bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A comparative study on the coordination of diglycolamide isomers with Nd(iii): extraction, third phase formation, structure, and computational studies
Authors: Liu Yaoyang , Liu Sheng , Liu Zhibin , Zhao Chuang , Li Chunhui , Zhou Yu , Jiao Caishan , Gao Yang , He Hui , Zhang Shaowen
Published: August 2021

The inhomogeneous interactions of M–Oamide in the LII ligand result in differences between the metal-ion extraction performances of two isomeric ligands.
New biomaterials for Ni biosorption turned into catalysts for Suzuki–Miyaura cross coupling of aryl iodides in green conditions
Authors: Cases Lucie , Adler Pauline , Pelissier Franck , Diliberto Sébastien , Boulanger Clotilde , Grison Claude
Published: August 2021

New biomaterials were functionalised for biosorption of Ni from aqueous solutions and valorised as ecocatalysts in Suzuki–Miyaura green reactions.
An overview of flow cell architecture design and optimization for electrochemical CO2 reduction
Authors: Ma Dui , Jin Ting , Xie Keyu , Huang Haitao
Published: August 2021

Converting CO2 into value-added fuels or chemical feedstocks through electrochemical reduction is one of the several promising avenues to reduce atmospheric carbon dioxide levels and alleviate global warming.
Bioabsorbable poly(4-hydroxybutyrate) (P4HB) fibrous membranes as a potential dermal substitute
Authors: Yuan Shuaishuai , Sun Xiuxia , Shen Yong , Li Zhibo
Published: August 2021

Biodegradable poly(4-hydroxybutyrate) (P4HB) membranes with excellent in vitro and in vivo properties appear to be a potential dermis substitute.
Spatial regulation of electroplex emission via dendritic molecular engineering
Authors: Liu Dan , Guo Ao , Zhang Qianyi , Feng Yingli , Zhao Guimin , Ma Daiyu , Chen Haowen , Jiang Wei , Sun Yueming
Published: August 2021

An efficient way of controlling electroplex emission via dendritic molecular engineering is proposed, it can regulate the distance between the donor and acceptor molecules and further inhibit the formation of electromers.
Optical field coupling in ZnO nanorods decorated with silver plasmonic nanoparticles
Authors: Gilzad Kohan Mojtaba , You Shujie , Camellini Andrea , Concina Isabella , Zavelani Rossi Margherita , Vomiero Alberto
Published: August 2021

This work outlines the two underlying competitive mechanisms of non-radiative plasmonic hot-electron transfer, namely direct electron transfer and plasmonic induced resonance energy transfer in a light harvesting system.
Structure and function of aerotolerant, multiple-turnover THI4 thiazole synthases
Authors: Joshi Jaya , Li Qiang , García-García Jorge D. , Leong Bryan J. , Hu You , Bruner Steven D. , Hanson Andrew D.
Published: August 2021

Plant and fungal THI4 thiazole synthases produce the thiamin thiazole moiety in aerobic conditions via a single-turnover suicide reaction that uses an active-site Cys residue as sulfur donor. Multiple-turnover (i.e. catalytic) THI4s lacking an active-site Cys (non-Cys THI4s) that use sulfide as sulfur donor have been biochemically characterized —– but only from archaeal methanogens that are anaerobic, O2-sensitive hyperthermophiles from sulfide-rich habitats. These THI4s prefer iron as cofactor. A survey of prokaryote genomes uncovered non-Cys THI4s in aerobic mesophiles from sulfide-poor habitats, suggesting that multiple-turnover THI4 operation is possible in aerobic, mild, low-sulfide conditions. This was confirmed by testing 23 representative non-Cys THI4s for complementation of an Escherichia coli ΔthiG thiazole auxotroph in aerobic conditions. Sixteen were clearly active, and more so when intracellular sulfide level was raised by supplying Cys, demonstrating catalytic function in the presence of O2 at mild temperatures and indicating use of sulfide or a sulfide metabolite as sulfur donor. Comparative genomic evidence linked non-Cys THI4s with proteins from families that bind, transport, or metabolize cobalt or other heavy metals. The crystal structure of the aerotolerant bacterial Thermovibrio ammonificans THI4 was determined to probe the molecular basis of aerotolerance. The structure suggested no large deviations compared with the structures of THI4s from O2-sensitive methanogens, but is consistent with an alternative catalytic metal. Together with complementation data, use of cobalt rather than iron was supported. We conclude that catalytic THI4s can indeed operate aerobically and that the metal cofactor inserted is a likely natural determinant of aerotolerance.
Potential Risks to Hearing Functions of Service Members From Exposure to Jet Fuels
Authors: Morata Thais C. , Hungerford Michelle , Konrad-Martin Dawn
Published: August 2021

Purpose

Several military occupations, particularly those within the U.S. Air Force, require working with or around jet fuels. Jet fuels contain components that are known to affect central nervous function, yet effects of these fuels on auditory function, specifically auditory processing of sound, are not well understood at this time. Animal studies have demonstrated that exposure to jet fuels prior to noise exposure can exacerbate the noise exposure's effects, and service members exposed to jet fuels are at risk of noise exposure within their work environments. The purpose of this article was to give a brief synopsis of the evidence on the ototoxic effects due to jet fuel exposure to aid audiologists in their decision making when providing care for populations who are occupationally exposed to fuels or while during military service.

