bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modern Faraday Rotation Studies to Probe the Solar Wind
Authors: Kooi Jason E. , Wexler David B. , Jensen Elizabeth A. , Kenny Megan N. , Nieves-Chinchilla Teresa , Wilson Lynn B. , Wood Brian E. , Jian Lan K. , Fung Shing F. , Pevtsov Alexei , Gopalswamy Nat , Manchester Ward B.
Published: April 2022

For decades, observations of Faraday rotation have provided unique insights into the plasma density and magnetic field structure of the solar wind. Faraday rotation (FR) is the rotation of the plane of polarization when linearly polarized radiation propagates through a magnetized plasma, such as the solar corona, coronal mass ejection (CME), or stream interaction region. FR measurements are very versatile: they provide a deeper understanding of the large-scale coronal magnetic field over a range of heliocentric distances (especially≈1.5to 20 R⊙) not typically accessible toin situspacecraft observations; detection of small-timescale variations in FR can provide information on magnetic field fluctuations and magnetohydrodynamic wave activity; and measurement of differential FR can be used to detect electric currents. FR depends on the integrated product of the plasma density and the magnetic field component along the line of sight to the observer; historically, models have been used to distinguish between their contributions to FR. In the last two decades, though, new methods have been developed to complement FR observations with independent measurements of the plasma density based on the choice of background radio source: calculation of the dispersion measure (pulsars), measurement of Thomson scattering brightness (radio galaxies), and application of radio ranging and apparent-Doppler tracking (spacecraft). New methods and new technology now make it possible for FR observations of solar wind structures to return not only the magnitude of the magnetic field, but also the full vector orientation. In the case of a CME, discerning the internal magnetic flux rope structure is critical for space weather applications.
A Water-Centric Approach in the Assessment and Governance of the Water-Energy-Climate Change Nexus in South Africa
Authors: Mathetsa Steven Matome , Simatele Mulala Danny , Rampedi Isaac T.
Published: April 2022

Water and energy interdependency, in the context of climate change, threatens security of these resources. Anecdotal evidence suggests that risks associated with the “Water-Energy-Climate Change” (WECC) nexus will affect all subsectors of the economy. Yet the WECC nexus has not received commensurate attention in research and policy. Some countries have begun identifying avenues to understand and forestall WECC impacts, but less so in developing countries. This has compromised the adaptive capacity and resilience of developing countries' economies to WECC impacts. This paper analyses existing literature, historical and contemporary secondary data on climate change, water and energy interdependency in South Africa. It outlines the interlinkages and implications of these three components on each other, particularly within the discourse of sustainable water resource management. The paper recommends water-centric approaches to improve evidence-based institutional and policy frameworks to address the myriad challenges of this nexus in a holistic and integrated manner.
Construction and Evaluation of Recombinant Pseudorabies Virus Expressing African Swine Fever Virus Antigen Genes
Authors: Chen Liyi , Zhang Xinheng , Shao Guanming , Shao Yangyang , Hu Zezhong , Feng Keyu , Xie Zi , Li Hongxin , Chen Weiguo , Lin Wencheng , Yuan Hengxing , Wang Hailong , Fu Jun , Xie Qingmei
Published: April 2022

African swine fever (ASF) is a highly contact infectious disease caused by the African swine fever virus (ASFV). The extremely complex structure and infection mechanism make it difficult to control the spread of ASFV and develop the vaccine. The ASFV genome is huge with many antigenic genes. Among them, CP204L (p30), CP530R (pp62), E183L (p54), B646L (p72), and EP402R (CD2v) are involved in the process of the virus cycle, with strong immunogenicity and the ability to induce the body to produce neutralizing antibodies. In this study, the recombinant virus rBartha-K61-pASFV that expresses the above ASFV antigen genes was constructed by Red/ET recombineering technology using pseudorabies virus (PRV) vaccine strain Bartha-K61. Western blot analysis showed that the ASFV antigen gene was expressed and the recombinant virus showed good genetic stability and proliferation characteristics in 15 continuous generations on porcine kidney (PK15) cells. The results of immunoassay of piglets and mice showed that rBartha-K61-pASFV had good immunogenicity and could induce higher antibody levels in the body. Therefore, PRV was a promising viral vector for expressing the ASFV antigen gene, and all the experiments in this study laid a foundation for the further development of a new viral vector vaccine of ASFV.
Dose Escalation Trial of Desulfated Heparin (ODSH) in Septic Peritonitis
Authors: Mauro Katie D. , Lambert Michele P. , Kowalska M. Anna , Thawley Vincent J. , Poncz Mortimer , Otto Cynthia M.
Published: April 2022

Objective

Septic peritonitis is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. As a potential therapeutic agent in the treatment of sepsis, 2-O, 3-O desulfated heparin (ODSH) reduces histones and platelet factor 4 (PF4) in mouse sepsis models. This pilot clinical trial evaluated the safety and effect of ODSH in client-owned dogs with septic peritonitis.

Interventions

In an IACUC-approved, open-label, prospective, dose-escalation clinical trial in 6 dogs with spontaneous septic peritonitis, ODSH administration was initiated following surgical explore to achieve source control. Acute patient physiology and laboratory evaluation (APPLEfast and APPLEfull) scores on admission, source of septic peritonitis, requirement for vasopressors, the administration of blood products, and survival to discharge were recorded. Platelet count, cell free DNA (cfDNA) concentration, and platelet factor 4 (PF4) concentrations were measured at the time of each ODSH dosage. A dose of ODSH was administered every 8 hs for a total of 4 doses (maximum total dosage 75 mg/kg) based on a pre-determined escalation protocol. Patients were monitored in the ICU following administration for evidence of clinical hemorrhage.

