bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Automated design of superconducting circuits and its application to 4-local couplers
Authors: Menke Tim , Häse Florian , Gustavsson Simon , Kerman Andrew J. , Oliver William D. , Aspuru-Guzik Alán 
Published: March 2021

AbstractSuperconducting circuits have emerged as a promising platform to build quantum processors. The challenge of designing a circuit is to compromise between realizing a set of performance metrics and reducing circuit complexity and noise sensitivity. At the same time, one needs to explore a large design space, and computational approaches often yield long simulation times. Here, we automate the circuit design task using SCILLA. The software SCILLA performs a parallelized, closed-loop optimization to design superconducting circuit diagrams that match predefined properties, such as spectral features and noise sensitivities. We employ it to design 4-local couplers for superconducting flux qubits and identify a circuit that outperforms an existing proposal with a similar circuit structure in terms of coupling strength and noise resilience for experimentally accessible parameters. This work demonstrates how automated design can facilitate the development of complex circuit architectures for quantum information processing.
Nanoscale programming of cellular and physiological phenotypes: inorganic meets organic programming
Authors: Dokholyan Nikolay V. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe advent of protein design in recent years has brought us within reach of developing a “nanoscale programing language,” in which molecules serve as operands with their conformational states functioning as logic gates. Combining these operands into a set of operations will result in a functional program, which is executed using nanoscale computing agents (NCAs). These agents would respond to any given input and return the desired output signal. The ability to utilize natural evolutionary processes would allow code to “evolve” in the course of computation, thus enabling radically new algorithmic developments. NCAs will revolutionize the studies of biological systems, enable a deeper understanding of human biology and disease, and facilitate the development of in situ precision therapeutics. Since NCAs can be extended to novel reactions and processes not seen in biological systems, the growth of this field will spark the growth of biotechnological applications with wide-ranging impacts, including fields not typically considered relevant to biology. Unlike traditional approaches in synthetic biology that are based on the rewiring of signaling pathways in cells, NCAs are autonomous vehicles based on single-chain proteins. In this perspective, I will introduce and discuss this new field of biological computing, as well as challenges and the future of the NCA. Addressing these challenges will provide a significant leap in technology for programming living cells.
Microbicidal actives with virucidal efficacy against SARS-CoV-2 and other beta- and alpha-coronaviruses and implications for future emerging coronaviruses and other enveloped viruses
Authors: Ijaz M. Khalid , Nims Raymond W. , Zhou Sifang Steve , Whitehead Kelly , Srinivasan Vanita , Kapes Tanya , Fanuel Semhar , Epstein Jonathan H. , Daszak Peter , Rubino Joseph R. , McKinney Julie 
Published: March 2021

AbstractMitigating the risk of acquiring coronaviruses including SARS-CoV-2 requires awareness of the survival of virus on high-touch environmental surfaces (HITES) and skin, and frequent use of targeted microbicides with demonstrated efficacy. The data on stability of infectious SARS-CoV-2 on surfaces and in suspension have been put into perspective, as these inform the need for hygiene. We evaluated the efficacies of formulated microbicidal actives against alpha- and beta-coronaviruses, including SARS-CoV-2. The coronaviruses SARS-CoV, SARS-CoV-2, human coronavirus 229E, murine hepatitis virus-1, or MERS-CoV were deposited on prototypic HITES or spiked into liquid matrices along with organic soil loads. Alcohol-, quaternary ammonium compound-, hydrochloric acid-, organic acid-, p-chloro-m-xylenol-, and sodium hypochlorite-based microbicidal formulations were evaluated per ASTM International and EN standard methodologies. All evaluated formulated microbicides inactivated SARS-CoV-2 and other coronaviruses in suspension or on prototypic HITES. Virucidal efficacies (≥ 3 to ≥ 6 log10 reduction) were displayed within 30 s to 5 min. The virucidal efficacy of a variety of commercially available formulated microbicides against SARS-CoV-2 and other coronaviruses was confirmed. These microbicides should be useful for targeted surface and hand hygiene and disinfection of liquids, as part of infection prevention and control for SARS-CoV-2 and emerging mutational variants, and other emerging enveloped viruses.
Causal effects in microbiomes using interventional calculus
Authors: Sazal Musfiqur , Stebliankin Vitalii , Mathee Kalai , Yoo Changwon , Narasimhan Giri 
Published: March 2021

