bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Green Spice for the Megacity and Urbanization
Authors: Zaykova Elena
Published: July 2020

The project novelty of the world’s urban development trends is associated with new approaches to the organization of the modern human life environment. Issues of integrated development of territories with the organization of different types of public spaces in the natural environment are solved at different urban planning levels. Residential and office clusters with new forms of socio-cultural and recreational scenarios represent a modern design in which objects do not have visible borders between nature, architecture and the human environment. This is a new type of hybridization of a building with an environment where nature and technology, education and entertainment, history and modernity combine and complement each other. On the other hand, increasing risks on the planet from floods, hurricanes, fires and droughts force specialists to adapt to these changes and learn how to control them through new design technologies. Therefore, the emergence of “hybrid objects, blocks and spaces” is not accidental and is associated with a change in perceptions about the level of environmental sustainability and comfort of living for people of different ages and social status in large cities. Depending on the social order and location in different parts of the city, hybrid facilities have a strong impact on environmental change when using green building technologies and offer citizens a variety of activities in a harmonized environment. They have a powerful scientific resource in working on the aesthetics and ecology of the city, as their typological structure affects the indicators of environmental sustainability by forming a new green and blue infrastructure of the city. Due to the high interest of specialists, hybrid objects and spaces deserve careful study, as they affect not only the quality of the urban environment when using the tools and technologies of architecture, landscape and design, but also the issues of urban management and climate change in the near future.
Indoor Air Quality and Thermal Comfort: An investigation in office buildings in Hanoi, Danang and Ho Chi Minh City
Authors: Thi Hai Ha Pham , Thi Khanh Phuong Nguyen , Thanh Trung Nguyen , Loi To Thi
Published: July 2020

Thermal comfort and air quality are basic factors of indoor environment. In office buildings, poor indoor air quality (IAQ) and low thermal comfort level may negatively affect occupants’ health and performance and eventually causes Sick Building Syndrome (SBS). In this research, the IAQ and thermal comfort were examined at a number of office buildings in the three Vietnamese cities of Hanoi (North), Danang (Central) and Ho Chi Minh City (South), which aims to assess the quality of indoor environment of office buildings in Vietnam. The results showed that the design and operation scheme play an important role for the achievement of the indoor air quality and thermal comfort. The collected data from field measurement and survey are expected to be concrete scientific basis for the revision of current standards and development of new standards in air quality of office buildings
Combined system development of heat ventilation air condition temperature control by fuzzy logic controller
Authors: Surin Vladislav , Troyanovsky Yan , Maskaev Dmitry , Tarasenko Ilya , Boldin Mikhail
Published: July 2020

This paper presents the development of combined model, which describes the temperature control process of an automated heat ventilation air condition system based on fuzzy logic algorithms and methods. This model solves the problem of hydraulic systems excessive inertia, what directly affects the quality of regulation. The operation principle of the system and its advantages, which consist in obtaining high-quality transients for the parameters of static error and transient process time, are presented. Proposed control principle allows to increase the system performance improving the quality of temperature parameters regulation. Model was developed in Matlab Simulink using FuzzyLogicToolbox.
Methods for evaluating the effectiveness of the object management system
Authors: Chelyshkov Pavel , Khripko Tatiana
Published: July 2020

Evaluation of the effectiveness of systems lifecycle management the object of capital construction (further – Department) is a mechanism that allows objectively to determine the attainability of the goals and objectives of the project (hereinafter – project) as a whole and each of its stages, the efficiency of the organization and implementation of the project in the context of the rational use of resources. In accordance with the life cycle of a capital construction object is the period during which engineering surveys, design, construction (including conservation), operation (including current and major repairs), reconstruction, and demolition of a capital construction object are carried out. Performance assessment is an important element in the development of project and planning decisions that allows you to determine the level of development and progressiveness of the current management structure, projects being developed, and is carried out in order to select the most rational version of the management structure or how to improve it using the selected evaluation criteria. The set of performance evaluation parameters used for solving a specific task is determined based on the project specifics and the required technical and economic indicators. Methods of multivariate statistical analysis and multi-criteria evaluation were considered to assess the effectiveness of management systems. The essential point is the presence of a range of common parameters. This research can be used in the development of information systems in construction, as well as in investment and construction organizations to audit the quality of the management system and its segments.
Attractiveness and Livability in New Urban Areas of Hanoi: When Their Public Spaces Are ‘Socialized’
Authors: Tran M T , Chu N H , Phan T H , Nguyen T H , Pham T M L
Published: July 2020