Main Results

The mean APPLEfast and APPLEfull scores on admission were 22 +/- 6 and 32 +/-10, respectively. Four dogs received 4 total dosages of ODSH and 2 dogs received 3 total dosages of ODSH intravenously. The mean total dosage of ODSH administered during the study period was 48.3 +/- 21.6 mg/kg. No dog required dose de-escalation or had any evidence of bleeding. Four dogs survived to discharge.

Conclusions

No adverse effects of ODSH administration were documented in dogs with septic peritonitis. A randomized controlled trial is necessary to evaluate ODSH as a novel therapeutic in the treatment of septic peritonitis.
Investigating the Extent of Primer Dropout in SARS-CoV-2 Genome Sequences During the Early Circulation of Delta Variants
Authors: Borcard Loïc , Gempeler Sonja , Terrazos Miani Miguel A. , Baumann Christian , Grädel Carole , Dijkman Ronald , Suter-Riniker Franziska , Leib Stephen L. , Bittel Pascal , Neuenschwander Stefan , Ramette Alban
Published: April 2022

The SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant, corresponding to the Pangolin lineage B.1.617.2, was first detected in India in July 2020 and rapidly became dominant worldwide. The ARTIC v3 protocol for SARS-CoV-2 whole-genome sequencing, which relies on a large number of PCR primers, was among the first available early in the pandemic, but may be prone to coverage dropouts that result in incomplete genome sequences. A new set of primers (v4) was designed to circumvent this issue in June 2021. In this study, we investigated whether the sequencing community adopted the new sets of primers, especially in the context of the spread of the Delta lineage, in July 2021. Because information about protocols from individual laboratories is generally difficult to obtain, the aims of the study were to identify whether large under-sequenced regions were present in deposited Delta variant genome sequences (from April to August 2021), to investigate the extent of the coverage dropout among all the currently available Delta sequences in six countries, and to propose simple PCR primer modifications to sequence the missing region, especially for the first circulating Delta variants observed in 2021 in Switzerland. Candidate primers were tested on few clinical samples, highlighting the need to further pursue primer optimization and validation on a larger and diverse set of samples.
Government Trust and Motivational Factors on Health Protective Behaviors to Prevent COVID-19 Among Young Adults
Authors: Bronfman Nicolás , Repetto Paula , Cisternas Pamela , Castañeda Javiera , Cordón Paola
Published: April 2022

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of government trust on young adults’ adoption of health behaviors to prevent infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

Method: We tested the hypothesis that government trust would directly and indirectly (through worry/fear and subjective norms) influence the adoption of health-protective behaviors. A sample of 1,136 university students completed a web survey after Chile’s first wave of infections.

Results: The results indicate that low government trust only indirectly (through subjective norms) influenced health-protective behaviors. Conversely, worry/fear was the primary motivating factor for adopting health-protective behaviors in young adults, followed by subjective norms.

Conclusion: In scenarios where people perceive low government trust, emotions and social norms are the motivational factors with the most significant predictive power on the adoption of health-protective behaviors.
Comparative Transcriptome Analysis of Anthocyanin Biosynthesis in Pansy (Viola × wittrockiana Gams.)
Authors: Wang Tongxin , Li Jing , Li Tingge , Zhao Ying , Zhou Yang , Shi Youhai , Peng Ting , Song Xiqiang , Zhu Zhixin , Wang Jian
Published: April 2022

Pansy (Viola × wittrockiana Gams.) is an important and attractive ornamental plant with a wide variety of flower colors. To date, the molecular genetic understanding of its colorful petal pigment patterns remains largely unknown. In this study, we analyzed the bicolor petals of “Mengdie” in cytological, physiological, and transcriptomic aspects. Results showed that the difference of flower colors was mainly determined by the pigment distribution in the epidermal cells. Pigment analysis indicated that anthocyanins had strong correlations with color parameters, which acted as the main factor in flower coloration. Comparative transcriptome analysis found a total of 43,908 unigenes with the mean length of 682 bp. There were 24,323, 16,668, 8507, and 7680 unigenes annotated in the Nr, Swiss-Prot, KOG, and KEGG databases, respectively. Differential expression genes (DEGs) showed that the expression of anthocyanin late biosynthesis genes (LBGs), VwF3′H, VwF3′5′H, and VwUFGT, would be likely to play a major role in the color formation of pansy. The expression patterns of selected DEGs were verified by qRT-PCR. This study contributes an excellent insight into molecular mechanism of pigment biosynthesis and provides some useful information for flower color modification in pansy.
Applications of Black Solider Fly (Hermetia illucens) Larvae Frass on Sweetpotato Slip Production, Mineral Content and Benefit-Cost Analysis
Authors: Romano Nicholas , Fischer Hayden , Powell Austin , Sinha Amit Kumar , Islam Shahidul , Deb Uttam , Francis Shaun
Published: April 2022

