summarize the implications of the plant NLR structures that provide insights into distinct mechanisms of action by the different sensor NLRs and discuss plant NLR-mediated innate immune signalling pathways involving the EDS1 family proteins and RNLs.
Assimilation and extension of particle image velocimetry data of turbulent Rayleigh–Bénard convection using direct numerical simulations
Authors: Bauer C. , Schiepel D. , Wagner C.
Published: January 2022

A novel method for assimilating and extending measured turbulent Rayleigh–Bénard convection data is presented, which relies on the fractional step method also used to solve the incompressible Navier–Stokes equation in direct numerical simulations. Our approach is used to make measured tomographic particle image velocimetry (tomo PIV) fields divergence-free and to extract temperature fields. Comparing the time average of the extracted temperature fields with the temporally averaged temperature field, measured using particle image thermometry in a subdomain of the flow geometry, shows that extracted fields correlate well with measured fields with a correlation coefficient of $$C_{T\tilde{T}}=0.84$$

C

T

T
~

=
0.84

. Additionally, extracted temperature fields as well as divergence-free velocity fields serve as initial fields for subsequent direct numerical simulations with and without feedback which generate small-scale turbulence initially absent in the experimental data. Although the tomo PIV data set was spatially under-resolved and did not include any information on the boundary layers, the here-proposed method successfully generates velocity and temperature fields featuring small-scale turbulence and thermal as well as kinetic boundary layers, without disturbing the large-scale circulation contained in the original experimental data significantly. The latter is underpinned by high vertical and horizontal velocity correlation coefficients—computed from velocity fields averaged in time and horizontal x-direction obtained from the measurement and from the simulation without feedback—of $$C_{v\tilde{v}}=0.92$$

C

v

v
~

=
0.92

and $$C_{w\tilde{w}}=0.91$$

C

w

w
~

=
0.91

representing the large-scale structure. For simulations with feedback, the generated velocity fields resemble the experimental data increasingly well for higher feedback gain values, whereas the temperature fluctuation intensity deviates noticeably from the values obtained from a direct numerical simulation without feedback for gain values $$\alpha \ge 1$$

α
≥
1

. Thus, a feedback gain of $$\alpha =0.1$$

α
=
0.1

was found optimal with correlation coefficients of $$C_{v\tilde{v}}=0.96$$

C

v

v
~

=
0.96

and $$C_{w\tilde{w}}=0.95$$

C

w

w
~

=
0.95

as well as a realistic temperature fluctuation intensity profile. The xt-averaged temperature fields obtained from the direct numerical simulations with and without feedback correlate somewhat less with the extracted temperature field ($$C_{T\tilde{T}}\approx 0.6$$

C

T

T
~

≈
0.6

), which is presumably caused by spatially under-resolved and temporally oscillating initial tomo PIV fields reflected by the extracted temperature field.

Graphical abstract
Response of convective systems to the orbital forcing of the last interglacial in a global nonhydrostatic atmospheric model with and without a convective parameterization
Authors: Chikira Minoru , Yamada Yohei , Abe-Ouchi Ayako , Satoh Masaki
Published: January 2022

Nonhydrostatic Icosahedral Atmospheric Model (NICAM) coupled with a slab ocean model was applied to a paleoclimate research for the first time. The model was run at a horizontal resolution of 56 km with and without a convective parameterization, given the orbital parameters of the last interglacial (127,000 years before present). The simulated climatological mean-states are qualitatively similar to those in previous studies reinforcing their robustness, however, the resolution of this model enables to represent the narrow precipitation band along the southern edge of the Tibetan Plateau. A particular focus was given to convectively coupled disturbances in our analysis. The simulated results show a greater signal of the Madden–Julian Oscillation and weakening of the moist Kelvin waves. Although the model's representation of the boreal summer intraseasonal oscillation in the present-day simulations is not satisfactory, a significant enhancement of its signal is found in the counterpart of the last interglacial. The density of the tropical cyclones decreases over the western north Pacific, north Atlantic and increases over the south Indian Ocean and south Atlantic. The model's performance is generally better when the convective parameterization is used, but the tropical cyclones are better represented without the convective parameterization. Additional simulations using the low-resolution topography reveals that the better representation of the Tibetan Plateau enhances the boreal summer Asian monsoon and its impact is similar and comparable to that of the orbital parameters over the south Asia and the Indian Ocean.
Non-optimality of conical parts for Newton’s problem of minimal resistance in the class of convex bodies and the limiting case of infinite height
Authors: Lokutsievskiy Lev , Wachsmuth Gerd , Zelikin Mikhail
Published: January 2022