After 1986, by economic reform institution and the end of State subsidization in housing development, the model of KDTMs (Khu Do Thi Moi - new urban area) is the result of transferring the housing supply part to the private sector, referred to as ‘socialization’, which has come to imply the individualization of responsibilities and the privatization of public goods. This model has shown a marked change in the ideology of creating neighborhood-level public spaces, in order to increase the attractiveness and competition in the real estate market. Perhaps this transfer is justified in the context of restricting the government’s public funding to establish and maintain urban public spaces as well as the real need to create the attractiveness and livability of the KDTM project. Public spaces in KDTMs bear the additional economic role, creating a trinary political-economic-social system. The KDTM project owner has the role of promoting the creation of the public space system but has also given additional forms of ownership and management. The use of public spaces is divided into different levels bringing many identity creative imprints according to the context of each project. The process of socializing public spaces in KDTMs redefined the nature of public spaces in Vietnam’s urban residential areas.
Water-resistant gypsum expanded-clay concrete technology
Authors: Panchenko Alexander , Kharchenko Igor
Published: July 2020

The results of studies on the technology of preparation and hardening of the expanded-clay concrete under various conditions, prepared on the basis of a water-resistance complex gypsum binder (CGB), are presented. It is shown that CGB-based expanded-clay concrete can be used to erect the outer walls of residential and civil buildings. The optimal preparation methods and temperature and humidity conditions for hardening water-resistance CGB-based expanded-clay concrete are given.
Development of polymer putty with biocidal properties using chitosan
Authors: Lobanov Saveliy , Pustovgar Andrey , Gulshin Igor
Published: July 2020

The article presents the results of studies on the effect of chitosan additives on the biocidal properties of polymer putty for interior decoration.
Dynamics of hydraulic resistance in the zone of constraint of the riverbed
Authors: Maalem Nureddin , Begmatov Ilkhom , Khasanov Khojiakbar , Kahharov Uktam , Khidirov Sanat
Published: July 2020

The article is devoted to the analysis of the dynamics of the morphometric parameters of the river channel and the hydraulic parameters of the flow under constrained conditions. The Kipchak hydraulic track located in the lower reaches of the Amu Darya River, constrained by the pontoon bridge, is characterized by intensive channel processes. The dynamics of the hydraulic resistance of the channel depending on the flow during the periods of observation in a confined section of the river has a wide range of 0.045 to 0.068, with a change in the roughness of the channel within 0.0195 to 0.065. The calculated values of the flow rates, taking into account the inhibitory effect of the river banks, gave a satisfactory agreement with the measured ones, the hydraulic resistance of the channel, depending on the value of this parameter, varied within 0.045 to 0.068 with the dynamics of the Chezy coefficient from 27 to 67 m0.5 / s
Using Solar Energy for Autonomous Water Supply to Communities
Authors: Mironov Victor , Ivanyushin Yuriy , Zhernakov Evgeniy , Aksenov Boris , Mironov Dmitriy
Published: July 2020

Global water consumption grow steadily. In regions with a shortage of fresh water, its production is accompanied by a significant expenditure of energy, as a rule, it is a burning of hydrocarbon fuels. This factor has a negative impact on the environment. The aim of this work is to develop an energy-efficient “green” technology for the desalination of seawater and the production of fresh water from contaminated sources, through its forced evaporation with subsequent condensation of moisture. The process of obtaining fresh water is due to pre-saturated air in a closed thermodynamic cycle. The paper presents the thermal balance of modular installations. To increase the insolation power per unit area, it is possible to use various centers of solar energy. Experimental studies and a comparison of the performance of two variants of desalination plants in water with each other and with theoretically possible productivity were carried out. The productivity of the technologies is sufficient for the autonomous supply of drinking water to individual settlements and for the cultivation of plant foods by the hydroponic method.
Some aspects of ecological assessment of urbanized territories
Authors: Akanov Alexander , Belov Vyasheslav , Martianova Ekaterina
Published: July 2020

At the moment, the concept of safe handling of household waste, including its processing is being implemented all over the world. However, there is no assessment of the development of urban areas with high population density in terms of household waste disposal. Regulatory information is outdated, and integrated development does not consider possible measures to reduce waste generation and waste disposal management. Information about the actual volume of waste generated for certain areas of complex development in Moscow is provided. The relationship between technical signals and integrated education and the actual volume of waste generation. The data on the assessment of complex structures for urban areas with a high population density are presented.
Numerical and experimental assessment of frequencies and amplitudes when swirling excitation of bending vibrations of construction structures
Authors: Ageev Nikita , Poddaeva Olga , Fedosova Anastasia , Egorychev Oleg
Published: July 2020

In the paper a numerical simulation of the unsteady flow around a quasi-two-dimensional stationary model based on RANS methods that are closed by the SST turbulence model was performed. After that, the amplitudes and frequencies of the aerodynamic forces were estimated, then the speed of the appearance of the resonance of the structure was searched and the amplitudes were calculated. A comparison is made with the data of experimental modeling. To eliminate the contradiction between the experimental data and the results of numerical modeling using RANS methods, oscillations were also considered within the framework of the vortex-resolving approaches LES and DES. It is shown that the technique of modeling a quasi-two-dimensional compartment allows one to quickly obtain a result that qualitatively and in order of magnitude corresponds to experimental data, but cannot provide a quantitative result. To ensure quantitative estimates, it is necessary to carry out physical modeling in wind tunnels or design studies with high spatial and temporal resolution based on modern eddy-resolving methods of computational aerodynamics.
Anchorage strength and ductility at various loading conditions
Authors: Shuvalov Aleksandr , Gorbunov Igor , Kovalev Mikhail
Published: July 2020

