bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nondestructive Measurement of Emissivity of Damaged Parts of Coatings
Authors: Jiang Dikai , Li Yiwen , Hua Weizhuo , Kuang Peng , Xu Bo
Published: October 2021

Low Infrared emissivity coating (LIREC) is prone to generating some problems such as bulges, degumming, and abrasion. In order to study whether the performance of LIREC under different damages can meet the work needs, it is essential to timely measure and evaluate the performance state of LIREC in the application process. The existing methods for measuring the damage of LIREC have some disadvantages such as expensive equipment, complex operation, and inaccurate measurement results. In this paper, a measurement method of LIREC damage capability based on thermal imager is proposed. The radiation temperature is measured by thermal imager, the real temperature and ambient temperature of coating surface are measured by thermocouple, and the emittance of coating surface is calculated. Non-contact and continuous large-area emissivity measurements are carried out on the damaged parts of the coating and verified by experiments. The measurement results show that the different damage types and damage degrees directly affect the measurement results of LIREC. Wear damage increases the emissivity of the coating while debonding damage basically does not change the coating emissivity. Shedding damage of small diameter forms voids, which causes the increase of the damage parts of emittance. In addition, bulge damage impedes temperature transfer and reduces emissivity. This method can timely and accurately measure and evaluate the performance state of LIREC and can provide a new idea for the accurate measurement of damage emissivity of LIREC.
Fullerene-Filtered Light Spectrum and Fullerenes Modulate Emotional and Pain Processing in Mice
Authors: Lazovic Jelena , Zopf Lydia M. , Hren Jernej , Gajdoš Martin , Slavkovic Marija , Jovic Zorana , Stankovic Ivana , Matovic Valentina , Koruga Djuro
Published: October 2021

The most symmetric molecule, Buckminster fullerene C60, due to its unique properties, has been intensively studied for various medical and technological advances. Minimally invasive and minimally toxic treatments hold great promise for future applications. With this in mind, this research exploited the physical properties of fullerene molecules for potential therapeutic effects. Pristine fullerenes have peak absorbance in the 380–500 nm range, making them an attractive violet-blue light filter. Since spectral quality of light can affect behavior, this research used resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs fMRI) and behavioral testing to directly evaluate the effects of fullerene-filtered light on brain processing and behavior in mice. The same method was used to study if hydroxyl fullerene water complexes (3HFWC), with or without fullerene-filtered light, modulated brain processing. A month-long, daily exposure to fullerene-filtered light led to decreased activation of the brain area involved in emotional processing (amygdala). Water supplemented with 3HFWC resulted in an activation of brain areas involved in pain modulation and processing (periaqueductal gray), and decreased latency to first reaction when tested with a hot plate. The combination of fullerene-filtered light with 3HFWC in drinking water led to restored sensitivity to a hot plate and activation of brain areas involved in cognitive functions (prelimbic, anterior cingulate and retrosplenial cortex). These results uncovered the potential of fullerene-filtered light to impact emotional processing and modulate pain perception, indicating its further use in stress and pain management.
Asymptotics and Hille-Type Results for Dynamic Equations of Third Order with Deviating Arguments
Authors: Hassan Taher S. , Almatroud A. Othman , Al-Sawalha Mohammed M. , Odinaev Ismoil
Published: October 2021

The aim of this paper is to deduce the asymptotic and Hille-type criteria of the dynamic equations of third order on time scales. Some of the presented results concern the sufficient condition for the oscillation of all solutions of third-order dynamical equations. Additionally, compared with the related contributions reported in the literature, the Hille-type oscillation criterion which is derived is superior for dynamic equations of third order. The symmetry plays a positive and influential role in determining the appropriate type of study for the qualitative behavior of solutions to dynamic equations. Some examples of Euler-type equations are included to demonstrate the finding.
Symmetry Detection and Analysis of Chinese Paifang Using 3D Point Clouds
Authors: Chan Ting On , Sun Yeran , Yu Jiayong , Zeng Juan , Liu Lixin
Published: October 2021

The Chinese paifang is an essential constituent element for Chinese or many other oriental architectures. In this paper, a new method for detection and analysis of the reflection symmetry of the paifang based on 3D point clouds is proposed. The method invokes a new model to simultaneously fit two vertical planes of symmetry to the 3D point cloud of a paifang to support further symmetry analysis. Several simulated datasets were used to verify the proposed method. The results indicated that the proposed method was able to quantity the symmetry of a paifang in terms of the RMSE obtained from the ICP algorithm, with resistance to the presence of some random noise added to the simulated measurements. For real datasets, three old Chinese paifangs (with ages from 90 to 500 years) were scanned as point clouds to input into the proposed method. The method quantified the degree of symmetry for the three Chinese paifangs in terms of the RMSE, which ranged from 20 to 61 mm. One of the paifangs with apparent asymmetry had the highest RMSE (61 mm). Other than the quantification of the symmetry of the paifangs, the proposed method could also locate which portion of the paifang was relatively more symmetric. The proposed method can potentially be used for structural health inspection and cultural studies of the Chinese paifangs and some other similar architecture.
DT389-YP7, a Recombinant Immunotoxin against Glypican-3 That Inhibits Hepatocellular Cancer Cells: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Hashemi Yeganeh Hamid , Heiat Mohammad , Kieliszek Marek , Alavian Seyed Moayed , Rezaie Ehsan
Published: October 2021

