bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Parameter Sensitivity of Construction Control of Multi Span PC Continuous Beam Bridge with Corrugated Steel Webs
Authors: Liu Dianyuan , Qi Tiedong
Published: July 2020

In order to study the sensitivity of construction control of multi span PC continuous beam bridge with corrugated steel webs, taking the main bridge of Yesheng Yellow River Highway Bridge in Ningxia as an example, the space finite element analysis software is used to simulate the bridge and calculate the construction control. In the process, different values of the main parameters of the structure affect the degree of the linear and internal stress of the bridge. The calculation results show that the effects of shrinkage and creep of concrete roof and floor, segmental weight and temperature gradient on the deformation and stress of the main beam are obvious; the elastic modulus of the concrete has a certain degree of influence on the deformation and stress of the main beam, and the influence of the prestressing parameters is smaller. Therefore, in the process of construction control, the influence of shrinkage and creep of the concrete roof and floor shall be considered, the weight of the main beam shall be strictly controlled, and the effect of the measurement time and the temperature gradient effect shall be taken into account in the linear monitoring.
Comparison on Lamp Characteristics of Highway Tunnel Lighting System
Authors: Jia Zhiwei
Published: July 2020

This paper introduces the expression form of the light field of the light source and the description method of the light intensity distribution characteristics, and details the different types of lamps in the tunnel lighting system from the principle of light emission, optical characteristics and application scope. A comprehensive comparison of performance. The results show that LED lights have high efficiency, long service life, and excellent color rendering, which are in line with the concepts of energy saving, emission reduction, and environmental protection. They have huge room for technological improvement and will gradually replace gas discharge lamps as the main light source for tunnel lighting.
Urban scale flood simulation based on dynamic wave
Authors: Wang Ziming , Wang Bin , Zeng Jian , Hu Jinchun , Zhou Shengzhi , Long Ye , Liu Yun , Wang Yuehua
Published: July 2020

Currently based on the full 2D shallow water equations (SWEs) model has been widely used in flood simulation, but there are still two problems to be solved in urban inundation simulation: small-scale structure simulation and calculation efficiency of urban scale model. In this paper, the effective representation of small-scale structure and GPU acceleration technology are introduced into the numerical model to establish a high efficiency and high score model. The model is applied to the simulation of urban inundation in Yuhuan. The simulation results show that the model can simulate urban inundation well with a high accuracy.
The Application of BIM Technology in the whole Life Cycle of Construction Project
Authors: Li Ziang
Published: July 2020

In this paper, BIM (Building Information Model Building Information Modeling) technology is taken as the research object, and the development of BIM technology into the construction technology is the core. The emphasis is on applying BIM throughout the building’s life cycle. Starting with the concept and main content of BIM technology, this paper analyzes the control and promotion function of BIM technology for quality, schedule, cost and safety in the whole life span of the building. In this paper, the characteristics of completeness, relevance and consistency of BIM model information are briefly described, and the bottleneck problem of informatization in construction field is also solved. This paper discusses the application of BIM in engineering projects, and expounds the application value of BIM from the aspects of construction cost, quality, schedule, safety, information management, etc.
Research on Regional Traffic and Economic Linkage Based on Accessibility and Gravity Model--Taking Hengyang, China as an example
Authors: Wang Zhi-yuan , Chen Hai-ting , Ou Yang-mei
Published: July 2020

Regional urban connection is mainly reflected in the connection between transportation and economy. Using accessibility and improved gravity model, this paper studies the traffic and economic relations and spatial pattern analysis among districts and counties in Hengyang based on the shortest travel time data and socio-economic data of 12 districts and counties in Hengyang, China. The results show that: firstly, in terms of traffic accessibility, there are 8 districts and counties in Hengyang that have higher accessibility than the average level of the city, and 4 districts and counties that have lower accessibility than the average level. Secondly, the accessibility of districts and counties in Hengyang generally presents an irregular circular distribution pattern, forming a core edge distribution feature with five districts in Hengyang as the core and gradually decreasing outward enclosure. Thirdly, from the perspective of economic connection, the 12 districts and counties in Hengyang are divided into five levels. The first level is the connection between Shigu District and Yanfeng District in the central city. The second level connection intensity is between Shigu District and Zhengxiang District in the central city and between Zhengxiang District and Hengyang County. The intensity of the three-level connection is the connection between the counties near the central urban area and the districts in the central urban area, as well as the connection between the counties near the central urban area and the neighboring counties. The fourth level connection refers to the connection between districts and counties far away from the central urban area and counties near the central urban area. The fifth level connection refers to the connection between districts and counties far away from the central urban area.

