Nanoscale octopus guiding telomere entanglement: An innovative strategy for inducing apoptosis in cancer cells.

Telomere length plays a crucial role in cellular aging and the risk of diseases. Unlike normal cells, cancer cells can extend their own survival by maintaining telomere stability through telomere maintenance mechanism. Therefore, regulating the lengths of telomeres have emerged as a promising approach for anti-cancer treatment. In this study, we introduce a nanoscale octopus-like structure designed to induce physical entangling of telomere, thereby efficiently triggering telomere dysfunction. The nanoscale octopus, composed of eight-armed PEG (8-arm-PEG), are functionalized with cell penetrating peptide (TAT) to facilitate nuclear entry and are covalently bound to N-Methyl Mesoporphyrin IX (NMM) to target G-quadruplexes (G4s) present in telomeres. The multi-armed configuration of the nanoscale octopus enables targeted binding to multiple G4s, physically disrupting and entangling numerous telomeres, thereby triggering telomere dysfunction. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments indicate that the nanoscale octopus significantly inhibits cancer cell proliferation, induces apoptosis through telomere entanglement, and ultimately suppresses tumor growth. This research offers a novel perspective for the development of innovative anti-cancer interventions and provides potential therapeutic options for targeting telomeres.

Ultra-Strong Protein-Based Hydrogels via Promoting Intermolecular Entanglement of the Amorphous Region.

Proteins are classified as biopolymers which share similar structural features with semi-crystalline polymers. Although their unique biocompatibility facilitates the universal applications of protein-based hydrogels in the biomedical field, the mechanical performances of protein-based hydrogels fall short of practical requirements. Conventional strategies for enhancing mechanical properties focus on forming regularly folded secondary structures as analogs of crystalline regions. This concept is based on proteins as the analogy of semi-crystalline polymers, in which crystalline regions profoundly contribute to the mechanical performances. Even though the contribution of the amorphous region is equally weighted for semi-crystalline polymers, their capacity to improve the mechanical performances of protein-based structures is still undervalued. Herein, the potential of promoting the mechanical performances is explored by controlling the state of amorphous regions in protein-based hydrogels. A fibril protein is chosen, regenerated silk fibroin (RSF), as a model molecule for its similar viscoelasticity with a semi-crystalline polymer. The amorphous regions in the RSF hydrogels are transformed from extended to entangled states through a double-crosslinking method. The formation of entanglement integrates new physically crosslinked points for remarkable improvement in mechanical performances. A robust hydrogel is not only developed but also intended to provide new insights into the structural-property relationship of protein-based hydrogels.

Entanglement harvesting in buckled honeycomb lattices by vacuum fluctuations in a microcavity.

We study the entanglement harvesting between two identical buckled honeycomb lattices placed inside a planar microcavity. By applying time dependent perturbation theory, we obtain quantum correlations between both layers induced by the cavity field. Considering the vacuum state as the initial state of the cavity field and tracing out the time-evolved degrees of freedom, we analyze the entanglement formation using the concurrence measure. We show that the concurrence depends on the virtual photon exchanged and the positions of the layer through the interlayer photon propagator. Furthermore, we find that the formation of entanglement between equal energy electrons tends to be enhanced when they move in perpendicular directions. Our results indicate that a buckled honeycomb structure and a large spin-orbit interaction favor the entanglement harvesting.

A hybrid quantum-classical classification model based on branching multi-scale entanglement renormalization ansatz.

Tensor networks are emerging architectures for implementing quantum classification models. The branching multi-scale entanglement renormalization ansatz (BMERA) is a tensor network known for its enhanced entanglement properties. This paper introduces a hybrid quantum-classical classification model based on BMERA and explores the correlation between circuit layout, expressiveness, and classification accuracy. Additionally, we present an autodifferentiation method for computing the cost function gradient, which serves as a viable option for other hybrid quantum-classical models. Through numerical experiments, we demonstrate the accuracy and robustness of our classification model in tasks such as image recognition and cluster excitation discrimination, offering a novel approach for designing quantum classification models.

A Hybrid Metadetector for Measuring Bell States of Optical Angular Momentum Entanglement.

