bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Superresolution writing assisted by up-conversion nanoparticles for next generation optical data storage
Authors: Gao Le , Zhang Qiming , Gu Min
Published: January 2022

A sub-diffraction writing technique assisted by up-conversion nanoparticles is devised for fabricating nanoscale features with low power consumption. This new method is of significant potential in low-power ultra-high-capacity optical data storage.
Advanced Microscopic Visualization for Structural Characterization of Cellulose Extracted from Saccharum Spontaneum (Kohua Bon) of Assam, India
Authors: Chakraborty Ishita , Kalita Ranjan Dutta , Singh Pinki , Banik Soumyabrata , Govindaraju Indira , Mal Sib Sankar , Zhuo Guan-Yu , Mahato Krishna Kishore , Mazumder Nirmal
Published: January 2022

Alpha, microcrystalline and nanocrystalline cellulose were sequentially extracted from stems and leaves of Saccharum spontaneum and were subjected to morphological and structural characterization using advanced microscopy techniques, including Scanning electron microscopy and nonlinear optical microscopy.
Quartic Solitons from Airy Pulses
Authors: Gaur Deependra Singh , Purohit Ankit , Mishra Akhilesh Kumar
Published: January 2022

We numerically investigate Airy pulse propagation in a medium comprising only fourth-order dispersion and Kerr nonlinearity. For low power input pulse quartic soli- ton shedding is observed.
Simulation and Design of Receiver Array for Light Carrying Orbital Angular Momentum
Authors: McGavick Marco , Avramov-Zamurovic Svetlana
Published: January 2022

Received light intensity is captured by a sensor array that generates images for machine learning recognition software. Results indicate that a binary 12x12 sensor array could decode light carrying orbital angular momentum with 93% accuracy.
Comparison of Coherent and Incoherent Drive in SPASER
Authors: Purohit Ankit , Mishra Akhilesh Kumar
Published: January 2022

This article theoretically demonstrates the superiority of coherent control over the incoherent pump drive in exciting the localized surface plasmon (LSP) modes of a silver nanosphere adjacent to a three-level gain medium.
Single- and Multi-Phonon Subtraction to a Mechanical Thermal State via Optomechanics
Authors: Enzian G. , Freisem L. , Price J. J. , Svela A. Ø. , Clarke J. , Shajilal B. , Janousek J. , Buchler B. C. , Lam P. K. , Vanner M. R.
Published: January 2022

We perform single- and multi-phonon subtraction to a mechanical thermal state in a Brillouin optomechanical system. An increase in the mean mechanical occupation and non-Gaussianity in the s-parameterised Wigner phase-space distribution is observed.
Photoluminescence Emission of a Single Quantum Dot Coupled to Hybrid Photonic Nanostructures: Towards Single-Photon Sources
Authors: Barreda Ángela , Moradi Maryam , Minovich Alexander , Jäger Michael , Schubert Ulrich , Pertsch Thomas , Staude Isabelle
Published: January 2022

We study the photoluminescence enhancement of a single quantum dot coupled to a metal-dielectric hybrid nanostructure, consisting of a gold dimer and silicon directors. This work may find applications in the development of single photon-sources.
Compact symmetric polarization rotator-splitter on InP
Authors: Ito Maiko , Fukui Taichiro , Tanemura Takuo , Nakano Yoshiaki
Published: January 2022

Symmetric polarization rotator-splitter (PRS) is proposed and experimentally demonstrated on InP for the first time. Instead of integrating a mode-selective splitter, we employ a symmetric multimode-interference (MMI) splitter at the output of an adiabatic taper section to extract the linear superpositions of the transverse-electric (TE) and the transverse-magnetic (TM) components of the input signal. As a result, the entire device functions as a PRS with its basis on the S2-S3 plane of the Poincaré sphere, whereas we can fully eliminate complicated asymmetric structures that are challenging to fabricate on InP. Moreover, the adiabatic taper, which operates as a mode-evolution-based polarization converter, is designed judiciously to minimize the overall length. The designed InP PRS with a total length of 750 µm is fabricated by a simple single-etching process. A polarization extinction ratio of more than 16.3 dB and a polarization-dependent loss of 0.67 dB are demonstrated experimentally at a 1550-nm wavelength.
Abruptly autofocusing of generalized circular Airy derivative beams
Authors: Zang Xiang , Dan Wensong , Zhou Yimin , Lv Han , Wang Fei , Cai Yangjian , Zhou Guoquan
Published: January 2022

In this paper, we introduce a novel kind of abrupt autofocusing beams namely the generalized circular Airy derivative beams (CADBs) as an extension of circular Airy beam (CAB). The propagation dynamics of the CADBs is examined theoretically. Our results show that the CADBs exhibit stronger autofocusing ability than the CAB under the same condition. The physical mechanism of the abruptly autofocusing of the CADBs is interpreted by mimicking the Fresnel zone plate lens. Here, the abruptly autofocusing ability is described by a ratio K = Ifm/I0m where Ifm and I0m correspond to the maximum intensities in the focal and the source planes, respectively. As an example, the K-value of the circular Airyprime beam (CAPB, the first-order Airy derivative beam) is about 7 times of that of the CAB. In addition, the CAPB have narrower FWHM (full width at half maxima) in the focus position than the CAB, and the focal spot size of the CAPB is smaller than that of the CAB. Furthermore, we establish an optical system involving a phase-only spatial light modulator to generate the CAPB and measure its autofocusing characteristics experimentally. The measured K-value is about 9.4 percentage error between theory and experiment owing to the imperfection generation of the CAPB. The proposed generalized CADBs will find applications in biomedical treatment, optical manipulation and so on.
High Q-factor, ultrasensitivity slot microring resonator sensor based on chalcogenide glasses
Authors: Zhang Xuelei , Zhou Chenfeng , Luo Ye , Yang Zhen , Zhang Wei , Li Lan , Xu Peipeng , Zhang Peiqing , Xu Tiefeng
Published: January 2022

