bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A wideband and directive metasurface FPC antenna with toroidal metal structure loading
Authors: Dawar Parul , Abdalla Mahmoud A. 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
In this paper, a novel metasurface-based Fabry−Perot cavity antenna loaded with toroidal metal structures is presented. The antenna is compact, wideband, and has high directivity and a high front-to-back ratio. The idea of the antenna is based on loading a microstrip narrow band patch antenna resonating at 4.5 GHz by a single layer metasurface superstrate and with a toroidal metal structure. The metasurface superstrate comprises a periodic array of square patch cells. Compared to conventional microstrip antenna, the front to back lobe ratio is increased from 7 to 20 dB and the directivity is increased by 7 dB. Also, the antenna impedance bandwidth is 34% which is increased four times. This is the first-ever antenna with enhanced bandwidth and directivity using a single layer of metasurface and that too made up of periodic cell array and has application as an energy harvester.
Biases Beyond the Mean in CMIP6 Extreme Precipitation: A Global Investigation
Authors: Abdelmoaty Hebatallah Mohamed , Papalexiou Simon Michael , Rajulapati Chandra Rupa , AghaKouchak Amir 
Published: October 2021

AbstractClimate models are crucial for assessing climate variability and change. A reliable model for future climate should reasonably simulate the historical climate. Here, we assess the performance of CMIP6 models in reproducing statistical properties of observed annual maxima of daily precipitation. We go beyond the commonly used methods and assess CMIP6 simulations on three scales by performing: (a) univariate comparison based on L‐moments and relative difference measures; (b) bivariate comparison using Kernel densities of mean and L‐variation, and of L‐skewness and L‐kurtosis, and (c) comparison of the entire distribution function using the Generalized Extreme Value () distribution coupled with a novel application of the Anderson‐Darling Goodness‐of‐fit test. The results reveal that the statistical shape properties (related to the frequency and magnitude of extremes) of CMIP6 simulations match well with the observational datasets. The simulated mean and variation differ among the models with 70% of simulations having a difference within10% from the observations. Biases are observed in the bivariate investigation of mean and variation. Several models perform well with the HadGEM3‐GC31‐MM model performing well in all three scales when compared to the ground‐based Global Precipitation Climatology Centre data. Finally, the study highlights biases of CMIP6 models in simulating extreme precipitation in the Arctic, Tropics, arid and semi‐arid regions.
Dynamics of Interannual Eddy Kinetic Energy Modulations in a Western Boundary Current
Authors: Li Junde , Roughan Moninya , Kerry Colette 
Published: October 2021

AbstractAmong Western Boundary Currents, the East Australian Current (EAC) has a more energetic eddy field relative to its mean flow, however, the relationship between upstream transport and downstream eddy kinetic energy (EKE) is still unclear. We investigate the modulation of downstream EKE in the EAC's typical separation region (Tasman EKE Box) (33.S–36.S) based on a long‐term (22‐year), high‐resolution (2.5–6 km) model simulation and satellite altimeter observations from 1994 to 2016. Our results show that the poleward EAC transport at S leads the EKE in the Tasman EKE Box by 93–118 days. Barotropic instabilities are the primary source of EKE, and they control EKE variability in the EAC system. Anticyclonic eddies shed from the EAC dominate from S–S during high‐EKE periods, but in low‐EKE periods anticyclonic eddies penetrate even further south by .
Regionalization of the Red Sea Based on Phytoplankton Phenology: A Satellite Analysis
Authors: Kheireddine Malika , Mayot N. , Ouhssain M. , Jones B. H. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThe current average state of Red Sea phytoplankton phenology needs to be resolved in order to study future variations that could be induced by climate change. Moreover, a regionalization of the Red Sea could help to identify areas of interest and guide in situ sampling strategies. Here, a clustering method used 21 years of satellite surface chlorophyll‐a concentration observations to characterize similar regions of the Red Sea. Four relevant phytoplankton spatiotemporal patterns (i.e., bio‐regions) were found and linked to biophysical interactions occurring in their respective areas. Two of them, located in the northern part the Red Sea, were characterized by a distinct winter‐time phytoplankton bloom induced by mixing events or associated with a convergence zone. The other two, located in the southern regions, were characterized by phytoplankton blooms in summer and winter which might be under the influence of water advected into the Red Sea from the Gulf of Aden in response to the seasonal monsoon winds. Some observed inter‐annual variabilities in these bio‐regions suggested that physical mechanisms could be highly variable in response to variations in air‐sea heat fluxes and ENSO phases in the northern and southern half of the Red Sea, respectively. This study reveals the importance of sustaining in situ measurements in the Red Sea to build a full understanding about the physical processes that contribute to phytoplankton production in this basin.
