bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Statistical Characteristics of Giant Undulations During Geomagnetic Storms
Authors: Zhou Yi‐Jia , He Fei , Zhang Xiao‐Xin , Yao Zhong‐Hua , Wei Yong , Zhang Yong‐Liang
Published: June 2021

In this letter, the statistical characteristics of the structures of giant undulations (GUs) during geomagnetic storms are studied for the first time, based on aurora images during 2005–2019. The GUs mainly occur within ∼4 h following the beginning of the storm main phase and finish in ±4 h around the storm peak. The most interesting feature is that the anti‐sunward edge of GUs is quasi‐stable (18–19 h MLT) during their lifetime. The latitudinal amplitudes of GUs (AGU) peak at 200–300 km while the azimuthal wavelengths (WGU) occupy several discrete values between 100 and 900 km. Both AGU and WGU are quasi‐proportional to the strength of the storms, and AGU is also proportional to WGU. There are some differences in the characteristics of AGU and WGU between pre‐ and post dusk sectors. These results would provide both statistical insight for mechanisms of dynamic auroral structures and data sources for validating magnetosphere‐plasmasphere‐ionosphere coupling models.
Seismogenic Potential of the Main Himalayan Thrust Constrained by Coupling Segmentation and Earthquake Scaling
Authors: Michel Sylvain , Jolivet Romain , Rollins Chris , Jara Jorge , Dal Zilio Luca
Published: June 2021

Recent studies have shown that the Himalayan region is under the threat of earthquakes of magnitude nine or larger. These estimates are based on comparisons of the geodetically inferred moment deficit rate with the seismicity of the region. However, these studies did not account for the physics of fault slip, specifically the influence of frictional barriers on earthquake rupture dynamics, which controls the extent and therefore the magnitude of large earthquakes. Here we combine an improved probabilistic estimate of moment deficit rate with results from dynamic models of the earthquake cycle to more fully assess the seismogenic potential of the Main Himalayan Thrust (MHT). We propose a straightforward and efficient methodology for incorporating outcomes of physics‐based earthquake cycle models into hazard estimates. We show that, accounting for uncertainties on the moment deficit rate, seismicity and earthquake physics, the MHT is prone to rupturing in 8.7 earthquakes every T > 200 years.
A Persistent and Intense Marine Heatwave in the Northeast Pacific During 2019–2020
Authors: Chen Ziyan , Shi Jian , Liu Qinyu , Chen Hui , Li Chun
Published: June 2021

Motivated by increasing marine heatwaves (MHWs) and their dramatic climate effects, we analyze the persistent 2019–2020 MHW, which showed significant positive sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies in the Northeast Pacific. Four SST peaks were identified during its evolution, which appeared in November 2019, April, July, and November 2020. Positive temperature anomalies were mostly located within the mixed layer for the first‐year winter peak. However, the warm core was centered around 50 m below (at the bottom of) the mixed layer for the summer (second‐year winter) peak. The dominant factor for the two wintertime peaks was a surface heat flux anomaly, with reduction in evaporative cooling due to the easterly anomaly. The heat flux and potentially the vertical entrainment combined to induce the peak in spring. In the tropical Pacific, a La Niña event occurred following this MHW, while other recorded double‐peak events were associated with El Niño or neutral conditions.
Post‐Millennium Atmospheric Temperature Trends Observed From Satellites in Stable Orbits
Authors: Zou Cheng‐Zhi , Xu Hui , Hao Xianjun , Fu Qiang
Published: June 2021

We develop a post‐millennium mid‐tropospheric temperature time series from continuous observations by advanced microwave sounders onboard satellites in stable sun‐synchronous orbits. Such observations have high radiometric stability and do not experience diurnal sampling changes over time, allowing us to develop merged time series from multiple satellites with an accuracy better than 0.012 Kelvin/Decade. With such high accuracy, the resulting time series can be used as a reference measurement of climate variability and trends in atmospheric temperatures. The warming rate from this time series for the atmospheric layer between surface and 10 km is 0.230 ± 0.134 Kelvin/Decade during the period from 2002 to 2020, which is ∼14% higher than the existing satellite microwave sounder datasets. Our finding provides new insight on trend differences among microwave sounder temperature data sets developed by different research groups, and is also helpful in reconciling trend differences between satellite observations and climate model simulations.
The Role of Vorticity Tilting in Northward‐Propagating Monsoon Intraseasonal Oscillation
Authors: Li Baosheng , Zhou Lei , Qin Jianhuang , Murtugudde Raghu
Published: June 2021

The simulation of the northward‐propagating monsoon intraseasonal oscillation (MISO) is still a grand challenge for climate models. Here, we show that the tilting of vorticity plays a critical role in the northward‐propagating MISO. During the Indian summer monsoon (ISM), the persistent vertical easterly shear of background zonal wind sets up a horizontal vorticity. Due to the meridional gradient of vertical velocity associated with convection, positive vorticity anomalies are generated to the north of the convection, where the convection is enhanced. In 19 coupled general circulation models from Phase 6 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP6), it is confirmed that the simulations of MISO have a strong dependence on the simulations of this tilting but the tilting structures are not well‐captured in CMIP6 models. This offers a specific target for alleviating the model bias in MISO as well as in ISM in contemporary climate models.
Ice‐Covered Lakes of Tibetan Plateau as Solar Heat Collectors
Authors: Kirillin Georgiy B , Shatwell Tom , Wen Lijuan
Published: June 2021

The Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau possesses the largest alpine lake system, which plays a crucial role in the land‐atmosphere interaction. We report first observations on the thermal and radiation regime under ice of the largest freshwater lake of the Plateau. The results reveal that freshwater lakes on the Tibetan Plateau fully mix under ice. Due to strong solar heating, water temperatures increase above the maximum density value 1–2 months before the ice break, forming stable thermal stratification with subsurface temperatures >6°C. The resulting heat flow from water to ice makes a crucial contribution to ice cover melt. After the ice breakup, the accumulated heat is released into the atmosphere during 1–2 days, increasing lake‐atmosphere heat fluxes up to 500 W m−2. The direct biogeochemical consequences of the deep convective mixing are aeration of the deep lake waters and upward supply of nutrients to the upper photic layer.
Quasi‐2‐Day Wave in Low‐Latitude Atmospheric Winds as Viewed From the Ground and Space During January–March, 2020
Authors: He Maosheng , Chau Jorge L. , Forbes Jeffrey M. , Zhang Xiaoli , Englert Christoph R. , Harding Brian J. , Immel Thomas J. , Lima Lourivaldo M. , Bhaskar Rao S. Vijaya , Ratnam M. Venkat , Li Guozhu , Harlander John M. , Marr Kenneth D. , Makela Jonathan J.
Published: June 2021

Horizontal winds from four low‐latitude (±15°) specular meteor radars (SMRs) and the Michelson Interferometer for Global High‐resolution Thermospheric Imaging (MIGHTI) instrument on the ICON satellite, are combined to investigate quasi‐2‐day waves (Q2DWs) in early 2020. SMRs cover 80–100 km altitude whereas MIGHTI covers 95–300 km. Q2DWs are the largest dynamical feature of the summertime middle atmosphere. At the overlapping altitudes, comparisons between the derived Q2DWs exhibit excellent agreement. The SMR sensor array analyses show that the dominant zonal wavenumbers are s = +2 and + 3, and help resolve ambiguities in MIGHTI results. We present the first Q2DW depiction for s = +2 and s = +3 between 95 and 200 km, and show that their amplitudes are almost invariant between 80 and 100 km. Above 106 km, Q2DW amplitudes and phases present structures that might result from the superposition of Q2DWs and their aliased secondary waves.
GNSS Observations of GIA‐Induced Crustal Deformation in Lützow‐Holm Bay, East Antarctica
Authors: Hattori A. , Aoyama Y. , Okuno J. , Doi K.
Published: June 2021

The Japanese Antarctic Research Expeditions have conducted long‐term Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) observations at a series of bedrock outcrops along the coast of Lützow‐Holm Bay, East Antarctica, to elucidate the solid Earth response to ice mass changes. These GNSS observations capture both the viscoelastic response of the solid Earth to Antarctic Ice Sheet changes since the Last Glacial Maximum, termed glacial isostatic adjustment (GIA), and elastic deformation associated with recent surface mass changes due to snowfall variations. Here, we extract the GIA signals from the Lützow‐Holm Bay GNSS data by applying an elastic deformation correction based on the mass fluctuations observed in the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment and the satellite altimetry. Our results indicate that the region is currently experiencing approximately 1 mm/yr of subsidence, which is large enough to influence GIA model estimations. The resultant GIA‐induced deformation response in Lützow‐Holm Bay is 1–6 mm/yr of uplift.
Probing the Damage Zone at Parkfield
Authors: Delorey Andrew A. , Guyer Robert A. , Bokelmann Götz H. R. , Johnson Paul A.
Published: June 2021

Rocks are heterogeneous materials that exhibit nonlinear elastic (anelastic) behavior at scales ranging from the laboratory to Earth. In the laboratory, typical, complex relationships exist between stress and strain that include hysteresis, finite relaxation times, strain rate, and history dependence. These behaviors are linked to important characteristics such as stress, porosity, permeability, material integrity, and material failure. We adopted a “pump‐probe” type experiment common in laboratory studies, using solid earth tides as the low‐frequency pump and empirical Green's function as the high‐frequency probe. By probing the velocity at different points in the pump cycle, we constrained important information about the strain‐modulus relationship. Near the San Andreas Fault, we observed strongly nonlinear elastic behavior that characterizes the damage zone. We also constrained important aspects of hysteretic behavior that are related to damage properties and possibly pore pressure. Away from the fault, the nonlinear behavior is diminished.
Fast Cross‐Scale Energy Transfer During Turbulent Magnetic Reconnection
Authors: Nakamura T. K. M. , Hasegawa H. , Genestreti K. J. , Denton R. E. , Phan T. D. , Stawarz J. E. , Nakamura R. , Nystrom W. D.
Published: June 2021