Last but not least, the economic connection of Hengyang District and county forms the center-peripheral radiation pattern which diffuses from the area with the core of Shigu District, steamed Xiang District, Yanfeng District and Zhuhui District as the core, which presents the pattern of “one core and two centers” in space.
Research on Development of Health Management Industry Based on Big Data Technology
Authors: Wang Maosong
Published: July 2020

Big data technology, as a series of processing methods for mass data storage, calculation, statistics, analysis and processing, has played an important role in the development of China’s industry and has continuously promoted the innovation and development of traditional industries. The health management industry is based on the current status of China’s population, and the goal of personnel training covers the health screening, analysis, and decision-making of the entire life cycle of the population. Based on the large population base in China, there is a practical need for the integration of big data technology and health management. The analysis and processing of big data technology will also provide a more convenient reference for health management. The combination of big data technology and health management is also one of the directions for the development of public health. This article analyzes the current status of health management integration in the context of big data, analyzes the problems at the current stage, and proposes solutions to explore ways to provide a reference for the cross integration of health management and big data technologies.
Research on Renewal of Old Communities Based on Public Participation—a case study of Gejiaying
Authors: Duan Xiang , Xu Tai-meng , Duan Chen-hao
Published: July 2020

Old community renewal is an urban renewal activity carried out on the scale of people. The needs of people are the driving force and direction of the renewal of old communities. People’s feelings are the standard for measuring the quality of old communities. Public participation has always been an important part of the development of urban planning in the world. Based on the significance and necessity of public participation, this paper constructs a public participation model and formulates a public participation guarantee system to enable the public to participate deeply in the renewal of old communities. Through in-depth participation to provide residents with a voice channel to meet the residents’ desire to participate in community management, we can create an inclusive and shared community environment, and promote grassroots social governance.
Research on landscape color of residential district in Shenyang
Authors: Han Jingbo , Xu YiDan , Hou Yang , Zhang Zhi
Published: July 2020

The color of a residential area landscape not only provides an intuitive reflection of the city image but also significantly influences residential experience. Based on the Munsell Color System, this study uses color card comparison quantification and a questionnaire to conduct a sample survey and quantitative analysis of the color of residential landscape areas in Shenyang. The results indicate the following: (1) Buildings are dominated by a warm color of middle–high value and middle–low chroma. The pavement has a predominantly neutral color or warm color of middle value and middle–low chroma. Landscape facilities mainly has a warm color of middle value and middle–low chroma. The dominant hues of landscape plants in spring, summer, and autumn are purple–red, green–yellow, and red–yellow, respectively; (2) Residents are more satisfied with landscape facilities and plant colors than with buildings and pavements. They expect artificial landscape colors to create a warm, bright, soft, pleasant, and intimate ambience; (3) Cool or neutral colors are avoided in large-scale Shenyang residential areas. Colors with a value of 4–9 and chroma of 1–5 are recommended; simultaneously, embellishment with other hues and an appropriate increase in colored plants may be applied in garden landscaping.
Simulation Study on Kindergarten Evacuation Based on the Experimental Data
Authors: Yao Yishu , Lu Wei
Published: July 2020

This paper studies the children evacuation behaviour, and the evacuation effect of kindergarten safety in emergency situations. The research studies the evacuation simulation via Pathfinder with experimental behavioural data. The research object is the latest issued standard drawings of nine-class kindergarten in China. With different values of the walking speed parameters for each evacuation route, the flow at each exit, evacuation time and other data are presented. The method and results of this study enrich the database of the standard drawings and provide evidence of kindergarten architectural design and developing evacuation strategies.
Research on Teaching Reform of Civil Engineering Construction Course under the Background of New Engineering
Authors: Pan Chonggen , Chen Keyu , Shen Xinyuan
Published: July 2020

“New Engineering” is an engineering education reform carried out in China under the background of a new round of industrial technology revolution, which puts forward higher requirements for students’ engineering practical ability and innovative thinking. Civil engineering construction course is one of the important required modules for civil engineering majors, which has the characteristics of complex course content, lack of connection between chapters, and less practical knowledge. The traditional teaching model cannot effectively adapt to the curriculum, leading students to lack of practical ability, interest and other problems. Starting with the educational concept of “New Engineering”, this paper analyzes the problems in the current teaching process of civil engineering construction course, and puts forward the corresponding teaching reform measures to provide reference.
Research on traffic organization improvement scheme of highway opposite side weaving area based on VISSIM simulation
Authors: Hao S Y , Zhao N L , Wu K M , Li J H , Jiao C W
Published: July 2020

