bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design of a Sliding Mode Controller for a Conical Tank Process
Authors: Praveen Shenoy K , T P Ashwini
Published: January 2021

This paper demonstrates the implementation of a Sliding Mode Controller (SMC) for a First Order System with Time Delay (FOPDT). The transit time/ dead time compensation has been provided to minimize its effect on the related process. The SMC algorithm is implemented on the mathematical model of pilot conical tank system and closed loop system is observed for both servo as well as the regulatory response. The results are investigated for its efficacy and observations have been provided.
Implementation and analysis of Leakage Reduction Techniques in 6T SRAM cell
Authors: Mittal Deepak , Tomar V.K.
Published: January 2021

Leakage power dissipation is the dominating parameter while calculating in total power consumption of CMOS circuits specially in SRAM cells at 90 nm technology. In modern System on chips (SOCs), SRAM plays an important role because 70 to 80 percent area of any SOC is occupied by memory. So it is important to take care of leakage power dissipation and delay of memory based circuits. In this research paper, SRAM cell with hybrid Sleepy Keeper and Stack approach is proposed to optimize both the above parameters. SRAM cell using hybrid Sleepy Keeper and Stack approach leakage power consumption is 49.9 percent less and its dynamic power dissipation is 28% to 53% less as correlated to other implemented approaches. Read delay and power delay product of SRAM cell with hybrid Sleepy Keeper and Stack approach is less as compared to SRAM cell with Sleepy keeper and SRAM cell using Variable body biasing approach but these parameters value are more as correlated to conventional 6T SRAM cell and SRAM cell using stack approach.
Design of Circular Polarized Patch Antenna for NaviC Receiver Applications
Authors: Singh Jaget , Lohar Fateh Lal , Sohi B.S.
Published: January 2021

In this paper, a circular polarized patch antenna at NaviC and S-band is presented for Indian Regional Navigational Satellite System (IRNSS) receiver applications. For this application proposed antenna is satisfying the criteria of circular polarisation with a bandwidth of 2477 MHz to 2508 MHz. The shape of proposed antenna exhibits good gain which is required for the good operation of communication systems for IRNSS. Antenna is operating at frequency of 2492.08 MHz (S-band) with a return loss better than -15 dB and has the stable radiation pattern. For designing of this antenna a conducting patch of 27.5 mm x 27.5 mm and a FR-4 material with thickness of 1.6 mm and dielectric constant of 4.3 is used as a substrate material. In addition to this, the antenna is fed with a coaxial feed technique and matched with 50 Ω input impedance of antenna. The parameters like radiation pattern, VSWR, E field, gain and axial ratio are analysed and achieved by CST studio Suite.
Enhancing the storage capacity by utilizing vertical space using mezzanine flooring in a small-scale industry
Authors: Mukunda Akhila , Anjulakshmi K , Kulkarni Sudheer D , T Navya , Shivakumar Roshini Jacintha
Published: January 2021

Storage is an important aspect of every business, thus every company needs to make maximum utilization of their space. However certain industries do not possess the capability to accommodate sufficient materials for production due to certain constraints. The objective of this study is to propose a suitable storage solution for a small-scale industry, while taking into consideration all these constraints. In the present study it was observed that there was abundant vertical space available which was not being utilized effectively. In order to efficiently utilize the same, various vertical storage solution models were evaluated on selected criteria. Based on the evaluation, mezzanine was found to be the most convenient and feasible solution. A design of mezzanine was proposed working within monetary and space constraints. This model produced additional space which caters to the industry’s needs, hence resolving the storage concerns of the industry.
The analysis of fabricated silicon nanowires with various techniques: a roadmap to energy saving world
Authors: Kashyap Vikas , Chaudhary Neeru , Goyal Navdeep , Saxena Kapil
Published: January 2021

The fabrication of silicon nanowire has been reported in our research study. The synthesis of functionalized-silicon nanowire (f-SiNWs) array which is currently an intense subject of research with its various vast technological applications. We are presenting here SiNW arrays having various applications in electronic and optical devices which were fabricated by a metal-assisted chemical etching (MACE) of silicon (100) wafers. The varying parameter we have taken for the SiNW growth is its etching duration. Analysis of various deposition parameters has been carried out to optimize the growth of SiNW. Surface morphology of etched Si wafer has been carried out by field effect scanning electron microscopy, Photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy and XRD. For energy saving world the basic stepping stone is Si based nano regime which is emerging vastly on the basis of silicon nanowire. By analyzing the results we reach in the conclusions that with SiNW we will lead to the energy saving era.
Effect of nanoparticles on natural convection in fluids
Authors: Sharma J , Singh M
Published: January 2021

