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Roughly one‐third of sudden stratospheric warming (SSW) events lack a strong canonical surface response, and this can lead to a forecast bust if a strong response was predicted. Hence, it is desirable to predict before SSW onset if an event will propagate downward. The predictability of the downward response of SSWs is considered in seven subseasonal‐to‐seasonal forecast models for 16 major SSWs between 1998 and 2022, a larger sample size than considered by previous works. The models successfully predict before SSW onset which SSWs have a stronger downward response to 100 hPa, however they struggle to predict which have a stronger tropospheric response. The downward response is stronger if the magnitude of the deceleration of the 10 hPa winds is more accurately predicted. Downward response is stronger for split and absorbing SSWs. In contrast, there is little relationship between SSWs whose onset can be predicted at earlier leads and the downward response. Plain Language Summary: The wintertime stratosphere typically features circumpolar strong westerly winds, but on occasion these strong winds can reverse and temperatures over the pole can rise by tens of degrees in an event known as a sudden stratospheric warming (SSW). Such an event increases the likelihood of extreme cold over Northern Eurasia and wet conditions in Southern Europe, however roughly a third of events do not feature such downward propagation. Sixteen SSW events have occurred in the Northern Hemisphere over the period 1998 to 2022, and this study considers whether the models that have contributed to the subseasonal to seasonal (S2S) database are able to distinguish which are downward propagating and which are not. We also explore the factors that govern downward propagation of the SSW signal in these models. Key Points: Downward versus non‐downward response of SSWs to 100 hPa is predicted by subseasonal prediction models ∼20 days before SSW onsetIn contrast, models struggle to predict the presence/absence of a tropospheric response before SSW onsetDownward response and predictability of SSWs unrelated; split and absorbing SSWs show stronger downward response in models and reanalysis [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

360° videos raised the attention of educators, as they can mediate complex environments in educational settings. However, learning irrelevant cognitive strains might be imposed because it is necessary to navigate through spherical material. These downsides could be compensated by using signalling techniques. In a two (macro‐level vs. no signalling) × two (micro‐level vs. no signalling) factorial between‐subjects design plus control group, 203 students watched a video about visual and behavioural characteristics of animals. Learning outcomes, cognitive load, disorientation, and presence were investigated. Results revealed that macro‐level signalling enhanced learning outcomes. Descriptively, the control group outperformed all experimental groups except the condition with macro‐level signalling regarding retention performance. According to an exploratory path model, extraneous load moderated the effects of signalling on learning outcomes. Results are discussed considering cognitive load and spatial presence induced by using 360° videos as learning material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper develops and explores a new framework for theorizing about the measurement and aggregation of well‐being. It is a qualitative variation on the framework of social welfare functionals developed by Amartya Sen. In Sen's framework, a social or overall betterness ordering is assigned to each profile of real‐valued utility functions. In the qualitative framework developed here, numerical utilities are replaced by the properties they are supposed to represent. This makes it possible to characterize the measurability and interpersonal comparability of well‐being directly, without the use of restrictive invariance conditions, and to distinguish between real changes in well‐being and merely representational changes in the unit of measurement. The qualitative framework is shown to have important implications for a range of issues in axiology and social choice theory, including the characterization of welfarism, axiomatic derivations of utilitarianism, the meaningfulness of prioritarianism, the informational requirements of variable‐population ethics, the impossibility theorems of Arrow and others, and the metaphysics of value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

After 50 years, there is still an ongoing debate about the Limits to Growth (LtG) study. This paper recalibrates the 2005 World3‐03 model. The input parameters are changed to better match empirical data on world development. An iterative method is used to compute and optimize different parameter sets. This improved parameter set results in a World3 simulation that shows the same overshoot and collapse mode in the coming decade as the original business as usual scenario of the LtG standard run. The main effect of the recalibration update is to raise the peaks of most variables and move them a few years into the future. The parameters with the largest relative changes are those related to industrial capital lifetime, pollution transmission delay, and urban‐industrial land development time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Identifying genetic conservation units (CUs) in threatened species is critical for the preservation of adaptive capacity and evolutionary potential in the face of climate change. However, delineating CUs in highly mobile species remains a challenge due to high rates of gene flow and genetic signatures of isolation by distance. Even when CUs are delineated in highly mobile species, the CUs often lack key biological information about what populations have the most conservation need to guide management decisions. Here we implement a framework for CU identification in the Canada Warbler (Cardellina canadensis), a migratory bird species of conservation concern, and then integrate demographic modelling and genomic offset to guide conservation decisions. We find that patterns of whole genome genetic variation in this highly mobile species are primarily driven by putative adaptive variation. Identification of CUs across the breeding range revealed that Canada Warblers fall into two evolutionarily significant units (ESU), and three putative adaptive units (AUs) in the South, East, and Northwest. Quantification of genomic offset, a metric of genetic changes necessary to maintain current gene–environment relationships, revealed significant spatial variation in climate vulnerability, with the Northwestern AU being identified as the most vulnerable to future climate change. Alternatively, quantification of past population trends within each AU revealed the steepest population declines have occurred within the Eastern AU. Overall, we illustrate that genomics‐informed CUs provide a strong foundation for identifying current and future regional threats that can be used to inform management strategies for a highly mobile species in a rapidly changing world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Die Einflussfaktoren auf den Carbonatisierungswiderstand des 11Å‐Tobermorits in dampfgehärteten Baustoffen sind bislang nicht systematisch untersucht worden. In der Vergangenheit haben Forschungen gezeigt, dass ein geringer Carbonatisierungswiderstand mit einem auffällig hohen Trockenschwindwert einhergeht. Daher wurde durch das DIBt ein Grenzwert für das Schwinden von Porenbetonen von 0,4 mm/m eingeführt. Es ist jedoch nicht systematisch untersucht, ob ein geringer Carbonatisierungswiderstand per se mit niedrigen Schwindwerten beim Trocknungsschwinden einhergehen. In einem von der DFG geförderten Forschungsprojekt werden unterschiedliche potentielle Einflussfaktoren auf die Carbonatisierung von Porenbeton untersucht, wofür Modellporenbetone hergestellt wurden, die sich im Sulfatgehalt unterscheiden. Für eine möglichst hohe Vergleichbarkeit werden die äußeren Einflussfaktoren wie die Luft‐ und Materialfeuchtigkeit, Temperatur und Kohlendioxidkonzentration konstant gehalten. Im Rahmen dieser Untersuchungen wurden kleinformatige Prismen extrahiert, an denen die Festigkeitsentwicklung mit zunehmender Carbonatisierung unter ansonsten gleichen Bedingungen untersucht wurde. Die spezifische Oberfläche dieser Prüfkörper wurde mit dem BET‐Verfahren vor und nach der Carbonatisierung charakterisiert, um Rückschlüsse auf die Veränderung der Mikrostruktur zu ziehen. Zudem wurde an aus den Prismen extrahierten Pulverproben die Phasen nach der Carbonatisierung mineralogisch analysiert. