bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Joint Beam-Forming, User Clustering and Power Allocation for MIMO-NOMA Systems
Authors: Wang Jiayin , Wang Yafeng , Yu Jiarun
Published: February 2022

In this paper, we consider the optimal resource allocation problem for multiple-input multiple-output non-orthogonal multiple access (MIMO-NOMA) systems, which consists of beam-forming, user clustering and power allocation, respectively. Users can be divided into different clusters, and the users in the same cluster are served by the same beam vector. Inter-cluster orthogonality can be guaranteed based on multi-user detection (MUD). In this paper, we propose a three-step framework to solve the multi-dimensional resource allocation problem. In step 1, we propose a beam-forming algorithm for a given user cluster. Specifically, fractional transmitting power control (FTPC) is applied for intra-cluster power allocation. The considered beam-forming problem can be transformed into a non-constrained one and the limited-memory Broyden–Fletcher–Goldfarb–Shanno (L-BFGS) method is applied to obtain the optimal solution. In step 2, optimal user clustering is further considered. Channel differences and correlations are both involved in the design of user clustering. By assigning different weights to the two factors, we can produce multiple candidate clustering schemes. Based on the proposed beam-forming algorithm, beam-forming can be done for each candidate clustering scheme to compare their performances. Moreover, based on the optimal user clustering and beam-forming schemes, in step 3, power allocation can be further optimized. Specifically, it can be formalized as a difference of convex (DC) programming problem, which is solved by successive convex approximation (SCA) with strong robustness. Simulations results show that the proposed scheme can effectively improve spectral efficiency (SE) and edge users’ data rates.
Nitrogen Dynamics and Sweet Potato Production under Indigenous Soil Moisture Conservation Practices in the Leeward Kohala Field System, Hawai’i Island
Authors: Sirabis William C. L. , Kantar Michael B. , Radovich Theodore , Lincoln Noa K.
Published: February 2022

Intensive cultivation of ‘uala (sweet potato) in the Leeward Kohala field system on Hawai’i Island supported substantial populations of Native Hawaiians prior to its abandonment in the 19th century. Productivity is influenced by the heterogeneity of the climate and biogeochemical soil characteristics across the substantial ecological gradient. Agricultural infrastructure and associated practices were developed to manage crop production eventuating from the variation in inter- and intra-annual rainfall. Mechanisms of sustaining soil nitrogen (N) are still unclear; however, a pronounced source of N is soil organic matter decomposition. This study investigated in situ the effects of indigenous Hawaiian mulching practices against two control treatments on soil moisture and temperature dynamics to facilitate N mineralization in soil mounds cultivated with ‘uala. Field experiments were set in two agricultural restoration plots with distinct climatic and soil characteristics. Data included soil moisture and temperature, soil and plant N, growth and development of ‘uala, and real-time weather data. Concurrently, N mineralization was also investigated under controlled conditions. All indigenous mulching treatments were found to significantly increase soil moisture, regulate temperature variation, and improve N availability compared to control. Differences in soil properties between treatments translated to significant differences in above-ground biomass. The data suggest that these differences would extend to tuber production, but the use of a long-gestation variety limited tuber production in the study. Increased temperatures in the controlled experiments were observed to increase inorganic N significantly, but less substantially than soil moisture. Indigenous practices in the region could have greatly mitigated plant stress due to moisture, temperature, and N availability, increasing productivity and reducing the variability of the Leeward Kohala Field System.
Nitrogen Budget and Statistical Entropy Analysis of the Tiber River Catchment, a Highly Anthropized Environment
Authors: De Marco Alessandra , Fornasier Maria Francesca , Screpanti Augusto , Lombardi Danilo , Vitale Marcello
Published: February 2022

Modern farming causes a decline in the recycling of the soil’s inorganic matter due to losses by leaching, runoff, or infiltration into the groundwater. The Soil System Budget approach was applied to evaluate the net N budget at the catchment and sub-catchment levels of the Tiber River (central Italy) in order to establish the causes for different N budgets among the sub-catchments. Statistical Entropy Analysis (SEA) was used to evaluate the N efficiency of the Tiber River and its sub-catchments, providing information on the dispersion of different N forms in the environment. The total N inputs exceeded the total outputs, showing a low N retention (15.8%) at the catchment level, although some sub-catchments showed higher N retention values. The Utilized Agricultural Area was important in the determination of the N balance, as it was linked to zoo- and agricultural activities, although the Random Forest analysis showed that the importance ranking changed with the land use. The low N retention of the Tiber catchment was due to the soil characteristics (Cambisols and Leptosols), loads from atmospheric deposition, biological fixation, and the livestock industry. The SEA simulations showed a reduction of the N released into the atmosphere and groundwater compartments from 34% to 6% through a reduction of the N loads by 50%.
Higgs Boson-Induced Reheating and Dark Matter Production
Authors: Ahmed Aqeel , Grzadkowski Bohdan , Socha Anna
Published: February 2022

