bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The composite facing material for electromagnetic felds shielding
Authors: Glyva V A , Levchenko L O , Panova O V , Tykhenko O M , Radomska M M
Published: August 2020

The facing material was developed for the purpose of shielding man-made electromagnetic fields in production working and domestic conditions. The facing material was designed on the base of latex and fine iron ore concentrate as filler. The experimental data on shielding of electromagnetic fields of ultrahigh frequencies and magnetic field of industrial frequency were obtained for different material thicknesses and concentration of screening particles. The significant increase of the shielding coefficients was established and explained by the manifestation of the percolation effect - the increase of the material conductivity at the critical concentration of the conductive component. The calculation apparatus for determining the dependence on the shielding properties of the material on the concentration of shielding substance was proposed. The method of the screening substance critical concentration calculation is shown to enable designing materials of lower thickness, weight and self-cost.
Fillers for modification of polyester powder coating
Authors: Gots V I , Lastivka O V , Tomin O O , Tymoshenko S A
Published: August 2020

In the article effectiveness of the use of fillers to improve the physical and mechanical properties of the coating varied depending on the average size of the filler particles and crystalline shape was studied. According to the indicators of impact strength to back impact and bending strength of the coating, the most effective is the use of microsilica with an average size of 2.9 μm. As the average filler size increases, the gloss and impact strength of the coating reduce. To increase the bending strength of the coating, it is advisable to use fillers in the form of wollastonite, which is characterized by a fibrous crystal shape, which improves the physical and mechanical properties of the coating and prevents cracking, acting as a reinforcing agent. In addition, the analysis of the obtained study results shows that the use of the studied Ukrainian-made fillers in the powder paint composition promotes obtaining a covering with adjustable physical and mechanical characteristics.
Theoretical substantiation and calculations of water flow to ranney water intakes and drainages under protection from submergence of the urban territories and buildings by ground water
Authors: Telyma S V , Oliynyk E O , Voloshkina O S , Vildman I M
Published: August 2020

The methodic of evaluation of the innerdrain hydraulic of the water flow along the length of the drains of the ranney drainage (water uptake) on summary inflow to them is developed. The methodic is based on the mathematical models which allow more fully to take into account the complex real flow character and the hydraulic conditions in the zone of the influence ranney water intakes and drainages. The different cases of solution of joint problem of flow in aquifer and in the drains-rays are considered and presented as the system of the analytic dependences. Obtained results showed that the inflow to drain-ray is distributed uneven along its length and the main inflow is formed in the first half of the drain-ray. Therefore, in some cases the influence of innerdrain hydraulic should be taken into account when calculating the parameters of drainage and evaluation of their operation.
Development of the tram network in the big city (on the example of Lviv)
Authors: Posatskyi B S , Mazur T M , Korol E I
Published: August 2020

The article presents an analysis of the development of the Lviv tram network from the end of the XIXth century till nowadays and for the near future. The stages of construction of tram depots and development of tram lines in the context of the city territory servicing, their changes, and connection with the configuration of the city street network are shown. City planning approaches to further development of the tram network infrastructure are presented.
Improvement of the safety of multi-floor housing
Authors: Tkachenko T , Mileikovskyi V , Dziubenko V , Tkachenko O.
Published: August 2020

To improve the safety in common areas of multi-storey buildings (lift halls, common corridors), it is proposed to renovate interiors of the areas. Such areas usually have no permanent ventilation. Thus, they can accumulate pathogenic microorganisms and viruses. The effective solution for reducing the danger is phytoncides plants. For successful phytodesign, an assortment of phytoncides plants of 11 species has been developed: Aspidistra elatior, Aglaonema “Silver queen”, Aglaonema “Maria”, Chlorophytum comosum, Chlorophytum capense, Dracena marginata, Monstera deliciosa, Philodendron scandens, Sansevieria triaeffieria trichelifera, Zamiaculcas zamiifolia. The offered assortment completely corresponds to climatic features of premises. For the normal growth and development of plants in the absence of natural light, three options for additional effective illumination are proposed.
Typological and Functional Planning Features of Sports and Tourist Hotels
Authors: Borodai D S , Borodai A S , Borodai S P , Borodai Ya O
Published: August 2020

The study determines the relevance of breaking down sports and tourist hotels into categories, and provides the main factors that justify the feasibility of a typological classification. The paper presents the analysis of scientific works and publications on this issue. The authors have identified the following five hotel types: on-site hotels, resort hotels, hotels targeted at sports, ski hotels and hotels located on sports tourism routes. Moreover, they have determined the main features and differences of each hotel type. The paper focuses on accommodation conditions, urban planning, and architectural and space-planning characteristics of certain types of hotels. The authors give the examples of existing sports and tourist hotels with their unique sports focus, determine the bed capacity, functional and planning structure of all types of sports and tourist hotels, as well as the main functional assemblies, their filling, proportional spacing in the building, the relationship between premises. They have developed the functional and building stacking diagrams of each type of sports and tourist hotels.
Principles of reconstruction of multifunctional stadiums on the example of the Kiev stadium of CSC Armed Forces of Ukraine
Authors: Chub A N , Kreizer I I
Published: August 2020