The paper investigates the impact of nanoparticles on the onset of convection currents in a fluid layer under small temperature gradient. The partial differential equations derived from conservation laws of mass, momentum, nanoparticles and energy are considered which include the nano effects (Brownian motion and thermophoresis). Nanoparticle volume fraction is considered to be small in the fluid and hence initial solution of equations assumes it to be constant while temperature and pressure vary in vertical direction. Small perturbations are added to steady state solution and the obtained partial differential equations are converted into ordinary by seeking solution which is exponential in time and periodic in space. To get the complete insight of the problem, variables are not combined or replaced by new ones at any stage leading to more significant expressions. Further, the equations are solved to get thermal Rayleigh number which establishes the influence of physical properties and diffusion effects of nanoparticles on the onset of convection cells. A detailed analysis of the problem is done numerically which lead to significant results and hence affect the convective nature of the system broadly. Copper in spite of having higher conductivity has lesser impact on stability than aluminium because of its higher density.
Three dimensional waves propagation in thermo-viscoelastic medium with two temperature and void
Authors: Sharma K.D. , Kumar Rajneesh , Kakkar Mohit Kumar , Ghangas Suniti
Published: January 2021

A dynamic model comprising anisotropic viscoelastic solid with voids along with two temperature and three phase lag is used to study the propagation of harmonic waves. The system of differential equation is made dimensionless by incorporating suitable quantities. Harmonic type plane wave solution is assumed to determine the Christoffel equation. From this equation five quasi-waves are noticed which vibrate with distinct speed in infinite medium and are under the impact of void, phase lag and viscosity. The velocity and attenuating factors of waves are computed numerically in three dimensional space. The influence of viscosity and void have been seen on the characteristic of waves. Different unique cases are also determined.
Evaluating the performance of method to increase the stiffness of structure
Authors: T P Shivakumara , Sastry Nikhil S , S Kavitha
Published: January 2021

The aim of the present research is to increasing the stiffness of the structure against lateral loading. In the present study to increase stiffness of the structure we have four lateral load resisting elements are considered such as shear wall, core wall, bracing system and tube in tube structure and compare all models with bare frame structure. Here an ordinary moment resisting building of G+13 stories located over a medium soil is considered. In the symmetric building the number of bays will be kept as 5 along both direction and the bay size will be kept as 4m with the storey height being 3m. The building will be analysed considering zone V by response spectra method using ETABS 2016 software. The parameters considered as lateral storey displacement, storey drift, storey shear, storey stiffness, base shear and time period.
Slurry erosion behaviour of HVOF sprayed coatings on hydro turbine steel: A review
Authors: Kumar Rajinder , Bhandari Deepak , Goyal Khushdeep
Published: January 2021

Slurry erosion is one of the unavoidable problems in the operation of hydro power stations all over the world. Erosion mainly depends on the surface properties of the hydro turbine material and the different level of operating parameters like impact angle, impact velocity, slurry concentration, particle size and shape. Thermally sprayed hard metal coatings are widely used to protect components and surfaces against erosion wear in various applications. This study focuses on the slurry erosion behaviour of high velocity oxy-fuel (HVOF) sprayed coatings on hydro turbine steel. The HVOF sprayed coatings such as WC-CoCr, Cr3C2-NiCr, Al2O3, stellite, Cr2O3, Cr3C2–NiCr, NiCrSiB–35wt%WC–Co, WC–10Co– 4Cr and WC-12Co results in high bond strength, lower porosity and high resistance to slurry erosion. In this review paper, comprehensive and significant investigation has been made on existing literature of HVOF sprayed coatings on the material of hydro turbine components. The reported research work reveals that the predominant causes of slurry erosion of the uncoated hydro turbine steel include micro-cutting, micropores, cracks, craters, microchipping, pullout, de-bonding and spalling which can be effectively minimize by applying HVOF sprayed coatings.
Fabrication of E-Glass Fibre Based Composite Material with Induced Particulate Additives
Authors: Seshavenkat Naidu B. , Krovvidi Srinivas
Published: January 2021

A composite material based on E-glass fibre is fabricated with added additives. This fabrication process deals with manufacturing aspects, which are preparing the mould, cutting the fibre, preparing the resin and hardener mixture, adding the additives and final layup for compression. By changing the additive combination, different specimens are made and these specimens are inspected for their heat dispersion quality at high temperatures and durability after the exposure to high temperature. The final result showed the fabrication process was successful as all the fibre layers of the specimens were intact throughout the testing process. The samples with additives graphite, alumina trihydrate and fumed silica showed better structural rigidity even after the exposure to high temperatures.
Study of thermal gradation on creep deformation of non-linear varying functionally graded rotating disc.
Authors: Bose Tania , Gupta Kunjan , Rattan Minto , Chamoli Neeraj
Published: January 2021

Rotating discs working at high temperature finds its application in many dynamic devices like turbo generators, turbojet engines, gas and steam turbine rotors, centrifugal compressors and components like flywheels, gears, etc. and in many such industrial applications. Thus, in the present work, mathematical modeling have been done to investigate the effect of parabolic temperature distribution on secondary stage deformation in non-linear functionally graded composite disc along both radial and tangential directions. Sherby’s law helps to calculate creep behavior of composite rotating disc. MATLAB software is used to model stress and strain rate distributions occurring in composite disc working at different temperature profiles.
Investigating Strength Behaviour of Pond Ash as a Construction fill material
Authors: Randhawa K B S , Chauhan R
Published: January 2021

