bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Motor training promotes both synaptic and intrinsic plasticity of layer V pyramidal neurons in the primary motor cortex
Authors: Kida H. , Kawakami R. , Sakai K. , Otaku H. , Imamura K. , Han Thiri‐Zin , Sakimoto Y. , Mitsushima Dai
Published: December 2022

Layer V neurons in the primary motor cortex (M1) are important for motor skill learning. Since pretreatment of either CNQX or APV in rat M1 layer V impaired rotor rod learning, we analysed training‐induced synaptic plasticity by whole‐cell patch‐clamp technique in acute brain slices. Rats trained for 1 day showed a decrease in small inhibitory postsynaptic current (mIPSC) frequency and an increase in the paired‐pulse ratio of evoked IPSCs, suggesting a transient decrease in presynaptic GABA release in the early phase. Rats trained for 2 days showed an increase in miniature excitatory postsynaptic current (mEPSC) amplitudes/frequency and elevated AMPA/NMDA ratios, suggesting a long‐term strengthening of AMPA receptor‐mediated excitatory synapses. Importantly, rotor rod performance in trained rats was correlated with the mean mEPSC amplitude and the frequency obtained from that animal. In current‐clamp analysis, 1‐day‐trained rats transiently decreased the current‐induced firing rate, while 2‐day‐trained rats returned to pre‐training levels, suggesting dynamic changes in intrinsic properties. Furthermore, western blot analysis of layer V detected decreased phosphorylation of Ser408–409 in GABAA receptor β3 subunits in 1‐day‐trained rats, and increased phosphorylation of Ser831 in AMPA receptor GluA1 subunits in 2‐day‐trained rats. Finally, live‐imaging analysis of Thy1‐YFP transgenic mice showed that the training rapidly recruited a substantial number of spines for long‐term plasticity in M1 layer V neurons. Taken together, these results indicate that motor training induces complex and diverse plasticity in M1 layer V pyramidal neurons.

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Key points

Here we examined motor training‐induced synaptic and intrinsic plasticity of layer V pyramidal neurons in the primary motor cortex.

The training reduced presynaptic GABA release in the early phase, but strengthened AMPA receptor‐mediated excitatory synapses in the later phase: acquired motor performance after training correlated with the strength of excitatory synapses rather than inhibitory synapses.

As to the intrinsic property, the training transiently decreased the firing rate in the early phase, but returned to pre‐training levels in the later phase.

Western blot analysis detected decreased phosphorylation of Ser408‐409 in GABAA receptor β3 subunits in the acute phase, and increased phosphorylation of Ser831 in AMPA receptor GluA1 subunits in the later phase.

Live‐imaging analysis of Thy1‐YFP transgenic mice showed rapid and long‐term spine plasticity in M1 layer V neurons, suggesting training‐induced increases in self‐entropy per spine.
High-Pressure Pipe-Line Research
Authors: Laverty F. W. , McNall F. M.
Published: December 2022

In estimating gas-pipe-line costs prior to undertaking the detailed design, it has been the practice generally to utilize graphical determinations of such variables as pipe-line diameter, compressor-station spacing, operating pressures, and the like. The graphical method is a time-consuming process, however, entailing the preparation and consideration of a large number of curves. The purpose of this paper is to show the derivation of an empirical equation containing all of the design variables, to which the methods of the differential calculus may be applied to yield a general series of expressions for the most economical design of any pipe line.
Limiting Isothermal Flow in Pipes
Authors: Binder R. C.
Published: December 2022

An explicit formulation is given for the limiting isothermal flow of a gas in a horizontal pipe. For isothermal flow, the ratio of critical pressure to initial pressure equals the initial Mach number times the square root of the ratio of specific heats. The critical-pressure ratio for isothermal flow is higher than that for adiabatic flow. Some comparisons are drawn between isothermal, adiabatic, and incompressible flow.
The Co-Ordinated Operation of Hydro and Steam Capacity in Electric Power Systems
Authors: Spaulding G. W.
Published: December 2022

Two decades or more ago, numerous technical papers were written on the then popular subject of hydro versus steam power, but more recent discussions, presented both in society journals and in other engineering publications, have emphasized the advantages of the co-ordinated use of hydro and steam. These later papers have explored and charted that wide range of existing conditions where co-ordinated operation of hydro and steam will be more economical than use of either alone; and today the general principles involved in such co-ordinated operation are understood and applied in many regional power systems. In the first part of this paper, the historical development and the present status of co-ordinated operation in a specific regional power system are reviewed. This is followed by discussion of a possible approach to the use of pondage at run-of-river hydro plants as part of the system reserves, such use being predicated upon the probabilities of noncoincidence of maximum system loads, minimum river flows, and severe forced outage of steam capacity.
An Introduction to Aircraft Hydraulic Systems
Authors: Field Howard
Published: December 2022

