bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Surface Texturing of Fan-blade Body by Random-orbital Polishing With in-line Aqueous Mist
Authors: Danaraj Edgar Jeevan , Yeo Swee Hock
Published: March 2021

Airfoil structures such as fan blades have free form geometry which require a high level of precision in order to create a uniform finish for ideal gas path flow. Challenges in machining of such parts have led to rework in order to remove defects and conform to dimensional requirements at the same time. Mechanical polishing is the most common method to remove surface irregularities on fan blades such as scallop height, while maintaining the required dimensions. After the polishing process, the part will undergo shot peening, vibratory finishing and later, painting and coating at the final stages. It is therefore essential for the fan blade surface to pre-treated with rough, uniform textures in order to promote good surface-to-surface adhesion at the end of the manufacturing cycle. Generally, the polishing process is assisted by an external cooling medium applied on the part surface at intervals. This method of removing heat is not effective, as the polished surface may experience scratches or distortion, especially around thin-walled sections of the leading edge in fan blade. The existing polishing method uses a single-axis rotary tool can produce average surface roughness, Ra, of 1.2 µm that satisfies the requirement. However, this form of aggressive polishing has a high material removal rate, resulting in excessive reduction in material thickness which leads to the rejection of costly fan blade.This study a new localized polishing method and examines its effect on the surface topography of an airfoil component made of aluminum alloy. The area of interest is focused on the leading edge of a fan blade at which polishing is carried out using a random-orbital polishing tool with modified features to incorporate internal cooling capability. Experimental trials are conducted to study the effects of surface finish with fixed grain abrasive disks under four conditions. A cold gun is connected in-line to guide cold air inside the internal passages of the tool and out onto the surface of the part directly. A secondary cooling source by water nozzle spray is integrated in the tool to mix with the cold air jet and form an aerosol mist during tool activation. Surface topography of the samples are determined by arithmetic mean deviation, maximum height and root mean square of the profile. Surface roughness was performed using an optical profilometer. The localized polishing method achieved a desirable surface roughness, Ra of 0.8 µm, while removing all traces of scallop height and maintaining the leading-edge thickness within tolerance. The study showed that the new method produced a topography that is uniformly textured. This method can improve the manufacturing cycle time.
Cytomegalovirus antigen-specific T Cell immune response in patients with autoimmune diseases under different cytomegalovirus infection status
Authors: Ma Huimin , Tan Yuting , Liu Xiaoqing , Shi Xiaochun , Zheng Wenjie , Cui Jingtao , Zhang Lifan , Dou Yaling , Zhou Baotong
Published: March 2021

Background: T-cell immunity is important for the control of cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection. The frequency of IFN-γ secreting T cells after stimulation with CMV-specific protein-1 (IE-1) and phosphoprotein 65 (pp65) antigen can help predict the risk of active CMV infection. Patients with autoimmune diseases have a high incidence of active CMV infection, but the CMV antigen-specific T cell immune response of this population is still blank in the world. This study aimed to use T-SPOT.CMV to investigate CMV antigen-specific T cell immune response in patients with autoimmune diseases under different CMV infection conditions.Methods: Patients with autoimmune diseases in the Peking Union Medical College Hospital from March, 2017 to October, 2020 were continuously selected. According to the definition, the subjects were divided into latent CMV infection group and active CMV infection group. T-SPOT.CMV was used to evaluate CMV antigen-specific T cell immune response under different CMV infection status, and the possible influential factors of CMV antigen-specific T cell immune response were further analyzed.Results: Fifty patients with latent CMV infection and fifty patients with active CMV infection were enrolled. After stimulated by immediate early IE-1 and pp65 antigen, the median frequency of IFN-γ secreting T cells in active CMV infection group were all significantly lower than that in latent CMV infection group (p<0.001), and in CMV disease group was significantly lower than that in latent CMV infection group (p<0.001). After stimulated by pp65, the median frequency of IFN-γ secreting T cells with CD4+ T cell counts < 200/ul was significantly lower than that of CD4+ T cell counts ≥ 200/ul (p=0.043), and those with CD8+ T cell counts < 250/ul was significantly lower than that of CD8+ T cell counts ≥ 250/ul (p=0.03). The frequency of IFN-γ secreting T cells stimulated by pp65 was significantly higher than IE-1.Conclusions: In patients with autoimmune diseases, the CMV antigen-specific T-cell immune response in patients with active CMV infection was significantly lower than that with latent CMV infection. IE-1 was considered as a more stable antigen with better effect than pp65. Lymphocyte, CD4+T cell and CD8+T cell count might affect CMV antigen-specific T cell immune response.
Effectiveness of Jogging, Eye Movement Exercises, and Diaphragmatic Breathing in Reducing Migraine Symptoms: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Rahimi Mohammad Dawood , Alidoosti Fatemeh , Hassani Pouriya , Ghasemi Mohammad Mahdi , Fadardi Javad Salehi
Published: March 2021