Magnetic reconnection is a key fundamental process in collisionless plasmas that explosively converts magnetic energy to plasma kinetic and thermal energies through a change of magnetic field topology in a central electron‐scale region called the electron diffusion region (EDR). Past simulations and observations demonstrated that this process causes efficient energy conversion through the formation of multiple macro‐scale or micro‐scale magnetic islands/flux ropes. However, the coupling of these phenomena on different spatiotemporal scales is still poorly understood. Here, based on a new large‐scale fully kinetic simulation with a realistic, initially fluctuating magnetic field, we demonstrate that macro‐scale evolution of turbulent reconnection involving merging of macro‐scale islands induces repeated, quick formation of new electron‐scale islands within the EDR which soon grow to larger scales. This process causes an efficient cross‐scale energy transfer from electron‐ to larger‐scales, and leads to strong electron energization within the growing islands.
Amplified Waveguide Teleconnections Along the Polar Front Jet Favor Summer Temperature Extremes Over Northern Eurasia
Authors: Xu Peiqiang , Wang Lin , Vallis Geoffrey K. , Geen Ruth , Screen James A. , Wu Peili , Ding Shuoyi , Huang Ping , Chen Wen
Published: June 2021

An apparent increase in the frequency of summer temperature extremes over northern Eurasia has been observed in the past decade. Some of these high‐impact events were associated with amplified waveguide teleconnections embedded in the polar front jet, but it remains unclear if extreme temperatures are robustly and routinely related to amplified waves along the polar front jet. This study systematically examines relationships between planetary wave activity and temperature extremes using observations, reanalysis, and large‐ensemble simulations from multiple climate models. Months with extreme temperatures over northern Eurasia generally have amplified wave activity along the polar front jet, whereas months with near‐average temperatures tend to have attenuated wave activity. Waveguide teleconnections are particularly amplified during extremely hot and cold summer months over eastern Europe and western Russia. These findings demonstrate the important role of waveguide teleconnections along the polar front jet in generating regional temperature extremes over northern Eurasia.
Betatron Cooling of Electrons in Martian Magnetotail
Authors: Guo Z. Z. , Fu H. S. , Cao J. B. , Fan K. , Yao Z. H. , Liu Y. Y. , Chen Z. Z. , Wang Z. , Liu X. Y. , Xu Y. , Mazelle C. , Mitchell D. L.
Published: June 2021

Betatron cooling, a plasma process losing particle energy in the perpendicular direction but reserving particle energy in the field‐aligned direction, is a consequence of magnetic depression under the conservation of magnetic moment. Such process has been widely studied in the Earth's magnetosphere but has never been reported in other planetary environment. Here, by utilizing the Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN (MAVEN) measurements, we report two events of betatron cooling in the Martian magnetotail. In one of the events, betatron cooling occurs in the suprathermal and energetic ranges of electrons, whereas in the other event, it occurs in the thermal‐energy range. We quantitatively reproduce these two processes by using an analytical model. Gratifyingly, the cooling factor derived from the analytical model agrees well with the observation of magnetic depression. These results, for the first time demonstrating the betatron‐cooling effect beyond the Earth, are useful to understand the electron dynamics in the planetary magnetosphere.
Contrasting Response of Ultrafine Particle Number and PM2.5 Mass Concentrations to Clean Air Action in China
Authors: Zhao S. P. , Yu Y. , Yin D. Y. , Qin D. H.
Published: June 2021

The strictest ever Clean Air Action has been implemented since 2013 at nationwide scale in China. Nevertheless, PM2.5 (particulate matter with aerodynamic diameter smaller than 2.5 μm) mass and number of ultrafine particles (UFPs, the particles with diameters smaller than 100 nm) exhibited contrasting response to the emission mitigation policies. Unlike reduction of PM2.5 and number of accumulation mode particles, UFPs number decreased from 2012 to 2015, and then has begun to increase sharply since 2016, and annual change of number in nucleation mode particles can reach 40% at noontime during 2017–2019. We examined inter‐annual trends of mode diameter, frequency of new particle formation (NPF) events, formation and growth rates, and particles were found to be much finer and NPF events have been more frequent since 2017. The much higher temperature and stronger solar radiation induced by PM2.5 reduction could promote the formation of secondary aerosol particles at noon.
Piecewise Evolutionary Spectra: A Practical Approach to Understanding Projected Changes in Spectral Relationships Between Circulation Modes and Regional Climate Under Global Warming
Authors: Putrasahan D. A. , von Storch J.‐S.
Published: June 2021

Regional climate variability is strongly related to large‐scale circulation modes. However, little is known about changes in their spectral characteristics under climate change. Here, we introduce piecewise evolutionary spectra to quantify time‐varying variability and co‐variability of climate variables, and use ensemble periodograms to estimate these spectra. By employing a large ensemble of climate change simulations, we show that changes in the variability and relationships of the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO) and regional surface temperatures are disparate on individual timescales. The relation between NAO and surface temperature over high‐latitude lands weakens the most on 20‐year timescales compared to shorter timescales, whereas the relation between NAO and temperature over subtropical North Africa strengthens more on shorter timescales than on 20‐year timescales. These projected evolution and timescale‐dependent changes shed new light on the controlling factors of circulation‐induced regional changes. Accounting for them can lead to the improvement of future regional climate predictions.
Influence of Low‐Frequency PNA Variability on MJO Teleconnections to North American Atmospheric River Activity
Authors: Toride Kinya , Hakim Gregory J.
Published: June 2021

