bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Features of hardening and structure formation of concrete with high-dispersion mineral additives
Authors: Butskaya L N , Hurkalenko V A , Latorets K V , Makarenko O V , Pershina L O
Published: August 2020

The article deals with the effect of micro-filler additives on the properties of high-strength concrete. The effectiveness of microcements – mixtures based on highly dispersed cement and silica fume – has been substantiated. Using the methods of thermokinetic analysis and thermoporometry, the processes of heat release and the formation of microporosity during the hardening of ordinary cement and microcements without additives and with the addition of silica fume are studied. The positive effect of silica fume on the hydration and formation of the structure of cement stone is proved. It is shown that the nature of the hydration interaction in the system of “microcement - silica fume” contributes to the compaction of the structure and reduce the development of shrinkage phenomena. It was revealed that the use of microcementives allows to increase the workability of concrete mixtures and to accelerate the rate of curing of high-strength concrete. According to the results of the studies, the high efficiency of the use of components of the type “microcement – silica fume” in the technology of high-strength and durable concrete has been proved.
Contact formation mechanism between squeezed crystalline solids
Authors: Volosyuk M A , Protsenko E M
Published: August 2020

The mechanism was proposed and experimentally approved for the final stage of the high temperature contact formation after generation of closed pores in the contact plane. The mechanism is that the pores being healed by the dislocation-diffusion mechanism form assemblages of vacancy type prismatic dislocation loops which alternate with clusters of previously formed interstitial prismatic loops. Between the vacancy-type loops and interstitial ones the diffusion interaction is established resulting in recombination of defects with different signs, the contact formation, pore healing, and decreasing stress and dislocation density in the contact area.
The research of tubular mixer with improved design
Authors: Epoyan S , Sukhorukov G , Volkov V , Haiduchok O
Published: August 2020

Modern technological schemes in water supply for clarifying surface water include using reagents as coagulants, flocculants, etc. To mix them with the source water on plants usually use different types of mixing devices. Tubular mixer is one of such devices. Our research work involves the study of a tubular mixer with improved design, which can mix several reagents with source water. The paper presents theoretical and experimental studies of the tubular mixer with improved design for mixing several reagents with natural water. It is theoretically and experimentally substantiated the feasibility of using this tubular mixer for mixing several reagents with natural water over a short mixing time. The improved design of tubular mixer can mix several reagents with natural water in a short mixing time, intensify the mixing process and improve quality of water after treatment.
Tensile strength of the pipe material determination according to the ultimate tensile strength
Authors: Younis B , Saienko L , Kazimahomedov I , Salem S
Published: August 2020

A new calculation method for the strength of concrete pipes, developed, helps to determine the stresses in the walls of concrete pipes under the combined action of an external (compressing pipe) load and internal pressure from the fluid transported under pressure. An analysis of the nature and magnitude of the stresses is necessary to choose the material of the pipe walls, as well as to establish a possible combination of ultimate external. New formulas make it possible to determine the stresses in the pipe walls under the combined action of an external load and internal pressure. Based on the developed formulas, it was found that the main dangerous stresses in the pipes are tensile stresses. Using the obtained equations allows to determine the range of application of pipes made of modified concrete and to select the necessary concrete strength based on operational loads. There are two methods for determining the bearing capacity of pipeline: three-edge bearing method, in which the maximum breaking load (ultimate), and hydro-static loading method to determine the maximum internal pressure. The design of the test bench for pipes was developed in order to determine the maximum internal pressure on the pipe walls.
Reduction of formaldehyde in ambient air through application of special acrylic co-polymer in paint-and-lacquer coatings
Authors: Runova R F , Pipa V V , Nosovsky Yu L , Laboda M A , Monfort I B
Published: August 2020

Application of modern coatings in interior decoration is becoming increasingly popular. With their help, new decorative effects are created and implemented, which contribute to the desired aesthetic pleasure. The development of the chemical industry allows to produce a wide range of decorative coatings, paints and water-based enamels, as well as other finishing building materials that are widely used by designers and craftsmen in the design of premises. As a result, manufacturing companies face a clear challenge in creating safe materials for human health. It is known that the use of preservatives, plasticizers and opalescent additives in coatings are a source of harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs), in particular phenol-formaldehyde resins, which provoke dangerous human diseases, and formaldehyde itself (H2–C=O) is a carcinogen and can cause lungs, nasopharyngeal cancer and cause acute myeloid leukemia. Formulation models of coatings based on PRIMAL™ SF-208 ER acrylic copolymer dispersion have been developed, which, among the required operational and quality characteristics, have the ability to reduce the content of formaldehyde. There is defined the regularity of the increase in the amount of phenol-formaldehyde absorbed by the paint from the ambient air from the increase in the quantitative content of the dispersion in the paint.
Express-method of determination hidroactiviti of Portland cement
Authors: Nikolaev A P , Kondrachenko E V , Kondrachenko V I
Published: August 2020

