bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determination of geometric parameters for rational load-bearing unit of bridge cylindrical column pier
Authors: Synkovska O V , Ihnatenko A V
Published: December 2019

This paper deals with a bridge pier energywise uniform strength cylindrical steel-concrete load-bearing unit having a mesh case, which is made of an expanded metal mesh, as the most rational and the least resource-demanding one, using the nonwaste technology. The rational parameter selection method, which guarantees cross section uniform strength for the suggested load-bearing unit, is provided. The concrete core of the given element is a hollow cylindrical element that varies in height and whose centre of gravity coincides with an external loading point for any horizontal cross section. In addition to uniform strength, the hollow enables you to control the centre of gravity of the given complicated compound cross section of a cylindrical steel-concrete load-bearing unit. The calculation method to determine the main geometric parameters of the uniform strength load-bearing unit of a bridge cylindrical column pier having the lateral cross section area that varies in height is provided. The geometric parameters are the centre of gravity and its coordinates, central inertia moments and the radius of inertia. To exclude an impact of random eccentricity on a complicated compound cross section of a pier uniform strength steel-concrete load-bearing unit, the method to design a cross section core is provided.
1Laboratory experimental research of loading friction forces acting on the lateral surface of tapered piles in structurally unstable soils
Authors: Ubyivovk A , Samorodov A , Kupreichyk A
Published: December 2019

In modern urban conditions, needs arise for the development of sites, which are geotechnically complex and disadvantageous for construction. The peculiarities of such sites, among other things, include the presence of structurally unstable soils that exhibit subsidence deformations when wet or under dynamic and vibration loads due to a decrease in the strength of structural bonds. In this regard, the development and implementation of rational design solutions are of current interest when designing and constructing foundations in the presence of structurally unstable soils. One such solution is the use of bored piles. When designing piles for structurally unstable soils, the action of loading friction forces should be taken into account; these forces can arise if the subsidence rate of the soil mass around the pile exceeds the subsidence rate of the pile itself. The study of the interaction of a structurally unstable soil mass with piles and the corresponding theoretical justification are necessary to clarify the methods for evaluating loading friction forces. In an experimental study, the effect of reduction of loading friction forces depending on the taper rate of the pile was discovered, and the results of laboratory measurements of loading forces were analyzed using various schemes for modeling subsidence deformations.
The effect of added finely dispersed calcite on the corrosion resistance of cement compositions
Authors: Borziak O S , Plugin A A , Chepurna S M , Zavalniy O V , Dudin O A
Published: December 2019

Many types of the corrosion of Portland cement stone immersed into inorganic liquid media are conditioned by chemical exchange reactions between the substances dissolved in them and cement hydration products. To prevent the corrosion formation in corrosive media it is necessary to form cement clinker hydration products that do not enter into ion exchange reactions in the solutions. The concrete structure defines the penetration rate of corrosive ions and that of the removal of corrosion products, in other words the behavior of corrosive processes. The investigations that were carried out showed that the presence of finely dispersed organogenic calcite (chalk) in the cement stone composition results in a change of the phase composition of the hydrates of new formations, i.e. it results in a decreased content of the free calcium hydroxide and the binding of aluminate phases to form stable hydration products. The use of this additive contributes also to the compaction of the microstructure of cement stone due to the occupation by additive grains of the vacancies in the gaps between the cement grains and due to an increased dispersion of hydration products for which calcite particles serve as crystallization centers. All these factors contribute to an increased corrosion resistance of the cement stone and the concrete exposed to the action of corrosive solutions.
Using solid household plastic waste in the construction of soil embankments
Authors: Mykhailovska O V , Zotsenko M L
Published: December 2019

The article analyzes innovative ways of using crushed solid plastic in a mixture with soil for arrangement of soil embankments for various purposes. Using a mixture of loam loess and crushed plastic, on the one hand, solves the environmental problem of plastic recycling, and on the other hand, creates technological material for the erection of the embankment. In order to determine the suitability of the material, laboratory studies of the characteristics of the mixture were carried out. For each sample of the mixture, the optimal humidity and density of the skeleton were determined by dynamic compaction in the MDU-1. The modulus of deformation of the compacted specimens is determined. The article investigates the characteristics for the composition of the loam loess and crushed plastic containers in the ratio of 80:20 %.
Modified mortars for elements of multilayered constructions and repair works and developing data storage system for research results
Authors: Shinkevich E S , Grishin S I , ATertychny A , Surkov A I
Published: December 2019

