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Abstract Autophagic activation in immune cells, gut microbiota dysbiosis, and metabolic abnormalities have been reported separately as characteristics of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Elucidating the crosstalk among the immune system, commensal microbiota, and metabolites is crucial to understanding the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. Emerging evidence shows that basophil activation plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of SLE; however, the underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. Here, we investigated the effects of autophagic inhibition on the pathogenesis of basophils in SLE using Autophagy-related gene 5 (Atg5) knockout (Atg5 −/−) as an autophagic inhibitor. Specifically, we knocked out basophilic Atg5 in vivo to investigate its impact on lupus metabolism. Furthermore, Atg5 −/− basophils were transferred to basophil-depleted MRL/MpJ-Fas lpr (MRL/lpr) mice to study their effect on disease metabolism. Metagenomic and targeted metabolomic sequencing results indicated considerable reduction in the levels of plasma autoantibodies and inflammatory cytokines in the Atg5 −/− basophil transfer group compared with that in the control group. Transplanting Atg5 −/− basophils improved the gut microbiota balance in MRL/lpr mice, increasing the abundance of beneficial bacteria, such as Ligilactobacillus murinus and Faecalitalea rodentium, and reducing that of potentially pathogenic bacteria such as Phocaeicola salanitronis. The transplantation of Atg5-deficient basophils improved lupus symptoms by modulating lipid and amino acid metabolism. This improvement was linked to changes in the gut microbiota, particularly an increase in Ligilactobacillus murinus and Faecalitalea rodentium populations. These microbial shifts are believed to promote the production of beneficial metabolites, such as γ-linolenic acid and oleoyl-1-palmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine, while reducing the levels of harmful metabolites such as arginine. These alterations in the metabolic profile contribute to the alleviation of lupus symptoms. Collectively, these findings reveal a novel role of basophil autophagy in SLE, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target.

Abstract Cutting-edge mid-wavelength infrared (MWIR) sensing technologies leverage infrared photodetectors, memory units, and computing units to enhance machine vision. Real-time processing and decision-making challenges emerge with the increasing number of intelligent pixels. However, current operations are limited to in-sensor computing capabilities for near-infrared technology, and high-performance MWIR detectors for multi-state switching functions are lacking. Here, we demonstrate a non-volatile MoS2/black phosphorus (BP) heterojunction MWIR photovoltaic detector featuring a semi-floating gate structure design, integrating near- to mid-infrared photodetection, memory and computing (PMC) functionalities. The PMC device exhibits the property of being able to store a stable responsivity, which varies linearly with the stored conductance state. Significantly, device weights (stable responsivity) can be programmed with power consumption as low as 1.8 fJ, and the blackbody peak responsivity can reach 1.68 A/W for the MWIR band. In the simulation of Faster Region with convolution neural network (CNN) based on the FLIR dataset, the PMC hardware responsivity weights can reach 89% mean Average Precision index of the feature extraction network software weights. This MWIR photovoltaic detector, with its versatile functionalities, holds significant promise for applications in advanced infrared object detection and recognition systems.

Abstract In-sensor processing has the potential to reduce the energy consumption and hardware complexity of motion detection and recognition. However, the state-of-the-art all-in-one array integration technologies with simultaneous broadband spectrum image capture (sensory), image memory (storage) and image processing (computation) functions are still insufficient. Here, macroscale (2 × 2 mm2) integration of a rippled-assisted optoelectronic array (18 × 18 pixels) for all-day motion detection and recognition. The rippled-assisted optoelectronic array exhibits remarkable uniformity in the memory window, optically stimulated non-volatile positive and negative photoconductance. Importantly, the array achieves an extensive optical storage dynamic range exceeding 106, and exceptionally high room-temperature mobility up to 406.7 cm2 V−1 s−1, four times higher than the International Roadmap for Device and Systems 2028 target. Additionally, the spectral range of each rippled-assisted optoelectronic processor covers visible to near-infrared (405 nm–940 nm), achieving function of motion detection and recognition.

