bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pseudoaneurysm of the sinus of Valsalva caused by infective endocarditis in a 7-year-old child with congenital heart disease
Authors: Kashimada Wataru , Fujioka Tao , Kobayashi Jotaro
Published: March 2021

We report a case of a pseudoaneurysm in the sinus of Valsalva, secondary to infective endocarditis in a child with trisomy 21. The patient had a history of subaortic stenosis, bicuspid aortic valve, and ventricular septal defect. Patch closure of the ostium of the pseudoaneurysm and aortic valve replacement was performed. The patient was discharged without severe complications.
Developing a Knowledge Strategy for a Law Firm
Authors: Johnson Aileen , Heatley Simon
Published: March 2021

In this article Aileen Johnson, Head of Knowledge at Charles Russell Speechlys, describes the process of creating a knowledge strategy for a law firm. Simon Heatley, a Knowledge Development Lawyer in Charles Russell Speechlys' Disputes team, comments on this at a practice area level. Although drafted from a law firm perspective, this process could be adapted and replicated in other organisations.
The common sense of economics and divergent approaches in economic thought: a view from Risk, Uncertainty, and Profit
Authors: Boettke Peter J. , Candela Rosolino A.
Published: March 2021

This paper evaluates the contribution of Risk, Uncertainty, and Profit to the development of economic theory in the 20th century. Our argument in this paper is twofold. First, we contend that this book embodied what had been the common knowledge of early neoclassical economics prior to World War II (WWII). Second, we also argue that embryonic to Knight's account of economics were two divergent approaches to economic thought that emerged after WWII. The first approach, what has come to be known as microeconomics, is characterized by utility maximization under fixed price, income, and institutional parameters that approximate equilibrium. This first approach is distinct from a second approach, referred to as price theory, in which prices are not sufficient statistics, as in microeconomics, but operate as guides to consumption and production decisions under alternative institutional arrangements. This second approach not only represented the continuation of the mainline1 of economic thought from its classical and early neoclassical roots. It also embodies the basis for Knight's understanding of uncertainty, profit and entrepreneurship, as well as its implications for economic organization and social progress.
Small UAV-based SAR system using low-cost radar, position, and attitude sensors with onboard imaging capability
Authors: Svedin Jan , Bernland Anders , Gustafsson Andreas , Claar Eric , Luong John
Published: March 2021

This paper describes a small unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)-based synthetic aperture radar (SAR) system using low-cost radar (5–6 GHz), position (GNSS/RTK) and attitude (IMU) sensors for the generation of high-resolution images. Measurements using straight as well as highly curved flight trajectories and varying flight speeds are presented, showing range and cross-range lobe-widths close to the theoretical limits. An analysis of the improvements obtained by the use of attitude angles (roll, pitch, and yaw), to correct for the relative offsets in antenna positions as the UAV moves, is included. A capability to generate SAR images onboard with the back-projection algorithm has been implemented using a GPU accelerated single-board computer. Generated images are transmitted to ground using a Wi-Fi data link.
Inner‐Core Wind Field in a Concentric Eyewall Replacement of Typhoon Trami (2018): A Quantitative Analysis Based on the Himawari‐8 Satellite
Authors: Tsujino S. , Horinouchi T. , Tsukada T. , Kuo H.‐C. , Yamada H. , Tsuboki K.
Published: March 2021

Dynamics of rapid changes of intensity and structure in an eyewall replacement cycle of tropical cyclones remain an open question. To clarify the dynamics of the inner eyewall decaying, a quantitative estimation of inner‐core wind fields based on highly frequent observation images with 2.5‐min temporal resolution in the Himawari‐8 satellite is applied to Typhoon Trami (2018) which had a clear concentric eyewall structure. A high tangential wind of 50 m s−1 is estimated at a radius of 30 km, which is located in the inner edge of the inner eyewall, during an active stage of the inner eyewall. During the decaying stage of the inner eyewall, the estimated tangential wind rapidly decreases to about 20 m s−1 at a radius of 24 km. The satellite‐based tangential winds are validated with dropsondes around the inner core by an aircraft. Vorticity field retrieved by the satellite‐based tangential winds during the decaying stage exhibits a rapid decrease in an outer part of the eye and the inner eyewall, and a slow decrease near the storm center. Examination on an absolute angular momentum coordinate indicates that the rapidly slow‐down rotation in the outer edge of the eye and inner eyewall is faster than a slow‐down rotation explained by surface friction. It suggests that asymmetric eddies transport angular momentum across the moat in the inner eyewall dissipation. This study is the first examination of dynamical contributions of asymmetric eddies to the inner‐eyewall dissipation based on satellite‐estimated tangential winds.
Nanodevices engineering and spin transport properties of MnBi2Te4 monolayer
Authors: An Yipeng , Wang Kun , Gong Shijing , Hou Yusheng , Ma Chunlan , Zhu Mingfu , Zhao Chuanxi , Wang Tianxing , Ma Shuhong , Wang Heyan , Wu Ruqian , Liu Wuming
Published: March 2021