The Madden‐Julian oscillation (MJO) modulates atmospheric river (AR) activity along the West Coast of North America. The forecast skill of ARs based solely on the MJO phase is limited, motivating the identification of other predictive factors. Here we show that low‐frequency variability of the Pacific/North American (PNA) pattern is mostly independent of the MJO, and the monthly PNA pattern influences the MJO‐AR relationship much more robustly than other large‐scale patterns such as the El Niño Southern Oscillation and the quasi‐biennial oscillation. During PNA+ conditions, when the Pacific jet exit region is located further east than average, baroclinic wave packets extend downstream toward North America. The clear contrast in wave packets' zonal scale results in partitioning active and inactive AR phases. The PNA influence is most significant over the Pacific Northwest region of North America, where AR landfall is most frequent, with implied forecasting skill beyond 20 days.
Does Catchment Nestedness Enhance Hydrological Similarity?
Authors: Betterle A. , Botter G.
Published: June 2021

The topology of river networks defines the hierarchical organization of the landscape and controls the drainage pathways triggered by precipitation. This study investigates how the structure of channel networks influences spatial patterns of flow regimes by focusing on the hydrograph observed at the outlet of nested and non‐nested basins. An extensive data set spanning diverse geomorphoclimatic conditions is used to show that – when inter‐catchment distance increases – nested catchments exhibit a more pronounced decrease of streamflow correlation as compared to non‐nested sites. Thus, non‐nested basins have more correlated hydrologic responses at large distances. This unexpected behavior is explained by a geometrical model, which reveals that inter‐catchment differences in size and elevation are larger in nested sites, thereby increasing the spatial heterogeneity of key hydrological processes that shape the hydrograph. This study provides clues to critically reinterpret the hydrological response on nested versus non‐nested catchments, with relevant implications for hydrology and ecology.
Geodetic Constraints on Recent Subduction Earthquakes and Future Seismic Hazards in the Southwestern Coast of Mexico
Authors: Yu Chen , Li Zhenhong , Song Chuang
Published: June 2021

Three major subduction earthquakes occurred on March 20, 2012 (Mw 7.4), February 16, 2018 (Mw 7.2), and June 23, 2020 (Mw 7.4) in the southwestern coast of Mexico, which caused fatalities, casualties, considerable damage, and raised safety concerns about future seismic hazards. We use satellite geodetic observations to invert for the slip distributions of the three events and then investigate their interactions. Coulomb Failure Stress (CFS) induced by their slip both on surrounding thrust and normal faults are calculated. The positive CFS changes, along with the spatial‐temporal seismicity evolution, approximate earthquake recurrence rate and interseismic coupling, collectively indicate an increased possibility of a near‐future rupture around the areas between the 2018 and 2020 events in Oaxaca. Furthermore, there is a lowered chance of shallow coastal or offshore normal earthquakes but an increased chance of inland normal ruptures.
Spatiotemporal control of CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing
Authors: Zhuo Chenya , Zhang Jiabin , Lee Jung-Hwan , Jiao Ju , Cheng Du , Liu Li , Kim Hae-Won , Tao Yu , Li Mingqiang
Published: June 2021

The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/associated protein 9 (CRISPR/Cas9) gene editing technology, as a revolutionary breakthrough in genetic engineering, offers a promising platform to improve the treatment of various genetic and infectious diseases because of its simple design and powerful ability to edit different loci simultaneously. However, failure to conduct precise gene editing in specific tissues or cells within a certain time may result in undesirable consequences, such as serious off-target effects, representing a critical challenge for the clinical translation of the technology. Recently, some emerging strategies using genetic regulation, chemical and physical strategies to regulate the activity of CRISPR/Cas9 have shown promising results in the improvement of spatiotemporal controllability. Herein, in this review, we first summarize the latest progress of these advanced strategies involving cell-specific promoters, small-molecule activation and inhibition, bioresponsive delivery carriers, and optical/thermal/ultrasonic/magnetic activation. Next, we highlight the advantages and disadvantages of various strategies and discuss their obstacles and limitations in clinical translation. Finally, we propose viewpoints on directions that can be explored to further improve the spatiotemporal operability of CRISPR/Cas9.
The pivotal alkyne group in the mutual size-conversion of Au9 with Au10 nanoclusters
Authors: Wu Xiaohang , Lv Ying , Bai Yuyuan , Yu Haizhu , Zhu Manzhou
Published: June 2021

The size conversions between [Au10(BINAP)4(C6H11CC)](CF3COO)3 (Au10) and [Au9(BINAP)4](CF3COO)3 (Au9) are driven by the nucleophilic attack on Au10 and the electrophilic attack on Au9.
TDMA scheduling schemes targeting high channel utilization for energy‐harvesting wireless sensor networks
Authors: Gong Siliang , Liu Xiaoying , Zheng Kechen , Lu Wenwei , Zhu Yi‐hua
Published: June 2021

