bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Can We Deliver Person-Centred Obesity Care Across the Globe?
Authors: Ells Louisa J. , Ashton Mark , Li Rui , Logue Jennifer , Griffiths Claire , Torbahn Gabriel , Marwood Jordan , Stubbs James , Clare Ken , Gately Paul J. , Campbell-Scherer Denise
Published: October 2022

Purpose of Review

This article discusses what person-centred care is; why it is critically important in providing effective care of a chronic, complex disease like obesity; and what can be learnt from international best practice to inform global implementation.

Recent Findings

There are four key principles to providing person-centred obesity care: providing care that is coordinated, personalised, enabling and delivered with dignity, compassion and respect. The Canadian 5AsT framework provides a co-developed person-centred obesity care approach that addresses complexity and is being tested internationally.

Embedding person-centred obesity care across the globe will require a complex system approach to provide a framework for healthcare system redesign, advances in people-driven discovery and advocacy for policy change. Additional training, tools and resources are required to support local implementation, delivery and evaluation. Delivering high-quality, effective person-centred care across the globe will be critical in addressing the current obesity epidemic.

Graphical Abstract
MOF/Polymer-Integrated Multi-Hotspot Mid-Infrared Nanoantennas for Sensitive Detection of CO2 Gas
Authors: Zhou Hong , Ren Zhihao , Xu Cheng , Xu Liangge , Lee Chengkuo
Published: October 2022

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have been extensively used for gas sorption, storage and separation owing to ultrahigh porosity, exceptional thermal stability, and wide structural diversity. However, when it comes to ultra-low concentration gas detection, technical bottlenecks of MOFs appear due to the poor adsorption capacity at ppm-/ppb-level concentration and the limited sensitivity for signal transduction. Here, we present hybrid MOF-polymer physi-chemisorption mechanisms integrated with infrared (IR) nanoantennas for highly selective and ultrasensitive CO2 detection. To improve the adsorption capacity for trace amounts of gas molecules, MOFs are decorated with amino groups to introduce the chemisorption while maintaining the structural integrity for physisorption. Additionally, leveraging all major optimization methods, a multi-hotspot strategy is proposed to improve the sensitivity of nanoantennas by enhancing the near field and engineering the radiative and absorptive loss. As a benefit, we demonstrate the competitive advantages of our strategy against the state-of-the-art miniaturized IR CO2 sensors, including low detection limit, high sensitivity (0.18%/ppm), excellent reversibility (variation within 2%), and high selectivity (against C2H5OH, CH3OH, N2). This work provides valuable insights into the integration of advanced porous materials and nanophotonic devices, which can be further adopted in ultra-low concentration gas monitoring in industry and environmental applications.
Intertemporal consumption and debt aversion: a replication and extension
Authors: Ahrens Steffen , Bosch-Rosa Ciril , Meissner Thomas
Published: October 2022

We replicate Meissner (Exp Econ 19:281–298, 2016), where debt aversion was reported for the first time in an intertemporal consumption and saving problem. While Meissner (2016) uses a German sample, our participants are US undergraduate students. All of the original study’s main findings replicate with similar effect sizes. Additionally, we extend the original analysis by introducing a new individual index of debt aversion, which we use to compare debt aversion across countries. Interestingly, we find no significant differences in debt aversion between the original German and the new US sample. We then test whether debt aversion correlates with individual characteristics such as gender, cognitive reflection ability, and risk aversion. Overall, this paper confirms the importance of debt aversion in intertemporal consumption and saving problems and validates the approach of Meissner (2016).
A deterministic algorithm for finding r-power divisors
Authors: Harvey David , Hittmeir Markus
Published: October 2022

Building on work of Boneh, Durfee and Howgrave-Graham, we present a deterministic algorithm that provably finds all integers p such that $$p^r \mathrel {|}N$$

p
r

|
N

in time $$O(N^{1/4r+\epsilon })$$

O
(

N

1
/
4
r
+
ϵ

)

for any $$\epsilon > 0$$

ϵ
>
0

. For example, the algorithm can be used to test squarefreeness of N in time $$O(N^{1/8+\epsilon })$$

O
(

N

1
/
8
+
ϵ

)

; previously, the best rigorous bound for this problem was $$O(N^{1/6+\epsilon })$$

O
(

N

1
/
6
+
ϵ

)

, achieved via the Pollard–Strassen method.
The Public Health Response to COVID-19 in Vietnam: Decentralization and Human Rights
Authors: Doan Hai Thanh
Published: October 2022

Human rights constitute a universal concern in different countries’ responses to COVID-19. Vietnam is internationally praised for its success in containing the pandemic; nevertheless, human rights issues are a key area that needs to be assessed and improved. Little legal and ethical research is available on human rights in Vietnam, particularly in its response to COVID-19, however. In Vietnam, decentralization took place during the pandemic: higher authorities delegated power to lower ones to make and implement public health measures. Unfortunately, many measures made and implemented decentrally caused human rights concerns or breaches. This article aims to study what makes such measures cause human rights concerns or breaches. It argues that several social, legal, and political factors, including an inadequate understanding of human rights, the undefined breadth of discretion, and lack of supervision, are underlying factors for such problematic decentralized measures. Accordingly, this paper proposes two solutions (i) improving the supervision of the decentralization process, and (ii) improving the understanding of human rights. While Vietnam should learn from the international community to improve its measures, lessons and experience from Vietnam can also contribute to a richer dialogue and better protection of human rights globally.
Reproducibility in Human-Robot Interaction: Furthering the Science of HRI
Authors: Gunes Hatice , Broz Frank , Crawford Chris S. , der Pütten Astrid Rosenthal-von , Strait Megan , Riek Laurel
Published: October 2022

Purpose of Review

To discuss the current state of reproducibility of research in human-robot interaction (HRI), challenges specific to the field, and recommendations for how the community can support reproducibility.