We discuss a perturbative and non-instantaneous reheating model, adopting a generic post-inflationary scenario with an equation of state w. In particular, we explore the Higgs boson-induced reheating, assuming that it is achieved through a cubic inflaton-Higgs coupling ϕ|H|2. In the presence of such coupling, the Higgs doublet acquires a ϕ-dependent mass and a non-trivial vacuum–expectation–value that oscillates in time and breaks the Standard Model gauge symmetry. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the non-standard cosmologies and the inflaton-induced mass of the Higgs field modify the radiation production during the reheating period.This, in turn, affects the evolution of a thermal bath temperature, which has remarkable consequences for the ultraviolet freeze-in dark matter production.
Prevalence and Characteristic of Oral Mucosa Lesions
Authors: Radwan-Oczko Małgorzata , Sokół Iga , Babuśka Katarzyna , Owczarek-Drabińska Joanna E.
Published: February 2022

(1) Background: Oral mucosa lesions (OMLs) are diagnosed worldwide in any population, age or gender, but in varied prevalence. OMLs can be found in each site of the oral mucosa; for some of them, it is characteristic to have a bilateral/symmetrical or unilateral/nonsymmetrical mucosal manifestation. The knowledge about its prevalence in varied populations can be useful from a clinical point of view. The aim of this study is to assess the prevalence of OMLs in patients attending outpatient dental clinic; (2) Retrospective analysis of 2747 patients’ oral cavity medical charts, who referred to oral pathology outpatient clinic. The type of diagnosed oral lesion, sex and age were evaluated. p ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant; (3) Results: In this study, the overall prevalence of oral mucosal lesions was found to be higher in older than younger patients. In our study, the age median was the highest in patients with xerostomia, burning mouth syndrome, angular cheilitis and oral candidiasis. The youngest median age was observed in patients with aphthae, mucocele and gingival enlargement. The higher OMLs frequency was related with the female gender. (4) It is important for clinicians to be familiar not only with distinctive features, which sometimes may not be clear, but also with linking the occurrence of OMLs with the gender and age.
Topological Quantum Statistical Mechanics and Topological Quantum Field Theories
Authors: Zhang Zhidong
Published: February 2022

The Ising model describes a many-body interacting spin (or particle) system, which can be utilized to imitate the fundamental forces of nature. Although it is the simplest many-body interacting system of spins (or particles) with Z2 symmetry, the phenomena revealed in Ising systems may afford us lessons for other types of interactions in nature. In this work, we first focus on the mathematical structure of the three-dimensional (3D) Ising model. In the Clifford algebraic representation, many internal factors exist in the transfer matrices of the 3D Ising model, which are ascribed to the topology of the 3D space and the many-body interactions of spins. They result in the nonlocality, the nontrivial topological structure, as well as the long-range entanglement between spins in the 3D Ising model. We review briefly the exact solution of the ferromagnetic 3D Ising model at the zero magnetic field, which was derived in our previous work. Then, the framework of topological quantum statistical mechanics is established, with respect to the mathematical aspects (topology, algebra, and geometry) and physical features (the contribution of topology to physics, Jordan–von Neumann–Wigner framework, time average, ensemble average, and quantum mechanical average). This is accomplished by generalizations of our findings and observations in the 3D Ising models. Finally, the results are generalized to topological quantum field theories, in consideration of relationships between quantum statistical mechanics and quantum field theories. It is found that these theories must be set up within the Jordan–von Neumann–Wigner framework, and the ergodic hypothesis is violated at the finite temperature. It is necessary to account the time average of the ensemble average and the quantum mechanical average in the topological quantum statistical mechanics and to introduce the parameter space of complex time (and complex temperature) in the topological quantum field theories. We find that a topological phase transition occurs near the infinite temperature (or the zero temperature) in models in the topological quantum statistical mechanics and the topological quantum field theories, which visualizes a symmetrical breaking of time inverse symmetry.
On the Origin of the Rhythmic Sun’s Radius Variation
Authors: Zioutas Konstantin , Maroudas Marios , Kosovichev Alexander
Published: February 2022

Based on helioseismological measurements (1996–2017), the entire Sun shrinks during solar maximum and regrows during the next solar minimum by about a few km (~10−5 effect). Here, we observe, for the first time, that the solar radius variation resembles a 225-day relationship that coincides with Venus’ orbital period. We show that a remote link between planet Venus and Sun’s size must be at work. However, within known realms of physics, this is unexpected. Therefore, we can only speculate about its cause. Notably, the driving idea behind this investigation was some generic as-yet-invisible matter from the dark Universe. In fact, the 11-year solar cycle shows planetary relationships for a number of other observables as well. It has been proposed that the cause must be due to some generic streaming invisible massive matter (IMM). As when a low-speed stream is aligned toward the Sun with an intervening planet, the IMM influx increases temporally due to planetary gravitational focusing, assisted eventually with the free fall of incident slow IMM. A case-specific simulation for Venus’ impact supports the tentative scenario based on this investigation’s driving idea. Importantly, Saturn, combined with the innermost planets Mercury or Venus, unambiguously confirms an underlying planetary correlation with the Sun’s size. The impact of the suspected IMM accumulates with time, slowly triggering the underlying process(es); the associated energy change is massive even though it extends from months to several years. This study shows that the Sun’s size response is as short as half the orbital period of Mercury (44 days) or Venus (112 days). Then, the solar system is the target and the antenna of still unidentified external impact, assuming tentatively from the dark sector. If the generic IMM also has some preferential incidence direction, future long-lasting observations of the Sun’s shape might provide an asymmetry that could be utilized to identify the not isotropic influx of the assumed IMM.
Examining the Influence of Moral Norms on Dockless Shared Bicycle Users’ Parking Behavior—An Exploratory Study Based on the Theory of Planned Behavior
Authors: Wei Wei , Gu Chao , Yang Chun
Published: February 2022

