Transmission Experiments Research Articles

P-1860. Staphylococcus aureus nasal colonization and transmission is enhanced by concurrent influenza A virus upper respiratory infection in an infant mouse model

Abstract Background Staphylococcus aureus asymptomatically colonizes the anterior nares of 20-30% of the population, and nasal carriage is a major risk factor for invasive S. aureus disease. Furthermore, rates of S. aureus nasal colonization are higher (40-50%) during the first eight weeks of life and colonizing strains can be transmitted among household contacts. Affecting the same niche, influenza A virus (IAV) is a common cause of viral upper respiratory infection (URI), and IAV predisposes the host to post-URI secondary S. aureus pneumonia. Despite the frequency of S. aureus and IAV in a shared anatomic site, the effects of IAV on S. aureus nasal colonization and transmission are understudied, and infant animal models that may better represent the younger high-colonization age group are not reported. Infant mouse model Two index pups from each litter were inoculated with S. aureus, and on day three the entire litter was either infected with IAV or mock (PBS) solution. S. aureus shedding is monitored daily and nasal lavage was performed. Methods We established nasal colonization in infant B6 mice by inoculating 106 colony forming units (CFU) of S. aureus MRSA strain JE2 and quantified nasal shedding for seven days on S. aureus chromogenic agar plates. For transmission experiments, we colonized two index pups per cage with S. aureus and infected the groups of pups with Influenza A virus (IAV) or mock (PBS) control on day three after S. aureus colonization. Nasal shedding of S. aureus was quantified daily and nasal lavage was performed at day seven. Results Infant mice maintain S. aureus nasal colonization at seven days post-inoculation and they can transmit the colonizing strain to naive co-housed pups. IAV infection increases the S. aureus colonization burden 1000-fold by day 5 and the transmission to co-housed naïve pups by 63%. Conclusion Influenza A virus infection increases nasal colonization burden of S. aureus and transmission to S. aureus-naive close contacts in an infant mouse model. We anticipate the model to be a starting point for the study of bacteria-virus interactions that contribute to S. aureus colonization in a high-risk population. Moreover, our work will allow for the study of both S. aureus and IAV mechanisms that contribute to S. aureus transmission amongst close contacts. Disclosures All Authors: No reported disclosures

Broadband, Single‐Layered, and Optically Transparent Reflective Phase‐Shifting‐Surface Array for Beam Manipulation and Enhanced Wireless Communications

AbstractOptically transparent electromagnetic devices play a crucial role in modern society, yet conventional optically transparent millimeter‐wave devices suffer from high return loss, limited phase shift, narrow bandwidth, high profile, and low optical transparency. Current materials, fabrication processes, and design methodologies restrict the development of high‐performance optically transparent reflective phase‐shifting‐surface arrays or reflectarrays. To address this, a design concept for broadband, single‐layered, and optically transparent reflectarray antennas is reported, which can be integrated with glass windows for beam manipulation and enhanced indoor signal coverage and wireless communications. The proposed reflectarray element employs a single‐layered cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) medium as the dielectric substrate, with fine metal line (FML) patterns under 50 µm width to create multi‐resonant structures for phase range broadening. This architecture combines multi‐resonant phase‐shifting elements with minimal FML structures and low‐loss COC substrate, achieving exceptional antenna performance while ensuring high optical transparency. Wireless communication transmission experiments validate the functionality and performance advantages of the fabricated optically transparent reflectarray. These results substantiate the immense potential and broad application prospects of the novel optically transparent COC dielectric material, the FML structure, and the proposed design concepts and methods in advancing high‐performance optically transparent reflectarrays and related communication systems.

Mapping Spatiotemporal Solvent Velocity from Measured Concentration Gradients in a Polarized Electrolyte

Abstract The electric-field induced motion of neutral species impedes the efficacy of electrochemical devices. By combining operando X-ray transmission measurements with continuum mechanics, we have developed a methodology for determining the velocity of neutral solvent molecules under an applied field. The X-ray transmission experiments were used to determine ion concentration profiles as a function of space and time in a polymer electrolyte. The unsteady state solvent mass balance equation was solved numerically with experimental concentration profiles to map spatiotemporal solvent velocities. We compare our experimentally derived results with predictions made with concentrated solution theory. We use the cation transference number as the only adjustable parameter to match experimental measurements of both concentration and solvent velocity. Our approach may be used to determine solvent velocity with any operando technique used to measure time-dependent ion concentration profiles.

