bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Visual analytics of sensor movement data for cheetah behaviour analysis
Authors: Klein Karsten , Jaeger Sabrina , Melzheimer Jörg , Wachter Bettina , Hofer Heribert , Baltabayev Artur , Schreiber Falk
Published: February 2021

Current tracking technology such as GPS data loggers allows biologists to remotely collect large amounts of movement data for a large variety of species. Extending, and often replacing interpretation based on observation, the analysis of the collected data supports research on animal behaviour, on impact factors such as climate change and human intervention on the globe, as well as on conservation programs. However, this analysis is difficult, due to the nature of the research questions and the complexity of the data sets. It requires both automated analysis, for example, for the detection of behavioural patterns, and human inspection, for example, for interpretation, inclusion of previous knowledge, and for conclusions on future actions and decision making. For this analysis and inspection, the movement data needs to be put into the context of environmental data, which helps to interpret the behaviour. Thus, a major challenge is to design and develop methods and intuitive interfaces that integrate the data for analysis by biologists. We present a concept and implementation for the visual analysis of cheetah movement data in a web-based fashion that allows usage both in the field and in office environments.

Graphic abstract
Euler–Lagrangian simulation of the fuel spray of a planar prefilming airblast atomizer
Authors: Hoffmann Sven , Holz Simon , Koch Rainer , Bauer Hans-Jörg
Published: February 2021

The pollutant emissions of aircraft engines are strongly affected by the fuel injection into the combustion chamber. Hence, the precise description of the fuel spray is required in order to predict these emissions more reliably. The characteristics of a spray is determined during the atomization process, especially during primary breakup in the vicinity of the atomizer nozzle. Currently, Euler-Lagrangian approaches are used to predict the droplet trajectories in combustor simulations along with reaction and pollutant formation models. To be able to reliably predict pollutant emissions in the future, well-defined starting conditions of the liquid fuel droplets close to the atomizer nozzle are necessary. In the present work, Euler-Lagrangian simulations of a generic airblast atomizer are presented. The starting conditions of the droplets are varied in the simulations by means of a primary breakup model, which takes into account the local gas velocity when predicting the droplet diameter. The objective of this work is to determine the optimal parameters of the probability density functions for the starting position and the starting velocity of the droplets. Spray properties observed in the simulations are used to qualitatively evaluate the major effects of the distribution parameters on the spray and the suitability of the primary breakup model being applied. Hence, the spatial distribution of an experimental spray can be reproduced using a statistical model for the droplet starting conditions.
Ancient wheat species are suitable to grain-only and grain plus herbage utilisations in marginal Mediterranean environments
Authors: Cadeddu Francesco , Motzo Rosella , Mureddu Francesca , Giunta Francesco
Published: February 2021

Thanks to their low fertilization requirements and high consumer demand, ancient wheats and old durum wheat cultivars represent an attractive option for the marginal areas of Mediterranean environments no longer cultivated due to the low grain yields attainable using modern wheat cultivars. Dual-purpose utilization may increase their value in these cropping systems, but no information is available on the suitability of ancient wheat species to this type of utilization. To fill this gap, Khorasan, einkorn, and emmer wheats, clipped at the terminal spikelet stage or left unclipped, were compared in a two-year field trial. The grains were sown in the month of October, in Sardinia (41°N, 80 m asl), Italy, on low-fertility soils and with low-medium fertilization rates. Einkorn cultivars produced the highest biomass yield (2–3 t ha−1), reflecting the longer time to the onset of the terminal spikelet stage (119–138 days). After clipping, all species recovered their ability to intercept radiation to the levels of the unclipped crops, but clipping lowered their radiation use-efficiency. Grain yield was not penalized by clipping: the increase in the harvest index compensated for the decrease in biomass. Here we show for the first time that ancient wheat species are suitable for dual-purpose utilization (herbage plus grain in the same season) rendering them valuable for marginal areas; this was because the early sowing adopted for dual-purpose utilization allowed them to take full advantage of their lateness in terms of herbage yield, and to bring flowering forward (i.e. make it earlier) so that a satisfactory grain yield was obtained, even under severe water stress. Dual-purpose utilization of ancient wheats increases the sustainability of mixed cropping systems, by making herbage available to animals in a critical period, without decreasing the grain yield attainable after grazing in the same season.
Thermal error modeling based on BiLSTM deep learning for CNC machine tool
Authors: Liu Pu-Ling , Du Zheng-Chun , Li Hui-Min , Deng Ming , Feng Xiao-Bing , Yang Jian-Guo
Published: February 2021

The machining accuracy of computer numerical control machine tools has always been a focus of the manufacturing industry. Among all errors, thermal error affects the machining accuracy considerably. Because of the significant impact of Industry 4.0 on machine tools, existing thermal error modeling methods have encountered unprecedented challenges in terms of model complexity and capability of dealing with a large number of time series data. A thermal error modeling method is proposed based on bidirectional long short-term memory (BiLSTM) deep learning, which has good learning ability and a strong capability to handle a large group of dynamic data. A four-layer model framework that includes BiLSTM, a feedforward neural network, and the max pooling is constructed. An elaborately designed algorithm is proposed for better and faster model training. The window length of the input sequence is selected based on the phase space reconstruction of the time series. The model prediction accuracy and model robustness were verified experimentally by three validation tests in which thermal errors predicted by the proposed model were compensated for real workpiece cutting. The average depth variation of the workpiece was reduced from approximately 50 µm to less than 2 µm after compensation. The reduction in maximum depth variation was more than 85%. The proposed model was proved to be feasible and effective for improving machining accuracy significantly.
Die ökonomische Situation von Familien zwischen März und Mai 2020, den ersten zwei Monaten der COVID 19-Pandemie
Authors: Boll Christina
Published: February 2021

