bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long-term shrinkage behaviour of steel-concrete composite slabs with recycled coarse aggregate
Authors: Wang Qinghe , Yang Jinsheng , Patrick Baligasima , Zheng Anna , Shi Yu
Published: July 2020

Non-uniform shrinkage profile through the slab thickness is observed in composite slabs with natural concrete due to the inability of the slabs to dry from their underside, including an additional deflection for composite slabs under the serviceability state. The porosity and shrinkage deformation of recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) are remarkably increased by the residual mortar adhered to the surface of recycled coarse aggregate (RCA), which will complicate the ability to predict the serviceability of composite slabs with RCA. In this study, two full-scale RAC specimens with depths of 120 mm and 180 mm were prepared and tested for 140 days, with the mid-span and quartiles-span deflections were measured; two small-scale solid concrete samples were poured and measured monitoring the development of non-uniform shrinkage. Results obtained indicated that the non-uniform shrinkage through the slabs depths was approximately linear-distributed, the gradient of which increased with curing time, however, decreased remarkably with the increasing slabs depths. The long-term deflections of two full-scale specimens were remarkably influenced by the non-uniform shrinkage. Based on EC2, a modification of notation size of member (h) was used to predict the shrinkage strain on the top surface of the slabs with one way to diffuse moisture, and the predicted data well match the experimental results.
Transient numerical simulation of gas-liquid two-phase flow in long distance water supply pipeline
Authors: Wang Kaixi , Wang Yan , Ma Jing
Published: July 2020

To reveal the gas-liquid two-phase flow characteristics in water supply pipeline due to the rugged terrain, flow pattern, pressure, velocity, turbulent kinetic energy and turbulent energy dissipation rate of 6 key sections and 4 profiles were simulated and analysed on the conditions of with and without exhaust valve. The results showed that water cannot flow smoothly without exhaust valves at sections 1-1, 2-2 and 3-3, while that flows smoothly at sections 4-4, 5-5 and 6-6. For sections 1-1, 2-2 and 3-3, water can only cover less than 50% of the pipeline cross section when the exhaust valves were not set, and various backflow zones can be observed in these sections, which can increase the resistance of the water flow. The turbulent kinetic energy of the cross sections 1-1, 2-2 and 3-3 were 0.87, 1.02 and 0.09 m2/s2, which can decrease to 0.0018, 0.0017 and 0.0017 m2/s2, respectively, after the exhaust valves were set. Meanwhile, the pressure in different cross sections reduced by 1 to 10 kPa and the streamline were nearly uniform and straight for the main flow in the pipe with the exhaust valves. The reverse vortex disappeared and the velocity distribution of the main flow was more uniform in these sections.
Typical asphalt pavement dynamic response simulation at the action of dynamic load with multi-steps loading method
Authors: Hu Peng , Cheng Yingcai
Published: July 2020

The dynamic response of a typical pavement subjected to a dynamic load is important. Dynamic moduli of asphalt mixtures, cement treated crushed stone and lime treated soil are tested in the lab. The finite element model is established based on the dynamic modulus. The dynamic load is applied to the pavement structure by the loading steps method and then the pavement response is calculated. The pavement structure model was built in the lab and pavement structure responses are tested under the action of dynamic load which was applied by large size MTS. Compared with the results in the lab, simulation results are verified. By analysis of the simulation results show that: the tensile strain at the bottom of the surface and base under the action of the dynamic load is obviously smaller than the strain under the action of static load, deflection also follows that. In some special cases, the tensile strain at the bottom of the surface and base under the action of the dynamic load may exceed that under the action of static load.
Research on lamp distribution parameters of interior zone of high altitude highway tunnel based on lighting energy saving
Authors: Xie Wenjing , Wu Yue , Chen Mingyang , Li Qi , Wang Qianyue
Published: July 2020

According to the lighting energy-saving standards of plateau tunnels, the optimal lighting parameters in the middle segment of the highway tunnel is investigated under the conditions of plateau environment. With the minimum total power consumption as the target and the tunnel driving safety as the basic conditions, this article sets up parameter models of centerline layout, centerline sideways, symmetrical sides, and staggered sides in total 4 styles of distribution lights in tunnel interior zone. It is divided into different groups, each of which simulates 15 sets of parameters with different lamp spacing and compares the average luminance of different lamp forms and spacing conditions. The results show that: under the same spacing, the luminance of staggered sides arrangement is the highest, and the effect of centerline sideways is the worst. With the increase of the altitude, the safe lamp spacing decreases. The spacing of distribution lights in the middle section of the tunnel with the altitude of 2000m, 3000m, 4000m and 5000m is 47.5m, 42.5m, 37.5m and 35m respectively.
Research on BIM Virtual Technology based on CDIO Model in soil Mechanics of Application-oriented Universities
Authors: Pan Chonggen , Chen Keyu , Shen Xinyuan , Wang Wenjun , Zha Zhixiang , Peng Wei
Published: July 2020