The H5N6 Virus Containing Internal Genes From H9N2 Exhibits Enhanced Pathogenicity and Transmissibility

The H5N6 avian influenza virus (AIV) is constantly undergoing recombination and evolution with other subtypes of AIV, resulting in various types of recombinant H5N6 viruses. However, the risk to human public health of different recombinant types of H5N6 viruses remains unclear. Recently, two types of different recombinant H5N6 viruses were isolated from chickens. One of the viruses possessed six internal genes originating from H9N2, named A/Chicken/Hubei/112/2020 (H5N6) (abbreviated 112); the other virus possessed PB2, PB1, PA, and NP originating from H5N1, while the M and NS genes were derived from H9N2, named A/Chicken/Hubei/125/2020 (H5N6) (abbreviated 125). Here, we investigated the receptor binding properties, pathogenicity, and transmissibility of the two H5N6 AIVs. The results showed that 112 and 125 could bind α‐2,3‐linked sialic acid receptor (avian‐like receptor) and α‐2,6‐linked sialic acid receptor (human‐like receptor). However, 125 and 112 showed different pathogenicity in mice. Mice infected with 125 lost only a slight body weight and all survived, while mice infected with 112 lost weight rapidly and all died within a week of infection. Furthermore, in the transmission experiment, 125 could only transmit through direct contact, while 112 could transmit not only by direct contact but also by aerosol. The above results indicated that 112 exhibited enhanced pathogenicity and transmissibility compared to 125, suggesting that the H5N6 virus, whose internal genes were derived from H9N2, could pose a greater threat to human health. Therefore, continuous monitoring of different recombinant H5N6 viruses in poultry should be carried out to prevent their transmission to humans.

Experiment of wireless transmission of cloud data in cloud avoidance network for optical communications between space and ground

Experiment of wireless transmission of cloud data in cloud avoidance network for optical communications between space and ground

Investigation and predictive modeling of the optical behavior of chalcogenide thin film using different artificial neural network techniques

The Te72Ge24As4 samples were recently created in our laboratory in bulk form using the traditional melt-quench method. For its optical characterization. The studied thin film samples have been created using physical vapor deposition. By selecting the 400 nm to 2500 nm spectral range of wavelength, the spectral of the experimental transmission T(λ) and reflectance R(λ) for the studied film samples have been employed to examine optical characteristics. First, we have determined the extinction coefficient (k) and refraction index (n) indices and their spectral distribution of them. Using Tauc's theory, we then computed the optical band gap Eopt. Urbach energy Er is determined from the linear dependence of photon energy on the absorption coefficient which was taken as an indicator to identify the disorder degree in the films. The additional variables, like the dissipation and quality factors, the dielectric constant in complex form, optical, thermal, and electrical conductivity, and volume/surface energy were measured. A comprehensive analysis and predictive modeling using various artificial neural networks (ANNs) techniques were applied to examine the optical behavior of the film samples studied. Materials made of chalcogenide are well-known for having special optical properties, making them appropriate for applications in photonics and optoelectronics. We employed multiple architectures, including Feedforward Neural Networks (FNN) and Recurrent Neural Networks (RNN), to model the extinction coefficient (k) and the refractive index (n) of these films using experimental data. The performance of each model was evaluated using metrics such as mean squared error MSE and correlation coefficients R2. The optical parameters relevant to absorbance, refractive indices, and dielectric coefficients are computed rely on the modeling results and compared with those computed based on experimental measurements. Results demonstrate that FNN and RNN effectively capture the complex relationships between the optical parameters and exhibit small error rates. FFN shows superior accuracy in prediction. That highlights the potential of ANN techniques for advancing the understanding of chalcogenide materials and their applications in modern technology.

Localized Nanoscale Formation of Vanadyl Porphyrin 2D MOF Nanosheets and Their Optimal Coupling to Lumped Element Superconducting Resonators.