Black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) larvae (BSFL) production is increasing, which will leaves substantial amounts of leftover excrement, called ‘frass’ that may be a beneficial organic fertilizer. In this study, sweetpotato (SP) (Ipomoea batatas) cuttings (‘slips’), were grown with BSFL frass as a one-time top dressing at either 333.7g/m2 or 667.4g/m2, respectively, or daily applications of either BSFL frass tea (225g in 3.78 L) or an inorganic fertilizer (control). The nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium of the BSFL frass and inorganic fertilizer was 6.2-1.4-1.7 and 10-30-20, respectively. After three weeks, no significant difference in length, number of nodes and stem diameter were found in the 667 g/m2 frass treatment versus control, while these values were significantly lowest in the frass tea treatment. Slip manganese and copper were significantly lower and higher, respectively, in the control compared to the 333 and 667 g/m2 frass treatments. Iron, copper, manganese, zinc and magnesium were significantly lower in slips from the tea treatment and was excluded from economical analysis due to minimal growth. Benefit-cost analysis showed the highest benefit-cost ratio was for the 333 and 667 g/m2 frass treatments at 3.65 and 3.62, respectively, compared to the control at 3.48.
Transport of Acrosomal Enzymes by KIFC1 via the Acroframosomal Cytoskeleton during Spermatogenesis in Macrobrachium rosenbergii (Crustacea, Decapoda, Malacostracea)
Authors: Chang Le , Xiang Qiu-Meng , Zhu Jun-Quan , Chen Yin-Er , Tang Dao-Jun , Zhang Chun-Dan , Hou Cong-Cong
Published: April 2022

The spermatogenesis of crustaceans includes nuclear deformation and acrosome formation. The mechanism of acrosome formation is one focus of reproductive biology. In this study, Macrobrachium rosenbergii was selected as the research object to explore the mechanism of acrosome formation. The acrosome contains a large number of acrosomal enzymes for the hydrolysis of the egg envelope. How these acrosomal enzymes are transported to the acrosomal site after synthesis is the key scientific question of this study. The acroframosome (AFS) structure of caridean sperm has been reported. We hypothesized that acrosomal enzymes may be transported along the AFS framework to the acrosome by motor proteins. To study this hypothesis, we obtained the full-length cDNA sequences of Mr-kifc1 and Mr-Acrosin from the testis of M. rosenbergii. The Mr-kifc1 and Mr-Acrosin mRNA expression levels were highest in testis. We detected the distribution of Mr-KIFC1 and its colocalization with Mr-Acrosin during spermatogenesis by immunofluorescence. The colocalization of Mr-KIFC1 and microtubule indicated that Mr-KIFC1 may participate in sperm acrosome formation and nucleus maturation. The colocalization of Mr-KIFC1 and Mr-Acrosin indicated that Mr-KIFC1 may be involved in Acrosin transport during spermiogenesis of M. rosenbergii. These results suggest that Mr-KIFC1 may be involved in acrosomal enzymes transport during spermiogenesis of M. rosenbergii.
Molecular Identification and Genotyping of Enterocytozoon bieneusi in Sheep in Shanxi Province, North China
Authors: Qin Rui-Lin , Liu Ya-Ya , Mei Jin-Jin , Zou Yang , Zhang Zhen-Huan , Zheng Wen-Bin , Liu Qing , Gao Wen-Wei , Xie Shi-Chen , Zhu Xing-Quan
Published: April 2022

Enterocytozoon bieneusi is a fungus-like protist that can cause malabsorption and diarrhea in sheep, other animals, and humans, threatening the development of animal husbandry and public health. To date, there are no data about the prevalence and genotypes of E. bieneusi in sheep in Shanxi Province, North China. In this study, 492 fecal samples were collected from sheep in three representative counties in northern, central, and southern Shanxi Province. Nested PCR amplification was performed to detect the prevalence and identify the genotypes of E. bieneusi based on the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of the rRNA gene. Overall, 168 of 492 examined samples were E. bieneusi-positive, with a prevalence of 34.2% (168/492). Significant differences in the prevalence of E. bieneusi were observed among the three sampled regions (χ2 = 95.859, df = 2, p < 0.001), but the differences in E. bieneusi prevalence were not statistically significant between different genders and age groups (p > 0.05). Sequence analysis showed that four known genotypes (BEB6, COS-I, CHS7, and CHC8) and one novel genotype (named SY-1) were identified. BEB6 was the prevalent genotype found within the three counties. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the five genotypes observed in this study belong to Group 2. The present study reported the presence and genotypes of E. bieneusi infection in sheep in Shanxi Province for the first time, which enriches the knowledge of the genetic diversity of E. bieneusi and provides baseline data for the prevention and control of E. bieneusi infection in animals and humans.
Correction: Maskato et al. Prospective Feasibility and Revalidation of the Equine Acute Abdominal Pain Scale (EAAPS) in Clinical Cases of Colic in Horses. Animals 2020, 10, 2242
Authors: Maskato Yamit , Dugdale Alexandra H. A. , Singer Ellen R. , Kelmer Gal , Sutton Gila A.
Published: April 2022

The authors wish to make the following corrections to this paper [...]
Marker-Free Rice (Oryza sativa L. cv. IR 64) Overexpressing PDH45 Gene Confers Salinity Tolerance by Maintaining Photosynthesis and Antioxidant Machinery
Authors: Sahoo Ranjan Kumar , Tuteja Renu , Gill Ritu , Jiménez Bremont Juan Francisco , Gill Sarvajeet Singh , Tuteja Narendra
Published: April 2022

