bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimizing the probability mass function of complex modulated signals through adaptive channel characterization
Authors: Zhang Ziyue , Zhang Qiulin , Shu Chester
Published: September 2023

We propose a probability mass function (PMF) optimization scheme for quadrature amplitude modulation (QAM) signals by considering the parametric characteristic of the training sequence. The training sequence for optimization is mapped in standard Maxwell-Boltzmann (M-B) distribution, and the considered characterizing parameters incorporate either the noise variance or the error matrix of the received symbols. The proposed PMF optimization is based on independent reallocation within each constellation ring, generating new distribution with almost the same entropy and transmitted power as the original distribution. This reallocation mechanism is model-free and iterative-free with very low computational complexity. By characterizing the channel in terms of constellation performance asymmetry, PMF reallocation can be effectively implemented to supplement the existing equalization algorithm. The effectiveness of this approach is experimentally verified in a 40-km transmission system with 24 Gbaud 64-QAM signals under three different scenarios. Through PMF reallocation, we achieve generalized mutual information (GMI) improvement of ∼0.06 and throughput improvement of ∼1.5 Gbit/s before forward error correction in comparison with the standard M-B distribution. The proposed mechanism provides a solution to obtain the optimal PMF in practical communication channels, which suffer from various types of noises and distortions.
Data processing for simultaneous inversion of emissivity and temperature using improved CABCSMA and target-to-best DE algorithms in multispectral radiation thermometry (MRT)
Authors: Zhang Kaihua , Dong Jingzheng , Xu Yanfen , Yu Kun , Liu Yufang
Published: September 2023

In this paper, what we believe to be, a new combined algorithm of artificial bee colony and slime mould algorithm (CABCSMA) and a differential evolution (DE) algorithm using target-to-best variation strategy are proposed to process the data based on Planck's radiation law and the mathematical model of reference temperature. The material model with 6 different emissivity trends is simulated. Simulation results show that the average relative error of CABCSMA algorithm is less than 0.68%, and the average calculation time is 0.44s. The average relative error of DE algorithm is less than 0.43%, and the average calculation time is only 0.06s. The two algorithms were applied to the temperature test of silicon carbide sample, tungsten material and rocket engine nozzle. The experimental results show that the relative error of silicon carbide experimental temperature is less than 0.41% and 0.28%, and the relative error of tungsten material experimental temperature is less than 0.31% and 0.3%. The relative errors of rocket engine nozzle temperature experiments are within 0.68% and 0.52%, respectively. The results show that these two algorithms are expected to be applied in practical measurement scenarios.
Watt-level tunable Ti:Sapphire laser directly pumped with green laser diodes
Authors: Wang Chunhua , Khurgin Jacob B. , Yu Huakang
Published: September 2023

We demonstrate a Ti:Sapphire laser generating in excess of 1.2 W in continuous-wave operation when pumped directly with four green laser diodes eliminating the need for a complex pump laser. As a result, improvement of laser efficiency is achieved without sacrificing beam quality. Tunability within the range of 740–840 nm is attained validating the concept of a direct laser-diode pumped Ti:Sapphire laser.
Multi-target distortion correction in 3D shape from polarization using a monocular camera system by deep neural networks
Authors: Li Xuan , Ge Shuya , Yang Kui , Cai Yudong , Liu Zhiqiang , Huang Bin , Su Yun , Zhang Yue , Shao Xiaopeng
Published: September 2023

The shape from polarization is a noncontact 3D imaging method that shows great potential, but its application is limited by the monocular camera system and surface integration algorithm. This Letter proposes a novel, to the best of our knowledge, method that employs deep neural networks to enhance multi-target 3D reconstruction, making a significant advancement in the field. By constructing the relationship between targets’ blur, distance, and clarity, the proposed method provides accurate spatial information while mitigating inaccuracies arising from the continuous model. Experiments show that the constructed neural network can help improve the multi-target 3D reconstruction quality compared with conventional methods.
Preparation of Ge–Sb–Se glass fibers with excellent bending properties by the pulsated orifice ejection method
Authors: Xu Wenlong , Guo Yongchang , Li Can , Fu Jie , Ma Zhibiao , Hao Zhifan , Wang Hui , Tao Haizheng , Li Jianqiang
Published: September 2023

We have innovatively introduced the pulsated orifice ejection method into the preparation of glass fibers, successfully preparing high-purity Ge28Sb12Se60 glass fibers. These fibers have a smooth surface, uniform elemental distribution, and excellent bending properties, with a minimal bending radius of 2 mm. In the infrared spectrum from 2.5 to 13.5 µm, the fibers achieve 65% transmission. Additionally, the fibers possess a density of 4.586 g/cm3, a diameter of 35 µm, a glass transition temperature (Tg) of 369°C, and an onset crystallization temperature (Tx) of 557°C. We have also measured the surface tension of the glass fibers, finding values from 0.288 N/m to 0.124 N/m as temperatures rose from 450°C to 500°C. The POEM holds the potential to achieve fiber cores of lengths up to hundreds of meters in theory. Our work provides a distinctive perspective for the preparation of glass fibers.
VERTICAL-CAVITY SURFACE-EMITTING PHASE SHIFTER
Authors: Almutairi dhaifallah , Johnson Karl , Grieco Andrew , Smolyaninov Alexei , Fainman Yeshaiahu
Published: September 2023

