bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors associated with masticatory function as measured with the Mixing Ability Test in patients with head and neck cancer before and after treatment: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Vermaire Jorine A. , Raaijmakers Cornelis P. J. , Monninkhof Evelyn M. , Verdonck-de Leeuw Irma M. , Terhaard Chris H. J. , Speksnijder Caroline M.
Published: February 2022

Purpose

After treatment for head and neck cancer (HNC), patients often experience major problems in masticatory function. The aim of this prospective cohort study among patients with HNC was to investigate which personal and clinical factors are associated with masticatory function from diagnosis up to 2 years after treatment with curative intent.

Methods

Masticatory function was measured using the Mixing Ability Test (MAT) before treatment (baseline), and 3, 6, 12, and 24 months after treatment. A linear mixed-effects model with a random intercept and slope was conducted to investigate changes over time and the association with personal (sex, age) and clinical (tumor site, tumor stage, treatment modality) factors as measured at baseline.

Result

One-hundred-twenty-five patients were included. The prevalence of masticatory dysfunction was estimated at 29% at M0, 38% at M3, 28% at M6, 26% at M12, and 36% at M24. A higher (worse) MAT score was associated with age, tumor stage, tumor site, timing of assessment, and the interaction between assessment moment and tumor site.

Conclusion

In patients with HNC, masticatory function changed over time and dysfunction was associated with a higher age, a tumor in the oral cavity, a higher tumor stage, and a shorter time since treatment. The prevalence of masticatory dysfunction ranged from 26 to 38%.
Upcycling discarded cellulosic surgical masks into catalytically active freestanding materials
Authors: Reguera Javier , Zheng Fangyuan , Shalan Ahmed Esmail , Lizundia Erlantz
Published: February 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic outbreak has resulted in the massive fabrication of disposable surgical masks. As the accumulation of discarded face masks represents a booming threat to the environment, here we propose a solution to reuse and upcycle surgical masks according to one of the cornerstones of the circular economy. Specifically, the non-woven cellulosic layer of the masks is used as an environmentally sustainable and highly porous solid support for the controlled deposition of catalytically active metal-oxide nanoparticles. The native cellulosic fibers from the surgical masks are decorated by titanium dioxide (TiO2), iron oxide (FexOy), and cobalt oxide (CoOx) nanoparticles following a simple and scalable approach. The abundant surface –OH groups of cellulose enable the controlled deposition of metal-oxide nanoparticles that are photocatalytically active or shown enzyme-mimetic activities. Importantly, the hydrophilic highly porous character of the cellulosic non-woven offers higher accessibility of the pollutant to the catalytically active surfaces and high retention in its interior. As a result, good catalytic activities with long-term stability and reusability are achieved. Additionally, developed free-standing hybrids avoid undesired media contamination effects originating from the release of nanoscale particles. The upcycling of discarded cellulosic materials, such as the ones of masks, into high-added-value catalytic materials, results an efficient approach to lessen the waste´s hazards of plastics while enhancing their functionality. Interestingly, this procedure can be extended to the upcycling of other systems (cellulosic or not), opening the path to greener manufacturing approaches of catalytic materials.

Graphical abstract

A novel approach to upcycle discarded cellulosic surgical masks is proposed, providing a solution to reduce the undesired accumulation of discarded face masks originating from the COVID-19 pandemic. The non-woven cellulosic layer formed by fibers is used as solid support for the controlled deposition of catalytically active titanium dioxide (TiO2), iron oxide (FexOy), and cobalt oxide (CoOx) nanoparticles. Cellulosic porous materials are proven useful for the photocatalytic decomposition of organic dyes, while their peroxidase-like activity opens the door to advanced applications such as electrochemical sensors. The upcycling of cellulose nonwoven fabrics into value-added catalytic materials lessens the waste´s hazards of discarded materials while enhancing their functionality.
Effects of a coal phase-out in Europe on reaching the UN Sustainable Development Goals
Authors: Vögele S. , Govorukha K. , Mayer P. , Rhoden I. , Rübbelke D. , Kuckshinrichs W.
Published: February 2022

Several European countries plan to phase out coal-fired power plants in order to reach their greenhouse gas abatement targets. Additionally, the phase-out will bring about so-called ancillary effects or co-effects. In our study, we focus on the co-effects induced in the countries that export coal to Europe. Furthermore, we examine the ancillary effects imposed on China as a major supplier of technologies (like solar energy technologies) that will replace coal-fired power plants. Using a combination of an input-output model, econometric analysis and employing the concept of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, we assess impacts of coal phase-out policies on environmental, economic, and societal dimensions. Our results show that despite negative impacts on income and employment in coal-exporting countries, a phase-out of coal-fired power plants is linked with multiple positive effects. In particular, we observe improvements in water management and biodiversity conservation, reduced release of pollutants, and improvements on a societal level. However, even if we consider a reduction in the use of coal in the European steel production sector as an additional challenge, these positive impacts on coal exporting countries remain rather small. The same applies to the effects we observe for China.
Dilatonic effect in double field theory cosmology
Authors: Liu Yang
Published: February 2022

