bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Femtosecond laser induced low propagation loss waveguides in a lead-germanate glass for efficient lasing in near to mid-IR
Authors: Khalid Mamoona , Chen George Y. , Ebendorff-Heidepreim Heike , Lancaster David G. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractTo support the growing landscape of near to mid-IR laser applications we demonstrate a range of low propagation loss femtosecond laser (FSL) written waveguides (WGs) that have achieved guided-mode laser operation in a rare earth (RE) doped lead-germanate glass. The WGs are fabricated in both the athermal and thermal FSL writing regimes using three different pulse repetition frequencies (PRF): 100 kHz (athermal); 1 MHz; and 5 MHz (thermal). The lasing capability of Yb3+ doped lead-germanate waveguides is verified in the near-IR. The refractive index contrast (∆n) for 100 kHz WGs is ~ 1 × 10–4, while for 5 MHz, ∆n increases to ~ 5 × 10–4. The WGs in the thermal regime are less effected by self-focusing and are larger in dimensions with reduced propagation losses. For the 1 MHz repetition rate thermal writing regime we report a low propagation loss WG (0.2 dB/cm) and demonstrate laser operation with slope efficiencies of up to ~ 28%.
Understanding gender differences in professional European football through machine learning interpretability and match actions data
Authors: Garnica-Caparrós Marc , Memmert Daniel 
Published: May 2021

AbstractAfter the great success of the Women’s World Cup in 2019, several platforms have started identifying the reasons for gender inequality in European football. Even though these inequalities emerge from a variety of key aspects in the modern sport, we focused on the game and evaluated the main differential features of European male and female football players in match actions data under the assumption of finding significant differences and established patterns between genders. A methodology for unbiased feature extraction and objective analysis is presented based on data integration and machine learning explainability algorithms. Female ($$n_0 = 1511$$

n
0

=
1511

) and male ($$n_1 = 2703$$

n
1

=
2703

) data points were collected from event data and categorized by game period and player position. We set up a supervised classification pipeline to predict the gender of each player by looking at their actions in the game. The comparison methodology did not include any qualitative enrichment or subjective analysis to prevent biased data enhancement or gender-related processing. The pipeline included three representative binary classification models; A logic-based Decision Trees, a probabilistic Logistic Regression and a multilevel perceptron Neural Network. Each model tried to draw the differences between male and female data points, and we extracted the results using machine learning explainability methods to understand the underlying mechanics of the models implemented. The study was able to determine pivotal factors that differentiate each gender performance as well as disseminate unique patterns by gender involving more than one indicator. Data enhancement and critical variables analysis are essential next steps to support this framework and serve as a baseline for further studies and training developments.
Molecular identification and antibiotic resistance pattern of actinomycetes isolates among immunocompromised patients in Iran, emerging of new infections
Authors: Rahdar Hossein Ali , Mahmoudi Shahram , Bahador Abbas , Ghiasvand Fereshteh , Sadeghpour Heravi Fatemah , Feizabadi Mohammad Mehdi 
Published: May 2021

AbstractRecent advancements in DNA-based approaches have led to the identification of uncommon and rare bacterial pathogens. In this study, by utilizing a DNA-based approach, a total of 1043 clinical specimens were processed for the identification of actinobacteria targeting the 16S rRNA and gyrB genes. Drug susceptibility testing was also conducted using micro-broth dilution and PCR. Two isolates of Nocardia flavorosea and Rhodococcus erythropolis were reported for the first time in Iran. Also, Nocardiopsis dassonvillei, Streptomyces olivaceus, and Streptomyces griseus were reported for the first time in Asia. Infections caused by Nocardia caishijiensis and Prauserella muralis have also been reported in this study. The first Asian case of pulmonary infection caused by Nocardia ignorata and the first global case of brain abscess caused by Nocardia ninae and Nocardia neocaledoniensis have been reported in this study. Overall 30 isolates belonging to 6 genera (Nocardia, Streptomyces, Rodoccoccus, Nocardiopsis, Rothia, and Prauserella) were detected in 30 patients. All 30 isolates were susceptible to amikacin and linezolid. Three isolates including Nocardia otitidiscaviarum (n = 2) and Nocardia flavorosea (n = 1) were resistant to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole which were the first trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole resistant clinical actinomycetes in Iran. Isolation of rare species of actinomycetes particularly Nocardia spp. requires urgent action before they spread clinically particularly among immunocompromised patients.
Reproducing scientists’ mobility: a data-driven model
Authors: Vaccario Giacomo , Verginer Luca , Schweitzer Frank 
Published: May 2021

