bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Maximizing Magnesiation Capacity of Nanowire Cluster Oxides by Conductive Macromolecule Pillaring and Multication Intercalation
Authors: Yao Zhenguo , Yu Yifan , Wu Qingping , Cui Mengnan , Zhou Xuejun , Liu Jianjun , Li Chilin
Published: July 2021

Magnesium metal batteries (MMBs) have obtained the reputation owing to the high volumetric capacity, low reduction potential, and dendrite‐free deposition behavior of the Mg metal anode. However, the bivalent nature of the Mg2+ causes its strong coulombic interaction with the cathode host, which limits the reaction kinetics and reversibility of MMBs, especially based on oxide cathodes. Herein, a synergetic modulation of host pillaring and electrolyte formulation is proposed to activate the layered V2O5 cathode with expanded interlayers via sequential intercalations of poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB). The preservation of bundled nanowire texture, copillaring behavior of PEDOT and CTA+, dual‐insertion mode of Mg2+ and MgCl+ at cathode side enable the better charge transfers in both the bulk and interface paths as well as the interaction mitigation effect between Mg‐species cations and host lattices. The introduction of CTA+ as electrolyte additive can also lower the interface resistance and smoothen the Mg anode morphology. These modifications endow the full cells coupled with metallic Mg anode with the maximized reversible capacity (288.7 mAh g‐1) and superior cyclability (over 500 cycles at 500 mA g‐1), superior to most already reported Mg‐ion shuttle batteries even based on passivation‐resistant non‐Mg anodes or operated at higher temperatures.
Assessment of existing reinforced‐concrete bridges under road‐traffic loads according to the new Italian guidelines
Authors: Cosenza Edoardo , Losanno Daniele
Published: July 2021

The Italian “Guidelines for risk classification, safety assessment and structural health monitoring of existing bridges” were recently approved to define the technical principles for the management of the national network of existing bridges. This is a powerful tool to establish a common framework for risk mitigation and safety assessment of reinforced concrete (R.C.) bridges that represent most of the existing stock. The guidelines are code‐based and allow practitioners to deal with the concepts behind the modern design in terms of target reliability and partial safety factors as well as properly developed traffic‐load models. This paper illustrates a novel methodology for safety assessment and performance class definition of existing R.C. bridges according to the guidelines. A prestressed R.C. bridge is finally presented as a case study to show the completeness of the procedure.
Monte Carlo simulation of proton- and neutron-induced radiation damage in a tantalum target irradiated by 70 MeV protons
Authors: Ophoven Niklas , Mauerhofer Eric , Li Jingjing , Rücker Ulrich , Zakalek Paul , Baggemann Johannes , Gutberlet Thomas , Brückel Thomas , Langer Christoph
Published: July 2021

Beams of free neutrons are an important probe to analyze the structure and dynamics of condensed matter and are produced at neutron research reactors, neutron spallation sources or compact accelerator-based neutron sources (CANS). An efficient construction of CANS with a maximized neutron yield and brilliance requires reliable knowledge of the consequences of radiation-induced material damage, the predominating bottleneck of a target’s lifetime. In the framework of the Jülich High-Brilliance neutron Source project, the impact of proton- and neutron-induced material damage of a tantalum target was investigated. The Monte Carlo codes FLUKA and SRIM were utilized to extract the number of displacements per atom resulting from atomic rearrangements. The simulations performed distinctly identify the rear of the neutron target as the most vulnerable area, with the protons as main damage contributors. The minor contribution of neutrons is a material-specific phenomenon due to their high mean free path length in tantalum. Numerical results of the simulations served to calculate average and peak damage rates $${R}_{\mathrm{d}}$$

R
d

(dpa/s), both in turn scaled to annual displacement doses for continuous operation in a full power year (dpa/fpy). Supplemented by the literature, a minimum target lifetime $$\tau _{\min }$$

τ
min

of 2.6 years (33 Ah) is concluded.
Decrease of choriocapillary vascular density measured by optical coherence tomography angiography in Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease
Authors: Liang Anyi , Jia Shanshan , Gao Fei , Han Xiaoxu , Pei Minghang , Qu Yi , Xiao Junyan , Zhao Chan , Zhang Meifen
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Changes of choroidal circulation throughout the disease course of Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) disease and the clinical significance remain unclear. Choriocapillary vascular density (CC VD) measured by optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) were compared in different disease stages of VKH and its correlation with other parameters was analyzed, aiming to explore their clinical relevance.

Methods

This is a retrospective case series. One hundred and fourteen VKH patients and 47 normal controls (NCs) were included. Patients were grouped into the acute uveitic, convalescent, and chronic recurrent stages (only anterior recurrent cases included), and OCTA images were obtained from VKH patients in these stages. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), CC VD, and subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) were recorded and compared.