In this article we discuss some aspects of double field theory cosmology with an emphasis on the role played by the dilaton. The cosmological solutions of double field theory equations of motion after coupling a shifted dilaton to them are investigated. The equations of motion for a constant shifted dilaton and a constant usual dilaton in an FRW universe are obtained. The solutions of these equations are obtained in both the supergravity frame and in the winding frame. We also consider three possible dark energy candidates in a 4D universe using double field theory cosmology and find some basic conditions which the three dark energy candidates should satisfy. We consider the results for a more general potential of shifted dilaton as well.
Highly ordered pure and indium-incorporated MCM-41 mesoporous adsorbents: synthesis, characterization and evaluation for dye removal
Authors: Khaled Rabab K. , Wahba Mohammed A. , Badry Magda D. , Zawrah M. F. , Heikal E. A.
Published: February 2022

Highly ordered pure MCM-41 and In-MCM-41 mesoporous adsorbents (with Si/In = 95 (IM0.05) and Si/In = 90 (IM0.1)) were synthesized using the hydrothermal-assisted method. The structural, morphological and texture characteristics were investigated by XRD, N2adsorption–desorption, SEM-EDX, TEM, diffuse reflectance (DR) and FTIR. The broadening XRD diffraction peaks as well as the shifts to higher and lower 2-theta in IM0.05 and IM0.1, respectively, confirmed the incorporation of indium atoms in the MCM-41 structure. SEM-EXD and TEM images showed that pure MCM-41 and IM0.05 preserve a highly long-range well-ordered hexagonal pore structure, on the other hand, high loading of indium (IM0.1) resulted in partially irregular pore-ordering and morphological defects related to a partial dissolution of MCM-41 structure. The infrared spectra of In-incorporated samples showed a decrease in the transmittance intensity of MCM-41 characteristic peaks with little shifts relative to the pure MCM-41 sample. The potential of pure MCM-41 and In-MCM-41 samples for adsorption of dyes was preliminarily investigated. The removal efficiency of both methylene blue and basic yellow-28 (BY28) was enhanced by the incorporation of indium in the MCM-41. The adsorption equilibrium data of BY28 dye on pure, IM0.05 and IM0.1 samples fitted well with Langmuir adsorption model with adsorption capacity of 123.46, 156.99 and 158.48 mg g−1respectively. The calculated free adsorption energy obtained from D–R isotherm was found to be 26.7 kJ mol−1referring to that the adsorption of BY28 on IM0.05 adsorbent is chemical. The adsorption kinetic of BY28 on IM0.05 sample followed the pseudo-second-order model. The adsorption experiments revealed that the prepared samples can be used as effective adsorbents for the removal of dyes in aqueous solutions with good recovery and recyclability.

Graphical Abstract
The Gambling Behaviour and Attitudes to Sports Betting of Sports Fans
Authors: Seal Emma , Cardak Buly A. , Nicholson Matthew , Donaldson Alex , O’Halloran Paul , Randle Erica , Staley Kiera
Published: February 2022

Survey responses from a sample of nearly 15,000 Australian sports fans were used to study the determinants of: (i) gambling behaviour, including if a person does gamble and the type of gambling engaged with; (ii) the number of sports and non-sports bets made over a 12-month period; and (iii) attitudes towards betting on sports. The probability of betting on sports decreased with increasing age and was lower for women and people with a university education. This gender difference varied with age, with the greatest difference found among the young. Similar effects were observed for the number of sports bets made, which declined with age. The gender difference in the number of sports bets also varied with age with the greatest difference found among the young arising from the high propensity of young men to bet on sports. Attitudes to sports betting were also analysed, with a key finding that, within friendship circles, the views that sports betting is perceived as harmless, common and very much a part of enjoying sports were stronger among young men. These permissive attitudes were stronger among people who bet on sports and those who bet on sports more frequently. The analysis of sports fans provides insights into the characteristics of the target market most likely to bet on sports, which can be used to inform public health initiatives and harm reduction campaigns.
Vitamin D regulation of immune function during covid-19
Authors: Bikle Daniel D.
Published: February 2022

Covid-19 has to date infected a confirmed 275 million people with 5.4 million, now dead, with the count rising every day. Although the virus, SARS-CoV2, causing Covid-19 infects many cells in the body, its infection of the upper and lower respiratory tract (upper airway epithelia and pulmonary alveolar pneumocytes and macrophages) causing what is now called a cytokine storm in the lungs is the major cause of morbidity and mortality. This results from a dysregulation of the innate immune system with an outpouring of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines leading to abnormal activation of the adaptive immune pathway. Airway epithelia constitutively expresses CYP27B1, the enzyme producing the active vitamin D metabolite, 1,25(OH)2D, and the vitamin D receptor (VDR) for which 1,25(OH)2D is the ligand. Pulmonary alveolar macrophages, on the other hand, are induced to express both CYP27B1 and VDR by various pathogens including viruses and cytokines released from infected epithelia and other immune cells. Although not demonstrated for corona viruses like SARS-CoV2, for other viruses and other respiratory pathogens activation of innate immunity leading to increased local 1,25(OH)2D production has been shown to enhance viral neutralization and clearance while modulating the subsequent proinflammatory response. Whether such will be the case for SARS-CoV2 remains to be seen, but is currently being proposed and investigated. This mini review will discuss some of the mechanisms by which vitamin D may help reduce morbidity and mortality in this devastating pandemic.
Telephone Access Management in Primary Care: Cross-Case Analysis of High-Performing Primary Care Access Sites
Authors: Chuang Emmeline , Bonilla Amy , Stockdale Susan , Das Aditi , Yano Elizabeth M. , Rose Danielle
Published: February 2022

Background

Primary care telephone access has been associated with patient satisfaction and emergency department utilization even after accounting for objective appointment wait times. However, relatively little is known about how to best structure and manage telephone access in primary care.