AbstractCausal inference in biomedical research allows us to shift the paradigm from investigating associational relationships to causal ones. Inferring causal relationships can help in understanding the inner workings of biological processes. Association patterns can be coincidental and may lead to wrong conclusions about causality in complex systems. Microbiomes are highly complex, diverse, and dynamic environments. Microbes are key players in human health and disease. Hence knowledge of critical causal relationships among the entities in a microbiome, and the impact of internal and external factors on microbial abundance and their interactions are essential for understanding disease mechanisms and making appropriate treatment recommendations. In this paper, we employ causal inference techniques to understand causal relationships between various entities in a microbiome, and to use the resulting causal network to make useful computations. We introduce a novel pipeline for microbiome analysis, which includes adding an outcome or “disease” variable, and then computing the causal network, referred to as a “disease network”, with the goal of identifying disease-relevant causal factors from the microbiome. Internventional techniques are then applied to the resulting network, allowing us to compute a measure called the causal effect of one or more microbial taxa on the outcome variable or the condition of interest. Finally, we propose a measure called causal influence that quantifies the total influence exerted by a microbial taxon on the rest of the microiome. Our pipeline is robust, sensitive, different from traditional approaches, and able to predict interventional effects without any controlled experiments. The pipeline can be used to identify potential eubiotic and dysbiotic microbial taxa in a microbiome. We validate our results using synthetic data sets and using results on real data sets that were previously published.
The unique mean seasonal cycle in the Indian Ocean anchors its various air-sea coupled modes across the basin
Authors: Xu Xinqiang , Wang Lei , Yu Weidong 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe interannual variability of the sea surface temperature (SST) in the Indian Ocean is complex and characterized by various air-sea coupled modes, which occur around El Niño/La Niña's peak phase (i.e. December–January–February, DJF). Indian Ocean Dipole Mode (IODM) develops over the tropical Indian Ocean and peaks in September–October–November (SON), while Ningaloo Niño, Subtropical Indian Ocean Dipole (SIOD) and Indian Ocean Basin Mode (IOBM) occur respectively over northwest off Australia, subtropical and tropical Indian Ocean, during boreal winter to spring. The apparent contrast between their divergent regionality and convergent seasonality around DJF triggers the present study to examine the interaction between the local mean monsoonal cycle and the anomalous forcing from El Niño/La Niña. The diagnosis confirms that the Indian Ocean’s unique complexity, including the monsoonal circulation over the tropics and the trade wind over the subtropical southern Indian Ocean, plays the fundamental role in anchoring the various regional air-sea coupled modes across the basin. The SST anomalies can be readily explained by the wind-evaporation-SST (WES) mechanism, which works together with other more regional-dependent dynamic and thermodynamic mechanisms. This implies that El Niño/La Niña brings much predictability for the Indian Ocean variations.
First isolation and analysis of caesium-bearing microparticles from marine samples in the Pacific coastal area near Fukushima Prefecture
Authors: Miura Hikaru , Ishimaru Takashi , Ito Yukari , Kurihara Yuichi , Otosaka Shigeyoshi , Sakaguchi Aya , Misumi Kazuhiro , Tsumune Daisuke , Kubo Atsushi , Higaki Shogo , Kanda Jota , Takahashi Yoshio 
Published: March 2021

