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Background and Aims: The Charcot–Marie–Tooth Disease Health Index (CMT‐HI) is a disease‐specific, patient‐reported disease burden measure. As part of an international clinical trial readiness study, individuals with CMT1A (ages 18–75 years) underwent clinical outcome assessments (COAs), including the CMT‐HI, to capture their longitudinal perspective on the disease burden. Methods: Two hundred and fifteen participants underwent serial COAs including the CMT‐HI, CMT Functional Outcome Measure (CMT‐FOM), CMT Neuropathy Score (CMTNSv2R), and CMT Exam Score (CMTES/CMTES‐R). Correlations between the total and subscale scores for the CMT‐HI and other COAs were determined. Changes in the CMT‐HI scores over 12 months were assessed using paired t‐tests. The minimum clinically important difference (MCID) for the CMT‐HI and its subscales were calculated by anchoring to a participant global impression of change scale. Results: At baseline, CMT1A participants were 44.5 ± 15 years old (range: 18–75) and 58% were women. The mean CMT‐HI was 25.7 ± 18.8 (range: 0–91.9; 100 reflecting maximal disease burden). The CMT‐HI correlated with the CMT‐FOM (r =.54, p <.0001), CMTNSv2R (r =.48, p <.0001), and CMTES/CMTES‐R (r =.52/r =.54, p <.0001). Disease burden was greater in women than in men (CMT‐HI 29.1 ± 19.1 vs. 21.2 ± 17.3, p =.001). Over 12 months, there was a nonsignificant mean increase in CMT‐HI of 0.40 ± 10.0 (n = 189, p =.89). The MCID for the CMT‐HI total score was 3.8 points (95% CI: 1.7–5.9). Discussion: Patient‐reported disease burden in CMT1A as measured by the CMT‐HI is associated with measures of neurologic impairment and physical functioning. Women reported a higher disease burden than men. These data will inform the design of clinical trials in CMT1A. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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We disclose a mediated electrochemical [2+2+2] annulation of alkynes with nitriles, forming substituted pyridines in a single step from low‐cost, readily available starting materials. The combination of electrochemistry and a triarylamine redox mediator obviates the requirements of transition metals and additional oxidants. Besides the formation of diarylpyridine moieties via the homocoupling of two identical alkynes, the heterocoupling of two different alkynes depending on their electronic nature is possible, highlighting the unprecedented control of chemoselectivity in this catalytic [2+2+2] process. Mechanistic investigations like cyclic voltammetry and crossover experiments combined with DFT calculations indicate the initial oxidation of an alkyne as the key step leading to the formation of a vinyl radical cation intermediate. The utilization of continuous flow technology proved instrumental for an efficient process scale‐up. The utility of the products is exemplified by the synthesis of π‐extended molecules, being relevant for material or drug synthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) are clusters of thunderstorms that are important in Earth's water and energy cycle. Additionally, they are responsible for extreme events such as large hail, strong winds, and extreme precipitation. Automated object‐based analyses that track MCSs have become popular since they allow us to identify and follow MCSs over their entire life cycle in a Lagrangian framework. This rise in popularity was accompanied by an increasing number of MCS tracking algorithms, however, little is known about how sensitive analyses are concerning the MCS tracker formulation. Here, we assess differences between six MCS tracking algorithms on South American MCS characteristics and evaluate MCSs in kilometer‐scale simulations with observational‐based MCSs over 3 years. All trackers are run with a common set of MCS classification criteria to isolate tracker formulation differences. The tracker formulation substantially impacts MCS characteristics such as frequency, size, duration, and contribution to total precipitation. The evaluation of simulated MCS characteristics is less sensitive to the tracker formulation and all trackers agree that the model can capture MCS characteristics well across different South American climate zones. Dominant sources of uncertainty are the segmentation of cloud systems in space and time and the treatment of how MCSs are linked in time. Our results highlight that comparing MCS analyses that use different tracking algorithms is challenging. We provide general guidelines on how MCS characteristics compare between trackers to facilitate a more robust assessment of MCS statistics in future studies. Plain Language Summary: Large clusters of thunderstorms, called mesoscale convective systems (MCSs), are important in Earth's water and energy cycle including extreme weather events like large hail, strong winds, and heavy rainfall. To better understand MCSs, researchers have developed computer programs called MCS trackers that can identify and track MCSs throughout their lifespan. Different MCS tracking algorithms have been created and used for various purposes, but little is known about how sensitive the results are to the specific algorithm used. This study aims to address this knowledge gap by comparing six different MCS tracking algorithms and assessing their impact on the characteristics of MCSs in South America. We also analyze how sensitive high‐resolution climate simulation evaluations are to the used tracking algorithm. The results show that the