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article treats finite element simulations of controlled wrinkle formation experiments of a soft bulk material with a thin, stiff layer on top. The wrinkling process is triggered by a stress mismatch between the bulk material and the thin layer. For the finite element simulations, we model the bulk material using a three‐dimensional hyperelastic material and the thin layer with a geometrically nonlinear elastic Cosserat shell. For the finite element simulations, we model the bulk material using a three‐dimensional hyperelastic material and the thin layer with a geometrically nonlinear elastic Cosserat shell. We use Lagrange finite elements for the bulk material and geodesic finite elements for the shell. The resulting minimization problem is nonlinear and nonconvex. We prove existence of minimizers in the continuous and the discrete function space. Finally, we solve the resulting nonconvex minimization problem numerically using a Riemannian trust‐region algorithm and compare our simulations to real experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epigenetic modifications, like DNA methylation, generate phenotypic diversity in fish and ultimately lead to adaptive evolutionary processes. Euryhaline marine species that migrate between salinity‐contrasted habitats have received little attention regarding the role of salinity on whole‐genome DNA methylation. Investigation of salinity‐induced DNA methylation in fish will help to better understand the potential role of this process in salinity acclimation. Using whole‐genome bisulfite sequencing, we compared DNA methylation patterns in European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) juveniles in seawater and after freshwater transfer. We targeted the gill as a crucial organ involved in plastic responses to environmental changes. To investigate the function of DNA methylation in gills, we performed RNAseq and assessed DNA methylome‐transcriptome correlations. We showed a negative correlation between gene expression levels and DNA methylation levels in promoters, first introns and first exons. A significant effect of salinity on DNA methylation dynamics with an overall DNA hypomethylation in freshwater‐transferred fish compared to seawater controls was demonstrated. This suggests a role of DNA methylation changes in salinity acclimation. Genes involved in key functions as metabolism, ion transport and transepithelial permeability (junctional complexes) were differentially methylated and expressed between salinity conditions. Expression of genes involved in mitochondrial metabolism (tricarboxylic acid cycle) was increased, whereas the expression of DNA methyltransferases 3a was repressed. This study reveals novel links between DNA methylation, mainly in promoters and first exons/introns, and gene expression patterns following salinity change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We argue that all comparative expressions in natural language obey a principle that we call Comparability: if x and y are at least as F as themselves, then either x is at least as F as y or y is at least as F as x. This principle has been widely rejected among philosophers, especially by ethicists, and its falsity has been claimed to have important normative implications.We argue that Comparability is needed to explain the goodness of several patterns of inference that seem manifestly valid, that the purported failures of Comparabilitywould have absurd consequences, and that the influential arguments against Comparability are less compelling than they may have initially seemed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adolescents who are clinically recovered from concussion continue to show subtle motor impairment on neurophysiological and behavioral measures. However, there is limited information on brain–behavior relationships of persistent motor impairment following clinical recovery from concussion. We examined the relationship between subtle motor performance and functional connectivity of the brain in adolescents with a history of concussion, status post‐symptom resolution, and subjective return to baseline. Participants included 27 adolescents who were clinically recovered from concussion and 29 never‐concussed, typically developing controls (10–17 years); all participants were examined using the Physical and Neurologic Examination of Subtle Signs (PANESS). Functional connectivity between the default mode network (DMN) or dorsal attention network (DAN) and regions of interest within the motor network was assessed using resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rsfMRI). Compared to controls, adolescents clinically recovered from concussion showed greater subtle motor deficits as evaluated by the PANESS and increased connectivity between the DMN and left lateral premotor cortex. DMN to left lateral premotor cortex connectivity was significantly correlated with the total PANESS score, with more atypical connectivity associated with more motor abnormalities. This suggests that altered functional connectivity of the brain may underlie subtle motor deficits in adolescents who have clinically recovered from concussion. More investigation is required to understand the persistence and longer‐term clinical relevance of altered functional connectivity and associated subtle motor deficits to inform whether functional connectivity may serve as an important biomarker related to longer‐term outcomes after clinical recovery from concussion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Variation in apolipoprotein E (APOE) has been shown to have the strongest genetic effect on human longevity. The aim of this study was to unravel the evolutionary history of the three major APOE alleles in Europe by analysing ancient samples up to 12,000 years old. We detected significant allele frequency shifts between populations and over time. Our analyses indicated that selection led to large frequency differences between the earliest European populations (i.e., hunter‐gatherers vs. first farmers), possibly due to changes in diet/lifestyle. In contrast, the allele distributions in populations from ~4000 BCE onward can mainly be explained by admixture, suggesting that it also played an important role in shaping current APOE variation. In any case, the resulting allele frequencies strongly influence the predisposition for longevity today, likely as a consequence of past adaptations and demographic processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Early‐life conditions can have long‐term fitness consequences. However, it is still unclear what optimal rearing conditions are, especially for long‐lived carnivores. A more diverse diet ('balanced diet') might optimize nutrient availability and allow young to make experiences with a larger diversity of prey, whereas a narrow diet breadth ('specialized diet') might result in overall higher energy net gain. A diet that is dominated by a specific prey type (i.e. fish, 'prey type hypothesis') might be beneficial or detrimental, depending for example, on its toxicity or contaminant load.Generalist predators such as the white‐tailed eagle Haliaeetus albicilla provide an interesting possibility to examine the relationship between early life diet and long‐term offspring