The most common to date are multifunctional sports complexes. Their multifunctionality, in addition to competing in various sports, provides the opportunity for a variety of grand events, including corporate brand companies, concerts of the most popular music groups and performers, as well as meetings and conferences of religious denominations. When designing and reconstruction stadiums, it is important to anticipate activities and lay out ideas that may be implemented in the future. Although multifunctionality is ensured by the ability to organize and conduct various public events, the stadium must retain a number of features that will help it to fulfill its essential function of generating appropriate revenue. For modern sports facilities it is necessary to perform two main functions - the city-forming and the function of the development of the multifunctional urban environment. Today, work is underway on the reconstruction of the Kiev stadium of the CSC AF of Ukraine, located on Povitroflotsky Prospekt. The reconstructed site is located in the city’s central planning zone, in the northern part of Solomenskiy administrative district on Povitroflotsky prospect, 6. The capacity of the facility is 20,000 seats. The updated CSK AFU Stadium will be a football and athletic arena. The project meets modern European and world standards. This stadium, located in the center of the capital, together with a spare (warm-up) and separate thrower stadium, as well as a special athletics arena, can become the main base for the preparation of the national athletics team of Ukraine, the athletes of Kiev, and the place of qualitative holding championships in athletics of Ukraine.
“Green” principles of sustainable development of road and transport infrastructure of the cities of Ukraine
Authors: Vnukova N V , Zhelnovach G M , Kozlovskyi O V
Published: August 2020

The paper is devoted to the development of criteria for the implementation of the principles of “green” and sustainable development of road and transport infrastructure of the cities of Ukraine on the basis of world experience, as well as own research. It is established that the world experience offers a number of systems for assessing environmental friendliness and sustainability of the development of transport infrastructure, which cannot be applied unambiguously and without adaptation in the cities of Ukraine. Therefore, environmentally significant criteria for assessing compliance with the requirements of “green” standards for the development of the city’s transport infrastructure in the context of assessing its life cycle stages, which in the future will help the environmentally balanced development of the city’s transport system were developed and proposed in the paper. As an example of the practical application of the criteria for “green” construction and assessment of environmental sustainability for the development of the road network, a mechanism was developed and proposed to assess the environmental efficiency of the development of the urban bicycle transport network based on estimates of reduced fuel consumption, pollutant emissions and noise levels by replacing motor work with cycling.
Problems of Formation of Architectural and Spatial Composition Organization of the Environment of Donbas Mono City
Authors: Honcharova I V , Myronenko V P , Hubanov O V
Published: August 2020

One of the city-forming factors for the development of the Donbas region is the creation of large full-cycle industrial complexes situated together as a group of several related industries. It allowed for the efficient use of urban lands and opened up wide range of opportunities for achievement of technological, compositional and spatial unity of industrial complexes. During industrial cities development, the residential districts was formed as large industrial complexes expanded. The historic centers of industrial cities are characterized by the grouping of cultural heritage sites around individual (usually the most powerful) industrial enterprises, most often coal mines, metallurgical and coke-chemical enterprises. The most advanced city planning ideas of the 20-50’s were fully reflected in the planning structure and features of construction of industrial cities of Donbas. Many preserved and partially lost monuments of industrial architecture, as well as those that can claim such a status, are objects of protection of historical and cultural heritage, characteristic of the industrial type of cities. There are a number of specific problems inherent to cities of different categories. The major ones are those caused by significant discrepancy between the real state of the urban environment and its required state. Finding solutions to problems of corporate cities requires a multifaceted approach, as the prerequisites and characteristics of different cities can vary greatly due to historical and economic factors. Therefore, approaches to addressing the issue of corporate cities should be considered individually, considering global trends and regional peculiarities of individual regions.
Principles of architectural and planning arrangements for school complexes on difficult terrain
Authors: Sleptsov O , Karban A
Published: August 2020

The article deals with issue of educational infrastructure in Ukraine. The authors analyzed recent research and publications with respect to development, design and construction of educational institutions. The article provides the rationale for the necessity to have school complexes on difficult terrain in Ukraine at this stage, given the needs of education, architecture and urban planning. The article provides the definition of school complexes on difficult terrain. It identifies specificities of building on difficult terrain and points out the advantages and disadvantages of shaping architectural setting of educational institutions given these conditions. The article lists and characterizes principles of shaping architectural and planning arrangements of these complexes. The distinction is made between individual principles directly linked to the object of research, school complexes on difficult terrain, and general ones applicable for all types of buildings. The study distinguishes artistic and composition principles that have an impact on forming school complexes on difficult terrain. The article also identifies approaches, means and techniques to apply identified principles.
The Modern Trends of an Architectural Parterre Formation
Authors: Dubinskiy V P , Skorobohatko O V
Published: August 2020

