bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of learning materials for automatic control course
Authors: Phetsong S. , Weerayuth N.
Published: May 2021

In the new global economy, automation technologies play an important role in the industry, agriculture, transportation and daily life in the 4.0 era. Generally, studying the theory of automatic control involves the design of the dynamic control system. Students have to understand the system and be able to create mathematical models or models of control systems, both open-loop control system and closed-loop control systems, based on the knowledge of physics, mathematics, and differential equations. They have to use all knowledge to design a control system that provides the desired results by simulating the system with computer software, which is difficult to understand and practice their skills for real implementation. By using the teaching materials that emphasize hands-on practice along with theoretical studies, is very important in creating practical experience and skills. This research has developed learning materials in designing a basic automatic control system by systematically designing and building a controller with the appropriate actuators and sensors. The designing steps are clear and easy to understand include of application of control laws, programming the controller via microcontrollers, and using a Graphic User Interface (GUI) to display the response of the system. The learning materials can compare the results from the different control systems by adjusting the parameters of the dynamics system. Students can experiment with adjusting the parameters of the controller, which makes them understand the automatic control system through actual hands-on operations with the low cost and easy to produce teaching materials.
Experimental investigation of pressure drop of water flow in a double vertical coils and shell heat exchanger induced by 28 kHz ultrasound
Authors: Tuntarungsri Suphakorn , Rakpakdee Wanarat , Pornnattawut Mongkol , Motozawa Masaaki , Fukuta Mitsuhiro , Chaiworapuek Weerachai
Published: May 2021

This research experimentally investigated the pressure drop characteristics induced by 28 kHz ultrasound in a double vertical coils and shell heat exchanger, typically used in 3 – 10 tons water chiller. Also, the water inlet was positioning as 3 configurations, including 1: configuration 1 is the original model from a commercial type (2 ports to the coil center), 2: configuration 2 is the modified model to make a swirl in the heat exchanger (4 ports on 4 side walls), and 3: configuration 3 is the modified model that vertically injects water to the coil (4 ports on a top wall). The results showed that the pressure drop increased in accordance with the flow rate from 0.25 to 0.75 l/s. The second inlet configuration was found to be a promising setup due to its lowest occurring flow friction. Especially in the operation under ultrasonic waves, this configuration provided a lower pressure drop of approximately 20%. Therefore, the maximum reduction of pressure drop was at 86.6% from the original configuration at the lowest flow rate. These results lead to the better design of the heat exchanger and the consequence of higher efficiency water chiller in the future.
Energy efficiency evaluation from micro trip database of HDV bus tracking system
Authors: Thapmanee Kampanat , Niyomna Phumanan , Saisirirat Peerawat , Silva Kampanart , Chollacoop Nuwong
Published: May 2021

Fuel consumption (L/100 km) is one of the most important parameters for assessing fuel economy and energy efficiency in the road transport sector. However, the fuel consumption database for Thailand heavy duty vehicles (HDVs) is usually collected from road-side surveys, as whole trip summaries, e.g., total consumed fuel quantity, and measured driving distances. Therefore, the effects of trip details, e.g., topography, route curvature, and driving style on fuel consumption, cannot be calculated. Nowadays, the modern vehicle tracking system, which can acquire vehicle traveling information at every second, including real-time fuel consumption, provides numerous sets of micro trip data. Therefore, this study aims to indicate important parameters effected on the fuel consumption of HDV buses, from the analysis of micro trip databases. Out of a number of fixed HDV buses routes, the Bangkok – Nakhon-Ratchasima route (about 300 km) was selected from seven HDV bus routes because this route has sufficient elevation gain (uphill) and elevation loss (downhill) for the analysis. From the analysis results, the correlation between fuel consumption and elevation gain was distinctively observed, while the relationship with other energy-related parameters were not observable. During the vehicle ascending, fuel consumption increased linearly as 0.75 L/100km by an elevation gain in m/km (? = 0.75? + 29.71). However, from elevation gain above 50 m/km fuel consumption fluctuated around a constant value of 59.03 ± 7.25 L/100km.
Photovoltaic forecasting model in Thailand: case study solar farm at Nakhon Ratchasima province
Authors: Yongchareon Withaya , Thongthew Sumlee , Juncharoen Pensiri
Published: May 2021

The photovoltaic module performance was normally tested at the standard conditions. The use of the actual field performance has not been investigated. One purpose of this study was to find the predicted equation for forecasting the energy produced from photovoltaic modules. Data for this study were collected using the data from the solar farm in Nakhon Ratchasima province: solar irradiation, ambient temperature, module temperature and wind velocity. The daily composite data were 1,461 from 1st January 2015 – 31st December 2018. The five predicted equations, including both the main effect and the interaction effect, were statistically analysed by regression method using the Minitab software program for multiple linear regression. The requiring dependent variable (y) was the energy produced from the photovoltaic module. The four independent variables were solar irradiation (x1), ambient temperature (x2), module temperature (x3) and wind velocity (x4). For prediction preciscion, all the predicted equations were validated with the new gathered data from 1st January 2019 – 30th June 2019. The analysis results showed, the forecasting model together with the appropriate predicted equation with the highest coefficient of determination (R2 of 0.9873) and the standard deviation of prediction (S = 2.67%). This predicted equation, ŷ = 5258 + 5310.0 x
1 - 100.31 x
2 + 66.2x
4, consisted of the three external independent variables; solar irradiation, ambient temperature, and wind velocity. The independent variable sensitivities were also determined. The solar irradiation was the most sensitive to the predicted equation. Moreover, this predicted equation would be suggested to utilize as the estimator for the energy produced from the new photovoltaic power plant to be installed at the north-eastern part of Thailand.
The energy harvester investigation in exercising by using the piezoelectric effect
Authors: Kamuang Settakorn , Pramuanjaroenkij Nutchanok , Wachum Wayuda , Tongkratoke Amarin
Published: May 2021

