bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimal design of an off-grid hybrid renewable energy system considering generation and load uncertainty: the case of Zanjan city, Iran
Authors: Moghaddam Sasan , Bigdeli Mehdi , Moradlou Majid
Published: July 2021

In this paper, designing a hybrid stand-alone photovoltaic/wind energy system with battery storage (PV/WT/Batt) is presented to minimize the total cost of the hybrid system and considering reliability constraints for Zanjan city in Iran country considering generation and load uncertainties. The total cost includes the cost of the system components and load losses cost and also deficit power probability-hourly interruption probability index, which is defined as the reliability constraint. The optimal size of the system components is found using an improved crow search algorithm based on mutation and crossover operators of the genetic algorithm to prevent premature convergence. The optimal designing of the hybrid system is implemented considering the uncertainty of photovoltaic and wind resources as well as the load demand of the system based on the probability distribution functions of uncertain parameters using Monte Carlo simulation. The simulations are implemented in two deterministic and probabilistic scenarios. In the deterministic scenario, the optimal design of various combinations of the hybrid system is investigated in view of the system cost and deficit power probability probability-hourly interruption probability index based on the improved crow search algorithm with and without the cost of load loss. The results of the deterministic scenario showed that the system cost is increased considering the cost of load loss, but the system load is supplied with higher reliability. Also, the deterministic results cleared the superiority of the improved crow search algorithm compared with conventional crow search algorithm and particle swarm optimization methods. Moreover, the results of the system designing showed that considering the uncertainty, the system cost increases, and the reliability is significantly improved. The results cleared that the system cost in deterministic and probabilistic designing is obtained 1.0108 M$ and 1.210 M$, respectively for load supply equal to 153.87 MWh. So, due to the inherent nature of the uncertainty in the renewable resources power generation as well as continuous load changes, a probabilistic approach of the hybrid system designing is necessary to know the accurate cost and reliability.

Article highlights

Effective performance of the proposed method in system designing with lowest cost and higher reliability.

Achieving to a more reliable hybrid energy system with considering cost of load losses in designing.

Increasing the system the cost and improving the reliability considering uncertainties of generation and load.
Synthesis and characterizations of (Mg, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn)O high-entropy oxides
Authors: Desissa Temesgen Debelo , Meja Matusal , Andoshe Dinsefa , Olu Femi , Gochole Fekadu , Bekele Gebisa , Zelekew Osman Ahmed , Temesgen Tatek , Brehane Belay , Kuffi Kumsa D. , Hunde Tadele
Published: July 2021

High-temperature structural ceramic materials require stability in terms of thermal and mechanical properties. High entropy oxides (HEOs) are among the emerging novel family of advanced ceramic materials with peculiar functional properties. However, their thermal stabilities and mechanical properties are not well investigated. In this work, HEO systems were synthesized from binary oxides of MgO, CoO, NiO, CuO, and ZnO using solid-state reaction method at high temperature, after obtaining the individual oxides through co-precipitation methods. The phase purity of as-synthesized and sintered samples was characterized using X-ray powder diffraction, while the microstructural investigation was performed using Scanning electron microscopy. Mechanical property of the sintered samples at different sintering times and temperatures was investigated and the sample sintered at a sintering temperature of 1200 °C for 15 h sintering time showed a maximum Vickers hardness of about 16 GPa. This result is comparable with some of the hard ceramic materials, and therefore the materials could be a potential candidate for structural applications.
Metagenomic Analysis Reveals a Possible Association Between Respiratory Infection and Periodontitis
Authors: Liu Zhenwei , Zhang Tao , Wu Keke , Li Zhongshan , Chen Xiaomin , Jiang Shan , Du Lifeng , Lu Saisai , Lin Chongxiang , Wu Jinyu , Wang Xiaobing
Published: July 2021

Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease that is characterized by progressive destruction of the periodontium and causes tooth loss in adults. Periodontitis is known to be associated with dysbiosis of the oral microflora, which is often linked to various diseases. However, the complexity of plaque microbial communities of periodontitis, antibiotic resistance, and enhanced virulence make this disease difficult to treat. In this study, using metagenomic shotgun sequencing, we investigated the etiology, antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), and virulence genes (VirGs) of periodontitis. We revealed a significant shift in the composition of oral microbiota as well as several functional pathways that were represented significantly more abundantly in periodontitis patients than in controls. In addition, we observed several positively selected ARGs and VirGs with the Ka/Ks ratio > 1 by analyzing our data and a previous periodontitis dataset, indicating that ARGs and VirGs in oral microbiota may be subjected to positive selection. Moreover, 5 of 12 positively selected ARGs and VirGs in periodontitis patients were found in the genomes of respiratory tract pathogens. Of note, 91.8% of the background VirGs with at least one non-synonymous single-nucleotide polymorphism for natural selection were also from respiratory tract pathogens. These observations suggest a potential association between periodontitis and respiratory infection at the gene level. Our study enriches the knowledge of pathogens and functional pathways as well as the positive selection of antibiotic resistance and pathogen virulence in periodontitis patients, and provides evidence at the gene level for an association between periodontitis and respiratory infection.
Constraints and Creativity
Authors: Kupferberg Feiwel
Published: July 2021