Article shows results of anchor pullout tests for two types of anchors: bent foundation anchor bolt and torque-controlled undercut anchor. Effective embedment depth is determined during research for bent anchors 16, 24 and 36 mm in diameter. Tests were carried out for 37 specimens with different embedment depth in a range from 150 to 650 mm. Load-displacement diagrams for static and cyclic dynamic pullout tests in uncracked and cracked concrete were acquired. Cyclic loading pattern simulated seismic loads. Test results for undercut anchors with diameter of 12, 16 and 20 mm and embedment depth of 125, 190 and 250 mm respectively allowed to estimate the influence of cracks in concrete and cyclic loads on ductility of anchor during pullout tests. It is stated that embedment depth required by regulatory documents for bent anchor bolt is higher than admissible embedment depth acquired in tests as a result of comparative analysis of design and optimal anchor bolt structure.
Analysis and Selection of Creep Models for Concrete Structures in Tropical Regions
Authors: Nguyen Trong-Ha , Tran Ngoc-Long , Phan Van-Phuc
Published: July 2020

There are a number of models for predicting concrete creep behaviour such as models proposed in RILEM - B3, EN 19921-1-:2004, SABS 0100-1; MC -10… The existence of these different models for concrete creep analysis is resulted from the dependence of creep characteristics on many factors, including internal factors and external factors. Each model is therefore suitable for a specific condition. This study aims to analyse the creep models of concrete given in some concrete standards. Characteristics and scope of application of each model were clarified. These models were then applied to calculate concrete creep based experimental results on long-term deformation of reinforced concrete column sample in Viet Nam. A method of determining concrete creep coefficients was also established in this study. Compare the concrete creep coefficient calculated from the above methods and the results of the experiment to select the expected model. The results show that models ACI 209-2008 and EN 1992-2004 were the most suitable ones for applying in Vietnamese conditions. We recommend using these models for creep analysis of concrete in Viet Nam and in tropical climate.
Experimental Studies of Steel Beams Reinforced with Carbon Plastic Composites
Authors: Shchurov Evgeniy , Tusnin Alexander
Published: July 2020

When reinforcing metal structures, an increase of bearing capacity is achieved due to inclusion in operation which assume part of the current load. Most often, such an element is a rolling corner, channel, pipe, or steel strip. As an alternative, carbon fiber composite elements may be used for reinforcement. In this case the reinforcement element is best performed from a carbon fiber lamel. Lamel can be used as reinforcement of steel structures working both for tension and bending. When reinforcing the bending elements, the carbon fiber lamel is glued to the stretched side of the beam. The article presents the test results of beams reinforced with carbon fiber. Experimental samples are made of square steel pipes with a section of 50x3 mm, length of 1000 mm. Reinforcement is performed by carbon fiber lamel with section of 25x1.2 mm, which is glued with two-component glue. The choice of parameters of the investigated construction is due to the characteristics of the test equipment. Samples cut from the steel pipe were pre-tested to determine the mechanical characteristics of the steel. Also, the properties of the carbon fiber lamel were clarified by the tests of the samples. When evaluating the experimental load, were used the previously obtained data on the lamel inclusion in the work before the exhaustion of the strength of the adhesive layer. Method of carrying out tests of reinforced beam is presented, test installation, used equipment and step-by-step progress of experiment is described. Analysis of the experimental data showed a significant effect of the gain on the bearing capacity of the beam. It has been found that due to reinforcement of carbon fiber, beam strength increases in comparison with elastic stage of operation by 9-17%.
Using nondestructive methods for determination types of rebar splices
Authors: Korgin Andrey , Ermakov Valentin , Zeyd Kilani L.Z.
Published: July 2020

The article considers the types of rebar splices in reinforced concrete building structures. Examples of couplers and lap splices of reinforcing bars with a diameter of 20 mm are given. The main task of the work is to analyze the results of tomographic studies of various concreted splices. The studies were performed using the MIRA A1040 low-frequency ultrasound tomograph. Conclusions about the possibility of using the ultrasonic method to determine the types of splices were made.
To the theory of bending and oscillations of three-layered plates with a compressible filler
Authors: Usarov Makhamatali , Salokhiddinov Abdulkhakim , Usarov D M , Khazratkulov Islomjon , Dremova Nadejda
Published: July 2020

The paper is devoted to improving the theory of bending and vibrations of three-layer plates with transverse compressible filler and thin outer bearing layers. For the outer layers, the Kirchhoff-Love hypothesis is accepted and the motion of their points is described by the equations of the theory of thin plates relative to forces and moments. Unlikebearinglayers, a filler is considered as a three-dimensional body that does not obey any simplifying hypotheses. The equations of the bimoment theory of thick plates with respect to forces, moments and bimoments, created in the framework of the three-dimensional theory of elasticity, taking into account the nonlinearity of the distribution law of displacements and stresses over the thickness, are taken as the equations of motion of the filler. Expressions of forces, moments, and bimoments in the layers, as well as boundary conditions at the edges of a three-layer plate with respect to force factors are given. In the conjugate zones of the layers, the complete contact conditions for the continuity of displacements and stresses are set. An example is considered and numerical results are obtained.
On the probability determination of the reliability of a technosphere object under hazardous influence
Authors: Gvozdev Evgeny
Published: July 2020