Energy is important in everyday human life, for that reason, energy harvesting is one of the most important issues. Many countries have aging societies, exercise is promoted to keep people in good health in old age. This work focused on an integration of the energy harvesting and exercise. Therefore, this work was aimed at producing electrical energy from exercise shoes by using the piezoelectric effect. Different piezoelectric circuits; series, parallel and combination circuits, and types; Lead Zirconate Titanate (PZT) and ceramic or buzzer types, were investigated. Then, an energy harvesting prototype was built to charge ions to a capacitor by attaching the prototype to shoe pads. From the circuit comparison results, the parallel piezoelectric circuit provided the highest current density and this circuit was carried out in other experiments. Next, the comparison was made by applying both piezoelectric types into two separate parallel circuits with 2 pieces per circuit. The PZT circuit harvested the same amount of electrical power as the buzzer circuit, but the energy harvesting by the PZT circuit took less time at 15 mins to complete its harvest. Finally, the PZT circuit was installed on the shoe pads as a prototype and investigated for its capability. The experiment was carried out by an experimenter who wore the shoes with the prototype and walked at a constant speed of 1 km per hr. The experimental distances were 200, 400 and 600 m and the electric power were calculated accordingly. From the experimental results, walking with the constant speed could enable the PZT piezoelectric materials to produce electric power of electrical energy constantly because of its elastic ability which could tolerate mechanical energy applied to it and because the time used to harvest energy by its circuit is short. It could be concluded from the experiments that the more the distance, the more electric power. Therefore, this prototype proved to produce electrical energy from the piezoelectric effect in harvesting energy and could be further developed as a renewable energy harvester.
Simulation of the variable assembly of MGT-SOFC systems to optimize the mechanical efficiency
Authors: Dückershoff R. , Berg H.P. , Kleissl M. , Himmelberg A.
Published: May 2021

Simulations of various modifications and technical solutions to improve the energy yield when connecting micro gas turbines and SOFC high-temperature fuel cell systems are presented. Above all, heat integration measures enable an increase in system efficiency and a reduction in primary energy input. On the basis of analysis of efficiencies and the heat output it is shown, which high influence the modifications for the improvement of the hybrid process have on the energy yield. Finally, an optimal configuration is worked out, which enables primary energy to be used with the highest possible efficiency.

Particular emphasis is placed on the use of gaseous fuels from renewable energy sources. Preparation mechanisms, e.g., the reforming of used methane, and the improvement of the heat insulation materials was also taken into account. All in all, electrical total efficiencies for the optimized hybrid system of more than 65 % could be proven and additional thermal energy for heating purposes was extracted. Overall efficiency for the utilization of the energy content of the primary energy of up to 95 % was then achieved.

Entire systems with a maximum system output of around 270kW were examined. In the near future, these plants can replace existing fossil-fuel power plants. Due to the achievable flexibility, the previous security of supply and load fluctuation compensation can also be performed.
Investigation of thermal stratification in a thermal storage tank with a curve edge obstacle plate
Authors: Jenyongsak Papangkorn , Trinuruk Piyatida
Published: May 2021

Nowadays, thermal storage tanks have been widely installed because of high demanding for hot water in the production process or daily activities in a household. Numerous energy has been consumed to produce hot water. To reduce the energy consumption and improve the energy efficiency of the hot water system, the design of thermal stratification in a storage tank can play as an important parameter on its thermal efficiency. The basic concept of the thermally stratified tank is attempted to separate a layer of hot and cold water by means of density variation and gravitational effects which cold water is aimed to existing at the bottom and hot water is at the upper part of the tank. The level of temperature stratification significantly impacts on the thermal efficiency. The higher degree of thermal stratification, the better thermal efficiency of the hot water system. However, there are many factors strongly affected the thermal stratification such as height-to-diameter ratio, the inner structure of thermal storage tank, the water flow rate, and etc. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to design a thermally stratified tank by improvement the inner structural design of the tank. Two influenced factors are focused: i) the different configuration of inlet pipes which can impact on the flow pattern and flow velocity of the water and ii) the different design of obstacle plates which can help control a recirculation area of the water in the tank. To obtain a high thermal efficiency of the stratified tank, the computer simulation program Ansys Fluent is applied for the analysis. The results show that uniform distribution of water flow and lower flow velocity due to the appropriate design of inlet pipe and proper buffer plate design can enhance the temperature stratification in the storage tank which increase the thermal efficiency during discharging processes.
China detector hints at new physics
Authors: Cartlidge Edwin
Published: May 2021

