bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mechanical Property Study on the rigid deck pavement based on Midas/civil finite element software
Authors: Li Zilong , Yang Jianming , Kang Fulong , Wu Qiongfang
Published: May 2020

In recent years, with the rapid development of China’s economy, the traffic volume is also increasing, and more and more rigid deck pavement has been damaged in advance. This not only affects the beauty of the bridge, causes economic losses, but also seriously endangers traffic safety. By using Midas/civil finite element software to simulate the stress state of the rigid deck pavement, with the help of the data obtained from the analysis, it can be concluded that the rigid deck pavement is easy to be crushed in the middle of the span, and easy to be pulled and cracked on both sides.
Application of Construction Waste Mixture in Jingzhong Road Subbase
Authors: Liu Haitao
Published: May 2020

In order to test the usage of recycled mixture of concrete and brick slag in the road subbase, engineering test was carried out. By improving the construction technology of subgrade mixture, recycled concrete and recycled brick are mixed together with a weight ratio of 8:2 that applied to the municipal road subbase, and the purpose of reasonably utilizing construction waste and meeting the demand of municipal road base could be achieved. It was a beneficial attempt to the recycling of construction waste.
Particle shape effect on the mechanical properties of the granular material using novel 3D angular ellipsoid
Authors: Hu Fang , Hu Peng
Published: May 2020

Particle shape has long been a key issue for engineering. However, the underlying microscopic mechanism of this effect is not well understood, and thus the connection between the particle shape and mechanical behaviour of the particulate system remains empirical and qualitative. This study intends to obtain desired shape descriptors that govern the mechanical behaviour of a granular material at the particulate level and deduce a possible underlying micro-macro relationship between the particle shape parameters and the mechanical characteristics of the assembly of the particles. A modified open-source 3D discrete element code, Yade is used to simulate a series of tri-axial compression tests on specimens composed of angular ellipsoids. The mechanical behaviour such as the shear strength, the anti-deformation ability are obtained. The results show that the shear strength increases with the angularity. However it first increases then drops with the increase of the aspect ratio. The anti-deformation ability decreases with the increase of the aspect ratio and angularity. This study provides insight into the micro-macro relationship between mechanical properties and particle shape parameters.
Research on design of electromagnetic compatibility shielded anechoic chamber
Authors: Guo Shichao , Guo Dandan , Zhang Qiongyu , Wu Nankai
Published: May 2020

The electromagnetic compatibility(EMC) shielded anechoic chamber is a necessary place for the equipment to conduct electromagnetic compatibility testing. This article introduces the reasons for building an EMC anechoic chamber, and elaborates the problems that need attention in the construction of the shielded room. In particular, the key parts of the shielding shell design, the design of the absorbing material, and the electrical performance indicators were discussed in detail, and the construction of the anechoic chamber size requirements, ground installation, lighting system, and filter settings were prompted. At the same time, this article briefly introduces the use of anechoic chamber after completion.
Construction monitoring analysis on concrete continuous beams across Hanyi Expressway
Authors: Lv Yujie , Su Huifeng , Li Renzhuang
Published: May 2020

The Han-Yi high-speed railway bridge is a concrete continuous beam bridge, of which the Han-Yi expressway on the upper span is a (40 + 64 + 40) m two-line continuous beam, and the crossing distance between the center of the left line and the highway is DK1254 + 228.63. The intersection angle is 85 degrees. In order to ensure that the bridge closes smoothly, this article uses the finite element software Midas / Civil to build a finite element model, adopts a cyclic feedback construction monitoring scheme, and implements the control of the cross-section stress and deflection of the main beam in real-time during construction and feedback. In the whole construction process, the main beam elevation and stress are used as the main control indicators. The elevation mainly controls the line shape to ensure that the final bridge line shape and the design line shape are consistent; the stress is mainly found in a timely manner through the regular monitoring and analysis of abnormal conditions that may exist in the construction, and early warning is provided to ensure construction safety.
Establishment of Low Water Runoff Forecast Model in Yichun River Basin by Multiple Linear Regression Method
Authors: Xie Shiyao , Zhang Kaiwen , Li Yang , Dai Changlei
Published: May 2020

In this paper, the dry season runoff forecast equation model of the Yichun River Basin is established. Based on the analysis and study of the basin climate, meteorological characteristics, and dry season runoff inflow rules, the multiple linear regression method is used to screen the runoff forecast factors of the Yichun River basin during dry season, Measured hydrological sequence data. The model was tested using the measured data, and its prediction was very accurate. It can provide a reference for related dry river runoff forecast schemes of similar rivers.
Study on 3D Terrain Generation and Lightweighting Method of Highway
Authors: Chen Yinghao , Zhou Leisheng , Xia Jianping
Published: May 2020