Recent Findings

As in related fields such as artificial intelligence, robotics, and psychology, improving research reproducibility is key to the maturation of the body of scientific knowledge in the field of HRI. The ACM/IEEE International Conference on Human-Robot Interaction introduced a theme on Reproducibility of HRI to their technical program in 2020 to solicit papers presenting reproductions of prior research or artifacts supporting research reproducibility.

This review provides an introduction to the topic of research reproducibility for HRI and describes the state of the art in relation to the HRI 2020 Reproducibility theme. As a highly interdisciplinary field that involves work with technological artifacts, there are unique challenges to reproducibility in HRI. Biases in research evaluation and practice contribute to challenges in supporting reproducibility, and the training of researchers could be changed to encourage research reproduction. The authors propose a number of solutions for addressing these challenges that can serve as guidelines for the HRI community and related fields.
Sustainability Practices and Performance in European Small-and-Medium Enterprises: Insights from Multiple Case Studies
Authors: Moursellas Andreas , De Debashree , Wurzer Thomas , Skouloudis Antonios , Reiner Gerald , Chaudhuri Atanu , Manousidis Theodoros , Malesios Chrisovalantis , Evangelinos Konstantinos , Dey Prasanta Kumar
Published: October 2022

The advancement of sustainability trajectories is a critical challenge for most of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). SMEs require specific considerations with regard to business methodologies for achieving and enhancing sustainability, since their business case is far from similar to larger counterparts. As a consequence, tools for implementation of sustainability practices within SMEs need to recognize these differences as well and take into account the intrinsic characteristics and special needs of these enterprises accordingly. This paper reports findings from a multiple case study survey aiming to explore new directions for enhancing the sustainability levels demonstrated by European SMEs. Case studies were conducted in SMEs from four European countries (Denmark, Austria, Greece, and the UK) attempting to shed light on the implementation status of sustainability practices within their business core design and suggest ways of transferring such approaches to other SMEs. In this context, three key questions guided the study — What is the current status of sustainability practices by European SMEs?, what are the emerging issues, setbacks and opportunities towards sustainability practices in SMEs?, and what strategies, resources, and competences may facilitate effective sustainability embeddedness in SMEs? Face-to-face interviews were conducted with owners and managers of the selected SMEs to better understand their attitude and performance in terms of implementing sustainability practices. Findings allow highlighting key sustainability practices as well as drivers and barriers that stimulate or hamper respectively the sustainability practices implementation. While findings reveal a considerable variation in viewpoints among the interviewed SMEs, we identify a strong orientation and momentum towards sustainability endorsement. The paper concludes with implications for policy and management planning and an overarching aim to increase awareness and consideration of sustainability aspects in European SMEs.
Are microplastics the ‘technofossils’ of the Anthropocene?
Authors: Chen Hongyu , Zou Xinqing , Ding Yongcheng , Wang Ying , Fu Guanghe , Yuan Feng
Published: October 2022

Microplastics are ubiquitous in the environment, eventually becoming part of the geological record as ‘technofossils’. However, research on the chronological characteristics of microplastics remains limited. This study reviewed dating methods, microplastic abundance, and microplastic polymer type in sedimentary cores globally. Furthermore, the ‘evolution’ of plastic types was compiled in sequence, and a microplastic chronological sequence in the sedimentary record was established. This microplastics chronological sequence was applied to 39 published cores with microplastic polymer analysis. The sediment age ranges determined by microplastic type were found to correspond to the published ages, indicating that microplastics could be useful for dating sedimentary cores on a centennial scale. Furthermore, good preservation and limited mobility of microplastics in burial records make microplastic dating an effective supplementary dating method for determining ages of Anthropocene sediments.
Praying Instead of Protesting? The Belarusian Churches and Political Protest After the 2020 Presidential Election
Authors: Elsner Regina
Published: October 2022

Belarus is one of the least religious societies of the former Soviet Union. Nevertheless, two Christian denominations – the Belarusian Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church – do have a specific impact on social discourse, be it through facilitating the discourse on conservative moral values or linking their political and societal strategies to their Russian or Polish mother churches. However, neither of the churches has actively participated in civil protests criticizing the political regime. The protests before and after the Belarusian presidential election in August 2020 affected the churches and seriously challenged their self-perception. This article shows how the churches turned out to be heterogeneous structures with different levels of theological awareness in political crisis, civil self-consciousness, and the ability to mobilize. These findings and the fact that religion became a visible element of the 2020 protests significantly questions the concept of the church as a homogeneous and state loyal institution. Combining both empirical and theological approaches makes it possible to reassess the role of religion in post-Soviet social and political processes.
Ultra‐Oligotrophic Waters Expansion in the North Atlantic Subtropical Gyre Revealed by 21 Years of Satellite Observations
Authors: Leonelli F. E. , Bellacicco M. , Pitarch J. , Organelli E. , Buongiorno Nardelli B. , de Toma V. , Cammarota C. , Marullo S. , Santoleri R.
Published: October 2022