The PandaX-II dark-matter experiment has confirmed previous signs of exotic particles but further evidence will be needed, as Edwin Cartlidge reports
Entangled thoughts
Authors: Durrani Matin
Published: May 2021

Research at the interface between physics and biology is rewarding and exciting
Beneath the rotunda
Authors: Crease Robert P
Published: May 2021

Robert P Crease reflects on the US Capitol’s invasion from a unique perspective
Deep thinkers needed
Authors: Tracy Charles
Published: May 2021

In response to the Forum article “Why breadth beats depth” (January p19), in which physics teacher Niki Bell argues that subject-matter specialists don’t necessarily make the best teachers.
A new generation takes on the cosmological constant
Authors: Lea Rob
Published: May 2021

The long-standing problem of the cosmological constant, described both as “the worst prediction in the history of physics” and by Einstein as his “biggest blunder”, is being tackled with renewed vigour by today’s cosmologists. Rob Lea investigates
Strolling in the deep
Authors: Randall Ian
Published: May 2021

Ian Randall reviews The Brilliant Abyss: True Tales of Exploring the Deep Sea, Discovering Hidden Life and Selling the Seabed by Helen Scales
Molecular mechanisms regulating the catabolic and electrochemical activities of Shewanella oneidensis MR-1
Authors: Kouzuma Atsushi
Published: May 2021

Electrochemically active bacteria (EAB) interact electrochemically with electrodes via extracellular electron transfer (EET) pathways. These bacteria have attracted significant attention due to their utility in environmental-friendly bioelectrochemical systems (BESs), including microbial fuel cells and electrofermentation systems. The electrochemical activity of EAB is dependent on their carbon catabolism and respiration; thus, understanding how these processes are regulated will provide insights into the development of a more efficient BES. The process of biofilm formation by EAB on BES electrodes is also important for electric current generation because it facilitates physical and electrochemical interactions between EAB cells and electrodes. This article summarizes the current knowledge on EET-related metabolic and cellular functions of a model EAB, Shewanella oneidensis MR-1, focusing specifically on regulatory systems for carbon catabolism, EET pathways, and biofilm formation. Based on recent developments, the author also discusses potential uses of engineered S. oneidensis strains for various biotechnological applications.
DeepEBV: a deep learning model to predict Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) integration sites
Authors: Liang Jiuxing , Cui Zifeng , Wu Canbiao , Yu Yao , Tian Rui , Xie Hongxian , Jin Zhuang , Fan Weiwen , Xie Weiling , Huang Zhaoyue , Xu Wei , Zhu Jingjing , You Zeshan , Guo Xiaofang , Qiu Xiaofan , Ye Jiahao , Lang Bin , Li Mengyuan , Tan Songwei , Hu Zheng
Published: May 2021

Motivation

Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) is one of the most prevalent DNA oncogenic viruses. The integration of EBV into the host genome has been reported to play an important role in cancer development. The preference of EBV integration showed strong dependence on the local genomic environment, which enables the prediction of EBV integration sites.

Results

An attention-based deep learning model, DeepEBV, was developed to predict EBV integration sites by learning local genomic features automatically. First, DeepEBV was trained and tested using the data from the dsVIS database. The results showed that DeepEBV with EBV integration sequences plus Repeat peaks and 2-fold data augmentation performed the best on the training dataset. Furthermore, the performance of the model was validated in an independent dataset. In addition, the motifs of DNA-binding proteins could influence the selection preference of viral insertional mutagenesis. Furthermore, the results showed that DeepEBV can predict EBV integration hotspot genes accurately. In summary, DeepEBV is a robust, accurate and explainable deep learning model, providing novel insights into EBV integration preferences and mechanisms.

Availabilityand implementation

DeepEBV is available as open-source software and can be downloaded from https://github.com/JiuxingLiang/DeepEBV.git.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
DeepChargePredictor: a web server for predicting QM-based atomic charges via state-of-the-art machine-learning algorithms
Authors: Wang Jike , Sun Huiyong , Chen Jiawen , Jiang Dejun , Wang Zhe , Wu Zhenxing , Chen Xi , Cao Dongsheng , Hou Tingjun
Published: May 2021

High-level quantum mechanics (QM) methods are no doubt the most reliable approaches for the prediction of atomic charges, but it usually needs very large computational resources, which apparently hinders the use of high-quality atomic charges in large-scale molecular modeling, such as high-throughput virtual screening. To solve this problem, several algorithms based on machine-learning (ML) have been developed to fit high-level QM atomic charges. Here, we proposed DeepChargePredictor, a web server that is able to generate the high-level QM atomic charges for small molecules based on two state-of-the-art ML algorithms developed in our group, namely AtomPathDescriptor and DeepAtomicCharge. These two algorithms were seamlessly integrated into the platform with the capability to predict three kinds of charges (i.e. RESP, AM1-BCC and DDEC) widely used in structure-based drug design. Moreover, we have comprehensively evaluated the performance of these charges generated by DeepChargePredictor for large-scale drug design applications, such as end-point binding free energy calculations and virtual screening, which all show reliable or even better performance compared with the baseline methods.