Altered resting-state functional connectome in major depressive disorder: a mega-analysis from the PsyMRI consortium
Authors: Javaheripour Nooshin , Li Meng , Chand Tara , Krug Axel , Kircher Tilo , Dannlowski Udo , Nenadić Igor , Hamilton J. Paul , Sacchet Matthew D. , Gotlib Ian H. , Walter Henrik , Frodl Thomas , Grimm Simone , Harrison Ben J. , Wolf Christian Robert , Olbrich Sebastian , van Wingen Guido , Pezawas Lukas , Parker Gordon , Hyett Matthew P. , Sämann Philipp G. , Hahn Tim , Steinsträter Olaf , Jansen Andreas , Yuksel Dilara , Kämpe Robin , Davey Christopher G. , Meyer Bernhard , Bartova Lucie , Croy Ilona , Walter Martin , Wagner Gerd 
Published: October 2021

AbstractMajor depressive disorder (MDD) is associated with abnormal neural circuitry. It can be measured by assessing functional connectivity (FC) at resting-state functional MRI, that may help identifying neural markers of MDD and provide further efficient diagnosis and monitor treatment outcomes. The main aim of the present study is to investigate, in an unbiased way, functional alterations in patients with MDD using a large multi-center dataset from the PsyMRI consortium including 1546 participants from 19 centers (www.psymri.com). After applying strict exclusion criteria, the final sample consisted of 606 MDD patients (age: 35.8 ± 11.9 y.o.; females: 60.7%) and 476 healthy participants (age: 33.3 ± 11.0 y.o.; females: 56.7%). We found significant relative hypoconnectivity within somatosensory motor (SMN), salience (SN) networks and between SMN, SN, dorsal attention (DAN), and visual (VN) networks in MDD patients. No significant differences were detected within the default mode (DMN) and frontoparietal networks (FPN). In addition, alterations in network organization were observed in terms of significantly lower network segregation of SMN in MDD patients. Although medicated patients showed significantly lower FC within DMN, FPN, and SN than unmedicated patients, there were no differences between medicated and unmedicated groups in terms of network organization in SMN. We conclude that the network organization of cortical networks, involved in processing of sensory information, might be a more stable neuroimaging marker for MDD than previously assumed alterations in higher-order neural networks like DMN and FPN.
Identification of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase 1 as a potential therapeutic target for pancreatic cancer
Authors: Zhu Xiao-ren , Peng Shi-qing , Wang Le , Chen Xiao-yu , Feng Chun-xia , Liu Yuan-yuan , Chen Min-bin 
Published: October 2021

AbstractPancreatic cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related mortalities and is characterized by rapid disease progression. Identification of novel therapeutic targets for this devastating disease is important. Phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase 1 (PCK1) is the rate-limiting enzyme of gluconeogenesis. The current study tested the expression and potential functions of PCK1 in pancreatic cancer. We show that PCK1 mRNA and protein levels are significantly elevated in human pancreatic cancer tissues and cells. In established and primary pancreatic cancer cells, PCK1 silencing (by shRNA) or CRISPR/Cas9-induced PCK1 knockout potently inhibited cell growth, proliferation, migration and invasion, and induced robust apoptosis activation. Conversely, ectopic overexpression of PCK1 in pancreatic cancer cells accelerated cell proliferation and migration. RNA-seq analyzing of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in PCK1-silenced pancreatic cancer cells implied that DEGs were enriched in the PI3K-Akt-mTOR cascade. In pancreatic cancer cells, Akt-mTOR activation was largely inhibited by PCK1 shRNA, but was augmented after ectopic PCK1 overexpression. In vivo, the growth of PCK1 shRNA-bearing PANC-1 xenografts was largely inhibited in nude mice. Akt-mTOR activation was suppressed in PCK1 shRNA-expressing PANC-1 xenograft tissues. Collectively, PCK1 is a potential therapeutic target for pancreatic cancer.
