bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structural analysis of the β‐sheet edge of peptide self‐assembly using a model protein
Authors: Shiga Shota , Makabe Koki
Published: February 2021

Peptides and proteins self‐assemble into β‐sheet‐rich fibrils, amyloid, which extends its structure by incorporating peptide/protein molecules from solution. At the elongation edge, the peptide/protein molecule binds to the edge of the amyloid β‐sheet. Such processes are transient and elusive when observing molecular details by experimental methods. We used a model protein system, peptide self‐assembly mimic (PSAM), which mimics an amyloid‐like structure within a globular protein by capping both edges of single‐layer β sheet (SLB) with certain domains. We constructed a PSAM variant that lacks the capping domain on the C‐terminal side to observe the structure of the β‐sheet edge of the peptide self‐assembly. This variant, which we termed PSAM‐edge, proved to be soluble with a monomeric form. Urea‐induced unfolding experiments revealed that PSAM‐edge displayed two‐state cooperative unfolding, indicating the N‐terminal capping domain and extended SLB folded as one unit. The crystal structure showed that SLB was almost completely structured except for a few terminal residues. A molecular dynamics simulation results revealed that the SLB structure was retained while the C‐terminal four residues fluctuated, which was consistent with the crystal structure. Our findings indicate that SLB is stable even when one side of the β‐sheet edge is exposed to a solvent. This stability may prevent the dissociation of the attached peptide from the peptide self‐assembly. Because of the scarcity of SLB proteins with exposed β‐sheet edges in nature, successful construction of the PSAM‐edge expands our understanding of protein folding and design.
Formation of a low‐level barrier jet and its modulation by dust radiative forcing over the Hexi Corridor in Central China on March 17, 2010
Authors: Chen Shu‐Hua , McDowell Bruce , Huang Chu‐Chun , Nathan Terrence R.
Published: February 2021

A low‐level barrier jet (LLBJ) formed along the northeast slope of the Tibetan Plateau on March 17, 2010. The LLBJ was accompanied by a major dust event. Numerical simulations conducted with the Weather Research and Forecasting dust (WRF‐dust) model show that the formation of the LLBJ was primarily due to mid‐level, southeastward descent of high momentum air, which impinged on the north slope of the Tibetan Plateau, resulting in ageostrophic flow acceleration under geostrophic adjustment. The LLBJ was reinforced by the Bernoulli effect, where the physical barrier associated with the Tibetan Plateau to the southwest and the virtual barrier associated with sloped, packed isentropic surfaces to the northeast combined to constrict the air flow, thus augmenting the acceleration of the air as it entered the Hexi Corridor. The simulations show that the LLBJ, which stayed close to the western entrance of the Hexi Corridor, gradually descended during the daytime until early evening. During this period, the core of the LLBJ stayed directly above the 302‐K isentropic surface. The LLBJ, which was located to the south of the main dust plume, was modulated by dust radiative heating and cooling. Over the main dust plume, as well as in the LLBJ region, radiative heating of the dust warmed the upper part of the boundary layer and cooled it below, which stabilized the boundary layer, decreased the boundary layer depth, and reduced the vertical mixing, causing the surface winds to weaken. As a consequence of the feedback between the circulation and the dust radiative forcing, the total dust emission was reduced by ∼9.7–11% and peaked 1–2 hr earlier than without dust radiative effects, while the LLBJ's intensity, which was 1–2 m·s−1 stronger, was better maintained within the boundary layer during the daytime until early evening.
The component structure of dense random subgraphs of the hypercube
Authors: McDiarmid Colin , Scott Alex , Withers Paul
Published: February 2021

Givenp ∈ (0, 1), we letbe the random subgraph of thed‐dimensional hypercubeQdwhere edges are present independently with probabilityp. It is well known that, asd → ∞, ifthen with high probabilityQpis connected; and ifthen with high probabilityQpconsists of one giant component together with many smaller components which form the “fragment”. Here we fix, and investigate the fragment, and how it sits inside the hypercube. For example, we give asymptotic estimates for the mean numbers of components in the fragment of each size, and describe their asymptotic distributions, much extending earlier work of Weber.
When entrepreneurial rhetoric meets strict regulations: Implications for the valuation of health science firms
Authors: Wang Taiyuan , Malik Sumeet , Wales William J.
Published: February 2021

Research Summary

Health science firms have long product development horizons and need regulatory approval for market entry. In communicating with investors, they may use entrepreneurial orientation (EO) rhetoric to emphasize their strategic and behavioral commitment to product innovation and market entry. However, because EO rhetoric constitutes a soft‐information signal rather than evidence of substantive commitment, investors may suspect firm insiders using such rhetoric of impression management. The solution, we argue, is EO rhetoric sustained over time, which produces more reliable information for investors—in contrast to occasional increases in EO rhetoric, which invite skeptical scrutiny. Nevertheless, investors' potential concerns regarding changes in EO rhetoric can be mitigated by concurrent hard‐information signals that carry signaling costs or penalty costs for false signaling.

