bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Combining acoustic tracking and LiDAR to study bat flight behaviour in three-dimensional space
Authors: Hermans Claire , Koblitz Jens C. , Bartholomeus Harm , Stilz Peter , Visser Marcel E. , Spoelstra Kamiel
Published: April 2023

Background

Habitat structure strongly influences niche differentiation, facilitates predator avoidance, and drives species-specific foraging strategies of bats. Vegetation structure is also a strong driver of echolocation call characteristics. The fine-scale assessment of how bats utilise such structures in their natural habitat is instrumental in understanding how habitat composition shapes flight- and acoustic behaviour. However, it is notoriously difficult to study their species-habitat relationship in situ.

Methods

Here, we describe a methodology combining Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) to characterise three-dimensional vegetation structure and acoustic tracking to map bat behaviour. This makes it possible to study fine-scale use of habitat by bats, which is essential to understand spatial niche segregation in bats. Bats were acoustically tracked with microphone arrays and bat calls were classified to bat guild using automated identification. We did this in multiple LiDAR scanned vegetation plots in forest edge habitat. The datasets were spatially aligned to calculate the distance between bats’ positions and vegetation structures.

Results

Our results are a proof of concept of combining LiDAR with acoustic tracking. Although it entails challenges with combining mass-volumes of fine-scale bat movements and vegetation information, we show the feasibility and potential of combining those two methods through two case studies. The first one shows stereotyped flight patterns of pipistrelles around tree trunks, while the second one presents the distance that bats keep to the vegetation in the presence of artificial light.

Conclusion

By combining bat guild specific spatial behaviour with precise information on vegetation structure, the bat guild specific response to habitat characteristics can be studied in great detail. This opens up the possibility to address yet unanswered questions on bat behaviour, such as niche segregation or response to abiotic factors in interaction with natural vegetation. This combination of techniques can also pave the way for other applications linking movement patterns of other vocalizing animals and 3D space reconstruction.
Role of interleukin-5 in allergic fungal sinusitis: deeper insight
Authors: El Ebiary Hassan Alaa Mohamed , Shafik Amr Gouda , El Sharnoby Mohammed Mohammed Kamar , Shash Lobna Sadek , Hamed Amr Hamed Mohamed , Morshed Mohamed Mahmoud Mohamed
Published: April 2023

Background

Chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNP) is an allergic response characterized by type 2 inflammatory reactions mediated by T helper 2 cells (Th2). Th2 is characterized by elevated type 2 cytokines related to the humoral response, including Interleukin-4 (IL-4), IL-5, IL-6, IL-9, IL-10, IL-13, IL-25 and IL-33. Allergic fungal sinusitis (AFS) is a distinguishable form of CRSwNP and is characterized by primary localized disease with non-invasive fungal hyphae, which causes immunoglobulin E (IgE)-mediated mucosal hypersensitivity resulting in the formation of eosinophilic mucin. Interleukin-5 (IL-5) is a pro-inflammatory factor that plays a very important role in eosinophil biology.

Objective

To explore the relation between IL-5 tissue protein expression and AFS.

Methods

A prospective study performed on 70 patients divided into 2 groups (50 cases of AFS and 20 control who underwent septoplasty and partial inferior turbinectomy) to assess the role of IL5 in AFS compared to control.

Results

IL-5 was overexpressed in polyps of AFS patients compared to the control group denoting AFS as an eosinophilic mediated type 2 inflammation and highlighting a positive correlation with Lund MacKay radiological score and Sino-nasal Outcome Test (SNOT-22) score for severity of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) symptoms.

Conclusion

IL-5 plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis and severity of AFS. Thus, our results provide encouraging evidence supporting targeting IL5 as an eligible therapy of promising benefits in AFS.
Cell-intrinsic and -extrinsic roles of the ESCRT-III subunit Shrub in abscission of Drosophila sensory organ precursors
Authors: Bruelle Céline , Pinot Mathieu , Daniel Emeline , Daudé Marion , Mathieu Juliette , Borgne Roland Le
Published: April 2023

Although the molecular mechanisms governing abscission of isolated cells have largely been elucidated, those underlying the abscission of epithelial progenitors surrounded by epidermal cells (ECs), connected via cellular junctions, remain largely unexplored. Here, we investigated the remodeling of the paracellular diffusion barrier ensured by septate junctions (SJs) during cytokinesis of Drosophila sensory organ precursors (SOPs). We found that SOP cytokinesis involves the coordinated, polarized assembly and remodeling of SJs in the dividing cell and its neighbors, which remain connected to the former via membrane protrusions pointing towards the SOP midbody. SJ assembly and midbody basal displacement occur faster in SOPs than in ECs, leading to quicker disentanglement of neighboring cell membrane protrusions prior to midbody release. As reported in isolated cells, the endosomal sorting complex required for the transport-III component Shrub/CHMP4B is recruited at the midbody and cell-autonomously regulates abscission. In addition, Shrub is recruited to membrane protrusions and is required for SJ integrity, and alteration of SJ integrity leads to premature abscission. Our study uncovers cell-intrinsic and -extrinsic functions of Shrub in coordinating remodeling of the SJs and SOP abscission.
Keeping up with the Node
Authors: Zenner Helen , Brown Katherine
Published: April 2023