Based on the research performed, a comparative analysis of the changes in the properties of activated and non-activated fine-grained mixtures and mortars depending on the different specific surface: fine fillers: finely ground tripoli or sand, as well as on the content of inorganic PFM: highly active meta-kaolin, wollastonite and super-plasticizing additive superplasticizer S-3 or Melflux. The carried out researches show wide possibilities of modification of compositions by organomineral ecologically harmless additives and testify to rationality of development of complex additives separately for the activated and not activated fine-grained mortars. It is shown that when switching to another type of filler, even the same chemical composition, the dosages of all components and their ratio should be adjusted optimally. When switching to another type of mixture preparation, the ratio of components. Practical results obtained by the author provide the required and additional quality indicators, increase the physical and mechanical properties of fine-grained mortars, increase productivity. Theoretically substantiated and experimentally confirmed the effectiveness of the joint use of fine fillers, superplasticizer S-3 or Melflux, the high activity of metakaolin and wollastonite as a part of the binder in the fine-grained mixture and concrete. The architectural pattern of the decision support system for analyzing the properties of fine-grained multifunctional concrete has been developed.
Increasing the water resistance of magnesium binders
Authors: Shulgin V V , Demchenko O V , Gukasian O M , Petrash R V
Published: December 2019

In this work, we have experimentally selected concrete compositions based on magnesium binders and optimized with the addition of a butonal. Effects on strength, water absorption and water resistance of concrete, consumption of magnesium binder, sugar mud, and polymer latex Butonal NS 198 additives are investigated. The study was conducted using a two-factor experiment. The algebraic equations of the tensile strength of concrete, water absorption, and softening coefficient were obtained based on magnesium binders, which characterize the dependence on the variables: magnesium binder consumption, sugar mud, and additives. Refined factor values when the optimal ratio of additive components is reached to obtain concrete based on magnesium binder with softening ratio Cs = 0.98, by introducing the butonal into the concrete. The conclusions provide quantitative indicators on the results of these studies.
Research on factors affecting the operational reliability of water and sewer utility networks
Authors: Starkova O V , Aleinikova A I , Kolomiiets Y V
Published: December 2019

Factors affecting the operational life of the water supply and sewer utility networks have been investigated. A method has been proposed for identifying the main factors affecting the operational reliability of distribution networks, which is based on the use of the expert evaluation method. It has been found that the most affecting factors are: pipeline material; corrosion of pipe and joint materials due to the corrosive environment; technical condition; service life; non-compliance of pipe grades to design value; ambient operation conditions. A more in-depth study of the issue will allow operating companies to promote the extension of the operation life of distribution networks.
Analysis of physico-chemical processes under maintenance of masonry enclosing structures
Authors: Vinichenko V , Gabitov A I , Rolnik L Z , Ryazanova V A , Chernova A R
Published: December 2019

Technical condition of exterior brick walls of Ufa residential buildings built in 40-70s together with defects and damages detected is assessed herein, diagnostics of both physico-chemical and physico-mechanical values for serviceability of structures of 40s, 70s and 2000s is made. The expected protection mechanism is proposed to be used in every considered level of rehabilitation to maintain the residual service life and to increase serviceability of damaged residential building walls. The proposed levels of rehabilitation have been tested in cities of the Republic of Bashkortostan under the Program for total renovation of multi-apartment residential buildings.
Simulation of unsteady flow with cavitation in plastic pipes using the discrete bubble cavity and Adamkowski models
Authors: Urbanowicz K , Bergant A , Duan H F
Published: December 2019

The work presents two modified cavitation models for the simulation of transient flow in pressure plastic pipes. The first model is a discrete bubble cavitation model, the prototype of which was presented by Shu, and the second one is the Adamkowski model. In the latter model, the problem encountered in the classical model (DVCM -discrete vapour cavitation model) related to artificial damping of pulsation, which results from approximate timing of cavity opening and collapse. In both models, the corrected efficient calculation of Zielke convolution integral was used to simulate the unsteady wall shear stresses. The numerical results from the two models agree well with the results of measurement in the literature.
Thermal bridge occurrence in straw-bale timber frame walls
Authors: Brzyski P , Kosiński P , Nadratowska M
Published: December 2019

Timber frame walls usually require additional filling that improves their thermal insulation. Straw bales, which constitute a waste product from cereals, are a sustainable solution employed for that purpose. The temperature distribution in a wall is influenced by the heterogeneity of the partition that comprises the elements characterised by higher thermal conductivity, i.e. timber frame. Thermal bridges (i.e. thermally weaker areas) in walls are conducive to the mould growth as well as condensation; thus, it is important to take these phenomena into account at the wall designing stage. The work describes a 2D heat-transfer analysis carried out with the finite element method by means of THERM software. The analysis involved several different variants of external walls and corners. The thermal parameters of the investigated straw were derived from our former research. The obtained results were shown as the values of thermal transmittance coefficient and linear thermal transmittance equivalent to timber construction. The temperature distribution for the investigated wall was presented in a graphical form. The study also involved examining the possibility of surface condensation.
Shot peening intensity effect on bending fatigue strength of S235, S355 and P460 structural steels
Authors: Macek W , Szala M , Kowalski M , Gargasas J , Rehmus-Forc A , Deptuła A
Published: December 2019