Der Artikel gibt einen Überblick über die wirtschaftliche Situation von Familien von Mitte März bis etwa Mitte Mai 2020, also den ersten zwei Monaten der COVID 19-Krise. Die Familieneinkommen sind wegen Arbeitslosigkeit und Kurzarbeit akut gefährdet. Auf der Einkommensseite greifen die Entschädigungen für Entgeltausfall durch Kita- und Schulschließungen im Rahmen des Infektionsschutzgesetzes nur partiell. Auch das gesetzliche Kurzarbeitergeld hilft nur bedingt, da Eltern unterschiedlich stark und manche gar nicht von ihm profitieren können, und die beschlossene Aufstockung kommt den Familien erst zeitverzögert zugute. Auch staatliche Familienleistungen wie der Notfall-Kinderzuschlag oder die jüngst beschlossene Elterngeldreform können die Einkommenseinbußen der Familien nur teilweise auffangen. Auf der Ausgabenseite drücken die Familien unveränderte Fixkosten. Zu den finanziellen Sorgen kommt in den Familien enorme Belastungen: Familien müssen Kinderbetreuung, Home Schooling, Haus- und Erwerbsarbeit allein schultern. Es zeichnet sich ab, dass Frauen weiterhin die Hauptlast der unbezahlten Arbeit tragen. Die jüngst vereinbarte Verlängerung der Entschädigungszahlungen nach dem Infektionsschutzgesetz wird den Familien helfen. Ein stufenweises Wiederhochfahren von Kitas, Schulen und Wirtschaft bleibt jedoch essenziell für die Rückkehr der Eltern in das Erwerbsleben und damit für die Sicherung der materiellen Existenzgrundlage von Millionen Familien.
Hydrothermally grown 1D ZnO nanostructures for rapid detection of NO2 gas
Authors: Godse P. R. , Mane A. T. , Navale Y. H. , Navale S. T. , Mulik R. N. , Patil V. B.
Published: February 2021

The present paper reports novel approach of surfactant and template free aqueous hydrothermal growth of 1D ZnO nanostructures, which facilitates the generation of large scale, low cost, and moderate working temperature films with controlled morphology for NO2 gas sensor application. Gas sensing properties of 1D ZnO nanostructures were studied at various temperatures for different reducing and oxidizing gases. As-fabricated by 1D ZnO nanostructures showed the highest sensor response of 11,791% with rapid response time of 9 s and recovery time of 220 s towards 100 ppm NO2. Moreover, for 5 ppm NO2 concentration, sensor showed a significant response of 70% with an response time of 16 s and recovery time of 200 s. The sensor shows good continuous performance in terms of response, response time, and recovery time, indicating that the sensor is highly reproducible and stable as well. This study successfully employed 1D ZnO nanostructures based NO2 sensing within the higher (100 ppm) and lower exposure limit (5 ppm) of NO2 gas.
The relationship between pubertal timing and under‐nutrition in rural Pakistan
Authors: Campisi Susan C. , Humayun Khadija N. , Wasan Yaqub , Soofi Sajid B. , Islam Muhammad , Hussain Amjad , Shakeel Agha , Vandermorris Ashley , Söder Olle , Bhutta Zulfiqar A.
Published: February 2021

Introduction

Sexual development in females and males are routinely measured according to the Tanner Stages. Sparse data exist on the timing of pubertal milestones in Pakistan. To fill this gap, the age of attainment of pubertal milestones and their relationship with nutritional status was explored among children and adolescents living in the rural district of Matiari, Pakistan.

Methods

Anthropometry, nutrition biomarkers and Tanner Stage were assessed among girls aged 9.0–14.9 years (n = 723) and boys aged 10.0–15.9 years (n = 662) who were free from known disease in the rural District of Matiari, Pakistan. Median age was calculated for all Tanner Stages and menarche. Multivariable linear regressions were undertaken to determine covariates associated with the timing (age) of pubertal milestones.

Results

Among participants living in this rural community, the median age of puberty onset for girls was 11.9 years (95%CI:10.9; 12.5) and boys was 12.3 years (95%CI:11.5; 12.9). Age at first menarche was 12.9 years (95%CI:12.1; 13.3). Undernutrition was widespread among adolescents in this community. Thirty‐seven percent of females and 27.0% of males were stunted while 20.5% of females and 31.3% of males were thin. Only 8% (n = 58) of females and 12% (n = 78) of males were free from any nutrient deficiency with most adolescents having two or three nutrient deficiencies.