Results

CC VD in acute (58.26% ± 0.84%), convalescent (64.85% ± 0.33%), and chronic recurrent (62.78% ± 0.70%) stage of VKH patients were all significantly lower than that in NCs (66.37% ± 0.41%) (p < 0.001, p = 0.017, and p < 0.001, respectively). CC VD increased by 6.59% ± 0.91% with resolution of acute inflammation (p < 0.001) and decreased by 2.07% ± 0.74% during anterior uveitis relapse (p = 0.009). Patients with a positive history of anterior recurrence had lower CC VD (− 2.43% ± 0.75%, p = 0.003) in the convalescent stage than those without. CC VD was negatively correlated with logMAR BCVA in VKH (r =  − 0.261, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

CC VD was decreased in every stage of VKH. CC VD has the potential to reflect the status of uveitis and might be promising in monitoring the disease activity. OCTA is a convenient and straightforward tool to evaluate choroidal vascularity, and CC VD provides supplemental quantitative information of the choriocapillaris. Further studies are needed to explore the values of OCTA quantitative parameters in monitoring VKH progression, predicting visual prognosis, and guiding clinical decisions.
The language profile in multiple system atrophy: an exploratory study
Authors: Cuoco Sofia , Picillo Marina , Carotenuto Immacolata , Erro Roberto , Catricalà Eleonora , Cappa Stefano , Pellecchia Maria Teresa , Barone Paolo
Published: July 2021

Background

The evidence about the language performance profile of multiple system atrophy (MSA) is limited, but its definition may lead to a more comprehensive characterization of the disorder and contribute to clarify the involvement of the basal ganglia in language abilities.

Objective

The objectives of the study were: (1) to evaluate the reliability of the Screening for Aphasia in NeuroDegeneration (SAND) in MSA patients; (2) compare the linguistic profiles among MSA and Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients and healthy controls (HC), and (3) assess relationships between language impairment and cognitive status and MSA motor subtypes.

Methods and results

Forty patients with a diagnosis of MSA, 22 HC and 17 patients with PD were enrolled in the present study. By excluding the writing task that showed a poor acceptability, we showed that the MSA-tailored SAND Global Score is an acceptable, consistent and reliable tool to screen language disturbances in MSA. MSA patients performed worse than HC, but not than PD, in MSA-tailored SAND Global Score, repetition, reading and semantic association tasks. We did not find significant differences between MSA phenotypes. MSA patients with mild cognitive impairment-multiple domain presented worse language performances as compared to MSA patients with normal cognition and mild cognitive impairment-single domain.

Conclusion

The MSA-tailored SAND Global Score is a consistent and reliable tool to screen language disturbances in MSA. Language disturbances characterize MSA patients irrespective of disease phenotype, and parallel the decline of global cognitive functions.
A systematic review on diagnostics and surgical treatment of adult right-sided Bochdalek hernias and presentation of the current management pathway
Authors: Ramspott J. P. , Jäger T. , Lechner M. , Schredl P. , Gabersek A. , Mayer F. , Emmanuel K. , Regenbogen S.
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Bochdalek hernia is a congenital diaphragmatic hernia. The incidence in adults is estimated around 0.17%. Right-sided hernias are much more seldom than left-sided ones because of faster closure of the right pleuroperitoneal canal and the protective effect of the liver. Due to its rarity, there have been no large prospective or retrospective studies following great need for evidence-based diagnostics and treatment strategies. In this systematic review, we evaluated the current evidence of diagnostics, treatment, and follow-up of adult right-sided Bochdalek hernias.

Methods

According to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines a systematic literature review was conducted in PubMed and Cochrane library from 2004 to January 2021. The literature search included all studies with non-traumatic right-sided Bochdalek hernias. Literature on left- or both-sided, pregnancy-associated, pediatric, and other types of hernias were explicitly excluded. Quality assessment of the included studies was performed.

Results

Database search identified 401 records. After eligibility screening 41 studies describing 44 cases of right-sided non-traumatic Bochdalek hernias in adulthood were included for final analysis. Based upon the systematic literature review, the current diagnostic, therapeutic, and follow-up management pathway for this rare surgical emergency is presented.

Conclusion

This systematic review underlined that most studies investigating management of adult non-traumatic right-sided Bochdalek hernias are of moderate to low methodological quality. Hernias tend to occur more frequently in middle-aged and older women presenting with abdominal pain and dyspnea. A rapid and accurate diagnosis following surgical repair and regular follow-up is mandatory. High-quality studies focusing on the management of this rare entity are urgently needed.
Differences in social-space–time behaviour of two red deer herds (Cervus elaphus)
Authors: Gillich Benjamin , Michler Frank-Uwe , Stolter Caroline , Rieger Siegfried
Published: July 2021