Background: electrophysiological dysresponsiveness (ED) is apparent in a migraine brain. Various methods have been suggested to regulate ED, including electrochemical transduction or regulation of Nitric Oxide (NO) and Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), jogging, eye movement exercises, and diaphragmatic breathing.Objectives and methods: A three-group, double-blind, and randomized design with pre-test, post-test, and follow-up assessment was used to test the effectiveness of jogging, eye movement exercises, and diaphragmatic breathing in the treatment of patients with episodic migraine. International Classification of Headache Disorders 3rd edition (ICHD-3) was used to diagnose the migraine patients, who were randomly assigned to one of the three study groups to perform either 12 consecutive weeks of (a) jogging and eye movement exercises (n = 22) ;(b) jogging and diaphragmatic breathing (n = 19); or (c) treatment as usual (TAU), receiving prescribed medication (n = 22) group.Results: The results of a series of MANCOVA showed that, compared to the TAU group, patients in the two experimental groups showed significant reductions in the frequency, duration, and intensity of their episodic migraine attacks. Moreover, the frequency of menstrual cycle-dependent headache attacks and over the counter drugs use were reduced, and the quality of sleep and drinking water were improved at post-test and a 12-month follow-up.Conclusion: The results suggest that jogging and eye movement exercises or jogging and diaphragmatic breathing can be used as effective alternative interventions in the treatment of episodic migraine.Trial registration retrospectively: Ir.mums.fm.rec.1396.362
Therapeutic Efficacy of Urtica dioica and Evening Primrose in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Randomized Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Abd-Nikfarjam Bahareh , Abbasi Mahnaz , Memarzadeh Mohammadreza , Farzam Seyed-Amir , Jamshidian Azam , Dolati-Somarin Amirhossein
Published: March 2021

Introduction: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic inflammatory autoimmune disease. The pharmacological therapy of RA is often symptomatic to mitigate pain and inability with analgesics and drugs with defined side effects and risks. Complementary medicines might decrease the signs of RA and reduce the need for these medicines. In the present study, we investigated the anti-rheumatic, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects of Urtica dioica and Evening Primrose Ogil (EPO), in patients with RA. Methods: This randomized, double‐blind, controlled trial involved 90 RA patients, and randomly assigned them into EPO, Urtica dioica, and placebo groups. The potential effect of these herbal medicines on Disease Activity Score (DAS) 28, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), Total Anti-oxidant Capacity (TAC), IL-17, Rheumatoid Factor (RF), anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies (Anti-CCP), C Reactive Protein (CRP), and Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) before and after clinical trial were evaluated. The trial registration number is IRCT20201001048897N1.Results: After a three month follow up, the mean values of DAS28, IL-17, TAC, RF, and CRP in EPO and Urtica dioica groups were significantly different from the placebo group. However, the VAS, Anti-CCP, and ESR at baseline and at the end of the study were not significantly different between the three groups. After the intervention, the within-group DAS28 in the EPO and Urtica dioica groups, and placebo group reduced significantly compared to the baseline.Conclusion: Medicinal plants EPO and Urtica dioica were appeared to decrease inflammatory factors, and can improve the symptoms of RA. Thus, EPO and Urtica dioica have great potential as a complementary therapy in RA patients.
Constructing BiOBr/g-C3N4/Bi2O2CO3 Z-Scheme Photocatalyst With Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity
Authors: Zhang Biao , Liu Yu , Zhou Kanghong , Zhu Hongyu , Gu Dongxu , Ge Wei , Gan Ying , Hao Jianyuan
Published: March 2021

Novel camellia-structured Z-scheme BiOBr/g-C3N4/Bi2O2CO3 was simply prepared by a hydrothermal method and photodegraded Rhodamine B under visible light within 60 min with much higher degradation efficiency (98%) contrasted with pure BiOBr, g-C3N4 and Bi2O2CO3. Radical trapping experiments exhibited the main reactive species (·O2-) during degradation process. The formation of Z-scheme heterojunction improved rate of charge separation, enhanced absorption of visible light and thus promoted the photocatalytic activity. The Z-scheme heterojunction is a promising material for the removal of dye in effluents.
Frequency and Voltage-dependent Electrical Parameters, Interface Traps, and Series Resistance Profile of Au/(NiS:PVP)/n-Si Structures 
Authors: Ulusoy Murat , Altındal Ş. , Durmuş Perihan , Özçelik Süleyman , Kalandaragh Yashar Azizian
Published: March 2021

A thin (NiS-doped PVP) interface layer was spin-coated on n-Si substrate and between Au contact were prepared on the surface by the sputtering method and then their basic electrical features for example diffusion-potential (VD), doping density of donor-atoms (ND), Fermi-energy (EF), barrier-height (ΦB), and depletion layer-width (WD) were extracted reverse-bias C-2-V plots as function frequency and voltage. The voltage profile of interface/surface-states (Nss)/ relaxation-times (τ), and series resistance (Rs) were also obtained from the admittance and Nicollian-Brews method, respectively. Strongly frequency-dependent and voltage especially in both accumulation and depletion regions due to the existence of Nss, Rs, and polarization as well as (NiS-doped PVP) organic interlayer. At low frequency, the observed higher value of C and G shows that thin (NiS:PVP) interlayer can be successfully used to obtain high charges/energy storage (MPS) structure/capacitor instead of conventional insulator layer performed traditional methods. As a result, the observed important changes in electrical parameters with frequency and voltage depend on Nss, their t, Rs, organic interlayer, and interfacial or dipole polarization.
Surgeon Specialty Effect on Early Outcomes of Elective Posterior/Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusions: An Updated Propensity-Matched and Subgroup Analysis of 13,072 Patients.
Authors: Alomari Safwan Omar , Planchard Ryan , Belzberg Allan , Lo Sheng-Fu L , Sciubba Daniel M , Theodore Nicholas , Witham Timothy , Bydon A
Published: March 2021