A strategy toward the realization of a quantum spin processor involves the coupling of spin qubits and qudits to photons within superconducting resonators. To enable the realization of such hybrid architecture, here we first explore the design of a chip with multiple lumped-element LC superconducting resonators optimized for their coupling to distinct transitions of a vanadyl porphyrin electronuclear qudit. The controlled integration of the vanadyl qudit onto the superconducting device, both in terms of number and orientation, is then attained using the in situ formation of nanosheets of a 2D framework built on the vanadyl qudit as a node. Low-temperature transmission experiments demonstrate the coupling of photons in resonators with different frequencies to the targeted electronuclear transitions of the vanadyl qudit, also confirming the control over the vanadyl qudit node orientation. The derived collective spin-photon couplings in the 0.3-1.6 MHz range then allow to estimate enhanced, optimal, single spin photon couplings up to 4 Hz.

African swine fever: virus carriage and the role of surviving wild boar in the persistence and spread of infection (review)

The panzootic of African swine fever (ASF) in Europe and Asia caused by viruses of genotypes I and II has led to a comprehensive scientific study of the course of this infection. Researchers have noted that a certain proportion of diseased animals survive. Detection of seropositive (antibody-positive) animals in ASF-affected countries of Europe was especially noticeable in wild boar populations. The role of seropositive animals ASF survivors in the persistence and spread of infection in the population has been long and controversially debated, as they may potentially become persistently infected, acting as virus carriers. The aim of this review was to summarize the current scientific and experimental results on the chronic course of ASF in Eurasian wild boar, virus carriage and spread of infection from surviving seropositive animals. In Eurasia different forms of ASF disease are currently observed in susceptible animals: peracute, acute, subacute, less frequently chronic and asymptomatic; the latter are found to be caused by circulating ASF viruses (ASFV) of reduced virulence. Two types of survivors animals are distinguished: 1) animals that develop persistent infection with periodic viremia and signs of subacute to chronic course; 2) animals that recover completely and clear of infection. Long-term persistence and complete elimination of the virus have been observed in survivors: in the last ten years, the time of virus excretion has been experimentally determined to generally range from 35 to 99 days. Survivors of the 1st type may play a role in the spread of the ASFV due to periodic viremia. Seropositive survived animals of the 2nd type due to their small numbers are not considered by some researchers to play a significant epidemiological role in the persistence of ASFV in wild boar populations. Experimental transmission of ASFV from surviving wild boars has been studied to date to a limited extent, such research should be continued. The knowledge gained in these areas will improve the understanding of the current situation of ASF in wildlife.

SONG FREQUENCY SHIFTS IN AN URBAN BIRD SPECIES OPTIMIZE ACOUSTIC TRANSMISSION INSIDE NOISY URBAN AREAS

In animal acoustic communication is necessary that signals arrive to the receiver with reduced degradation and attenuation for a better transmission of the message. The noise pollution resulting from anthropogenic activities in cities reduces efficiency and efficacy of acoustic communication. Some species respond to high levels of noise increasing the minimum frequency of their vocalizations to avoid noise masking, but this may affect how sounds transmit in the environment because sounds with higher frequencies experience greater levels of attenuation and degradation. Using a transmission experiment, we analyzed how minimum frequency shifts, affect the sound transmission properties of the song of the House Wren (Troglodytes aedon) in urban areas that differ in the level of anthropogenic noise. We broadcasted songs with minimum frequencies between 1.2-1.8 kHz and the same songs with a minimum frequencies increment artificially of one semitone, increasing minimum frequencies to 2.1-2.6 kHz, in high and low noise level territories at four distances. We quantified signal-to-noise ratio, tail-to-signal ratio, blur ratio, and excess attenuation. Our results showed that songs with frequencies low minimum frequencies in low noise territories transmit with higher signal-to-noise ratio, and lower blur ratio and excess attenuation at longer distances. Songs with increased minimum frequencies only showed higher signal-to-noise ratio in noisier territories at longer distances. These results support the hypothesis of producing frequency shift to increase the communication distance in noisier environments. This is the first experimental study that tests the effect of shifting frequency on acoustic communication transmission on bird territories with different noise levels.