Two-dimensional (2D) magnetic materials are essential for the development of the next-generation spintronic technologies. Recently, layered van der Waals (vdW) compound MnBi2Te4 (MBT) has attracted great interest, and its 2D structure has been reported to host coexisting magnetism and topology. Here, we design several conceptual nanodevices based on MBT monolayer (MBT-ML) and reveal their spin-dependent transport properties by means of the first-principles calculations. The pn-junction diodes and sub-3-nm pin-junction field-effect transistors (FETs) show a strong rectifying effect and a spin filtering effect, with an ideality factor n close to 1 even at a reasonably high temperature. In addition, the pip- and nin-junction FETs give an interesting negative differential resistive (NDR) effect. The gate voltages can tune currents through these FETs in a large range. Furthermore, the MBT-ML has a strong response to light. Our results uncover the multifunctional nature of MBT-ML, pave the road for its applications in diverse next-generation semiconductor spin electric devices.
Improvement of phonemic fluency following leftward prism adaptation
Authors: Turriziani Patrizia , Chiaramonte Gabriele , Mangano Giuseppa Renata , Bonaventura Rosario Emanuele , Smirni Daniela , Oliveri Massimiliano
Published: March 2021

Anatomo functional studies of prism adaptation (PA) have been shown to modulate a brain frontal-parieto-temporal network, increasing activation of this network in the hemisphere ipsilateral to the side of prism deviation. This effect raises the hypothesis that left prism adaptation, modulating frontal areas of the left hemisphere, could modify subjects’ performance on linguistic tasks that map on those areas. To test this hypothesis, 51 healthy subjects participated in experiments in which leftward or rightward prism adaptation were applied before the execution of a phonemic fluency task, i.e., a task with strict left hemispheric lateralization onto frontal areas. Results showed that leftward PA significantly increased the number of words produced whereas rightward PA did not significantly modulate phonemic fluency. The present findings document modulation of a language ability following prism adaptation. The results could have a huge clinical impact in neurological populations, opening new strategies of intervention for language and executive dysfunctions.
cGAS–STING cytosolic DNA sensing pathway is suppressed by JAK2-STAT3 in tumor cells
Authors: Suter Manuel Adrian , Tan Nikki Y. , Thiam Chung Hwee , Khatoo Muznah , MacAry Paul A. , Angeli Veronique , Gasser Stephan , Zhang Y. L.
Published: March 2021

Deficiencies in DNA repair and DNA degrading nucleases lead to accumulation of cytosolic DNA. cGAS is a critical DNA sensor for the detection of cytosolic DNA and subsequent activation of the STING signaling pathway. Here, we show that the cGAS-STING pathway was unresponsive to STING agonists and failed to induce type I interferon (IFN) expression in many tested human tumor cells including DU145 prostate cancer cells. Inhibition of IL-6 or the downstream JAK2/STAT3 signaling restored responsiveness to STING agonists in DU145 cells. STING activity in murine TRAMP-C2 prostate cancer cells was critical for tumor rejection and immune cell infiltration. Endogenous STING agonists including double-stranded DNA and RNA:DNA hybrids present in TRAMP-C2 cells contribute to tumor rejection, but tumor growth was further suppressed by administration of cGAMP. Intratumoral co-injections of IL-6 significantly reduced the anti-tumor effects of cGAMP. In summary, STING in tumor cells contributes to tumor rejection in prostate cancer cells, but its functions are frequently suppressed in tumor cells in part via JAK2 and STAT3 pathways.
Caffeine protects against stress-induced murine depression through activation of PPARγC1α-mediated restoration of the kynurenine pathway in the skeletal muscle
Authors: Fang Chongye , Hayashi Shuhei , Du Xiaocui , Cai Xianbin , Deng Bin , Zheng Hongmei , Ishido Satoshi , Tsutsui Hiroko , Sheng Jun
Published: March 2021