Comparative effectiveness research has a vital role in recent health reform and policies. Specialty training is one of these provider-side variables and surgeons who were trained in different specialties may have different outcomes upon performing the same procedure. The objective of this retrospective 1:1 propensity score-matched cohort study was to investigate the impact of spine surgeon specialty (neurosurgery vs orthopedic surgery) on early perioperative outcome measures of elective posterior/transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion for degenerative spine diseases. 22,176 patients were reviewed from ACS-NSQIP database. Propensity score matching and subgroup analysis were utilized. After controlling for baseline characteristics in both groups (single/multi-level PLIF/TLIF), patients operated on by neurosurgeons were more likely to have longer operation time (239 vs 205 minutes / 276 vs 254 minutes), shorter total hospital stay (75 vs 96 hours / 85 vs 103 hours), lower return to operating room rates within the same admission (2.2% vs 4.2% / 2.5% vs 4.3%), lower non-home discharge (8.8% vs 12.7% / 10.8% vs 18.2%), lower discharge rate after postoperative day 3 (28% vs 31.8% / 38.1% vs 43.9%), lower readmission rates (4.4% vs 6.5% / 4.5% vs 7.5%) and lower perioperative blood transfusion rate (2.7% vs 6.0% / 11.0% vs 14.1%), (p < 0.05). Other outcome measures and mortality rates were similar among the 2 cohorts in both groups. Our analysis found significant differences in early perioperative outcomes of patients undergoing PLIF/TLIF by neurosurgeons and orthopedic surgeons. These differences have significant clinical and cost implications for patients, physicians, program directors, payors and health systems.
A 12,000 Kyr Paleohydroclimate Record in the Southeastern, U.S.A based on Deuterium from Bat Guano
Authors: Tsalickis Alexandra , Waters Matthew Neal , Campbell Joshua William
Published: March 2021

The southeastern United States endures environmental change from human population increase, climate change, and land use alterations creating the need to understand baseline conditions and environmental patterns prior to human impacts. While paleoenvironmental data can be reconstructed from a variety of archives (e.g. lake sediments, tree rings, speleothems), some geographic areas contain fewer of such records. One archive capable of recording moisture regimes and other paleoenvironmental changes over millennia but has received little attention relative to other climate proxies, are bat guano deposits in cave systems. Bat guano deposits are found in many cave environments in the southeastern United States and can be used as an archive of paleoenvironmental data including precipitation, vegetation, and aspects associated with the ecology of bats. Here, we present a 12,000-year record of paleoenvironmental change based on δ2H stable isotopes in a guano core collected from Cave Springs Cave in Alabama, USA. Results suggest distinct shifts in moisture during the lower Holocene/upper Pleistocene (9,551 – 12,131 cal yr BP) (δ2H values -86.82 – -77.70) and during the middle Holocene (3,886 – 9,351 cal yr BP) (δ2H values -125.74 – -80.63), roughly coinciding with the Holocene Climatic Optimum (HCO) time interval (5,000 – 9,000 cal yr BP). During the last 4,000 years, conditions in the region shifted once again in the southeastern United States region. Climate inferences based on guano δ2H are consistent with the role of atmospheric moisture on regional vegetation changes suggested by previous pollen records obtained from lake sediment cores. This study suggests bat guano δ2H may be a reliable method to provide a long-term paleoclimate record.
Characterizing Circulating Nucleosomes in the Plasma of Dogs with Hemangiosarcoma
Authors: Wilson-Robles Heather , Terrell Jason , Kelly Theresa Kathleen , Miller Tasha , Thomas Bygott , Mhammed Bougoussa , Jarvis Jill
Published: March 2021

Background: Nucleosomes consist of DNA wrapped around a histone octamer core like thread on a spool to condense DNA as chromatin into chromosomes. Diseases such as cancer or inflammation lead to cell death, chromatin fragmentation and release of nucleosomes into the blood. The Nu.QTM platform measures circulating nucleosomes in the blood of humans that result from disease and has been used to detect and identify cancer even at early stages. The objectives of this study are to quantify and better characterize nucleosomes in dogs with various stages of hemangiosarcoma (HSA) using this ELISA-based assay. Samples from 77 dogs with a confirmed diagnosis of hemangiosarcoma and 134 healthy controls were utilized for this study. The HSA samples were recruited from the Texas A&M University Small Animal Clinic (TAMU-SAC) or purchased from biobanks. All control samples were recruited from the TAMU-SAC. Results: Dogs with hemangiosarcoma had a 6.6-fold increase in their median plasma nucleosome concentrations compared to controls (AUC 92.9%). Elevated nucleosome concentrations were seen at all stages of disease and nucleosome concentrations increased with the stage of the disease. Conclusion: Plasma nucleosome concentrations are a reliable way to differentiate dogs with hemangiosarcoma from healthy dogs. Further testing is underway to better characterize cancer associated HSA circulating nucleosomes and optimize future diagnostics for canine HSA detection.
25,000 Years Long Seismic Cycle in a Slow Deforming Continental Region of Mongolia
Authors: Bollinger Laurent , Klinger Yann , Forman Steven , Chimed Odonbaatar , Bayasgalan Amgalan , Munkhuu Ulziibat , Davaasuren Ganzorig , Dolgorsuren Tulga , Enkhee Bayarsaikhan , Sodnomsambuu Demberel
Published: March 2021