As an important and basic course of civil engineering, soil mechanics has a wide range of contents and complex basic concepts, which puts forward higher requirements for students’ theoretical level besides theoretical mechanics, material mechanics, structural mechanics and other knowledge. Under the current background of new engineering, applied colleges and universities have put forward new requirements for engineering students. As a basic course of civil engineering, soil mechanics is of great significance to the training of students majoring in civil engineering. Aiming at some problems in soil mechanics education in recent years, based on CDIO mode, combined with the virtual simulation technology of BIM and the connotation of higher soil mechanics, the solutions are put forward in order to provide reference for the teaching reform of soil mechanics in colleges and universities.
Analysis and Calculation of Lining Water Pressure of High Water Pressure Karst Tunnel
Authors: Zhang Zhien , Huang Mingli , Wang Chenglin , Jiang Bo , Guan Qiang
Published: July 2020

Karst stratum is one of the most difficult geological conditions encountered in the process of tunnel construction. In addition to the risk of water and mud gushing during construction, there are also diseases such as leakage and cracking of lining structure caused by high water pressure. Based on the new Yuanliangshan tunnel project, this paper uses the analytical calculation method to study the influence of the change of tunnel seepage and water pressure on the water pressure behind the lining during the construction process, and draws a conclusion: increasing the thickness of the grouting ring and reducing the permeability coefficient of the grouting ring can reduce the seepage volume of the tunnel, and then reduce the water head behind the lining. The tunnel drainage and the water pressure behind the lining are linearly negative correlated. Based on the above study, it is suggested that the new Yuanliangshan tunnel adopt the grouting scheme of water blocking and drainage limiting to deal with the high water pressure in karst stratum. The thickness of grouting ring is 5m, which has the best water blocking effect and economic benefit, and can ensure the water pressure behind the lining is within its bearing range.
The Influence Of Different Grouting Methods On the Surface Environment Of Short Clear Distance Tunnel
Authors: Huang Mingli , Zou Changlei , Meng Zhaohui
Published: July 2020

Based on a four-line parallel short-clearance subway tunnel in Beijing, this paper takes the finite element method to thoroughly conduct research on the ground settlement caused by the parallel short-clearance tunnel construction. It simulates the effects of four types of reinforcement methods for deep hole grouting reinforcement, deep hole grouting and radial grouting reinforcement, reinforcement of anchor rods, and deep hole grouting reinforcement for tension anchor rods on ground settlement under different clearance conditions. The conclusions suggested that the effect of controlling the ground settlement decreased which proved that the reinforcement of tension anchors is the best, followed by deep hole grouting reinforcements. Grouting is better than radial supplementary grouting combined reinforcement. The surface settlement curve of the four-line parallel short clear-distance tunnel under the Grade VI surrounding rock is in the form of a single peak, as the maximum value shows near the center of No. 2 and No. 3 caves. The numerical simulation is consistent with the field measurement law, which shows that the finite element simulation calculation method is significant in predicting the influence of short clear distance tunnels on the ground settlement during construction
Study on the response mechanism of tunnel blasting dynamics and the spatial variation characteristics of the surrounding rock
Authors: Hu Qi-zhi , Zhang Rui , Gao Yong , Hong Chang-wei
Published: July 2020

The construction of the new Orfa drill explosion is the main method of tunneling in mountainous areas at present, and the vibration waves produced by blasting have a great influence on the deformation and stability of the surrounding rock. Based on the tunnel project at the Dalong Expressway in Guizhou, China, the vibration and deformation parameters of the surrounding rock in the blasting construction process are monitored, and the dynamic response mechanisms are studied. Simulations are carried out using the FLAC3D software, and actual measurements of the deformation of the surrounding rock are compared with the results from the numerical simulations. The results show that the blasting parameter is the key influencing factor that determines the blasting power effect. The maximum displacement of the surrounding rock under blasting action occurs in the vault. The displacement area can be divided into five affected regions that show obviously different displacement degrees, where more deformation occurs for surrounding rock that is located closer to the explosion source. Of the three investigated waveforms, all show decreased displacement with distance. However, the exponential load waveform can more effectively represent the spatial variability characteristics of the surrounding rock than the other two load waveforms, where the simulated deformations obtained with this waveform are similar to those of the actual working conditions.
Analysis on the Causes of Cracks in Curved Box Girder Bridges with Small Radius
Authors: Zhao Shuqing , Li Guofeng
Published: July 2020

At present, curved box girder bridges with small radius is widely used in modern highway and urban road interchange flyover, especially in the design of ramp bridge of interchange flyover. Taking the ramp of Liaoyang Road to Haier Road Flyover in Laoshan District of Qingdao as an example, this paper calculates and compares the first principal stress at different positions of typical cross-sections by elementary beam theory and numerical calculation theory, and analyzes the mechanical reasons for serious cracks in the bridge.
Research and Analysis of Civil Airport Cement Concrete Pavement Damage Condition Evaluation and Countermeasure
Authors: Su J , Zhou Z , Kong F , Lai Y , Zhang W
Published: July 2020

