Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein Unlikely to Bind to Integrins via the Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) Motif of the Receptor Binding Domain: Evidence From Structural Analysis and Microscale Accelerated Molecular Dynamics

The Receptor Binding Domain (RBD) of SARS-CoV-2 virus harbors a sequence of Arg-Gly-Asp tripeptide named RGD motif, which has also been identified in extracellular matrix proteins that bind integrins as well as other disintegrins and viruses. Accordingly, integrins have been proposed as host receptors for SARS-CoV-2. The hypothesis was supported by sequence and structural analysis. However, given that the microenvironment of the RGD motif imposes structural hindrance to the protein-protein association, the validity of this hypothesis is still uncertain. Here, we used normal mode analysis, accelerated molecular dynamics microscale simulation, and protein-protein docking to investigate the putative role of RGD motif of SARS-CoV-2 RBD for interacting with integrins. We found, by molecular dynamics, that neither RGD motif nore its microenvironment show any significant conformational shift in the RBD structure. Highly populated clusters were used to run a protein-protein docking against three RGD-binding integrin types, showing no capability of the RBD domain to interact with the RGD binding site. Moreover, the free energy landscape revealed that the RGD conformation within RBD could not acquire an optimal geometry to allow the interaction with integrins. Our results highlighted different structural features of the RGD motif that may prevent its involvement in the interaction with integrins. We, therefore, suggest, in the case where integrins are confirmed to be the direct host receptors for SARS-CoV-2, a possible involvement of other residues to stabilize the interaction.
Cryo-ET reveals two major tubulin-based cytoskeleton structures in Toxoplasma gondii

In the obligate intracellular parasite, Toxoplasma gondii, the subpellicular microtubules (SPMTs) help maintain shape, while the apical conoid (also tubulin-based) is implicated in invasion. Here, we use cryo-electron tomography to determine the molecular structures of the SPMTs and the conoid-fibrils (CFs) in vitrified and detergent-lysed parasites. Subvolume densities from detergent-extracted parasites yielded averaged density maps at subnanometer resolutions, and these were related back to their architecture in situ. An intraluminal spiral (IS) lines the interior of the 13-protofilament SPMTs, revealing a preferred orientation of these microtubules relative to the parasite’s long axis. Each CF is composed of 9 tubulin protofilaments, that produce a comma-shaped cross-section, plus additional associated components. Conoid protrusion, a crucial step in invasion, is associated with an altered pitch of each CF. The use of basic building blocks of protofilaments and different accessory proteins in one organism, illustrates the versatility of these critical structures.
Northwest monsoon upwelling within the Indonesian seas

ABSTRACT The previous studies of upwelling within the Indonesian seas only focused on the Southeast Monsoon (SEM) season. The western coast of Sumatra Island; the southern coast of Java Island, Sunda Islands, and Sulawesi Island; the Banda Sea, the Maluku Sea, and the Arafura Sea are well-known SEM upwelling areas. However, the upwelling events during Northwest monsoon (NWM) have never been investigated. The investigation of NWM upwelling is challenging due to the broad cloud coverage, limiting the observation of infrared and visible sensors of the satellites. This study used the blended products of the satellite-based sea surface temperature (SST), chlorophyll-a (chl-a), sea level anomaly (SLA), surface wind, and rainfall to identify the NWM upwelling occurrences. Remote sensing reflectances 443 nm and 555 nm were also used to examine the influence of suspended sediment and organic matter which may bias the chl-a concentration. Along the northern coast of the Lesser Sunda Islands, the north coast of Papua Island and the Malacca Strait are the areas of NWM upwelling as denoted by the positive anomaly of chl-a, the negative anomaly of SST, and the negative anomaly of SLA. Focusing on the area along the northern coast of the Lesser Sunda Islands, the NWM upwelling is generated by offshore Ekman Mass Transport that reduces SST and increases chl-a. From 2010 onwards, El Niňo Southern Oscillation has a more consistent effect on the NWM upwelling than Indian Ocean Dipole. El Niňo (La Niňa) tends to weaken (strengthen) upwelling. The magnitude of NWM upwelling is weaker than SEM upwelling.
Next-generation remote sensing and prediction of sand and dust storms: State-of-the-art and future trends

ABSTRACT Sand and dust storms (SDS) have long been considered as a type of disastrous weather. Minimizing the severe influence of SDS on the environment and human life has been the focus of many studies. In this paper, we report the principles and characteristics of SDS while mainly focusing on the monitoring technologies of the natural disaster. Space- and ground-based monitoring are two types of technologies widely used in SDS monitoring. The space-based monitoring technologies mainly refer to the satellite remote sensing technologies, which are able to obtain large-scale accurate ground monitoring within a few days. The ground-based monitoring technologies typically perform short-range and small-scale ground monitoring within a specific area. In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) has been applied in SDS monitoring to solve the existing limitations in SDS monitoring by improving the accuracy and efficiency of the monitoring and prediction results. Although the applications of AI in SDS sensing and prediction are still at an early stage, AI-enabled hybrid systems are envisioned as a major developing trend for SDS monitoring in the future.
Study of the dielectric response and polarization in PbCo1/3Ta2/3O3 single crystals