Conclusions

Undernutrition (stunting or thinness) was associated with relatively older ages for early puberty stages but not puberty completion. This may decrease the duration of the pubertal growth spurt and curtail potential catch‐up growth that may occur during puberty. Efforts to decrease nutrient deficiencies, stunting and thinness beyond childhood should be made in rural Pakistan.
Compactness of scalar-flat conformal metrics on low-dimensional manifolds with constant mean curvature on boundary
Authors: Musso Monica , Wei Juncheng , Kim Seunghyeok
Published: February 2021

We concern

C^{2}

-compactness of the solution set of the boundary Yamabe problem on smooth compact Riemannian manifolds with boundary provided that their dimensions are 4, 5 or 6. By conducting a quantitative analysis of a linear equation associated with the problem, we prove that the trace-free second fundamental form must vanish at possible blow-up points of a sequence of blowing-up solutions. Applying this result and the positive mass theorem, we deduce the

C^{2}

-compactness for all 4-manifolds (which may be non-umbilic). For the 5-dimensional case, we also establish that a sum of the second-order derivatives of the trace-free second fundamental form is non-negative at possible blow-up points. We essentially use this fact to obtain the

C^{2}

-compactness for all 5-manifolds. Finally, we show that the

C^{2}

-compactness on 6-manifolds is true if the trace-free second fundamental form on the boundary never vanishes.
The Association of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Male Sexual Function in the United States: A Survey Study of Male Cannabis Users
Authors: Chen Tony , Bhambhvani Hriday P. , Kasman Alex M. , Eisenberg Michael L.
Published: February 2021

Introduction

International studies have suggested that social disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic have led to sexual dysfunction, but the impact on males in the United States is less defined.

Aim

To examine changes in male sexual function during the COVID-19 pandemic and to evaluate associated demographic variables.

Methods

Prepandemic survey data was collected between October 20, 2019 and March 1, 2020 on adult males in the United States. Follow-up survey data collected for comparison during the COVID-19 pandemic between August 1, 2020 and October 10, 2020 included International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) scores, Patient Health Questionnaire for Depression and Anxiety with 4 items (PHQ-4) scores, and questions regarding sexual frequency. Questions were also asked about mask-wearing habits, job loss, relationship changes, and proximity to individuals who tested positive for COVID-19.

Main Outcome Measures

Differences in prepandemic and pandemic male sexual function assessed by self-reported IIEF domain scores and sexual frequency

Results

Seventy six men completed both prepandemic and pandemic surveys with a mean age of 48.3 years. Overall, there were no differences in either overall IIEF score or any subdomain score when comparing men's pre-pandemic and pandemic survey data. There was an increase in sexual frequency during the pandemic with 45% of men reporting sex ten or more times per month during the pandemic compared to only 25% of men prior to the pandemic (P = .03). Among the subgroup of 36 men who reported a decrease in IIEF, the decrease was an average of 3.97, and significantly associated with higher PHQ-4 depression subscale scores (1.78 vs 1.03, P = .02).

Conclusion

The COVID-19 pandemic is associated with increased sexual frequency and no change in overall sexual function in males in the United States. Interventions intended to promote male sexual health during the COVID-19 pandemic should include a focus on mental health.
Oleic Acid and Eicosapentaenoic Acid Reverse Palmitic Acid-Induced Insulin Resistance in Human HepG2 Cells via the Reactive Oxygen Species/JUN Pathway
Authors: Sun Yaping , Wang Jifeng , Guo Xiaojing , Zhu Nali , Niu Lili , Ding Xiang , Xie Zhensheng , Chen Xiulan , Yang Fuquan
Published: February 2021

Oleic acid (OA), a monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA), has previously been shown to reverse saturated fatty acid palmitic acid (PA)-induced hepatic insulin resistance (IR). However, its underlying molecular mechanism is unclear. In addition, previous studies have shown that eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), a ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), reverses PA-induced muscle IR, but whether EPA plays the same role in hepatic IR and its possible mechanism involved need to be further clarified. Here, we confirmed that EPA reversed PA-induced IR in HepG2 cells and compared the proteomic changes in HepG2 cells after treatment with different free fatty acids (FFAs). A total of 234 proteins were determined to be differentially expressed after PA+OA treatment. Their functions were mainly related to responses to stress and endogenous stimuli, lipid metabolic process, and protein binding. For PA+EPA treatment, the PA-induced expression changes of 1326 proteins could be reversed by EPA, 415 of which were mitochondrial proteins, with most of the functional proteins involved in oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle. Mechanistic studies revealed that the protein encoded by JUN and reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a role in OA- and EPA-reversed PA-induced IR, respectively. EPA and OA alleviated PA-induced abnormal adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production, ROS generation, and calcium (Ca2+) content. Importantly, H2O2-activated production of ROS increased the protein expression of JUN, further resulting in IR in HepG2 cells. Taken together, we demonstrate that ROS/JUN is a common response pathway employed by HepG2 cells toward FFA-regulated IR.
DEBKS: A Tool to Detect Differentially Expressed Circular RNAs
Authors: Liu Zelin , Ding Huiru , She Jianqi , Chen Chunhua , Zhang Weiguang , Yang Ence
Published: February 2021

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are involved in various biological processes and disease pathogenesis. However, only a small number of functional circRNAs have been identified among hundreds of thousands of circRNA species, partly because most current methods are based on circular junction counts and overlook the fact that a circRNA is formed from the host gene by back-splicing (BS). To distinguish the expression difference originating from BS or the host gene, we present differentially expressed back-splicing (DEBKS), a software program to streamline the discovery of differential BS events between two rRNA-depleted RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) sample groups. By applying to real and simulated data and employing RT-qPCR for validation, we demonstrate that DEBKS is efficient and accurate in detecting circRNAs with differential BS events between paired and unpaired sample groups. DEBKS is available at https://github.com/yangence/DEBKS as open-source software.
Oral enoximone allows the reduction and discontinuation of inhaled steroids and beta2 agonists in asthmatic children
Authors: Beute Jan , KleinJan Alex
Published: February 2021