This study proposes a novel technique for a 2D beam steering system using hybrid plasmonic phase shifters with a cylindrical configuration in a 2D periodic array suitable for LIDAR applications. A nanoscale VCSEP design facilitates a sub-wavelength spacing between individual phase shifters, yielding an expanded field of view and side lobes suppression. The proposed design includes a highly doped sub-micron silicon pillar covered by a thin layer of nonlinear material and an additional conductive metal layer. Characterization of a single VCSEP demonstrated a Free Spectral Range (FSR) of 53.28 ± 2.5 nm and a transmission variation of 3dB, with VπL equal to 0.075 V-mm.
Broadband infinite-Q plasmons enable intense Smith–Purcell radiation
Authors: Zhang Zi-Wen , Du Chao-Hai , Lei Yu-Lu , Zhu Juan-Feng , Liu Pu-Kun
Published: September 2023

With the rapid development of nanophotonics for enhancing free-electron radiation, bound states in the continuum (BICs) have emerged as a promising approach for emitting intense Smith–Purcell radiation (SPR) with enhanced intensity. However, current BIC-based methods are limited to single-frequency operation, thereby restricting their applications requiring spectral and angular tunability, such as particle detectors and light sources. To overcome this limitation, this work proposes an approach for constructing plasmonic BICs over a broad spectral range in symmetry-broken systems. By leveraging the high-Q resonances near the BICs, we achieve intense SPR with broadband tunability, potentially improving the radiation intensity by six orders compared to traditional methods. Experimentally, we validate the construction of BIC using plasmonic antennas and achieve broadband demonstration. Our proposed concept can be extended to other plasmonic or guided-wave systems, paving the way toward compact and efficient free-electron sources in hard-to-reach frequency regimes.
The generation of high harmonics was aided by a coated bow-tie nanoantenna
Authors: Soleimani Mohammad , Mohebbi Masoud
Published: September 2023

We study the spectral properties of high-order harmonics emitted from argon atoms in the gap of a metal bow-tie nanostructure coated with a high thermal stability dielectric layer on a sapphire substrate. This layer protects the gold nanostructure from thermal damage.
Einstein’s Bubble: Experimental search for “Empty Waves”
Authors: Afshar Shahriar S.
Published: September 2023

We investigate nature of the wavefunction collapse in a welcher weg experiment by observing physical effects of the so-called “Empty Waves,” specifically their ability to interfere with real photons to generate spatial or temporal interference.
Cryptocurrency mining with quantum computers
Authors: Liu Maximus , Najafi Khadijeh , Dubrovsky Michael , Shalaginov Mikhail Y.
Published: September 2023

We devised a quantum-computer compatible proof-of-work cryptographic algorithm and verified it on superconducting quantum processors. The algorithm enables a noticeable speedup when executed on quantum hardware while it is still verifiable on classical computers.
Interfacing an NV-center in diamond and a rare-earth ion compatible photonic time-bin qubit
Authors: Iuliano Mariagrazia , Roehsner Marie-Christine , Alifasi Nir , Chakraborty Tanmoy , Stolk Arian J. , Weaver Matthew J. , Sholkina Mariya O. , Loukiantchenko Elsie , Amaral Gustavo Castro do , Tittel Wolfgang , Hanson Ronald
Published: September 2023

We present a quantum interface connecting a solid-state network node to photonic qubits compatible with rare-earth ion quantum memories. We demonstrate two-photon quantum interference and discuss teleportation of a photonic qubit into the network node.
iCVS—Inferring Cardio-Vascular hidden States from physiological signals available at the bedside
Authors: Ravid Tannenbaum Neta , Gottesman Omer , Assadi Azadeh , Mazwi Mjaye , Shalit Uri , Eytan Danny
Published: September 2023

Intensive care medicine is complex and resource-demanding. A critical and common challenge lies in inferring the underlying physiological state of a patient from partially observed data. Specifically for the cardiovascular system, clinicians use observables such as heart rate, arterial and venous blood pressures, as well as findings from the physical examination and ancillary tests to formulate a mental model and estimate hidden variables such as cardiac output, vascular resistance, filling pressures and volumes, and autonomic tone. Then, they use this mental model to derive the causes for instability and choose appropriate interventions. Not only this is a very hard problem due to the nature of the signals, but it also requires expertise and a clinician’s ongoing presence at the bedside. Clinical decision support tools based on mechanistic dynamical models offer an appealing solution due to their inherent explainability, corollaries to the clinical mental process, and predictive power. With a translational motivation in mind, we developed iCVS: a simple, with high explanatory power, dynamical mechanistic model to infer hidden cardiovascular states. Full model estimation requires no prior assumptions on physiological parameters except age and weight, and the only inputs are arterial and venous pressure waveforms. iCVS also considers autonomic and non-autonomic modulations. To gain more information without increasing model complexity, both slow and fast timescales of the blood pressure traces are exploited, while the main inference and dynamic evolution are at the longer, clinically relevant, timescale of minutes. iCVS is designed to allow bedside deployment at pediatric and adult intensive care units and for retrospective investigation of cardiovascular mechanisms underlying instability. In this paper, we describe iCVS and inference system in detail, and using a dataset of critically-ill children, we provide initial indications to its ability to identify bleeding, distributive states, and cardiac dysfunction, in isolation and in combination.
Controlling brain dynamics: Landscape and transition path for working memory
Authors: Ye Leijun , Feng Jianfeng , Li Chunhe
Published: September 2023