Availability and implementation

The data in the article can be obtained on the web page http://cadd.zju.edu.cn/deepchargepredictor/publication.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Easy and cost-efficient method for tumour localization in patients with breast cancer undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by breast conservation therapy
Authors: Biswas D. , Chigurupati S. V. , Pandey M.
Published: May 2021

This article describes placement of a radio-opaque clip for tumour localization to facilitate resection in patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed by breast conservation therapy. Use of a radio-opaque marker made of stainless steel K-wire and use of a Trucut® needle with a blunt stylet for wire placement in the breast tumour bed is a safe, indigenous, and cost-effective method for tumour localization.
Laparoscopic lavage for perforated diverticulitis in the LapLav study: population-based registry study
Authors: Samuelsson A , Bock D , Prytz M , Block M , Ehrencrona C , Wedin A , Ahlstedt M , Angenete E , Haglind E
Published: May 2021

Background

The standard treatment for Hinchey III perforated diverticulitis with peritonitis was resection with or without a stoma, but recent trials have shown that laparoscopic lavage is a reasonable alternative. This registry-based Swedish study investigated results at a national level to assess safety in real-world scenarios.

Methods

Patients in Sweden who underwent emergency surgery for perforated diverticulitis between 2016 and 2018 were studied. Inverse probability weighting by propensity score was used to adjust for confounding factors.

Results

A total of 499 patients were included in this study. Laparoscopic lavage was associated with a significantly lower 90-day Comprehensive Complication Index (20.9 versus 32.0; odds ratio 0.77, 95 per cent compatibility interval (c.i.) 0.61 to 0.97) and overall duration of hospital stay (9 versus 15 days; ratio of means 0.84, 95 per cent c.i. 0.74 to 0.96) compared with resection. Patients had 82 (95 per cent c.i. 39 to 140) per cent more readmissions following lavage than resection (27.2 versus 21.0 per cent), but similar reoperation rates. More co-morbidity was noted among patients who underwent resection than those who had laparoscopic lavage.

Conclusion

Laparoscopic lavage is safe in routine care beyond trial evaluations.
Floral ontogeny ofDelphinium anthriscifolium(Ranunculaceae) and development of intrafloral and symmetrical resupinated organs
Authors: Zhang Wen-Gen , Liu Yu-Guang , Nie Tang-Jie , Guo Chun-Ce , Qiu Li-Hong , Yang Guang-Yao , Jabbour Florian , Wang Wei
Published: May 2021

Delphinieae (Ranunculaceae) are characterized by zygomorphic spiral flowers and show a remarkable diversity of perianth organization. Floral structure and development have been investigated in most lineages of the tribe, mainly focusing on the establishment of symmetry and on perianth development. In this study, floral organogenesis and morphogenesis in Delphinium anthriscifolium, a member of the recently erected Delphinium subgenus Anthriscifolium, were investigated and compared with those of other species of Delphinieae in a phylogenetic context. In D. anthriscifolium, zygomorphy of the spiral flower is established soon after the initiation of sepal primordia. Among the four fully developed petals of the dorsoventralized corolla, the two dorsalmost ones become spurred, and the lateral petals resupinate before anthesis and are mirror images of each other. Resupination of petals, long overlooked in morphological studies of Delphinieae, is here reported in Ranunculaceae for the first time. The role of resupinated petals, possibly acting as a landing platform for nectar foragers, may be of high adaptive significance. Based on our new findings regarding floral ontogeny and morphology in D. anthriscifolium, we provide an updated picture of floral evolution in Delphinieae.
Ginsenoside Contents in Ginseng: Quality by Design-Coupled Two-Dimensional Liquid Chromatography Technique
Authors: Yang Yuangui , Zhang Yanhai , Zhang Xiaoqun , Yang Li , Wang Zhengtao
Published: May 2021

Red ginseng and white ginseng, with different chemical constituents, exhibit different antioxidative, anticancer, antiasthmatic and immunomodulatory properties. The aim of this study was to determine the amount of ginsenoside contents (Rg1, Re, Rb1, Rb2, Rc, Rd and Ro) in red and white ginseng. A rapid and comprehensive method was developed using the quality-by-design (QbD) and heart-cutting two-dimensional liquid chromatography (2D-LC) techniques. The temperature (25°C), mobile phase constituent (0.1%H3PO4), flow rate (0.35 mL/min) and concentrations of the final (45%) and initial (19.5%) organic solvents were optimized to efficient chromatography-based isolation method. The gradient program was optimized by QbD Fusion AE system. A selective column (Thermo Acclaim RSLC Polar Advantage II 2.2 μm, 100 × 2.1 mm) was used for the studies. The ginsenoside Rb1, Rc and Ro exhibiting poor separation resolution were separated using the heart-cutting 2D-LC technique. The average Rb1, Rb2 and Rc contents in red ginseng were significantly higher than the average Rb1, Rb2 and Rc contents in white ginseng. Ginsenoside Ro can be potentially used as a marker to evaluate the qualities of white and red ginseng. This comprehensive and rapid method can be potentially used to screen the quality of the markers in the future.
Acoustic Features of Cry of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Infants
Authors: Zayed Ahmed Mohamed , Afsah Omayma , Ismail Elshahat Ibrahem , Baz Hemmat
Published: May 2021