In this study, the effect of shot peening intensity of the structural steel specimens on the bending fatigue strength was investigated. Three structural steels S235JRG2, S355J2+N, P460NH were shot-peened with three levels of intensity. The results of fatigue tests were compared with non-peening processed samples. S-N curves in fatigue were determined in cyclic bending fatigue. The novel attempt to evaluate the bending fatigue, which relies on the 3D optical profiler measurement of the side-area of fractures, was proposed. All investigated steels present ferritic-pearlitic structure. Moreover, due to the peening process, refinement of the grains size was observed. Also, fractures were analysed with the 3D profiler. In the presented results of research, the highest level of peening gave the greater increase in fatigue life. For all types of investigated steels, shot-peening gave superior results of fatigue bending performance compared with unpeened specimens.
Diagnostics of welding process based on thermovision images using convolutional neural network
Authors: Piecuch G , Madera M , Żabiński T
Published: December 2019

Arc welding used at automated workstations in large-scale production systems requires continuous assessment of welded joints quality. There are known classical methods and diagnostic systems based on the observation of welding current or arc voltage, while along with the development of deep learning methods, the interest in diagnostics by the use of images is increasing. The article presents results of research conducted for the process of joining two stainless steel materials (AISI 304 and AISI 316L) of various thicknesses by means of a fillet weld, aimed at developing a method of diagnosing the welding process using a convolutional neural network. Infrared images recorded using two thermovision cameras mounted on a test stand were used to diagnose the process. EWM Tetrix 351 welding machine operating in TIG technology was used as an executive element. Welds were made at different currents and arc welding voltages, as well as at different welding speeds, which had a direct impact on its quality. The solution for binary classification of welded joints (correct or incorrect) with accuracy above 98% was achieved.
FEM 3D analysis of rock cone failure range during pull-out of undercut anchors
Authors: Jonak J , Siegmund M
Published: December 2019

The paper presents the results from FEM (Finite Element Method) analysis of the process of pulling out of the undercut anchor. Anchors of this type are generally used to fasten steel structural elements in concrete buildings. However, the presented issue concerns a new area of application of these fasteners, i.e. in the aspect of the potential mining of rock in atypical situations, such as in mining rescue operations. Generally, in such situations there is no possibility of mechanical mining of rock with the use of mining machines and the use of explosives is even prohibited. There are only manual loosening methods whose effectiveness is unknown. Currently, the basic issue is to gain insight into the mechanism of loosening, the mechanics of the process in terms of the extent of loosening and shaping the force of pulling out anchors in a given rock. An effective tool in this type of analysis is FEM analysis, the results of which are presented in the paper.
The structure of higher aquatic vegetation in the genetic series of floodplain reservoirs
Authors: Babko R , Diachenko T , Danko Y , Zaburko J , Szulżyk-Cieplak J
Published: December 2019

The statistical analysis was carried out on the material collected from the Vorskla River (a first-order tributary of the Dnieper River) and the system of connected water bodies in the territory of the Getmanski National Nature Park (Sumy region, Ukraine). The methods of cluster analysis has enabled us to, first, isolate groups analogous to those obtained with the use of the method of dominants and, secondly, to compare the degree of their coincidence. From the comparison of the associations with the groups of the aquatic vegetation’s species, a minimal overlapping could be seen in the composition of associations and clusters. In contrast, the groups identified by the hierarchical clustering method and by the k-means method showed significant similarities in the composition. For the objective assessment and classification of plant associations, it is most productive to use several methods with the coincidence of the results of which, it is possible to assert with more confidence that these combinations of species in nature are in fact not random.
Enhancing the thermoelectric performance of ZnO film by sputter-deposition of Ag nanoparticles
Authors: Sun Mingze , Wang Kai , Sun Naikun , Zhang Xianmin
Published: December 2019

Owing to the surface plasmon resonance (SPR), noble metal nanoparticles (NPs) have been intensively employed to improve the optical properties of semiconductors. In this work, Ag NPs are deposited on fully c-axis oriented ZnO film with high-crystallinity prepared by radiofrequency magnetron sputtering on glass substrates. After Ag sputtering of 15 s, the ultraviolet light emission intensity of ZnO film significantly is increased by 50% due to the SPR of Ag NPs. Moreover, the conductive behavior changes from n-type semiconductor to metal-like with room-temperature conductivity sharply increasing by nearly three orders of magnitude from 4.8 for pure ZnO film to 3400 S cm−1 for Ag-deposited ZnO film. The change of conductive behavior and the remarkable increase of the conductivity can be ascribed to isolated Ag NPs with high-density electrons which are distributed on the ZnO film, leading to an increase of carrier concentration that exceeds Mott’s critical density (>1019 cm−3). Hall measurements show that after Ag sputtering of 15 s, the mobility increases from about 8 to 40 cm2 V−1s−1 and that the carrier concentration increases from 4 × 1018 to 5 × 1020 cm−3. Owing to the remarkable improvement of the conductivity, the power-factor value at room temperature is enhanced from 11.5 to 49.2 μWm−1K−2.
Rice grain quality degradation and economic loss due to global warming in Japan
Authors: Masutomi Yuji , Takimoto Takahiro , Shimamura Muneyoshi , Manabe Toru , Arakawa Makoto , Shibota Naoya , Ooto Atsuya , Azuma Satoshi , Imai Yoko , Tamura Makoto
Published: December 2019