This book studies creativity in its own right in the search for a creativity science. If we assume that creativity can best be described by constraint theory, the complexity and paradoxes of creativity can be reduced by dividing it into manageable sections. The model is tested and evidenced by numerous historical cases of pioneering work within the three intellectual fields: science, art, and technology. The model guides non-specialists from the many disciplines studying creativity and demonstrates the first principles of creativity science. Going all the way back to Aristotle, the author makes the basic ideas of the original founder of creativity science accessible and up to date with current research.
The Politics of Order in Informal Markets
Authors: Grossman Shelby
Published: July 2021

Property rights are important for economic exchange, but many governments don't protect them. Private market organizations can fill this gap by providing an institutional structure to enforce agreements, but with this power comes the ability to extort group members. Under what circumstances, then, will private organizations provide a stable environment for economic activity? Based on market case studies and a representative survey of traders in Lagos, Nigeria, this book argues that threats from the government can force an association to behave in ways that promote trade. The findings challenge the conventional wisdom that private good governance in developing countries thrives when the government keeps its hands off private group affairs. Instead, the author argues, leaders among traders behave in ways that promote trade primarily because of the threat of government intrusion.
Applying Canine Detection in Support of Collaborative Archaeology
Authors: Grebenkemper John , Morris Adela , Byrd Brian F. , Engbring Laurel
Published: July 2021

This article explores the use of specially trained canines to detect the location of human burials in nonmodern archaeological contexts. It discusses the history of the discipline, training and field methods, the importance of developing a working relationship with descendant communities, project examples, an assessment of canine detection effectiveness, and ways to select a canine detection team. The article highlights how the application of canine detection training and protocols to the archaeological record makes it possible to locate potential precontact Native American burial areas without ground disturbance. In some cases, probable burial areas located by canines can be confidentially mapped to ensure avoidance during upcoming construction projects. For a variety of reasons, many Native American communities have been wary of embracing this new method to locate ancestral burials. Today, however, canine detection is widely accepted by many tribal groups in California to locate ancestral burials that might be impacted by construction. Although additional controlled studies and rigorous field laboratory experiments are needed to understand the range of variation in efficacy fully, available results in both North America and Europe demonstrate that specially trained canines can often accurately locate human burials that are more than a thousand years old to within a few meters.
‘Let’s be Still’: A school psychologist delivered stillness meditation program for wellbeing
Authors: Yerbury Rachel
Published: July 2021

School counsellors implement preventative programs to build student resilience and coping skills to counteract the rising mental health needs of children in Australia. School-based meditation programs are effective for individuals and groups, with documented benefits. Most literature examines mindfulness meditation, and the current, exploratory study aimed to add to the research breadth by considering stillness meditation. The stillness program ‘Let’s be Still’ is a 10-week, class-based program that was conducted between 2015–2020 by the school psychologist in a regional, independent New South Wales school. Data were collected from questionnaire responses of 169 Year 2 (7–9 years) and five teachers to document what the children had learnt and how it helped them. Thematic analysis of the responses revealed an emphasis on stillness promoting positive emotions and behaviours. Both students and teachers articulated that learning and practising stillness provided the students with tools to be calm, relaxed and settled, to deal with conflict and to have a break from the busyness of the school day. While the study design does not allow generalisability of the program’s effectiveness, this study may offer input for school counsellors considering the implementation of a school-based meditation program.
No Unnecessary Burden: Taxpayers and the Politics of Work, Family, and Welfare
Authors: Michelmore Molly C.
Published: July 2021

The history of the Social Security Amendments of 1967 illuminates the contours of fiscal citizenship. This watershed law created both work requirements for Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC) recipients and new policy instruments, including federal child support enforcement, to compel poor men to fulfill their financial obligations to their families. Welfare reformers claimed that such changes were necessary to protect the rights of taxpayers against the “criminal” predations of welfare recipients. These policy changes initiated in 1967 redefined poor women's non-work, as well as their sexual and reproductive decisions, as crimes against taxpayers. Welfare recipients contested this logic and the policies that flowed from it by insisting on the value of their own domestic labor and rejecting a narrow view of taxpaying citizenship. The resolution of these questions played a critical role in revising the American social contract.
Fashioning an Imperial Metropolis at the 1896 Berliner Gewerbeausstellung
Authors: Arnold Katherine
Published: July 2021

The 1896 Berliner Gewerbeausstellung was a transformative moment for city and nation alike. The exhibition announced Berlin's pre-eminence as a scientific and industrial city and bolstered an emergent German national identity. Including displays of Egypt and Germany's formal colonies also revealed Germany's competence as a colonial power. By illustrating its skill in both aggressive conquest and subtle intervention, city and nation thought themselves capable of competing with European rivals at home and abroad. However, the two visions of colonialism, cloaked in the guise of mass entertainment, have rarely been brought into conversation with one another. This article seeks to discuss this colonial–Oriental dichotomy by focusing on tensions between education and entertainment in display techniques, particularities of racial difference in ethnographic display, the use of advertising, and the insertion of new technologies. Contributing to a deeper understanding of race, empire, and modernity in the German context, the Gewerbeausstellung offers a jumping off point for further comparison to other local, regional, and international exhibitions and an avenue to explore how notions of modernity factored into formal and informal imperial arrangements. Ultimately, it sheds light on how an exhibition helped to fashion a global, imperial city at the turn of the twentieth century.
Carvacryl acetate nanoencapsulated with chitosan/chichá gum exhibits reduced toxicity in mice and decreases the fecal egg count of sheep infected with gastrointestinal nematodes
Authors: André Weibson P. P. , Junior José R. P. , Cavalcante Géssica S. , Ribeiro Wesley L. C. , Araújo-Filho José V. , Morais Selene M. , Oliveira Lorena M. B. , Abreu Flávia O. M. S. , Bevilaqua Claudia M. L.
Published: July 2021