AbstractHigh skill labour is an important factor underpinning the competitive advantage of modern economies. Therefore, attracting and retaining scientists has become a major concern for migration policy. In this work, we study the migration of scientists on a global scale, by combining two large data sets covering the publications of 3.5 million scientists over 60 years. We analyse their geographical distances moved for a new affiliation and their age when moving, this way reconstructing their geographical “career paths”. These paths are used to derive the world network of scientists’ mobility between cities and to analyse its topological properties. We further develop and calibrate an agent-based model, such that it reproduces the empirical findings both at the level of scientists and of the global network. Our model takes into account that the academic hiring process is largely demand-driven and demonstrates that the probability of scientists to relocate decreases both with age and with distance. Our results allow interpreting the model assumptions as micro-based decision rules that can explain the observed mobility patterns of scientists.
Phage display demonstrates durable differences in serological profile by route of inoculation in primary infections of non-human primates with Dengue Virus 1
Authors: Rajan Jayant V. , McCracken Michael , Mandel-Brehm Caleigh , Gromowski Greg , Pollett Simon , Jarman Richard , DeRisi Joseph L. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractNatural dengue virus (DENV) infections occur by mosquito bite but how the inoculation route affects the humoral immune response is unknown. We serologically profiled 20 non-human primates (NHP) from a prior study of DENV1 infection where animals were inoculated by mosquito (N = 10) or subcutaneous injection (N = 10). Using a comprehensive, densely tiled and highly redundant pan-flavivirus programmable phage library containing 91,562 overlapping 62 amino acid peptides, we produced a high-resolution map of linear peptide sequences enriched during DENV seroconversion. Profiles in mosquito-inoculated and subcutaneously-inoculated animals were similar up to 90 days after primary infection, but diverged at 1 year with differences in sero-reactivity in the Envelope (E; residues 215–406; p < 0.08), and Nonstructural-3 (NS3; residues 549–615; p < 0.05) proteins in mosquito-inoculated versus subcutaneously-inoculated animals. Within the E protein, residues 339–384 in domain III accounted for > 99% of the observed sero-reactivity difference. Antibody breadth did not vary by mode of inoculation. The differential reactivity to E domain III seen by phage display validated orthogonally by ELISA, but did not correlate with late neutralization titers. Serological profiling of humoral immune responses to DENV infection in NHP by programmable phage display demonstrated durable differences in sero-reactivity by route of inoculation.
Evidence toward the potential absence of relationship between temporal and spatial heartbeats perception
Authors: Sophie Betka , Marta Łukowska , Marta Silva , Joshua King , Sarah Garfinkel , Hugo Critchley 
Published: May 2021