Previous research has demonstrated differences in the acoustic features of crying signals between deaf and typical hearing (TH) infants. This study aims at comparing the acoustic parameters of cries of infants with different degrees of deafness versus TH infants. About 110 infants aged 6–12 months (61 TH infants, 34 infants with bilateral deafness of variable degrees and 15 infants with unilateral deafness) were enrolled in the study. Results indicated that the most important acoustic parameters to demonstrate the difference between the crying of TH infants and deaf and hard-of-hearing (DHH) infants as well as between the crying of infants with different degrees of deafness are F0, cry duration, intensity, F2, and F4. In terms of accuracy, the parameter that showed the highest accuracy to differentiate between TH infants and DHH infants was F0 (74.5%). The accuracy of the combined acoustic parameters (F0, cry duration, intensity, and F4) was 70%. F0 was considered the best predictor and F4 the second best predictor of severity of deafness.
18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography as a diagnostic and follow-up tool in Coxiella burnetii endocarditis of prosthetic valve and aortic valved tube: a case report
Authors: Ricciardi Elisa , Moscatelli Alessandro , Berruti Marco , Donegani Maria Isabella , Mikulska Malgorzata Karolina , Pende Aldo
Published: May 2021

Background 

European Society of Cardiology 2015 guidelines approved 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT) as a useful diagnostic imaging technique in prosthetic valve endocarditis (PVE) and recent evidence seems to suggest a role of nuclear imaging in the follow-up of cardiovascular infections, but nowadays there are no sufficient data available.

Case summary 

A 67-year-old male presented with fever, weight loss, and fatigue. His medical history included ulcerative colitis and a previous Bentall-De Bono surgical procedure in 2014. A previous recent hospitalization to a small community hospital did not reveal a clear aetiology for the fever: transeosophageal echocardiography showed dubious peri-prosthetic tissue alterations, interpreted as post-surgical fibrosis; consequently, the patient was discharged with steroid therapy. At admission in our ward, we repeated transoesophageal echocardiography that confirmed the peri-prosthetic alterations. Moreover, 18F-FDG PET/CT showed two hypermetabolic areas, one around the prosthetic tube in the aortic bulb and the other in relation with the prosthetic aortic valve. Serological test was positive for Coxiella burnetii infection with consequent beginning of a targeted antimicrobial therapy with oral doxicycline and hydroxychloroquine. Echocardiography, serology, and 18F-FDG PET/CT follow-up demonstrated a progressive response to treatment and clinical conditions of the patient gradually improved.

Discussion 

According to guidelines, 18F-FDG PET/CT can be used in ambiguous PVE to improve diagnostic accuracy of standard techniques. In this case, 18F-FDG PET/CT combined with echocardiography and serological tests is used not only to better define diagnosis but also for treatment response monitoring during follow-up.
IBD Systems Biology Is Here to Stay
Authors: Fiocchi Claudio , Iliopoulos Dimitrios
Published: May 2021

Background

Systems biology is a rapidly advancing field of science that allows us to look into disease mechanisms, patient diagnosis and stratification, and drug development in a completely new light. It is based on the utilization of unbiased computational systems free of the traditional experimental approaches based on personal choices of what is important and what select experiments should be performed to obtain the expected results.

Methods

Systems biology can be applied to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) by learning basic concepts of omes and omics and how omics-derived “big data” can be integrated to discover the biological networks underlying highly complex diseases like IBD. Once these biological networks (interactomes) are identified, then the molecules controlling the disease network can be singled out and specific blockers developed.

Results

The field of systems biology in IBD is just emerging, and there is still limited information on how to best utilize its power to advance our understanding of Crohn disease and ulcerative colitis to develop novel therapeutic strategies. Few centers have embraced systems biology in IBD, but the creation of international consortia and large biobanks will make biosamples available to basic and clinical IBD investigators for further research studies.

Conclusions

The implementation of systems biology is indispensable and unavoidable, and the patient and medical communities will both benefit immensely from what it will offer in the near future.
Anti-TNF Therapy and the Risk of Herpes Zoster Among Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Santella Christina , Bitton Alain , Filliter Christopher , Bessissow Talat , Vutcovici Maria , Lakatos Peter L , Brassard Paul
Published: May 2021

Background

The specific contribution of anti-TNF therapy to the onset of herpes zoster (HZ) in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) remains uncertain. Thus, the purpose of this nested case-control study was to explore whether the use of anti-TNF therapy is associated with an increased risk of HZ.

Methods

Using the Regie de l’Assurance Maladie du Québec, we identified incident cases of IBD between 1998 and 2015. We matched IBD cases of HZ with up to 10 IBD HZ-free controls on year of cohort entry and follow-up. Current use was defined as a prescription for anti-TNF therapy 60 days before the index date, with nonuse as the comparator. We conducted conditional logistic regression to estimate odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs), adjusting for potential confounders.