Abstract Inflammation, caused by accumulation of inflammatory cytokines from immunocytes, is prevalent in a variety of diseases. Electro-stimulation emerges as a promising candidate for inflammatory inhibition. Although electroacupuncture is free from surgical injury, it faces the challenges of imprecise pathways/current spikes, and insufficiently defined mechanisms, while non-optimal pathway or spike would require high current amplitude, which makes electro-stimulation usually accompanied by damage and complications. Here, we propose a neuromorphic electro-stimulation based on atomically thin semiconductor floating-gate memory interdigital circuit. Direct stimulation is achieved by wrapping sympathetic chain with flexible electrodes and floating-gate memory are programmable to fire bionic spikes, thus minimizing nerve damage. A substantial decrease (73.5%) in inflammatory cytokine IL-6 occurred, which also enabled better efficacy than commercial stimulator at record-low currents with damage-free to sympathetic neurons. Additionally, using transgenic mice, the anti-inflammation effect is determined by β2 adrenergic signaling from myeloid cell lineage (monocytes/macrophages and granulocytes).

Herein, A new differential magnetic-field probe with parasitic elements is presented. The proposed probe has two pairs of shorted differential loops as parasitic elements, which could enhance the detection sensitivity owing to the increased detection area. The proposed probe comprises a U-shaped loop with two outputs as the driven element, two pairs of shorted differential loops as parasitic elements, a pair of shorted via, a pair of connected via, and many shielded vias. First, the usual single-loop probe is theoretically studied. Second, a pair of shorted loops is inserted into the differential single-loop probe as a parasitic element to receive more magnetic flux. Third, another pair of shorted loops is etched into the probe to further improve the detection sensitivity. The corresponding simulation results are presented to prove the effectiveness of the design. Finally, the proposed probe with parasitic elements is designed, printed, and evaluated. Measurement results reveal that the designed probe has high detection sensitivity.

Exploring the response of spatial and temporal characteristics of ecological quality change to aridity on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau (QTP) can provide valuable information for regional ecological protection, water resource management, and climate change adaptation. In this study, we constructed the Remote Sensing Ecological Index (RSEI) and Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) based on the Google Earth Engine (GEE) platform with regional characteristics and completely analyzed the spatial and temporal variations of aridity and ecological quality on the QTP in the years 2000, 2005, 2010, 2015, and 2020. Additionally, we explored the responses of ecological quality to aridity indices at six different time scales. The Mann–Kendall test, correlation analysis, and significance test were used to study the spatial and temporal distribution characteristics of meteorological aridity at different time scales on the QTP and their impacts on the quality of the ecological environment. The results show that the ecological environmental quality of the QTP has a clear spatial distribution pattern. The ecological environment quality is significantly better in the south-east, while the Qaidam Basin and the west have lower ecological environment quality indices, but the overall trend of environmental quality is getting better. The Aridity Index of the QTP shows a differentiated spatial and temporal distribution pattern, with higher Aridity Indexes in the north-eastern and south-western parts of the plateau and lower Aridity Indexes in the central part of the plateau at shorter time scales. Monthly, seasonal, and annual-scale SPEI values showed an increasing trend. There is a correlation between aridity conditions and ecological quality on the QTP. The areas with significant positive correlation between the RSEI and SPEI in the study area were mainly concentrated in the south-eastern, south-western, and northern parts of the QTP, where the ecological quality of the environment is more seriously affected by meteorological aridity.

Parental involvement may influence the subjective well-being of primary school students, but the specific mechanisms remain unclear. This study explores the mechanisms between parental involvement and primary school students’ subjective well-being. The current study investigated 340 fifth and sixth grade students and their parents from a primary school using the Parental Education Involvement Behavior Scale, the Well-Being Scale, the Sense of Security Scale, and the Learning Self-Regulation Scale. We found that (1) sense of security plays a complete mediating role between parental involvement and primary school students’ subjective well-being; (2) autonomous motivation has a marginal mediating effect between parental involvement and subjective well-being of primary school students; and (3) sense of security and autonomous motivation play a chain mediating role between parents’ educational involvement and primary school students’ well-being. In conclusion, parental involvement appears to contribute to primary school children’s subjective well-being, and this effect may be mediated individually and sequentially by the children’s sense of security and autonomous motivation.