By investigating the civil airport cement concrete pavement conditions in different regions of China, this paper evaluates the damage condition and develops the main cause of some typical damages of airport pavement. In addition, this paper considers the ranking and previous solutions of some typical damages of airport pavement to provides suggestions to airport operators, organizers, and constructors regarding the timing, methodology, and investment decisions when dealing with airport runway damage.
Residual Anti-Explosion Performance of The Corrugated Blast Wall For Offshore Platforms after Explosion
Authors: Luo F , Yang D Q , Zhang S L
Published: July 2020

The study of multiple explosion resistance in offshore platform is important in the rescues of life and equipment. To evaluate residual anti-explosion performance of blast wall, numerical investigations are conducted suffering twice sequential blasts. Then comparison with analytical results under the single blast with the same impulse load is implemented. Results show that different from the single blast, the blast wall is bent as a fold after the second blast. There are three kinds of plastic hinge after the second blast due to the latent plastic hinge caused by the first blast. The prediction of residual ultimate resistance shows that additional plastic hinges strengthen the anti-explosion capability. The second blast evaluation is instructive to reinforce the structure and to set the passive plastic hinges
Research on Construction Technology of cast-in-situ bored pile under Complex Geological Conditions
Authors: Wu Y H , Zhou Z , Chen W Q , Liu S Y , Zhang B C , Huang H F
Published: July 2020

Under complex geological conditions, the use of rotary drilling rigs to excavate pile foundations to form holes, unfavorable factors such as silt and groundwater will bring problems such as deviated holes and collapsed holes. Research on construction technology is required to overcome these difficulties. In this paper, the technology of rotary excavation and hole formation in a thick seam and high groundwater area of a seashore is studied. The influence of mud parameters and drilling speed on the quality of hole formation is explored. An efficient drilling rate and an economical and reasonable mud parameters are obtained.
Application Research of BIM Technology in Bridge Reconstruction and Extension Engineering
Authors: Zhang Kechao , Jiang Kai , Yang Yong
Published: July 2020

Regarding the characteristics, engineering needs and technical difficulties of the Chuhe Bridge of the Hening Expressway Project, relying on the four-to-eight expansion project of the Hening Expressway, combined with modern information technologies such as BIM, big data, cloud computing, mobile Internet, etc. Virtual simulation and other technologies can solve the technical problems in the construction of expressway expansion projects, and directly serve the expansion project of Hening Expressway.
Risk Analysis and Protection Strategy of Coastal Urban Construction Project under Extreme Typhoon Climate -- A Case Study of Xiamen City
Authors: Deng Jianxun , Fang Sicheng , Lin Xu , Cai Peng
Published: July 2020

Typhoon is a tropical cyclone with a sustained wind speed ranging from 12 to 13. It is a kind of weather with serious damage. It is of great significance to study the characteristics and causes of disasters caused by super typhoon for disaster prevention and mitigation. Xiamen is located in the southeast coastal area of China, with dense population and developed economy, which is affected by typhoon all the year round. In 2016, the super typhoon “moranti” caused serious damage to the social economy and people’s safety in Xiamen. Based on the theory of natural disasters, this paper studies the causes of “moranti” disasters, mainly analyzes the situation, precipitation, wind power, social conditions, architectural design, social prevention and education from the perspective of the risk of the disaster factors and the vulnerability of the disaster bearing body, and finds that there are still many problems in building typhoon prevention in Xiamen. In order to reduce the loss of buildings in Xiamen area under the extreme typhoon environment as much as possible, the corresponding and feasible protective measures and improvement schemes are put forward.
Influencing factors of urban architectural style in China: A case study of Danzhou City, Hainan Province
Authors: Zhao Jine
Published: July 2020

The architectural style of each city is the result of a variety of factors. In the long run, the architectural style of a region is generally affected by natural factors, human factors and architectural technology factors. Namely: the impact of local special natural geographical conditions on the architectural design style; the requirements of local long history and culture and people’s living habits on the architectural design style; the promotion of architectural technology complying with the requirements of the times on the architectural design style. In this paper, Danzhou City carried out a systematic research and perfect style recognition. Based on the analysis of the identifiability, dominance, effectiveness and integrity of the investigated objects, the influencing factors of Danzhou architectural style are summarized. It also shows the remarkable characteristics of Danzhou City in urban space and architectural language.
Exploration and Practice of “Diversified and Interactive” Internship Assessment System for Accounting Majors Based on Mobile Intelligent Technology
Authors: FengYan Wang
Published: July 2020