Basic problems are touched for existing methods of Portland cement binding properties control. Some of them consist in the fact that direct methods for Portland cement clinker and Portland cement physical-mechanical activity determination are too time-consuming, which does not enable timely correction of their properties directly in the course of production process. Others are connected with insufficient definitiveness of cement behavior with water depending on the value of its phase-forming minerals condition regulated parameters in their totality. We introduced the term “hydroactivity of Portland cement” for quantitative characterization of its part capable under certain conditions to transfer to liquid phase after cement mixing with water. An instant control method for produced Portland cement was developed based on direct connection between its hydroactivity and binding properties. Terms were substantiated for binder material hydroactivity determination under which the obtained results characterize more exactly the initial condition of material under analysis. A stage-wise description is given of application of the proposed shortcut method of hydroactivity determination for Portland cement clinkers, various classes of Portland cement and certain model systems. The proposed control method for properties of Portland cement clinker and Portland cement enables production of cement with assured activity under optimal relation between production expenses and obtained product quality.
The formation of residential complexes in the structure of Ukrainian largest cities
Authors: Ladigina I V , Dubina N G , Bizhko E V
Published: August 2020

Previous decades saw a new type of housing format emerge in Ukraine – namely, residential complexes (RC). Following ongoing integration with European Union, Ukraine becomes included in a global stage of urbanization process, therefore accepting all positive and negative consequences of this stage. From the point of structure and planning, it means the formation of largest global world cities with their peculiar organization, and the appearance of multifunctional complexes, which constitute a specific structure of «city within a city» and subsequently form megalopolis, an urban system of highest hierarchy, from its base.
Integrated management systems as a basis for sustainable development
Authors: Hunchenko Okcana
Published: August 2020

The issue of the urgency of the development and implementation of an integrated type of systems into management systems that combine mechanisms of safety management and hygiene of production processes and environmental safety were considered. Considering the purposes of sustainable development that form the priority directions of development of society, economy, industry and nature management, five main blocks that are responsible for the development of such areas as “SOCIETY”, “HEALTH”, “FINANCE”, “LABOR PROTECTION”, “ECOLOGY” are identified. All of these directions are cemented and have an extensive spectrum for cooperation and development, thanks for their combination, based on the security aspect. Therefore, among the sustainable development purposes there is one more parameter that influences the achievement of the set purposes, the factor “SAFETY” that integrates all the previously defined directions. An effective security strategy today is a risk-oriented approach based on risk assessment and selected strategies for influencing them. The using of integrated systems of enterprise management that combine the impact on the safety and hygiene of production processes and environmental safety of production, especially in industries with remote environmental impacts and significant health consequences for employees engaged in these industries allows to consider the issues of assessing existing and predicting the emergence of new risks more weighed, more reasonably and with less amount of resources.
Effect of technological parameters on clarification low-concentration suspension by dissolved air flotation
Authors: Epoyan S , Syrovatsky O , Haiduchok O , Titov A
Published: August 2020

In this work, the technological parameters that can significantly effect on a quality of clarification low-concentration suspension by dissolved air flotation were considered. These parameters are: particle size, air bubble size, water rise velocity and air concentration in water. The size of solid particles influences on the probability of their collision with bubbles. The water rises velocity change time of contact between solid particles and bubbles in the working area, which also effects on the probability. Increasing the air concentration in a tank improves the quality of water clarification, because more bubbles are formed there. These factors will be taken into account in further studies to find the optimal dimensions of flotation tank for better cleaning low-concentration suspension.
The effect of impurity niobium on diffusion of self-interstitial atom and self-diffusion by interstitial mechanism in zirconium: an atomistic simulation
Authors: Tikhonchev Mikhail
Published: August 2020

The effect of niobium on diffusion of self-interstitial atom and self-diffusion by interstitial mechanism has been simulated by the molecular dynamics method in zirconium at a temperature up to 1000 K. It has been shown that even a small amount of niobium impurity in the HCP Zr matrix entails significant qualitative and quantitative changes in the diffusion coefficient of a self-interstitial atom and self-diffusion by the interstitial mechanism.
Preparation and characterization of acrylic resin encapsulated n-dodecanol microcapsule phase change material
Authors: Jiang Ruijie , Xu Lingling , Wu Nan
Published: August 2020

Nontoxic, low-cost microcapsule phase change materials (MicroPCMs) were successfully manufactured via suspension polymerization, in which n-dodecanol was employed as the core material and crosslinked polymethyl methacrylate as the wall material. Alkylphenol polyoxyethylene ether (OP-10), polysorbate-20 (Tween-20), sodium salt of styrene-maleic anhydride polymer (SMA), sodium dodecyl sulfonate (SDS), and hexadecyltrimethylammonium chloride (1631) were employed as emulsifiers to investigate the effects of the type and amount of emulsifier on MicroPCMs. In addition, the effects of different types of crosslinking agents on the fabrication of MicroPCMs were investigated. Scanning electron microscopy was used to observe the micro-morphology of MicroPCMs. The chemical structure of the MicroPCMs was detected via Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The thermal properties and thermal stability of the MicroPCMs were analyzed using a differential scanning calorimeter and a thermal gravimetric analyzer, respectively. Particle size distributions of the MicroPCMs were measured using a particle size analyzer. The results demonstrate that MicroPCMs with regular morphology were prepared when the mass ratio of the SMA to the oil phase was 3%, and the latent heat and yield of the MicroPCMs were 80.29 J g−1 and 84%, respectively. Furthermore, the MicroPCMs were successfully synthesized using pentaerythritol triacrylate containing the hydroxyl group as the crosslinking agent with an average particle size of 14.18 μm and excellent thermal stability.
Facile synthesis of redox-responsive paclitaxel drug release platform using metal-organic frameworks (ZIF-8) for gastric cancer treatment
Authors: Ma Aiqing , Zhang Rui
Published: August 2020