The North Atlantic Subtropical Gyre (NASTG) has experienced the fastest expansion of oligotrophic waters worldwide in response to ocean warming. We study the trophic regime changes in the NASTG by using 21 years (1998–2018) of satellite chlorophyll‐a (CHL) data, complemented with other variables such as Sea Surface Temperature, optical backscatter coefficients (bbp), Secchi disk (zSD), and Mixed Layer Depth. To this aim, we describe the spatial/temporal variability of waters with the lowest CHL concentrations (CHL ≤ 0.04 mg m−3) with an inter‐annual variability analysis of key environmental variables. Main results demonstrate that these ultra‐oligotrophic waters are spatially expanding and increasing in frequency, shifting the NASTG to a dominant quasi‐permanent ultra‐oligotrophic condition, thus confirming the ongoing ocean desertification.
Warmer Winters Keep Crops Sleepy into Spring, Hurting Yield
Authors: Cutts Elise
Published: October 2022

Annual crops go dormant during winter. Frosty temperatures cue them to wake up—but the warmer winters brought on by climate change scramble the cold signal, hurting yield.
Evolution of Olivine Fabrics During Deep Subduction and Exhumation of Continental Crust: Insights From the Yinggelisayi Garnet Lherzolite, South Altyn, NW China
Authors: Geng Guojian , Liu Liang , Xu Haijun , Yang Wenqiang , Wang Chao , Gai Yongsheng , Ma Tuo , Li Xin , Liao Xiaoying , Li Tong
Published: October 2022

The different olivine fabrics in ultramafic rocks have been widely used to discuss past tectonic settings, given that the olivine fabrics vary with pressure, temperature and water content. However, there are no research related to whether and how the olivine fabrics transform at different metamorphic stages in a natural rock during the process of deep subduction and exhumation. Yinggelisayi garnet lherzolites from South Altyn have experienced deep continental subduction and exhumation. The garnet lherzolites contain well‐preserved residual protolith minerals, and near‐peak (M1), granulite‐facies retrograde (M2), and amphibolite‐facies retrograde (M3) metamorphic mineral assemblages. Olivine grains in M1 formed at P‐T conditions of 2.52–3.08 GPa, 1,095–1,136°C and low water contents (183–213 ppm H/Si), and showed [010] axes sub‐normal to the foliation and [001] axes subparallel to the lineation, which is characteristic of B‐type fabric ((010)[001]). Olivine grains in M2 formed at P‐T conditions of 1.31–1.80 GPa, 851–893°C and also low water contents (93–139 ppm H/Si), and exhibited [010] axes sub‐normal to the foliation and [100] axes subparallel to the lineation, which is characteristic of A‐type fabric ((010)[100]). These observations suggest that olivine fabrics in high pressure‐ultrahigh pressure metamorphosed ultramafic rocks are different in the near‐peak and retrograde metamorphic stages, and also that the olivine fabrics can be transformed during deep continental subduction and exhumation. Therefore, the dispersed or no clear olivine fabric is probably caused by multi‐stage deformation and metamorphism, and the distinct olivine fabrics can also be used as a clue to identify geological processes and better understand metamorphism and deformation during subduction and exhumation.
Monthly Gravity Field Solutions From Early LEO Satellites' Observations Contribute to Global Ocean Mass Change Estimates Over 1993∼2004
Authors: Chen Qiujie , Wang Fengwei , Shen Yunzhong , Zhang Xingfu , Nie Yufeng , Chen Jianhua
Published: October 2022

Since few time‐variable gravity field models were developed before the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) era, one normally estimates the global mean ocean mass (GMOM) changes by summing the mass contributions. In this study, new monthly gravity field models named Tongji‐LEO2021 developed from Early Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites' observations are used to directly estimate GMOM changes and quantify the closure of global sea‐level budget with Altimetry and Steric observations between 1993 and 2004. The resulting GMOM changes from Tongji‐LEO2021 solutions are comparable to those from the Center for Space Research RL06 GRACE solutions and the IGG‐SLR‐HYBRID solutions, with the correlation coefficients of 0.91 and 0.88. Our results show that the LEO‐derived GMOM change rate is 0.88 ± 0.16 mm/year, slightly larger than 0.83 ± 0.16 mm/year from IGG‐SLR‐HYBRID, which are both close to Altimetry‐Steric estimate (0.87 ± 0.33 mm/year). Overall, Tongji‐LEO2021 solutions can estimate the GMOM change and understand the global sea‐level change before the GRACE era.
Midwinter Reversal of the Atmospheric Anomalies Caused by the North Pacific Mode‐Related Air‐Sea Coupling
Authors: Tao Lingfeng , Fang Jiabei , Yang Xiu‐Qun , Sun Xuguang , Cai Danping
Published: October 2022