choice of tracking algorithm has a large influence on various characteristics of MCSs, such as their frequency, size, duration, and importance to the regional water cycle. However, when it comes to evaluating simulated MCS characteristics, the choice of tracker has less impact. Importantly, all trackers agree that the high‐resolution climate model accurately represents MCS characteristics across different climate zones in South America. Key Points: Mesoscale convective system (MCS) tracker formulation has a profound impact on MCS characteristics such as their frequencies, size, duration, and precipitation volumeTracker formulation uncertainties are smaller for evaluating modeled MCS characteristics but larger for MCS frequency statisticsMCS tracking studies have to be compared cautiously, particularly when different tracking algorithms and MCS classifications are used [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Angewandte Chemie is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Photocatalytic reactions involving a reductive radical‐polar crossover (RRPCO) generate intermediates with carbanionic reactivity. Many of these proposed intermediates resemble highly reactive organometallic compounds. However, conditions of their formation are generally not tolerated by their isolated organometallic versions and often a different reactivity is observed. Our investigations on their nature and reactivity under commonly used photocatalytic conditions demonstrate that these intermediates are indeed best described as free, superbasic carbanions capable of deprotonating common polar solvents usually assumed to be inert such as acetonitrile, dimethylformamide, and dimethylsulfoxide. Their basicity not only towards solvents but also towards electrophiles, such as aldehydes, ketones, and esters, is comparable to the reactivity of isolated carbanions in the gas‐phase. Previously unsuccessful transformations thought to result from a lack of reactivity are explained by their high reactivity towards the solvent and weakly acidic protons of reaction partners. An intuitive explanation for the mode of action of photocatalytically generated carbanions is provided, which enables methods to verify reaction mechanisms proposed to involve an RRPCO step and to identify the reasons for the limitations of current methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The benzenedisulfonamide derivative clorsulon is a potent fasciolicide which is marketed in fixed combination injectables, typically combined with the macrocyclic lactone ivermectin. In the presented pharmacokinetic study, the plasma profile of clorsulon in 32 healthy, young Brown Swiss cattle was administered a single intravenous dose at 3 mg/kg body weight or subcutaneously at 3, 6 or 12 mg/kg body weight (4 intact male and 4 female animals per treatment) as a 30% w/v clorsulon injection formulation. Serial blood samples were collected up to 24 days after administration to establish the pharmacokinetics, bioavailability and dose proportionality of clorsulon. Following a single intravenous injection of clorsulon at 3 mg/kg body weight, the area under the concentration versus time curve from the start of dose administration to the time of the last quantifiable concentration (AUClast) was 4830 ± 941 day*ng/mL, and half‐live was 2.37 ± 0.98 days. The back extrapolated concentration at time 0 was 38,500 ± 6070 ng/mL. The volume of distribution at steady state and clearance were 685 ± 107 mL/kg and 664 ± 127 mL/day/kg, respectively. In the groups dosed at 3, 6 or 12 mg/kg body weight by subcutaneous injection, clorsulon plasma concentrations rose to maximum within 0.5 day and decreased to the last sample point. For these groups, the maximum plasma clorsulon concentrations were 3100 ± 838, 5250 ± 1220 and 10,800 ± 1730 ng/mL, respectively, and the AUClast was 5330 ± 925, 9630 ± 1300 and 21,500 ± 3320 day*ng/mL, respectively. Half‐lives, 2.01 ± 0.62, 3.84 ± 1.42 and 5.36 ± 0.60 days, respectively, increased significantly with dose, likely related to increasing dose volume. Clorsulon was well absorbed and fully bioavailable (103%–114%) after subcutaneous injection. No gender‐related difference in systemic exposure was observed. Assessment of Cmax and AUClast demonstrated a proportional increase in systemic exposure to the clorsulon subcutaneous doses over the range of 3–12 mg/kg body weight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We show that countercations exert a remarkable influence on the ability of anionic cobaltate salts to catalyze challenging alkene hydrogenations. An evaluation of the catalytic properties of [Cat][Co(η4‐cod)2] (Cat=K (1), Na (2), Li (3), (Depnacnac)Mg (4), and N(nBu)4 (5); cod=1,5‐cyclooctadiene, Depnacnac={2,6‐Et2C6H3NC(CH3)}2CH)]) demonstrated that the lithium salt 3 and magnesium salt 4 drastically outperform the other catalysts. Complex 4 was the most active catalyst, which readily promotes the hydrogenation of highly congested alkenes under mild conditions. A plausible catalytic mechanism is proposed based on density functional theory (DFT) investigations. Furthermore, combined molecular dynamics (MD) simulation and DFT studies were used to examine the turnover‐limiting migratory insertion step. The results of these studies suggest an active co‐catalytic role of the counterion in the hydrogenation reaction through the coordination to cobalt hydride intermediates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Cushing's syndrome is one of the most common endocrinopathies in dogs. The preferred screening test for spontaneous Cushing's syndrome is the low‐dose dexamethasone suppression test (LDDST). The diagnostic value of urinary cortisol:creatinine ratios (UCCR) is questionable. Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine diagnostic cut‐off values for UCCR testing in comparison with LDDST as a clinical reference standard and to calculate the sensitivity and specificity. Methods: Data from 2018 to 2020 were obtained retrospectively from a commercial laboratory. Both LDDST and UCCR were measured by automated chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA). The maximum interval between both tests was 14 days. The optimal cut‐off value for UCCR testing was calculated by the Youden index. The sensitivity and specificity of these cut‐off values for the UCCR test and LDDST were assessed by Bayesian latent class models (BLCMs). Results: This study included 324 dogs with both UCCR test and LDDST results. The optimal UCCR cut‐off value, calculated by the Youden index, was 47.4 × 10−6. Any UCCR <40 × 10−6 was interpreted as a negative result, 40–60 × 10−6 as values in a gray zone, and >60 × 10−6 as positive. Using the cut‐off of 60 × 10−6, BLCM showed 91% (LDDST) and 86% (UCCR test) sensitivity and a specificity of 54% (LDDST) and 63% (UCCR test). Conclusions: Considering an 86% sensitivity and a 63% specificity, UCCR testing may be considered a first‐line investigation to rule out Cushing's syndrome using CLIA analysis. Urine samples can be collected noninvasively at home by the owner, reducing the potential impact of stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Angewandte Chemie is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

We report the visible light‐mediated copper‐catalyzed vicinal difunctionalization of olefins utilizing bromonitroalkanes as ATRA reagents. This protocol is characterized by high yields and fast reaction times under environmentally benign reaction conditions with exceptional scope, allowing the rapid functionalization of both activated and unactivated olefins. Moreover, late‐stage functionnalization of biologically active molecules and upscaling to gram quantities is demonstrated, which offers manifold possibilities for further transformations, e.g. access to nitro‐ and aminocyclopropanes. Besides the synthetic utility of the title transformation, this study undergirds the exclusive role of copper in photoredox catalysis showing its ability to stabilize and interact with radical intermediates in its coordination sphere. EPR studies suggest that such interactions can even outperform a highly favorable cyclization of transient to persistent radicals contrasting iridium‐based photocatalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the most common cause of acute respiratory tract infection in infants and young children often leading to severe disease requiring hospitalization. However, validated tools for systematic assessment of disease severity are lacking. This study aimed at creating and validating a standardized, simple‐to‐use disease severity score for RSV infection in children—the RSV‐CLASS (Clinical Assessment Severity Score). Therefore, data from over 700 RSV‐infected children over six winter seasons (2014–2020) was analyzed using univariate and multiple regression analyses for the prediction of lower respiratory tract infection (LRTI) as a proxy for a severe course of the disease. Testing a broad range of respiratory symptoms, they eventually yielded seven items. Performing stepwise selection, these were reduced to the final four items: cough, tachypnea, rales, and wheezing, each receiving one point in the proposed score named RSV‐CLASS. The score was calculated for children in two cohorts A and B, one for development and one for validation, with an area under the curve of 0.90 and 0.87, respectively. With a score value of 3 or 4, 97.8% and 100% of the children, respectively, were admitted with LRTI and classified correctly. The RSV‐CLASS is a disease severity score based on a neutral, analytical approach using prospective data from a large study cohort. It will contribute to systematically assessing the disease severity of RSV infection and can be used for evidence‐based clinical decision‐making as well as for research settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to their high stability towards enzymatic hydrolysis C‐acyl glycosidic compounds are useful synthetic intermediates for potential candidates in drug discovery. Syntheses for C‐acyl mannosides have remained scarce and usually employ donors obtained from lengthy syntheses. Furthermore, syntheses of unprotected C‐acyl mannosides have not been reported so far, due to the incapability of the C‐acyl mannoside motif with deprotection conditions for protective groups commonly used in carbohydrate chemistry. Herein, we report an efficient and highly α‐selective four‐step one‐pot method for the synthesis of C‐acyl α‐d‐manno‐, l‐rhamno‐ and d‐lyxopyranosides from easily accessible persilylated monosaccharides and dithianes requiring only trace amounts of a copper source as catalyst and explain the crucial role of the catalyst by mechanistic studies. Furthermore, the C‐acyl α‐glycosides were easily isomerized to give rapid access to their β‐anomers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Angewandte Chemie is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Chemical bond activations mediated by H‐bond interactions involving highly electronegative elements such as nitrogen