This paper investigated the dual-role of cystamine as a surface modification linker and stimuli-responsive material, and simplify redox-responsive drug delivery system synthesis. ZIF-8 is used as the drug delivery vehicle (due to its exceptional biocompatibility), cystamine is used as the linker and redox-sensitive material, and paclitaxel (PTX) is selected as the anti-tumor drug. Redox-responsive paclitaxel drug delivery platform based on metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) was synthesized by using ZIF-8 as the drug delivery vehicle, and cystamine as the linker and redox-sensitive material. The morphology of ZIF-8 was determined by the Transmitting Electron Microscope (TEM), and the crystal structure was determined by x-ray diffraction (XRD). The surface modification of ZIF-8 was studied by the Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. The Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) study indicated that surface modification has little impact on the specific surface area and pore size distribution of ZIF-8. The drug release of ZIF-8/cystamine/paclitaxel was studied under different pH and glutathione concentrations. The cytotoxicity was investigated with human gastric cancer cells. Higher glutathione (GSH) concentration and lower pH were favorable to the release of paclitaxel from ZIF-8/cystamine/paclitaxel, and the drug release platform provided a higher tumor-killing effect than free paclitaxel solution.
Development of a computational phantom for validation of automated noise measurement in CT images
Authors: Anam Choirul , Sutanto Heri , Adi Kusworo , Budi Wahyu Setia , Muhlisin Zaenul , Haryanto Freddy , Matsubara Kosuke , Fujibuchi Toshioh , Dougherty Geoff
Published: August 2020

The purpose of this study was to develop a computational phantom for validation of automatic noise calculations applied to all parts of the body, to investigate kernel size in determining noise, and to validate the accuracy of automatic noise calculation for several noise levels. The phantom consisted of objects with a very wide range of HU values, from −1000 to +950. The incremental value for each object was 10 HU. Each object had a size of 15 × 15 pixels separated by a distance of 5 pixels. There was no dominant homogeneous part in the phantom. The image of the phantom was then degraded to mimic the real image quality of CT by convolving it with a point spread function (PSF) and by addition of Gaussian noise. The magnitude of the Gaussian noises was varied (5, 10, 25, 50, 75 and 100 HUs), and they were considered as the ground truth noise (NG). We also used a computational phantom with added actual noise from a CT scanner. The phantom was used to validate the automated noise measurement based on the average of the ten smallest standard deviations (SD) from the standard deviation map (SDM). Kernel sizes from 3 × 3 up to 27 × 27 pixels were examined in this study. A computational phantom for automated noise calculations validation has been successfully developed. It was found that the measured noise (NM) was influenced by the kernel size. For kernels of 15 × 15 pixels or smaller, the NM value was much smaller than the NG. For kernel sizes from 17 × 17 to 21 × 21 pixels, the NM value was about 90% of NG. And for kernel sizes of 23 × 23 pixels and above, NM is greater than NG. It was also found that even with small kernel sizes the relationship between NM and NG is linear with R2 more than 0.995. Thus accurate noise levels can be automatically obtained even with small kernel sizes without any concern regarding the inhomogeneity of the object.
Degenerate principal series for classical and odd GSpin groups in the general case
Authors: Kim Yeansu , Liu Baiying , Matić Ivan
Published: August 2020

Let

G
n

G_n

denote either the group

S
O
(
2
n
+
1
,
F
)

SO(2n+1, F)

,

S
p
(
2
n
,
F
)

Sp(2n, F)

, or

G

S
p
i
n

(
2
n
+
1
,
F
)

G{\mathrm {Spin}}(2n+1, F)

over a non-archimedean local field of characteristic different from two. We determine all composition factors of degenerate principal series of

G
n

G_n

, using methods based on the Aubert involution and known results on irreducible subquotients of the generalized principal series of a particular type.
History’s Future in the Age of the Internet
Authors: Story Daniel J. , Guldi Jo , Hitchcock Tim , Moravec Michelle
Published: August 2020

Ian Milligan’s History in the Age of Abundance? How the Web Is Transforming Historical Research (2019) presents and interrogates the challenges and opportunities that born-digital materials have for historians. Milligan argues that historians who wish to grapple with the archived internet need to think much more aggressively about engaging with digital methods and tools that can complement and extend the well-honed practices of close reading with approaches that can help analyze the vast and often unstructured archives of internet data. In this AHR Review Roundtable, three historians—Jo Guldi, Tim Hitchcock, and Michelle Moravec, all of whom incorporate digital approaches and concerns into their work—engage with a set of questions developed by Digital Scholarship Librarian Daniel J. Story, to discuss Milligan’s treatment of the digital archive of the web and its implications for historians’ work. Milligan offers a response to these insights and critiques, emphasizing the need for the historical discipline to change from within and build upon its valuable qualities.
Getting Personal with Our Sources: A Response
Authors: Maza Sarah
Published: August 2020