In this article, the chalcogenide slot waveguide is theoretically studied, and the highest power confinement factors of the slot region and the cladding region are obtained to be 36.3% and 56.7%, respectively. A high-sensitivity chalcogenide slot microring resonator sensor is designed and fabricated by electron-beam lithography and dry etching. The structure increases the sensitivity of the sensor compared with the conventional evanescent field waveguide sensor. The cavity has achieved a quality factor of 1 × 104 by fitting the resonant peaks with the Lorentzian profile, one of the highest quality factors reported for chalcogenide slot microring resonators. The sensor sensitivity is measured to be 471 nm/RIU, which leads to an intrinsic limit of detection of 3.3 × 10­−4 RIU.
Powerful supercontinuum vortices generated by femtosecond vortex beams with thin plates
Authors: Xu Litong , Li Dongwei , Chang Junwei , Li Deming , Xi Tingting , Hao Zuoqiang
Published: January 2022

We demonstrate numerically and experimentally the generation of powerful supercontinuum vortices from femtosecond vortex beams by using multiple thin fused silica plates. The supercontinuum vortices are shown to preserve the vortex phase profile of the initial beam for spectral components ranging from 500 nm to 1200 nm. The transfer of the vortex phase profile results from the inhibition of multiple filamentation and the preservation of the vortex ring with relatively uniform intensity distribution by means of the thin-plate scheme, where the supercontinuum is mainly generated from the self-phase modulation and self-steepening effects. Our scheme works for vortex beams with different topological charges, which provides a simple and effective method to generate supercontinuum vortices with high power.
Quantum Ghost Polarimetry Applied to Samples With Polarization Anisotropy
Authors: Agapov Dmitriy , Magnitskiy Sergey , Chirkin Anatoly
Published: January 2022

The theory of quantum ghost polarimetry is presented, which describes the reconstruction of ghost polarization images in biphoton fluxes generated in the process of spontaneous parametric down-conversion.
Coherent control of the tin-vacancy spin qubit in diamond
Authors: Debroux Romain , Michaels Cathryn P. , Purser Carola M. , Wan Noel , Trusheim Matthew E. , Martínez Jesús Arjona , Parker Ryan A. , Stramma Alexander M. , Chen Kevin C. , de Santis Lorenzo , Alexeev Evgeny M. , Ferrari Andrea C. , Englund Dirk , Gangloff Dorian A. , Atatüre Mete
Published: January 2022

While the tin-vacancy center in diamond (SnV) has demonstrated excellent optical properties [1], spin control has remained elusive. We demonstrate multi-axis control of the SnV spin via an all-optical drive, and use this to demonstrate T2 = 0.30(8) ms.
High-dimensional temporal-mode decoding with a multi-output quantum pulse gate
Authors: Serino L. , Gil-Lopez J. , Ridder W. , Ricken R. , Eigner C. , Brecht B. , Silberhorn C.
Published: January 2022

We demonstrate a multi-output quantum pulse gate that sorts temporal modes (or their superpositions) at telecommunication wavelengths into separate output channels. This device will prove beneficial for high-dimensional quantum information processing in the time-frequency domain.
Ion Qubit Control in a Passively Phase-Stable Optical Standing Wave
Authors: Vasquez Alfredo Ricci , Mordini Carmelo , Zhang Chi , Malinowski Maciej , Kienzler Daniel , Mehta Karan K. , Home Jonathan P.
Published: January 2022

Photonics integrated within a planar ion trap are used to generate phase stable optical standing waves, allowing experimental demonstration of position- and transition-dependent qubit excitation. We discuss application to quantum logic and motion control.
Quantum Randomness Expansion with Uncharacterized Homodyne Detection Secure against Quantum Side-Information
Authors: Primaatmaja Ignatius W. , Zhang Jianran , Haw Jing Yan , Ho Raymond , Zhang Gong , Wang Chao , Lim Charles C.-W.
Published: January 2022

We propose a quantum randomness expansion protocol based on untrusted homodyne detection. We certify the randomness of the output against quantum side-information without assuming that the devices behave identically and independently in each round.
Estimating the Photon-Number Distribution of Photonic Channels for Realistic Devices and Applications in Photonic Quantum Information Processing
Authors: Lavie Emilien , Primaatmaja Ignatius William , Kon Wen Yu , Wang Chao , Lim Charles Ci Wen
Published: January 2022

We present a framework based on linear estimation to reconstruct the input-output statistics of any unknown quantum photonic channel and we highlight two applications: Quantum Key Distribution and Time-Correlated Single Photon Counting with homo-dyne detectors.
Far-infrared sensing by correlated photons
Authors: Paterova Anna V. , Toa Zi S.D. , Yang Hongzhi , Krivitsky Leonid A.
Published: January 2022

We extend a sensing method based on interferometry of correlated photon pairs to the fingerprint infrared region. The technique allows performing infrared sensing by detecting near infrared light, and holds potential for environmental control applications.
A Quantum Key Distribution Testbed Using Plug&Play Telecom-Wavelength Single-Photons
Authors: Rickert Lucas , Gao Timm , Urban Felix , Große Jan , Srocka Nicole , Rodt Sven , Musiat Anna , Żołnacz Kinga , Mergo Paweł , Dybka Kamil , Urbańczyk Wacław , Sęk Grzegorz , Burger Sven , Reitzenstein Stephan , Heindel Tobias
Published: January 2022