Understanding the underlying dynamical mechanisms of the brain and controlling it is a crucial issue in brain science. The energy landscape and transition path approach provides a possible route to address these challenges. Here, taking working memory as an example, we quantified its landscape based on a large-scale macaque model. The working memory function is governed by the change of landscape and brain-wide state switching in response to the task demands. The kinetic transition path reveals that information flow follows the direction of hierarchical structure. Importantly, we propose a landscape control approach to manipulate brain state transition by modulating external stimulation or inter-areal connectivity, demonstrating the crucial roles of associative areas, especially prefrontal and parietal cortical areas in working memory performance. Our findings provide new insights into the dynamical mechanism of cognitive function, and the landscape control approach helps to develop therapeutic strategies for brain disorders.
Antagonistic regulation of salt and sugar chemotaxis plasticity by a single chemosensory neuron in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Tomioka Masahiro , Umemura Yusuke , Ueoka Yutaro , Chin Risshun , Katae Keita , Uchiyama Chihiro , Ike Yasuaki , Iino Yuichi
Published: September 2023

The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans memorizes various external chemicals, such as ions and odorants, during feeding. Here we find that C. elegans is attracted to the monosaccharides glucose and fructose after exposure to these monosaccharides in the presence of food; however, it avoids them without conditioning. The attraction to glucose requires a gustatory neuron called ASEL. ASEL activity increases when glucose concentration decreases. Optogenetic ASEL stimulation promotes forward movements; however, after glucose conditioning, it promotes turning, suggesting that after glucose conditioning, the behavioral output of ASEL activation switches toward glucose. We previously reported that chemotaxis toward sodium ion (Na+), which is sensed by ASEL, increases after Na+ conditioning in the presence of food. Interestingly, glucose conditioning decreases Na+ chemotaxis, and conversely, Na+ conditioning decreases glucose chemotaxis, suggesting the reciprocal inhibition of learned chemotaxis to distinct chemicals. The activation of PKC-1, an nPKC ε/η ortholog, in ASEL promotes glucose chemotaxis and decreases Na+ chemotaxis after glucose conditioning. Furthermore, genetic screening identified ENSA-1, an ortholog of the protein phosphatase inhibitor ARPP-16/19, which functions in parallel with PKC-1 in glucose-induced chemotactic learning toward distinct chemicals. These findings suggest that kinase–phosphatase signaling regulates the balance between learned behaviors based on glucose conditioning in ASEL, which might contribute to migration toward chemical compositions where the animals were previously fed.
Population health impact, cost-effectiveness, and affordability of community-based HIV treatment and monitoring in South Africa: A health economics modelling study
Authors: Sahu Maitreyi , Bayer Cara J. , Roberts D. Allen , van Rooyen Heidi , van Heerden Alastair , Shahmanesh Maryam , Asiimwe Stephen , Sausi Kombi , Sithole Nsika , Ying Roger , Rao Darcy W. , Krows Meighan L. , Shapiro Adrienne E. , Baeten Jared M. , Celum Connie , Revill Paul , Barnabas Ruanne V.
Published: September 2023

Community-based delivery and monitoring of antiretroviral therapy (ART) for HIV has the potential to increase viral suppression for individual- and population-level health benefits. However, the cost-effectiveness and budget impact are needed for public health policy. We used a mathematical model of HIV transmission in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, to estimate population prevalence, incidence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) from 2020 to 2060 for two scenarios: 1) standard clinic-based HIV care and 2) five-yearly home testing campaigns with community ART for people not reached by clinic-based care. We parameterised model scenarios using observed community-based ART efficacy. Using a health system perspective, we evaluated incremental cost-effectiveness and net health benefits using a threshold of $750/DALY averted. In a sensitivity analysis, we varied the discount rate; time horizon; costs for clinic and community ART, hospitalisation, and testing; and the proportion of the population receiving community ART. Uncertainty ranges (URs) were estimated across 25 best-fitting parameter sets. By 2060, community ART following home testing averted 27.9% (UR: 24.3–31.5) of incident HIV infections, 27.8% (26.8–28.8) of HIV-related deaths, and 18.7% (17.9–19.7) of DALYs compared to standard of care. Adolescent girls and young women aged 15–24 years experienced the greatest reduction in incident HIV (30.7%, 27.1–34.7). In the first five years (2020–2024), community ART required an additional $44.9 million (35.8–50.1) annually, representing 14.3% (11.4–16.0) of the annual HIV budget. The cost per DALY averted was $102 (85–117) for community ART compared with standard of care. Providing six-monthly refills instead of quarterly refills further increased cost-effectiveness to $78.5 per DALY averted (62.9–92.8). Cost-effectiveness was robust to sensitivity analyses. In a high-prevalence setting, scale-up of decentralised ART dispensing and monitoring can provide large population health benefits and is cost-effective in preventing death and disability due to HIV.
Adherence to malaria treatment guidelines among health care workers in private health facilities in Kampala’s informal settlements, Uganda
Authors: Bulafu Douglas , Nagawa Tamale Bridget , Ninsiima Lesley Rose , Baguma James Natweta , Namakula Lydia Nabawanuka , Niyongabo Filimin , Lubega Grace Biyinzika , Aruhomukama Dickson , Ndejjo Rawlance , Musoke David
Published: September 2023