Summary: An update on Development's community site the Node, including the appointment of correspondents for both the Node and its sister microscopy site FocalPlane.
Reference Dependence and Attribution Bias: Evidence from Real-Effort Experiments
Authors: Bushong Benjamin , Gagnon-Bartsch Tristan
Published: April 2023

We document a form of attribution bias wherein people wrongly ascribe sensations of positive or negative surprise to the underlying disutility of a real-effort task. Participants in our experiments learned from experience about two unfamiliar tasks, one more onerous than the other. We manipulated expectations about which task they would face: some participants were assigned their task by chance, while others knew their assignment in advance. Hours later, we elicited willingness to work again on that same task. Participants assigned the less (more) onerous task by chance were more (less) willing to work than those who knew their assignment in advance. (JEL C91, D84, D91, M54)
Reference Pricing as a Deterrent to Entry: Evidence from the European Pharmaceutical Market
Authors: Maini Luca , Pammolli Fabio
Published: April 2023

External reference pricing (ERP), the practice of benchmarking domestic drug prices to foreign prices, generates an incentive for firms to withhold products from low-income countries. Using a novel moment inequality approach, we estimate a structural model to measure how ERP policies affect access to innovative drugs across Europe. We find that ERP increases entry delays in eight low-income European countries by up to one year per drug. The European Union could remove these delays without replacing ERP by compensating firms through lump-sum transfers at the cost of around €18 million per drug. (JEL L13, L51, L65)
Numerical Scheme for Compartmental Models: New Matlab Software Codes for Numerical Simulation
Authors: Okyere Samuel , Ackora-Prah Joseph , Bonyah Ebenezer , Akwasi Adarkwa Samuel
Published: April 2023

Background: This paper presents a newly developed Matlab code for the numeri-

cal simulation of compartmental/deterministic models. It addresses modeling and

simulation issues concerning compartmental models. The code is easy to under-

stand and edit for the simulation of compartmental models. An alternative codes for

statistical software package R has been proposed for the same model. R software

is freely available for use.

Methods: We proposed a basic SEIR model for illustration purposes. Matlab and

R software codes are developed for the SEIR model which users can follow and

easily understand the computations.

Results: The two codes work on all Matlab and R versions. For models with more

compartments, we suggest using higher version of Matlab and R. Matlab works on

windows, Mac and Linux

Conclusions: New Matlab software codes purposely for numerical simulations of

classical deterministic models which can run on any version of Matlab has been

introduced in this paper. This code can be edited/modify to suit any deterministic

models and any desired output required. An alternative open source free version

has been written in R has been provided as well
Promoting inclusive education: social and emotional learning through the Lens of Universal Design for Learning
Authors: Morton Brenda , Pilgrim Jodi
Published: April 2023

Laste kooliga seotud akadeemilised, sotsiaalsed ja emotsionaalsed vajadused näitavad pidevat kasvutendentsi. Uuringud näitavad, et traumal on õppimisele ja sotsiaalsele arengule märkimisväärne mõju, ning soovitavad keskenduda vastupidavuse suurendamisele sotsiaalse ja emotsionaalse õppe ning  täidesaatvate funktsioonidega seotud oskuste arendamise kaudu. Selles artiklis keskendume sotsiaalsele ja emotsionaalsele õppele kui kaasavale abivahendile, mis aitab koolis tegeleda trauma mõjuga. Uurime sotsiaalset ja emotsionaalset õpet universaalselt kujundatud õppimise prisma kaudu, et toetada õppetundide eesmärgipärast kavandamist vastavalt õppijate mitmekesisusele. Oma artiklis julgustame õpetajaid ümber hindama traditsioonilisi õpetamise ja õppimise mudeleid ning anname ülevaate sellest, kuidas arendada kõigi õpilaste täidesaatvate funktsioonidega seotud oskusi, kasutades sotsiaalset ja emotsionaalset õpet ning universaalselt kujundatud õppimist kui sotsiaalselt vastutustundlikku raamistikku.

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Authors: Eisenschmidt Eve
Published: April 2023

Peeter Mehisto ja Maie Kitsingu raamat "Lessons from Estonia's Education Success Story: Exploring Equity and High Performance through PISA" (2022) annab põhjaliku ülevaate Eestis läbi viidud haridusreformidest ja reformide õppetundidest üldhariduses viimase kolmekümne aasta vältel. Raamat avab sotsiaal- ja hariduspoliitilised vaatenurgad, millega on soovitud kindlustada võrdne ja õiglane arengukeskkond igale lapsele nii koolieelses eas kui ka põhikooli õppurina oma potentsiaali maksimaalseks realiseerimiseks. Tegemist on põhjaliku taasiseseisvumisjärgse perioodi ülevaatega haridusvaldkonna peamistest osistest: õppekavast, õpetajast ja hindamisest.
Propaedeutics of the Difficulties of Future First-Graders in Mastering Functional Literacy
Authors: Sosnina E.
Published: April 2023

The article, based on the practical experience of a primary school teacher, examines the difficulties of transition from preschool to school education, discusses the problem of forming the prerequisites for functional literacy in senior preschool age as a prevention of the difficulties experienced by first graders. The concept of functional literacy and its components are analyzed. The necessity of starting work on the development of functional literacy in the preschool period is proved, and ways are proposed to prevent difficulties for future first graders in mastering functional literacy
The Use of Recreational Educational Publications in the Organization of Leisure Activities for Younger Schoolchildren
Authors: Zelianko Siarhei
Published: April 2023