Abstract Neuromorphic computing can efficiently handle data‐intensive tasks and address the redundant interaction required by von Neumann architectures. Synaptic devices are essential components for neuromorphic computation. 2D phosphorene, such as violet phosphorene, show great potential in optoelectronics due to their strong light‐matter interactions, while current research is mainly focused on synthesis and characterization, its application in photoelectric devices is vacant. Here, the authors combined violet phosphorene and molybdenum disulfide to demonstrate an optoelectronic synapse with a light‐to‐dark ratio of 106, benefiting from a significant threshold shift due to charge transfer and trapping in the heterostructure. Remarkable synaptic properties are demonstrated, including a dynamic range (DR) of > 60 dB, 128 (7‐bit) distinguishable conductance states, electro‐optical dependent plasticity, short‐term paired‐pulse facilitation, and long‐term potentiation/depression. Thanks to the excellent DR and multi‐states, high‐precision image classification with accuracies of 95.23% and 79.65% is achieved for the MNIST and complex Fashion‐MNIST datasets, which is close to the ideal device (95.47%, 79.95%). This work opens the way for the use of emerging phosphorene in optoelectronics and provides a new strategy for building synaptic devices for high‐precision neuromorphic computing.

For Si/C anodes, achieving excellent performance with a simple fabrication process is still an ongoing challenge. Herein, we report a green, facile and scalable approach for the in situ synthesis of Si@C anodes during the electrode manufacturing process by partially carbonizing Si nanoparticles (Si NPs) and dual polymers at a relatively low temperature. Due to the proper mass ratio of the two polymer precursors and proper carbonization temperature, the resultant Si-based anode demonstrates a typical Si@C core–shell structure and has strong mechanical properties with the aid of dual-interfacial bonding between the Si NPs core and carbon shell layer, as well as between the C matrix and the underlying Cu foil. Consequently, the resultant Si@C anode shows a high specific capacity (3458.1 mAh g−1 at 0.2 A g−1), good rate capability (1039 mAh g−1 at 4 A g−1) and excellent cyclability (77.94% of capacity retention at a high current density of 1 A g−1 after 200 cycles). More importantly, the synthesis of the Si@C anode is integrated in situ into the electrode manufacturing process and, thus, significantly decreases the cost of the lithium-ion battery but without sacrificing the electrochemical performance of the Si@C anode. Our results provide a new strategy for designing next-generation, high-capacity and cost-effective batteries.

Abstract Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a major cause of acute lower respiratory tract infection in infants and children. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of miR-146a on RSV replication and the related mechanisms. Material and methods: We pretreated A549 and HEp-2 cells and young rats with miR-146a mimic before infection with RSV. The expressions of miR-146a and RSV-F mRNA in cells and lung tissues were detected by RT-qPCR, and production of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-18, and TNF-α in bronchial alveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were determined by ELISA. The expression level of TRAF-6 and activation of the JNK/ERK/MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway was detected by Western blotting. Results: RSV infection significantly reduced miR-146a levels in both A549 and HEp-2 cells and rat lung tissues. RSV infection resulted in accelerated growth, increased release of inflammatory cytokines, increased expression of TRAF-6, and activation of the JNK pathway in cells, and the lung inflammatory infiltration and the pathological score increased in rats. Overexpression of miR-146a targeted down-regulation of TRAF-6 expression and JNK/ERK/MAPK/NF-κB pathway induced by RSV infection, reduced the production of inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α, and alleviate lung injury in young rats. We got similar results in both A549 and HEp-2 cell experiments. Conclusion: MiR-146a alleviates lung injury caused by RSV infection in young rats by targeting TRAF-6 and regulating JNK/ERK/MAPK signaling pathways.