Managerial Summary

Entrepreneurial orientation (EO) rhetoric can reduce information asymmetry between managers and investors. In strictly regulated contexts such as health science industries, using such rhetoric may be challenging. For firms embracing entrepreneurial strategies and behaviors, maintaining EO rhetoric over time is critical to overcoming skepticism that it is merely “cheap talk.” For investors, this study also suggests that health science firms maintaining higher EO rhetoric over time deserve higher valuations, given the variety of benefits an EO can have for health science firms. If a health science firm aims to ramp up its EO rhetoric, managers should be aware that investors may interpret the increase as impression management and should confront this interpretation head‐on—for instance, by simultaneously increasing entry commitment or corporate social responsibility.
Rothmund–Thomson Syndrome Type 1 Caused by Biallelic ANAPC1 Gene Mutations
Authors: Zirn B. , Bernbeck U. , Alt K. , Oeffner F. , Gerhardinger A. , Has C.
Published: February 2021

Background

Rare syndromic skin disorders may represent a diagnostic challenge.

Aims

We report a unique case associating cutaneous manifestations and developmental delay.

Materials & Methods

The affected 14 months old boy had poikiloderma, facial dysmorphism with deep-set eyes, atrichia, as well as nail dysplasia and non-descended testes. In addition, his psychomotor development was delayed. Exome sequencing and molecular karyotyping via array-CGH (oligo-array, 180k Agilent, design 22060) were performed.

Results

Mutations in RECQL4 (found in patients with RTS2) were first excluded. In the ANAPC1 gene, a novel combination of a recurrent intronic mutation (c.2705-198C>T) and a deletion of the second ANAPC1 allele was detected, thus confirming the clinical diagnosis of RTS1. The deletion on chromosome 2q13 comprised further genes and spanned 1,7 megabases. Heterozygous deletions in this region are known as 2q13 microdeletion syndrome and are associated with developmental delay, autism and facial dysmorphism.

Discussion

The genetic findings most probably explain both, the RTS1 features and the developmental delay. Genetic diagnosis in RTS is indispensable to confirm the specific subtype and its associated risks: juvenile cataracts are features of RTS1 (ANAPC1 gene), whereas a high risk of osteosarcoma is part of RTS2 (RECQL4 gene). Thus, the patient described here is at high risk for the development of juvenile cataracts and requires regular ophthalmologic examination.

Conclusion

This case report underlines the necessity of thorough clinical diagnosis prior to genetic diagnosis of RTS1, since the recurrent intronic ANAPC1 mutation is otherwise missed.
A storm is brewing: Antecedents of disaster preparation in risk prone locations
Authors: Oetzel Jennifer , Oh Chang Hoon
Published: February 2021

Research Summary

Research emphasizes the value of disaster preparation and the importance of experience in doing so, yet most companies fail to prepare. The antecedents of preparation are poorly understood, in part, because experience by itself only partly explains the story. To address these concerns, we developed two unique surveys: one from an international survey in 18 disaster‐prone countries and another from a U.S. survey in New York City and Miami. We find that organizational experience with natural disasters increases preparedness for future hazards. Also, organizational learning from other businesses and organiztions positively mediates this relationship. Managers are more willing to learn from others in locations characterized by high‐impact, low‐frequency disasters. In areas with low impact, high frequency disasters, managers more likely misjudge the severity of natural disasters.

Managerial Summary

Despite the increasing frequency and severity of floods, storms, wildfires and other natural hazards, why do some firms in disaster‐prone areas prepare while others do not? To investigate, we conducted two studies: an international survey in 18 disaster‐prone countries and a U.S. survey in New York City and Miami. In both surveys, managers are more likely to prepare when their companies experienced prior disasters. Managers operating in locations characterized by high‐impact, low‐frequency disasters are more willing to learn from others. In contrast, managers in areas characterized by low impact, high frequency disasters, are more likely to prepare alone. Since effective disaster preparation typically entails working with, and learning from others, those companies that choose a go‐it‐alone strategy may misjudge disaster risk.
A spatiotemporal case‐crossover model of asthma exacerbation in the City of Houston
Authors: Schedler Julia C. , Ensor Katherine B.
Published: February 2021

Case‐crossover design is a popular construction for analyzing the impact of a transient effect, such as ambient pollution levels, on an acute outcome, such as an asthma exacerbation. Case‐crossover design avoids the need to model individual, time‐varying risk factors for cases by using cases as their own ‘controls’, chosen to be time periods for which individual risk factors can be assumed constant and need not be modelled. Many studies have examined the complex effects of the control period structure on model performance, but these discussions were simplified when case‐crossover design was shown to be equivalent to various specifications of Poisson regression when exposure is considered constant across study participants. While reasonable for some applications, there are cases where such an assumption does not apply due to spatial variability in exposure, which may affect parameter estimation. This work presents a spatiotemporal model, which has temporal case‐crossover and a geometrically aware spatial random effect based on the Hausdorff distance. The model construction incorporates a residual spatial structure in cases when the constant assumption exposure is not reasonable and when spatial regions are irregular.
Above Room Temperature Organic Dielectric Switchable and NLO Co‐crystal: [C4H4O4][C8H19N]
Authors: Rong Zhen , Qian Kun , Cao Wen Long , Yang Jie , Zeng Lin Yu , Wang Zi Qi , Fang Xiao Xia
Published: February 2021