Use of Synthetic Membranes and Bovine Blood in Artificial Feeding Systems of Mosquitoes Improves Feeding Rates: Results from a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Artificial blood feeding of mosquitoes is essential for their rearing in insectaries as well as for mosquito-borne pathogen transmission experiments. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of the different artificial feeding systems available for mosquitoes to synthesize evidence regarding their efficacy in terms of feeding rates and fecundity. PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were systematically searched to retrieve 1,822 experimental studies assessing the efficacy of artificial feeding systems. After assessing eligibility and risk of bias, 25 studies were included in the final analysis. Studies were reviewed and meta-analysis was conducted using random-effects model. The primary outcomes were feeding rates and fecundity of mosquitoes belonging to genera Aedes, Culex, and Anopheles for the different systems. Subgroup analyses with respect to membrane, blood source, and mosquito genera were conducted. Sensitivity analysis was done to assess heterogeneity. The overall pooled estimate of feeding rate of mosquitoes and the average number of eggs laid per female mosquito using artificial blood-feeding systems were 72% (66-77%) and 71.9 (56.68-87.12), respectively. Results from this systematic review are suggestive of the advantages of novel techniques, such as Digital Thermo Mosquito Blood Feeder and 3D-printed feeders. The study provides evidence for improved feeding rates of mosquitoes in systems using bovine blood and synthetic membranes such as latex.

Machine Learning Models for Predicting Polymer Solubility in Solvents across Concentrations and Temperatures.

Artificial intelligence and machine learning have become essential tools in predicting material properties to aid in the accelerated design of new materials. Polymer solubility, critical for new formulations and solution processing, is one such property. However, current models are limited by inadequate experimental data sets that cannot capture the complexity and detail for many features contributing to polymer solubility. Here, we provide a data set for polymer solution behavior based on Crystal16 turbidity measurements that includes high quality percent transmission data for polymer solutions for a variety of polymers, solvents, concentrations and temperatures. We use this data set to train a model that predicts the experimental transmission data at many temperatures and multiple concentrations. From this, we are able to classify the polymer/solvent pairs into three solubility categories providing a level of granularity to predictions beyond prior binary classification models considering only solvent/nonsolvent classes. The inclusion of multiple concentrations, temperatures and partially soluble data expands solubility prediction capability beyond prior work into predictions more attractive for use by formulators and process designers working with industrial polymer solutions.

Proposal and Implementation of an Integrated Monitoring Platform for Preventive Maintenance of Industrial Machines

In order to realise the efficient maintenance of industrial machines, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) need a system that utilises digital technology to handle everything from data collection to the visualisation of the collected data in an integrated manner. In this paper, an integrated monitoring platform using external sensor devices is proposed and implemented for the purpose of preventive maintenance of industrial machines. The proposed system performs edge processing to calculate features effective for monitoring on the sensor device, collects only the obtained features, and visualises them on a web server. In order to determine the features required by edge processing, a cycle waveform cut-out algorithm was proposed. As an evaluation experiment, the proposed system was used to detect the loosening of bolts on the support side of a ball screw. The results of the analysis showed that the dispersion value immediately after the start of uniform motion from the right end to the left end was valid, so the system was implemented as edge processing in the sensor device. In wireless transmission experiments on a testbed, an average of 20 consecutive cycles were used to achieve a 99.9% correct response rate and high detection accuracy, demonstrating the usefulness of the proposed system.

Complex transmission of partiti-, ambi- and ourmiaviruses in the forest pathogen Heterobasidion parviporum

Utilizing Heterobasidion partitivirus 13 strain an1 (HetPV13-an1) and 15 strain pa1 (HetPV15-pa1) in co-infection is considered a potential biocontrol approach against Heterobasidion root and butt rot. Both partitiviruses mediate debilitating effects in most Heterobasidion host isolates and are generally transmitted efficiently between host strains. In this investigation, we conducted transmission experiments in the laboratory (in vitro) using several H. parviporum isolates to test whether using dual partitivirus infections is a more efficient way of transmitting viruses to new hosts compared to using single partitivirus infections, and whether co-occurring single-stranded RNA (ssRNA) viruses are co-transmitted during the process. The results showed that H. parviporum donors carrying both partitiviruses, HetPV13-an1 and HetPV15-pa1, transmitted HetPV15-pa1 more efficiently to recipients than the same donors infected with only HetPV15-pa1. In contrast, the transmission of HetPV13-an1 did not differ significantly between donors infected with both or only one partitivirus. Altogether, the transmission rates of HetPV13-an1 and HetPV15-pa1 were high on artificial media. Moreover, the transmission of the ssRNA viruses Heterobasidion ourmia-like virus 1(HetOlV1-pa7) and 4 (HetOlV4-an1) as well as Heterobasidion ambi-like virus 3 (HetAlV3-pa4) across different recipients were found to be variable. This study demonstrated for the first time the transmission of ambi- and ourmiaviruses between H. parviporum isolates in dual cultures and showed that H. parviporum mycelia can be cured of these ssRNA viruses using heat treatment.