The disorderly parking of dockless shared bicycles (DBS) has brought about great challenges to the use and management of shared bicycles. Although previous research related to the DBS industry has covered many patterns, the psychological mechanisms underlying users’ behavior remain unclear. This study proposed an extended TPB model and recruited 334 participants from diverse professions and geographic locations in China to examine the influence of internal and external factors on users’ orderly parking behavior. It was shown that personal moral norms have a significant direct influence on users’ attitudes toward orderly parking and thus influence the behavioral intention of orderly parking. Users’ perception of parking facilities has significant influence on users’ perceived behavior control and intention of orderly parking. This study indicates that cultivation of users’ moral obligation can help improve users’ intention of orderly parking. Furthermore, governments and DBS companies should work together to provide sufficient parking facilities to DBS users.
Visible Light Communications for Internet of Things: Prospects and Approaches, Challenges, Solutions and Future Directions
Authors: Oyewobi Stephen S. , Djouani Karim , Kurien Anish Matthew
Published: February 2022

Visible light communications (VLC) is an emerging and promising concept that is capable of solving the major challenges of 5G and Internet of Things (IoT) communication systems. Moreover, due to the usage of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) in almost every aspect of our daily life VLC is providing massive connectivity for various types of massive IoT communications ranging from machine-to-machine, vehicle-to-infrastructure, infrastructure-to-vehicle, chip-to-chip as well as device-to-device. In this paper, we undertake a comprehensive review of the prospects of implementing VLC for IoT. Moreover, we investigate existing and proposed approaches implemented in the application of VLC for IoT. Additionally, we look at the challenges faced in applying VLC for IoT and offer solutions where applicable. Then, we identify future research directions in the implementation of VLC for IoT.
Channel Modeling for In-Body Optical Wireless Communications
Authors: Trevlakis Stylianos E. , Boulogeorgos Alexandros-Apostolos A. , Chatzidiamantis Nestor D. , Karagiannidis George K.
Published: February 2022

Next generation in-to-out-of body biomedical applications have adopted optical wireless communications (OWCs). However, by delving into the published literature, a gap is recognized in modeling the in-to-out-of channel, since most published contributions neglect the particularities of different types of tissues. In this paper, we present a novel pathloss and scattering models for in-to-out-of OWC links. Specifically, we derive extract analytical expressions that accurately describe the absorption of the five main tissues’ constituents, namely fat, water, melanin, and oxygenated and de-oxygenated blood. Moreover, we formulate a model for the calculation of the absorption coefficient of any generic biological tissue. Next, by incorporating the impact of scattering in the aforementioned model, we formulate the complete pathloss model. The developed model is verified by means of comparisons between the estimated pathloss and experimental measurements from independent research works. Finally, we illustrate the accuracy of the proposed model in estimating the optical properties of any generic tissue based on its constitution. The extracted channel model is expected to enable link budget analysis, performance analysis, and theoretical framework development, which will boost the design of optimized communication protocols for a plethora of biomedical applications.
AI-Radiomics Can Improve Inclusion Criteria and Clinical Trial Performance
Authors: Tomaszewski Michal R. , Fan Shuxuan , Garcia Alberto , Qi Jin , Kim Youngchul , Gatenby Robert A. , Schabath Matthew B. , Tap William D. , Reinke Denise K. , Makanji Rikesh J. , Reed Damon R. , Gillies Robert J.
Published: February 2022

Purpose: Success of clinical trials increasingly relies on effective selection of the target patient populations. We hypothesize that computational analysis of pre-accrual imaging data can be used for patient enrichment to better identify patients who can potentially benefit from investigational agents. Methods: This was tested retrospectively in soft-tissue sarcoma (STS) patients accrued into a randomized clinical trial (SARC021) that evaluated the efficacy of evofosfamide (Evo), a hypoxia activated prodrug, in combination with doxorubicin (Dox). Notably, SARC021 failed to meet its overall survival (OS) objective. We tested whether a radiomic biomarker-driven inclusion/exclusion criterion could have been used to improve the difference between the two arms (Evo + Dox vs. Dox) of the study. 164 radiomics features were extracted from 296 SARC021 patients with lung metastases, divided into training and test sets. Results: A single radiomics feature, Short Run Emphasis (SRE), was representative of a group of correlated features that were the most informative. The SRE feature value was combined into a model along with histological classification and smoking history. This model as able to identify an enriched subset (52%) of patients who had a significantly longer OS in Evo + Dox vs. Dox groups [p = 0.036, Hazard Ratio (HR) = 0.64 (0.42–0.97)]. Applying the same model and threshold value in an independent test set confirmed the significant survival difference [p = 0.016, HR = 0.42 (0.20–0.85)]. Notably, this model was best at identifying exclusion criteria for patients most likely to benefit from doxorubicin alone. Conclusions: The study presents a first of its kind clinical-radiomic approach for patient enrichment in clinical trials. We show that, had an appropriate model been used for selective patient inclusion, SARC021 trial could have met its primary survival objective for patients with metastatic STS.
Development of a Method for Detecting Alexandrium pacificum Based on the Quantification of sxtA4 by Chip-Based Digital PCR
Authors: Hyung Jun-Ho , Hwang Jinik , Moon Seung-Joo , Kim Eun-Joo , Kim Dong-Wook , Park Jaeyeon
Published: February 2022