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the high-metastatic types of cancer, and metastasis occurs in one-third of patients with HCC. To maintain the effectiveness of drug compounds on cancer cells and minimize their side effects on normal cells, it is important to use new approaches for overcoming malignancies. Immunotoxins (ITs), an example of such a new approach, are protein-structured compounds consisting of toxic and binding moieties which can specifically bind to cancer cells and efficiently induce cell death. Here, we design and scrutinize a novel immunotoxin against an oncofetal marker on HCC cells. We applied a truncated diphtheria toxin (DT389) without binding domain as a toxin moiety to be fused with a humanized YP7 scFv against a high-expressed Glypican-3 (GPC3) antigen on the surface of HCC cells. Cytotoxic effects of this IT were investigated on HepG2 (GPC3+) and SkBr3 (GPC3−) cell lines as positive- and negative-expressed GPC3 antigens. The dissociation constant (Kd) was calculated 11.39 nM and 18.02 nM for IT and YP7 scfv, respectively, whereas only IT showed toxic effects on the HepG2 cell line, and decreased cell viability (IC50 = 848.2 ng/mL). Changing morphology (up to 85%), cell cycle arrest at G2 phase (up to 13%), increasing intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROSs) (up to 50%), inducing apoptosis (up to 38% for apoptosis and 23% for necrosis), and an almost complete inhibition of cell movement were other effects of immunotoxin treatment on HepG2 cells, not on SkBr3 cell line. These promising results reveal that this new recombinant immunotoxin can be considered as an option as an HCC inhibitor. However, more extensive studies are needed to accomplish this concept.
Characteristics of Plasma Dynamics in Current Sheets Formed in Helium Plasma
Authors: Frank Anna G. , Kyrie Natalya P. , Satunin Sergey N. , Savinov Sergey A.
Published: October 2021

The characteristic features of plasma acceleration in the current sheets are discussed on the basis of an analysis of the structure of electrodynamic forces at successive stages of the evolution of the current sheets formed in the plasma with helium ions. Of particular interest is the generation of reverse currents at the side edges of the sheet and the appearance of forces, which are braking previously accelerated plasma flows.
Clusters of SARS-CoV-2 Lineage B.1.1.7 Infection after Vaccination with Adenovirus-Vectored and Inactivated Vaccines
Authors: de Souza William M. , Muraro Stéfanie P. , Souza Gabriela F. , Amorim Mariene R. , Sesti-Costa Renata , Mofatto Luciana S. , Forato Julia , Barbosa Priscilla P. , Toledo-Teixeira Daniel A. , Bispo-dos-Santos Karina , Parise Pierina L. , Brunetti Natalia S. , Moreira Joselia C. O. , Costa Vitor A. , Cardozo Daniela M. , Moretti Maria L. , Barros-Mazon Silvia , Marchesi Gabriela F. , Ambrosio Christiane , Spilki Fernando R. , Almeida Valeria C. , Vieira Andre S. , Zambon Lair , Farias Alessandro S. , Addas-Carvalho Marcelo , Benites Bruno D. , Marques Rafael E. , Sabino Ester C. , Zuben Andrea B. Von , Weaver Scott C. , Faria Nuno R. , Granja Fabiana , Angerami Rodrigo N. , Proença-Módena José Luiz
Published: October 2021

A SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7 variant of concern (VOC) has been associated with increased transmissibility, hospitalization, and mortality. This study aimed to explore the factors associated with B.1.1.7 VOC infection in the context of vaccination. On March 2021, we detected SARS-CoV-2 RNA in nasopharyngeal samples from 14 of 22 individuals vaccinated with a single-dose of ChAdOx1 (outbreak A, n = 26), and 22 of 42 of individuals with two doses of the CoronaVac vaccine (outbreak B, n = 52) for breakthrough infection rates for ChAdOx1 of 63.6% and 52.4% for CoronaVac. The outbreaks were caused by two independent clusters of the B.1.1.7 VOC. The serum of PCR-positive symptomatic SARS-CoV-2-infected individuals had ~1.8–3.4-fold more neutralizing capacity against B.1.1.7 compared to the serum of asymptomatic individuals. These data based on exploratory analysis suggest that the B.1.1.7 variant can infect individuals partially immunized with a single dose of an adenovirus-vectored vaccine or fully immunized with two doses of an inactivated vaccine, although the vaccines were able to reduce the risk of severe disease and death caused by this VOC, even in the elderly.
Abnormal Blood Coagulation and Kidney Damage in Aged Hamsters Infected with Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2
Authors: Ohno Marumi , Sasaki Michihito , Orba Yasuko , Sekiya Toshiki , Masum Md. Abdul , Ichii Osamu , Sawamura Tatsuya , Kakino Akemi , Suzuki Yasuhiko , Kida Hiroshi , Sawa Hirofumi , Shingai Masashi
Published: October 2021