Theoretical prerequisites for the appearance of term of “architectural parterre” with the aim of its further use have been considered in the article. The historical prerequisites for an architectural parterre formation in the urban environment are given and the main types of spatial elements of a city structure are enumerated. The peculiar features of human perception of the urban environment in an architectural parterre zone are described. The analysis of the conditions of a dwelling unit density, allowing an architectural parterre formation, has been conducted and the acceptable physical dimensions of an architectural parterre have been derived. A list of urban design elements of an architectural parterre structure has been revealed. Three aspects of increasing the quality of an architectural parterre, namely: ergonomics, ecology and esthetics have been derived on the basis of modern features in open spaces organization in the urban environment. Subsequently, modern trends of an architectural parterre formation have been revealed, namely: the engagement of the public into the formation of design tasks in the process of creating an architectural parterre spatial elements; removal of the carriageway from the streets or “de-mulling”; transforming spatial elements into “places” distinguished by their unique design solutions and architectural metaphor; creating a “hybrid zone” in front of a dwelling unit; providing multiple tasks of an architectural parterre spatial elements or “mixed use”; including of an architectural parterre spatial elements into the system of green corridors of an urban environment.
Problems of environmental safety of water disposal as a factor of sustainable urban development
Authors: Iurchenko V.O. , Lebedeva E.S. , Levashova Yu.S. , Kovalenko A. V.
Published: August 2020

This paper examines the environmental safety of water disposal systems – one of the life support systems for a population – as a condition for sustainable urban development. Gaseous emissions from such systems contain a number of highly hazardous substances. The concentration of formaldehyde – a hazard category 2 substance – in sewer network emissions (using direct measurement) and in the underroof space of sewer collectors (by a calculation) was experimentally investigated. The calculations were carried out based on the measurements of the concentration of formaldehyde in the emissions and the data collected during special laboratory experiments with polymer coatings, which accumulated organic gaseous compounds from being in the sewers. It has been proved that the concentration of formaldehyde in the underroof space and in sewer network emissions significantly exceeds the corresponding maximum permissible concentration. Cooling and installation of degassers in shafts were suggested as reasonable methods for protecting the city’s atmospheric air against the emissions from sewer systems.
Formation of atrium spaces in the urban environment
Authors: Solobay P A , Vakhnichenko O V
Published: August 2020

This article addresses characteristics of interactions between an atrium space and the urban environment. Renewal and transformation of urban areas over time become urgent problems which solution affects further development and preservation of the uniqueness of environment. The urban environment serves as a basis for a new spatial structure – an atrium space – formed as a centre of social activity. It contributes to the improvement of the level of comfort of the existing urban built-up area by including additional elements of the environment, new functional centres and communication linkages in the urban interior. The formation of an atrium space involves the development of a design solution based on the proposed principles of composition and planning, including “Concentration”, “Combination”, “Integration” and the “City Hall” principles. In the high-density urban environment, it is advisable to apply the “New-in-the-Old” and “New Inside” principles. The use of atrium spaces in the urban environment opens up new opportunities for existing building system and its components without compromising buildings’ uniqueness.
Modern trends at natural and wastewater treatment plants reconstruction
Authors: Martynov S , Kvartenko O , Kovalchuk V , Orlova A
Published: August 2020

This article discusses ways to intensify the natural water treatment plants operation using foamed polystyrene as a contact and filtering medium for bioreactors and filters. The reagent schemes with polystyrene foam filters are offered for the surface water treatment. The improved physicochemical and biological methods for slightly acidic and neutral groundwater preparation are recommended to use. The use of ferrobacteria metabolism products for the ammonium nitrogen oxidation in a slightly acidic medium was investigated. The x-ray spectral analysis of bio-minerals matrix structures was conducted. The reasons of unsatisfactory technical condition of sewage treatment plants in Ukraine were analyzed. The ways of increasing their work efficiency using sedimentation aerotanks of large hydraulic height and using the simultaneous nitrification-denitrification were offered.
Acoustic loading in modern city as negative factor of sustainable development
Authors: Samokhvalova A I , Iurchenko V O , Onyshchenko N G , Kosenko N O
Published: August 2020

At the present time, acoustic contamination is one of the largest ecological problems, which people face with in a big city. It is impossible to eliminate road traffic noise, thus regulation and limitation of environmental noise pollution are important and obligatory actions. Noise can negatively affect human health, vegetal and animal world. Its harm depends on intensity, frequency and duration. Under the current conditions noise control is technically complicated, complex and economically wildly expensive. The study of noise level was performed in the territories, boarded on main traffic arteries of Kharkiv without rail transport and with rail transport. The studies showed that the roads with rail transport are 7-14 dB louder than the roads without it. The average noise level on highways of the city ranged 80-94 dB, besides on some of the highways the average noise level did not reach the statutory level at 100 m from traffic roads. Such noise load level in the urban environment requires implementation of solutions, directed at its reduction. The impact of the noise barrier and green planting on noise emission is studied.
Lattice thermal conductivity of pure and doped (B, N) Graphene
Authors: Mann Sarita , Mudahar Isha , Sharma Hitesh , Jindal V K , Dubey Girija S , Gumbs Godfrey , Fessatidis Vassilios
Published: August 2020

