bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identifying COVID-19 cases in outpatient settings
Authors: Mao Yinan , Tan Yi-Roe , Thein Tun Linn , Chai Yi Ann Louis , Cook Alex R. , Dickens Borame L. , Lew Yii Jen , Lim Fong Seng , Lim Jue Tao , Sun Yinxiaohe , Sundaram Meena , Soh Alexius , Tan Glorijoy Shi En , Wong Franco Pey Gein , Young Barnaby , Zeng Kangwei , Chen Mark , Ong Desmond Luan Seng
Published: April 2021

Case identification is an ongoing issue for the COVID-19 epidemic, in particular for outpatient care where physicians must decide which patients to prioritise for further testing. This paper reports tools to classify patients based on symptom profiles based on 236 severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 positive cases and 564 controls, accounting for the time course of illness using generalised multivariate logistic regression. Significant symptoms included abdominal pain, cough, diarrhoea, fever, headache, muscle ache, runny nose, sore throat, temperature between 37.5 and 37.9 °C and temperature above 38 °C, but their importance varied by day of illness at assessment. With a high percentile threshold for specificity at 0.95, the baseline model had reasonable sensitivity at 0.67. To further evaluate accuracy of model predictions, leave-one-out cross-validation confirmed high classification accuracy with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.92. For the baseline model, sensitivity decreased to 0.56. External validation datasets reported similar result. Our study provides a tool to discern COVID-19 patients from controls using symptoms and day from illness onset with good predictive performance. It could be considered as a framework to complement laboratory testing in order to differentiate COVID-19 from other patients presenting with acute symptoms in outpatient care.
Lambda calculus with algebraic simplification for reduction parallelisation: Extended study
Authors: MORIHATA AKIMASA
Published: April 2021

Parallel reduction is a major component of parallel programming and widely used for summarisation and aggregation. It is not well understood, however, what sorts of non-trivial summarisations can be implemented as parallel reductions. This paper develops a calculus named λAS, a simply typed lambda calculus with algebraic simplification. This calculus provides a foundation for studying a parallelisation of complex reductions by equational reasoning. Its key feature is δ abstraction. A δ abstraction is observationally equivalent to the standard λ abstraction, but its body is simplified before the arrival of its arguments using algebraic properties such as associativity and commutativity. In addition, the type system of λAS guarantees that simplifications due to δ abstractions do not lead to serious overheads. The usefulness of λAS is demonstrated on examples of developing complex parallel reductions, including those containing more than one reduction operator, loops with conditional jumps, prefix sum patterns and even tree manipulations.
The nominal/FM Yoneda Lemma
Authors: Crole R. L.
Published: April 2021

This paper explores versions of the Yoneda Lemma in settings founded upon FM sets. In particular, we explore the lemma for three base categories: the category of nominal sets and equivariant functions; the category of nominal sets and all finitely supported functions, introduced in this paper; and the category of FM sets and finitely supported functions. We make this exploration in ordinary, enriched and internal settings. We also show that the finite support of Yoneda natural transformations is atheorem for free.
Heat-induced triploids in Brycon amazonicus: a strategic fish species for aquaculture and conservation
Authors: do Nascimento Nivaldo Ferreira , Bertolini Rafaela Manchin , Lopez Lucia Soares , Nakaghi Laura Satiko Okada , Monzani Paulo Sérgio , Senhorini José Augusto , Vianna Roberto Castro , Yasui George Shigueki
Published: April 2021

Triploidization plays an important role in aquaculture and surrogate technologies. In this study, we induced triploidy in the matrinxã fish (Brycon amazonicus) using a heat-shock technique. Embryos at 2 min post fertilization (mpf) were heat shocked at 38°C, 40°C, or 42°C for 2 min. Untreated, intact embryos were used as a control. Survival rates during early development were monitored and ploidy status was confirmed using flow cytometry and nuclear diameter analysis of erythrocytes. The hatching rate reduced with heat-shock treatment, and heat-shock treatments at 42°C resulted in no hatching events. Optimal results were obtained at 40°C with 95% of larvae exhibiting triploidy. Therefore, we report that heat-shock treatments of embryos (2 mpf) at 40°C for 2 min is an effective way to induce triploid individuals in B. amazonicus.
Lipid peroxidation in bull semen influences sperm traits and oxidative potential of Percoll®-selected sperm
Authors: Castiglioni Vivian Cardoso , Siqueira Adriano Felipe Perez , Bicudo Luana de Cássia , de Almeida Tamie Guibu , Hamilton Thais Rose dos Santos , de Castro Leticia Signori , Mendes Camilla Mota , Nichi Marcílio , Losano João Diego de Agostini , Visitin José Antônio , Assumpção Mayra Elena Ortiz D´Ávila
Published: April 2021