The spatial distribution of large earthquakes in Slowly Deforming Continental Regions (SDCR) is poorly documented and, thus, has often been deemed to be random. Unlike in high strain regions, where seismic activity concentrates cyclically along major active faults, earthquakes in SDCR may seem to occur more erratically in space and time. This questions classical fault behavior models, posing paramount issues for seismic hazard assessment. Here, we investigate the M7, 1967, Mogod earthquake in Mongolia, a region recognized as a SDCR. Despite the absence of visible cumulative deformation at the ground surface, we found evidence for at least 3 surface rupturing earthquakes during the last 50,000 years, associated to a slip-rate of 0,06 ± 0,01 mm/yr. These results show that in SDCR, like in faster deforming regions, deformation localizes on specific structures. However, the excessive length of return time for large earthquakes along these structures makes it more difficult to recognize earthquake series, and could conversely lead to the misconception that in SDCR earthquakes would be randomly located. Thus, our result emphasizes the need for systematic appraisal of the potential seismogenic structures in SDCR in order to lower the uncertainties associated with the seismogenic sources in seismic hazard models.
Etmopterus Lantern Sharks Use Coelenterazine as the Substrate for Their Luciferin-luciferase Bioluminescence System
Authors: Yano Daichi , Paitio José , Endo Hiromitsu , Oba Yuichi , Mizuno Gaku
Published: March 2021

The lantern shark genus Etmopterus is a group of deep-sea bioluminescent fishes. They emit blue light mainly from the ventral body surface, and the primary biological function is considered to be for camouflage by counterillumination. In this study, we detected both coelenterazine and coelenterazine-specific luciferase activity in the ventral photophore tissues. The results suggested that bioluminescence in lantern sharks is produced using coelenterazine as the substrate for the luciferin-luciferase reaction.
Genome-Wide Association Study (GWAS) For Cold Tolerance at The Bud Burst Stage in Rice Using SNP Markers
Authors: Li Caijing , Liu Jindong , Bian Jianxin , Jin Tao , Zou Baoli , Liu Shilei , Zhang Xiangyu , Wang Peng , Tan Jingai , Wu Guangliang , Chen Qin , Wang Yanning , Zhong Qi , Huang Shiying , Yang Mengmeng , Huang Tao , He Haohua , Bian Jianmin
Published: March 2021

Background: Rice is a crop that is very sensitive to low temperature, and its morphological development and production are greatly affected by low temperature. Therefore, understanding the genetic basis of cold tolerance in rice is of great significance for mining favorable genes and cultivating excellent rice varieties. However, there were limited studies focusing on cold tolerance at the bud burst stage, therefore, considerable attention should be paid to the genetic basis of cold tolerance at the bud burst stage (CTBB).Results: In this study, a natural population consisting of 211 rice landraces collected from 15 provinces of China and other countries were firstly used to evaluate the cold tolerance at the bud burst stage. Population structure analysis showed that this population divided into three groups and was rich in genetic diversity. Our evaluation results confered that the japonica rice was more tolerance to cold at the bud burst stage than indica rice. Genome-wide association study (GWAS) were performed through the phenotypic data of 211 rice landraces and 36,727 SNPs dataset under a mixed linear model, and 12 QTLs (P < 0.0001) were identified according to the seedling survival rate (SSR) treated at 4 ℃, in which there are five QTLs (qSSR2-2, qSSR3-1, qSSR3-2, qSSR3-3 and qSSR9) which were co-located with previous studies, and seven QTLs (qSSR2-1, qSSR3-4, qSSR3-5, qSSR3-6, qSSR3-7, qSSR4 and qSSR7) which were reported for the first time. Among these QTLs, qSSR9, harboring the highest-peak SNP, explained biggest phenotypic variation. Through bioinformatics analysis, five genes (LOC_Os09g12440, LOC_Os09g12470, LOC_Os09g12520, LOC_Os09g12580 and LOC_Os09g12720) were nominated as candidates for qSSR9. Conclusion: This natural population consisting of 211 rice landraces with high density SNPs will serve as a better choice for identifying rice QTLs/genes in future, and the detected QTLs associated with cold tolerance in rice bud burst stage will be conducive to further mining favorable genes and breeding of rice varieties under cold stress.
Expression and Correlation of Circulating miRNAs in Healthy Obese Children
Authors: Ma Feifei , Cao Dingding , Liu Zhuo , Li Yuanyuan , Ouyang Shengrong , WU Jianxin
Published: March 2021