This paper analyzes the practical dilemmas of the internship assessment system in universities, including unclear internship assessment goals, lack of transparency in the internship assessment process, lack of process records in internship assessment, inefficient and cumbersome collation of internship assessment data, etc. “Interactive and interactive” internship evaluation system can effectively solve these problems. The practice of accounting major has the characteristics of regional decentralization and strong skills. With the help of mobile intelligence technology, the diversity of internship assessment contents, the rationality of internship assessment standards and the diversity of assessment methods can be realized, and the purpose of practical knowledge construction can be achieved in thinking, cooperation, learning and exchange.
Analysis on the current situation and key problems of artificial island development in China
Authors: Zheng J , Pan C H , Yao W W , Mu J B , Zhao X
Published: July 2020

The artificial island is an important way to develop and utilize the resources of sea areas, islands, and mudflats. The land formed by it has increased artificial shoreline. It is the way of reclamation with advanced concepts in the world and has been paid more and more attention. Based on the investigation and analysis of the current situation of artificial island development in China, the key problems of artificial island development were analyzed. The exploitation of artificial islands can be divided into 4 categories: industrial production land, transportation place, tourism and entertainment place, and urban construction land of comprehensive utilization. The key issues in the development of artificial islands include the fundamental data, site selection, plane shape, foundation treatment, seawall design, ecological environmental impact, full consideration of extreme events and abundant funds. Site selection is the core of the key problems of artificial island development, which is mainly restricted by functional requirements and also influenced by natural conditions.
Research on optimization of traffic management and control measures for expressway emergency based on VISSIM simulation
Authors: Jiahui Li , Keman Wu , Yudian Li , Siyuan Hao , Yuhan Wan , Nale Zhao , Chengwu Jiao
Published: July 2020

With the continuous enhancement of China’s economic strength, the scale and quantity of expressway construction are constantly improving, and the expressway network has basically covered the whole country. With the rapid increase of the number of vehicles, the traffic pressure is also increasing, which poses a more serious challenge to keep the expressway unblocked. First, the increasing traffic pressure is very likely to lead to the occurrence of various emergencies. Second, the completely closed expressway and non-central city promote the emergence of an independent environment, which makes the expressway once an emergency, will have a very negative impact on the effective use of the expressway. Third, every single accident on the expressway will lead to serious traffic jam. At the same time, if the emergency rescue on the expressway is not properly implemented, it will not only bring all kinds of negative obstacles to people’s lives, but also seriously affect people’s property safety and social order stability. Therefore, the construction and improvement of the expressway emergency and related emergency rescue system has gradually become the focus of people’s attention. Traffic management and control under incident conditions is an important link in the emergency rescue system, so this paper conducts research on traffic management and control measures under emergency conditions. Expressway design phase, normally takes into account the traffic management and control measures, such as the location of the median opening, the location of the emergency rescue centre, and the traffic organization mode. However, in-depth research should be carried out to ensure its rationality. This paper takes as an example of an expressway in our country, based on VISSIM simulation technology, quantitative analysis was carried out on the design phase of the traffic management and control measures, provide the basis for the optimization of traffic management and control measures. The evaluation method proposed in this paper is universal, and other expressways can also use this method to evaluate the effectiveness of traffic management and control measures in the design stage.
Research on the Personnel Shelter Location and Evacuation Route Model Planning under Emergent Events
Authors: Sun Xuan , Chen Yi-zhou , Zhan Zi-na
Published: July 2020

Based on the reaction lag of emergency response, inadequate emergency rescue capacity and unreasonable emergency supply allocation and shelter location, it was of great significance to study the reasonable shelter locations and rapid evacuation route under major emergencies for the purpose of disaster prevention and mitigation. The Voronoi diagram partition method was carried out to determine the optimal layout and rational allocation of settlements based on the influence mode of emergency events and characteristics of personnel transfer and settlement, as well as the transfer distance impedance value was 2000 m. The possible population capacity of the settlement was used as weight of settlement planning selection, and a nonlinear full coverage solution model of settlements with shortest path was established. The solution method of the escape route for rapid personnel transfer under major emergencies was proposed to which according to the personnel settlement layout optimization model. Based on the poison gas diffusion simulation particle model and the risk assessment model of road section disaster of the cellular automaton, the path solving system of multi-source concurrent gas leakage and rapid diffusion of toxic gas under complex wind field conditions and dynamic prediction were also developed to predict disaster changes over time and provide technical support for early planning to avoid disasters and rapid personnel transfer.
Research on Micro-renewal Design Strategy of MengZhui Bay Block in Chengdu Old City
Authors: Mei Wu , Shaoying Zhang
Published: July 2020

With the continuous expansion of the city, the significance of the regional characteristic culture reflected in the traditional streets space has become increasingly prominent for urban space. Therefore, the renovation of traditional residential streets is of great significance in the urban space repair work. This article takes the current challenges of residential streets in the old city as research issues, and through field investigations and case studies, constructs a set of design strategies suitable for the micro-renewal of traditional houses in the old city of Chengdu.
The practical dilemma and reform path of university-enterprise collaborative education for Auditing major in the Big Data Era
Authors: Hua Feng
Published: July 2020