The use of sustainable materials has become a very important issue for the researchers and geotechnical engineers in construction of embankment for highways. Due to the combustion of coal for producing electricity, enormous amount of fly ash is produced, thus causing a serious threat of disposal and creating environmental and health problems. In India, where land to population ratio is too small, it is very difficult to dispose the fly ash on a huge area of land. So, to tackle the above stated problem, it is very important to utilize the fly ash in such a manner that it does not cause any harm to environment. The aim of this study was to conduct different laboratory tests on cement stabilized pond ash, so that it becomes suitable for geotechnical fill material. Cement was added in pond ash at different proportions and the effect of this addition was studied by analyzing the strength properties of pond ash. Synthetic fiber in the form of polypropylene was added to the optimum mix of cement-pond ash in different proportions. After adding the fiber in the optimum mix, flexural behavior was studied and the failure pattern with and without fiber was observed.
The role of SCM’s on rheology of sprayed mortar
Authors: Bohac M , Kubatova D , Krejci Kotlanova M , Khongova I , Zezulova A , Stanek T
Published: January 2021

The role of various SCM’s on rheology of fresh sprayed mortar was studied. The mix design was inspired by recent trends in SCM’s with use of ground limestone, calcined clays and natural pozzolanas. New formulations were correlated to commonly used SCM’s like blastfurnace slag and fly ash. Sprayed mortar designed mostly for thin profile coatings is demanding material in terms of rheology requiring good adhesion, pumpability, shootability, stability after spraying, low segregation and minimum rebound. Particle packing model was used for sprayed mortar mix design. Time and shear rate dependent rheological parameters were calculated using conventional models to describe the properties of fresh sprayed mortars. A procedure for determining the segregation of the mortar using a rheometer was proposed.
Preparation, manufacture and properties of new β-belite cement
Authors: Kohout J , Koutník P , Soukup A
Published: January 2021

The objective of this work is the optimization of the synthesis of β-belite cement. Belite cement (dicalcium silicate) is a promising material due to a lower CO2 emission and lower energy consumption during its production. Cement with a high content of β-belite was prepared from ground limestone, amorphous silica and alkaline silicate solution. The raw materials were mixed, the mixtures were compacted and then burnt in an electric furnace. Different CaO/SiO2 ratios, firing temperatures, raw materials and firing time were tested. The samples were characterized by XRD, SEM and free lime content. Differences between the cements with high content of β-belite prepared on a laboratory scale (tens of grams) and on a larger scale (tens of kilograms) were studied. Belite cement prepared on a larger scale had better properties compared to a laboratory scale. Optimal synthesis of β-belite cement consisted of mixing ground limestone, silica fume and liquid potassium silicate and burning at temperature 1100°C for more than 2 hours.
Crushed bricks as aggregate in cement based binder
Authors: Palovcik J , Opravil T , Soukal F , Masilko J
Published: January 2021

The work deals with the impact of crushed brick on properties of Portland cement binder. The source of brick recycled materials is not only the demolition waste, but also the waste from brick production. One way to reduce the amount of this recyclate is to use it in cement-based composite. The advantages of using bricks as aggregate are their lower bulk density compared to conventional aggregates. Economic and ecological benefits are also important, because less natural sources need to be mined. First, the phase composition of used brick aggregate, its particle size and morphology were analysed. Test specimens with different content of brick recyclate were prepared and tested for the mechanical properties. Subsequently, the microstructure of prepared samples was examined using a scanning electron microscope. The phase composition of samples was analysed by X-ray diffraction analysis.
The development of ultra-lightweight concrete based on foam glass aggregate.
Authors: Zach J , Bubenik J , Sedlmajer M
Published: January 2021

Foam glass is currently a material produced from waste glass that cannot be used in the glass industry. Therefore, it is currently made from secondary raw materials obtained by recycling unusable waste glass. Due to the large proportion of closed pores in the material structure, the foam glass achieves excellent thermal insulation properties and limited water absorption. The porous structure of the glass is relatively regular, and the pores predominantly have a round character; therefore, the foam glass exhibits very good mechanical properties at a low density. Foam glass in the form of aggregate represents an interesting raw material from which it is possible to produce various types of light composites with a very good ratio of thermal insulation and mechanical properties. The contribution describes the results of research in the field of the development of ultra-lightweight aggregate concretes with subsequent use for producing prefabricated thermal insulating masonry elements for the construction of energy efficient buildings.
Durability of alkali-activated concretes containing cement kiln by-pass dust
Authors: Bilek V , Bilek V , Kalina L , Khestl F , Palovcik J , Simonova H
Published: January 2021

The aim of the presented work was evaluation of an effect of various conditions on the performance of two developed concretes based on alkali-activated slag and cement kiln by-pass dust (BD). BD was used as a partial replacement of natural aggregates while slag as an aluminosilicate precursor activated by a combination of waterglass and sodium hydroxide solution (resulting silicate modulus of 0.5). The concretes differed only in an activator dose which was 4 and 6% of Na2O with respect to the slag weight. The prepared specimens were sealed-cured for the first 28 days and then their resistance to freeze-thaw cycles and aggressive solutions (ammonium nitrate, acetic acid and sulphates) was tested. Evolution of dynamic modulus showed that both concretes resisted well to freeze-thaw cycles as well as to most solutions, where their dynamic modulus tended to increase in most cases or did not change significantly. Only the concrete with 4% Na2O showed poor resistance to acetic acid solution as the specimens completely disintegrated until 50 days.
Mineralization of wooden elements by bypass cement kiln dust
Authors: Majstrikova T , Khestl F , Mec P , Vojvodikova B
Published: January 2021