AbstractMany interoceptive tasks (i.e. measuring the sensitivity to bodily signals) are based upon heartbeats perception. However, the temporal perception of heartbeats—when heartbeats are felt—varies among individuals. Moreover, the spatial perception of heartbeats—where on the body heartbeats are felt—has not been characterized in relation to temporal. This study used a multi-interval heartbeat discrimination task in which participants judged the timing of their own heartbeats in relation to external tones. The perception of heartbeats in both time and spatial domains, and relationship between these domains was investigated. Heartbeat perception occurred on average ~ 250 ms after the ECG R-wave, most frequently sampled from the left part of the chest. Participants’ confidence in discriminating the timing of heartbeats from external tones was maximal at 0 ms (tone played at R-wave). Higher confidence was related to reduced dispersion of sampling locations, but Bayesian statistics indicated the absence of relationship between temporal and spatial heartbeats perception. Finally, the spatial precision of heartbeat perception was related to state-anxiety scores, yet largely independent of cardiovascular parameters. This investigation of heartbeat perception provides fresh insights concerning interoceptive signals that contribute to emotion, cognition and behaviour.
A novel synthetic microtubule inhibitor exerts antiproliferative effects in multidrug resistant cancer cells and cancer stem cells
Authors: Park Mina , Hwang Jee Won , Cho Yena , Kim Saegun , Han Sang Hoon , Yu Jinsuh , Ha Sojung , Kim Woo-Young , Kim Su-Nam , Kim In Su , Kim Yong Kee 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe success of cancer chemotherapy is limited by multidrug resistance (MDR), which is mainly caused by P-glycoprotein (P-gp) overexpression. In the present study, we describe a novel microtubule inhibitor, 5-(N-methylmaleimid-3-yl)-chromone (SPC-160002), that can be used to overcome MDR. A synthetic chromone derivative, SPC-160002, showed a broad spectrum of anti-proliferative effects on various human cancer cells without affecting P-gp expression and its drug efflux function. Treatment with SPC-160002 arrested the cell cycle at the M phase, as evidenced using fluorescence-activated cell sorting analysis, and increased the levels of mitotic marker proteins, including cyclin B, pS10-H3, and chromosomal passenger complex. This mitotic arrest by SPC-160002 was mediated by promoting and stabilizing microtubule polymerization, similar to the mechanism observed in case of taxane-based drugs. Furthermore, SPC-160002 suppressed the growth and sphere-forming activity of cancer stem cells. Our data herein strongly suggest that SPC-160002, a novel microtubule inhibitor, can be used to overcome MDR and can serve as an attractive candidate for anticancer drugs.
High plasma concentration of non-esterified polyunsaturated fatty acids is a specific feature of severe COVID-19 pneumonia
Authors: Nguyen Maxime , Bourredjem Abderrahmane , Piroth Lionel , Bouhemad Bélaïd , Jalil Antoine , Pallot Gaetan , Le Guern Naig , Thomas Charles , Pilot Thomas , Bergas Victoria , Choubley Hélène , Quenot Jean-Pierre , Charles Pierre-Emmanuel , Lagrost Laurent , Deckert Valerie , de Barros Jean-Paul Pais , Guinot Pierre-Grégoire , Masson David , Binquet Christine , Gautier Thomas , Blot Mathieu ,   Lymphonie study group, Andreu Pascal , Aptel François , Barben Jeremy , Beltramo Guillaume , Bielefeld Philip , Bonniaud Philippe , Bonnotte Bernard , Bour Jean-Baptiste , Buisson Marielle , Chavanet Pascal , Dargent Auguste , Georges Marjolaine , Guilhem Alexandre , Guy Julien , Labruyère Marie , Monier Serge , Mouries-Martin Suzanne , Prin Sébastien , Putot Alain 
Published: May 2021