In a complement to the 2020 AHR Roundtable “Chronological Age: A Useful Category of Historical Analysis” (125, no. 2), this AHR Exchange focuses on the history of children and childhood. Sarah Maza presents a critical review essay, highlighting the limiting factors in the expanding field of childhood studies. Children, she observes, produce few sources of their own voices, have limited agency, and as individuals and as a group soon outgrow their subaltern status—they grow up. Robin P. Chapdelaine, Nara Milanich, Steven Mintz, Ishita Pande, and Bengt Sandin—historians representing diverse geographical, theoretical, and methodological perspectives on the history of children and childhood—react to Maza’s observations by bringing up important methodological questions about subjecthood, agency, and modernity. Maza’s rejoinder reflects on these questions and on the possibility of age-based historical agency.
Stress-Induced Blood Pressure Elevation Self-Measured by a Wearable Watch-Type Device
Authors: Tomitani Naoko , Kanegae Hiroshi , Suzuki Yuka , Kuwabara Mitsuo , Kario Kazuomi
Published: August 2020

BACKGROUND

Psychological stress contributes to blood pressure (BP) variability, which is a significant and independent risk factor for cardiovascular events. We compared the effectiveness of a recently developed wearable watch-type BP monitoring (WBPM) device and an ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM) device for detecting ambulatory stress-induced BP elevation in 50 outpatients with 1 or more cardiovascular risk factors.

METHODS

The WBPM and ABPM were both worn on the subject’s nondominant arm. ABPM was measured automatically at 30-minute intervals, and each ABPM measurement was followed by a self-measured WBPM measurement. We also collected self-reported information about situational conditions, including the emotional state of subjects at the time of each BP measurement. We analyzed 642 paired BP readings for which the self-reported emotional state in the corresponding diary entry was happy, calm, anxious, or tense.

RESULTS

In a mixed-effect analysis, there were significant differences between the BP values measured during negative (anxious, tense) and positive (happy, calm) emotions in both the WBPM (systolic BP [SBP]: 9.3 ± 2.1 mm Hg, P < 0.001; diastolic BP [DBP]: 8.4 ± 1.4 mm Hg, P < 0.001) and ABPM (SBP: 10.7 ± 2.1 mm Hg, P < 0.001; DBP: 5.6 ± 1.4 mm Hg, P < 0.001). The absolute BP levels induced by emotional stress self-measured by the WBPM were similar to those automeasured by the ABPM (SBP, WBPM: 141.1 ± 2.7 mm Hg; ABPM: 140.3 ± 2.7 mm Hg; P = 0.724). The subject’s location at the BP measurement was also significantly associated with BP elevation.

CONCLUSIONS

The self-measurement by the WBPM could detect BP variability induced by multiple factors, including emotional stress, under ambulatory conditions as accurately as ABPM.
“A New Enterprise in Our History”: William Still, Conductor ofThe Underground Rail Road(1872)
Authors: Black Alex W
Published: August 2020

This article presents the formal and material innovations of The Underground Rail Road (1872) and its author and publisher, William Still. Before the Civil War, Still chaired the Philadelphia Vigilance Committee, which assisted hundreds of fugitives from slavery in making their way to freedom. After the Civil War, Still wrote a book based on his records of their stories. The discrimination Black writers and readers experienced from the publishing business convinced Still to start his own. Still’s publishing business, like the movement his book documented, was the work of a collective. He called on family members, allies in reform, and friends in Black periodical publishing to produce and distribute the book. Still promoted the book and the business as an extension of the liberation movement. The labors of the fugitives he had helped, and of the booksellers he employed, would stimulate the economic progress, and protect the political and social gains, for which African Americans were striving.

Still, a race man and a businessman, proposed a solution to the inequitable production and distribution of Black books. “The time has come,” he declared, “for colored men to be writing books & selling them too.”
Adverse events associated with potential drugs for COVID-19: a case study from real-world data
Authors: Jing Ying , Diao Lixia , Han Leng
Published: August 2020

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has resulted as a global pandemic. The World Health Organization announced the most promising drugs in SOLIDARITY for the global trial, and several other drugs are under investigation through ongoing clinical trials to prove the effectiveness and safety of potential therapeutics. Here, we depicted the safety profile of these drugs and investigated their associated adverse events (AEs). We observed the associated AEs in different organs/systems, especially in skin and subcutaneous tissue, immune system and musculoskeletal and connective tissue. Furthermore, we observed strong bias of AEs in different groups of sex and age. Our study provides knowledge of the toxicity of potential COVID-19 drugs. While these drugs hold promise to fight the global pandemic, healthcare providers should pay attention to AEs to maximize the treatment benefit while minimizing toxicity.
Connectivity-Related Roles of Contralesional Brain Regions for Motor Performance Early after Stroke
Authors: Hensel Lukas , Tscherpel Caroline , Freytag Jana , Ritter Stella , Rehme Anne K , Volz Lukas J , Eickhoff Simon B , Fink Gereon R , Grefkes Christian
Published: August 2020