The use of various criteria characteristics included in the content of deterministic, statistical and probabilistic approaches is shown in this article for determination the indicators of safe permissible conditions of buildings (structures). A feature of assessing the reliability of buildings (structures) for their operation under additional loads (explosions, fires, vibration processes) is the determination of an indicator of a given safety margin and its stability under possible realized effects. The aim of the study is to develop an approach to determine the reliability indicator of a building (structure), for operation in conditions of additional loads. The subject of the study is the process associated with the determination of the reliability indicator of buildings (structures), for their further operation in the technological process, causing effects in the form of additional loads (explosions, fires, vibration processes). The solution to such problems is relevant for buildings (structures) that are acquired (leased) by the owner, for their further operation in the production process, in the technology of which fire and explosion hazardous substances (materials) are handled, stored or processed. To solve the tasks, it is proposed to use a simplified assessment of the safety margin of a building (structure) by yield strengths (for steel elements) and strength (for base materials, load-bearing walls, partitions and ceilings) corresponding to the maximum allowable values for their destruction. The article provides a consistent theoretical description of the formulas, which allows us to establish a relationship between the safety margin of a building (structure) and the probability of its destruction during realized impacts. An innovative approach is described that allows us to solve the problems of assessing the strength reliability of structural elements of buildings (structures), when it is important to be able to obtain guaranteed characteristics of a given safety factor, its resistance to possible realized impacts - explosions, fires, vibration processes. The use of the material, in order to determine reliability indicators based on risks, allows us to consider the calculated values of the safety margin of a building (structure), which meets the established requirements for evaluating effectiveness from the point of view of theory and practice of operations research.
Nonlinear shear analysis of I-shaped beams with arbitrary inclination angles of shear reinforcement
Authors: Pochinok Vladimir , Tamov Murat , Greshkina Ekaterina
Published: July 2020

We studied the effect of the inclination angle of stirrups and wire mesh on the web-crushing strength of reinforced concrete I-beams beams. Experimental studies were carried out in Kuban State Technological University. The variable parameters of the tested specimens included concrete compressive strength, level of prestressing, cross-sectional shape, shear span, shear reinforcement ratio and angles of inclination of stirrups or wire mesh. The strength of beams was calculated with the Cyclic Softened Membrane Model for reinforced concrete (CSMM), developed at the University of Houston and implemented in the OpenSees software package. The modeling of the web of the beams was fulfilled with quadrilateral finite elements with the assigned material FAReinforcedConcretePlaneStress. The flanges of the beams resisting the bending moment were modeled with nonlinear volumetric elements having fiber section. Uniaxial Kent-Scott-Park concrete material and uniaxial bilinear steel material were assigned to the flanges. Calculation results are close to experimental data having wide variation of the materials properties and structural parameters of beams.
The design of the overall stability of the Shukhov radio tower taking into account the local damage
Authors: Mamin Aleksandr , Kodysh Emil , Bobrov Vladimir , Reutsu Aleksandr , Klovsky Aleksej
Published: July 2020

The construction of the radio tower engineer V. Shukhov. For almost one hundred years the structures and components of the radio tower are heavily corroded which resulted in local damage. The danger of accumulation and increase of local damage is that they lead to the collapse of the tower. In 2016 anti-damage support structure was made to exclude the sudden avalanche-like collapse of the structure of the radio tower engineer V. Shukhov (Fig. 1). But there is a risk of formation and distribution of local damage. The checking calculation of the Shukhov radio tower was performed to identify the impact of the anti-damage support structure, taking into account the local damage. The calculation was made at the software complex “Lira-CAD”. Normative loads, their application, reliability coefficients for loads and combination coefficients are adopted in accordance with Building Act 20.13330.2016 “Loads and impacts”. The compatibility of the Shukhov radio tower and the anti-damage support structure is provided by pre-tension in the suspensions units of the radio tower attached to the support structure consoles. The tension force was determined by the calculation based on the experimental results of 2015.