AbstractCOVID-19 pneumonia has specific features and outcomes that suggests a unique immunopathogenesis. Severe forms of COVID-19 appear to be more frequent in obese patients, but an association with metabolic disorders is not established. Here, we focused on lipoprotein metabolism in patients hospitalized for severe pneumonia, depending on COVID-19 status. Thirty-four non-COVID-19 and 27 COVID-19 patients with severe pneumonia were enrolled. Most of them required intensive care. Plasma lipid levels, lipoprotein metabolism, and clinical and biological (including plasma cytokines) features were assessed. Despite similar initial metabolic comorbidities and respiratory severity, COVID-19 patients displayed a lower acute phase response but higher plasmatic concentrations of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFAs). NEFA profiling was characterised by higher level of polyunsaturated NEFAs (mainly linoleic and arachidonic acids) in COVID-19 patients. Multivariable analysis showed that among severe pneumonia, COVID-19-associated pneumonia was associated with higher NEFAs, lower apolipoprotein E and lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations, independently of body mass index, sequential organ failure (SOFA) score, and C-reactive protein levels. NEFAs and PUFAs concentrations were negatively correlated with the number of ventilator-free days. Among hospitalized patients with severe pneumonia, COVID-19 is independently associated with higher NEFAs (mainly linoleic and arachidonic acids) and lower apolipoprotein E and HDL concentrations. These features might act as mediators in COVID-19 pathogenesis and emerge as new therapeutic targets. Further investigations are required to define the role of NEFAs in the pathogenesis and the dysregulated immune response associated with COVID-19.Trial registration: NCT04435223.
Improved charging phenomenon with a modified barrier structure for flexible displays fabricated on polyimide substrates
Authors: Kim H.J. , Park J.M. , Byun C.W. , Bak S.R. , Jung Y.J. , Han C.H. , Yoo J.M. , Kim S.K. , Choi P.H. , Lee J.H. , Song J.K. , Choi B.D. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractIn a previous study, the authors investigated that abnormal Vth behaviour could occur due to polyimide charging when a voltage was applied to the gate in thin film transistors fabricated on polyimide substrates. The authors propose a barrier structure that could prevent this charging effect when fabricating flexible thin film transistors on polyimide substrates. The barrier layer was changed to an SiOCH/SiO2 double layer to reduce the influence of fluorine ions generated in PI by negative bias temperature stress. To confirm the effect of the SiOCH layer, Al/PI/SiO2/Al, Al/PI/SiOCH/SiO2/Al metal‐insulator‐metal capacitors were fabricated and electrical properties were measured. When bias stress was applied, changes in current and capacitance were observed only in the device with a single SiO2 barrier layer. In addition, it was confirmed through secondary ion mass spectrometry measurements that the Si–CH3 bonds in the SiOCH layer were replaced with Si–F bonds by the fluorine ions originating from PI. It was also verified that the abnormal behaviour of Vth did not occur after negative bias temperature stress of the thin film transistor fabricated using an SiOCH/SiO2 double layer.
Probability distributions of three‐antenna efficiency measurement in a reverberation chamber
Authors: Xu Qian , Xing Lei , Zhao Yongjiu , Jia Tianyuan , Huang Yi 
Published: May 2021

AbstractAnalytical expressions are derived for probability distributions of the three‐antenna efficiency measurement. The probability density function (PDF), the expected value, and the standard deviation are derived analytically. The Mellin transform is used in the PDF derivation to obtain the product of random variables, and the analytical distributions for the measured antenna efficiency are obtained. Measurements are performed to verify the results, which agree well with the analytical expressions.
Maximum power point tracking control for mechanical rectification wave energy converter
Authors: Xu Jianan , Zhao Yanpeng , Zhan Yong , Yang Yansong 
Published: May 2021

AbstractAs a clean and renewable energy, wave energy has abundant reserves, and its reasonable development and utilization can effectively alleviate the problems of energy shortage and environmental pollution. This paper proposes a mechanical rectification wave energy converter. The reciprocating linear motion of the buoy is directly converted into the rotary motion through the ball screw. The magnetic coupling force transmission system is adopted to ensure the sealing of the device. Using mechanical rectification mechanism to ensure the service life of the generator. In addition, a dynamic model of the mechanical rectification wave energy converter is established. Through simulation analysis, the curve of power with load resistance is obtained. And there is an optimal load resistance value corresponding to the maximum power in different wave conditions. In order to improve the power generation efficiency, the maximum power point tracking control algorithm is designed based on the admittance differentiation method. By controlling the duty cycle of the switch tube in the Buck‐Boost chopper circuit, the variable load is realized, and then the maximum power point tracking control is realized. Finally, simulation analysis verifies the feasibility of the algorithm under different wave conditions.
Biologically inspired direction‐finding for short baseline
Authors: He Jiazhi , Huang Zhen , Feng Xuefeng 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe optimal implementation for a biologically inspired coupling structure to overcome the limitation of short baseline direction‐finding is determined. This approach is inspired by the Ormia ochracea, a parasitoid insect living in North America. It can locate the crickets’ call accurately with the very small distance between its ears far beyond the accuracy of an interferometer with the same baseline. This outstanding performance depends on the mechanical coupling in its auditory system. The first research focus is on the mechanism of the coupling structure, considering not only the amplification on phase difference but also the effect on output power, which leads to the performance improvement in comparison with the traditional method. Then, the biologically inspired coupling structure is optimised to achieve the best direction‐finding performance in crickets’ sound frequency, reducing the estimation error by 75% when the signal incident at boresight. To implement the actual coupling structure with optimal direction‐finding performance, both the analogue circuit and the digital filter implementation are discussed, and the latter attains the theoretical optimal performance. Finally, a direction‐finding system prototype is carried out to verify the advantage of digitally implemented coupling structure, and the measurement result approximates the corresponding Cramr–Rao lower bound.
An efficient waveform diversity based on variational mode decomposition of coded beat‐frequency shifted signals algorithm for multiple‐input multiple‐output millimetre‐wave imaging
Authors: Molaei Amir Masoud , Yurduseven Okan , Fusco Vincent 
Published: May 2021

