bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Accelerating convergence to the thermodynamic limit with twist angle selection applied to methods beyond many-body perturbation theory
Authors: Mihm Tina N. , Van Benschoten William Z. , Shepherd James J.
Published: January 2021

We recently developed a scheme to use low-cost calculations to find a single twist angle where the coupled cluster doubles energy of a single calculation matches the twist-averaged coupled cluster doubles energy in a finite unit cell. We used initiator full configuration interaction quantum Monte Carlo as an example of an exact method beyond coupled cluster doubles theory to show that this selected twist angle approach had comparable accuracy in methods beyond coupled cluster. Furthermore, at least for small system sizes, we show that the same twist angle can also be found by comparing the energy directly (at the level of second-order Moller–Plesset theory), suggesting a route toward twist angle selection, which requires minimal modification to existing codes that can perform twist averaging.
Numerical analysis of electrohydrodynamic flows of a dielectric liquid in a wire–plate configuration with cross Poiseuille flow
Authors: Wang Qi , Huang Junyu , Guan Yifei , Wu Jian
Published: January 2021

A numerical investigation of electrohydrodynamic flows of a dielectric liquid in a single wire–plate configuration with a cross Poiseuille flow has been presented. Unipolar charge injection takes place from a metallic wire electrode immersed in a dielectric liquid at the center of the channel. Although this configuration is frequently studied with gas as a working fluid in electrostatic precipitators, the flow of a dielectric liquid remains unexplored. Two-way coupled governing equations that include the Navier–Stokes equations for fluid flow, the charge transport equation, and the Poisson equation for electric potential are solved using a finite-volume method. A systematic analysis of flow characteristics with respect to the hydrodynamic Reynolds number (Re) and electric Reynolds number (RE) has been carried out. The transition process with four distinct flow patterns and two different flow mechanisms are discussed in detail. A comprehensive map of flow patterns with respect to various dimensionless parameters has been proposed. The results show that a higher Re can reduce the effect of electric field, and vice versa. The main flow pattern is found to be a strong function of the dimensionless external velocity.
Selective stabilization of blue phase liquid crystals using spherical and rod-shaped colloidal nanocrystals
Authors: Khan Raj Kumar , Ramarao Pratibha
Published: January 2021

Optimizing strategies used for improving the stability and properties of blue phase (BP) liquid crystals directly impact device performance. Various factors ranging from molecular structure to sample size and substrate conditions can influence selective reflection and electro-optics of BPs. More recently, the technique of incorporating colloidal nanoparticle (NP) assemblies has been used to enhance BP ranges. In cubic BPs, disclination networks can act as trapping centers for NPs, reducing the high elastic energy cost of these regions, favoring BP stability. Organization of NPs in the defect regions can sustain stable 3D colloidal structures, widening the scope and applicability of BPs as photonic materials. Physical and chemical properties, size, and shape of the NPs can also determine the utilization of BPs for advanced applications like lasers and high quality displays. In view of this, a mixture of two calamitic chiral compounds in which all three BPs, viz., BPI, BPII, and BPIII, were induced was combined with rod-shaped CdSe/CdS quantum rods (QRs) and spherical CdSe quantum dots (QDs), which were specifically chosen due to their exceptional optical properties. This also provided an opportunity to investigate the effect of the shape of the NPs on the preferential stabilization of the BPs and on the electro-optic Kerr effect. QRs were found to be more efficient in enhancing the overall BP range, with an almost twofold increase of ∼27 °C with ∼0.5 wt. %. On the other hand, with QDs, the BP range showed an initial increase of 20 °C for ∼0.3 wt. %, which, however, decreased with a further increase in QDs. Another major difference is that the Kerr effect was active only in the BPIII in the case of QDs but is measurable in both cubic BPI and BPII in the case of QRs. The results have been described in terms of the organization of the nanocrystals within the defect lines and the lattice orientations imposed by the substrates.
Directed assembly of multiplexed single chirality carbon nanotube devices
Authors: Xu Xinzhao , Mukadam Zamaan , Amoroso Giuseppe , Freeley Mark , Palma Matteo
Published: January 2021

Herein, we present the fabrication of multiplexed single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) devices, where selected chiralities were separately immobilized on one chip with single-tube precision. Each chirality was subsequently electrically measured individually. Specifically, (6,5) and (7,5) SWCNT species were isolated via aqueous two-phase polymer systems, after which dielectrophoresis was used to precisely control the placement of each chirality, along with a metallic species, separately on prepatterned electrodes on a single chip.
High-performance NiOOH/FeOOH electrode for OER catalysis
Authors: Gono Patrick , Pasquarello Alfredo
Published: January 2021

The outstanding performance of NiOOH/FeOOH-based oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalysts is rationalized in terms of a bifunctional mechanism involving two distinct active sites. In this mechanism, the OOHads reaction intermediate, which unfavorably affects the overall OER activity due to the linear scaling relationship, is replaced by O2 adsorbed at the active site on FeOOH and Hads adsorbed at the NiOOH substrate. Here, we use the computational hydrogen electrode method to assess promising models of both the FeOOH catalyst and the NiOOH hydrogen acceptor. These two materials are interfaced in various ways to evaluate their performance as bifunctional OER catalysts. In some cases, overpotentials as low as 0.16 V are found, supporting the bifunctional mechanism as a means to overcome the limitations imposed by linear scaling relationships.
Molecular heterogeneities in the thermal expansivity of polyalcohols
Authors: Gabriel Jan Philipp , Tress Martin , Kossack Wilhelm , Popp Ludwig , Kremer Friedrich
Published: January 2021