The results of the combined geometrically nonlinear analysis of the Shukhov radio tower and the support structures showed the increased overall stability of the radio tower; the maximum movement of the unit stands and support rings was reduced by 20-30%, the maximum stands stress were reduced by 10-15% due to the load redistribution among the stands, but the maximum stress slightly exceed the allowed value. The complex of checking calculations of the Shukhov radio tower and the supporting structures showed that the existing anti-damage construction eliminates a sudden avalanche-like collapse of the structure. There is a risk of formation and distribution of local damage with the irreversible deformations of the stands and support rings of the radio tower with the increase of defects and damages of the structure of the radio tower which are still in a damage state. For a more uniform distribution of loads and increase the overall stability of the structure, it is necessary to increase the number of consoles of anti-damage support structure to 24 at each level of the support structure. Full-scale restoration works of the Shukhov radio tower structures are required to prevent the formation and distribution of local damages.
Review and analysis of winter concreting methods, used on construction sites in Russia
Authors: Zhuravlyov E G
Published: July 2020

The features of the application of winter concreting methods on construction sites in Russia are considered: thermos methods (thermos, hot thermos), progressive methods (electrode heating, induction heating, infrared heating, the heating of the heating wires, heated in the mold thermoactive or thermoactive a flexible covering, heating in enclosures), concreting with antifreeze additives. The analysis of the application of winter concreting methods on construction sites in Eastern Siberia is carried out.
Some aspects of risk management in the investment and construction sector
Authors: Khokhlova G I , Yushina J A , Burov V Y
Published: July 2020

Risk is an important factor that results from the execution of any economic decision and occurs in the conditions of uncertainty and cyclical development inherent in a market economy. Classification and assessment of risks specific to construction organizations is a complex and strategic task based on the application of various models, taking into account the industry’s risk management features. The purpose of this work is to study the methodological and practical aspects of risk assessment for making management decisions in the investment and construction sector. The study focuses on such interrelated concepts as “uncertainty” and “risk” and their impact on business performance in the market conditions. The authors prove that the risks typical for the construction industry in Russia have their own specific features and depend on such significant factors as the level of taxes, the volume of orders, the cost of materials and structures, the availability of sufficient financial resources, and the payment capabilities of customers. Depending on the categories of construction companies, the most significant risks are identified (technological, commercial, investment and innovation risks). The authors studied the essence and features of risk assessment taking into account international standards and practical aspects in the investment and construction complex. The scientific article reveals the role of risk management in risk management in the investment and construction sector, the main problems of using methods to minimize risks for various categories of construction organizations in Russian practice.
Compensation Measurement Study for Aspherical Primary Mirror of Space Camera with CGH
Authors: Liu Xiaolei , Sun Xiaofeng , Dong Xiaomeng , Yang Dong
Published: July 2020

With the development of modern optical technology, demands on the performance of optical systems are increasing. Aspherical surfaces are widely used in space optical system considering its excellent ability in correcting aberrations, reducing the optical system weight and simplifying the optical construction. However, the interferometry of this kind of aspherical surface is difficult. To overcome the difficulty in testing aspherical primary mirror of space camera system, we provide a compensation method to accomplish the null testing of the aspherical primary mirror with CGH (Computer generated hologram). Our proposed method is introduced in detail in the theory part. In addition, we provide a detailed design for an actual parabolic surface. The results show that our proposed method can accomplish the testing of aspherical primary mirror in large aperture with satisfactory accuracy.
Finite Element Analysis of Antenna Array of Large Meter Wave Height Mobile Dual Polarization Radar based on NASTRAN
Authors: Wei Wang Jin , Qing Gu Ye , Fu Tang Bao
Published: July 2020

A large-scale meter wave high maneuvering dual polarization radar is designed with a cantilever folded beam. In order to realize the high tolerance spread of its dual polarization antenna, it is necessary to ensure that its folded spread antenna array has high plane stiffness. Firstly, the finite element model is established according to the geometrical model of the antenna array. Secondly, the corresponding load conditions are determined according to the material parameters of the antenna array, different wind loads and temperature fields. Then, the mechanical calculation and analysis of the antenna array are carried out by using NASTRAN software, and the deformation, stress and deformation of the antenna array element and folded beam under different conditions are obtained Square root value. The results show that the array can meet the requirements of stiffness and strength.
Surface potential measurement by heterodyne frequency modulation Kelvin probe force microscopy in MHz range
Authors: Sugawara Yasuhiro , Miyazaki Masato , Li Yan Jun
Published: July 2020

The chemical and physical processes on surfaces are significantly influenced by the surface potential of materials. When using the frequency modulation Kelvin probe force microscopy (FM-KPFM), which has been widely used for measuring the surface potential distribution with high spatial resolution, it is very difficult to distinguish the surface potential due to the surface state from that due to the bulk state, because the charge transfer between the surface and bulk states occurs at a low-frequency ac bias voltage in the kHz range. Here, we propose a heterodyne FM-KPFM method using a high-frequency ac bias voltage in the MHz range to distinguish the surface and bulk states. This method is based on the heterodyne effect between the mechanical cantilever oscillation and the oscillating electrostatic force. For the first time, we succeeded in achieving the atomic-resolution imaging of the surface potential on an O-rich TiO2(110) surface using the electrostatic interaction in the MHz range. Furthermore, we could measure the upward and downward band bending on the surface at the atomic scale.
TALC: Transcript-level Aware Long-read Correction
Authors: Broseus Lucile , Thomas Aubin , Oldfield Andrew J , Severac Dany , Dubois Emeric , Ritchie William
Published: July 2020

Motivation

Long-read sequencing technologies are invaluable for determining complex RNA transcript architectures but are error-prone. Numerous ‘hybrid correction’ algorithms have been developed for genomic data that correct long reads by exploiting the accuracy and depth of short reads sequenced from the same sample. These algorithms are not suited for correcting more complex transcriptome sequencing data.