AbstractA part of the radiocaesium from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant (FDNPP) accident was emitted as glassy, water-resistant caesium-bearing microparticles (CsMPs). Here, we isolated and investigated seven CsMPs from marine particulate matter and sediment. From the elemental composition, the 134Cs/137Cs activity ratio, and the 137Cs activity per unit volume results, we inferred that the five CsMPs collected from particulate matter were emitted from Unit 2 of the FDNPP, whereas the two CsMPs collected from marine sediment were possibly emitted from Unit 3, as suggested by (i) the presence of calcium and absence of zinc and (ii) the direction of the atmospheric plume during the radionuclide emission event from Unit 3. The presence of CsMPs can cause overestimation of the solid–water distribution coefficient of Cs in marine sediments and particulate matter and a high apparent radiocaesium concentration factor for marine biota. CsMPs emitted from Unit 2, which were collected from the estuary of a river that flowed through a highly contaminated area, may have been deposited on land and then transported by the river. By contrast, CsMPs emitted from Unit 3 were possibly transported eastward by the wind and deposited directly onto the ocean surface.
Digital biomarker of mental fatigue
Authors: Tseng Vincent Wen-Sheng , Valliappan Nachiappan , Ramachandran Venky , Choudhury Tanzeem , Navalpakkam Vidhya 
Published: March 2021

AbstractMental fatigue is an important aspect of alertness and wellbeing. Existing fatigue tests are subjective and/or time-consuming. Here, we show that smartphone-based gaze is significantly impaired with mental fatigue, and tracks the onset and progression of fatigue. A simple model predicts mental fatigue reliably using just a few minutes of gaze data. These results suggest that smartphone-based gaze could provide a scalable, digital biomarker of mental fatigue.
Development of a potent embryonic chick lens model for studying congenital cataracts in vivo
Authors: Li Zhen , Gu Sumin , Quan Yumeng , Varadaraj Kulandaiappan , Jiang Jean X. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractCongenital cataracts are associated with gene mutations, yet the underlying mechanism remains largely unknown. Here we reported an embryonic chick lens model that closely recapitulates the process of cataract formation. We adopted dominant-negative site mutations that cause congenital cataracts, connexin, Cx50E48K, aquaporin 0, AQP0R33C, αA-crystallin, CRYAA R12C and R54C. The recombinant retroviruses containing these mutants were microinjected into the occlusive lumen of chick lenses at early embryonic development. Cx50E48K expression developed cataracts associated with disorganized nuclei and enlarged extracellular spaces. Expression of AQP0R33C resulted in cortical cataracts, enlarged extracellular spaces and distorted fiber cell organization. αA crystallin mutations distorted lens light transmission and increased crystalline protein aggregation. Together, retroviral expression of congenital mutant genes in embryonic chick lenses closely mimics characteristics of human congenital cataracts. This model will provide an effective, reliable in vivo system to investigate the development and underlying mechanism of cataracts and other genetic diseases.
High-Fidelity Simulation Improves Long-Term Knowledge of Clinical Swallow Evaluation
Authors: Bartlett Rebecca S. , Bruecker Savannah , Eccleston Bobby 
Published: March 2021

PurposeClinical swallow evaluation (CSE) is a critical skill that speech-language pathologists who manage swallowing impairment must learn. The objective of this mixed-methods study was to determine if using a human patient simulator (HPS) to train speech-language pathology graduate students in CSE improved knowledge, preparedness, and anxiety as compared to traditional instruction alone.MethodThis was a controlled trial with repeated measures. Participants included graduate students from two cohorts who were enrolled in a swallowing disorders course in consecutive academic years (n= 50). Students in the experimental group participated in a simulation experience in which they performed a CSE on an HPS, generated a treatment plan, and communicated in real time with the HPS, the patient's wife, and a nurse. Quantitative results included quizzes that measured short- and long-term CSE knowledge, and qualitative findings included written feedback from instructors and students.ResultsStudents who participated in simulation training had significantly higher long-term quiz accuracy than the control group, but their short-term quiz scores did not differ. Student ratings of preparedness and anxiety did not differ between the two groups. Many students reported that they appreciated practicing the use of patient-friendly language and preferred clinical simulation over traditional teaching methods. Facilitators reported that simulation increased student engagement and critical thinking skills more than traditional teaching methods.ConclusionsCSE simulation provided objective and subjective advantages over traditional teaching methods. Recommendations from students and instructors for improving the CSE simulation training are reported.
Probe‐fed dipole antenna with parasitic patches for wideband and wide‐scanning planar phased arrays
Authors: Wang Bao , Lin Xian Qi , Cai Yang , Nie Li Ying 
Published: March 2021