Hemiparesis after stroke is associated with increased neural activity not only in the lesioned but also in the contralesional hemisphere. While most studies have focused on the role of contralesional primary motor cortex (M1) activity for motor performance, data on other areas within the unaffected hemisphere are scarce, especially early after stroke. We here combined functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to elucidate the contribution of contralesional M1, dorsal premotor cortex (dPMC), and anterior intraparietal sulcus (aIPS) for the stroke-affected hand within the first 10 days after stroke. We used “online” TMS to interfere with neural activity at subject-specific fMRI coordinates while recording 3D movement kinematics. Interfering with aIPS activity improved tapping performance in patients, but not healthy controls, suggesting a maladaptive role of this region early poststroke. Analyzing effective connectivity parameters using a Lasso prediction model revealed that behavioral TMS effects were predicted by the coupling of the stimulated aIPS with dPMC and ipsilesional M1. In conclusion, we found a strong link between patterns of frontoparietal connectivity and TMS effects, indicating a detrimental influence of the contralesional aIPS on motor performance early after stroke.
Low Risk of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Among Patients Exposed to Infected Healthcare Workers
Authors: Baker Meghan A , Fiumara Karen , Rhee Chanu , Williams Sarah A , Tucker Robert , Wickner Paige , Resnick Andrew , Klompas Michael
Published: August 2020

Many patients are fearful of acquiring coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in hospitals and clinics. We characterized the risk of COVID-19 among 226 patients exposed to healthcare workers with confirmed COVID-19. One patient may have been infected, suggesting that the risk of COVID-19 transmission from healthcare workers to patients is generally low.
Does Cochlear Implantation Affect Openness-to-Experience in Profound Postlingual Hearing Loss?
Authors: Muigg Franz , Weichbold Viktor W , Kuehn Heike , Seebacher Josef , Galvan Oliver
Published: August 2020

Recent studies suggest that hearing loss in postlingually deafened adults may be associated with lowered levels of the personality factor Openness to experience. This study investigated whether cochlear implantation in postlingually deafened adults raises the level of Openness to experience. Fifty-five postlingually deafened adults (mean age: 63 years) were assessed with the Neuroticism-Extraversion-Openness-Five-Factor-Inventory (NEO-FFI), a questionnaire capturing the five personality factors Extraversion, Openness to experience, Neuroticism, Agreeableness, and Conscientiousness. Personality assessment occurred before cochlear implantation and 24 months after implant activation. On factors Extraversion, Neuroticism, Agreeableness, and Conscientiousness the mean scores of the sample were equal to population norms, both before and after cochlear implantation. On factor Openness to experience, the mean score was significantly lower before cochlear implantation, and remained so thereafter. Openness to experience may be reduced in some groups of deaf or hard of hearing persons. Cochlear implantation had no effect on any personality factor, at least not after two years of implant use.
Dietary patterns and food insecurity of students participating in a food aid programme: the Mediterranean perspective
Authors: Kastorini Christina-Maria , Markaki Ioanna , Tsiampalis Thomas , Critselis Elena , Petralias Athanassios , Linos Athena ,   the DIATROFI Program Research Team
Published: August 2020

Background

To explore the effect of household food insecurity on dietary patterns of children and adolescents participating in a school food-aid programme in regions of Greece with low socioeconomic status.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted during the school year 2013–14, among 406 schools in low socioeconomic status regions of Greece. Dietary habits and sociodemographic characteristics of students and their families were recorded. Factor analysis was used in order to derive children’s and adolescents’ dietary patterns and analysis of covariance was performed to examine the effect of households’ food insecurity level on those patterns. A total of 31 399 students participated in the study; 16 652 children (5–11 years) and 14 747 adolescents (12–18 years).

Results

Factor analysis identified five dietary patterns in both age groups, explaining the 49.1% (children) and 53.0% (adolescents) of the total variation in intake. After adjusting for various factors, the household’s food insecurity was significantly associated with the majority of the derived patterns in both age groups, with most pronounced differences being observed for the consumption of red meat, poultry and fish, fruits, as well as red processed meat, cereals and dairy products, which was lower among children and adolescents with food insecurity. Children with food insecurity consumed significantly more unhealthy food, such as chips, fast food, sugared drinks, sweets, French fries and mayonnaise sauce.