As a contention‐free channel access protocol, Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) is widely applied in Energy Harvesting Wireless Sensor Networks (EH‐WSNs) due to ease of implementation. TDMA scheduling in EH‐WSNs faces the problem of low channel utilization since time slots assigned to some nodes may not be used by them due to shortage of energy or data. It is important to design TDMA scheduling schemes that enhance channel utilization. In this paper, the Fixed Frame Size Scheme (FFSS) and the Adaptive Frame Size Scheme (AFSS) are proposed to improve channel utilization of EH‐WSNs. The FFSS aims at the optimal TDMA slot assignment for the TDMA scheduling with fixed frame size, and the AFSS considers the TDMA with variable frame size and targets both the optimal frame size and the optimal slot assignment. The optimization problems maximizing channel utilization are formulated for the FFSS and the AFSS, respectively, which take the upcoming energy and data into account. The optimization problems are transformed into assignment‐like problems and solved by the Hungarian‐based algorithm in polynomial time. Simulation results indicate that the proposed FFSS and AFSS can considerably improve channel utilization in the EH‐WSNs compared with the existing TDMA scheduling schemes.
Metrics and quantification of power‐line and pipeline resiliency in integrated gas and power systems
Authors: Sang Maosheng , Ding Yi , Ding Ming , Bao Minglei , Wang Peng , Sun Lei
Published: June 2021

Due to the increasing interactions between the natural gas system (NGS) and electric power system (EPS), the failures of power‐lines or gas pipelines in one system may influence another system and consequently trigger widespread disruptions. Hence, identifying these critical components and protecting them from malfunctions are essential to prevent the collapse of integrated gas and power systems (IGPSs). Considering the effects of both network topologies and operational features on the resiliency evaluation, a novel assessment framework is proposed in this paper to screen out critical power‐lines and gas pipelines. First, the framework of IGPSs is introduced and an optimal energy flow (OEF) model is constructed to quickly obtain the operation states under various disturbances. Furthermore, the resiliency metrics (RMs) are developed from structural and operational perspectives respectively. Specifically, structural RMs consider the coupling topologies to capture the structure‐related resiliency, while operational RMs analyse the resiliency related to gas and power flow to capture physical operation characteristics. Finally, an assessment algorithm synthesizing all the metrics is proposed to quantify the comprehensive resiliency, based on which critical power‐lines and pipelines (CPPs) can be detected. The effectiveness of the proposed approach is validated by an IGPS test system.
Information modeling of production and logistics processes in constructing using risk prediction tools
Authors: Makartsova Tatiana , Osadchaya Natalia , Tsapko Konstantin
Published: June 2021

The purpose of the study is to develop a methodological approach to managing the main business processes of a large construction organization in a single information space, taking into account risk factors throughout the logistics chain, a comprehensive analysis of large construction organizations, including various enterprises involved in the production of finished products, from the production of reinforced concrete products to the commissioning of the object, was carried out, problems were identified that hinder their effective functioning. The object of the study is the business processes implemented within the logistics chain in large construction organizations.The subject of the study is a set of methods and models that can improve the efficiency of interaction between construction participants by synchronizing business processes and monitoring the entire logistics chain.
Formation of the habitat as a complex eco-social-natural space of an ecologically oriented person
Authors: Tyurina Tatiana , Ignatova Olga
Published: June 2021

The article deals with the problem of the formation of the environment as a complex eco-socio-natural space of an environmentally oriented person. The purpose of the article is to reveal the two-way influence of nature and man on the state of the environment and the ability of the individual to adapt to all kinds of natural metamorphoses based on their needs. The authors argue that the formation and development of an environmentally oriented personality is a key aspect in the formation of an eco-social and natural space. Balance environmental, moral and spiritual and social and economic needs of modern society, the harmonious coexistence with nature, the integration of rational nature management and stabilization of ecological conditions become prerogatives in the design of the surrounding environment of a modern human-centred sustainable development ecosociology. The article suggests criteria to evaluate the influence on the formation of an eco-social-natural space ecologically oriented individual operating your eco-thinking, aspiration to the organic nature of natural processes and the implementation of major social functions. In turn, the formed eco-social and natural space becomes a generator of cultural processes of an environmentally oriented personality.
The use of the Ugandan initial grain sorghum forms in the hybridization of the sorghum varieties for forage and food
Authors: Kovtunov Vladimir , Kovtunova Natalia
Published: June 2021

The problem to develop new early maturing grain sorghum varieties adapted to mechanized harvesting with high productivity and feed advantages, is of great urgency. The purpose of the current work was to study the inheritance of the main economically valuable traits in the first generation hybrids developed in the hybridization between samples of different ecological and geographical origin. In the first generation hybrids Zernogradskoe 88 × Seso 1 and Zernogradskoe 88 × Narosorg 1, there was identified the improvement of 1000-grain weight, number of grains per panicle, and length of a peduncle in comparison with the initial parental forms. In the hybrid combination obtained as a result of hybridization of the varieties Zernogradskoe 88 and Seso 3 there was not identified any positive manifestation of heterosis for the breeding process in the main studied traits. According to the trait ‘plant height’ in all combinations, there was identified overdominance of high-growing forms. According to the protein percentage in grains there was established depression or dominance of lower values of the trait. The inheritance of the trait ‘length of vegetation period’ in the studied hybrids corresponded to the partial dominance of both lower and higher values of the trait.
Short-Term Outcomes of the Grammont Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty: Comparison between First and Second Generation Delta Prosthesis
Authors: Alberio Riccardo Luigi , Landrino Marco , Fornara Paolo , Grassi Federico Alberto
Published: June 2021

Purpose This article compares short-term outcomes of two series of patients, who underwent reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RTSA) with two different implants, both based on Grammont's principles: the Delta III (D-3) and the Delta Xtend (D-XT) prostheses.