In the last two decades, improvement on asthma treatment has been merely marginal for both adults and children; inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) combined with β-2-mimetics remain the main therapy [3
,
4]. "New” therapies are just variations on ICS or, for children, on various other drugs that were allowed for adult asthma patients (clinicaltrials.gov). Although currently monoclonal antibodies have been intro-duced to the field, there is still a large therapeutic burden, given the mortality rate and widespread prevalence of uncontrolled asthma [2]. A simple and adequate way to reduce distress and costs would have great merit. PDE3 inhibitor enoximone was used earlier in successful treatment of life-threatening bronchial asthma (status asthmaticus) as well as in preoperative settings to prevent patients with severe asthma from suffering major surgery-related exacerbations; also, translational mice models showed the anti-inflammatory effects when PDE3 was targeted. Both outcomes suggested a beneficial effect of enoximone in severe chronic asthma. We hypothesized that enoximone might also be helpful in patients with severe chronic asthma; hence, we treated (and followed) > 70 patients (age 0—77, all volunteers) with personalized low doses of enoximone (orally), among them 11 minors, who are described here. Both children and adults reported improvement and/or alleviation of their asthma symptoms. All patients reported a better quality of life and greater drug compliance. The drug was well tolerated and showed no/negligible side effects. Notable bonus: asthma-related comorbidities (allergies, eczema, and rhinitis) were reported also to be less severe or even to disappear. The evaluation shows that PDE3 inhibitor enoximone is an adequate alternative for or addition to current asthma therapeutics, as add-on as well as stand-alone, considerably reducing the use of β-2-mimetics/ICS, with no or negligible side effects. Additional studies are advisable.
Europol: the AI hacker threat to biometrics
Authors: Ring Tim
Published: February 2021

BTT's Tim Ring reports on a deep-dive study into how cybercriminals are using deepfakes and other AI technology to defeat the face and voice recognition security used by banks, businesses and governments.
How Credit Markets Substitute for Welfare States and Influence Social Policy Preferences: Evidence from US States
Authors: Wiedemann Andreas
Published: February 2021

What is the relationship between debt and the welfare state? Recent arguments suggest that credit markets fill gaps left by limited social benefits but often rest on thin empirical grounds. This article makes two contributions to this debate by using micro-level panel data and leveraging variation in welfare state generosity across US states and over time. First, it shows that households that experience unemployment borrow significantly more in states where unemployment benefits are low compared to states where benefits are high. A 10-percentage-point decrease in unemployment replacement rates increases debt levels by about 30 per cent, or $5,300. Secondly, the article documents that rising indebtedness in the context of weak social policies has political consequences and increases support for a stronger safety net. One explanation is that voters seek social protection against downstream debt-induced economic risks. These findings suggest that welfare states can play a critical role in mitigating growing indebtedness.
GENERALIZED LAPLACE INFERENCE IN MULTIPLE CHANGE-POINTS MODELS
Authors: Casini Alessandro , Perron Pierre
Published: February 2021

Under the classical long-span asymptotic framework, we develop a class of generalized laplace (GL) inference methods for the change-point dates in a linear time series regression model with multiple structural changes analyzed in, e.g., Bai and Perron (1998,Econometrica66, 47–78). The GL estimator is defined by an integration rather than optimization-based method and relies on the LS criterion function. It is interpreted as a classical (non-Bayesian) estimator, and the inference methods proposed retain a frequentist interpretation. This approach provides a better approximation about the uncertainty in the data of the change-points relative to existing methods. On the theoretical side, depending on some input (smoothing) parameter, the class of GL estimators exhibits a dual limiting distribution, namely the classical shrinkage asymptotic distribution or a Bayes-type asymptotic distribution. We propose an inference method based on highest density regions using the latter distribution. We show that it has attractive theoretical properties not shared by the other popular alternatives, i.e., it is bet-proof. Simulations confirm that these theoretical properties translate to good finite-sample performance.
Positionality, Power, and Positions of Power: Reflexivity in Elite Interviewing
Authors: Glas Aarie
Published: February 2021

There is growing consensus in political science methods literature that positionality is consequential for interview research in variable and important ways. At the same time, however, much of this literature reinforces a categorical distinction between elite and non-elite contexts and participants, and it assumes “elite” to be a static category that presents researchers with discrete challenges that require uniform strategies to address. This article draws on my experience in conducting interviews with more than 100 “elites” to address this divide in two ways. First, I show that the category of elite is not as monolithic as often asserted. Rather, speaking with educated and authoritative individuals is fraught with variable challenges related to positionality. Second, to address these challenges, I argue that researchers must engage in active reflexivity, interrogating the relational effects of positionality across all aspects of research. I focus particular attention on issues of access and interactions within interviews.
Chameleonic Noise in GPS Position Time Series
Authors: Santamaría‐Gómez Alvaro , Ray Jim
Published: February 2021