Exercise prevents depression through peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator 1α (PGC-1α)-mediated activation of a particular branch of the kynurenine pathway. From kynurenine (KYN), two independent metabolic pathways produce neurofunctionally different metabolites, mainly in somatic organs: neurotoxic intermediate metabolites via main pathway and neuroprotective end product, kynurenic acid (KYNA) via the branch. Elevated levels of KYN have been found in patients with depression. Herein, we investigated whether and how caffeine prevents depression, focusing on the kynurenine pathway. Mice exposed to chronic mild stress (CMS) exhibited depressive-like behaviours with an increase and decrease in plasma levels of pro-neurotoxic KYN and neuroprotective KYNA, respectively. However, caffeine rescued CMS-exposed mice from depressive-like behaviours and restored the plasma levels of KYN and KYNA. Concomitantly, caffeine induced a key enzyme converting KYN into KYNA, namely kynurenine aminotransferase-1 (KAT1), in murine skeletal muscle. Upon caffeine stimulation murine myotubes exhibited KAT1 induction and its upstream PGC-1α sustainment. Furthermore, a proteasome inhibitor, but not translational inhibitor, impeded caffeine sustainment of PGC-1α, suggesting that caffeine induced KAT1 by inhibiting proteasomal degradation of PGC-1α. Thus, caffeine protection against CMS-induced depression may be associated with sustainment of PGC-1α levels and the resultant KAT1 induction in skeletal muscle, and thereby consumption of pro-neurotoxic KYN.
A synergistic effect of hydrophobic deep eutectic solvents based on terpenoids and carboxylic acids for tetracycline microextraction
Authors: Cherkashina Ksenia , Pochivalov Aleksei , Simonova Viktoria , Shakirova Firuza , Shishov Andrey , Bulatov Andrey
Published: March 2021

Microextraction of tetracyclines in hydrophobic terpenoid-based deep eutectic solvents for the HPLC-DAD determination of tetracyclines in milk.
Spectral characterisation of a traditional Mesoamerican dye: relationship between in situ identification on the 16th century Codex Borbonicus manuscript and composition of Justicia spicigera plant extract
Authors: Arberet Lucie , Pottier Fabien , Michelin Anne , Nowik Witold , Bellot-Gurlet Ludovic , Andraud Christine
Published: March 2021

The identification of Justicia spicigera in the Codex Borbonicus by Raman spectroscopy motivated the development of a multi-analytical techniques approach to broaden the physico-chemical knowledge regarding this traditional dye source.
Spatially co-registered wide-field nonlinear optical imaging of living and complex biosystems in a total internal reflection geometry
Authors: Premadasa Uvinduni I. , Bible Amber N. , Morrell-Falvey Jennifer L. , Doughty Benjamin , Ma Ying-Zhong
Published: March 2021

Wide-field multimodal nonlinear optical imaging is capable of directly probing vibrational contrast from complex biosystems, assessing cell viability, and obtaining morphological information using the co-registered imaging modalities.
A bimodal-pore strategy for synthesis of Pt3Co/C electrocatalyst toward oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: Hong Wei , Shen Xinran , Wang Fangzheng , Feng Xin , Li Jing , Wei Zidong
Published: March 2021

The Pt3Co/C catalyst, with active Pt3Co nanoparticles located around the mass transfer channels rather than inside them, leads to smoother mass transfer and better performance.
Pd-Catalyzed double carbopalladation/syn-insertion cascade reactions toward medium-size sulfoximine heterocycles
Authors: Dai Longji , Yuan Jianjun , Wu Cui , Chen Zhiyuan
Published: March 2021

With the application of Ac in sulfoximine as a protecting group (PG) and MeOH as a de-PG agent, Pd-catalyzed multicomponent reactions were developed to access indene-fused medium-size sulfoximine heterocycles.
Lyotropic liquid crystalline phases of anisotropic nanoparticles of organic–inorganic metal halide perovskites: photoluminescence from self-assembled ordered microstructures of semiconductors
Authors: Wang Pei-Xi
Published: March 2021

Within one hour at room temperature, 2D lead iodide perovskites (R-NH3)2PbI4 with semiconductivity were transformed into colloidal liquid crystalline phases exhibiting optical anisotropy and photoluminescence.
Thermodynamic exploration of xenon/krypton separation based on a high-throughput screening
Authors: Ren Emmanuel , Coudert François-Xavier
Published: March 2021

Nanoporous materials are promising for energy-efficient separation of xenon from krypton by physisorption. We study the thermodynamics behind Xe/Kr separation at low and high pressure for 12 020 materials.
Access to thiazoles via [3 + 2] cycloaddition of 1,2,3-thiadiazoles with isonitriles
Authors: An Qiaoyu , Liu Lei , Tang Zongyuan , Luo Han , Li You , Xu Mingchuan , Li Baosheng
Published: March 2021

The formal [3 + 2] cycloaddition of 1,2,3-thiadiazoles with isonitriles is developed to access structurally diverse 4,5-disubstituted thiazoles, in which the thioketene as a sulfo-2C-synthon is first disclosed.
Corannulene-based nanographene containing helical motifs
Authors: Xu Qi , Wang Chu , He Jing , Li Xiaonan , Wang Ying , Chen Xuebo , Sun Di , Jiang Hua
Published: March 2021

The synthesis and structural analyses of corannulene-PAH hybrids 1 with a [4] helicene subunit and 2 with a [7] helicene subunit have been reported.
Contributors to Poststroke Dysphagia-Related Caregiver Burden
Authors: Davis Cameron , Namasivayam-MacDonald Ashwini M. , Shune Samantha E.
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Caregiver burden negatively impacts both stroke survivor and caregiver well-being. Thus, it is important to better understand the individual- and dyadic-level variables that may contribute to dysphagia-related caregiver burden. The aim of this preliminary study was to identify survivor-, caregiver-, and dyadic-specific factors associated with burden in couples experiencing poststroke dysphagia.