Methods The D-3 group included a consecutive series of 26 patients (mean age 75 years), that were treated between 2000 and 2006; the D-XT group included a consecutive series of 31 patients (mean age 72.5 years), for a total of 33 implants performed between 2011 and 2015. In both groups the most common diagnoses were cuff tear arthropathy (18 and 22 shoulders, respectively) and malunion of proximal humerus fractures (3 and 5). All procedures were performed by the same surgeon. Constant–Murley score (CMS) was used to assess clinical and functional outcomes. Radiographic evaluation included the true anteroposterior and axillary views.

Results Twenty-three patients of the D-3 group and 22 patients (24 shoulders) of the D-XT group were evaluated at a mean follow-up of 42 months (range 26–84) and 44 months (range 26–66), respectively. Four complications occurred in the D-3 group (1 partial deltoid detachment, 1 dislocation, and 2 glenoid component loosening), while one early postoperative infection occurred in the D-XT group. Increases in elevation and CMS between preoperative and postoperative period were observed in both groups; only the D-XT group showed a slight improvement in rotations. The incidence of scapular notching was significantly different between the two groups: 100% for D-3 and 22.2% for D-XT in patients with a minimum follow-up of 5 years.

Conclusion Prosthetic design evolution and greater acquaintance with this surgery have undoubtedly led to an improvement in short-term outcomes with second generation implants of RTSA. Future studies will have to ascertain whether newer implants, relying on biomechanical solutions alternative to Grammont's original concept, might provide additional advantages and minimize drawbacks.
Analysis of Pulmonary Surgery in Children and Adolescents in Germany: Who Is doing What?
Authors: Böckle Carla E. , Blaser Jochen , Schukfeh Nagoud , Zeidler Jan , Ure Benno M. , Dingemann Jens
Published: June 2021

Introduction In Germany, pediatric surgery is organized in a decentralized manner. A nationwide clinical registry does not exist. The aim of this research is to analyze the current status of pulmonary surgery in the country in respect of children and adolescents.

Materials and Methods Claims data have been extracted from two health insurance databases representing 34% of the German population. Operative diagnoses and procedures, as well as patients' characteristics, were recorded from 2016 to 2019.

Results The incidence of the four index diagnoses investigated matched the current literature in three of four entities. The main indications <8 years were congenital lung malformations (61%) and spontaneous pneumothorax at age 8 to 17 years (77%). Furthermore, 1,668 pediatric pulmonary procedures (0–17 years) were identified (668 pulmonary resections). Two age peaks were identified: 13% of patients were operated on before 1 year old and 50% of patients were between 15 and 17 years old. Video-assisted-thoracoscopic-surgery (VATS) for pulmonary resections was applied in 62% of cases. 96% of pulmonary resections in patients <1 year and 70% of pulmonary resections in children between 1 and 14 years were performed by pediatric surgeons. Of patients between 15 and 17 years old, only 14% were operated on in pediatric surgery. The estimated average pulmonary resection caseload was 3.2 cases per year and per institution for pediatric surgery and 1.5 for adult surgery.

Conclusion Indications for pulmonary surgery in children arise from rare diagnoses. In total, 66% of lung resections are performed in patients <1 year and >14 years. The majority of lung resections are performed as VATS. Patients ≤14 years are predominantly operated on by pediatric surgeons. The accessibility of pediatric pulmonary surgery is acceptable, but there is a low caseload per center.
Surgical Perspectives for Pediatric Theater Teams during the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic and Beyond: Narrative Review and Mandatory Tasks Guidelines
Authors: Iacona Roberta , Chima Kiran , Kotecha Ami , Saxena Amulya
Published: June 2021

This is a narrative review during the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic to streamline workflow of pediatric surgical patients in operating theaters and for theater teams involved in their management. Pediatric patient anxiety in theaters, aspects of communication, and optimizing vision during surgery during the pandemic have also been addressed. The COVID-19 pandemic has led to the creation of pathways in the surgical management of patients. As the pandemic progressed, hospitals developed pathways to offer increased protection to staff during procedures. This narrative review provides a clear perspective in the management of pediatric patients in operating theaters. Guidelines received from National Health Authorities and Societies affiliated with surgery, endoscopic surgery, anesthesiology, and endoscopy were carefully reviewed regarding their recommendations and data emerging from reports on COVID-19 were selected to compile the pathways specific for pediatric patients and staff. The workflow pathways have been successfully implemented during the pandemic and include a section on patients for endoscopy as well as approach to endoscopic surgery and open procedures. Theater room ergonomics that were successful during the pandemic have been outlined along with identification of areas specific to the pediatric patient anxiety, interteam communication/identification, and visor-related vision. The guidelines used successfully during the pandemic for pediatric theater teams can be used or adapted for formulating local hospital guidelines in other centers that could be valuable in patient management beyond the pandemic.
Chickpea plant responses to polyphosphate fertiliser forms and drip fertigation frequencies: effect on photosynthetic performance and phenotypic traits
Authors: Chtouki Mohamed , Naciri Rachida , Garré Sarah , Nguyen Frederic , Oukarroum Abdallah
Published: June 2021