SARS-CoV-2 binding and neutralizing antibody levels after Ad26.COV2.S vaccination predict durable protection in rhesus macaques
Authors: Roozendaal Ramon , Solforosi Laura , Stieh Daniel J. , Serroyen Jan , Straetemans Roel , Dari Anna , Boulton Muriel , Wegmann Frank , Rosendahl Huber Sietske K. , van der Lubbe Joan E. M. , Hendriks Jenny , Le Gars Mathieu , Dekking Liesbeth , Czapska-Casey Dominika N. , Guimera Nuria , Janssen Sarah , Tete Sarah , Chandrashekar Abishek , Mercado Noe B. , Yu Jingyou , Koudstaal Wouter , Perez-Ruixo Juan J. , Sadoff Jerry , Barouch Dan H. , Schuitemaker Hanneke , Zahn Roland 
Published: October 2021

AbstractSeveral COVID-19 vaccines have recently gained authorization for emergency use. Limited knowledge on duration of immunity and efficacy of these vaccines is currently available. Data on other coronaviruses after natural infection suggest that immunity to SARS-CoV-2 might be short-lived, and preliminary evidence indicates waning antibody titers following SARS-CoV-2 infection. In this work, we model the relationship between immunogenicity and protective efficacy of a series of Ad26 vectors encoding stabilized variants of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein in rhesus macaques and validate the analyses by challenging macaques 6 months after immunization with the Ad26.COV2.S vaccine candidate that has been selected for clinical development. We show that Ad26.COV2.S confers durable protection against replication of SARS-CoV-2 in the lungs that is predicted by the levels of Spike-binding and neutralizing antibodies, indicating that Ad26.COV2.S could confer durable protection in humans and immunological correlates of protection may enable the prediction of durability of protection.
Cleavage of DNA and RNA by PLD3 and PLD4 limits autoinflammatory triggering by multiple sensors
Authors: Gavin Amanda L. , Huang Deli , Blane Tanya R. , Thinnes Therese C. , Murakami Yusuke , Fukui Ryutaro , Miyake Kensuke , Nemazee David 
Published: October 2021

AbstractPhospholipase D3 (PLD3) and PLD4 polymorphisms have been associated with several important inflammatory diseases. Here, we show that PLD3 and PLD4 digest ssRNA in addition to ssDNA as reported previously. Moreover,Pld3−/−Pld4−/−mice accumulate small ssRNAs and develop spontaneous fatal hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) characterized by inflammatory liver damage and overproduction of Interferon (IFN)-γ. Pathology is rescued inUnc93b13d/3dPld3−/−Pld4−/−mice, which lack all endosomal TLR signaling; genetic codeficiency or antibody blockade of TLR9 or TLR7 ameliorates disease less effectively, suggesting that both RNA and DNA sensing by TLRs contributes to inflammation. IFN-γ made a minor contribution to pathology. Elevated type I IFN and some other remaining perturbations inUnc93b13d/3dPld3−/−Pld4−/−mice requires STING (Tmem173). Our results show that PLD3 and PLD4 regulate both endosomal TLR and cytoplasmic/STING nucleic acid sensing pathways and have implications for the treatment of nucleic acid-driven inflammatory disease.
A standardized genome architecture for bacterial synthetic biology (SEGA)
Authors: Bayer Carolyn N. , Rennig Maja , Ehrmann Anja K. , Nørholm Morten H. H. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractChromosomal recombinant gene expression offers a number of advantages over plasmid-based synthetic biology. However, the methods applied for bacterial genome engineering are still challenging and far from being standardized. Here, in an attempt to realize the simplest recombinant genome technology imaginable and facilitate the transition from recombinant plasmids to genomes, we create a simplistic methodology and a comprehensive strain collection called the Standardized Genome Architecture (SEGA). In its simplest form, SEGA enables genome engineering by combining only two reagents: a DNA fragment that can be ordered from a commercial vendor and a stock solution of bacterial cells followed by incubation on agar plates. Recombinant genomes are identified by visual inspection using green-white colony screening akin to classical blue-white screening for recombinant plasmids. The modular nature of SEGA allows precise multi-level control of transcriptional, translational, and post-translational regulation. The SEGA architecture simultaneously supports increased standardization of genetic designs and a broad application range by utilizing well-characterized parts optimized for robust performance in the context of the bacterial genome. Ultimately, its adaption and expansion by the scientific community should improve predictability and comparability of experimental outcomes across different laboratories.