In this paper, the effect of B and N doping on the phonon induced thermal conductivity of graphene has been investigated. This study is important when one has to evaluate the usefulness of electronic properties of B and N doped graphene. We have performed the calculations by employing density functional perturbation theory(DFPT) to calculate the inter-atomic forces/force constants of pristine/doped graphene. Thermal conductivity calculations have been carried out by making use of linearized Boltzmann transport equations (LBTE) under single-mode relaxation time approximation(RTA). The thermal conductivity of pristine graphene has been found to be of the order of 4000 W/mK at 100 K, which decreases gradually with an increase in temperature. The thermal conductivity decreases drastically by 96% to 190 W/mK when doped with 12.5% B and reduces by 99% to 30 W/mK with 25% B doping. When graphene is doped with N, the thermal conductivity decreases to 4 W/mK and 55 W/mK for 12.5% and 25% doping concentration, respectively. We have found that the thermal conductivity of doped graphene show less sensitivity to change in temperature. It has also been shown that the thermal conductivity of graphene can be tuned with doping and has a strong dependence on doping concentration.
Investigation of wear resistance for variable configurations of woven glass-fiber reinforced composite materials
Authors: Al-Tameemi Hamza Abdulrasool , Ali Ahmed Abdul Hussain , Hussein Ban
Published: August 2020

Glass fiber composites are widely used in different engineering applications due to their valuable properties of superior weight and strength compared with metals. The tribological properties of these composites vary significantly with the operational conditions and fiber distribution. In this study three orthogonally aligned and chopped fibers were used to manufacture four types of composites with similar volume fraction. The orthogonal (woven) fibers have three different configurations with different width of warp and weft and different aligning distance. Weight loss under dry contact was examined using a tribometer (ASTM G65) with a flat specimen on a steel ring. This study showed that for the composite with the thinnest warps and wefts, and those with the largest distance between adjacent yarns, Archard wear coefficient was the lowest and this also corresponded the lowest weight or volume loss at all speeds. It was found that toughness can specify the wear resistance more than hardness. Only the composite with chopped glass fiber showed a steady wear rate with sliding speed, while the wear rate for the composite with woven fibers increases with sliding speed. The wear mechanism was mainly by the formation and removal of a brittle layer that appeared as a result of friction heat, and this caused partial cutting and removal of the fibers. The penetration of resin into the woven matrix is more important for higher wear resistance than the density of the yarns in the woven fibers.
Quantum addition imparts less disorder than mixing and commutes with incoherent channels
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Chiranjib , Pati Arun Kumar , Sazim Sk
Published: August 2020

We prove a generalized version of a previously conjectured inequality by Zhang et al (Zhang et al 2018 Phys. Lett. A 382, 1516–23) for the quantum addition operation defined by Datta et al (Audenaert et al 2016 J. Math. Phy.
57, 052202) in the context of proving an entropy power inequality for qubits. We also show that the quantum addition operation commutes with an incoherent channel, which may have possible implications for resource theories of coherence in optical settings.
New analysis of Galerkin-mixed FEMs for incompressible miscible flow in porous media
Authors: Sun Weiwei , Wu Chengda
Published: August 2020

Analysis of Galerkin-mixed FEMs for incompressible miscible flow in porous media has been investigated extensively in the last several decades. Of particular interest in practical applications is the lowest-order Galerkin-mixed method, in which a linear Lagrange FE approximation is used for the concentration and the lowest-order Raviart-Thomas FE approximation is used for the velocity/pressure. The previous works only showed the first-order accuracy of the method in

L
2

L^2

-norm in spatial direction, which however is not optimal and valid only under certain extra restrictions on both time step and spatial mesh. In this paper, we provide new and optimal

L
2

L^2

-norm error estimates of Galerkin-mixed FEMs for all three components in a general case. In particular, for the lowest-order Galerkin-mixed FEM, we show unconditionally the second-order accuracy in

L
2

L^2

-norm for the concentration. Numerical results for both two- and three-dimensional models are presented to confirm our theoretical analysis. More important is that our approach can be extended to the analysis of mixed FEMs for many strongly coupled systems to obtain optimal error estimates for all components.
Effectiveness of virtual reality technology on functional mobility of older adults: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Corregidor-Sánchez Ana Isabel , Segura-Fragoso Antonio , Rodríguez-Hernández Marta , Jiménez-Rojas Concepción , Polonio-López Begoña , Criado-Álvarez Juan José
Published: August 2020

Background

The accessibility, versatility and motivation provided by virtual reality technology (VRT) have fostered its rapid expansion as a rehabilitation technique to improve functional mobility. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of rehabilitation programmes using VRT, specific virtual reality technology (VRT-S) and non-specific virtual reality technology (VRT-NS), to improve functional mobility in individuals aged >60 years versus conventional treatment (CT) or no intervention.