We report on BB84 quantum key distribution tests employing a benchtop plug&play quantum-dot based single-photon source operating at O-band wavelengths. We perform a detailed characterization and exploit optimized temporal filters to maximize the tolerable losses.
Preparation and Laser Trapping of Cold Circular Rydberg Atoms for Quantum Simulation
Authors: Méhaignerie P. , Cortinas R. , Favier M. , Ravon B. , Machu Y. , Raimond J.M. , Sayrin C. , Brune M.
Published: January 2022

We report on our recent experimental results that pave the way for the realization of quantum simulations with Circular Rydberg atoms: we present the preparation and laser-trapping of these states in an optical-access cryostat.
Ab-initio Automated Optimization of Nonlocality in Photonic Quantum States
Authors: Poderini Davide , Polino Emanuele , Rodari Giovanni , Suprano Alessia , Sciarrino Fabio , Chaves Rafael
Published: January 2022

We push to the limit the device-independent paradigm by implementing an adaptive automated algorithm able to optimize the nonclassicality of unknown quantum systems, tuning parameters with unknown response functions.
A long-lived spin qubit in an optically active semiconductor quantum dot
Authors: Zaporski Leon , Bodey Jonathan H. , Shofer Noah , Manna Santanu , Jackson Daniel M. , da Silva Saimon Covre , Haeusler Urs , Atatiire Mete , Gangloff Dorian A. , Rastelli Armando , Le Gall Claire
Published: January 2022

We report on the first spin-control experiments in optically active GaAs/AlGaAs quantum dots. Using dynamic decoupling, we retain a quantum superposition for up to 27 μs, a ten-fold improvement over the state-of-the-art.
Optical Investigation of GeV Center in Diamond Observation of Energy Level Fluctuations and Blinking
Authors: Bergamin M. , Raquena D. A. , Radko I. , Janitz E. , Childress L. , Huck A. , Andersen U. L.
Published: January 2022

We report on the detailed spectroscopic investigation of a deeply implanted Germanium vacancy centers in diamond at cryogenic temperatures and using a resonant cross-polarization excitation scheme.
Quantum cryptography with a full-fledged photonic integrated chip system
Authors: Marangon Davide G. , Paraïso Taofiq K. , Roger Thomas , De Marco Innocenzo , Sanzaro Mirko , Woodward Robert , Dynes James , Yuan Zhiliang , Shields Andrew J.
Published: January 2022

Integrated photonics can enable a wide deployment of quantum cryptography but this integration is technologically challenging. We addressed the challenges and built a complete, real-time and deployable quantum key distribution system based on integrated photonics.
Telecom-heralded entanglement distribution between remote multimode solid-state quantum memories
Authors: Grandi Samuele , Lago-Rivera Dario , Rakonjac Jelena V. , Seri Alessandro , de Riedmatten Hugues
Published: January 2022

We demonstrate entanglement between two quantum nodes. The entanglement is generated by parametric down conversion, heralded by telecom photons and stored in multimode rare-earth based quantum memories. The memories share a delocalized excitation.
Entanglement-Assisted Communication Surpassing the Ultimate Classical Capacity
Authors: Hao Shuhong , Shi Haowei , Li Wei , Shapiro Jeffrey H. , Zhuang Quntao , Zhang Zheshen
Published: January 2022

We report experimental entanglement-assisted communication above the ultimate classical capacity set by the Holevo-Schumacher-Westmorel bound. A high-efficiency entanglement source and a phase-conjugate quantum receiver reap the benefit of pre-shared entanglement over lossy and noisy channels.
Sub-shot noise absorption measurements using a Skipper-CCD and twin-beams: a work in progress
Authors: Magnoni Agustina G. , Bonetto Muriel , Estrada Juan , Larotonda Miguel A. , Rodrigues Dario
Published: January 2022

We present the work in progress of a proposed scheme for a transmission measurement that combines quantum light with sub-Poissonian statistics with novel Skipper-CCD sensors to obtain a quantum advantage in ultra-low light regimes.
Cross-validated Optical Thermometry using Diamond containing Dual-defect Centers
Authors: Gupta Madhav , Tongtong Zhang , Chu Zhiqin
Published: January 2022

By measuring ODMR spectrum of NV centers and PL spectrum of SiV centers simultaneously, we demonstrate high-precision optical thermometry using two independent mechanisms cross-validating each other in a diamond sample with dual-defect centers.
Security Assessment of Quantum Networks
Authors: Huang Yizhi , Zhang Xingjian , Zhou Hongyi , Ma Xiongfeng
Published: January 2022

Quantum network is undergoing exciting develop-ments. To address the practical issues in it, we design new key management algorithms, and a routing scheme with delayed privacy ampli ication to reduce the trustworthiness requirement on relays.
Benchmarking a Quantum Random Number Generator with Machine Learning
Authors: Haw Jing Yan , Truong Nhan Duy , Ng Hong Jie , Ho Raymond , Assad Syed , Wang Chao , Lam Ping Koy , Kavehei Omid
Published: January 2022

We develop a predictive machine learning (ML) analysis to examine the uniformity and unpredictability aspects of a random number generator. We show that our tool is capable of uncovering hidden correlations and experimental imperfections.
“Clicking vs. Writing”—The Impact of a Chatbot’s Interaction Method on the Working Alliance in AI-based Coaching
Authors: Mai Vanessa , Neef Caterina , Richert Anja
Published: January 2022