Density is the key quantity for nearly all the numerous theories of the (dynamic) glass transition of supercooled liquids and melts. As mean field quantity, it is used to describe correlations and heterogeneities between regions consisting of several molecules. In contrast, the question how density is created by the interactions (i.e., bonds) within a molecule and to its nearest neighbors is almost unexplored. To investigate this for the example of a homologous series of polyalcohols (glycerol, threitol, xylitol, and sorbitol), Fourier-Transform InfraRed (FTIR) spectroscopy is carried out in a wide range of temperatures from far above to far below the calorimetric glass transition Tg. This enables us to determine the potentials and hence the bond lengths of specific intramolecular and intermolecular interactions. While the former has an expansion coefficient of (∼0.1 pm/100 K) with only smooth changes, the latter shows a 30–40 times stronger response with pronounced kinks at Tg. A comparison with the overall expansion based on mass density reveals that one has to separate between strong (OH⋅⋅⋅O) and weak (CH⋅⋅⋅O) intermolecular hydrogen (H)-bridges. Despite the fact that the latter dominates glassy dynamics, their expansivity is 5 times smaller than that of the weak H-bridges. It is to be expected that such heterogeneities on intramolecular and intermolecular scales are a general phenomenon in liquids and glassy systems demonstrating especially the necessity of atomistic simulations.
Low-cost, universal light-harvesting coating layer for thin film solar cells by employing micro-prism films
Authors: Li Kan , You Guofeng , Wu Meiyan , Zhang Shang , Ruan Yi , Li Dongmei , Zhen Hongyu , Lin Qiang
Published: January 2021

Reduction of optical loss in thin-film solar cells, such as polymer solar cells and perovskite solar cells, is a key issue to promote device performance. A number of optical strategies have been investigated to enhance absorption. Among them, the light management layer provides an effective approach. This work designed and fabricated a micro-prism film with a simple technology. It significantly improved the light absorption of the solar cells after coating on the device incident windows. A specific optical model was built by combining ray optics and wave optics to explore the light trapping properties of the micro-prism films. Theoretically, the micro-prism film presented great anti-reflection ability. Its light trapping efficiency depended on the thickness periodically. However, within a wide thickness range in each period, the absorption enhancement remained at the maximum, which lowered the difficulties of thickness control in fabrication. Experimentally, coated with a micro-prism film, the JSC value of the polymer solar cells increases by 13.8%, leading to the power conversion efficiency (PCE) enhancing by 12.1%. On the other hand, perovskite solar cells with a thin active layer were prepared. JSC increased by 10.1% and PCE was enhanced by 6.0%, which were close to those of the device with a typical thick active layer. This also provided a physical way to reduce the heavy metal lead and lower environment pollution risk.
Highly efficient phase-tunable photonic thermal diode
Authors: Marchegiani G. , Braggio A. , Giazotto F.
Published: January 2021

We investigate the photon-mediated thermal transport between a superconducting electrode and a normal metal. When the quasiparticle contribution can be neglected, the photon-mediated channel becomes an efficient heat transport relaxation process for the superconductor at low temperatures, being larger than the intrinsic contribution due to the electron–phonon interaction. Furthermore, the superconductor–normal metal system acts as a nearly perfect thermal diode, with a rectification factor up to 108 for a realistic aluminum superconductor. The rectification factor can also be tuned in a phase-controlled fashion through a non-galvanic coupling, realized by changing the magnetic flux piercing a superconducting quantum interference device, which modifies the coupling impedance between the superconductor and the normal metal. The scheme can be exploited for passive cooling in superconducting quantum circuits by transferring heat toward normal metallic pads where it dissipates more efficiently or for more general thermal management purposes.
Simulation of a vacuum helmet to contain pathogen-bearing droplets in dental and otolaryngologic outpatient interventions
Authors: Jia Dongjie , Lee Baker Jonathan , Rameau Anaïs , Esmaily Mahdi
Published: January 2021

Clinic encounters of dentists and otolaryngologists inherently expose these specialists to an enhanced risk of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection, thus threatening them, their patients, and their practices. In this study, we propose and simulate a helmet design that could be used by patients to minimize the transmission risk by retaining droplets created through coughing. The helmet has a port for accessing the mouth and nose and another port connected to a vacuum source to prevent droplets from exiting through the access port and contaminating the environment or clinical practitioners. We used computational fluid dynamics in conjunction with Lagrangian point-particle tracking to simulate droplet trajectories when a patient coughs while using this device. A range of droplet diameters and different operating conditions were simulated. The results show that 100% of the airborne droplets and 99.6% of all cough droplets are retained by the helmet.
Theoretical analysis of the impacts of light illumination on the transient current of sputter-deposited non-doped ZnO films
Authors: Omura Yasuhisa , Sato Shingo
Published: January 2021