Poor adherence to malaria treatment guidelines among healthcare workers (HCWs) is a major contribution to diagnostic challenges, treatment failure, and non-rational use of antimalarial medicines. However, there is limited information about adherence to malaria treatment guidelines among HCWs in private health facilities in informal settlements in Uganda. This study therefore assessed the level of adherence to malaria treatment guidelines and associated factors among HCWs in private health facilities in Kampala’s informal settlements. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 339 HCWs from private health facilities in slums of 4 selected divisions in Kampala, Uganda. Quantitative data was collected using a semi-structured questionnaire, cleaned in MS Excel 2016 and analyzed using STATA 15.0 statistical software. Bivariate and multivariate analysis were conducted using a generalized linear model of modified Poisson regression to obtain factors associated with adherence to malaria treatment guidelines. The study revealed that majority of respondents 71.1%(241/339) were aged 30 years and below, and 50.1%(170/339) of the were female. Almost all of the respondents 98.8%(335/339) reported that they had malaria diagnostic equipment (microscopy or rapid diagnostic tests) at their facilities, 47.5%(161/339) had non-recommended anti-malarial drugs present in stock and 36.0% reported that they did not refer severely ill patients to higher health facilities in the previous 3 months. Although 92.6%(314/339) of the respondents had heard about the national malaria treatment guidelines, 63.1%(214/339) of them adhered to these guidelines. Having a bachelors degree (APR 1.54, (CI: 1.13–2.10)P 0.006), and having high levels of knowledge (APR 1.44, (CI: 1.13–1.60)P 0.001) were positively associated with high adherence to malaria treatment guidelines. In conclusion, adherence to malaria treatment guidelines was suboptimal and less than the national target of 90%. Enforcement, supervision, trainings, and continuous medical education should be enhanced in private healthcare facilities to improve adherence to malaria treatment guidelines in informal settlements.
Comparison of the broncoalveolar lavage fluid proteomics between foals and adult horses
Authors: Rivolta Alejandra A. , Bujold Adina R. , Wilmarth Phillip A. , Phinney Brett S. , Navelski Joseph P. , Horohov David W. , Sanz Macarena G.
Published: September 2023

Neonates have different cellular composition in their bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) when compared to foals and adult horses; however, little is known about the non-cellular components of BALF. The objective of this study was to determine the proteomic composition of BALF in neonatal horses and to compare it to that of foals and adult horses. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid samples of seven neonates (< 1 week age), four 5 to 7-week-old foals, and six adult horses were collected. Quantitative proteomics of the fluid was performed using tandem mass tag labeling followed by high resolution liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry and protein relative abundances were compared between groups using exact text. A total of 704 proteins were identified with gene ontology terms and were classified. Of these, 332 proteins were related to the immune system in neonates, foals, and adult horses. The most frequent molecular functions identified were binding and catalytic activity and the most common biological processes were cellular process, metabolic process, and biological regulation. There was a significant difference in the proteome of neonates when compared to foals and to adult horses. Neonates had less relative expression (FDR < 0.01) of many immune-related proteins, including immunoglobulins, proteins involved in the complement cascade, ferritin, BPI fold-containing family B member 1, and macrophage receptor MARCO. This is the first report of equine neonate BALF proteomics and reveals differential abundance of proteins when compared to BALF from adult horses. The lower relative abundance of immune-related proteins in neonates could contribute to their susceptibility to pulmonary infections.
Optimal age-specific vaccination control for COVID-19: An Irish case study
Authors: Zavrakli Eleni , Parnell Andrew , Malone David , Duffy Ken , Dey Subhrakanti
Published: September 2023

The outbreak of a novel coronavirus causing severe acute respiratory syndrome in December 2019 has escalated into a worldwide pandemic. In this work, we propose a compartmental model to describe the dynamics of transmission of infection and use it to obtain the optimal vaccination control. The model accounts for the various stages of the vaccination, and the optimisation is focused on minimising the infections to protect the population and relieve the healthcare system. As a case study, we selected the Republic of Ireland. We use data provided by Ireland’s COVID-19 Data-Hub and simulate the evolution of the pandemic with and without the vaccination in place for two different scenarios, one representative of a national lockdown situation and the other indicating looser restrictions in place. One of the main findings of our work is that the optimal approach would involve a vaccination programme where the older population is vaccinated in larger numbers earlier while simultaneously part of the younger population also gets vaccinated to lower the risk of transmission between groups. We compare our simulated results with those of the vaccination policy taken by the Irish government to explore the advantages of our optimisation method. Our comparison suggests that a similar reduction in cases may have been possible even with a reduced set of vaccinations available for use.
Ensemble optimal interpolation for adjoint-free biogeochemical data assimilation
Authors: Mattern Jann Paul , Edwards Christopher A.
Published: September 2023