Results

We have created a novel reference-free algorithm called Transcript-level Aware Long-Read Correction (TALC) which models changes in RNA expression and isoform representation in a weighted De Bruijn graph to correct long reads from transcriptome studies. We show that transcript-level aware correction by TALC improves the accuracy of the whole spectrum of downstream RNA-seq applications and is thus necessary for transcriptome analyses that use long read technology.

Availability and implementation

TALC is implemented in C++ and available at https://github.com/lbroseus/TALC.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
BYASE: a Python library for estimating gene and isoform level allele-specific expression
Authors: Dong Lili , Wang Jianan , Wang Guohua
Published: July 2020

Allele-specific expression (ASE) is involved in many important biological mechanisms. We present a python package BYASE and its graphical user interface (GUI) tool BYASE-GUI for the identification of ASE from single-end and paired-end RNA-seq data based on Bayesian inference, which can simultaneously report differences in gene-level and isoform-level expression. BYASE uses both phased SNPs and non-phased SNPs, and supports polyploid organisms.

Availability and implementation

The source codes of BYASE and BYASE-GUI are freely available at https://github.com/ncjllld/byase and https://github.com/ncjllld/byase_gui.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
A sparse additive model for treatment effect-modifier selection
Authors: Park Hyung , Petkova Eva , Tarpey Thaddeus , Ogden R Todd
Published: July 2020

Sparse additive modeling is a class of effective methods for performing high-dimensional nonparametric regression. This article develops a sparse additive model focused on estimation of treatment effect modification with simultaneous treatment effect-modifier selection. We propose a version of the sparse additive model uniquely constrained to estimate the interaction effects between treatment and pretreatment covariates, while leaving the main effects of the pretreatment covariates unspecified. The proposed regression model can effectively identify treatment effect-modifiers that exhibit possibly nonlinear interactions with the treatment variable that are relevant for making optimal treatment decisions. A set of simulation experiments and an application to a dataset from a randomized clinical trial are presented to demonstrate the method.
Bioanalysis and Quadrupole-Time of Flight-Mass Spectrometry Driven In Vitro Metabolite Profiling of a New Boronic Acid-Based Anticancer Molecule
Authors: Zagade Aarati Dilip , Shard Amit , Shinde Shital , Sahu Amit Kumar , Sengupta Pinaki
Published: July 2020

(E/Z)-(4-(3-(2-((4-chlorophenyl)amino)-4-(dimethylamino)thiazol-5-yl)-2-(ethoxy carbonyl)-3-oxoprop-1-en-1-yl)phenyl) boronic acid, a newly developed molecule having anticancer activity serves as a potential candidate for the further drug development process. In this study, to ascertain the anticancer potential of the molecule, we screened it against different cell lines and compared the activity against the standard drug doxorubicin. The molecule showed promising activity at a low concentration against almost all cell lines used in the study. Apart from that, the molecule was characterized for its pKa and a precise reverse phase high-performance liquid chromatography bioanalytical method has been developed. The method was validated according to the United States of Food and Drug Administration bioanalytical guideline and was found to produce linear response over the calibration range of 0.8–25 μg/mL. Inter- and intra-day accuracy were found to be in the range of 93.44–99.74%, whereas precision [% coefficient of variation (CV)] for inter- and intra-day was ranged between 1.63 and 5.79%, and 0.87 and 6.96%, respectively. The bioanalytical stability testing was carried out in different conditions including 8 h benchtop, 12 h autosampler and three freeze–thaw cycles. The analyte was stable in all the tested stability conditions. Finally, an in vitro metabolite identification study was conducted using quadrupole-time of flight-mass spectrometer, and two metabolites have been identified.
Application of Optimized and Validated Agar Overlay TLC–Bioautography Assay for Detecting the Antimicrobial Metabolites of Pharmaceutical Interest
Authors: Nuthan Bettadapura Rameshgowda , Rakshith Devaraju , Marulasiddaswamy Kuppuru Mallikarjunaiah , Rao H C Yashavantha , Ramesha Kolathur Puttamadaiah , Mohana Nagabhushana Chandra , Siddappa Shiva , Darshan Doreraj , Kumara Kigga Kaadappa Sampath , Satish Sreedharamurthy
Published: July 2020