The nanoencapsulation of biocomposites with anthelmintic action has been proposed as an alternative for improving their efficiency. Thus, the current study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of carvacryl acetate nanoencapsulated with biopolymers (nCVA) in the control of sheep gastrointestinal nematodes. CVA was nanoencapsulated with chitosan/chichá gum and characterized in terms of its efficacy of encapsulation (EE), yield and zeta potential. The acute toxicity of nCVA was evaluated in mice. For the fecal egg count reduction test, 40 animals were divided into four groups (n = 10) and orally administered the following treatments: G1, 250 mg kg−1 CVA; G2, 250 mg kg−1 nCVA; G3, chitosan/chichá gum (negative control) and G4, 2.5 mg kg−1 monepantel (positive control). Feces were collected on days 0 and 16 posttreatment to determine the eggs per gram of feces (epg). The EE and yield of nCVA were 72.8 and 57.5%, respectively. The nanoparticles showed a size of 764.5 ± 302.5 nm, and the zeta potential at pH 3.2 was +22.0 mV. nCVA presented a 50% lethal dose (LD50) of 2609 mg kg−1. By 16 days posttreatment, CVA, nCVA and monepantel reduced the epg by 52.9.7, 71.5 and 98.7%, respectively, and the epg of sheep treated with nCVA differed from that of the negative control (P > 0.05) but did not differ from that of sheep treated with CVA. In conclusion, the nanoencapsulation of CVA reduced its toxicity, and nCVA showed anthelmintic activity.
The Harpham Roman Villa in Context: Insights from an Integrated Remote-Sensing Survey on the Yorkshire Wolds
Authors: Maw Eleanor
Published: July 2021

This contribution presents the first overview of an integrated remote-sensing survey undertaken across Harpham Roman Villa, East Yorkshire, and its wider landscape setting. The survey revealed one of the largest Roman courtyard complexes in northern Britain, nestled within an impressive crossroads system that formed part of a multiphase ‘ladder settlement’. The paper considers the impact of the results on both our understanding of this unique landscape and broader methodological approaches to the study of rural settlement in Roman Britain.
Ship detection from coastal surveillance videos via an ensemble Canny-Gaussian-morphology framework
Authors: Chen Xinqiang , Ling Jun , Wang Shengzheng , Yang Yongsheng , Luo Lijuan , Yan Ying
Published: July 2021

Coastal surveillance video helps officials to obtain on-site visual information on maritime traffic situations, which benefits building up the maritime transportation detection infrastructure. The previous ship detection methods focused on detecting distant small ships in maritime videos, with less attention paid to the task of ship detection from coastal surveillance video. To address this challenge, a novel framework is proposed to detect ships from coastal maritime images in three typical traffic situations in three consecutive steps. First the Canny detector is introduced to determine the potential ship edges in each maritime frame. Then, the self-adaptive Gaussian descriptor is employed to accurately rule out noisy edges. Finally, the morphology operator is developed to link the detected separated edges to connected ship contours. The model's performance is tested under three typical maritime traffic situations. The experimental results show that the proposed ship detector achieved satisfactory performance (in terms of precision, accuracy and time cost) compared with other state-of-the-art algorithms. The findings of the study offer the potential of providing real-time visual traffic information to maritime regulators, which is crucial for the development of intelligent maritime transportation.
The Healthy Crew, Clean Vessel, and Set Departure Date Triad: Successful Control of Outbreaks of COVID-19 On Board Four Cargo Vessels
Authors: Codreanu Tudor A. , Pingault Nevada , O’Loughlin Edmond , Armstrong Paul K. , Scalley Benjamin
Published: July 2021

Background:

A variety of infectious diseases can cause outbreaks on board vessels, with both health and economic effects. Internationally, Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreaks have occurred on numerous cruise and cargo vessels and the containment measures, travel restrictions, and border closures continue to make it increasingly difficult for ship operators world-wide to be granted pratique, effect crew changes, and conduct trade. An effective outbreak management strategy is essential to achieve the outcome triad – healthy crew, clean vessel, and set departure date – while maintaining the safety of the on-shore workers and broader community and minimizing disruption to trade. This report describes the principles of COVID-19 outbreak responses on four cargo vessels, including the successful use of one vessel as a quarantine facility.

Methods:

Established principles of management and the experiences of COVID-19 outbreaks on cruise ships elsewhere informed a health-lead, multi-agency, strict 14-day quarantine (Q) regime based on: population density reduction on board; crew segregation; vessel cleaning and sanitation; infection risk zones, access, and control measures; health monitoring; case identification and management; food preparation and delivery; waste management control; communication; and welfare and security.

Findings:

Sixty-five crew were diagnosed with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection (range 2-25; attack rate 10%-81%; 15 asymptomatic). No deaths were recorded, and only one crew was hospitalized for COVID-19-related symptoms but did not require intensive care support. Catering crew were among the cases on three vessels. All non-essential crew (n-EC) and most of the cases were disembarked. During the vessel’s Q period, no further cases were diagnosed on board, and no crew became symptomatic after completion of Q. The outbreak response duration was 15-17 days from initial decision.