Although bovine embryoin vitroproduction (IVP) is a common assisted reproductive technology, critical points warrant further study, including sperm traits and oxidative status of sperm forin vitrofertilization (IVF). Our aim was to evaluate whether the lipid peroxidation index of commercial bull semen is influenced by sperm traits and oxidative status of sperm populations selected using Percoll® gradient. Semen straws from 48 batches from 14 Nelore bulls were thawed individually, analyzed for motility and subjected to Percoll selection. After Percoll, the lipid peroxidation index of the extender was evaluated, whereas selected sperm were analyzed for motility, acrosome and membrane integrity, mitochondrial membrane potential, chromatin resistance and oxidative potential under IVF conditions. Batches were divided retrospectively in four groups according to lipid peroxidation index. Sperm from Group 4 with the lowest index of lipid peroxidation had, after Percoll selection, greater plasma membrane integrity (81.3%;P= 0.004), higher mitochondrial potential (81.1%;P= 0.009) and lower oxidative potential (135.3 ng thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS)/ml;P= 0.026) compared with Group 1 with highest lipid peroxidation index (74.3%, 73% and 213.1 ng TBARS/ml, respectively). Furthermore, we observed negative correlations for the lipid peroxidation index with motility, membrane integrity and mitochondrial potential, and positive correlations with oxidative potential. In conclusion, oxidative stress in semen straws, as determined using lipid peroxidation in the extender, is associated with sperm traits and their oxidative potential under IVF conditions. These results provided further insights regarding the importance of preventing oxidative stress during semen handling and cryopreservation, as this could affect sperm selected for IVF. Finally, Percoll selection did not completely remove sperm with oxidative markers.
Adherence to guideline recommendations for urinary tract infections in adult women: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Lelie- van der Zande Rian , Bouvy Marcel , Teichert Martina
Published: April 2021

Aim:

To study whether changes in drug preferences in the Dutch guideline for the treatment of Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) for General Practitioners (GPs) in 2013, resulted in corresponding changes in antibiotic dispensing.

Background:

For the treatment of uncomplicated UTI, nitrofurantoin remained the first choice, while fosfomycin became the second choice and changed ranks with trimethoprim. For a subsequent febrile UTI, ciprofloxacin became the first choice and changed ranks with amoxicillin/clavulanic acid, co-trimoxazole remained the third choice.

Methods:

In this observational cross-sectional study, routinely collected dispensing data from the Dutch Foundation of Pharmaceutical Statistics from 2012 to 2017 were used. The number of women 18 years and older, treated with one of the guideline antibiotics for uncomplicated UTI and subsequent febrile UTI were analysed annually. Proportions were calculated. Data were stratified for age categories. Failure of uncomplicated UTI treatment was defined as the dispensing of an antibiotic for febrile UTI within 14 days after the dispensing of an antibiotic for uncomplicated UTI.

Findings:

Data were available from 81% of all pharmacies in 2012 to 89% in 2017. Percentages of women dispensed nitrofurantoin were relatively stable with 87.4% in 2012 and 84.4% in 2017. Percentages of women dispensed fosfomycin increased from 5.4% in 2012 to 21.8% in 2017, whereas percentages of women dispensed trimethoprim decreased from 17.8% to 8.0%. Within age categories, the percentage of women dispensed fosfomycin increased from 12.4% in women 18–30 years old to 36.7% in women above 80 years old. Percentages of women dispensed antibiotics for febrile UTI remained stable at 5% annually. Percentages of women receiving ciprofloxacin increased from 1.9% in 2012 to 3.3% in 2017, while those receiving amoxicillin/clavulanic acid decreased from 2.9% to 1.8%. New guideline recommendations resulted in corresponding changes in dispensed antibiotics for uncomplicated UTI and subsequent febrile UTI. Drug choices differed for age categories.
Effects of dignity therapy on palliative patients’ family members: A systematic review
Authors: Grijó Leonor , Tojal Carolina , Rego Francisca
Published: April 2021

Objective

Dignity therapy (DT) is a kind of psychotherapy that identifies the main concerns of end-of-life patients that affect their perception of dignity and helps them to find a new meaning in life. Most prior studies on DT analyze outcomes for palliative care patients. The aim of this systematic review is to explore the outcomes of DT in palliative care patients’ family members.

Method

In June 2020, a bibliographic search was performed using the terms “Dignity Therapy” and “Palliative Care” in the following databases: Cochrane library, TRIP database, PUBMED, Scopus, and Web of Knowledge. Of the 294 articles found, 8 met the selection criteria and were considered in the present study. No articles were excluded based on their publication date.

Results

Family members generally believe that DT helps them to better prepare the patient's end-of-life and overcome the bereavement phase. The legacy document was considered a source of comfort, and most would recommend DT to other people in their situation. DT is generally considered as important as any other aspect of the patient's treatment.

Significance of results

There is evidence of the benefits of DT for palliative patients’ family members. However, there are still few studies that evaluate these outcomes. The existing evidence is poorly generalized, and thus, further studies are needed to deeply explore the benefits of this therapy both for patients and their families.
Causal Pathways of Rebel Defection from Negotiated Settlements: A Theory of Strategic Alliances
Authors: Johnson Chelsea
Published: April 2021

While it is widely accepted that negotiated settlements are prone to breakdown, our understanding of the processes through which signatories defect lacks precision. A growing qualitative literature recognizes the potential for rebel group fluidity, yet the conflict field’s converging reliance on dyadic data obscures pathways of defection that result in splintering or merger in quantitative studies. An in-depth case study of a failed peace process in Uganda—which is misclassified in the extant data—helps to illustrate the ways in which excluded groups can lower the opportunity cost of defection for splintering factions, resulting in a strategic alliance. I test the generalizability of this argument against the full sample of rebel parties to settlements in Sub-Saharan Africa (1975–2015) using a large-N qualitative analysis of causal process observations (CPOs). The aggregated results provide strong evidence that the defection-by-alliance pathway is much more prevalent than previously recognized, accounting for more than one-third of all defections in the sample. Where settlements create shared incentives for stakeholders inside and outside the peace process to spoil, rebel elites appear more willing to bear the costs of an alliance with a rival, rather than surrendering under adverse conditions.
mvClaim
: an
R
package for multivariate general insurance claims severity modelling
Authors: Hu Sen , Murphy T. Brendan , O’Hagan Adrian
Published: April 2021