Photosynthesis is the main biophysiological process that governs plant growth and development. Under nutrient deficiency in crops and soils, many photosynthetic reactions can be disturbed. We compared two polyphosphates (Poly-A and Poly-B) and an orthophosphate fertiliser (Ortho-P) to an unfertilised treatment under three drip fertigation frequencies. Results showed that the electron transport chain between PSII and PSI was significantly enhanced in fertigated chickpea plants compared with the control treatment. The polyphosphate fertiliser (Poly-A) enhanced the number of electron acceptors of the photosynthetic linear electron transport chain compared with the other fertiliser forms. Furthermore, the time for reaching the maximum intensity Fm was shortened in the fertilised chickpea plant indicating that the rate of light trapping and electron transport was enhanced under phosphorus drip fertigation. Also, the energy needed to close all reaction centres was decreased with P fertigated treatments, as revealed by the electron acceptor pool size of PSII (Sm/tFmax). However, no significant effects of fertiliser forms or fertigation frequencies were observed on the energetic demand for reaction centres closure. Plants grown under polyphosphate fertigation absorbed significantly more phosphorus. Positive correlations between phosphorus uptake, photosynthetic yield, chickpea podding dynamic, and grain yield showed the beneficial effects of adequate phosphorus nutrition on chickpea growth and productivity.
Wildfire does not affect the dung beetle diversity of high-altitude Mediterranean habitats
Authors: Palusci Ettore , Mantoni Cristina , Strona Giovanni , Fattorini Simone
Published: June 2021

Wildfires represent an important factor in the disturbance in Mediterranean ecosystems, although the effects of wildfires on the insect communities of mountain environments remain largely unknown. This research investigated the effect of fire on dung beetles in a Mediterranean high-altitude area, located in Central Italy (1500 m elevation). Sampling in each of the three main vegetation types of the study area (conifer plantation, beechwood forest and grassland) used pitfall traps during Spring to Autumn. For each habitat, three burnt and three unburnt sites were sampled. We considered the following community structure parameters: abundance, richness, Shannon diversity and Simpson diversity. Effects of fire, habitat and sampling period were investigated using generalised mixed-effects models. Abundance, species richness and diversity were higher in the grassland than in the two forest habitats and June was the month with the lowest values because of the late emergence of insects at high altitudes. Fire negatively affected dung beetle abundance, but not diversity. Forest habitats were less favourable to dung beetle recolonisation than the secondary grassland. Thus, dung beetles are sensitive to vegetation type, but not to fire, possibly because of their high recolonisation capabilities and preference for open habitats.
Preventing depression in older people with multimorbidity: 24-month follow-up of a trial of internet-delivered cognitive behaviour therapy
Authors: Read Jennifer R , Sharpe Louise , Burton Amy L , Areán Patricia A , Raue Patrick J , McDonald Sarah , Titov Nickolai , Gandy Milena , Dear Blake F
Published: June 2021

Background

older people coping with the impacts of living with multimorbidity are at increased risk of developing a depressive disorder.

Objective

this article reports the 24-month results of a randomised controlled trial of an internet-delivered cognitive behaviour therapy, which aimed to test whether depressive disorders could be prevented in this population.

Participants

community-based participants aged 65 years and over, who had two or more chronic physical health conditions and were assessed as having no current depressive disorder.

Methods

in total, 302 participants were randomised to an 8-week, five-lesson, internet-delivered intervention program (n = 150) or treatment as usual (TAU, n = 152). The primary outcomes were cases of depressive disorder, assessed post-intervention and at 3-month intervals throughout the trial, and depressive symptoms, assessed at pre-intervention, post-intervention, 6, 12 and 24 months following the intervention.

Results

there were significantly fewer cases of depressive disorder in the intervention group (n = 23, 15%) compared with the TAU group (n = 41, 27%) during the 24 months after the intervention (χ2(1, N = 302) = 6.13, P = 0.013, odds ratio = 0.490 [95% confidence interval: 0.277, 0.867]), representing a 44% reduction in cases of depressive disorder. No differences were found on depressive symptoms at 24-month follow-up. Internet-delivered cognitive behaviour therapy had high engagement and acceptability.

Conclusions

the results provide support that depressive disorders can be prevented in older people with multimorbidity through participation in internet-delivered cognitive behaviour therapy. With access to internet-delivered interventions in clinical care settings increasing, this has implications for older patient care where multimorbidity is extremely common.
VII—Aristotle’s Hylomorphism Reconceived
Authors: Gill Mary Louise
Published: June 2021

Metaphysics Θ treats potentiality (δύναμις) and actuality (ἐνέργεια), and many scholars think that Aristotle broaches these topics once he has answered his main questions in Ζ and Η. In Ζ he asked, what is primary being? After arguing in Ζ.1 that substance (οὐσία) is primary being—a being existentially, logically, and epistemologically prior to quantities and qualities and other categorial beings—he devotes the rest of the book to οὐσία itself, investigating what it is, to decide what entities count as primary substances. I differ from the leading interpretative consensus that ΖΗ adequately answer the questions about primary substance, and contend instead that Metaphysics Θ continues the same investigation as ΖΗ and, using δύναμις and ἐνέργεια as tools, arrives at a striking new conception of hylomorphism, different from that in ΖΗ, which enables Aristotle to defend the substantial primacy of living organisms consisting of matter and form.
On the inconsistency of matching without replacement
Authors: Sävje F
Published: June 2021