No serious health issues were reported, no response staff became infected, and only two Q protocol breaches occurred among crew.

Interpretation:

Despite increasing risk of outbreaks on cargo vessels, maritime trade and crew exchanges must continue. The potential consequences of COVID-19 outbreaks to human life and to trade necessitate a balanced response. The principles described can offer health, financial, operational, and safety advantages.
The automated writing assistance landscape in 2021
Authors: Dale Robert , Viethen Jette
Published: July 2021

Automated writing assistance – a category that encompasses a variety of computer-based tools that help with writing – has been around in one form or another for 60 years, although it’s always been a relatively minor part of the NLP landscape. But the category has been given a substantial boost from recent advances in deep learning. We review some history, look at where things stand today, and consider where things might be going.
Medication Adherence in Adolescents with Psychiatric Disorders
Authors: Both Clara , Mechler Konstantin , Niemeyer Larissa , Jennen-Steinmetz Christine , Hohmann Sarah , Schumm Lucca , Dittmann Ralf W. , Häge Alexander
Published: July 2021

Abstract. Objective: This study investigates whether adolescents’ adherence to psychotropic medication is associated with demographic and socioeconomic factors, and to what extent parents’ assessments of their offspring’s attitudes toward treatment correspond with the adolescents’ self-report. Methods: This study is part of the multicenter SEMA study (Subjective Experience and Medication Adherence in Adolescents with Psychiatric Disorders). Adolescents’ subjective attitudes toward medication and their adherence were assessed using the patient and parent versions of the QATT (Questionnaire on Attitudes Toward Treatment) and the MARS (Medication Adherence Rating Scale). Furthermore, we collected socioeconomic and demographic data. Results: Of the n = 75 adolescents included in the study, n = 45 (60 %) were classified as completely adherent. Patients receiving monotherapy were more often completely adherent than those receiving a combination of different medications. There was no statistically significant association between adherence and demographic or socioeconomic factors. Consensus between adolescents and their parents regarding adolescents’ attitudes toward treatment ranged from slight (κ = 0.157) to fair (κ = 0.205). Conclusion: Incomplete medication adherence in adolescents with psychiatric disorders is a common phenomenon and still poorly understood. Demographic and socioeconomic factors do not seem to be relevant in this respect. However, adolescents’ subjective attitudes towards medication, which parents are presumably unable to adequately assess, warrant more careful consideration in future research.
Schlafverhalten und -auffälligkeiten von Kindern und Jugendlichen einer teilstationären kinder- und jugendpsychiatrischen Inanspruchnahmepopulation: Ergebnisse und Anforderungen an eine systematische Diagnostik
Authors: Hader Saskia , Kratz Oliver , Eichler Anna , Moll Gunther H. , Irlbauer-Müller Viktoria
Published: July 2021

Zusammenfassung. Schlafstörungen sind im Erwachsenen- wie auch im Kindes- und Jugendalter weit verbreitet. Kinder und Jugendliche in kinder- und jugendpsychiatrischer (KJP) Behandlung sind insbesondere davon betroffen. Die kognitive Verhaltenstherapie ist die Behandlung der ersten Wahl bei Schlafstörungen, der eine standardisierte Schlafdiagnostik vorangehen sollte. Im deutschsprachigen Raum fehlen bislang systematische Untersuchungen zur Schlafdiagnostik im teilstationären (TK) KJP-Setting. Für N = 46 Kinder/Jugendliche in TK-KJP-Behandlung wurde ein Schlafprotokoll (7 Tage), ein Schlafanamneseschema (Eltern & Kind/Jugendlicher) sowie ein klinisches Urteil zum Schlafverhalten (Diagnostiker_in) erhoben. Zudem wurde die Eltern-, Selbst- und klinische Beurteilung der psychischen Störung erfasst. Bei 52 % der Kinder/Jugendlichen wurden Schlafauffälligkeiten (= Schlafstörungssymptome im Rahmen komorbider Störungen) oder Schlafstörungen festgestellt, insbesondere Einschlafstörungen oder Ein- und Durchschlafstörungen (26 %). Zudem berichteten 33 % Albträume. Das Schlafverhalten korrelierte signifikant mit externalen Auffälligkeiten ( r = .38 bis .61, p = 02 bis .04), auch beeinflussten Geschlecht (weiblich: p = .01 bis ≤ .001, |d| = 1.57 bis 2.50) und Alter (Ältere: p = .05, |d| = 0.78) das Schlafverhalten signifikant. Es scheinen insbesondere externale Auffälligkeiten einen Zusammenhang zu Schlafstörungen in der teilstationären Population aufzuweisen. Für die systematische Diagnostik der im TK-KJP-Setting vielfach vorliegenden Schlafauffälligkeiten, empfiehlt sich zusammenfassend ein Multi-Informant-Multi-Method-Vorgehen mit einer anschließenden individualisierten kognitiven Verhaltenstherapie der Schlafstörungen – gehäuft bei externalen Auffälligkeiten.
An Integrative Model for Soil Biogeochemistry and Methane Processes. II: Warming and Elevated CO2 Effects on Peatland CH4 Emissions
Authors: Yuan Fenghui , Wang Yihui , Ricciuto Daniel M. , Shi Xiaoying , Yuan Fengming , Hanson Paul J. , Bridgham Scott , Keller Jason , Thornton Peter E. , Xu Xiaofeng
Published: July 2021