Sea surface temperature anomaly (SSTA) modes are considered as primary sources of climate variabilities on various timescales. The North Pacific Mode (NPM), an El Niño‐Southern Oscillation‐independent, principal interannual SSTA mode in the midlatitude North Pacific during wintertime, can have a significant climate impact over the adjacent areas. However, the air‐sea coupling processes associated with NPM remain unclear, which are identified in this study. The NPM‐related SSTA develops in early winter, matures in midwinter, but decays in late winter, while the associated atmospheric anomalies exhibit a dramatic midwinter reversal. The SSTA development is forced by the atmosphere in early winter and then feedbacks upon the atmosphere through diabatic heating and transient eddy forcing, inducing a midwinter reversal of whole‐layer atmospheric anomalies. Therefore, the NPM is an atmosphere‐forced, air‐sea coupled damping mode through which, however, the ocean provides a memory mechanism responsible for how the preceding atmospheric anomaly can have a cross‐season, subsequent impact.
Planetary Waves Traveling Between Mars Science Laboratory and Mars 2020
Authors: Battalio J. Michael , Martínez Germán , Newman Claire , de la Torre Juarez Manuel , Sánchez‐Lavega Agustín , Víudez‐Moreiras Daniel
Published: October 2022

Using Perseverance (Mars 2020) and Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) measurements, we obtain planetary waves with a period of 1.5–30 sols in the 1.5 m temperature, winds (Mars 2020), surface pressure, and relative humidity. Planetary waves emerge and propagate latitudinally across all variables. Short‐period waves peak at periods of ∼2, 3, and 4.5 sols, confirming previous detections of waves, and wave amplitudes agree at Mars 2020 and MSL for all variables. The simultaneous detection of waves within Gale and Jezero craters in multiple variables indicates that planetary‐scale dynamics influences many facets of local weather throughout the year. Multiple waves are correlated or anti‐correlated between MSL and Mars 2020, suggesting waves originate in both hemispheres. Further, waves at one site do not always lead the other, suggesting a combination of baroclinic and barotropic processes as wave sources, determined from the phasing of the temperature and winds in Jezero compared to the Ensemble Mars Atmospheric Reanalysis System.
Complex Crater Formation by Oblique Impacts on the Earth and Moon
Authors: Davison T. M. , Collins G. S.
Published: October 2022

Almost all meteorite impacts occur at oblique incidence angles, but the effect of impact angle on crater size is not well understood, especially for large craters. To improve oblique impact crater scaling, we present a suite of simulations of complex crater formation on Earth and the Moon over a range of impact angles, velocities and impactor sizes. We show that crater diameter is larger than predicted by existing scaling relationships for oblique impacts; there is little dependence on obliquity for impacts steeper than 45° from the horizontal. Crater depth, volume and diameter depend on impact angle in different ways—relatively shallower craters are formed by more oblique impacts. Our simulation results have implications for how crater populations are determined from impactor populations and vice‐versa. They suggest that existing approaches to account for impact obliquity may underestimate the number of complex craters larger than a given size by as much as one‐third.
Stronger Response to the Aerosol Indirect Effect Due To Cooling in Remote Regions
Authors: Huusko Linnea , Modak Angshuman , Mauritsen Thorsten
Published: October 2022

It is often assumed that effective radiative forcings, regardless of forcing agent, are additive in the temperature change. Using climate model simulations with abruptly applied aerosol forcing we find that the temperature response per unit forcing is larger if induced by aerosol‐cloud interactions than directly by aerosols. The spatial patterns of forcing and temperature change show that aerosol‐cloud interactions induce cooling over remote oceans in the extratropics, whereas the effect of increased emissions is localized around the emission sources primarily over tropical land. The results are consistent with ideas of how the patterns of sea surface temperature impact radiative feedbacks, and a large forcing efficacy of aerosol‐cloud interactions could help explain previously observed intermodel spread in the response to aerosols.
Identifying a New Normal in Extreme Precipitation at a City Scale Under Warmer Climate Regimes: A Case Study of the Tokyo Metropolitan Area, Japan
Authors: Doan Quang‐Van , Chen Fei , Kusaka Hiroyuki , Wang Jie , Kajino Mizuo , Takemi Tetsuya
Published: October 2022

Identifying the change of city‐scale extreme precipitation (EP) under the “new normal” of global climate is critical for various urban risk assessments. Here, we investigate the change of hourly EP caused by warmer climate regimes in a large urban agglomeration in midlatitude, Tokyo, Japan. We use pseudo‐global warming dynamical downscaling approach with a convection‐permitting regional climate model considering two Representative Concentration Pathways scenarios 8.5 and 4.5 to simulate the August climate for the present (2005–2014) and the future time (up to 2100). The results show a substantial enhancement of local hourly precipitation regarding both frequency and intensity. Framing the change with Clausius‐Clapeyron (CC) scaling relation, which is of approximately 7% per K warming, we confirmed the paradigm of “extreme gets more extreme” in the future local hourly precipitation. The 0.99 quantile precipitation is intensified at the super CC scaling rate (3 CC); whereas the intensification of lower‐quantile precipitation is at the sub‐CC rate. The EP intensification is much stronger than that reported for a tropical city, highlighting geographical diversity in precipitation response to the global warming effect. The EP intensification is attributed to the global‐warming caused convective inhibition (CIN) enhancement. Enhanced CIN temporarily delays weak convections to initiate, allowing it to build up further, and when the convection does trigger, it becomes intense.
Land‐Atmosphere Interactions at a Semi‐Arid Region in the Deccan Plateau
Authors: Anand N. , Satheesh S. K. , Moorthy K. K.
Published: October 2022