This paper traces the evolution of hydraulic systems for airplanes, from the hand-actuated piston pump and “motor” piston, through the stage of motor-driven gear pumps, down to the present-day systems which derive their power directly from the airplane engine. Three general methods of pump control have been developed which permit rotation of the pump but prevent build-up in the hydraulic system, since the pump operates continuously. These methods include “the constant-pressure,” the “manual by-pass,” and the “automatic by-pass,” all of which are in wide use. Special applications of hydraulic control are described in the “power-amplifier” or “load-feel” system, the “follow-up” system, “follow-up plus load-feel” system, and the “full-automatic” system.
Machinability of Plain-Carbon, Alloy, and Austenitic (Nonmagnetic) Steels, and Its Relation to Yield-Stress Ratios When Tensile Strengths Are Similar
Authors: Janitzky E. J.
Published: December 2022

It is possible by the use of yield-stress ratios of plain-carbon, alloy, and austenitic (nonmagnetic) steels of the same tensile strength to obtain an index of machinability for rough-turning. The relation between Taylor speed and yield-stress ratios of the same tensile strength is expressed mathematically in the paper. A graphical presentation is also given. The yield-stress ratios of steels of the same tensile strength allow co-ordination of machinability of the types of steel listed by the same method, a distinct advantage over the use of any one of the four components of the tensile test alone, or a combination of stress and strain.
Factors Affecting the Thickness of Coal-Ash Slag on Furnace-Wall Tubes
Authors: Reid W. T. , Cohen P.
Published: December 2022

Modern central-station power plants generating steam in slag-tap pulverized-coal-fired furnaces often report difficulties in operation as the result of excessive accumulations of slag on the heat-absorbing surfaces of the furnace. Such deposits of slag interfere with the expected transfer of heat from the furnace to the tube metal, and not only may cause trouble in maintaining superheat temperatures at proper levels, but also may be responsible for troubles experienced with circulation. Few means have been available in the past to evaluate the tendency of slags to form objectionable deposits. This paper describes methods of predicting the relative thickness of slag deposits on heat-absorbing surfaces and is based upon the application of data obtained in the laboratory on the flow properties of coal-ash slags at high temperatures. Although based on idealized furnace conditions, it should serve as a guide in comparing the behavior of different coal ashes in the same furnace under similar operating conditions, or in predicting the effect of change in these conditions on the action of a given coal ash. Also, it should serve as a guide for field tests of the effect of slag on furnace performance.
Investigation of Friction and Wear Under Quasi-Hydrodynamic Conditions
Authors: Larsen R. G. , Perry G. L.
Published: December 2022

A laboratory study has been made of the factors which influence friction and wear by additive-containing mineral oils under conditions intermediate between those of hydro-dynamic and true boundary lubrication. The concentration of a number of sulphur and phosphorus compounds required for minimum wear varies over a wide range. The minimum effective concentration is determined by the presence in the molecule of acidic groups which concentrate the additive at the wearing surfaces. Organic acids were the only polar substances found which lead to an appreciable reduction in friction. This is believed to be related to their ability to react with the metal surface. Marked simultaneous reduction of friction and wear was not achieved by using a combination of an antiwear and an antifriction agent. Under the conditions of these experiments it appears that wear is predominantly a corrosion process.
The Friction Properties of Various Lubricants at High Pressures
Authors: Boyd John , Robertson B. P.
Published: December 2022

In connection with certain problems associated with the manufacture and punching of laminated stock, an investigation was made of the friction properties of various special lubricants under high pressures. Since these results have been found useful in a number of special applications, they are presented in this paper as a contribution to the information available on this subject.
Some Thermal Effects in Oil-Ring Journal Bearings
Authors: Baudry R. A.
Published: December 2022

This paper discusses the design of oil-ring journal bearings from the thermal standpoint and gives a method for predetermining the operating temperature of air-cooled and water-cooled bearings. It is shown that at high temperatures the performance of a ring-lubricated bearing has a tendency to become unstable. The design features of a high-speed water-cooled and a forced-ventilated bearing are given.
Experience With Potassium Treatment at Windsor Station
Authors: Webb W. L.
Published: December 2022

Under conventional sodium treatment and with hardness, alumina and silica in quantity entering the cycle through condenser leakage, wall-tube losses in two 1350-psi boilers were extensive. Upon establishment of potassium treatment in these boilers under the then controlled equilibria, tube losses continued. A direct comparison of sodium versus potassium treatments was started in these boilers after solvent-cleaning them. This test has been under way only 7 months during which no wall-tube failures have occurred.
Piping Arrangements for Acceptable Flowmeter Accuracy
Authors: Sprenkle R. E.
Published: December 2022

The author correlates data previously published on metering fluid flow through pipe lines and analyzes the requirements for piping arrangements, according to interpretations developed from many actual field installations. Most of the recommendations given in the literature are based on standards of piping requirements established by the Joint A.G.A.-A.S.M.E. Committee on Orifice Coefficients. These standards as well as others obtained since that report was published in 1935 are shown in this paper in the form of seven schedules covering the use of “Orifices and Flow Nozzles,” and an eighth schedule, applying to “Venturi Tubes” only. These schedules serve as the basis for developing typical piping layouts which are designed to interpret and clarify the principles involved from a practical application standpoint.
An Acceleration Damper: Development, Design, and Some Applications
Authors: Lieber Paul , Jensen D. P.
Published: December 2022