Under the premise of configuration and length limitation, how to optimize the weaving area based on the existing basic conditions of the road is an important issue. In this paper, a case study of one interchange was presented to explore a traffic organization improvement scheme in opposite side weaving area with limited length. Based on VISSIM simulation, the traffic operation of the current scheme and the improvement scheme in the weaving area were analysed in the coming years. The results showed that before the “Forward 4” with a small flow, there was no significant comparison between the parameters of the current scheme and the improvement scheme. However, after “Forward 4” under the impact of large traffic flow, the section volume in the weaving area increased by 10%-26%, the running speed increased by 2.1-2.6 times, the number of vehicle lane changes decreased by 43-58%. Compared with the current scheme, the traffic efficiency of the improvement scheme was significantly improved. The research results could provide guidance and reference for this study case and similar projects.
Modernity Expression of Traditional Regional Elements of Yunyang in The Context of Urban Renewal
Authors: Liu Sijia
Published: July 2020

In recent years, with the rapid development of China’s urbanization, the newly built buildings increasingly ignore the traditional regional elements. Yunyang, as an immigrant city, has experienced the impact and integration of multiple cultures in history, and has unique cultural deposits and spiritual connotations. In order to inherit the traditional regional culture, it is necessary to find a new way to express the traditional regional elements in modern architecture. This paper attempts to analyse the existing practices in Yunyang and the whole country and find out the new methods of modernity expression of traditional regional elements in architecture.
Analysis and Research on the Temporal and Spatial Changes of Land Use in Zhaozhou County Based on Geo-information TUPU
Authors: chong Du , yueyang Liu , xianfeng Guo , chenglong Xu
Published: July 2020

Geo-information maps use simple language and graphics to express complex geographical phenomena, and provide an effective means for spatial analysis of land use. This article uses Landsat 8 OLI in Zhaozhou County in 2013 and 2020 as the main data source, with the support of RS and GIS technology to process the land use data in Zhaozhou County, conduct spatial analysis and explore its temporal and spatial changes. The results show that: from the current land use map, Zhaozhou County is dominated by cultivated land, from the analysis of the land use change TUPU, we can see that grassland and unused land are increasing, and the mainly transfer map is from cultivated land to unused land and cultivated land →grassland with a transfer area of 354.22km2; the largest new grassland area was from 2013 to 2010, mainly from the transfer of cultivated land, forestland and construction land. Overall, the land use pattern tended to be stable from 2013 to 2020.
2D Hydraulic modelling of the main urban area of Chongqing, Part 2: model validation and application
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.
Research on Planning and Layout of Electric Vehicle Public Charging Piles in Historical and Cultural Street Based on Big Data
Authors: Zou Han , Xiong Yue , Hu Xiao
Published: July 2020

Nowadays, with the development and popularization of electric vehicles, electric vehicle charging pile has become an important green infrastructure in cities. The optimization of the layout of charging piles in the urban area has drawn the attention of more and more research groups. However, only a few of them concerned the distribution of piles in the historical distinct. In this paper, we proposed to use big data tools to obtain parking and electric parking space information, such as the parking lots, on-street parking spaces and plazas. We tried to transform them with the charging function. we also proposed a “P + W” mode, which takes advantage of the present parking lots and street parking area. We wanted to optimize the current layout and offer a new layout plan for further research and application.
Research on ideological security of college students based on GA-BP algorithm
Authors: Haiming Chen , Yang Cao , Xiwei Feng , Liqun Zhang
Published: July 2020

In order to evaluate the degree of ideological security of college students scientifically, a prediction model of ideological security of college students based on BP neural network optimized by genetic algorithm is proposed. The entropy method is used to determine the index weight and initial prediction results of the security model prediction. The genetic algorithm is used to optimize the weight and threshold of the BP neural network model, and an ideological and ideological security evaluation model for college students is constructed. The experimental results show that compared with the BP algorithm model, the average error of the improved GA-BP algorithm model is reduced by 12.11%, reaching 0.245%. It shows that the improved GA-BP model can predict the ideological security of college students.
Research on fused sorting based on logical regression in news recommendation system
Authors: Lijie Xing , Xiwei Feng , Haiming Chen , Ying Wang , Yue Zhang
Published: July 2020

A fusion sorting model based on logical regression is used to solve the problem of information overload in the news recommendation system and meet the personalized needs of users. First, the fusion sorting model is trained based on the article data and user data, and the original candidate news set is obtained by multi-channel recall method. Then the original candidate set is filtered by the fusion sorting model, and the recommendation list is generated. Finally, the experiment is carried out based on the Wuli News Recommendation System. Under the evaluation indexes of precision, recall and ILS, the fusion sorting model adopted significantly improves the recommendation ability of the system, and achieves the goal of making multiple single recommendation strategies make up for each other’s shortcomings.
Research on Coordinated Charging Control Strategy Load Optimization of Electric Vehicles in Residential Area
Authors: Wang Yingqiu , Zhang Jian , Li Lei , Zhang Jing , Liu Weidong , Li Dan , Liu Zhibin , Liu Yajing
Published: July 2020