Based on the demand of applied audit talents in the Big Data Era, the paper puts forward the reform path of university-enterprise collaborative education mode for Auditing major through the analysis of the practical dilemma of the mode. By continuously deepening the connotation and extension of university-enterprise cooperation, the government, enterprises and universities can achieve all-round and high-quality cooperation in professional construction, personnel training and other aspects.
Landscape construction of urban wetland park based on ecological aesthetics research
Authors: Shaoying Zhang , Mei Wu
Published: July 2020

According to the relevant theoretical research of landscape ecological aesthetics, landscape construction in urban wetlands will be analyzed. The ecological aesthetic framework constructed on this basis can be used to understand the development status and research significance. By combing the relevant concepts, theories about the major ecological aesthetics will be part of the concern. These will be used to construct a theoretical framework for landscape construction. Proceed from the awakening of ecological aesthetic consciousness to explore the beauty of natural ecological balance and the construction of human ecological beauty. On this basis, it puts forward a harmonious view of ecological aesthetics and looking for various connections between people and landscape elements in ecological aesthetics. These will be used to emphasize the complexities of natural aesthetics and the construction of urban wetland landscape ecological aesthetics.
Collision Risk Analysis of Design for Traffic Signal Phasing-Sequence at Signalized Intersection
Authors: Ma Guosheng , Zhao Hantao , Chen Qi , Leng Junqiang
Published: July 2020

To improve the traffic safety at the two-phase intersection, collision risk value between the left-turn vehicle and the straight vehicle in the opposite direction could be used to judge their order. Based on the safety and risk, this method analyzed the process of conflict, modified the operating parameters and then collision risk analysis model was proposed. In the paper, one practical example was given. The result shows that the method can be applied to design the signal phasing-sequence of traffic at signalized intersection, which not only improve safety theory but also provide the theoretical basis for security information service.
Comparative Research on Control Index of Urban Industrial Lands
Authors: He Zhimin
Published: July 2020

Because of the shortage of industrial lands, the control index of industrial lands is being worked out all over China. Three main compiling methods: statistical analysis method, techno-economic analysis method and analogy analysis method, were discussed. The Z-value method was used to compare four key indicators from the technical standards of industrial lands in six cities of China, as plot ratio, investment intensity of fixed assets, land output rate and land tax output rate. It shows the relationship between control index and industrial characteristics, and providing basis for formulation of industrial lands control index.
2D Hydraulic modelling of the main urban area of Chongqing, Part 1: model building and calibration
Authors: Ge Hua , Deng Chunyan
Published: July 2020

The main urban area of Chongqing reach is located at the fluctuating backwater area of the Three Gorges reservoi. The operation of the reservoir has a significant impact on the erosion and deposition of this reach, not only the total amount and scope, but also the period in one year. In this paper, a two-dimensional hydraulic mathematical model was built in order to simulate the sediment deposition in this reach. The calibration was carried out by using some series of field data to provide the accurate parameters, such as roughness, sediment capacity. And values of roughness, coefficient and index of sediment carrying capacity, saturation coefficient of deposition and erosion are suggested after the calibration.
Realising superoscillations: A review of mathematical tools and their application
Authors: Rogers K S , Rogers E T F
Published: July 2020

Superoscillations are making a growing impact on an ever-increasing number of real-world applications, as early theoretical analysis has evolved into wide experimental realisation. This is particularly true in optics: the first application area to have extensively embraced superoscillations, with much recent growth. This review provides a tool for anyone planning to expand the boundaries in an application where superoscillations have already been used, or to apply superoscillations to a new application. By reviewing the mathematical methods for constructing superoscillations, including their considerations and capabilities, we lay out the options for anyone wanting to construct a device that uses superoscillations. Superoscillations have inherent trade-offs: as the size of spot reduces, its relative intensity decreases as high-energy sidebands appear. Different methods provide solutions for optimising different aspects of these trade-offs, to suit different purposes. Despite numerous technological ways of realising superoscillations, the mathematical methods can be categorised into three approaches: direct design of superoscillatory functions, design of pupil filters and design of superoscillatory lenses. This categorisation, based on mathematical methods, is used to highlight the transferability of methods between applications. It also highlights areas for future theoretical development to enable the scientific and technological boundaries to be pushed even further in real-world applications.
Preservative or Transformative? Theorizing the U.K. Constitution Using Comparative Method
Authors: Eric Khushal Murkens Jo
Published: July 2020