Helicases function as key enzymes in salinity stress tolerance, and the role and function of PDH45 (pea DNA helicase 45) in stress tolerance have been reported in different crops with selectable markers, raising public and regulatory concerns. In the present study, we developed five lines of marker-free PDH45-overexpressing transgenic lines of rice (Oryza sativa L. cv. IR64). The overexpression of PDH45 driven by CaMV35S promoter in transgenic rice conferred high salinity (200 mM NaCl) tolerance in the T1 generation. Molecular attributes such as PCR, RT-PCR, and Southern and Western blot analyses confirmed stable integration and expression of the PDH45 gene in the PDH45-overexpressing lines. We observed higher endogenous levels of sugars (glucose and fructose) and hormones (GA, zeatin, and IAA) in the transgenic lines in comparison to control plants (empty vector (VC) and wild type (WT)) under salt treatments. Furthermore, photosynthetic characteristics such as net photosynthetic rate (Pn), stomatal conductance (gs), intercellular CO2 (Ci), and chlorophyll (Chl) content were significantly higher in transgenic lines under salinity stress as compared to control plants. However, the maximum primary photochemical efficiency of PSII, as an estimated from variable to maximum chlorophyll a fluorescence (Fv/Fm), was identical in the transgenics to that in the control plants. The activities of antioxidant enzymes, such as catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), glutathione reductase (GR), and guaiacol peroxidase (GPX), were significantly higher in transgenic lines in comparison to control plants, which helped in keeping the oxidative stress burden (MDA and H2O2) lesser on transgenic lines, thus protecting the growth and photosynthetic efficiency of the plants. Overall, the present research reports the development of marker-free PDH45-overexpressing transgenic lines for salt tolerance that can potentially avoid public and biosafety concerns and facilitate the commercialization of genetically engineered crop plants.
Artificial Intelligence Mortality Prediction Model for Gastric Cancer Surgery Based on Body Morphometry, Nutritional, and Surgical Information: Feasibility Study
Authors: Ko Yousun , Shin Hooyoung , Shin Juneseuk , Hur Hoon , Huh Jimi , Park Taeyong , Kim Kyung Won , Lee In-Seob
Published: April 2022

The objective of this study is to develop a mortality prediction model for patients undergoing gastric cancer surgery based on body morphometry, nutritional, and surgical information. Using a prospectively built gastric surgery registry from the Asan Medical Center (AMC), 621 gastric cancer patients, who were treated with surgery with no recurrence of cancer, were selected for the development of the prediction model. Input features (i.e., body morphometry, nutritional, surgical, and clinicopathologic information) were selected in the collected data based on the XGBoost analysis results and experts’ opinions. A convolutional neural network (CNN) framework was developed to predict the mortality of patients undergoing gastric cancer surgery. Internal validation was performed in split datasets of the AMC, whereas external validation was performed in patients in the Ajou University Hospital. Fifteen features were selected for the prediction of survival probability based on the XGBoost analysis results and experts’ suggestions. Accuracy, F1 score, and area under the curve of our CNN model were 0.900, 0.909, and 0.900 in the internal validation set and 0.879, 0.882, and 0.881 in the external validation set, respectively. Our developed CNN model was published on a website where anyone could predict mortality using individual patients’ data. Our CNN model provides substantially good performance in predicting mortality in patients undergoing surgery for gastric cancer, mainly based on body morphometry, nutritional, and surgical information. Using the web application, clinicians and gastric cancer patients will be able to efficiently manage mortality risk factors.
Scoliosis Brace Finite Element Model and Preliminary Experimental Testing Using Electronic Speckle Pattern Interferometry
Authors: Grycuk Slawomir , Mrozek Piotr
Published: April 2022

This article presents the results of numerical finite element method (FEM) simulations in the Ansys environment of a Boston orthopaedic brace. The geometric model was developed based on the results of digitisation performed by means of a three-dimensional (3D) optical scanner. A test stand for measurement of the brace’s field of displacements, utilising a laser electronic speckle pattern interferometer (ESPI), was used to experimentally verify the FEM model. During experimental testing, special attention was given to applying the loads and boundary conditions used in the numerical simulations. As a result, the relative difference between the experimentally and numerically determined displacements in the central part of orthoses amounted to approximately 0.6%. The experimentally verified FEM model was used to determine the force flow lines characteristic of the brace, indicating the general working method of the brace’s structure. The primary parts of the orthoses, carrying loads correcting the spine and the position of sites exerting little effort from the perspective of their participation in the orthoses’ essential therapeutic application were identified. The results obtained allow for the proposal of methods for mechanical optimisation of the brace’s design. The analysis conducted is universal in nature and can be adapted to other types of orthopaedic braces.
Research on Named Entity Recognition Methods in Chinese Forest Disease Texts
Authors: Wang Qi , Su Xiyou
Published: April 2022