The paper shows that matching without replacement on propensity scores produces estimators that generally are inconsistent for the average treatment effect of the treated. To achieve consistency, practitioners must either assume that no units exist with propensity scores greater than 1/2 or assume that there is no confounding among such units. The result is not driven by the use of propensity scores, and similar artifacts arise when matching on other scores as long as it is without replacement.
Association of symptomatic gallstones and primary hyperparathyroidism: a propensity score-matched analysis
Authors: Saito Y , Takami H , Abdelhamid Ahmed A H , Nakao A , Ho K , Tokuda T , Miyata R , Randolph G W , Ando N
Published: June 2021

If the prevalence of primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) in patients with symptomatic gallstones is higher than that in the general population, PHPT screening could reveal important clinical implications. We observed that the prevalence of PHPT in these patients was higher compared to that of healthy matched controls.
Action-related eye measures to assess surgical expertise
Authors: Zheng B , Jiang X , Bednarik R , Atkins M S
Published: June 2021

Background

Eye-tracking offers a new list of performance measures for surgeons. Previous studies of eye-tracking have reported that action-related fixation is a good measuring tool for elite task performers. Other measures, including early eye engagement to target and early eye disengagement from the previous subtask, were also reported to distinguish between different expertise levels. These parameters were examined during laparoscopic surgery simulations in the present study, with a goal to identify the most useful measures for distinguishing surgical expertise.

Methods

Surgical operators, including experienced surgeons (expert), residents (intermediate), and university students (novice), were required to perform a laparoscopic task involving reaching, grasping, and loading, while their eye movements and performance videos were recorded. Spatiotemporal features of eye–hand coordination and action-related fixation were calculated and compared among the groups.

Results

The study included five experienced surgeons, seven residents, and 14 novices. Overall, experts performed tasks faster than novices. Examining eye–hand coordination on each subtask, it was found that experts managed to disengage their eyes earlier from the previous subtask, whereas novices disengaged their eyes from previous subtask with a significant delay. Early eye engagement to the current subtask was observed for all operators. There was no difference in action-related fixation between experienced surgeons and novices. Disengage time was strongly associated with the surgical experience score of the operators, better than both early-engage time and action-related fixation.

Conclusion

The spatiotemporal features of surgeons’ eye–hand coordination can be used to assess level of surgical experience.
“The Year of the Cheerleader Lawsuits”: Paradoxical Sensemaking and Postfeminism in Reporting on Gender-Based Harassment
Authors: Jarvis Caitlyn M , Welch Jessica R
Published: June 2021

In 2014, former cheerleaders from five separate National Football League (NFL) teams in the United States sought legal reparations for wage theft and gender-based harassment. Within these claims, the women sought to bring to light the culture of fear, mistreatment, and silence that they experienced while working within the NFL. Using reports on these lawsuits as a case study, this study critically examines the sensemaking strategies rooted in postfeminist sensibilities and constructed through Whiteness. In particular, through identifying three paradoxes—victim/accomplice; normalization/sensationalism; objective/subjective—we offer a critique of mediated sensemaking that is organized in and around postfeminist discourses of choice, sexuality, and subjectification. Theoretically, we engage Weick’s theory of sensemaking, while offering new insights into the nuanced ways in which gender-based harassment is discussed.
Requirement of CRMP2 Phosphorylation in Neuronal Migration of Developing Mouse Cerebral Cortex and Hippocampus and Redundant Roles of CRMP1 and CRMP4
Authors: Yamazaki Yuki , Moizumi Maho , Nagai Jun , Hatashita Yoshiki , Cai Tianhong , Kolattukudy Papachan , Inoue Takafumi , Goshima Yoshio , Ohshima Toshio
Published: June 2021

The mammalian cerebral cortex is characterized by a 6-layer structure, and proper neuronal migration is critical for its formation. Cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (Cdk5) has been shown to be a critical kinase for neuronal migration. Several Cdk5 substrates have been suggested to be involved in ordered neuronal migration. However, in vivo loss-of-function studies on the function of Cdk5 phosphorylation substrates in neuronal migration in the developing cerebral cortex have not been reported. In this study, we demonstrated that Cdk5-mediated phosphorylation of collapsing mediator protein (CRMP) 2 is critical for neuronal migration in the developing cerebral cortex with redundant functions of CRMP1 and CRMP4. The cerebral cortices of triple-mutant CRMP1 knock-out (KO); CRMP2 knock-in (KI)/KI; and CRMP4 KO mice showed disturbed positioning of layers II–V neurons in the cerebral cortex. Further experiments using bromodeoxyuridine birthdate-labeling and in utero electroporation implicated radial migration defects in cortical neurons. Ectopic neurons were detected around the CA1 region and dentate gyrus in CRMP1 KO; CRMP2 KI/KI; and CRMP4 KO mice. These results suggest the importance of CRMP2 phosphorylation by Cdk5 and redundancy of CRMP1 and CRMP4 in proper neuronal migration in the developing cerebral cortex and hippocampus.