Objective

Assess how primary care telephone access is structured and managed and explore how variation in telephone management may affect primary care teams and patients.

Design

We used 2016 administrative and patient survey data to select six Veterans Administration medical centers (VAMCs) with above-average primary care access (time to third next available appointment) but variable patient-reported access, geographic region, and urbanicity. Semi-structured interviews were conducted August –October 2017.

Participants

Forty-three key stakeholders knowledgeable about primary care, telephone management, and operational priorities nationally and/or within each VAMC.

Key Results

Telephone access was organized and managed differently across sites. Regional call centers were perceived as more efficient but less flexible in tailoring processes to meet local needs. Patient preferences for speaking with their own care teams were cited as a reason to manage telephone access locally rather than regionally, particularly in rural sites. Sites with high patient-rated access described call center functions as well-integrated with primary care team workflow, while those with low patient-rated access perceived telephone management practices as negatively affecting primary care team workload. Call center understaffing was a major barrier to optimal telephone access in all six sites, though rural sites reported greater challenges with provider recruitment and retention.

Conclusions

In VA, efforts to improve telephone access have focused on centralizing call center operations but current call center performance metrics do not account for the extent to which call center functions are integrated with primary care workflows or may impact patient experience. Efforts to improve primary care access should carefully consider impact of telephone management practices on providers and patients.
Effect of field pea (Pisum sativum subsp. arvense (L.) Asch.) and pea-oat (Avena sativa L.) biculture cover crops on high tunnel vegetable under organic production system
Authors: Domagała-Świątkiewicz I. , Siwek P.
Published: February 2022

In general, adaptation of cover cropping in crop rotation practices to organic tunnels by methods supporting soil health and quality has not yet been fully optimized. Effect of field pea and pea-oat cover crops to soil physicochemical properties and cash crop quality was assessed in an organic high tunnel in southern Poland in 2016–2017, with the following planting sequence: spring cover crops/tomato/romaine lettuce/green bean/iceberg lettuce. The sole pea produced a lower aboveground biomass (3.06 t ha−1) than the pea-oat mixture (4.17 t ha−1), and the N content in their biomass was 155 kg N ha−1 and 136 kg N ha−1, respectively. The results indicated that a high residue input from cover crops was important for soil organic carbon stock, for retaining plant-available N in organic matter, and for improving soil physical properties, especially wet aggregate stability. We observed an increase in soil pH and the availability of some mineral nutrients in the soil under cover crop treatments, especially Ca, Mg, K, and P. N uptake by the subsequent cash crop significantly (p ≤ 0.05) increased with pea than with pea-oat biculture, and in the green manure formula than with the mulch treatment. Early spring cover cropping depressed the subsequent tomato yield, but enhanced green bean yield in the second year of cropping.
The Core Elements of Strength-Based Technology Programs for Youth on the Autism Spectrum: A Systematic Review of Qualitative Evidence
Authors: Jones Matthew , Falkmer Marita , Milbourn Ben , Tan Tele , Bölte Sven , Girdler Sonya
Published: February 2022

Strength-based programs that incorporate technology have gained increasing popularity as an approach to improve outcomes for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Despite this, the core elements of strength-based technology programs remain poorly described. This study aimed to identify the core elements of strength-based technology programs for youth with ASD through a systematic review of the literature. Electronic databases were searched for qualitative studies delivering strength-based technology-driven interventions to youth on the spectrum. Ten of the 874 studies identified met the criteria. Qualitative analysis revealed three core elements of strength-based technology programs for this population: mutual respect, demonstrating skills, and interests. The findings underpin the design of future strength-based technology programs for youth with ASD.
Phase change and crystallization behavior of water in biological systems and innovative freezing processes and methods for evaluating crystallization
Authors: Parandi Ehsan , Pero Milad , Kiani Hossein
Published: February 2022

The phase change of water occurs in biological samples during freezing and introduces significant changes to the processed materials. The phase change phenomenon includes complex processes at the macro and micro levels. At molecular levels, water undergoes a rate-limiting nucleation stage to form templates for the next step called crystal growth. The rate and interaction of these two stages play an essential role in the characteristics of the process and the products. Technically, crystal size distribution and its control through processing parameters are linked to the properties of products. Thus, understanding the interactions between water phase change steps, evaluating the effects of crystallization and ice crystals features, and employing novel techniques to control and monitor nucleation and crystal growth stages is essential for improved frozen products quality. Finding the moisture behavior information with direct and indirect measurements can describe crystals in multi-perspectives, providing practical knowledge on the mechanisms of the freezing process. Moreover, innovative novel freezing technologies improve the crystallization process during the freezing of foods. This review focuses on an overview of the water phase change and crystallization process. Specific emphasis was placed on modeling approaches, the measuring methods, and novel accelerating and suppression of nucleation and ice crystals growth.
Umsetzung von Advance Care Planning in einem regionalen Netzwerk
Authors: Kern Martina , Schmude Andrea von , Beu Catrin
Published: February 2022