An acceleration damper is essentially an impact damper, consisting of a mass particle within a container such that the particle has specified freedom to move relative to the container. The efficiency of the damper depends critically on the freedom of the particle relative to its container. The energy of the mass particle, which is energized by its container, is dissipated in impact. The mechanism and theory of the acceleration damper are discussed and developed in this paper. The theory yields formulas from which the acceleration damper can be designed efficiently for specific application. Theory and procedure for calculating the motion of a mechanical system, as influenced by a given acceleration damper, are developed. Tests were conducted and the agreement between theory and experiment is found to be good. These results show that friction forces acting on the mass particle are detrimental to the efficiency of the damper. Finally, a method for calculating the effect of the acceleration damper on flutter is also developed, which is accompanied by numerical results related to an actual airplane. It is indicated that the acceleration damper may have fundamental and numerous applications, some of which are fatigue, helicopter vibration control, aircraft vibration control in general, and to facilitate flight testing for flutter without endangering aircraft.
Creep and Relaxation in Rubber Products at Elevated Temperatures
Authors: Andrews R. D. , Mesrobian R. B. , Tobolsky A. V.
Published: December 2022

The studies reported of creep and relaxation at elevated temperatures suggest possible methods of evaluating deteriorative changes occurring in rubbers. Involving intermittent and continuous relaxation and creep measurements, the new methods seem to be readily amenable to molecular-structural interpretations. The practical value of these measurements, apart from their usefulness in fundamental scientific research, is apparent in cases where service deterioration occurs as a result of creep or relaxation. The usefulness and importance of these measurements of creep, relaxation, and modulus are not limited to the measurement of high-temperature oxidative deterioration in rubbers. The simple way in which they are related to molecular changes in the material being studied should make them very valuable in the study of physical changes in polymeric materials in general, such as cold flow of plastics, drift of rubbers, low-temperature stiffening, permanent set, etc.
Tube Spacing in Finned-Tube Banks
Authors: Jameson S. L.
Published: December 2022

One of the methods used to fulfill application requirements in the design of finned-tube gas coolers for industrial use more adequately is to vary the spacing of the tubes. In the past there has been very little information available on the effect of tube spacing on cooler performance. This paper covers the results of a series of tests made to determine the effect of tube spacing on the pressure drop and the heat-transfer coefficient of air flowing across a bank of helically finned tubes. The tests covered a wide range of tube spacings, both at right angles to air flow and between rows in the direction of air flow. All tests were made on staggered tube rows. The tests showed that tube spacing has a marked effect on air pressure drop, but a negligible effect on the air-side heat-transfer coefficient. The number of fins per linear inch of tube had a similar effect. Baffles in the spaces at the ends of short tube rows were found to be beneficial in minimizing edge effects, the improvement in heat transfer gained by their use more than compensating for the increase in air pressure drop.
Heat-Transfer Coefficients and Other Data on Individual Serrated-Finned Surface
Authors: Schryber E. A.
Published: December 2022

The purpose of this paper is to provide data on the serrated (segmented) type of finned surface; also to show the ease of fabrication and the flexibility of sizes, i.e., the ability to alter the ratio of secondary to prime surface without difficulty.
The Behavior of a Hot-Wire Anemometer Subjected to a Periodic Velocity
Authors: Martinelli R. C. , Randall R. D.
Published: December 2022

A method is presented which allows a rapid graphical prediction of the response of the constant-current hotwire anemometer to a periodic velocity. From such a prediction the suitability of the hot-wire anemometer for any particular application can be readily determined. The method is demonstrated by several illustrative examples.
Heat Transfer in Annuli
Authors: Chen C. Y. , Hawkins G. A. , Solberg H. L.
Published: December 2022

A survey of the literature reveals that few data are available relative to heat transfer in annular spaces for the case of laminar flow. This paper presents data acquired in an experimental study of the heat-transfer coefficients at the inner wall of four different annuli for the case of laminar flow of water. Both heating and cooling tests were conducted. The experiments were performed over a range of Reynolds numbers from 200 to 2000. The accompanying dimensionless equation was hDk=1.02(VDρμa)0.45(cpμak)1/3(μaμw)0.14(DL)0.4(D1D2)0.8⋅(D3ρ2βgΔtμa2)0.05 found to correlate both the heating and the cooling data for all four annuli with an average deviation of ± 6.6 per cent and a maximum deviation of ±14.1 per cent. This equation may be used for computing the heat-transfer coefficient on the inner wall of an annulus for laminar flow of water for Reynolds numbers in the range of 200 to 2000.
Jet Propulsion and Rockets for Assisted Take-Off
Authors: Zucrow M. J.
Published: December 2022

This paper discusses the two kinds of jets which may be used for propelling bodies through the atmosphere: (a) Highly heated compressed atmospheric air admixed with products of combustion formed by burning a fuel in the air; the thermal energy of the fuel being employed to raise the air temperature. This type is known as a “thermal-jet engine.” (b) A jet formed by generating large quantities of gases by chemical reaction. The equipment in which such a jet is produced is known as a “rocket motor.” Operating principles and estimated performance characteristics of thermal-jet engines are treated, and certain unrestricted information on the use of rocket motors or “Jato” units for assisted take-off of aircraft is presented.
Dimethyl-Silicone-Polymer Fluids and Their Performance Characteristics in Hydraulic Systems
Authors: Fitzsimmons V. G. , Pickett D. L. , Militz R. O. , Zisman W. A.
Published: December 2022