It has been a standard practice for about 2 decades to compute global positioning system (GPS)‐based station velocity uncertainties using the apparent noise statistics of the non‐linear position residuals rather than assume white noise (WN) behavior. The latter choice would yield unrealistic velocity uncertainties. The most common noise types used are power‐law, usually close to flicker noise (FN), over most frequencies mixed with WN at the shortest periods. The complicating impact of offsets in the position time series, mostly caused by equipment changes or tectonic events, has not been fully appreciated. These are far less benign than recently suggested. In addition to contributing a pseudo‐random walk noise (RW) component to the velocity errors, estimating offset parameters changes the apparent noise color toward whiter. Spectral power is effectively drained by offsets at periods longer than roughly the mean span between them. This consequently favors a Gauss‐Markov process as the apparently preferred noise model and, importantly, obscures the presence of RW and long‐period Earth deformation in the series. Both effects can lead to potentially under‐estimated velocity uncertainties. The full value of decadal‐long GPS time series for geodynamical applications is thereby greatly eroded by recurring offsets, especially when they occur quasi‐regularly. In addition, contrary to common assumption, the noise color is generally not fixed with time, but clearly becomes whiter in more recent data. The origin of the colored noise and its whitening over time remain elusive.
Aerosols in Exoplanet Atmospheres
Authors: Gao Peter , Wakeford Hannah R. , Moran Sarah E. , Parmentier Vivien
Published: February 2021

Observations of exoplanet atmospheres have shown that aerosols, like in the solar system, are common across a variety of temperatures and planet types. The formation and distribution of these aerosols are inextricably intertwined with the composition and thermal structure of the atmosphere. At the same time, these aerosols also interfere with our probes of atmospheric composition and thermal structure, and thus a better understanding of aerosols lead to a better understanding of exoplanet atmospheres as a whole. Here we review the current state of knowledge of exoplanet aerosols as determined from observations, modeling, and laboratory experiments. Measurements of the transmission spectra, dayside emission, and phase curves of transiting exoplanets, as well as the emission spectrum and light curves of directly imaged exoplanets and brown dwarfs have shown that aerosols are distributed inhomogeneously in exoplanet atmospheres, with aerosol distributions varying significantly with planet equilibrium temperature and gravity. Parameterized and microphysical models predict that these aerosols are likely composed of oxidized minerals like silicates for the hottest exoplanets, while at lower temperatures the dominant aerosols may be composed of alkali salts and sulfides. Particles originating from photochemical processes are also likely at low temperatures, though their formation process is highly complex, as revealed by laboratory work. In the years to come, new ground‐ and space‐based observatories will have the capability to assess the composition of exoplanet aerosols, while new modeling and laboratory efforts will improve upon our picture of aerosol formation and dynamics.
Topography Curvature Effects in Thin‐Layer Models for Gravity‐Driven Flows Without Bed Erosion
Authors: Peruzzetto Marc , Mangeney Anne , Bouchut François , Grandjean Gilles , Levy Clara , Thiery Yannick , Lucas Antoine
Published: February 2021

Depth‐averaged thin‐layer models are commonly used to model rapid gravity‐driven flows such as debris flows or debris avalanches. However, the formal derivation of thin‐layer equations for general topographies is not straightforward. The curvature of the topography results in a force that maintains the velocity tangent to the topography. Another curvature term appears in the bottom friction force with frictional rheologies. In this work, we present the main lines of the mathematical derivation for these curvature terms that are proportional to the square velocity. With the SHALTOP numerical model, we quantify their influence on flow dynamics and deposits over synthetic and real topographies. This is done by comparing simulations in which these terms are exact, disregarded or approximated. With the Coulomb rheology, for slopes θ = 10 and for friction coefficients below μ = tan (5°), neglecting the curvature force increases the simulated travel times by up to 10% and 30%, for synthetic and real topographies respectively. When the curvature in the friction force is neglected, the travel distance may be increased by several hundred meters on real topographies, whatever the topography slopes and friction coefficients. We observe similar effects on a synthetic channel with slope θ = 25° and μ = 15°, with a 50% increase of the kinetic energy. Finally, approximations of curvature in the friction force can break the noninvariance of the equations and decelerate the flow. With the Voellmy rheology, these discrepancies are less significant. Curvature effects can thus have significant impact for model calibration and for overflows prediction, both being critical for hazard assessment.
Survival outcomes in patients with chemotherapy-naive metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer treated with enzalutamide or abiraterone acetate
Authors: Tagawa Scott T. , Ramaswamy Krishnan , Huang Ahong , Mardekian Jack , Schultz Neil M. , Wang Li , Sandin Rickard , Lechpammer Stanislav , George Daniel J.
Published: February 2021

Objective

Evaluation of the comparative effectiveness of enzalutamide and abiraterone in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) is limited to meta-analyses of randomized trials that exclude patients with significant comorbidities. We evaluated overall survival (OS) in patients with chemotherapy-naive mCRPC treated with enzalutamide or abiraterone acetate (abiraterone) in a real-world single payer setting.

Methods

A retrospective analysis (4/1/2014–3/31/2018) of the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) database was conducted. Patients with mCRPC had ≥1 pharmacy claim for enzalutamide or abiraterone (first claim date = index date) following disease progression on surgical/medical castration, without chemotherapy <12 months prior to index date. Patients had continuous VHA enrollment for ≥12 months pre-index date and were followed until death, disenrollment, or end of study. Kaplan–Meier analysis and multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models examined the OS treatment effect.