The mvClaim package in R provides flexible modelling frameworks for multivariate insurance claim severity modelling. The current version of the package implements a parsimonious mixture of experts (MoE) model family with bivariate gamma distributions, as introduced in Hu et al., and a finite mixture of copula regressions within the MoE framework as in Hu & O’Hagan. This paper presents the modelling approach theory briefly and the usage of the models in the package in detail. This package is hosted on GitHub at https://github.com/senhu/.
A Comparison of Moderate and Extreme ERA‐5 Daily Precipitation With Two Observational Data Sets
Authors: Rivoire Pauline , Martius Olivia , Naveau Philippe
Published: April 2021

A comparison of moderate to extreme daily precipitation from the ERA‐5 reanalysis by the European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts against two observational gridded data sets, EOBS and CMORPH, is presented. We assess the co‐occurrence of precipitation days and compare the full precipitation distributions. The co‐occurrence is quantified by the hit rate. An extended generalized Pareto distribution (EGPD) is fitted to the positive precipitation distribution at every grid point and confidence intervals of quantiles compared. The Kullback–Leibler divergence is used to quantify the distance between the entire EGPDs obtained from ERA‐5 and the observations. For days exceeding the local 90th percentile, the mean hit rate is 65% between ERA‐5 and EOBS (over Europe) and 60% between ERA‐5 and CMORPH (globally). Generally, we find a decrease of the co‐occurrence with increasing precipitation intensity. The agreement between ERA‐5 and EOBS is weaker over the southern Mediterranean region and Iceland compared to the rest of Europe. Differences between ERA‐5 and CMORPH are smallest over the oceans. Differences are largest over NW America, Central Asia, and land areas between 15°S and 15°N. The confidence intervals on quantiles are overlapping between ERA‐5 and the observational data sets for more than 80% of the grid points on average. The intensity comparisons indicate an excellent agreement between ERA‐5 and EOBS over Germany, Ireland, Sweden, and Finland, and a disagreement over areas where EOBS uses sparse input stations. ERA‐5 and CMORPH precipitation intensity agree well over the midlatitudes and disagree over the tropics.
Supraglacial River Forcing of Subglacial Water Storage and Diurnal Ice Sheet Motion
Authors: Smith L. C. , Andrews L. C. , Pitcher L. H , Overstreet B. T. , Rennermalm Å. K. , Cooper M. G. , Cooley S. W. , Ryan J. C. , Miège C. , Kershner C. , Simpson C. E.
Published: April 2021

Surface melting impacts ice sheet sliding by supplying water to the bed, but subglacial processes driving ice accelerations are complex. We examine linkages between surface runoff, transient subglacial water storage, and short‐term ice motion from 168 consecutive hourly measurements of meltwater discharge (moulin input) and GPS‐derived ice surface motion for Rio Behar, a ∼60 km2 moulin‐terminating supraglacial river catchment on the southwest Greenland Ice Sheet. Short‐term accelerations in ice speed correlate strongly with lag‐corrected measures of supraglacial river discharge (r = 0.9, τ = 0.7, p < 0.01). Though our 7 days record cannot address seasonal‐scale forcing, diurnal ice accelerations align with normalized differenced supraglacial and proglacial discharge, a proxy for subglacial storage change, better than GPS‐derived ice surface uplift. These observations counter theoretical steady state basal sliding laws and suggest that moulin and proglacially induced fluctuations in subglacial water storage, rather than absolute subglacial water storage, drive short‐term ice accelerations.
Impact of Remineralization Profile Shape on the Air‐Sea Carbon Balance
Authors: Lauderdale Jonathan Maitland , Cael B. B.
Published: April 2021

The ocean's “biological pump” significantly modulates atmospheric carbon dioxide levels. However, the complexity and variability of processes involved introduces uncertainty in interpretation of transient observations and future climate projections. Much research has focused on “parametric uncertainty,” particularly determining the exponent(s) of a power‐law relationship of sinking particle flux with depth. Varying this relationship's functional form introduces additional “structural uncertainty.” We use an ocean biogeochemistry model substituting six alternative remineralization profiles fit to a reference power‐law curve, to systematically characterize structural uncertainty, which, in atmospheric pCO2 terms, is roughly 50% of parametric uncertainty associated with varying the power‐law exponent within its plausible global range, and similar to uncertainty associated with regional variation in power‐law exponents. The substantial contribution of structural uncertainty to total uncertainty highlights the need to improve characterization of biological pump processes, and compare the performance of different profiles within Earth System Models to obtain better constrained climate projections.
Parker Solar Probe FIELDS Instrument Charging in the Near Sun Environment: Part 2: Comparison of In‐Flight Data and Modeling Results
Authors: Diaz‐Aguado M. F. , Bonnell J. W. , Bale S. D. , Wang J. , Gruntman M.
Published: April 2021