This investigation concerns research on the polymethyl siloxanes or dimethyl-silicone polymers, and their uses as lubricants and hydraulic fluids. It is shown that these new fluids give excellent results when operated in a standard aircraft-type Pesco gear pump. It was found that the silicones when used in a gear pump fitted with cast-iron bushings caused serious wear and disintegration of the bushings at pump pressures of only 600 psi. It is concluded that the loaded surfaces of steel sliding on cast iron or on steel are not adequately lubricated by the silicone fluid, whereas steel sliding on bronze is effectively lubricated. A simple manually operated slider-and-plate test method was discovered capable of permitting the discrimination between good, bad, and indifferent bearing combinations for use with silicone fluids. Results with 156 combinations of metals are summarized. There is also given a means of relating these observations to the practical problem of selecting suitable metals for use in lubricating the sliding parts of machinery with silicones. The results are related to observations on the choice of suitable metals for gear pumps, piston pumps, and journal bearings. It is shown that the same conclusions relative to steel sliding on steel or on bronze are reached from tests with the Vickers piston pump.
Studies on Susceptibility of Casting Steels to Graphitization
Authors: Kanter J. J.
Published: December 2022

This is a progress report for project No. 29 of the Joint A.S.T.M.-A.S.M.E. Committee on Effect of Temperature on the Properties of Metals. One of the activities undertaken by project No. 29 has been the study of certain aspects of the graphitization problem applying to the carbon-molybdenum casting steels used in welded piping structures. The steels so involved are of the types covered in A.S.T.M. Specifications A217 covering Pressure Alloy Castings Suitable for Fusion Welding such as valves, flanges, fittings, and other pressure-containing parts for high-temperature services. This investigation was undertaken in co-operation with the Manufacturers Standardization Society (M.S.S.) of the Valve and Fitting Industry, through a committee representing the constituent manufacturers engaged in the founding and manufacture of steel valves, flanges, and fittings.
The Theory of Moving Sources of Heat and Its Application to Metal Treatments
Authors: Rosenthal D.
Published: December 2022

The theory of moving sources of heat has been instrumental in providing the welding engineer with a scientific criterion of weldability of steels. The author outlines briefly the fundamentals of this theory and derives appropriate solutions for linear, two- and three-dimensional flow of heat in solids of infinite size or bounded by planes. Point, linear, and plane sources of heat are examined. The solutions obtained are then applied to welding problems. It is shown that these solutions are in good agreement with the experimental results, and that they afford a close analysis of the factors governing the heat flow in welding. The most interesting result of the theory, however, is the derivation of a single formula capable of predicting the time and rate of cooling with a fairly good accuracy for a wide variety of thicknesses of steel, ranges of temperature, and welding conditions. An attempt has been made also to show how this theory could be applied to other problems of metal treatment, such as rate of extrusion in continuous casting, or control of flame-hardening and continuous quenching operations.
Acid-Cleaning of Boilers and Auxiliary Equipment
Authors: Powell S. T.
Published: December 2022

Acid-cleaning of equipment has been demonstrated over a long period as a useful and economical means for removing encrustations from boilers and many other types of power-plant equipment. This paper explains the use of various cleaning reagents and inhibitors, the procedure which should be followed, and the precautions to be taken to safeguard both personnel and equipment from the hazards inherent in the process.
Vowel height and velum position in German: Insights from a real-time magnetic resonance imaging study
Authors: Kunay Esther , Hoole Philip , Gubian Michele , Harrington Jonathan , Jospeh Arun , Voit Dirk , Frahm Jens
Published: December 2022

Velum position was analysed as a function of vowel height in German tense and lax vowels preceding a nasal or oral consonant. Findings from previous research suggest an interdependence between vowel height and the degree of velum lowering, with a higher velum during high vowels and a more lowered velum during low vowels. In the current study, data were presented from 33 native speakers of Standard German who were measured via non-invasive high quality real-time magnetic resonance imaging. The focus was on exploring the spatiotemporal extent of velum lowering in tense and lax /a, i, o, ø/, which was done by analysing velum movement trajectories over the course of VN and VC sequences in CVNV and CVCV sequences by means of functional principal component analysis. Analyses focused on the impact of the vowel category and vowel tenseness. Data indicated that not only the position of the velum was affected by these factors but also the timing of velum closure. Moreover, it is argued that the effect of vowel height was to be better interpreted in terms of the physiological constriction location of vowels, i.e., the specific tongue position rather than phonetic vowel height.
Robust sparse reconstruction of attenuated acoustic field with unknown range of source
Authors: Li Yongfei , Guo Ruiming , Blu Thierry , Zhao Hangfang
Published: December 2022