Social-space–time-behaviour has developed very differently (e.g. a, loner, a herd, a pack) in the animal kingdom and depends on many different factors, like food availability, competition, predator avoidance or disturbances. It is known, that red deer are differently distributed in human disturbed areas compared to areas with less anthropogenic influences. But knowledge about the potential influence of human presence on social associations and interactions is rare, albeit differences may result in changing impacts on the environment, such as habitat utilization and feeding damage. Therefore, we investigated differences in the space use and social association of red deer. We studied two radio-collared herds of non-migratory populations in two study areas, which were comparable in landscape structure and vegetation structure, but differed in accessibility for visitors and the extent of their presence. Between the two study sites we compared the home range size, the differences in the extent of home range overlap within each study site and the space–time association (Jacobs Index) of individuals. Additionally, we present data on seasonal variations of home range sizes and social association all year round. In order to compare human activity in the study sites, we used the data from our long-term camera trap monitoring. The herd in the area with more human activity had significantly smaller home ranges and had greater year-round social associations in almost all seasons, except summer. We assume that smaller home ranges and higher association between animals may result in a higher feeding pressure on plants and a patchier utilization in areas with higher disturbances.
Considering sex/gender in interventions to promote children’s and adolescents’ leisure-time physical activity: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Schulze Carolin , Bucksch Jens , Demetriou Yolanda , Emmerling Sandra , Linder Stephanie , Reimers Anne K
Published: July 2021

Aim

The main objectives of this systematic review were to evaluate the effects of interventions on leisure-time PA of boys and girls and to appraise the extent to which studies have taken sex/gender into account.

Subject and methods

PRISMA guidelines were followed. Two researchers independently screened studies for eligibility and assessed the risk of bias. Descriptive analyses were conducted to evaluate intervention effects in relation to the consideration of sex/gender in the studies based on a newly developed checklist. Additionally, meta-analyses were performed to determine the effect of interventions on girls’ and boys’ leisure-time PA.

Results

Overall 31 unique studies reported 44 outcomes on leisure-time PA and 20,088 participants were included in the current study. Consideration of sex/gender aspects in studies is low. PA outcomes with statistically significant same/similar effects in boys and girls showed higher quality of reporting sex/gender aspects of theoretical and/or conceptual linkages with sex/gender, measurement instruments, intervention delivery, location and interventionists and participant flow than PA outcomes without significant effects in both boys and girls or effects only in boys or girls. Interventions had a small but significant effect on girls (number of included studies (k) = 9, g = 0.220, p = .003) and boys (k = 7, g = 0.193, p = .020) leisure-time PA.

Conclusion

Higher reporting of sex/gender aspects may improve leisure-time PA of boys and girls. Nevertheless, there remains a need to address sufficient consideration of sex/gender aspects in interventions in the context of PA.
Philosophy of Science and Philosophy: The Long Flight Home
Authors: Marcos Alfredo
Published: July 2021

In this article, I argue that there is philosophy of science since philosophy existed. Thus, the idea that the philosophy of science was born with neopositivism is historically wrong and detrimental to the development of the philosophy of science itself. Neopositivism tried to found the philosophy of science as an anti-philosophical discipline, as a field of study that came to replace simple philosophy. The attempt was maintained for thirty years, but failed. Now, this does not mean that we cannot make good philosophy of science today, but that the philosophy of science has returned to the common house of philosophy, it is gradually recovering the connection that it should never have lost with the main philosophical traditions and disciplines.
A new method for earthquake-induced damage identification in historic masonry towers combining OMA and IDA
Authors: Kita Alban , Cavalagli Nicola , Venanzi Ilaria , Ubertini Filippo
Published: July 2021

This paper presents a novel method for rapidly addressing the earthquake-induced damage identification task in historic masonry towers. The proposed method, termed DORI, combines operational modal analysis (OMA), FE modeling, rapid surrogate modeling (SM) and non-linear Incremental dynamic analysis (IDA). While OMA-based Structural Health Monitoring methods using statistical pattern recognition are known to allow the detection of small structural damages due to earthquakes, even far-field ones of moderate intensity, the combination of SM and IDA-based methods for damage localization and quantification is here proposed. The monumental bell tower of the Basilica of San Pietro located in Perugia, Italy, is considered for the validation of the method. While being continuously monitored since 2014, the bell tower experienced the main shocks of the 2016 Central Italy seismic sequence and the on-site vibration-based monitoring system detected changes in global dynamic behavior after the earthquakes. In the paper, experimental vibration data (continuous and seismic records), FE models and surrogate models of the structure are used for post-earthquake damage localization and quantification exploiting an ideal subdivision of the structure into meaningful macroelements. Results of linear and non-linear numerical modeling (SM and IDA, respectively) are successfully combined to this aim and the continuous exchange of information between the physical reality (monitoring data) and the virtual models (FE models and surrogate models) effectively enforces the Digital Twin paradigm. The earthquake-induced damage identified by both data-driven and model-based strategies is finally confirmed by in-situ visual inspections.
Investigating the drivers of the unprecedented Chernobyl Power Plant Wildfire in April 2020 and its effects on 137Cs dispersal
Authors: Newman-Thacker Fiona , Turnbull Laura
Published: July 2021