This paper proposes a possible theoretical model to analyze the impacts of light illumination on the post-illumination transient current of sputter-deposited non-doped ZnO films. Although the authors have already demonstrated experimentally the impact of wavelength on the resistance of such films (various light-emitting diodes were used), the influence of ambient gas on their resistance, and the influence of temperature on resistance in detail, no significant theoretical basis was provided. In this paper, the physical images of the phenomena are theoretically reconsidered and a theoretical model is developed based on the experimental results. The mathematical formulation provided involves the time-dependent diffusion current model, and the continuity equation is solved to achieve a plausible solution of the time constant of the transient process. The theoretical solution strongly suggests that oxygen vacancy levels and/or traps around the grain boundaries and inside the grains contribute to the post-illumination transient behavior of dc-biased current. The non-linear effect on the transient process is also discussed for directing future research.
Mitigating long transient time in deterministic systems by resetting
Authors: Ray Arnob , Pal Arnab , Ghosh Dibakar , Dana Syamal K. , Hens Chittaranjan
Published: January 2021

How long does a trajectory take to reach a stable equilibrium point in the basin of attraction of a dynamical system? This is a question of quite general interest and has stimulated a lot of activities in dynamical and stochastic systems where the metric of this estimation is often known as the transient or first passage time. In nonlinear systems, one often experiences long transients due to their underlying dynamics. We apply resetting or restart, an emerging concept in statistical physics and stochastic process, to mitigate the detrimental effects of prolonged transients in deterministic dynamical systems. We show that resetting the intrinsic dynamics intermittently to a spatial control line that passes through the equilibrium point can dramatically expedite its completion, resulting in a huge reduction in mean transient time and fluctuations around it. Moreover, our study reveals the emergence of an optimal restart time that globally minimizes the mean transient time. We corroborate the results with detailed numerical studies on two canonical setups in deterministic dynamical systems, namely, the Stuart–Landau oscillator and the Lorenz system. The key features—expedition of transient time—are found to be very generic under different resetting strategies. Our analysis opens up a door to control the mean and fluctuations in transient time by unifying the original dynamics with an external stochastic or periodic timer and poses open questions on the optimal way to harness transients in dynamical systems.
Parametron on magnetic dot: Stable and stochastic operation
Authors: Makiuchi Takahiko , Hioki Tomosato , Shimazu Yoshiki , Oikawa Yasuyuki , Yokoi Naoto , Daimon Shunsuke , Saitoh Eiji
Published: January 2021

Magnetization dynamics induced by parametric excitation in a magnetic dot has been investigated by using ac spin pumping and inverse spin-Hall effects. An Ising-like pair of states with different precession phases was found to be stabilized in a controllable way under the excitation. The result shows that the dot can be used as a parametron-bit carrier. Upon increasing the excitation power, stochastic transition between the states was observed, and the occurrence probability of each state can be tuned by means of additional microwaves, opening an application to probabilistic bit operation.
Permanent magnet dipole with strong in-plane magnetic field
Authors: Li Chun , Adeyemo Dickson , Zhang Bo , Radomski Adam
Published: January 2021

In this article, we present a permanent magnet dipole design with strong in-plane, open access magnetic field. The design starts with a Halbach structure. A pair of magnets with orientation opposite to the magnetic field of the Halbach dipole are added to cancel the effect of the two sections of the Halbach ring. The net result is equivalent to removing the two sections whose orientation is the same as the field in the gap. The final structure is a dipole with an open access air gap and a strong in-plane magnetic field. We analyzed the structure using current sheet method. We then used BEA (Boundary Element Analysis) software to simulate the structure. A prototype dipole was built. The field from the prototype dipole was measured and compared to the analytical and BEA results.
Chemical micro-oscillators based on the Belousov–Zhabotinsky reaction
Authors: Mallphanov Ilya L. , Vanag Vladimir K.
Published: January 2021

The results of studies on the development of micro-oscillators (MOs) based on the Belousov –Zhabotinsky (BZ) oscillatory chemical reaction are integrated and systematized. The mechanisms of the BZ reaction and the methods of immobilization of the catalyst of the BZ reaction in micro-volumes are briefly discussed. Methods for creating BZ MOs based on water microdroplets in the oil phase and organic and inorganic polymer microspheres are considered. Methods of control and management of the dynamics of BZ MO networks are described, including methods of MO synchronization. The prospects for the design of neural networks of MOs with intelligent-like behaviour are outlined. Such networks present a new area of nonlinear chemistry, including, in particular, the creation of a chemical ‘computer’.