Comprehensive characterization of turbulent fluxes and land‐atmosphere interactions at a semi‐arid region in the Deccan Plateau of peninsular India is presented using 2‐year eddy covariance measurements. Contrary to previously reported results over the Indian region, surface energy partitioning is more into sensible heat flux than latent heat flux, even during the monsoon season. Irrespective of the seasons, the soil moisture and its response to rainfall drive the land‐atmosphere interactions and along with the net radiation, play crucial roles in deciding the surface fluxes and its partitioning. Time series comparison with ERA5 reanalysis data reveals the inadequate representation of land‐atmosphere interactions in ERA5 reanalysis over the peninsular Indian region, particularly the intensity and duration of rainfall and the feedbacks of soil moisture to the atmosphere. The surface energy balance closure improves by ∼3% when the soil heat storage term is considered and is the highest when the height and scatter of the roughness elements around the measurement site are the lowest. The influence of rainfall on energy balance closure is lower as compared to land surface heterogeneity. The present study also fills an existing gap of validating the surface fluxes and its partitioning in ERA5 reanalysis in the tropics and will provide deeper insights on the land‐atmosphere interactions in tropical semi‐arid regions.
Excitation of European Transient Warming on the Caspian Sea Vortex
Authors: Chen Zhiheng , Zhang Jie , Ma Qianrong , Wu Shiying , Kuang Yuxin , Hu Rui
Published: October 2022

Central Asian low vortex (CAV) is the dominant synoptic circulation, resulting in frequent heavy snowfall over Central Asia during 1983–2018. The present study investigates winter CAVs to explore their possible causes. The results suggest that the CAVs produced near the Caspian Sea (named as Caspian Sea Vortices, CSVs) are the main component of January CAVs, which account for more than 80%, exhibiting both interannual and decadal variabilities and causing stronger heavy snowfall over Central Asia since 2004. The formation of CSV is usually due to the joint effect of both low‐frequency waves and transient waves/vortices, in which the development of the latter is prior to the former, being the prophase signal of CSV enhancement and related heavy snowfall occurrences. The dominant transient waves/vortices related to CSVs not only originate from North Atlantic but also from European continent, which respectively correspond to the decadal and interannual variabilities of CSV frequency. In terms of European continent, the transient surface warming over eastern Europe enhances the atmospheric baroclinicity at lower troposphere, which on one hand excites vertical wave activity flux transporting to the upper troposphere and disturbs the transient vortex, on the other hand causes southeastward movement of North Atlantic jet. Consequently, wave energy guided by North Atlantic jet and excited over eastern Europe both disperses downstream and enhanced transient vortex evolves into the wavelike pattern, favoring the CSV formation on the next day. The transient surface warming over eastern Europe could be thereby a reference for the predictions of CAV heavy snowfall.
Mixing Dynamics at the Large Confluence Between the Yangtze River and Poyang Lake
Authors: Xu Lei , Yuan Saiyu , Tang Hongwu , Qiu Jiajian , Xiao Yang , Whittaker Colin , Gualtieri Carlo
Published: October 2022

Mixing processes downstream of river confluences impacts the ecology and the related environmental management of river networks. A clear understanding of such processes is challenging, especially for confluences having width‐to‐depth ratios larger than 100, due to the limited available field data. In this study, four field surveys based on hydro‐acoustic and conductivity measurements were conducted near the confluence between the Yangtze River and the Poyang Lake, which are the largest river and freshwater lake in China, respectively. It was found that mixing dynamics at the confluence were controlled by a complex interaction among the momentum flux ratio, secondary flow and the lock‐exchange flow associated to the density contrast between the two tributaries. Slow mixing was observed during high‐flow conditions that generated dual counter‐rotating secondary cells, with the downwelling flow acting as a barrier in the post‐confluence channel. In contrast, more rapid mixing was observed during low‐flow conditions when only a single channel‐scale secondary flow was identified. The mixing processes were also affected by the lock‐exchange flow associated to the density difference between the two confluent flows. Such lock‐exchange enhanced mixing when the Yangtze River waters had higher temperature, that is, lower density than that of the Poyang Lake. In low flow condition, the penetration of the much larger momentum flux of Yangtze River created a “two‐layers” structure with the contribution of the density difference, which further enhanced the curvature‐induced helicity. The findings from the present study improve our current understanding of mixing dynamics in large river confluences.
Poor dental health and risk of pancreatic cancer: a nationwide registry-based cohort study in Sweden, 2009–2016
Authors: Yu Jingru , Ploner Alexander , Chen Margaret Sällberg , Zhang Ji , Sandborgh-Englund Gunilla , Ye Weimin
Published: October 2022

Background

Previous studies have reported inconsistent results regarding the association between poor dental health and pancreatic cancer risk. This study aimed to assess this association using a well-functioning nationwide dental health registry in Sweden.