BackgroundPrevious studies suggested that gut dysbacteriosis may promote the occurrence of chronic kidney disease (CKD), and probiotic, prebiotic, or yogurt supplements may alleviate CKD progression. This study aims to examine the association between probiotic, prebiotic, or yogurt supplements and the risk of CKD using the data from NHANES.MethodsThis study was designed to prospectively search data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) (2011–2020). We examined dietary supplements and prescription medication labels to identify probiotic, or prebiotic product, and yogurt consumption during the dietary interview. The diagnosis of CKD was determined by the value of glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and albumin creatinine ratio (ACR).ResultsThe study enrolled a total of 6,522 individuals. The prevalence of CKD was lower in the probiotic, prebiotic, or yogurt consumption group [age-adjusted odds ratio (OR): 0.77, 95% CI: 0.62–0.95, P = 0.02; multivariable-adjusted OR: 0.86, 95% CI: 0.69–1.07, P = 0.05]. Furthermore, 32% reduced risk was observed in the older group aged 55 years or older, and 32% reduced risk was also observed in the female population. Probiotic, or prebiotic, or yogurt supplements was associated a 12% reduction in moderate risk of CKD and an 11% reduction in very high risk of CKD.ConclusionOur results suggest that probiotic, prebiotic, or yogurt supplements may contribute to the prevention of CKD and relieve its progression risk, especially in the female population and older population who were aged 55 years or older.

Background: Low grade of sterile inflammation plays detrimental roles in the progression of diabetic kidney disease (DKD). Sappanone A (SA), a kind of homoisoflavanone isolated from the heartwood of Caesalpinia sappan, exerts anti-inflammatory effects in acute kidney injury. However, whether SA has beneficial effects on diabetic kidney disease remains further exploration.Methods and Results: In the present study, uninephrectomized male mice were treated with Streptozotocin (STZ, 50 mg/kg) for five consecutive days to induce diabetes. Next, the diabetic mice were administered orally with SA (10, 20, or 30 mg/kg) or vehicle once per day. Our results showed that STZ treatment significantly enhanced damage in the kidney, as indicated by an increased ratio of kidney weight/body weight, elevated serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN), as well as increased 24-h urinary protein excretion, whereas SA-treated mice exhibited a markedly amelioration in these kidney damages. Furthermore, SA attenuated the pathological changes, alleviated fibrotic molecules transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and Collagen-IV (Col-IV) production, decreased inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) expression in STZ-treated mice. Similarly, in glomerular mesangial cells, SA pretreatment decreased high glucose (HG)-induced proliferation, inflammatory cytokines excretion, and fibrotic molecules expression. Mechanistically, SA decreased the expression of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and restored the expression of total NF-κB inhibitor alpha (IκBα) both in vivo and in vitro.Conclusion: Our data suggest that SA may prevent diabetes-induced kidney inflammation and fibrosis by inhibiting the NF-κB pathway. Hence, SA can be potential and specific therapeutic value in DKD.

Although research exists on the relationship between passion and engagement among employees, the mechanisms of academic passion on academic engagement among students needs to be elucidated. Guided by the broaden-and-build and situated cognition theories, we explored the positive effect of academic passion on academic engagement, the mediating effect of academic self-efficacy, and the role of teacher developmental feedback as a moderator in the relationship between academic passion and academic engagement. Based on a sample of 1,029 college students from universities in the Henan Province of China, the results showed that academic passion was positively related to academic engagement, academic self-efficacy partially mediated the relationship between academic passion and academic engagement, and teacher developmental feedback effectively moderated the relationship between academic passion and academic engagement. These findings explained the mechanism underlying the relationship between academic passion and academic engagement. Moreover, the findings highlighted important factors that promote college students' academic engagement.