High-dimensional entanglement of optical angular momentum has shown its enormous potential for increasing robustness and data capacity in quantum communication and information multiplexing, thus offering promising perspectives for quantum information science. To make better use of optical angular momentum entangled states, it is necessary to develop a reliable platform for measuring and analyzing them. Here, we propose a hybrid metadetector of monolayer transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD) integrated with spin Hall nanoantenna arrays for identifying Bell states of optical angular momentum. The corresponding states are converted into path-entangled states of propagative polaritonic modes for detection. Several Bell states in different forms are shown to be identified effectively. TMDs have emerged as an attractive platform for the next generation of on-chip optoelectronic devices. Our work may open up a new horizon for devising integrated quantum circuits based on these two-dimensional van der Waals materials.

New Quantum Private Comparison Using Bell States.

Quantum private comparison (QPC) represents a cryptographic approach that enables two parties to determine whether their confidential data are equivalent, without disclosing the actual values. Most existing QPC protocols utilizing single photons or Bell states are considered highly feasible, but they suffer from inefficiency. To address this issue, we present a novel QPC protocol that capitalizes on the entanglement property of Bell states and local operations to meet the requirements of efficiency. In the proposed protocol, two participants with private inputs perform local operations on shared Bell states received from a semi-honest third party (STP). Afterward, the modified qubits are returned to the STP, who can then determine the equality of the private inputs and relay the results to the participants. A simulation on the IBM Quantum Cloud Platform confirmed the feasibility of our protocol, and a security analysis further demonstrated that the STP and both participants were unable to learn anything about the individual private inputs. In comparison to other QPC protocols, our proposed solution offers superior performance in terms of efficiency.

On the possibility of implementing a quantum entanglement distribution in a biosystem: Microtubules.

The paper considers the possibility of implementing a quantum entanglement distribution in the cell microtubule. It has been shown that a quantum entanglement distribution proposed in the paper determines the process of quantum state teleportation through microtubule tryptophan chain. The work shows that the system of tryptophans in a microtubule essentially is a quantum network that consists of: spatially spaced nodes - tryptophans, quantum communication channels connecting tryptophans and qubits transmitted through these communication channels. The connection between the process of quantum teleportation in living nature and its classical analogue is discussed. The quantum protocol established in the work determines the possible principle of quantum information transmission in biosystems and also in the similar nanostructures.

Quantum Information Patterns Between Atoms in a Molecule.

Quantum information theory provides a powerful toolbox of descriptors that characterize many-electron systems based on quantum information patterns between open quantum systems. Despite the wealth of insights gained in the con- densed matter community, the use of these descriptors to study interactions between atoms in a molecule remains limited. In this study, we develop a quantum information framework for molecules that characterizes the quantum in- formation patterns between quantum atoms as defined in the Quantum Theory of Atoms in Molecules. We show that quantum information analyses capture key properties of quantum atoms and how they interact with their molec- ular environment. Additionally, we show that the presence of bond critical points can remain invariant despite large changes in the quantum information patterns between the quantum atoms. Our findings indicate that quantum infor- mation theory can shed a new light on molecular electronic structure.

Robust and Lubricating Interface Semi-Interpenetrating Network on Inert Polymer Substrates Enabled by Subsurface-Initiated Polymerization.

Lubricating hydrogel coatings on inert rubber and plastic surfaces significantly reduce friction and wear, thus enhancing material durability and lifespan. However, achieving optimal hydration lubrication typically requires a porous polymer network, which unfortunately reduces their mechanical strength and limits their applicability where robust durability and wear-resistance are essential. In the research, a hydrogel coating with remarkable wear resistance and surface stability is developed by forming a semi-interpenetrating polymer network with polymer substrate at the interface. By employing a good solvent swelling method, monomers, and photoinitiators are embedded within the substrates' subsurface, followed by in situ polymerization under ultraviolet light, creating a robust semi-interpenetrating and entangled network structure. This approach, offering a thicker energy-dissipating layer, outperforms traditional surface modifications in wear resistance while preserving anti-fatigue, hydrophilicity, oleophobicity, and other properties. Adaptable to various rubber and plastic substrates by using suitable solvents, this method provides an efficient solution for creating durable, lubricating surfaces, broadening the potential applications in multiple industries.

Stabilization of Non-Native Folds and Programmable Protein Gelation in Compositionally Designed Deep Eutectic Solvents.