We consider Newton’s problem of minimal resistance, in particular we address the problem arising in the limit if the height goes to infinity. We establish existence of solutions and lack radial symmetry of solutions. Moreover, we show that certain conical parts contained in the boundary of a convex body inhibit the optimality in the classical Newton’s problem with finite height. This result is applied to certain bodies considered in the literature, which are conjectured to be optimal for the classical Newton’s problem, and we show that they are not.
IMPARTER, Phase 1 of an intervention to improve patients’ understanding of gene expression profiling tests in breast cancer
Authors: Fallowfield L. J. , Farewell D. , Jones H. , May S. , Catt S. , Starkings R. , Jenkins V.
Published: January 2022

Purpose

To compare participants’ knowledge about gene expression profiling (GEP) tests and recurrence risks after reading an information leaflet with that following viewing of an information film.

Methods

Using a randomised cross-over design, at time-point one (T1), women aged 45–75 years without breast cancer either read leaflets or watched information films about Oncotype DX or Prosigna tests. Participants answered nine questions assessing knowledge (maximum score 18). Next-day information in the opposite modality was provided and knowledge re-assessed. Additional questions probed which format was easiest to understand, participants’ preferences for film or leaflet and their reasons for these.

Results

120 women participated (60 received OncotypeDX films and leaflets; 60 received the Prosigna versions). T1 mean knowledge scores were higher following film viewing (13.37) compared with that after reading leaflets (9.25) (mean difference 4.1; p < 0.0001; 95% CI 3.2, 5.0). When participants read leaflets first and subsequently viewed films, all increased their scores (mean + 6.08, from T1 of 9.25, p < 0.0001; 95% CI 5.44, 6.72). When films were viewed first, followed by leaflets, (36/60, 60%), participants’ scores declined (mean-1.55 from T1 of 13.37, p < 0.001; 95% CI -2.32, -0.78). A majority of participants expressed preferences for the films (88/120, 73.3%) irrespective as to whether they described OncotypeDX or Prosigna. Reasons included the clarity, ease of understanding, visual material and reassuring voice-over.

Conclusion

Discussions between oncologists and patients about recurrence risk results can be challenging. Information leaflets may aid understanding but often employ complex language. Information films significantly improved knowledge and were preferred by participants.
Evidence for Menopause as a Sex-Specific Risk Factor for Glaucoma
Authors: Douglass Amber , Dattilo Michael , Feola Andrew J.
Published: January 2022

Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide and is characterized by progressive loss of visual function and retinal ganglion cells (RGC). Current epidemiological, clinical, and basic science evidence suggest that estrogen plays a role in the aging of the optic nerve. Menopause, a major biological life event affecting all women, coincides with a decrease in circulating sex hormones, such as estrogen. While 59% of the glaucomatous population are females, sex is not considered a risk factor for developing glaucoma. In this review, we explore whether menopause is a sex-specific risk factor for glaucoma. First, we investigate how menopause is defined as a sex-specific risk factor for other pathologies, including cardiovascular disease, osteoarthritis, and bone health. Next, we discuss clinical evidence that highlights the potential role of menopause in glaucoma. We also highlight preclinical studies that demonstrate larger vision and RGC loss following surgical menopause and how estrogen is protective in models of RGC injury. Lastly, we explore how surgical menopause and estrogen signaling are related to risk factors associated with developing glaucoma (e.g., intraocular pressure, aqueous outflow resistance, and ocular biomechanics). We hypothesize that menopause potentially sets the stage to develop glaucoma and therefore is a sex-specific risk factor for this disease.

Graphical Abstract
Provable randomized rounding for minimum-similarity diversification
Authors: Ordozgoiti Bruno , Mahadevan Ananth , Matakos Antonis , Gionis Aristides
Published: January 2022