Coaching has become an important didactic tool for reflecting learning processes in higher education. Digital media and AI-based technologies such as chatbots can support stimulating self-coaching processes. For the use case of student coaching on the topic of exam anxiety, the working alliance between a coaching chatbot and a human coachee is investigated. Two coachbot interaction methods are compared: A click-based chatbot (implemented in a rule-based system), where the coachee can only click on one answer, and a writing-based chatbot (implemented in a conversational AI), which allows the coachee to freely type in their answers. The focus is on which coachbot interaction method enables a stronger working alliance between coach and coachee: a click-based or a writing-based chatbot. The working alliance and the technical realization of the chatbot systems were investigated in an exploratory quantitative study with 21 engineering students. The results indicate that the working alliance in both study conditions can be classified as medium to high overall. The results further show higher values for bonding on a writing-based platform than when using a click-based system. However, click-based systems seem to be more helpful as a low-threshold entry point to coaching, as they guide coachees better through the process by providing predefined answers. An evaluation of the technical realization shows that self-reflection processes through digital self-coaching via chatbot are generally well accepted by students. For further development and research, it is therefore recommendable to develop a “mixed” coachbot that allows interaction via clicking as well as via free writing.
Computable early Caenorhabditis elegans embryo with a phase field model
Authors: Kuang Xiangyu , Guan Guoye , Wong Ming-Kin , Chan Lu-Yan , Zhao Zhongying , Tang Chao , Zhang Lei
Published: January 2022

Morphogenesis is a precise and robust dynamic process during metazoan embryogenesis, consisting of both cell proliferation and cell migration. Despite the fact that much is known about specific regulations at molecular level, how cell proliferation and migration together drive the morphogenesis at cellular and organismic levels is not well understood. Using Caenorhabditis elegans as the model animal, we present a phase field model to compute early embryonic morphogenesis within a confined eggshell. With physical information about cell division obtained from three-dimensional time-lapse cellular imaging experiments, the model can precisely reproduce the early morphogenesis process as seen in vivo, including time evolution of location and morphology of each cell. Furthermore, the model can be used to reveal key cell-cell attractions critical to the development of C. elegans embryo. Our work demonstrates how genetic programming and physical forces collaborate to drive morphogenesis and provides a predictive model to decipher the underlying mechanism.
Review on generic methods for mechanical modeling, simulation and control of soft robots
Authors: Schegg Pierre , Duriez Christian
Published: January 2022

In this review paper, we are interested in the models and algorithms that allow generic simulation and control of a soft robot. First, we start with a quick overview of modeling approaches for soft robots and available methods for calculating the mechanical compliance, and in particular numerical methods, like real-time Finite Element Method (FEM). We also show how these models can be updated based on sensor data. Then, we are interested in the problem of inverse kinematics, under constraints, with generic solutions without assumption on the robot shape, the type, the placement or the redundancy of the actuators, the material behavior… We are also interested by the use of these models and algorithms in case of contact with the environment. Moreover, we refer to dynamic control algorithms based on mechanical models, allowing for robust control of the positioning of the robot. For each of these aspects, this paper gives a quick overview of the existing methods and a focus on the use of FEM. Finally, we discuss the implementation and our contribution in the field for an open soft robotics research.
A G-protein-biased S1P1 agonist, SAR247799, improved LVH and diastolic function in a rat model of metabolic syndrome
Authors: Evaristi Maria Francesca , Poirier Bruno , Chénedé Xavier , Lefebvre Anne-Marie , Roccon Alain , Gillot Florence , Beeské Sandra , Corbier Alain , Pruniaux-Harnist Marie-Pierre , Janiak Philip , Parkar Ashfaq A.
Published: January 2022

Aim

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is a major cause of death worldwide with no approved treatment. Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and diastolic dysfunction represent the structural and functional components of HFpEF, respectively. Endothelial dysfunction is prevalent in HFpEF and predicts cardiovascular events. We investigated if SAR247799, a G-protein-biased sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 1 (S1P1) agonist with endothelial-protective properties, could improve cardiac and renal functions in a rat model of metabolic syndrome LVH and diastolic function.

Methods

31- and 65-week-old obese ZSF1 (Ob-ZSF1) rats, representing adult and aged animals with LVH and diastolic dysfunction, were randomized to a chow diet containing 0.025% (w/w) of SAR247799, or control (CTRL) chow for 4 weeks. Age-matched lean ZSF1 (Le-ZSF1) rats were fed control chow. Echocardiography, telemetry, biochemical and histological analysis were performed to evaluate the effect of SAR247799.