In this study, we explore the conditions that led to the unprecedented wildfire that occurred in the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone in April 2020 and the effect of this fire on 137Cs dispersal, as wildfires are important drivers of 137Cs resuspension, with potentially harmful consequences for the receiving ecosystems. We characterised the historical wildfire record between 2000 and 2020 using the MCD64A1.006 MODIS Burned Area Monthly Global 500 m dataset and assessed the climatic conditions associated with these wildfire events using ERA5-Land reanalysis data. We also examined fire danger indices at the time of these wildfires. We then explored the widespread effects of the April 2020 wildfire on 137Cs resuspension and subsequent deposition using the NOAA-HYSPLIT model, concluding that the impacts of such resuspension on areas further afield were minimal. Results show that climatic conditions leading to severe wildfires are increasing, especially during March and April. High soil moisture, relative humidity and extreme temperature anomalies are associated with the largest wildfires on record, and fire risk indices at the time of the April 2020 fire were higher than for other large fires on record. We have estimated that 3854 GBq of 137Cs resuspended during the CPPF, with atmospheric transport dominant over Russia, Ukraine, Moldova and Kazakhstan. The observed increase in large wildfires will have implications for wildfire-driven soil erosion processes, which will further exacerbate the effects of atmospheric-driven 137Cs redistribution.
Pharmacists’ involvement in COVID-19 vaccination across Europe: a situational analysis of current practice and policy
Authors: Paudyal Vibhu , Fialová Daniela , Henman Martin C. , Hazen Ankie , Okuyan Betul , Lutters Monika , Cadogan Cathal , da Costa Filipa Alves , Galfrascoli Elena , Pudritz Yvonne Marina , Rydant Silas , Acosta-Gómez Jaime
Published: July 2021

One year since the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, rapid response measures have been implemented internationally to mitigate the spread of the virus. Following rapid and successful pre-clinical and human trials, several vaccines have been authorised for use across Europe through
the European Medicines Agency and national regulatory authorities. Clinical trials have shown promising results including important reductions in disease severity, hospitalisation and mortality. In order to maximise the public health benefit of available vaccines, there is a pressing need to vaccinate a large proportion of the population. Internationally, this has prompted coordination of existing services at enormous scale, and development and implementation of novel vaccination strategies to ensure maximum inoculation over the shortest possible timeframe. Pharmacists are being promoted as healthcare professionals that enhance roll-out of COVID-19 vaccination programmes. This paper aims to summarise current policy and practice in relation to pharmacists’ involvement in COVID-19 vaccination in 13 countries across Europe.
Clinical pharmacists in Dutch general practice: an integrated care model to provide optimal pharmaceutical care
Authors: Hazen Ankie , Sloeserwij Vivianne , Pouls Bart , Leendertse Anne , de Gier Han , Bouvy Marcel , de Wit Niek , Zwart Dorien
Published: July 2021

Background Medication-related harm is a major problem in healthcare. New models of integrated care are required to guarantee safe and efficient use of medication. Aim To prevent medication-related harm by integrating a clinical pharmacist in the general practice team. This best practice paper provides an overview of 1. the development of this function and the integration process and 2. its impact, measured with quantitative and qualitative analyses. Setting Ten general practices in the Netherlands. Development and implementation of the (pragmatic) experiment We designed a 15-month workplace-based post-graduate learning program to train pharmacists to become clinical pharmacists integrated in general practice teams. In close collaboration with general practitioners, clinical pharmacists conduct clinical medication reviews (CMRs), hold patient consultations for medication-related problems, carry out quality improvement projects and educate the practice staff. As part of the Pharmacotherapy Optimisation through Integration of a Non-dispensing pharmacist in a primary care Team (POINT) intervention study, ten pharmacists worked full-time in general practices for 15 months and concurrently participated in the training program. Evaluation of this integrated care model included both quantitative and qualitative analyses of the training program, professional identity formation and effectiveness on medication safety. Evaluation The integrated care model improved medication safety: less medication-related hospitalisations occurred compared to usual care (rate ratio 0.68 (95% CI: 0.57–0.82)). Essential hereto were the workplace-based training program and full integration in the GP practices: this supported the development of a new professional identity as clinical pharmacist. This new caregiver proved to align well with the general practitioner. Conclusion A clinical pharmacist in general practice proves a feasible integrated care model to improve the quality of drug therapy.
Functional Inequalities for Two-Level Concentration
Authors: Barthe Franck , Strzelecki Michał
Published: July 2021

Probability measures satisfying a Poincaré inequality are known to enjoy a dimension-free concentration inequality with exponential rate. A celebrated result of Bobkov and Ledoux shows that a Poincaré inequality automatically implies a modified logarithmic Sobolev inequality. As a consequence the Poincaré inequality ensures a stronger dimension-free concentration property, known as two-level concentration. We show that a similar phenomenon occurs for the Latała–Oleszkiewicz inequalities, which were devised to uncover dimension-free concentration with rate between exponential and Gaussian. Motivated by the search for counterexamples to related questions, we also develop analytic techniques to study functional inequalities for probability measures on the line with wild potentials.
Does retirement reduce familiarity with Information and Communication Technology?
Authors: Cavapozzi Danilo , Dal Bianco Chiara
Published: July 2021