The bibliography includes 250 references.
Deep learning and computer vision will transform entomology
Authors: Høye Toke T. , Ärje Johanna , Bjerge Kim , Hansen Oskar L. P. , Iosifidis Alexandros , Leese Florian , Mann Hjalte M. R. , Meissner Kristian , Melvad Claus , Raitoharju Jenni
Published: January 2021

Most animal species on Earth are insects, and recent reports suggest that their abundance is in drastic decline. Although these reports come from a wide range of insect taxa and regions, the evidence to assess the extent of the phenomenon is sparse. Insect populations are challenging to study, and most monitoring methods are labor intensive and inefficient. Advances in computer vision and deep learning provide potential new solutions to this global challenge. Cameras and other sensors can effectively, continuously, and noninvasively perform entomological observations throughout diurnal and seasonal cycles. The physical appearance of specimens can also be captured by automated imaging in the laboratory. When trained on these data, deep learning models can provide estimates of insect abundance, biomass, and diversity. Further, deep learning models can quantify variation in phenotypic traits, behavior, and interactions. Here, we connect recent developments in deep learning and computer vision to the urgent demand for more cost-efficient monitoring of insects and other invertebrates. We present examples of sensor-based monitoring of insects. We show how deep learning tools can be applied to exceptionally large datasets to derive ecological information and discuss the challenges that lie ahead for the implementation of such solutions in entomology. We identify four focal areas, which will facilitate this transformation: 1) validation of image-based taxonomic identification; 2) generation of sufficient training data; 3) development of public, curated reference databases; and 4) solutions to integrate deep learning and molecular tools.
To us insectometers, it is clear that insect decline in our Costa Rican tropics is real, so let’s be kind to the survivors
Authors: Janzen Daniel H. , Hallwachs Winnie
Published: January 2021

We have been field observers of tropical insects on four continents and, since 1978, intense observers of caterpillars, their parasites, and their associates in the 1,260 km
2
of dry, cloud, and rain forests of Área de Conservación Guanacaste (ACG) in northwestern Costa Rica. ACG’s natural ecosystem restoration began with its national park designation in 1971. As human biomonitors, or “insectometers,” we see that ACG’s insect species richness and density have gradually declined since the late 1970s, and more intensely since about 2005. The overarching perturbation is climate change. It has caused increasing ambient temperatures for all ecosystems; more erratic seasonal cues; reduced, erratic, and asynchronous rainfall; heated air masses sliding up the volcanoes and burning off the cloud forest; and dwindling biodiversity in all ACG terrestrial ecosystems. What then is the next step as climate change descends on ACG’s many small-scale successes in sustainable biodevelopment? Be kind to the survivors by stimulating and facilitating their owner societies to value them as legitimate members of a green sustainable nation. Encourage national bioliteracy, BioAlfa.
Arthropods are not declining but are responsive to disturbance in the Luquillo Experimental Forest, Puerto Rico
Authors: Schowalter Timothy D. , Pandey Manoj , Presley Steven J. , Willig Michael R. , Zimmerman Jess K.
Published: January 2021

Significance

Despite claims to the contrary, arthropod abundances are not generally declining in the Luquillo Experimental Forest in response to warming. Interannual variation in abundance reflects patterns of species turnover as well as consequences of hurricane-induced disturbance and secondary succession. Critically, long-term monitoring using consistent sampling methods over successive years at the same sites is necessary to distinguish long-term trends associated with global warming from punctuated reductions in abundance due to extreme events and successional dynamics.
Nonlinear trends in abundance and diversity and complex responses to climate change in Arctic arthropods
Authors: Høye Toke T. , Loboda Sarah , Koltz Amanda M. , Gillespie Mark A. K. , Bowden Joseph J. , Schmidt Niels M.
Published: January 2021

Significance

Arthropods are excellent indicators for studying global change in the rapidly changing climate of the Arctic. We used the most comprehensive standardized dataset on Arctic arthropods to quantify diversity and abundance variation over 24 y in an area that is warming rapidly. Overall arthropod abundance and diversity showed opposing nonlinear trends, with a sharp increase in overall abundance in recent years. However, trends varied substantially among taxa and habitats and several groups declined in abundance. We found strong evidence of conditions outside the growing season and density-dependent feedbacks affecting abundance. Our results emphasize the need for a more integrated approach to investigating arthropod responses to environmental stressors at finer taxonomic resolution and by incorporating time-lagged effects.
The secretome mouse provides a genetic platform to delineate tissue-specific in vivo secretion
Authors: Liu Jie , Jang Ji Yong , Pirooznia Mehdi , Liu Shihui , Finkel Toren
Published: January 2021

Significance

Serum is a complex mixture of proteins that originate from a wide range of cells and tissues. At present, it is impossible to know what set of proteins any given tissue contributes to the circulating proteome. Here, we describe a genetic model called the secretome mouse. We show this transgenic mouse, which employs proximity biotinylation, provides a robust strategy for delineating the tissue-specific secretome. We demonstrate the utility of the secretome mouse by identifying the set of in vivo proteins secreted by endothelial cells as well as by skeletal muscle with and without exercise. This genetic strategy should, therefore, be useful in delineating a wide range of in vivo physiology and for the rational development of disease-relevant biomarkers.
Foraging trade-offs, flagellar arrangements, and flow architecture of planktonic protists
Authors: Nielsen Lasse Tor , Kiørboe Thomas
Published: January 2021

Significance

Flagellated unicellular protists play a key role in the biogeochemistry of the ocean. The composition and function of their communities are shaped by fundamental trade-offs between resource acquisition and predation risk. The flagellates gather resources by creating feeding currents by means of beating flagella, but the resulting fluid disturbance attracts flow-sensing predators, thus giving rise to a trade-off. Here we quantify this trade-off by visualizing the fluid flow that the foraging activity generates. We show that the flow architecture relates to the arrangement and beat kinematics of their flagella in characteristic ways that can be predicted qualitatively from simple fluid mechanical models.
Citramalate synthase yields a biosynthetic pathway for isoleucine and straight- and branched-chain ester formation in ripening apple fruit
Authors: Sugimoto Nobuko , Engelgau Philip , Jones A. Daniel , Song Jun , Beaudry Randolph
Published: January 2021