Proteins are adjustable units from which biomaterials with designed properties can be developed. However, non-native folded states with controlled topologies are hardly accessible in aqueous environments, limiting their prospects as building blocks. Here, we demonstrate the ability of a series of anhydrous deep eutectic solvents (DESs) to precisely control the conformational landscape of proteins. We reveal that systematic variations in the chemical composition of binary and ternary DESs dictate the stabilization of a wide range of conformations, that is, compact globular folds, intermediate folding states, or unfolded chains, as well as controlling their collective behavior. Besides, different conformational states can be visited by simply adjusting the composition of ternary DESs, allowing for the refolding of unfolded states and vice versa. Notably, we show that these intermediates can trigger the formation of supramolecular gels, also known as eutectogels, where their mechanical properties correlate to the folding state of the protein. Given the inherent vulnerability of proteins outside the native fold in aqueous environments, our findings highlight DESs as tailorable solvents capable of stabilizing various non-native conformations on demand through solvent design.

Raising Two More Fundamental Questions Regarding the Classical Views on the Rheology of Polymer Melts.

The current paradigm of polymer flow assumes that (i) the effect of the molecular weight of the macromolecules, M, and of the temperature, T, on the expression of the viscosity of polymer melts separate; (ii) the molecular weight for entanglement, Mc, is independent of T; and (iii) the determination of Mc by the break in the log viscosity curve against log M unequivocally differentiates un-entangled melts from entangled melts. We use reliable rheological data on monodispersed polystyrene samples from very low molecular weight (M/Mc = 0.015) to relatively high molecular weight (M/Mc = 34) to test the separation of M and T in the expression of the viscosity; we reveal that an overall illusion of the validity of the separation of T and M is mathematically comprehensible, especially at high temperature and for M > 2Mc, but that, strictly speaking, the separation of M and T is not valid, except for certain periodic values of M equal to Mc, 2Mc, 4Mc, 8Mc, 16Mc, etc. (period doubling) organized around a "pole reference" value MR = 4Mc. We also reveal, for M < Mc, the existence of a lower molecular weight limit, M'c = Mc/8 for the onset of the macromolecular behavior (macro-coil). The discrete and periodic values of M that validate the separation of the effect of M and T on the viscosity generate the fragmentation of the molecular range into three rheological ranges. Likewise, we show that the effect of temperature is also fragmented into three rheological ranges for T > Tg: Tg < T< (Tg + 23°), (Tg + 23°) < T < TLL and T > TLL' where TLL is the liquid-liquid temperature. Our conclusion is that the classical formulation of the viscosity of polymer melts is so overly simplified that it is missing important experimental facts, such as period doubling for the separation of T and M, TLL, M'c, and Mc, resulting in its inability to understand the true nature of entanglements. We present in the discussion of the paper the alternative approach to the viscoelastic behavior, "the duality and cross-duality" of the Dual-conformers, showing how this model formalism was used to test mathematically and invalidate the separation of T and M in the classical formulation of viscosity.

Topological Polymer Networks-Enabled Mechanically Strong Polyamide-Imide Aerogel Fibers for Thermal Insulation in Harsh Environments.

Aerogel fibers have sparked substantial interest as attractive candidates for thermal insulation materials. Developing aerogel fibers with the desired porous structure, good knittability, flame retardancy, and high- and low-temperature resistance is of great significance for practical applications; however, that is very challenging, especially by using an efficient method. Herein, mechanically strong and flexible aerogel fibers with remarkable thermal insulation performance are reported, which are achieved by constructing stiff-soft topological polymer networks and a multilevel hollow porous structure. The combination of polyamide-imide (PAI) with stiff chains and polyurethane (PU) with soft chains is first found to be able to form a topological entanglement architecture. More importantly, multilevel hollow pores can be constructed synchronously through just a one-step and green wet-spinning process. The resultant PAI/PU@340 aerogel fibers show an ultrahigh breaking strength of 94.5 MPa and superelastic property with a breaking strain of 20%. Furthermore, they can be knitted into fabrics with a low thermal conductivity of 25 mW/(m·K) and exhibit attractive thermal insulation property under extremely high (300 °C) and low temperatures (-191 °C), implying them as promising candidates for next-generation thermal insulation materials.

Parameterized Multipartite Entanglement and Genuine Entanglement Measures Based on q-Concurrence.