For the power utilization load encountered in the construction of electric vehicles (EVs) charging facilities in residential area, the coordinated charging control strategy for EV charging loads is studied. Based on the utilization electric load model, EV model, and distribution network information model of the residential area during the EV user using, the minimizing the fluctuation of the EV users charging cost, utilization power load and EV charging load is established. It is verified by an EV coordinated charging residential area, the sliding recursive algorithm employed can realize peak-load shifting, which can effectively reduce the effect of EV charging peak load and move the power peak to the second half of the night.
Analysis on the application of media technology in museum exhibition
Authors: Yumei Han
Published: July 2020

Multimedia technology is now widely used in museum display and exhibition, which promotes the museum’s knowledge and interest. This paper introduces the application of multimedia technology in display and exhibition, and points out that in display and exhibition, we should also take a rational attitude towards the application of multimedia technology, and the selection of multimedia technology should be based on different exhibition types and exhibition themes.
On the construction of virtual museum
Authors: Yumei Han
Published: July 2020

The combination of virtual reality technology and museum is feasible and inevitable. Virtual reality technology can make effective use of digital resources and generate strong immersion interaction, which is perfectly consistent with the characteristics of modern social museum, and promotes the birth of virtual museum. There are certain principles and problems in the construction of virtual museum. These problems can be solved through personnel training, capital investment and institutional innovation.
1.3-µm passively mode-locked quantum dot lasers epitaxially grown on silicon: gain properties and optical feedback stabilization
Authors: Dong Bozhang , de Labriolle Xavier C , Liu Songtao , Dumont Mario , Huang Heming , Duan Jianan , Norman Justin C , Bowers John E , Grillot Frédéric
Published: July 2020

This work reports on an investigation of the optical feedback in an InAs/InGaAs passively mode-locked quantum dot (QD) laser epitaxially grown on silicon. Under the stably-resonant optical feedback condition, experiments demonstrate that the radio-frequency linewidth is narrowed whatever the bias voltage applied on the saturable absorber (SA) is; on the other hand, the effective linewidth enhancement factor of the device increases with the reverse bias voltage on the SA, hence it is observed that such an increase influences the mode-locking dynamic and the stability of device under optical feedback. This work gives insights for stabilizing epitaxial QD mode-locked lasers on silicon which is meaningful for their applications in future large-scale silicon electronic and photonic applications requiring low power consumption as well as for high-speed photonic analog-to-digital conversion, intrachip/interchip optical clock distribution and recovery.
Financial Strain and Suicide Attempts in a Nationally Representative Sample of US Adults
Authors: Elbogen Eric B , Lanier Megan , Montgomery Ann Elizabeth , Strickland Susan , Wagner H Ryan , Tsai Jack
Published: July 2020

Although research has identified many suicide risk factors, the relationship between financial strain and suicide has received less attention. Using data representative of the US adult population (n = 34,653) from wave 1 (2001–2002) and wave 2 (2004–2005) of the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions, we investigated the association between financial strain—financial debt/crisis, unemployment, past homelessness, and lower income—and subsequent suicide attempts and suicidal ideation. Multivariable logistic regression controlling for demographic and clinical covariates showed that cumulative financial strain was predictive of suicide attempts between waves 1 and 2 (odds ratio (OR) = 1.53, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.32, 1.77). Wave 1 financial debt/crisis (OR = 1.58, 95% CI: 1.06, 2.34), unemployment (OR = 1.52, 95% CI: 1.10, 2.10), past homelessness (OR = 1.50, 95% CI: 1.03, 2.17), and lower income (OR = 1.51, 95% CI: 1.01, 2.25) were each associated with subsequent suicide attempts. Respondents endorsing these 4 financial-strain variables had 20 times higher predicted probability of attempting suicide compared with respondents endorsing none of these variables. Analyses yielded similar results examining suicidal ideation. Financial strain accumulated from multiple sources (debt, housing instability, unemployment, and low income) should be considered for optimal assessment, management, and prevention of suicide.
Do Inpatient Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs Help Us in the Battle Against Antimicrobial Resistance?
Authors: Tartof Sara Y , Chen Lie Hong , Tian Yun , Wei Rong , Im Theresa , Yu Kalvin , Rieg Gunter , Bider-Canfield Zoe , Wong Frances , Takhar Harpreet S , Qian Lei
Published: July 2020

Background

Antibiotic stewardship programs (ASPs) have demonstrated success at reducing costs, yet there is limited quality evidence of their effectiveness in reducing infections of high-profile drug-resistant organisms.

Methods

This retrospective, cohort study included all Kaiser Permanente Southern California (KPSC) members aged ≥18 years hospitalized in 9 KPSC hospitals from 1 January 2008 to 31 December 2016. We measured the impact of staggered ASP implementation on consumption of 18 ASP-targeted antibiotics using generalized linear mixed-effects models. We used multivariable generalized linear mixed-effects models to estimate the adjusted effect of an ASP on rates of infection with drug-resistant organisms. Analyses were adjusted for confounding by time, cluster effects, and patient- and hospital-level characteristics.