Significance

Fruit aroma influences herbivory and food choice by humans, ultimately affecting seed dispersal and plant reproductive success. Despite the significance of scent, our understanding of the biosynthesis of odor-active volatiles is incomplete. Herein, we detail a plant pathway that uses pyruvate and acetyl-CoA to form citramalic acid and, through a series of recursive reactions that bypass regulation at threonine deaminase, enables 1-C α-ketoacid elongation and synthesis of isoleucine and straight and branched chain esters. The initiating enzyme, citramalate synthase, is a neofunctionalized form of 2-isopropylmalate synthase that is insensitive to feedback inhibition. Engagement of the “citramalate pathway” in ripening fruit provides for an elevated and persistent production of isoleucine and volatile esters as fruit tissues ripen, age, and senesce.
ATRX and RECQ5 define distinct homologous recombination subpathways
Authors: Elbakry Amira , Juhász Szilvia , Chan Ki Choi , Löbrich Markus
Published: January 2021

Significance

Homologous recombination (HR) repairs DNA double-strand breaks by using a homologous template to retrieve sequence information lost at the break site. The broken DNA molecule first engages with the homologous donor molecule and is then separated from it to complete the process. Depending on the HR subpathways used, the separation step can lead to crossovers (COs) between the participating molecules. Such events can cause genomic alterations and eventually cancer if a donor molecule other than the identical sister chromatid is used. Here, we characterize two subpathways of HR with different propensities to form COs. We show the unexpected dominance of the CO-forming subpathway and characterize the processes involved in CO formation and subpathway choice in cancer and normal, untransformed cells.
The changing risk and burden of wildfire in the United States
Authors: Burke Marshall , Driscoll Anne , Heft-Neal Sam , Xue Jiani , Burney Jennifer , Wara Michael
Published: January 2021

Recent dramatic and deadly increases in global wildfire activity have increased attention on the causes of wildfires, their consequences, and how risk from wildfire might be mitigated. Here we bring together data on the changing risk and societal burden of wildfire in the United States. We estimate that nearly 50 million homes are currently in the wildland–urban interface in the United States, a number increasing by 1 million houses every 3 y. To illustrate how changes in wildfire activity might affect air pollution and related health outcomes, and how these linkages might guide future science and policy, we develop a statistical model that relates satellite-based fire and smoke data to information from pollution monitoring stations. Using the model, we estimate that wildfires have accounted for up to 25% of
PM
2.5
(particulate matter with diameter <2.5 μm) in recent years across the United States, and up to half in some Western regions, with spatial patterns in ambient smoke exposure that do not follow traditional socioeconomic pollution exposure gradients. We combine the model with stylized scenarios to show that fuel management interventions could have large health benefits and that future health impacts from climate-change–induced wildfire smoke could approach projected overall increases in temperature-related mortality from climate change—but that both estimates remain uncertain. We use model results to highlight important areas for future research and to draw lessons for policy.
Spatial and evolutionary predictability of phytochemical diversity
Authors: Defossez Emmanuel , Pitteloud Camille , Descombes Patrice , Glauser Gaétan , Allard Pierre-Marie , Walker Tom W. N. , Fernandez-Conradi Pilar , Wolfender Jean-Luc , Pellissier Loïc , Rasmann Sergio
Published: January 2021

Significance

Phytochemical diversity affects plant fitness and is the source of numerous medicines. Despite this, we know remarkably little about how phytochemical diversity is distributed across the plant kingdom and the environment. To address this challenge, we coupled untargeted metabolomics on 416 grassland vascular plant species across Switzerland with phylogenetic information, species distribution modelling, and ensemble machine learning to construct a framework for comprehensively predicting landscape-scale phytochemical diversity of both known and currently unclassified molecules. We show that phytochemicals diversity and identity can be predicted in the landscape as a function of phylogenetic information, as well as of climatic, topographic, and edaphic factors. We demonstrate that it is thus possible to map hotspots of phytochemical diversity and phytochemical endemism across the landscape.
Oncogenic HPV promotes the expression of the long noncoding RNA lnc-FANCI-2 through E7 and YY1
Authors: Liu Haibin , Xu Junfen , Yang Yanqin , Wang Xiaohong , Wu Ethan , Majerciak Vladimir , Zhang Tingting , Steenbergen Renske D. M. , Wang Hsu-Kun , Banerjee Nilam S. , Li Yang , Lu Weiguo , Meyers Craig , Zhu Jun , Xie Xing , Chow Louise T. , Zheng Zhi-Ming
Published: January 2021