BIM technology is widely used in highway engineering projects. During the transformation of 2D design and application to 3D, especially for special strip projects such as highways, 3D terrain has problems such as large loading efficiency and low efficiency. Based on the Beijing-Shanghai Highway reconstruction and expansion project, this paper studies the three-dimensional terrain generation and lightweight conversion methods of highway. The terrain construction method is optimized during the formation phase of the terrain, and the polygon is triangulated using the triangular surface growth algorithm. By generating the PHM (Polyhedral Mesh) terrain surface, a three-dimensional terrain model with no deviation, small volume and high generation efficiency is realized. The lightweight 3D terrain model generated by the modeling software can further simplify the 3D terrain and realize the pyramid terrain model with different loading accuracy with different sight distance through grid conversion and tin buffer generation. At the same time, the terrain is projected on satellite images, and The surrounding scenes are deeply fused. The results show that the lightening of terrain in the modeling stage is conducive to improving the modeling efficiency, eliminating the problems of large volume and stuttering of conventional terrain models, and improving the efficiency of terrain export. In the application phase, format conversion and pyramid loading are performed on the terrain, and the lightweight loading of the terrain model is truly realized. The terrain model is seamlessly integrated with the BIM road and other models, and at the same time, it covers elements such as satellite films, enabling real-time browsing based on the B / S (Brower/Server).
Experimental on electro-osmotic consolidation of bentonite reinforced by nano-Fe3O4
Authors: Li Gang , Zhang Rui , Liu Jia , Li Huanhuan , Liu Rui
Published: May 2020

In order to study the effect of nano-Fe3O4 on the electro-osmotic consolidation of bentonite, four groups of electro-osmotic consolidation tests (T1, T2, T3 and T4) of bentonite with different content of nano-Fe3O4 (0‰, 1‰, 2‰ and 3‰) were carried out with self-design electro-osmotic test device, and the change laws of current, potential, drainage, water content, pH value and shear strength during the test were analyzed. The results showed that the current and effective potential decreased with the increasing of time. After 48 hours, the current of T1-T4 decreased by 99.48%, 97.60%, 96.81% and 95.77%, respectively. The effective potential of T2 decreased the slowest, and the potential loss was significantly lower than the other groups. During the test, the drainage rate increased with the increasing of time. T2 has the largest drainage volume and the fastest drainage rate, and its water content is the lowest. The pH value increased with the increasing of the distance from the anode, while the shear strength decreased with the increasing of the distance from the anode. The results showed that nano-Fe3O4 could significantly increased the consolidation and drainage effect of bentonite.
Exploring the Design and Construction of Aluminum Formwork Based on BIM Technology
Authors: Zhang Longbo
Published: May 2020

Aluminum formwork is a new type of formwork system. It is easy to install and disassemble, can be turned over many times, has good forming effect, and has the advantages of green environmental protection. The application of aluminum formwork construction in construction projects can improve engineering construction efficiency and ensure project quality. BIM technology has the advantages of visualization, simulation and synergy. Combining the design and construction of aluminum formwork with BIM technology can give full play to the advantages of both, and use BIM technology to design, mold and construct aluminum formwork, effectively improving the design efficiency, optimization of the model. And in order to improve the level of aluminum formwork management, we can standardize the operation of construction personnel through the three-dimensional cross, so as to improve the level of construction technology. In view of this, this paper will summarize the application of BIM technology in the design and construction of aluminum formwork. The matters needing attention in the light of the BIM technology and the concept of aluminum template, combined with the principle and characteristics of BIM technology, and briefly analyze its economic benefits.
Zoning and Evaluation of Geological Disaster Vulnerability Based on Multi-source Data Integration in Loess Area of East Gansu --Taking Xifeng District as an Example
Authors: Hu Aiping , Wang Yun
Published: May 2020

Xifeng District, Qingyang City, Gansu Province is located in the hinterland of Dongzhi tableland in the East Gansu Loess Plateau. The common geological disasters in here are landslides, unstable slopes, and debris flows. From the multi-source data, 14 factors with obvious influence are selected to constitute the index system, and the weight of each factor is obtained by using the AHP method. Based on the multi-source data integration method, the 14 factors are superimposed to obtain the geological hazard-prone zoning and evaluation in this area. The evaluation results show that the area is divided into 3 areas prone to geological disasters, and 9 sub-areas. (1) The high-prone area accounts for 48.96% of the total area, and the geological disasters mainly are unstable slopes. (2) The medium-prone area accounts for 22.64% of the total area. (3) The low-prone area accounts for 28.4% of the total area. The results not only provide a theoretical and practical basis for the establishment of a geological hazard assessment system in the East Gansu Loess Region, but also provide an important basis for the urban planning development and environmental coordination in Qingyang City.
Development and Planning of Urban Underground Space of Shanghai and Proposals for Further Improvement
Authors: Li Yangliang
Published: May 2020

The paper introduces the background and development of urban underground space of Shanghai as a necessity, discusses its present situation in Shanghai, proposes the overall strategy and measure underlying the layout characteristics, and points out the existing problems in the process. Finally, the paper comes up with three suggestions for further improvement.
Mechanical and Thermal Behaviors of Cement Stabilized Compressed Earth Bricks
Authors: Chen Ronglin
Published: May 2020