The application of renewable and waste materials for the production of building materials is currently one of the main trends, especially with regard to environmental aspects. This is a reduction in the volume of materials that could be a waste and at the same time a reduction in the cost (including carbon footprint) for special wood treatment products that would have to be produced. One example given in this article is the possible application of a mineralization of wood matrix by kiln dust produced in a cement plant. This treatment can be primarily used in the production of wood-based panels bonded with cement, whose main purpose is to limit the leaching of soluble components, which affect the setting of the cement. If the cement kiln dust is applied for the mineralization of wooden elements, the flammability of wood can be positively influenced. Bypass cement kiln dusts contain significant amount of chloride, which in this case function as a reducing agent. In this article, the effect of the wood mineralization by the cement kiln dust from CEMMAC a.s. Horné Srnie was investigated on thermal degradation of wood by a simultaneous thermal analysis TG / DSC.
Neuronal tau species transfer to astrocytes and induce their loss according to tau aggregation state
Authors: Maté de Gérando Anastasie , d’Orange Marie , Augustin Emma , Joséphine Charlène , Aurégan Gwénaelle , Gaudin-Guérif Mylène , Guillermier Martine , Hérard Anne-Sophie , Stimmer Lev , Petit Fanny , Gipchtein Pauline , Jan Caroline , Escartin Carole , Selingue Erwan , Carvalho Kévin , Blum David , Brouillet Emmanuel , Hantraye Philippe , Gaillard Marie-Claude , Bonvento Gilles , Bemelmans Alexis-Pierre , Cambon Karine
Published: January 2021

Deposits of different abnormal forms of tau in neurons and astrocytes represent key anatomo-pathological features of tauopathies. Although tau protein is highly enriched in neurons and poorly expressed by astrocytes, the origin of astrocytic tau is still elusive. Here, we used innovative gene transfer tools to model tauopathies in adult mouse brains and to investigate the origin of astrocytic tau. We showed in our adeno-associated virus (AAV)-based models and in Thy-Tau22 transgenic mice that astrocytic tau pathology can emerge secondarily to neuronal pathology. By designing an in vivo reporter system, we further demonstrated bidirectional exchanges of tau species between neurons and astrocytes. We then determined the consequences of tau accumulation in astrocytes on their survival in models displaying various status of tau aggregation. Using stereological counting of astrocytes, we report that, as for neurons, soluble tau species are highly toxic to some subpopulations of astrocytes in the hippocampus, whereas the accumulation of tau aggregates does not affect their survival. Thus, astrocytes are not mere bystanders of neuronal pathology. Our results strongly suggest that tau pathology in astrocytes may significantly contribute to clinical symptoms.
Truncated YY1 interacts with BASP1 through a 339KLK341 motif in YY1 and suppresses vascular smooth muscle cell growth and intimal hyperplasia after vascular injury
Authors: Santiago Fernando S , Li Yue , Zhong Ling , Raftery Mark J , Lins Laurence , Khachigian Levon M
Published: January 2021

Aims

In-stent restenosis and late stent thrombosis are complications associated with the use of metallic and drug-coated stents. Strategies that inhibit vascular smooth muscle cell (SMC) proliferation without affecting endothelial cell (EC) growth would be helpful in reducing complications arising from percutaneous interventions. SMC hyperplasia is also a pathologic feature of graft stenosis and fistula failure. Our group previously showed that forced expression of the injury-inducible zinc finger (ZNF) transcription factor, yin yang-1 (YY1), comprising 414 residues inhibits neointima formation in carotid arteries of rabbits and rats. YY1 inhibits SMC proliferation without affecting EC growth in vitro. Identifying a shorter version of YY1 retaining cell-selective inhibition would make it more amenable for potential use as a gene therapeutic agent.

Methods and results

We dissected YY1 into a range of shorter fragments (YY1A-D, YY1Δ) and found that the first two ZNFs in YY1 (construct YY1B, spanning 52 residues) repressed SMC proliferation. Receptor binding domain analysis predicts a three-residue (339KLK341) interaction domain. Mutation of 339KLK341 to 339AAA341 in YY1B (called YY1Bm) abrogated YY1B’s ability to inhibit SMC but not EC proliferation and migration. Incubation of recombinant GST-YY1B and GST-YY1Bm with SMC lysates followed by precipitation with glutathione–agarose beads and mass spectrometric analysis identified a novel interaction between YY1B and BASP1. Overexpression of BASP1, like YY1, inhibited SMC but not EC proliferation and migration. BASP1 siRNA partially rescued SMC from growth inhibition by YY1B. In the rat carotid balloon injury model, adenoviral overexpression of YY1B, like full-length YY1, reduced neointima formation, whereas YY1Bm had no such effect. CD31+ immunostaining suggested YY1B could increase re-endothelialization in a 339KLK341-dependent manner.