survival. In the Åland Islands, an archipelago in the Baltic Sea, white‐tailed eagles live in various coastal habitats and feed on highly variable proportions of birds and fish.We use data from 21,116 prey individuals that were collected from 120 territories during the annual surveys, to examine how early‐life diet is associated with apparent annual survival of 574 ringed and molecular‐sexed eaglets. We supplement this analysis by assessing the relationships between diet, reproductive performance and nestling physical condition, to consider whether they are confounding with possible long‐term associations.We find that early‐life diet is associated with long‐term fitness: Nestlings that are fed a diverse diet are in lower physical condition but have higher survival rates. Eagles that are fed more fish as nestlings have lower survival as breeding‐age adults, but territories associated with fish‐rich diets have higher breeding success.Our results show that young carnivores benefit from a high diversity of prey in their natal territory, either through a nutritional or learning benefit, explaining the higher survival rates. The strong relationship between early‐life diet and adult survival suggests that early life shapes adult foraging decisions and that eating fish is associated with high costs. This could be due to high levels of contaminants or high competition for fish‐rich territories. Long‐lasting consequences of early‐life diet are likely not only limited to individual‐level consequences but have the potential to drive eco‐evolutionary dynamics in this population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The EARLYSTIM trial demonstrated for Parkinson's disease patients with early motor complications that deep brain stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus (STN‐DBS) and best medical treatment (BMT) was superior to BMT alone. Objective: This prospective, ancillary study on EARLYSTIM compared changes in blinded speech intelligibility assessment between STN‐DBS and BMT over 2 years, and secondary outcomes included non‐speech oral movements (maximum phonation time [MPT], oral diadochokinesis), physician‐ and patient‐reported assessments. Methods: STN‐DBS (n = 102) and BMT (n = 99) groups underwent assessments on/off medication at baseline and 24 months (in four conditions: on/off medication, ON/OFF stimulation—for STN‐DBS). Words and sentences were randomly presented to blinded listeners, and speech intelligibility rate was measured. Statistical analyses compared changes between the STN‐DBS and BMT groups from baseline to 24 months. Results: Over the 2‐year period, changes in speech intelligibility and MPT, as well as patient‐reported outcomes, were not different between groups, either off or on medication or OFF or ON stimulation, but most outcomes showed a nonsignificant trend toward worsening in both groups. Change in oral diadochokinesis was significantly different between STN‐DBS and BMT groups, on medication and OFF STN‐DBS, with patients in the STN‐DBS group performing slightly worse than patients under BMT only. A signal for clinical worsening with STN‐DBS was found for the individual speech item of the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale, Part III. Conclusion: At this early stage of the patients' disease, STN‐DBS did not result in a consistent deterioration in blinded speech intelligibility assessment and patient‐reported communication, as observed in studies of advanced Parkinson's Disease. © 2022 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The application of 360° videos raised the attention of educators and researchers, as it appears to be an approachable option to mediate complete environments in educational settings. However, challenges emerge from the perspective of educational psychology. Learning irrelevant cognitive strains might be imposed because it is necessary to navigate through spherical material. However, these potential downsides could be compensated for using signaling techniques. In a two (macrolevel vs. no macrolevel signaling) × two (microlevel vs. no microlevel signaling) factorial between‐subjects design plus control group, 215 fifth‐and sixth‐grade students will watch a 360° video about visual and behavioral characteristics of animals. Learning outcomes, cognitive load, disorientation, and presence will be investigated. It is expected that macrolevel signaling will enhance learning and presence and reduce cognitive load and disorientation. Microlevel signaling will have comparable advantages, but these effects will be more pronounced when macrolevel signaling is implemented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urban areas provide breeding habitats for many species. However, animals raised in urban environments face challenges such as altered food availability and quality, pollution and pathogen assemblages. These challenges can affect physiological processes such as immune function and antioxidant defences which are important for fitness.Here, we explore how levels of urbanisation influence innate immune function, immune response to a mimicked bacterial infection and antioxidant capacity of nestling Black Sparrowhawks Accipiter melanoleucus in South Africa. We also explore the effect of timing of breeding and rainfall on physiology since both can influence the environmental condition under which nestlings are raised. Finally, because urbanisation can influence immune function indirectly, we use path analyses to explore direct and indirect associations between urbanisation, immune function and oxidative stress.We obtained measures of innate immunity (haptoglobin, lysis, agglutination, bactericidal capacity), indices of antioxidant capacity (total non‐enzymatic antioxidant capacity (tAOX) and total glutathione from nestlings from 2015 to 2019. In addition, in 2018 and 2019, we mimicked a bacterial infection by injecting nestlings with lipopolysaccharide and quantified their immune response.Increased urban cover was associated with an increase in lysis and a decrease in tAOX, but not with any of the other physiological parameters. Furthermore, except for agglutination, no physiological parameters were associated with the timing of breeding. Lysis and bactericidal capacity, however, varied consistently with the annual rainfall pattern. Immune response to a mimicked a bacterial infection decreased with urban cover but not with the timing of breeding nor rainfall. Our path analyses suggested indirect associations between urban cover and some immune indices via tAOX but not via the timing of breeding.Our results show that early‐life development in an urban environment is associated with variation in immune and antioxidant functions. The direct association between urbanisation and antioxidant capacity and their impact on immune function is likely an important factor mediating the impact of urbanisation on urban‐dwelling animals. Future studies should explore how these results are linked to fitness and whether the responses are adaptive for urban‐dwelling species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding of secular evolution of the Earth system is based largely on the rock and mineral archive preserved in the continental lithosphere. Based on the frequency and range of accessible data preserved in this record, we divide the secular evolution into seven phases: (a) "Proto‐Earth" (ca. 4.57–4.45 Ga); (b) "Primordial Earth" (ca. 4.45–3.80 Ga); (c) "Primitive Earth" (ca. 3.8–3.2 Ga); (d) "Juvenile Earth" (ca. 3.2–2.5 Ga); (e) "Youthful Earth" (ca. 2.5–1.8 Ga); (f) "Middle Earth" (ca. 1.8–0.8 Ga); and (g) "Contemporary Earth" (since ca. 0.8 Ga). Integrating this record with knowledge of secular cooling of the mantle and lithospheric rheology constrains the changes in the tectonic modes that operated through Earth history. Initial accretion and the Moon forming impact during the Proto‐Earth phase likely resulted in a magma ocean. The solidification of this magma ocean produced the Primordial Earth lithosphere, which