Cement stabilized compressed earth brick is an important industrial raw material, and its mechanical and thermal properties have not been fully studied. The mechanical properties can be characterized by compressive strength index and thermal properties can be characterized by thermal conductivity index. The experimental scheme is arranged to solve the relationship between the performance of cement stabilized compressed earth brick and the influencing factors. The experimental results show that the compressive properties of cement stabilized compressed earth bricks are negatively correlated with the water binder ratio, positively correlated with the m (cement): m (water), and not significantly correlated with the m (earth): m (cement + water) and the fiber content. The thermal conductivity of raw soil cement curing mechanism brick is negatively correlated with m (earth): m (cement + water), positively correlated with water binder ratio, and not significantly correlated with m(cement): m (water) and fiber content.
Damage analysis of RC tall building structures under earthquake loading
Authors: Li Zheng , Ren Qingying
Published: May 2020

A Practical 1D cyclic model for concrete is established. The model is a combination between the skeleton curves in Chinese Concrete Code (GB50010-2010) and the modified hysteretic rule in Yassin model. The cyclic model has the tensile and compress damage variables which are able to depict the damage of concrete. The present model is developed as a user material subroutine VUMAT in ABAQUS. Then, the damage evolution analysis of a RC tall building structure was performed by the proposed damage model and the built-in damage model for concrete in ABAQUS. The results show that the cyclic model is suitable for the damage evolution and pattern analysis of RC tall building structures under earthquake loading.
Evaluation and analysis of wastewater treatment technology applied in highway service area
Authors: Li Jian , Yao Jialin , Liu Xuexin , Yang Yangang , Chen Xueping
Published: May 2020

The selection of wastewater treatment technology in service area should be adapted to the features of the wastewater quality and quantity. Also, the construction investment, the operating energy consumption, and the system simplicity should be considered as the demands of highway service area construction and maintenance. Based on investigations, this article analyzed the limitations of conventional treatment processes currently represented by contact oxidation. Evaluation and discussion for typical applicable processes were conducted from aspects of low energy consumption, treatment and discharge in cold regions, and reclaim water reuse.
The Optimal Utilization of Flood in Small and Medium magnitude for Cascade Reservoirs in Jinsha River
Authors: Fang Chen , Xuemin Wang
Published: May 2020

The large reservoirs generally undertake flood control, power generation, navigation and many other scheduling tasks. In flood season, flood control is the primary task for reservoirs. Then, how to realize effective utilization of the flood control capacity for flood interception and take into account other comprehensive benefits simultaneously, has become an urgent problem to be solved. In order to solve the problem, a multi-objective optimization model which can give full play to the comprehensive benefits under the premise of guaranteeing the safety of flood control is proposed. With the case study of Xiluodu and Xiangjiaba cascade reservoirs (XXCR), a practical scheme of small and medium-sized floods’ utilization (SMFU) is presented. Finally, the SMFU scheme is applied to the operation in comparison with the original design scheme to verify its effectiveness. The results indicate that the SMFU scheme can improve power generation and navigation guaranteed rate while ensuring flood control safety, which adequately indicates that SMFU is an effective approach to make full use the flood resources in flood season.
Hazard evaluation of mountain flood disaster based on multi-source remote sensing information—a case study in city of rain, Ya’an
Authors: Gong Juan , Liu Xing , Liu Jie , Li Yuanlin , Zhao Shaoxing
Published: May 2020

Because the hazard of flood disaster is mainly related to the natural attribute of flood disaster, this paper makes full use of multi-source remote sensing information to reflect the meteorological and underlying surface conditions in Ya’an City, constitutes an evaluation index system according to selecting the rainfall, runoff depth, the basin storage capacity, elevation, slope and water system, from the two aspects of disaster-inducing factors and disaster-pregnant environment; trains historical flood occurrence sites by using BP neural network, obtains the weights of each research index; overlays analysis each index according to the index model, based on the GIS technology; and obtains the torrential flood hazard distribution map of Ya’an City as well as comparing it with the occurrence sites of historical flood disasters. The results show that the flood hazard level is the highest in the eastern part of Ya’an, the lowest level area of the flood hazard is the southern part. The evaluation results well reflect the actual situation of regional flood spatial distribution, which can provide a scientific basis for the development of reasonable flood control and disaster mitigation planning in Ya’an City.
Study on pore fabric, dilatancy, dissipation function and yield function for sand
Authors: Weihua Zhang , Chenggang Zhao , Yinping Zhang
Published: May 2020

The mechanical behavior of sand is affected by the anisotropic fabric. Integated with the micromechanics theory, and linked with void fabric tensor, the relations among macroscopic volumetric strain, shear strain and void fabric are established, and it is further shown that dilatancy and anisotropy under applied shear force of sand are necessarily induced. By means of thermomechanics theory, the inclined elliptical yield function in dissipation space is built, and considering the effects of anisotropic fabric, there exists three important lines, just as the normal consolidation line, phase transformation line and peak value line, and corresponding with three characteristic lines passing through the origin in true stress space which relatively truly reflect the mechanical characteristics for sand, especially dense sand.
The Influence of Knickpoints on the Erosion in Songlin River Basin
Authors: Long Tan , Di Tang , Xuefeng Wu , Lijiang Qi
Published: May 2020