Conclusion

These studies identify a truncated form of YY1 (YY1B) that can interact with BASP1 and inhibit SMC proliferation, migration, and intimal hyperplasia after balloon injury of rat carotid arteries as effectively as full length YY1. We demonstrate the therapeutic potential of YY1B in vascular proliferative disease.
NLRP3 inflammasome is a key driver of obesity-induced atrial arrhythmias
Authors: Scott Jr Larry , Fender Anke C , Saljic Arnela , Li Luge , Chen Xiaohui , Wang Xiaolei , Linz Dominik , Lang Jilu , Hohl Mathias , Twomey Darragh , Pham Thuy T , Diaz-Lankenau Rodrigo , Chelu Mihail G , Kamler Markus , Entman Mark L , Taffet George E , Sanders Prashanthan , Dobrev Dobromir , Li Na
Published: January 2021

Aims

Obesity, an established risk factor of atrial fibrillation (AF), is frequently associated with enhanced inflammatory response. However, whether inflammatory signaling is causally linked to AF pathogenesis in obesity remains elusive. We recently demonstrated that the constitutive activation of the ‘NACHT, LRR, and PYD Domains-containing Protein 3’ (NLRP3) inflammasome promotes AF susceptibility. In this study, we hypothesized that the NLRP3 inflammasome is a key driver of obesity-induced AF.

Methods and results

Western blotting was performed to determine the level of NLRP3 inflammasome activation in atrial tissues of obese patients, sheep, and diet-induced obese (DIO) mice. The increased body weight in patients, sheep, and mice was associated with enhanced NLRP3-inflammasome activation. To determine whether NLRP3 contributes to the obesity-induced atrial arrhythmogenesis, wild-type (WT) and NLRP3 homozygous knockout (NLRP3−/−) mice were subjected to high-fat-diet (HFD) or normal chow (NC) for 10 weeks. Relative to NC-fed WT mice, HFD-fed WT mice were more susceptible to pacing-induced AF with longer AF duration. In contrast, HFD-fed NLRP3−/− mice were resistant to pacing-induced AF. Optical mapping in DIO mice revealed an arrhythmogenic substrate characterized by abbreviated refractoriness and action potential duration (APD), two key determinants of reentry-promoting electrical remodeling. Upregulation of ultra-rapid delayed-rectifier K+-channel (Kv1.5) contributed to the shortening of atrial refractoriness. Increased profibrotic signaling and fibrosis along with abnormal Ca2+ release from sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) accompanied atrial arrhythmogenesis in DIO mice. Conversely, genetic ablation of Nlrp3 (NLRP3−/−) in HFD-fed mice prevented the increases in Kv1.5 and the evolution of electrical remodeling, the upregulation of profibrotic genes, and abnormal SR Ca2+ release in DIO mice.

Conclusion

These results demonstrate that the atrial NLRP3 inflammasome is a key driver of obesity-induced atrial arrhythmogenesis and establishes a mechanistic link between obesity-induced AF and NLRP3-inflammasome activation.
Estimating the cost-effectiveness of screening a general population for cardiovascular risk with high-sensitivity troponin-I
Authors: Jülicher Paul , Varounis Christos
Published: January 2021

Aims 

To estimate the cost-effectiveness of using the cardiac specific marker high-sensitivity troponin-I (hsTnI) for assessing cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in a general population.

Methods and results 

A discrete-event simulation model was developed from a societal perspective of a low-risk (Germany) and a high-risk (Kazakhstan) country. The model compared a Screen&Prevent strategy guided by hsTnI against a do-nothing strategy. Risk functions were derived from published data of a prospective cohort study [Nord-Trøndelag Health (HUNT) Study]. The model assessed the number of CVD events and deaths, healthy life years, direct and indirect costs in PPP 2018 Dollar, and quality-adjusted life years (QALY) over a time horizon of 10 years. Screen&Prevent reduced the number of CVD events per 1000 subjects by 5.1 and 5.0, equal to a number-needed-to-screen of 195 and 191 in Kazakhstan and Germany. Screen&Prevent was cost saving in Kazakhstan and cost-effective in Germany with an incremental-cost-effectiveness ratio of $6755 ($2294; $24 054) per QALY gained at an opportunity-cost based willingness-to-pay threshold of $27 373. Varying input variables in univariate and probabilistic sensitivity analyses confirmed the robustness of the analysis.

Conclusion 

Assessing the cardiovascular risk with hsTnI in a general population and subsequently referring those at high risk to preventive means would very likely be cost-effective or cost-saving by avoiding CVD events and associated direct and indirect costs. This conclusion is retained even if only the direct costs or only the costs for screening and prevention are considered. Future studies should evaluate the incremental cost-effectiveness of hsTnI-guided assessment strategies against established risk algorithms.
Nicolas Bernier’s ‘Principes de composition’ and the Italian partimento tradition
Authors: Montagnier Jean-Paul C
Published: January 2021