Theory and simulations of condensin mediated loop extrusion in DNA
Authors: Takaki Ryota , Dey Atreya , Shi Guang , Thirumalai D. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractCondensation of hundreds of mega-base-pair-long human chromosomes in a small nuclear volume is a spectacular biological phenomenon. This process is driven by the formation of chromosome loops. The ATP consuming motor, condensin, interacts with chromatin segments to actively extrude loops. Motivated by real-time imaging of loop extrusion (LE), we created an analytically solvable model, predicting the LE velocity and step size distribution as a function of external load. The theory fits the available experimental data quantitatively, and suggests that condensin must undergo a large conformational change, induced by ATP binding, bringing distant parts of the motor to proximity. Simulations using a simple model confirm that the motor transitions between an open and a closed state in order to extrude loops by a scrunching mechanism, similar to that proposed in DNA bubble formation during bacterial transcription. Changes in the orientation of the motor domains are transmitted over ~50 nm, connecting the motor head and the hinge, thus providing an allosteric basis for LE.
Western and non-western gut microbiomes reveal new roles of Prevotella in carbohydrate metabolism and mouth–gut axis
Authors: Prasoodanan P. K. Vishnu , Sharma Ashok K. , Mahajan Shruti , Dhakan Darshan B. , Maji Abhijit , Scaria Joy , Sharma Vineet K. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThe abundance and diversity of host-associated Prevotella species have a profound impact on human health. To investigate the composition, diversity, and functional roles of Prevotella in the human gut, a population-wide analysis was carried out on 586 healthy samples from western and non-western populations including the largest Indian cohort comprising of 200 samples, and 189 Inflammatory Bowel Disease samples from western populations. A higher abundance and diversity of Prevotella copri species enriched in complex plant polysaccharides metabolizing enzymes, particularly pullulanase containing polysaccharide-utilization-loci (PUL), were found in Indian and non-western populations. A higher diversity of oral inflammations-associated Prevotella species and an enrichment of virulence factors and antibiotic resistance genes in the gut microbiome of western populations speculates an existence of a mouth-gut axis. The study revealed the landscape of Prevotella composition in the human gut microbiome and its impact on health in western and non-western populations.
A novel random forest approach to revealing interactions and controls on chlorophyll concentration and bacterial communities during coastal phytoplankton blooms
Authors: Cheng Yiwei , Bhoot Ved N. , Kumbier Karl , Sison-Mangus Marilou P. , Brown James B. , Kudela Raphael , Newcomer Michelle E. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractIncreasing occurrence of harmful algal blooms across the land–water interface poses significant risks to coastal ecosystem structure and human health. Defining significant drivers and their interactive impacts on blooms allows for more effective analysis and identification of specific conditions supporting phytoplankton growth. A novel iterative Random Forests (iRF) machine-learning model was developed and applied to two example cases along the California coast to identify key stable interactions: (1) phytoplankton abundance in response to various drivers due to coastal conditions and land-sea nutrient fluxes, (2) microbial community structure during algal blooms. In Example 1, watershed derived nutrients were identified as the least significant interacting variable associated with Monterey Bay phytoplankton abundance. In Example 2, through iRF analysis of field-based 16S OTU bacterial community and algae datasets, we independently found stable interactions of prokaryote abundance patterns associated with phytoplankton abundance that have been previously identified in laboratory-based studies. Our study represents the first iRF application to marine algal blooms that helps to identify ocean, microbial, and terrestrial conditions that are considered dominant causal factors on bloom dynamics.
