bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The inter-individual anatomical variation of the trochlear notch as a predisposition for simple elbow dislocation
Authors: Kilgus Sofia , Eder Christian , Siegert Paul , Moroder Philipp , Zimmermann Elke , Thiele Kathi
Published: December 2021

Purpose

Besides the multi-layered capsule–ligamentous complex of the elbow joint the high bony congruence in the ulnohumeral joint contributes to elbow stability. Therefore, we assume that specific anatomical configurations of the trochlear notch predispose to dislocation. In case of ligamentous elbow dislocation both conservative and surgical treatment is possible without a clear treatment algorithm. Findings of constitutional bony configurations could help deciding for the best treatment option.

Methods

In this retrospective matched-pair analysis we compared MRI imaging from patients sustaining a primary traumatic elbow dislocation (instability group) with patients suffering from chronic lateral epicondylitis (control group), treated between 2009 and 2019. Two independent observers measured different anatomical landmarks of the trochlear notch in a multiplanar reconstructed standardized sagittal trochlear plane (SSTP). Primarily, opening angle and relative depth of the trochlear notch were determined. After adjustment to the proximal ulnar rim in the SSTP, coronoid and olecranon angle, the articular angle as well as the ratio of the tip heights of the trochlear notch were measured.

Results

We compared 34 patients in the instability group (age 48 ± 14 years, f/m 19/15) with 34 patients in the control group (age 47 ± 16 years, f/m 19/15). Instability group showed a significantly larger opening angle (94.1° ± 6.9° vs. 88.5° ± 6.9°, p = 0.0002), olecranon angle (60.9° ± 5.3° vs. 56.1° ± 5.1°, p < 0.0001) and articular angle (24.7° ± 6.4° vs. 22.3° ± 5.8°, p = 0.02) compared to the control group. Measuring the height from the coronoid (ch) and olecranon (oh) tip also revealed a significantly larger tip ratio (tr = ch/oh) in the instability group (2.7 ± 0.8 vs. 2.2 ± 0.5, p < 0.0001). The relative depth (61.0% ± 8.3% vs. 62.7% ± 6.0%, p = 0.21) of the trochlear notch as well as the coronoid angle (32.8° ± 4.5° vs. 31.7° ± 5.2°, p = 0.30) showed no significant difference in the instability group compared to the control group. The interrater reliability of all measurements was between 0.83 and 0.94.

Conclusion

MRI of patients with elbow dislocation show that there seems to be a bony anatomical predisposition. According to the results, it seems reasonable to include predisposing bony factors in the decision-making process when surgical stabilization and conservative treatment is possible. Further biomechanical studies should prove these assumptions to generate critical bony values helping surgeons with decision making.

Level of evidence

III.
Comparative quantification of focal and diffuse visual field loss by the SPARK Precision threshold algorithm and SITA
Authors: Foo S. K. , Cubbidge R. P. , Heitmar R.
Published: December 2021

Purpose

The aims of this paper were to examine focal and diffuse visual field loss in terms of threshold agreement between the widely used SITA Standard Humphrey Field Analyser (HFA) threshold algorithm with the SPARK Precision algorithm (Oculus Twinfield 2).

Methods

A total of 39 treated glaucoma patients (34 primary open angle and 5 primary angle closure glaucoma) and 31 cataract patients without glaucoma were tested in succession with the Oculus Twinfield 2 (Oculus Optikgeräte GmbH, Wetzlar, Germany) using the SPARK Precision algorithm and with the HFA 3 (Carl Zeiss Meditec, Dublin, CA) using the 30–2 SITA Standard algorithm.

Results

SPARK Precision required around half the testing time of SITA Standard. There was a good correlation between the MS of the two threshold algorithms but MD and PSD were significantly less severe with SPARK Precision in both glaucoma (focal field loss) and cataract (diffuse field loss) groups (p < 0.001). There was poor agreement for all global indices (MS, MD and PSD) between the two algorithms and there was a significant proportional bias of MD in the glaucoma group and PSD in both glaucoma and cataract groups. The pointwise sensitivity analysis yielded higher threshold estimates in SPARK Precision than in SITA Standard in the nasal field. Classification of glaucoma severity using AGIS was significantly lower with SPARK Precision compared to SITA Standard (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

SITA renders deeper defects than SPARK. Compared to the SITA Standard threshold algorithm, SPARK Precision cannot quantify early glaucomatous field loss. This may be due to the mathematical linear interpolation of threshold sensitivity or deeper scotomas due to the plateau effect caused by the reduced dynamic range of the Twinfield 2 perimeter. Although not of clinical significance in early glaucoma, the plateau effect may hinder the long-term follow-up of patients during disease progression.
Cardiorespiratory kinetics in exercise physiology: estimates and predictions using randomized changes in work rate
Authors: Hoffmann Uwe , Faber Felix , Drescher Uwe , Koschate Jessica
Published: December 2021

Purpose

Kinetics of cardiorespiratory parameters (CRP) in response to work rate (WR) changes are evaluated by pseudo-random binary sequences (PRBS testing). In this study, two algorithms were applied to convert responses from PRBS testing into appropriate impulse responses to predict steady states values and responses to incremental increases in exercise intensity.