A new pure organic co‐crystal compound 1, [C4H4O4][C8H19N] ([C4H4O4]=maleic acid, [C8H19N]=diisobutylamine/DIBA) was discovered to undergo an above room temperature reversible phase transition at around 353/343 K. The variable‐temperature single‐crystal X‐ray structural measurements reveal that space group of the structural phase transition is from space group Cmm2 to space group Imm2. The phase transition of compound 1 is mainly ascribed to the twisted movement of diisobutylamine molecules. Meanwhile, nonlinear optical (NLO) properties were also observed in compound 1.
Comprehensive genotyping of a Brazilian cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) germplasm bank: insights into diversification and domestication
Authors: Ogbonna Alex C. , Braatz de Andrade Luciano Rogerio , Mueller Lukas A. , de Oliveira Eder Jorge , Bauchet Guillaume J.
Published: February 2021

Key message

Brazilian cassava diversity was characterized through population genetics and clustering approaches, highlighting contrasted genetic groups and spatial genetic differentiation.

Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is a major staple root crop of the tropics, originating from the Amazonian region. In this study, 3354 cassava landraces and modern breeding lines from the Embrapa Cassava Germplasm Bank (CGB) were characterized. All individuals were subjected to genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS), identifying 27,045 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Identity-by-state and population structure analyses revealed a unique set of 1536 individuals and 10 distinct genetic groups with heterogeneous linkage disequilibrium (LD). On this basis, a density of 1300–4700 SNP markers were selected for large-effect quantitative trait loci (QTL) detection. Identified genetic groups were further characterized for population genetics parameters including minor allele frequency (MAF), observed heterozygosity $$({H}_{o})$$

(

H
o

)

, effective population size estimate $$\widehat{{(N}_{e}}$$

(
N

e

^

) and polymorphism information content (PIC). Selection footprints and introgressions of M. glaziovii were detected. Spatial population structure analysis revealed five ancestral populations related to distinct Brazilian ecoregions. Estimation of historical relationships among identified populations suggests an early population split from Amazonian to Atlantic forest and Caatinga ecoregions and active gene flows. This study provides a thorough genetic characterization of ex situ germplasm resources from cassava’s center of origin, South America, with results shedding light on Brazilian cassava characteristics and its biogeographical landscape. These findings support and facilitate the use of genetic resources in modern breeding programs including implementation of association mapping and genomic selection strategies.
Lateral open wedge calcaneus osteotomy with bony allograft augmentation in adult acquired flatfoot deformity. Clinical and radiological results
Authors: Colo’ Gabriele , Mazzola Mattia Alessio , Pilone Giulio , Dagnino Giacomo , Felli Lamberto
Published: February 2021

The aim of this study is to evaluate the results of patients underwent lateral open wedge calcaneus osteotomy with bony allograft augmentation combined with tibialis posterior and tibialis anterior tenodesis. Twenty-two patients underwent adult-acquired flatfoot deformity were retrospectively evaluated with a minimum 2-year follow-up. Radiographic preoperative and final comparison of tibio-calcaneal angle, talo–first metatarsal and calcaneal pitch angles have been performed. The Visual Analog Scale, American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Score, the Foot and Ankle Disability Index and the Foot and Ankle Ability Measure were used for subjective and functional assessment. The instrumental range of motion has been also assessed at latest follow-up evaluation and compared with preoperative value. There was a significant improvement of final mean values of clinical scores (p < 0.001). Nineteen out of 22 (86.4%) patients resulted very satisfied or satisfied for the clinical result. There was a significant improvement of the radiographic parameters (p < 0.001). There were no differences between preoperative and final values of range of motion. One failure occurred 7 years after surgery. Adult-acquired flatfoot deformity correction demonstrated good mid-term results and low recurrence and complications rate.

Level of evidence

Level 4, retrospective case series.
Abundance and fate of thallium and its stable isotopes in the environment
Authors: Migaszewski Zdzisław M. , Gałuszka Agnieszka
Published: February 2021

This overview presents the updated physicochemical characteristics of thallium and its stable isotopes (205Tl/203Tl) in the context of their occurrence and fate in abiotic and biotic systems. This also deals with the thallium behavior in geochemical interactions in and between different environmental compartments and describes its natural (geogenic) and industrial sources. The particular emphasis is placed on some extreme environments, including acid mine drainage areas where oxidation processes of Tl-bearing pyrite and other sulfides lead to very high concentrations of this metal in reactive acidic waters. Many geochemical studies have also employed stable thallium isotopes to reconstruct redox conditions in different environmental systems, to fingerprint relative pollution source strengths and to evaluate mobility of this element and its geochemical interactions in the mineral-water and soil–plant systems. This is the reason why this overview also highlights the growing potential of stable Tl isotopes in solving different geologic and environmental issues.