The article deals with the problem of organizing constructive leisure activities of younger schoolchildren in modern conditions of the development of society. As one of the effective means of forming a culture of leisure among primary school students, the use of recreational educational publications both in the system of formal and non-formal education is substantiated. The possibilities and key characteristics of recreational educational publications are analyzed according to the assessments of buyers of this type of benefits on trading Internet platforms. The results of a content analysis of reviews and comments on the author’s recreational educational publication on the largest online trading platforms Ozon and Wildberries are presented.
Burn wound conversion: clinical implications for the treatment of severe burns
Authors: Asuku Malachy , Shupp Jeffrey W
Published: April 2023

The identification of novel treatments for severe burn wounds relies on accurate clinical assessments of the extent of injury. However, evaluation of burn wound depth can be challenging due to the tendency for burn wounds to progress over time in a little-understood process known as ‘burn wound conversion’. Local factors affecting the burn wound, such as inflammation, oxidative stress-induced tissue damage, vasostasis and bacterial infections, lead to increased cell death by apoptosis or oncosis, while systemic events may promote burn wound conversion. Acute shock, metabolic derangements, age or immunomodulation can modify cytokine secretion, lower immune responses, decrease blood flow or cause bacterial infection at the burn wound site. Therefore, therapeutic approaches targeting specific mechanisms that reduce cell death, improve wound reperfusion and promote tissue regrowth should favourably enhance burn wound healing, and long-term functional and aesthetic outcomes. Our current understanding of these mechanisms mostly comes from animal studies, underscoring the need for extensive research in humans. A streamlined approach would be to investigate the parallels in other disease states that exhibit ischaemia and potential reperfusion, such as ischaemic stroke and myocardial infarction. Moreover, in view of the limited knowledge available on the subject, the need exists for further clinical research into burn wound conversion and novel target pathways to ameliorate its effects. This review describes events that affect the viability of cells at the burn wound site resulting in burn wound conversion, and identifies potential targets for clinical interventions that may diminish burn wound conversion.
The Role of Digitalization in Facilitating Circular Economy
Authors: Boz Ziynet , Martin-Ryals Ana
Published: April 2023

Highlights

A scoping review was conducted by analyzing 68 articles to identify available literature and connections among digitalization, circular economy, and agri-food applications.

Internet of Things, Cloud Computing, and Big Data were the most common Industry 4.0 themes, whereas Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, and Smart Manufacturing are increasingly adopted within industries.

Agri-food industry has unique challenges compared to other industries. Precision agriculture, smart packaging, smart manufacturing, and consumer-level focused solutions are promising.

Food industry also faces policy, economic, and social barriers that need to be addressed to digitalize the circular economy.

Abstract. Circular Economy (CE) and digitalization are two emerging concepts transforming industries, including the agricultural and food industries. Accordingly, there has been growing research interest in these topics and the potential of digital tools to support the transition toward a CE. The aim of this scoping literature review is to identify the synergies and current state of research on digital tools supporting CE concepts in various industries, with an emphasis on agri-food systems. A total of 68 articles, seven of which focus specifically on the agri-food industry, were reviewed. Current digital tools that can support CE concepts as outlined by the ReSOLVE framework were identified and discussed, along with barriers to implementing digital CE approaches. Results from this review suggest that digital tools such as IoT, Cloud Computing, Advanced Sensing, Digital Twins, Robotics, and AI will play a critical role in enabling CE solutions within agri-food systems. But a holistic approach that addresses policy, economic, and social domains in concert with technological development is needed to achieve a tangible pathway toward the implementation of digital CE solutions. Assessment and adoption of specific digitalization approaches offer numerous opportunities for circular economy transformation within agricultural and food systems. Keywords: Circular economy, Digitalization, Food, Agriculture, Industry 4.0.
Noninvasive Method for Measuring the Blood Glucose Level Using a Narrow Band Microstrip Antenna
Authors: Megdad Ayman R. , Aldhaheri Rabah W. , Sobahi Nebras M.
Published: April 2023

In this paper, a narrowband and compact antenna resonating at 6.1 GHz with a peak realized gain of 3.3 dBi is proposed to monitor the glucose concentration in the blood without taking invasive blood samples. The proposed antenna is fabricated using a low-cost FR-4 substrate with compact dimensions of 30 mm × 30 mm × 1.6 mm. The impedance bandwidth of this antenna ranges from 5.2 to 7.1 GHz. For measuring blood glucose levels, a human finger phantom model with dimensions of 15 mm × 12 mm × 10 mm is constructed using the EM simulation (HFSS) environment. The finger phantom consists of different layers such as skin, fat, muscle, blood, and bone modeled at 6.1 GHz using various dielectric materials for various glucose concentrations. The finger phantom model is placed at different locations around the antenna to measure the frequency shift for monitoring glucose concentration in blood samples. The proposed finger phantom model is validated by conducting an experimental study by placing a real human finger around the fabricated antenna and measuring the frequency shift. This study shows a very good agreement with the results obtained by the simulated phantom model. The advantages and outperformance of the proposed sensor are highlighted in terms of the sensitivity obtained and compared with other techniques given in the literature.
Millimeter-wave Wideband High-isolation Antenna Array Based on End-fire Magnetoelectric Dipole Antenna for 5G Applications
Authors: Fan Fang-Fang , Chen Qing-Lin , Qin Kai
Published: April 2023