Global warming is predicted to have significant impacts not only on crop productivity but also on crop quality, leading to economic loss. In the present study, focusing on grain quality of rice in Japan, we assessed the impact of global warming on the occurrence of low quality rice grain called ‘chalky rice grain’, and the incurred economic loss. Using 10 future climate scenarios and a simulation model to estimate the occurrence of chalky rice grain, we showed that global warming will double the occurrence of chalky rice grain by the 2040 s under RCP8.5. This corresponds to one third of paddy rice fields in Japan showing a decrease in grain grade. This would produce an annual economic loss of 401.4 million US$/yr under RCP8.5 in the 2040 s. These results suggest that the development and implementation of national and local adaptation strategies are urgently needed for rice production in Japan.
SMART: SuperMaximal approximate repeats tool
Authors: Ayad Lorraine A K , Charalampopoulos Panagiotis , Pissis Solon P
Published: December 2019

State-of-the-art repeat analysis tools rely on extending maximal repeated pairs to enumerate maximal k-mismatch repeats. These pairs can be quadratic in n, the length of the input sequence, and thus greedy heuristics are applied to speed up the extension. Here, we introduce supermaximal k-mismatch repeats, which are linear in n and capture all maximal k-mismatch repeats: every maximal k-mismatch repeat is a substring of some supermaximal k-mismatch repeat. We present SMART, a tool based on recent algorithmic advances implemented in C++ to compute supermaximal k-mismatch repeats directly, and show that these elements are statistically much more significant than the output of the state-of-the-art.

Availability and implementation

http://github.com/lorrainea/smart (GNU GPL v3.0).

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
OK Computer: the creation and integration of AI in Europe
Authors: Buarque Bernardo S , Davies Ronald B , Hynes Ryan M , Kogler Dieter F
Published: December 2019

This article investigates the creation and integration of artificial intelligence (AI) patents in Europe. We create a panel of AI patents over time, mapping them into regions at the NUTS2 level. We then proceed by examining how AI is integrated into the knowledge space of each region. In particular, we find that those regions where AI is most embedded into the innovation landscape are also those where the number of AI patents is largest. This suggests that, to increase AI innovation, it may be necessary to integrate it with industrial development, a feature central to many recent AI-promoting policies.
Myocardial slices come to age: an intermediate complexity in vitro cardiac model for translational research
Authors: Pitoulis Fotios G , Watson Samuel A , Perbellini Filippo , Terracciano Cesare M
Published: December 2019

Although past decades have witnessed significant reductions in mortality of heart failure together with advances in our understanding of its cellular, molecular, and whole-heart features, a lot of basic cardiac research still fails to translate into clinical practice. In this review we examine myocardial slices, a novel model in the translational arena. Myocardial slices are living ultra-thin sections of heart tissue. Slices maintain the myocardium’s native function (contractility, electrophysiology) and structure (multicellularity, extracellular matrix) and can be prepared from animal and human tissue. The discussion begins with the history and current advances in the model, the different interlaboratory methods of preparation and their potential impact on results. We then contextualize slices’ advantages and limitations by comparing it with other cardiac models. Recently, sophisticated methods have enabled slices to be cultured chronically in vitro while preserving the functional and structural phenotype. This is more timely now than ever where chronic physiologically relevant in vitro platforms for assessment of therapeutic strategies are urgently needed. We interrogate the technological developments that have permitted this, their limitations, and future directions. Finally, we look into the general obstacles faced by the translational field, and how implementation of research systems utilizing slices could help in resolving these.
Recurrent myocardial infarction due to coronary artery aneurysm in Behçet’s syndrome: a case report
Authors: Guo Yanan , Tang Liang , Tang Jianjun , Zhou Shenghua
Published: December 2019

Background

Behçet’s syndrome (BS) is a multisystemic vasculitis of unknown aetiology. Coronary involvement is extremely uncommon in BS, with a reported prevalence of 0.5%. The mortality of cardiovascular manifestation in BS is 20%, while there are still considerable challenges in the management of these patients.

Case summary

We report the case of a 30-year-old young man with a 12-year history of BS complicated by left anterior descending coronary (LAD) aneurysms, stenosis, and recurrent myocardial infarction. Percutaneous coronary intervention treated the stenosis and aneurysms of the LAD, but the coronary angiography clearly revealed an acute stent thrombosis after 7 months. This unusual coronary complication of BS treated successfully is presented.

Discussion

Our case demonstrated the feasibility of covered stent, immunosuppressive therapy, and escalated antithrombotic regimen in the treatment of BS patients with coronary artery aneurysm (CAA). We also demonstrated that drug-eluting stents may aggravate aneurysmal dilatation of the CAA under inefficient immunosuppressive therapy.
High-voltage impedance rise; mechanism and management in patients with transvenous implantable cardioverter-defibrillators: a case series
Authors: Monkhouse Christopher , Cambridge Alex , Chow Anthony W C , Behar Jonathan M
Published: December 2019

Background

We describe a case series of patients for a gradual rise in daily, low-voltage sub-threshold measurement (LVSM) of shock (high-voltage, HV) impedance in a group of patients with Boston Scientific implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs) and investigate the cause of the abnormality.