Alexandrium pacificum, which produces the paralytic shellfish toxin (PST) saxitoxin (STX), is one of the causative species of paralytic shellfish poisoning outbreaks in coastal areas of Korea. In this study, we developed a chip-based digital PCR (dPCR) method for A. pacificum detection and tested it for monitoring in Jinhae-Masan Bay. Using the sequence of an A. pacificum strain isolated in 2017, species-specific primers targeting sxtA4 (a STX biosynthesis-related gene) were designed and used in a dPCR, detecting 2.0 ± 0.24 gene copies per cell of A. pacificum. Cell abundance in field samples, estimated by a chip-based dPCR, was compared with the PST content, and measured using a mouse bioassay. A comparison with shellfish PST concentrations indicated that cell concentrations above 500 cells L−1, as measured using the dPCR assay, may cause shellfish PST concentrations to exceed the allowed limits for PSTs. Concordance rates between dPCR and PST results were 62.5% overall in 2018–2021, reaching a maximum of 91.7% in 2018–2019. The sensitivity of the dPCR assay was higher than that of microscopy and sxtA4-based qPCRs. Absolute quantification by chip-based dPCRs targeting sxtA4 in A. pacificum exhibits potential as a complementary approach to mouse bioassay PST monitoring for the prevention of toxic blooms.
Susceptibility of Sea Bream (Sparus aurata) to AIP56, an AB-Type Toxin Secreted by Photobacterium damselae subsp. piscicida
Authors: Freitas Inês Lua , Teixeira Alexandra , Loureiro Inês , Lisboa Johnny , Saraiva Aurélia , dos Santos Nuno Miguel Simões , do Vale Ana
Published: February 2022

Photobacterium damselae subsp. piscicida (Phdp) is a Gram-negative bacterium that infects a large number of marine fish species in Europe, Asia, and America, both in aquacultures and in the natural environment. Among the affected hosts are economically important cultured fish, such as sea bream (Sparus aurata), sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax), yellowtail (Seriola quinqueradiata), and cobia (Rachycentron canadum). The best characterized virulence factor of Phdp is the Apoptosis-Inducing Protein of 56 kDa (AIP56), a secreted AB-type toxin that has been shown to induce apoptosis of sea bass phagocytes during infection. AIP56 has an A subunit that displays metalloprotease activity against NF-kB p65 and a B subunit that mediates binding and internalization of the A subunit in susceptible cells. Despite the fact that the aip56 gene is highly prevalent in Phdp isolates from different fish species, the toxicity of AIP56 has only been studied in sea bass. In the present study, the toxicity of AIP56 for sea bream was evaluated. Ex vivo assays showed that sea bream phagocytes are resistant to AIP56 cytotoxicity and that resistance was associated with an inefficient internalization of the toxin by those cells. Accordingly, in vivo intoxication assays revealed that sea bream is much more resistant to AIP56-induced lethality than sea bass. These findings, showing that the effect of AIP56 is different in sea bass and sea bream, set the basis for future studies to characterize the effects of AIP56 and to fully elucidate its virulence role in different Phdp susceptible hosts.
Characterizing Safety and Clinical Outcomes Associated with High-Dose Micafungin Utilization in Patients with Proven Invasive Candidiasis
Authors: Grant Victoria C. , Nguyen Kenneth , Rodriguez Sasha , Zhou Anna Y. , Abdul-Mutakabbir Jacinda C. , Tan Karen K.
Published: February 2022

Micafungin is the empiric antifungal agent of choice for the treatment of invasive candidiasis (IC). Pathophysiologic changes that occur in obese and/or critically ill patients can alter micafungin serum concentrations and the probability of target attainment. Although high doses of micafungin have been shown to be safe, clinical outcomes have not been widely evaluated. We conducted a single-center, retrospective observational study evaluating safety and clinical outcomes among adult patients treated with ≥200 mg of micafungin for ≥3 days for proven IC from 1 September 2013 through 1 September 2021. Twenty-three unique encounters for 21 patients were evaluated. The median BMI and APACHE II scores were 37.1 (IQR 28.8–48.9) and 24 (IQR 17.7–31), respectively. The median average daily dose of micafungin was 300 mg (IQR 275–400). Patients were treated with high-dose (HD) micafungin for the entirety of their echinocandin course in 15 encounters (65.2%). Transaminases remained stable, while a trend towards increased alkaline phosphatase was observed. A total of four deaths occurred (17.4%). Patients that died were predominantly young, Hispanic males who were obese and/or critically ill. Future studies are needed to determine the necessity and appropriate placement of HD micafungin in obese and/or critically ill patients.
MITIGATOR: GNSS-Based System for Remote Sensing of Ionospheric Absolute Total Electron Content
Authors: Yasyukevich Yury V. , Vesnin Artem M. , Kiselev Alexander V. , Mylnikova Anna A. , Oinats Alexey V. , Ivanova Vera A. , Demyanov Vladislav V.
Published: February 2022