Methods

13 individuals (age: 41 ± 9 years, BMI: 23.8 ± 3.7 kg m−2), completing an exercise test protocol, comprising a section of randomized changes of 30 W and 80 W (PRBS), two phases of constant WR at 30 W and 80 W and incremental WR until subjective fatigue, were included in the analysis. Ventilation ($$\dot{V}_{{\text{E}}}$$

V
˙

E

), O2 uptake ($$\dot{V}{\text{O}}_{2}$$

V
˙

O
2

), CO2 output ($$\dot{V}{\text{CO}}_{2}$$

V
˙

CO
2

) and heart rate (HR) were monitored. Impulse responses were calculated in the time domain and in the frequency domain from the cross-correlations of WR and the respective CRP.

Results

The algorithm in the time domain allows better prediction for $$\dot{V}{\text{O}}_{2}$$

V
˙

O
2

and $$\dot{V}{\text{CO}}_{2}$$

V
˙

CO
2

, whereas for $$\dot{V}_{{\text{E}}}$$

V
˙

E

and HR the results were similar for both algorithms. Best predictions were found for $$\dot{V}{\text{O}}_{2}$$

V
˙

O
2

and HR with higher (3–4%) 30 W steady states and lower (1–4%) values for 80 W. Tendencies were found in the residuals between predicted and measured data.

Conclusion

The CRP kinetics, resulting from PRBS testing, are qualified to assess steady states within the applied WR range. Below the ventilatory threshold, $$\dot{V}{\text{O}}_{2}$$

V
˙

O
2

and HR responses to incrementally increasing exercise intensities can be sufficiently predicted.
Spatio-temporal calibration of Hargreaves–Samani model in the Northern Region of Nigeria
Authors: Ogunrinde Akinwale Temitope , Emmanuel Israel , Enaboifo Mike A. , Ajayi Taiwo Adedayo , Pham Quoc Bao
Published: December 2021

One of the significant components of the hydrological cycle is evapotranspiration. Monthly meteorological parameters of 35 years from 19 meteorological stations across the Northern Region of Nigeria (NRN) were obtained and utilized for the calibration of Hargreaves–Samani (HS) model by comparing between potential evapotranspiration (ETo) values estimated from the original HS and the Penman–Monteith (FAO-56 PM) models. The calibrated HS equation was assessed using trend patterns and some statistical indices. The average value of root mean square error (RMSE) and the mean absolute error (MAE) decreased by 37.1 and 40%, respectively, after the calibration of the model. Also, the correlation coefficients (R) of stations that had values > 0.8 increased from 6 to 11 and the minimum R value increased by 12% above that of the original HS equation. The trend and spatial map of the statistical tests conducted also indicate better performance in most climatic regions after calibration. The precision of the HS equation improved significantly after calibration for semi-arid, humid, and sub-humid regions. However, few stations in the semi-arid, humid, and sub-humid regions did not show drastic improvement due to the peculiarity of the location and high variations in the wind speed and relative humidity parameters.
Endoscopic full-thickness dissection (EFTD) in the rectum: a case series
Authors: Rushfeldt C. F. , Nordbø M. , Steigen S. E. , Dehli T. , Gjessing P. , Norderval S.
Published: December 2021

Background

Rectal endoscopic full- thickness dissection (EFTD) using a flexible colonoscope is an alternative to the well-established trans-anal endoscopic microsurgery (TEM) and the trans-anal minimally invasive surgery (TAMIS) techniques for resecting dysplastic or malignant rectal lesions. This study evaluated EFTD safety by analyzing outcomes of the first patients to undergo rectal EFTD at the University Hospital of North-Norway.

Methods

The first 10 patients to undergo rectal EFTD at the University Hospital of North-Norway April, 2016 and January, 2021, were included in the study. The procedural indications for EFTD were therapeutic resection of non-lifting adenoma, T1 adenocarcinoma (AC), recurrent neuroendocrine tumor (NET) and re-excision of a T1-2 AC.

Results

EFTD rectal specimen histopathology revealed three ACs, five adenomas with high-grade dysplasia (HGD), one NET and one benign lesion. Six procedures had negative lateral and vertical resection margins and in three cases lateral margins could not be evaluated due to piece-meal dissection or heat damaged tissue. Two patients experienced delayed post-procedural hemorrhage, one of whom also presented with a concurrent post-procedural infection. No serious complications occurred.

Conclusion

Preliminary results from this introductory trial indicate that EFTD in the rectum can be conducted with satisfactory perioperative results and low risk of serious complications.
Porous Fe2O3 nanorod-decorated hollow carbon nanofibers for high-rate lithium storage
Authors: Long Zhiwen , Yuan Luhan , Shi Chu , Wu Caiqin , Qiao Hui , Wang Keliang
Published: December 2021

Transition metal oxides (TMOs) are considered as promising anode materials for lithium-ion batteries in comparison with conventional graphite anode. However, TMO anodes suffer severe volume expansion during charge/discharge process. In this respect, a porous Fe2O3nanorod-decorated hollow carbon nanofiber (HNF) anode is designed via a combined electrospinning and hydrothermal method followed by proper annealing. FeOOH/PAN was prepared as precursors and sacrificial templates, and porous hollow Fe2O3@carbon nanofiber (HNF-450) composite is formed at 450 °C in air. As anode materials for lithium-ion batteries, HNF-450 exhibits outstanding rate performance and cycling stability with a reversible discharge capacity of 1398 mAh g−1after 100 cycles at a current density of 100 mA g−1. Specific capacities 1682, 1515, 1293, 987, and 687 mAh g−1of HNF-450 are achieved at multiple current densities of 200, 300, 500, 1000, and 2000 mA g−1, respectively. When coupled with commercial LiCoO2cathode, the full cell delivered an outstanding initial charge/discharge capacity of 614/437 mAh g−1and stability at different current densities. The improved electrochemical performance is mainly attributed to the free space provided by the unique porous hollow structure, which effectively alleviates the volume expansion and facilitates the exposure of more active sites during the lithiation/delithiation process.