Peatlands are one of the largest natural sources for atmospheric methane (CH4), a potent greenhouse gas. Climate warming and elevated atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) are two important environmental factors that have been confirmed to stimulate peatland CH4 emissions; however, the mechanisms underlying enhanced emissions remain elusive. A data‐model integration approach was applied to understand the CH4 processes in a northern temperate peatland under a gradient of warming and doubled atmospheric CO2 concentration. We found that warming and elevated CO2 stimulated CH4 emissions through different mechanisms. Warming initially stimulated but then suppressed vegetative productivity while stimulating soil organic matter (SOM) mineralization and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) fermentation, which led to higher acetate production and enhanced acetoclastic and hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis. Warming also enhanced surface CH4 emissions, which combined with warming‐caused decreases in CH4 solubility led to slightly lower dissolved CH4 concentrations through the soil profiles. Elevated CO2 enhanced ecosystem productivity and SOM mineralization, resulting in higher DOC and acetate concentrations. Higher DOC and acetate concentrations increased acetoclastic and hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis and led to higher dissolved CH4 concentrations and CH4 emissions. Both warming and elevated CO2 had minor impacts on CH4 oxidation. A meta‐analysis of warming and elevated CO2 impacts on carbon cycling in wetlands agreed well with a majority of the modeled mechanisms. This mechanistic understanding of the stimulating impacts of warming and elevated CO2 on peatland CH4 emissions enhances our predictability on the climate‐ecosystem feedback.
Sowing 1,000 Trees into Shanghai’s Urban Fabric
Authors: Rocheleau Jackie
Published: July 2021

A new development blends riverside nature with commercial construction.
Metabolic flexibility of aerobic methanotrophs under anoxic conditions in Arctic lake sediments
Authors: He Ruo , Wang Jing , Pohlman John W , Jia Zhongjun , Chu Yi-Xuan , Wooller Matthew J , Leigh Mary Beth
Published: July 2021

Methane (CH4) emissions from Arctic lakes are a large and growing source of greenhouse gas to the atmosphere with critical implications for global climate. Because Arctic lakes are ice covered for much of the year, understanding the metabolic flexibility of methanotrophs under anoxic conditions would aid in characterizing the mechanisms responsible for limiting CH4 emissions from high-latitude regions. Using sediments from an active CH4 seep in Lake Qalluuraq, Alaska, we conducted DNA-based stable isotope probing (SIP) in anoxic mesocosms and found that aerobic Gammaproteobacterial methanotrophs dominated in assimilating CH4. Aerobic methanotrophs were also detected down to 70 cm deep in sediments at the seep site, where anoxic conditions persist. Metagenomic analyses of the heavy DNA from 13CH4-SIP incubations showed that these aerobic methanotrophs had the capacity to generate intermediates such as methanol, formaldehyde, and formate from CH4 oxidation and to oxidize formaldehyde in the tetrahydromethanopterin (H4MPT)-dependent pathway under anoxic conditions. The high levels of Fe present in sediments, combined with Fe and CH4 profiles in the persistent CH4 seep site, suggested that oxidation of CH4, or, more specifically, its intermediates such as methanol and formaldehyde might be coupled to iron reduction. Aerobic methanotrophs also possessed genes associated with nitrogen and hydrogen metabolism, which might provide potentially alternative energy conservation options under anoxic conditions. These results expand the known metabolic spectrum of aerobic methanotrophs under anoxic conditions and necessitate the re-assessment of the mechanisms underlying CH4 oxidation in the Arctic, especially under lakes that experience extended O2 limitations during ice cover.
Taurodontism in dental genetics
Authors: Chetty Manogari , Roomaney Imaan A. , Beighton Peter
Published: July 2021

Taurodontism is a dental anomaly defined by enlargement of the pulp chamber of multirooted teeth with apical displacement of the pulp floor and bifurcation of the roots. Taurodontism can be an isolated trait or part of a syndrome. A study was conducted to document the dental and craniofacial aspects of genetic thin bone disorders in South Africa. Sixty-four individuals with Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI), one individual with Pyle disease and one with Torg-Winchester syndrome respectively, were assessed clinically, radiographically and at a molecular level. Ten patients with OI XI and those with Pyle disease and Torg-Winchester syndrome had taurodontism. Taurodontism has been identified in several genetic disorders necessitating cognizance of the possible existence and implications of this characteristic when managing patients in the dental environment. Further studies should be directed toward identifying the incidence, etiology, and molecular pathways leading to taurodontism and its relationship to genetic syndromes.
In situ XRD and operando spectra-electrochemical investigation of tetragonal WO3-x nanowire networks for electrochromic supercapacitors
Authors: Wang Shen , Xu Hongbo , Hao Tingting , Wang Peiyuan , Zhang Xiang , Zhang Hongming , Xue Junying , Zhao Jiupeng , Li Yao
Published: July 2021