Monitoring the Earth’s ionosphere is an important, fundamental and applied problem. Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) provide a way of measuring the ionospheric total electron content (TEC), but real-time single-station absolute TEC measurements are still a problem. This study describes a single-station system to measure the absolute TEC, based on the GNSS–MITIGATOR (MonITorInG the Absolute TOtal electRon content) system. The latter enables real-time measurements for the absolute TEC and its derivatives in time and in space to be obtained. The system is implemented by using JAVAD receivers. The convergence time and the run-mode retention time is ~8 h. We provide potential methods for using the system to estimate the critical frequency of the ionosphere, foF2, at oblique paths in the Siberian region. The developed tool could be useful for supporting real-time multi-instrumental ionosphere monitoring or for compensating for the ionospheric errors of radio equipment.
n_TOF: Measurements of Key Reactions of Interest to AGB Stars
Authors: Massimi Cristian , Cristallo Sergio , Domingo-Pardo César , Lederer-Woods Claudia
Published: February 2022

In the last 20 years, the neutron time-of-flight facility n_TOF at CERN has been providing relevant data for the astrophysical slow neutron capture process (s process). At n_TOF, neutron-induced radiative capture (n,γ) as well as (n,p) and (n,α) reaction cross sections are measured as a function of energy, using the time-of-flight method. Improved detection systems, innovative ideas and collaborations with other neutron facilities have lead to a considerable contribution of the n_TOF collaboration to studying the s process in asymptotic giant branch stars. Results have been reported for stable and radioactive samples, i.e., 24,25,26Mg, 26Al, 33S, 54,57Fe, 58,59,62,63Ni, 70,72,73Ge, 90,91,92,93,94,96Zr, 139La, 140Ce, 147Pm, 151Sm, 154,155,157Gd, 171Tm, 186,187,188Os, 197Au, 203,204Tl, 204,206,207Pb and 209Bi isotopes, while others are being studied or planned to be studied in the near future. In this contribution, we present an overview of the most successful achievements, and an outlook of future challenging measurements, including ongoing detection system developments.
Analogous Hawking Effect: S-Matrix and Thermofield Dynamics
Authors: Belgiorno Francesco , Cacciatori Sergio L.
Published: February 2022

We consider the full S-matrix in the scattering giving rise to analogous Hawking radiation in dispersive media. We show the general structure of the scattering in the weak dispersion approximation and discuss some unnoticed features of the primary process, with a possible generalization of the phenomenology of the Hawking effect. In particular, we stress that the Hawking particle and its antiparticle partner a priori could also be produced with different rates. We provide a general parameterization of the S-matrix, adopting the Iwasawa decomposition for the matrix itself. Then, we assume that a perturbative structure in a suitable sense is allowed and display the corresponding expansion. In connection with the general structure of the S-matrix at the leading order, we also consider the thermofield dynamics (TFD) framework and show that the TFD picture is still available, with a doubling of the degrees of freedom emerging in a natural way, as for the astrophysical black hole case. Furthermore, we show that particles on the thermal vacuum can be identified with real particles appearing in the scattering.
Special Issue “Enteroviruses 2021”
Authors: Ho Hung-Yao
Published: February 2022

Enteroviruses are a group of clinically relevant RNA viruses that causes human diseases [...]
Human SUMOylation Pathway Is Critical for Influenza B Virus
Authors: Dang Runrui , Rodgers Victor G. J. , García-Sastre Adolfo , Liao Jiayu
Published: February 2022

The identification and elucidation of host pathways for viral infection are critical for understanding the viral infection processes and novel therapeutics development. Here, for the first time, we discover that the human SUMOylation pathway is essential for the IBV viral life cycle. First, IBV viruses were completely inhibited by a novel SUMOylation specific inhibitor, STE025, discovered from our FRET-based high-throughput screening, and the inhibition was very potent, with IC50~ 0.1 µM in an IBV-induced cell death rescue assay; Second, we determined that the IBV M1 protein was SUMOylated, which was mediated by the SUMOylation E2 conjugation enzyme and the E3 ligase enzyme at very high affinities, of 0.20 µM and 0.22 µM, respectively; Third, the mutation of the IBV M1 SUMOylation site, K21R, completely abolished the viral particle generation, strongly suggesting the requirement of SUMOylation for the IBV life cycle. These results suggest that the blockage of the host human SUMOylation pathway is very effective for IBV inhibition. We therefore propose that the host SUMOylation pathway is a critical host factor for the IBV virus life cycle. The identification and inhibition of critical host factor(s) provide a novel strategy for future anti-viral therapeutics development, such as IBV and other viruses.
Cryo-EM Structure of a Possum Enterovirus
Authors: Wang Ivy , Gupta Sandeep K. , Ems Guillaume , Jayawardena Nadishka , Strauss Mike , Bostina Mihnea
Published: February 2022