The complexities of the United Kingdom’s decision to withdraw from the European Union while simultaneously honoring its prior commitments to its decentralized, autonomous, and constituent regions have put constitutional questions back on the map. The dominant approach analyzes these questions premised on the “preservative” view of the constitution. This view prioritizes the stability and continuity of the institutions in Westminster (Parliament) and Whitehall (central executive). However, the preservative view of the constitution is theoretically and practically deficient as it cannot give an account of the multipolar and decentralized developments of the past twenty years. Another interpretation regards the legal and political changes to the constitution as “transformative.” This view accentuates the fragility of the U.K. constitution due to a plurality of constitutional rules and the ongoing processes of devolution of powers within multilevel systems of government. This Article discusses that evolution of the U.K. constitution through the prism of comparative constitutional law and its appropriate methodology. The preservative model of the constitution favors a universalist method, whereas the transformative model requires a contextualist method. I argue that the experience of supranational (European Union) and infranational (devolution) power sharing has fundamentally altered the United Kingdom’s central constitutional concepts. To stabilize its fragmentary forces, the United Kingdom needs to adopt concepts that reflect the state as divided, the constitution as transitional, sovereignty as an attribute of the state rather than Parliament, and democracy as conflicted. Nothing less than the future of the United Kingdom as a state is at stake.
Cuing Prospective Memory With Smartphone-Based Calendars in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: El Haj Mohamad , Moustafa Ahmed A , Gallouj Karim , Allain Philippe
Published: July 2020

Objectives

We investigated the effect of using smartphone-based calendars (Google and Outlook Calendar) on prospective memory in Alzheimer’s disease (AD).

Methods

we recruited two groups of participants with mild AD. In one group, prospective memory was cued by a paper-and-pencil calendar, whereas in the second group prospective memory was cued by a smartphone calendar application. After 2 weeks of training to familiarize the participants with calendar use, we invited participants to perform three prospective events per week (e.g., remembering to go to the grocery store) during a 3-week period. Events were cued either by the paper- or smartphone-based calendar.

Results

we observed fewer omissions of prospective events in the smartphone-based calendar group than in the paper-based calendar group.

Conclusions

our study suggests positive effects of smartphone calendar applications on prospective memory in AD.
Enlighten2: molecular dynamics simulations of protein–ligand systems made accessible
Authors: Zinovjev Kirill , van der Kamp Marc W
Published: July 2020

Motivation

Experimental structural data can allow detailed insight into protein structure and protein–ligand interactions, which is crucial for many areas of bioscience, including drug design and enzyme engineering. Typically, however, little more than a static picture of protein–ligand interactions is obtained, whereas dynamical information is often required for deeper understanding and to assess the effect of mutations. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations can provide such information, but setting up and running these simulations is not straightforward and requires expert knowledge. There is thus a need for a tool that makes protein–ligand simulation easily accessible to non-expert users.

Results

We present Enlighten2: efficient simulation protocols for protein–ligand systems alongside a user-friendly plugin to the popular visualization program PyMOL. With Enlighten2, non-expert users can straightforwardly run and visualize MD simulations on protein–ligand models of interest. There is no need to learn new programs and all underlying tools are free and open source.

Availability and implementation

The Enlighten2 Python package and PyMOL plugin are free to use under the GPL3.0 licence and can be found at https://enlighten2.github.io. We also provide a lightweight Docker image via DockerHub that includes Enlighten2 with all the required utilities.
Co-sparse reduced-rank regression for association analysis between imaging phenotypes and genetic variants
Authors: Wen Canhong , Ba Hailong , Pan Wenliang , Huang Meiyan ,   the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: July 2020

Motivation

The association analysis between genetic variants and imaging phenotypes must be carried out to understand the inherited neuropsychiatric disorders via imaging genetic studies. Given the high dimensionality in imaging and genetic data, traditional methods based on massive univariate regression entail large computational cost and disregard many-to-many correlations between phenotypes and genetic variants. Several multivariate imaging genetic methods have been proposed to alleviate the above problems. However, most of these methods are based on the l1 penalty, which might cause the over-selection of variables and thus mislead scientists in analyzing data from the field of neuroimaging genetics.

Results

To address these challenges in both statistics and computation, we propose a novel co-sparse reduced-rank regression model that identifies complex correlations in a dimensional reduction manner. We developed an iterative algorithm based on a group primal dual-active set formulation to detect simultaneously important genetic variants and imaging phenotypes efficiently and precisely via non-convex penalty. The simulation studies showed that our method achieved accurate and stable performance in parameter estimation and variable selection. In real application, the proposed approach successfully detected several novel Alzheimer’s disease-related genetic variants and regions of interest, which indicate that our method may be a valuable statistical toolbox for imaging genetic studies.

Availability and implementation

The R package csrrr, and the code for experiments in this article is available in Github: https://github.com/hailongba/csrrr.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Beta-2 microglobulin and all-cause mortality in the era of high-flux hemodialysis: results from the Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study
Authors: Kanda Eiichiro , Muenz Daniel , Bieber Brian , Cases Aleix , Locatelli Francesco , Port Friedrich K , Pecoits-Filho Roberto , Robinson Bruce M , Perl Jeffrey
Published: July 2020

Background

Beta-2 microglobulin (β2M) accumulates in hemodialysis (HD) patients, but its consequences are controversial, particularly in the current era of high-flux dialyzers. High-flux HD treatment improves β2M removal, yet β2M and other middle molecules may still contribute to adverse events. We investigated patient factors associated with serum β2M, evaluated trends in β2M levels and in hospitalizations due to dialysis-related amyloidosis (DRA), and estimated the effect of β2M on mortality.