Graphic abstract
Human DNA collection from police dogs: technique and application
Authors: Brower Alexandra , Akridge Brice , Siemens-Bradley Nancy
Published: February 2021

Police dogs are routinely deployed during criminal investigations under a variety of circumstances. In instances where police dogs are involved in apprehension of suspects, contact with a suspect may be observed or may occur out of the line of sight. The interactions between suspect and dog may include the dog biting the suspect, or the suspect touching or exuding bodily fluids onto the dog. In either form of contact, potentially valuable DNA may be left from the suspect on the dog. This paper describes a proof-of-concept study investigating collection of human DNA from the teeth and hair of dogs. It used controlled settings, where the human DNA sources were touch and saliva, and field cases, where the human DNA sources were unknown. The results of sample analysis to identify DNA short tandem repeats (STRs) from each of these scenarios are provided. They highlight the potential and importance of collecting trace DNA from police dogs who may have had contact with suspects during attempted apprehension.
WHO classification of tumors of the nervous system: preview of the upcoming 5th edition
Authors: Rushing Elisabeth J.
Published: February 2021

Identification of the underlying genetic and epigenetic alterations in an increasing number of tumors of the nervous system is contributing to a more clinically relevant classification. In the following article, the 7 cIMPACT-NOW publications, which adumbrate the upcoming 5th edition of the WHO Classification of Tumours of the Central Nervous Sytem are summarized.
Trace Elements as Immunoregulators in SARS-CoV-2 and Other Viral Infections
Authors: Dharmalingam Karthick , Birdi Amandeep , Tomo Sojit , Sreenivasulu Karli , Charan Jaykaran , Yadav Dharmveer , Purohit Purvi , Sharma Praveen
Published: February 2021

Nutritional deficiency is associated with impaired immunity and increased susceptibility to infections. The complex interactions of trace elements with the macromolecules trigger the effective immune response against the viral diseases. The outcome of various viral infections along with susceptibility is affected by trace elements such as zinc, selenium, iron, copper, etc. due to their immuno-modulatory effects. Available electronic databases have been comprehensively searched for articles published with full text available and with the key words “Trace elements”, “COVID-19”, “Viral Infections” and “Immune Response” (i.e. separately Zn, Se, Fe, Cu, Mn, Mo, Cr, Li, Ni, Co) appearing in the title and abstract. On the basis of available articles we have explored the role of trace elements in viral infections with special reference to COVID-19 and their interactions with the immune system. Zinc, selenium and other trace elements are vital to triggerTH1 cells and cytokine-mediated immune response for substantial production of proinflammatory cytokines. The antiviral activity of some trace elements is attributed to their inhibitory effect on viral entry, replication and other downstream processes. Trace elements having antioxidants activity not only regulate host immune responses, but also modify the viral genome. Adequate dietary intake of trace elements is essential for activation, development, differentiation and numerous functions.
Estimation of soil erosion and sediment yield concentration across the Kolleru Lake catchment using GIS
Authors: Kolli Meena Kumari , Opp Christian , Groll Michael
Published: February 2021

Flat lakes with a large catchment area are especially affected by sediment inputs. The Kolleru Lake catchment (south-eastern India) with a surface area of approximately 6121 km2belongs to such types of lake basins. The study’s main objective was the assessment of both soil erosion and sediment yield concentration rate of the Kolleru catchment. The study was conducted using the revised universal soil loss equation (RUSLE) model due to its simple and good applicability for soil erosion estimation. Data such as rainfall, soil texture, topography, crop cover management, and support practice factor were integrated into the modeling using RUSLE and ArcGIS. Field data were used both to analyze the soil texture and the slope length factor. The results showed that average annual soil loss was estimated with 13.6 t/ha/year, classifying the Kolleru Lake Basin under a very high erosion rate category. About 38% of the catchment area has encountered slight soil loss. Areas covered with moderate, strong, severe, very severe erosion potential zones are 29%, 17%, 9%, and 5.5%, respectively. This study identified that upland areas with less vegetation cover exported high potential erosion rates. Unlike the soil loss, the sediment delivery ratio values for the catchment were not affected by land use, while it showed a strong relationship with the catchment drainage system. Whereas, the average annual sediment yield was determined with 7.61 t/ha/year, had identified with the same pattern of the soil erosion. Catchment topography, vegetation, drainage system, soil properties, and land use cover played a major role in exporting the highest sedimentation. The outcome of these studies can be used among others to identify critical erosion areas on a pixel basis for the planning of erosion management practices.
Characterization of karstic aquifer complexity using fractal dimensions
Authors: Borbás Edit , Márkus László , Darougi Amina , Kovács József
Published: February 2021

The present study analyzes fractal dimensions for the daily discharge data series of 12 karstic springs registered over two decades in Northeast Hungary. Fluctuation in the observed data is frequent and irregular, producing rough time series. The level of roughness is measured by the fractal dimension defined in different ways and corresponds to the intensity of fluctuation. That, in turn, results from the structure of the karstic aquifer, its conduits’ geometry, and the water migration in them. In the given case of springs, p-variogram based fractal dimensions reflect the karstification level primarily. On the other hand, box-count and information dimensions are associated with mixing karstic and hydrothermal components when the latter is present. Therefore, the analysis of fractal dimensions of spring discharges may provide a way to obtain information on the complexity of the hidden subsurface conduits and the water flows in them in an exploratory and comprehensive way.
FlowCell-enriched circulating tumor cells as a predictor of lung cancer metastasis
Authors: Lu Yan , Zheng Yushuang , Wang Yuhong , Gu Dongmei , Zhang Jun , Liu Fang , Chen Kai , Guo Lingchuan
Published: February 2021