Conclusions

Promotion of healthy eating to households facing food insecurity is of crucial importance, giving emphasis in the design of low cost, yet highly nutritious programmes.
Trends in Microbiology publications: are classic scientific journals condemned to extinction?
Authors: Maicas Sergi , Sánchez-Fresneda Ruth , Argüelles Juan-Carlos
Published: August 2020

Scientific journals have played an essential role in the diffusion of research breakthroughs. For many years there was no competition between journals, but, in recent decades they have become categorized by a careful assessment of their published contents based on several metric parameters. Of greater note, the ‘prestige index’ has become an essential tool used by public and private institutions to develop their scientific policy. Thus, the evaluation of research staffs, the concession of grants or fellowships and even the scholarly reputation and academic positions are mainly founded on a given journal's ‘quality’. As a consequence, the prestige of some journals has gone up, based on the assumption that they publish cutting-edge science, while the reputation of others has gone down. Within the field of Microbiology, we have carried out a direct analysis by monitoring several representative classic journals according to customary metric parameters over 20 years. This analysis also covers another set of journals of recent appearance (novel journals). Although a direct comparison between both groups is not possible, this approach serves to perceive the trends of publication among microbiologists. Our preliminary conclusion is that the continued existence of many so-termed classic journals devoted to Microbiology is seriously threatened.
NIK inhibitor impairs chronic periodontitis via suppressing non-canonical NF-κB and osteoclastogenesis
Authors: Wang Jiang , Wang Bo , Lv Xin , Wang Lei
Published: August 2020

Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease that causes damages to periodontium and alveolar bone. Overactivation and formation of osteoclasts can cause bone destruction, which contributes to periodontitis development. Receptor activator of nuclear factor κB ligand (RANKL)-mediated NF-κB signaling plays an essential role in osteoclasts differentiation. We aimed to study the effects of NIK-SMI1, an NF-κB-inducing kinase (NIK) inhibitor, on the osteoclastogenesis in vitro and periodontitis progression in vivo. A ligature-induced mice model of periodontitis was incorporated to test the potential therapeutic effect of NIK-SMI1 on periodontitis. The target protein and mRNA expression levels were determined by Western blot assay and real-time PCR assay, respectively. We found that the administration of NIK-SMI1 strongly inhibited the RANKL-stimulated non-canonical NF-κB signaling as demonstrated by decreased nuclear p52 expression and activity. Blocking NIK activity also resulted in reduced osteoclasts specific genes expression and enhanced IFN-β expression. NIK-SMI1 treatment resulted in attenuated periodontitis progression and pro-inflammatory cytokines expression in vivo. Our study suggested that NIK-SMI1 exerts beneficial effects on the mitigation of osteoclastogenesis in vitro and periodontitis progression in vivo. Application of NIK-SMI1 may serve as a potential therapeutic approach for periodontitis.
Berberine functions as a negative regulator in lipopolysaccharide -induced sepsis by suppressing NF-κB and IL-6 mediated STAT3 activation
Authors: Wang Yin , Du Pengfei , Jiang Donghui
Published: August 2020

Sepsis is a deadly complication raised by bacterial pathogens-induced dysregulated innate inflammatory response. Thus, anti-inflammatory is a potential therapeutic treatment for septic patients. Numerous evidence exhibited that berberine possesses potent anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic and anti-oxidative activities. However, the effect of berberine on sepsis is not fully understood. The anti-inflammatory effect of berberine was evaluated using lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced macrophages differentiation model in vitro and using LPS/D-galactosamine-challenged septic mice model in vivo. The secreted protein levels were determined by ELISA assay. The multiple targets mRNA and protein levels were measured by quantitative RT-PCR and western blot assay, respectively. Our study demonstrated that administration of berberine significantly attenuated lung tissue injury, and potently increased the survival rate of septic mice by modulating excessive inflammatory response with negligible side-effects. We further found that berberine inhibited the expression of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin-(IL)-1β and IL-6 via suppressing nuclear factor kappa B subunit 1 (NF-κB) signaling activation. Our study strongly supported the concept that berberine may serve as a single drug or a promising adjuvant that can be used in conjunction with other medications for the treatment of septic patients.
IsoXpressor: A Tool to Assess Transcriptional Activity within Isochores
Authors: Ayad Lorraine A K , Dourou Athanasia-Maria , Arhondakis Stilianos , Pissis Solon P
Published: August 2020

Genomes are characterized by large regions of homogeneous base compositions known as isochores. The latter are divided into GC-poor and GC-rich classes linked to distinct functional and structural properties. Several studies have addressed how isochores shape function and structure. To aid in this important subject, we present IsoXpressor, a tool designed for the analysis of the functional property of transcription within isochores. IsoXpressor allows users to process RNA-Seq data in relation to the isochores, and it can be employed to investigate any biological question of interest for any species. The results presented herein as proof of concept are focused on the preimplantation process in Homo sapiens (human) and Macaca mulatta (rhesus monkey).
Assessing community health research capacity across stakeholders: adapting a tool
Authors: Humphries Debbie , Gupta Ravi , Dukpa Tshering , Wangmo Dechen
Published: August 2020