This research shows Part II of the Spacecraft Interaction Plasma Software (SPIS) used to model the parker solar probe (PSP) FIELDS instrument and its interactions with the Solar Wind. Flight data were used to run the PSP model and compared with models using past predicted parameters. The effect of voltage biasing between the antenna, its shield, and the spacecraft on the current balance of each surface was investigated at first perihelion (0.16AU). The model data were reduced to I–V curves to find current saturations (analysis results 52 µA vs. flight results 54–72 µA), and sheath resistances (analysis results of 307 kΩ vs. flight results of 51 kΩ). The recommended bias current to ensure optimal sensitivity of the FIELDS antenna was between −52 and −22 µA, which corresponded to a differential potential with respect to the spacecraft between −5 and 5 V. The analysis also shows that plasma sheath of the FIELDS antenna and the plasma sheath of the FIELDS shield interacted between each other with an impedance of ∼220 kΩ.
Energy Transfer Between Hot Protons and Electromagnetic Ion Cyclotron Waves in Compressional Pc5 Ultra‐low Frequency Waves
Authors: Kitamura N. , Shoji M. , Nakamura S. , Kitahara M. , Amano T. , Omura Y. , Hasegawa H. , Boardsen S. A. , Miyoshi Y. , Katoh Y. , Teramoto M. , Saito Y. , Yokota S. , Hirahara M. , Gershman D. J. , Giles B. L. , Russell C. T. , Strangeway R. J. , Ahmadi N. , Lindqvist P.‐A. , Ergun R. E. , Fuselier S. A. , Burch J. L.
Published: April 2021

The Magnetospheric Multiscale (MMS) spacecraft observed many enhancements of electromagnetic ion cyclotron (EMIC) waves in an event in the late afternoon outer magnetosphere. These enhancements occurred mainly in the troughs of magnetic field intensity associated with a compressional ultralow frequency (ULF) wave. The ULF wave had a period of ∼2–5 min (Pc5 frequency range) and was almost static in the plasma rest frame. The magnetic and ion pressures were in antiphase. They are consistent with mirror‐mode type structures. We apply the Wave‐Particle Interaction Analyzer method, which can quantitatively investigate the energy transfer between hot anisotropic protons and EMIC waves, to burst‐mode data obtained by the four MMS spacecraft. The energy transfer near the cyclotron resonance velocity was identified in the vicinity of the center of troughs of magnetic field intensity, which corresponds to the maxima of ion pressure in the compressional ULF wave. This result is consistent with the idea that the EMIC wave generation is modulated by ULF waves, and preferential locations for the cyclotron resonant energy transfer are the troughs of magnetic field intensity. In these troughs, relatively low resonance velocity due to the lower magnetic field intensity and the enhanced hot proton flux likely contribute to the enhanced energy transfer from hot protons to the EMIC waves by cyclotron resonance. Due to the compressional ULF wave, regions of the cyclotron resonant energy transfer can be narrow (only a few times of the gyroradii of hot resonant protons) in magnetic local time.
Seven Decades of Neutron Monitors (1951–2019): Overview and Evaluation of Data Sources
Authors: Väisänen Pauli , Usoskin Ilya , Mursula Kalevi
Published: April 2021

The worldwide network of neutron monitors (NMs) is the primary instrument to study cosmic‐ray variability on time scales of up to 70 yr. Since the 1950s, 147 NMs with publicly available data have been in operation, and their records are archived in and distributed through different repositories and data sources. A comprehensive analysis of all available NM data sets (300 data sets from 147 NMs) is performed here to check the quality and consistency of the data. The data sources include World Data Center for Cosmic Rays, the Neutron Monitor Database, the Pushkov Institute of Terrestrial Magnetism, Ionosphere, and Radiowave Propagation (IZMIRAN) and individual station/institution databases. It was found that The data from the same NM can be nonidentical and of different quality in different sources. We give and tabulate here a recommendation for the optimal data source of each NM. We also present here a list of 29 “prime” stations with the longest and most reliable data. Verified data sets for these prime stations are provided as supplementary information.
Formation of Nanocrystalline and Amorphous Materials Causes Parallel Brittle‐Viscous Flow of Crustal Rocks: Experiments on Quartz‐Feldspar Aggregates
Authors: Pec Matej , Al Nasser Saleh
Published: April 2021

The brittle‐viscous transition in the lithosphere occurs in a region where many large earthquakes nucleate. To study this transition, we sheared bimineralic aggregates with varying ratio of quartz and potassium feldspar. We deformed the samples in a solid‐medium deformation apparatus at temperature, T = 750°C and pressure, Pc = 800 MPa under either constant displacement rate or constant load boundary conditions. Under constant displacement rate, samples reach high shear stress (τ = 0.4–1 GPa depending on mineral ratio) and then weaken. Under constant load, the strain rate shows low sensitivity to stress below τ ≈ 400 MPa, followed by a higher stress sensitivity (stress exponent, n = 9–13) at higher stresses irrespective of mineral ratio. Strain is localized along “slip zones” in a C and C′ orientation. The material in the slip zones shows extreme grain size reduction and flow features. At peak strength, 1–2 vol% of the sample is composed of slip zones that are straight and short. With increasing strain, the slip zones become anastomosing and branching and occupy up to 9 vol%; this development is concomitant with strain‐weakening of the sample. Slip zones delimit larger cataclastic lenses, which develop a weak foliation. Our results suggest that strain localization leads to microstructural transformation of the rocks from a crystalline solid to a fluid‐like material in the slip zones. The measured rheological response is a combination of viscous flow in the slip zones and cataclastic flow in coarser‐grained lenses and can be modeled as a frictional slider coupled in parallel with a viscous dashpot.
Assessing the Ability of WRF‐BEP + BEM in Reproducing the Wintertime Building Energy Consumption of an Italian Alpine City
Authors: Pappaccogli Gianluca , Giovannini Lorenzo , Zardi Dino , Martilli Alberto
Published: April 2021