In this paper, a millimeter-wave (mmW) wideband high-isolation wide-angle scanning antenna is presented. The end-fire magnetoelectric (ME) dipole with wideband impedance characteristic and wide beamwidth is selected. Based on the ME dipole, a 1×4 subarray with a stripline feed network is constructed to get higher antenna efficiency. Then, four 1×4 subarrays are adopted to form a 4×4 array to realize the wide-angle scanning performance. Furthermore, to get better isolation between the subarrays, the beam is tilted on the non-scanning plane; in addition, the resonant split rings are added on the background of the subarrays. With these two measures, the isolation between the subarrays can be effectively reduced, with more than 20 dB over the entire bandwidth. Owing to the wide beamwidth of ME dipole and high isolation between the subarrays, the 4×4 array can obtain the wide-angle scanning characteristic. The final antenna covers an operating bandwidth of 19.5% (24.25-29.5 GHz) with return loss more than 10 dB, which can meet the band in the 5G standard. The beam can scan approximately ±55∘ with a realized gain reduction under 3 dB within the wide operating bandwidth. Also, the simulated radiation efficiency of the array is more than 77% over almost the entire band. The antenna will be a potential candidate to be applied in 5G applications.
La línia XYZ a la Batalla de Llevant. Contextualització històrica i projecte per posar en valor la línia defensiva que aturà a l'exèrcit de Franco
Authors: Fornas Pallarés Alfredo
Published: April 2023

La línia XYZ va ser planificada en el context de la Guerra Civil Espanyola i, en concret, durant la Batalla de Llevant [abril-juliol de 1938]. És considerada, pels seus 150 km de longitud, la línia defensiva més llarga de la Història d’Espanya, ja que partia del Mediterrani, a Almenara [Castelló], i s’adaptava a l’orografia fins arribar a Santa Cruz de Moya [Conca]. Destacà per la seua efectivitat, ja que va aturar a les tropes lleials a Franco fins l’inici de la Batalla de l’Ebre. El present article, per una banda, contextualitza estos esdeveniments des del punt de vista històric, ja que la Batalla de Llevant ha sigut oblidada, o silenciada, per la historiografia durant molt de temps i mereix unes línies. Per altra banda, l’article detalla els objectius i el desenvolupament del projecte «Rutes de Memòria», així com altres propostes relacionades amb el turisme i l’educació, amb la finalitat de donar a conéixer estos recursos patrimonials, protegir-los i aportar un recurs turístic i educatiu que ajude a dinamitzar una zona que en un gran percentatge es troba en risc de despoblament.
Escultures, memòria i didàctica de la Batalla de l'Ebre
Authors: H. Pongiluppi Mar
Published: April 2023

D’ençà del 1939 els espais històrics de la Batalla de l’Ebre van estar sotmesos a un procés de monumentalització. Plaques i monòlits diversos, com també grans monuments, com l’aixecat a Tortosa, van perpetuar la memòria dels vencedors. En acabar la Dictadura franquista van continuar les intervencions al territori amb monuments discrets i plaques que, en general, responien a iniciatives privades. Aquestes peces estaven dedicades, de manera genèrica, a persones d’ambdós bàndols, com també a unitats republicanes o persones concretes víctimes de la contesa. A partir del 2011 el grup de recerca DIDPATRI (Didàctica del Patrimoni) de la Universitat de Barcelona va iniciar una nova dinàmica pel que fa a la memòria històrica ubicant, per primera vegada, plaques escultòriques en bronze dedicades a l’entorn militar de l’Exèrcit Popular de la República, i en relació amb projectes de recerca desenvolupats pel grup.
Nules, un municipi estratègic a la Batalla de Llevant
Authors: Colonques Segarra Alejandro
Published: April 2023

La col·lecció Història i Memòria de la Universitat Jaume I ens presenta el llibre Nules, un municipi estratègic a la Batalla de Llevant, coordinat i editat per Rosa Monlleó, David Oliver i Alfredo Fornas, on es recull els moments viscuts per la població de Nules durant la Guerra Civil, a més a més, analitza la situació estratégica de la localitat, motiu pel qual va ser atacada i enderrocada. La publicació és fruit de les conferències organitzades amb motiu de l’homenatge a Nules amb en el 80ė aniversari de la Guerra Civil.
Utilidad y limitaciones del concepto de servicios ecosistémicos para los análisis críticos acoplados de dinámicas socio-ecológicas
Authors: Ivars Jorge Daniel , Montaña Elma , Larsimont Robin
Published: April 2023