The agar overlay TLC–bioautography is one of the crucial methods for simultaneous in situ detection and separation of antimicrobial metabolites of pharmaceutical interest. The main focus of this research relies on the dereplication of an antimicrobial metabolite coriloxin derived from mycoendophytic Xylaria sp. NBRTSB-20 with a validation of agar overlay TLC–bioautography technique. This polyketide metabolite coriloxin was purified by column chromatography, and its purity was assessed by HPLC, UPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS, FT-IR and NMR spectral analysis. The antimicrobial capability of ethyl acetate extract and the purified compound coriloxin was determined by disc diffusion, minimal inhibitory concentration and agar overlay TLC–bioautography assay. The visible LOD of coriloxin antimicrobial activity was found at 10 μg for Escherichia coli and 20 μg for both Staphylococcus aureus and Fusarium oxysporum. Inter- and intra-day precision was determined as the relative standard deviation is less than 6.56%, which proved that this method was precise. The accuracy was expressed as recovery, and the values were found ranging from 91.18 to 108.73% with RSD values 0.94–2.30%, respectively. The overall findings of this investigation suggest that agar overlay TLC–bioautography assay is a suitable and acceptable method for the in situ determination of antimicrobial pharmaceuticals.
Predicted Impact of COVID-19 on Neglected Tropical Disease Programs and the Opportunity for Innovation
Authors: Toor Jaspreet , Adams Emily R , Aliee Maryam , Amoah Benjamin , Anderson Roy M , Ayabina Diepreye , Bailey Robin , Basáñez Maria-Gloria , Blok David J , Blumberg Seth , Borlase Anna , Rivera Rocio Caja , Castaño María Soledad , Chitnis Nakul , Coffeng Luc E , Crump Ronald E , Das Aatreyee , Davis Christopher N , Davis Emma L , Deiner Michael S , Diggle Peter J , Fronterre Claudio , Giardina Federica , Giorgi Emanuele , Graham Matthew , Hamley Jonathan I D , Huang Ching-I , Kura Klodeta , Lietman Thomas M , Lucas Tim C D , Malizia Veronica , Medley Graham F , Meeyai Aronrag , Michael Edwin , Porco Travis C , Prada Joaquin M , Rock Kat S , Le Rutte Epke A , Smith Morgan E , Spencer Simon E F , Stolk Wilma A , Touloupou Panayiota , Vasconcelos Andreia , Vegvari Carolin , de Vlas Sake J , Walker Martin , Hollingsworth T Déirdre
Published: July 2020

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many key neglected tropical disease (NTD) activities have been postponed. This hindrance comes at a time when the NTDs are progressing towards their ambitious goals for 2030. Mathematical modelling on several NTDs, namely gambiense sleeping sickness, lymphatic filariasis, onchocerciasis, schistosomiasis, soil-transmitted helminthiases (STH), trachoma, and visceral leishmaniasis, shows that the impact of this disruption will vary across the diseases. Programs face a risk of resurgence, which will be fastest in high-transmission areas. Furthermore, of the mass drug administration diseases, schistosomiasis, STH, and trachoma are likely to encounter faster resurgence. The case-finding diseases (gambiense sleeping sickness and visceral leishmaniasis) are likely to have fewer cases being detected but may face an increasing underlying rate of new infections. However, once programs are able to resume, there are ways to mitigate the impact and accelerate progress towards the 2030 goals.
Efficacy and Safety of Albendazole in Hookworm-infected Preschool-aged Children, School-aged Children, and Adults in Côte d’Ivoire: A Phase 2 Randomized, Controlled Dose-finding Trial
Authors: Patel Chandni , Coulibaly Jean T , Hofmann Daniela , N’Gbesso Yves , Hattendorf Jan , Keiser Jennifer
Published: July 2020

Background

Infections with hookworms affect about half a billion people worldwide. Recommended therapy includes 400 mg of albendazole, which is moderately efficacious. Higher doses have been rarely assessed.

Methods

A randomized, controlled dose-finding trial was conducted in Côte d’Ivoire with the aim of recruiting 120 preschool-aged children (PSAC), 200 school-aged children (SAC), and 200 adults. Eligible PSAC were randomized 1:1:1 to 200 mg, 400 mg, or 600 mg of albendazole; the other age groups were randomized 1:1:1:1:1 to placebo or 200 mg, 400 mg, 600 mg, or 800 mg. The primary outcome was cure rates (CRs) assessed 14–21 days post-treatment by quadruplicate Kato-Katz thick smears. Hyperbolic Emax models were used to determine dose-response.

Results

38 PSAC, 133 SAC, and 196 adults were enrolled. In adults, predicted CRs increased with ascending doses of albendazole, with a CR of 74.9% (95% confidence interval [CI], 55.6%–87.7%) in the 800-mg arm. Observed CRs increased with ascending doses of albendazole reaching a maximum of 94.1% (95% CI, 80.3%–99.3%). In SAC, the predicted dose-response curve increased marginally, with CRs ranging from 64.0% in the 200-mg arm to 76.0% in the 800-mg arm. Sample size in PSAC was considered too small to derive meaningful conclusions. 10.7% and 5.1% of participants reported any adverse event at 3 hours and 24 hours post-treatment, respectively.

Conclusions

A single 800-mg albendazole dose provides higher efficacy against hookworm and is well tolerated in adults and should be considered for community-based strategies targeting adults. For PSAC and SAC, current recommendations suffice.