Graphical abstract

Porous Fe2O3nanorod-decorated hollow carbon nanofibers exhibit outstanding rate performance and cycling stability with a high reversible discharge capacity.
Fair trade governance: revisiting a framework to analyse challenges and opportunities for sustainable development towards a green economy
Authors: Ribeiro-Duthie A. Cristina , Gale Fred , Murphy-Gregory Hannah
Published: December 2021

As a relatively new form of non-state governance, the fair trade movement presents an opportunity to promote sustainable production and consumption and hence social change. Global market demands and consumer engagement denote changes in social practices that have led governments to share decision-making processes with private sector and non-governmental organisations. In this context of change, it is important to consider not only whether new forms of governance weaken or strengthen states’ authority within the marketplace but also the extent to which they may allow for “green washing” instead of the green economy proposed by the United Nations Environmental Program. This study considers the fair trade of food production and consumption as a potential innovative model. In doing so it examines the existing general literature on governance, which highlights that decision-making processes tend to reproduce top-down approaches. While such practices may reproduce conventional hierarchies, it is worth questioning the potential of new forms of governance within global markets. This article builds on a sustainability governance analytical framework to deepen understandings of fair trade governance and its possible responses to the dilemmas of food production for ethical consumption and thus sustainable development in transnational relations. This research aims to contribute to the literature on improving compliance with global sustainability standards and through this, inform practices that allow for cooperation towards a green economy.
Polar Gini Curve: A Technique to Discover Gene Expression Spatial Patterns from Single-Cell RNA-Seq Data
Authors: Nguyen Thanh Minh , Jeevan Jacob John , Xu Nuo , Chen Jake Y.
Published: December 2021

In this work, we describe the development of Polar Gini Curve, a method for characterizing cluster markers by analyzing single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data. Polar Gini Curve combines the gene expression and the 2D coordinates (“spatial”) information to detect patterns of uniformity in any clustered cells from scRNA-seq data. We demonstrate that Polar Gini Curve can help users characterize the shape and density distribution of cells in a particular cluster, which can be generated during routine scRNA-seq data analysis. To quantify the extent to which a gene is uniformly distributed in a cell cluster space, we combine two polar Gini curves (PGCs)—one drawn upon the cell-points expressing the gene (the “foreground curve”) and the other drawn upon all cell-points in the cluster (the “background curve”). We show that genes with highly dissimilar foreground and background curves tend not to uniformly distributed in the cell cluster—thus having spatially divergent gene expression patterns within the cluster. Genes with similar foreground and background curves tend to uniformly distributed in the cell cluster—thus having uniform gene expression patterns within the cluster. Such quantitative attributes of PGCs can be applied to sensitively discover biomarkers across clusters from scRNA-seq data. We demonstrate the performance of the Polar Gini Curve framework in several simulation case studies. Using this framework to analyze a real-world neonatal mouse heart cell dataset, the detected biomarkers may characterize novel subtypes of cardiac muscle cells. The source code and data for Polar Gini Curve could be found at http://discovery.informatics.uab.edu/PGC/ or https://figshare.com/projects/Polar_Gini_Curve/76749.
Sexual Dysfunction in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis B: Prevalence and Risk Factors
Authors: Liao Xingmei , Zhao Siru , Yin Junhua , Liu Li , Liang Jinlin , Jiang Yiyue , Yu Ning , Fan Rong , Zhong Chunxiu
Published: December 2021

Background

Sexual dysfunction (SD) is an increasingly serious global problem that has adverse effects on the physical and mental health of patients.

Aim

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of SD and its related factors in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB).

Methods

A total of 673 outpatients with CHB from October 2019 to December 2020 were included in the analysis. Demographic and clinical information was collected at enrolment. The Arizona Sexual Experiences Scale was used to evaluate SD.

Outcomes

The primary outcome measure was the prevalence of SD in CHB patients and its associated factors. Secondary outcomes were the corresponding scores in five domains of ASEX: drive, arousal, lubrication and/or erection, orgasm and satisfaction from orgasm.

Results

The average age of patients was 47.0 years, with 85.6% male and 88.1% with cirrhosis. The SD prevalence was 25.4% and was increased with the decrease in liver function reserve (Child-Pugh A vs Child-Pugh B: 24.6% vs 44.8%, P = .016), the progression of liver fibrosis (FIB-4 < 1.45, 1.45-3.25, and > 3.25: 21.3%, 26.5%, and 34.4%, respectively; P < .001), and the aggravation of depression (without, mild, and moderate to severe: 18.1%, 33.6%, and 34.2%, respectively; P < .001). In multivariate analysis, SD was independently correlated with female sex (OR: 5.627, 95% CI: 3.501 - 9.044, P < .001), liver fibrosis (OR: 1.730, 95% CI: 1.054 - 2.842, P = .030), depression (OR: 2.290, 95% CI: 1.564 - 3.354, P < .001), and frequent diarrhea and/or upper respiratory tract infection/urinary system infection (OR: 2.162, 95% CI: 1.313-3.560, P = .002).