Results

We included 765 111 hospitalizations (288 257 pre-ASP, 476 854 post-ASP). By defined daily dose, we found a 6.1% (−7.5% to −4.7%) overall decrease antibiotic use post-ASP; by days of therapy, we detected a 4.3% (−5.4% to −3.1%) decrease in overall use of antibiotics. The number of prescriptions increased post-ASP (1.04 [1.03–1.05]). In adjusted analyses, we detected an overall increase in vancomycin-resistant enterococci infections post-ASP (1.37 [1.10–1.69]). We did not detect a change in the rates of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase, carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae, and multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections post-ASP.

Conclusions

ASPs with successful reductions in consumption of targeted antibiotics may not see changes in infection rates with antibiotic-resistant organisms in the 2 to 6 years post-implementation. There are likely differing timescales for reversion to susceptibility across organisms and antibiotics, and unintended consequences from compensatory prescribing may occur.
Mitochondrial DNA Damage and Brain Aging in Human Immunodeficiency Virus
Authors: Roca-Bayerri Carla , Robertson Fiona , Pyle Angela , Hudson Gavin , Payne Brendan A I
Published: July 2020

Background

Neurocognitive impairment (NCI) remains common in people living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLWH), despite suppressive antiretroviral therapy (ART), but the reasons remain incompletely understood. Mitochondrial dysfunction is a hallmark of aging and of neurodegenerative diseases. We hypothesized that human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or ART may lead to mitochondrial abnormalities in the brain, thus contributing to NCI.

Methods

We studied postmortem frozen brain samples from 52 PLWH and 40 HIV-negative controls. Cellular mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) content and levels of large-scale mtDNA deletions were measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Heteroplasmic mtDNA point mutations were quantified by deep sequencing (Illumina). Neurocognitive data were taken within 48 months antemortem.

Results

We observed a decrease in mtDNA content, an increase in the mtDNA “common deletion,” and an increase in mtDNA point mutations with age (all P < .05). Each of these changes was exacerbated in HIV-positive cases compared with HIV-negative controls (all P < .05). ART exposures, including nucleoside analogue reverse transcriptase inhibitors, were not associated with changes in mtDNA. The number of mtDNA point mutations was associated with low CD4/CD8 ratio (P = .04) and with NCI (global T-score, P = .007).

Conclusions

In people with predominantly advanced HIV infection, there is exacerbation of age-associated mtDNA damage. This change is driven by HIV per se rather than by ART toxicity and may contribute to NCI. These data suggest that mitochondrial dysfunction may be a mediator of adverse aging phenotypes in PLWH.
Often forgotten, transport modality to dialysis may be life-saving
Authors: Fernandez-Prado Raul , Gonzalez-Parra Emilio , Ortiz Alberto
Published: July 2020

Haemodialysis patients commute to the dialysis facility thrice weekly, for a total of six trips per week. While nephrologists may think that how patients do this is up to them and their insurance companies, there is growing evidence that providing advice on how to commute to dialysis is part of an integrated care plan for dialysis patients. In this issue of Clinical Kidney Journal, two reports emphasize the importance of transport modality on dialysis patient well-being and even survival. Rincon et al. report on the epidemiology and clinical spectrum of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in a Spanish haemodialysis unit. A key source of infection was related to access to healthcare or elderly care facilities. Indeed, healthcare transportation with future symptomatic [odds ratio (OR) = 3.33] or asymptomatic (OR = 4.73) COVID-19 patients increased the risk of infection. Working with transport providers to minimize cross-infection between patients during transport was one of the measures taken to stop disease transmission. Lessons learned from COVID-19 may also apply to influenza and other infections. In the second report, Yazawa et al. describe an association between transport modality to the dialysis facility and health-related quality of life (QOL) among haemodialysis patients in the Japanese Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns study. These reports emphasize the need for nephrologists to understand how patients are transported to dialysis and how transport modality may be optimized to promote QOL and decrease potentially life-threatening complications.
Serum uromodulin is inversely associated with biomarkers of subclinical inflammation in the population-based KORA F4 study
Authors: Then Cornelia , Herder Christian , Then Holger , Thorand Barbara , Huth Cornelia , Heier Margit , Meisinger Christa , Peters Annette , Koenig Wolfgang , Rathmann Wolfgang , Roden Michael , Stumvoll Michael , Maalmi Haifa , Meitinger Thomas , Lechner Andreas , Scherberich Jürgen , Seissler Jochen
Published: July 2020

Background

Uromodulin is a kidney-specific glycoprotein synthesized in tubular cells of Henle’s loop exerting nephroprotective and immunomodulatory functions in the urinary tract. A small amount of uromodulin is also released into the systemic circulation, where its physiological role is unknown. Serum uromodulin (sUmod) has been associated with metabolic risk factors and with cardiovascular events and mortality, where these associations were partly stronger in men than in women. In this study, we investigated the associations of sUmod with biomarkers of subclinical inflammation in a population-based sample of women and men.