Electrochromic supercapacitors (ESCs) are appealing for smart electronic device applications due to their advantages of dual-function integration. Unfortunately, the synchronous dual-function evaluation and the essential reaction mechanism are ambiguous. Herein, we constructed a 3D WO3-x nanowire networks/fluorine-doped tin oxide (WO3-x NWNs/FTO) bifunctional electrode for ESCs by a solvothermal self-crystal seeding method. The synchronous correspondence relationship between the optical and electrochemical performances of the WO3-x NWNs/FTO electrode was explored using an operando spectra-electrochemical characterization method. It reveals an excellent areal capacity of 57.57 mF cm−2 with a high corresponding optical modulation (ΔT) of 85.05% and high optical-electrochemical cycling stability. Furthermore, the synergistic reaction mechanism between the Al3+ ion intercalation behavior and the surface pseudocapacitance reaction during electrochemical cycling is revealed utilizing in situ X-ray diffraction. Based on these results, an ESC device was constructed by pairing WO3-x/FTO as the cathode with V2O5 nanoflowers/FTO (V2O5 NFs/FTO) as the anode, which simultaneously deliver high capacity and large optical modulation. Moreover, the energy storage level of the ESC device could be visually monitored by rapid and reversible color transitions in real time. This work provides a promising pathway to developing multi-functional integrated smart supercapacitors.
Mating can initiate stable RNA silencing that overcomes epigenetic recovery
Authors: Devanapally Sindhuja , Raman Pravrutha , Chey Mary , Allgood Samual , Ettefa Farida , Diop Maïgane , Lin Yixin , Cho Yongyi E. , Jose Antony M.
Published: July 2021

Stable epigenetic changes appear uncommon, suggesting that changes typically dissipate or are repaired. Changes that stably alter gene expression across generations presumably require particular conditions that are currently unknown. Here we report that a minimal combination of cis-regulatory sequences can support permanent RNA silencing of a single-copy transgene and its derivatives in C. elegans simply upon mating. Mating disrupts competing RNA-based mechanisms to initiate silencing that can last for >300 generations. This stable silencing requires components of the small RNA pathway and can silence homologous sequences in trans. While animals do not recover from mating-induced silencing, they often recover from and become resistant to trans silencing. Recovery is also observed in most cases when double-stranded RNA is used to silence the same coding sequence in different regulatory contexts that drive germline expression. Therefore, we propose that regulatory features can evolve to oppose permanent and potentially maladaptive responses to transient change.
Extracellular matrix protein-1 secretory isoform promotes ovarian cancer through increasing alternative mRNA splicing and stemness
Authors: Yin Huijing , Wang Jingshu , Li Hui , Yu Yinjue , Wang Xiaoling , Lu Lili , Lv Cuiting , Chang Bin , Jin Wei , Guo Wenwen , Ren Chunxia , Yang Gong
Published: July 2021

Extracellular matrix protein-1 (ECM1) promotes tumorigenesis in multiple organs but the mechanisms associated to ECM1 isoform subtypes have yet to be clarified. We report in this study that the secretory ECM1a isoform induces tumorigenesis through the GPR motif binding to integrin αXβ2 and the activation of AKT/FAK/Rho/cytoskeleton signaling. The ATP binding cassette subfamily G member 1 (ABCG1) transduces the ECM1a-integrin αXβ2 interactive signaling to facilitate the phosphorylation of AKT/FAK/Rho/cytoskeletal molecules and to confer cancer cell cisplatin resistance through up-regulation of the CD326-mediated cell stemness. On the contrary, the non-secretory ECM1b isoform binds myosin and blocks its phosphorylation, impairing cytoskeleton-mediated signaling and tumorigenesis. Moreover, ECM1a induces the expression of the heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein L like (hnRNPLL) protein to favor the alternative mRNA splicing generating ECM1a. ECM1a, αXβ2, ABCG1 and hnRNPLL higher expression associates with poor survival, while ECM1b higher expression associates with good survival. These results highlight ECM1a, integrin αXβ2, hnRNPLL and ABCG1 as potential targets for treating cancers associated with ECM1-activated signaling.
Uncovering the eruptive patterns of the 2019 double paroxysm eruption crisis of Stromboli volcano
Authors: Andronico Daniele , Del Bello Elisabetta , D’Oriano Claudia , Landi Patrizia , Pardini Federica , Scarlato Piergiorgio , de’ Michieli Vitturi Mattia , Taddeucci Jacopo , Cristaldi Antonino , Ciancitto Francesco , Pennacchia Francesco , Ricci Tullio , Valentini Federico
Published: July 2021

In 2019, Stromboli volcano experienced one of the most violent eruptive crises in the last hundred years. Two paroxysmal explosions interrupted the ‘normal’ mild explosive activity during the tourist season. Here we integrate visual and field observations, textural and chemical data of eruptive products, and numerical simulations to analyze the eruptive patterns leading to the paroxysmal explosions. Heralded by 24 days of intensified normal activity and 45 min of lava outpouring, on 3 July a paroxysm ejected ~6 × 107 kg of bombs, lapilli and ash up to 6 km high, damaging the monitoring network and falling towards SW on the inhabited areas. Intensified activity continued until the less energetic, 28 August paroxysm, which dispersed tephra mainly towards NE. We argue that all paroxysms at Stromboli share a common pre-eruptive weeks-to months-long unrest phase, marking the perturbation of the magmatic system. Our analysis points to an urgent implementation of volcanic monitoring at Stromboli to detect such long-term precursors.
An adaptive threshold neuron for recurrent spiking neural networks with nanodevice hardware implementation
Authors: Shaban Ahmed , Bezugam Sai Sukruth , Suri Manan
Published: July 2021