This work aims at assessing the ability of the Weather Research and Forecasting model, coupled with a multilayer urban canopy scheme and a building energy model (BEP + BEM), to simulate the building energy consumption in the city of Bolzano (Italy) during wintertime. Estimates of the actual energy consumption, to be adopted as a benchmark for evaluating model results, are obtained from observed total annual values, combined with load curves derived from real‐time measurements in various meteorological conditions and for different building types. The validation of numerical results highlights that the modeling set‐up adopted is able to well reproduce the spatial distribution of the energy consumption in the urban area and its dependence on the morphological characteristics of the city. In particular, it is found that energy consumption in the urban area is particularly influenced by the building height and the building surface area to plan area ratio, highlighting the importance of an accurate representation of the urban morphology in mesoscale meteorological models to obtain reliable estimates of citywide building energy consumption. Moreover, also the diurnal profiles of energy consumption are well captured by the model, especially in the residential area. Larger errors are found in the commercial‐industrial area: here various utilities display peaks of energy demand, that the model cannot reproduce correctly.
Depth‐Duration‐Frequency of Extreme Precipitation Events Under Internal Climate Variability: Indian Summer Monsoon
Authors: Upadhyay Divya , Mohapatra Pranab , Bhatia Udit
Published: April 2021

Uncertainty quantification and characterization in changing climate scenarios have a direct impact on the efforts toward mitigation and adaptation. The chaotic and nonlinear nature of atmospheric processes results in high sensitivity to initial conditions resulting in considerable variability. Multiple model ensembles of Earth System Models are often used to visualize the role of parametric uncertainties in mean and extreme attributes of precipitation trends in various time horizons. However, studies quantifying the role of internal variability in controlling extreme precipitation statistics in decadal and interdecadal scales are limited. Specifically, we quantify the relative contribution of uncertainty due to internal variability and model uncertainty in the depth and volatility of Indian Summer Monsoon rainfall extremes of different duration and frequencies. We establish that the role of internal variability in extreme precipitation indices such as 100‐years and 30‐years return levels are comparable to the uncertainty arising from structural differences in the model captured through bias‐corrected ensembles of multimodel outputs. From the regional analysis, we find that internal variability is not only comparable, but it also shows higher mean and uncertainty in estimating extreme precipitation indices in central India. The intensifying precipitation extremes have quantifiable impacts on Depth Duration Frequency (DDF) curves, which directly implicate hydraulic design and water resources planning and management. We show that combining outputs from multiple initial condition ensembles generated to span the range of internal climate variability can help us reduce uncertainty and provide the distinguished uncertainty bounds of DDF curves.
Implementation of Improved Parameterization of Terrestrial Flux in WRF‐VPRM Improves the Simulation of Nighttime CO2 Peaks and a Daytime CO2 Band Ahead of a Cold Front
Authors: Hu Xiao‐Ming , Gourdji Sharon M. , Davis Kenneth J. , Wang Qingyu , Zhang Yao , Xue Ming , Feng Sha , Moore Berrien , Crowell Sean M. R.
Published: April 2021

Enhanced CO2 mole fraction bands were often observed immediately ahead of cold front during the Atmospheric Carbon and Transport (ACT)‐America mission and their formation mechanism is undetermined. Improved understanding and correct simulation of these CO2 bands are needed for unbiased inverse CO2 flux estimation. Such CO2 bands are hypothesized to be related to nighttime CO2 respiration and investigated in this study using WRF‐VPRM, a weather‐biosphere‐online‐coupled model, in which the biogenic fluxes are handled by the Vegetation Photosynthesis and Respiration Model (VPRM). While the default VPRM satisfactorily parameterizes gross ecosystem exchange, its treatment of terrestrial respiration as a linear function of temperature was inadequate as respiration is a nonlinear function of temperature and also depends on the amount of biomass and soil wetness. An improved ecosystem respiration parameterization including enhanced vegetation index, a water stress factor, and a quadratic temperature dependence is incorporated into WRF‐VPRM and evaluated in a year‐long simulation before applied to the investigation of the frontal CO2 band on August 4, 2016. The evaluation shows that the modified WRF‐VPRM increases ecosystem respiration during the growing season, and improves model skill in reproducing nighttime near‐surface CO2 peaks. A nested‐domain WRF‐VPRM simulation is able to capture the main characteristics of the August 4 CO2 band and informs its formation mechanism. Nighttime terrestrial respiration leads to accumulation of near‐surface CO2 in the region. As the cold front carrying low‐CO2 air moves southeastward, and strong photosynthesis depletes CO2 further southeast of the front, a CO2 band develops immediately ahead of the front.
Unprecedented Spring 2020 Ozone Depletion in the Context of 20 Years of Measurements at Eureka, Canada
Authors: Bognar Kristof , Alwarda Ramina , Strong Kimberly , Chipperfield Martyn P. , Dhomse Sandip S. , Drummond James R. , Feng Wuhu , Fioletov Vitali , Goutail Florence , Herrera Beatriz , Manney Gloria L. , McCullough Emily M. , Millán Luis F. , Pazmino Andrea , Walker Kaley A. , Wizenberg Tyler , Zhao Xiaoyi
Published: April 2021