Objective: Obesity is an important risk factor of metabolic diseases. It is caused by the interaction of genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors. This study aimed to identify specific circulating miRNAs for evaluating obesity in children. Methods: Thirty children including 15 obese and 15 extremely thin were selected. The miRNA microarray was used to detect the expression of miRNAs in circulating plasma. The reliability of differential miRNA expression was verified using TaqMan qPCR. The correlation between miRNA and obesity was analyzed using multiple linear regression. Target genes for selected miRNAs were analyzed using informatics tools, and a functional network map was constructed. Results: Thirty-six differential expression miRNAs were screened by gene chip, and seven up-regulated miRNAs were verified by TaqMan qPCR, including hsa-miR-126-3p, hsa-miR-15b-5p, hsa-miR-199a-3p, hsa-miR-20a-5p, hsa-miR-223-3p, hsa-miR-23a-3p, and hsa-miR-24-3p. Six miRNAs had significant statistical difference except hsa-miR-23a-3p. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that hsa-miR-15b-5p and hsa-miR-223-3p were associated with obesity [1.649 (4.974-16.084), -1.175 (-17.852~ -2.657)]. After adjusting for age and gender, these two miRNAs were still associated with obesity [1.400 (3.572-14.301), -0.973 (-15.634~ -1.303)]. Among them, hsa-miR-15b-5p and hsa-miR-223 had more predicted obesity-related target genes than others. In particular, hsa-miR-15b-5p had numerous target genes associated with the FoxO, insulin, Ras, and AMPK signaling pathways. Conclusion: The miRNA expression profile in the body circulation of obese children differs from normal children. This result is attributed to the abnormal metabolism of obese children. hsa-miR-15b-5p and hsa-miR-223-3p could serve as a molecular marker for screening obese children and susceptible population of metabolic syndrome.
Memristor-based Chaotic System with Upper-Lower Chaotic Attractors and Abundant Dynamical Behaviors
Authors: Yan Dengwei , Ji'e Musha , Wang Lidan , Duan Shukai
Published: March 2021

Memristor, a controllable nonlinear element, is able to produce the chaotic signal easily. Most of the current researchers concentrate on the nonlinear properties of memristor, whereas its ability to control and adjust chaotic systems is often neglected. Thus a memristor-based chaotic system is designed to generate double-scroll chaotic attractors in this paper. The key features of the system are as follows: (a) when the polarity of the strength of memristor is adjusted, the upper-lower double-scroll chaotic attractors will be presented in the system. Chaotic motion of the system will be weakened and suppressed by properly selecting the strength of memristor, which enables the system to generate chaotic signals or suppress chaotic interference; (b) The system has very abundant dynamical behaviors, including sustained chaos, bistability, coexisting attractors, transient chaos, transient period and intermittency. To further explain the complex dynamics of the system, several basic dynamical behaviors, such as dissipation, symmetry, the stability of the equilibria, Poincare-maps, offset boosting control, recurrence analysis, 0-1 test analysis, and instantaneous phase analysis are displayed, either analytically or numerically. Moreover, the analogy circuit of the system is constructed. Experiment results prove that the PSPICE simulation and numerical analysis are consistent, which verifies the chaotic system's capability that produces chaos. Additionally, the proposed chaotic system has a strong immunity to any Gaussian noise with the zero mean. Therefore, a convenient method is employed to detect a weak multi-frequency signal embedded in the Gaussian noise based on the proposed chaotic system and the recursive back-stepping controller. The method based on the memristor-based chaos system provides a new train of thought for detecting weak signals, which is of great significance to promote the application of memristor.
Geometric characteristics, local site and curvature radius effects on seismic vulnerability of multi-span concrete girder bridge
Authors: Vitanova Marija , Salic Radmila , Vitanov Vladimir
Published: March 2021

Horizontally curved concrete girder bridges have complex dynamic characteristics because of their asymmetry and non-uniform mass and stiffness distribution. Their seismic behaviour is considerably affected by various such as structural characteristics, radius of the superstructure curvature and local site conditions. The computational, three-dimensional (3D) bridge models consisting of concrete girders with concrete deck, single pier columns and caps were created in OpenSees analyzing a representative, three-, four- and five-span continuous curved concrete girder bridges in N. Macedonia. Different seismic hazard levels and soil conditions were chosen in order to perform site-specific hazard calculations to investigate the effect of critical curved bridge parameters on the seismic response using a group of representative bridges. Two levels of capacity were considered: damage and collapse limit state (DLS and CLS). The results from the performed extensive nonlinear analyses including uncertainties were used to estimate the influence of the number of spans, deck width, pier height, deck horizontal curvature radius and local site effects on the bridge performance. The influence of soil conditions and superstructure curvature are significant for the seismic vulnerability of girder bridges, especially those with more spans. With the increase of the superstructure curvature radius, the bridges become more vulnerable, particularly if they have more spans and are founded on soil of weaker characteristics. The difference in the probability of damage occurrence to bridges with smaller number of spans, regardless the curvature radius, is small if these are founded on a good base. In the case of CLS, such probability differs extensively, particularly in multi-span bridges founded on weak soil. Regardless the curvature radius and the soil characteristics, the width of the superstructure has a favorable effect upon the seismic response of the selected type of bridges. Bridges with piers of a greater height and greater curvature radius exhibit considerably less favorable seismic behavior than bridges of smaller curvature radius founded on better soil.
What does a non-response to induction chemotherapy imply in high-risk medulloblastomas?
Authors: Adelon Jihane , Dufour Christelle , Foulon Stéphanie , Planchon Julien Masliah , Meyronnet David , Bourdeault Franck , Palenzuela Gilles , Fouyssac Fanny , Raimbault Sandra , Carli Emilie De , Klein Sébastien , Pagnier Anne , Bertozzi Anne-Isabelle , Rome Angélique , David Audrey , Chabaud Sylvie , Faure-Conter Cécile
Published: March 2021