Lung cancer is the most fetal malignancy due to the high rate of metastasis and recurrence after treatment. A considerable number of patients with early-stage lung cancer relapse due to overlooked distant metastasis. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are tumor cells in blood circulation that originated from primary or metastatic sites, and it has been shown that CTCs are critical for metastasis and prognosis in various type of cancers. Here, we employed novel method to capture, isolate and classify CTC with FlowCell system and analyzed the CTCs from a cohort of 302 individuals. Our results illustrated that FlowCell-enriched CTCs effectively differentiated benign and malignant lung tumor and the total CTC counts increased as the tumor developed. More importantly, we showed that CTCs displayed superior sensitivity and specificity to predict lung cancer metastasis in comparison to conventional circulating biomarkers. Taken together, our data suggested CTCs can be used to assist the diagnosis of lung cancer as well as predict lung cancer metastasis. These findings provide an alternative means to screen early-stage metastasis.
An Introduction to the Comparative Study of Private Law
Authors: Gordley James , Jiang Hao , von Mehren Arthur Taylor
Published: February 2021

This collection of readings places side by side the principal doctrines of contracts, torts, unjust enrichment, and property in the cases of the United States, England, France, Germany and China. It presents code provisions, cases, and other legal materials that describe the law in force, and places each doctrine in its historical context to enable an understanding of the development of law as an ongoing process, in which the resolution of current issues depends upon how past issues were resolved. It both provides a road map of the private law of these jurisdictions, and illustrates how private law has been shaped by history, by the effort to solve common problems, and by differences in culture. This new edition reflects changes in the law, and includes the addition of Chinese Law as a comparative study.
Numerical Relativity: Starting from Scratch
Authors: Baumgarte Thomas W. , Shapiro Stuart L.
Published: February 2021

Numerical relativity has emerged as the key tool to model gravitational waves - recently detected for the first time - that are emitted when black holes or neutron stars collide. This book provides a pedagogical, accessible, and concise introduction to the subject. Relying heavily on analogies with Newtonian gravity, scalar fields and electromagnetic fields, it introduces key concepts of numerical relativity in a context familiar to readers without prior expertise in general relativity. Readers can explore these concepts by working through numerous exercises, and can see them 'in action' by experimenting with the accompanying Python sample codes, and so develop familiarity with many techniques commonly employed by publicly available numerical relativity codes. This is an attractive, student-friendly resource for short courses on numerical relativity, as well as providing supplementary reading for courses on general relativity and computational physics.
Cinema's Baroque Flesh
Authors: Walton Saige
Published: February 2021

In Cinema's Baroque Flesh, Saige Walton draws on the philosophy of Maurice Merleau-Ponty to argue for a distinct aesthetic category of film and a unique cinema of the senses: baroque cinema. Combining media archaeological work with art history, phenomenology, and film studies, the book offers close analyses of a range of historic baroque artworks and films, including Caché Strange Days, the films of Buster Keaton, and many more. Walton pursues previously unexplored connections between film, the baroque, and the body, opening up new avenues of embodied film theory that can make room for structure, signification, and thought, as well as the aesthetics of sensation.
Anticipating Sin in Medieval Society
Authors: Abraham Erin Vanessia
Published: February 2021

Composed between the sixth and ninth centuries, penitentials were little books of penance that address a wide range of human fallibility. But they are far more than mere registers of sin and penance: rather, by revealing the multiple contexts in which their authors anticipated various sins, they reveal much about the ways those authors and, presumably, their audiences understood a variety of social phenomena. Offering new, more accurate translations of the penitentials than what has previously been available, this book delves into the potentialities addressed in these manuals for clues about less tangible aspects of early medieval history, including the innocence and vulnerability of young children and the relationship between speech and culpability; the links between puberty, autonomy, and moral accountability; early medieval efforts to regulate sexual relationships; and much more.
Divine and Demonic Imagery at Tor de'Specchi, 1400–1500
Authors: Scanlan Suzanne M.
Published: February 2021

In the fifteenth century, the Oblates of Santa Francesca Romana, a fledgling community of religious women in Rome, commissioned an impressive array of artwork for their newly acquired living quarters, the Tor de'Specchi. The imagery focused overwhelmingly on the sensual, corporeal nature of contemporary spirituality, populating the walls of the monastery with a highly naturalistic assortment of earthly, divine, and demonic figures. This book draws on art history, anthropology, and gender studies to explore the disciplinary and didactic role of the images, as well as their relationship to important papal projects at the Vatican.
Impact of the economic crisis and contractions within the European long-term care systems
Authors: Albesa Jové Esther
Published: February 2021