Methods

Associations of sUmod with 10 biomarkers of subclinical inflammation were assessed in 1065 participants of the Cooperative Health Research in the Region of Augsburg (KORA) F4 study aged 62–81 years using linear regression models adjusted for sex, age, body mass index, estimated glomerular filtration rate and diabetes. Analyses were performed in the total study sample and stratified by sex.

Results

sUmod was inversely associated with white blood cell count, high-sensitive C-reactive protein, interleukin (IL)-6, tumour necrosis factor-α, myeloperoxidase, superoxide dismutase-3, IL-1 receptor antagonist and IL-22 after multivariable adjustment and correction for multiple testing (P < 0.001 for each observation). There was a trend towards a stronger association of sUmod with pro-inflammatory markers in men than in women, with a significant P for sex interaction (<0.001) regarding the relation of sUmod with IL-6.

Conclusions

sUmod was inversely associated with biomarkers of subclinical inflammation in older participants of the KORA F4 study. The association of sUmod with IL-6 differed between women and men. Future research should focus on whether the immunomodulatory properties of sUmod are one explanation for the association of sUmod with cardiovascular outcomes and mortality.
NRF2 is a key regulator of endothelial microRNA expression under proatherogenic stimuli
Authors: Linna-Kuosmanen Suvi , Tomas Bosch Vanesa , Moreau Pierre R , Bouvy-Liivrand Maria , Niskanen Henri , Kansanen Emilia , Kivelä Annukka , Hartikainen Juha , Hippeläinen Mikko , Kokki Hannu , Tavi Pasi , Levonen Anna-Liisa , Kaikkonen Minna U
Published: July 2020

Aims

Oxidized phospholipids and microRNAs (miRNAs) are increasingly recognized to play a role in endothelial dysfunction driving atherosclerosis. NRF2 transcription factor is one of the key mediators of the effects of oxidized phospholipids, but the gene regulatory mechanisms underlying the process remain obscure. Here, we investigated the genome-wide effects of oxidized phospholipids on transcriptional gene regulation in human umbilical vein endothelial cells and aortic endothelial cells with a special focus on miRNAs.

Methods and results

We integrated data from HiC, ChIP-seq, ATAC-seq, GRO-seq, miRNA-seq, and RNA-seq to provide deeper understanding of the transcriptional mechanisms driven by NRF2 in response to oxidized phospholipids. We demonstrate that presence of NRF2 motif and its binding is more prominent in the vicinity of up-regulated transcripts and transcriptional initiation represents the most likely mechanism of action. We further identified NRF2 as a novel regulator of over 100 endothelial pri-miRNAs. Among these, we characterize two hub miRNAs miR-21-5p and miR-100-5p and demonstrate their opposing roles on mTOR, VEGFA, HIF1A, and MYC expressions. Finally, we provide evidence that the levels of miR-21-5p and miR-100-5p in exosomes are increased upon senescence and exhibit a trend to correlate with the severity of coronary artery disease.

Conclusion

Altogether, our analysis provides an integrative view into the regulation of transcription and miRNA function that could mediate the proatherogenic effects of oxidized phospholipids in endothelial cells.
Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound ameliorates cardiac diastolic dysfunction in mice: a possible novel therapy for heart failure with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction
Authors: Monma Yuto , Shindo Tomohiko , Eguchi Kumiko , Kurosawa Ryo , Kagaya Yuta , Ikumi Yosuke , Ichijo Sadamitsu , Nakata Takashi , Miyata Satoshi , Matsumoto Ayana , Sato Haruka , Miura Masahito , Kanai Hiroshi , Shimokawa Hiroaki
Published: July 2020

Aims

Heart failure with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (HFpEF) is a serious health problem worldwide, as no effective therapy is yet available. We have previously demonstrated that our low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) therapy is effective and safe for angina and dementia. In this study, we aimed to examine whether the LIPUS therapy also ameliorates cardiac diastolic dysfunction in mice.