We study genuine multipartite entanglement (GME) and multipartite k-entanglement based on q-concurrence. Well-defined parameterized GME measures and measures of multipartite k-entanglement are presented for arbitrary dimensional n-partite quantum systems. Our GME measures show that the GHZ state is more entangled than the W state. Moreover, our measures are shown to be inequivalent to the existing measures according to entanglement ordering. Detailed examples show that our measures characterize the multipartite entanglement finer than some existing measures, in the sense that our measures identify the difference of two different states while the latter fail.

Entanglement Entropy of Free Fermions with a Random Matrix as a One-Body Hamiltonian.

We consider a quantum system of large size N and its subsystem of size L, assuming that N is much larger than L, which can also be sufficiently large, i.e., 1≪L≲N. A widely accepted mathematical version of this inequality is the asymptotic regime of successive limits: first the macroscopic limit N→∞, then an asymptotic analysis of the entanglement entropy as L→∞. In this paper, we consider another version of the above inequality: the regime of asymptotically proportional L and N, i.e., the simultaneous limits L→∞,N→∞,L/N→λ>0. Specifically, we consider a system of free fermions that is in its ground state, and such that its one-body Hamiltonian is a large random matrix, which is often used to model long-range hopping. By using random matrix theory, we show that in this case, the entanglement entropy obeys the volume law known for systems with short-range hopping but described either by a mixed state or a pure strongly excited state of the Hamiltonian. We also give streamlined proof of Page's formula for the entanglement entropy of black hole radiation for a wide class of typical ground states, thereby proving the universality and the typicality of the formula.

Effects of marine debris and human interactions on the smalltooth sawfish (Pristis pectinata).

Although conservation efforts have reduced threats, the endangered smalltooth sawfish, Pristis pectinata, is still at risk from anthropogenic effects such as entanglement in recreational and commercial fishing gear. From 2017 to 2021, data from field research and the public in Florida documented 176 individuals that were entangled, injured, or killed by debris or human interactions. While entanglements in fishing gear (e.g., trawls, fishing tackle) remain the most frequent threat, interactions with household items have increased. Since 2017, 30 sawfish were reported with encircling debris (e.g., monofilament loops, rubber bands, ball bungee cords) around anterior parts of their bodies. Ball bungee cords have emerged as a problem, likely related to the popularity of their use in securing boat lift canopy covers. Collectively, encircling items have interfered with eye, spiracle, gill, and mouth function. Continued outreach is a priority to address these pollutants, their sources (e.g., manufacturers), and their effects on recovery.

Unified understanding of the impact of semiflexibility, concentration, and molecular weight on macromolecular-scale ring diffusion.

Conformationally fluctuating, globally compact macromolecules such as polymeric rings, single-chain nanoparticles, microgels, and many-arm stars display complex dynamic behaviors due to their rich topological structure and intermolecular organization. Synthetic rings are hybrid objects with conformations that display both ideal random walk and compact globular features, which can serve as models of genomic DNA. To date, emphasis has been placed on the effect of ring molecular weight on their unusual behaviors. Here, we combine simulations and a microscopic force-level theory to build a unified understanding for how key aspects of ring dynamics depend on different tunable molecular properties including backbone rigidity, monomer concentration, degree of traditional entanglement, and molecular weight. Our large-scale molecular dynamics simulations of ring melts with very different backbone stiffnesses reveal unanticipated behaviors which agree well with our generalized theory. This includes a universal master curve for center-of-mass diffusion constants as a function of molecular weight scaled by a chemistry and thermodynamic state-dependent critical molecular weight that generalizes the concept of an entanglement cross-over for linear chains. The key physics is how backbone rigidity and monomer concentration induced changes of the entanglement length, interring packing, degree of interpenetration, and liquid compressibility slow down space-time dynamic-force correlations on macromolecular scales. A power law decay of the center-of-mass diffusion constant with inverse molecular weight squared is the first consequence, followed by an ultraslow activated hopping transport regime. Our results set the stage to address slow dynamics and kinetic arrest in different families of compact synthetic and biological polymeric systems.

g-factor symmetry and topology in semiconductor band states.