Abstract Results of studies of dielectric response and polarization in PbCo1/3Ta2/3O3 (PCT) single crystals grown by spontaneous crystallization are presented. Anomalies in the temperature dependence of the complex dielectric permittivity at 350, 270, 183, and 105 K have been observed. Using the thermally stimulated depolarization method, the temperature region of remnant polarization existence has been revealed below 270 K. It is assumed that in PCT, as well as in PbCo1/3Nb2/3O3 (PCN), in low-temperature region the phase separation caused by continuous switching of charge (valence) of Co2+/Co3+ and Ta4+/Ta5+ ions is realized.
Photoinduced light scattering and interference in SBN:75 crystals

Abstract We present near and far field patterns of photoinduced light scattering and interference in SBN:75 crystal, considered as the a Fabry-Perot resonator. It is shown that the interference of waves with their multiple reflections on the crystal faces affects the distribution of radiation intensity in the crystal and, consequently, the development of the photoinduced scattering process. The experimental results of light scattering features in various exposure modes of SBN-75 crystal by a focused He-Cd laser beam (λ = 0.44 µm) are presented. Based on theoretical consideration, the modified holographic model of photoinduced scattering process is suggested.
What motivates your environmentally sustainable stay? Exploration of the underlying mechanism of consumers’ intentions to use green peer-to-peer accommodations

ABSTRACT To understand the mechanism underlying consumers’ intentions for engagement in environmentally equipped peer-to-peer accommodations (green P2P accommodations), this study develops a rigorous framework incorporating three compelling theories (i.e. goal framing theory, theory of reasoned action, and focus theory of normative conduct). The results demonstrate how green consumption motives, social descriptive and injunctive norms, attitude toward green traveling, and behavioral intentions toward green P2P accommodations are significantly related. Moreover, the results reveal the generation differences in attitude formation toward green traveling. This study offers practical insights for the P2P accommodations that attempt to sustainably operate their businesses.
Simplified Version of the METRIC Model for Estimation of Actual Evapotranspiration

ABSTRACT The remote sensing approach of Mapping Evapotranspiration with the Internalized Calibration (METRIC) model is one of the accurate evapotranspiration models but the its complexity motivated us to seek for a simplified version of the original model. This study was designed to propose and evaluate the performance of a new methodology called Simplified Mapping Evapotranspiration with the Internalized Calibration (S-METRIC) model to estimate Actual Evapotranspiration (AET). S-METRIC is a simpler technique to implement while it requires relatively limited input data without losing tangible precision. Thanks to the simpler equations, it is faster computationally. The election of the mathematical form of this formula is mainly based on two purpose: first, it was upon the simplification of the formulas and then, their precision to approximate the formulas of METRIC. Polyfitn function and the synthetic meteorological data were used to fit corresponding curves for the four formulas of S-METRIC ( , , and ). The monthly AET calculated by S-METRIC was compared using a number of statistics indexes, including mean absolute error (MAE), root-mean-square error (RMSE), BIAS, relative error (RE), coefficient of determination (R 2) and Nash-Sutcliffe efficiency coefficient (NSE). The results of the monthly AET comparison suggested that both models had similar performance to estimate monthly AET in the Vanak Basin with R 2 = 0.97–0.99, NS = 0.90–0.99, MAE = 0.49–8.7 mm month−1 and RMSE = 0.8–13.1 mm month−1. Also, the results of the monthly estimated METRIC and S-METRIC values comparison suggested that both models had showed a similar performance to estimate monthly with R 2 = 0.97–0.99, MAE = 5.9–11.38 W m2 and RMSE = 7.17–13.12 W m2.
Polarization switching in nanoscale ferroelectrics

Abstract The polarization switching kinetics of ferroelectric crystals and the transition between homogeneous and domain switching in the nanoscale ferroelectric films are considered. Homogeneous switching according to the Ginzburg-Landau-Devonshire (LGD) theory is possible only in two-dimensional ferroelectrics. A review of the experimental results for two-dimensional films of a ferroelectric polymer, barium titanate nanofilms, and hafnium oxide-based films is given. For ultrathin polymer films, the results are confirmed by first-principle calculations. Fitting of the transition region from homogeneous to domain switching by sigmoidal Boltzmann functions is carried out.
A comparative study on the motivated consumer innovativeness of drone food delivery services before and after the outbreak of COVID-19