Purpose. Some high-risk medulloblastomas (HR-MB) do not respond to induction chemotherapy, with either post-induction stable (SD) or progressive disease (PD). To date, there is no consensus regarding their optimal management. Methods. A retrospective, multicentre study of non-responder HR-MB patients treated according to the PNET HR+5 protocol (NCT00936156) between 01/01/2009 and 31/12/2018. After two courses of etoposide and carboplatin induction chemotherapy, patients with SD or PD were analyzed. Based on the clinician’s decision, the PNET HR+5 protocol was either pursued with tandem high-dose chemotherapy (HDCT) and craniospinal irradiation (CSI) (continuation group) or it was modified (switched group). Results. Forty-nine patients were identified. After induction, 37 patients had SD and 12 had PD. The outcomes were significantly better for the SD group: the 5-y PFS and OS were 52% (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 35-67) and 70% (95% CI 51-83), respectively, in the SD group and 17% (95% CI 3-41) and 13% (95% CI 1-40), respectively, in the PD group (p < 0.0001). The PNET HR+5 strategy was pursued for 3 patients in the PD group, of whom only one survived. In the SD group, it was pursued for 24 patients. The 5-y PFS and the OS were 78% (95% CI 54-90) in the continuation group and 0% and 56% (95% CI 23-79), respectively, in the switched group. In the SD group, multivariate analysis revealed that MYC amplification, molecular group 3, and a switched strategy were independent prognostic factors for progression. Conclusion. Patients with post-induction SD may benefit from HDCT and CSI, whereas improvement of the way patients with early PD are treated will require new therapeutic approaches.
MicroRNAs as diagnostic biomarkers in primary central nervous system lymphoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zheng Xiaohong , Li Parker , Dong Qianqian , Duan Yihong , Yang Shoubo , Cai Zehao , Chen Feng , Li Wenbin
Published: March 2021

Background

Diagnosing primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL) remains a challenge. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are promising noninvasive markers for the identification of PCNSL. The present study aims to assess the diagnostic value of miRNAs for PCNSL patients as biomarkers.
Methods

We systematically searched PubMed, Embase and the Cochrane library from inception to June 31, 2020. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio (PLR), negative likelihood ratio (NLR), diagnostic odds ratio (DOR), together with the summary receiver operator characteristic (SROC) curve, and area under the SROC curve (AUC) value were used to estimate overall diagnostic performance. We used Q statistic and I2 to test heterogeneity, and used subgroup analyses to investigate the source of heterogeneity. The statistical analyses were independently performed by two investigators using Stata 14.0 and Revman 5.3.
Results

In total, eleven studies from six records were included in the current meta-analysis with 281 PCNSL patients and 367 controls. Our statistical analysis demonstrated that the pooled sensitivity, specificity, PLR, NLR, DOR, and AUC were 0.91 (95% CI 0.84–0.95), 0.88 (95% CI 0.84–0.91), 7.48 (95% CI 5.71–9.78), 0.11 (95% CI 0.06–0.19), 70 (95% CI 35–142), and 0.90 (95% CI 0.87–0.92), respectively. The studies had substantial heterogeneity (I2 = 54%, 95% CI 0-100). Two subgroup analyses were conducted based on the type of specimen and miRNAs profiled.
Conclusions

This meta-analysis indicated miRNAs were suitable as noninvasive diagnostic biomarkers for PCNSL with high accuracy. In addition, both cerebrospinal fluid -based and blood-based miRNAs assays for PCNSL detection were considered reliable for clinical application. MicroRNA-21 assays also seemed to be more accurate in the diagnosis of PCNSL. Good quality studies with large samples should be conducted to verify our results.
Development and Validation of a Prognostic Nomogram in Patients with Bladder Cancer after Radical Cystectomy: A Study Based on the Chinese Population
Authors: Lu Xun , Wang Yiduo , Chen Qi , Xia Di , Zhang Hanyu , Chen Ming
Published: March 2021

PurposeTo develop and validate a prognostic nomogram in patients with bladder cancer who underwent radical cystectomy based on the Chinese population.MethodsThe nomogram was built on a retrospective study included 191 patients with bladder cancer who underwent radical cystectomy between January 2010 to December 2019 at the authors’ hospital. The primary cohort was divided into the training cohort and the validation cohort randomly. The endpoints in the study were disease-free survival and overall survival. The ability of distinguishing and predicting of the prognostic nomogram were determined by calibration plot and concordance index in the training cohort. Moreover, the results were also verified in the validation cohort internally.ResultsMultivariate analysis of the training cohort showed that hydronephrosis, Stage_T, Stage_N, PNI and EGFR were significantly associated with overall survival. Meanwhile, Stage_T, Stage_N, PNI and EGFR were independent risk factors for disease-free survival. The calibration plot agreed well between prediction and actual observation in survival possibility. The concordance index of the nomogram in the training cohort of overall survival and disease-free survival were 0.834 (95%CI: 0.785-0.833) and 0.823 (95%CI: 0.772-0.873), respectively. In the validation cohort, the nomogram also showed high predictive accuracy.ConclusionThe proposed nomogram showed high accuracy in predicting survival for bladder cancer patients after radical cystectomy.
Mechanistic study of LncRNA UCA1 promoting growth and cisplatin resistance in lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Fu Jiali , Pan Jingjing , Yang Xiang , Zhang Yan , Shao Fanggui , Chen Jie , Huang Kate , Wang Yumin
Published: March 2021