French compositional treatises penned between c.1600 and c.1750 rarely if ever provide any instructional exercises with basses, from which apprentice composers could create multi-voice pieces by applying the rules described by their authors. Instead, these treatises—of which the most famous and widespread were no doubt those by Parran (1639), Mignot (1656), Masson (1697) and Rameau (1722)—reproduce a number of more or less extended examples to illustrate particular theoretical points. Nicolas Bernier’s handwritten ‘Principes de composition’ (c.1726–1734) stands out as the only known French tutorial of the period to supply basses akin to the contemporary partimenti used by Italian music teachers to instruct young pupils in the art of extemporaneous composition. Bernier is said to have studied with Caldara—though Corelli is more likely—in Rome, before settling in Paris in 1692. Thus not only do the partimento-like basses included in his ‘Principes de composition’ offer an echo of his studies with these Italian masters, but they may also reflect the Roman beginnings of the pedagogical partimento tradition. The Bernier treatise provides rare testimony of the importance of Corelli’s six opuses in the Italian contrappunto pratico tradition in the period 1690–1730. This article puts Bernier’s ‘Principes’ into context, and then examines his hitherto overlooked basses, their originality, and their pedagogical implications.
Microalgal–bacterial consortia unveil distinct physiological changes to facilitate growth of microalgae
Authors: Perera Isiri Adhiwarie , Abinandan Sudharsanam , R. Subashchandrabose Suresh , Venkateswarlu Kadiyala , Naidu Ravi , Megharaj Mallavarapu
Published: January 2021

Physiological changes that drive the microalgal–bacterial consortia are poorly understood so far. In the present novel study, we initially assessed five morphologically distinct microalgae for their ability in establishing consortia in Bold's basal medium with a bacterial strain, Variovorax paradoxus IS1, all isolated from wastewaters. Tetradesmus obliquus IS2 and Coelastrella sp. IS3 were further selected for gaining insights into physiological changes, including those of metabolomes in consortia involving V. paradoxus IS1. The distinct parameters investigated were pigments (chlorophyll a, b, and carotenoids), reactive oxygen species (ROS), lipids and metabolites that are implicated in major metabolic pathways. There was a significant increase (>1.2-fold) in pigments, viz., chlorophyll a, b and carotenoids, decrease in ROS and an enhanced lipid yield (>2-fold) in consortia than in individual cultures. In addition, the differential regulation of cellular metabolites such as sugars, amino acids, organic acids and phytohormones was distinct among the two microalgal–bacterial consortia. Our results thus indicate that the selected microalgal strains, T. obliquus IS2 and Coelastrella sp. IS3, developed efficient consortia with V. paradoxus IS1 by effecting the required physiological changes, including metabolomics. Such microalgal–bacterial consortia could largely be used in wastewater treatment and for production of value-added metabolites.
BiG-SLiCE: A highly scalable tool maps the diversity of 1.2 million biosynthetic gene clusters
Authors: Kautsar Satria A , van der Hooft Justin J J , de Ridder Dick , Medema Marnix H
Published: January 2021

Background

Genome mining for biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) has become an integral part of natural product discovery. The >200,000 microbial genomes now publicly available hold information on abundant novel chemistry. One way to navigate this vast genomic diversity is through comparative analysis of homologous BGCs, which allows identification of cross-species patterns that can be matched to the presence of metabolites or biological activities. However, current tools are hindered by a bottleneck caused by the expensive network-based approach used to group these BGCs into gene cluster families (GCFs).

Results

Here, we introduce BiG-SLiCE, a tool designed to cluster massive numbers of BGCs. By representing them in Euclidean space, BiG-SLiCE can group BGCs into GCFs in a non-pairwise, near-linear fashion. We used BiG-SLiCE to analyze 1,225,071 BGCs collected from 209,206 publicly available microbial genomes and metagenome-assembled genomes within 10 days on a typical 36-core CPU server. We demonstrate the utility of such analyses by reconstructing a global map of secondary metabolic diversity across taxonomy to identify uncharted biosynthetic potential. BiG-SLiCE also provides a “query mode” that can efficiently place newly sequenced BGCs into previously computed GCFs, plus a powerful output visualization engine that facilitates user-friendly data exploration.

Conclusions

BiG-SLiCE opens up new possibilities to accelerate natural product discovery and offers a first step towards constructing a global and searchable interconnected network of BGCs. As more genomes are sequenced from understudied taxa, more information can be mined to highlight their potentially novel chemistry. BiG-SLiCE is available via https://github.com/medema-group/bigslice.
Gender–sexuality alliance membership and activities: associations with students’ comfort, confidence and awareness regarding substance use resources
Authors: Murchison Gabriel R , Rosenbach Sarah B , Poteat V Paul , Yoshikawa Hirokazu , Calzo Jerel P
Published: January 2021

Belonging to a school Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA) is associated with lower substance use among LGBTQ+ youth. However, it is unknown whether GSA participation facilitates access to resources for substance use concerns. Using longitudinal data from 38 Massachusetts high schools, we compared sources of support for substance use concerns listed by GSA members (n = 361) and nonmembers (n = 1539). Subsequently, we tested whether GSA membership was associated with comfort, confidence and awareness regarding substance use resources in school and the community. Finally, we assessed whether specific GSA activities and discussions (e.g. social support) were associated with these outcomes. Among students with recent substance use, GSA membership was associated with greater comfort, confidence and awareness regarding school-based substance use resources in the spring semester, adjusted for fall semester levels and non-GSA club involvement. Furthermore, students in GSAs where members reported more advocacy and social support activities reported higher levels of comfort, confidence and awareness regarding community-based substance use resources. These results indicate that among students using alcohol or nicotine products, GSA members may be more receptive to school-based substance use prevention efforts. Furthermore, GSA-based social support and activism experiences may promote access to community-based substance use resources.
Henry Knighton, the Commons and the crisis of governance in the 1380s
Authors: Dodd Gwilym
Published: January 2021