Conclusions

Exposure to jet fuels impacts central nervous function and, in combination with noise exposure, may have detrimental auditory effects that research has yet to fully explain. Additional longitudinal research is needed to explain the relationships, which have clinical implications for service members and others exposed to jet fuels. In the meantime, audiologists can gain useful information by screening for chemical exposures when obtaining patient case histories. If jet fuel exposure is suspected, the Lifetime Exposure to Noise and Solvents Questionnaire can be used to estimate a noise exposure ranking and identify other potentiating agents such as jet fuel and industrial chemicals. A history of jet fuel exposure should inform the selection of hearing tests in the audiometric evaluation and when devising the treatment plan.
Real‐time CVSA decals recognition system using deep convolutional neural network architectures
Authors: Yépez Juan , Castro‐Zunti Riel , Choi Younhee , Ko Seok‐Bum
Published: August 2021

The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) aims to achieve uniformity, compatibility and reciprocity of commercial motor vehicle inspections and enforcement by certified inspectors dedicated to driver and vehicle safety. Commercial vehicles that pass a CVSA inspection are eligible for a decal representing a commitment to safety. In this work, we propose a two‐step automatic CVSA decal recognition system using deep convolutional neural network architectures. The first step localizes a vehicle's windshield and the CVSA decal within, and classifies the decal colour. The CVSA decal is cropped and used as input to the second stage, which localizes and classifies a digit and the corner‐cut of a CVSA decal. With the corner cut, colour, and digit, the system can determine the decal's date of issue. We use as our baseline the MobileDet architecture, customizing the backbone to our tasks. Our first custom architecture is larger than the baseline because it needs more representational power to detect small decals within an image. The second architecture is much smaller because digit and corner‐cut recognition is a simpler task. Our custom architectures reduce processing time and exceed accuracies relative to pre‐trained architectures. We implemented our models on different edge hardware accelerators (e.g. the Google Coral, Nvidia Jetsons, and Intel NCS) and compared the performance when processing a real‐time video stream. Our system can predict frames at 173.31 FPS on an NVIDIA Jetson AGX Xavier with 98.5% mean average precision @ 0.5 IoU.
Mettre en œuvre l’action publique pour réduire l’usage des pesticides : reconnaître les activités d’intermédiation
Authors: Cardona Aurélie , Cerf Marianne , Barbier Marc
Published: August 2021

Malgré de nombreuses mesures d’accompagnement à la réduction des pesticides, leur usage ne cesse de croître en France. Doit-on pour autant considérer que rien ne change ? Cet article veut mettre en lumière la manière dont des acteurs de la recherche, du conseil agricole, du développement agricole et rural s’investissent dans des activités d’intermédiation pour accompagner la réduction de l’usage des pesticides. Ces activités d’intermédiation visent à concilier leur engagement dans l’accompagnement au changement avec leur mandat professionnel et avec une diversité de stratégies individuelles ou collectives des acteurs du monde agricole, déployées en réponse à l’injonction de réduction des pesticides. Pour donner à voir ces activités peu visibles, nous avons conçu un « observatoire » d’analyse de l’activité pour explorer, avec treize acteurs de l’accompagnement au changement, le sens qu’ils donnent eux-mêmes à leur action dans les différents contextes où ils l’exercent. Les matériaux produits nous permettent de distinguer trois types d’engagement dans l’accompagnement à la réduction des pesticides, pour lesquels la construction de la légitimité des activités d’intermédiation diffère. Notre attention particulière aux ressources mobilisées dans les activités d’intermédiation nous permet de montrer comment celles-ci reposent sur la capacité à naviguer entre une diversité de solutions et de modèles d’accompagnement au changement, au vu de la diversité d’acteurs concernés par le problème des pesticides. Ainsi, ce travail contribue à enrichir la vision des activités d’accompagnement au changement dans le secteur agricole et soulève la question de la formation à ces activités d’intermédiation, qui prolongent les instruments de politiques publiques et de conseil.
Effects of co-occurrence of invading Procambarus clarkii and Pomacea canaliculata on Vallisneria denseserrulata-dominated clear-water ecosystems: a mesocosm approach
Authors: Gao Jian , Yang Cheng , Zhang Zehui , Liu Zhengwen , Jeppesen Erik
Published: August 2021

Single invaders often substantially alter ecosystems, but the potential impacts by multiple invaders remain understudied. The golden apple snail (Pomacea canaliculata) and the red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) are two widespread coinvaders. To test the effects of co-occurrence of the two species on a clear-water macrophyte state, we performed a 20-day experiment in 16 mesocosms (4 contained only two snails, 4 contained only two crayfishes, 4 contained two snails and two crayfishes, and 4 controls). Comparing with the control, the leaf length, number, and biomass of Vallisneria denseserrulata had decreased in the snail-only and crayfish-only treatments. In the crayfish-only treatment, total nitrogen, total phosphorus and total suspended solids had increased compared with the control, while they did not differ between the snail-only and the control treatment. Nutrients and turbidity concentrations did not differ between the snail + crayfish and the crayfish-only treatment, and plant biomass did not differ between the snail + crayfish and the snail-only treatment. These findings suggest that golden apple snails mainly affected the lake ecosystem by plant grazing, while red swamp crayfishes disturbed the sediment by increasing nutrients in the water and through resuspension. These snail and crayfish together had mainly additive effects on macrophyte and the physico-chemical variables studied.
Triage in der Notfallambulanz eines universitären Kinderzentrums nach dem Manchester Triage System
Authors: Kiess Wieland , Lacher Martin , Siekmeyer Werner , Schuster Volker , Schönfelder issy , Bühligen Ulf
Published: August 2021