Methods

Information of exposures (dental caries, root canal infection, mild inflammation, and periodontitis; the number of teeth) was ascertained from the Swedish Dental Health Register, and occurrence of pancreatic cancer was identified from both cancer and cause of death registries. Hazard ratios (HRs) were estimated using Cox models.

Results

During a median of 7.2 years of follow-up, 10,081 pancreatic cancers were identified among 5,889,441 individuals. Compared with the healthy status, a higher risk of pancreatic cancer was observed in individuals with root canal infection, mild inflammation, and periodontitis in the <50 age group (P for trend <0.001). In the 50–70 age group, only the subgroup with periodontitis had an excess risk (multivariable-adjusted HR = 1.20, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.11–1.29). No positive association with statistical significance was observed in the 70+ age group. Individuals with fewer teeth tended to have a higher risk in all age groups.

Conclusions

Our results confirmed the association between poor dental health and pancreatic cancer risk, which warrants further studies on underlying mechanisms.
Transcriptome reprogramming of Epstein-Barr virus infected epithelial and B cells reveals distinct host-virus interaction profiles
Authors: Ma Nian , Lu Juan , Pei Yonggang , Robertson Erle S.
Published: October 2022

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is an opportunistic pathogen that can manifest itself as a potential contributor to human diseases years after primary infection, specifically in lymphoid and epithelial cell malignancies in immune-competent and immune-compromised hosts. The virus shuttles between B cells and epithelial cells during its infection cycle, facilitating its persistence and transmission in humans. While EBV efficiently infects and transforms B-lymphocytes, epithelial cells are not as susceptible to transformation in vitro. We utilized a 3D platform for culturing normal oral keratinocyte cells (NOKs) using Matrigel for greater insights into the molecular interactions between EBV and infected cells. We determined the transcriptome of EBV infected NOKs and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) for 7 and 15 days. LMPs (−1, −2A, and −2B) and EBNAs (−1, −2, −3A, −3B and −3C) were detected in all samples, and lytic gene expression was significantly higher in NOKs than PBMCs. We identified over 2000 cellular genes that were differentially expressed (P-value<0.05). Gene ontology (GO) and pathway analyses significantly identified pathways related to collagen-activation, chemokine signaling, immune response, metabolism, and antiviral responses. We also identified significant changes in metalloproteases and genes encoding chemotactic ligands and cell surface molecules. C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4) was dramatically downregulated in PBMCs and upregulated in NOKs. However, MMP1 was significantly downregulated in NOKs and upregulated in PBMCs. Therefore, multiple pathways contribute to distinct pathologies associated with EBV infection in epithelial and B cells, and MMP1 and CXCR4 are critical molecules involved in regulation of latent and lytic states linked to viral associated diseases.
Molecular basis for isoform-selective inhibition of presenilin-1 by MRK-560
Authors: Guo Xuefei , Wang Yumeng , Zhou Jiayao , Jin Chen , Wang Jiaoni , Jia Bojun , Jing Dan , Yan Chuangye , Lei Jianlin , Zhou Rui , Shi Yigong
Published: October 2022

Inhibition of γ-secretase activity represents a potential therapeutic strategy for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). MRK-560 is a selective inhibitor with higher potency for Presenilin 1 (PS1) than for PS2, the two isoforms of the catalytic subunit of γ-secretase, although the underlying mechanism remains elusive. Here we report the cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) structures of PS1 and PS2-containing γ-secretase complexes with and without MRK-560 at overall resolutions of 2.9-3.4 Å. MRK-560 occupies the substrate binding site of PS1, but is invisible in PS2. Structural comparison identifies Thr281 and Leu282 in PS1 to be the determinant for isoform-dependent sensitivity to MRK-560, which is confirmed by swapping experiment between PS1 and PS2. By revealing the mechanism for isoform-selective inhibition of presenilin, our work may facilitate future drug discovery targeting γ-secretase.
Atomically precise control of rotational dynamics in charged rare-earth complexes on a metal surface
Authors: Ajayi Tolulope Michael , Singh Vijay , Latt Kyaw Zin , Sarkar Sanjoy , Cheng Xinyue , Premarathna Sineth , Dandu Naveen K. , Wang Shaoze , Movahedifar Fahimeh , Wieghold Sarah , Shirato Nozomi , Rose Volker , Curtiss Larry A. , Ngo Anh T. , Masson Eric , Hla Saw Wai
Published: October 2022

Complexes containing rare-earth ions attract great attention for their technological applications ranging from spintronic devices to quantum information science. While charged rare-earth coordination complexes are ubiquitous in solution, they are challenging to form on materials surfaces that would allow investigations for potential solid-state applications. Here we report formation and atomically precise manipulation of rare-earth complexes on a gold surface. Although they are composed of multiple units held together by electrostatic interactions, the entire complex rotates as a single unit when electrical energy is supplied from a scanning tunneling microscope tip. Despite the hexagonal symmetry of the gold surface, a counterion at the side of the complex guides precise three-fold rotations and 100% control of their rotational directions is achieved using a negative electric field from the scanning probe tip. This work demonstrates that counterions can be used to control dynamics of rare-earth complexes on materials surfaces for quantum and nanomechanical applications.
Single-cell transcriptomic analysis highlights origin and pathological process of human endometrioid endometrial carcinoma
Authors: Ren Xiaojun , Liang Jianqing , Zhang Yiming , Jiang Ning , Xu Yuhui , Qiu Mengdi , Wang Yiqin , Zhao Bing , Chen Xiaojun
Published: October 2022