In 2008, the world underwent one of its worst economic and financial crises, whose consequences are still visible in some countries. This paper aims to analyse the impact of the crisis within the long-term care systems of Germany, England, Sweden and Spain from a comparative perspective. The time period analysed spans from the outset of the crisis in 2008, up to 2017. This article starts off from the thesis of the divergent impact of the economic crisis in these countries and the convergence between the impact of the crisis and long-term care contractions in the most afflicted countries. The outcome highlights the power of economic and financial pressures in order to explain the contractions within the care policies. Equally, it emphasizes the contradictions between the formal development level of the care systems and their practical institutional implementation in the field.
Word-stress free variation in Nigerian English
Authors: Akinola Aderonke , Oladipupo Rotimi
Published: February 2021

English, in the course of its progressive evolution and global spread, has had contacts with different languages (Hogg & Denison, 2006) which have led to the emergence of native and non-native varieties spoken in different countries of the world. This, in part, has resulted in variable pronunciations of English lexical items, such as anti- pronounced as /ænti/ or /æntaɪ/ at the segmental level and adult as /'ædʌlt/ or /ə'dʌlt/ at the suprasegmental level of stress (Hogg & Denison, 2006). In addition to this, phonological free variation in English has been motivated by phonetic processes, phonological changes and sociolinguistic factors, among others (Shitara, 1993; Mompean, 2010).
Betriebliche Integration von Geflohenen
Authors: Rybnikova Irma , Wilkmann Stefanie
Published: February 2021

Zusammenfassung. Während die vorliegende Forschung zur betrieblichen Integration von Geflohenen in Deutschland mehrheitlich auf die Unternehmensperspektive ausgerichtet ist, kommt die Sicht der Geflohenen oftmals zu kurz. In dieser explorativen Studie auf Basis von qualitativen Interviews mit erwerbstätigen Geflohenen untersuchen wir die fachliche, soziale und werteorientierte betriebliche Integration. Dabei stellen wir ein großes Defizit von unternehmensinitiierten Unterstützungsangeboten fest, wie der betriebsspezifische Sprachunterricht. Wir thematisieren dabei auch die gravierende Bedeutung von informeller Integrationsarbeit seitens der Arbeitskolleginnen und -kollegen und formulieren Gestaltungsempfehlungen für Betriebe.
, Positive CBT: Individual and Group Treatment Protocols for Positive Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Authors: Bannink Fredrike , Geschwind Nicole
Published: February 2021

Positive CBT integrates positive psychology and solution-focused brief therapy within a cognitive-behavioral framework. It focuses not on reducing what is wrong, but on building what's right. This fourth wave CBT, developed by Fredrike Bannink, is now being applied worldwide for various psychological disorders. An introductory chapter explores the three approaches incorporated in positive CBT. Next, the book presents research into the individual treatment protocol for use with clients with major depressive disorder by Nicole Geschwind and colleagues at Maastricht University. The last chapters describe two 8-session treatment protocols for positive CBT, one for use with individuals and one for use with groups. The treatment protocols provide therapists with a step-by-step guide on how to apply positive CBT with individual clients and in group therapy. This approach goes beyond symptom reduction and instead focuses on the client’s preferred future, on finding exceptions to problems and identifying competencies. Topics such as self-compassion, optimism, gratitude, and behavior maintenance are explored. In addition to the protocols, two workbooks for clients are available online for download by therapists.
Asian Emissions Explain Much of the Arctic Black Carbon Events
Authors: Backman J. , Schmeisser L. , Asmi E.
Published: February 2021

There is ample evidence that Black Carbon (BC) is harmful to the Arctic. BC can darken the otherwise highly reflective surfaces of snow and ice and increase atmospheric and ice surface temperatures. Because of the importance of BC to the Arctic, this work was designed to resolve the most significant source regions of Arctic BC as measured by monitoring stations in the Arctic. Using a bottom‐up approach, it is shown for the first time that there is one particular BC transport pathway from lower latitudes into the Arctic that registers at all but one of the Arctic surface monitoring stations included in this study. Through this pathway, pollutants are transported from the Indo‐Gangetic plane over Central Asia into the high Arctic in as little as 7 days. The measurement sites and BC pathways in this study are shown to be well representative of the Arctic as a whole.
Indicators of Volcanic Eruptions Revealed by Global M4+ Earthquakes
Authors: Pesicek J. D. , Ogburn S. E. , Prejean S. G.
Published: February 2021

Determining whether seismicity near volcanoes is due primarily to tectonic or magmatic processes is a challenging but critical endeavor for volcanic eruption forecasting and detection, especially at poorly monitored volcanoes. Global statistics on the occurrence and timing of earthquakes near volcanoes both within and outside of eruptive periods reveal patterns in eruptive seismicity that may improve our ability to discern magmatically driven seismicity from purely tectonic seismicity. In this paper, we catalog magnitude four and greater (M4+) earthquakes near volcanoes globally and compute statistics on their occurrence with respect to various eruptive and volcanic attributes, evaluating their utility as diagnostic indicators of eruptions. Using a 2‐week time window and a 30 km radius around the volcanoes, we find that 11% of eruptions are preceded by at least one M4+ earthquake, but only 1% of such earthquakes is followed by eruption. However, earthquakes located 5–15 km from the volcano, those with normal faulting mechanisms and/or large nondouble‐couple components, and those occurring as groups are more commonly associated with eruptions, providing significant forecasting utility in some cases. Similarly, certain volcanoes are more likely to exhibit such precursors, such as those with long repose periods. We illustrate the use of these data in eruption forecasting scenarios, including rapid identification of analogous earthquake sequences at other volcanoes. When integrated within the context of multiparametric, multidisciplinary probabilistic assessments of volcanic activity, global earthquake statistics can improve eruption forecasts, and our work provides a model for use on other rapidly expanding global volcanological databases.
A Combined Modeling and Measurement Approach to Assess the Nodal Tide Modulation in the North Sea
Authors: Hagen Robert , Plüß Andreas , Jänicke Leon , Freund Janina , Jensen Jürgen , Kösters Frank
Published: February 2021