and oxygen are powerful tactics in modern catalysis research. On the contrary, kindred catalytic regimes in which heavier, less electronegative elements such as selenium engage in H‐bond interactions to co‐activate C−Se σ‐bonds under oxidative conditions are elusive. Traditional strategies to enhance the nucleofugality of selenium residues predicate on the oxidative addition of electrophiles onto SeII‐centers, which entails the elimination of the resulting SeIV moieties. Catalytic procedures in which SeIV nucleofuges are substituted rather than eliminated are very rare and, so far, not applicable to carbon‐carbon bond formations. In this study, we introduce an unprecedented combination of O−H⋅⋅⋅Se H‐bond interactions and single electron oxidation to catalytically generate SeIII nucleofuges that allow for the formation of new C−C σ‐bonds by means of a type I semipinacol process in high yields and excellent selectivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sex hormones such as estradiol (E2) have long‐lasting influence on brain architecture. Recent studies indicate further structural changes during hormonal transition periods including pregnancy, when women experience the greatest increase in sex hormone levels across their life span. In the present study, three groups of women (n = 44) with different levels of E2 underwent structural magnetic resonance imaging: (1) first‐time pregnant women (n = 13, 'extreme E2 group'); (2), nulliparous, naturally cycling women who received 12 mg of E2 valerate (n = 16, 'high E2 group'); and (3) nulliparous, naturally cycling women receiving a placebo and hence low E2 (n = 15, 'low E2 group'). Blood samples were taken to assess hormonal levels. Moreover, parameters for cognition, emotion regulation and affect were assessed. On the neuronal level, the extreme E2 compared to the high E2 group showed a reduced gray matter volume in the left putamen. However, no significant differences were found between the low vs. high E2 groups, nor between the low E2 and extreme E2 groups. Cognitive performance was reduced in the extreme E2 group, although a positive affect was increased compared to the high E2 and low E2 groups. Furthermore, regression analyses revealed several associations between cognition, subjective measures of affect, emotion regulation and gray matter volume. A volume reduction of the left putamen during pregnancy further supports the notion that the female brain is shaped by hormonal transition phases, possibly preparing women for their future roles (e.g., pregnant women for their role as mothers). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oceanic heat sources disturb the atmosphere, which, to come back to its initial state, disperses waves. These waves affect the climate in remote regions, characterizing the teleconnection patterns. In this study, we describe eight teleconnection patterns that affect South America climate: the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO), the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO), the Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation (AMO), the Tropical Atlantic Dipole (TAD), the South Atlantic Dipole (SAD), the Southern Annular Mode (SAM), the Madden–Julian Oscillation (MJO), and the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD). Precipitation and winds at 850‐hPa anomalies, considering these teleconnection patterns in ENSO neutral periods, are also presented. Overall, southeastern South America and the north sector of the North and Northeast regions of Brazil are the most affected areas by the teleconnection patterns. In general, there is a precipitation dipole pattern between these regions during each teleconnection pattern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lactation is discussed as a physiological covariate which may influence the exposure characteristics of systemically acting drugs including macrocyclic lactones and potentially alter their pharmacological response. This study characterizes for the first time in the same study, the plasma profile and therapeutic anthelmintic efficacy of eprinomectin 5 mg/ml solution (EPRINEX® Multi, Boehringer Ingelheim) administered as a pour‐on at 1 mg per kg body weight to lactating dairy goats. The study was conducted in compliance with VICH GCP and anthelmintic efficacy evaluation guidelines and included 20 goats harboring induced adult gastrointestinal and pulmonary nematode infections. The goats were blocked on pre‐treatment body weight and randomly allocated either to remain untreated (control) or to be eprinomectin‐treated. Plasma samples to determine the plasma disposition kinetics of eprinomectin (B1a component) were obtained at intervals up to 14 days following treatment when the animals were necropsied for parasite enumeration and identification. Basic pharmacokinetic parameters of eprinomectin determined in the ten eprinomectin‐treated goats were as follows: AUClast, 23.8 ± 9.7 day*ng/ml and Cmax, 5.35 ± 2.27 ng/ml; individual maximum plasma concentrations were observed from 8 to 48 h after treatment (median Tmax, 0.5 days). Topical eprinomectin treatment efficacy, based on significant (p <.01) worm burden reductions in eprinomectin‐treated animals relative to untreated controls, was ≥97% to 100% against adult Dictyocaulus filaria, Haemonchus contortus, Teladorsagia circumcincta(pinnata/trifurcata), Trichostrongylus axei, T. colubriformis, Cooperia curticei, Nematodirus battus, and Oesophagostomum venulosum. Both pharmacokinetic parameters and anthelmintic activity in lactating dairy goats were similar to those observed in parasitized young growing and adult female non‐lactating dairy goats treated with eprinomectin administered as a pour‐on. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Conservation Biology is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The article shares a successful poetry writing experience and describes the structure of the lesson that guided the children's poetry writing and the creation of the group poem "An Ode to Curt Gowdy State Park." Topics discussed include an overview of the Teaching and Learning Cycle within systemic functional linguistics, use of the Teaching and Learning cycle to design and implement ode poetry lesson at Curt Gowdy State Park, and lessons for teachers.