Zusammenfassung. Seit 2017 bietet das in Deutschland unter dem Begriff der Gesundheitlichen Versorgungsplanung für die letzte Lebensphase (GVP) bekannte ACP-Konzept Bewohnern stationärer Einrichtungen der Altenpflege und Eingliederungshilfe ein spezielles Beratungsangebot durch ausgebildete Gesprächsbegleiter zu medizinisch-pflegerischen Versorgungsmöglichkeiten und ihrer Betreuung in der letzten Lebensphase. Damit der Beratung und der Dokumentation von Wünschen und Willen eine gute Umsetzung der individuellen GVP folgen kann, sind ein verlässlicher Informationsfluss und abgestimmte Handlungsabläufe zwischen den beteiligten Akteuren in den Einrichtungen sowie der externen Leistungserbringer wie etwa aus der Ärzteschaft und dem Rettungsdienst unerlässlich. Sektorenübergreifende Abstimmungsprozesse und eine regionale Vernetzung der handelnden Akteure können dazu beitragen, dass konkrete Verfahren und einheitliche Abläufe zur Umsetzung der GVP in einer Region entstehen können. Um die notwendigen Umsetzungsschritte zur Implementierung von GVP zu identifizieren und Qualitätskriterien für die Umsetzung von GVP in regionalen Netzwerken beschreiben zu können, wurden vier Regionen in Nordrhein-Westfalen im Rahmen eines Landesprojektes ausgewählt und modellhaft unterstützt. Erste Erfahrungen im Landesprojekt weisen auf übergreifend gültige Faktoren hin, die zu einer guten Umsetzung von GVP im regionalen Netzwerk wesentlich beitragen.
Kommunikation mit schwerstkranken Patienten – mehr als nur Breaking Bad News
Authors: Mehnert-Theuerkauf Anja , Koranyi Susan
Published: February 2022

Zusammenfassung. Im Rahmen der palliativmedizinischen Versorgung werden spezifische kommunikative Strategien und Techniken der Gesprächsführung benötigt, um den besonderen Herausforderungen der palliativen Versorgungssituation angemessen zu begegnen. Eine gelungene Kommunikation ist durch zentrale Kriterien der Patientenzentriertheit gekennzeichnet und kann wichtige Parameter auf Seiten der Patienten, Angehörigen sowie auf Seiten der professionellen Behandler positiv beeinflussen. Hierzu zählen unter anderem die informierte und gemeinsame Entscheidungsfindung, eine vertrauensvolle Beziehung zum Behandlungsteam, verbessertes Wissen und Verständnis über die Prognose, verbesserte Therapieadhärenz und Bewältigung von schwierigen Therapieentscheidungen sowie eine erhöhte Zufriedenheit und Lebensqualität bei Patienten und Angehörigen. Kommunikative Fertigkeiten können in Kommunikationskursen erlernt und vertieft werden. Das COMSKIL-Trainingsprogramm, welches für verschiedene Berufsgruppen der medizinisch-onkologischen Versorgung konzipiert wurde, definiert fünf zentrale Komponenten eines Gesprächs (Kommunikationsziele, Kommunikationsstrategien, Kommunikationstechniken, Prozessaufgaben sowie kognitive Beurteilungen) und adressiert Basisfertigkeiten sowie kommunikative Herausforderungen im Rahmen spezifischer Gesprächsanlässe.
Umgang mit Todeswünschen in der Palliativversorgung
Authors: Kremeike Kerstin , Dojan Thomas , Boström Kathleen , Voltz Raymond
Published: February 2022

Zusammenfassung. Im Zuge gesetzlicher Neuregelungen wird die Frage nach dem Umgang mit Todeswünschen kontrovers diskutiert. Aus der Perspektive der palliativen Versorgung wird dafür plädiert, das Thema Todeswunsch nicht auf den assistierten Suizid zu begrenzen, sondern in all seinen möglichen Ausprägungen und Facetten zu betrachten. Grundlegend dafür ist eine offene, interessierte und respektvolle Haltung gegenüber den Sichtweisen der Patienten. Entsprechende Zielsetzungen für den Umgang mit Todeswünschen sind in der «S3-Leitlinie Palliativmedizin für Patienten mit einer nicht heilbaren Krebserkrankung» formuliert. Unterstützung bei der Umsetzung dieser Ziele bieten Schulungen zum Thema sowie ein Leitfaden zur Gesprächsführung über möglicherweise vorliegende Todeswünsche. Offene Gespräche zum Thema dienen primär dazu, den Fokus weg vom sofortigen Einleiten von Massnahmen zu nehmen und stattdessen die Perspektive zu weiten, den Prozess zu verlangsamen und den emotionalen Raum zu öffnen. Mit dem so gewonnenen Verständnis über dem Todeswunsch zugrundeliegende Vorstellungen und Sorgen können weitere Schritte geplant werden. Dazu gehören etwa die Schmerzlinderung oder die Behandlung von Depressivität, um das mit Todeswünschen verbundene Leid zu verringern. Auch besteht die Möglichkeit, lebensverlängernde Massnahmen nicht zu ergreifen oder zu beenden. Falls bei Patienten ein ernsthafter und andauernder Wunsch nach assistiertem Suizid vorliegt, gilt es die Existenz eines solchen Wunsches anzuerkennen und angemessen darauf zu reagieren.
Different Relations of Religion and Mental Health
Authors: EL-Awad Usama , Fathi Atefeh , Lohaus Arnold , Petermann Franz , Reinelt Tilman
Published: February 2022