Results

Echocardiography revealed that Ob-ZSF1 rats, in contrast to Le-ZSF1 rats, developed progressive diastolic dysfunction and cardiac hypertrophy with age. SAR247799 blunted the progression of diastolic dysfunction in adult and aged animals: in adult animals E/e’ was evaluated at 21.8 ± 1.4 for Ob-ZSF1-CTRL, 19.5 ± 1.2 for Ob-ZSF1-SAR247799 p<0.01, and 19.5 ± 2.3 for Le-ZSF1-CTRL (median ± IQR). In aged animals E/e’ was evaluated at 23.15 ± 4.45 for Ob-ZSF1-CTRL, 19.5 ± 5 for Ob-ZSF1-SAR247799 p<0.01, and 16.69 ± 1.7 for Le-ZSF1-CTRL, p<0.01 (median ± IQR). In aged animals, SAR247799 reduced cardiac hypertrophy (g/mm mean ± SEM of heart weight/tibia length 0.053 ± 0.001 for Ob-ZSF1-CTRL vs 0.046 ± 0.002 for Ob-ZSF1-SAR247799 p<0.01, Le-ZSF1-CTRL 0.035 ± 0.001) and myocardial perivascular collagen content (p<0.001), independently of any changes in microvascular density. In adult animals, SAR247799 improved endothelial function as assessed by the very low frequency bands of systolic blood pressure variability (mean ± SEM 67.8 ± 3.41 for Ob-ZSF1-CTRL 55.8 ± 4.27 or Ob-ZSF1-SAR247799, p<0.05 and 57.3 ± 1.82 Le-ZSF1-CTRL), independently of any modification of arterial blood pressure. In aged animals, SAR247799 reduced urinary protein/creatinine ratio, an index of glomerular injury, (10.3 ± 0.621 vs 8.17 ± 0.231 for Ob-ZSF1-CTRL vs Ob-ZSF1-SAR247799, respectively, p<0.05 and 0.294 ± 0.029 for Le-ZSF1-CTRL, mean ± SEM) and the fractional excretion of electrolytes. Circulating lymphocytes were not decreased by SAR247799, confirming lack of S1P1 desensitization.

Conclusions

These experimental findings suggest that S1P1 activation with SAR247799 may be considered as a new therapeutic approach for LVH and diastolic dysfunction, major components of HFpEF.
Rapid detection of social interactions is the result of domain general attentional processes
Authors: Flavell Jonathan C. , Over Harriet , Vestner Tim , Cook Richard , Tipper Steven P.
Published: January 2022

Using visual search displays of interacting and non-interacting pairs, it has been demonstrated that detection of social interactions is facilitated. For example, two people facing each other are found faster than two people with their backs turned: an effect that may reflect social binding. However, recent work has shown the same effects with non-social arrow stimuli, where towards facing arrows are detected faster than away facing arrows. This latter work suggests a primary mechanism is an attention orienting process driven by basic low-level direction cues. However, evidence for lower level attentional processes does not preclude a potential additional role of higher-level social processes. Therefore, in this series of experiments we test this idea further by directly comparing basic visual features that orient attention with representations of socially interacting individuals. Results confirm the potency of orienting of attention via low-level visual features in the detection of interacting objects. In contrast, there is little evidence for the representation of social interactions influencing initial search performance.
Detection of porcine enteric viruses (Kobuvirus, Mamastrovirus and Sapelovirus) in domestic pigs in Corsica, France
Authors: Capai Lisandru , Piorkowski Géraldine , Maestrini Oscar , Casabianca François , Masse Shirley , de Lamballerie Xavier , Charrel Rémi N. , Falchi Alessandra
Published: January 2022

Many enteric viruses are found in pig farms around the world and can cause death of animals or important production losses for breeders. Among the wide spectrum of enteric viral species, porcine Sapelovirus (PSV), porcine Kobuvirus (PKoV) and porcine Astrovirus (PAstV) are frequently found in pig feces. In this study we investigated sixteen pig farms in Corsica, France, to evaluate the circulation of three enteric viruses (PKoV, PAstV-1 and PSV). In addition to the three viruses studied by RT–qPCR (908 pig feces samples), 26 stool samples were tested using the Next Generation Sequencing method (NGS). Our results showed viral RNA detection rates (i) of 62.0% [58.7–65.1] (n = 563/908) for PSV, (ii) of 44.8% [41.5–48.1] (n = 407/908) for PKoV and (iii) of 8.6% [6.8–10.6] (n = 78/908) for PAstV-1. Significant differences were observed for all three viruses according to age (P-value = 2.4e–13 for PAstV-1; 2.4e–12 for PKoV and 0.005 for PSV). The type of breeding was significantly associated with RNA detection only for PAstV-1 (P-value = 9.6e–6). Among the 26 samples tested with NGS method, consensus sequences corresponding to 10 different species of virus were detected. This study provides first insight on the presence of three common porcine enteric viruses in France. We also showed that they are frequently encountered in pigs born and bred in Corsica, which demonstrates endemic local circulation.
Alcohol induced hepatic retinoid depletion is associated with the induction of multiple retinoid catabolizing cytochrome P450 enzymes
Authors: Ferdouse Afroza , Agrawal Rishi R. , Gao Madeleine A. , Jiang Hongfeng , Blaner William S. , Clugston Robin D.
Published: January 2022

Chronic alcohol consumption leads to a spectrum of liver disease that is associated with significant global mortality and morbidity. Alcohol is known to deplete hepatic vitamin A content, which has been linked to the pathogenesis of alcoholic liver disease. It has been suggested that induction of Cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) contributes to alcohol-induced hepatic vitamin A depletion, but the possible contributions of other retinoid-catabolizing CYPs have not been well studied. The main objective of this study was to better understand alcohol-induced hepatic vitamin A depletion and test the hypothesis that alcohol-induced depletion of hepatic vitamin A is due to CYP-mediated oxidative catabolism. This hypothesis was tested in a mouse model of chronic alcohol consumption, including wild type and Cyp2e1 -/- mice. Our results show that chronic alcohol consumption is associated with decreased levels of hepatic retinol, retinyl esters, and retinoic acid. Moreover, the depletion of hepatic retinoid is associated with the induction of multiple retinoid catabolizing CYPs, including CYP26A1, and CYP26B1 in alcohol fed wild type mice. In Cyp2e1 -/- mice, alcohol-induced retinol decline is blunted but retinyl esters undergo a change in their acyl composition and decline upon alcohol exposure like WT mice. In conclusion, the alcohol induced decline in hepatic vitamin A content is associated with increased expression of multiple retinoid-catabolizing CYPs, including the retinoic acid specific hydroxylases CYP26A1 and CYP26B1.
Evidence of pyrethroid resistance in Anopheles amharicus and Anopheles arabiensis from Arjo-Didessa irrigation scheme, Ethiopia
Authors: Demissew Assalif , Animut Abebe , Kibret Solomon , Tsegaye Arega , Hawaria Dawit , Degefa Teshome , Getachew Hallelujah , Lee Ming-Chieh , Yan Guiyun , Yewhalaw Delenasaw
Published: January 2022