Results

The cohort consisted of 15,454 incident IBD patients. Over an average follow-up of 5.0 years, 824 patients were diagnosed with HZ (incidence of 9.3 per 1000 person-years). Relative to nonuse, current use of anti-TNF therapy was associated with an overall increased risk of HZ (OR, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.1–2.1). The risk was increased among those older than 50 years (OR, 2.1; 95% CI, 1.2–3.6) and those additionally using steroids and immunosuppressants (OR, 4.1; 95% CI, 2.3–7.2).

Conclusions

Use of anti-TNF therapy was associated with an increased risk of HZ among patients with IBD, particularly among those older than 50 years and those on combination therapy. Prevention strategies for HZ ought to be considered for younger IBD patients commencing treatment.
Is a hospital quality policy based on a triad of accreditation, public reporting and inspection evidence-based? A narrative review
Authors: Van Wilder Astrid , Bruyneel Luk , De Ridder Dirk , Seys Deborah , Brouwers Jonas , Claessens Fien , Cox Bianca , Vanhaecht Kris
Published: May 2021

Background

Since 2009, hospital quality policy in Flanders, Belgium, is built around a quality-of-care triad, which encompasses accreditation, public reporting (PR) and inspection. Policy makers are currently reflecting on the added value of this triad.

Methods

We performed a narrative review of the literature published between 2009 and 2020 to examine the evidence base of the impact accreditation, PR and inspection, both individually and combined, has on patient processes and outcomes. The following patient outcomes were examined: mortality, length of stay, readmissions, patient satisfaction, adverse outcomes, failure to rescue, adherence to process measures and risk aversion. The impact of accreditation, PR and inspection on these outcomes was evaluated as either positive, neutral (i.e. no impact observed or mixed results reported) or negative.

Objectives

To assess the current evidence base on the impact of accreditation, PR and inspection on patient processes and outcomes.

Results

We identified 69 studies, of which 40 were on accreditation, 24 on PR, three on inspection and two on accreditation and PR concomitantly. Identified studies reported primarily low-level evidence (level IV, n = 53) and were heterogeneous in terms of implemented programmes and patient populations (often narrow in PR research). Overall, a neutral categorization was determined in 30 articles for accreditation, 23 for PR and four for inspection. Ten of these recounted mixed results. For accreditation, a high number (n = 12) of positive research on adherence to process measures was discovered.

Conclusion

The individual impact of accreditation, PR and inspection, the core of Flemish hospital quality, was found to be limited on patient outcomes. Future studies should investigate the combined effect of multiple quality improvement strategies.
Transcriptome Analysis ofAedes albopictus(Diptera: Culicidae) Larvae Exposed With a Sublethal Dose of Haedoxan A
Authors: Hao Huanhuan , Zuo Yayun , Fang Jiameng , Sun Anqi , Aioub Ahmed A A , Hu Zhaonong
Published: May 2021

Aedes albopictus is the vector of arbovirus diseases including yellow fever, dengue, Zika virus, and chikungunya fever, and it poses an enormous threat to human health worldwide. Previous studies have revealed that haedoxan A (HA), which is an insecticidal sesquilignan from Phryma leptostachya L., is a highly effective natural insecticide for managing mosquitoes and houseflies; however, the mechanisms underlying the response of Ae. albopictus after treatment with sublethal concentrations of HA is not clear. Here, high-throughput sequencing was used to analyze the gene expression changes in Ae. albopictus larvae after treatment with the LC30 of HA. In total, 416 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified, including 328 upregulated genes and 88 downregulated genes. Identification and verification of related DEGs were performed by RT-qPCR. The results showed that two P450 unigenes (CYP4C21 and CYP304A1), one carboxylesterase, and one ABC transporter (ABCG1) were induced by HA, which indicated that these detoxifying enzyme genes might play a major role in the metabolic and detoxification processes of HA. Additionally, acetylcholine receptor subunit ɑ2 (AChRα2), AChRα5, AChRα9, and the glutamate receptor ionotropic kainate 2 (GRIK2) were found to be upregulated in HA-treated larvae, suggesting that HA affected the conduction of action potentials and synaptic transmission by disrupting the function of neural receptors. These results provide a foundation for further elucidating the target of HA and the mechanism of detoxification metabolism in Ae. albopictus.
Nonlinear free vibration of size-dependent microbeams with nonlinear elasticity under various boundary conditions
Authors: Lin F , Peng J S , Xue S F , Yang L , Yang J
Published: May 2021

In this study, nonlinear couple stress–strain constitutive relationships in the modified couple stress theory (MCST) are derived on the basis of previous classical stress–strain constitutive relationships of nonlinear elasticity materials. Hamilton's principle is employed to obtain higher-order nonlinear governing equations within the framework of the updated MCST, von Kármán geometric nonlinearity and Bernoulli–Euler beam theory. These mathematical formulations are solved numerically by the differential quadrature method together with an iterative algorithm to determine the nonlinear dynamic features of microbeams with four groups of boundary conditions. A detailed parametric study is conducted to analyze the influences of nonlinear elasticity properties on the nonlinear free vibration characteristics of the microbeams. Results show that these microbeams exhibiting nonlinear couple constitutive relationships have lower frequencies than their approximately simplified linear couple constitutive relationships. In addition, the frequencies of microbeams with nonlinear elasticity properties decrease as the vibration amplitude increases.
Remimazolam alleviates neuropathic pain via regulating bradykinin receptor B1 and autophagy
Authors: Xie Haiyu , Lu Feng , Liu Weilian , Wang Enfu , Wang Lifeng , Zhong Maolin
Published: May 2021

Objectives

Neuropathic pain (NP) represents a broad scope of various pathological ramifications of the nervous system. Remimazolam is a proved sedative in treating neuropathic pain. Considering the Bradykinin receptor’s vital role and the potentials of Bradykinin receptor B1 (BDKRB1) in the neuropathic pain-signalling pathway, we nominated them as a primary target for remimazolam.