Methods

Nine databases (Cochrane Library, Scopus, PEDro, Medline, CSIC, Web of Science, OT Seeker, NGCH and CINAHL) were searched to identify randomised trials up to December 2019. Results of clinical trials that used VRT-S and VRT-NS in rehabilitation were combined, using a random effects model with inverse variance weighting of the studies. GRADE was used to assess the quality of evidence. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO: CRD42019131630. Overall, there was moderate quality of evidence for the functional mobility results, which means that the estimate of effect is likely to change.

Results

Sixteen of the 18 studies selected (n = 568) provided data for the subgroup meta-analysis. VRT-NS was more effective in improving functional mobility than no intervention [standardised mean difference (SMD) = –1.02; 95% confidence interval (CI) −1,91 to −0,14). VRT-NS was also more effective than CT in improving resistance in ambulation (SMD = −1.20; 95% CI –1.93 to 0.46). No significant differences were found between VRT-S and CT or no intervention. Programmes in which >18 sessions were applied were more beneficial (SMD = −0.89; 95% CI –1.71 to –0.08; <0.001) than programmes with ≤18 sessions (SMD = 0.04; 95% CI –0.51 to 0.59) versus no intervention.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that VRT is an effective intervention for improving functional mobility in older persons compared with CT. VRT-NS proved to be more effective than VRT-S. However, these results are still not conclusive due to the low methodological quality of the studies. Thus, new studies and analyses are required.
Characterizing therapeutic signatures of transcription factors in cancer by incorporating profiles in compound treated cells
Authors: Jung Jinmyung
Published: August 2020

Motivation

Cancers are promoted by abnormal alterations in biological processes, such as cell cycle and apoptosis. An immediate reason for those aberrant processes is the deregulation of their involved transcription factors (TFs). Thus, the deregulated TFs in cancer have been experimented as successful therapeutic targets, such as RARA and RUNX1. This therapeutic strategy can be accelerated by characterizing new potential TF targets.

Results

Two kinds of therapeutic signatures of TFs in A375 (skin) and HT29 (colon) cancer cells were characterized by analyzing TF activities under effective and ineffective compounds to cancer. First, the therapeutic TFs (TTs) were identified as the TFs that are significantly activated or repressed under effective compared to ineffective compounds. Second, the therapeutically correlated TF pairs (TCPs) were determined as the TF pairs whose activity correlations show substantial discrepancy between the effective and ineffective compounds. It was facilitated by incorporating (i)compound-induced gene expressions (LINCS), (ii) compound-induced cell viabilities (GDSC) and (iii) TF–target interactions (TRUST2). As a result, among 627 TFs, the 35 TTs (such as MYCN and TP53) and the 214 TCPs (such as FOXO3 and POU2F2 pair) were identified. The TTs and the proteins on the paths between TCPs were compared with the known therapeutic targets, tumor suppressors, oncogenes and CRISPR-Cas9 knockout screening, which yielded significant consequences. We expect that the results provide good candidates for therapeutic TF targets in cancer.

Availability and implementation

The data and Python implementations are available at https://github.com/jmjung83/TT_and_TCP.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Identifying signaling genes in spatial single-cell expression data
Authors: Li Dongshunyi , Ding Jun , Bar-Joseph Ziv
Published: August 2020

Motivation

Recent technological advances enable the profiling of spatial single-cell expression data. Such data present a unique opportunity to study cell–cell interactions and the signaling genes that mediate them. However, most current methods for the analysis of these data focus on unsupervised descriptive modeling, making it hard to identify key signaling genes and quantitatively assess their impact.

Results

We developed a Mixture of Experts for Spatial Signaling genes Identification (MESSI) method to identify active signaling genes within and between cells. The mixture of experts strategy enables MESSI to subdivide cells into subtypes. MESSI relies on multi-task learning using information from neighboring cells to improve the prediction of response genes within a cell. Applying the methods to three spatial single-cell expression datasets, we show that MESSI accurately predicts the levels of response genes, improving upon prior methods and provides useful biological insights about key signaling genes and subtypes of excitatory neuron cells.

Availability and implementation

MESSI is available at: https://github.com/doraadong/MESSI

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Visual and Semantic Representations Predict Subsequent Memory in Perceptual and Conceptual Memory Tests
Authors: Davis Simon W , Geib Benjamin R , Wing Erik A , Wang Wei-Chun , Hovhannisyan Mariam , Monge Zachary A , Cabeza Roberto
Published: August 2020