Systemic symptoms have often been observed in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in addition to pneumonia, however, the details are still unclear due to the lack of an appropriate animal model. In this study, we investigated and compared blood coagulation abnormalities and tissue damage between male Syrian hamsters of 9 (young) and over 36 (aged) weeks old after intranasal infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Despite similar levels of viral replication and inflammatory responses in the lungs of both age groups, aged but not young hamsters showed significant prolongation of prothrombin time and prominent acute kidney damage. Moreover, aged hamsters demonstrated increased intravascular coagulation time-dependently in the lungs, suggesting that consumption of coagulation factors causes prothrombin time prolongation. Furthermore, proximal urinary tract damage and mesangial matrix expansion were observed in the kidneys of the aged hamsters at early and later disease stages, respectively. Given that the severity and mortality of COVID-19 are higher in elderly human patients, the effect of aging on pathogenesis needs to be understood and should be considered for the selection of animal models. We, thus, propose that the aged hamster is a good small animal model for COVID-19 research.
Severe Stunting Symptoms upon Nepovirus Infection Are Reminiscent of a Chronic Hypersensitive-like Response in a Perennial Woody Fruit Crop
Authors: Martin Isabelle R. , Vigne Emmanuelle , Velt Amandine , Hily Jean-Michel , Garcia Shahinez , Baltenweck Raymonde , Komar Véronique , Rustenholz Camille , Hugueney Philippe , Lemaire Olivier , Schmitt-Keichinger Corinne
Published: October 2021

Virus infection of plants can result in various degrees of detrimental impacts and disparate symptom types and severities. Although great strides have been made in our understanding of the virus–host interactions in herbaceous model plants, the mechanisms underlying symptom development are poorly understood in perennial fruit crops. Grapevine fanleaf virus (GFLV) causes variable symptoms in most vineyards worldwide. To better understand GFLV-grapevine interactions in relation to symptom development, field and greenhouse trials were conducted with a grapevine genotype that exhibits distinct symptoms in response to a severe and a mild strain of GFLV. After validation of the infection status of the experimental vines by high-throughput sequencing, the transcriptomic and metabolomic profiles in plants infected with the two viral strains were tested and compared by RNA-Seq and LC-MS, respectively, in the differentiating grapevine genotype. In vines infected with the severe GFLV strain, 1023 genes, among which some are implicated in the regulation of the hypersensitive-type response, were specifically deregulated, and a higher accumulation of resveratrol and phytohormones was observed. Interestingly, some experimental vines restricted the virus to the rootstock and remained symptomless. Our results suggest that GFLV induces a strain- and cultivar-specific defense reaction similar to a hypersensitive reaction. This type of defense leads to a severe stunting phenotype in some grapevines, whereas others are resistant. This work is the first evidence of a hypersensitive-like reaction in grapevine during virus infection.
Association of Hepatitis C Virus Replication with the Catecholamine Biosynthetic Pathway
Authors: Mpekoulis George , Tsopela Vassilina , Panos Georgios , Siozos Vasileiοs , Kalliampakou Katerina I. , Frakolaki Efseveia , Sideris Constantinos D. , Vassiliou Alice G. , Sideris Diamantis C. , Vassilacopoulou Dido , Vassilaki Niki
Published: October 2021

A bidirectional negative relationship between Hepatitis C virus (HCV) replication and gene expression of the catecholamine biosynthetic enzyme L-Dopa decarboxylase (DDC) was previously shown in the liver and attributed at least to an association of DDC with phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K). Here, we report that the biosynthesis and uptake of catecholamines restrict HCV replication in hepatocytes, while HCV has developed ways to reduce catecholamine production. By employing gene silencing, chemical inhibition or induction of the catecholamine biosynthetic and metabolic enzymes and transporters, and by applying the substrates or the products of the respective enzymes, we unravel the role of the different steps of the pathway in viral infection. We also provide evidence that the effect of catecholamines on HCV is strongly related with oxidative stress that is generated by their autoxidation in the cytosol, while antioxidants or treatments that lower cytosolic catecholamine levels positively affect the virus. To counteract the effect of catecholamines, HCV, apart from the already reported effects on DDC, causes the down-regulation of tyrosine hydroxylase that encodes the rate-limiting enzyme of catecholamine biosynthesis and suppresses dopamine beta-hydroxylase mRNA and protein amounts, while increasing the catecholamine degradation enzyme monoamine oxidase. Moreover, the NS4B viral protein is implicated in the effect of HCV on the ratio of the ~50 kDa DDC monomer and a ~120 kDa DDC complex, while the NS5A protein has a negative effect on total DDC protein levels.
Evaluating Large Spontaneous Deletions in a Bovine Cell Line Selected for Bovine Viral Diarrhea Virus Resistance
Authors: Workman Aspen M. , Heaton Michael P. , Webster Dennis A. , Harhay Gregory P. , Kalbfleisch Theodore S. , Smith Timothy P. L. , Falkenberg Shollie M. , Carlson Daniel F. , Sonstegard Tad S.
Published: October 2021