Kritisch kranken Kindern muss rasch geholfen werden. Gleichzeitig sind Wartezeiten in der ambulanten Medizin gerade für Familien mit kranken Kindern so kurz wie möglich zu halten. Ersteinschätzungssysteme (Triage) sind in der Notfallmedizineingeführt worden. Ersteinschätzungssysteme sind standardisierte Verfahren zur Einschätzung des Gesundheitszustandes und zum Erkennen von echten Notfällen. Ein Hauptziel der Triagierung ist es auch, die begrenzten personellen und räumlichen Ressourcen einer Notfallaufnahme – zum Beispiel eines universitären Notfallzentrums – auf das medizinisch Dringliche zu konzentrieren. Ziel dieser Arbeit ist es, Daten aus der Ersteinschätzung in der Kindernotfallambulanz nach dem Manchester Triage System an einem universitären Kinderzentrum in Deutschland über ein Jahr zu sammeln und zu analysieren. Es wurde gefunden, dass unter den in der Notfallambulanz vorgestellten Kindern und Jugendlichen tatsächlich nur ca. 10 % als kritisch krank eingestuft wurden. Einen jahreszeitlichen Unterschied der Notfallhäufigkeit gab es nicht. Subjektiv wird die Bedeutung einer universitären Akutversorgung von Kindern und Jugendlichen als für die Stadt und Region wichtig und relevant angesehen. Der Auftrag einer Maximalversorgung an das universitäre Kinderzentrum wird durch die Tatsache, dass auch viele nicht kritisch kranke Kinder und Jugendliche versorgt werden, nicht relativiert: Auch nicht kritisch kranke Kinder werden in einem gut erreichbaren, rund um die Uhr zugänglichen ambulanten Kinderzentrum in großer Zahl vorgestellt und rasch und suffizient versorgt. Über die Effektivität und Effizienz der ambulanten kinderärztlichen Versorgung in Deutschland sollte mehr inhaltlich diskutiert werden. Die Sinnhaftigkeit der bisher strikten Trennung der ambulanten und stationären Sektoren im deutschen Gesundheitswesen muss inhaltlich und ohne in Lobbyismus zu verfallen, hinterfragt werden.
Das Knochenmarködemsyndrom
Authors: Schmidt Constantin , Delsmann Maximilian M. , Stürznickel Julian , Barvencik Florian
Published: August 2021

Das Knochenmarködemsyndrom (KMÖS) ist eine durch pathologische Flüssigkeitsvermehrung im Knochenmark gekennzeichnete Erkrankung, die sich mittels MRT darstellen lässt. Das Spektrum potenziell verursachender Erkrankungen ist groß, wobei sich ätiologisch mechanische, metabolische, reaktive und ischämische KMÖS-Formen voneinander unterscheiden lassen. Zwar ist die Pathophysiologie des KMÖS noch unzureichend verstanden, doch wird ein lokal erhöhter Knochenumbau im Sinne einer aktivierten Knochenresorption angenommen, die zu einer erhöhten Vaskularisation mit konsekutiv vermehrter Flüssigkeitsansammlung führt. Ziel unserer Arbeit war es anhand der pathophysiologischen Überlegungen die möglichen verursachenden Erkrankungen differenzialdiagnostisch zu beleuchten und anhand derer einen diagnostischen Algorithmus zu präsentieren. Dabei zeigen wir, dass sich die verschiedenen KMÖS-Formen oft mittels typischer MRT-morphologischer sowie klinischer und laborchemischer Charakteristika unterscheiden lassen, sodass anhand der richtigen Diagnose gezielt therapeutische Maßnahmen getroffen werden können.
Studie - Hat das durchschnittliche Einzelkrankenhaus noch eine Zukunft?
Authors:   Nach Angaben der Hochschule für Wirtschaft und Gesellschaft Ludwigshafen
Published: August 2021

Laut einer Studie der Hochschule für Wirtschaft und Gesellschaft Ludwigshafen werden Verbund- und Konzernstrukturen für eine erfolgreiche Krankenhausplanung immer wichtiger. Für Einzelkrankenhäuser könnte es dagegen schwer werden.
eHealth-Allianz - Digitalisierung ist kein Selbstzweck
Authors:   Nach Angaben BVMed
Published: August 2021

Mit einem neuen Positionspapier konkretisiert die eHealth-Allianz ihre Forderung nach einem eHealth-Zielbild und stellt in 5 Handlungsfeldern einen Kompass für ein digitales Gesundheitswesen in Deutschland dar.
Mastozytose – eine kurze Übersicht
Authors: Horny Hans-Peter , Valent Peter
Published: August 2021

Die Mastozytose ist eine ungewöhnliche Erkrankung des hämatopoetischen Gewebes (Knochenmark) mit heterogenem klinischem Erscheinungsbild und dementsprechend ganz unterschiedlicher Prognose. Prinzipiell wird eine rein kutane Mastozytose (fast immer bei Kindern) von einer systemischen Mastozytose (bei Erwachsenen) mit fakultativem, gleichwohl häufigem Hautbefall unterschieden. Im Zentrum der Diagnose steht der Histopathologe mit Nachweis einer Zunahme atypischer Mastzellen im Gewebeschnitt, häufig unter Ausbildung kompakter Infiltrate.
Erklärung des Verwaltungsrates - Regierung und Parlament müssen jetzt die Stabilität für 2022 sichern!
Authors:   Nach Angaben des GKV-Spitzenverbands
Published: August 2021

Mit Blick auf den Abschluss des Gesetzgebungsverfahrens für das Gesundheitsversorgungsweiterentwicklungsgesetz (GVWG) am 25.06.2021 im Bundesrat erklärt der Verwaltungsrat des GKV-Spitzenverbandes auf seiner Sitzung vom 23.06.2021:
External Auditory Canal Cholesteatoma: Clinical and Radiological Features
Authors: Dongol Kripa , Shadiyah Hena , Gyawali Bigyan Raj , Rayamajhi Pabina , Pradhananga Rabindra Bhakta
Published: August 2021

Introduction External auditory canal cholesteatoma (EACC) is often misdiagnosed.