Predicting column heights and elemental composition in experimental transmission electron microscopy images of high-entropy oxides using deep learning

A novel approach is presented by integrating images-driven deep learning (DL) with high entropy oxides (HEOs) analysis. A fully convolutional neural network (FCN) is used to interpret experimental scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) images of HEO of various sizes. The FCN model is designed to predict column heights (CHs) and elemental distributions from single, experimentally acquired STEM images of complex (Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn)3O4 HEO nanoparticles (NPs) at atomic resolution. The model’s ability to predict elemental distributions was tested across various crystallographic zones. It was found that the model could effectively adapt to different atomic configurations and operational conditions. One of the significant outcomes was the identification of substantial elemental inhomogeneities in all experimental NPs, which highlighted the random and complex nature of element distribution within HEOs. The developed FCN DL method can be applied to assist experimental HEO and beyond NP analysis in various operating conditions.

Demonstration of a directly modulated laser achieving bandwidth exceeding 50 GHz with an integrated active feedback waveguide

With the significant expansion of communication capacity in fiber-optic networks, the directly modulated laser serves as a viable candidate due to its low cost and small footprint. In recent years, distributed feedback (DFB) lasers with an integrated passive feedback waveguide were demonstrated to enhance bandwidth by introducing a photon–photon resonance or detuned-loading effect. However, the butt-joint regrowth process between the active layer and passive waveguide complicates the fabrication. Here we propose and demonstrate a DFB laser with an integrated active feedback waveguide, utilizing identical active layer technology to simplify the fabrication process, achieving a bandwidth of exceeding 50 GHz. Additionally, transmission experiments with 55 Gbps NRZ and 70 Gbps PAM4 signals are also demonstrated.

A Self‐Powered and Self‐Absorbing Wireless Sensor Node for Smart Grid

The health monitoring of electricity transmission systems has been increasingly attracting the scientific community's attention, especially those power transmission towers built in remote and deserted areas. The smart grid provides a realistic solution to the health monitoring problem, but there is a problem that the energy supplies are still constrained by batteries. This article proposes a novel vibration energy harvester to address the power supply challenges of auxiliary equipment mounted on electricity towers or transmission lines. The proposed harvester not only harvests vibration energy when working but also attenuates the vibration amplitude of the transmission line. The structure of the device comprises three modules: a module for capturing vibration, a module for motion conversion, and a power management module. The analytical response under sinusoidal and random excitation is investigated, and the performance of energy harvesting and the effect on vibration is tested. The prototype achieves a maximum power of 183.96 mW when tested using the servo hydraulic mechanical testing and sensing system, and the wireless data transmission experiment proves the power generation ability of the prototype. The experimental results show that the acceleration of the transmission line decreases when the prototype is working.

Characterization of Tomato Leaf Curl New Delhi Virus Associated with Leaf Curl and Yellowing Disease of Bitter Gourd from Karnataka, India

Aims: The objective of this study was to identify the ToLCNDV isolate responsible for leaf curl and yellowing disease in bitter gourd crops in Karnataka, India. Study Design: Molecular characterisation and transmission study. Place and Duration of Study: The laboratory studies were conducted in the Department of Plant Pathology, College of Agriculture, University of Agricultural Sciences, GKVK, Bangalore-560065. Methodology: The sample was collected and subjected to molecular characterization using specific primer for ToLCNDV and sent for sequencing. Vector and sap transmission studies were also carried out. Results: PCR-mediated detection revealed the presence of ToLCNDV, although it was not coupled with any satellite molecules. The partial genome sequencing of the AV1 gene revealed more than 97% similarity with ToLCNDV isolates. The isolate under investigation was identified as a ToLCNDV isolate and given the name ToLCNDV_GKVK_BT due to high sequence identities and phylogenetic links between the incomplete DNA-A genome and ToLCNDV isolates. The transmission experiments demonstrated that it was effectively transmitted via vector and sap transfer. Conclusion: This study identified the ToLCNDV isolate responsible for leaf curl and yellowing disease in bitter gourd crops in Karnataka, India. Identifying, characterizing at the molecular level, and understanding the transmission of begomoviruses are essential steps in developing effective management approaches to minimize agricultural losses caused by these viruses. Therefore, these findings are important for identifying the leaf curl disease of bitter gourd.