Enteroviruses (EVs) represent a substantial concern to global health. Here, we present the cryo-EM structure of a non-human enterovirus, EV-F4, isolated from the Australian brushtail possum to assess the structural diversity of these picornaviruses. The capsid structure, determined to ~3 Å resolution by single particle analysis, exhibits a largely smooth surface, similar to EV-F3 (formerly BEV-2). Although the cellular receptor is not known, the absence of charged residues on the outer surface of the canyon suggest a different receptor type than for EV-F3. Density for the pocket factor is clear, with the entrance to the pocket being smaller than for other enteroviruses.
The Attitude towards Vaccination of Health Sciences Students at a Spanish University Improved over the First 18 Months of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Pérez-Rivas Francisco Javier , Gallego-Lastra Ramón Del , Marques-Vieira Cristina Maria Alves , López-López Candelas , Domínguez-Fernández Silvia , Rico-Blázquez Milagros , Ajejas Bazán María Julia
Published: February 2022

It is important to know the attitudes of students of health sciences (SHSs) towards vaccination since they will be tomorrow’s health professionals. Vaccination is a powerful tool in the fight against COVID-19. The aim of the present, cross-sectional study was to examine how the COVID-19 pandemic has influenced the attitude of SHSs towards vaccination. Data were collected in the form of a questionnaire from all students of nursing, physiotherapy and chiropody matriculated at a Madrid University for the academic year 2019/2020 (i.e., before the start of the pandemic [Q1]), and from all those matriculated for the year 2021/22 (i.e., c18 months after the pandemic was declared [Q2]). A multivariate analysis was performed to identify the influence of sex, degree being studied, course year and the time of answering (Q1 or Q2), on the dimensions Beliefs, Behaviours and General Attitude. Overall, 1894 questionnaires were returned (934 [49.3%] for Q1, and 960 [50.7%] for Q2), of which 70.5% were completed by students of nursing, 14% by students of physiotherapy and 15.4% by those studying chiropody. In Q2, the results for all three dimensions were significantly better (p < 0.05). The most important influencing factors were being a student of nursing, being in the final years of training (years 3 or 4), female gender and answering at the time of Q2. The results obtained are encouraging since student nurses (who showed Q1 and Q2 General Attitude scores of 3.34 and 3.47 (maximum possible 4), respectively [p < 0.05]) are the health professionals of tomorrow most likely to be involved in vaccination programmes.
Peculiarities of the T Cell Immune Response in COVID-19
Authors: Kudlay Dmitry , Kofiadi Ilya , Khaitov Musa
Published: February 2022

Understanding the T cell response to SARS-CoV-2 is critical to vaccine development, epidemiological surveillance, and control strategies for this disease. This review provides data from studies of the immune response in coronavirus infections. It describes general mechanisms of immunity, its T cell components, and presents a detailed scheme of the T cell response in SARS-CoV-2 infection, including from the standpoint of determining the most promising targets for assessing its level. In addition, we reviewed studies investigating post-vaccination immunity in the development of vaccines against COVID-19. This review also includes the peculiarities of immunity in different age and gender groups, and in the presence of a number of factors, for example, comorbidity or disease severity. This study summarizes the most informative methods for assessing the immune response to SARS-CoV-2 infection.
The Gut Microbiome in Psoriasis and Crohn’s Disease: Is Its Perturbation a Common Denominator for Their Pathogenesis?
Authors: De Francesco Maria Antonia , Caruso Arnaldo
Published: February 2022

Psoriasis and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD), are interlinked. In fact, the prevalence of IBD is higher in patients with psoriasis, with a risk of ulcerative colitis of 1.6-times higher than in the general population. Analogously, patients with psoriasis have a greater risk of developing IBD. Furthermore, they share some clinical features and pathogenic mechanisms. Both are chronic inflammatory diseases with a relapsing-remitting condition that persists for the patient’s whole life and exhibit increased permeability of the mucosal barrier of skin and gut, allowing an increased interaction of pathogens with inflammatory receptors of the immune cells. A key element in the pathogenesis of these diseases is represented by the microbiota; in particular, the gut microbiota is an important driver of CD pathogenesis, while in psoriasis changes in gut and skin microbiota have been described without a defined pathogenic function. Furthermore, genetic predispositions or environmental factors contribute to disease manifestation, with a central role attributed to the immune responses and, in particular, to a dysregulated role played by T helper 17 cells both in psoriasis and IBD. The purpose of this review was to summarize present information about the links between psoriasis, inflammatory bowel disease, in particular Crohn’s disease, and changes in gut and/or skin microbiome.
Thermostable Vaccines in Veterinary Medicine: State of the Art and Opportunities to Be Seized
Authors: Fanelli Angela , Mantegazza Luca , Hendrickx Saskia , Capua Ilaria
Published: February 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the weakness of the vaccine supply chain, and the lack of thermostable formulations is one of its major limitations. This study presents evidence from peer-reviewed literature on the development of thermostable vaccines for veterinary use. A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed to evaluate the immunogenicity and/or the efficacy/effectiveness of thermostable vaccines against infectious diseases. The selected studies (n = 78) assessed the vaccine’s heat stability under different temperature conditions and over different periods. Only one study assessed the exposure of the vaccine to freezing temperatures. Two field studies provided robust evidence on the immunogenicity of commercial vaccines stored at temperatures far in excess of the manufacturer’s recommended cold-chain conditions. The drying process was the most-used method to improve the vaccine’s thermostability, along with the use of different stabilizers. The pooled vaccine efficacy was estimated to be high (VE = 69%), highlighting the importance of vaccination in reducing the economic losses due to the disease impact. These findings provide evidence on the needs and benefits of developing a portfolio of heat- and freeze-stable veterinary vaccines to unleash the true potential of immunization as an essential component of improved animal health and welfare, reduce the burden of certain zoonotic events and thus contribute to economic resilience worldwide.
Investigation of Noise Generated by Railway Freight Wagon Bogie Type Y25Ls(s)e-K and Proposals of Noise Reduction
Authors: Ďungel Ján , Zvolenský Peter , Grenčík Juraj , Krivda Ján
Published: February 2022