In this paper, we present a gridless algorithm to recover an attenuated acoustic field without knowing the range information of the source. This algorithm provides the joint estimation of horizontal wavenumbers, mode amplitudes, and acoustic attenuation. The key idea is to approximate the acoustic field in range as a finite sum of damped sinusoids, for which the sinusoidal parameters convey the ocean information of interest (e.g., wavenumber, attenuation, etc.). Using an efficient finite rate of innovation algorithm, an accurate recovery of the attenuated acoustic field can be achieved, even if the measurement noise is correlated and the range of the source is unknown. Moreover, the proposed method is able to perform joint recovery of multiple sensor data, which leads to a more robust field reconstruction. The data used here are acquired from a vertical line array at different depths measuring a moving source at several ranges. We demonstrate the performance of the proposed algorithm both in synthetic simulations and real shallow water evaluation cell experiment 1996 data.
Growth productivity as a determinant of the inoculum effect for bactericidal antibiotics
Authors: Diaz-Tang Gabriela , Meneses Estefania Marin , Patel Kavish , Mirkin Sophia , García-Diéguez Laura , Pajon Camryn , Barraza Ivana , Patel Vijay , Ghali Helana , Tracey Angelica P. , Blanar Christopher A. , Lopatkin Allison J. , Smith Robert P.
Published: December 2022

Understanding the mechanisms by which populations of bacteria resist antibiotics has implications in evolution, microbial ecology, and public health. The inoculum effect (IE), where antibiotic efficacy declines as the density of a bacterial population increases, has been observed for multiple bacterial species and antibiotics. Several mechanisms to account for IE have been proposed, but most lack experimental evidence or cannot explain IE for multiple antibiotics. We show that growth productivity, the combined effect of growth and metabolism, can account for IE for multiple bactericidal antibiotics and bacterial species. Guided by flux balance analysis and whole-genome modeling, we show that the carbon source supplied in the growth medium determines growth productivity. If growth productivity is sufficiently high, IE is eliminated. Our results may lead to approaches to reduce IE in the clinic, help standardize the analysis of antibiotics, and further our understanding of how bacteria evolve resistance.
Farnesoid X receptor antagonizes macrophage-dependent licensing of effector T lymphocytes and progression of sclerosing cholangitis
Authors: Shi Tiffany , Malik Astha , Yang vom Hofe Annika , Matuschek Louis , Mullen Mary , Lages Celine S. , Kudira Ramesh , Singh Ruchi , Zhang Wujuan , Setchell Kenneth D.R. , Hildeman David , Pasare Chandrashekhar , Wagner Brandee , Miethke Alexander G.
Published: December 2022

Immune-mediated bile duct epithelial injury and toxicity of retained hydrophobic bile acids drive disease progression in fibrosing cholangiopathies such as biliary atresia or primary sclerosing cholangitis. Emerging therapies include pharmacological agonists to farnesoid X receptor (FXR), the master regulator of hepatic synthesis, excretion, and intestinal reuptake of bile acids. Unraveling the mechanisms of action of pharmacological FXR agonists in the treatment of sclerosing cholangitis (SC), we found that intestinally restricted FXR activation effectively reduced bile acid pool size but did not improve the SC phenotype in MDR2
−/−
mice. In contrast, systemic FXR activation not only lowered bile acid synthesis but also suppressed proinflammatory cytokine production by liver-infiltrating inflammatory cells and blocked progression of hepatobiliary injury. The hepatoprotective activity was linked to suppressed production of IL1β and TNFα by hepatic macrophages and inhibition of T
H
1/T
H
17 lymphocyte polarization. Deletion of FXR in myeloid cells caused aberrant T
H
1 and T
H
17 lymphocyte responses in diethoxycarbonyl-1,4-dihydrocollidine–induced SC and rendered these mice resistant to the anti-inflammatory and liver protective effects of systemic FXR agonist treatment. Pharmacological FXR activation reduced IL1β and IFNγ production by liver- and blood-derived mononuclear cells from patients with fibrosing cholangiopathies. In conclusion, we demonstrate FXR to control the macrophage-T
H
1/17 axis, which is critically important for the progression of SC. Hepatic macrophages are cellular targets of systemic FXR agonist therapy for cholestatic liver disease.
Combination bezafibrate and nivolumab treatment of patients with advanced non–small cell lung cancer
Authors: Tanaka Kentaro , Chamoto Kenji , Saeki Sho , Hatae Ryusuke , Ikematsu Yuki , Sakai Kazuko , Ando Nobuhisa , Sonomura Kazuhiro , Kojima Shinsuke , Taketsuna Masanori , Kim Young Hak , Yoshida Hironori , Ozasa Hiroaki , Sakamori Yuichi , Hirano Tomoko , Matsuda Fumihiko , Hirai Toyohiro , Nishio Kazuto , Sakagami Takuro , Fukushima Masanori , Nakanishi Yoichi , Honjo Tasuku , Okamoto Isamu
Published: December 2022