Methods and results

Twelve-week-old obese diabetic mice (db/db) and their control littermates (db/+) were treated with either the LIPUS therapy [1.875 MHz, 32 cycles, Ispta (spatial peak temporal average intensity) 117–162 mW/cm2, 0.25 W/cm2] or placebo procedure two times a week for 4 weeks. At 20-week-old, transthoracic echocardiography and invasive haemodynamic analysis showed that cardiac diastolic function parameters, such as e′, E/e′, end-diastolic pressure–volume relationship, Tau, and dP/dt min, were all deteriorated in placebo-treated db/db mice compared with db/+ mice, while systolic function was preserved. Importantly, these cardiac diastolic function parameters were significantly ameliorated in the LIPUS-treated db/db mice. We also measured the force (F) and intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) in trabeculae dissected from ventricles. We found that relaxation time and [Ca2+]i decay (Tau) were prolonged during electrically stimulated twitch contractions in db/db mice, both of which were significantly ameliorated in the LIPUS-treated db/db mice, indicating that the LIPUS therapy also improves relaxation properties at tissue level. Functionally, exercise capacity was also improved in the LIPUS-treated db/db mice. Histologically, db/db mice displayed progressed cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and myocardial interstitial fibrosis, while those changes were significantly suppressed in the LIPUS-treated db/db mice. Mechanistically, western blot showed that the endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS)-nitric oxide (NO)-cGMP-protein kinase G (PKG) pathway and Ca2+-handling molecules were up-regulated in the LIPUS-treated heart.

Conclusions

These results indicate that the LIPUS therapy ameliorates cardiac diastolic dysfunction in db/db mice through improvement of eNOS-NO-cGMP-PKG pathway and cardiomyocyte Ca2+-handling system, suggesting its potential usefulness for the treatment of HFpEF patients.
Professionals’ Perspectives on Supporting Deaf Multilingual Learners and Their Families
Authors: Crowe Kathryn , Guiberson Mark
Published: July 2020

Parents frequently report that advice from professionals is important in making decisions about how their child with hearing loss will communicate. Little is currently known about how professionals support parents raising children with hearing loss in spoken language multilingual environments, children who are described as d/Deaf multilingual learners (DMLs). The purpose of this phenomenological study was to gain insight into professionals’ perspectives and experiences working with such families, particularly in relation to supporting parents in decision-making about multilingualism and language choice. Nineteen professionals discussed their experiences working with DMLs and their families, the role of professionals in decision-making about multilingualism and language choice, and the factors that they considered were important when supporting DMLs and their families. Inductive thematic analysis yielded three themes: child characteristics (language, development), negotiating and supporting language (information, parents’ language, role of language, timing, leadership, language management), and professional issues (knowledge, resources). This paper provides an important insight into professional considerations in supporting DMLs and their families, such as the role and functioning of evidence-based practice.
The Identification and Evolutionary Trends of the Solute Carrier Superfamily in Arthropods
Authors: Denecke Shane M , Driva Olympia , Luong Hang Ngoc Bao , Ioannidis Panagiotis , Linka Marc , Nauen Ralf , Geibel Sven , Vontas John
Published: July 2020

The solute carrier (SLC) transporter superfamily comprises an ancient and ubiquitous group of proteins capable of translocating a range of nutrients, endogenous molecules, and xenobiotics. Although the group has been the subject of intense investigation in both bacteria and mammals, its systematic identification in arthropods has not yet been undertaken. Here, we present a genome-wide identification of all 66 human SLC families in 174 arthropod species. A pipeline (SLC_id) was constructed to identify and group SLCs using a combination of hidden Markov model and BLAST searches followed by filtering based on polypeptide length and the number of transmembrane domains. Comparative analysis of the number of transporters in each family across diverse arthropod lineages was accomplished using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the Computational Analysis of gene Family Evolution (CAFE). These results suggested that many SLC families have undergone expansions or contractions in particular evolutionary lineages. Notably, the sugar transporting SLC2 family was significantly larger in insects compared with arachnids. This difference may have been complemented by a rapid expansion of the SLC60 family in arachnids which also acts on dietary sugars. Furthermore, the SLC33 family underwent a recent and drastic expansion in aphids, although the biological relevance of this expansion was not possible to infer. Information on specific SLC transporter families across arthropod species can be accessed through an R shiny web application at http://chrysalida.imbb.forth.gr : 3838/Arthropod_SLC_Database/. The present study greatly facilitates further investigation of the diverse group of SLC transporters in arthropods.
Inferring rheology and geometry of subsurface structures by adjoint-based inversion of principal stress directions
Authors: Reuber G S , Holbach L , Popov A A , Hanke M , Kaus B J P
Published: July 2020

Imaging subsurface structures, such as salt domes, magma reservoirs or subducting plates, is a major challenge in geophysics. Seismic imaging methods are, so far, the most precise methods to open a window into the Earth. However, the methods may not yield the exact depth or size of the imaged feature and may become distorted by phenomena such as seismic anisotropy, fluid flow, or compositional variations. A useful complementary method is therefore to simulate the mechanical behaviour of rocks on large timescales, and compare model predictions with observations. Recent studies have used the (non-linear) Stokes equations and geometries from seismic studies in combination with an adjoint-based approach to invert for rheological parameters that are consistent with surface observations such as GPS velocities. Nevertheless, it would be useful to use other surface observations, such as principal stress directions, as constraints as well. Here, we derive the adjoint formulation for the case that principal stress directions are used as observables with respect to rheological parameters. Both an algebraic and a discretized derivation of the adjoint equations are described. This thus enables the usage of two data fields - surface velocities and stress directions - as a misfit for the inversion. We test the performance of the inversion for principal stress directions on simplified 3-D test cases.