Bovine viral diarrhea virus’s (BVDV) entry into bovine cells involves attachment of virions to cellular receptors, internalization, and pH-dependent fusion with endosomal membranes. The primary host receptor for BVDV is CD46; however, the complete set of host factors required for virus entry is unknown. The Madin-Darby bovine kidney (MDBK) cell line is susceptible to BVDV infection, while a derivative cell line (CRIB) is resistant at the level of virus entry. We performed complete genome sequencing of each to identify genomic variation underlying the resistant phenotype with the aim of identifying host factors essential for BVDV entry. Three large compound deletions in the BVDV-resistant CRIB cell line were identified and predicted to disrupt the function or expression of the genes PTPN12, GRID2, and RABGAP1L. However, CRISPR/Cas9 mediated knockout of these genes, individually or in combination, in the parental MDBK cell line did not impact virus entry or replication. Therefore, resistance to BVDV in the CRIB cell line is not due to the apparent spontaneous loss of PTPN12, GRID2, or RABGAP1L gene function. Identifying the functional cause of BVDV resistance in the CRIB cell line may require more detailed comparisons of the genomes and epigenomes.
Simbu Viruses’ Infection of Livestock in Israel—A Transient Climatic Land
Authors: Brenner Jacob , Behar Adi
Published: October 2021

Important lessons have been learned by the Israeli veterinary community regarding Simbu serogroup viruses infections. This serogroup of viruses might cause the births of neonatal malformation in susceptible ruminant’s populations. Until 2012, only Akabane virus was connected with the births of malformed ruminants in Israel. However, serological and genomic detection tests, coupled with viral isolations, revealed that more than a single Simbu serogroup serotype could be present concurrently in the same farm or even in the same animal. From 2012 to date, Aino, Shuni, Shamunda, Satuperi, Peaton, Schmallenberg, and Sango viruses have been found in Israel either by serological or genomic investigation. Israel is located in the Eastern Mediterranean Basin, a terrestrial and climatic bridge between the three old continents. The Eastern Mediterranean shores benefit from both the tropical/subtropical and the continental climatic conditions. Therefore, the Eastern Mediterranean basin might serve as an optimal investigatory compound for several arboviral diseases, acting as a sentinel. This review summarizes updated information related to the presence of Simbu serogroup viruses in Israel.
Pretransplant BK Virus-Specific T-Cell-Mediated Immunity and Serotype Specific Antibodies May Have Utility in Identifying Patients at Risk of BK Virus-Associated Haemorrhagic Cystitis after Allogeneic HSCT
Authors: Šťastná-Marková Markéta , Hamšíková Eva , Hainz Petr , Hubáček Petr , Kroutilová Marie , Kryštofová Jitka , Ludvíková Viera , Musil Jan , Pecherková Pavla , Saláková Martina , Šroller Vojtěch , Vydra Jan , Němečková Šárka
Published: October 2021

BK polyomavirus (BKPyV) persists lifelong in renal and urothelial cells with asymptomatic urinary shedding in healthy individuals. In some immunocompromised persons after transplantation of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCT), the BKPyV high-rate replication is associated with haemorrhagic cystitis (HC). We tested whether the status of BKPyV immunity prior to HSCT could provide evidence for the BKPyV tendency to reactivate. We have shown that measurement of pretransplant anti-BKPyV 1 and 4 IgG levels can be used to evaluate the HC risk. Patients with anti-BKPyV IgG in the range of the 1st–2nd quartile of positive values and with positive clinical risk markers have a significantly increased HC risk, in comparison to the reference group of patients with “non-reactive” anti-BKPyV IgG levels and with low clinical risk (LCR) (p = 0.0009). The predictive value of pretransplant BKPyV-specific IgG was confirmed by determination of genotypes of the shed virus. A positive predictive value was also found for pretransplant T-cell immunity to the BKPyV antigen VP1 because the magnitude of IFN-γ T-cell response inversely correlated with posttransplant DNAuria and with HC. Our novel data suggest that specific T-cells control BKPyV latency before HSCT, and in this way may influence BKPyV reactivation after HSCT. Our study has shown that prediction using a combination of clinical and immunological pretransplant risk factors can help early identification of HSCT recipients at high risk of BKPyV disease.
Increased Ruminoreticular Temperature and Body Activity after Foot-and-Mouth Vaccination in Pregnant Hanwoo (Bos taurus coreanae) Cows
Authors: Kim Daehyun , Ha Jaejung , Moon Joonho , Kim Doyoon , Lee Wonhee , Lee Chanwoo , Kim Danil , Yi Junkoo
Published: October 2021

How does vaccination against foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) affect pregnant cows? Vaccination is the most effective method of preventing the spread of FMD, but it is linked to sporadic side effects, such as abortion and premature birth, which result in economic loss. In this study, ruminoreticular temperature and body activity were measured before and after FMD vaccination using a ruminoreticular biocapsule sensor in Hanwoo cows at different stages of pregnancy. Compared to the unvaccinated groups, the ruminoreticular temperature increased 12 h after vaccination in the vaccinated groups. This increase in temperature is significantly correlated to vaccination. Compared to the nonpregnant and early pregnancy groups, the ruminoreticular temperature of the late pregnancy group increased sharply by more than 40 °C. Moreover, in nonpregnant and early pregnancy groups, a rapid increase in body activity was observed after FMD vaccinations. Of the 73 pregnant vaccinated cows in the study, a total of five cases had side effects (four abortions and one premature birth). Therefore, changes in the ruminoreticular temperature and activity in pregnant cows can be used as raw data to further clarify the association of FMD vaccination with the loss of a fetus and possibly predict abortion, miscarriage, and premature birth following FMD vaccination.
Impact of COVID-19 Disruptions on Global BCG Coverage and Paediatric TB Mortality: A Modelling Study
Authors: Shaikh Nabila , Pelzer Puck T. , Thysen Sanne M. , Roy Partho , Harris Rebecca C. , White Richard G.
Published: October 2021