Despite the success of cancer immunotherapies such as programmed cell death–1 (PD-1) and PD-1 ligand 1 (PD-L1) inhibitors, patients often develop resistance. New combination therapies with PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors are needed to overcome this issue. Bezafibrate, a ligand of peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor–γ coactivator 1α/peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor complexes, has shown a synergistic antitumor effect with PD-1 blockade in mice that is mediated by activation of mitochondria in T cells. We have therefore now performed a phase 1 trial (UMIN000017854) of bezafibrate with nivolumab in previously treated patients with advanced non–small cell lung cancer. The primary end point was the percentage of patients who experience dose-limiting toxicity, and this combination regimen was found to be well tolerated. Preplanned comprehensive analysis of plasma metabolites and gene expression in peripheral cytotoxic T cells indicated that bezafibrate promoted T cell function through up-regulation of mitochondrial metabolism including fatty acid oxidation and may thereby have prolonged the duration of response. This combination strategy targeting T cell metabolism thus has the potential to maintain antitumor activity of immune checkpoint inhibitors and warrants further validation.
Magnesium Modulates Bacillus subtilis Cell Division Frequency
Authors: Guo Tingfeng , Herman Jennifer K.
Published: December 2022

The signals that cells use to trigger cell division are unknown. Although division is often considered intrinsic to the cell cycle, microorganisms can continue to grow and repeat rounds of DNA replication without dividing, indicating that cycles of division can be skipped. Here, we show that by manipulating a single nutrient, namely, Mg
2+
, cell division can be uncoupled from the growth rate. This finding can be applied to investigate the nature of the cell division signal(s).
Draft Genome Sequence of Plesiomonas shigelloides MD22D9, Isolated from the Digestive Tract of Macrobdella decora
Authors: Casale Angeline , Maldonado Carlos Abudo , Taropawala Om , O’Sullivan Brandon , Graf Joerg
Published: December 2022

Here, we present a draft genome sequence of
Plesiomonas shigelloides
MD22D9, isolated from the digestive tract of the North American medicinal leech
Macrobdella decora
. The gut microbiome of the medicinal leech is hypothesized to be critical for maintaining host fitness. This genome can provide insights into this uncharacterized microbe-host relationship.
Urban Microbiomes in Narita, Chiba, Japan: Shotgun Metagenome Sequences of a Train Station
Authors: Rasmika Dewi Dewa A. P. , Shiwa Yuh , Ryon Krista , Mason Christopher E. , Matsumoto Tetsuya , Suzuki Haruo
Published: December 2022

Here, we performed shotgun metagenome sequencing of swab samples collected on floors at a train station in Narita City, Chiba, Japan. The taxonomic analysis revealed that
Actinobacteria
and
Proteobacteria
were the dominant phyla. The data will contribute to insight into the microbiome community on the surfaces of urban built environments.
Rapid southeastern Laurentide Ice Sheet thinning during the last deglaciation revealed by elevation profiles of in situ cosmogenic 10Be
Authors: Halsted Christopher T. , Bierman Paul R. , Shakun Jeremy D. , Davis P. Thompson , Corbett Lee B. , Caffee Marc W. , Hodgdon Taylor S. , Licciardi Joseph M.
Published: December 2022

Accurate reconstruction of Laurentide Ice Sheet volume changes following the Last Glacial Maximum is critical for understanding ice sheet contribution to sea-level rise, the resulting influence of meltwater on oceanic circulation, and the spatial and temporal patterns of deglaciation. Here, we provide empirical constraints on Laurentide Ice Sheet thinning during the last deglaciation by measuring in situ cosmogenic 10Be in 81 samples collected along vertical transects of nine mountains in the northeastern United States. In conjunction with 107 exposure age samples over five vertical transects from previous studies, we reconstruct ice sheet thinning history.

At peripheral sites (within 200 km of the terminal moraine), we find evidence for ∼600 m of thinning between 19.5 ka and 17.5 ka, which is coincident with the slow initial margin retreat indicated by varve records. At locations >400 km north of the terminal moraine, exposure ages above and below 1200 m a.s.l. exhibit different patterns. Ages above this elevation are variable and older, while lower elevation ages are indistinguishable over 800−1000 m elevation ranges, a pattern that suggests a subglacial thermal boundary at ∼1200 m a.s.l. separating erosive, warm-based ice below and polythermal, minimally erosive ice above. Low-elevation ages from up-ice mountains are between 15 ka and 13 ka, which suggests rapid thinning of ∼1000 m coincident with Bølling-Allerød warming. These rates of rapid paleo-ice thinning are comparable to those of other vertical exposure age transects around the world and may have been faster than modern basin-wide thinning rates in Antarctica and Greenland, which suggests that the southeastern Laurentide Ice Sheet was highly sensitive to a warming climate.
Mantle Structure and Processes in Transition Zone of the Baikal Rift Zone
Authors: Vinnik L. P. , Oreshin S. I. , Makeyeva L. I. , Mordvinova V. V. , Tsydypova L. R.
Published: December 2022