Background

Indoor residual spraying and insecticide-treated nets are among the key malaria control intervention tools. However, their efficacy is declining due to the development and spread of insecticide resistant vectors. In Ethiopia, several studies reported resistance ofAn.arabiensisto multiple insecticide classes. However, such data is scarce in irrigated areas of the country where insecticides, pesticides and herbicides are intensively used. Susceptibility ofAn.gambiaes.l. to existing and new insecticides and resistance mechanisms were assessed in Arjo-Didessa sugarcane plantation area, southwestern Ethiopia.

Methods

AdultAn.gambiaes.l. reared from larval/pupal collections of Arjo-Didessa sugarcane irrigation area and its surrounding were tested for their susceptibility to selected insecticides. Randomly selectedAn.gambiaes.l. (dead and survived) samples were identified to species using species-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and were further analyzed for the presence of knockdown resistance (kdr) alleles using allele-specific PCR.

Results

Among the 214An.gambiaes.l. samples analyzed by PCR, 89% (n = 190) wereAn.amharicusand 9% (n = 20) wereAn.arabiensis. Mortality rates of theAn.gambiae s.l. exposed to deltamethrin and alphacypermethrin were 85% and 86.8%, respectively. On the other hand, mortalities against pirmiphos-methyl, bendiocarb, propoxur and clothianidin were 100%, 99%, 100% and 100%, respectively. Of those sub-samples (An.amharicusandAn.arabiensis) examined for presence ofkdrgene, none of them were found to carry the L1014F (West African) allelic mutation.

Conclusion

Anopheles amharicusandAn.arabiensisfrom Arjo-Didessa sugarcane irrigation area were resistant to pyrethroids which might be synergized by extensive use of agricultural chemicals. Occurrence of pyrethroid resistant malaria vectors could challenge the ongoing malaria control and elimination program in the area unless resistance management strategies are implemented. Given the resistance ofAn.amharicusto pyrethroids, its behavior and vectorial capacity should be further investigated.
Healthcare utilization and costs among high-need and frail Mexican American Medicare beneficiaries
Authors: Rivera-Hernandez Maricruz , Kumar Amit , Chou Lin-Na , Keeney Tamra , Ferdows Nasim , Karmarkar Amol , Markides Kyriakos S. , Ottenbacher Kenneth
Published: January 2022

Objectives

To examine Medicare health care spending and health services utilization among high-need population segments in older Mexican Americans, and to examine the association of frailty on health care spending and utilization.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study of the innovative linkage of Medicare data with the Hispanic Established Populations for the Epidemiologic Study of the Elderly (H-EPESE) were used. There were 863 participants, which contributed 1,629 person years of information. Frailty, cognition, and social risk factors were identified from the H-EPESE, and chronic conditions were identified from the Medicare file. The Cost and Use file was used to calculate four categories of Medicare spending on: hospital services, physician services, post-acute care services, and other services. Generalized estimating equations (GEE) with a log link gamma distribution and first order autoregressive, correlation matrix was used to estimate cost ratios (CR) of population segments, and GEE with a logit link binomial distribution was applied to estimate odds ratios (OR) of healthcare use.

Results

Participants in the major complex chronic illness segment who were also pre-frail or frail had higher total costs and utilization compared to the healthy segment. The CR for total Medicare spending was 3.05 (95% CI, 2.48–3.75). Similarly, this group had higher odds of being classified in the high-cost category 5.86 (95% CI, 3.35–10.25), nursing home care utilization 11.32 (95% CI, 3.88–33.02), hospitalizations 4.12 (95% CI, 2.88–5.90) and emergency room admissions 4.24 (95% CI, 3.04–5.91).

Discussion

Our findings highlight that frailty assessment is an important consideration when identifying high-need and high-cost patients.
Hyporheic hydraulic geometry: Conceptualizing relationships among hyporheic exchange, storage, and water age
Authors: Poole Geoffrey C. , Fogg S. Kathleen , O’Daniel Scott J. , Amerson Byron E. , Reinhold Ann Marie , Carlson Samuel P. , Mohr Elizabeth J. , Oakland Hayley C.
Published: January 2022

Hyporheic exchange is now widely acknowledged as a key driver of ecosystem processes in many streams. Yet stream ecologists have been slow to adopt nuanced hydrologic frameworks developed and applied by engineers and hydrologists to describe the relationship between water storage, water age, and water balance in finite hydrosystems such as hyporheic zones. Here, in the context of hyporheic hydrology, we summarize a well-established mathematical framework useful for describing hyporheic hydrology, while also applying the framework heuristically to visualize the relationships between water age, rates of hyporheic exchange, and water volume within hyporheic zones. Building on this heuristic application, we discuss how improved accuracy in the conceptualization of hyporheic exchange can yield a deeper understanding of the role of the hyporheic zone in stream ecosystems. Although the equations presented here have been well-described for decades, our aim is to make the mathematical basis as accessible as possible and to encourage broader understanding among aquatic ecologists of the implications of tailed age distributions commonly observed in water discharged from and stored within hyporheic zones. Our quantitative description of “hyporheic hydraulic geometry,” associated visualizations, and discussion offer a nuanced and realistic understanding of hyporheic hydrology to aid in considering hyporheic exchange in the context of river and stream ecosystem science and management.
Why did hunting weapon design change at Abri Pataud? Lithic use-wear data on armature use and hafting around 24,000–22,000 BP
Authors: Taipale Noora , Chiotti Laurent , Rots Veerle
Published: January 2022