The impact of COVID-19 disruptions on global Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) coverage and paediatric tuberculosis (TB) mortality is still unknown. To fill this evidence-gap and guide mitigation measures, we estimated the impact of COVID-19 disruptions on global BCG coverage and paediatric TB mortality. First, we used data from multiple sources to estimate COVID-19-disrupted BCG vaccination coverage. Second, using a static mathematical model, we estimated the number of additional paediatric TB deaths in the first 15 years of life due to delayed/missed vaccinations in 14 scenarios—varying in duration of disruption, and magnitude and timing of catch-up. We estimated a 25% reduction in global BCG coverage within the disruption period. The best-case scenario (3-month disruption, 100% catch-up within 3 months) resulted in an additional 886 (0.5%) paediatric TB deaths, and the worst-case scenario (6-month disruption with no catch-up) resulted in an additional 33,074 (17%) deaths. The magnitude of catch-up was found to be the most influential variable in minimising excess paediatric TB mortality. Our results show that ensuring catch-up vaccination of missed children is a critical priority, and delivery of BCG alongside other routine vaccines may be a feasible way to achieve catch-up. Urgent action is required to support countries with recovering vaccination coverages to minimise paediatric deaths.
Maximizing Completion of the Two-Dose COVID-19 Vaccine Series with Aid from Infographics
Authors: Crutcher Madison , Seidler Paul M.
Published: October 2021

Two of the three COVID-19 vaccines approved in the United States require two doses to reach full efficacy, as do others available elsewhere in the world. The complete series of multidose COVID-19 vaccines offers stronger protection against infection by SARS-CoV-2 compared to single-dose injections with the same vaccines. Achieving perfect community-level adherence is a challenge in any public health campaign, even in non-pandemic times. Vaccines requiring multiple doses combined with a surge of vaccine hesitancy and misinformation that has been witnessed by the public during the COVID-19 pandemic are exacerbating the challenge of ensuring the world’s population achieves a sufficient level of immunity against COVID-19. Here, we describe the results of our study in which we sought to determine whether completion of a two-dose COVID-19 vaccine regimen could be improved by disseminating infographics that explain what the vaccine is and why returning for the second dose is beneficial. Our results show that the proportion of COVID-19 vaccine recipients returning for a second inoculation grew after COVID-19 vaccine infographics were distributed to first-time vaccine recipients. We suggest that extending communication and outreach initiatives into the clinic positively influences the rate of follow-up visits, and that infographics are useful tools to aid and bolster the deployment of COVID-19 vaccines.
Protective Potential of an Autogenous Vaccine in an Aerogenous Model of Escherichia coli Infection in Broiler Breeders
Authors: Kromann Sofie , Olsen Rikke Heidemann , Bojesen Anders Miki , Jensen Henrik Elvang , Thøfner Ida
Published: October 2021

In poultry, Escherichia coli is a common cause of high-cost infections. Consequently, autogenous vaccines are often used despite limited and conflicting evidence on their effectiveness have been presented. The present study aimed to investigate the efficacy of a commonly used autogenous vaccine, previously deemed ineffective, in an aerosol model of colibacillosis. Methods: Broiler breeders (n = 47) were randomly allocated to one of four groups (vaccinated and unvaccinated birds receiving an autogenous vaccine or sterile saline intramuscularly) and challenged with either aerosolised E. coli or vehicle at 29 weeks of age. Two days following inoculation, the birds were euthanised, thoroughly necropsied, and samples for bacteriology and histopathology were collected. Results: Vaccinated birds had a significantly lower bacteriology score compared to the unvaccinated group challenged with E. coli (p < 0.01) and a lower overall air sac lesion score (p < 0.05). Overall lung and spleen lesion scores only differed significantly between the unvaccinated E. coli challenged group compared to the vehicle inoculated groups. The overall gross pathology score was 2.8 and 1.95 in the unvaccinated and vaccinated E. coli challenge groups, respectively, whereas the vaccinated vehicle group had a score of 0.9 and the unvaccinated vehicle group a score of 1. Conclusions: A protective effect of an autogenous vaccine was found utilising an aerogenous model of colibacillosis through multiple methods of evaluation. The findings encourage the continued use of autogenous vaccines and underlines the necessity of discriminative experimental models with high predictive validity when evaluating vaccine interventions.
Natural Flt3Lg-Based Chimeric Antigen Receptor (Flt3-CAR) T Cells Successfully Target Flt3 on AML Cell Lines
Authors: Maiorova Varvara , Mollaev Murad D. , Vikhreva Polina , Kulakovskaya Elena , Pershin Dmitry , Chudakov Dmitriy M. , Kibardin Alexey , Maschan Michael A. , Larin Sergey
Published: October 2021