This paper analyses the effect of retirement on the familiarity with Information and Communication Technology (ICT) of older individuals. We argue that inability to cope with ICT might represent a threat for older individuals’ social inclusion. To account for the potential endogeneity of retirement with respect to familiarity with ICT, we instrument retirement decision with the age-eligibility for early and statutory retirement pension schemes. Using data from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe, we show that retirement reduces the computer literacy and the frequency of internet utilization for men and women. This finding is robust to the inclusion as control factors of health, cognition and social network indicators, which the literature has shown to be affected by retirement. Overall, the reduction in the familiarity with ICT after retirement tends to be stronger in the long-run.
Geographic modeling and simulation systems for geographic research in the new era: Some thoughts on their development and construction
Authors: Chen Min , Lv Guonian , Zhou Chenghu , Lin Hui , Ma Zaiyang , Yue Songshan , Wen Yongning , Zhang Fengyuan , Wang Jin , Zhu Zhiyi , Xu Kai , He Yuanqing
Published: July 2021

Regionality, comprehensiveness, and complexity are regarded as the basic characteristics of geography. The exploration of their core connotations is an essential way to achieve breakthroughs in geography in the new era. This paper focuses on the important method in geographic research: Geographic modeling and simulation. First, we clarify the research requirements of the said three characteristics of geography and its potential to address geo-problems in the new era. Then, the supporting capabilities of the existing geographic modeling and simulation systems for geographic research are summarized from three perspectives: Model resources, modeling processes, and operational architecture. Finally, we discern avenues for future research of geographic modeling and simulation systems for the study of regional, comprehensive and complex characteristics of geography. Based on these analyses, we propose implementation architecture of geographic modeling and simulation systems and discuss the module composition and functional realization, which could provide theoretical and technical support for geographic modeling and simulation systems to better serve the development of geography in the new era.
Influence of Simulated Deep Brain Stimulation on the Expression of Inflammatory Mediators by Human Central Nervous System Cells In Vitro
Authors: Kubelt Carolin , Molkewehrum Henri , Lucius Ralph , Synowitz Michael , Held-Feindt Janka , Helmers Ann-Kristin
Published: July 2021

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) seems to modulate inflammatory processes. Whether this modulation leads to an induction or suppression of inflammatory mediators is still controversially discussed. Most studies of the influence of electrical stimulation on inflammation were conducted in rodent models with direct current stimulation and/or long impulses, both of which differ from the pattern in DBS. This makes comparisons with the clinical condition difficult. We established an in-vitro model that simulated clinical stimulation patterns to investigate the influence of electrical stimulation on proliferation and survival of human astroglial cells, microglia, and differentiated neurons. We also examined its influence on the expression of the inflammatory mediators C-X-C motif chemokine (CXCL)12, CXCL16, CC-chemokin-ligand-2 (CCL)2, CCL20, and interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6 by these cells using quantitative polymerase chain reaction. In addition, protein expression was assessed by immunofluorescence double staining. In our model, electrical stimulation did not affect proliferation or survival of the examined cell lines. There was a significant upregulation of CXCL12 in the astrocyte cell line SVGA, and of IL-1β in differentiated SH-SY5Y neuronal cells at both messenger RNA and protein levels. Our model allowed a valid examination of chemokines and cytokines associated with inflammation in human brain cells. With it, we detected the induction of inflammatory mediators by electrical stimulation in astrocytes and neurons.
Tight carbonate gas well deliverability evaluation and reasonable production proration analysis
Authors: Li Jiang , Chen Xianchao , Gao Ping , Zhou Jingchao
Published: July 2021

It is very important to accurately predict the gas well productivity and reasonably allocate the gas production at the early development stage of gas reservoirs. However, both the non-Darcy and stress sensitivity effects have not been investigated in dual-porosity model of tight carbonate gas reservoirs. This paper proposed a new dual-porosity binomial deliverability model and single-well production proration numerical model, which consider the effects of non-Darcy and stress sensitivity. The field gas well deliverability tests data validated the accuracy of the new analytical model, which is a very helpful deliverability method when lacking deliverability test. A geological model was built on the results of the well log, well testing, and well production analysis. Then, a reasonable production proration analysis was conducted based on history matched single-well numerical model. The gas productivity index curve and production–prediction of MX22 several simulation cases were adopted to analyze the reasonable production proration. The results indicate that 1/6 may be suitable for high productivity gas well proration. In addition, the absolute open flow rate from the numerical simulation is higher than that from the new deliverability equation, which also shows that the pressure transient analysis sometimes has some deviation in formation property prediction. It is suggested comprehensively utilizing the analytical binomial model and the single-well numerical model in tight carbonate gas well deliverability evaluation.
Trends in human activity recognition using smartphones
Authors: Ferrari Anna , Micucci Daniela , Mobilio Marco , Napoletano Paolo
Published: July 2021