Named entity recognition of forest diseases plays a key role in knowledge extraction in the field of forestry. The aim of this paper is to propose a named entity recognition method based on multi-feature embedding, a transformer encoder, a bi-gated recurrent unit (BiGRU), and conditional random fields (CRF). According to the characteristics of the forest disease corpus, several features are introduced here to improve the method’s accuracy. In this paper, we analyze the characteristics of forest disease texts; carry out pre-processing, labeling, and extraction of multiple features; and construct forest disease texts. In the input representation layer, the method integrates multi-features, such as characters, radicals, word boundaries, and parts of speech. Then, implicit features (e.g., sentence context features) are captured through the transformer’s encoding layer. The obtained features are transmitted to the BiGRU layer for further deep feature extraction. Finally, the CRF model is used to learn constraints and output the optimal annotation of disease names, damage sites, and drug entities in the forest disease texts. The experimental results on the self-built data set of forest disease texts show that the precision of the proposed method for entity recognition reached more than 93%, indicating that it can effectively solve the task of named entity recognition in forest disease texts.
Special Issue “Applications of Artificial Intelligence Systems”
Authors: Baruque Zanón Bruno , Calvo-Rolle Jose Luis , Porras Alfonso Santiago , Dolezel Petr
Published: April 2022

Artificial Intelligence, a term that was seen as an obscure subject, only to be studied by mathematicians or computer scientists, without much real-life application, less than 20 years ago, has become a pervasive term in our everyday life [...]
Frequency Down-Conversion of Optical Pulse to the Far Infrared and THz Frequency Ranges Due to the Cascading Process in a Medium with a Quadratic Nonlinear Response
Authors: Trofimov Vyacheslav A. , Kharitonov Dmitry M. , Fedotov Mikhail V. , Yang Yongqiang
Published: April 2022

Difference-frequency generation is a well-known method of obtaining IR and THz radiation. It has many practical applications, such as sensing, optical metrology, diagnostics, detection and identification of substances, etc. One of the generation methods is based on the three-wave interaction in a medium with second-order nonlinear susceptibility. In this study, we investigated a special case of the frequency down-conversion into IR and THz ranges of the frequencies: the frequencies of interacting waves were multiple. We analyzed theoretically two cases of three-wave interactions: amplification of the infrared (or THz) radiation (incident weak intensity of a wave at this frequency) and a wave generation with the difference-frequency (incident zero-value intensity at this frequency). The amplification efficiency could achieve 75% and the maximal frequency conversion efficiency is about 25%. The computer simulation results made for the femtosecond pulse interaction in a crystal with the wavelength 4, 10, and 24 μm demonstrates applicability of such a scheme for the frequency down-conversion. This scheme of the THz radiation generation is a perspective tool for its application in the screening system for the detection and identification of substances.
The Performance of Engineered Water Flooding to Enhance High Viscous Oil Recovery
Authors: Ganiyeva Aizada , Karabayanova Leila , Pourafshary Peyman , Hashmet Muhammad Rehan
Published: April 2022

Low salinity/engineered water injection is an effective enhanced oil recovery method, confirmed by many laboratory investigations. The success of this approach depends on different criteria such as oil, formation brine, injected fluid, and rock properties. The performance of this method in heavy oil formations has not been addressed yet. In this paper, data on heavy oil displacement by low salinity water were collected from the literature and the experiments conducted by our team. In our experiments, core flooding was conducted on an extra heavy oil sample to measure the incremental oil recovery due to the injected brine dilution and ions composition. Our experimental results showed that wettability alteration occurred during the core flooding as the main proposed mechanism of low salinity water. Still, this mechanism is not strong enough to overcome capillary forces in heavy oil reservoirs. Hence, weak microscopic sweep efficiency and high mobility ratio resulted in a small change in residual oil saturation. This point was also observed in other oil displacement tests reported in the literature. By analyzing our experiments and available data, it is concluded that the application of standalone low salinity/engineered water flooding is not effective for heavy oil formations where the oil viscosity is higher than 150 cp and high oil recovery is not expected. Hence, combining this EOR method with thermal approaches is recommended to reduce the oil viscosity and control the mobility ratio and viscous to capillary forces.
Theory of Movement of Machine-Tractor Unit with Trailer Haulm Harvester Machine
Authors: Bulgakov Volodymyr , Aboltins Aivars , Ivanovs Semjons , Beloev Hristo , Nadykto Volodymyr , Ihnatiev Yevhen , Olt Jüri
Published: April 2022

Harvesting sugar and fodder beet tops is a complex technological process that requires the use of special harvesting machines. Trailed harvesters of different rows, which together with aggregate tractors form symmetric or asymmetric machine-tractor units, the movement of which in the horizontal plane is not always stable, are widely used. The purpose of this study is to determine the parameters of stable plane-parallel motion of asymmetric harvester machine-tractor unit based on numerical computer simulation of the obtained analytical dependencies. According to the results of the analytical study, the values of the amplitude and phase-frequency characteristics of the turning angle tractor’s oscillations were obtained. They reflect the reproduction by the angle rotation fluctuations of the haulm harvester machine in the horizontal plane. Calculations have shown that reducing the value of the input resistance coefficient of pneumatic tires of the driving wheels of the aggregating tractor increases its sensitivity to the action of disturbing influences. The greater the sensitivity, the closer the wheels of the power tool are to the attachment point of the trailed haulm harvester. In qualitative terms, increasing the speed of the machine-tractor unit from 1.5 to 2.5 m∙s−1 leads to an undesirable increase in the amplitude-frequency response and desired increase in the phase-frequency response when reproducing its external disturbing effects in the form of oscillations of the angle of rotation of the harvester.
Mortality Prediction of COVID-19 Patients Using Radiomic and Neural Network Features Extracted from a Wide Chest X-ray Sample Size: A Robust Approach for Different Medical Imbalanced Scenarios
Authors: Iori Mauro , Di Castelnuovo Carlo , Verzellesi Laura , Meglioli Greta , Lippolis Davide Giosuè , Nitrosi Andrea , Monelli Filippo , Besutti Giulia , Trojani Valeria , Bertolini Marco , Botti Andrea , Castellani Gastone , Remondini Daniel , Sghedoni Roberto , Croci Stefania , Salvarani Carlo
Published: April 2022