When searching for information in a data collection, we are often interested not only in finding relevant items, but also in assembling a diverse set, so as to explore different concepts that are present in the data. This problem has been researched extensively. However, finding a set of items with minimal pairwise similarities can be computationally challenging, and most existing works striving for quality guarantees assume that item relatedness is measured by a distance function. Given the widespread use of similarity functions in many domains, we believe this to be an important gap in the literature. In this paper we study the problem of finding a diverse set of items, when item relatedness is measured by a similarity function. We formulate the diversification task using a flexible, broadly applicable minimization objective, consisting of the sum of pairwise similarities of the selected items and a relevance penalty term. To find good solutions we adopt a randomized rounding strategy, which is challenging to analyze because of the cardinality constraint present in our formulation. Even though this obstacle can be overcome using dependent rounding, we show that it is possible to obtain provably good solutions using an independent approach, which is faster, simpler to implement and completely parallelizable. Our analysis relies on a novel bound for the ratio of Poisson-Binomial densities, which is of independent interest and has potential implications for other combinatorial-optimization problems. We leverage this result to design an efficient randomized algorithm that provides a lower-order additive approximation guarantee. We validate our method using several benchmark datasets, and show that it consistently outperforms the greedy approaches that are commonly used in the literature.
An Overview of an Undergraduate Diversity MCH Pipeline Training Program: USF’s Train-A-Bull
Authors: Armstrong Anna Torrens , Noble Charlotte A. , Azeredo Juliana , Daley Ellen , Wilson Roneé E. , Vamos Cheryl
Published: January 2022

Purpose

To describe an undergraduate pipeline training program (PTP) designed to guide underrepresented minorities (URM) trainees into MCH-related health professions, ultimately contributing to a diverse maternal and child health (MCH) workforce that can improve health outcomes for all women/mothers, children, and their families, including fathers and children with special healthcare needs.

Description

Three cohorts with 35 total undergraduate trainees were recruited to participated in the 2 years USF MCH PTP program where they were mentored, trained, guided, and supported by program faculty/staff. Students were recruited early in their education track, and the program was individually tailored based on trainees’ educational discovery stages. Key program components included seminars, summer institutes, public health courses, mentorship, internship, experiential learning opportunities, and professional networking opportunities.

Assessment

The majority of the undergraduate participants were diverse URMs including Hispanic/Latino (37.1%), Black/African American (31.4%), Asian (20%), and American Indian/Alaskan Native (5.7%) trainees. Out of all the cohorts, 51.4% were first-generation college students and 74.3% had economic hardships (i.e., PELL Grant, FAFSA). Resulting from the program, all cohorts increased in educational discovery stages, one-third enrolled in health-related graduate studies and half joined the MCH workforce.

Conclusion

Recruitment in pipeline programs should be intentional and meet students where they are in their education discovery stage. The use of educational discovery stages within a pipeline program are useful in both tailoring curriculum to individuals’ needs and assessment of progression in career decision-making. Mentoring from program staff remains an important component for pipeline programs.
Who wants to learn harder? The relationship between conservatism and liberalism, desirable difficulties, and academic learning
Authors: Mariss Antonia , Wenzel Kristin , Grünberg Chawwah , Reinhard Marc-André
Published: January 2022

Previous work has shown that challenging learning strategies likedesirable difficultiesimprove long-term learning. Nonetheless, because they might be regarded as strict and demanding learning strategies, they should not be perceived as positive by everyone. They should, however, fit conservative political attitudes since those are, among others, positively correlated with individuals’ need for order and structure as well as with challenging learning environments. Hence, we hypothesized conservative political attitudes to be correlated with more positive attitudes towards desirable difficulties, towards the use of desirable difficulties at school, towards the preferred difficulty of the learning process, and towards deeper learning strategies. We conducted three online studies assessing US American students’ political attitudes and their attitudes towards such difficult and challenging learning strategies: Study 1 found correlations among more conservative political attitudes and more positive attitudes towards difficult and challenging learning strategies, whereas Study 2 found no significant linkages among these variables. Study 3 then showed that a more conservative political attitude and favorable ratings of Republican politicians, but also more favorable ratings of Democratic politicians were linked to more positive attitudes towards our dependent variables. Self-reported interest in and importance of politics were also positively correlated with positive attitudes towards difficult learning. Our results indicate that students’ political attitudes are generally linked to positive attitudes towards difficult and challenging learning strategies and are therefore important individual characteristics regarding applications and perceptions of these learning strategies. Future work focusing on these relationships, on causal effects, and on further related variables is valuable.
Zwei Seelen wohnen, ach! in meiner Brust …
Authors: Klein Alexandra , Schweitzer Jann
Published: January 2022

Der Beitrag thematisiert die Mediensozialisation von Heranwachsenden im Zusammenhang mit Sexualität. Nach der Präsentation verschiedener empirischer Befunde zur Mediennutzung und zur Sexualität fokussiert er zunächst die Phänomene Pornografienutzung und Sexting, um daraus dann Anschlusspunkte für die Soziale Arbeit darzustellen.
The Impact of Fasciation on Maize Inflorescence Architecture
Authors: Kim Da Eun , Jeong Jin-hee , Kang Yu Mi , Park Young-Hoon , Lee Yong-Jae , Kang Jum-soon , Choi Young-Whan , Son Beung-Gu , Kim Sun Tae , Jackson Dave , Je Byoung Il
Published: January 2022