Method

Twenty-eight stroke survivors (“care recipients”) with dysphagia and their spouses (“caregivers”) participated. Care recipients and caregivers completed a survey from which scores for the following variables were derived: dysphagia-related caregiver burden, survivor- and spouse-perceived impact of dysphagia on mealtimes (social, mealtime logistics), dyadic congruence on perceived impact, International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative Functional Diet Scale, Swallowing-Related Quality of Life Scale, and Stroke Impact Scale (cognitive, emotional, physical, and social domains). Spearman's rho and point biserial correlation coefficients were calculated to determine the factors related to caregiver burden.

Results

Increased burden was significantly associated with greater care recipient– and spouse-perceived impact of dysphagia on mealtime logistics; however, burden was not associated with measures of dyadic congruence of perceived impact. Notably, increased burden was also associated with increased diet restrictiveness and decreased swallow-specific quality of life. Dysphagia-related caregiver burden was not associated with measures of stroke impact/severity across any domain.

Conclusions

Factors related to dysphagia-related caregiver burden are multifactorial and include both care recipient (e.g., International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative Functional Diet Scale, Swallowing-Related Quality of Life Scale, perceived impact of dysphagia on mealtime logistics) and caregiver (e.g., perceived impact of dysphagia on mealtime logistics) variables. The results of this preliminary investigation support the need to incorporate aspects of counseling and family-centered care into our management practices, a growing area of interest for speech-language pathologists.
Supersonic turbulence in giant HII regions: clues from 30 Doradus
Authors: Melnick J. , Tenorio-Tagle G. , Telles E.
Published: March 2021

The tight correlation between turbulence and luminosity in giant HII regions (GHRs) is not well understood. While the luminosity is due to the UV radiation from the massive stars in the ionizing clusters, it is not clear what powers the turbulence. Observations of the two prototypical GHRs in the local Universe, 30 Doradus and NGC 604, show that part of the kinetic energy of the nebular gas comes from the combined stellar winds of the most massive stars, the cluster winds, but not all. We present a study of the kinematics of 30 Doradus based on archival VLT FLAMES/GIRAFFE data and new high-resolution observations with HARPS. We find that the nebular structure and kinematics are shaped by a hot cluster wind and not by the stellar winds of individual stars. The cluster wind powers most of the turbulence of the nebular gas, with a small contribution from the combined gravitational potential of stars and gas. We estimate the total mass of 30 Doradus and we argue that the region does not contain significant amounts of neutral (HI) gas, and that the giant molecular cloud 30 Dor-10, which is close to the center of the nebula in projection, is in fact an inflating cloud tens of parsecs away from R136, the core of the ionizing cluster. We rule out a Kolmogorov-like turbulent kinetic energy cascade as the source of supersonic turbulence in GHRs.
Hybrid DC-AC homes with roof top solar power
Authors: Madhu M. C. , Badari Narayana K. , Krishna Kishore J.
Published: March 2021

The paper investigates the feasibility of a hybrid DC-AC home with roof top solar power. In recent times, roof top solar power has become popular for residential homes. Generally, the power obtained from roof-top solar panels is converted to AC with a power control unit and routed to the existing wiring network of the houses designed essentially to support the Electric Utilities which deliver AC power. Solar power with DC bus routing power to various sub-units and Brushless DC (BLDC) motor-based systems have been successfully flown in satellites for decades. The study presents the possibility of having a dedicated DC bus (24V / 48V) in the home connected directly to roof-top solar panels along with the traditional wiring network to support AC power (220-230V) from Electric Utilities. The recent success of the BLDC based home appliances further highlights the potential. This will also help to benefit from higher efficiency due to BLDC and avoid the conversion losses as home appliances that can run on DC power are presently available. It is now possible to have an independent local Roof Top solar power-based DC home-grid to support lighting circuit and homeappliances that operate on DC power. The existing wiring network for AC can continue to support high power equipment like motors, boilers, washing machines etc., It will also simplify the power control unit as the traditional inverter portion is avoided. Thus, the proposed hybrid DC-AC home needs be viewed in terms of an overall green approach which will be a paradigm shift for energy efficiency and lower carbon footprint. It has the potential to boost the sale of DC home appliances.
Funktion und Ästhetik
Authors: Nienkemper Manuel
Published: March 2021