Objectives To outline the clinical presentation of EACC, and to describe its radiological findings on high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) of the temporal bone.

Methods The clinical records of all patients diagnosed with EACC from April 2017 to March 2020 in a tertiary care center were retrospectively reviewed. The clinical presentation, the findings on the HRCT of the temporal bone, and the treatment provided were analyzed.

Results A total of 9 patients, 7 males and 2 females, with a mean age of 30 years, were diagnosed with primary EACC. Six patients presented with otorrhoea, three, with otalgia, three. with hearing loss, and one with facial palsy. Some patients had multiple symptoms. The most common findings on otomicroscopy were destruction of the posterior and inferior canal walls, with cholesteatoma and intact tympanic membrane (six patients). Two patients had aural polyp, and one had a narrow ear canal due to sagging of the posterior canal wall. On HRCT, all nine patients showed soft-tissue density in the external auditory canal with erosion of the canal wall. The disease extended to the mastoid in eight cases, and to the cavity of the middle ear in one. There were three cases of dehiscence of the facial canal. Dehiscence of the dural and sinus plates was observed in two cases each. Eight patients underwent mastoidectomy, and one underwent debridement with canalplasty.

Conclusion Review of the clinical and radiological findings is essential to reduce the rate of misdiagnosis.
A Case of an Extremely Low Birth Weight Infant with Morganella morganii Bacteremia and Peritonitis
Authors: Pham Betty , Denslow Anne , Mikhael Michel , Lim Jina
Published: August 2021

We describe a case of late onset Morganella morganii sepsis in an extremely low birth weight male neonate born at 23 and 4/7 weeks gestational age to a 30-year-old primigravid mother due to preterm labor. The mother was otherwise healthy with an unremarkable prenatal course. She received steroids and ampicillin prior to delivery. While initial blood cultures were negative, at day of life 4, the neonate developed signs of sepsis with leukocytosis and bandemia, and subsequent blood culture demonstrated growth of M. morganii. The patient then had spontaneous intestinal perforation on day of life 8 with peritoneal cultures growing M. morganii. The infant responded to standard therapy and survived to discharge, with few mild developmental delays upon outpatient follow-up. While M. morganii has been demonstrated in the neonatal population, it generally causes early onset sepsis and is associated with high mortality in preterm neonates. Here, we present this case of late onset neonatal sepsis with M. morganii complicated by spontaneous intestinal perforation, with survival in a 23 weeks gestation infant.
Pediatric Oncology Patients and COVID-19: An Experience from the Tertiary COVID Care Facility in Eastern India: A Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Chowdhoury Satyabrata Roy , Biswas Himanshu Sekhar , Raut Sumantra , Bhakta Subhajit , Roy Atanu , Banerjee Swarnabindu , Nandi Mousumi
Published: August 2021

Introduction Pediatric oncology patients presumably are one of the most vulnerable groups during this ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Not only they are immunocompromised thanks to their inherent disease and treatment regimens, but delay in initiation and maintenance of their treatment in this pandemic era also poses great concern. But the magnitude of this effect on pediatric oncology patients has not been well established due to paucity of data.

Objective This study was proposed to assess clinicoepidemiological profile and outcome of the pediatric oncology patients who were infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 virus attending a COVID-19 care facility.

Materials and Methods This was a prospective observational study conducted in a tertiary care hospital. All confirmed oncology patients up to age 12 years who either attended the oncology outpatient department or referred to COVID-19 care center from other cancer treatment facility were included in the study from May 2020 to September 2020. Data on demography, clinical features, investigations, treatment, complications, and outcome were collected. Descriptive statistical analysis was performed and common relevant investigations were compared between non-intensive care unit (ICU) and ICU group.

Results The rate of COVID-19 positivity among the pediatric oncology patient attending oncology clinic of the hospital is 8.21%. Total 28 patients (12 from oncology clinic of our hospital and 16 from other hospitals referred to our COVID-19 unit) were included in our study. The most common malignancy was acute lymphoblastic leukemia (64.28%). The most common symptom was fever (64.28%). Oxygen therapy was needed for 42.85% patients. Eight patients required ICU admission (two required invasive ventilation and one required noninvasive ventilation). Positive C-reactive protein value was associated with severe disease requiring ICU admission. Mean delay in starting chemotherapy in newly diagnosed cases was 28.77 days (standard deviation = 9.67). One newly diagnosed patient expired due to preexisting disease.