ABSTRACT This study sought to identify the importance of motivated consumer innovativeness through the moderating role of the COVID-19 outbreak in the context of drone food delivery services. The data were collected from the different periods that are before and after the COVID-19 outbreak, respectively. The structural equation modeling analysis showed that three sub-dimensions of motivated consumer innovativeness, such as functional, hedonic, and social motivations, positively affected attitude toward drone food delivery services. In addition, the attitude had a positive influence on intentions to use the services. Furthermore, the outbreak of COVID-19 moderated the relationship between functional motivation and attitude.
Comprehensive Analysis of Autophagy-Associated lncRNAs Reveal Potential Prognostic Prediction in Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is a highly malignant tumor in the digestive system. Both long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and autophagy play vital roles in the development and progress of PC. Here, we constructed a prognostic risk score system based on the expression profile of autophagy-associated lncRNAs for prognostic prediction in PC patients. Firstly, we extracted the expression profile of lncRNA and clinical information from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) databases. The autophagy-associated genes were from The Human Autophagy Database. Through Cox regression and survival analysis, we screened out seven autophagy-associated lncRNAs and built the risk score system in which the patients with PC were distinguished into high- and low-risk groups in both training and validation datasets. PCA plot displayed distinct discrimination, and risk score system displayed independently predictive value for PC patient survival time by multivariate Cox regression. Then, we built a lncRNA and mRNA co-expression network via Cytoscape and Sankey diagram. Finally, we analyzed the function of lncRNAs in high- and low-risk groups by gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). The results showed that autophagy and metabolism might make significant effects on PC patients of low-risk groups. Taken together, our study provides a new insight to understand the role of autophagy-associated lncRNAs and finds novel therapeutic and prognostic targets in PC.
Linguistically Sensitive Teaching in a Multilingual Context: Perceptions of Pre-Service Teachers of the Basque Autonomous Community

Summary Multilingual environments and migration have led to an increasing number of multilingual students, and consequently, to a need to take the varying linguistic repertoire of students into account in education. The aim of the present study is to explore Linguistically Sensitive Teaching (LST) as a possible linguistically inclusive approach and to examine how LST is perceived by pre-service primary teachers in the multilingual context of the Basque Autonomous Community (BAC), where the majority language, Spanish; the minority language, Basque; and the foreign language, English are included in the curriculum, all while some students might have other additional home languages that are not part of the curriculum. The methodological approach is a qualitative research study, in which data have been collected among a group of pre-service primary teachers from the BAC through written reflections, focus groups and observations. The results show the perceptions of the pre-service teachers on education policies in relation to linguistically sensitive teaching practices, good practices identified during their school placements, possibilities to promote Linguistically Sensitive Teaching in the classroom, the role of the minority language Basque in LST, and the threats, challenges and opportunities perceived in LST. It is concluded that despite some basic notions of LST, the lack of in-depth knowledge of pre-service teachers is visible, advocating for the need to include formation on LST in Initial Teacher Training.
Absolute Lymphocyte Count Predicts Immune-Related Adverse Events in Patients With Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Treated With Nivolumab Monotherapy: A Multicenter Retrospective Study

Background Among patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer who were treated with nivolumab monotherapy, the association of peripheral blood count data (at baseline and 2 weeks after treatment initiation) with the early onset of immune-related adverse events (irAEs) and treatment efficacy has not been clearly established. This study aimed to identify peripheral blood count data that may be predictive of the development of nivolumab-induced irAEs in a real-world clinical setting. Materials and Methods This multicenter observational study retrospectively evaluated consecutive patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer undergoing nivolumab monotherapy in the second- or later-line setting between December 2015 and November 2018 at the National Cancer Center Hospital and Keio University Hospital in Japan. The primary endpoint was the association between peripheral blood count data and irAEs during the 6-week study period. Receiver operating characteristic curve and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed. Results Of the 171 patients evaluated, 73 (42.7%) had ≥1 irAE during the first 6 weeks following treatment initiation. The median time to irAEs from the initiation of nivolumab was 15 (interquartile range: 13–28) days. Receiver operating characteristic curve analyses revealed that the optimal cut-off values of the absolute lymphocyte count, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, and lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio 2 weeks after treatment initiation for early irAE onset were 820, 4.3, and 2.2, respectively. In multivariable logistic regression analyses, absolute lymphocyte count >820 at 2 weeks after treatment initiation was significantly associated with an increased risk of early onset of any irAE. In contrast, no significant association was observed for the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (>4.3) or the lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (>2.2) at 2 weeks following treatment initiation. Conclusions The absolute lymphocyte count >820 at 2 weeks following nivolumab initiation predicts early onset of irAEs during a 6-week study period. Routinely available absolute lymphocyte count, which is measured after the initiation of nivolumab, may be useful for identifying patients at risk of early onset of irAEs.
Association of Premature Immune Aging and Cytomegalovirus After Solid Organ Transplant