The pharmacokinetics of gamithromycin were evaluated in 26 male castrated and female crossbred swine administered gamithromycin 15% w/v (Zactran®, Boehringer Ingelheim) intravenously at 6 mg/kg bodyweight or intramuscularly at 3, 6 or 12 mg/kg bodyweight. Blood samples were collected up to Day 10 to establish the plasma profile of gamithromycin, bioavailability and dose proportionality. When administered by intramuscular injection at 6 mg/kg BWT, pharmacokinetic parameters were as follows: area under the curve until last quantifiable plasma concentration, 5.13 ± 0.957 µg*hours/ml; maximum plasma concentration, 960 ± 153 ng/ml at 5 to 15 min; terminal half‐life of 94.1 ± 20.4 hr. Absolute bioavailability was 92.2%. Increase in systemic exposure was proportional to the gamithromycin dose level over the range 3–12 mg/kg BWT. No gender‐related statistically significant difference in exposure was observed. For clinical evaluation of Zactran® against swine respiratory disease, 305 pigs from six commercial farms in three countries in Europe with signs associated with Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae and/or Haemophilus parasuis and/or Pasteurella multocida and/or Bordetella bronchiseptica were used. At each site, animals were treated once in a 1:1 ratio with a single intramuscular dose of Zactran® (6 mg gamithromycin/kg bodyweight) or Zuprevo® (4% w/v tildipirosin at 4 mg/kg bodyweight; MSD Animal Health) at the recommended dose respectively. Animals were observed and scored daily for 10 consecutive days for signs of swine respiratory disease (depression, respiration and rectal temperature), and animals presenting signs of clinical swine respiratory disease (Depression Score 3 and/or Respiratory Score 3 associated with Rectal Temperature > 40.0°C) were removed from the study and considered as treatment failure. Animals which remained in the study were individually assessed for ʽtreatment successʼ or ʽtreatment failureʼ (Depression Score ≥ 1 and Rectal Temperature > 40.0°C or Respiratory Score ≥ 1 and Rectal Temperature > 40.0°C). Using a non‐inferiority hypothesis test (non‐inferiority margin = 0.10), the proportion of treatment successes in the Zactran® group (97%) was equivalent to or better than that in the Zuprevo® group (93%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy is fundamental for halting anthropogenic climate change. However, renewable energy facilities can be land‐use intensive and impact conservation areas, and little attention has been given to whether the aggregated effect of energy transitions poses a substantial threat to global biodiversity. Here, we assess the extent of current and likely future renewable energy infrastructure associated with onshore wind, hydropower and solar photovoltaic generation, within three important conservation areas: protected areas (PAs), Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) and Earth's remaining wilderness. We identified 2,206 fully operational renewable energy facilities within the boundaries of these conservation areas, with another 922 facilities under development. Combined, these facilities span and are degrading 886 PAs, 749 KBAs and 40 distinct wilderness areas. Two trends are particularly concerning. First, while the majority of historical overlap occurs in Western Europe, the renewable electricity facilities under development increasingly overlap with conservation areas in Southeast Asia, a globally important region for biodiversity. Second, this next wave of renewable energy infrastructure represents a ~30% increase in the number of PAs and KBAs impacted and could increase the number of compromised wilderness areas by ~60%. If the world continues to rapidly transition towards renewable energy these areas will face increasing pressure to allow infrastructure expansion. Coordinated planning of renewable energy expansion and biodiversity conservation is essential to avoid conflicts that compromise their respective objectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Australian Dental Council's (ADC) competency framework requires graduating dental practitioners to be competent in a number of transferable skills, which includes: being scientifically versed, technically skilled and capable of safe independent work and teamwork, whilst adhering to high ethical standards (Australian Dental Council. Professional Competencies of the Newly Qualified Dentist. Melbourne, Australia: ADC; 2016). Part of the role of dental educators is to ensure graduating students acquire requisite transferable skills, in line with regulatory requirements (Chuenjitwongsa et al. Eur J Dent Educ. 2018;22:1). In order to achieve this, it is imperative to assess students' own understanding or perception of