Sehr geehrte Kolleginnen und Kollegen,

Nicht in allen, aber in vielen Fällen geht die Korrektur der Zahn- oder
Kieferstellung im Rahmen der funktionellen Therapie auch mit einer Verbesserung der
Ästhetik einher. Das ist insbesondere der Fall, wenn die Ursache der
funktionellen Probleme im sichtbaren Bereich liegen. Das können Korrekturen
im Frontzahnbereich sein oder solche, die das äußere
Erscheinungsbild beeinflussen.
Herstellung einer gelöteten Herbst-Apparatur
Authors: Jung Britta A.
Published: March 2021

Die skelettale Klasse II ist die in Mitteleuropa häufigste Malokklusion.
In der überwiegenden Mehrzahl der Fälle liegt die Ursache in
einer mandibulären Retrognathie.
Komplexe regionale Schmerzsyndrome
Authors: Gierthmühlen Janne , Baron Ralf
Published: March 2021

Das komplexe regionale Schmerzsyndrom (CRPS) ist gekennzeichnet durch sensorische (Spontanschmerzen, Hypästhesie, Hypo- oder Hyperalgesie, Allodynie), motorische (v. a. eingeschränkter Bewegungsumfang und Feinmotorik, fehlender Faustschluss, fehlende Abrollbewegung des Fußes, mitunter auch Tremor oder Dystonie) und autonome (Veränderungen des Haut-, Haar- und Nagelwachstums, des Hautkolorits und der -temperatur, der Schweißsekretion, Ödem) Symptome, die sich hinsichtlich Ausmaß und Auftreten individuell unterscheiden. Typisch ist jedoch eine distale Generalisierung der Symptomatik mit Ausdehnung in Hände und Füße, häufig mit handschuh- bzw. strumpfförmigem Verteilungsmuster. Die Diagnose wird klinisch anhand der Budapest-Kriterien gestellt, bei denen sowohl Symptome (Beobachtungen des Patienten) als auch Befunde (Erhebung des Arztes) berücksichtigt werden. Zur Unterstützung der Diagnose ist als einziges bildgebendes Verfahren die 3-Phasen-Skelettszintigrafie geeignet, die in der Spätphase im ersten Jahr der Erkrankung häufig ein typisches bandförmiges Verteilungsmuster mit erhöhtem Knochenstoffwechsel der kleinen Finger- bzw. Zehengelenke zeigt. Die Therapie ist multimodal und beinhaltet je nach Schweregrad bzw. Symptomatik sowohl eine topische als auch systemische Pharmakotherapie, interventionelle Verfahren, eine temporäre Kortisontherapie, Lymphdrainage, Physio-, Ergo- und Psychotherapie. Bei frühzeitiger und adäquater Behandlung ist die Prognose gut, jedoch ist der Verlauf häufig langwierig.
Mechanistic insight into the fluorescence activity of forensic fingerprinting reagents
Authors: Hunnisett L. M. , Kelly P. F. , Bleay S. , Plasser F. , King R. , McMurchie B. , Goddard P.
Published: March 2021

Fingerprint detection is still the primary investigative technique for deciphering criminal inquiries and identifying individuals. The main forensic fingerprinting reagents (FFRs) currently in use can require multiple treatment steps to produce fingerprints of sufficient quality. Therefore, the development of new, more effective FFRs that require minimal chemical treatment is of great interest in forensic chemistry. In this work, prudently crafted density functional theory and time-dependent density functional theory calculations are utilized to derive mechanistic insight into the optical activity of the non-fluorescent product of ninhydrin, diketohydrindylidenediketohydrindamine (DYDA), and fluorescent product of DFO (1,8-diazafluoren-9-one). We investigate various protonation sites to gain an understanding of isomeric preference in the solid-state material. A relaxed scan of a single torsion angle rotation in the S1 minimized geometry of the O-protonated DYDA isomer suggests a conical intersection upon ∼10° rotation. We show that the absence of a rigid hydrogen-bonded network in the crystal structure of DYDA supports the hypothesis of torsion rotation, which leads de-excitation to occur readily. Conversely, for the fluorescent DFO product, our calculations support an avoided crossing suggestive of a non-radiative mechanism when the torsion angle is rotated by about ∼100°. This mechanistic insight concurs with experimental observations of fluorescence activity in DFO and may aid the photophysical understanding of poorly visualized fingerprints due to weak fluorescence. We show that identifying suggestive avoided crossings via the method described here can be used to initialize thoughts toward the computational design of FFRs.
Modeling of turbulent flames with the large eddy simulation–probability density function (LES–PDF) approach, stochastic fields, and artificial neural networks
Authors: Readshaw Thomas , Ding Tianjie , Rigopoulos Stelios , Jones W. P.
Published: March 2021