In the winter and spring of 2019/2020, the unusually cold, strong, and stable polar vortex created favorable conditions for ozone depletion in the Arctic. Chemical ozone loss started earlier than in any previous year in the satellite era and continued until late March, resulting in the unprecedented reduction of the ozone column. The vortex was located above the Polar Environment Atmospheric Research Laboratory in Eureka, Canada (80°N, 86°W) from late February to the end of April, presenting an excellent opportunity to examine ozone loss from a single ground station. Measurements from a suite of instruments show that total column ozone was at an all‐time low in the 20‐year data set, 22–102 DU below previous records set in 2011. Ozone minima (<200 DU), enhanced OClO and BrO slant columns, and unusually low‐HCl, ClONO2, and HNO3 columns were observed in March. Polar stratospheric clouds were present as late as 20 March, and ozonesondes show unprecedented depletion in the March and April profiles (to <0.2 ppmv). While both chemical and dynamical factors lead to reduced ozone when the vortex is cold, the contribution of chemical depletion (based on the variable correlation of ozone and temperature) was exceptional in spring 2020 when compared to typical Arctic winters. Mean chemical ozone loss over Eureka was estimated to be 111–126 DU (27%–31%) using April measurements and passive ozone from the SLIMCAT chemical transport model. While absolute ozone loss was generally smaller in 2020 than in 2011, percentage ozone loss was greater in 2020.
Polar Stratospheric Clouds: Satellite Observations, Processes, and Role in Ozone Depletion
Authors: Tritscher Ines , Pitts Michael C. , Poole Lamont R. , Alexander Simon P. , Cairo Francesco , Chipperfield Martyn P. , Grooß Jens‐Uwe , Höpfner Michael , Lambert Alyn , Luo Beiping , Molleker Sergey , Orr Andrew , Salawitch Ross , Snels Marcel , Spang Reinhold , Woiwode Wolfgang , Peter Thomas
Published: April 2021

Polar stratospheric clouds (PSCs) play important roles in stratospheric ozone depletion during winter and spring at high latitudes (e.g., the Antarctic ozone hole). PSC particles provide sites for heterogeneous reactions that convert stable chlorine reservoir species to radicals that destroy ozone catalytically. PSCs also prolong ozone depletion by delaying chlorine deactivation through the removal of gas‐phase HNO3 and H2O by sedimentation of large nitric acid trihydrate (NAT) and ice particles. Contemporary observations by the spaceborne instruments Michelson Interferometer for Passive Atmospheric Sounding (MIPAS), Microwave Limb Sounder (MLS), and Cloud‐Aerosol Lidar with Orthogonal Polarization (CALIOP) have provided an unprecedented polar vortex‐wide climatological view of PSC occurrence and composition in both hemispheres. These data have spurred advances in our understanding of PSC formation and related dynamical processes, especially the firm evidence of widespread heterogeneous nucleation of both NAT and ice PSC particles, perhaps on nuclei of meteoritic origin. Heterogeneous chlorine activation appears to be well understood. Reaction coefficients on/in liquid droplets have been measured accurately, and while uncertainties remain for reactions on solid NAT and ice particles, they are considered relatively unimportant since under most conditions chlorine activation occurs on/in liquid droplets. There have been notable advances in the ability of chemical transport and chemistry‐climate models to reproduce PSC temporal/spatial distributions and composition observed from space. Continued spaceborne PSC observations will facilitate further improvements in the representation of PSC processes in global models and enable more accurate projections of the evolution of polar ozone and the global ozone layer as climate changes.
Tectonic Controls on the Sedimentation and Thermal History of Supra‐detachment Basins: A Case Study of the Early Cretaceous Fuxin Basin, NE China
Authors: Jia Jianliang , Wu Yanjia , Miao Changsheng , Fu Changlei , Xie Wenquan , Qin Jianyi , Wang Xiaoming
Published: April 2021

A crustal‐scale detachment system, linking cooler hanging wall basins and the hotter footwall Yiwulüshan metamorphic core complex (MCC), is located in the Fuxin area of NE China. The relationship between detachment tectonism and sedimentation along supra‐detachment basins remains a challenging topic, and the effect of detachment tectonism on basin‐fill and thermal histories is poorly understood. Based on the detailed sedimentological, seismic, and geochemical analysis, we reconstruct the sedimentation and thermal history of the Fuxin Basin in the context of detachment tectonism. Two depositional systems, including a fan delta–shore‐shallow lake and a subaqueous fan–semi‐deep lake, developed during the early Cretaceous. The sedimentation history reveals that the lake‐basin scale started with expansion, and then gradually declined toward the eastern depocenter. During the early Cretaceous, a reconstructed dynamic model for basin‐range evolution reveals the three evolution phases of proto‐rift, fault subsidence, and transpression in the Fuxin area. We infer that the evolution of the supra‐detachment basin, sedimentation, and thermal records were controlled by detachment tectonism associated with the uplift and exhumation of the Yiwulüshan MCC. Thermal parameters and burial history indicate a general increase in the maximum paleotemperature toward the eastern part of the basin. Effects of sedimentary fill, shear heating, transpression, and fault displacement from detachment tectonism dominated the thermal evolution of this basin. Our results illustrate the importance of the dynamic evolution of the MCC in characterizing the sedimentation and thermal history of supra‐detachment basins that contribute to the understanding of subduction systems and their resource development.
Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: new targets and novel therapies
Authors: Cheson Bruce D. , Nowakowski Grzegorz , Salles Gilles
Published: April 2021