It is generally assumed that the encoding of a single event generates multiple memory representations, which contribute differently to subsequent episodic memory. We used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and representational similarity analysis to examine how visual and semantic representations predicted subsequent memory for single item encoding (e.g., seeing an orange). Three levels of visual representations corresponding to early, middle, and late visual processing stages were based on a deep neural network. Three levels of semantic representations were based on normative observed (“is round”), taxonomic (“is a fruit”), and encyclopedic features (“is sweet”). We identified brain regions where each representation type predicted later perceptual memory, conceptual memory, or both (general memory). Participants encoded objects during fMRI, and then completed both a word-based conceptual and picture-based perceptual memory test. Visual representations predicted subsequent perceptual memory in visual cortices, but also facilitated conceptual and general memory in more anterior regions. Semantic representations, in turn, predicted perceptual memory in visual cortex, conceptual memory in the perirhinal and inferior prefrontal cortex, and general memory in the angular gyrus. These results suggest that the contribution of visual and semantic representations to subsequent memory effects depends on a complex interaction between representation, test type, and storage location.
Impact of protein glycosylation on lipoprotein metabolism and atherosclerosis
Authors: Pirillo Angela , Svecla Monika , Catapano Alberico Luigi , Holleboom Adriaan G , Norata Giuseppe Danilo
Published: August 2020

Protein glycosylation is a post-translational modification consisting in the enzymatic attachment of carbohydrate chains to specific residues of the protein sequence. Several types of glycosylation have been described, with N-glycosylation and O-glycosylation being the most common types impacting on crucial biological processes, such as protein synthesis, trafficking, localization, and function. Genetic defects in genes involved in protein glycosylation may result in altered production and activity of several proteins, with a broad range of clinical manifestations, including dyslipidaemia and atherosclerosis. A large number of apolipoproteins, lipoprotein receptors, and other proteins involved in lipoprotein metabolism are glycosylated, and alterations in their glycosylation profile are associated with changes in their expression and/or function. Rare genetic diseases and population genetics have provided additional information linking protein glycosylation to the regulation of lipoprotein metabolism.
Myocardial work assessment in severe aortic stenosis undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement
Authors: Jain Renuka , Bajwa Tanvir , Roemer Sarah , Huisheree Hillary , Allaqaband Suhail Q , Kroboth Stacie , Perez Moreno Ana Cristina , Tajik A Jamil , Khandheria Bijoy K
Published: August 2020

Aims

Myocardial work is a novel echocardiographic algorithm that corrects speckle-tracking-derived global longitudinal strain (GLS) for afterload using non-invasive systolic blood pressure as a surrogate for left ventricular systolic pressure (LVSP). Yet, in patients with severe aortic stenosis, non-invasive systolic blood pressure does not equal LVSP.

Methods and results

We evaluated 35 patients with severe aortic stenosis who underwent transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Transthoracic echocardiography, including myocardial mechanics, was performed pre- and post-TAVR. We performed simultaneous echocardiographic and cardiac catheterization measurements in 23 of the 35 patients at the time of TAVR. Peak and mean aortic gradients were calculated from echocardiographic and cardiac catheterization data. Peak-to-peak LV-aortic gradient correlated highly with mean LV-aortic gradient (r = 0.96); measured LVSP correlated highly with our novel method of non-invasively estimated LVSP (non-invasive systolic blood pressure cuff + Doppler-derived mean aortic gradient, r = 0.92). GLS improved from pre- to post-TAVR (−14.2% ± 4.3 vs. −15.1% ± 3.2), and myocardial work reduced from corrected pre-TAVR to post-TAVR (global work index: 1856.2 mmHg% ± 704.6 vs. 1534.8 ± 385.0).

Conclusion

We propose that non-invasive assessment of myocardial work can be reliably performed in aortic stenosis by the addition of mean aortic gradient to non-invasive systolic blood pressure. From this analysis, we note the novel and unique finding that GLS can improve as myocardial work reduces post-TAVR in patients with severe aortic stenosis. Both GLS and myocardial work post-TAVR remain below normal values, requiring further studies.
A case report of ethanol infusion in the vein of Marshall using the right jugular vein approach
Authors: Philibert Severine , Amet Denis , De Chirac Margaux , Laurent Gabriel
Published: August 2020

Background

Ethanol infusion has recently been described as a curative strategy for certain peri-mitral flutters by blocking electrical conduction across the mitral isthmus along with the Marshall bundle. The present case showed that a right jugular vein approach, less described, may be a good choice when performing an ethanol infusion in the vein of Marshall (VOM).

Case summary

A 45-year-old man was admitted to our unit for dyspnoea associated with an atypical atrial flutter with a cycle length of 320 ms. The left atrial activation map showed a peri-mitral counter-clockwise circuit. The atrial flutter cycle length went up to 345 ms once an endocardial and epicardial point-by point-ablation of the mitral line was completed. At this stage, a new activation map showed that the mitral line was still permeable with an epicardial conduction bridge through the VOM. We decided to use an ethanol infusion for the ablation of the VOM. The coronary sinus could not be thoroughly catheterized due to a winding and angular shape so we decided to try a right jugular vein approach. A total of 9 mL of ethanol was injected into the VOM. A final venogram showed the diffusion of ethanol around the VOM. Sinus rhythm was restored during the last ethanol infusion. A new voltage map confirmed the completion of the mitral line, and we confirmed the bidirectional block.