Methods

We studied European and Japanese participants in the Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study. Analysis of DRA-related hospitalizations spanned 1998–2018 (n = 23 976), and analysis of β2M and mortality in centers routinely measuring β2M spanned 2011–18 (n = 5332). We evaluated time trends with linear and Poisson regression and mortality with Cox regression.

Results

Median β2M changed nonsignificantly from 2.71 to 2.65 mg/dL during 2011–18 (P = 0.87). Highest β2M tertile patients (>2.9 mg/dL) had longer dialysis vintage, higher C-reactive protein and lower urine volume than lowest tertile patients (≤2.3 mg/dL). DRA-related hospitalization rates [95% confidence interval (CI)] decreased from 1998 to 2018 from 3.10 (2.55–3.76) to 0.23 (0.13–0.42) per 100 patient-years. Compared with the lowest β2M tertile, adjusted mortality hazard ratios (95% CI) were 1.16 (0.94–1.43) and 1.38 (1.13–1.69) for the middle and highest tertiles. Mortality risk increased monotonically with β2M modeled continuously, with no indication of a threshold.

Conclusions

DRA-related hospitalizations decreased over 10-fold from 1998 to 2018. Serum β2M remains positively associated with mortality, even in the current high-flux HD era.
Dietary potassium and the kidney: lifesaving physiology
Authors: Wei Kuang-Yu , Gritter Martin , Vogt Liffert , de Borst Martin H , Rotmans Joris I , Hoorn Ewout J
Published: July 2020

Potassium often has a negative connotation in Nephrology as patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are prone to develop hyperkalaemia. Approaches to the management of chronic hyperkalaemia include a low potassium diet or potassium binders. Yet, emerging data indicate that dietary potassium may be beneficial for patients with CKD. Epidemiological studies have shown that a higher urinary potassium excretion (as proxy for higher dietary potassium intake) is associated with lower blood pressure (BP) and lower cardiovascular risk, as well as better kidney outcomes. Considering that the composition of our current diet is characterized by a high sodium and low potassium content, increasing dietary potassium may be equally important as reducing sodium. Recent studies have revealed that dietary potassium modulates the activity of the thiazide-sensitive sodium-chloride cotransporter in the distal convoluted tubule (DCT). The DCT acts as a potassium sensor to control the delivery of sodium to the collecting duct, the potassium-secreting portion of the kidney. Physiologically, this allows immediate kaliuresis after a potassium load, and conservation of potassium during potassium deficiency. Clinically, it provides a novel explanation for the inverse relationship between dietary potassium and BP. Moreover, increasing dietary potassium intake can exert BP-independent effects on the kidney by relieving the deleterious effects of a low potassium diet (inflammation, oxidative stress and fibrosis). The aim of this comprehensive review is to link physiology with clinical medicine by proposing that the same mechanisms that allow us to excrete an acute potassium load also protect us from hypertension, cardiovascular disease and CKD.
Microbial Butyrate Synthesis Indicates Therapeutic Efficacy of Azathioprine in IBD Patients
Authors: Effenberger M , Reider S , Waschina S , Bronowski C , Enrich B , Adolph T E , Koch R , Moschen A R , Rosenstiel P , Aden K , Tilg H
Published: July 2020

Background and Aims

The microbial ecosystem seems to be an important player for therapeutic intervenption in inflammatory bowel disease [IBD]. We assessed longitudinal microbiome changes in IBD patients undergoing therapy with either azathioprine [AZA] or anti-tumour necrosis factor [anti-TNF] antibodies. We predicted the metabolic microbial community exchange and linked it to clinical outcome.

Methods

Faecal and blood samples were collected from 65 IBD patients at baseline and after 12 and 30 weeks on therapy. Clinical remission was defined as Crohn’s Disease Activity Index [CDAI] < 150 in Crohn´s disease [CD], partial Mayo score <2 in ulcerative colitis [UC], and faecal calprotectin values <150 µg/g and C-reactive protein <5 mg/dl. 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing was performed. To predict microbial community metabolic processes, we constructed multispecies genome-scale metabolic network models.

Results

Paired Bray-Curtis distance between baseline and follow-up time points was significantly different for UC patients treated with anti-TNF antibodies. Longitudinal changes in taxa composition at phylum level showed a significant decrease of Proteobacteria and an increase of Bacteroidetes in CD patients responding to both therapies. At family level, Lactobacilli were associated with persistent disease and Bacteroides abundance with remission in CD. In-silico simulations of microbial metabolite exchange predicted a 1.7-fold higher butyrate production capacity of patients in remission compared with patients without remission [p = 0.041]. In this model, the difference in butyrate production between patients in remission and patients without remission was most pronounced in the CD group treated with AZA [p = 0.008].