Methods

In this study, rats were injected with complete freund’s adjuvant (CFA) to construct NP models in vivo. BV2 microglia cells were treated with LPS to establish NP model in vitro. qRT-PCR, ELISA, western blot and immunofluorescence were applied to determine gene expression.

Key findings

Our findings revealed that BDKRB1 was overexpressed in NP models in vivo, while R715 (an antagonist of BDKRB1) suppressed the levels of BDKRB1 and inhibited the hyperpathia induced by spinal nerve litigation surgery. Moreover, remimazolam inactivated BDKRB1 signalling via suppressing NF-κB translocation and decreased the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Additionally, remimazolam suppressed the translocation of NF-κB, and inhibited autophagic lysosome formation in vivo and in vitro. However, R838 (an agonist of BDKRB1) reversed the effects of remimazolam.

Conclusions

Remimazolam downregulated BDKRB1, inhibited BDKRB1/RAS/MEK signalling pathway and regulated the autophagic lysosome induction, exhibiting a better outcome in the NP.
A novel survey for young substellar objects with the W-band filter III: Searching for very low-mass brown dwarfs in Serpens South and Serpens Core
Authors: Dubber Sophie , Biller Beth , Allers Katelyn , Jose Jessy , Albert Loïc , Pantoja Blake , Fontanive Clémence , Liu Michael , Zhang Zhoujian , Chen Wen-Ping , Lalchand Bhavana , Damian Belinda , Sharma Tanvi
Published: May 2021

We present CFHT photometry and IRTF spectroscopy of low-mass candidate members of Serpens South and Serpens Core (∼430 pc, ∼0.5 Myr), identified using a novel combination of photometric filters, known as the W-band method. We report SC182952+011618, SS182959-020335, and SS183032-021028 as young, low-mass Serpens candidate members, with spectral types in the range M7-M8, M5-L0, and M5-M6.5, respectively. Best-fitting effective temperatures and luminosities imply masses of < 0.12M⊙ for all three candidate cluster members. We also present Hubble Space Telescope imaging data (F127M, F139M, and F850LP) for six targets in Serpens South. We report the discovery of the binary system SS183044-020918AB. The binary components are separated by ≈45 AU, with spectral types of M7-M8 and M8-M9, and masses of 0.08–0.1 and 0.05–0.07 M⊙. We discuss the effects of high dust attenuation on the reliability of our analysis, as well as the presence of reddened background stars in our photometric sample.
Accuracy versus complexity: calibrating radio interferometer arrays with non-homogeneous element patterns
Authors: Jones Jake L , Wayth Randall B
Published: May 2021

Radio interferometer arrays with non-homogeneous element patterns are more difficult to calibrate compared to the more common homogeneous array. In particular, the non-homogeneity of the patterns has significant implications on the computational tractability of evaluating the calibration solutions. We apply the A-stacking technique to this problem and explore the trade-off to be made between the calibration accuracy and computational complexity. Through simulations, we show that this technique can be favourably applied in the context of an SKA-Low station. We show that the minimum accuracy requirements can be met at a significantly reduced computational cost, and this cost can be reduced even further if the station calibration time-scale is relaxed from 10 min to several hours. We demonstrate the impact antenna designs with differing levels of non-homogeneity have on the overall computational complexity in addition to some cases where calibration performs poorly.
Three-dimensional structure of a flavivirus dumbbell RNA reveals molecular details of an RNA regulator of replication
Authors: Akiyama Benjamin M , Graham Monica E , O′Donoghue Zoe , Beckham J David , Kieft Jeffrey S
Published: May 2021

Mosquito-borne flaviviruses (MBFVs) including dengue, West Nile, yellow fever, and Zika viruses have an RNA genome encoding one open reading frame flanked by 5′ and 3′ untranslated regions (UTRs). The 3′ UTRs of MBFVs contain regions of high sequence conservation in structured RNA elements known as dumbbells (DBs). DBs regulate translation and replication of the viral RNA genome, functions proposed to depend on the formation of an RNA pseudoknot. To understand how DB structure provides this function, we solved the x-ray crystal structure of the Donggang virus DB to 2.1Å resolution and used structural modeling to reveal the details of its three-dimensional fold. The structure confirmed the predicted pseudoknot and molecular modeling revealed how conserved sequences form a four-way junction that appears to stabilize the pseudoknot. Single-molecule FRET suggests that the DB pseudoknot is a stable element that can regulate the switch between translation and replication during the viral lifecycle by modulating long-range RNA conformational changes.
Study of the DnaB:DciA interplay reveals insights into the primary mode of loading of the bacterial replicative helicase
Authors: Marsin Stéphanie , Adam Yazid , Cargemel Claire , Andreani Jessica , Baconnais Sonia , Legrand Pierre , Li de la Sierra-Gallay Ines , Humbert Adeline , Aumont-Nicaise Magali , Velours Christophe , Ochsenbein Françoise , Durand Dominique , Le Cam Eric , Walbott Hélène , Possoz Christophe , Quevillon-Cheruel Sophie , Ferat Jean-Luc
Published: May 2021