Conclusion Though vulnerable, most of the pediatric oncology patients suffered a mild COVID-19 infection without any significant COVID-19-related morbidity and mortality. There is a significant delay in starting specific oncology therapy, that is, chemotherapy as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic in newly diagnosed pediatric oncology patients, which can increase morbidities and mortality related to malignancy.
Tripod-shaped Syndactyly in Apert Syndrome with FGFR2 p.P253R Mutation
Authors: Singh Chandra Bhan , Mishra Biswajit , Patel Rashmi , Kumar Ashok , Ali Akhtar
Published: August 2021

Apert syndrome is a rare acrocephalosyndactyly (craniosynostosis) syndrome characterized by craniofacial dysmorphism and syndactyly of the hands and feet. It is caused by FGFR2 mutations and inherited in an autosomal dominant manner. This article describes a novel clinical variant of Apert syndrome having bilateral symmetrical tripod-shaped syndactyly in hands with milder craniofacial features in a sporadic case, along with a mutation in the fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2) gene. The patient had shown craniosynostosis, dysmorphic face, ocular hypertelorism, marked depression of the nasal bridge, long philtrum, and low set ears. Direct resequencing of the FGFR2 gene through Sanger’s method identified a heterozygous missense mutation; FGFR2c.758C>G (FGFR2p.P253R) in the exon-7 of the gene.
Meta-optical and thin film devices for all-optical information processing
Authors: Wesemann Lukas , Davis Timothy J. , Roberts Ann
Published: August 2021

All-optical spatial frequency filtering has a long history with many applications now commonly replaced with digital alternatives. Although optical approaches are attractive in that they minimize energy requirements and images can be manipulated in real time, they are relatively bulky compared to the compact electronic devices that are now ubiquitous. With emerging interest in nanophotonic approaches to all-optical information processing, these approaches to enhancing images and performing phase visualization are attracting significant interest. Metasurfaces have been demonstrated as tailored alternatives to conventional spatial filters, but utilizing the spatial frequency sensitivity of these and thin film devices also has the potential to form the basis for ultracompact approaches to image processing. There are, however, significant challenges remaining to realize this promise. This review summarizes the current status of research in this rapidly growing field, places it in the context of the history of all-optical spatial filtering, and assesses prospects for future directions.
Development of Angus SteerSELECT: a genomic-based tool to identify performance differences of Australian Angus steers during feedlot finishing: Phase 1 validation
Authors: Hine Brad C. , Duff Christian J. , Byrne Andrew , Parnell Peter , Porto-Neto Laercio , Li Yutao , Ingham Aaron B. , Reverter Antonio
Published: August 2021

Context Genomic-based technologies are allowing commercial beef producers to predict the genetic merit of individual animals of unknown pedigree with increased ease and accuracy. Genomic selection tools that can accurately predict the feedlot and carcass performance of steers have the potential to improve profitability for the beef supply chain. Aims To validate the ability of the Angus SteerSELECT genomic product to predict differences in performance of Australian Angus steers, in terms of carcass weight, marbling score, ossification score and carcass value, using a short-fed (100 days) or long-fed (270 days) finishing protocol at a commercial feedlot. Methods A reference population of 2763 Australian Angus steers was used to generate genomic prediction equations for three carcass traits, namely, carcass weight, marbling score and ossification. The accuracy and bias of genomic predictions of breeding values were then evaluated using a validation population of 522 Angus steers, either short- or long-fed at a commercial feedlot, by comparing breeding values to measured phenotypes. The potential economic benefits for feedlot operators when using Angus SteerSELECT were estimated on the basis of the ability of the tool to predict the carcass value of steers in the validation population. Key results The accuracy of genomic predictions of breeding values for carcass weight, marbling score and ossification score were 0.752, 0.723 and 0.734 respectively. When steers were ranked in quartiles for predicted carcass value, calculated using genomic predictions of breeding values for carcass weight and marbling score, the least-square mean carcass value for steers in each quartile, from bottom 25% predicted performers to top 25% predicted performers, were estimated at A$1794, A$1977, A$2021 and A$2148 for short-fed steers and A$3546, A$3780, A$3864 and A$4258 for long-fed steers. Differences in the carcass value least-squares mean between the bottom and top quartile were highly significant (P < 0.001) for both short-fed and long-fed steers. Conclusions Genomic prediction equations used in Angus SteerSELECT can predict differences in carcass weight, marbling score, ossification score and carcass value in both short-fed and long-fed Australian Angus steers. Implications Genomic selection tools that can predict differences in performance, in terms of growth and carcass characteristics, of commercial feedlot cattle have the potential to significantly increase profitability for the beef supply chain by improving the quality and consistency of the beef products they produce.
Red hot frogs: identifying the Australian frogs most at risk of extinction
Authors: Geyle Hayley M. , Hoskin Conrad J. , Bower Deborah S. , Catullo Renee , Clulow Simon , Driessen Michael , Daniels Katrina , Garnett Stephen T. , Gilbert Deon , Heard Geoffrey W. , Hero Jean-Marc , Hines Harry B. , Hoffmann Emily P. , Hollis Greg , Hunter David A. , Lemckert Frank , Mahony Michael , Marantelli Gerry , McDonald Keith R. , Mitchell Nicola J. , Newell David , Roberts J. Dale , Scheele Ben C. , Scroggie Michael , Vanderduys Eric , Wassens Skye , West Matt , Woinarski John C. Z. , Gillespie Graeme R.
Published: August 2021