preserves evidence for intra‐lithospheric reworking of a rigid lid, but which also likely experienced partial recycling through mantle overturn and meteorite impacts. Evidence for craton formation and stabilization from ca. 3.8 to 2.5 Ga, during the Primitive and Juvenile Earth phases, likely reflects some degree of coupling between the convecting mantle and a lithosphere initially weak enough to favor an internally deformable, squishy‐lid behavior, which led to a transition to more rigid, plate like, behavior by the end of the early Earth phases. The Youthful to Contemporary phases of Earth, all occurred within a plate tectonic framework with changes between phases linked to lithospheric behavior and the supercontinent cycle. Plain Language Summary: The record of Earth evolution is preserved in the continental rock archive, but is incomplete and our knowledge of it decreases with increasing age and depth of preservation. Based on secular cooling of the mantle and associated changing lithospheric properties, we recognize three dominant tectonic modes that have operated on Earth; stagnant lid, squishy lid, and plate tectonics. After solidification of the Earth's initial magma ocean (>4.45 Ga), the lithosphere was likely dominated by mafic crust that existed until ca. 3.8 Ga. The tectonic mode that operated at this time involved either no lithosphere‐mantle coupling (cf., stagnant lid), or coupling between non‐rigid lithosphere and convecting mantle (cf., squishy lid). The latter mode likely operated through most of the Archean (ca. 3.8–2.5 Ga), and was associated with the formation of the stable interior of continents, called cratons. The stabilization of these cratons in the latter half of the Archean (ca. 3.2–2.5 Ga) is associated with the development of rigid lithosphere and the transition to a plate tectonic mode that continues to the present day. Further changes, likely in response to the supercontinent cycle, lead to subdivisions of the Earth system between ca. 1.8 and 0.8 Ga. Key Points: Long‐term record of Earth evolution preserved in continental lithosphereThree main tectonic modes operated through Earth history: stagnant lid, squishy lid and rigid, active lid (plate tectonics)Stabilization of cratons at end of Archean marks transition to plate tectonics with supercontinent cycle controlling subsequent changes [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The magmatic differentiation of cooling arc lavas on their way to the surface is dominated by fractional crystallization, which predominantly occurs at lower crustal arc levels (25–40 km) at continental margins. The magmatic storage in the deep crust is complex and remote, and rarely studied compared to shallow magma fractionation, but carries key information for the formation and evolution of the lower continental crust. At convergent continental margins, mantle‐derived melts must pass through a complex system of rocks in the lower arc crust. In particular, melts inevitably transition through deep "hot" (melt‐rich) or "cold" (i.e., water‐rich) zones, collectively termed here lower crustal arc zones (LoCAZ) to account for both scenarios. Their role in driving melt modification, including formation and oxidation of calc‐alkaline suites, remains unclear. Here we report stable Fe isotope compositions of 40 well‐characterized Neoproterozoic mafic dikes from the northwestern margin of the Yangtze Block, representing three stages of continental arc evolution. Rocks from the Tongde dikes display strong correlations between δ57Fe values and trace element indices of garnet fractionation (e.g., high La/Yb and depleted heavy REE patterns). An increase in heavy Fe isotopes with garnet fractionation indicates a redox‐filtering of melts through LoCAZ. We thus propose that retention of Fe2+ in deep crustal garnet is one driver for elevated fO2 and the calc‐alkaline trend in continental margin rocks. With continental arc rocks being on average more oxidized than intra‐oceanic arc lavas, garnet redox‐filtering may be an additive oxidizer in thicker arc crust. The Tongde dike swarms may represent a rare, volumetrically small, direct example of melts ejected out of the lower arc crust. The complex mixing and mingling of melts reported for most arcs and their plutons may obscure this redox process contributing to continental crust growth. Plain Language Summary: Calc‐alkaline rocks are widely distributed at convergent continental margins, where oceanic lithosphere is subducted beneath continental lithosphere (e.g., Andes). They generally display low Fe concentrations and high oxygen fugacity, and have important information of formation and evolution of the continental crust. However, generation and oxidation of calc‐alkaline rocks are still unclear. Here, we report stable Fe isotopes for a series of Neoproterozoic basaltic to andesitic dikes in South China. Some of them consist of calc‐alkaline rocks that experienced fractional crystallization of garnet‐bearing assemblages, suggesting that they were formed in the deep crust and reached garnet saturation under high pressures. Considering that garnet contains large proportions of ferrous iron and has much light Fe isotopes, we thus propose that garnet fractionation in deep crust is one dominant factor controlling formation of the oxidized calc‐alkaline rocks at convergent continental margins. Garnet acts as an additive oxidizer in thick arc crust and results in elevated oxygen fugacity in continental arc rocks over intra‐oceanic arc rocks. Key Points: The Tongde dikes formed by fractional crystallization of garnet‐bearing assemblages in lower continental crustal arc zoneGarnet acts as a redox filter in lower continental arc crust but only during the early stages of melt evolutionEarly Fe depletion (forging a calc‐alkaline trend) forms a possible additive process for creating oxidized arc melts at convergent continental margins [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

How the geological record of cratons reconciles with the tectonic environments in which they formed has remained debated. We use 2D Cartesian geometry numerical models of mantle convection varying temperatures from present day to Archaean‐inferred values, to address the formation of cratons, accounting for melt depletion‐dependent rheological stiffening. For mantle temperatures comparable to present day, melting is negligible and the convective regime depends on the strength of the thermal lithosphere. For mantle potential temperatures higher than present day, high depletion degree and large depleted mantle volumes are formed at low lithospheric strength and high surface mobility, whereas these are negligible beneath a poorly mobile lithosphere. When compared to the models, the record of tectonics and large volumes of high‐degree depleted mantle in Archaean cratons is best explained by a lithosphere initially prone to yielding and mobility. At high mobility, large depletion favors the progressive differentiation of the thermochemical lithosphere, which stiffens and thickens with increasing mantle temperatures. The ensuing reduced heat flow atop a hotter mantle is in agreement with the inferred Archaean thermal evolution, and may rule out the viability of a stagnant lid for the early Earth. Large‐scale depletion stiffening resists plate margin formation and this wanes as heat production decreases, thus may hold the key for the establishment of plate tectonics during secular cooling. Plain Language Summary: We use numerical models to simulate the operation of the early Earth and the emergence of the geological features observed in the preserved first continents, the cratons. During our planet's early history, prior to 3 billion years ago, the mantle was considerably hotter than today, resulting in a thermal lithosphere that was likely too thin to form thick, stable cratonic keels and drive tectonics. We show that, in such a hotter mantle, higher‐degree melting and deeper melt extraction led to the dehydration and cooling of large volumes of lithospheric