AbstractWaveforms used in multiple‐input multiple‐output (MIMO) systems must be considered in such a way that individual transceiver (T‐R) pairs can be separated from the composite received signal. An algorithm called variational mode decomposition of coded beat‐frequency shifted signals (VMD‐CBFSS) is presented for waveform diversity. First, transmitters are divided into several groups. A small shift is applied to the carrier frequency of the transmitters of different groups. Also, signals within each group are encoded by assigning a binary phase in a time block. On the receiver side, by using a multiresolution analysis technique, the combined signal is decomposed into its main frequency components and then the composite signals of each group are decoded to retrieve each T‐R pair. VMD‐CBFSS provides an efficient solution in terms of overall transmitting time and sampling rate in addition to robustness against channel noise. Moreover, the algorithm is employed in a near‐field MIMO millimetre‐wave imaging system, and results are presented in the form of numerical simulations.
Occlusion of the Anterior Cerebral Artery Mimicking a Cerebral Aneurysm: Clinical Presentation and Literature Review
Authors: Liu Yang , Guo Gaochao , Lin Zhu , Zhao Liming , Hernesniemi Juha , Li Chaoyue , Andrade-Barazarte Hugo 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background Intracranial aneurysms may be misdiagnosed with other vascular lesions such as vascular loops, infundibulum, or the stump of an occluded artery (very rare and reported compromising only the middle cerebral artery and the posterior circulation territory). Our aim was to describe a unique case of occlusion of an anterior cerebral artery mimicking a cerebral aneurysm in a probable moyamoya disease patient, and to highlight its clinical presentation, diagnosis, and management, and to perform an extensive literature review.
Case A 67-year-old man suffering from recurrent dizziness for 3 months. Previous medical history was unremarkable. Brain magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) and digital subtraction angiography (DSA) demonstrated occlusion of the right middle cerebral artery (MCA) associated with a “probable moyamoya disease” and an aneurysm-like shadow protruding lesion at the anterior communicating artery (AcomA). Perfusion images showed ischemia along the right temporo-occipital lobe. Due to MCA occlusion with perfusion deficits and unspecific symptoms, we offered a right side encephalo-duro-myo-synangiosis (EDMS) and clipping of the AcomA aneurysm in one session. Intraoperatively, there was no evidence of the AcomA aneurysm; instead, this finding corresponded to the stump of the occluded right anterior cerebral artery (A1 segment). This segment appeared to be of yellowish color due to atherosclerosis and lacked blood flow. The patient underwent as previously planned a right side EDMS and the perioperative course was uneventful without the presence of additional ischemic attacks.
Conclusion Arterial branch occlusions can sometimes present atypical angiographic characteristics that can mimic a saccular intracranial aneurysm. It is relevant to consider this radiographic differential diagnosis, especially when aneurysm treatment is planned.