Replicative helicases are essential proteins that unwind DNA in front of replication forks. Their loading depends on accessory proteins and in bacteria, DnaC and DnaI are well characterized loaders. However, most bacteria do not express either of these two proteins. Instead, they are proposed to rely on DciA, an ancestral protein unrelated to DnaC/I. While the DciA structure from Vibrio cholerae shares no homology with DnaC, it reveals similarities with DnaA and DnaX, two proteins involved during replication initiation. As other bacterial replicative helicases, VcDnaB adopts a toroid-shaped homo-hexameric structure, but with a slightly open dynamic conformation in the free state. We show that VcDnaB can load itself on DNA in vitro and that VcDciA stimulates this function, resulting in an increased DNA unwinding. VcDciA interacts with VcDnaB with a 3/6 stoichiometry and we show that a determinant residue, which discriminates DciA- and DnaC/I-helicases, is critical in vivo. Our work is the first step toward the understanding of the ancestral mode of loading of bacterial replicative helicases on DNA. It sheds light on the strategy employed by phage helicase loaders to hijack bacterial replicative helicases and may explain the recurrent domestication of dnaC/I through evolution in bacteria.
Identification of combinations of somatic mutations that predict cancer survival and immunotherapy benefit
Authors: Gussow Ayal B , Koonin Eugene V , Auslander Noam
Published: May 2021

Cancer evolves through the accumulation of somatic mutations over time. Although several methods have been developed to characterize mutational processes in cancers, these have not been specifically designed to identify mutational patterns that predict patient prognosis. Here we present CLICnet, a method that utilizes mutational data to cluster patients by survival rate. CLICnet employs Restricted Boltzmann Machines, a type of generative neural network, which allows for the capture of complex mutational patterns associated with patient survival in different cancer types. For some cancer types, clustering produced by CLICnet also predicts benefit from anti-PD1 immune checkpoint blockade therapy, whereas for other cancer types, the mutational processes associated with survival are different from those associated with the improved anti-PD1 survival benefit. Thus, CLICnet has the ability to systematically identify and catalogue combinations of mutations that predict cancer survival, unveiling intricate associations between mutations, survival, and immunotherapy benefit.
Targeting IDH1/2 mutant cancers with combinations of ATR and PARP inhibitors
Authors: Sule Amrita , Van Doorn Jinny , Sundaram Ranjini K , Ganesa Sachita , Vasquez Juan C , Bindra Ranjit S
Published: May 2021

Mutations in the isocitrate dehydrogenase-1 and -2 (IDH1/2) genes were first identified in glioma and acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and subsequently found in multiple other tumor types. These neomorphic mutations convert the normal product of enzyme, α-ketoglutarate (αKG), to the oncometabolite 2-hydroxyglutarate (2HG). Our group recently demonstrated that 2HG suppresses the high-fidelity homologous recombination (HR) DNA repair pathway, resulting in a state referred to as ‘BRCAness’, which confers exquisite sensitivity to poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors. In this study, we sought to elucidate sensitivity of IDH1/2-mutant cells to DNA damage response (DDR) inhibitors and, whether combination therapies could enhance described synthetic lethal interactions. Here, we report that ATR (ataxia telangiectasia and Rad3-related protein kinase) inhibitors are active against IDH1/2-mutant cells, and that this activity is further potentiated in combination with PARP inhibitors. We demonstrate this interaction across multiple cell line models with engineered and endogenous IDH1/2 mutations, with robust anti-tumor activity in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, we found ATR and PARP inhibitor treatment induces premature mitotic entry, which is significantly elevated in the setting of IDH1/2-mutations. These data highlight the potential efficacy of targeting HR defects in IDH1/2-mutant cancers and support the development of this combination in future clinical trials.
Unification of BL Lac objects and FR I and FR II(G) radio galaxies, and Doppler factor estimation for BL Lac objects
Authors: Ye Xu-Hong , Fan Jun-Hui
Published: May 2021

In this work, we collected a sample of BL Lacs and FR I and FR II(G) radio galaxies with available core and extended emissions from published works to discuss the unified schemes and estimate the Doppler factor for BL Lacs. A Wilcoxon rank-sum test and a Kolmogorov–Smirnov test both suggest that the probabilities of the distribution of the extended luminosity of BL Lacs and that of FR I and FR II(G) radio galaxies being from the same parent distribution are pWRS = 0.779 and pK-S = 0.326, suggesting they are unified. Based on this unified scheme, we propose to estimate the Doppler factors for BL Lacs. Comparing the Doppler factor estimated by the fitting/regression method with those for the common sources in the literature, we found a good linear correlation for common sources.