AbstractA probe‐fed dipole antenna with parasitic patches is proposed in this study as the element for wideband and wide‐scanning planar‐phased arrays. Parasitic patches are used to realize wideband performance by significantly reducing the active input impendence. The printed dipole antenna with parasitic patches is directly matched with the subminiature version A (SMA) connector through the modified probe structure. The cell size is 0.5 × 0.5 × 0.145 λhigh3. The planar and low‐profile characteristics make it suitable for modular phased array applications. It is shown that the infinite array simulation results achieve 45.2% bandwidth (7.86–12.45 GHz) with active voltage standing wave ratio (VSWR) < 2 at broadside, 60° scans in E‐, D‐planes and 50° scan in H‐plane. An 8 × 8 prototype array has been manufactured and measured to validate the proposed design and the active element patterns agree well with simulation results.
In‐band radar cross‐section reduction of the slot array antennas by RAM‐based frequency selective surfaces
Authors: Noorbakhsh Bagher , Abdolali Ali , Janforooz Mahdi 
Published: March 2021

AbstractA method for reducing radar cross‐section (RCS) of the slot array antenna by utilising the radar absorbing material, while preserving the radiation performance simultaneously, is proposed and discussed. The scheme is based on the implementation of the multilayer frequency selective surface‐radar‐absorbing material (RAM) capable of operation over a wide frequency band. The use of radar absorbing material on an antenna’s radiation screen causes a change in surface current, resulting in the radiation pattern of the antenna. Therefore, by designing the coating pattern of the radar absorbent material as a substrate and a capacitive patch as a unit cell on the antenna board, the reduction of 19 dB RCS at X‐band and minimum antenna gain loss (3dB) is achieved. To demonstrate the proposed solution, a 30‐cm diameter slot array antenna, which is considered as a test case, is coated by RAM and radar cross section reduction (RCSR) is dramatically accomplished over a frequency band ranging from 8 to 12 GHz. It is worth mentioning that the obtained RCSR at 9.4 GHz is as much as 19 dB. Subsequently, the proposed method can be a candidate for reduction of RCS in slot array antennas, considering the remarkable RCSR and acceptable effect on radiation characteristics.
Direction finding and beamforming using cylindrical array of dipole antennas in the presence of cylindrical scatterer/reflector including the mutual coupling effect
Authors: Poormohammad Sarah , Farzaneh Forouhar , Banai Ali 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThree‐dimensional dipole arrays are normally used at the proximity of a reflective structure. Filamentary short‐circuited dipoles are proposed to model the effect of the reflector structure. The computational burden is significantly reduced by using mutual impedance matrices. An analytical method of modelling the effect of the cylindrical reflector in a three‐dimensional cylindrical geometry of dipole antenna arrays is introduced both for direction finding and beamforming applications in the presence of mutual coupling. The results of the implementation of the MUSIC (multiple signal classification) direction‐finding algorithm show that the proposed model for accounting the cylindrical reflector, in the presence of a mutual coupling effect, has the required efficiency and reduced root‐mean‐square‐error (RMSE). Monte‐Carlo simulations for the beamforming algorithm are conducted to evaluate the signal‐to‐interference ratio (SIR) values in the presence of a cylindrical reflector and the results show that the model has the desired performance. The whole process of beamforming and pattern generation has been verified through high‐frequency structural simulator (HFSS) simulation. The simplicity, adequate precision and low computational cost of this method can be appropriately used in the cylindrical reflector/scatterer in three‐dimensional geometries, especially for base station applications.
Wideband circularly polarized cross‐dipole antenna with folded ground plane
Authors: Wang Lei , Chen Ke‐wen , Huang Quan , Shao Wei‐heng , Fang Wen‐xiao , Lu Guo‐Guang , Huang Yun , En Yun‐fei 
Published: March 2021