This work proposes a chemical mechanism tabulation method using artificial neural networks (ANNs) for turbulent combustion simulations. The method is employed here in the context of the Large-Eddy Simulation (LES)–Probability Density Function (PDF) approach and the method of stochastic fields for numerical solution, but can also be employed in other methods featuring real-time integration of chemical kinetics. The focus of the paper is on exploring an ANN architecture aiming at improved generalization, which uses a single multilayer perceptron (MLP) for each species over the entire training dataset. This method is shown to outperform previous approaches which take advantage of specialization by clustering the composition space using the Self-Organizing Map (SOM). The ANN training data are generated using the canonical combustion problem of igniting/extinguishing one-dimensional laminar flamelets with a detailed methane combustion mechanism, before being augmented with randomly generated data to produce a hybrid random/flamelet dataset with improved composition space coverage. The ANNs generated in this study are applied to the LES of a turbulent non-premixed CH4/air flame, Sydney flame L. The transported PDF approach is used for reaction source term closure, while numerical solution is obtained using the method of stochastic fields. Very good agreement is observed between direct integration (DI) and the ANNs, meaning that the ANNs can successfully replace the integration of chemical kinetics. The time taken for the reaction source computation is reduced 18-fold, which means that LES–PDF simulations with comprehensive mechanisms can be performed on modest computing resources.
Gate-tunable van der Waals heterostructure based on semimetallic WTe2 and semiconducting MoTe2
Authors: Xie Yuan , Wu Enxiu , Geng Guangyu , Zhang Daihua , Hu Xiaodong , Liu Jing
Published: March 2021

Programmable capability is highly demanded by adaptive multifunctional electronic and optoelectronic devices in various application fields, including logic circuits and data storage and sensing. The ideal platform to develop programmable devices is the van der Waals heterostructures (vdWHs) integrated by atomically thin layered two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides due to their broad distribution of bandgaps and highly tunable electrical and optical properties. Here, we demonstrated a gate-tunable MoTe2/WTe2 heterostructure based on semimetallic Td phase WTe2 and semiconducting 2H phase MoTe2. The developed devices concurrently exhibited a reversible and widely tunable rectification ratio ranging from ∼10−2 to 103, which is over 5 orders of magnitude. Correspondingly, we observed tunable self-excited photocurrent of the MoTe2/WTe2 vdWH, which can be switched between negative and positive values by gate bias. Moreover, the MoTe2/WTe2 vdWH showed an excellent photo-response with the maximum photoresponsivity up to 220 mA W−1 under gate bias with an amplitude of 40. Such widely tunable properties enable the usage of the MoTe2/WTe2 vdWH in multifunctional devices for photovoltaic and logic applications.
Persistence in multilayer ecological network consisting of harvested patches
Authors: Kundu Srilena , Majhi Soumen , Ghosh Dibakar
Published: March 2021

Complex network theory yields a powerful approach to solve the difficulties arising in a major section of ecological systems, prey–predator interaction being one among them. A large variety of ecological systems have been successfully investigated employing the theory of complex networks, and one of the most significant advancements in this theory is the emerging field of multilayer networks. The field of multilayer networks provides a natural framework to accommodate multiple layers of complexities emerging in ecosystems. In this article, we consider prey–predator patches communicating among themselves while being connected by distinct small-world dispersal topologies in two layers of the network. We scrutinize the robustness of the multilayer ecological network sustaining gradually over harvested patches. We thoroughly report the consequences of introducing asymmetries in both interlayer and intralayer dispersal strengths as well as the network topologies on the global persistence of species in the network. Besides numerical simulation, we analytically derive the critical point up to which the network can sustain species in the network. Apart from the results on a purely multiplex framework, we validate our claims for multilayer formalism in which the patches of the layers are different. Interestingly, we observe that due to the interaction between the two layers, species are recovered in the layer that we assume to be extinct initially. Moreover, we find similar results while considering two completely different prey–predator systems, which eventually attests that the outcomes are not model specific.
Wide wavelength-tunable narrow-band thermal radiation from moiré patterns
Authors: Guo Cheng , Guo Yu , Lou Beicheng , Fan Shanhui
Published: March 2021

Wavelength-tunable narrow-band thermal emitters are highly desired for various applications including multigas sensing. However, current thermal emitters suffer from either too broad bandwidth or too narrow tuning range. Here, based on the moiré effect, we provide a scheme of wavelength-tunable narrow-band thermal emitters with tunability over a wide wavelength range and operation at an arbitrary temperature. Thanks to the unique sensitivity of moiré patterns, our emitter achieves a tuning range to bandwidth ratio of 313, which is 68 times larger than the previous largest value ever reported.
Crystal structure of schizorhodopsin reveals mechanism of inward proton pumping
Authors: Higuchi Akimitsu , Shihoya Wataru , Konno Masae , Ikuta Tatsuya , Kandori Hideki , Inoue Keiichi , Nureki Osamu
Published: March 2021