The velocity structure of the mantle under the Baikal Rift Zone (BRZ) is investigated with the P‑wave receiver functions (PRFs) for a group of 10 seismograph stations. The BRZ presents one of the world’s most active continental rift zones. The peculiarities of the BRZ include Cenozoic magmatism in the upper mantle of the southwestern part of the BRZ, which disappears in the central and northeastern parts. The analysis of seismic data reveals other indications of the significant lateral heterogeneity of the mantle beneath the BRZ. At half of the stations there is evidence of a sharp rise of the S velocity with depth at a depth of around 330 km, similar to the descriptions for the “X” or the “300-km” discontinuity. In the central and northeastern regions at depths from about 350 to 410 km there is a well pronounced low S velocity layer, which is practically missing in the southwestern part. The origin of this layer is apparently related to the upwelling and dehydration of wadsleyite in the transition zone. At depths from 500–600 to 660 km in the central and northeastern regions there is another low velocity layer that may be explained by the accumulation of garnetite in the process of subduction of the lithosphere of the Pacific. This layer is poorly pronounced in the southwestern region. The difference between the travel times of the P410s and P660s seismic phases (differential time) in the southwestern region (23.5 s) is close to the data for the standard model (Kennett, Engdahl, 1991). In the central and northeastern regions, the observed differential time is larger than the nominal time by 1.0 s. The rise of the differential time may be related to the cooling and/or hydration of the transition zone by the slabs of the subducted oceanic lithosphere. The obtained seismic data suggest a large role of processes of hydration and dehydration in the central and northeastern regions, however, this role is comparatively small in the southwestern region.
Treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) or dysthymic disorder (DD) in spinal cord injury (SCI) patients: a protocol for a systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Han Ji Min , Choi Won Seuk , Choi Hyun , Jang Bo-Hyoung , Kim Hyun-Jin , Son Chi Hyoung , Park Ji Young , Kim Ye Soon , Jang Hyo Jin , Kim Jung Hwan
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Although various treatments exist for depression in patients with spinal cord injury (SCI), the comparative effects and relationships between these treatments have not been clearly presented. This study aims to present comprehensive evidence for the treatment of major depressive disorder or dysthymic disorder in patients with SCI by comparing the therapeutic and adverse effects of pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments through a systematic review and network meta-analysis.

Methods and analysis

We will search for studies in five databases (Medline, Central, Embase, PsycINFO and CHINAL) as well as clinical trial registries (US National Institutes of Health Ongoing Trials Register ClinicalTrials.gov (www.clinicaltrials.gov), WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (www.who.int/trialsearch)) and grey literature (Google Scholar). The references of the included studies, previous systematic reviews and meta-analyses will be reviewed. Study selection, data extraction and quality and risk of bias assessments will be independently performed by two authors (JMH and WSC), and disagreements will be resolved by discussion with JHK. Moreover, a Bayesian network meta-analysis will be performed using R software.

Ethics and dissemination

Our systematic review and network meta-analysis will be performed based on existing studies; thus, we did not seek ethical approval. Our results will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and presented at both domestic and international conferences.
Prevalence of possible sarcopenia in community-dwelling older Chinese adults: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Yao Jiaqin , Wang Yaoting , Yang Lin , Ren Mengting , Li Lingyan , Wang Hongyu
Published: December 2022

Objectives

To determine the prevalence of possible sarcopenia and its association with other conditions in older adults in Bengbu, China.

Design, setting and participants

A cross-sectional study of 1082 community-dwelling Chinese people aged at least 60 years from March to June 2022.

Methods

Handgrip strength and information regarding associated conditions were collected. Possible sarcopenia was estimated based on handgrip strength with cut-off values (<28 kg in men; <18 kg in women) recommended by the Asia Working Group for Sarcopenia in 2019. Mann-Whitney U tests, χ2tests and binary logistic regression analyses were used to explore relationships between possible sarcopenia and associated conditions.

Results

Possible sarcopenia was more prevalent in men (52.79%, n=246, age 79.43±7.33 years among men with possible sarcopenia) than in women (44.48%, n=274, age 78.90±7.71 years among women with possible sarcopenia). In men, possible sarcopenia positively correlated with high age (OR 2.658, 95% CI 1.758 to 4.019), physical inactivity (OR 2.779, 95% CI 1.646 to 4.691) and diabetes (OR 4.269, 95% CI 2.397 to 7.602), and negatively with hypertension (OR 0.586, 95% CI 0.384 to 0.893). The risk of possible sarcopenia in men decreased by 12.6% for every 1 kg/m2increase of body mass index (OR 0.874, 95% CI 0.817 to 0.935). In women, possible sarcopenia positively correlated with high age (OR 3.821, 95% CI 2.677 to 5.455), physical inactivity (OR 2.185, 95% CI 1.488 to 3.210) and arthritis (OR 2.076, 95% CI 1.411 to 3.056).

Conclusion

Possible sarcopenia is prevalent in older adults and the factors affecting possible sarcopenia are different in men and women. Health education about these target factors can be considered as a potential measure to prevent possible sarcopenia.
Naldemedine versus placebo in opioid-induced constipation: a meta-analysis
Authors: Wobbe Bastian , Gerner Maximilian , Köhne Claus-Henning
Published: December 2022

Objective

Opioid-induced constipation (OIC) is a frequent adverse event among patients receiving chronic pain therapy that is requiring opioids. Naldemedine was approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat OIC and appears to be more efficient than any other peripherally acting µ-opioid receptor antagonist. This meta-analysis aimed at assessing the available data on naldemedine in terms of efficacy.