Multi-sectoral collaborative approaches with strong community engagement are essential for addressing health disparities. A valid tool for assessing organizational research and capacity for community health research stakeholders could help strengthen organizational capacity for engagement in such collaborations. This study was conducted to validate an innovative tool for assessing research activity and capacity of a spectrum of stakeholder organizations to provide support for strengthening community health research capacity in Bhutan. In-person interviews with academics (n = 10), clinicians (n = 10), government staff (n = 10), consultants (n = 2) and management of health-related civil society organizations (CSOs; n = 12 interviews/organizations, 13 individuals) were recorded and transcribed. Questions covered individual and organizational research activity and capacity, research networks and an international version of the Community Research Assessment Tool (CREAT-I). Almost all participants (84%) had participated in community health research projects. Social network analysis showed a large, interconnected cluster with a few key individuals linking across sectors. CREAT-I responses identified the highest capacity in organizational support for research among academic participants, while clinical and CSO participants reported highest capacity in practical research experiences and government participants reported highest capacity in research specific experiences. The CREAT-I tool showed strong internal reliability (Cronbach’s α = 0.91) and validity. Limited money, time and skilled staff were identified as barriers to research. The CREAT-I assesses community health research capacity of organizations, and such a tool could be useful in identifying research capacity needs, monitoring impact of research capacity-building activities and contributing to a greater capacity for multi-sectoral collaborative approaches to community health research in international settings.
Serum Serotonin Differentiates Between Disease Activity States in Crohn’s Patients
Authors: Manzella Christopher R , Jayawardena Dulari , Pagani Wilfredo , Li Ye , Alrefai Waddah A , Bauer Jessica , Jung Barbara , Weber Christopher R , Gill Ravinder K
Published: August 2020

Background

Diagnosis and monitoring of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) utilize invasive methods including endoscopy and tissue biopsy, with blood tests being less specific for IBDs. Substantial evidence has implicated involvement of the neurohormone serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) in the pathophysiology of IBDs. The current study investigated whether serum 5-HT is elevated in patients with active ulcerative colitis (UC) or Crohn’s disease (CD).

Methods

Serum samples were obtained from a German cohort of 96 CD and UC patients with active disease, refractory disease, or remission of disease based upon their disease activity index (DAI) and disease history. High pressure liquid chromatography with tandemmass spectrometry was used to measure 5-HT, tryptophan (TRP), and kynurenine (KYN) levels in the serum samples, and Luminex Multiplex ELISA was used to measure cytokine levels. Intestinal mucosal biopsies were obtained from a separate cohort of healthy and CD patients, and the immunoreactivity of the serotonin transporter (SERT) was determined.

Results

There was no statistically significant difference in TRP or KYN levels between disease categories in either UC or CD. Interestingly, 5-HT levels were significantly elevated in patients with active CD but not active UC when compared with the levels in remission or refractory disease. Serum 5-HT was superior to C-reactive protein and circulating cytokines in differentiating between disease categories in CD. Additionally, SERT immunoreactivity was decreased in the ileum and colon of patients with CD compared to healthy controls.

Conclusion

We have shown that the serum 5-HT can differentiate between active disease and refractory disease or remission among CD patients, emphasizing the potential suitability of serum 5-HT as an auxiliary measure in diagnosing active CD.
Differing about Difference: Relational IR from around the World
Authors: Trownsell Tamara A , Tickner Arlene B , Querejazu Amaya , Reddekop Jarrad , Shani Giorgio , Shimizu Kosuke , Behera Navnita Chadha , Arian Anahita
Published: August 2020

Difference, a central concern to the study of international relations (IR), has not had its ontological foundations adequately disrupted. This forum explores how existential assumptions rooted in relational logics provide a significantly distinct set of tools that drive us to re-orient how we perceive, interpret, and engage both similarity and difference. Taking their cues from cosmological commitments originating in the Andes, South Asia, East Asia, and the Middle East, the six contributions explore how our existential assumptions affect the ways in which we deal with difference as theorists, researchers, and teachers. This initial conversation pinpoints key content and foci of future relational work in IR.
Endogenous 1-H-Pyrrole-2,3,5-Tricarboxylic Acid (PTCA) in Hair and Its Forensic Applications: A Pilot Study on a Wide Multi-Ethnic Population
Authors: Casati Sara , Angeli Ilaria , Ravelli Alessandro , Bergamaschi Roberta F , Guzzi Andrea , Giannasi Chiara , Brini Anna T , Minoli Mauro , Orioli Marica
Published: August 2020

Over the years, several studies have shown that many factors are likely to affect the results of forensic hair analyses and complicate their interpretation. Among these factors, one of the major drawbacks in hair analysis is the affectability of deposited xenobiotics by cosmetic treatments, which could be eventually used to adulterate the sample. It is well known that some cosmetic treatments containing hydrogen peroxide, such as permanent dyeing or bleaching, lead to the formation of 1-H-pyrrole-2,3,5-tricarboxylic acid (PTCA), a melanin degradation product. Considering that PTCA is also an endogenous compound, spontaneously formed by natural oxidation of melanin, its only detection in hair is not enough to confirm a cosmetic oxidative treatment. For this reason, the aim of the present work was to develop and validate a reliable liquid–liquid extraction method in ultra-high-performance liquid chromatographic–tandem mass spectrometry for the determination of endogenous PTCA in hair from a wide multi-ethnic population (African, Arab, Asian-Pacific, Caucasian, Hispanic and Indian). According to previous studies, untreated hair samples showed a PTCA content of 8.54 ± 5.72 ng/mg (mean ± standard deviation [SD]), ranging between 0.44 and 23.7 ng/mg; after in vitro cosmetic bleaching, PTCA increased to 16.8 ± 6.95 ng/mg (range: 4.16–32.3 ng/mg). Comparing baseline PTCA levels of each subgroup with the others, we could not observe any statistically significant difference, except for Caucasians (P < 0.05), wherein the concentrations were lower. Further studies and a wider sampling are necessary to elucidate the role of PTCA as diagnostic marker of cosmetic hair treatment in forensic field.
BaeR participates in cephalosporins susceptibility by regulating the expression level of outer membrane proteins in Escherichia coli
Authors: Wang Shuaiyang , You Chunbo , Memon Fareed Qumar , Zhang Geyin , Sun Yawei , Si Hongbin
Published: August 2020