Relapsed/refractory acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cannot be cured with chemotherapy alone, as the blasts survive the treatment. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) approaches for AML are being actively developed. CARs promote immune reactions through recognition of the target molecular epitopes at the surface of cancer cells. The recognition involves the extracellular portion of the CAR protein, which corresponds to either the antibody or the physiological binding partner of the targeted antigen. Here, we design a chimeric receptor with a full-length natural Flt3-ligand recognition module that targets Flt3 tyrosine kinase, known as an adverse marker in AML. We demonstrate specific killing of Flt3-positive THP-1 cells by Flt3-CAR T cells and the lack of cytotoxicity towards Flt3-negative U937 cells. We prove that the inherent cytolytic capacity of T cells is essential for the killing. Finally, we confirm the authenticity of targeting by its competitive dose-dependent inhibition with a soluble Flt3-ligand. The developed system can be viewed as a non-immunogenic functional equivalent of scFv-mediated targeting. The robust in vitro antitumor effects of Flt3-CAR T cells, combined with their low off-target cytotoxicity, hold promise for AML treatment.
Blockchain Enabled Transparent and Anti-Counterfeiting Supply of COVID-19 Vaccine Vials
Authors: Chauhan Harsha , Gupta Deepali , Gupta Sheifali , Singh Aman , Aljahdali Hani Moaiteq , Goyal Nitin , Noya Irene Delgado , Kadry Seifedine
Published: October 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has profoundly affected almost all facets of peoples’ lives, various economic areas and regions of the world. In such a situation implementation of a vaccination can be viewed as essential but its success will be dependent on availability and transparency in the distribution process that will be shared among the stakeholders. Various distributed ledgers (DLTs) such as blockchain provide an open, public, immutable system that has numerous applications due the mentioned abilities. In this paper the authors have proposed a solution based on blockchain to increase the security and transparency in the tracing of COVID-19 vaccination vials. Smart contracts have been developed to monitor the supply, distribution of vaccination vials. The proposed solution will help to generate a tamper-proof and secure environment for the distribution of COVID-19 vaccination vials. Proof of delivery is used as a consensus mechanism for the proposed solution. A feedback feature is also implemented in order to track the vials lot in case of any side effect cause to the patient. The authors have implemented and tested the proposed solution using Ethereum test network, RinkeyBy, MetaMask, one clicks DApp. The proposed solution shows promising results in terms of throughput and scalability.
Broad-Spectrum and Gram-Negative-Targeting Antibiotics Differentially Regulate Antibody Isotype Responses to Injected Vaccines
Authors: Haile Aklilu F. , Woodfint Rachel M. , Kim Eunsoo , Joldrichsen Marisa R. , Berhe Nega , Gebreyes Wondwoossen A. , Boyaka Prosper N.
Published: October 2021

Antibiotics are extensively used worldwide for the treatment of common infections by agents such as E. coli and Salmonella. They also represent the most common cause of alteration of the microbiota in people. We addressed whether broad-spectrum and Gram-negative-targeting antibiotics differentially regulate systemic and mucosal immune responses to vaccines. Antibiotics treatment enhances serum IgG1 responses in mice immunized systemically with a model polyvalent vaccine. This increase was not seen for other IgG subclasses and was dependent on the immunogenicity of vaccine antigens. The broad-spectrum antibiotic cocktail also enhanced serum IgA responses. Interestingly, both the broad spectrum and the antibiotic targeting Gram-negative bacteria enhanced the number of IgA antibody secreting cells in the intestinal lamina propria. This effect was unlikely to be due to an increase in cells expressing gut-homing receptors (i.e., CCR9 and α4β7) in peripheral tissues. On the other hand, the microbiome in mice treated with antibiotics was characterized by an overall reduction of the number of firmicutes. Furthermore, Bacteroidetes were increased by either treatment, and Proteobacteria were increased by the broad-spectrum antibiotics cocktail. Thus, immunoglobulin isotype and subclass responses are differentially regulated by oral antibiotics treatment and the gut microbiota shapes mucosal antibody responses after systemic immunization.
Application of Combined Geophysical Methods for the Examination of a Water Dam Subsoil
Authors: Gołębiowski Tomisław , Piwakowski Bogdan , Ćwiklik Michał , Bojarski Antoni
Published: October 2021

The paper presents the results of geophysical measurements that were carried out in the vicinity of the water dam/water reservoir supplying the city of Bielsko-Biala with drinking water. The measurements were performed in order to non-invasively detect faults, fractured zones and areas filled with breccia, which may be, at the same time, a preferential path of groundwater flow. The aforementioned factors influence the stability of the dam. The general identification of the examined media was realized by the electrical resistivity tomography method. The ERT surveys were supplemented by capacitively-coupled resistivity. The electrical methods allowed them to recognize geological settings, indicate possible fault locations, and point out the fault plane as a path of water flow. The ground penetrating radar method detected fractured and filled water areas and underground water paths in the dam’s forefield as a result of the method’s very high resolution. The high resolution seismic reflection method provided a clear and high resolution image of the relatively deep geological structure and verified a location and the run of the faults. In general, the complex geophysical-geological interpretation enabled classification of the unconsolidated/fractured zones associated with faults as a place where the erosion process is the most intense and can bring danger on the dam. Finally, it was confirmed that the area should be the subject of geophysical monitoring.
Assessing Visual Preferences of the Local Public for Environmental Mitigation Measures of Hydropower Impacts—Does Point-of-View Location Make a Difference?
Authors: Junker-Köhler Berit , Sundt Håkon
Published: October 2021