transferable skill requirement upon graduation. The objective of this study was to develop a valid and reliable scale for this assessment. Method: A cohort of students drawn across three different dental programmes: undergraduate dentistry (years 1‐3); post‐graduate dentistry (years 4‐5); and Bachelor of Dental Technology/Prosthesis, participated in this study. A self‐assessment questionnaire containing relevant open‐ and closed‐ended questions was administered. The questionnaire assessed students' perception of transferable skills for their future career and attitude towards learning and developing transferable skills. Result: In total, we successfully assessed 388 of the 391 students sampled (99.2% response rate), their mean age was 24.3 years (SD ± 5.7), and 53.3% were females, whilst 46.7% were males. Overall, exploratory factor analysis (EFA) extracted five factors for students' perception of current skill level, and four factors for future skill requirements. The factor structures were confirmed using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and the structure had a good model fit and high levels of reliability, with respect to individual dimension and content validity. Conclusions: The structure derived from the transferable skill survey administered to a cohort of dental students suggests that the transferable skill survey can be utilised as a valid and reliable screening tool to test students' perception of transferable skill requirements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Green Ocean Amazon (GoAmazon2014/5) scientific program focused on the influence of aerosols and surface fluxes on tropical cloud formation. This major research effort gathered high‐quality environmental data over the central Amazon basin during 2014 and 2015. The present work is a contribution to the GoAmazon2014/5 investigations with an emphasis on the behaviour of the most important mechanism of precipitation over the tropics: mesoscale convective systems (MCSs). To provide a background, MCSs' tracks obtained from infrared satellite images over the entire Amazon basin in 2014–2015 are compared with climatological values. The number of MCSs and precipitation in the basin is about 50% lower than compared to the climatology for 2000–2013. We argue that the below average occurrence of MCSs during the GoAmazon2014/5 program can be explained, at least in part, by the effects of positive anomalies in sea surface temperature over the equatorial Pacific Ocean, negative moisture transport toward the Amazon basin, and by the anticyclonic phase of the mode of interannual and intraseasonal variability over South America. Special attention is given to the 99 MCSs that occurred over the GoAmazon2014/5 site. The impact of MCSs on the meteorological variables over the GoAmazon2014/5 sites is examined, and the contribution of MCSs to rainfall over that region is estimated to be about 70% of the total. Finally, the synoptic and thermodynamic conditions related to the MCSs' genesis and dissipation are discussed. It is suggested that in days with reduced MCS genesis over the GoAmazon2014/5 region, the ventilation over the continent by easterly winds from the relative cold South Atlantic Ocean favours convection at locations near the ocean as compared to those inland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Integration frameworks are specialized software tools built and adapted to facilitate the design and implementation of integration solutions. An integration solution allows for the reuse of applications from the software ecosystem of companies to support their business processes. There are several open‐source integration frameworks available on the market designed to operate in a business context to manipulate structured data; however, increasingly, they are required to deal with unstructured and large volumes of data, thus requiring effort to adapt these frameworks to work with unstructured and large volume of data. Choosing the framework, which is the easiest to be adapted, is not a trivial task. In this article, we review the newest stable versions of four open‐source integration frameworks by analyzing how they have evolved regarding their adaptive maintainability over five years. We rank them according to their maintainability degree and compare past and current versions of each framework. To encourage and enable researchers and developers to replicate our experiments, with the aim of verifying our findings, and to experiment with new versions of the integration frameworks analyzed, we detail the experimental protocol used while also having made all the required software involved available on the Web. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aerobic oxidative dehydrogenation reactions of benzylamines to imines were studied and the efficiencies of various ground- and excited state quinone organocatalysts were compared. Long wave-absorbing anthraquinones readily catalyze the aerobic photodehydrogenation of primary and secondary benzylamines to benzylidenebenzylamines with high rate and selectivity, and the reaction mechanism was studied by laser flash photolysis. Further, branched a-benzyl dibenzyl-amines undergo a regioselective photocatalytic dehydrogenation to branched aldimines, which can efficiently be converted into cis-1,3-diaryl tetrahydro-isoquinolines through diastereoselective super acid-mediated Pictet-Spengler cyclizations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surprisingly, I H. longipennis i was described at high prevalence on domestic dogs being walked in municipality parks in cities in central Poland as one of four species of hippoboscids infesting the dogs (Sokól & Galecki, 2017). In a recently published article entitled 'First report of the dog louse fly I Hippobosca longipennis i in Romania' (Mihalca I et al i ., Med. According to observations by dog owners and veterinary practitioners in Germany, I L. fortisetosa i infested dogs exhibited substantial discomfort, itching and irritation (Rehbein I et al i ., 2015), which probably questions the role of dogs as a suitable host. [Extracted from the article]