We propose a Double EXponential Adaptive Threshold (DEXAT) neuron model that improves the performance of neuromorphic Recurrent Spiking Neural Networks (RSNNs) by providing faster convergence, higher accuracy and a flexible long short-term memory. We present a hardware efficient methodology to realize the DEXAT neurons using tightly coupled circuit-device interactions and experimentally demonstrate the DEXAT neuron block using oxide based non-filamentary resistive switching devices. Using experimentally extracted parameters we simulate a full RSNN that achieves a classification accuracy of 96.1% on SMNIST dataset and 91% on Google Speech Commands (GSC) dataset. We also demonstrate full end-to-end real-time inference for speech recognition using real fabricated resistive memory circuit based DEXAT neurons. Finally, we investigate the impact of nanodevice variability and endurance illustrating the robustness of DEXAT based RSNNs.
Practical iridium-catalyzed direct α-arylation of N-heteroarenes with (hetero)arylboronic acids by H2O-mediated H2 evolution
Authors: Cao Liang , Zhao He , Guan Rongqing , Jiang Huanfeng , Dixneuf Pierre. H. , Zhang Min
Published: July 2021

Despite the widespread applications of 2-(hetero)aryl N-heteroarenes in numerous fields of science and technology, universal access to such compounds is hampered due to the lack of a general method for their synthesis. Herein, by a H2O-mediated H2-evolution cross-coupling strategy, we report an iridium(III)-catalyzed facile method to direct α-arylation of N-heteroarenes with both aryl and heteroaryl boronic acids, proceeding with broad substrate scope and excellent functional compatibility, oxidant and reductant-free conditions, operational simplicity, easy scalability, and no need for prefunctionalization of N-heteroarenes. This method is applicable for structural modification of biomedical molecules, and offers a practical route for direct access to 2-(hetero)aryl N-heteroarenes, a class of potential cyclometalated C^N ligands and N^N bidentate ligands that are difficult to prepare with the existing α-C-H arylation methods, thus filling an important gap in the capabilities of synthetic organic chemistry.
Potent and protective IGHV3-53/3-66 public antibodies and their shared escape mutant on the spike of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Zhang Qi , Ju Bin , Ge Jiwan , Chan Jasper Fuk-Woo , Cheng Lin , Wang Ruoke , Huang Weijin , Fang Mengqi , Chen Peng , Zhou Bing , Song Shuo , Shan Sisi , Yan Baohua , Zhang Senyan , Ge Xiangyang , Yu Jiazhen , Zhao Juanjuan , Wang Haiyan , Liu Li , Lv Qining , Fu Lili , Shi Xuanling , Yuen Kwok Yung , Liu Lei , Wang Youchun , Chen Zhiwei , Zhang Linqi , Wang Xinquan , Zhang Zheng
Published: July 2021

Neutralizing antibodies (nAbs) to SARS-CoV-2 hold powerful potentials for clinical interventions against COVID-19 disease. However, their common genetic and biologic features remain elusive. Here we interrogate a total of 165 antibodies from eight COVID-19 patients, and find that potent nAbs from different patients have disproportionally high representation of IGHV3-53/3-66 usage, and therefore termed as public antibodies. Crystal structural comparison of these antibodies reveals they share similar angle of approach to RBD, overlap in buried surface and binding residues on RBD, and have substantial spatial clash with receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE2) in binding to RBD. Site-directed mutagenesis confirms these common binding features although some minor differences are found. One representative antibody, P5A-3C8, demonstrates extraordinarily protective efficacy in a golden Syrian hamster model against SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, virus escape analysis identifies a single natural mutation in RBD, namely K417N found in B.1.351 variant from South Africa, abolished the neutralizing activity of these public antibodies. The discovery of public antibodies and shared escape mutation highlight the intricate relationship between antibody response and SARS-CoV-2, and provide critical reference for the development of antibody and vaccine strategies to overcome the antigenic variation of SARS-CoV-2.
Arginine methylation promotes siRNA-binding specificity for a spermatogenesis-specific isoform of the Argonaute protein CSR-1
Authors: Nguyen Dieu An H. , Phillips Carolyn M.
Published: July 2021

CSR-1 is an essential Argonaute protein that binds to a subclass of 22G-RNAs targeting most germline-expressed genes. Here we show that the two isoforms of CSR-1 have distinct expression patterns; CSR-1B is ubiquitously expressed throughout the germline and during all stages of development while CSR-1A expression is restricted to germ cells undergoing spermatogenesis. Furthermore, CSR-1A associates preferentially with 22G-RNAs mapping to spermatogenesis-specific genes whereas CSR-1B-bound small RNAs map predominantly to oogenesis-specific genes. Interestingly, the exon unique to CSR-1A contains multiple dimethylarginine modifications, which are necessary for the preferential binding of CSR-1A to spermatogenesis-specific 22G-RNAs. Thus, we have discovered a regulatory mechanism for C. elegans Argonaute proteins that allows for specificity of small RNA binding between similar Argonaute proteins with overlapping temporal and spatial localization.
Graph neural networks for an accurate and interpretable prediction of the properties of polycrystalline materials
Authors: Dai Minyi , Demirel Mehmet F. , Liang Yingyu , Hu Jia-Mian
Published: July 2021