Results

Patients with chemotherapy-naive mCRPC (N = 3174; enzalutamide, n = 1229; abiraterone, n = 1945) had mean ages of 74 and 73 years, respectively. Median follow-up was 18.27 and 19.07 months with enzalutamide and abiraterone, respectively. Enzalutamide-treated patients had longer median treatment duration than abiraterone-treated patients (9.93 vs 8.47 months, respectively, p = 0.0008). After baseline comorbidity adjustment, enzalutamide-treated patients had a 16% reduced risk of death (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.84; 95% CI, 0.76–0.94; p = 0.0012). For patients who remained on first line-therapy only, enzalutamide-treated patients had improved OS versus abiraterone-treated patients (HR = 0.71; 95% CI, 0.62–0.82). Enzalutamide-treated patients who crossed over to abiraterone had a comparable risk of death versus abiraterone-treated patients who crossed over to enzalutamide (HR = 1.10; 95% CI, 0.89–1.35). These results were confirmed by sensitivity analysis, which considered prognostic variables.

Conclusions

Retrospective analysis of the VHA database indicated that chemotherapy-naive patients with mCRPC initiating therapy with enzalutamide had improved survival versus abiraterone.
The first Conus genome assembly reveals a primary genetic central dogma of conopeptides in C. betulinus
Authors: Peng Chao , Huang Yu , Bian Chao , Li Jia , Liu Jie , Zhang Kai , You Xinxin , Lin Zhilong , He Yanbin , Chen Jieming , Lv Yunyun , Ruan Zhiqiang , Zhang Xinhui , Yi Yunhai , Li Yanping , Lin Xueqiang , Gu Ruobo , Xu Junmin , Yang Jia’an , Fan Chongxu , Yao Ge , Chen Ji-Sheng , Jiang Hui , Gao Bingmiao , Shi Qiong
Published: February 2021

Although there are various Conus species with publicly available transcriptome and proteome data, no genome assembly has been reported yet. Here, using Chinese tubular cone snail (C. betulinus) as a representative, we sequenced and assembled the first Conus genome with original identification of 133 genome-widely distributed conopeptide genes. After integration of our genomics, transcriptomics, and peptidomics data in the same species, we established a primary genetic central dogma of diverse conopeptides, assuming a rough number ratio of ~1:1:1:10s for the total genes: transcripts: proteins: post-translationally modified peptides. This ratio may be special for this worm-hunting Conus species, due to the high diversity of various Conus genomes and the big number ranges of conopeptide genes, transcripts, and peptides in previous reports of diverse Conus species. Only a fraction (45.9%) of the identified conotopeptide genes from our achieved genome assembly are transcribed with transcriptomic evidence, and few genes individually correspond to multiple transcripts possibly due to intraspecies or mutation-based variances. Variable peptide processing at the proteomic level, generating a big diversity of venom conopeptides with alternative cleavage sites, post-translational modifications, and N-/C-terminal truncations, may explain how the 133 genes and ~123 transcripts can generate thousands of conopeptides in the venom of individual C. betulinus. We also predicted many conopeptides with high stereostructural similarities to the putative analgesic ω-MVIIA, addiction therapy AuIB and insecticide ImI, suggesting that our current genome assembly for C. betulinus is a valuable genetic resource for high-throughput prediction and development of potential pharmaceuticals.
Widespread increase in dynamic imbalance in the Getz region of Antarctica from 1994 to 2018
Authors: Selley Heather L. , Hogg Anna E. , Cornford Stephen , Dutrieux Pierre , Shepherd Andrew , Wuite Jan , Floricioiu Dana , Kusk Anders , Nagler Thomas , Gilbert Lin , Slater Thomas , Kim Tae-Wan
Published: February 2021

The Getz region of West Antarctica is losing ice at an increasing rate; however, the forcing mechanisms remain unclear. Here we use satellite observations and an ice sheet model to measure the change in ice speed and mass balance of the drainage basin over the last 25-years. Our results show a mean increase in speed of 23.8 % between 1994 and 2018, with three glaciers accelerating by over 44 %. Speedup across the Getz basin is linear, with speedup and thinning directly correlated confirming the presence of dynamic imbalance. Since 1994, 315 Gt of ice has been lost contributing 0.9 ± 0.6 mm global mean sea level, with increased loss since 2010 caused by a snowfall reduction. Overall, dynamic imbalance accounts for two thirds of the mass loss from this region of West Antarctica over the past 25-years, with a longer-term response to ocean forcing the likely driving mechanism.
Emergent vulnerability to climate-driven disturbances in European forests
Authors: Forzieri Giovanni , Girardello Marco , Ceccherini Guido , Spinoni Jonathan , Feyen Luc , Hartmann Henrik , Beck Pieter S. A. , Camps-Valls Gustau , Chirici Gherado , Mauri Achille , Cescatti Alessandro
Published: February 2021