Polyploidy is an important evolutionary mechanism and is prevalent among land plants. Most polyploid species examined have multiple origins, which provide genetic diversity and may enhance the success of polyploids. In some polyploids, recurrent origins can result from reciprocal crosses between the same diploid progenitors. Although great progress has been made in understanding the genetic consequences of polyploidy, the genetic implications of reciprocal polyploidization remain poorly understood, especially in natural polyploids. Tragopogon (Asteraceae) has become an evolutionary model system for studies of recent and recurrent polyploidy. Allotetraploid T. miscellus has formed reciprocally in nature with resultant distinctive floral and inflorescence morphologies (i.e., short- vs. long-liguled forms). In this study, we performed comparative inflorescence transcriptome analyses of reciprocally formed T. miscellus and its diploid parents, T. dubius and T. pratensis. In both forms of T. miscellus, homeolog expression of ∼70% of the loci showed vertical transmission of the parental expression patterns (i.e., parental legacy), and ∼20% of the loci showed biased homeolog expression, which was unbalanced toward T. pratensis. However, 17.9% of orthologous pairs showed different homeolog expression patterns between the two forms of T. miscellus. No clear effect of cytonuclear interaction on biased expression of the maternal homeolog was found. In terms of the total expression level of the homeologs studied, 22.6% and 16.2% of the loci displayed non-additive expression in short- and long-liguled T. miscellus, respectively. Unbalanced expression level dominance toward T. pratensis was observed in both forms of T. miscellus. Significantly, genes annotated as being involved in pectin catabolic processes were highly expressed in long-liguled T. miscellus relative to the short-liguled form, and the majority of these differentially expressed genes were transgressively down-regulated in short-liguled T. miscellus. Given the known role of these genes in cell expansion, they may play a role in the differing floral and inflorescence morphologies of the two forms. In summary, the overall inflorescence transcriptome profiles are highly similar between reciprocal origins of T. miscellus. However, the dynamic homeolog-specific expression and non-additive expression patterns observed in T. miscellus emphasize the importance of reciprocal origins in promoting the genetic diversity of polyploids.

Raman spectroscopy is widely used for qualitative and quantitative analysis of trace components in scientific fields such as food safety monitoring, drug testing, environmental monitoring, etc. In addition to its demonstrated advantages of fast response, non-destructive, and non-polluting characteristics, fast online Raman detection is drawing growing attention for development. To achieve this desirable capability, hollow core optical fibers are employed as a common transmission channel for light and fluid in the Raman sensor. By enhancing the interaction process between light and matter, the detection sensitivity is improved. At the same time, the Raman spectroscopy signal light collection efficiency is significantly improved. This article summarizes enhancement techniques reported for Raman sensors, followed by a detailed review on fiber-based Raman sensor techniques including theoretical analyses, fabrication, and application based on hollow core photonic crystal fibers and capillary-based hollow core fibers. The prospects of using these fibers for Raman spectroscopy are discussed.