Methods

We searched the Cochrane Library, PubMed and ClinicalTrials on 24 May 2022 to identify randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing naldemedine to placebo among patients reporting OIC.

Results

Evaluation of 6 RCTs enrolling 2769 participants showed significantly greater respondence to treatment (OR=2.48; 95% CI: 2.02 to 3.06; p<0.00001), change in weekly spontaneous bowel movements (SBMs) (mean difference=1.45; 95% CI: 1.14 to 1.76; p<0.00001), complete SBMs (mean difference=0.89; 95% CI: 0.62 to 1.17; p<0.00001) and SBMs without straining (mean difference=0.89; 95% CI: 0.61 to 1.17; p<0.00001) for patients treated with naldemedine. We found no difference in numeric pain rating scales after one (mean difference=0.05; 95% CI: −0.22 to 0.31; p=0.73) and two weeks of treatment (mean difference= −0.04; 95% CI: −0.31 to 0.22; p=0.75). Funding and clinical diversity were possible risks of bias.

Conclusions

Naldemedine improves a variety of bowel function parameters while preserving analgesia, confirming its efficacy for patients with OIC. However, head-to-head trials are needed to establish naldemedine as treatment of first choice for laxative-refractory OIC.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42022281353.
Degradation of soil arching caused by suffusion in gap-graded soils
Authors: Xiao Zheng , Cao Zhigang , Cai Yuanqiang , Han Jie
Published: December 2022

To investigate evolution of soil arching during suffusion in gap-graded soils, a new suffusion apparatus was developed for trapdoor tests under a horizontal seepage flow. Glass beads with fine-grain contents ranging from 15% to 45% were adopted to represent coarse-grain controlled soils and fine-grain controlled soils. Coupled computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and discrete element method (DEM) models were developed to further investigate the evolution of soil arching from microscopic views. At the early stage of suffusion, soil arching degraded rapidly under seepage loads in both coarse-grain controlled and fine-grain controlled soils due to the compaction of soil skeleton and the clogging of voids, which increased in the number of fine particles connected to the stress-transfer matrix. At the later stage, soil arching was nearly maintained as the soil skeleton became stable in the coarse-grain controlled soils. In the fine-grain controlled soils, soil arching degraded continuously due to continuous loss of fine particles connected to the stress-transfer matrix. The decrease in the contact number of fine particles also made the soil skeleton more vulnerable to suffusion. The degradation of soil arching resulted in an increase of surface displacement and a decrease of soil arching height in fine-grain controlled soils.
On the discretely decomposable restrictions of (𝔤,K)-modules for Klein four symmetric pairs
Authors: Chen Yilian , He Haian
Published: December 2022

We prove a criterion for Klein four symmetric pairs [Formula: see text] satisfying the condition that there exist infinite-dimensional simple [Formula: see text]-modules which are discretely decomposable as [Formula: see text]-modules. Making use of the criterion, we classify all the Klein four symmetric pairs satisfying the condition for the exceptional Lie groups of Hermitian type: [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text].
Evolution analysis of community members for dynamic bitcoin transaction network
Authors: Liu Ting-Ting , Liu Min , Guo Qiang , Liu Jian-Guo
Published: December 2022

The collective behaviors of community members in dynamic bitcoin transaction network are significant to understand the evolutionary characteristics of communities for bitcoin transaction network. In this paper, we empirically investigate the behavior evolution of new nodes forming communities for the bitcoin transaction network. First, we divide the bitcoin transaction network into multiple time segments, and detect community on each time segment. Then, according to the set similarity method, we mark the community with maximal similarity [Formula: see text] at adjacent timestamps as the new community. Finally, we propose an evolution index to illustrate the evolution trend of new nodes forming communities, and introduce the reshuffle model to compare with it. The results show that there are obvious differences in the early stage, and new traders tend to join new communities. However, after August 2011, the trends of before and after reorganization are very similar, which indicates that in bitcoin trading, the behaviors of new traders forming communities become random. Our work may be helpful for the understanding of user behavior characteristics in bitcoin trading, and provide a new perspective for the research of bitcoin transaction network.
A Course Controller with Finite-Time Stability for Unmanned Surface Vehicle Thruster System
Authors: Li Yan , Zhang Jianqiang , Li Yi , Wang Hongbin , Qu Jianjing
Published: December 2022

Aiming at the situation that small unmanned surface vehicle (USV) encounters unknown disturbance during low speed sailing, a course controller with finite time stability is designed. To solve this problem, we construct an undisturbed ideal navigation model which simply meets the stability requirements, and constructs an adaptive sliding mode surface. The control under finite time approach law is also introduced. The model under perturbation can land on the sliding mode surface in finite time and then synchronize with the ideal navigation model. The adaptive control was applied in the implementation of power control for the thruster structure, so as to ensure the tracking of the desired course within the finite time, and satisfy the needs for the stable system performance. Lyapunov direct method is used to strictly prove that the designed controller can ensure the system which converges to the steady state value in a given time period. Simulation results show that the designed adaptive finite-time controller can ensure the stable course tracking of the USV with thruster structure at low speed, and meet the requirements of the course robustness of the USV under dynamic conditions.