Based on fieldwork and the longitudinal section obtained by ArcGIS, seven major knickpoints in Songlin River Basin are located. It is found that the regions with a great average elevation difference between ridge and valley suffer more from disasters such as collapse, landslides, and debris flows. Dimensionless number Vindex is used to quantitatively describe the cross-section of the Songlin River Valley. The Vindex coefficient is below 0 outside the upstream influence of knickpoint and in downstream of knickpoint and it is over 0 in the upstream of knickpoint and at the knickpoint. The overall change trend is “super V shape-U shape-super V shape”. The formation and development of knickpoints strongly influence the geomorphological characteristics of the Songlin River Basin. Due to the rising erosion base level of the upstream of knickpoint, sediment is deposited and the incision rate of riverbed decreases or it even stops down cutting. In this way, the average elevation difference between ridge and valley is tend to reduce, which lowers the energy that causes geological hazards and improves the stability of the upstream. The gradient of both riverbanks decreases, forming a flat and wide U-shaped river valley. Although the elevation difference between the river and the downstream watershed of the knickpoint remains constant, the current energy increases and the erosion is still severe, keeping the valley in a V shape.
Manufacturing and Hoisting Technical Measures of A Kind of Glass Fiber Reinforcing Bar
Authors: Liu Mingqi , Dai Bihui , Liu Dewen
Published: May 2020

In this paper, the key technologies of manufacturing and hoisting of glass fiber reinforcing bar (GFRB) in a certain project are described. When lowering the reinforcement cage, the two ends are docked to increase its rigidity; in the process of making GFRB cages, it is necessary to take measures to increase the stiffness of the fiberglass cages; the hoisting points need to be placed on the reinforcing bar. And pictures and texts are used to assist in the explanation. This paper has certain reference value for the construction process and related technical engineers.
Analysis on cooperative working performance of curtain wall glass and steel hanging columns
Authors: Gong Ke , Luan Wei , Yang Xiwen , Zhou Yuyang
Published: May 2020

The curtain wall of Xi’an Silk Road International Conference Center is a large-span combined steel column supported glass curtain wall system. The curtain wall glass is directly installed on the steel hanging columns of the external suspension structure, and there are no curtain wall hanging columns that are independent of the main structure. The vertical, tangential and radial deformation of the steel hanging columns under service load may lead to vertical shear, in-plane extrusion, in-plane sliding and out of plane bending of the curtain glass. Therefore, finite element model of curtain wall glass was established using the finite element program ABAQUS. Considering the four possible failure modes of the curtain glass, the collaborative working performance of the curtain wall glass under the most unfavourable deformation conditions of steel hanging columns was analyzed.
Experimental study on energy dissipation of annular overflow shaft
Authors: Jinde GU , Yuan Li , Jianjun Zhao
Published: May 2020

The annular shaft, which is widely used in tailings and some large and medium water conservancy project, has the characteristics of simple structure and strong discharge capacity. With the increase of working head, the energy dissipation problem of shaft is becoming much important. Model test results shows that the peak of the hydrodynamic pressure at the bottom of the shaft happens when the water jet merge together, for the water depth H in the shaft is low then, the pre-excavated hydrostatic depth is the main factor of energy dissipation. The fitting formula of the maximum impact pressure is obtained and it is suggested that the energy dissipation depth h should be 0.8D.
Research on key technologies for construction of super-deep railways stations near existing lines in the flood land area of the Yangtze River
Authors: Qiongpeng Yang , Bin Ma , Wei Li , Bin Sun
Published: May 2020

In this paper, taking Nanjing Mochou Lake Metro Station as an example, the key technologies for the construction of super-deep stations near existing lines in the flood land area of the Yangtze River are studied. Mochou Lake Station is located in Mochou Lake Park on the Qinhuai River. It is a four-level underground island-type platform station, which is interchanged with the existing Line 2 Mochou Lake Station. The station used the “two-light and two-dark” construction method. The first and the second underground floor of the station used an open excavation order method, and the third and the fourth underground floor used to cover and cut-bottom up method. According to the monitoring results and settlement analysis results of the main structure, the construction method of “two-, light and two-dark, ” can help control the deformation of the construction area and ensure the safety of the surrounding structures and existing stations.
Study on the Chemical Characteristics of the Water Environment in the Middle and Lower Reaches of the Tao River
Authors: Zhu Zhaoxia , Liu Jinqi , Jing Chungang
Published: May 2020

In this paper, the water in the middle and lower reaches of the Tao River was selected as the research object, the chemical characteristics of water environment in the middle and lower reaches of Tao River were studied and the water quality was evaluated based on the comparative analysis of the data of three monitoring stations for one year. The results show that the contents of HCO3−, SO42− and Ca2+are high in the middle and lower reaches of Tao River, and the water quality belongs to alkaline medium salinity water, and the salinity increases with the increase of HCO3−. The pH value, total hardness, salinity and main ion content in the middle and lower reaches of the river reach the requirements of the GB5749-2006 Sanitary Standard for Drinking Water or the Class III water quality standard of the surface water environment of GB3838-2002, and which proves the water quality is good.
Research progress and development direction of drability assessment methods for CFRP reinforced concrete structural members
Authors: Nian Liu Yan , Lei Wang , XiaoYong Zhao
Published: May 2020