There have been numerous attempts and investigations carried out with the objective to reduce the noise generated by railway freight wagons because noise is one of ever-present negative environmental pollution phenomena. This resulted in strong legislation requirements on noise reduction in railway transport, in the case of freight wagons, only exterior noise is a problem. However, the extremely hard metal structures of the wagons running on hard rails naturally generate high magnitudes of acoustic energy. One big initiative, especially in Germany, seeks a solution in replacement of the cast iron brake pads with the composite one which should result in so-called “silent trains”. But braking is used only during a minor part of the train run, leaving most of the acoustic phenomena of the train run unaffected. In our research, we focused on freight bogies type Y25Ls(s)e-K that are used, including in Slovakia. We simulated the structural natural frequencies to predict vibrations and consequent sound generated by these vibrations. The idea was to localize the vibrations and propose possibilities of noise attenuation. The more realistic view about sound fields was obtained by practical measurements on a moving bogie. Measurements on the test track at a maintenance workshop were done by using a digital acoustic camera Soundcam. For attenuation of noise radiated by the bogie frame, acoustic silencers made from recycled porous fiber material have been applied to the bogie frame. To determine the acoustic difference, the material was applied only on half of the bogie, and then the measurements were carried out. The results showed a promising improvement in reduced noise radiation, which gives support for further research in this area with more precise simulations and more precise coating of the bogie frame as well as the proposal and measurement of noise-attenuating coatings of other structural parts of the freight wagons.
Determining Heat Stress Effects of Multiple Genetic Traits in Tropical Dairy Cattle Using Single-Step Genomic BLUP
Authors: Sungkhapreecha Piriyaporn , Chankitisakul Vibuntita , Duangjinda Monchai , Buaban Sayan , Boonkum Wuttigrai
Published: February 2022

Heat stress is becoming a significant problem in dairy farming, especially in tropical countries, making accurate genetic selection for heat tolerance a priority. This study investigated the effect of heat stress manifestation on genetics for milk yield, milk quality, and dairy health traits with and without genomic information using single-step genomic best linear unbiased prediction (ssGBLUP) and BLUP in Thai−Holstein crossbred cows. The dataset contained 104,150 test-day records from the first lactation of 15,380 Thai−Holstein crossbred cows. A multiple-trait random regression test-day model on a temperature−humidity index (THI) function was used to estimate the genetic parameters and genetic values. Heat stress started at a THI of 76, and the heritability estimates ranged from moderate to low. The genetic correlation between those traits and heat stress in both BLUP methods was negative. The accuracy of genomic predictions in the ssGBLUP method was higher than the BLUP method. In conclusion, heat stress negatively impacted milk production, increased the somatic cell score, and disrupted the energy balance. Therefore, in dairy cattle genetic improvement programs, heat tolerance is an important trait. The new genetic evaluation method (ssGBLUP) should replace the traditional method (BLUP) for more accurate genetic selection.
One Hundred Years of Coat Colour Influences on Genetic Diversity in the Process of Development of a Composite Horse Breed
Authors: Marín Navas Carmen , Delgado Bermejo Juan Vicente , McLean Amy Katherine , León Jurado José Manuel , Torres Antonio Rodríguez de la Borbolla y Ruiberriz de , Navas González Francisco Javier
Published: February 2022

Genetic diversity and demographic parameters were computed to evaluate the historic effects of coat colour segregation in the process of configuration of the Hispano-Arabian horse (Há). Pedigree records from 207,100 individuals born between 1884 and 2019 were used. Although coat colour is not a determinant for the admission of Hispano-Arabian individuals as apt for breeding, it may provide a representative visual insight into the gene contribution of Spanish Purebred horses (PRE), given many of the dilution genes described in Há are not present in the Arabian Purebred breed (PRá). The lack of consideration of coat colour inheritance patterns by the entities in charge of individual registration and the dodging behaviour of breeders towards the historic banning policies, may have acted as a buffer for diversity loss (lower than 8%). Inbreeding levels ranged from 1.81% in smokey cream horses to 8.80 for white horses. Contextually, crossbred breeding may increase the likelihood for double dilute combinations to occur as denoted by the increased number of Há horses displaying Pearl coats (53 Há against 3 PRE and 0 PRá). Bans against certain coat colours and patterns may have prevented an appropriate registration of genealogical information from the 4th generation onwards for decades. This may have brought about the elongation of generation intervals. Breeder tastes may have returned to the formerly officially-recognised coat colours (Grey and Bay) and Chestnut/Sorrel. However, coat colour conditioning effects must be evaluated timely for relatively short specific periods, as these may describe cyclic patterns already described in owners’ and breeders’ tastes over the centuries.
River Stage Modeling with a Deep Neural Network Using Long-Term Rainfall Time Series as Input Data: Application to the Shimanto-River Watershed
Authors: Wakatsuki Yuki , Nakane Hideaki , Hashino Tempei
Published: February 2022