A visible light‐mediated [2+2] photocycloaddition of amide‐linked dienes using [Ir(dtb‐bpy)(dF(CF3)ppy)2]PF6 as triplet sensitizer was applied to generate a variety of N‐tert‐butyl, N‐benzyl‐ and N‐tert‐butoxycarbonyl‐protected 3‐azabicyclo[3.2.0]heptan‐2‐ones in good yields and with good diastereoselectivity. Density functional theory calculations shed light on the conformational prerequisites for the [2+2] photocycloaddition. The bicyclic key structures could be readily transformed into γ‐cyclobutane amino acids. For the obtained racemic 3‐phenyl‐2‐aminocyclobutane‐1‐carboxylic acid the resolution with chiral oxazolidin‐2‐one is demonstrated to allow access to both enantiomers. Alternatively, a chiral auxiliary approach led as well to the enantiomerically pure target compound. Finally, the synthesis of either enantiomer of 3‐(aminomethyl)‐5‐phenylpentanoic acid, the racemate being described as an anticonvulsant, is described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Giardia duodenalis is a relevant gastrointestinal protozoan pathogen of humans and animals. This species complex consists of eight genetically different assemblages. Assemblages A and B are pathogenic to humans and pets, thus confer zoonotic potential. The risk of zoonotic transmission has been controversially discussed. The aim of this monocentric cross‐sectional pilot study was to investigate G. duodenalis assemblages in humans and pets living in common households in Berlin/Brandenburg (Germany). Samples from dogs, cats and humans sharing the same households were screened for Giardia infection by antigen‐detecting assays. All human samples were additionally analysed by a Giardia‐specific qPCR. Cyst quantification and sequences of different gene loci (triosephosphate isomerase (tpi), glutamate dehydrogenase (gdh), β‐giardin (bg) and for dogs SSUrDNA) were analysed. A total of 38 households (31 households with dogs and seven with cats) with 69 human individuals participated in the study. Initial antigen‐detecting assays revealed Giardia‐positive results for 13 (39%) canine, one (14%) feline and one human sample. Reanalysis of the human samples by qPCR revealed two more positive specimens (4%). Two of these three samples were identified as assemblage B at all tested loci. Success rate of assemblage typing for pet samples was generally low and comprised mainly the SSUrDNA locus only. Overall, six of 13 Giardia‐positive canine samples were typable (2× A, 1× co‐infection: A and B, 1× C; 2× D). One pair of samples (dog and human) from the same household had a similar but not identical assemblage B sequence at tpi locus. Assemblage A was also detected in the dog specimen, which hampered sequence analysis. In conclusion, although exhibiting limitations due to the sample size, our study highlights the need for better and standardized typing tools to distinguish G. duodenalis strains with higher resolution in order to perform proper case–control studies for a realistic estimation of zoonotic risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mechanistic details of transformations catalyzed by N‐heterocyclic carbenes (NHC) are currently of great interest, targeting questions on the active catalyst in operation and the structure and reactivity of key intermediates. These mechanistic studies are driven by the need to understand the big impact of subtle changes on the catalyst system on its reactivity, as well as to clarify the situation around the elusive intermediates in the classical catalytic cycle. In the activation process of aldehydes the formation of an enaminol structure, coined the Breslow intermediate, is widely accepted. Previously, however, we could prove that this enaminol has, besides its ionic reaction pathway, also the option to follow a radical pathway, by undergoing redox processes with the starting material. In the present study we aim to elucidate if these radical pathways are a more general phenomenon, specifically in the formal hydroacylation reaction of alkynes. The observation of radical species and computational analysis of key elemental steps in the radical and ionic pathways may lead to an onward development of chemistry based on NHC‐stabilized carbon radicals. The NHC‐catalysed transformations continue to surprise with their mechanistic details. In the formal hydroacylation reaction of alkynes, radical intermediates were discovered, and their origin and reactivity analysed by EPR spectroscopy and computational chemistry and compared to the radicals observed in the benzoin reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Abstract: In classical conditioning, conditioned responses (CRs) to aversively paired (CS+) relative to unpaired (CS‐) face images are often interpreted in terms of the specific individual displayed in the CS + face image having adopted an aversive emotional connotation. This interpretation requires conditioning to rely on an association