This discussion provides the first in-depth investigation into the meaning and significance of a quite exceptional petition presented by the parliamentary Commons in the reign of Richard II. The petition survives as a unique copy in the chronicle of Henry Knighton: it was not recorded on the parliament roll. Knighton inserted the petition into his more general account of the Merciless Parliament of 1388. In this discussion I argue that the petition is most likely to have been presented in the parliament that met in the aftermath of the Peasants’ Revolt of 1381, and as a result holds great constitutional significance.
Signed, stamped, and sealed: delivering royal justice in early sixteenth-century England
Authors: Flannigan Laura
Published: January 2021

That Henry VIII’s will was stamped with a facsimile of his signature rather than authentically signed has long been taken as proof that it was ‘forged’ sometime around his death in 1547. This article explores the longer history of the stamp as an authorizing mechanism, locating its creation at the beginning of the reign for the purposes of justice-giving. An investigation of these earlier documents reveals that an initial ‘wet’ stamp served to expedite suits presented at the royal household and project the king’s authority outwards. The article therefore offers a revisionary account of the priorities and workings of Tudor governance.
Genetically regulated expression underlies cellular sensitivity to chemotherapy in diverse populations
Authors: Mulford Ashley J , Wing Claudia , Dolan M Eileen , Wheeler Heather E
Published: January 2021

Most cancer chemotherapeutic agents are ineffective in a subset of patients; thus, it is important to consider the role of genetic variation in drug response. Lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCLs) in 1000 Genomes Project populations of diverse ancestries are a useful model for determining how genetic factors impact the variation in cytotoxicity. In our study, LCLs from three 1000 Genomes Project populations of diverse ancestries were previously treated with increasing concentrations of eight chemotherapeutic drugs, and cell growth inhibition was measured at each dose with half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) or area under the dose–response curve (AUC) as our phenotype for each drug. We conducted both genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and transcriptome-wide association studies (TWAS) within and across ancestral populations. We identified four unique loci in GWAS and three genes in TWAS to be significantly associated with the chemotherapy-induced cytotoxicity within and across ancestral populations. In the etoposide TWAS, increased STARD5 predicted expression associated with decreased etoposide IC50 (P = 8.5 × 10−8). Functional studies in A549, a lung cancer cell line, revealed that knockdown of STARD5 expression resulted in the decreased sensitivity to etoposide following exposure for 72 (P = 0.033) and 96 h (P = 0.0001). By identifying loci and genes associated with cytotoxicity across ancestral populations, we strive to understand the genetic factors impacting the effectiveness of chemotherapy drugs and to contribute to the development of future cancer treatment.
Midterm results of pulmonary artery plasty with in vivo tissue-engineered vascular grafts
Authors: Nakatsuji Hiroki , Yamagishi Masaaki , Maeda Yoshinobu , Itatani Keiichi , Fujita Shuhei , Hongu Hisayuki , Yaku Hitoshi
Published: January 2021

We evaluated the application of in vivo tissue-engineered vascular graft (in vivo TEVG) in pulmonary artery (PA) reconstruction as a substitute for autologous pericardium. From July 2017 to April 2020, 4 patients (male:female = 2:2) with major aortopulmonary collateral arteries underwent PA reconstruction with in vivo TEVGs. Graft moulds were embedded into the subcutaneous spaces in the first palliative surgery. In the second surgery used in vivo TEVGs were used as patch materials to treat PA stenosis. Preoperative and postoperative PA configurations were evaluated by computed tomography. Patients’ median age and body weight were 1.6 (1–4) years and 8.7 (7.3–15.4) kg, respectively. Two patients underwent PA reconstruction during staged repair and 2 underwent reconstruction during definitive repair. One patient had postoperative PA restenosis due to bronchial compression; re-PA reconstruction with in vivo TEVGs was performed. On histological examination, the in vivo TEVG wall mainly comprised collagen fibres and a small number of fibroblasts. The midterm results of this technique are satisfactory. in vivo TEVGs could be a promising alternative to autologous pericardium for paediatric cardiovascular surgeries requiring multi-stage operations.