Abstract. Background: Religiosity can foster mental health after traumatic experiences. Yet, religiosity among Muslim immigrants has also been linked to separation-oriented acculturation, which is linked to reduced mental health. Therefore, the function of religiosity for resilience in Middle Eastern refugee and immigrant adolescents might differ as their migration contexts differ in terms of traumatic experiences and the nature of cultural interactions . Aims: This study examined whether religiosity is associated with better mental health after traumatic experiences, particularly among young refugees. In addition, it was explored whether religiosity is associated with better mental health among refugees through less marginalization and whether religious immigrant peers show worse mental health through stronger separation. Method: 135 adolescents ( MAge= 18.25 years, SD = 1.73; nrefugees= 75, nimmigrants= 60) completed self-reports on religiosity, mental health, trauma, and acculturation orientations. Regression analyses were calculated examining group-specific differences in potential moderating effects of religiosity on the relationship between trauma exposures and internalizing symptoms. Furthermore, potential indirect effects of religiosity on internalizing symptoms via acculturation orientations were investigated. Results: Stronger religiosity was associated with better mental health following trauma exposure. No group-specific differences were observed. While religious refugee adolescents reported less marginalization associated with fewer internalizing symptoms, religious immigrant peers reported more separation and internalizing symptoms. Limitations: Results are limited to male Muslim adolescents in Germany. The cross-sectional nature prohibits any implications for causal dynamics in the associations. Conclusion: Religiosity is generally protective against post-traumatic consequences, but associations with acculturation differ across migration contexts.
Quantifying the Water‐to‐Melt Mass Ratio and Its Impact on Eruption Plumes During Explosive Hydromagmatic Eruptions
Authors: Hajimirza Sahand , Jones Thomas J. , Moreland William M. , Gonnermann Helge M. , Thordarson Thor
Published: February 2022

The interaction of magma with external water commonly enhances magma fragmentation through the conversion of thermal to mechanical energy and results in an increased production of fine‐grained volcanic tephra. Magma‐water interaction is thus of importance for hazard mitigation on both a local and a regional scales. The relative proportion of water that interacts with magma, quantified as the water‐to‐melt mass ratio, is thought to determine the efficiency of thermal to mechanical energy conversion, termed the fragmentation efficiency. Here, we analyze the pyroclast size distributions from the 10th century Eldgjá fissure eruption in Iceland, where parts of the fissure erupted subglacially and other erupted subaerially. The subglacially erupted magma passed through a column of glacial meltwater, resulting in a larger proportion of finer pyroclast sizes relative to the subaerially erupted, purely magmatic tephra. This finer grain size distribution has been attributed to quench‐granulation induced by enhanced cooling upon interaction with external water. We hypothesize that the additional fragmentation (surface) energy required to produce the finer grained hydromagmatic deposits is due to the conversion of thermal to mechanical energy associated with the entrainment of water into the volcanic jet, as it passed through a column of subglacial melt water. Based on field and granulometry data, we estimate that the interaction of the volcanic jet with the meltwater provided an additional fragmentation energy of approximately 3–14 kJ per kg of pyroclasts. We numerically model the hydrofragmentation energy within a jet that passes through a layer of meltwater. We find that the water‐to‐melt mass ratio of entrained water required to produce the additional fragmentation energy is in the range of 1–2, which requires a minimum ice melting rate of 104 m3 s−1. Our simulation results show that the water‐to‐melt ratio is an important parameter that controls the ascent of plume in the atmosphere.
Suppression of Ozone Formation at High Temperature in China: From Historical Observations to Future Projections
Authors: Ning Guicai , Wardle David A. , Yim Steve Hung Lam
Published: February 2022

Ozone suppression (OS) – negative correlation between ozone (O3) and temperature above a cutoff temperature (Tx) – has yet to be fully understood, causing large uncertainties in future global O3 projection. Given China's serious air pollution and large population, its future O3 projection has important implications on global population health. The level of OS in China under climate change needs to be better understood. We assess OS in China and develop hybrid models with OS to project future O3 using downscaled climate projections. In 2015–2019, ∼19% of cities in China show OS, of which 80% has Tx > 34°C. Moreover, O3 is projected to suppress more and up to 11.75% of future regional O3 in high‐emission scenarios in the late 21st century. Our findings highlight the essentiality to incorporate OS into chemical transport models for more accurate future O3 projection.
An Energy Conserving Vlasov Solver That Tolerates Coarse Velocity Space Resolutions: Simulation of MMS Reconnection Events
Authors: Allmann‐Rahn F. , Lautenbach S. , Grauer R.
Published: February 2022

Vlasov solvers that operate on a phase‐space grid are highly accurate but also numerically demanding. Coarse velocity space resolutions, which are largely unproblematic in particle‐in‐cell (PIC) simulations, can lead to numerical heating or oscillations in continuum Vlasov methods. To address this issue, we present a new dual Vlasov solver which is based on an established positivity preserving advection scheme for the update of the distribution function and an energy conserving partial differential equation solver for the kinetic update of mean velocity and temperature. The solvers work together via moment fitting during which the maximum entropy part of the distribution function is replaced by the solution from the partial differential equation solver. This numerical scheme makes continuum Vlasov methods competitive with PIC methods concerning computational cost and enables us to model large scale reconnection in Earth's magnetosphere with a fully kinetic continuum method. The simulation results agree well with measurements by the MMS spacecraft.
Structure and Variability of the Kuroshio and Luzon Undercurrent Observed by a Mooring Array
Authors: Ma Jie , Hu Shijian , Hu Dunxin , Villanoy Cesar , Wang Qingye , Lu Xi , Yuan Xin
Published: February 2022