The [Formula: see text] tensor, which determines the reaction of Kramers-degenerate states to an applied magnetic field, is of increasing importance in the current design of spin qubits. It is affected by details of heterostructure composition, disorder, and electric fields, but it inherits much of its structure from the effect of the spin-orbit interaction working at the crystal-lattice level. Here, we uncover interesting symmetry and topological features of [Formula: see text] for important valence and conduction bands in silicon, germanium, and gallium arsenide. For all crystals with high (cubic) symmetry, we show that large departures from the nonrelativistic value [Formula: see text] are guaranteed by symmetry. In particular, considering the spin part [Formula: see text], we prove that the scalar function [Formula: see text] must go to zero on closed surfaces in the Brillouin zone, no matter how weak the spin-orbit coupling is. We also prove that for wave vectors [Formula: see text] on these surfaces, the Bloch states [Formula: see text] have maximal spin-orbital entanglement. Using tight-binding calculations, we observe that the surfaces [Formula: see text] exhibit many interesting topological features, exhibiting Lifshitz critical points as understood in Fermi-surface theory.

Formation and resolution of meiotic chromosome entanglements and interlocks.

Interactions between parental chromosomes during the formation of gametes can lead to entanglements, entrapments and interlocks between unrelated chromosomes. If unresolved, these topological constraints can lead to misregulation of exchanges between chromosomes and to chromosome mis-segregation. Interestingly, these configurations are largely resolved by the time parental chromosomes are aligned during pachytene. In this Review, we highlight the inevitability of topologically complex configurations and discuss possible mechanisms to resolve them. We focus on the dynamic nature of a conserved chromosomal interface - the synaptonemal complex - and the chromosome movements that accompany meiosis as potential mechanisms to resolve topological constraints. We highlight the advantages of the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans for understanding biophysical features of the chromosome axis and synaptonemal complex that could contribute to mechanisms underlying interlock resolution. In addition, we highlight advantages of using the zebrafish, Danio rerio, as a model to understand how entanglements and interlocks are avoided and resolved.

The Decoherent Arrow of Time and the Entanglement Past Hypothesis.

If an asymmetry in time does not arise from the fundamental dynamical laws of physics, it may be found in special boundary conditions. The argument normally goes that since thermodynamic entropy in the past is lower than in the future according to the Second Law of Thermodynamics, then tracing this back to the time around the Big Bang means the universe must have started off in a state of very low thermodynamic entropy: the Thermodynamic Past Hypothesis. In this paper, we consider another boundary condition that plays a similar role, but for the decoherent arrow of time, i.e. the subsystems of the universe are more mixed in the future than in the past. According to what we call the Entanglement Past Hypothesis, the initial quantum state of the universe had very low entanglement entropy. We clarify the content of the Entanglement Past Hypothesis, compare it with the Thermodynamic Past Hypothesis, and identify some challenges and open questions for future research.

Disentangling marine plastic impacts in Life Cycle Assessment: Spatially explicit Characterization Factors for ecosystem quality.

Inputs of persistent plastic items to marine environments continue to pose a serious and long-term threat to marine fauna and ecosystem health, justifying further interventions on local and global scales. While Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is frequently used for sustainability evaluations by industries and policymakers, plastic leakage to the environment and its subsequent impacts remains absent from the framework. Incorporating plastic pollution in the assessments requires development of both inventories and impact assessment methods. Here, we propose spatially explicit Characterization Factors (CF) for quantifying the impacts of plastic entanglement on marine megafauna (mammals, birds and reptiles) on a global scale. We utilize Lagrangian particle tracking and a Species Sensitivity Distribution (SSD) model along with species susceptibility records to estimate potential entanglement impacts stemming from lost plastic-based fishing gear. By simulating plastic losses from fishing hotspots within all Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) we provide country-specific impact estimates for use in LCA. The impacts were found to be similar across regions, although the median CF associated with Oceania was higher compared to Europe, Africa and Asia. Our findings underscore the presence of susceptible species across the world and the transboundary issue of plastic pollution. We discuss the application of the factors and identify areas of further refinement that can contribute towards a comprehensive assessment of macroplastic pollution in sustainability assessments. Degradation and beaching rates for different types of fishing gear remain a research gap, along with population-level effects on marine taxa beyond surface breathing megafauna. Increasing the coverage of impacts specific to the marine realm in LCA alongside other stressors can facilitate informed decision-making towards more sustainable marine resource management.