Advanced marine ecosystem models can contain more than 100 biogeochemical variables, making data assimilation for these models a challenging prospect. Traditional variational data assimilation techniques like 4dVar rely on tangent linear and adjoint code, which can be difficult to create for complex ecosystem models with more than a few dozen variables. More recent hybrid ensemble-variational data assimilation techniques use ensembles of model forecasts to produce model statistics and can thus avoid the need for tangent linear or adjoint code. We present a new implementation of a four-dimensional ensemble optimal interpolation (4dEnOI) technique for use with coupled physical-ecosystem models. Our 4dEnOI implementation uses a small ensemble, and spatial and variable covariance localization to create reliable flow-dependent statistics. The technique is easy to implement, requires no tangent linear or adjoint code, and is computationally suitable for advanced ecosystem models. We test the 4dEnOI implementation in comparison to a 4dVar technique for a simple marine ecosystem model with 4 biogeochemical variables, coupled to a physical circulation model for the California Current System. In these tests, our 4dEnOI reference implementation performs similarly well to the 4dVar benchmark in lowering the model observation misfit. We show that the 4dEnOI results depend heavily on covariance localization generally, and benefit from variable localization in particular, when it is applied to reduce the coupling strength between the physical and biogeochemical model and the biogeochemical variables. The 4dEnOI results can be further improved by small modifications to the algorithm, such as multiple 4dEnOI iterations, albeit at additional computational cost.
Adherence and utilization of short-term antibiotics: Randomized controlled study
Authors: Almomani Basima A. , Hijazi Bushra M. , Al-Husein Belal A. , Oqal Muna , Al-Natour Lara M.
Published: September 2023

Enhancing adherence to medication has the potential to improve clinical outcomes and decrease healthcare cost. The role of clinical pharmacist-led education on adherence to short-term antibiotic has never been investigated in Jordan. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of an educational intervention on antibiotic short-term adherence and to assess the antibiotic utilization pattern. A prospective, single blinded, randomized controlled study was conducted in a tertiary referral hospital in Jordan. Adult patients diagnosed with acute infection and prescribed a short-term antibiotic course (< 30 day) were included in the study. Recruited patients were randomly allocated into control and intervention groups. Pharmaceutical education about the correct use of antibiotic/s was provided to the intervention group. The results showed that penicillins were the most prescribed antibiotics (38.7%) followed by fluoroquinolones (23.9%) and cephalosporines (20.9%). Patients in the intervention group were more likely to be adherent to the prescribed antibiotics compared to control group (OR = 1.445, 95CI% = 1.029–2.030, p = 0.033). Employed patients, less frequent administration of antibiotic, and searching information related to the prescribed antibiotics were factors associated with better adherence to short-term antibiotic (p<0.05). The most common reasons for non-adherence were feeling better and forgetfulness to take medication. These findings highlighted that pharmacist-led educational intervention significantly enhance adherence to prescribed short-term antibiotics which is a major drive to control antibiotic resistance. Initiatives should be adopted to include patient education as a regular element in the medication dispensing process.

Clinical trial registration: The trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (identifier: NCT05293977).
Hibernation and plasma lipids in free-ranging brown bears–implications for diabetes
Authors: Tekin Hasim , Frøbert Ole , Græsli Anne Randi , Kindberg Jonas , Bilgin Mesut , Buschard Karsten
Published: September 2023

Brown bears (Ursus arctos) prepare for winter by overeating and increasing adipose stores, before hibernating for up to six months without eating, drinking, and with minimal movement. In spring, the bears exit the den without any damage to organs or physiology. Recent clinical research has shown that specific lipids and lipid profiles are of special interest for diseases such as diabetes type 1 and 2. Furthermore, rodent experiments show that lipids such as sulfatide protects rodents against diabetes. As free-ranging bears experience fat accumulation and month-long physical inactivity without developing diabetes, they could possibly be affected by similar protective measures. In this study, we investigated whether lipid profiles of brown bears are related to protection against hibernation-induced damage. We sampled plasma from 10 free-ranging Scandinavian brown bears during winter hibernation and repeated sampling during active state in the summer period. With quantitative shotgun lipidomics and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, we profiled 314 lipid species from 26 lipid classes. A principal component analysis revealed that active and hibernation samples could be distinguished from each other based on their lipid profiles. Six lipid classes were significantly altered when comparing plasma from active state and hibernation: Hexosylceramide, phosphatidylglycerol, and lysophosphatidylglycerol were higher during hibernation, while phosphatidylcholine ether, phosphatidylethanolamine ether, and phosphatidylinositol were lower. Additionally, sulfatide species with shorter chain lengths were lower, while longer chain length sulfatides were higher during hibernation. Lipids that are altered in bears are described by others as relevant for and associated with diabetes, which strengthens their position as potential effectors during hibernation. From this analysis, a range of lipids are suggested as potential protectors of bear physiology, and of potential importance in diabetes.
Identification and comprehensive analysis of super-enhancer related genes involved in epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Liu Yifei
Published: September 2023