Case summary

Six patients presented with a gradual rise in HV impedance above normal range (132.5 ± 20.8 Ω). Patients were young with a mean age of 29 ± 11 years, four patients had hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, one left ventricular non-compaction, and one long QT. All lead designs were silicon body with GORE polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) coated coils, and a lower true shock impedance (TSI) was seen in all cases with full output synchronized shock. We compared the rate of HV impedance rise with our historical cohort of Boston ICDs using an unpaired t-test. The change in impedance per month was significantly higher amongst our six patients when compared with our cohort of Boston Scientific ICDs (3.2 ± 1.9 Ω/month vs. 0.0008 ± 0.005 Ω/month, P < 0.001). Patients were individually investigated and management discussed in a dedicated device multi-disciplinary team meeting (MDT).

Discussion

There are distinct differences between TSI and LVSM. The TSI is derived from a full output shock, whilst LVSM is calculated from a small current output. These cases highlight the inaccuracies of the LVSM measurement. The gradual rise in LVSM is significantly higher than the value for TSI in these patients we propose the most likely mechanism is encapsulation fibrosis surrounding the right ventricular shock coil. Management for these patients requires vigorous testing to rule out electrical failure, and replacement maybe necessary.
Benchmark of long non-coding RNA quantification for RNA sequencing of cancer samples
Authors: Zheng Hong , Brennan Kevin , Hernaez Mikel , Gevaert Olivier
Published: December 2019

Background

Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are emerging as important regulators of various biological processes. While many studies have exploited public resources such as RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) data in The Cancer Genome Atlas to study lncRNAs in cancer, it is crucial to choose the optimal method for accurate expression quantification.

Results

In this study, we compared the performance of pseudoalignment methods Kallisto and Salmon, alignment-based transcript quantification method RSEM, and alignment-based gene quantification methods HTSeq and featureCounts, in combination with read aligners STAR, Subread, and HISAT2, in lncRNA quantification, by applying them to both un-stranded and stranded RNA-Seq datasets. Full transcriptome annotation, including protein-coding and non-coding RNAs, greatly improves the specificity of lncRNA expression quantification. Pseudoalignment methods and RSEM outperform HTSeq and featureCounts for lncRNA quantification at both sample- and gene-level comparison, regardless of RNA-Seq protocol type, choice of aligners, and transcriptome annotation. Pseudoalignment methods and RSEM detect more lncRNAs and correlate highly with simulated ground truth. On the contrary, HTSeq and featureCounts often underestimate lncRNA expression. Antisense lncRNAs are poorly quantified by alignment-based gene quantification methods, which can be improved using stranded protocols and pseudoalignment methods.

Conclusions

Considering the consistency with ground truth and computational resources, pseudoalignment methods Kallisto or Salmon in combination with full transcriptome annotation is our recommended strategy for RNA-Seq analysis for lncRNAs.
Commensal-bacteria-derived butyrate promotes the T-cell-independent IgA response in the colon
Authors: Isobe Junya , Maeda Shintarou , Obata Yuuki , Iizuka Keito , Nakamura Yutaka , Fujimura Yumiko , Kimizuka Tatsuki , Hattori Kouya , Kim Yun-Gi , Morita Tatsuya , Kimura Ikuo , Offermanns Stefan , Adachi Takahiro , Nakao Atsuhito , Kiyono Hiroshi , Takahashi Daisuke , Hase Koji
Published: December 2019

Secretory immunoglobulin A (SIgA), the most abundant antibody isotype in the body, maintains a mutual relationship with commensal bacteria and acts as a primary barrier at the mucosal surface. Colonization by commensal bacteria induces an IgA response, at least partly through a T-cell-independent process. However, the mechanism underlying the commensal-bacteria-induced T-cell-independent IgA response has yet to be fully clarified. Here, we show that commensal-bacteria-derived butyrate promotes T-cell-independent IgA class switching recombination (CSR) in the mouse colon. Notably, the butyrate concentration in human stools correlated positively with the amount of IgA. Butyrate up-regulated the production of transforming growth factor β1 and all-trans retinoic acid by CD103+CD11b+ dendritic cells, both of which are critical for T-cell-independent IgA CSR. This effect was mediated by G-protein-coupled receptor 41 (GPR41/FFA3) and GPR109a/HCA2, and the inhibition of histone deacetylase. The butyrate-induced IgA response reinforced the colonic barrier function, preventing systemic bacterial dissemination under inflammatory conditions. These observations demonstrate that commensal-bacteria-derived butyrate contributes to the maintenance of the gut immune homeostasis by facilitating the T-cell-independent IgA response in the colon.
The potential application of PD-1 blockade therapy for early-stage biliary tract cancer
Authors: Umemoto Kumiko , Togashi Yosuke , Arai Yasuhito , Nakamura Hiromi , Takahashi Shinichiro , Tanegashima Tokiyoshi , Kato Mikiya , Nishikawa Tsubasa , Sugiyama Daisuke , Kojima Motohiro , Gotohda Naoto , Kuwata Takeshi , Ikeda Masafumi , Shibata Tatsuhiro , Nishikawa Hiroyoshi
Published: December 2019