Projectile technology is commonly viewed as a significant contributor to past human subsistence and, consequently, to our evolution. Due to the allegedly central role of projectile weapons in the food-getting strategies of Upper Palaeolithic people, typo-technological changes in the European lithic record have often been linked to supposed developments in hunting weaponry. Yet, relatively little reliable functional data is currently available that would aid the detailed reconstruction of past weapon designs. In this paper, we take a use-wear approach to the backed tool assemblages from the Recent and Final Gravettian layers (Levels 3 and 2) of Abri Pataud (Dordogne, France). Our use of strict projectile identification criteria relying on combinations of low and high magnification features and our critical view of the overlap between production and use-related fractures permitted us to confidently identify a large number of used armatures in both collections. By isolating lithic projectiles with the strongest evidence of impact and by recording wear attributes on them in detail, we could establish that the hunting equipment used during the Level 3 occupations involved both lithic weapon tips and composite points armed with lithic inserts. By contrast, the Level 2 assemblage reflects a heavy reliance on composite points in hunting reindeer and other game. Instead of an entirely new weapon design, the Level 2 collection therefore marks a shift in weapon preferences. Using recent faunal data, we discuss the significance of the observed diachronic change from the point of view of prey choice, seasonality, and social organisation of hunting activities. Our analysis shows that to understand their behavioural significance, typo-technological changes in the lithic record must be viewed in the light of functional data and detailed contextual information.
Beyond the dichotomy: How ride-hailing competes with and complements public transport
Authors: Cats Oded , Kucharski Rafal , Danda Santosh Rao , Yap Menno
Published: January 2022

Since ride-hailing has become an important travel alternative in many cities worldwide, a fervent debate is underway on whether it competes with or complements public transport services. We use Uber trip data in six cities in the United States and Europe to identify the most attractive public transport alternative for each ride. We then address the following questions: (i) How does ride-hailing travel time and cost compare to the fastest public transport alternative? (ii) What proportion of ride-hailing trips do not have a viable public transport alternative? (iii) How does ride-hailing change overall service accessibility? (iv) What is the relation between demand share and relative competition between the two alternatives? Our findings suggest that the dichotomy—competing with or complementing—is false. Though the vast majority of ride-hailing trips have a viable public transport alternative, between 20% and 40% of them have no viable public transport alternative. The increased service accessibility attributed to the inclusion of ride-hailing is greater in our US cities than in their European counterparts. Demand split is directly related to the relative competitiveness of travel times i.e. when public transport travel times are competitive ride-hailing demand share is low and vice-versa.
Insights into cell wall disintegration of Chlorella vulgaris
Authors: Weber Sophie , Grande Philipp M. , Blank Lars M. , Klose Holger
Published: January 2022

With their ability of CO2 fixation using sunlight as an energy source, algae and especially microalgae are moving into the focus for the production of proteins and other valuable compounds. However, the valorization of algal biomass depends on the effective disruption of the recalcitrant microalgal cell wall. Especially cell walls of Chlorella species proved to be very robust. The wall structures that are responsible for this robustness have been studied less so far. Here, we evaluate different common methods to break up the algal cell wall effectively and measure the success by protein and carbohydrate release. Subsequently, we investigate algal cell wall features playing a role in the wall’s recalcitrance towards disruption. Using different mechanical and chemical technologies, alkali catalyzed hydrolysis of the Chlorella vulgaris cells proved to be especially effective in solubilizing up to 56 wt% protein and 14 wt% carbohydrates of the total biomass. The stepwise degradation of C. vulgaris cell walls using a series of chemicals with increasingly strong conditions revealed that each fraction released different ratios of proteins and carbohydrates. A detailed analysis of the monosaccharide composition of the cell wall extracted in each step identified possible factors for the robustness of the cell wall. In particular, the presence of chitin or chitin-like polymers was indicated by glucosamine found in strong alkali extracts. The presence of highly ordered starch or cellulose was indicated by glucose detected in strong acidic extracts. Our results might help to tailor more specific efforts to disrupt Chlorella cell walls and help to valorize microalgae biomass.
Genome-wide association mapping for high temperature tolerance in wheat through 90k SNP array using physiological and yield traits
Authors: Ahmed Hafiz Ghulam Muhu-Din , Naeem Muhammad , Zeng Yawen , Rashid Muhammad Abdul Rehman , Ullah Aziz , Saeed Amjad , Qadeer Abdul
Published: January 2022