Este artículo explora las potencialidades del concepto de servicios ecosistémicos (SE) para realizar análisis críticos de dinámicas socio-ecológicas acopladas. La frecuente ineficacia de la noción de SE para dar cuenta de dimensiones sociales no sería inherente al concepto, sino fruto de su inscripción en la modernidad ecológica. Esta última exalta una noción de neutralidad científica que contribuye a ocultar relaciones instrumentales de dominación sociedad-ecosistemas propias de dinámicas ambientales capitalistas. Para examinar esta presunción, se mapea la conceptualización de los SE para identificar siete supuestos subyacentes que obturarían el análisis socio-ecológico crítico. El análisis evidencia que el concepto de SE contribuiría a develar y abordar adecuadamente las complejidades de los sistemas socioecológicos si es inscripto en la teoría crítica. Las conclusiones reconocen el valor heurístico del concepto en tanto objeto de frontera, y proveen contexto para un uso alternativo al dominante, compatible con un análisis crítico, espacial e históricamente situado.
Inverse design of dispersion for photonic devices based on LSTM and gradient-free optimization algorithms hybridization
Authors: Yao Tianhang , Huang Tianye , Yan Bin , Ge Mingfeng , Yin Jie , Peng Chuyu , Li Lu , Sun Wufeng , Ping Shum Perry
Published: April 2023

As an inherent property of optical devices, dispersion plays an important role in the areas of optical communication and nonlinear optics. Traditional dispersion optimization approaches are time-consuming and power-hungry. In this paper, to accelerate the design of dispersive optical devices, an indirect inverse design method based on the long short-term memory forward model combined with gradient-free optimization algorithms is proposed. In the case of photonic crystal fiber, the results show that the forward model can predict the group velocity dispersion (GVD) with an accuracy of up to 99.62%, and the calculation speed is more than one thousand times faster than the conventional numerical simulations. The prediction accuracy of the inverse model is higher than 93%, with a calculation time of less than 20 s. In the case of slot waveguide, the results show that the forward model can predict the GVD with a prediction accuracy of 96.99% and the inverse design accuracy goes to 99%. The proposed machine learning model offers an efficient tool for dispersion optimization in both fiber and waveguide platforms.
On-chip digital holographic interferometry for measuring wavefront deformation in transparent samples
Authors: Mach Marek , Psota Pavel , Žídek Karel , Mokrý Pavel
Published: April 2023

This paper describes on-chip digital holographic interferometry for measuring the wavefront deformation of transparent samples. The interferometer is based on a Mach-Zehnder arrangement with a waveguide in the reference arm, which allows for a compact on-chip arrangement. The method thus exploits the sensitivity of digital holographic interferometry and the advantages of the on-chip approach, which provides high spatial resolution over a large area, simplicity, and compactness of the system. The method’s performance is demonstrated by measuring a model glass sample fabricated by depositing SiO2 layers of different thicknesses on a planar glass substrate and visualizing the domain structure in periodically poled lithium niobate. Finally, the results of the measurement made with the on-chip digital holographic interferometer were compared with those made with a conventional Mach-Zehnder type digital holographic interferometer with lens and with a commercial white light interferometer. The comparison of the obtained results indicates that the on-chip digital holographic interferometer provides accuracy comparable to conventional methods while offering the benefits of a large field of view and simplicity.
Gradient torque and its effect on rotational dynamics of optically trapped non-spherical particles in the elliptic Gaussian beam
Authors: Zeng Kai , Pu Junji , Xu Xiangming , Wu Yulie , Xiao Dingbang , Wu Xuezhong
Published: April 2023

Rotational motion of the optically trapped particle is a topic of enduring interest, while the changes of angular velocity in one rotation period remain largely unexplored. Here, we proposed the optical gradient torque in the elliptic Gaussian beam, and the instantaneous angular velocities of alignment and fluctuant rotation of the trapped non-spherical particles are investigated for the first time. The fluctuant rotations of optically trapped particles are observed, and the angular velocity fluctuated twice per rotation period, which can be used to determine the shape of trapped particles. Meanwhile, a compact optical wrench is invented based on the alignment, and its torque is adjustable and is larger than the torque of a linearly polarized wrench with the same power. These results provide a foundation for precisely modelling the rotational dynamics of optically trapped particles, and the presented wrench is expected to be a simple and practical micro-manipulating tool.
Investigation of heterogeneous step-index 2LP-mode multi-core fibers based on a two-ring layout with standard cladding diameter
Authors: Zhao Zheyu , Wang Yizhou , Sato Takanori , Fujisawa Takeshi , Saitoh Kunimasa
Published: April 2023

The numerical results of the step-index 2LP-mode 6-core and 8-core multi-core fibers (MCFs) with 125-µm cladding diameter and two-ring layout for C-band, show that the crosstalk less than −51 and −35 dB/km can be obtained respectively. It is revealed that the two-ring layout is adapted for improving the crosstalk and critical bending radius, also effective for few-mode MCFs as well as single-mode MCFs.
High efficiency grating couplers for strain tunable GaAs quantum dot based entangled photon sources
Authors: Schmidt Constantin , Ma Chenxi , Benthin Frederik , Yang Jingzhong , Rugeramigabo Eddy , Zopf Michael , Ding Fei
Published: April 2023