Biliary tract cancer (BTC) is an aggressive cancer with a poor prognosis partially due to the limited success in developing novel therapies, including molecularly targeted therapies and immunotherapies. Programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) blockade therapy is less effective against BTCs, necessitating further studies to understand the detailed immunological status of the tumor microenvironment (TME) in BTC. Here, we examined the immunological status of the TME in 37 BTCs with early- to late-stage disease, especially focusing on PD-1+CD8+ T cells. PD-1+CD8+ T cells, which are reportedly associated with the clinical response to PD-1 blockade therapy, were frequently observed in early-stage BTC and decreased with disease progression. Imaging mass cytometry for representative PD-1+CD8+TIL-high and -low patients demonstrated that tumor-infiltrating PD-1+CD8+ T cells were localized adjacent to tumor cells, whereas PD-1−CD8+ T cells were detected mainly in the stroma of the TME. In a mouse model, PD-1 expression by tumor-infiltrating CD8+ T cells was higher in smaller tumors and decreased with tumor growth. Consequently, large tumors became resistant to PD-1 blockade, while small tumors containing higher numbers of PD-1+CD8+ T cells were sensitive. We propose the important role of tumor-infiltrating PD-1+CD8+ T cells in anti-tumor immunity and the potential application of PD-1 blockade therapy for early-stage BTC.
Moving Molecular Profiling to Routine Clinical Practice: A Way Forward?
Authors: Freidlin Boris , Allegra Carmen J , Korn Edward L
Published: December 2019

Molecular profiling of a patient’s tumor to guide targeted treatment selection offers the potential to advance patient care by improving outcomes and minimizing toxicity (by avoiding ineffective treatments). However, current development of molecular profile (MP) panels is often based on applying institution-specific or subjective algorithms to nonrandomized patient cohorts. Consequently, obtaining reliable evidence that molecular profiling is offering clinical benefit and is ready for routine clinical practice is challenging. In particular, we discuss here the problems with interpreting for clinical utility nonrandomized studies that compare outcomes in patients treated based on their MP vs those treated with standard of care, studies that compare the progression-free survival (PFS) seen on a MP-directed treatment to the PFS seen for the same patient on a previous standard treatment (PFS ratio), and multibasket trials that evaluate the response rates of targeted therapies in specific molecularly defined subpopulations (regardless of histology). We also consider some limitations of randomized trial designs. A two-step strategy is proposed in which multiple mutation-agent pairs are tested for activity in one or more multibasket trials in the first step. The results of the first step are then used to identify promising mutation-agent pairs that are combined in a molecular panel that is then tested in the step-two strategy-design randomized clinical trial (the molecular panel–guided treatment for the selected mutations vs standard of care). This two-step strategy should allow rigorous evidence-driven identification of mutation-agent pairs that can be moved into routine clinical practice.
Making Sense of “Somatization”: A Systematic Review of its Relationship to Pediatric Pain
Authors: Boerner Katelynn E , Green Katherine , Chapman Andrea , Stanford Elizabeth , Newlove Theresa , Edwards Katherine , Dhariwal Amrit
Published: December 2019

Objectives

Pain and other physical symptoms commonly co-occur in childhood. There is debate about the relevance of somatization in understanding pain. The present review critically appraised and synthesized the extant literature on the relationship between pediatric pain and somatization.

Methods

A systematic review (PROSPERO registration #95956) was conducted in Medline, PsycINFO, EMBASE, and CINAHL using search terms related to pain and somatization in children and adolescents. A total of 156 articles were eligible for inclusion in the review. For studies that measured somatization using a symptom questionnaire, descriptions of “somatization” were extracted. Data regarding the relationship between pain and somatization were extracted for studies measuring somatization using a diagnostic category (e.g., Somatic Symptom and Related Disorders [SSRDs]).

Results

While many studies using somatic symptom questionnaires described somatization as having a psychological component, this was not always captured in measurement tools. Pain was reported as a common symptom in patients with an SSRD diagnosis, though rates varied depending on the specific diagnosis and pain location. Rates of SSRD diagnoses among pain patients were less frequent than rates of pain amongst SSRD patients.