Immune function is altered with increasing age. Infection with cytomegalovirus (CMV) accelerates age-related immunological changes resulting in expanded oligoclonal memory CD8 T cell populations with impaired proliferation, signaling, and cytokine production. As a consequence, elderly CMV seropositive (CMV+) individuals have increased mortality and impaired responses to other infections in comparison to seronegative (CMV–) individuals of the same age. CMV is also a significant complication after organ transplantation, and recent studies have shown that CMV-associated expansion of memory T cells is accelerated after transplantation. Thus, we investigated whether immune aging is accelerated post-transplant, using a combination of telomere length, flow cytometry phenotyping, and single cell RNA sequencing. Telomere length decreased slightly in the first year after transplantation in a subset of both CMV+ and CMV– recipients with a strong concordance between CD57+ cells and short telomeres. Phenotypically aged cells increased post-transplant specifically in CMV+ recipients, and clonally expanded T cells were enriched for terminally differentiated cells post-transplant. Overall, these findings demonstrate a pattern of accelerated aging of the CD8 T cell compartment in CMV+ transplant recipients.
Experiment in a Box (XB): An Interactive Technology Framework for Sustainable Health Practices

This paper presents the Experiment in a Box (XB) framework to support interactive technology design for building health skills. The XB provides a suite of experiments—time-limited, loosely structured evaluations of health heuristics for a user-as-experimenter to select from and then test in order to determine that heuristic’s efficacy, and to explore how it might be incorporated into the person’s life and when necessary, to support their health and wellbeing. The approach leverages self-determination theory to support user autonomy and competence to build actionable, personal health knowledge skills and practice (KSP). In the three studies of XB presented, we show that with even the short engagement of an XB experiment, participants develop health practices from the interventions that are still in use long after the intervention is finished. To situate the XB approach relative to other work around health practices in HCI in particular, we contribute two design continua for this design space: insourcing to outsourcing and habits to heuristics. From this analysis, we demonstrate that XB is situated in a largely under-explored area for interactive health interventions: the insourcing and heuristic oriented area of the design space. Overall, the work offers a new scaffolding, the XB Framework, to instantiate time-limited interactive technology interventions to support building KSP that can thrive in that person, significantly both post-interventions, and independent of that technology.
Knowledge From London and Berlin: Finding Threads to a Functional HIV Cure

Despite the ability of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) to increase the life expectancy of patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), viral reservoirs persist during life-long treatment. Notably, two cases of functional cure for HIV have been reported and are known as the “Berlin Patient” and the “London Patient”. Both patients received allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation from donors with homozygous CCR5 delta32 mutation for an associated hematological malignancy. Therefore, there is growing interest in creating an HIV-resistant immune system through the use of gene-modified autologous hematopoietic stem cells with non-functional CCR5. Moreover, studies in CXCR4-targeted gene therapy for HIV have also shown great promise. Developing a cure for HIV infection remains a high priority. In this review, we discuss the increasing progress of coreceptor-based hematopoietic stem cell gene therapy, cART, milder conditioning regimens, and shock and kill strategies that have important implications for designing potential strategies aiming to achieve a functional cure for the majority of people with HIV.
Revisiting Surgical Strategies for Hepatocellular Carcinoma With Microvascular Invasion

Although liver resection (LR) and liver transplantation (LT) are widely considered as potentially curative therapies for selected patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC); however, there is still high risk of tumor recurrence in majority of HCC patients. Previous studies demonstrated that the presence of microvascular invasion (MVI), which was defined as the presence of tumor emboli within the vessels adjacent to HCC, was one of the key factors of early HCC recurrence and poor surgical outcomes after LR or LT. In this review, we evaluated the impact of current MVI status on surgical outcomes after curative therapies and aimed to explore the surgical strategies for HCC based on different MVI status with evidence from pathological examination. Surgical outcomes of HCC patients with MVI have been described as a varied range after curative therapies due to a broad spectrum of current definitions for MVI. Therefore, an international consensus on the validated definition of MVI in HCC is urgently needed to provide a more consistent evaluation and reliable prediction of surgical outcomes for HCC patients after curative treatments. We concluded that MVI should be further sub-classified into MI (microvessel invasion) and MPVI (microscopic portal vein invasion); for HCC patients with MPVI, local R0 resection with a narrow or wide surgical margin will get the same surgical results. However, for HCC patients with MI, local surgical resection with a wide and negative surgical margin will get better surgical outcomes. Nowadays, MVI status can only be reliably confirmed by histopathologic evaluation of surgical specimens, limiting its clinical application. Taken together, preoperative assessment of MVI is of utmost significance for selecting a reasonable surgical modality and greatly improving the surgical outcomes of HCC patients, especially in those with liver cirrhosis.