Clinical Implications

This study revealed the current situation of SD in CHB patients in China, and appealed to clinicians to pay attention to the physical and mental health of the CHB patients.

Strengths and Limitations

This study has a large sample size and detailed demographic and clinical data. It evaluated the relationship between SD and liver function reserve and liver fibrosis degree, and compared gender differences of SD. However, this study is a cross-sectional study design and does not include healthy controls. The effects of conflicts between the couple, SD in a partner, antidepressants and hormone changes on SD were not analyzed.

Conclusion

SD in CHB patients was highly prevalent, and its prevalence increased significantly with the deterioration of liver function reserve, liver fibrosis and depression. Additional longitudinal studies are needed to further explore its causality.
The wisp of an outline ≈ Storying ontology as environmental inquiry↔education :–)
Authors: Jukes Scott , Clarke David , Mcphie Jamie
Published: December 2021

They thought they feltsomething, perhaps. The wisp of an outline not distinct enough to trace. Good. They circled it, at times, and at other times found themselves within. As they walked (a sort of walking. Figurative but real. Digital, but here. Over months of events), it curled open and headed in several directions. Foldings in the backcloth that furrowed them along until, as they walked and talked, they felt that perhaps a territory was becoming simultaneously clearer and more obscure, that they might find a way to enquire, even as it meant becoming the folds themselves. As they coalesce, Scott, Jamie, and Dave each come to this project differently (of course). From their own situations, with their own problems and with different voices and ways of writing. We (for the first shift in voice) take post-qualitative inquiry to be infused with a question mark, wary of attempts to make it a ‘thing’. Yet here we are, drawn to potentials, to the opening of conditions, to the possibility of something still to come. We hope to make a shift, to realise (as in make manifest) ontology and its everyday performance as synonymous with environmental education. Environmental education asa life.
Interplay of Holocene surface faulting and climate in the Central Po Plain, Italy
Authors: Zanchi Andrea , Ravazzi Cesare , Cavallin Angelo , Deaddis Massimiliano , De Amicis Mattia , Arosio Tito , Marchetti Mauro , Vezzoli Giovanni
Published: December 2021

Understanding the recent events marking the late Quaternary history of the Po Plain (N-Italy) is of overriding importance to decipher the record of depositional versus erosional phases, and their interplay with climatic, tectonic, and human forcing. We reconstructed the structural setting and chronostratigraphy of a Holocene succession crosscut by a thrust fault located south of Montodine (Cremona, Italy) within the Po Plain. The fault shows a maximum displacement up to one meter. Radiocarbon dating fixes a minimum age of 11.9 cal ka BP for the postglacial river entrenchment and constrains the fault movement age between 5.9 and 3.4 cal ka BP. Undeformed Late Medieval coarse gravels cover the faulted succession. Due to the outcrop position, lying above the buried frontal thrusts of the Southern Alps and North Apennines, we propose that faulting results from secondary surface effects induced by seismic shaking. We discuss two main mechanisms, both related to lateral spreading, that can result in the formation of reverse faults close to the surface. The Soncino area, recording one of the strongest historical earthquakes of the central Po Plain (1802), is considered as a possible source for seismic shaking. The results of this study are a contribution for the assessment of the potential seismic hazard in one of the most populated regions of Europe.
Assessing data accuracy in a large multi-institutional quality improvement registry: an update from the Pediatric Cardiac Critical Care Consortium (PC4)
Authors: Schuette Jennifer , Zaccagni Hayden , Donohue Janet , Bushnell Julie , Veneziale Kelly , Gaies Michael , Tabbutt Sarah
Published: December 2021

Background:

The Pediatric Cardiac Critical Care Consortium (PC4) is a multi-institutional quality improvement registry focused on the care delivered in the cardiac ICU for patients with CHD and acquired heart disease. To assess data quality, a rigorous procedure of data auditing has been in place since the inception of the consortium.

Materials and methods:

This report describes the data auditing process and quantifies the audit results for the initial 39 audits that took place after the transition from version one to version two of the registry’s database.

Results:

In total, 2219 total encounters were audited for an average of 57 encounters per site. The overall data accuracy rate across all sites was 99.4%, with a major discrepancy rate of 0.52%. A passing score is based on an overall accuracy of >97% (achieved by all sites) and a major discrepancy rate of <1.5% (achieved by 38 of 39 sites, with 35 of 39 sites having a major discrepancy rate of <1%). Fields with the highest discrepancy rates included arrhythmia type, cardiac arrest count, and current surgical status.