Lung adenocarcinoma is a disease with a high mortality rate, and its mechanism is still unclear. Super-enhancers play an important role in gene expression and also affect the occurrence and development of lung adenocarcinoma, so more and more people pay attention to them. In order to explore the influence of super-enhancer related genes on tumor development, we identified super-enhancer regulated genes related to Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). By analyzing the single-cell sequencing data and the TCGA database of lung adenocarcinoma, we suggest that the up-regulation of TMSB10 in lung adenocarcinoma and its association with poor prognosis may be due to the regulation of super-enhancers during tumor cell metastasis. Using the TCGA lung adenocarcinoma data set, the samples were divided into TMSB10 high-expression group and low-expression group, and it was found that there were significant differences in immune infiltration between the high-expression group and the low-expression group. We parted 513 samples into eight TMSB10-related molecular subtypes using differentially expressed genes of high and low TMSB10 expression groups. We concentrated on four molecular subtypes with the most significant clusters, each with its own characteristics in terms of Immune cell infiltration, prognosis, or pathological stages. In order to predict the four molecular subtypes, we established a prediction model using random forest, and the external test results showed that the prediction accuracy of the model was 0.87. This study may provide potential help for the study of the mechanism of metastasis and invasion of lung adenocarcinoma cells and personalized treatment of lung adenocarcinoma.
Coxsackievirus B3 elicits a sex-specific CD8+ T cell response which protects female mice
Authors: Dhalech Adeeba H. , Condotta Stephanie A. , Pattnaik Aryamav , Corn Caleb , Richer Martin J. , Robinson Christopher M.
Published: September 2023

Sex is a significant contributor to the outcome of human infections. Males are frequently more susceptible to viral, bacterial, and fungal infections, often attributed to weaker immune responses. In contrast, a heightened immune response in females enables better pathogen elimination but leaves females more predisposed to autoimmune diseases. Unfortunately, the underlying basis for sex-specific immune responses remains poorly understood. Here, we show a sex difference in the CD8+ T cell response to an enteric virus, Coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3). We found that CVB3 induced expansion of CD8+ T cells in female mice but not in male mice. CVB3 also increased the proportion and number of CD11ahiCD62Llo CD8+ T cells in female mice, indicative of activation. This response was independent of the inoculation route and type I interferon. Using a recombinant CVB3 virus expressing a model CD8+ T cell epitope, we found that the expansion of CD8+ T cells in females is viral-specific and not due to bystander activation. Finally, the depletion of CD8+ T cells, prior to infection, led to enhanced mortality, indicating that CD8+ T cells are protective against CVB3 in female mice. These data demonstrate that CVB3 induces a CD8+ T cell response in female mice and highlight the importance of sex-specific immune responses to viral pathogens.
Antagonism between viral infection and innate immunity at the single-cell level
Authors: Grabowski Frederic , Kochańczyk Marek , Korwek Zbigniew , Czerkies Maciej , Prus Wiktor , Lipniacki Tomasz
Published: September 2023

When infected with a virus, cells may secrete interferons (IFNs) that prompt nearby cells to prepare for upcoming infection. Reciprocally, viral proteins often interfere with IFN synthesis and IFN-induced signaling. We modeled the crosstalk between the propagating virus and the innate immune response using an agent-based stochastic approach. By analyzing immunofluorescence microscopy images we observed that the mutual antagonism between the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and infected A549 cells leads to dichotomous responses at the single-cell level and complex spatial patterns of cell signaling states. Our analysis indicates that RSV blocks innate responses at three levels: by inhibition of IRF3 activation, inhibition of IFN synthesis, and inhibition of STAT1/2 activation. In turn, proteins coded by IFN-stimulated (STAT1/2-activated) genes inhibit the synthesis of viral RNA and viral proteins. The striking consequence of these inhibitions is a lack of coincidence of viral proteins and IFN expression within single cells. The model enables investigation of the impact of immunostimulatory defective viral particles and signaling network perturbations that could potentially facilitate containment or clearance of the viral infection.
Resistencia y Libertá: Exhibición DEL traje DE Bomba desde el siglo XVII hasta el presente (‘Resistance and freedom: Exhibition of the Bomba dress from the seventeenth century to today’), curated by Milteri Tucker Concepción, Museo Casa Blanca, Old San Juan, Puerto Rico, 4–25 June 2023
Authors: Ortiz-Pellot Amanda
Published: September 2023

Review of: Resistencia y Libertá: Exhibición DEL traje DE Bomba desde el siglo XVII hasta el presente (‘Resistance and freedom: Exhibition of the Bomba dress from the seventeenth century to today’), curated by Milteri Tucker Concepción, Museo Casa Blanca, Old San Juan, Puerto Rico, 4–25 June 2023
Editorial
Authors: Bouvier George
Published: September 2023

This special edition curated by George Bouvier, the chair of the Luxury Plus Summit in 2022, delves into the imperative for the luxury industry to find safe passage through a perfect storm of challenging sociocultural events and shifting consumer behaviour. As the curtains rise one more time on the grand stage of fashion and luxury, contrasting viewpoints on brand purpose emerge, igniting spirited debates between worthy aspirations and the unyielding protection of the bottom line, critiques on brand heritage, social responsibility, environmental sensitivity and the elusive pursuit of consumer trust, weaving a tapestry of thought-provoking notions. With their intellectual finesse, these articles offer tantalizing glimpses into what appears to be the chrysalis phase of a metamorphosing industry, beckoning intrepid scholars and lovers of luxury alike to embark on a fascinating journey into the new unchartered frontiers of luxury.
Splitting the atom of heritage to respond to luxury’s challenges and crises
Authors: Caponigri Felicia
Published: September 2023