Endometrial cancers are complex ecosystems composed of cells with distinct phenotypes, genotypes, and epigenetic states. Current models do not adequately reflect oncogenic origin and pathological progression in patients. Here we use single-cell RNA sequencing to profile cells from normal endometrium, atypical endometrial hyperplasia, and endometrioid endometrial cancer (EEC), which altogether represent the step-by-step development of endometrial cancer. We find that EEC originates from endometrial epithelial cells but not stromal cells, and unciliated glandular epithelium is the source of EEC. We also identify LCN2 + /SAA1/2 + cells as a featured subpopulation of endometrial tumorigenesis. Finally, the stromal niche and immune environment changes during EEC progression are described. This study elucidates the evolution of cell populations in EEC development at single-cell resolution, which would provide a direction to facilitate EEC research and diagnosis.
Characterization of somatic structural variations in 528 Chinese individuals with Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Cui Heyang , Zhou Yong , Wang Fang , Cheng Caixia , Zhang Weimin , Sun Ruifang , Zhang Ling , Bi Yanghui , Guo Min , Zhou Yan , Wang Xinhui , Ren Jiaxin , Bai Ruibing , Ding Ning , Cheng Chen , Wang Longlong , Zhuang Xuehan , Gao Mingwei , Weng Yongjia , Wu Yueguang , Liu Huijuan , Li Shuaicheng , Wang Shubin , Cheng Xiaolong , Cui Yongping , Liu Zhihua , Zhan Qimin
Published: October 2022

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) demonstrates high genome instability. Here, we analyze 528 whole genomes to investigate structural variations’ mechanisms and biological functions. SVs show multi-mode distributions in size, indicating distinct mutational processes. We develop a tool and define five types of complex rearrangements with templated insertions. We highlight a type of fold-back inversion, which is associated with poor outcomes. Distinct rearrangement signatures demonstrate variable genomic metrics such as replicating time, spatial proximity, and chromatin accessibility. Specifically, fold-back inversion tends to occur near the centrosome; TD-c2 (Tandem duplication-cluster2) is significantly enriched in chromatin-accessibility and early-replication region compared to other signatures. Analyses of TD-c2 signature reveal 9 TD hotspots, of which we identify a hotspot consisting of a super-enhancer of PTHLH. We confirm the oncogenic effect of the PTHLH gene and its interaction with enhancers through functional experiments. Finally, extrachromosomal circular DNAs (ecDNAs) are present in 14% of ESCCs and have strong selective advantages to driver genes.
Epigenetic control of chromosome-associated lncRNA genes essential for replication and stability
Authors: Heskett Michael B. , Vouzas Athanasios E. , Smith Leslie G. , Yates Phillip A. , Boniface Christopher , Bouhassira Eric E. , Spellman Paul T. , Gilbert David M. , Thayer Mathew J.
Published: October 2022

ASARs are long noncoding RNA genes that control replication timing of entire human chromosomes in cis. The three known ASAR genes are located on human chromosomes 6 and 15, and are essential for chromosome integrity. To identify ASARs on all human chromosomes we utilize a set of distinctive ASAR characteristics that allow for the identification of hundreds of autosomal loci with epigenetically controlled, allele-restricted behavior in expression and replication timing of coding and noncoding genes, and is distinct from genomic imprinting. Disruption of noncoding RNA genes at five of five tested loci result in chromosome-wide delayed replication and chromosomal instability, validating their ASAR activity. In addition to the three known essential cis-acting chromosomal loci, origins, centromeres, and telomeres, we propose that all mammalian chromosomes also contain “Inactivation/Stability Centers” that display allele-restricted epigenetic regulation of protein coding and noncoding ASAR genes that are essential for replication and stability of each chromosome.
Construction of conducting bimetallic organic metal chalcogenides via selective metal metathesis and oxidation transformation
Authors: Jin Yigang , Fang Yuhui , Li Ze , Hao Xiang , He Feng , Guan Bo , Wang Dongwei , Wu Sha , Li Yang , Liu Caiming , Dai Xiaojuan , Zou Ye , Sun Yimeng , Xu Wei
Published: October 2022

Conducting organic metal chalcogenides (OMCs) have attracted considerable interest for their superior electrical properties and fascinating functions. However, the electronic structural and functional regulation of OMCs are typically limited to the combination of monometallic nodes and graphene-like ligands. Here, we report a family of bimetallic OMCs ([CuAgx(C6S6)]n, x = 4 or 2) synthesized via selective metal metathesis and oxidation transformation. Both OMCs have alternatively stacked one-dimensional (1D) copper-dithiolene chains and 2D Ag-S networks, which can synergistically serve as charge transport pathways, rendering these bimetallic materials highly conductive. The incorporation of heterometallic nodes turned nonmagnetic [Ag5(C6S6)]n into paramagnetic metallic [CuAg4(C6S6)]n, which exhibited a coherence-incoherence crossover in magnetic susceptibility measurements and an unusually large Sommerfeld coefficient, reminiscent of the characteristics of Kondo lattice. This work opens up an avenue for tailoring the electronic structures of OMCs and provides a platform for studying the dichotomy between electronic localization and itinerancy.
Ectopic expression of sericin enables efficient production of ancient silk with structural changes in silkworm
Authors: Chen Xuedong , Wang Yongfeng , Wang Yujun , Li Qiuying , Liang Xinyin , Wang Guang , Li Jianglan , Peng Ruji , Sima Yanghu , Xu Shiqing
Published: October 2022