Significance

Persistent infections of oncogenic HPVs can lead to cervical, anogenital, and head-and-neck cancers. We report that HPV-infected cervical lesions display aberrant expression of 194 long-noncoding RNAs, including
lnc-FANCI-2
. We show that, in cell and tissue cultures,
lnc-FANCI-2
is induced primarily by the oncogenic HPV E7 protein via interacting with a cellular transcription factor YY1. HPV infection also increases YY1 protein expression by reducing miR-29a, which targets the 3′ UTR of YY1 RNA. In vivo and in vitro, the nearby DNA repair gene
FANCI
is co-upregulated. These findings highlight an aspect on how oncogenic HPV E7 contributes to pathogenesis.
The amphibian antimicrobial peptide uperin 3.5 is a cross-α/cross-β chameleon functional amyloid
Authors: Salinas Nir , Tayeb-Fligelman Einav , Sammito Massimo D. , Bloch Daniel , Jelinek Raz , Noy Dror , Usón Isabel , Landau Meytal
Published: January 2021

Significance

We determined the crystal structure of the full-length amphibian antimicrobial peptide (AMP) uperin 3.5 and showed fibrillation into helical “cross-α” amyloid fibril, correlated with its antibacterial activity. This provides a molecular basis for the link between AMPs which are largely helical in nature, and amyloid formation. Uperin 3.5 is a cross-α amyloid discovered in eukaryotes, following a previously reported cross-α amyloid fibril for
Staphylococcus aureus
PSMα3 cytotoxin, hence demonstrating the existence of the cross-α amyloid architecture across kingdoms of life, with potential functional roles in early evolution. Furthermore, the findings revealed a chameleon cross-α/cross-β secondary structure switch of uperin 3.5 fibrils, likely related to regulation of its activity.
An evidence review of face masks against COVID-19
Authors: Howard Jeremy , Huang Austin , Li Zhiyuan , Tufekci Zeynep , Zdimal Vladimir , van der Westhuizen Helene-Mari , von Delft Arne , Price Amy , Fridman Lex , Tang Lei-Han , Tang Viola , Watson Gregory L. , Bax Christina E. , Shaikh Reshama , Questier Frederik , Hernandez Danny , Chu Larry F. , Ramirez Christina M. , Rimoin Anne W.
Published: January 2021

The science around the use of masks by the public to impede COVID-19 transmission is advancing rapidly. In this narrative review, we develop an analytical framework to examine mask usage, synthesizing the relevant literature to inform multiple areas: population impact, transmission characteristics, source control, wearer protection, sociological considerations, and implementation considerations. A primary route of transmission of COVID-19 is via respiratory particles, and it is known to be transmissible from presymptomatic, paucisymptomatic, and asymptomatic individuals. Reducing disease spread requires two things: limiting contacts of infected individuals via physical distancing and other measures and reducing the transmission probability per contact. The preponderance of evidence indicates that mask wearing reduces transmissibility per contact by reducing transmission of infected respiratory particles in both laboratory and clinical contexts. Public mask wearing is most effective at reducing spread of the virus when compliance is high. Given the current shortages of medical masks, we recommend the adoption of public cloth mask wearing, as an effective form of source control, in conjunction with existing hygiene, distancing, and contact tracing strategies. Because many respiratory particles become smaller due to evaporation, we recommend increasing focus on a previously overlooked aspect of mask usage: mask wearing by infectious people (“source control”) with benefits at the population level, rather than only mask wearing by susceptible people, such as health care workers, with focus on individual outcomes. We recommend that public officials and governments strongly encourage the use of widespread face masks in public, including the use of appropriate regulation.
Natural resistance to worms exacerbates bovine tuberculosis severity independently of worm coinfection
Authors: Ezenwa Vanessa O. , Budischak Sarah A. , Buss Peter , Seguel Mauricio , Luikart Gordon , Jolles Anna E. , Sakamoto Kaori
Published: January 2021

Significance

Interactions between pathogens can have substantial negative effects on host health. Therefore, identifying the causes of these interactions is integral for effective disease management and control. Interactions between two pathogens that simultaneously or sequentially infect the same host are common. We show that interactions also arise when genetically based defenses against one pathogen affect responses to another, even when the first pathogen is concurrently absent. This mode of pathogen interaction provides insight for understanding patterns of variation in disease severity in natural populations. It also implies that, under some conditions, control strategies that rely on selecting for resistance to one pathogen, in livestock for example, might jeopardize control of another.
Design of a native-like secreted form of the hepatitis C virus E1E2 heterodimer
Authors: Guest Johnathan D. , Wang Ruixue , Elkholy Khadija H. , Chagas Andrezza , Chao Kinlin L. , Cleveland Thomas E. , Kim Young Chang , Keck Zhen-Yong , Marin Alexander , Yunus Abdul S. , Mariuzza Roy A. , Andrianov Alexander K. , Toth Eric A. , Foung Steven K. H. , Pierce Brian G. , Fuerst Thomas R.
Published: January 2021

Significance

Hepatitis C virus infects 1% of the world’s population, with no vaccine currently available. One vaccine candidate is the membrane-associated E1E2 envelope glycoprotein which has been used in clinical studies. However, a major challenge to both structural studies and rational vaccine design is high-yield production of homogenous E1E2. Production of E1E2 liberated from the membrane with native structure and antigenicity would thus represent a major advance. We describe the design and validation of a soluble, secreted E1E2 (sE1E2) antigen in which a scaffold replaces its transmembrane domains and enforces assembly. High-affinity sE1E2 binding to broadly neutralizing antibodies and to its receptor CD81, along with robust immunogenicity, makes this a promising platform for high-resolution structural characterization and vaccine development.
Photosynthesis-assisted remodeling of three-dimensional printed structures
Authors: Yu Kunhao , Feng Zhangzhengrong , Du Haixu , Xin An , Lee Kyung Hoon , Li Ketian , Su Yipin , Wang Qiming , Fang Nicholas X. , Daraio Chiara
Published: January 2021