Enabling biocontained plant virus transmission studies through establishment of an axenic whitefly (Bemisia tabaci) colony on plant tissue culture

Whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci) and the diseases they transmit are a major detriment to crop yields and a significant contributor to world hunger. The highly evolved interactions of host plant, phloem-feeding insect vector with endosymbionts and persistently transmitted virus represent a tremendous challenge for interdisciplinary study. Presented here is the establishment of a colony of axenic whiteflies on tissue-cultured plants. Efficient colony establishment was achieved by a surface sterilization of eggs laid on axenic phototrophically tissue-cultured plants. The transfer of emerging whiteflies through coupled tissue culture vessels to new axenic plants facilitates robust subculturing and produces hundreds of whitefly adults per month. Whitefly proliferation on more than two dozen plant species is shown as well as in vitro testing of whitefly preference for different plants. This novel multi-organism system provides the high-level of biocontainment required by Federal permitting to conduct virus transmission experiments. Axenic whitefly adults were able to acquire and transmit a begomovirus into tissue-cultured plants, indicating that culturable gut microorganisms are not required for virus transmission. The approach described enables a wide range of hypotheses regarding whitefly phytopathology without the expense, facilities, and contamination ambiguity associated with current approaches.

Ultralow noise and SCL wideband few-mode amplification and transmission based on second-order few-mode distributed Raman and first-order single-mode lumped Raman

Transmission with few-mode fiber (FMF) is one of the most promising methods for increasing single fiber capacity, with urgent demands for low-noise and wideband amplification. In this work, we experimentally demonstrate a few-mode hybrid Raman amplifier (FM-HRA) based on a second-order few-mode distributed Raman amplifier (FM-DRA) cascaded with a lumped Raman amplifier (LRA). The few-mode hybrid amplification with a 100-nm bandwidth (1520 to 1620 nm), covering the S + C + L bands, is realized using a weakly-coupled FMF with a transmission length of 100 km and a dispersion compensating fiber (DCF). The maximum on-off gains for three modes (LP01, LP11, and LP21) are 22.6, 25.1, and 25.5 dB, and the average on-off gains over 100-nm bandwidth are 19.6, 21.4, and 21.3 dB, respectively. The differential modal gain (DMG) is less than 2.9 dB. The effective noise figure (NF) of the three modes is lower than −1.1 dB over 100-nm bandwidth, and the lowest effective NF is −6.8 dB, which is close to the effective NF of FM-DRA. This means HRA can fully utilize the advantages of ultralow noise of DRA and high gain of LRA. The MIMO-less transmission experiment demonstrates the highest data rate of 56 Gbps for LP01 mode. This work features pure Raman amplification with high gain, ultralow noise, and wideband. The configuration of high-order DRA in FMF and first-order LRA in DCF also offers the benefits of better pump power utilization and dispersion compensation.

Real-time full-duplex transmission experiment for an air and underwater invisible light communication system

Specifications for highly secure and large-capacity optical transceivers are necessary when wireless communication is used over different transmission channels, such as underwater and air, in shallow sea areas. We evaluated the dynamic characteristics of bidirectional real-time transmission using an LED Backhaul that can generate and process direct current-added orthogonal frequency division multiplexing signals in the 850 nm band to demonstrate the feasibility of invisibility light communication. A composite channel that is 1.2 m in water and 10 m in the air was used as an optical radio channel. This experiment is the first report on real-time and 4 K video stream transmission for a line-of-sight full-duplex optical wireless communication in the invisible light band via heterogeneous transmission channels such as shallow water and air.