More than a third of the world’s amphibian species are listed as Threatened or Extinct, with a recent assessment identifying 45 Australian frogs (18.4% of the currently recognised species) as ‘Threatened’ based on IUCN criteria. We applied structured expert elicitation to 26 frogs assessed as Critically Endangered and Endangered to estimate their probability of extinction by 2040. We also investigated whether participant experience (measured as a self-assigned categorical score, i.e. ‘expert’ or ‘non-expert’) influenced the estimates. Collation and analysis of participant opinion indicated that eight species are at high risk (>50% chance) of becoming extinct by 2040, with the disease chytridiomycosis identified as the primary threat. A further five species are at moderate–high risk (30–50% chance), primarily due to climate change. Fourteen of the 26 frog species are endemic to Queensland, with many species restricted to small geographic ranges that are susceptible to stochastic events (e.g. a severe heatwave or a large bushfire). Experts were more likely to rate extinction probability higher for poorly known species (those with <10 experts), while non-experts were more likely to rate extinction probability higher for better-known species. However, scores converged following discussion, indicating that there was greater consensus in the estimates of extinction probability. Increased resourcing and management intervention are urgently needed to avert future extinctions of Australia’s frogs. Key priorities include developing and supporting captive management and establishing or extending in-situ population refuges to alleviate the impacts of disease and climate change.
Nonlocal topological insulators: Deterministic aperiodic arrays supporting localized topological states protected by nonlocal symmetries
Authors: Chen Kai , Weiner Matthew , Li Mengyao , Ni Xiang , Alù Andrea , Khanikaev Alexander B.
Published: August 2021

Significance

A concept of nonlocal topological phases of DAAs introduced here establishes a different direction in topological physics and offers approaches to emulate higher-dimensional topology in lower-dimensional systems. Our study also unveils opportunities to engineer topologically protected states in aperiodic systems and paves the path to application of resonances associated with such states, whose robustness is ensured by nonlocal symmetries of DAAs. In particular, the possibility to engineer multiple localized resonances via dimensional reduction and their unique features, such as precise spectral properties stemming from their topological nature, offers remarkable opportunities for practical applications, from robust resonators to sensors and aperiodic topological lasers.
On the value(s) of time: Workers’ value of their time depends on mode of valuation
Authors: Smitizsky Gal , Liu Wendy , Gneezy Uri
Published: August 2021

Significance

We show that people are inconsistent in the way they assign monetary value to their time in a labor context. In theory, the exchange rate between time and money is invariant to the elicitation method. In contrast to this prediction, we find that individuals' valuation of their time directly depends on whether they are stating a price in time for a fixed amount of money or a price in money for a fixed amount of time. This insight has implications for workers' demand for wages in labor markets. Our research is relevant for researchers, individuals, and firms who seek to gain a deeper understanding of how individuals value and manage their effort.
Velocity transformation for compressible wall-bounded turbulent flows with and without heat transfer
Authors: Griffin Kevin Patrick , Fu Lin , Moin Parviz
Published: August 2021

Significance

Near a solid wall, the mean velocity of an incompressible fluid is a nearly universal function of the distance from the wall when appropriately transformed (nondimensionalized). For high-speed compressible flows, due to the wall-normal variations of density and viscosity, it has not been established how to transform a dimensional velocity profile into a universal profile. We propose a transformation that is more accurate and more broadly applicable than existing approaches. This improvement results from deploying different physical arguments for the two critical subdomains of a boundary layer. The transformation can be used to extend incompressible turbulence models to compressible turbulent flows, such as those encountered by vehicles for high-speed transportation and planetary reentry.
Probabilistic resumable quantum teleportation in high dimensions
Authors: Chen Xiang , Zhang Jin-Hua , Zhang Fu-Lin
Published: August 2021

Teleportation is a quantum information process without classical counterparts, in which the sender can disembodiedly transfer unknown quantum states to the receiver. In probabilistic teleportation through a partial entangled quantum channel, the transmission is exact (with fidelity 1), but may fail in a probability and the initial state is destroyed simultaneously. We propose a scheme for nondestructive probabilistic teleportation of high-dimensional quantum states. With the aid of an ancilla in the hands of the sender, the initial quantum information can be recovered when teleportation fails. The ancilla acts as a quantum apparatus to measure the sender’s subsystem. Erasing the information recorded in it can resume the initial state.
Signal-to-noise ratio of Raman signal measured by multichannel detectors*
Authors: Liu Xue-Lu , Leng Yu-Chen , Lin Miao-Ling , Cong Xin , Tan Ping-Heng
Published: August 2021

Raman spectroscopy has been widely used to characterize the physical properties of two-dimensional materials (2DMs). The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR or S/N ratio) of Raman signal usually serves as an important indicator to evaluate the instrumental performance rather than Raman intensity itself. Multichannel detectors with outstanding sensitivity, rapid acquisition speed and low noise level have been widely equipped in Raman instruments for the measurement of Raman signal. In this mini-review, we first introduce the recent advances of Raman spectroscopy of 2DMs. Then we take the most commonly used CCD detector and IGA array detector as examples to overview the various noise sources in Raman measurements and analyze their potential influences on SNR of Raman signal in experiments. This overview can contribute to a better understanding on the SNR of Raman signal and the performance of multichannel detector for numerous researchers and instrumental design for industry, as well as offer practical strategies for improving spectral quality in routine measurement.
Morphological effect on electrochemical performance of nanostructural CrN*
Authors: Xiong Zhengwei , An Xuemei , Liu Qian , Zhu Jiayi , Zhang Xiaoqiang , Hao Chenchun , Yang Qiang , Gao Zhipeng , Zhang Meng
Published: August 2021