Conclusions:

The extensive PC4 auditing process, including initial and routinely scheduled follow-up audits of every participating site, demonstrates an extremely high level of accuracy across a broad array of audited fields and supports the continued use of consortium data to identify best practices in paediatric cardiac critical care.
Urbanization Aggravates Effects of Global Warming on Local Atmospheric Drying
Authors: Huang Xiaolin , Hao Lu , Sun Ge , Yang Zong‐Liang , Li Wenhong , Chen Dongxu
Published: December 2021

Urbanization is known to cause ‘Urban Heat Island’ (UHI) and elevate storm runoff. However, how urbanization influences local atmospheric moisture under global warming is not well‐understood. By examining 140 paired urban‐rural weather station data (1980–2018), this study finds significant declines in atmospheric humidity or the ‘Urban Dry Island’ (UDI) in multiple large city clusters across a large climatic gradient in China. Global warming, UHI, and reduction in local evapotranspiration and water vapor supplies all contribute to the observed UDI. The magnitude and frequency of UDI are more pronounced in humid regions than arid regions due to differences in background climate and vegetation characteristics that affect both energy and water balances at land surfaces. Mitigating the negative effects of UDI and UHI should focus on restoring the evapotranspiration power of urban ecosystems. The present empirical analyses provide new evidence and mechanistic understanding of environmental change in urban ecosystems.
Examining the Wind Shear Theory of Sporadic E With ICON/MIGHTI Winds and COSMIC‐2 Radio Occultation Data
Authors: Yamazaki Y. , Arras C. , Andoh S. , Miyoshi Y. , Shinagawa H. , Harding B. J. , Englert C. R. , Immel T. J. , Sobhkhiz‐Miandehi S. , Stolle C.
Published: December 2021

The wind shear theory is widely accepted as an explanation for the formation of a sporadic E (Es) layer, but the direct comparison of Es with the local wind shear has been limited due to the lack of neutral wind measurements. This study examines the role of the vertical wind shear for Es, using signal‐to‐noise ratio profiles from COSMIC‐2 radio occultation measurements and concurrent measurements of neutral wind profiles from the Ionospheric Connection Explorer. It is observed that the Es occurrence rate and average S4 index are correlated with the negative vertical shear of the eastward wind, providing observational support for the wind shear theory. Es can be observed even when the vertical wind shear is positive, which is interpreted as metallic ion layers generated at an earlier time.
Topography and Gravity Reveal Denser Cratonic Lithospheric Mantle Than Previously Thought
Authors: Wang Yaoyi , Liu Lijun , Zhou Quan
Published: December 2021

The density structure of the cratonic lithospheric mantle (CLM) remains debated. We suggest that one important reason for which many geodynamic studies favor neutrally buoyant CLM is that they adopted separate reference frames when estimating the isostatic effects of continental and oceanic lithosphere, while instead a globally consistent one should be used. This reflects a misconception that continental crust perfectly balances the surrounding oceanic lithosphere. Using a unified global reference frame with recent constraints on crustal properties and residual topography, we show that assuming neutrally buoyant CLM leads to prominent negative residual topography (∼−1.3 km) and positive residual gravity (∼354 mGal) within cratons relative to oceans, neither of which can be explained by the effects of the convecting mantle. This requires the CLM, especially that with thick keels, to be less compositionally buoyant and denser than previously thought, a conclusion supporting recent observations on CLM deformation.
Activation of Abundant Recoil Leaders and Their Promotion Effect on the Negative‐End Breakdown in an Intracloud Lightning Flash
Authors: Jiang Rubin , Yuan Shanfeng , Qie Xiushu , Liu Mingyuan , Wang Dongfang
Published: December 2021

A unique intracloud (IC) lightning flash with multiple positive leader branches spreading out from the same point is studied using simultaneous high‐speed images, electromagnetic (EM) field changes, and radiation source mapping. A channel of the positive leader protruded from the cloud and induced a bidirectional luminous segment at tens of meters ahead of the leader tip. They led to a small‐scale attachment where multiple channels successively emerged and propagated toward diverse directions. The propagation mode of the positive leader experienced a noticeable transition from stable and smooth channel extension to active development accompanied with frequent recoil leaders, attribute to the arrival of an impulsive current wave induced by the in‐cloud activity. We find solid evidence that long recoil leader activated the negative‐end breakdown with a regular EM pulse train. The back‐and‐forth interaction from the opposite ends of the associated channel is revealed.
Climate Variability Masked Greening Effects on Water Yield in the Yangtze River Basin During 2001–2018
Authors: Zhang Jiehao , Zhang Yulong , Sun Ge , Song Conghe , Li Jiangfeng , Hao Lu , Liu Ning
Published: December 2021

Rapid global vegetation greening has been observed for the past two decades, but its implications to the hydrological cycle are not well understood in many regions, including the Yangtze River Basin (YRB). This study used a remote sensing‐driven ecosystem model, the Coupled Carbon and Water model, to fully examine the individual and combined hydrological effects of vegetation and climate changes through a series of modeling experiments. During the study period (2001–2018), the vegetation showed a significant greening trend with the mean annual normalized difference vegetation index increasing at a rate of 0.4% per year (p < 0.001). In contrast, climate exhibited a marginal wetting trend with annual precipitation increasing at a rate of 6.7 mm/yr (p = 0.08). Annual evapotranspiration (ET) in the YRB significantly increased (3.1 mm/yr,p = 0.01) primarily due to enhanced ecosystem productivity associated with vegetation greening, rather than climatic factors. However, the enhancement in ET did not lead to a significant decline in total water yield at the YRB scale. The large inter‐annual variability of precipitation masked the effects of vegetation greening on water yield. Overall, our study indicated that the recent land “greening up” has accelerated the regional hydrological cycle through increasing ET and resulted in enhanced risks of water resource shortage. Our findings highlighted the close connection between land cover dynamics and hydrological cycle under climate variability in one of the world’s largest river systems. Effective basin water resource management must consider hydrological response to vegetation greening and climate change.
Histone lysine methacrylation is a dynamic post-translational modification regulated by HAT1 and SIRT2
Authors: Delaney Kyle , Tan Minjia , Zhu Zhesi , Gao Jinjun , Dai Lunzhi , Kim Sunjoo , Ding Jun , He Maomao , Halabelian Levon , Yang Lu , Nagarajan Prabakaran , Parthun Mark Robert , Lee Sangkyu , Khochbin Saadi , Zheng Yujun George , Zhao Yingming
Published: December 2021