The correct representation of the 18.61‐year nodal tide is essential for an interpretation of the evolution of mean sea level, as errors cause misleading bias. The nodal tide is currently estimated by applying correction factors in harmonic analysis, which are derived from the equilibrium tide. From the equilibrium tide, correction values f for amplitude and u for phase are determined, which alter lunar tidal constituents, depending on the nodal cycle. This approach has proven to be valid for many tide gauges, even though the impact of the nodal tide in shelf seas has been shown to differ from their theoretical correction value. Hence, tidal constituents from tide records in the North Atlantic shelf region were analyzed for their nodal amplitude and phase lag with a new multiple, nonlinear regression approach, which is able to approximate the nodal modulation quantitatively and its agreement to the theoretical equilibrium tide. Results show an overestimation of the lunar M2 and N2 constituents by the equilibrium of more than 2.7% in the Wadden Sea, while O1 and K2 are underestimated by 1–4.6%, which would produce an error of 2–5 cm for example, in the German Wadden Sea. Additionally, a process‐based model of the North Sea was applied at the diurnal minimum and maximum of the nodal cycle to calculate a spatial distribution of f and u. Results confirm the spatially varying nodal satellite modulation in friction dominated, shallow water regions.
Particulate Scattering and Backscattering in Relation to the Nature of Particles in the Red Sea
Authors: Kheireddine Malika , Brewin R. J. W. , Ouhssain M. , Jones B. H.
Published: February 2021

Measurements of light scattering can be used to quantify the concentration and composition of oceanic particles, and resolve biogeochemical processes spanning different time and space scales. In this paper, we analyze the first dataset, collected over wide spatial scales in the Red Sea, of particulate scattering (), particulate backscattering (), particulate absorption and chlorophyll‐a concentration [Chl_a]. We fit a three‐component conceptual model relating to [Chl_a], assuming a fixed background component (), and two additional components driven by small (<2m) and large phytoplankton (>2m) ( and , respectively). We extend the approach, for the first time, to the modeling of total particulate scattering (), allowing us to retrieve the backscattering ratio for each component in the model. We observe a high backscattering ratio for the background component which, when analyzed alongside measurements of particulate absorption, suggests it is likely dominated by non‐algal (rather than algal) particles. The high contribution of non‐algal particles to at low [Chl_a] may be related to the unique conditions in the Red Sea, or more broadly, characteristic of other oceanic conditions. The work illustrates how we can combine optical measurements with conceptual models, to understand better the composition of oceanic particles and ultimately, improve monitoring of marine biogeochemical processes. Our work will also be useful for developing regional ocean‐color models for the Red Sea.
Detectable Increases in Sequential Flood‐Heatwave Events Across China During 1961–2018
Authors: Chen Yang , Liao Zhen , Shi Yan , Tian Yangmei , Zhai Panmao
Published: February 2021

Traditional univariate analysis on weather and climate extremes failed to consider temporally compounding events and the resulting cascading impacts. A case in point is a sequence of flood and heatwave within a week, which slows recovery and amplifies damages. We show that across China, floods and heatwaves seldom occurred serially within seven days in the past, but after 2000 the probability is five‐to‐ten times higher in southern, northwestern and northeastern sectors. It is the significant increase in heatwaves that alters the clustering of independent extremes, and facilitates the emergence of sequential extremes. Typhoon‐participating sequential extremes have also increased significantly in frequency in both inland and coastal areas, with the fastest rate at around 200% decade−1 registered within the 30–35°N latitudinal band. The observed increases in sequential flood‐heatwave events are discernibly stronger and more widespread than what would be expected from pure random variability, implying a detectable role of anthropogenic forcings.
Predator-induced defence in a dinoflagellate generates benefits without direct costs
Authors: Ryderheim Fredrik , Selander Erik , Kiørboe Thomas
Published: February 2021