Size and morphology are critical factors in determining the electrochemical performance of the supercapacitor materials, due to the manifestation of the nanosize effect. Herein, different nanostructures of the CrN material are prepared by the combination of a thermal-nitridation process and a template technique. High-temperature nitridation could not only transform the hexagonal Cr2O3 into cubic CrN, but also keep the template morphology barely unchanged. The obtained CrN nanostructures, including (i) hierarchical microspheres assembled by nanoparticles, (ii) microlayers, and (iii) nanoparticles, are studied for the electrochemical supercapacitor. The CrN microspheres show the best specific capacitance (213.2 F/g), cyclic stability (capacitance retention rate of 96% after 5000 cycles in 1-mol/L KOH solution), high energy density (28.9 Wh/kg), and power density (443.4 W/kg), comparing with the other two nanostructures. Based on the impedance spectroscopy and nitrogen adsorption analysis, it is revealed that the enhancement arised mainly from a high-conductance and specific surface area of CrN microspheres. This work presents a general strategy of fabricating controllable CrN nanostructures to achieve the enhanced supercapacitor performance.
Surface-enhanced fluorescence and application study based on Ag-wheat leaves
Authors: Cao Hongwen , Guo Liting , Sun Zhen , Jiao Tifeng , Wang Mingli
Published: August 2021

Wheat leaves with natural microstructures as substrates were covered by the silver nanoislands by magnetron to prepare a low-cost, environment-friendly and mass production surface-enhanced fluorescence (SEF) substrate (Ag-WL substrate). The best SEF substrate was selected by repeatly certifying the fluorescence intensity of 10−5 M Rhodamine B (RB) and 10−5 M Rhodamine 6G (R6G) aqueous solutions. The abundant semi-spherical protrusions and flake-like structures on the surface of the Ag-WL substrate produce high-density hot spots, which provides a new and simple idea for the preparation of biomimetic materials. The results of 3D finite-different time-domain (FDTD) simulation show that the nanoisland gap of semi-spherical protrusions and flake-like structures has produced rich hotspots. By adjusting the time of magnetron sputtering, the enhancement factor (EF) was as high as 839 times, relative standard deviation (RSD) reached as low as 10.7%, and the substrate was very stable and repeatable, which shows that Ag-WL substrate is trustworthy. Moreover, semi-spherical protrusions provide stronger surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) effects compared to flake-like structure. What is more surprising is that the detection limit of the substrate for toxic substance crystal violet (CV) is as low as 10−10 M.
Rotational manipulation of massive particles in a 2D acoustofluidic chamber constituted by multiple nonlinear vibration sources
Authors: Tang Qiang , Liu Pengzhan , Tang Shuai
Published: August 2021

Rotational manipulation of massive particles and biological samples is essential for the development of miniaturized lab-on-a-chip platforms in the fields of chemical, medical, and biological applications. In this paper, a device concept of a two-dimensional acoustofluidic chamber actuated by multiple nonlinear vibration sources is proposed. The functional chamber enables the generation of acoustic streaming vortices for potential applications that include strong mixing of multi-phase flows and rotational manipulation of micro-/nano-scale objects without any rotating component. Using numerical simulations, we find that diversified acoustofluidic fields can be generated in the chamber under various actuations, and massive polystyrene beads inside can experience different acoustophoretic motions under the combined effect of an acoustic radiation force and acoustic streaming. Moreover, we investigate and clarify the effects of structural design on modulation of the acoustofluidic fields in the chamber. We believe the presented study could not only provide a promising potential tool for rotational acoustofluidic manipulation, but could also bring this community some useful design insights into the achievement of desired acoustofluidic fields for assorted microfluidic applications.
Determination of Snow Cover Thickness using a Ground-penetrating Radar and a Laser Rangefinder
Authors: Marchuk V N , Grigoryevsky V I
Published: August 2021

This article presents the results of processing the experimental data to determine the thickness of the snow cover in an area with a relatively flat terrain using a ground penetrating radar (GPR) and a laser rangefinder. It is shown that the GPR determines the thickness of the snow cover with an accuracy of 10-15 cm even in places under vegetation, however, in areas with sharp drops in the snow level, the error can be about 1 m due to the wide directional pattern of the antenna. The laser rangefinder is not suitable for measuring the thickness of the snow cover under vegetation, however, it detects local maxima and minima well, which can significantly supplement the GPR data in identifying critical zones. For surfaces that have a small area free from snow, it is possible to determine the thickness of the snow cover relative to this area with a laser rangefinder accuracy of ∼ 1 cm, but it is necessary that this surface be free of vegetation. This criterion is met, for example, the roof surfaces of large structures, such as water parks. In the case of using only a GPR, sharp drops in snow level are averaged and inaccuracies in measurements at local sites are possible. When using both instruments, it is possible to determine the snow cover with an accuracy of ∼ 10-15 cm on surfaces with vegetation and ∼ 1 cm without vegetation, which is the basis for the joint use of instruments. This work is a continuation of a series of experiments started last year.
Pervasive changes in stream intermittency across the United States
Authors: Zipper Samuel C , Hammond John C , Shanafield Margaret , Zimmer Margaret , Datry Thibault , Jones C Nathan , Kaiser Kendra E , Godsey Sarah E , Burrows Ryan M , Blaszczak Joanna R , Busch Michelle H , Price Adam N , Boersma Kate S , Ward Adam S , Costigan Katie , Allen George H , Krabbenhoft Corey A , Dodds Walter K , Mims Meryl C , Olden Julian D , Kampf Stephanie K , Burgin Amy J , Allen Daniel C
Published: August 2021