The construction industry is an important part of China’s national economic development, in recent years with the economic development is to increase the investment in infrastructure. As time goes on, there be the phenomenon of building use function degradation, in addition, in many reinforced concrete structure, and part of the building is in a bad environment conditions, caused by a lack of concrete durability, reduce safety performance and the structure performance degradation, causing a large number of buildings can not reach the expected service life or the desired function. With the rapid development of reinforcement technology, the theoretical basis and practical engineering experience of concrete reinforcement technology in China have been gradually accumulated and improved, and a lot of achievements have been made. Based on the theoretical research and engineering practice of concrete structure reinforcement, the state and local governments have promulgated a series of codes and standards for the reinforcement and renovation of existing buildings, which provide a good technical guarantee for the reinforcement and renovation of concrete structures. Concrete structural members reinforced by adhesive still need to be affected by external environment in the use process, such as chemical corrosion environment, chlorine corrosion environment, freeze-thaw environment damage and long-term load. Therefore, the test and evaluation of the durability of the members of the load-bearing structure reinforced by adhesive plays an important role in the reinforcement of concrete structure system and the service process after the reinforcement of members. How to evaluate the durability of reinforced concrete structures is of great significance to the durability monitoring of reinforced concrete structures.
Application of ABAQUS in Numerical Simulation of Plant Roots Protective Effects on Slopes
Authors: Ji Xiao-Lei
Published: May 2020

In order to study the slope protection effect of plant roots, the parameters of soil samples collected in the field and oleander roots drawn from laboratory tests were put in the numerical simulation of rooted soil with a 3D finite element software ABAQUS to identify the effects of root morphology and distribution density on the slope soil displacement. The results showed that planting oleander can effectively reduce the displacement of the topsoil and protect the slope. The more the number of fibrous roots and the greater the distribution density, the less the displacement of the slope soil. With the growing plant density, the displacement decreased significantly as well. The results of numerical simulation provided a theoretical basis for the application of plant roots in slope protection engineering.
Analysis of Characteristics of Temperature Changes in Heilongjiang River Basin
Authors: Yan Bo , Yuan Zhe , Li Jiqiong , Yao Liqiang , Song Li , Liu Yanyi , Zhang Xiao , Zhang Ligang
Published: May 2020

As an international river, the climate change research in Heilongjiang River Basin can provide references for sino-Russia cooperation in tackling climate change. Using the long-term daily measured data from 44 meteorological stations in the Heilongjiang River Basin, the spatial-temporal characteristics of the temperature in the past 59 years were analyzed. The results show that the temperature in the Heilongjiang River Basin has increased significantly and passed the significance test of 0.99. The abrupt change occurred in 1986. The climate change also showed multiple cyclical changes of 16-years, 8-years, and 4-years. The spatial distribution of the annual average temperature of the river basin is generally gradually decreasing from the south to the north as the latitude rises. There is also a spatial difference in the annual temperature increase, but all of the basin have passed the significance test of 99%.
Teichmüller spaces of generalized symmetric homeomorphisms
Authors: Wei Huaying , Matsuzaki Katsuhiko
Published: May 2020

We introduce the concept of a new kind of symmetric homeomorphism on the unit circle, which is derived from the generalization of symmetric homeomorphisms on the real line. By the investigation of the barycentric extension for this class of circle homeomorphisms and the biholomorphic automorphisms induced by trivial Beltrami coefficients, we show that the Bers Schwarzian derivative map is a holomorphic split submersion and endow a complex Banach manifold structure on the Teichmüller space of those generalized symmetric homeomorphisms.
Effects of intrinsic environmental predictability on intra-individual and intra-population variability of plant reproductive traits and eco-evolutionary consequences
Authors: March-Salas Martí , Fandos Guillermo , Fitze Patrick S
Published: May 2020

Background and Aims

It is widely accepted that changes in the environment affect mean trait expression, but little is known about how the environment shapes intra-individual and intra-population variance. Theory suggests that intra-individual variance might be plastic and under natural selection, rather than reflecting developmental noise, but evidence for this hypothesis is scarce. Here, we experimentally tested whether differences in intrinsic environmental predictability affect intra-individual and intra-population variability of different reproductive traits, and whether intra-individual variability is under selection.

Methods

Under field conditions, we subjected Onobrychis viciifolia to more and less predictable precipitation over 4 generations and 4 years. We analysed effects on the coefficient of intra-individual variation (CVi-i) and the coefficient of intra-population variation (CVi-p), assessed whether the coefficients of intra-individual variation (CsVi-i) are under natural selection and tested for transgenerational responses (ancestor environmental effects on offspring).