Forest disturbance regimes are expected to intensify as Earth’s climate changes. Quantifying forest vulnerability to disturbances and understanding the underlying mechanisms is crucial to develop mitigation and adaptation strategies. However, observational evidence is largely missing at regional to continental scales. Here, we quantify the vulnerability of European forests to fires, windthrows and insect outbreaks during the period 1979–2018 by integrating machine learning with disturbance data and satellite products. We show that about 33.4 billion tonnes of forest biomass could be seriously affected by these disturbances, with higher relative losses when exposed to windthrows (40%) and fires (34%) compared to insect outbreaks (26%). The spatial pattern in vulnerability is strongly controlled by the interplay between forest characteristics and background climate. Hotspot regions for vulnerability are located at the borders of the climate envelope, in both southern and northern Europe. There is a clear trend in overall forest vulnerability that is driven by a warming-induced reduction in plant defence mechanisms to insect outbreaks, especially at high latitudes.
Global irrigation contribution to wheat and maize yield
Authors: Wang Xuhui , Müller Christoph , Elliot Joshua , Mueller Nathaniel D. , Ciais Philippe , Jägermeyr Jonas , Gerber James , Dumas Patrice , Wang Chenzhi , Yang Hui , Li Laurent , Deryng Delphine , Folberth Christian , Liu Wenfeng , Makowski David , Olin Stefan , Pugh Thomas A. M. , Reddy Ashwan , Schmid Erwin , Jeong Sujong , Zhou Feng , Piao Shilong
Published: February 2021

Irrigation is the largest sector of human water use and an important option for increasing crop production and reducing drought impacts. However, the potential for irrigation to contribute to global crop yields remains uncertain. Here, we quantify this contribution for wheat and maize at global scale by developing a Bayesian framework integrating empirical estimates and gridded global crop models on new maps of the relative difference between attainable rainfed and irrigated yield (ΔY). At global scale, ΔY is 34 ± 9% for wheat and 22 ± 13% for maize, with large spatial differences driven more by patterns of precipitation than that of evaporative demand. Comparing irrigation demands with renewable water supply, we find 30–47% of contemporary rainfed agriculture of wheat and maize cannot achieve yield gap closure utilizing current river discharge, unless more water diversion projects are set in place, putting into question the potential of irrigation to mitigate climate change impacts.
Smoothing the energy transfer pathway in quasi-2D perovskite films using methanesulfonate leads to highly efficient light-emitting devices
Authors: Kong Lingmei , Zhang Xiaoyu , Li Yunguo , Wang Haoran , Jiang Yuanzhi , Wang Sheng , You Mengqing , Zhang Chengxi , Zhang Ting , Kershaw Stephen V. , Zheng Weitao , Yang Yingguo , Lin Qianqian , Yuan Mingjian , Rogach Andrey L. , Yang Xuyong
Published: February 2021

Quasi-two-dimensional (quasi-2D) Ruddlesden–Popper (RP) perovskites such as BA2Csn–1PbnBr3n+1 (BA = butylammonium, n > 1) are promising emitters, but their electroluminescence performance is limited by a severe non-radiative recombination during the energy transfer process. Here, we make use of methanesulfonate (MeS) that can interact with the spacer BA cations via strong hydrogen bonding interaction to reconstruct the quasi-2D perovskite structure, which increases the energy acceptor-to-donor ratio and enhances the energy transfer in perovskite films, thus improving the light emission efficiency. MeS additives also lower the defect density in RP perovskites, which is due to the elimination of uncoordinated Pb2+ by the electron-rich Lewis base MeS and the weakened adsorbate blocking effect. As a result, green light-emitting diodes fabricated using these quasi-2D RP perovskite films reach current efficiency of 63 cd A−1 and 20.5% external quantum efficiency, which are the best reported performance for devices based on quasi-2D perovskites so far.
Deep learning enhanced individual nuclear-spin detection
Authors: Jung Kyunghoon , Abobeih M. H. , Yun Jiwon , Kim Gyeonghun , Oh Hyunseok , Henry Ang , Taminiau T. H. , Kim Dohun
Published: February 2021

The detection of nuclear spins using individual electron spins has enabled diverse opportunities in quantum sensing and quantum information processing. Proof-of-principle experiments have demonstrated atomic-scale imaging of nuclear-spin samples and controlled multi-qubit registers. However, to image more complex samples and to realize larger-scale quantum processors, computerized methods that efficiently and automatically characterize spin systems are required. Here, we realize a deep learning model for automatic identification of nuclear spins using the electron spin of single nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers in diamond as a sensor. Based on neural network algorithms, we develop noise recovery procedures and training sequences for highly non-linear spectra. We apply these methods to experimentally demonstrate the fast identification of 31 nuclear spins around a single NV center and accurately determine the hyperfine parameters. Our methods can be extended to larger spin systems and are applicable to a wide range of electron-nuclear interaction strengths. These results pave the way towards efficient imaging of complex spin samples and automatic characterization of large spin-qubit registers.
Author Correction: Arabidopsis proteome and the mass spectral assay library
Authors: Zhang Huoming , Liu Pei , Guo Tiannan , Zhao Huayan , Bensaddek Dalila , Aebersold Ruedi , Xiong Liming
Published: February 2021

A Correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41597-021-00852-8.
Comparing different approaches for operationalizing subjective cognitive decline: impact on syndromic and biomarker profiles
Authors: Diaz-Galvan Patricia , Ferreira Daniel , Cedres Nira , Falahati Farshad , Hernández-Cabrera Juan Andrés , Ames David , Barroso Jose , Westman Eric
Published: February 2021