Histone lysine crotonylation is a posttranslational modification with demonstrated functions in transcriptional regulation. Here we report the discovery of a new type of histone posttranslational modification, lysine methacrylation (Kmea), corresponding to a structural isomer of crotonyllysine. We validate the identity of this modification using diverse chemical approaches and further confirm the occurrence of this type of histone mark by pan specific and site-specific anti-methacryllysine antibodies. In total, we identify 27 Kmea modified histone sites in HeLa cells using affinity enrichment with a pan Kmea antibody and mass spectrometry. Subsequent biochemical studies show that histone Kmea is a dynamic mark, which is controlled by HAT1 as a methacryltransferase and SIRT2 as a de-methacrylase. Altogether, these investigations uncover a new type of enzyme-catalyzed histone modification and suggest that methacrylyl-CoA generating metabolism is part of a growing number of epigenome-associated metabolic pathways.
Structural mechanism for the selective phosphorylation of DNA-loaded MCM double hexamers by the Dbf4-dependent kinase
Authors: Greiwe Julia F. , Miller Thomas C. R. , Locke Julia , Martino Fabrizio , Howell Steven , Schreiber Anne , Nans Andrea , Diffley John F. X. , Costa Alessandro
Published: December 2021

Loading of the eukaryotic replicative helicase onto replication origins involves two MCM hexamers forming a double hexamer (DH) around duplex DNA. During S phase, helicase activation requires MCM phosphorylation by Dbf4-dependent kinase (DDK), comprising Cdc7 and Dbf4. DDK selectively phosphorylates loaded DHs, but how such fidelity is achieved is unknown. Here, we determine the cryogenic electron microscopy structure of Saccharomyces cerevisiae DDK in the act of phosphorylating a DH. DDK docks onto one MCM ring and phosphorylates the opposed ring. Truncation of the Dbf4 docking domain abrogates DH phosphorylation, yet Cdc7 kinase activity is unaffected. Late origin firing is blocked in response to DNA damage via Dbf4 phosphorylation by the Rad53 checkpoint kinase. DDK phosphorylation by Rad53 impairs DH phosphorylation by blockage of DDK binding to DHs, and also interferes with the Cdc7 active site. Our results explain the structural basis and regulation of the selective phosphorylation of DNA-loaded MCM DHs, which supports bidirectional replication.
Flux profile at focal area of concentrating solar dishes
Authors: Foulaadvand M. Ebrahim , Aghamohammadi Amir , Karimi Parvin , Borzouei Hadi
Published: December 2021

We analytically, experimentally and computationally explore the solar radiation flux distribution in the interior region of a spherical mirror and compare it to that of a paraboloidal one with the same aperture area. Our investigation has been performed in the framework of geometrical optics. It is shown that despite one can assign a quasi focus, at half the radius, to a spherical mirror, the light concentration occurs as well on an extended line region which starts at half-radius on the optical axis. In contrast to a paraboloidal concentrator, a spherical mirror can concentrate the radiation parallel to its optical axis both in a point-focus and in a line-focus manner. The envelope of the reflected rays is also obtained. It is shown that the flux distribution has an axial symmetry. The radial dependence of the flux on a flat circular receiver is obtained. The flux longitudinal dependence is shown to exhibit three distinctive regions in the interval [0, R] (R is mirror radius). We obtain the radiational (optical) concentration ratio characteristics and find the optimal location of the flat receiver of a given size at which the concentration ratio is maximised. In contrast to a parabolic mirror, it is shown that this location depends on the receiver size. Our findings offers that in spherical mirrors one can alternatively use a line receiver and gains a considerable thermal energy harvest. Our results are supported by Monte Carlo ray tracing performed by Zemax optical software. Experimental validation has been performed in lab with a silver-coated lens as the spherical mirror.
English goalkeepers are not responsible for England’s poor performance in penalty shootouts in the past
Authors: Brinkschulte Michel , Furley Philip , Klemp Maximilian , Memmert Daniel
Published: December 2021