The spatial structure and variability of the western boundary currents east of Luzon Island at 18°N are investigated using measurements collected by acoustic Doppler current profilers (ADCPs) from three moorings between January 2018 and May 2020. During the observation period, the southward velocity of Luzon Undercurrent (LUC) has a maximum greater than 0.04 m at about 800 m on average and instantaneously reaches a maximum speed of about 0.47 m . Observations indicate that the LUC and Kuroshio have significant intraseasonal variability and the LUC is reversed occasionally. We find that the strong upper‐layer anticyclonic eddy plays a key role in the weakening and reversal of LUC and that the LUC is a permanent mean undercurrent. A vertical mode decomposition analysis is employed and results show that the first two baroclinic modes explain the main vertical features of the LUC and Kuroshio at its origin. No reversal of the southward undercurrent occurs in the second baroclinic mode velocity. We conclude that the LUC variability is generally a result of the second baroclinic mode but the observed reversal of the LUC is mainly caused by the first mode.
The Short‐Time Prediction of the Energetic Electron Flux in the Planetary Radiation Belt Based on Stacking Ensemble‐Learning Algorithm
Authors: Tang Rongxin , Tao Yuhao , Li Jiahao , Chen Zhou , Deng Xiaohua , Li Haimeng
Published: February 2022

High energy electrons in planetary radiation belts are a major threat to satellites and communications in deep space applications. In order to predict the variations of energetic electron fluxes for different energy channels, we proposed a new ensemble machine leaning model for differential electron flux from 30 keV to 4 MeV in the Earth's radiation belts based on the RBSP‐A observation data from March 2013 to December 2017. The deep neural network (DNN), the convolutional neural network (CNN), the combination of CNN and DNN (CNN&DNN), the linear regression (LR), and the light gradient boosting machine (LightGBM) are among the machine learning models chosen. We carefully compared the electron flux predictions for 20 energy levels and all five models can present valid short‐time flux forecasts. The DNN model has the poorest result. The LR model is good for short‐term forecasting but not so good for long‐term forecasting. The LightGBM ensemble model is highly stable, and it has always outperformed other independent models in terms of forecast accuracy. Then the comparison by adding AE and SYM‐H indexes is given and the influence of geomagnetic activity conditions can be negligible for this short‐time prediction. Furthermore, we applied these five models on Saturn and finally got very similar prediction results. Our results will be significantly useful in instrument designs and system control of future scientific satellites in deep space explorations.
It Takes a Village to Run a Model—The Social Practices of Hydrological Modeling
Authors: Melsen L. A.
Published: February 2022

Computer models are frequently used tools in hydrological research. Many decisions related to the model set‐up and configuration have to be made before a model can be run, influencing the model results. This study is an empirical investigation of the motivations for certain modeling decisions. Fourteen modelers from three different institutes were interviewed about their modeling decisions. In total, 83 different motivations were identified. Most motivations were related to the team of the modeler and the modelers themselves, “Experience from colleagues” was the most frequently mentioned motivation. Both institutionalization and internalization were observed: a modeler can introduce a concept that subsequently becomes the teams' standard, or a modeler can internalize the default team approach. These processes depend on the experience of the modeler. For model selection, two types of motivations were identified: experience (from colleagues or the modelers themselves), and model vision (the model has assets that align with the modeling vision). Model studies are mainly driven by context, such as time constraints, colleagues, and facilities at the institute, rather than epistemic (such as aligning with the modeling vision). The role of local context in the construction of and the value assigned to models shows that models are social constructs, making model results time, and place dependent. To account for this context in the estimation of the robustness of model results, we need a diversity of opinions, perspectives, and approaches. This requires transparent modeling procedures and an explicit modeling vision for each model study.
The BCL-2 family member BOK promotes KRAS-driven lung cancer progression in a p53-dependent manner
Authors: Meinhardt Anna-Lena , Munkhbaatar Enkhtsetseg , Höckendorf Ulrike , Dietzen Michelle , Dechant Marta , Anton Martina , Jacob Anne , Steiger Katja , Weichert Wilko , Brcic Luka , McGranahan Nicholas , Branca Caterina , Kaufmann Thomas , Dengler Michael A. , Jost Philipp J.
Published: February 2022

A variety of cancer entities are driven by KRAS mutations, which remain difficult to target clinically. Survival pathways, such as resistance to cell death, may represent a promising treatment approach in KRAS mutated cancers. Based on the frequently observed genomic deletions of BCL-2-related ovarian killer (BOK) in cancer patients, we explored the function of BOK in a mutant KrasG12D-driven murine model of lung cancer. Using KrasG12D/+Bok−/− mice, we observed an overall tumor-promoting function of BOK in vivo. Specifically, loss of BOK reduced proliferation both in cell lines in vitro as well as in KrasG12D-driven tumor lesions in vivo. During tumor development in vivo, loss of BOK resulted in a lower tumor burden, with fewer, smaller, and less advanced tumors. Using KrasG12D/+Tp53Δ/ΔBok−/− mice, we identified that this phenotype was entirely dependent on the presence of functional p53. Furthermore, analysis of a human dataset of untreated early-stage lung tumors did not identify any common deletion of the BOK locus, independently of the TP53 status or the histopathological classification. Taken together our data indicate that BOK supports tumor progression in Kras-driven lung cancer.
Brain microRNAs are associated with variation in cognitive trajectory in advanced age
Authors: Wingo Aliza P. , Wang Mengli , Liu Jiaqi , Breen Michael S. , Yang Hyun-Sik , Tang Beisha , Schneider Julie A. , Seyfried Nicholas T. , Lah James J. , Levey Allan I. , Bennett David A. , Jin Peng , De Jager Philip L. , Wingo Thomas S.
Published: February 2022