Background: The main objective of the current research was to explore the mechanism of LncRNA UCA1 promoting cisplatin resistance in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD).Method: The UCA1 expression level of LUAD cell lines was herein detected by reverse transcription‑quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‑qPCR). We overexpressed UCA1 in A549 cell and downregulated UCA1 in A549/DDP cell by lentivirus‑mediated technique. We analyzed their biological differences by cell function experiments, RNA pulldown, protein mass spectrometry (MS), and RNA immunoprecipitation technique (RIP). Tumor formation in nude mice was used to investigate the effect of UCA1 on the proliferation and cisplatin sensitivity of A549/DDP in vivo.Result: The results revealed that a higher expression level of UCA1 was expressed in the A549/DDP cell and LUAD tissues than that in A549 cell and adjacent cancer tissues. UCA1 was significantly associated with M stage and clinical stage of LUAD patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Patients with high UCA1 expression had a shorter survival time. After UCA1 overexpressed, the cells capability of proliferation, migration, invasion, clone formation, cisplatin resistance, and the expression level of proteins related to proliferation and drug resistance PCNA, ERCC1 were enhanced, while these trends were mostly reversed in the cells knockdown with UCA1 expression. Tumorigenic assays in nude mice showed that knockdown of UCA1 significantly inhibited tumor growth and reduced cisplatin resistance. It confirmed Enolase 1 (ENO1) was one of RNA binding protein of UCA1.Conclusion: Based on these results, we concluded that UCA1 promoted LUAD progression and cisplatin resistance by binding ENO1 and UCA1 could be a potential diagnostic marker and therapeutic target of LUAD patients.
Psycho-educational Groups for People With Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Their Caregiver: a Qualitative Study
Authors: Bilenchi Vittoria Anita , Banfi Paolo Innocente , Pagnini Francesco , Volpato Eleonora
Published: March 2021

Background: Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease that strongly impacts both patients’ and caregivers’ lives. Only few previous studies investigated the psychosocial impact of group’s interventions on ALS patients and their caregivers as well as needs they can answer.The aim was to identify the needs of both ALS patients and caregivers who attended a psycho-educational group program, the prominent aspects of their experience, perceptions, and satisfaction. Methods: Five patients and thirteen caregivers attended eight psycho-educational group meetings at the Respiratory Rehabilitation Unit of Fondazione Don Carlo Gnocchi, Milan (Italy) and underwent semi-structured interviews once the group meetings ended. Data obtained by group sessions’ transcripts have been analysed using the Grounded Theory Paradigm (GT), while those obtained by interviews have been analysed using the Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA).Results: The analysis of the meetings, allowed to identify seven themes and 21 sub-themes: practical advices, explanation of the pathology, recognition of emotions, adaptation, family and relationships, being caregiver of oneself and sharing. The analysis of the interviews allowed to deduce the main reasons to participate (i.e. to have information and to be able to share experiences), the positive and negative aspects of the experiences. Conclusions: These results suggested the usefulness of psycho-educational groups into the regular clinical practice to allow patients and caregivers comparison with others in the same situation.
Patients with advanced hepatic fibrosis before or after direct-acting antiviral therapy for chronic hepatitis C are at risk for development of liver cancer
Authors: Saldarriaga Omar , Dye Bradley , Pham Judy , Wanninger Timothy G. , Millian Daniel , Kueht Michael , Freiberg Benjamin , Utay Netanya , Stevenson Heather L.
Published: March 2021

Direct-acting antivirals (DAA) have replaced interferon (IFN)-based therapies for hepatitis C virus. This study examined differences in histopathologic features in paired liver biopsies collected before and after DAA and evaluated clinical outcomes. Biopsies (n = 19) were evaluated by quantitative imaging analysis to measure steatosis and fibrosis. Most patients had decreased steatosis in their post-treatment, follow-up biopsies. However, one patient had a striking increase in steatosis (from 0.86 to 6.32 %) and later developed decompensated cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This patient had a marked increase in fibrosis between biopsies, with a CPA of 6.74 to 32.02. Another patient, who already had bridging fibrosis at the time of her pre-treatment biopsy, developed cholangiocarcinoma after DAA. Even though the overall inflammatory activity in the post-treatment biopsies significantly decreased after treatment, 60% of patients had persistent portal lymphocytic inflammation. In summary, DAA decreased steatosis and hepatic inflammation in most patients, although some may have persistence of lymphocytic portal inflammation. Patients known to have advanced fibrosis at treatment initiation and who have other risk factors for ongoing liver injury, such as steatosis, should be followed closely for the development of adverse outcomes, such as portal hypertension and primary liver cancers.
Multiscale mechanisms of asphalt performance enhancement by crumbed waste tire rubber: Insight from molecular dynamics simulation
Authors: Hu Kui , Yu Caihua , Chen Yujing , Li Wei , Guixiang Chen , Zhang Wengang
Published: March 2021