Scrutinizing public opinion is one of the central goals of science as the divergence between public opinion and scientific evidence can have negative consequences. The present study aims to further investigate the alleged English ‘penalty curse’ and determine if it can be linked to the prevalent stereotype of the ‘English goalkeeper problem’. We analyzed a large sample of 2379 penalty kicks that 629 different goalkeepers faced in World Cups and European Championships, as well as in the Champions and Europa League by comparing the goalkeeper success rates of different nations by fitting a generalized linear model (binomial regression) to the data. However, the results do not reveal meaningful differences between the success rates (on average 22.23%). Consequently, we conclude that English goalkeepers are not responsible for England’s poor performance in penalties in the past as they perform as well as goalkeepers from other nations and, in turn, provide a counterargument to the widespread stereotype that ‘England has a goalkeeper problem’.
Improvement of adsorption and catalytic properties of zeolites by precisely controlling their particle morphology
Authors: Li Shiying , Yang Huanhuan , Wang Sen , Wang Jianguo , Fan Weibin , Dong Mei
Published: December 2021

The adsorption and catalytic performance of zeolites, dependent on the diffusion path, can be enhanced via precisely regulating their particle morphologies.
A photo-responsive p-Si/TiO2/Ag heterostructure with charge transfer for recyclable surface-enhanced Raman scattering substrates
Authors: Wang Zhezhe , Lai Yueting , Cai Jieyi , Jia Siyi , Lin Lin , Feng Zhuohong , Zheng Zhiqiang , Xie Rongrong , Li Jiabing
Published: December 2021

A Si/TiO2/Ag heterostructure is prepared as a recyclable SERS substrate with EF of 1.23 × 1012 and excellent repeatability, which can boost performance effectively by the synergistic contribution of the EM and CT enhancement effects.
Rational design, synthesis, and applications of carbon-assisted dispersive Ni-based composites
Authors: Ding Lei , Zheng Jing , Xu Jingli , Yin Xue-Bo , Zhang Min
Published: December 2021

Herein, we review recent developments in the rational design and engineering of various carbon-assisted dispersive nickel-based composites, and boosted properties for protein adsorption and nitroaromatics reduction.
Selective electro-oxidation of phenol to 1,4-hydroquinone employing carbonaceous electrodes: surface modification is the key
Authors: Baravkar Mayur D. , Prasad Bhagavatula L. V.
Published: December 2021

The oxidation of phenol to 1,4-hydroquinone with high conversion, remarkable selectivity and an excellent yield (87% isolated) has been accomplished under electrolytic conditions in an aqueous medium with surface modified carbon-based electrodes.
Structural evolution of carbon dots during low temperature pyrolysis
Authors: Luo Hui , Lari Leonardo , Kim Hyunjeong , Hérou Servann , Tanase Liviu Cristian , Lazarov Vlado K. , Titirici Maria-Magdalena
Published: December 2021

Structural characterisations of carbon dots during low temperature pyrolysis show changes in graphitization and oxygen functionality. These structure features are well-correlated with electronic structure and solid-state optical properties.
Time-resolved color-changing long-afterglow for security systems based on metal–organic hybrids
Authors: Liu Jing , Chen Ziang , Hu Jia , Sun Hongxia , Liu Yan , Liu Zhongyi , Li Jinpeng
Published: December 2021

Himpc-based phosphors exhibit diverse afterglow performances by modulating molecular aggregation dispositions for anti-counterfeiting application.
The smallest near-infrared fluorescence complementation system for imaging protein–protein and RNA–protein interactions
Authors: Chen Minghai , Yan Chuang , Zheng Luping , Zhang Xian-En
Published: December 2021

The smallest near-infrared fluorescence complementation system for imaging protein–protein and RNA–protein interactions in living cells and live mice.
Strong metal–support interaction in copper hexacyanoferrate nanocube decorated functionalized multiwall carbon nanotubes for enhanced bi-functional oxygen electrocatalytic activity and stability
Authors: Jain Priya , Jha Shwetambara , Ingole Pravin P.
Published: December 2021

CuHCF/f-CNT hybrids showed efficient bifunctional oxygen electrocatalytic activity attributed to the synergistic effect of porous 3-D CuHCF nanoparticles and the highly conducting f-MWCNT skeleton.
Quality of service aware adaptive target queue length generation for active queue management
Authors: Hotchi Ryosuke , Kubo Ryogo
Published: December 2021

Active queue management techniques have been proposed to mitigate serious congestion issues caused by transmission control protocol flows. Active queue management controllers based on control theory are superior in terms of control performance. Such a controller utilizes a target queue length as a control input, and the congestion control system attempts to maintain the actual queue length close to the target value. However, the specific setting of the target queue length has not been discussed sufficiently. For example, raising or lowering the target queue length may increase goodput or reduce queueing delay, respectively. Therefore, the target queue length should be appropriately generated according to the required quality of services and buffer status. This paper proposes a quality of services–aware adaptive target queue length generation algorithm for an active queue management controller based on control theory. The proposed algorithm comprises two modes (loss‐aware and delay‐aware modes) and attempts to raise or lower the target queue length by considering the buffer status to increase the goodput or reduce the queueing delay. Simulation results revealed that the proposed algorithm could increase goodput or reduce queueing delay on each mode by adapting to the buffer status, which is in contrast to conventional methods.
Wide‐angle scanning phased array using wide‐beamwidth dielectric resonator antenna with miniaturised radiator
Authors: Yin Yeqing , Li Qinlong , Chen Xiaoming
Published: December 2021