between CS + face identity and the occurrence of the aversive event (UCS). Here, we tested this requirement assuming that if an association between CS + face identity and UCS occurrence is established, CRs to originally conditioned face images should transfer to novel images of same‐identity faces. Forty‐eight participants underwent MultiCS conditioning with eight neutral faces as CSs and electric shock as UCS. Central, peripheral, evaluative, and behavioral CRs signaled successful emotional learning (as reported in Pastor et al., 2015). Behavioral and EEG responses of consecutive passive viewing showed enhanced reactions to novel angry and happy expressions of previously shocked CS + versus nonshocked CS‐ identities, indicating successful CR transfer within the dimension of face identity. Investigating the nature of CR transfer, EEG revealed an interaction of identity and expression information during face processing that followed emotional congruency (i.e., stronger reactions to congruent angry CS + and happy CS‐ vs. incongruent angry CS‐ and happy CS + compounds). While correlates of transfer appeared in late and midlatency time intervals, the congruency interaction became significant within the first 100 ms of face processing. Our results suggest conditioning to rely on an association of UCS occurrence with CS + identity and point to fast dynamic interrelations between identity and expression processing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Angewandte Chemie is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Abstract: The visible‐light‐accelerated oxo‐azidation of vinyl arenes with trimethylsilylazide and molecular oxygen as stoichiometric oxidant was achieved. In contrast to photocatalysts based on iridium, ruthenium, or organic dyes, [Cu(dap)2]Cl or [Cu(dap)Cl2] were found to be unique for this transformation, which is attributed to their ability to interact with the substrates through ligand exchange and rebound mechanisms. CuII is proposed as the catalytically active species, which upon coordinating azide will undergo light‐accelerated homolysis to form CuI and azide radicals. This activation principle (CuII‐X→CuI+X.) opens up new avenues for copper‐based photocatalysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Southeastern Brazil is the most populated and economically developed region of this country. Its climate consists of two distinct seasons: the dry season, extending from April to September, the precipitation is significantly reduced in comparison to that of the wet season, which extends from October to March. However, during nine days of the 2016 dry season, successive convective systems were associated with atypical precipitation events, tornadoes and at least one microburst over the southern part of this region. These events led to flooding, damages to buildings, shortages of electricity and water in several places, many injuries, and two documented deaths. The present study investigates the synoptic and dynamical features related to these anomalous events. The convective systems were embedded in an unstable environment with intense low-level jet flow and strong wind shear and were supported by a sequence of extratropical cyclones occurring over the Southwest Atlantic Ocean. These features were intensified by the Madden–Julian oscillation (MJO) in its phase 8 and by intense negative values of the Pacific South America (PSA) 2 mode. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Mesoscale convective systems ( MCSs) over the Amazon basin provide a large contribution to regional precipitation, which strongly influences the maintenance of unique ecosystems. Despite the importance of these MCSs, their characteristics are not well described in the literature. The present study uses a 14-year long (2000-2013) data set of high-resolution (4 km; 30 min) infrared satellite images to compile a climatology of MCSs that during the period of analysis were within the borders of the Amazon basin at some point in their lifespan. MCSs that originated over the continent and the ocean are considered separately. It is found that on average about 7200 continental and 50 oceanic MCSs occurred per year in the Amazon basin. The majority (minority) of continental (oceanic) MCSs completed their lifecycles between 3 and 5.5 h. These MCSs are studied separately from those with lifespan longer than 6 h. Continental and oceanic MCSs over the Amazon occurred primarily during austral summer and autumn-winter, respectively. The preferred regions and time for genesis of continental and oceanic MCSs are identified. The average area, propagation speed and direction of displacement for MCSs in the different stages of their lifecycle are also examined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The investigation of photoredox-induced intra- and intermolecular radical [4+2] annulations of indoles confronted us with a puzzling dichotomous behavior of structurally closely related intermediate 3-indolyl radicals, which either undergo exclusive oxidation to tricyclic tetrahydropyridoindoles or reduction to benzindolizidine products under identical reaction conditions. A combined experimental and computational study revealed that only very subtle structural changes in the substrate-reactant complexes of the key radical intermediates with amine radical cations steer the divergent product selectivities, instead of the usual reactivity parameters such as ionization potentials or partial charges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]