Recognizing human activities and monitoring population behavior are fundamental needs of our society. Population security, crowd surveillance, healthcare support and living assistance, and lifestyle and behavior tracking are some of the main applications that require the recognition of human activities. Over the past few decades, researchers have investigated techniques that can automatically recognize human activities. This line of research is commonly known as Human Activity Recognition (HAR). HAR involves many tasks: from signals acquisition to activity classification. The tasks involved are not simple and often require dedicated hardware, sophisticated engineering, and computational and statistical techniques for data preprocessing and analysis. Over the years, different techniques have been tested and different solutions have been proposed to achieve a classification process that provides reliable results. This survey presents the most recent solutions proposed for each task in the human activity classification process, that is, acquisition, preprocessing, data segmentation, feature extraction, and classification. Solutions are analyzed by emphasizing their strengths and weaknesses. For completeness, the survey also presents the metrics commonly used to evaluate the goodness of a classifier and the datasets of inertial signals from smartphones that are mostly used in the evaluation phase.
Continuous positive airway pressure treatment in sleep apnea: patient compliance and impact on the right heart
Authors: Harańczyk Michał , Konieczyńska Małgorzata , Płazak Wojciech
Published: July 2021

Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is considered to be an important predisposing factor for cardiovascular diseases. The main objective of this study was to investigate the impact of CPAP treatment on cardiac structure and function and to assess patient compliance over a long-term course of CPAP treatment. A total of 50 patients diagnosed with moderate-to-severe OSAS based on overnight study, without relevant concomitant diseases were enrolled. Patient compliance, along with echocardiographic and CPAP parameters, was assessed. The average time to follow-up was 38 ± 4.2 months. An increase in tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) (22.1 ± 4.3–25.5 ± 4.6 mm,p = 0.005) and peak early systolic tricuspid annular velocity (S’) (14 ± 3.2–17.2 ± 5.2 cm/s,p = 0.005) after CPAP treatment was noted. In patients without CPAP, no significant change in right ventricular (RV) contractility was found. There were no significant differences regarding right atrial (RA) and RV diameters, as well as tricuspid regurgitant peak gradient (TRPG) in both groups; however, a predisposition to increased RA size along with RV and tricuspid annulus diameters was revealed. The mean duration of nightly CPAP use was 3 ± 2.3 h/night in all-day analysis and 4.7 ± 2.1 h/night on days with device usage. The non-adherence rate was 57%. The use of effective CPAP therapy may lead to increased RV systolic function in patients with OSAS in long-term observation. However, long-term patient compliance is generally poor. Regardless of CPAP therapy, a gradual increase in heart size is observed.
Optimal design of high efficiency double helical gear based on dynamics model
Authors: Lu Fengxia , Cao Xuechen , Liu Weiping
Published: July 2021

A 16-degree-of-freedom dynamic model for the load contact analysis of a double helical gear considering sliding friction is established. The dynamic equation is solved by the Runge–Kutta method to obtain the vibration displacement. The method combines the friction coefficient model based on the elastohydrodynamic lubrication theory with the dynamic model, which provides a theoretical basis for the calculation of the power loss of the transmission system. Moreover, the sensitivity analysis of the parameters that affect the transmission efficiency is carried out, and an optimization method of meshing efficiency is proposed without reducing the bending strength of the gears. This method can directly guide the design of the double helical gear transmission system.
Comment on “Pressure‐to‐Depth Conversion Models for Metamorphic Rocks: Derivation and Applications” by Bauville and Yamato
Authors: Jiang Dazhi
Published: July 2021

Bauville and Yamato (2021, https://doi.org/10.1029/2020gc009280) (G‐cubed) propose model‐based methods to convert metamorphic pressures to depths based on the claim that pressure data from global (ultra)high‐pressure([U]HP) rocks challenge the lithostatic assumption and support their model which invokes excessive overpressures. It is argued here that the opposite is true: Natural pressure data are fully consistent with the lithostatic assumption. They reflect selection of (U)HP rocks by accessibility and preservation. The data are however inconsistent with the model predictions of Yamato and Brun (2017, https://doi.org/10.1038/ngeo2852) and Bauville and Yamato (2021, https://doi.org/10.1029/2020gc009280). Furthermore, their model requires critical assumptions that are not justified by the principles of rock mechanics and unsupported by microstructures from (U)HP rocks.
Has the Gulf Stream Slowed or Shifted in the Altimetry Era?
Authors: Chi Lequan , Wolfe Christopher L. P. , Hameed Sultan
Published: July 2021

The Gulf Stream (GS) is expected to slow and shift poleward over the next century due to climate change. We investigate whether such changes are already observable in the altimetric record (1993–2018) using along‐track altimetry. Decadal trends in latitude, speed, transport, and width are calculated in stream‐following coordinates to avoid spurious signals due to changes in higher‐frequency GS variability. Statistically significant trends are few and apparently randomly distributed. Further, small changes to the length of the record lead to large changes in the trends and their significance. These results suggest that the current observations are insufficient to detect significant trends in these metrics. If the trends continue at the current rate, detection of trends at more than half of the altimetry tracks would require 22–23 additional years of observations for latitude and transport and 44 additional years for speed.
Representation of Dropsonde‐Observed Atmospheric River Conditions in Reanalyses
Authors: Cobb A. , Delle Monache L. , Cannon F. , Ralph F. M.
Published: July 2021