Conclusions

SSRDs and pain commonly co-occur, though rates differ depending on diagnosis and pain location. Understanding the relationship between pain and somatization is complicated by the discrepancy between how somatization is defined and measured in questionnaire studies. A comprehensive and measurable definition of somatization is needed so researchers can better identify the shared and unique contributions of pain and somatization in pediatric populations.
Role of blue and red light in stomatal dynamic behaviour
Authors: Matthews Jack S A , Vialet-Chabrand Silvere , Lawson Tracy
Published: December 2019

Plants experience changes in light intensity and quality due to variations in solar angle and shading from clouds and overlapping leaves. Stomatal opening to increasing irradiance is often an order of magnitude slower than photosynthetic responses, which can result in CO2 diffusional limitations on leaf photosynthesis, as well as unnecessary water loss when stomata continue to open after photosynthesis has reached saturation. Stomatal opening to light is driven by two distinct pathways; the ‘red’ or photosynthetic response that occurs at high fluence rates and saturates with photosynthesis, and is thought to be the main mechanism that coordinates stomatal behaviour with photosynthesis; and the guard cell-specific ‘blue’ light response that saturates at low fluence rates, and is often considered independent of photosynthesis, and important for early morning stomatal opening. Here we review the literature on these complicated signal transduction pathways and osmoregulatory processes in guard cells that are influenced by the light environment. We discuss the possibility of tuning the sensitivity and magnitude of stomatal response to blue light which potentially represents a novel target to develop ideotypes with the ‘ideal’ balance between carbon gain, evaporative cooling, and maintenance of hydraulic status that is crucial for maximizing crop performance and productivity.
Ethylene regulates post-germination seedling growth in wheat through spatial and temporal modulation of ABA/GA balance
Authors: Sun Menghan , Tuan Pham Anh , Izydorczyk Marta S , Ayele Belay T
Published: December 2019

This study aimed to gain insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the role of ethylene in regulating germination and seedling growth in wheat by combining pharmacological, molecular, and metabolomics approaches. Our study showed that ethylene does not affect radicle protrusion but controls post-germination endospermic starch degradation through transcriptional regulation of specific α-amylase and α-glucosidase genes, and this effect is mediated by alteration of endospermic bioactive gibberellin (GA) levels, and GA sensitivity via expression of the GA signaling gene, TaGAMYB. Our data implicated ethylene as a positive regulator of embryo axis and coleoptile growth through transcriptional regulation of specific TaEXPA genes. These effects were associated with modulation of GA levels and sensitivity, through expression of GA metabolism (TaGA20ox1, TaGA3ox2, and TaGA2ox6) and signaling (TaGAMYB) genes, respectively, and/or the abscisic acid (ABA) level and sensitivity, via expression of specific ABA metabolism (TaNCED2 or TaCYP707A1) and signaling (TaABI3) genes, respectively. Ethylene appeared to regulate the expression of TaEXPA3 and thereby root growth through its control of coleoptile ABA metabolism, and root ABA signaling via expression of TaABI3 and TaABI5. These results show that spatiotemporal modulation of ABA/GA balance mediates the role of ethylene in regulating post-germination storage starch degradation and seedling growth in wheat.
Between Exclusion and Intersection: Heidegger’s Philosophy and Jewish Volkism1
Authors: Herskowitz Daniel M
Published: December 2019

This article deals with some unexplored Jewish resp.onses to the volkish elements in Martin Heidegger’s philosophy. Heidegger’s idiosyncratic and deeply philosophical account of volkism stood at the heart of his political support of National Socialism and of his exclusion of the Jews from the ontological task of thinking. This article demonstrates, however, that some of Heidegger’s Jewish readers identified with volkish moments in his philosophy and found these to be pertinent to their own condition as Jews in the modern world. This was made possible by the fact that, within the intellectual climate in which Heidegger’s thinking took shape, the volkish lexicon (Volk, Gemeinschaft, ‘fate’, ‘destiny’, and even ‘struggle’) was commonplace, indicated no clear association with any certain political view, and, indeed, was a central organ through which Jews made sense of their own existence and historical and political situation. Thus, while Heidegger’s volkism led to a philosophical marginalization of Jews, the multifariousness and widespread currency of volkish thinking brought some Jewish readers to recognize their shared conceptual horizon with Heidegger and to differentiate between Heidegger’s practical politics, which were anti-Jewish and loathsome, and his volkism, which was seen as fitting and useful for the Jewish case.
Deskilling unpacked: Comparing Filipino and Polish migrant nurses’ professional experiences in Norway
Authors: Korzeniewska Lubomiła , Erdal Marta Bivand
Published: December 2019

This article offers empirically based analytical scrutiny of what deskilling looks like and means for migrant nurses. We draw on 30 interviews with Filipino and Polish nurse migrants in Oslo, Norway, which we analyze comparatively. Through empirical attention to nurse migrants’ professional experiences, we address the analytically oriented question of what constitutes deskilling in their experience. Concerns over deskilling, in relation to nurse migration and beyond, prompt attention to instances of human capital not being employed in meaningful and productive ways. We argue that attention to migrants’ professional identities provides analytical opportunity to better unpack what deskilling entails. Borrowing from theorization of identities, deskilling as linked to migrants’ professional identities is understood as dynamic, processual, and situated. We propose that deskilling should be understood as part of the multi-dimensional and interacting processes of de-, re-, and upskilling. We find cases of obvious and wasteful deskilling related to authorization procedures for non-EU-trained nurses, but also instances where it may be disputable whether human resources are used well, or not, and cases of upskilling and reskilling over time. Our findings uncover three core insights. First, our approach to deskilling reveals both the scope for and the salience of migrants’ agency, despite structural constraints. Second, the importance of time and of capturing change over time in migration research becomes apparent. Third, we argue that improved conceptualizations of deskilling, linked to migrants’ professional identities, could inform policies that make better use of migrants’ human capital, and through this also contribute to migrants’ well-being.
Detection of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in mice using lung perfusion single-photon emission computed tomography with [99mTc]MAA
Authors: Yoshida Masataka , Tashiro Masato , Nishi Kodai , Mishima Maki , Kawano Kei , Takazono Takahiro , Saijo Tomomi , Yamamoto Kazuko , Imamura Yoshifumi , Miyazaki Taiga , Kudo Takashi , Yanagihara Katsunori , Mukae Hiroshi , Izumikawa Koichi
Published: December 2019