AbstractA wideband circularly polarized (CP) cross‐dipole antenna with folded ground plane is presented. The antenna consists of an L‐shaped stepped patch as driven elements and four rotated L‐shaped metallic ground strips as parasitic elements. A sequential phase feeding structure is used to provide 90° phase difference, which is composed of a pair of vacant‐quarter printed rings. It is noticed that the four rotated parasitic L‐shaped metallic ground strips and ground plane are directly connected to form a folded ground plane instead of the traditional disconnection between parasitic elements and ground plane. By using these elements, multiple CP resonances can be excited to meet the requirement for the wideband CP radiation. The presented antenna shows outstanding CP feature with a broad axial‐ratio bandwidth (ARBW) of 85.7% (1.3–3.25 GHz) and a wide impedance bandwidth (IBW) of 100% (0.95–2.85 GHz).
All‐optical control of spatial beam intensity in multimode fibres by polarisation modulation
Authors: Anjum Omar F. , Guasoni Massimiliano , Petropoulos Periklis 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe authors demonstrate that by injecting a combination of LP11 modes in a few‐mode high‐birefringence fibres that all‐optical control of the spatial beam intensity at the fibre output is achieved by varying the polarisation at the fibre input. These results may be generalised to the cases where different and several higher order modes are employed.
Overcoming the settling time challenge of initial alignment of strapdown inertial navigation system by a novel solution
Authors: Jameian Hassan , Safarinejadian Behrouz 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThis study investigates two fundamental challenges in the initial alignment of strapdown inertial navigation systems and presents creative solutions to overcome these challenges. The first challenge is to determine the settling time in different operating conditions such as stationary, quasistationary, in‐motion, etc. The proposed solution to this challenge is to adjust the settling time of the initial alignment adaptively by evaluating the initial attitude matrix computed using the vector observations instead of allocating a fixed interval time for settling time. The second challenge is the existence of uncertainties in the vector observations, which adversely affect the initial alignment performance. The proposed solution to this challenge is to evaluate the quality of the vector observations used in the initial alignment by a real‐time algorithm. Appropriate weights are assigned to vector observations instead of allocating a uniform weight to all vectors, depending on the vector observation's quality. The capability and performance of the proposed solutions are evaluated using different experimental scenarios such as three‐axis rate table and vehicle tests.
Simulation framework for activity recognition and benchmarking in different radar geometries
Authors: Zhou Boyu , Lin Yier , Le Kernec Julien , Yang Shufan , Fioranelli Francesco , Romain Olivier , Zhao Zhiqin 
Published: March 2021

AbstractRadar micro‐Doppler signatures have been proposed for human monitoring and activity classification for surveillance and outdoor security, as well as for ambient assisted living in healthcare‐related applications. A known issue is the performance reduction when the target is moving tangentially to the line of sight of the radar. Multiple techniques have been proposed to address this, such as multistatic radar and to some extent, interferometric (IF) radar. A simulator is presented to generate synthetic data representative of eight radar systems (monostatic, circular multistatic and in‐line multistatic [IM] and IF) to quantify classification performances as a function of aspect angles and deployment geometries. This simulator allows an unbiased performance evaluation of different radar systems. Six human activities are considered with signatures originating from motion‐captured data of 14 different subjects. The classification performances are analysed as a function of aspect angles ranging from 0° to 90° per activity and overall. It demonstrates that IF configurations are more robust than IM configurations. However, IM performs better at angles below 55° before IF configurations take over.