In advancing age, some individuals maintain a stable cognitive performance over time, while others experience a rapid decline. Such variation in cognitive trajectory is only partially explained by common neurodegenerative pathologies. Hence, we aimed to identify new molecular processes underlying variation in cognitive trajectory using brain microRNA profile followed by an integrative analysis with brain transcriptome and proteome. Individual cognitive trajectories were derived from longitudinally assessed cognitive-test scores of older-adult brain donors from four longitudinal cohorts. Postmortem brain microRNA profiles, transcriptomes, and proteomes were derived from the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. The global microRNA association study of cognitive trajectory was performed in a discovery (n = 454) and replication cohort (n = 134), followed by a meta-analysis that identified 6 microRNAs. Among these, miR-132-3p and miR-29a-3p were most significantly associated with cognitive trajectory. They explain 18.2% and 2.0% of the variance of cognitive trajectory, respectively, and act independently of the eight measured neurodegenerative pathologies. Furthermore, integrative transcriptomic and proteomic analyses revealed that miR-132-3p was significantly associated with 24 of the 47 modules of co-expressed genes of the transcriptome, miR-29a-3p with 3 modules, and identified 84 and 214 downstream targets of miR-132-3p and miR-29a-3p, respectively, in cognitive trajectory. This is the first global microRNA study of cognitive trajectory to our knowledge. We identified miR-29a-3p and miR-132-3p as novel and robust contributors to cognitive trajectory independently of the eight known cerebral pathologies. Our findings lay a foundation for future studies investigating mechanisms and developing interventions to enhance cognitive stability in advanced age.
The osteoprotective role of USP26 in coordinating bone formation and resorption
Authors: Li Changwei , Qiu Minglong , Chang Leilei , Qi Jin , Zhang Lianfang , Ryffel Bernhard , Deng Lianfu
Published: February 2022

Bone homeostasis is maintained through a balance of bone formation by osteoblasts and bone resorption by osteoclasts. Ubiquitin-specific proteases (USPs) are involved in regulating bone metabolism by preserving bone formation or antagonizing bone resorption. However, the specific USPs that maintain bone homeostasis by orchestrating bone formation and bone resorption simultaneously are poorly understood. Here, we identified USP26 as a previously unknown regulator of bone homeostasis that coordinates bone formation and resorption. Mechanistically, USP26 stabilizes β-catenin to promote the osteogenic activity of mesenchymal cells (MSCs) and impairs the osteoclastic differentiation of bone myelomonocytes (BMMs) by stabilizing inhibitors of NF-κBα (IκBα). Gain-of-function experiments revealed thatUsp26supplementation significantly increased bone regeneration in bone defects in aged mice and decreased bone loss resulting from ovariectomy. Taken together, these data show the osteoprotective effect of USP26 via the coordination of bone formation and resorption, suggesting that USP26 represents a potential therapeutic target for osteoporosis.
First use of gene therapy to treat growth hormone resistant dwarfism in a mouse model
Authors: Sia Kian Chuan , Gan Shu Uin , Mohd Rodhi Siti Humairah , Fu Zhen Ying , Kopchick John J. , Waters Michael J. , Lee Kok Onn
Published: February 2022

The only treatment tested for growth hormone receptor (GHR) defective Laron Syndrome (LS) is injections of recombinant insulin-like-growth factor 1 (rhIGF1). The response is suboptimal and associated with progressive obesity. In this study, we treated 4–5-week-old Laron dwarf mice (GHR−/−) with an adeno-associated virus expressing murine GHR (AAV-GHR) injection at a dose of 4 × 1010 vector genome per mouse. Serum growth hormone (GH) levels decreased, and GH-responsive IGF1, IGF binding protein 3 (IGFBP3) and acid labile subunit (ALS) increased. There was a significant but limited increase in body weight and length, similar to the response to rhIGF1 treatment in LS patients. All the major organs increased in weight except the brain. Our study is the first to use gene therapy to treat GH-receptor deficiency. We propose that gene therapy with AAV-GHR may eventually be useful for the treatment of human LS.
Chiral and degenerate perfect absorption on exceptional surfaces
Authors: Soleymani S. , Zhong Q. , Mokim M. , Rotter S. , El-Ganainy R. , Özdemir Ş. K.
Published: February 2022