Clinical Trials Registration

NCT03527745.
Long-term Outcome of Short-course High-dose Glucocorticoids for Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS): A 17-Year Follow-up in SARS Survivors
Authors: Sing Chor-Wing , Tan Kathryn C B , Wong Ian C K , Cheung Bernard M Y , Cheung Ching-Lung
Published: July 2020

Use of high-dose glucocorticoids for COVID-19 (caused by SARS-CoV-2) is controversial because of safety concerns. We examined the long-term consequences of glucocorticoid use in severe acute respiratory syndrome (caused by SARS-CoV-1) survivors. Results showed that high-dose glucocorticoids greatly increased the long-term risk of avascular necrosis but not other major diseases.
Allied Decoupling in an Era of US–China Strategic Competition
Authors: Cha Victor D
Published: July 2020

The turn towards an openly competitive relationship between the United States and China today carries acute consequences for U.S. policy toward North Korea (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea or DPRK) and South Korea (Republic of Korea or ROK). The military and economic requirements of enacting such a policy of competition with China complicates U.S. policy with its ally South Korea, as it exacerbates three core dilemmas that the ROK contends with regarding China. These dilemmas compel choices for a U.S. ally that must increasingly become zero-sum in nature where Seoul must make choices that alienate its patron ally or its neighbor. This article draws out propositions for how changes in U.S.-China relations impacts strategy on both sides of the Korean peninsula. The primary finding is that changes in the independent variable (U.S.-China relations) have opposing impacts on South Korean and North Korean strategic thinking (dependent variable). What might be considered opportunities afforded by U.S.-China relations to South Korea are seen as threats by North Korea. Conversely opportunities created by U.S.-China relations for North Korea register as threats for South Korea.
Gut microbiome of the emerald ash borer, Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire, and its relationship with insect population density
Authors: Mogouong Judith , Constant Philippe , Lavallée Robert , Guertin Claude
Published: July 2020

The gut microbial communities of beetles play crucial roles in their adaptive capacities. Environmental factors such as temperature or nutrition naturally affect the insect microbiome, but a shift in local conditions like the population density on a host tree could also lead to changes in the microbiota. The emerald ash borer (EAB), Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire, is an exotic wood borer that causes environmental and economic damage to ash trees in North America. This study aimed to describe the taxonomic structure of the EAB gut microbiome and explore its potential relationship with borer population size. The number of EAB adults collected per tree through a 75 km transect from an epicenter allowed the creation of distinct classes of population density. The Gammaproteobacteria and Ascomycota predominated in bacterial and fungal communities respectively, as determined by sequencing of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene and the fungal internal transcribed spacer ITS2. Species richness and diversity of the bacterial community showed significant dependence on population density. Moreover, α-diversity and β-diversity analysis revealed some indicator amplicon sequence variants suggesting that the plasticity of the gut microbiome could be related to the EAB population density in host trees.
Increased Matrix Metalloproteinases in Cerebrospinal Fluids of Patients With Major Depressive Disorder and Schizophrenia
Authors: Omori Wataru , Hattori Kotaro , Kajitani Naoto , Okada-Tsuchioka Mami , Boku Shuken , Kunugi Hiroshi , Okamoto Yasumasa , Takebayashi Minoru
Published: July 2020

Background

Chronic inflammation of the brain has a pivotal role in the pathophysiology of major depressive disorder (MDD) and schizophrenia (SCZ). Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are extracellular proteases involved in pro-inflammatory processes and interact with interleukin-6, which is increased in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients with MDD and SCZ. However, MMPs in the CSF in patients with MDD and SCZ remain unclear. Therefore, we compared MMPs in the CSF of patients with MDD and SCZ with those of healthy controls (HC).

Methods

Japanese patients were diagnosed with DSM-IV-TR and clinical symptoms were assessed with the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression for MDD and the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale for SCZ. CSF was obtained from MDD (n = 90) and SCZ (n = 86) and from age- and sex-matched HC (n = 106). The levels of MMPs in CSF were measured with multiplex bead-based immunoassay.

Results

The levels of MMP-2 in CSF were higher in both MDD and SCZ than HC and were positively correlated with clinical symptomatic scores in MDD, but not in SCZ. Regardless of diagnosis, the levels of MMP-2, -7, and -10 were positively correlated with each other, and the levels of MMP-7 and -10 were higher in MDD, but not in SCZ, compared with HC.

Conclusion

Increased CSF levels of MMP-2 in MDD and SCZ may be associated with brain inflammation. State-dependent alteration of MMP-2 and activation of cascades involving MMP-2, -7, and -10 appeared to have a role in the pathophysiology of MDD.
Disintegration and Change in the International Law on Foreign Investment
Authors: Sornarajah Muthucumaraswamy
Published: July 2020

Resistance to the law made through expansionist interpretation of investment treaties by arbitral tribunals has led to the disintegration of the resulting structure of investment protection. The creation of an inflexible system of investment protection through arbitral interpretation undermines the exercise of power of states to take measures to protect the public interest. The process of disintegration of this unjust system must be hastened through the creation of new norms that ensure that obligatory rules deter the misconduct of multinational investors. If investment treaties are necessary, the regulatory power of states to promote the public interest should be given priority over investment protection.