The on-chip integration of single photon and entangled photon emitters such as epitaxially grown semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) into photonic frameworks is a rapidly evolving research field. GaAs QDs offer a high purity and high degree of entanglement due to in part exhibiting a very small fine structure splitting, along with short radiative lifetimes. Integrating strain-tunable QDs into nanostructures enhances the quantum optical fingerprint of these sources and allows for on-chip manipulation and routing of the generated quantum states of light. Efficient out-coupling of photons for off-chip processing and detection requires carefully engineered mesoscopic structures. Here, we present numerical studies of highly efficient grating couplers reaching up to over 90% transmission. A 2D Gaussian mode overlap of 83.39% for enhanced out-coupling of light from within strain-tunable photonic nanostructures for free-space transmission and single-mode fiber coupling is shown. The photon wavelength under consideration is 780 nm corresponding to the emission from GaAs QDs resembling the 87Rb D2 line. The presented numerical study helps to implement such sources for applications in complex quantum optical networks.
Six-channel programmable coding metasurface simultaneously for orthogonal circular and linear polarizations
Authors: Liu Tonghao , Meng Yueyu , Wang Jiafu , Ma Hua , Zhu Ruichao , Liu Chao , Li Weihan , Chu Zuntian , Sui Sai , Qiu Tianshuo , Tang Wenxuan , Qu Shaobo
Published: April 2023

Metasurfaces have intrigued long-standing research interests and developed multitudinous compelling applications owing to their unprecedented capability for manipulating electromagnetic waves, and the emerging programmable coding metasurfaces (PCMs) provide a real-time reconfigurable platform to dynamically implement customized functions. Nevertheless, most existing PCMs can only act on the single polarization state or perform in the limited polarization channel, which immensely restricts their practical application in multitask intelligent metadevices. Herein, an appealing strategy of the PCM is proposed to realize tunable functions in co-polarized reflection channels of orthogonal circularly polarized waves and in co-polarized and cross-polarized reflection channels of orthogonal linearly polarized waves from 9.0 to 10.5 GHz. In the above six channels, the spin-decoupled programmable meta-atom can achieve high-efficiency reflection and 1-bit digital phase modulation by selecting the specific ON/OFF states of two diodes, and the phase coding sequence of the PCM is dynamically regulated by the field-programmable gate array to generate the desired function. A proof-of-concept prototype is constructed to verify the feasibility of our methodology, and numerous simulation and experimental results are in excellent agreement with the theoretical predictions. This inspiring design opens a new avenue for constructing intelligent metasurfaces with higher serviceability and flexibility, and has tremendous application potential in communication, sensing, and other multifunctional smart metadevices.
Synthetic biology: Learning the way toward high-precision biological design
Authors: Kitano Shohei , Lin Ciai , Foo Jee Loon , Chang Matthew Wook
Published: April 2023

Since its inception, synthetic biology has overcome many technical barriers but is at a crossroads for high-precision biological design. Devising ways to fully utilize big biological data may be the key to achieving greater heights in synthetic biology.
Model certainty in cellular network-driven processes with missing data
Authors: Irvin Michael W. , Ramanathan Arvind , Lopez Carlos F.
Published: April 2023

Mathematical models are often used to explore network-driven cellular processes from a systems perspective. However, a dearth of quantitative data suitable for model calibration leads to models with parameter unidentifiability and questionable predictive power. Here we introduce a combined Bayesian and Machine Learning Measurement Model approach to explore how quantitative and non-quantitative data constrain models of apoptosis execution within a missing data context. We find model prediction accuracy and certainty strongly depend on rigorous data-driven formulations of the measurement, and the size and make-up of the datasets. For instance, two orders of magnitude more ordinal (e.g., immunoblot) data are necessary to achieve accuracy comparable to quantitative (e.g., fluorescence) data for calibration of an apoptosis execution model. Notably, ordinal and nominal (e.g., cell fate observations) non-quantitative data synergize to reduce model uncertainty and improve accuracy. Finally, we demonstrate the potential of a data-driven Measurement Model approach to identify model features that could lead to informative experimental measurements and improve model predictive power.
Genome-scale metabolic modeling reveals metabolic trade-offs associated with lipid production in Rhodotorula toruloides
Authors: Reķēna Alīna , Pinheiro Marina J. , Bonturi Nemailla , Belouah Isma , Tammekivi Eliise , Herodes Koit , Kerkhoven Eduard J. , Lahtvee Petri-Jaan
Published: April 2023

Rhodotorula toruloidesis a non-conventional, oleaginous yeast able to naturally accumulate high amounts of microbial lipids. Constraint-based modeling ofR.toruloideshas been mainly focused on the comparison of experimentally measured and model predicted growth rates, while the intracellular flux patterns have been analyzed on a rather general level. Hence, the intrinsic metabolic properties ofR.toruloidesthat make lipid synthesis possible are not thoroughly understood. At the same time, the lack of diverse physiological data sets has often been the bottleneck to predict accurate fluxes. In this study, we collected detailed physiology data sets ofR.toruloideswhile growing on glucose, xylose, and acetate as the sole carbon source in chemically defined medium. Regardless of the carbon source, the growth was divided into two phases from which proteomic and lipidomic data were collected. Complemental physiological parameters were collected in these two phases and altogether implemented into metabolic models. Simulated intracellular flux patterns demonstrated the role of phosphoketolase in the generation of acetyl-CoA, one of the main precursors during lipid biosynthesis, while the role of ATP citrate lyase was not confirmed. Metabolic modeling on xylose as a carbon substrate was greatly improved by the detection of chirality of D-arabinitol, which together with D-ribulose were involved in an alternative xylose assimilation pathway. Further, flux patterns pointed to metabolic trade-offs associated with NADPH allocation between nitrogen assimilation and lipid biosynthetic pathways, which was linked to large-scale differences in protein and lipid content. This work includes the first extensive multi-condition analysis ofR.toruloidesusing enzyme-constrained models and quantitative proteomics. Further, more precise kcatvalues should extend the application of the newly developed enzyme-constrained models that are publicly available for future studies.
A multiomic approach to defining the essential genome of the globally important pathogen Corynebacterium diphtheriae
Authors: Goodall Emily C. A. , Azevedo Antunes Camila , Möller Jens , Sangal Vartul , Torres Von Vergel L. , Gray Jessica , Cunningham Adam F. , Hoskisson Paul A. , Burkovski Andreas , Henderson Ian R.
Published: April 2023