The two-component system BaeSR participates in antibiotics resistance of Escherichia coli. To know whether the outer membrane proteins involve in the antibiotics resistance mediated by BaeSR, deletion of acrB was constructed and the recombined plasmid p-baeR was introduced into E. coli K12 and K12△acrB. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of antibacterial agents were determined by 2-fold broth micro-dilution method. Gene expressions related with major outer membrane proteins and multidrug efflux pump-related genes were determined by real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. The results revealed that the MICs of K12ΔacrB to the tested drugs except for gentamycin and amikacin decreased 2- to 16.75-folds compared with those of K12. When BaeR was overexpressed, the MICs of K12ΔacrB/p-baeR to ceftiofur and cefotaxime increased 2.5- and 2-fold, respectively, compared with their corresponding that of K12△acrB. At the same time, the expression levels of ompC, ompF, ompW, ompA and ompX showed significant reduction in K12ΔacrB/p-baeR as compared with K12△acrB. Moreover, the expression levels of ompR, marA, rob and tolC also significantly ‘decreased’ in K12ΔacrB/p-baeR. These findings indicated that BaeR overproduction can decrease cephalosporins susceptibility in acrB-free E. coli by decreasing the expression level of outer membrane proteins.
Comparison Among Bone Marrow and Wheat Flour’s Mixture and Standard Treatment on Healing Second-Degree Burn Wound in Rats
Authors: Jafari Saboreh , Jalali Rostam , Jalili Cyrus , Jamshidpoor Tahereh
Published: August 2020

The treatment of extensive skin burns remains as a challenge for health care personnel. This study aimed to compare the combination of bone marrow and wheat flour with standard treatment on animal models. In this experimental study, 45 male rats were randomly assigned into three groups as follows: The first group was control (no treatment), the second group received bone marrow and wheat flour combination topically, and the third group received standard treatment (1% silver sulfadiazine). The treatment lasted for up to 21 days. On the 22nd day, the rats were killed. The number of blood vessels and hair follicles was measured in the burn wound bed. The area and depth of the wound were also measured. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 16. The results showed that, complete closure of the wound was better in the bone marrow treated group compared with the group receiving the silver sulfadiazine and the control group. Furthermore, the wound healing was better in the silver sulfadiazine group compared with the control group. Microscopic examination revealed a significant increase in the number of hair follicles and blood vessels in the bone marrow and silver groups compared with the control group. The results showed that, the group treated with bone marrow, because of the presence of mesenchymal and stem cells can cause stimulating angiogenesis and producing vegetative tissue, hence it improved maturation, shrinkage, and contraction of the wound in comparison with the silver sulfadiazine and control groups
Perceived Burnout Among Burn Surgeons: Results From a Survey of American Burn Association Members
Authors: Sutherland Mason , Kinslow Kyle , Boneva Dessy , McKenney Mark , Elkbuli Adel
Published: August 2020

Burnout is a significant and increasingly recognized issue. They aimed to investigate burn surgeons’(BSurg) perceptions regarding burnout, contributing factors, and implications to better identity possible targeted interventions. A 42-question anonymous online survey was distributed by the ABA to BSurg members. Respondents included BSurgs in university or nonuniversity hospital settings. Experience of burnout was reported among 89.8% of university and 84.6% of nonuniversity hospital-affiliated respondents. After adjusting for confounders, university BSurgs exhibited a higher risk of perceived burnout compared with nonuniversity settings (aOR: 1.081, 95% CI: 0.237, 4.937). Women BSurgs were at 5 times higher risk of reporting burnout compared with men (aOR: 5.048, 95% CI: 0.488, 52.255). BSurgs aged 40 to 44 had twice the risk of reporting burnout as ≥50 (aOR: 1.985, 95% CI:0.018, 216.308). Practicing for 21 to 30 years had 12 times higher risk of reporting burnout than practicing >30 (aOR: 12.264, 95% CI: 0.611, 246.041). Those working <50 hr/wk reported burnout more frequently than those who work ≥80 hr/wk (aOR: 2.469, 95% CI: 0.80, 76.662). Overall reports of burnout were high amongst burn surgeon respondents. Those with 21 to 30 years of clinical practice were at significantly higher risk of reporting burnout despite believing that their colleagues’ burnout was more frequent than their own. Interventions addressing perceived burnout in younger burn surgeons may be limited by lack of participation due to fear of repercussions from administration or peers. Future administration-led burnout initiatives should acknowledge the differences between burn surgeon groups and offer resources unique to the individual physician’s needs for burnout prevention to be successful.