Non-perennial streams are widespread, critical to ecosystems and society, and the subject of ongoing policy debate. Prior large-scale research on stream intermittency has been based on long-term averages, generally using annually aggregated data to characterize a highly variable process. As a result, it is not well understood if, how, or why the hydrology of non-perennial streams is changing. Here, we investigate trends and drivers of three intermittency signatures that describe the duration, timing, and dry-down period of stream intermittency across the continental United States (CONUS). Half of gages exhibited a significant trend through time in at least one of the three intermittency signatures, and changes in no-flow duration were most pervasive (41% of gages). Changes in intermittency were substantial for many streams, and 7% of gages exhibited changes in annual no-flow duration exceeding 100 days during the study period. Distinct regional patterns of change were evident, with widespread drying in southern CONUS and wetting in northern CONUS. These patterns are correlated with changes in aridity, though drivers of spatiotemporal variability were diverse across the three intermittency signatures. While the no-flow timing and duration were strongly related to climate, dry-down period was most strongly related to watershed land use and physiography. Our results indicate that non-perennial conditions are increasing in prevalence over much of CONUS and binary classifications of ‘perennial’ and ‘non-perennial’ are not an accurate reflection of this change. Water management and policy should reflect the changing nature and diverse drivers of changing intermittency both today and in the future.
Regional clusters of vulnerability show the need for transboundary cooperation
Authors: Birkmann Joern , Feldmeyer Daniel , McMillan Joanna M , Solecki William , Totin Edmond , Roberts Debra , Trisos Christopher , Jamshed Ali , Boyd Emily , Wrathall David
Published: August 2021

Reducing vulnerability is essential for adaptation to climate change. Compared to approaches that examine vulnerability to a specific hazard, our analysis offers an alternative perspective that conceptualizes vulnerability to climate change as a phenomenon that is independent of any specific type of hazard but relevant to multiple hazards. Vulnerability is thus a product of structural inequality and systemic in nature. Based on two established index systems, we perform global analyses of specific phenomena—such as poverty, access to basic infrastructure services and forced migration—that influence and determine vulnerability. Our statistical and spatial analyses reveal an emerging pattern of climate vulnerability within regional clusters and shows that vulnerability is a transboundary issue, crossing political, sectorial and geographical borders and impacting shared resources. The spatial statistical hotspot analysis of vulnerability underscores that hotspots, for example of high vulnerability, state fragility, low biodiversity protection or forced migration, emerge in multi-country clusters. This aspect has often been overlooked, most attention to-date having been given to the positioning of individual countries within vulnerability rankings. In hotspots such as in the Sahel, East and Central Africa, as well as in Southern Asia and Central America, vulnerability is interwoven with high levels of state fragility, making adaptation solutions more complex. The recognition of the regional clusters and the transboundary nature of vulnerability calls for new research and action on how to strengthen transboundary approaches for vulnerability reduction, potentially enhancing prospects for successful adaptation.
Key policy questions for ex-ante impact assessment of European agricultural and rural policies
Authors: Coderoni Silvia , Helming John , Pérez-Soba Marta , Sckokai Paolo , Varacca Alessandro
Published: August 2021

Policies in the agricultural and rural sectors are of key importance in shaping their sustainable development. These policies are changing from market-based policies to policies that aim to influence farmers’ decision-making. Thus, the scientific literature supporting evidence-based policy-making must develop models that simulate individual decision-making (IDM) by farmers. This study aims to understand key policy objectives, related policy questions and benchmark scenarios relevant to the European agricultural sector to define the research agenda for a suite of IDM models. This research goal has been addressed following a five-step process that involved different research tools and heterogeneous actors, including key stakeholders. Results suggest that environmental policy objectives are the most relevant for European agriculture in the coming decades. Thus, the scenario modelling exercise should focus mainly on the agri-environmental policies’ impacts while properly considering the potential trade-offs between economic and environmental objectives.
2020/21 record-breaking cold waves in east of China enhanced by the ‘Warm Arctic-Cold Siberia’ pattern
Authors: Zhang Yijia , Yin Zhicong , Wang Huijun , He Shengping
Published: August 2021

Extreme cold waves frequently occur in east of China that dramatically endanger ecological agriculture, power infrastructure and human life. In this study, we found that the ‘Warm Arctic-Cold Siberia’ pattern (WACS) significantly enhanced cold waves in east of China according to daily composites from 1979 to 2018. During the winter 2020/21, a record-breaking cold wave broke out following a noticeable WACS phenomenon and induced the record-low surface air temperature at 60 meteorological stations since they were established (nearly 60 years). On 3 January 2021, the difference in temperature anomaly between the Barents–Kara Sea and Siberia reached 20 °C, the peak of winter 2020/21. With a shrinking meridional temperature gradient, the atmospheric baroclinicity weakened correspondingly. The accompanying atmospheric anomalies, i.e. the persistent Ural Blocking High and Baikal deep trough effectively transported stronger cold air than the sole impact from Arctic warming. After 4 d, the east of China experienced a severe surface air temperature decrease of more than 8 °C, covering an area of 2500 000 km2. During the same winter, a record-breaking warm event occurred in February 2021, and the ‘Cold Arctic-Warm Eurasia’ pattern also appeared as a precursory signal. Furthermore, on the interannual scale, the connection between winter-mean temperature anomalies in east of China and the WACS pattern also existed and even performed more strongly in both observations and simulation data of CMIP6.