Conclusions

In-silico simulation identifies microbial butyrate synthesis predictive of therapeutic efficacy in IBD.
Atrial fibrillation and the risk of ischaemic strokes or intracranial haemorrhages: comparisons of the catheter ablation, medical therapy, and non-atrial fibrillation population
Authors: Kim Min , Yu Hee Tae , Kim JongYoun , Kim Tae-Hoon , Uhm Jae-Sun , Joung Boyoung , Lee Moon-Hyoung , Pak Hui-Nam
Published: July 2020

Aims 

Although atrial fibrillation (AF) catheter ablation (AFCA) is an effective rhythm control strategy, there is limited data on whether ischaemic stroke (IS) or intracranial haemorrhage (ICH) decreases after AFCA compared with medical therapy or non-AF population. We explored the IS and ICH risk after AFCA or medical therapy in the AF population and matched non-AF population.

Methods and results 

We compared 1629 patients with AFCA (Yonsei AF ablation cohort), 3258 with medical therapy [Korean National Health Insurance (NHIS) database], and 3258 non-AF subjects (NHIS database) following a 1:2:2 propensity score matching. All AFCA patients underwent regular rhythm follow-ups for 51 ± 29 months. Among the AFCA group, the incidence rate ratio (IRR) of ISs was significantly higher in patients with sustained AF recurrences after the last ablation (0.87%) than in those remaining in sinus rhythm (0.24%, P = 0.017; log rank P = 0.003). The IRR of ISs was significantly higher in the medical therapy (1.09%) than AFCA (0.30%, P < 0.001, log rank P < 0.001 vs. medical therapy) or non-AF groups (0.34%, P < 0.001, log rank P < 0.001 vs. medical therapy; P = 0.673, log rank P = 0.874 vs. AFCA). The IRR of ICHs was 0.17% in the medical therapy, 0.06% in the AFCA (P = 0.023, log rank P = 0.042 vs. medical therapy), and 0.12% in the non-AF group (P = 0.226, log rank P = 0.241 vs. medical therapy; P = 0.172, log rank P = 0.193 vs. AFCA).

Conclusion 

Post-procedural AF control influences the risk of ISs. Atrial fibrillation catheter ablation significantly reduces the risk of both ISs and ICHs to the extent of the non-AF population compared to the medical therapy.
Rupture kinematics of 2020 January 24 Mw 6.7 Doğanyol-Sivrice, Turkey earthquake on the East Anatolian Fault Zone imaged by space geodesy
Authors: Melgar Diego , Ganas Athanassios , Taymaz Tuncay , Valkaniotis Sotiris , Crowell Brendan W , Kapetanidis Vasilis , Tsironi Varvara , Yolsal-Çevikbilen Seda , Öcalan Taylan
Published: July 2020

Here, we present the results of a kinematic slip model of the 2020 Mw 6.7 Doğanyol-Sivrice, Turkey Earthquake, the most important event in the last 50 yr on the East Anatolian Fault Zone. Our slip model is constrained by two Sentinel-1 interferograms and by 5 three-component high-rate GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) recordings close to the earthquake source. We find that most of the slip occurs predominantly in three regions, two of them at between 2 and 10 km depth and a deeper slip region extending down to 20 km depth. We also relocate the first two weeks of aftershocks and find a distribution of events that agrees with these slip features. The HR-GNSS recordings suggest a predominantly unilateral rupture with the effects of a directivity pulse clearly seen in the waveforms and in the measure peak ground velocities. The slip model supports rupture propagation from northeast to southwest at a relatively slow speed of 2.2 km s−1 and a total source duration of ∼20 s. In the absence of near-source seismic stations, space geodetic data provide the best constraint on the spatial distribution of slip and on its time evolution.
The effect of individual counseling intervention on health practices in pregnancy: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Sezer Gozde , Sen Selma
Published: July 2020

This research was carried out to determine the effect of individual counseling intervention on health practices in pregnancy. This research is a single-blind randomized controlled experimental and follow-up design. Population of the research consisted of 126 pregnant women in total, with 64 of them being in the training group and 64 being in the control group. The research data were collected by using a ‘Pregnant Identifying Information Form’ and ‘Health Practices in Pregnancy Questionnaire (HPQ)’. In this research, it was found that there was no significant difference in total score average of the HPQ before the individual counseling training between the pregnant women in the training and control groups (P > 0.05). It was also determined that there was a statistically significant difference in total score average of the HPQ after the individual counseling training during the second trimester between the two groups (P < 0.05). It was determined that there was a statistically significant difference in total score average of the HPQ during the third trimester between two groups (P < 0.05). It has been determined that the training provided with individual counseling to pregnant women is an effective initiative in increasing the health practices of pregnant women.