Hydropower is a highly appreciated climate-friendly source of energy production. However, it has non-negligible negative impacts on the environment and landscape aesthetics where the energy is produced, affecting the recreational interests of the public using the respective local river spaces. The preferences of the local public are increasingly assessed and involved in the planning of mitigation measures for impacted rivers. Aesthetic assessment methods using a common user perspective, i.e., an “on-the-ground” perspective, could potentially be improved by using an aerial perspective facilitated by modern drone technology. Studies on the compatibility of these two perspectives of assessment in terms of public preference elicitation are lacking so far. In river Nea, Norway, we conducted a quantitative analysis of the visual preferences of the local public for different environmental mitigation measures related to weirs, minimum flow, and recreational infrastructure using both perspectives. The results indicate that there exist significant differences in the preferences for scenarios based on the two different visual perspectives, and that a compatibility between them cannot be assumed and therefore requires further investigation. Finally, based on our study setup and previous experience, we outline and propose a standardized procedure for the visualization of mitigation measures as an input to environmental design projects where public perception is incorporated.
Water Supply Reliability of Agricultural Reservoirs under Varying Climate and Rice Farming Practices
Authors: Cho Gun-Ho , Ahmad Mirza Junaid , Choi Kyung-Sook
Published: October 2021

Technological development and climate change dictate farming practices, which can directly affect irrigation water requirement and supply. In this article, the water supply reliability (WSR) of 62 major Korean agricultural reservoirs was comprehensively evaluated for varying climate and farming practices. Field surveys identified the recent divergence from standard rice farming practices and a 45-year daily weather data set (1973–2017) was examined to understand the phenomenon of climate change. Effective rainfall increments mitigated the imminent surges in rice irrigation water requirements driven by warming-led accelerated crop evapotranspiration rates; therefore, climate change marginally influenced the WSR of selected reservoirs. The transplanting period and associated water consumption were the primary deviations from standard rice farming practices. A significantly prolonged transplanting period seriously compromised the WSR of agricultural reservoirs and the maximum number of unsafe reservoirs was detected for a 24-day increase in the transplanting period. A watershed/irrigated area ratio of less than 2.5 was the lower threshold below which all the reservoirs had unsafe WSR regardless of the climate change and/or farming practices. Recent variations in farming practices were the primary cause of reservoir failure in maintaining the WSR.
Implementation of Equilibrium Strategy Aiming at Throughput Maximization of Series Battery Pack
Authors: Cao Rui , Liu Xinhua , Zhang Zhengjie , Wang Mingyue , Cheng Hanchao , Gao Xinlei , Yan Xiaoyu , Yang Shichun
Published: October 2021

In the operation process of a power battery pack, the inconsistency among lithium-ion cells may seriously restrict the pack’s capacity, power capability and lifetime, which may bring hidden danger to the use of electric vehicles. Equalization management systems (EMSs) are crucial to alleviate such inter-cell inconsistency, whose performance such as accuracy and stability, mainly depends on the setting of equalization control strategies. This paper proposes an equalization strategy aimed at throughput maximization of series battery in the whole life cycle based on Model Prediction Control (MPC). In this paper, a Mean-plus-difference model (M+D) model is selected as the series battery model and the parameters are identified by Recursive Least Squares (RLS). Based on the model predictive control theory, the control model of series battery pack is established and the objective function of maximizing the throughput in the whole life cycle is derived. At the end of the paper, the simulation results show that the proposed equalization strategy can achieve greater life cycle throughput compared with the traditional SOC equalization strategy, which verifies the guiding significance of the equilibrium strategy proposed in this paper.
Parenting and Youth Purpose: Fostering Other-Oriented Aims
Authors: Lund Terese Jean , Liang Belle , Sepulveda Jonathan , White Allison E. , Patel Kira , Mousseau Angela M. DeSilva , Spencer Renée
Published: October 2021

Youth purpose is defined as a life aim that is both personally meaningful and contributes to the world beyond the self. This study disaggregated other-oriented (OO) aims (i.e., purpose as defined as a life aim intended to contribute to the world) and self-oriented (SO) aims (i.e., a personally meaningful life aim without intention to contribute beyond the self) to examine the development of youth who evince various combinations of high and low OO and SO aims. In a sample of 207 adolescent girls, hierarchical cluster analysis revealed three clusters: High SO–High OO (“Self and Other-Oriented Aims”), High SO–Low OO (“Self-Oriented Aims”), and High OO–Low SO (“Other-Oriented Aims”). A MANOVA indicated that youth who reported higher levels of parental trust and communication were more likely to have OO purpose (i.e., “Self and Other-Oriented Aims” and “Other-Oriented Aims”) versus primarily SO aims (“Self-Oriented Aims”). The “Self and Other-Oriented Aims” cluster was associated with better psychosocial functioning.
Methods for Candida albicans biofilm formation on temporary soft liner/ Métodos para a formação de biofilme de Candida albicans em reembasador macio temporário
Authors: Morikava Francine Sumie , Moraes Gustavo Simão , Cachoeira Victoria Schlumberger , Ramalho Mayara Precoma , Silva Rafaela Alves da , Neppelenbroek Karin Hermana , Urban Vanessa Migliorini
Published: October 2021