mantle, which became thick and stiff. This thermochemical differentiation of the mantle conferred rigidity to its outer layer, resulting in the formation of large portions of enduring lithosphere, the cratons. The thick cratonic lithosphere obtained in our models reproduces the low planetary heat loss that has been inferred for the Archaean, while its rigidity prevents the formation of stable plate margins. With secular cooling, mantle melting reduces and the conditions for stiffening of the lithosphere vanished, enabling the development of stable plate margins, and marking the transition to present‐day plate tectonics. Key Points: In a hot mantle, high depletion degrees are reached in a mobile lid regime, whereas depletion is negligible under a stagnant lidLarge volumes and distribution of highly depleted mantle in cratons support formation in a regime with low yield strength and high initial mobilityHighly depleted lithosphere is stiffer, reduces mobility and heat flow, and potentially controls the early Earth's thermal evolution [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The catalytic space of the P450 monooxygenase CYP153AM.aq was opened from a terminal (ω‐) fatty acid hydroxylase to a catalyst capable of performing ω‐hydroxylation of dodecylamine, which is a potent inhibitor for the wild‐type enzyme. A simple screening method named Rapid‐flow Analysis of Product Peaks (RAPP) was established and applied to measure saturation libraries directly from a 96‐deepwell plate in 36 seconds per sample. The obtained variants are less inhibited by the amine, although concurrently show less affinity towards the acid. Molecular modelling and molecular dynamics simulations showed significant effects of the mutations on the substrate tunnel architectures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Also, it can't be that HT ht . Similarly, if there aren't any rational upper bounds, Lemma 2 implies that every non-negative rational number less than 1 is a lower bound, which by Credence Sufficiency implies that HT ht 's credence that HT ht is 1. 1 Lemma If rational numbers HT ht and HT ht are respectively a lower and an upper bound on HT ht 's credence that HT ht , then HT ht . By Transitivity and Strict Comparison, it follows that HT ht is (at the actual world) more confident that HT ht than HT ht is that HT ht , which is impossible given Strict Comparison. [Extracted from the article]

The black sparrowhawk (Accipitermelanoleucus) is a color‐polymorphic sub‐Saharan raptor, with adults occurring in two discrete color morphs: dark and light. It has previously been suggested that plumage coloration is determined by a one‐locus two‐allele system, with the light allele being dominant over the dark allele. Here, we revisit that assumption with an extended dataset of 130 individuals and pedigree information from 75 individuals spanning five generations. We test the observed offspring phenotypic ratio against the expected ratio under the Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium and find significant deviations from the expected values. Contrary to the previous assumption, our data indicate that the dark allele is in fact dominant over the light allele. Similarly, the multigenerational pedigrees obtained are incompatible with a one‐locus two‐allele system, where the light allele is dominant but are consistent with a scenario where the dark allele is dominant instead. However, without knowledge of the underlying molecular basis of plumage polymorphism, uncertainty remains, and the intra‐morph variation observed suggests that modifier genes or environmental factors may also be involved. Our study not only provides a foundation for future research on the adaptive function of color polymorphism in the species but also highlights the need for caution when drawing conclusions about the mode of inheritance in wild animal populations in the absence of genetic data, especially when one color variant is numerically much rarer than the other. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The next generation of sensors requires a simple yet compact lab on chip‐based precise optical detection mechanism where data interpretation can be achieved with minimum effort. Hereby, cost‐efficient strategies of manufacturing both propagating surface plasmon polariton (SPP) and localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) sensors on flexible platforms are explored via mechanical instabilities and oblique‐angled metal evaporation. Centimeter scaled dielectric grating structures produced by plasma oxidation of pre‐stressed polydimethylsiloxane film have comprised the substrates, thus imparting inherent flexibility. Subsequently, both continuous and discontinuous 1D‐metallic lattices are obtained via vapor deposition of gold at different angles. The optical isotropy (gold surface‐grating) and anisotropy (gold edge‐grating) are distinctly observed as a difference between forward and backward diffraction efficiencies, backed by analytical correlation to the observed orders. Supported with electromagnetic modeling, the SPP and LSPR excitations are experimentally characterized under reflectance and transmittance measurements, along with a demonstration of their sensing capabilities. The LSPR supported flexible sensor provides superiority in terms of sensitivity, which is investigated under mechanical deformations to exhibit consistency of the resonant wavelength. Such consistency is strategically unraveled via "finite element method" based approaches, thus providing a new paradigm of cost‐efficient, large‐scaled flexible sensors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, a technological process for the fabrication of n‐type doped V‐shaped structures on (100) single‐crystalline diamond substrates, designed to overcome the limitations of n‐type doping on (100) surfaces, is presented. This doping enhancement process can be applied to realize electronic power devices such as a junction barrier Schottky diode or junction field effect transistors with low on‐resistance. Herein, a catalytic etching process is performed by using square‐shaped nickel masks on the diamond surface and annealing in a hydrogen atmosphere, resulting in the formation of inverted pyramidal structures with flat {111} sidewalls. The resulting V‐shaped structures are subsequently overgrown with phosphorus‐doped diamond to achieve n‐type doped facets with higher doping concentrations. Cathodoluminescence studies reveal the predominant incorporation of phosphorus donors on the {111} sidewalls of V‐shaped structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aimed to validate a new joint line measurement technique in total knee arthroplasty for separated assessment of the medial and lateral femoral joint line alteration with 3D-surface scan technology. Separate assessment of the medial and lateral joint line alteration may improve TKA alignment assessment regarding to joint line restoration in kinematic alignment and use of robotic-assisted TKA surgery. Methods: The medial and lateral joint line difference after TKA implantation on an artificial bone model was analyzed and compared with a 3D-scan and full femoral radiographs pre- and postoperatively. Radiographic analysis included the perpendicular distance between the most distal point of the medial and lateral condyle and the reproduced preoperative lateral distal femoral angle (LDFA). For evaluation of validity and reliability, radiographs were captured initially with true anteroposterior view and subsequently with combined flexion and rotation malpositioning. Reliability of the introduced measurement technique in between three observers was tested with intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Results: Radiographic measurement showed a mean difference of 0.9 mm on the medial side and 0.6 mm on the lateral side when compared to the 3D-surface scan measurement. The reliability of measurement accuracy was ≤ 1 mm in x-rays with < 10° flexion error regardless to malrotation