Aim: The aim of this study was to develop robust prognostic models for mortality prediction of COVID-19 patients, applicable to different sets of real scenarios, using radiomic and neural network features extracted from chest X-rays (CXRs) with a certified and commercially available software. Methods: 1816 patients from 5 different hospitals in the Province of Reggio Emilia were included in the study. Overall, 201 radiomic features and 16 neural network features were extracted from each COVID-19 patient’s radiography. The initial dataset was balanced to train the classifiers with the same number of dead and survived patients, randomly selected. The pipeline had three main parts: balancing procedure; three-step feature selection; and mortality prediction with radiomic features through three machine learning (ML) classification models: AdaBoost (ADA), Quadratic Discriminant Analysis (QDA) and Random Forest (RF). Five evaluation metrics were computed on the test samples. The performance for death prediction was validated on both a balanced dataset (Case 1) and an imbalanced dataset (Case 2). Results: accuracy (ACC), area under the ROC-curve (AUC) and sensitivity (SENS) for the best classifier were, respectively, 0.72 ± 0.01, 0.82 ± 0.02 and 0.84 ± 0.04 for Case 1 and 0.70 ± 0.04, 0.79 ± 0.03 and 0.76 ± 0.06 for Case 2. These results show that the prediction of COVID-19 mortality is robust in a different set of scenarios. Conclusions: Our large and varied dataset made it possible to train ML algorithms to predict COVID-19 mortality using radiomic and neural network features of CXRs.
Deciphering Cardiac Biology and Disease by Single-Cell Transcriptomic Profiling
Authors: Wang Le , Hu Shengshou , Zhou Bingying
Published: April 2022

By detecting minute molecular changes in hundreds to millions of single cells, single-cell RNA sequencing allows for the comprehensive characterization of the diversity and dynamics of cells in the heart. Our understanding of the heart has been transformed through the recognition of cellular heterogeneity, the construction of regulatory networks, the building of lineage trajectories, and the mapping of intercellular crosstalk. In this review, we introduce cardiac progenitors and their transcriptional regulation during embryonic development, highlight cellular heterogeneity and cell subtype functions in cardiac health and disease, and discuss insights gained from the study of pluripotent stem-cell-derived cardiomyocytes.
Prognostic Value of LINC-ROR (rs1942347) Variant in Patients with Colon Cancer Harboring BRAF Mutation: A Propensity Score-Matched Analysis
Authors: Shaalan Aly A. M. , Mokhtar Sara H. , Ahmedah Hanadi Talal , Almars Amany I. , Toraih Eman A. , Ibrahiem Afaf T. , Fawzy Manal S. , Salem Mai A.
Published: April 2022

Emerging studies show that long intergenic non-protein coding RNA, regulator of reprogramming (LINC-ROR) is aberrantly expressed in several types of cancer, including colon cancer (CC). LINC-ROR intronic variant rs1942347 may impact gene regulation and disease phenotype. We aimed to explore the potential association of LINC-ROR (rs1942347) with the clinicopathological features and outcome of CC cases. Archived FFPE (n = 180) CC samples were enrolled. Taq-Man allelic discrimination PCR was used for genotyping in propensity-matched cohorts with/without positive staining for mutant BRAF protein after eliminating confounders bias. The rs1942347*A allele variant was associated with high pathological grade, larger tumor size, distant metastasis, and mortality. Multiple logistic regression analysis adjusted by sex and BRAF mutation showed A/A genotype carriers to have 3 times more risk of early onset of cancer (OR = 3.13, 95%CI = 1.28–7.69, p = 0.034) than T/T genotype carriers. Overall analysis showed that rs1942347*A allele carriers had higher risk of mortality under heterozygote (OR = 2.13, 95%CI = 1.08–4.35, p = 0.003), homozygote (OR = 5.0, 95%CI = 1.69–14.29, p = 0.003), dominant (OR = 3.33, 95%CI = 1.20–9.09, p = 0.003), and recessive (OR = 2.63, 95%CI = 1.37–5.0, p = 0.011) models compared to T/T allele carriers. Stratified analysis by BRAF status revealed that the ancestor T/T allele conferred protection in BRAF mutant CC patients and was associated with a 73–93% reduced risk of mortality under heterozygote/homozygote comparison models. Using Kaplan–Meier curves, carriers of the A/A genotype had shorter survival times than T/T cohorts. The univariate Cox regression model revealed that the A/A genotype was associated with a 3.5 times greater mortality risk than the T/T genotype. However, after adjustment by multiple Cox regression analysis, the risk was insignificant. In conclusion, this is the first study identifying the potential association of the LINC-ROR (rs1942347) variant with CC prognosis.
Bacterial Glycocalyx Integrity Impacts Tolerance of Myxococcus xanthus to Antibiotics and Oxidative-Stress Agents
Authors: Saïdi Fares , Bitazar Razieh , Bradette Nicholas Y. , Islam Salim T.
Published: April 2022