Bombyx mori silk is a super-long natural protein fiber with a unique structure and excellent performance. Innovative silk structures with high performance are in great demand, thus resulting in an industrial bottleneck. Herein, the outer layer sericin SER3 is ectopically expressed in the posterior silk gland (PSG) in silkworms via a piggyBac-mediated transgenic approach, then secreted into the inner fibroin layer, thus generating a fiber with sericin microsomes dispersed in fibroin fibrils. The water-soluble SER3 protein secreted by PSG causes P25’s detachment from the fibroin unit of the Fib-H/Fib-L/P25 polymer, and accumulation between the fibroin layer and the sericin layer. Consequently, the water solubility and stability of the fibroin-colloid in the silk glandular cavity, and the crystallinity increase, and the mechanical properties of cocoon fibers, moisture absorption and moisture liberation of the silk also improve. Meanwhile, the mutant overcomes the problems of low survival and abnormal silk gland development, thus enabling higher production efficiency of cocoon silk. In summary, we describe a silk gland transgenic target protein selection strategy to alter the silk fiber structure and to innovate its properties. This work provides an efficient and green method to produce silk fibers with new functions.
Co-design, implementation, and evaluation of plain language genomic test reports
Authors: Brett Gemma R. , Ward Aisha , Bouffler Sophie E. , Palmer Elizabeth E. , Boggs Kirsten , Lynch Fiona , Springer Amanda , Nisselle Amy , Stark Zornitza
Published: October 2022

Understanding and communicating genomic results can be challenging for families and health professionals without genetic specialty training. Unlike modifying existing laboratory reports, plain language genomic test reports provide an opportunity for patient/family-centered approaches. However, emerging examples generally lack co-design and/or evaluation in real-world settings. Through co-design involving patient groups, plain language experts, educators, and genetic health professionals, plain language genomic test report templates were produced for common test outcomes in rare diseases. Eight plain language genomic test report templates were developed. These reports were piloted and evaluated as part of a national pediatric ultra-rapid genomic testing program. Family and genetic health professional experiences with report layout, content, and use were explored using surveys. Of 154 families and 107 genetic health professionals issued with reports, 51 families and 57 clinicians responded (RR = 33% and 53%, respectively). Most families (82%) found their report helpful in understanding the result. Reports were shared by 63% of families, predominantly with family members (72%), or health professionals (68%). Clinicians (15%) adapted the reports for other settings. Through co-design, plain language genomic test reports implemented in a real-world setting can facilitate patient/family and caregiver understanding and communication of genomic test purpose, outcome, and potential clinical implications.
A systematic review of the effects of e-cigarette use on lung function
Authors: Honeycutt Lucy , Huerne Katherine , Miller Alanna , Wennberg Erica , Filion Kristian B. , Grad Roland , Gershon Andrea S. , Ells Carolyn , Gore Genevieve , Benedetti Andrea , Thombs Brett , Eisenberg Mark J.
Published: October 2022

Given the increasing use of e-cigarettes and uncertainty surrounding their safety, we conducted a systematic review to determine the effects of e-cigarettes on measures of lung function. We systematically searched EMBASE, MEDLINE, and PsycINFO databases via Ovid, the Cochrane CENTRAL database, and the Web of Science Core from 2004 until July 2021, identifying 8856 potentially eligible studies. A total of eight studies (seven studying immediate effects and one long-term effects, 273 total participants) were included. The risk of bias was assessed using the Risk of Bias in Non-randomized Studies—of Interventions (ROBINS-I) and Cochrane risk of bias tools. These studies suggest that vaping increases airway resistance but does not appear to impact forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), or FEV1/FVC ratio. However, given the limited size and follow-up duration of these studies, larger, long-term studies are required to further determine the effects of e-cigarettes on lung function.
MicroLib: A library of 3D microstructures generated from 2D micrographs using SliceGAN
Authors: Kench Steve , Squires Isaac , Dahari Amir , Cooper Samuel J.
Published: October 2022

3D microstructural datasets are commonly used to define the geometrical domains used in finite element modelling. This has proven a useful tool for understanding how complex material systems behave under applied stresses, temperatures and chemical conditions. However, 3D imaging of materials is challenging for a number of reasons, including limited field of view, low resolution and difficult sample preparation. Recently, a machine learning method, SliceGAN, was developed to statistically generate 3D microstructural datasets of arbitrary size using a single 2D input slice as training data. In this paper, we present the results from applying SliceGAN to 87 different microstructures, ranging from biological materials to high-strength steels. To demonstrate the accuracy of the synthetic volumes created by SliceGAN, we compare three microstructural properties between the 2D training data and 3D generations, which show good agreement. This new microstructure library both provides valuable 3D microstructures that can be used in models, and also demonstrates the broad applicability of the SliceGAN algorithm.