Atmospheric rivers (ARs) are the primary mechanism for mid‐latitude water vapor transport, and are identified by a key variable, integrated water vapor transport (IVT). The ability of atmospheric reanalyses in providing a ground‐truth dataset for the IVT field is assessed by comparing ERA5, MERRA‐2, and JRA‐55 data against a large sample (>1,700) of dropsonde profiles deployed in and around ARs. Bias and error increase with IVT magnitude, although asymmetrically around the AR core. A partitioning of the source of error reveals that humidity contributes more to the difference in IVT above 800 hPa, while wind is the dominant source in the lowest levels (to 950 hPa). This quantification of reanalysis error and bias identifies ERA5 as the dataset with the lowest IVT errors and demonstrates remaining challenges in representing the observed state in ARs.
Enhanced Intraseasonal Variability of the Upper Layers in the Southern Bay of Bengal During the Summer 2016
Authors: Huang Huaming , Wang Dongxiao , Yang Lei , Huang Ke
Published: July 2021

Intraseasonal variability (ISV) of the upper 500 m circulation in the southern Bay of Bengal (SBOB) is investigated by using mooring observations and analyzing model outputs. An enhanced ISV is found in the upper 500 m currents during summer 2016. In summer 2016, a boreal summer intraseasonal oscillation (BSISO) propagated northward in tropical Indian Ocean. The intraseasonal easterly anomaly associated with the BSISO forces the equatorial wave to propagate into SBOB, driving the ISV of the upper currents. However, the analysis shows that the enhancement of ISV may be more related to the oceanic instability. During summer 2016, the intensity of the southwest monsoon current (SMC) significantly increased with the position of the flow axis closer to the SBOB's eastern boundary. Energy analysis reveals that the SMC could strengthen the westward propagating Rossby wave through baroclinic and barotropic instability, which can lead to the enhanced ISV of the upper currents in SBOB.
Spin-crossover iron(ii) long-chain complex with slow spin equilibrium at low temperatures
Authors: Zhao Qi , Xue Jin-Peng , Liu Zhi-Kun , Yao Zi-Shuo , Tao Jun
Published: July 2021

[FeII(H2Bpz2)2(C9bpy)] (1; H2Bpz2 = dihydrobis(1-pyrazolyl) borate, C9bpy = 4,4′-dinonyl-2,2′-bipyridine), showed incomplete one-step spin-crossover behavior with completeness depending on the measurement velocity and annealing time as well as light irradiation.
LMMSE channel estimation for OFDM systems with channel correlation function selection
Authors: Mei Kai , Liu Jun , Liu Xiaoran , Xiong Jun , Zhang Xiaoying , Wei Jibo
Published: July 2021

In the linear minimum mean square error (LMMSE) estimation for orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) systems, the channel correlation function (CCF) is required. Some methods have been proposed to calculate the CCF. Instead of providing a novel method to obtain the CCF, a scheme is developed for the estimator to select among different CCFs. In this paper, an enhanced LMMSE estimation is proposed that is able to select the best‐matched CCF within a candidate set. To this end, a parameter comparison scheme is proposed, in which the possible channel statistics for the LMMSE estimation can be evaluated using the sampled noise MSE. Analytical expressions are thus derived to indicate the accuracy of the proposed scheme. Furthermore, fuzzy bound is provided as the performance metric, which reflects the resolution of the parameter comparison scheme. As an example of application, the enhanced LMMSE method is used with the block pilot pattern in the OFDM systems, and the possible CCF candidates for typical scenarios are presented. The complexity of the estimator is also analyzed and a simplified parameter comparison algorithm is proposed to reduce the complexity. Finally, the theoretical analysis and performance comparison are demonstrated by simulation experiments.
Primordial nucleosynthesis with varying fundamental constants
Authors: Deal M. , Martins C. J. A. P.
Published: July 2021

The success of primordial nucleosynthesis has been limited by the long-standing lithium problem. We use a self-consistent perturbative analysis of the effects of the relevant theoretical parameters on primordial nucleosynthesis, including variations of nature’s fundamental constants, to explore the problem and its possible solutions in the context of the latest observations and theoretical modeling. We quantify the amount of depletion needed to solve the lithium problem, and show that transport processes of chemical elements in stars are able to account for it. Specifically, the combination of atomic diffusion, rotation, and penetrative convection allows us to reproduce the lithium surface abundances of Population II stars, starting from the primordial lithium abundance. We also show that even with this depletion factor, a preference for a value of the fine-structure constant at this epoch remains that is larger than the value currently obtained in the laboratory by a few parts per million of relative variation at a statistical significance level of two to three standard deviations. This preference is driven by the recently reported discrepancy between the best-fit values for the baryon-to-photon ratio (or equivalently, the Deuterium abundance) inferred from cosmic microwave background and primordial nucleosynthesis analyses, and is largely insensitive to the Helium-4 abundance. We thus conclude that the lithium problem most likely has an astrophysical solution, while the Deuterium discrepancy provides a possible indication of new physics.
Fourcade-Figueroa galaxy: A clearly disrupted superthin edge-on galaxy
Authors: Saponara J. , Kamphuis P. , Koribalski B. S. , Benaglia P.
Published: July 2021

Context. Studies of the stellar and the H I gas kinematics in dwarf and low surface brightness (LSB) galaxies are essential for deriving constraints on their dark matter distribution. Moreover, a key component to unveil in the evolution of LSBs is to determine why some of them can be classified as superthin.