Key Results

Less predictable precipitation led to higher CsVi-i and CsVi-p, consistent with plastic responses. The CsVi-i of all studied traits were under consistent stabilizing selection, and precipitation predictability affected the strength of selection and the location of the optimal CVi-i of a single trait. All CsVi-i differed from the optimal CVi-i and the maternal and offspring CsVi-i were positively correlated, showing that there was scope for change. Nevertheless, no consistent transgenerational effects were found in any of the three descendant generations, which contrasts with recent studies that detected rapid transgenerational responses in the trait means of different plant species. This suggests that changes in intra-individual variability take longer to evolve than changes in trait means, which may explain why high intra-individual variability is maintained, despite the stabilizing selection.

Conclusions

The results indicate that plastic changes of intra-individual variability are an important determinant of whether plants will be able to cope with changes in environmental predictability induced by the currently observed climatic change.
State-Owned Enterprises and Threats to National Security Under Investment Treaties
Authors: McLaughlin Mark
Published: May 2020

The internationalization of investment by State-owned enterprises is driving the evolution of foreign investment regulation throughout the Western world. National security lies at the heart of host State concerns, yet the contours of the concept remain indistinct. Consequently, State-owned enterprises are subject to differential legal standards that can be vague and ambiguous. This article considers whether, and under what circumstances, host State security measures targeting State-owned enterprises comply with obligations under investment treaties. Provision for pre-establishment national treatment and security exceptions will be crucial in balancing the autonomy afforded to host States to protect their national security, and guarding State-owned enterprises against protectionist or discriminatory measures.
Early Short-Course Corticosteroids in Hospitalized Patients With COVID-19
Authors: Fadel Raef , Morrison Austin R , Vahia Amit , Smith Zachary R , Chaudhry Zohra , Bhargava Pallavi , Miller Joseph , Kenney Rachel M , Alangaden George , Ramesh Mayur S ,   Henry Ford COVID-19 Management Task Force, Nauriyal Varidhi , Lakshmikanth Jayanth , Abdul Hamed Asif , Nadeem Owais , Griebe Kristin , Johnson Joseph M , Bradley Patrick , Uduman Junior , Hegab Sara , Swiderek Jennifer , Godfrey Amanda , Jennings Jeffrey , Gardner-Gray Jayna , Ackerman Adam , Lezotte Jonathan , Ruhala Joseph , Samuel Linoj , Tibbetts Robert J , Brar Indira , McKinnon John , Suleyman Geehan , Yared Nicholas , Herc Erica , Williams Jonathan , Lanfranco Odaliz Abreu , Chen Anne , Zervos Marcus , Scher Eric
Published: May 2020

Background

There is no proven antiviral or immunomodulatory therapy for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The disease progression associated with the proinflammatory host response prompted us to examine the role of early corticosteroid therapy in patients with moderate to severe COVID-19.

Methods

We conducted a single pretest, single posttest quasi-experiment in a multicenter health system in Michigan from 12 March to 27 March 2020. Adult patients with confirmed moderate to severe COVID were included. A protocol was implemented on 20 March 2020 using early, short-course, methylprednisolone 0.5 to 1 mg/kg/day divided in 2 intravenous doses for 3 days. Outcomes of standard of care (SOC) and early corticosteroid groups were evaluated, with a primary composite endpoint of escalation of care from ward to intensive care unit (ICU), new requirement for mechanical ventilation, and mortality. All patients had at least 14 days of follow-up.

Results

We analyzed 213 eligible subjects, 81 (38%) and 132 (62%) in SOC and early corticosteroid groups, respectively. The composite endpoint occurred at a significantly lower rate in the early corticosteroid group (34.9% vs 54.3%, P = .005). This treatment effect was observed within each individual component of the composite endpoint. Significant reduction in median hospital length of stay was also observed in the early corticosteroid group (5 vs 8 days, P < .001). Multivariate regression analysis demonstrated an independent reduction in the composite endpoint at 14-days controlling for other factors (adjusted odds ratio: 0.41; 95% confidence interval, .22 – .77).

Conclusions

An early short course of methylprednisolone in patients with moderate to severe COVID-19 reduced escalation of care and improved clinical outcomes.

Clinical Trials Registration

NCT04374071.
COVID-19 Worries and Behavior Changes in Older and Younger Men and Women
Authors: Barber Sarah J , Kim Hyunji
Published: May 2020

Objectives

The case fatality rate of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is higher among older adults than younger adults and is also higher among men than women. However, worry, which is a key motivator of behavioral health changes, occurs less frequently for older than younger adults, and less frequently for men than women. Building on this, we tested whether older adults–and particularly older men—would report the least amount of COVID-19 worry and also fewer COVID-19 behavior changes.

Method

From March 23–31, 2020, we administered an online questionnaire assessing COVID-19 perceptions, worries, and behavior changes. Participants were a convenience sample of U.S. residents, who were community-dwelling younger adults (18–35) or older adults (65–81). Analyses included 146 younger adults (68 men, 78 women) and 156 older adults (82 men, 74 women). Participants were predominately white, living in suburban/urban areas, and had completed some college.