Significance

We present a high-resolution structure of schizorhodopsin (SzR), a new rhodopsin family identified in Asgard archaea. SzRs work as light-driven inward H
+
pumps as bacterial xenorhodopsins. Although SzRs are phylogenetically located at an intermediate position between type-1 microbial rhodopsins and heliorhodopsins, the structure of SzR resembles that of bacteriorhodopsin. Notably, the cytoplasmic parts of the transmembrane helices in SzR are shorter than those in other microbial rhodopsin, and thus the putative H
+
acceptor E81 is located near the cytosol. Thus, we propose a model of untrapped inward H
+
release through a water-mediated transport network, which is different from xenorhodopsins, suggesting essential insights into the convergent evolution of the same molecular function in Asgard archaea and bacteria.
c-di-AMP, a likely master regulator of bacterial K
+
homeostasis machinery, activates a K
+
exporter
Authors: Cereija Tatiana B. , Guerra João P. L. , Jorge João M. P. , Morais-Cabral João H.
Published: March 2021

Significance

The importance of dinucleotides in the control of bacterial physiology is still being uncovered. One of these molecules is c-di-AMP, thought to control the mechanisms of import and export of potassium ions in many bacteria, including pathogens. Maintaining a balanced internal concentration of potassium is crucial for bacterial viability, even during infection. However, there has been a lack of data showing that c-di-AMP effectively changes the activity of potassium transporters. Here, we demonstrate that c-di-AMP increases the activity levels of a potassium exporter and that pH increases the sensitivity of the transporter to c-di-AMP. Our quantitative data support, therefore, the central role of c-di-AMP in the control of the potassium homeostasis machinery in bacteria.
Structure of Gcn1 bound to stalled and colliding 80S ribosomes
Authors: Pochopien Agnieszka A. , Beckert Bertrand , Kasvandik Sergo , Berninghausen Otto , Beckmann Roland , Tenson Tanel , Wilson Daniel N.
Published: March 2021

Significance

There is growing evidence that collisions between ribosomes represent a cellular signal for activating multiple stress pathways, such as ribosome-associated quality control (RQC), the ribotoxic stress response, and the integrated stress response (ISR). Here we illustrate how a single protein can monitor both ribosomes within a disome, by presenting a cryo-electron microscopy structure of a native complex of the ISR protein Gcn1 interacting with both the leading stalled ribosome and the following colliding ribosome. The structure provides insight into the regulation of Gcn2 activation in yeast and has implications for the interplay between the RQC and ISR pathways in eukaryotic cells.
Bemisia tabaci (MED) (silverleaf whitefly).
Authors: Cuthbertson Andrew
Published: March 2021

The exact origin of the MED species of Bemisia tabaci, and the reasons why it became such an important pest are still not fully known. MED species has been identified as a distinct member within the B. tabaci species complex (Tay et al., 2012). MED species is also an effective vector of many different plant viruses which, in conjunction with its high level of polyphagy, make it extremely problematic within agricultural regions where crops may be susceptible to viruses acquired from indigenous plants. Despite Bemisia in general being a tropical/sub-tropical whitefly species, MED species can easily be transported on plant species to temperate regions of the world (Cuthbertson and Vänninen, 2015). Within these cooler regions, MED species can survive within a protected environment and could feasibly spread virus diseases to new locations. It is for this reason that B. tabaci and members of its species complex, including MED species are on EPPO A2 Alert list.
Pteroteinon laufella.
Authors: Cock Matthew
Published: March 2021

Writing about Zophopetes cerymica (which they considered more common) and P. laufella combined, Mariau and Morin (1974) state that attacks can be on palms of all ages, including young palms recently planted out. At this age, defoliation of the plants delays their subsequent development. Outbreaks on older trees are rarer, and the damage often less important; these attacks are generally localized at the edge of plantations. Mariau et al. (1981) add that the highest fronds are the most often damaged. Herder et al. (1994) refer to regular outbreaks of P. laufella on oil palm in southern Côte d'Ivoire. There are no more substantive reports on the impact of the feeding damage by these hesperiids.
Cucumber green mottle mosaic virus.
Authors: Webster Craig , Jones Roger
Published: March 2021

CGMMV is a species of virus in the genus Tobamovirus, which was first described in 1935 in England. Between 1935 and 1985 it spread slowly to other countries, but faster between 1986 and 2006, and rapidly between 2007 and 2018. It now occurs on all continents except South America. In cucurbits, it causes a damaging disease that reduces fruit yields and quality and spreads efficiently by plant-to-plant contact transmission. Outbreaks occur in many cucurbit crops including vegetables and fruits (e.g. squash and melons). CGMMV seed transmission occurs in at least nine different cucurbit crop species and this is the main way the virus has spread worldwide. Importation of contaminated seeds constitutes a considerable biosecurity concern for counties still without CGMMV. Its high stability and its persistence in contaminated plant material and soil allow it to survive between growing seasons, making eradication difficult.
Bactrocera oleae (olive fruit fly).
Authors: Varikou K
Published: March 2021