The increasing frequency of devastating floods from heavy rainfall—associated with climate change—has made river stage prediction more important. For steep, forest-covered mountainous watersheds, deep-learning models may improve prediction of river stages from rainfall. Here we use the framework of multilayer perceptron (MLP) neural networks to develop such a river stage model. The MLP is constructed for the Shimanto river, which lies in southwestern Japan under a mild, rain-heavy climate. Our input for stage estimation, as well as prediction, is a long-term rainfall time series. With a one-year time series of rainfall, the model estimates the stage with RMSE less than 67 cm for about 10 m of stage peaks, as well as accurately simulating stage-time fluctuations. Furthermore, the forecast model can predict the stage without rainfall forecasts up to three hours ahead. To estimate the base flow stages as well as flood peaks with high precision, we found that the rainfall time series should be at least one year. This indicates that the use of a long rainfall time series enables one to model the contributions of ground water and evaporation. Given that the delay between the arrival time of rainfall at a rain-gauge to the outlet change is well-simulated, the physical concepts of runoff appear to be soundly embedded in the MLP.
Synthesis, Structure, and Antimicrobial Performance of NixZn1−xFe2O4 (x = 0, 0.3, 0.7, 1.0) Magnetic Powders toward E. coli, B. cereus, S. citreus, and C. tropicalis
Authors: Martinson Kirill D. , Beliaeva Anna D. , Sakhno Daria D. , Beliaeva Irina D. , Belyak Vladislav E. , Nianikova Galina G. , Panteleev Igor B. , Naraev Vyacheslav N. , Popkov Vadim I.
Published: February 2022

The active development of water purification functional materials based on multicomponent spinel ferrites makes it necessary to search for new efficient methods of obtaining initial nanostructured powders. In this study, a two-stage method for the synthesis of perspective pollutant absorption agents based on NixZn1−xFe2O4 (x = 0, 0.3, 0.7, 1.0) spinel ferrites are proposed and implemented. The approach is based on the synthesis of the initial powder using the solution combustion method and its subsequent thermal treatment in the air. It was found that synthesized samples are single-phase Ni-Zn ferrites with an average crystallite size of 41.4 to 35.7 nm and a degree of crystallinity of ~95–96%. The analysis of antimicrobial activity against four diverse test-cultures: Escherichia coli ATCC 11229 (non-spore-forming gram-negative), Bacillus cereus ATCC 10702 (spore-forming gram-positive), Staphylococcus citreus NCTC 9379 (non-spore-forming gram-positive), and Candida tropicalis ATCC 750 (yeast) showed that almost all of the synthesized powders exhibit an advanced ability to inhibit the growth of the microorganisms mentioned above. The compositions obtained can be a perspective basis for both natural and wastewater purificators with magnetic separation ability and can find biotechnological and biomedical applications as promising antimicrobial materials.
Hydrological Effects of Agricultural Water Supplies on Paddy Fields using Surface–Groundwater Integrated Model
Authors: Park Sanghyun , Kim Hyeonjun , Jang Choelhee , Kim Deokhwan
Published: February 2022

Agricultural water demands are mainly dependent on the supply from groundwater withdrawals and the supply from agricultural reservoirs. To understand the water cycle of the agricultural catchment, it is necessary to consider the actual situation of the water cycle of paddy fields in catchments through accurate hydrological modeling. In this study, streamflow simulations were implemented in consideration of the levee height of paddy fields and the irrigation period for one sub-catchment of the Boryeong Dam catchment using the integrated surface–groundwater model, CAT (Catchment Hydrologic Cycle Assessment Tool). To consider the agricultural reservoirs in modeling, the catchment was divided into the reservoir sub-catchments, upstream sub-catchments, downstream sub-catchments, and irrigated districts of each sub-catchment. This study aims to analyze the hydrological effects of agricultural reservoirs and groundwater pumping on the hydrological cycle of the catchment and on the soil moisture and groundwater level. As a result of the simulations, we found that the direct flow, baseflow, and groundwater recharge of the catchment increased with the agricultural reservoir supply water. In addition, the effect of drought on soil moisture content and groundwater level in the irrigated paddy fields from agricultural reservoirs was evaluated. The soil moisture increased by about 10% according to the water supply of agricultural reservoirs. The groundwater level rapidly decreased due to the groundwater abstraction during the irrigation period; however, it was analyzed that the water supply from agricultural reservoirs is significantly effective in preventing the decrease in the groundwater level in the irrigation season.