Allopolyploidy involves hybridization and duplication of divergent parental genomes and provides new avenues for gene expression. The expression levels of duplicated genes in polyploids can show deviation from parental additivity (the arithmetic average of the parental expression levels). Nonadditive expression has been widely observed in diverse polyploids and comprises at least three possible scenarios: (a) The total gene expression level in a polyploid is similar to that of one of its parents (expression-level dominance); (b) total gene expression is lower or higher than in both parents (transgressive expression); and (c) the relative contribution of the parental copies (homeologs) to the total gene expression is unequal (homeolog expression bias). Several factors may result in expression nonadditivity in polyploids, including maternal-paternal influence, gene dosage balance, cis- and/or transregulatory networks, and epigenetic regulation. As our understanding of nonadditive gene expression in polyploids remains limited, a new generation of investigators should explore additional phenomena (i.e., alternative splicing) and use odier high-throughput "omics" technologies to measure the impact of nonadditive expression on phenotype, proteome, and metabolome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nearly four decades ago, Roose & Gottlieb (Roose & Gottlieb 1976 Evolution 30, 818-830. (doi:10.2307/2407821)) showed that the recently derived allotetraploids Tragopogon mirus and T. miscellus combined the allozyme profiles of their diploid parents (T. dubius and T. porrifolius,a n d T. dubius and T. pratensis, respectively). This classic paper addressed the link between genotype and biochemical phenotype and documented enzyme additivity in allopolyploids. Perhaps more important than their model of additivity, however, was their demonstration of novelty at the biochemical level. Enzyme multiplicity--the production of novel enzyme forms in the allopolyploids--can provide an extensive array of polymorphism for a polyploid individual and may explain, for example, the expanded ranges of polyploids relative to their diploid progenitors. In this paper, we extend the concept of evolutionary novelty in allopolyploids to a range of genetic and ecological features. We observe that the dynamic nature of polyploid genomes--with alterations in gene content, gene number, gene arrangement, gene expression and transposon activity--may generate sufficient novelty that every individual in a polyploid population or species may be unique. Whereas certain combinations of these features will undoubtedly be maladaptive, some unique combinations of newly generated variation may provide tremendous evolutionary potential and adaptive capabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of the size of the B powder and the Mg powder on MgB2 phase formation has been studied by the technique of in situ high-temperature resistivity (HT-r(T)) measurement. Two characteristic temperatures indicating the phase formation, the onset point, Tonset, and the completion point, TPF, were directly determined during the continuous heating process. These two temperatures of the samples synthesized using nanometer-size B powder (Nano-B) and micrometer-size B powder (Micro-B) with nanometer-size Mg (Nano-Mg) are almost the same, i.e. Tonset = 713 K and TPF[?]763 K, respectively, indicating that the phase formation temperature of MgB2 does not primarily depend on the particle size of the B powder. A similar process was then carried out on Mg powders with the same B powder. An exponential relationship between the onset phase formation temperature and the Mg powder size is clearly shown, which can be fully fitted by a modulated diffusion equation and which gives Q = 421 kJ mol[?]1 describing the grain boundary activation energy of Mg diffusing into B. We also find that the MgB2 crystallites along the [101] direction have the lowest formation energy, revealed by x-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis on raw Mg powders, and the corresponding MgB2 crystallites aligned along [101] will be formed preferentially in the sintering process. This result is useful for the understanding of MgB2 phase formation in the solid reaction process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: There have been considerable changes in breastfeeding practices in China over the past forty years. However China is a very large country, and breastfeeding rates in different parts of China vary considerably. The objective of this paper is to identify and compare breastfeeding types and rates between 1994-1996 and 2003-2004 in Shihezi, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, PR China. Methods: In 1994-1996, a study of breastfeeding (n = 2197) was undertaken in Shihezi, Xinjiang, PR China. A decade later in 2003-2004, a longitudinal study (n = 545) of infant feeding practices was undertaken in the same area. Results: The 'any breastfeeding' rates at 1, 4 and 6 months were 94%, 82% and 78% respectively in the early 1990s. A decade later, breastfeeding at 1 month was lower, but rates at 4 and 6 months remained the same. In 2004 the 'full breastfeeding' rate at one month was significantly higher (57%) than a decade earlier (38%), but after 3 months there was a rapid decline. This reflected a shift in the way complementary foods are introduced: the initial introduction was later, but by a higher proportion of mothers. Conclusion: The rate of breastfeeding at one month is significantly lower in 2003-2004 when compared to 1994-1996. The 'full breastfeeding' rates were initially higher, but after 3 months were then lower. The Chinese national breastfeeding targets were not reached in either period of the study. These studies show the need to further promote full or exclusive breastfeeding and further longitudinal studies are necessary to provide the detailed knowledge about risk factors required for health promotion programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, ground-signal-ground type through-silicon vias (TSVs) exploiting air gaps as insulation layers are designed, analyzed and simulated for applications in millimeter wave. The compact wideband equivalent-circuit model and passive elements (RLGC) parameters based on the physical parameters are presented with the frequency up to 100 GHz. The parasitic capacitance of TSVs can be approximated as the dielectric capacitance of air gaps when the thickness of air gaps is greater than 0.75 μm. Therefore, the applied voltage of TSVs only needs to achieve the flatband voltage, and there is no need to indicate the threshold voltage. This is due to the small permittivity of air gaps. The proposed model shows good agreement with the simulation results of ADS and Ansoft’s HFSS over a wide frequency range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We demonstrate coherent control of population transfer between vibrational states in an optical lattice by using interference between a one-phonon transition at 2ω and a two-phonon transition at ω. The co and 2ω transitions are driven by phase- and amplitude-modulation of the lattice laser beams, respectively. By varying the relative phase of these two pathways, we control the branching ratio between transitions to the first excited state and those to the higher states. Our best result shows a branching ratio of 17 ± 2, which is the highest among coherent control experiments using analogous schemes. Such quantum control techniques may find broad application in suppressing leakage errors in a variety of quantum information architectures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]