Significance

Living creatures are continuous sources of inspiration for designing engineering materials and structures. However, synthetic engineering materials are typically different from living creatures, because the latter consist of living cells to support their metabolisms, such as remodeling, growth, and reproduction. How to harness living cells to metabolize synthetic engineering materials remains largely elusive. Here, we report an attempt to exploit living chloroplasts to metabolize three-dimensional-printed polymers. With living chloroplasts and synthetic polymers, the system leads to a class of hybrid synthetic-living materials whose microstructures and properties can be remodeled on-demand by the photosynthesis of chloroplasts.
Ferric heme as a CO/NO sensor in the nuclear receptor Rev-Erbß by coupling gas binding to electron transfer
Authors: Sarkar Anindita , Carter Eric L. , Harland Jill B. , Speelman Amy L. , Lehnert Nicolai , Ragsdale Stephen W.
Published: January 2021

Significance

Rev-Erbβ is a heme-responsive transcription factor. Yet, the critical role of heme redox chemistry in regulating the protein’s heme occupancy and function as a repressor and gas sensor remains elusive. We show that the heme in Rev-Erbβ exists in the Fe
3+
-state to be replete under the limiting labile heme pool in cellulo. However, binding and sensing gases require Fe
2+
-heme. We show that signaling gases can drive Fe
3+
-heme reduction by electrochemically coupling heme reduction to the tight binding of CO/NO to Fe
2+
-heme. Our work describes a mechanism to explain how and why Fe
3+
-hemoproteins like Rev-Erbβ are ideal for in cellulo gas signaling.
X-ray linear dichroic ptychography
Authors: Lo Yuan Hung , Zhou Jihan , Rana Arjun , Morrill Drew , Gentry Christian , Enders Bjoern , Yu Young-Sang , Sun Chang-Yu , Shapiro David A. , Falcone Roger W. , Kapteyn Henry C. , Murnane Margaret M. , Gilbert Pupa U. P. A. , Miao Jianwei
Published: January 2021

Significance

Ptychography, a powerful scanning coherent diffractive imaging method, has attracted considerable attention for its general applicability. Here, we demonstrate X-ray linear dichroic ptychography to study the crystal orientations of the calcium carbonate in coral samples. In contrast to the absorption contrast commonly observed in linear dichroic imaging, dichroic ptychography at pre-oxygen K-edge shows significant and unique dichroic phase contrast, which has not been reported. The dichroic ptychography images reveal the presence of both narrow and wide
c
-axis angular spread in the submicrometer coral fragments, which are confirmed by 4D STEM. We expect X-ray linear dichroic ptychography to be a high-resolution, dose-efficient tool to broadly study optically anisotropic materials such as tooth enamel, bone, seashells, brittlestars, and polymers.
Crucial role for CA2 inputs in the sequential organization of CA1 time cells supporting memory
Authors: MacDonald Christopher J. , Tonegawa Susumu
Published: January 2021

Significance

The hippocampus (HPC) is critical for remembering “where” and “when” past events occurred, as though our memories are bound to a neural representation defined by space and time. In support of this idea, the HPC contains place and time cells whose firing patterns exhibit spatial and temporal coding, respectively. There is evidence that space and time are coded in parallel, but the underlying hippocampal subcircuits have not been determined. We combined cell-type–specific inhibition with in vivo extracellular recordings to demonstrate that spatial and temporal coding is segregated in the final hippocampal output (region CA1) with respect to a major input (region CA2). These data suggest a selective role for CA2 temporally organizing CA1 neural activity for a hippocampal-dependent memory.
Altered ratio of dendritic cell subsets in skin-draining lymph nodes promotes Th2-driven contact hypersensitivity
Authors: Miller Hannah L. , Andhey Prabhakar Sairam , Swiecki Melissa K. , Rosa Bruce A. , Zaitsev Konstantin , Villani Alexandra-Chloe , Mitreva Makedonka , Artyomov Maxim N. , Gilfillan Susan , Cella Marina , Colonna Marco
Published: January 2021

Significance

Eczema, hives, and allergic contact dermatitis affect millions of people every year, particularly children. Many skin allergies are caused by exaggerated production of type-2 cytokines, such as IL-4 and IL-13, by T helper (Th) cells in response to various substances when they contact the skin. Here, we illustrate that maladaptive Th2 responses to a cutaneous allergen can be recapitulated in a transgenic mouse model in which a subset of CD326
+
dendritic cells (DCs) that migrate from the skin to the draining lymph nodes are artificially depleted. This depletion perturbs the balance of DC subsets in lymph nodes, which biases T cell responses toward type-2 inflammation. Thus, preservation of lymph node CD326
+
DCs is essential to prevent or attenuate skin allergies.
Molecular structure of a prevalent amyloid-β fibril polymorph from Alzheimer's disease brain tissue
Authors: Ghosh Ujjayini , Thurber Kent R. , Yau Wai-Ming , Tycko Robert
Published: January 2021