Inducible defences in phytoplankton are often assumed to come at a cost to the organism, but trade-offs have proven hard to establish experimentally. A reason for this may be that some trade-off costs only become evident under resource-limiting conditions. To explore the effect of nutrient limitation on trade-offs in toxin-producing dinoflagellates, we induced toxin production in Alexandrium minutum by chemical cues from copepods under different levels of nitrogen limitation. The effects were both nitrogen- and grazer-concentration dependent. Induced cells had higher cellular toxin content and a larger fraction of the cells was rejected by a copepod, demonstrating the clear benefits of toxin production. Induced cells also had a higher carbon and nitrogen content, despite up to 25% reduction in cell size. Unexpectedly, induced cells seemed to grow faster than controls, likely owing to a higher specific nutrient affinity due to reduced size. We thus found no clear trade-offs, rather the opposite. However, indirect ecological costs that do not manifest under laboratory conditions may be important. Inducing appropriate defence traits in response to threat-specific warning signals may also prevent larger cumulative costs from expressing several defensive traits simultaneously.
Myeloma-specific superenhancers affect genes of biological and clinical relevance in myeloma
Authors: Jia Yunlu , Zhou Jianbiao , Tan Tze King , Chung Tae-Hoon , Wong Regina Wan Ju , Chooi Jing-Yuan , Lim Julia Sze Lynn , Sanda Takaomi , Ooi Melissa , De Mel Sanjay , Soekojo Cinnie , Chen Yongxia , Zhang Enfan , Cai Zhen , Shen Peng , Ruan Jian , Chng Wee-Joo
Published: February 2021

Multiple myeloma (MM) is an aggressive plasma cell neoplasm characterized by genomic heterogeneity. Superenhancers (SEs) are defined as large clusters of enhancers in close genomic proximity, which regulate genes for maintaining cellular identity and promote oncogenic transcription to which cancer cells highly addicted. Here, we analyzed cis-regulatory elements in MM samples with H3K27ac ChIP-seq, to identify novel SE-associated genes involved in the myeloma pathogenesis. SEs and their associated genes in cancerous tissue were compared with the control samples, and we found SE analysis alone uncovered cell-lineage-specific transcription factors and well-known oncogenes ST3GAL6 and ADM. Using a transcriptional CDK7 inhibitor, THZ1, coupled with H3K27ac ChlP-seq, we identified MAGI2 as a novel SE-associated gene of myeloma cells. Elevated MAGI2 was related to myelomagenesis with gradual increased expression from MGUS, SMM to newly diagnosed and relapsed MM. High prevalence of MAGI2 was also associated with poor survival of MM patients. Importantly, inhibition of the SE activity associated with MAGI2 decreased MAGI2 expression, inhibited cell growth and induced cell apoptosis. Mechanistically, we revealed that the oncogenic transcription factor, MAF, directly bound to the SE region and activated gene transcription. In summary, the discoveries of these acquired SEs-associated genes and the novel mechanism by which they are regulated provide new insights into MM biology and MAGI2-MAF-SE regulatory circuit offer potential novel targets for disease treatment.
A distinct metabolic response characterizes sensitivity to EZH2 inhibition in multiple myeloma
Authors: Nylund Patrick , Atienza Párraga Alba , Haglöf Jakob , De Bruyne Elke , Menu Eline , Garrido-Zabala Berta , Ma Anqi , Jin Jian , Öberg Fredrik , Vanderkerken Karin , Kalushkova Antonia , Jernberg-Wiklund Helena
Published: February 2021

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a heterogeneous haematological disease that remains clinically challenging. Increased activity of the epigenetic silencer EZH2 is a common feature in patients with poor prognosis. Previous findings have demonstrated that metabolic profiles can be sensitive markers for response to treatment in cancer. While EZH2 inhibition (EZH2i) has proven efficient in inducing cell death in a number of human MM cell lines, we hereby identified a subset of cell lines that despite a global loss of H3K27me3, remains viable after EZH2i. By coupling liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry with gene and miRNA expression profiling, we found that sensitivity to EZH2i correlated with distinct metabolic signatures resulting from a dysregulation of genes involved in methionine cycling. Specifically, EZH2i resulted in a miRNA-mediated downregulation of methionine cycling-associated genes in responsive cells. This induced metabolite accumulation and DNA damage, leading to G2 arrest and apoptosis. Altogether, we unveiled that sensitivity to EZH2i in human MM cell lines is associated with a specific metabolic and gene expression profile post-treatment.
Magneto-optical diagnosis of symptomatic malaria in Papua New Guinea
Authors: Arndt L. , Koleala T. , Orbán Á. , Ibam C. , Lufele E. , Timinao L. , Lorry L. , Butykai Á. , Kaman P. , Molnár A. P. , Krohns S. , Nate E. , Kucsera I. , Orosz E. , Moore B. , Robinson L. J. , Laman M. , Kézsmárki I. , Karl S.
Published: February 2021

Improved methods for malaria diagnosis are urgently needed. Here, we evaluate a novel method named rotating-crystal magneto-optical detection (RMOD) in 956 suspected malaria patients in Papua New Guinea. RMOD tests can be conducted within minutes and at low cost. We systematically evaluate the capability of RMOD to detect infections by directly comparing it with expert light microscopy, rapid diagnostic tests and polymerase chain reaction on capillary blood samples. We show that compared to light microscopy, RMOD exhibits 82% sensitivity and 84% specificity to detect any malaria infection and 87% sensitivity and 88% specificity to detect Plasmodium vivax. This indicates that RMOD could be useful in P. vivax dominated elimination settings. Parasite density correlates well with the quantitative magneto-optical signal. Importantly, residual hemozoin present in malaria-negative patients is also detectable by RMOD, indicating its ability to detect previous infections. This could be exploited to reveal transmission hotspots in low-transmission settings.