Newer, more effective and non-cytotoxic therapies are an unmet need for patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and other B-cell malignancies. Recently approved agents include polatuzumab with bendamustine and rituximab, selinexor, and tafasitamab plus lenalidomide. Three CAR-T cell products are currently approved by the FDA, with others in clinical trials. Additional agents in development include bispecific antibodies and antibody drug conjugates. Combinations of targeted therapies should lead to further improvement in the outcome of patients with B-cell malignancies.
A diffusiophoretic mechanism for ATP-driven transport without motor proteins
Authors: Ramm Beatrice , Goychuk Andriy , Khmelinskaia Alena , Blumhardt Philipp , Eto Hiromune , Ganzinger Kristina A. , Frey Erwin , Schwille Petra
Published: April 2021

The healthy growth and maintenance of a biological system depends on the precise spatial organization of molecules within the cell through the dissipation of energy. Reaction–diffusion mechanisms can facilitate this organization, as can directional cargo transport orchestrated by motor proteins, by relying on specific protein interactions. However, transport of material through the cell can also be achieved by active processes based on non-specific, purely physical mechanisms, a phenomenon that remains poorly explored. Here, using a combined experimental and theoretical approach, we discover and describe a hidden function of the Escherichia coli MinDE protein system: in addition to forming dynamic patterns, this system accomplishes the directional active transport of functionally unrelated cargo on membranes. Remarkably, this mechanism enables the sorting of diffusive objects according to their effective size, as evidenced using modular DNA origami–streptavidin nanostructures. We show that the diffusive fluxes of MinDE and non-specific cargo couple via density-dependent friction. This non-specific process constitutes a diffusiophoretic mechanism, as yet unknown in a cell biology setting. This nonlinear coupling between diffusive fluxes could represent a generic physical mechanism for establishing intracellular organization.
Clinical features and predictors of severity in COVID-19 patients with critical illness in Singapore
Authors: Puah Ser Hon , Young Barnaby Edward , Chia Po Ying , Ho Vui Kian , Loh Jiashen , Gokhale Roshni Sadashiv , Tan Seow Yen , Sewa Duu Wen , Kalimuddin Shirin , Tan Chee Keat , Pada Surinder K. M. S. , Cove Matthew Edward , Chai Louis Yi Ann , Parthasarathy Purnima , Ho Benjamin Choon Heng , Ng Jensen Jiansheng , Ling Li Min , Abisheganaden John A. , Lee Vernon J. M. , Tan Cher Heng , Lin Raymond T. P. , Leo Yee Sin , Lye David C. , Yeo Tsin Wen ,   Singapore 2019 novel coronavirus outbreak research team, Lim Poh Lian , Ang Brenda Sze Peng , Lee Cheng Chuan , Lee Lawrence Soon U. , Ng Oon Tek , Chan Monica , Marimuthu Kalisvar , Vasoo Shawn , Wong Chen Seong , Lee Tau Hong , Sadarangani Sapna Pradip , Lin Ray Junhao , Sadasiv Mucheli Sharavan , Ng Deborah Hee Ling , Choy Chiaw Yee , Tan Glorijoy Shi En , Tan Yu Kit , Ong Sean Wei Xiang , Sutjipto Stephanie , Lee Pei Hua , Tay Jun Yang , Ying Ding , Khoo Bo Yan , Tay Woo Chiao , Ng Gabrielle , Mah Yun Yuan , Tan Wilnard , Lew Sennen Jin Wen , Fong Raymond Kok Choon , Oh Helen May Lin , Chien Jaime Mei Fong , Shafi Humaira , Cheong Hau Yiang , Teo Darren Cheng Han , Tan Thuan Tong , Tan Ban Hock , Low Jenny Guek Hong , Wijaya Limin , Venkatachalam Indumathi , Chua Ying Ying , Cherng Benjamin Pei Zhi , Chan Yvonne Fu Zi , Phua Ghee Chee , Goh Ken Junyang , Soh Jade Xiao Jue , Zheng Shuwei , Lingegowda Pushpalatha Bangalore , Peh Wee Ming , Lee Yi Lin , Ho Jun Yang , Chia April Yu Jie , Lin Li , Ooi Say Tat , Anantharajah Tambyah Paul , Somani Jyoti , Oon Jolene Ee Ling , Yan Gabriel Zherong
Published: April 2021

We aim to describe a case series of critically and non-critically ill COVID-19 patients in Singapore. This was a multicentered prospective study with clinical and laboratory details. Details for fifty uncomplicated COVID-19 patients and ten who required mechanical ventilation were collected. We compared clinical features between the groups, assessed predictors of intubation, and described ventilatory management in ICU patients. Ventilated patients were significantly older, reported more dyspnea, had elevated C-reactive protein and lactate dehydrogenase. A multivariable logistic regression model identified respiratory rate (aOR 2.83, 95% CI 1.24–6.47) and neutrophil count (aOR 2.39, 95% CI 1.34–4.26) on admission as independent predictors of intubation with area under receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.928 (95% CI 0.828–0.979). Median APACHE II score was 19 (IQR 17–22) and PaO2/FiO2 ratio before intubation was 104 (IQR 89–129). Median peak FiO2 was 0.75 (IQR 0.6–1.0), positive end-expiratory pressure 12 (IQR 10–14) and plateau pressure 22 (IQR 18–26) in the first 24 h of ventilation. Median duration of ventilation was 6.5 days (IQR 5.5–13). There were no fatalities. Most COVID-19 patients in Singapore who required mechanical ventilation because of ARDS were extubated with no mortality.
A general framework to model the fate of trace elements in anaerobic digestion environments
Authors: Maharaj Bikash Chandra , Mattei Maria Rosaria , Frunzo Luigi , van Hullebusch Eric D. , Esposito Giovanni
Published: April 2021