How functional genetics research can be applied to improving crop yields is a timely challenge. One of the most direct methods is to produce larger inflorescences with higher productivity, which should be accompanied by a balance between stem cell proliferation and lateral organ initiation in meristems. Unbalanced proliferation of stem cells causes the fasciated inflorescences, which reflect the abnormal proliferation of meristems, derived from the Latin word ‘fascis’, meaning ‘bundle’. Maize, a model system for grain crops, has shown tremendous yield improvements through the mysterious transformation of the female inflorescence during domestication. In this review, we focus on maize inflorescence architecture and highlight the patterns of fasciation, including recent progress.
A review of basic well log interpretation techniques in highly deviated wells
Authors: Ghosh Sayantan
Published: January 2022

Drilling deviated wells has become customary in recent times. This work condenses various highly deviated and horizontal well log interpretation techniques supported by field examples. Compared to that in vertical wells, log interpretation in highly deviated wells is complex because the readings are affected not only by the host bed but also the adjacent beds and additional wellbore-related issues. However, understanding the potential pitfalls and combining information from multiple logs can address some of the challenges. For example, a non-azimuthally focused gamma ray logging while drilling (LWD) tool, used in combination with azimuthally focused density and neutron porosity tools, can accurately tell if an adjacent approaching bed is overlying or underlying. Moreover, resistivity logs in horizontal wells are effective in detecting the presence of adjacent beds. Although the horns associated with resistivity measurements in highly deviated wells are unwanted, their sizes can provide important clues about the angle of the borehole with respect to the intersecting beds. Inversion of horizontal/deviated well logs can also help determine true formation resistivities. Additionally, observed disagreement between resistivity readings with nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) T2 hydrocarbon peaks can indicate the presence or absence of hydrocarbons. Furthermore, variations in pulsed neutron capture cross sections along horizontal wells, measured while injecting various fluids, can indicate high porosity/permeability unperforated productive zones. Finally, great advances have been made in the direction of the bed geometry determination and geologic modeling using the mentioned deviated well logs. More attention is required toward quantitative log interpretation in horizontal/high angle wells for determining the amount of hydrocarbons in place.
Operationalizing the Exposome Using Passive Silicone Samplers
Authors: Fuentes Zoe Coates , Schwartz Yuri Levin , Robuck Anna R. , Walker Douglas I.
Published: January 2022

The exposome, which is defined as the cumulative effect of environmental exposures and corresponding biological responses, aims to provide a comprehensive measure for evaluating non-genetic causes of disease. Operationalization of the exposome for environmental health and precision medicine has been limited by the lack of a universal approach for characterizing complex exposures, particularly as they vary temporally and geographically. To overcome these challenges, passive sampling devices (PSDs) provide a key measurement strategy for deep exposome phenotyping, which aims to provide comprehensive chemical assessment using untargeted high-resolution mass spectrometry for exposome-wide association studies. To highlight the advantages of silicone PSDs, we review their use in population studies and evaluate the broad range of applications and chemical classes characterized using these samplers. We assess key aspects of incorporating PSDs within observational studies, including the need to preclean samplers prior to use to remove impurities that interfere with compound detection, analytical considerations, and cost. We close with strategies on how to incorporate measures of the external exposome using PSDs, and their advantages for reducing variability in exposure measures and providing a more thorough accounting of the exposome. Continued development and application of silicone PSDs will facilitate greater understanding of how environmental exposures drive disease risk, while providing a feasible strategy for incorporating untargeted, high-resolution characterization of the external exposome in human studies.
Information Asymmetries and Intra-Company Monitoring: an Empirical Analysis of Nonlinear Relationships Between Company Characteristics and the Size of the Internal Audit Function
Authors: Eulerich Marc , Lohmann Christian
Published: January 2022

The internal audit function (IAF) has become one of the main pillars of good corporate governance. Empirical findings show that the size of the IAF varies considerably across companies. This study analyzes the relationships between selected company characteristics as determinants of intra-company information asymmetries and the size of the IAF as an indicator of intra-company monitoring. We test these relationships by analyzing comprehensive survey data obtained from chief audit executives from 283 Austrian, German, and Swiss companies. Using a nonparametric regression approach, we identify significant nonlinear relationships between company characteristics and IAF size. The empirical analysis identifies threshold levels for several metric company characteristics, such as the number of employees and the number of subsidiaries, whose relationships with the size of the IAF change its intensity.