The recycling of crumbled waste tire rubber (CWTB) is a major environmental problem facing mankind, and the incorporation of CWTB as a modifier into asphalt is an extremely promising approach. However, the modification mechanism of CWTB to asphalt is not well understood, which restricts the development of CWTB-modified asphalt. In this study, the mechanism of CWTB modification of asphalt was explored in depth by dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), fluorescence microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The results of the study showed that CWTB enhanced the high temperature performance of the base asphalt. The microscopic mechanism by which this phenomenon occurs is that CWTB has the largest binding energy with the aromatics (1100–1400 kcal/mol), followed by the saturates (700–900 kcal/mol), followed by the resins (200–450 kcal/mol), and the smallest binding energy with the asphaltenes (110–160 kcal/mol), which causes CWTB to absorb the light components of the asphalt (aromatics and saturates). In the process of absorbing the light components, CWTB will gradually swell, which causes CWTB to bind more and more tightly with the base asphalt, and eventually the good high temperature performance of CWTB is transferred to the base asphalt. The macroscopic manifestation of this process is that the rutting factor of CWTB modified asphalt is significantly higher than that of virgin asphalt. This study can provide basic theoretical support for the application of CWTB modified asphalt.
Combining Transposon Mutagenesis and Reporter Genes to Identify Novel Regulators of the Topa Promoter in Streptomyces
Authors: Gongerowska-Jac Martyna , Szafran Marcin Jan , Jakimowicz Dagmara
Published: March 2021

BackgroundIdentifying the regulatory factors that control transcriptional activity is a major challenge of gene expression studies. Here, we describe the application of a novel approach for in vivo identification of regulatory proteins that may directly or indirectly control the transcription of a promoter of interest. ResultsA method based on the combination of Tn5 minitransposon-driven random mutagenesis and lux reporter genes was applied for the first time for the Streptomyces genus. As a proof of concept, we studied the topA supercoiling-sensitive promoter, whose activity is dependent on unknown regulatory factors. We found that the sco4804 gene product positively influences topA transcription in S. coelicolor, demonstrating SCO4804 as a novel player in the control of chromosome topology in these bacteria. ConclusionsOur approach allows the identification of novel Streptomyces regulators that may be critical for the regulation of gene expression in these antibiotic-producing bacteria.
Mapping Clinical Pharmacy Education and Practice in Europe
Authors: Moura Laura , Steurbaut Stephane , Blix Hege Salvesen , Addison Brian , Rabus Sule , Mota-Filipe Helder , Costa Filipa Alves da
Published: March 2021

Background Clinical activities provided by pharmacists are increasing worldwide, including Europe. However, an overview of clinical pharmacy education and practice is needed. Objective To map clinical pharmacy (CP) education and practice among European countries. Setting: Web-based survey led by the Education Committee of the European Society of Clinical Pharmacy (ESCP). Method Cross-sectional study resorted to a survey sent to ESCP members. The survey comprised three domains focusing on: undergraduate education, postgraduate education, and practice. A multi-phased validation process was undertaken, attributing levels of evidence according to the number of information sources for each country. Triangulation was used to seek within country consensus. Student perceptions on their preparedness to engage in CP and adequacy of learning methods were also explored via the European Pharmaceutical Students' Association (EPSA), representing students from 37 countries. Main outcome measures Number of hours of education in clinical pharmacy; existence of a specialization in clinical pharmacy and activities delivered in practice.Results Data from 40 European countries were included (response rate 95.2%). Most respondents (86.8%) agreed with the definition of CP proposed by the ESCP. Almost every country (94.9%) reported to have CP topics integrated at the undergraduate level [median number=65 hours/semester (IQR: 2.0-5.6)], including practical teaching [median=30.0% (IQR: 17.0-42.0)]. Students from 16 countries were unanimous stating CP practical training to be insufficient and only in one country CP education was perceived as totally fit for practice. At the postgraduate level, 92.5% of countries have PhD programmes including CP and 65.0% specific CP master/diploma degrees. Continuous professional development (CPD) courses were also reported by 63.9% of respondents. More than half of countries (52.5%; n=21) recognize CP as an area of specialization, which for 60.0% of countries is applied solely in the hospital setting. Conclusion Although CP is embedded in education and practice in European countries, students experience a lack of practical training hampering job readiness. Education in CP should be adapted and tailored towards the skills and competences required in practice.
Research Staff Perspectives on Cancer Clinical Trials and Barriers to Recruitment: A Qualitative Research
Authors: Keruakous Amany R. , Day Silas , Garcia-Ramiu Kenny D. , Yarbrough Melissa , Asch Adam S.
Published: March 2021

Study objectives-Highlight common barriers to recruiting adults' cancer patients, encountered by research coordinators from all disease sites-Propose effective solutions to identified barriers.Results We are reporting our results of a qualitative research methodology investigating barriers to clinical trials enrollment from a new perspective. The most commonly reported obstacles, for clinical trials enrollment, from our research staff perspective were categorized into five themes: clinical trials protocol, communication barriers and cultural beliefs, financial barriers, patients' comorbidities and performance status, and physicians’ commitment. Assessing barriers encountered by clinical research staff is infrequently used as a metric for improving clinical trial enrollment, but provides important perspective. Interventions to improve clinical trial feasibility and accrual are critical to improve cancer care.