Diphtheria is a respiratory disease caused by Corynebacterium diphtheriae. While the toxin-based vaccine has helped control outbreaks of the disease since the mid-20th century there has been an increase in cases in recent years, including systemic infections caused by non-toxigenic C. diphtheriae strains. Here we describe the first study of gene essentiality in C. diphtheriae, providing the most-dense Transposon Directed Insertion Sequencing (TraDIS) library in the phylum Actinobacteriota. This high-density library has allowed the identification of conserved genes across the genus and phylum with essential function and enabled the elucidation of essential domains within the resulting proteins including those involved in cell envelope biogenesis. Validation of these data through protein mass spectrometry identified hypothetical and uncharacterized proteins in the proteome which are also represented in the vaccine. These data are an important benchmark and useful resource for the Corynebacterium, Mycobacterium, Nocardia and Rhodococcus research community. It enables the identification of novel antimicrobial and vaccine targets and provides a basis for future studies of Actinobacterial biology.
Oxylipin biosynthetic gene families of Cannabis sativa
Authors: Borrego Eli J. , Robertson Mariah , Taylor James , Schultzhaus Zachary , Espinoza Elida M.
Published: April 2023

Cannabis sativais a global multi-billion-dollar cash crop with numerous industrial uses, including in medicine and recreation where its value is largely owed to the production of pharmacological and psychoactive metabolites known as cannabinoids. Often underappreciated in this role, the lipoxygenase (LOX)-derived green leaf volatiles (GLVs), also known as the scent of cut grass, are the hypothetical origin of hexanoic acid, the initial substrate for cannabinoid biosynthesis. The LOX pathway is best known as the primary source of plant oxylipins, molecules analogous to the eicosanoids from mammalian systems. These molecules are a group of chemically and functionally diverse fatty acid-derived signals that govern nearly all biological processes including plant defense and development. The interaction between oxylipin and cannabinoid biosynthetic pathways remains to be explored. Despite their unique importance in this crop, there has not been a comprehensive investigation focusing on the genes responsible for oxylipin biosynthesis in anyCannabisspecies. This study documents the first genome-wide catalogue of theCannabis sativaoxylipin biosynthetic genes and identified 21LOX, five allene oxide synthases (AOS), three allene oxide cyclases (AOC), one hydroperoxide lyase (HPL), and five 12-oxo-phytodienoic acid reductases (OPR). Gene collinearity analysis found chromosomal regions containing several isoforms maintained acrossCannabis,Arabidopsis, and tomato. Promoter, expression, weighted co-expression genetic network, and functional enrichment analysis provide evidence of tissue- and cultivar-specific transcription and roles for distinct isoforms in oxylipin and cannabinoid biosynthesis. This knowledge facilitates future targeted approaches towardsCannabiscrop improvement and for the manipulation of cannabinoid metabolism.
Comparative costs for critically ill patients with limited English proficiency versus English proficiency
Authors: Barwise Amelia K. , Moriarty James P. , Rosedahl Jordan K. , Soleimani Jalal , Marquez Alberto , Weister Timothy J. , Gajic Ognjen , Borah Bijan J.
Published: April 2023

Objectives

To conduct comparative cost analysis of hospital care for critically ill patients with Limited English Proficiency (LEP) versus patients with English proficiency (controls).

Patients and methods

We conducted a historical cohort study using propensity matching at Mayo Clinic Rochester, a quaternary care academic center. We included hospitalized patients who had at least one admission to ICU during a 10-year period between 1/1/2008-12/31/2017.

Results

Due to substantial differences in baseline characteristics of the groups, propensity matching for the covariates age, sex, race, ethnicity, APACHE 3 score, and Charlson Comorbidity score was used, and we achieved the intended balance. The final cohort included 80,404 patients, 4,246 with LEP and 76,158 controls. Patients with LEP had higher costs during hospital admission to discharge, with a mean cost difference of $3861 (95% CI $822 to $6900, p = 0.013) and also higher costs during index ICU admission to hospital discharge, with a mean cost difference of $3166 (95% CI $231 to $6101, p = 0.035). A propensity matched cohort including only those that survived showed those with LEP had significantly greater mean costs for all outcomes. Sensitivity analysis revealed that international patients with LEP had significantly greater overall hospital costs of $9,240 than patients with LEP who resided in the US (95% CI $3341 to $15,140, p = 0.002).