Aims. We aim to investigate the nature of the proto-typical superthin galaxy Fourcade-Figueroa (FF) to understand the role played by the dark matter halo in forming its superthin shape and to investigate the mechanism that explains the observed disruption in the approaching side of the galaxy.

Methods. Combining new H I 21 cm observations obtained with the Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope with archival data from the Australia Telescope Compact Array we were able to obtain sensitive H I observations of the FF galaxy. These data were modelled with a 3D tilted ring model in order to derive the rotation curve and surface brightness density of the neutral hydrogen. We subsequently used this model, combined with a stellar profile from the literature, to derive the radial distribution of the dark matter in the FF galaxy. Additionally, we used a more direct measurement of the vertical H I gas distribution as a function of the galactocentric radius to determine the flaring of the gas disk.

Results. For the FF galaxy, the Navarro-Frenk-White dark matter distribution provides the best fit to the observed rotation curve. However, the differences with a pseudo-isothermal halo are small. Both models indicate that the core of the dark matter halo is compact. Even though the FF galaxy classifies as superthin, the gas thickness about the galactic centre exhibits a steep flaring of the gas that agrees with the edge of the stellar disk. In addition, FF is clearly disrupted towards its north-west side, clearly observed at optical and H I wavelengths. As suggested previously in the literature, the compact dark matter halo might be the main cause for the superthin structure of the stellar disk in FF. This idea is strengthened through the detection of the disruption; the fact that the galaxy is disturbed also appears to support the idea that it is not isolation that causes its superthin structure.
Cu-Catalyzed C–H Activation Reaction: One-Pot Direct Synthesis of Xanthine and Uric Acid Derivatives from 5-Bromouracil
Authors: Roy Brindaban , Rahaman Habibur , Hazra Somjit , Mondal Biplab
Published: July 2021

A one-pot direct synthesis of xanthine and uric acid derivates is reported. This simple yet efficient methodology illustrates concurrent formation of two C–N bonds using CuBr2 as catalyst and one of those C–N bonds is formed by uracil C6–H bond activation.
Evaluation and Management of Early Onset Genetic Obesity in Childhood
Authors: Malhotra Sonali , Sivasubramanian Ramya , Srivastava Gitanjali
Published: July 2021

One in five children and adolescents in the United States are diagnosed with obesity and nearly 6% of them are being classified under the severe obesity category. With over 7% of severe obesity being attributed to genetic disorders, in this review we aim to focus on monogenic and syndromic obesity: its etiology, wide spectrum of clinical presentation, criticalness of early identification, and limited management options. Advanced genetic testing methods including microarray and whole genome sequencing are imperative to identify the spectrum of mutations and develop targeted treatment strategies including personalized multidisciplinary care, use of investigational drugs, and explore surgical options in this unique subset of severe pediatric obesity.
Total Synthesis of Macaranin B
Authors: Matsumoto Shintaro , Aoyama Akio , Wakamori Shinnosuke , Yamada Hidetoshi
Published: July 2021

This study describes the total synthesis of macaranin B, a naturally occurring ellagitannin containing 1-O-galloyl and 3,6-O-macaranoyl groups in an axial-rich d-glucose. The key steps of the synthesis include an oxidative coupling reaction of galloyl groups with 1,2,4-orthoacetylglucose moiety and oxa-Michael addition/elimination using an orthoquinone monoketal. This facilitates the construction of the macaranoyl group and the first total synthesis of macaranin B.
Characterization of 3-isopropylmalate dehydrogenase from extremely halophilic archaeon Haloarcula japonica
Authors: Nagaoka Shintaro , Sugiyama Noriko , Yatsunami Rie , Nakamura Satoshi
Published: July 2021

3-Isopropylmalate dehydrogenase (IPMDH) catalyzes oxidative decarboxylation of (2R, 3S)-3-isopropylmalate to 2-oxoisocaproate in leucine biosynthesis. In this study, recombinant IPMDH (HjIPMDH) from an extremely halophilic archaeon, Haloarcula japonica TR-1, was characterized. Activity of HjIPMDH increased as KCl concentration increased, and the maximum activity was observed at 3.0 m KCl. Analytical ultracentrifugation revealed that HjIPMDH formed a homotetramer at high KCl concentrations, and it dissociated to a monomer at low KCl concentrations. Additionally, HjIPMDH was thermally stabilized by higher KCl concentrations. This is the first report on haloarchaeal IPMDH.