Due to the multiplicity of biogeochemical processes taking place in anaerobic digestion (AD) systems and limitations of the available analytical techniques, assessing the bioavailability of trace elements (TEs) is challenging. Determination of TE speciation can be facilitated by developing a mathematical model able to consider the physicochemical processes affecting TEs dynamics. A modeling framework based on anaerobic digestion model no 1 (ADM1) has been proposed to predict the biogeochemical fate TEs in AD environments. In particular, the model considers the TE adsorption–desorption reactions with biomass, inerts and mineral precipitates, as well as TE precipitation/dissolution, complexation reactions and biodegradation processes. The developed model was integrated numerically, and numerical simulations have been run to investigate the model behavior. The simulation scenarios predicted the effect of (i) organic matter concentration, (ii) initial TEs concentrations, (iii) initial Ca–Mg concentrations, (iv) initial EDTA concentration, and (v) change in TE binding site density, on cumulative methane production and TE speciation. Finally, experimental data from a real case continuous AD system have been compared to the model predictions. The results prove that this modelling framework can be applied to various AD operations and may also serve as a basis to develop a model-predictive TE dosing strategy.
Ionizing radiation exposure of stem cell-derived chondrocytes affects their gene and microRNA expression profiles and cytokine production
Authors: Stelcer Ewelina , Kulcenty Katarzyna , Rucinski Marcin , Kruszyna-Mochalska Marta , Skrobala Agnieszka , Sobecka Agnieszka , Jopek Karol , Suchorska Wiktoria Maria
Published: April 2021

Human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) can be differentiated into chondrocyte-like cells. However, implantation of these cells is not without risk given that those transplanted cells may one day undergo ionizing radiation (IR) in patients who develop cancer. We aimed to evaluate the effect of IR on chondrocyte-like cells differentiated from hiPSCs by determining their gene and microRNA expression profile and proteomic analysis. Chondrocyte-like cells differentiated from hiPSCs were placed in a purpose-designed phantom to model laryngeal cancer and irradiated with 1, 2, or 3 Gy. High-throughput analyses were performed to determine the gene and microRNA expression profile based on microarrays. The composition of the medium was also analyzed. The following essential biological processes were activated in these hiPSC-derived chondrocytes after IR: "apoptotic process", "cellular response to DNA damage stimulus", and "regulation of programmed cell death". These findings show the microRNAs that are primarily responsible for controlling the genes of the biological processes described above. We also detected changes in the secretion level of specific cytokines. This study demonstrates that IR activates DNA damage response mechanisms in differentiated cells and that the level of activation is a function of the radiation dose.
Microcoulomb (0.7 ± $$\frac{0.4}{0.2}$$ μC) laser plasma accelerator on OMEGA EP
Authors: Shaw J. L. , Romo-Gonzalez M. A. , Lemos N. , King P. M. , Bruhaug G. , Miller K. G. , Dorrer C. , Kruschwitz B. , Waxer L. , Williams G. J. , Ambat M. V. , McKie M. M. , Sinclair M. D. , Mori W. B. , Joshi C. , Chen Hui , Palastro J. P. , Albert F. , Froula D. H.
Published: April 2021

Laser-plasma accelerators (LPAs) driven by picosecond-scale, kilojoule-class lasers can generate particle beams and x-ray sources that could be utilized in experiments driven by multi-kilojoule, high-energy-density science (HEDS) drivers such as the OMEGA laser at the Laboratory for Laser Energetics (LLE) or the National Ignition Facility at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory. This paper reports on the development of the first LPA driven by a short-pulse, kilojoule-class laser (OMEGA EP) connected to a multi-kilojoule HEDS driver (OMEGA). In experiments, electron beams were produced with electron energies greater than 200 MeV, divergences as low as 32 mrad, charge greater than 700 nC, and conversion efficiencies from laser energy to electron energy up to 11%. The electron beam charge scales with both the normalized vector potential and plasma density. These electron beams show promise as a method to generate MeV-class radiography sources and improved-flux broadband x-ray sources at HEDS drivers.
Multi-center clinical study using optical coherence tomography for evaluation of cervical lesions in-vivo
Authors: Ren Chenchen , Zeng Xianxu , Shi Zhongna , Wang Chunyan , Wang Huifen , Wang Xiuqin , Zhang Baoping , Jiang Zhaoning , Ma Huan , Hu Hao , Piao Haozhe , Zhang Xiaoan , Wang Baojin
Published: April 2021

In this prospective study of an in-vivo cervical examination using optical coherence tomography (OCT), we evaluated the diagnostic value of non-invasive and real-time OCT in cervical precancerous lesions and cancer diagnosis, and determined the characteristics of OCT images. 733 patients from 5 Chinese hospitals were inspected with OCT and colposcopy-directed biopsy. The OCT images were compared with the histological sections to find out the characteristics of various categories of lesions. The OCT images were also interpreted by 3 investigators to make a 2-class classification, and the results were compared against the pathological results. Various structures of the cervical tissue were clearly observed in OCT images, which matched well with the corresponding histological sections. The OCT diagnosis results delivered a sensitivity of 87.0% (95% confidence interval, CI 82.2–90.7%), a specificity of 84.1% (95% CI 80.3–87.2%), and an overall accuracy of 85.1%. Both good consistency of OCT images and histological images and satisfactory diagnosis results were provided by OCT. Due to its features of non-invasion, real-time, and accuracy, OCT is valuable for the in-vivo evaluation of cervical lesions and has the potential to be one of the routine cervical diagnosis methods.