This study evaluated methods for the contamination of a soft liner material (Softone™) with Candida albicans biofilm. Specimens were either submitted or not to pretreatment in artificial saliva in an orbital incubator, and then held suspended in different positions (horizontal or vertical) and different storage conditions (bacteriological incubator or orbital incubator) during biofilm formation. Eight conditions were tested. All specimens were immersed in C. albicans inoculum and stored in an orbital incubator at 75 rpm or in a bacteriological incubator, both at 37ºC for 90 min. Then, they were washed in PBS, and maintained in RPMI-1640 medium under the same conditions for 48 h. The degree of contamination was determined by the XTT assay. Data were submitted to ANOVA 1-factor/Tukey HSD test (?=0.05). Specimens held horizontally in an orbital incubator showed the highest cell viability, while the ones kept vertically in a bacteriological incubator had the lowest viability (p0.0001). The best condition for C. albicans biofilm formation was obtained when specimens were not submitted to pretreatment in saliva and were held horizontally in an orbital incubator.
A prevalência da mortalidade por 100 mil habitantes do coronavírus em Minas Gerais e Rio de Janeiro entre os meses de março de 2020 a julho de 2021
Authors: Moraes Lorranny de Almeida , Carneiro Priscila de Magalhães Oliveira , Inácio Alan da Silva , Flores Anna Luiza Ribeiro , Ratis Luana Cristina Fernandes , Brambatti Fernanda Fiebig , Lopes Eliana Luz , Brito Isadora Pereira
Published: October 2021

O vírus SARS-cov-2 oriundo da China, em pleno século XXI representou para a sociedade nessa época uma das maiores pandemias vistas pelo mundo. Tendo assim, grande impacto na obtenção de incidência e mortalidade como foi percebido por uma das regiões metropolitanas e energéticas do país. Todavia, percebe-se um grande abaulamento sobre a questão da prevalência quanto a mortalidade por 100 mil habitantes e em uns dos maiores Estados do Sudeste do país: Rio de Janeiro e o de menor Minas Gerais. Dessa forma, foi realizado um estudo epidemiológico, transversal, descritivo, através do painel do coronavírus, pelo Ministério da Saúde, de acordo com os dados passados no sistema único de saúde (SUS), em que foram colocados para critérios de inclusão, incidência da mortalidade por 100 mil habitantes, ambos sexos, períodos de 2020 e 2021 e de exclusão a questão de não avaliar principalmente os outros estados da região sudeste como Espírito Santo e São Paulo, e apenas priorizando o estado de maior e menor prevalência quanto a incidência a mortalidade por 100 mil habitantes. Portanto, houve uma porcentagem de mais de 50 % para mortalidade notificada no estado do Rio de Janeiro por 100 mil habitantes e também houve uma logo em seguida de 46% para o estado de Minas Gerais.
Chemical Strain of Graphite-Based Anode during Lithiation and Delithiation at Various Temperatures
Authors: Xu Zeyu , Shi Xiuling , Zhuang Xiaoqiang , Wang Zihan , Sun Sheng , Li Kaikai , Zhang Tong-Yi
Published: October 2021

Electrochemical lithiation/delithiation of electrodes induces chemical strain cycling that causes fatigue and other harmful influences on lithium-ion batteries. In this work, a homemade in situ measurement device was used to characterize simultaneously chemical strain and nominal state of charge, especially residual chemical strain and residual nominal state of charge, in graphite-based electrodes at various temperatures. The measurements indicate that raising the testing temperature from 20°C to 60°C decreases the chemical strain at the same nominal state of charge during cycling, while residual chemical strain and residual nominal state of charge increase with the increase of temperature. Furthermore, a novel electrochemical-mechanical model is developed to evaluate quantitatively the chemical strain caused by a solid electrolyte interface (SEI) and the partial molar volume of Li in the SEI at different temperatures. The present study will definitely stimulate future investigations on the electro-chemo-mechanics coupling behaviors in lithium-ion batteries.
Association between Dietary Patterns and Major Depression in Adult Females: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Nouri Saeidlou Sakineh , Kiani Arezou , Ayremlou Parvin
Published: October 2021

Background: Depression is one of the most common mental disorders. This study aimed to determine the association between dietary patterns and major depression in adult females. Study design: A case-control study. Methods: This study was conducted on adult females suffering from major depression within the age range from 19 to 65 years. The total participants of this study included 170 cases and 340 controls. Dietary intakes were collected using a 168-item validated semi-quantitative food-frequency questionnaire. Household food security was measured using a locally adapted Household Food Insecurity Access Scale. Moreover, the depression status of the adult females was assessed through a validated "Beck" questionnaire. Logistic regression was utilized to assess the association between dietary pattern scores and depression. Results: The mean ±SD ages of the participants were 36.97 ±11.28 and 36.07 ±10.58 years in the case and control groups, respectively (P=0.374), and five major dietary patterns were extracted in this study. The odds ratio (OR) in the last adjusted model was (OR: 0.61; 95% CI: 0.46, 0.81); therefore, the "Healthy pattern" was significantly inversely associated with the odds of depression. Adherence to the "Western pattern" significantly increased depression by 29% (OR: 1.29; 95% CI: 1.06, 1.59). Furthermore, the "Traditional pattern" was positively associated with depression (OR: 1.16; 95% CI: 0.94, 1.43). There was no significant association between "Sugar and fast food" and "red meat and oils" dietary pattern and depression. Conclusions: Healthy dietary pattern reduces the risk of depression in adult females; however, the western and traditional dietary patterns increases this risk.