in these images. The ICC test showed very good reliability for the medial joint line evaluation and good reliability for lateral joint line evaluation (ICC 0.92, ICC 0.86 respectively). Conclusion: The new introduced joint line measurement method showed a sufficient reliability, accuracy and precision. It provides separated information about medial and lateral joint line alteration in TKA surgery in absolute values. Level of evidence: V - Experimental Study [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Metabolomics may represent an avenue for diagnosis of equine ascending placentitis. Objectives: To characterise the plasma metabolomic profile in healthy mares and mares with induced ascending placentitis, with the goal of identifying metabolites with potential clinical value for early diagnosis of placentitis. Study design: Controlled in vivo experiment. Methods: Placentitis was induced in 10 late‐term pregnant pony mares via Streptococcal equi subsp. zooepidemicus inoculation in five mares between days 285 and 290 of gestation, while five mares served as healthy controls. Repeated ultrasound examinations and jugular venipuncture were performed to obtain combined thickness of the uterus and placenta (CTUP) and plasma for NMR spectroscopy. Mares with increased CTUP were diagnosed with placentitis and treated in accordance with published therapeutic recommendations. NMR metabolomic analysis was performed to identify and quantify plasma metabolites at each time point. Concentrations were compared using ANOVA with repeated‐measures and PLS‐DA analysis. Results: Four hours post‐inoculation, a significant increase was detected in the metabolites alanine, phenylalanine, histidine, pyruvate, citrate, glucose, creatine, glycolate, lactate and 3‐hydroxyisobutyrate that returned to baseline by 12 hours. On day 4, a significant reduction in the metabolites alanine, phenylalanine, histidine, tyrosine, pyruvate, citrate, glycolate, lactate and dimethylsulfone was seen in infected mares compared with controls. Main limitations: There were small numbers of mares within groups. In addition, this work compares healthy animals with animals treated with multimodal therapeutics following diagnosis of placentitis without an untreated cohort. Conclusions: Two phases of metabolite changes were noted after experimental infection: An immediate rise in metabolite concentration involved in energy, nitrogen, hydrogen and oxygen metabolism within 4 hours after inoculation that was followed by a decrease in metabolite concentrations involved in energy and nitrogen metabolism at 4 days, coinciding with ultrasonographic diagnosis of placentitis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conductive, boron doped diamond (BDD) is an extraordinary material with many applications in electrochemistry due to its wide potential window, outstanding robustness, low capacitance and resistance to fouling. However, in photoelectrochemistry, BDD usually requires UV light for excitation, which impedes e. g., usage in CO2 to fuel reduction. In this work, a heavily boron doped, nanostructured diamond electrode with enhanced light absorption has been developed. It is manufactured from BDD by reactive ion etching and presents a coral‐like structure with pore diameters in the nanometer range, ensuring a huge surface area. The strong light absorbance of this material is clearly visible from its black color. Consequently, the material is called Diamond Black (DB). Electrochemical and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements performed at near‐ambient pressure conditions of water vapor demonstrate increased surface reactivity for the hydrogen‐terminated DB compared to oxidized surfaces. Depending on the surface termination, the wettability and hence the electrochemically accessible area can be changed. Photoelectrochemical conversion of CO2 was demonstrated using a Cu2O‐modified electrode in ionic liquids under solar illumination. High formic acid production rates at low catalyst deposition times can be obtained paired with an increased catalyst stability on the DB surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The antimicrobial peptide LL‐37 is active against oral bacteria and has been demonstrated to be present in human saliva, but its distribution in different fractions of saliva is not known. LL‐37 is formed from its intracellular pro‐form, hCAP18, in an extracellular enzymatic reaction catalyzed by proteinase 3 and kallikrein 5. Here, we prepared cell‐containing and cell‐free fractions of unstimulated human whole saliva by centrifugation after depolymerization of mucins with dithiothreitol, and measured the levels of hCAP18/LL‐37 in these fractions using ELISA. Cellular expression of hCAP18/LL‐37 was determined by western blotting and immunocytochemistry. The ELISA analyses demonstrated that both cells and cell‐free saliva contained hCAP18/LL‐37. Western blot analysis of cell‐pellet homogenates showed a strong band corresponding to hCAP18 at the correct molecular weight and a weak band corresponding to LL‐37. Phase‐contrast and light microscopy revealed that the cells consisted of desquamated epithelial cells. These cells expressed cytoplasmic immunoreactivity for hCAP18/LL‐37. The peripheral part of the cytoplasm, corresponding to the plasma membrane, was particularly rich in hCAP18/LL‐37 immunoreactivity. No immunoreactivity was observed after omission of the primary antibody. We conclude that desquamated epithelial cells of human whole saliva contain antimicrobial hCAP18/LL‐37, suggesting that these cells may take part in the innate immune system by harboring and releasing these peptides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

If the (dis)value of an event for a person is a function of the person's interests relative to the time at which it occurs, then Addie's death tomorrow is worse than Ziggy's. But suppose that Ziggy and Addie would live miserable lives. Of course, there may still be ways in which the very early deaths of those who would have lived happy lives are quite bad, and indeed worse than the deaths of mature human beings, because their deaths still deprive them of goods whose conditions they satisfy (including the trivial case of unconditional goods, if there are any). If every purely miserable life, containing only frustration, is worse than nonexistence - because worse in every respect - then every miserable life with good elements will also be worse than nonexistence. 25 Broome ([18] ch. 15) explores the possibility that "all the goods in a person's life are conditional on the person's existence.". [Extracted from the article]

Objective: The human host defense peptide LL‐37 both shows antimicrobial effects and modulates host cell properties. Here, we assess the effects of synthesized LL‐37 on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced inflammation in human periodontal ligament (PDL) cells and investigates underlying mechanisms. Background: LL‐37 has been detected in the periodontal tissues, but its functional importance for PDL cell innate immune responses is not known. Methods: Human PDL cells were obtained from premolars extracted on orthodontic indications. Cellular pro‐inflammatory monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (MCP‐1) mRNA expression was determined using quantitative real‐time RT‐PCR. MCP‐1 protein production was assessed by western blot and ELISA. Internalization of LL‐37 by PDL cells was visualized by immunocytochemistry. Nuclear factor kappa‐light‐chain‐enhancer of activated B‐cell (NF‐κB) activity was assessed by western blot of phosphorylated p65, phosphorylated p105, and IκBα proteins. Binding of LL‐37 to PDL cell DNA was determined by isolation and purification of DNA and dot blot for LL‐37 immunoreactivity. Results: Treatment with LL‐37 (1 µmol/L) for 24 hours prevented LPS‐induced stimulation of MCP‐1 expression analyzed both on transcript and on protein levels. Stimulation with LL‐37 (1 µmol/L) for 24 hours had no effect on toll‐like