Engineering light-matter interactions using non-Hermiticity, particularly through spectral degeneracies known as exceptional points (EPs), is an emerging field with potential applications in areas such as cavity quantum electrodynamics, spectral filtering, sensing, and thermal imaging. However, tuning and stabilizing a system to a discrete EP in parameter space is a challenging task. Here, we circumvent this challenge by operating a waveguide-coupled resonator on a surface of EPs, known as an exceptional surface (ES). We achieve this by terminating only one end of the waveguide with a tuneable symmetric reflector to induce a nonreciprocal coupling between the frequency-degenerate clockwise and counterclockwise resonator modes. By operating the system at critical coupling on the ES, we demonstrate chiral and degenerate perfect absorption with squared-Lorentzian lineshape. We expect our approach to be useful for studying quantum processes at EPs and to serve as a bridge between non-Hermitian physics and other fields that rely on radiation engineering.
Perfect flat band with chirality and charge ordering out of strong spin-orbit interaction
Authors: Nakai Hiroki , Hotta Chisa
Published: February 2022

Spin-orbit interaction has established itself as a key player in the emergent phenomena in modern condensed matter, including topological insulator, spin liquid and spin-dependent transports. However, its function is rather limited to adding topological nature to band kinetics, leaving behind the growing interest in the direct interplay with electron correlation. Here, we prove by our spinor line graph theory that a very strong spin-orbit interaction realized in 5d pyrochlore electronic systems generates multiply degenerate perfect flat bands. Unlike any of the previous flat bands, the electrons in this band localize in real space by destructively interfering with each other in a spin selective manner governed by the SU(2) gauge field. These electrons avoid the Coulomb interaction by self-organizing their localized wave functions, which may lead to a flat-band state with a stiff spin chirality. It also causes perfectly trimerized charge ordering, which may explain the recently discovered exotic low-temperature insulating phase of CsW2O6.
Electron transfer-triggered imaging of EGFR signaling activity
Authors: Tan Jie , Li Hao , Ji Cailing , Zhang Lei , Zhao Chenxuan , Tang Liming , Zhang Caixin , Sun Zhijun , Tan Weihong , Yuan Quan
Published: February 2022

In vivo electron transfer processes are closely related to the activation of signaling pathways, and, thus, affect various life processes. Indeed, the signaling pathway activation of key molecules may be associated with certain diseases. For example, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) activation is related to the occurrence and development of tumors. Hence, monitoring the activation of EGFR-related signaling pathways can help reveal the progression of tumor development. However, it is challenging for current detection methods to monitor the activation of specific signaling pathways in complex biochemical reactions. Here we designed a highly sensitive and specific nanoprobe that enables in vivo imaging of electronic transfer over a broad range of spatial and temporal scales. By using the ferrocene-DNA polymer “wire”, the electrons transferred in a biochemical reaction can flow to persistent luminescent nanoparticles and change their electron distribution, thereby altering the optical signal of the particles. This electron transfer-triggered imaging probe enables mapping the activation of EGFR-related signaling pathways in a temporally and spatially precise manner. By offering precise visualization of signaling activity, this approach may offer a general platform not only for understanding molecular mechanisms in various biological processes but also for promoting disease therapies and drug evaluation.
Impacts of rapid mass vaccination against SARS-CoV2 in an early variant of concern hotspot
Authors: Paetzold Jörg , Kimpel Janine , Bates Katie , Hummer Michael , Krammer Florian , von Laer Dorothee , Winner Hannes
Published: February 2022

We study the real-life effect of an unprecedented rapid mass vaccination campaign. Following a large outbreak of the Beta variant in the district of Schwaz/Austria, 100,000 doses of BNT162b2 (Pfizer/BioNTech) were procured to mass vaccinate the entire adult population of the district between the 11th and 16th of March 2021. This made the district the first widely inoculated region in Europe. We examine the effect of this campaign on the number of infections, cases of variants of concern, hospital and ICU admissions. We compare Schwaz with (i) a control group of highly similar districts, and (ii) with populations residing in municipalities along the border of Schwaz which were just excluded from the campaign. We find large and significant decreases for all outcomes after the campaign. Our results suggest that rapid mass vaccination is an effective tool to curb the spread of SARS-CoV-2.
Adaptation to genome decay in the structure of the smallest eukaryotic ribosome
Authors: Nicholson David , Salamina Marco , Panek Johan , Helena-Bueno Karla , Brown Charlotte R. , Hirt Robert P. , Ranson Neil A. , Melnikov Sergey V.
Published: February 2022

The evolution of microbial parasites involves the counterplay between natural selection forcing parasites to improve and genetic drifts forcing parasites to lose genes and accumulate deleterious mutations. Here, to understand how this counterplay occurs at the scale of individual macromolecules, we describe cryo-EM structure of ribosomes from Encephalitozoon cuniculi, a eukaryote with one of the smallest genomes in nature. The extreme rRNA reduction in E. cuniculi ribosomes is accompanied with unparalleled structural changes, such as the evolution of previously unknown molten rRNA linkers and bulgeless rRNA. Furthermore, E. cuniculi ribosomes withstand the loss of rRNA and protein segments by evolving an ability to use small molecules as structural mimics of degenerated rRNA and protein segments. Overall, we show that the molecular structures long viewed as reduced, degenerated, and suffering from debilitating mutations possess an array of compensatory mechanisms that allow them to remain active despite the extreme molecular reduction.
Fe-Doped polydopamine nanoparticles with peroxidase-mimicking activity for the detection of hypoxanthine related to meat freshness
Authors: Zhang Yiyin , Gao Xiang , Ye Yingwang , Shen Yizhong
Published: February 2022

An efficient Fe-doped polydopamine (Fe-PDA) nanozyme with peroxidase-mimicking activity was synthesized through one-pot hydrothermal method, which was applied to report the concentration of meat freshness indicator hypoxanthine.