Dissecting the genetic basis of physiological and yield traits against tolerance to heat stress is an essential in wheat breeding programs to boost up the wheat yield for sustainable food security. Herein, a genome-wide association study (GWAS) was performed to reveal the genetic basis of heat tolerance using high-density Illumina 90K Infinium SNPs array through physiological and yield indices. These indices were phenotyped on a diverse panel of foreign and domestic genotypes of Pakistan, grown in normal and heat-stressed environments. Based on STRUCTURE analysis, the studied germplasm clustered into four sub-population. Highly significant variations with a range of moderate (58.3%) to high (77.8%) heritability was observed under both conditions. Strong positive correlation existed among physiological and yield related attributes. A total of 320 significant (-log10 P ≥ 3) marker-trait associations (MTAs) were identified for the observed characters. Out of them 169 and 151 MTAs were recorded in normal and heat stress environments, respectively. Among the MTA loci, three (RAC875_c103017_302, Tdurum_contig42087_1199, and Tdurum_contig46877_488 on chromosomes 4B, 6B, and 7B respectively), two (BobWhite_c836_422 and BS00010616_51) and three (Kukri_rep_c87210_361, D_GA8KES401BNLTU_253 and Tdurum_contig1015_131) on chromosomes 5A, 1B, and 3D at the positions 243.59cM, 77.82cM and 292.51cM) showed pleiotropic effects in studied traits under normal, heat-stressed and both conditions respectively. The present study not only authenticated the numerous previously reported MTAs for examined attributes but also revealed novel MTAs under heat-stressed conditions. Identified SNPs will be beneficial in determining the novel genes in wheat to develop the heat tolerant and best yielded genotypes to fulfill the wheat requirement for the growing population.
Bay41-4109-induced aberrant polymers of hepatitis b capsid proteins are removed via STUB1-promoted p62-mediated macroautophagy
Authors: Lin Jiacheng , Yin Limin , Xu Xia-Zhen , Sun He-Chen , Huang Zhi-Hua , Ni Xue-Yun , Chen Yan , Lin Xu
Published: January 2022

The hepatitis B virus (HBV) core protein (HBc) functions in multiple steps of the viral life cycle. Heteroaryldihydropyrimidine compounds (HAPs) such as Bay41-4109 are capsid protein allosteric modulators that accelerate HBc degradation and inhibit the virion secretion of HBV, specifically by misleading HBc assembly into aberrant non-capsid polymers. However, the subsequent cellular fates of these HAP-induced aberrant non-capsid polymers are not well understood. Here, we discovered that that the chaperone-binding E3 ubiquitin ligase protein STUB1 is required for the removal of Bay41-4109-induced aberrant non-capsid polymers from HepAD38 cells. Specifically, STUB1 recruits BAG3 to transport Bay41-4109-induced aberrant non-capsid polymers to the perinuclear region of cells, thereby initiating p62-mediated macroautophagy and lysosomal degradation. We also demonstrate that elevating the STUB1 level enhances the inhibitory effect of Bay41-4109 on the production of HBeAg and HBV virions in HepAD38 cells, in HBV-infected HepG2-NTCP cells, and in HBV transgenic mice. STUB1 overexpression also facilitates the inhibition of Bay41-4109 on the cccDNA formation in de novo infection of HBV. Understanding these molecular details paves the way for applying HAPs as a potentially curative regimen (or a component of a combination treatment) for eradicating HBV from hepatocytes of chronic infection patients.
La variación en español y su enseñanza. Reflexiones y propuestas didácticas
Authors: Nevot Navarro Manuel
Published: January 2022

Las páginas de este volumen están dedicadas a la didáctica de la variación lingüística del español en sus diferentes manifestaciones tanto en el aula de ELE como en la enseñanza del español como lengua materna en los diversos niveles educativos. Entre los principales objetivos de esta obra se encuentran difundir nuevas pro-puestas didácticas sobre la enseñanza de la variación lingüística en español con el fin de estimular una docencia innovadora y eficaz y dar a conocer nuevos recursos y proyectos de investigación llevados a cabo sobre la enseñanza-aprendizaje de la variación del español en sus distintas manifestaciones específicas. Esperamos que los diversos capítulos que componen este libro puedan resultar de utilidad a los profesores de todos los niveles de enseñanza interesados en conocer nuevas metodologías sobre la enseñanza-aprendizaje de la variación lingüística en español, así como también a los profesores de español como lengua extranjera que abordan en sus aulas cualquiera de los diferentes aspectos de la variación de la lengua española. Igualmente, confiamos en que resulte de utilidad para todos aquellos interesados en la investigación sobre la didáctica de la lengua en particular y de la variación lingüística del español en general, en su vertiente diacrónica, diatópica, diastrática o diafásica.
Sistemas organizativos para la asignación dinámica de recursos computacionales en entornos distribuidos
Authors: de la Prieta Pintado Fernando
Published: January 2022

Cloud Computing, el conocido paradigma computacional, está emergiendo en los últimos años con gran fuerza. Este paradigma incluye un novedoso modelo de comercialización basado en el pago por uso que ha cambiado radicalmente el modelo de negocio en Internet. Este nuevo modelo computacional también ha derivado en que el modelo de producción de estos recursos computacionales evolucione hasta una aproximación cercana al modelo de producción just-in-time, en el que sólo se consumen los recursos necesarios para la producción de los servicios en función de la demanda existente en cada momento, hablándose dentro de este ámbito de elasticidad en los servicios ofertados. Pese a los indudables avances que se han producido a nivel tecnológico, todavía hoy existe una gran capacidad de mejora de estos sistemas. En este sentido, en el marco de esta Tesis Doctoral se propone el uso de los sistemas multiagente y, especialmente, aquellos basados en modelos organizativos para el control y monitorización de un sistema Cloud Computing. Gracias a esta aproximación, una de las primeras en este campo de investigación, será posible incluir en las plataformas Cloud una nueva generación características derivadas de la Inteligencia Artificial, como son la autonomía, la proactividad y, también, la capacidad de aprendizaje.