Discussion

The present case showed that a right jugular vein approach may be a good choice when catheterizing and performing an ethanol infusion in the VOM.
Clinical Characteristics and Outcomes of 821 Older Patients With SARS-Cov-2 Infection Admitted to Acute Care Geriatric Wards
Authors: Zerah Lorène , Baudouin Édouard , Pépin Marion , Mary Morgane , Krypciak Sébastien , Bianco Céline , Roux Swasti , Gross Ariane , Toméo Charlotte , Lemarié Nadège , Dureau Antoine , Bastiani Sophie , Ketz Flora , Boully Clémence , de Villelongue Cédric , Romdhani Mouna , Desoutter Marie-Astrid , Duron Emmanuelle , David Jean-Philippe , Thomas Caroline , Paillaud Elena , de Malglaive Pauline , Bouvard Eric , Lacrampe Mathilde , Mercadier Elise , Monti Alexandra , Hanon Olivier , Fossey-Diaz Virginie , Bourdonnec Lauriane , Riou Bruno , Vallet Hélène , Boddaert Jacques
Published: August 2020

Background

There is limited information describing the characteristics and outcomes of hospitalized older patients with confirmed coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Method

We conducted a multicentric retrospective cohort study in 13 acute COVID-19 geriatric wards, from March 13 to April 15, 2020, in Paris area. All consecutive patients aged 70 years and older, with confirmed COVID-19, were enrolled.

Results

Of the 821 patients included in the study, the mean (SD) age was 86 (7) years; 58% were female; 85% had ≥2 comorbidities; 29% lived in an institution; and the median [interquartile range] Activities of Daily Living scale (ADL) score was 4 [2–6]. The most common symptoms at COVID-19 onset were asthenia (63%), fever (55%), dyspnea (45%), dry cough (45%), and delirium (25%). The in-hospital mortality was 31% (95% confidence interval [CI] 27–33). On multivariate analysis, at COVID-19 onset, the probability of in-hospital mortality was increased with male gender (odds ratio [OR] 1.85; 95% CI 1.30–2.63), ADL score <4 (OR 1.84; 95% CI 1.25–2.70), asthenia (OR 1.59; 95% CI 1.08–2.32), quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment score ≥2 (OR 2.63; 95% CI 1.64–4.22), and specific COVID-19 anomalies on chest computerized tomography (OR 2.60; 95% CI 1.07–6.46).

Conclusions

This study provides new information about older patients with COVID-19 who are hospitalized. A quick bedside evaluation at admission of sex, functional status, systolic arterial pressure, consciousness, respiratory rate, and asthenia can identify older patients at risk of unfavorable outcomes.
Longitudinal Analysis of Psychosocial Stressors and Body Mass Index in Middle-Aged and Older Adults in the United States
Authors: Cuevas Adolfo G , Greatorex-Voith Siobhan , Assari Shervin , Slopen Natalie , Economos Christina D
Published: August 2020

Objectives

Psychosocial stress may be a risk factor for obesity and overweight in middle-aged and older adults. However, research on psychosocial stress and excess body weight has typically been cross-sectional and focused on single stressors.

Methods

Using 3 waves of data from the Health and Retirement Study, we conducted longitudinal analyses to assess associations between 5 psychosocial stressors—individually and in combination—and body mass index (BMI), adjusting for sociodemographic factors, alcohol use, and smoking history. We tested interaction effects between race and gender with stressors on BMI.

Results

A total of 3,956 participants were included in the main analyses. Most participants were White (88.04%) and more than half were female (60.39%). Perceived discrimination, financial stress, and relationship stress were positively associated with BMI. A greater cumulative stress burden was associated with higher BMI. In stratified analyses, greater financial stress was associated with higher BMI among White participants, whereas greater neighborhood stress was associated with lower BMI among Black participants. Greater relationship stress, financial stress, cumulative high stress, and overall cumulative stress burden were associated with higher BMI for women, but not men.

Discussion

Different sources of stress may be risk factors to weight gain and affect BMI in adults. White and female adults may be more susceptible to the obesogenic effects of stressors. Reducing exposure to stress may help reduce the burden of high BMI among middle-aged and older adults.
Hi-C chromosome conformation capture sequencing of avian genomes using the BGISEQ-500 platform
Authors: Sandoval-Velasco Marcela , Rodríguez Juan Antonio , Perez Estrada Cynthia , Zhang Guojie , Lieberman Aiden Erez , Marti-Renom Marc A , Gilbert M Thomas P , Smith Oliver
Published: August 2020

Background

Hi-C experiments couple DNA-DNA proximity with next-generation sequencing to yield an unbiased description of genome-wide interactions. Previous methods describing Hi-C experiments have focused on the industry-standard Illumina sequencing. With new next-generation sequencing platforms such as BGISEQ-500 becoming more widely available, protocol adaptations to fit platform-specific requirements are useful to give increased choice to researchers who routinely generate sequencing data.