Significance

Amyloid-β (Aβ) fibrils are the main component of amyloid plaques that develop in brain tissue of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients. Aβ fibrils have a variety of molecular structures called polymorphs. Structural variations in Aβ fibrils may contribute to variations in the severity, progression rate, or clinical manifestations of AD. Previous studies, using seeded fibril growth from human cortical tissue and solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, identified a single most prevalent polymorph for 40-residue Aβ (Aβ40) fibrils in typical AD patients. Here we report the molecular structure of this most prevalent Aβ40 fibril polymorph, determined with electron microscopy methods. Unique structural features of this polymorph may allow the future development of inhibitors and imaging agents with therapeutic and diagnostic value.
Nutritional value and health benefits of horticulture.
Authors: Taylor Mary
Published: January 2021

Daily consumption of fruit and vegetables is encouraged as important for human health and nutrition because the vitamins, minerals, essential micronutrients, fibre, vegetable proteins and bio-functional components they provide are crucial for bodily function. The FAO/WHO expert consultation (2004) on diet, nutrition and the prevention of chronic diseases recommended a daily intake of 400 g (five portions) of fruits and vegetables (excluding potatoes and other starchy tubers) to prevent heart disease, cancer, diabetes and obesity. However, despite this recognition, world-wide per capita consumption of fruits and vegetables is estimated to be 20-50% short of the minimum recommended level. In 2013 an estimated 5.2 million deaths worldwide were attributable to inadequate fruit and vegetable consumption. Adhering to the WHO recommendations for fruit and vegetable intake can prevent morbidity and mortality caused by micronutrient deficiencies, birth defects, mental and physical retardation, weakened immune systems, blindness and even death. Improving the dietary diversity through horticulture-based food intake is an effective and sustainable approach to combating micronutrient malnutrition in both developed and developing countries (Kennedy et al., 2003).
Cloud Computing based Intelligent Bank Locker System
Authors: Devi A. , Julie Therese M. , Premalatha G.
Published: January 2021

Now a day’s personal security is a major concern in all the aspects. Most of the people have their personal asserts such as cash, gold, silver etc, in a locker due to security of the accessories. But the security of those asserts is not assured because of robbery and theft problem happening in day today life. In order to overcome the drawback, we proposed a system based on Cloud computing for providing and ensuring high security in the bank, Jewellery shop, home and every place where security of the locker is more important. The proposed system consists of wireless switch, Raspberry pi 3, GSM and finger print scanner in order to allow only authenticated customer to open their lockers to take their accessories. If the authentication fails, the GSM automatically sends the message to the customer regarding failure of locker opening, and gives the alarm signal that makes the people in the bank to notice.
Locking and Unlocking of Vehicles parked at No-parking zone through traffic police server using IoT
Authors: George Christopher C , Vidhya J , Churchill G V
Published: January 2021

As the inhabitants upturns day by day the amount of automobiles are also getting amplified. This tips to traffic congestion as well as some mishaps. When an individual parks the automobile on no-parking zone, the road becomes constricted then causes traffic congestion in that specific place. In this eventful world individuals persistently park their vehicles at no-parking area. Massive amount of transportation forces are directed to find the unlawfully parked automobiles then punish the illegally parked owner, yet it is an ineffective technique to get rid of unlawful parking. In this suggested method, vehicle which are parked at no-parking zone will be inaccessible and unlocked through-traffic police server using an IOT device.
Efficient Energy Utilization Using Ant Lion Optimization in WSN
Authors: Padmapriya N. , Vinothini S. , Yuvasri S.
Published: January 2021

In wireless sensing element networks (WSNs),sensing element nodes or operated by little batteries, therefore they need restricted energy resources which require careful utilization. The planned algorithmic rule is associate degree vitality economical so as to handle trade –off between packet delay and transmission power, and delay economical we have a tendency to develop 3 ANTLION schemes supported power-delay limitations of the heterogeneous WSN. We have a tendency to devise a theoretical framework to figure the common delay and stability region for every planned theme and compare the performance of ANTLION and traditional Clustering. A new hybrid routing protocol is proposed by incorporating the routing concept of adhoc network into the hierarchical clustering routing protocol LEACH of the wireless sensor networks namely Quadrant Based LEACH (ANTLION)..
Early detection of Coronary Heart Disease by using Naive Bayes Algorithm
Authors: Krithiga B. , Sabari P. , Jayasri I. , Anjali I.
Published: January 2021

In smart connected communities, Health monitoring devices are vital parts of smart health. The main goal of this project is to detect the mild abnormalities of the coronary heart disease in the initial stage by providing quality health care using Naive Bayes classifier. The Coronary heart disease is diagnosed by taking into consideration the parameters like age, gender, nature of chest pain, latent blood pressure, serum cholesterol level, fasting blood sugar level, resting ECG, maximum heart rate, exercise induced angina, ST depression induced, peak exercise ST, number of major vessels and thalassemia. These parameters are used in the classifier to examine whether the Coronary heart disease is present or absent along with its accurateness.