What role does, and can, heritage play in the challenges and crises that confront brands operating in the luxury industry? Are heritage and luxury the same thing, or are they separate concepts? In this brief reflection, I explore what heritage means for luxury brands and how heritage might most impactfully help luxury brands as they create new products, enter new markets and continue to operate as heritage brands. The two main case studies I briefly highlight to spotlight the symbiotic and, at other times, challenging relationship between heritage and luxury are Hermès’ contestation of the creation of MetaBirkins by the artist Mason Rothschild and Schiaparelli’s Haute Couture collection inspired by Dante’s Inferno. Through these cases I propose that luxury consider splitting the atom of heritage into brand heritage and cultural heritage to more fully understand how brand heritage supports its luxury positioning while, at the same time, acknowledging the times that brand heritage, when improperly translated for contemporary consumers, might fail. I also propose that cultural heritage offers opportunities for luxury but also a responsibility to more fully acknowledge luxury brands’ role in our cultural discourse by permitting certain commentary on their designs and products, notwithstanding legal rights they might have in their arsenal. I conclude by proposing that educational offerings, especially in fashion and luxury law, should more fully embrace a cross-pollination between luxury and heritage.
Popular music and political contestations in Zimbabwe: An analysis of Winky D’s and Jah Prayzah’s music
Authors: Matsilele Trust , Msimanga Mbongeni Jonny , Tshuma Lungile Augustine
Published: September 2023

This article explores the use of popular music in political contestations and specifically how it has been appropriated in Zimbabwe to advance hegemonic and counter hegemonic narratives. The article draws from two popular musicians in Zimbabwe, Winky D and Jah Prayzah and their use of music as an unconventional journalism format to comment on political trajectories in Zimbabwe. We argue that the two musicians have polarizing or competing discourses that either dissident or support the establishment. Theoretically, we use Mano’s conceptual framework that views music as a journalism variant in contexts where mass media and opposition parties are weak. Methodologically, the study employs a multimodal approach and thematic analysis. The study concludes that Zimbabwe’s two popular youthful musicians have been engaging in cold-war like fights that mirror existential political battles between the Zimbabwe African National Union Patriotic Front party (ZANU-PF) led by Emmerson Mnangagwa and the then Movement for Democratic Change Alliance (MDC-A) party led by Nelson Chamisa. After the 2017 elections the MDC-A reconfigured itself and became the Citizen Coalition for Change (CCC).
Cobertura de la información sobre medioambiente en medios de comunicación de España entre 2018 y 2021
Authors: Cantero-de-Julián Juan-Ignacio , Herranz-de-la-Casa José-María
Published: September 2023

El cambio climático y el medio ambiente son cuestiones que deben implicar a todos los agentes sociales con capacidad de acción por su vital importancia para la subsistencia humana. Los medios de comunicación son uno de ellos, pero se muestran dubitativos y poco centrados en el asunto. Delimitando la muestra de estudio al periodo 2018-2021, el objetivo de este artículo es identificar la frecuencia y el espacio o tiempo que dedican los medios de comunicación audiovisuales, televisión y radio, así como la cobertura que realizan de los temas ambientales. La metodología utilizada es una combinación de análisis de contenido cuantitativo y cualitativo de las piezas periodísticas que se difunden en estos medios de comunicación, centrándose en el estudio de: dos informativos de radio, Radio Nacional España y Cadena Ser, y dos informativos de televisión, Televisión Española y Telecinco. Se comprueba que en este cuatrienio, desde la adhesión de una buena cantidad de medios españoles al “Decálogo de recomendaciones para informar sobre el cambio climático”, se ha dado un aumento paulatino de la información publicada sobre medioambiente, pero que esta sigue excesivamente basada en grandes acontecimientos y catástrofes ambientales y a menudo, descontextualizada y con poco uso de fuentes.
INFORMASI TEKNOLOGI PATEN DAN PEMASYARAKATANNYA
Authors: Darjoto Sri Widatoen
Published: September 2023

Informasi iptek diperlukan untuk membantu Indonesia agar berhasil mengalihkan teknologi yang menunjang tercapainya industrialisasi dan tujuan pembangunan nasional.
KAJIAN PEMAKAI: MANFAAT, HAMBATAN DAN TANTANGAN
Authors: Purnomowati Sri
Published: September 2023

Walaupun masih terdapat perbedaan pendapat tentang pengertian pemakai, namun tak seorangpun menyangkal bahwa pemakai adalah focal point dari semua sistem informasi.
BIONET-INTERNASIONAL: DI SEPUTAR CARIBBEAN
Authors: Margono Tri
Published: September 2023

BioNET Internasional adalah suatu kerjasama teknis secara biosistematik antara lembaga-lembaga yang berhubungan yang ditentukan oleh subbagian negara-negara yang sedang berkembang di bawah United Nations.
Validating Protein Concentration of Antibody-Drug Conjugates with the CTechTM SoloVPE® System
Authors:   Repligen Corporation, Herbert Nigel , Das Joshua ,   AbbVie, Patel Priya ,   AbbVie
Published: September 2023

Antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs) are complex molecules designed to target and kill tumor cells. ADCs consist of a monoclonal antibody, drug linker, and drug (payload), where the antibody generally targets the protein on the tumor cell. UV-Vis spectroscopy is the simplest and most common method to determine protein concentration of ADCs; however, traditional fixed-pathlength spectrophotometers have issues analyzing these complex molecules. The CTechTM SoloVPE® System variable pathlength method, also known as the Slope Spectroscopy® method, offers a more accurate solution. This publication demonstrates how an assay by the SoloVPE method was validated to determine the protein concentration of an ADC. The method was validated by assessing the precision, accuracy, and linearity of the sample. The SoloVPE passed all acceptance criteria seamlessly, proving the technology to be the superior method for this application.
A Study on How to Use the International Standard of Social Media Use Guidelines in Emergencies (ISO 22329: 2021)
Authors:   Crisis and Emergency Management: Theory and Praxis, Kang Hwi Jin , Lee Dong Won , Choi Sung Jo
Published: September 2023

This study aimed to investigate how to utilize ISO international standard (i.e., Guidelines for Using Social Media in Emergency: ISO 22329) in Korea. The research method was systematic literature review. In so doing, the paper initiated to examine the Framework Act on Korean Disaster and Safety Management, the requirements of ISO 22329, and other disaster management laws in the nation. The result was that Korea could not address the process of emergency operation, appropriate procedure establishment, and emergency monitoring system. In addition, the extent of cooperation among social media experts was not satisfactory. Hence, this paper strongly advocated for the importance of social media standards during the occurrence of various emergencies. In the future, we hope than research on imporving emergency response by using social media standards will continue.
A review: CRISPR/Cas12-mediated genome editing in fungal cells: advancements, mechanisms, and future directions in plant-fungal pathology
Authors: Agarwal Chiti
Published: September 2023

The CRISPR-associated protein system (CRISPR/Cas), characterized by clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats, has revolutionized life science research by providing vast possibilities for altering specific DNA or RNA sequences in various organisms. The present system integrates fragments of exogenous DNA, known as spacers, into CRISPR cassettes. These cassettes are subsequently transcribed into CRISPR arrays, which are further processed to generate guide RNA (gRNA). The CRISPR arrays are genetic loci that are responsible for encoding Cas proteins. The Cas proteins are responsible for supplying the necessary enzymatic machinery to acquire new spacers that are aimed at invading elements. The development of novel genome engineering tools has been made possible by utilizing various Cas proteins, including but not limited to Cas9, Cas12, Cas13, and Cas14, which possess programmable sequence specificity. The emergence of Cas variants has spurred genetic research and advanced the utilization of the CRISPR/Cas tool to manipulate and edit nucleic acid sequences within a wide range of living organisms. This review aims to furnish operational modalities of the Cas12 protein identified thus far. Furthermore, the advantages and disadvantages of Cas12 protein are examined, along with their recent implementations in the plant fungal world.
Waste Utilization Potential of Oil Palm Industry in North Kalimantan Province, Indonesia
Authors: UTOMO Mohamad Nur , MUBARAK Ahmad , PRATIWI Sulistya Rini , NAJMUDIN Najmudin
Published: September 2023

This research is aimed to identify the potential economic value of oil palm waste utilization and to construct an environmentally friendly business model based on oil palm waste utilization for the context of North Kalimantan Province. Method of research is descriptive using both quantitative and qualitative specifications. The results of research showed that plantation enterprises and farmers do not yet optimally utilize and manage oil palm waste into economically valuable products. The population around oil palm plantation perceive that oil palm waste from oil palm enterprises is safe and never bringing negative impact on environment. Economical value potential from oil palm waste utilization has been calculated and the number is positive and profitable. Other result indicated that the construction of a business model regarding oil palm waste management involves a collaboration between plantation enterprises, farmers and Village Enterprise (Bumdes-Badan Usaha Milik Desa) as the representative of community around the plantation. The expectation is that the utilization of oil palm waste will improve the welfare of farmers and community members, protect the environment and prevent social conflict concerning waste from happening.
Legal Regulation of Civil Liability for Environmental Damage: How Appropriate are Civil Liability Provisions with the Privacy of Environmental Damage?
Authors: AL-KHALAILEH Lana , AL-BILLEH Tareq , MANASRA Majd , ALKHSEILAT Abdullah , ALZYOUD Noor , AL-KHAWAJAH Noor
Published: September 2023

The study analyzes the nature of civil liability resulting from environmental damage, because the risk of environmental pollution is one of the dangers that cannot be counted or predicted. Therefore, it is difficult to determine the legal basis on which it is based in the field of pollution. Traditional wrong-based liability rules do not respond to the tort-based environmental policy objectives in order to avoid environmental damage and ensure effective protection for those affected. This made the provisions of civil liability in the Jordanian Civil Law no longer commensurate with the specificity of environmental damage, especially since the situation requires compensation for damage to the environment itself and to the health and property of individuals. In addition, it is not hidden that there are shortcomings in the provisions of the Jordanian Environment Protection Law No. (6) of 2017. Its provisions included preventive and remedial measures for environmental pollution without considering the issue of compensation for environmental damage in a manner consistent with the nature and specificity of this damage. This requires the development of these rules in a way that commensurate with the nature of environmental damage.