Results

We describe an in situ Hi-C protocol adapted to be compatible with the BGISEQ-500 high-throughput sequencing platform. Using zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata) as a biological sample, we demonstrate how Hi-C libraries can be constructed to generate informative data using the BGISEQ-500 platform, following circularization and DNA nanoball generation. Our protocol is a modification of an Illumina-compatible method, based around blunt-end ligations in library construction, using un-barcoded, distally overhanging double-stranded adapters, followed by amplification using indexed primers. The resulting libraries are ready for circularization and subsequent sequencing on the BGISEQ series of platforms and yield data similar to what can be expected using Illumina-compatible approaches.

Conclusions

Our straightforward modification to an Illumina-compatible in situHi-C protocol enables data generation on the BGISEQ series of platforms, thus expanding the options available for researchers who wish to utilize the powerful Hi-C techniques in their research.
Comparative ethnographies of medical research: materiality, social relations, citizenship and hope in Tanzania and Sierra Leone
Authors: Lees Shelley , Enria Luisa
Published: August 2020

In this paper we bring together ethnographic research carried out during two clinical prevention trials to explore identities, relations and political imaginations that were brought to life by these different technologies. We highlight the ways in which critical anthropological engagement in clinical trials can help us radically reconsider the parameters and standards of medical research. In the paper we analyse the very different circumstances that made these two trials possible, highlighting the different temporalities and politics of HIV and Ebola as epidemics. We then describe four themes revealed by ethnographic research with participants and their communities but mediated by the specific sociopolitical contexts in which the trials were taking place. In both countries we found materiality and notions of exchange to be important to participants’ understanding of the value of medical research and their role within it. These dynamics were governed through social relations and moral economies that also underpinned challenges to Western notions of research ethics. The clinical trials offered a language to express both disaffection and disillusionment with the political status quo (often through rumours and anxieties) while at the same time setting the foundations for alternative visions of citizenship. Attached to these were expressions of ‘uncertainty and hope’ steeped in locally distinctive notions of destiny and expectations of the future.
Experience in Management of Burn Injury During Pregnancy in a Burn Unit
Authors: Correia-Sá Inês , Marques Marisa , Horta Ricardo , Costa-Ferreira António , Rodrigues Acácio G , Silva Álvaro , Egipto Paula
Published: August 2020

Burns injuries during pregnancy are rarely reported in developed countries, but an increasing in mortality and morbidity has been observed. The authors describe their experience in the treatment of pregnant women in a burn unit. A 12-year retrospective study of burns in pregnant women hospitalized was conducted. Since 2008, two pregnant women were admitted in their unit. Patient 1, a 32-year-old pregnant woman on second trimester (27s6d), suffered a second-degree burn injury, 16% total body surface area (TBSA), caused by fire. She was admitted in their burn unit and submitted to medical treatment, wound dressing, and surgical treatment. Cerium nitrate and silver sulfadiazine were used in burn lesions and the patient was submitted to debridement and skin graft surgery. No uneventful events occurred with the fetus. Patient 2 was a 32-year-old pregnant woman on second trimester (26s), HVC positive, admitted with a second-degree flash burn, 8% TBSA. She was submitted to endotracheal intubation before arriving to the hospital due to risk of airway burn. Dexamethasone was administered for fetus lung maturation. No uneventful events were observed. The incidence of thermal injury in pregnancy in Portugal is low. Active medical treatment together with conservative wound care should be the standard in each trimester of pregnancy. Although there is limited safety information on cerium nitrate or silver sulfadiazine during pregnancy, those were used with no adverse effects on one of their patients. Obstetrical management should be individualized.
Analyzing industrial policy regimes within global production networks: the Ethiopian leather industry
Authors: Grumiller Jan
Published: August 2020

This article contributes to debates on how to broaden and deepen our understanding of the interrelationships between the state and global production networks (GPNs). It proposes that combining the GPN framework and the developmental regime perspective based on a strategic-relational conceptualization of institutions allows for better assessment of the interrelationship between the strategies of (supplier) firms and industrial policy institutions that (re)structure the dynamically changing, interrelated and multiscalar institutional underpinnings of states and GPNs, with important implications for upgrading and coupling processes. Empirically, the article presents a case study of the Ethiopian leather industry.
How to Reach a Safe Circular Economy?—Perspectives on Reconciling the Waste, Product and Chemicals Regulation
Authors: Alaranta Joonas , Turunen Topi
Published: August 2020

This article discusses the regulation of ‘substances of concern’ in the circular economy (CE) in the European Union (EU). It analyses the tensions and obstacles that the present sectoral separation of waste, product and chemicals legislation sets for the development of the CE. We argue that in a longer term perspective the aim should be to erase the border between waste and chemicals regulation and create a single regime for the regulation of materials and their flow. However, the eventual aim of such non-toxic material circulation can be achieved only via precautious transitional measures that outweigh the costs and benefits of each material flow and set restrictions for the particular substances of concern. Regulatory actions addressing the risks posed by the substances of concern in the waste-based material flows are urgently needed. New measures are necessary to protect human health and the environment and to support the development of the markets for the secondary materials.