B. oleae is considered the most important pest of cultivated olives, Olea europaea L., in many of the areas of the Mediterranean basin, affecting the quality and quantity of both olive oil and table olives (Michelakis and Neuenschwander, 1983; Manousis and Moore, 1987; Economopoulos, 2002). Unlike the fruits attacked by most other Bactrocera spp., olives containing larvae of B. oleae are frequently included in the harvested crop and subsequent oil production.
Eichhornia crassipes (water hyacinth).
Authors: Rojas-Sandoval Julissa , Acevedo-Rodríguez Pedro
Published: March 2021

E. crassipes, a native of South America, is a major freshwater weed in most of the frost-free regions of the world and is generally regarded as the most troublesome aquatic plant (Holm et al., 1997). It has been widely planted as a water ornamental around the world because of its striking flowers. Wherever it has encountered suitable environmental conditions it has spread with phenomenal rapidity to form vast monotypic stands in lakes, rivers and rice paddy fields. Then it adversely affects human activities (fishing, water transport) and biodiversity. It is impossible to eradicate, and often only an integrated management strategy, inclusive of biological control, can provide a long-term solution to this pest.
Heracleum mantegazzianum (giant hogweed).
Authors: Mullerova Jana , Parker Chris
Published: March 2021

H. mantegazzianum has spread rapidly in a number of European countries after introduction as an ornamental from its native area in Russia and Georgia. It continues to be available as an ornamental, and also occurs as a contaminant of food produce in international trade, and is therefore likely to spread further. It is an undesirable invader on account of its large size, prolific seed production and vigorous growth leading to gross changes in vegetation, obstruction of access to river banks, soil erosion, and serious dermatological effects on skin contact. A large volume of information on this weed is incorporated into the volume by Pysek et al. (2007b).
Acyrthosiphon pisum (pea aphid).
Authors: Wale Melaku
Published: March 2021

A. pisum is a major pest of pea, lucerne and clover. Severe damage can occur to peas due to direct feeding and virus spread. Direct feeding on pea results in sap being removed from terminal leaves and the stem. Heavy infestations on pea can cause stunting, deformation, wilting and even death. Plants smaller than 15 cm can easily be killed by aphid infestations, although plants bigger than 15 cm usually suffer only relatively minor damage due to direct feeding. Aphids can also feed on pods, causing them to curl, shrink and only partially fill. Direct feeding therefore leads to yield loss and reductions in crop quality. Bommarco (1991) calculated economic losses in pea through a number of seasons due to A. pisum; with observed yield losses of up to 230 kg/ha. Although direct feeding damage is significant, this aphid is primarily an economic pest on pea due to its ability to transmit viruses. Broad beans and a range of other bean crops can also suffer yield losses, through similar direct feeding impacts, from heavy infestations of A. pisum. On peas and beans, A. pisum secretes honeydew from its siphunculi, which can coat plants, reducing photosynthetic efficiency and resulting in the growth of unsightly sooty moulds.
Pear blister canker viroid.
Authors: Hammond Rosemarie W
Published: March 2021

Pear blister canker disease, first reported in France in the 1960's, is caused by pear blister canker viroid (PBCVd). Diseases can occur in several cultivars of pear (Pyrus communis), its major host, but most pear cultivars are tolerant and do not produce symptoms of infection. PBCVd was initially reported in pear and quince, followed by wild pear and nashi and can experimentally infect species in other genera (Chaenomeles, Cydonia, Sorbus, Malus). Transmission through mechanical inoculation from pruning tools and grafting to infective propagative materials is a potential pathway for spread; no animal vector is known and it is not known to be seed transmitted. PBCVd has been reported in several European countries, Malta, Tunisia, Turkey, Australia, Japan, China, and the Americas; the geographic distribution may be underestimated because of symptomless infections in certain hosts. PBCVd was placed on the A1 list in Canada in 1995, listed as a quarantine pest in the United States in 1989, is regarded as quarantine pathogen for Australia, and is listed in a certification scheme to produce clean Pyrus and Cydonia sp. planting material in an OEPP/EPPO Bulletin in 1999 (OEPP/EPPO, 1999).
Peronosclerospora sorghi (sorghum downy mildew).
Authors: Bock Clive H.
Published: March 2021

P. sorghi causes sorghum downy mildew, which can result in severe economic losses of both sorghum and maize. It has been a particularly invasive pathogen: it was introduced to the Americas where it has spread on both sorghum and maize causing considerable damage (Frederiksen et al., 1973). Quarantine restrictions probably maintained the USA free of sorghum downy mildew until the early 1960s (Reyes et al., 1964; Frederiksen, 1980a). Information on the spread of the disease and the damage it causes is available in the literature reporting its spread in the USA (Frederiksen et al., 1970) and elsewhere in the Americas (Frezzi, 1970; Grobman, 1975; Burtica et al., 1992).