receptor (TLR)2 and TLR4 transcript expression, suggesting that LL‐37 acts downstream of the TLRs. Preincubation with LL‐37 for 60 minutes followed by stimulation with LPS for 24 hours in the absence of LL‐37 completely prevented LPS‐evoked MCP‐1 transcript expression, implying that LL‐37 acts intracellularly and not via binding and neutralization of LPS. In PDL cells stimulated with LL‐37 for 60 minutes, the peptide was internalized as demonstrated by immunocytochemistry, suggesting an intracellular mechanism of action. LL‐37 immunoreactivity was observed both in the cytosol and in the nucleus. Downregulation of LPS‐induced MCP‐1 by LL‐37 was not mediated by reduction in NF‐κB activity as shown by unaltered expression of phosphorylated p65, phosphorylated p105, and IκBα NF‐κB proteins in the presence of LL‐37. Immunoreactivity for LL‐37 was observed in PDL cell DNA treated with but not without 0.1 and 1 µmol/L LL‐37 for 60 minutes in vitro. Conclusion: LL‐37 abolishes LPS‐induced MCP‐1 production in human PDL cells through an intracellular, NF‐κB‐independent mechanism which probably involves direct interaction between LL‐37 and DNA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seagrass meadows provide essential ecosystem services but have been strongly declining over the past. Due to their incapability to recover effectively naturally, assisted restoration is used. This study aimed to test textile fabrics from natural derivatives to serve as carrier substrates for seagrass transplantation. The use of biotextile fabrics should enable seagrasses to better withstand hydrodynamic forces, especially in high‐energy areas and during autumn and winter storms in the initial phase of restoration, thereby increasing restoration success. Here, the biodegradation behavior of three natural textiles was assessed in different configurations. Coir, sisal, and jute meshes were fixed on the top and bottom of a coir nonwoven mat, forming a so‐called “sandwich structure.” Specimens were buried in the Ria Formosa Lagoon, Portugal, and retrieved weekly within the first months of burial and subsequently monthly over a total period of 3 months. Weight, tensile strength, and oxygen consumption rate were used as descriptors for biodegradation and tested after each retrieval. The results obtained in this study were discussed in the context of the application of the tested materials on Zostera marina transplants. Due to experimental errors, these results are solely used for discussion purposes in a conservative manner. Based on the three descriptors, coir mesh was the least degraded by the end of the experiment. Yet, it is vital to analyze the microbiome in a study site to understand the biodegradation process and based on that select a textile material. Coir fibers appear to be a good choice in highly biologically active areas to prolong the degradation process, whereas in areas with less activity sisal could be sufficient and even beneficial through the release of compounds that foster vegetations induced by degradation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Population growth, urban sprawl and a high degree of car dependency as well as slowly rising petrol prices contribute towards increasing challenges for everyday urban mobility in Muscat, Oman. Until now, only a few empirical studies have dealt with urban mobility in Oman. Therefore, this article draws mainly on our own empirical findings to answer the following questions: What do daily and weekly mobility patterns look like in Muscat? How do these practices differ depending on the social position of the household, i.e. their nationality, income and education? Which interdependent effects can be discerned between everyday mobility practices and the fragmented and segregated urban structures? Since our research questions focus on the interrelations between urban structures and individual mobility, we chose a mixed‐methods approach including methods derived both from social and spatial research. This article in particular draws on our quantitative survey covering 850 households and extensive mappings of three selected case study areas and secondary data analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For several decades, cognitive psychologists have been studying how we learn, and from this work it becomes possible to identify ways to help students learn in the classroom effectively. Importantly, this work does not just inform how to memorize facts, but also how to learn complex material in a way that allows students to apply what they are learning in future situations. The laboratory to classroom model used by many researchers to apply cognitive psychology to real educational situations, such as classroom learning and students' independent studying, is described first. Then the focus turns to important issues within education, such as students' ability to transfer knowledge to new situations and understand complex material. Finally, three learning strategies are discussed (concrete examples, elaborative interrogation, and retrieval practice) that instructors can implement to help students to both acquire knowledge and apply it to new situations, integrating examples from food science and nutrition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To report the results of endoscopic ultrasound‐guided injection of coils with cyanoacrylate (CYA) using a less‐expensive coil with an emphasis on the roles of Doppler and endosonographic varicealography (EV) in identifying the feeder vessel in gastric varix treatment. Methods: An observational, descriptive study with prospectively collected data. Patients with gastric varices (GV) were included and were treated by endoscopic ultrasound‐guided injection of CYA and a less‐expensive coil. Technical success, complete and immediate variceal obliteration, rebleeding, complication and survival rates were evaluated. Results: Thirty patients with GV with a mean age of 62 years (range: 44–76 years) were treated. Median number of coils used was 2 (range: 1–3), and median volume of CYA was 1.8 mL (1.2–2.4 mL). Technical success rate was 100%. EV technical success was observed in 26/30 patients. Complete variceal obliteration was observed in 96.6% of patients, and immediate disappearance of the varix was observed in 24 (80%) patients. The complication rate was 6.7%. Conclusions: Endoscopic‐ultrasound guidance for gastric varix treatment with the addition of EV and the use of a less‐expensive coil is a safe and effective technique that results in the immediate disappearance of GV after targeting the feeding vessel. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The Precambrian‐Cambrian (PЄ‐Є) transition is a unique period in Earth's history known for the "Cambrian Explosion." Here we present a continuous radiogenic and stable isotope (87Sr/86Sr, δ13CVPDB, carb, and δ18OVPDB, carb) and elemental (including rare earth elements) record across the PЄ‐Є transition, preserved in phosphatic and carbonate shallow‐water deposits from two sections (Koksu and Kyrshabakty) in Kazakhstan. Microstructure, trace, and rare earth elements concentrations reflect near‐primary preservation. δ13CVPDB, carb data (−12.1‰ to 3.3‰) record formation conditions at a time of severe geodynamic changes. Negative δ13CVPDB, carb at the PЄ‐Є boundary resemble the Basal Cambrian Carbon Anomaly. Average δ18OVPDB, carb values of −11.7 ± 3.8‰ are suggested to represent near‐primary signals and can be explained by isotopically lighter past sea water and elevated temperature during precipitation compared to present‐day conditions. Initial 87Sr/86Sr of the carbonate and phosphate fraction are in the range of 0.7086–0.7112 at the Koksu section and 0.7082–0.7136 at the Kyrshabakty section. This is in general agreement with the seawater 87Sr/86Sr evolution during the Early Cambrian. In this study, we present a refined 87Sr/86Sr seawater evolution, highlighting an extreme positive Sr isotope excursion at the PЄ‐Є transition, which is suggested to be indicative for enhanced