Results

During the early phase of the outbreak in the United States, older adults perceived the risks of COVID-19 to be higher than did younger adults. Despite this, older men were comparatively less worried about COVID-19 than their younger counterparts. Compared with the other participants, older men had also implemented the fewest behavior changes.

Discussion

Interventions are needed to increase COVID-19 behavior changes in older men. These results also highlight the importance of understanding emotional responses to COVID-19, as these are predictive of their behavioral responses.
Effect of Moisture on Efficacy of Selected Insecticide Dusts Against the Common Bed Bug,Cimex lectularius(Hemiptera: Cimicidae)
Authors: Ranabhat Sabita , Wang Changlu
Published: May 2020

Insecticide dust formulations are considered as more effective for controlling the common bed bug, Cimex lectularius (L) (Hemiptera: Cimicidae), than residual sprays. Various environmental factors may affect the efficacy of insecticide dusts. In this study, we evaluated the effect of moisture on the efficacy of three insecticide dusts against C. lectularius. Moisture was created using two methods: applying steam to insecticide dust-treated tiles and aging insecticide dust-treated tiles in chambers with various levels of relative humidity (RH). In the steam treatment, three insecticides including Cimexa (92.1% amorphous silica gel), Alpine (0.25% dinotefuran, 95% diatomaceous earth), and Tempo (1% cyfluthrin) were evaluated. Exposure to steam significantly reduced the efficacy of all three insecticide dusts. Among the three insecticides, the efficacy of Cimexa was significantly higher than Alpine and Tempo. In the different RH treatments, Cimexa treated tiles that were aged under different (52, 75, and 100%) RH conditions for 1 and 2 mo caused significantly lower mortality to C. lectularius than nonaged Cimexa. We conclude that both, a short period of exposure to steam and long-period aging in a moist environment, can significantly reduce the efficacy of insecticide dusts. Moisture needs to be considered when applying insecticide dusts for controlling bed bug infestations.
Linac-based fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy with a micro-multileaf collimator for large brain metastasis unsuitable for surgical resection
Authors: Matsuda Ryosuke , Tamamoto Tetsuro , Sugimoto Tadashi , Hontsu Shigeto , Yamaki Kaori , Miura Sachiko , Takeshima Yasuhiro , Tamura Kentaro , Yamada Shuichi , Nishimura Fumihiko , Nakagawa Ichiro , Motoyama Yasushi , Park Young-Su , Nakase Hiroyuki , Hasegawa Masatoshi
Published: May 2020

The aim of this study was to assess clinical outcomes using linac-based, fractionated, stereotactic radiotherapy (fSRT) with a micro-multileaf collimator for large brain metastasis (LBM) unsuitable for surgical resection. Between January 2009 and October 2018 we treated 21 patients with LBM using linac-based fSRT. LBM was defined as a tumor with ≥30 mm maximal diameter in gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance images. LBMs originated from the lung (n = 17, 81%), ovary (n = 2, 9.5%), rectum (n = 1, 4.8%) and esophagus (n = 1, 4.8%). The median pretreatment Karnofsky performance status was 50 (range: 50–80). Recursive partition analysis (RPA) was as follows: Classes 2 and 3 were 7 and 14 patients, respectively. The median follow-up was 5 months (range: 1–86 months). The range of tumor volume was 8.7–26.5 cm3 (median: 17.1 cm3). All patients were basically treated with 35Gy in 5 fractions, except in three cases. The progression-free survival was 3.0 months. The median survival time was 7.0 months. There was no permanent radiation injury in any of the patients. Radiation-caused central nervous system necrosis, according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 4.0, occurred in one patient (grade 3). One patients received bevacizumab for radiation necrosis. Two patients underwent additional surgical resection due to local progression and cyst formation. For patients with LBM unsuitable for surgical resection, linac-based fSRT is a promising therapeutic alternative.
Protective Effects of Obstructive Sleep Apnea on Outcomes After Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A Nationwide Analysis
Authors: Kaculini Christian , Wallace David J , Haywood Audrey E , Michalek Joel , Mascitelli Justin , Seifi Ali , Grandhi Ramesh
Published: May 2020

BACKGROUND

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is typically associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease. Recent studies, however, have suggested that hypercapnia and chronic intermittent hypoxia may potentially provide protection against ischemic events like stroke.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the impact of OSA with presentation, hospital course, and treatment outcomes of patients with subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH).

METHODS

Data for patients with SAH between the years 2011 and 2015 were extracted from the Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) and stratified based on diagnosis codes for OSA. Univariate analysis was used to assess the prevalence of comorbidities in OSA patients diagnosed with SAH and several covariates, including patient demographics, aneurysmal treatment, in-hospital morality rate, length of stay, and costs. Multivariate logistic regression models analyzed the relationship between several comorbidities, including OSA, tobacco use, and hypertension, and poor outcomes after SAH.