Conclusion

This is the first study to demonstrate significantly higher costs for patients with LEP experiencing a critical illness. The causes for this may be increased healthcare utilization secondary to communication deficiencies that impede timely decision making about care.
Innovation factor double circulation: Cross-border mobility and the manufacturing industry’s total factor productivity
Authors: Song Wei , He Jing
Published: April 2023

Objectives

The improvement of the manufacturing industry’s total factor productivity depends not only on innovation factor double circulation, but also on cross-border mobility to a large extent.

Methodology

This paper constructs a model that demonstrates the impact of innovation factor double circulation and cross-border flow on the manufacturing industry’s total factor productivity, and it seeks to estimate this impact by using panel data from China’s manufacturing industry taken from the period 2009–2020.

Findings

It finds the path dependence of innovation factors significantly increased their double circulation cost, and did not significantly improve the manufacturing industry’s total factor productivity.

Conclusion

It finds the path dependence of innovation factors significantly increased their double circulation cost, and did not significantly improve the manufacturing industry’s total factor productivity. Cross-border flow improves the marginal efficiency of innovation factors, realizes the spatial agglomeration of high-end innovation factors and greatly promotes the double circulation of innovation factors in a way that effectively improves the manufacturing industry’s total factor productivity.

Implications

These conclusions have profound policy implications: cross-border flows can promote the incremental adjustment of innovation factors; fully release the development potential and toughness of the dual circulation of innovation factors; and are essentially conducive to improving the manufacturing industry’s total factor productivity.
How are Brazilian university students coping with the COVID-19 pandemic? Results of an online survey on psychosocial well-being, perceived burdens, and attitudes toward social distancing and vaccination
Authors: Prado Aneliana da Silva , Kohls Elisabeth , Baldofski Sabrina , Bianchi Alessandra Sant’Anna , Trindade Luciano Imar Palheta , Freitas Joanneliese de Lucas , Rummel-Kluge Christine
Published: April 2023

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic caused significant disruption to education systems worldwide, increasing pre-existing concerns regarding university students’ mental health. Brazil was among the countries most affected by COVID-19 cases and deaths and was considered a pandemic epicenter. This study aimed to investigate Brazilian university students’ mental health status and perceived burdens during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Material and methods

From November 2021 to March 2022, a cross-sectional and anonymous online survey was conducted among students of a Brazilian federal university. Mental health status (depressive symptoms, alcohol and drug consumption) and social and emotional aspects in the pandemic context (social support, perceived stress, loneliness, resilience, and self-efficacy) were assessed with standardized measures. Students’ attitudes toward the COVID-19 pandemic and vaccination and perceived burdens of the pandemic were also investigated.

Results

A total of N = 2,437 students completed the online survey. The PHQ-9 mean sum score was 12.85 (SD = 7.40), while n = 1,488 (61.10%) participants reported a sum score of 10 or more, indicating clinically relevant depressive symptoms. Further, n = 808 (33.1%) of the total sample reported suicidal thoughts. Levels of depressive symptoms, perceived stress, and loneliness were higher among undergraduate/bachelor students than doctoral students. Almost all participants (97.3%) reported being fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Multiple regression analyses showed that being single, having an income decreased during the pandemic, having a previous mental illness, having a chronic somatic condition, not finding positive aspects in the pandemic, lower self-efficacy, lower social support, lower resilience, and higher experienced loneliness were significantly associated with higher levels of depression.

Conclusions

The study showed high levels of depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation among Federal University of Parana students. Therefore, health care providers and universities need to recognize and address mental health issues; psychosocial policies must be enhanced to mitigate the impact of the pandemic on students’ mental health and wellbeing.
Unsupervised, frequent and remote: A novel platform for personalised digital phenotyping of long-term memory in humans
Authors: Bauza Marius , Krstulovic Marino , Krupic Julija
Published: April 2023

Long-term memory tests are commonly used to facilitate the diagnosis of hippocampal-related neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease due to their relatively high specificity and sensitivity to damage to the medial temporal lobes compared to standard commonly used clinical tests. Pathological changes in Alzheimer’s disease start years before the formal diagnosis is made, partially due to testing too late. This proof-of-concept exploratory study aimed to assess the feasibility of introducing an unsupervised digital platform for continuous testing of long-term memory over long periods outside the laboratory environment. To address this challenge, we developed a novel digital platform, hAge (‘healthy Age’), which integrates double spatial alternation, image recognition and visuospatial tasks for frequent remote unsupervised assessment of spatial and non-spatial long-term memory carried out continuously over eight week period. To demonstrate the feasibility of our approach, we tested whether we could achieve sufficient levels of adherence and whether the performance on hAge tasks is comparable to the performance observed in the analogous standard tests measured in the controlled laboratory environments.191 healthy adults (67% females, 18-81 years old) participated in the study. We report an estimated 42.4% adherence level with minimal inclusion criteria. In line with findings using standard laboratory tests, we showed that performance on the spatial alternation task negatively correlated with inter-trial periods and the performance levels on image recognition and visuospatial tasks could be controlled by varying image similarity. Importantly, we demonstrated that frequent engagement with the double spatial alternation task leads to a strong practice effect, previously identified as a potential measure of cognitive decline in MCI patients. Finally, we discuss how lifestyle and motivation confounds may present a serious challenge for cognitive assessment in real-world uncontrolled environments.