Finally, we demonstrate how the adjoint approach can be used to compute 3-D geodynamic sensitivity kernels, which highlight the areas in the model domain that have the largest impact on the misfit value of a particular point. This provides a simple, yet powerful, way to visualize which parts of the model domain are of key importance if changing rheological constants.
A synonymous UPF3B variant causing a speech disorder implicates NMD as a regulator of neurodevelopmental disorder gene networks
Authors: Domingo Deepti , Nawaz Urwah , Corbett Mark , Espinoza Josh L , Tatton-Brown Katrina , Coman David , Wilkinson Miles F , Gecz Jozef , Jolly Lachlan A
Published: July 2020

Loss-of-function mutations of the X-chromosome gene UPF3B cause male neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) via largely unknown mechanisms. We investigated initially by interrogating a novel synonymous UPF3B variant in a male with absent speech. In silico and functional studies using cell lines derived from this individual show altered UPF3B RNA splicing. The resulting mRNA species encodes a frame-shifted protein with a premature termination codon (PTC) predicted to elicit degradation via nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD). UPF3B mRNA was reduced in the cell line, and no UPF3B protein was produced, confirming a loss-of-function allele. UPF3B is itself involved in the NMD mechanism which degrades both PTC-bearing mutant transcripts and also many physiological transcripts. RNAseq analysis showed that ~1.6% of mRNAs exhibited altered expression. These mRNA changes overlapped and correlated with those we identified in additional cell lines obtained from individuals harbouring other UPF3B mutations, permitting us to interrogate pathogenic mechanisms of UPF3B-associated NDDs. We identified 102 genes consistently deregulated across all UPF3B mutant cell lines. Of the 51 upregulated genes, 75% contained an NMD-targeting feature, thus identifying high-confidence direct NMD targets. Intriguingly, 22 of the dysregulated genes encoded known NDD genes, suggesting UPF3B-dependent NMD regulates gene networks critical for cognition and behaviour. Indeed, we show that 78.5% of all NDD genes encode a transcript predicted to be targeted by NMD. These data describe the first synonymous UPF3B mutation in a patient with prominent speech and language disabilities and identify plausible mechanisms of pathology downstream of UPF3B mutations involving the deregulation of NDD-gene networks.
Neurobiological and Ecological Correlates of Avian Innovation
Authors: Audet Jean-Nicolas
Published: July 2020

Synopsis

In the wild, particularly in rapidly changing conditions, being capable of solving new problems can increase an animal’s chances of survival and reproduction. In the current context of widespread habitat destruction and increasing urbanization, innovativeness might be a crucial trait. In the past few decades, birds have proven to be a model taxon for the study of innovation, thanks to the abundant literature on avian innovation reports. Innovation databases in birds have been successfully employed to assess associations between innovativeness and other traits such as invasion success, life history, generalism, and brain encephalization. In order to more directly assess the causes of variation in innovation, a complementary approach consists in measuring innovativeness in wild-caught animals using problem-solving tasks that mimic innovations in the field. This method can allow for finer scale evaluation of ecological and neural correlates of innovation. Here, I review some of the most important findings on the correlates of innovation, with a particular focus on neural ones. I conclude by discussing avenues for future research, which I suggest should focus on neurobiology.
Early intervention for children with developmental disabilities in low and middle-income countries – the case for action
Authors: Smythe Tracey , Zuurmond Maria , Tann Cally J , Gladstone Melissa , Kuper Hannah
Published: July 2020

In the last two decades, the global community has made significant progress in saving the lives of children <5 y of age. However, these advances are failing to help all children to thrive, especially children with disabilities. Most early child development research has focussed on the impact of biological and psychosocial factors on the developing brain and the effect of early intervention on child development. Yet studies typically exclude children with disabilities, so relatively little is known about which interventions are effective for this high-risk group. In this article we provide an overview of child development and developmental disabilities. We describe family-centred care interventions that aim to provide optimal stimulation for development in a safe, stable and nurturing environment. We make the case for improving opportunities for children with developmental disabilities to achieve their full potential and thrive, including through inclusive early childhood development intervention. Finally, we call for the global research community to adopt a systematic approach for better evidence for and implementation of early interventions for children with developmental disabilities in low-resource settings.