The presence of an exopolysaccharide (EPS) layer surrounding bacterial cells, termed a “glycocalyx”, confers protection against toxic molecules. However, the effect of glycocalyx integrity on the tolerance to such agents is poorly understood. Using a modified disc-diffusion assay, we tested the susceptibility to a panel of antibiotics and oxidative stress-inducing compounds of various mutant strains of the social predatory Gram-negative soil bacterium Myxococcus xanthus; the selected mutants were those that manifest different physical states of their respective EPS glycocalyces. While the overall presence of an EPS layer was indeed beneficial for tolerance, the integrity of this layer was also found to affect the susceptibility of the bacterium to killing; however, this finding was not universal, and instead was dependent on the specific compound tested. Thus, the integrity of the cell-surface EPS glycocalyx plays an important role in the tolerance of M. xanthus to harmful compounds.
A Comprehensive Review on the Management of COVID-19-Associated Mucormycosis (CAM): The New Basics
Authors: Girdhar Divyam , Manocha Ekta
Published: April 2022

The outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), which comes with several comorbidities, was declared a pandemic in early 2020 by World Health Organization (WHO). Glucocorticoids that are used in severe cases of COVID-19 as therapeutic measures may lead to opportunistic fungal infections in such patients. Mucormycosis is one of these infections and mostly occurs in immune-compromised patients such as those who undergo transplant surgeries. However, it rarely develops in COVID-19 patients, although many cases of COVID-19-associated mucormycosis (CAM) have been found in developing nations, like India. CAM usually develops between 15 days to a few months after hospitalization or complete recovery from coronavirus disease. It is an uncommon yet serious infection that further agitates the severe symptoms of COVID-19 disease. Patients with diabetes mellitus and other comorbidities are likely to be at a higher risk for developing mucormycosis. Concurrent glucocorticoid therapy possibly heightens the risk as it increases blood glucose levels. Dentists, as frontline healthcare workers, maybe the first to be presented with oral manifestations and therefore need to pay special attention. In light of the available pieces of evidence, this review highlights the basics of the underlying condition starting from the pathology, causative factors, and clinical manifestations, including the oral cavity, to diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mucormycosis with both conventional and advanced approaches. We limited this study to the basic and established methods of CAM management and treatment along with the statistical updates. Other antifungal drugs and novel microbiological peptides are in development and need future studies for their elucidation.
Outdoor Wind Comfort and Adaptation in a Cold Region
Authors: Zhen Meng , Chen Zilin , Zheng Rui
Published: April 2022

The outdoor wind comfort is important for evaluations of the urban wind environment. The existing wind comfort criteria are based on the correlations between wind parameters, human activity levels, and wind comfort level categories. These criteria vary among different climates and regions, and they are influenced by meteorological parameters and human wind adaptation. In this study, an outdoor wind comfort questionnaire survey was conducted and meteorological measurements were collected in Xi’an, which is located in the cold region of China. The square and lake side were chosen as the test sites. The mean wind sensation vote (MWSV) and wind speed of neutral wind sensation were used as indexes to analyze the correlation between outdoor wind comfort and human wind adaptation. The results showed that the wind sensation level was generally moderate. At −1 < MWSV < 1, the fluctuations in the wind speed had little effect on the wind sensation, but when MWSV > 1 or MWSV < −1, the degree of discomfort increased as the absolute value of MWSV increased. When the wind speed exceeded 1 m/s, the amount of clothing insulation was greatly increased. The metabolic rate fluctuated between 1.5 met and 2 met. Expectations that the wind speed in the winter would be less than 1.05 m/s were greater than expectations that the wind speed would be more than 1.05 m/s in the summer, and people generally adapted to a low wind environment with wind speeds below 1 m/s. The acceptable wind ranges for more than 90% of participants at the square and lake side were (0 m/s, 2.02 m/s) and (0.01 m/s, 2.86 m/s). This study provides support for the revision of outdoor wind comfort standards and a methodological basis for outdoor wind comfort research at the same latitude throughout the world.
Apparent Quality and Service Performance Evaluation of SCFFC in Tunnel Secondary Lining
Authors: Xie Caijin , Tao Tiejun , Huang Keyu
Published: April 2022

After removing the mold from the secondary lining concrete of a tunnel, problems such as honeycomb and hemp surface easily occur. To obtain self-compacting fair-faced concrete (SCFFC) that can meet strength requirements and effectively solve the above problems, this research prepared SCFFC with different mix proportions and performed slump expansion, slump, J-ring expansion and mechanical tests. Additionally, this research comprehensively analyzed the SCFFC based on fuzzy mathematics to study its apparent quality and service performance. This research aimed to solve problems such as uneven bubbles and poor bubble diameter in C30 SCFFC, through a combination of defoaming and air entraining by adding defoamer and air-entraining agent according to different proportions for compound treatment. The defoamer dosage was 0.5‰ of that of water reducer, and the air-entraining agent dosage was 0.1‰ of that of cement. The workability and clearance passability of the concrete were optimal. At the same time, the apparent holes in the SCFFC were small, as were their area and quantity. The distribution and apparent color of the SCFFC were uniform. Considering the factors affecting the service performance of concrete and after a comprehensive analysis of the samples’ weights, subjection degree, variability, stability, and strength index, this research found that the ratio for obtaining a C30 SCFFC material with the highest apparent quality and service performance was as follows: cement:machine-made sand:crushed dtone:fly-ash:water = 4:8.6:9.3:1:2.2. The water reducer comprised 1.0% of the total mass of the cementitious materials. The defoamer dosage was 0.5‰ of that of water reducer, and the dosage of air-entraining agent was 0.1‰ of that of cement.
Febrile Neutropenia Duration Is Associated with the Severity of Gut Microbiota Dysbiosis in Pediatric Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Recipients
Authors: Masetti Riccardo , D’Amico Federica , Zama Daniele , Leardini Davide , Muratore Edoardo , Ussowicz Marek , Fraczkiewicz Jowita , Cesaro Simone , Caddeo Giulia , Pezzella Vincenza , Belotti Tamara , Gottardi Francesca , Tartari Piero , Brigidi Patrizia , Turroni Silvia , Prete Arcangelo
Published: April 2022