RESULTS

Data from 49 265 SAH patients were used in this study, of which 2408 (4.9%) also had a concomitant OSA diagnosis. Patients with OSA compared to all other SAH patients had a significantly lower in-hospital mortality rate, as well as statistically significant lower odds of vasospasm, stroke, and poor outcomes. Additionally, hypercholesterolemia, obesity, and tobacco use disorder were also associated with more favorable outcomes.

CONCLUSION

SAH patients with OSA are significantly less likely to have a poor outcome when compared to non-OSA patients, despite having an increased risk of several comorbidities.
Best Buys and Own Brands: Investment Platforms’ Recommendations of Mutual Funds
Authors: Cookson Gordon , Jenkinson Tim , Jones Howard , Martinez Jose Vicente
Published: May 2020

Individuals increasingly buy mutual funds via online platforms, whose “best-buy” recommendations heavily influence flows. As intermediaries of mutual funds, platforms provide none of the unobservable interaction or intangible benefits of brokers, and so allow clean tests of the determinants, influence, and value of their fund recommendations. Using unique U.K. data, we find that platforms favor “own-brand” funds and those paying them a higher commission share. Investors discount own-brand recommendations, but not those paying high commission shares (which were not observable in the United Kingdom). A regulatory ban on commission sharing lowered costs and improved the informativeness of platform recommendations.
Winners, Losers, and Regulators in a Derivatives Market Bubble
Authors: Li Xindan , Subrahmanyam Avanidhar , Yang Xuewei
Published: May 2020

We use proprietary brokerage data to study trading patterns within a well-known financial market bubble: the Chinese warrants bubble. Persistently successful investors trade very actively and exhibit characteristics of de facto market makers. Unskilled investors unprofitably trend-chase and increase holdings in out-of-the-money warrants near expiration, whereas sophisticated investors do the reverse. We find that regulators did not properly forecast trading frenzies, as the prespecified price limits often exclude the fundamental values of warrants.
Effects of QDs exposure on the reproductive and embryonic developmental toxicity in mice at various pregnancy stages
Authors: Chen Ling , Zheng Fengxia , Yang Pengfei , Chen Bolu , Aguilar Zoraida P , Fu Fen , Xu Hengyi
Published: May 2020

Quantum dots (QDs) have recently attracted considerable attention in the biomedical fields because of their unique and excellent optical properties. However, information on their health effects, particularly in the reproductive system, is limited. The present study focuses on the effects of intravenous injection of CdSe/ZnS QDs on the reproductive system and embryo development at various stages of pregnancy in mice. The CdSe/ZnS QDs intravenously injected in mice during pregnancy accumulated in the maternal liver, uterus and placenta. This accumulation affected the growth and development of the embryo during the early and middle stages of pregnancy. Moreover, genotoxicity to the placenta after exposure to CdSe/ZnS QDs was demonstrated by the increased expression levels of genes related to oxidative stress and apoptosis and the reduced expression levels of genes related to the nutrient and waste transportation. Alterations in the gene expression levels have hindered the transport of metabolites across the placenta, which in turn affected the ability of the fetus to obtain nutrients.
Arthroscopic Ligament-specific Repair for Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex Foveal Avulsion: A Novel Technique
Authors: Liu Bo , Arianni Margareta
Published: May 2020

The deep components of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC), which consist of the volar and dorsal radioulnar ligaments (RULs), are crucial for maintaining stability of the distal radioulnar joint. Avulsion of the volar and dorsal RULs from their foveal insertions must thus be diagnosed and treated correctly. We describe our arthroscopic technique for TFCC foveal repair (arthroscopic ligament-specific transosseous repair), in which we repair each of the dorsal and volar RUL to separate points on the fovea. With this “ligament-specific” repair we wish to restore the normal anatomy and physiology of the TFCC.
Cost-effectiveness of newer regimens for the prophylaxis of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting: review of the literature and real-world data
Authors: Giuliani Jacopo , Bonetti Andrea
Published: May 2020

Purpose of review

To investigate the cost of netupitant and palonosetron (NEPA) in the prophylaxis of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) in adults receiving highly emetogenic chemotherapy (HEC) and moderately emetogenic chemotherapy (MEC) for cancer treatment in real life.

Recent findings

A retrospective analysis of all consecutives patients with advanced lung cancer treated in platinum-based (carboplatin or cisplatin) chemotherapy and with breast cancer treated with anthracycline and cyclophosphamide -based chemotherapy at our Medical Oncology Unit during 4 years was performed. The costs of drugs are at the Pharmacy of our Hospital (€).

We evaluated 110 patients with lung cancer and 55 patients with breast cancer. Concerning lung cancer, we have obtained an advantage of 133 € in monthly medical costs of NEPA and dexamethasone (DEX) vs. the combination of palonosetron (PALO) and DEX for each patient. Concerning breast cancer, we have obtained an advantage of 78 € in monthly medical costs of NEPA and DEX vs. the combination of PALO and DEX for each patient. Combining the medical costs of antiemetic therapy with the measure of efficacy represented by the complete response, the combination of NEPA and DEX is cost-effective for preventing CINV in HEC and MEC cancer treatment.