Various machine learning models have been used to predict the properties of polycrystalline materials, but none of them directly consider the physical interactions among neighboring grains despite such microscopic interactions critically determining macroscopic material properties. Here, we develop a graph neural network (GNN) model for obtaining an embedding of polycrystalline microstructure which incorporates not only the physical features of individual grains but also their interactions. The embedding is then linked to the target property using a feed-forward neural network. Using the magnetostriction of polycrystalline Tb0.3Dy0.7Fe2 alloys as an example, we show that a single GNN model with fixed network architecture and hyperparameters allows for a low prediction error of ~10% over a group of remarkably different microstructures as well as quantifying the importance of each feature in each grain of a microstructure to its magnetostriction. Such a microstructure-graph-based GNN model, therefore, enables an accurate and interpretable prediction of the properties of polycrystalline materials.
Optimal supply chains and power sector benefits of green hydrogen
Authors: Stöckl Fabian , Schill Wolf-Peter , Zerrahn Alexander
Published: July 2021

Green hydrogen can help to decarbonize parts of the transportation sector, but its power sector interactions are not well understood so far. It may contribute to integrating variable renewable energy sources if production is sufficiently flexible in time. Using an open-source co-optimization model of the power sector and four options for supplying hydrogen at German filling stations, we find a trade-off between energy efficiency and temporal flexibility. For lower shares of renewables and hydrogen, more energy-efficient and less flexible small-scale on-site electrolysis is optimal. For higher shares of renewables and/or hydrogen, more flexible but less energy-efficient large-scale hydrogen supply chains gain importance, as they allow to temporally disentangle hydrogen production from demand via storage. Liquid hydrogen emerges as particularly beneficial, followed by liquid organic hydrogen carriers and gaseous hydrogen. Large-scale hydrogen supply chains can deliver substantial power sector benefits, mainly through reduced renewable curtailment. Energy modelers and system planners should consider the distinct flexibility characteristics of hydrogen supply chains in more detail when assessing the role of green hydrogen in future energy transition scenarios. We also propose two alternative cost and emission metrics which could be useful in future analyses.
A novel bidirectional clustering algorithm based on local density
Authors: Lyu Baicheng , Wu Wenhua , Hu Zhiqiang
Published: July 2021

With the widely application of cluster analysis, the number of clusters is gradually increasing, as is the difficulty in selecting the judgment indicators of cluster numbers. Also, small clusters are crucial to discovering the extreme characteristics of data samples, but current clustering algorithms focus mainly on analyzing large clusters. In this paper, a bidirectional clustering algorithm based on local density (BCALoD) is proposed. BCALoD establishes the connection between data points based on local density, can automatically determine the number of clusters, is more sensitive to small clusters, and can reduce the adjusted parameters to a minimum. On the basis of the robustness of cluster number to noise, a denoising method suitable for BCALoD is proposed. Different cutoff distance and cutoff density are assigned to each data cluster, which results in improved clustering performance. Clustering ability of BCALoD is verified by randomly generated datasets and city light satellite images.
The stability of paintings and the molecular structure of the oil paint polymeric network
Authors: Nardelli Francesca , Martini Francesca , Lee Judith , Lluvears-Tenorio Anna , La Nasa Jacopo , Duce Celia , Ormsby Bronwyn , Geppi Marco , Bonaduce Ilaria
Published: July 2021

A molecular-level understanding of the structure of the polymeric network formed upon the curing of air-drying artists’ oil paints still represents a challenge. In this study we used a set of analytical methodologies classically employed for the characterisation of a paint film—based on infrared spectroscopy and mass spectrometry—in combination with solid state NMR (SSNMR), to characterise model paint layers which present different behaviours towards surface cleaning with water, a commonly applied procedure in art conservation. The study demonstrates, with the fundamental contribution of SSNMR, a relationship between the painting stability and the chemical structure of the polymeric network. In particular, it is demonstrated for the first time that a low degree of cross-linking in combination with a high degree of oxidation of the polymeric network render the oil paint layer sensitive to water.
Rotational-invariant speckle-scanning ultrasonography through thick bones
Authors: Liang Siyi , Wang Lidai
Published: July 2021

Ultrasonography is a major medical imaging technique that has been broadly applied in many disease diagnoses. However, due to strong aberration and scattering in the human skull, high-resolution transcranial ultrasonic imaging remains a grand challenge. Here, we explore the rotational-invariant property of ultrasonic speckle and develop high-resolution speckle-scanning ultrasonography to image sub-millimeter-sized features through thick bones. We experimentally validate the rotational invariance of ultrasonic speckle. Based on this property, we scan a random ultrasonic speckle pattern across an object sandwiched between two thick bones so that the object features can be encoded to the ultrasonic waves. After receiving the transmitted ultrasonic waves, we reconstruct the image of the object using an iterative phase retrieval algorithm. We successfully demonstrate imaging of hole and tube features sized as fine as several hundreds of microns between two 0.5 ~ 1-cm-thick bones. With 2.5-MHz excitation and the third-harmonic detection, we measure the spatial resolution as 352 µm. Rotational-invariant speckle-scanning ultrasonography offers a new approach to image through thick bones and paves an avenue towards high-resolution ultrasonic imaging of the human brain.