Subjective cognitive decline (SCD) has been proposed as a risk factor for future cognitive decline and dementia. Given the heterogeneity of SCD and the lack of consensus about how to classify this condition, different operationalization approaches still need to be compared. In this study, we used the same sample of individuals to compare  different SCD operationalization approaches. We included 399 cognitively healthy individuals from a community-based cohort. SCD was assessed through nine questions about memory and non-memory subjective complaints. We applied four approaches to operationalize SCD: two hypothesis-driven approaches and two data-driven approaches. We characterized the resulting groups from each operationalization approach using multivariate methods on comprehensive demographic, clinical, cognitive, and neuroimaging data. We identified two main phenotypes: an amnestic phenotype characterized by an Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) signature pattern of brain atrophy; and an anomic phenotype, which was mainly related to cerebrovascular pathology. Furthermore, language complaints other than naming helped to identify a subgroup with subclinical cognitive impairment and difficulties in activities of daily living. This subgroup also showed an AD signature pattern of atrophy. The identification of SCD phenotypes, characterized by different syndromic and biomarker profiles, varies depending on the operationalization approach used. In this study we discuss how these findings may be used in clinical practice and research.
A multivalent T-antigen-based vaccine for Group A Streptococcus
Authors: Loh Jacelyn M. S. , Rivera-Hernandez Tania , McGregor Reuben , Khemlani Adrina Hema J. , Tay Mei Lin , Cork Amanda J. , M. Raynes Jeremy , Moreland Nicole J. , Walker Mark J. , Proft Thomas
Published: February 2021

Pili of Group A Streptococcus (GAS) are surface-exposed structures involved in adhesion and colonisation of the host during infection. The major protein component of the GAS pilus is the T-antigen, which multimerises to form the pilus shaft. There are currently no licenced vaccines against GAS infections and the T-antigen represents an attractive target for vaccination. We have generated a multivalent vaccine called TeeVax1, a recombinant protein that consists of a fusion of six T-antigen domains. Vaccination with TeeVax1 produces opsonophagocytic antibodies in rabbits and confers protective efficacy in mice against invasive disease. Two further recombinant proteins, TeeVax2 and TeeVax3 were constructed to cover 12 additional T-antigens. Combining TeeVax1–3 produced a robust antibody response in rabbits that was cross-reactive to a full panel of 21 T-antigens, expected to provide over 95% vaccine coverage. These results demonstrate the potential for a T-antigen-based vaccine to prevent GAS infections.
Identification of two different coagulation phenotypes in people living with HIV with undetectable viral replication
Authors: Fink Asbjørn , Knudsen Andreas Dehlbæk , Thudium Rebekka Faber , Von Stemann Jakob Hjorth , Afzal Shoaib , Lundgren Jens , Kirkegaard-Klitbo Ditte Marie , Ostrowski Sisse Rye , Nordestgaard Børge G. , Nielsen Susanne Dam
Published: February 2021

Altered coagulation has been reported in people living with HIV (PLWH) with ongoing viral replication and may predispose to cardiovascular diseases. However, less is known about coagulation in PLWH with undetectable viral replication. In a cross-sectional observational study, we investigated whether HIV infection with undetectable viral replication is independently associated with activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and coagulation factor II–VII–X concentrations out of reference. Logistic regression analyses were used to assess the association of HIV infection with APTT and coagulation factor II–VII–X, after adjusting for age, sex, smoking status, alcohol consumption, BMI, diabetes and hsCRP. 936 PLWH with undetectable viral replication from the Copenhagen Co-morbidity in HIV infection study (COCOMO-study) and 2955 uninfected controls were included. Higher prevalence of short APTT was found in PLWH compared to controls (13.5% vs. 7.6%, P < 0.001). Furthermore, higher prevalence of low coagulation factor II–VII–X was found in PLWH than in controls (9.6% vs. 7.4%, P = 0.022). HIV was independently associated with short APTT (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 2.3 (95% CI 1.7–2.9), P < 0.001) and low coagulation factor II–VII–X (aOR 1.4 (95% CI 1.0–1.9), P = 0.046). Few participants among PLWH and controls had both short APTT and low coagulation factor II–VII–X, 2.1% vs. 0.8%, respectively. We found evidence of both procoagulant (short APTT) and anticoagulant (low coagulation factor II–VII–X) alterations in PLWH with undetectable viral replication, and our findings suggest that two different coagulation phenotypes exist in participants with treated HIV infection.
Evidence of hydrogen trapping at second phase particles in zirconium alloys
Authors: Jones Christopher , Tuli Vidur , Shah Zaheen , Gass Mhairi , Burr Patrick A. , Preuss Michael , Moore Katie L.
Published: February 2021

Zirconium alloys are used in safety–critical roles in the nuclear industry and their degradation due to ingress of hydrogen in service is a concern. In this work experimental evidence, supported by density functional theory modelling, shows that the α-Zr matrix surrounding second phase particles acts as a trapping site for hydrogen, which has not been previously reported in zirconium. This is unaccounted for in current models of hydrogen behaviour in Zr alloys and as such could impact development of these models. Zircaloy-2 and Zircaloy-4 samples were corroded at 350 °C in simulated pressurised water reactor coolant before being isotopically spiked with 2H2O in a second autoclave step. The distribution of 2H, Fe and Cr was characterised using nanoscale secondary ion mass spectrometry (NanoSIMS) and high-resolution energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. 2H− was found to be concentrated around second phase particles in the α-Zr lattice with peak hydrogen isotope ratios of 2H/1H = 0.018–0.082. DFT modelling confirms that the hydrogen thermodynamically favours sitting in the surrounding zirconium matrix rather than within the second phase particles. Knowledge of this trapping mechanism will inform the development of current understanding of zirconium alloy degradation through-life.