Febrile neutropenia (FN) is a common complication in pediatric patients receiving allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Frequently, a precise cause cannot be identified, and many factors can contribute to its genesis. Gut microbiota (GM) has been recently linked to many transplant-related complications, and may also play a role in the pathogenesis of FN. Here, we conducted a longitudinal study in pediatric patients receiving HSCT from three centers in Europe profiling their GM during the transplant course, particularly at FN onset. We found that a more stable GM configuration over time is associated with a shorter duration of fever. Moreover, patients with longer lasting fever exhibited higher pre-HSCT levels of Collinsella, Megasphaera, Prevotella and Roseburia and increased proportions of Eggerthella and Akkermansia at the engraftment. These results suggest a possible association of the GM with the genesis and course of FN. Data seem consistent with previous reports on the relationship of a so-called “healthy” GM and the reduction of transplant complications. To our knowledge, this is the first report in the pediatric HSCT setting. Future studies are warranted to define the underling biological mechanisms and possible clinical implications.
In Search of the Appropriate Anticoagulant-Associated Bleeding Risk Assessment Model for Cancer-Associated Thrombosis Patients
Authors: Poénou Géraldine , Tolédano Emmanuel , Helfer Hélène , Plaisance Ludovic , Happe Florent , Versini Edouard , Diab Nevine , Djennaoui Sadji , Mahé Isabelle
Published: April 2022

Patients with venous thromboembolism events (VTE) in the context of cancer should receive anticoagulants as long as the cancer is active. Therefore, a tailor-made anticoagulation strategy should rely on an individualized risk assessment model (RAM) of recurrent VTE and anticoagulant-associated bleeding. The aim of this review is to investigate the applicability of the currently available RAMs for anticoagulant-associated bleeding after VTE in the CAT population and to provide new insights on how we can succeed in developing a new anticoagulant-associated bleeding RAM for the current medical care of CAT patients. A systematic search for peer-reviewed publications was performed in PubMed. Studies, including systematic reviews, were eligible if they comprised patients with VTE and used a design for developing a prediction model, score, or other prognostic tools for anticoagulant-associated bleeding during anticoagulant treatment. Out of 15 RAMs, just the CAT-BLEED was developed for CAT patients and none of the presented RAMs developed for the VTE general population were externally validated in a population of CAT patients. The current review illustrates the limitations of the available RAMs for anticoagulant-associated bleeding in CAT patients. The development of a RAM for bleeding risk assessment in patients with CAT is warranted.
Emerging Biomarkers for Immunotherapy in Glioblastoma
Authors: Mensali Nadia , Inderberg Else Marit
Published: April 2022

Immunotherapy has shown clinical benefits in several solid malignancies—in particular, melanoma and non-small cell lung cancer. However, in other solid tumours such as glioblastoma (GBM), the response to immunotherapy has been more variable, and except for anti-PD-1 for patients with microsatellite instable (MSI)+ cancers, no immunotherapy is currently approved for GBM patients. GBM is the most common and most aggressive brain cancer with a very poor prognosis and a median overall survival of 15 months. A few prognostic biomarkers have been identified and are used to some extent, but apart from MSI, no biomarkers are used for patient stratification for treatments other than the standard of care, which was established 15 years ago. Around 25% of new treatments investigated in GBM are immunotherapies. Recent studies indicate that the use of integrated and validated immune correlates predicting the response and guiding treatments could improve the efficacy of immunotherapy in GBM. In this review, we will give an overview of the current status of immunotherapy and biomarkers in use in GBM with the main challenges of treatment in this disease. We will also discuss emerging biomarkers that could be used in future immunotherapy strategies for patient stratification and potentially improved treatment efficacy.
Assessing the Prognosis of Patients with Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS)
Authors: Kasprzak Annika , Nachtkamp Kathrin , Gattermann Norbert , Germing Ulrich
Published: April 2022

Prognostic stratification in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) relies on a number of key factors. Combining such patient-related and disease-related prognostic parameters into useful assessment tools remains a challenge. The most widely used scoring systems include the international prognostic scoring system (IPSS), the revised IPSS (IPSS-R), the World Health Organization (WHO) Prognostic Scoring System (WPSS), and the new molecular IPSS (IPSS-M). Similar to the IPSS-R and the IPSS-M, the chronic myelomonocytic leukemia (CMML) prognostic scoring system (CPSS) and the CPSS molecular (CPSS-mol) are powerful and reliable prognostic tools that help to assess the individual prognosis of patients with CMML. The well-established prognostic assessment of MDS and CMML may be further augmented by additional disease-related parameters, such as somatic mutations, or patient-related factors, such as comorbidities. In this article, we briefly describe useful prognostic scoring systems for myelodysplastic syndromes and identify some open questions that require further investigation.