A wide‐beamwidth dielectric resonator antenna with small radiator is used to design a wide‐angle scanning phased array. The proposed dielectric resonator antenna element uses concave structure for wide‐beamwidth, and the metal patches on the top of the dielectric resonator are used to reduce the size of radiator. The simulated half‐power beamwidth of dielectric resonator antenna is 157.8° and 140.9° in the E‐ and H‐planes, respectively, while the size of the radiator of the dielectric resonator antenna is only 9.7 × 9.7 × 10 mm3 (0.162λ0 × 0.162λ0 × 0.167λ0). One 1 × 8 linear phased array is designed based on the dielectric resonator antenna element. Due to the small size of dielectric resonator radiator, the mutual coupling between the array elements is very small and each element in the array has the similar radiation pattern with wide‐beamwidth. Because of these critical features, the phased array can scan from −67° to +67° with a gain fluctuation less than 1 dB and a maximum side lobe level less than −10 dB. Measurement results agree well with simulation.
Development of quadruped robot for inspection of underground pipelines in nuclear power plants
Authors: Jang Youhyun , Seol Woojin , Lee Kooksun , Kim Kyung‐Soo , Kim Soohyun
Published: December 2021

Structural integrity of seawater pipelines in nuclear power plants is a very important issue. In accordance with the operating technical guidelines, the human operators directly enter the pipe and inspect it at every maintenance test. However, in this regard, safety issues such as narrow space and harmful gas are emerging every year.

In response to these needs, a quadruped robot that can inspect underground pipes and assist workers has been developed. The robot has an articulated robotic arm that can receive an impact sound of hammering a pipe wall to test pipe integrity. The state of the pipe was examined using a Convolutional Neural Network algorithm. On the other hand, moving in a plumbing environment requires stable walking ability. To determine the gait sequence, a hierarchical gait controller is proposed. The hybrid controller, which consists of joint impedance and torque control, calculated from Model Predictive Control, can switch the gait modes comparing the reference and the current foot contact condition at each control cycle.
Novel DC current interruption technology based on the instability of vacuum arc under composite transverse magnetic fields
Authors: Liu Shaowei , Ma Hui , Chen Jinlong , Geng Yingsan , Liu Zhiyuan , Wang Jianhua
Published: December 2021

The objective of this work intends to propose a novel current interruption technology in vacuum for LVDC power systems, based on the instability of vacuum arc under composite transverse magnetic fields (TMFs). The interruption characteristics were experimentally determined in an overdamping C‐L‐R circuit. The experimental results indicated that the DC current of 800 V/500 A could be successfully interrupted within 5 ms by the proposed technology. Moreover, the interruption process could be divided into two stages, the Stable and Unstable stages. In the Stable stage, the arc voltage linearly increased from 20 to 35 V, where the arc current was limited slightly. In the Unstable stage, the arc voltage would rapidly increase and exceed the supply voltage, where the current would be forced to zero. Finally, the double‐break LVDC vacuum switches, no matter in series or parallel, were difficult to improve the interruption capability, because of the asynchronous occurrence of the Unstable stage in series vacuum interrupters and the fast current‐commutation between parallel vacuum interrupters. This technology takes advantages of high interruption capability, short arcing time and low complexity, which is a promising solution to expand the application of vacuum switch to the LVDC power systems.
Remote health monitoring system using heterogeneous networks
Authors: Naidu Kalpana , Sunkaraboina Sreenu
Published: December 2021

This paper presents the implementation of a remote health monitoring system by using Heterogeneous Networks (HetNet), in which remote patients' vital data can be sent to the proximate hospital with very low end‐to‐end latency. To carry out the aforementioned process, patients' statistics are delivered initially from Wireless Body Area Network (WBAN) to the patients' mobile phone by using ISM band. Then, from there, contemporary networks make use of single wireless network alone to send the patients' data to the nearest hospital (even though there are multiple networks in a terrain). But, this particular network may have so much of end‐to‐end latency as a consequence of lack of resources in the network. However, in the proposed work, all the available heterogeneous Radio Access Technology (RAT) networks carry multiple patients' statistics to the nearest hospital by using either the RAT's free channels (in licensed band) or white space channels. Further, in order to reduce the latency in the proposed system, a novel hand‐off method is suggested in this paper by exploiting SDR features. Moreover, simulation results reveal the effectiveness of the proposed system in terms of end‐to‐end latency and spectral efficiency.
Pavement crack detection using non‐local theory and iterative sampling
Authors: Wei Zixian , SUN Tao , Wu Yuhao , Zhou Liqing , Ruan Xiaoli
Published: December 2021

Crack is a common form of road distress and a key study of an intelligent transportation system. However, automatic pavement crack detection is a very challenging task due to noisy texture background, intensity inhomogeneity, and topology complexity. In this paper, a new pavement crack detection algorithm to address these issues is proposed. First, non‐local block matching strategy and local statistical mean are put together to generate the probability map of cracks, which has advantages on automatic threshold choosing and strong resistance to intensity inhomogeneity. Second, an iterative seed points sampling algorithm is proposed, which makes full use of the area and shape of connected regions where the seeds lie in, thus exploiting high reliable crack seeds for following curves extraction. Finally, a minimum spanning tree (MST) is adopted to connect points into crack curves and employ a crack growth method to find out the cracks, which is specified to deal with complex topology of cracks. For parameters, a robust and optimal parameters selection rule is obtained by data driven method. The algorithm is compared with other state‐of‐the‐art algorithms on two datasets. The experiment result shows that the proposed method has a better detection performance on ‐measure score over other methods.