A weight regain of 1.5 kg or more and lack of exercise are associated with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease recurrence in men
Authors: Nakanishi Naoko , Hashimoto Yoshitaka , Okamura Takuro , Ohbora Akihiro , Kojima Takao , Hamaguchi Masahide , Fukui Michiaki 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThe importance of maintaining the remission of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has been overlooked. Here we aimed to clarify factors causing NAFLD recurrence. In this retrospective cohort study over 10.8 ± 5.4 years, we investigated 1260 male health check-up participants diagnosed with NAFLD who achieved remission. The data were compared between the maintained remission and recurrence group. Among all participants, 618 (49.0%) showed NAFLD recurrence at the last visit. Participants in the maintained remission group continued to lose weight (72.7 ± 9.1, 68.7 ± 8.5 and 68.2 ± 8.9 kg), whereas those in the recurrence group lost and regained weight (72.9 ± 9.9, 69.7 ± 9.3 and 73.0 ± 10.4 kg). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed a weight regain of + 1.5 kg as the cutoff value for recurrence. The proportion of regular exercisers at the last visit was 34.6% in the maintained remission group and 24.5% in the recurrence group (p < 0.0001). Multivariable analysis revealed the amount of weight regain (in 1 kg increments; adjusted odds ratio, 1.29; 95% confidence interval, 1.24–1.34) and regular exercise at the last visit (adjusted odds ratio, 0.67; 95% confidence interval, 0.55–0.89) were independently associated with recurrence. These findings demonstrate a weight regain of 1.5 kg or more and lack of exercise were associated with NAFLD recurrence.
A smart mask for active defense against airborne pathogens
Authors: Kalavakonda Rohan Reddy , Masna Naren Vikram Raj , Mandal Soumyajit , Bhunia Swarup 
Published: October 2021

AbstractFace masks are a primary preventive measure against airborne pathogens. Thus, they have become one of the keys to controlling the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Common examples, including N95 masks, surgical masks, and face coverings, are passive devices that minimize the spread of suspended pathogens by inserting an aerosol-filtering barrier between the user’s nasal and oral cavities and the environment. However, the filtering process does not adapt to changing pathogen levels or other environmental factors, which reduces its effectiveness in real-world scenarios. This paper addresses the limitations of passive masks by proposing ADAPT, a smart IoT-enabled “active mask”. This wearable device contains a real-time closed-loop control system that senses airborne particles of different sizes near the mask by using an on-board particulate matter (PM) sensor. It then intelligently mitigates the threat by using mist spray, generated by a piezoelectric actuator, to load nearby aerosol particles such that they rapidly fall to the ground. The system is controlled by an on-board micro-controller unit that collects sensor data, analyzes it, and activates the mist generator as necessary. A custom smartphone application enables the user to remotely control the device and also receive real-time alerts related to recharging, refilling, and/or decontamination of the mask before reuse. Experimental results on a working prototype confirm that aerosol clouds rapidly fall to the ground when the mask is activated, thus significantly reducing PM counts near the user. Also, usage of the mask significantly increases local relative humidity levels.
Probing the distinct chemosensitivity of Plasmodium vivax liver stage parasites and demonstration of 8-aminoquinoline radical cure activity in vitro
Authors: Maher Steven P. , Vantaux Amélie , Chaumeau Victor , Chua Adeline C. Y. , Cooper Caitlin A. , Andolina Chiara , Péneau Julie , Rouillier Mélanie , Rizopoulos Zaira , Phal Sivchheng , Piv Eakpor , Vong Chantrea , Phen Sreyvouch , Chhin Chansophea , Tat Baura , Ouk Sivkeng , Doeurk Bros , Kim Saorin , Suriyakan Sangrawee , Kittiphanakun Praphan , Awuku Nana Akua , Conway Amy J. , Jiang Rays H. Y. , Russell Bruce , Bifani Pablo , Campo Brice , Nosten François , Witkowski Benoît , Kyle Dennis E. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractImproved control of Plasmodium vivax malaria can be achieved with the discovery of new antimalarials with radical cure efficacy, including prevention of relapse caused by hypnozoites residing in the liver of patients. We screened several compound libraries against P. vivax liver stages, including 1565 compounds against mature hypnozoites, resulting in one drug-like and several probe-like hits useful for investigating hypnozoite biology. Primaquine and tafenoquine, administered in combination with chloroquine, are currently the only FDA-approved antimalarials for radical cure, yet their activity against mature P. vivax hypnozoites has not yet been demonstrated in vitro. By developing an extended assay, we show both drugs are individually hypnozonticidal and made more potent when partnered with chloroquine, similar to clinically relevant combinations. Post-hoc analyses of screening data revealed excellent performance of ionophore controls and the high quality of single point assays, demonstrating a platform able to support screening of greater compound numbers. A comparison of P. vivax liver stage activity data with that of the P. cynomolgi blood, P. falciparum blood, and P. berghei liver stages reveals overlap in schizonticidal but not hypnozonticidal activity, indicating that the delivery of new radical curative agents killing P. vivax hypnozoites requires an independent and focused drug development test cascade.