Clinical trial registration

ERB-C-162
Implications of different definitions for aortic arch classification provided by contemporary guidelines on thoracic aortic repair
Authors: Marrocco-Trischitta Massimiliano M , Glauber Mattia
Published: January 2021

Contemporary guidelines on thoracic aortic repair provide inconsistent reporting standards for the definition of aortic arch classification in Types I, II and III. The different reported criteria cannot be used interchangeably, due to a very low level of concordance, and this finding has relevant implications for the comparisons between studies using different classifications, and between different datasets of multicentre trials, which are not consistently analyzed with the same criteria. Also, the reported definitions, which were originally proposed for predicting difficult carotid stenting and therefore were conceived for healthy aortic arches, can be influenced by the pathological derangements of the aortic wall, including aneurysms and dissections. In this respect, the Madhwal’s classification, which is based on the diameter of the left common carotid artery, appears to be the more suitable one for aortic arch classification in patients with thoracic aortic disease because it provides relevant clinical information along with an adequate reproducibility.
The development of undergraduate pharmacy students as reflective thinkers for the evolving field of pharmacy
Authors: Nazar Hamde , Rathbone Adam , Husband Andrew
Published: January 2021

Objectives

Iterative reflective practice is recognised to support learners’ formation of humanism and resilience, facilitating the healthy development of professional identity. In one undergraduate pharmacy programme, students experience a series of seminars to develop their understanding and skills in the practice of reflection and its articulation. In Stage (year) 4, students engage in a reflection conference where they present a reflective account of a ‘Significant Learning Event’ or their journey ‘From Student to Professional’. Student abstracts from this conference were investigated to explore the nature of the reflective practice.

Methods

The student abstracts submitted for the reflection conference in the academic years 2017–2018 and 2018–2019 were subjected to manifest and latent content analysis to investigate what and how students chose to reflect. This was supplemented by the ethnographic approach of the researchers, who attended, observed and engaged with students at the event.

Key findings

107 abstracts were submitted across the cohorts. Students reflected mainly upon experiences across a range of extra- and co-curricular activities, and reported significant learning, according to Fink’s taxonomy, mainly in the human dimension, caring and learning to learn.

Conclusions

At the culmination of the reflection educational strand within this programme, students demonstrated purposeful, deliberate introspection and metacognition in their abstracts for the reflection conference. These skills are fundamental to support transformative learning, whereby students have the ability to self-regulate and critique their frames of reference with autonomy and flexibility that will enable them to most effectively engage and benefit from lifelong learning within the profession.
Pelvic Inflammatory Disease Due to Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis: Immune Evasion Mechanisms and Pathogenic Disease Pathways
Authors: Darville Toni
Published: January 2021

Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) results from ascension of sexually transmitted pathogens from the lower genital tract to the uterus and/or fallopian tubes in women, with potential spread to neighboring pelvic organs. Patients may present acutely with lower abdominal or pelvic pain and pelvic organ tenderness. Many have subtle symptoms or are asymptomatic and present later with tubal factor infertility, ectopic pregnancy, or chronic pelvic pain. Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Chlamydia trachomatis are the 2 most commonly recognized PID pathogens. Their ability to survive within host epithelial cells and neutrophils highlights a need for T-cell–mediated production of interferon γ in protection. Data indicate that for both pathogens, antibody can accelerate clearance by enhancing opsonophagocytosis and bacterial killing when interferon γ is present. A study of women with N. gonorrhoeae– and/or C. trachomatis–induced PID with histologic endometritis revealed activation of myeloid cell, cell death, and innate inflammatory pathways in conjunction with dampening of T-cell activation pathways. These findings are supported by multiple studies in mouse models of monoinfection with N. gonorrhoeae or Chlamydia spp. Both pathogens exert multiple mechanisms of immune evasion that benefit themselves and each other at the expense of the host. However, similarities in host immune mechanisms that defend against these 2 bacterial pathogens instill optimism for the prospects of a combined vaccine for prevention of PID and infections in both women and men.
Comparison of Capillary Versus Venous Blood for the Diagnosis of Plasmodium falciparum Malaria Using Rapid Diagnostic Tests
Authors: Gorret Abalinda M , Muhindo Rabbison , Baguma Emma , Ntaro Moses , Mulogo Edgar M , Deutsch-Feldman Molly , Juliano Jonathan J , Nyehangane Dan , Boyce Ross M
Published: January 2021

We enrolled 250 febrile children in western Uganda to compare the results of malaria rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) when using capillary vs venous blood. Participants were tested with 4 different RDT types. Polymerase chain reaction testing was performed as the reference standard. Sensitivity and specificity were broadly similar across RDT types and sampling method. Agreement between sample type was high, ranging from 0.95 to 0.99. When following the manufacturer’s recommended interpretation, only 5 tests would have resulted in a different clinical diagnosis. These results demonstrate that malaria RDTs perform similarly when using capillary or venous blood in febrile children with Plasmodium falciparum malaria.
Long-term Memory Response After a Single Intramuscular Rabies Booster Vaccination 10–24 Years After Primary Immunization
Authors: De Pijper Cornelis A , Langedijk Annefleur C , Terryn Sanne , Van Gucht Steven , Grobusch Martin P , Goorhuis Abraham , Stijnis Cornelis
Published: January 2021

Background

Published data regarding long-lasting immunological rabies memory after pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) are scarce. We tested the hypothesis that rabies booster immunization elicits rapid anamnestic responses.

Methods

For this observational study, we included participants who had received PrEP 10–24 years before inclusion. We measured rabies antibody titers before, and on days 3, 7, and 14 after a single intramuscular booster.

Results

All 28 participants responded adequately regardless of route of administration or 2-dose vs 3-dose PrEP regimen.

Conclusion

Rabies immunological memory is reactivated within 7 days after a single intramuscular booster immunization, even when administered 10–24 years after PrEP.