There is an urgent need for development of better diagnostic strategies to improve outcomes in patients with invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA). We hypothesized that lung perfusion single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) may be more sensitive and specific than computed tomography (CT) of the chest for detection of IPA because it is an angioinvasive pulmonary infection with characteristics that are different from those of bacterial pneumonia. We used SPECT with injection of technetium-99m-labeled macroaggregated albumin ([99mTc]MAA) to measure pulmonary perfusion in noninfected mice, mice with IPA, and mice with bacterial pneumonia. Histopathologic analysis was performed to evaluate the correlation between the perfusion defect and mould invasion. We also attempted to quantitatively evaluate the SPECT images to identify differences in decreased perfusion levels in affected areas in the mouse lung. Histopathologic analysis in the IPA mouse model showed a clear match between areas with a perfusion defect and the presence of mold, indicating that the location of the perfusion defect on a SPECT image reflects angioinvasion of the mould in the lungs. Some of these perfusion defects could be seen before appearance of the infiltrate of CT images. Quantitative analysis confirmed that perfusion in the affected areas was significantly decreased in the IPA model but not in the bacterial pneumonia model (P < .0001). This imaging method may be preferable to the alternative methods presently used to identify the presence of mold in a patient's lungs.
Structural basis for osmotic regulation of the DNA binding properties of H-NS proteins
Authors: Qin Liang , Bdira Fredj Ben , Sterckx Yann G J , Volkov Alexander N , Vreede Jocelyne , Giachin Gabriele , van Schaik Peter , Ubbink Marcellus , Dame Remus T
Published: December 2019

H-NS proteins act as osmotic sensors translating changes in osmolarity into altered DNA binding properties, thus, regulating enterobacterial genome organization and genes transcription. The molecular mechanism underlying the switching process and its conservation among H-NS family members remains elusive. Here, we focus on the H-NS family protein MvaT from Pseudomonas aeruginosa and demonstrate experimentally that its protomer exists in two different conformations, corresponding to two different functional states. In the half-opened state (dominant at low salt) the protein forms filaments along DNA, in the fully opened state (dominant at high salt) the protein bridges DNA. This switching is a direct effect of ionic strength on electrostatic interactions between the oppositely charged DNA binding and N-terminal domains of MvaT. The asymmetric charge distribution and intramolecular interactions are conserved among the H-NS family of proteins. Therefore, our study establishes a general paradigm for the molecular mechanistic basis of the osmosensitivity of H-NS proteins.
Can the Public Be Educated About Constituents in Smokeless Tobacco? A Three-Wave Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Loken Barbara , Borgida Eugene , Wang Tzushuo , Madzelan Molly K , Williams Allison L , Hatsukami Dorothy , Stepanov Irina
Published: December 2019

Introduction

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is required by law to inform the public about levels of harmful and potentially harmful tobacco constituents in a format that is “understandable and not misleading to a lay person.” Our study addresses a critical gap in research on communicating such information for smokeless tobacco (SLT) products.

Methods

The design included random assignment to one of the experimental (online interactive) conditions differing in presentation format or a control condition (receiving no information). Experimental respondents viewed information on levels and health risks of 5 harmful constituents in up to 79 products. Outcome measures included knowledge of health risks of constituents, perception of constituent variability in SLT products, disease risk ratings, self-reported SLT use, and side-by-side product comparisons. The sample of 333 SLT users, 535 cigarette smokers, and 663 nontobacco users participated at baseline, time of intervention, and 6 weeks postintervention.

Results

Presentation formats showed few systematic differences so were combined in analyses. Experimental condition respondents increased their knowledge about constituent health effects and their perceptions of constituent variability in SLT products, from baseline to postintervention, and relative to the control condition. Changes in respondents’ ratings of disease risk and their estimates of constituent exposure from specific products were observed, but not in self-reported SLT use.

Conclusions

Interactive online graphic and numeric presentation formats can be efficient in increasing people’s knowledge of health effects and perceived variation of constituents in SLT products. Further research on longer-term behavioral assessment, and usefulness of this approach for regulatory agencies, is needed.

Implications

Research on communicating the information about harmful constituents in SLT products to lay persons is critically lacking. This study proposes novel formats for effective communication about the levels and the health effects of SLT constituents to multiple user groups. The lack of misperceptions among study participants that some tobacco products are safe suggests that such formats can potentially be used for public display of SLT constituent data by the FDA and regulatory agencies in other countries.