continental weathering and an increase in nutrient runoff into shallow ocean waters. This extreme geodynamic event may have served as a driving force for enhanced biologic activity in the lead up to the Cambrian Explosion, where phosphatic shallow‐water deposits from Kazakhstan constitute a valuable paleo‐environmental archive. Key Points: We present the first continuous 87Sr/86Sr record from Kazakhstan across the Pc‐C transitionA refined 87Sr/86Sr seawater evolution is presented with distinct positive excursion at the Pc‐C transition corresponding to a negative δ13C anomaly (BACE)Enhanced continental weathering was a driving force for the Cambrian Explosion [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Rachels–Temkin spectrum arguments against the transitivity of better than involve good or bad experiences, lives, or outcomes that vary along multiple dimensions—e.g., duration and intensity of pleasure or pain. This paper presents variations on these arguments involving combinations of good and bad experiences, which have even more radical implications than the violation of transitivity. These variations force opponents of transitivity to conclude that something good is worse than something that isn't good, on pain of rejecting the good altogether. That is impossible, so we must reject the spectrum arguments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most molecular processes in living organisms rely on protein‐protein interactions, many of which are mediated by β‐sheet interfaces; this study investigates the formation of β‐sheet interfaces through the conversion of coils into β‐strands. Following an exhaustive search in the Protein Data Bank, the corresponding structural dimorphic fragments were extracted, characterized, and analyzed. Their short strand lengths and specific amino acid profiles indicate that dimorphic β‐strand interfaces are likely to be less stable than standard ones and could even convert to coil interfaces if their environment changes. Moreover, the construction of a simple classifier able to discriminate between the sequences of dimorphic and standard β‐strand interfaces suggests that the nature of those dimorphic sequences could be predicted, providing a novel means of identifying proteins capable of forming dimers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Cu‐Co‐based catalysts provide promising systems for higher alcohol synthesis (HAS) due to a synergistic dual‐site mechanism. Bimetallic Cu‐Co (alloy) nanoparticles are assumed to be the active sites, but cobalt carbide (Co2C) forming under reaction conditions also seems to influence the formation of C2+OH. Na‐doped Co‐modified Cu/ZnO/Al2O3 is applied as benchmark catalyst within the Carbon2Chem® subproject L4 providing suitable performance in terms of CO conversion and C2+OH selectivity. However, further optimization is required in order to develop an economically viable HAS process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Precision medicine methodologies and approaches have advanced our understanding of the clinical presentation, development, progression, and management of Alzheimer's disease (AD) dementia. However, sex and gender have not yet been adequately integrated into many of these approaches. Methods: The Society for Women's Health Research Interdisciplinary Network on AD, comprised of an expert panel of scientists and clinicians, reviewed ongoing and published research related to sex and gender differences in AD. Results: The current review is a result of this Network's efforts and aims to: (1) highlight the current state‐of‐the‐science in the AD field on sex and gender differences; (2) address knowledge gaps in assessing sex and gender differences; and (3) discuss 12 priority areas that merit further research. Discussion: The exclusion of sex and gender has impeded faster advancement in the detection, treatment, and care of AD across the clinical spectrum. Greater attention to these differences will improve outcomes for both sexes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Due to the process of carbonation, the durability of autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) may be affected. An adequate test method to assess the durability of AAC products in a short period currently does not exist. Hence, the German Institute for Building Technology (DIBt) has defined a limit value for drying shrinkage in order to prevent massive strength decrease of AAC products. In order to understand the deterioration mechanisms more in detail, investigations on the development of the compressive strength and the structural transformation of AAC have been carried out. Specimens taken from two different AAC products on the basis of quartz sand as well as fly ash were stored in different climate conditions. Shrinkage behavior was determined in normal climate (NC) of 20°C and 45% relative humidity. The compressive strength was determined at the beginning and additionally after about 180, 360, and 540 days. Phase analyses by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) were applied to correlate the structural transformation with compressive strength as well as shrinkage behavior in dependence of the silicate‐bearing raw materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

MARIA (magnetism reflectometer with high incident angle) is a world class vertical sample reflectometer dedicated to the investigation of thin films in the fields of magnetism, soft matter and biology. The elliptical vertically focusing guide allows one to measure small samples with a typical size of 1 × 1 cm very efficiently. The double‐bounce polarizer and the in situ pumped 3He SEOP (spin‐exchange optical pumping) neutron spin filter cell for analysing the polarization of the reflected neutron beam can be moved into the beam in seconds. The polarized flux of MARIA amounts to 5 × 107 n (s cm2)−1 at the sample position with a horizontally collimated beam of 3 mrad, a wavelength of λ = 4.5 Å and a wavelength resolution of Δλ/λ = 10%. In the non‐polarized mode a flux of 1.2 × 108 n (s cm2)−1 is achieved in this configuration. MARIA is also capable of grazing‐incidence small‐angle neutron scattering measurements, using a pinhole collimation with two four‐segment slits and an absorber that prevents the focusing of the elliptical guide in the vertical direction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The human host defense peptide, LL‐37, is an important player in the first line of defense against invading microorganisms. LL‐37 and its precursor, hCAP18, have been detected in unstimulated whole saliva but no reports showing hCAP18/LL‐37 in isolated, parotid, and/or submandibular/sublingual saliva have been presented. Here, we measured the levels of hCAP18/LL‐37 in human parotid and submandibular/sublingual saliva and investigated the expression of hCAP18/LL‐37 in parotid and submandibular gland tissue. Parotid and submandibular/sublingual saliva was collected from healthy volunteers, and the levels of hCAP18/LL‐37 in saliva were analyzed by dot blot, ELISA, and western blotting. Cellular expression of hCAP18/LL‐37 in human parotid and submandibular glands was investigated by immunohistochemistry. Immunoreactivity for hCAP18/LL‐37 was detected in both parotid and submandibular/sublingual saliva of all individuals. The concentration of hCAP18/LL‐37 was similar in parotid and submandibular/sublingual saliva, and was determined by densitometric scanning of each dot and normalization to the total protein concentration of each sample, and by ELISA. Double immunohistochemistry revealed that intravascular neutrophils of both parotid and submandibular glands express hCAP18/LL‐37. For the first time, we demonstrate hCAP18/LL‐37 in isolated human parotid and submandibular/sublingual saliva and expression of hCAP18/LL‐37 in glandular intravascular neutrophils, indicating that neutrophils of the major salivary glands contribute to the LL‐37 content of whole saliva. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]