bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electropolymerization of N-Salicyly tetrahydro phthalamic acid for anticorrosion and antibacterial action applications
Authors: Ali Mayasa I. , Saleh Khulood A.
Published: August 2019

Poly (N-salicyly tetrahydrophthalamic acid) (PSP) synthesized from corresponding monomer N-salicyly tetrahydrophthalamic acid (NSP) in aqueous solution by using electrochemical polymerization process at room temperture. The polymeric film formed on stainless steel (316) surface (working electrode) and its structure examined by Fourier Transmission Infrared Region (FTIR). The anticorrosion action of the polymeric film on stainless steel (S.S316) was studied by using electrochemical polarization method in 0.2M HCl solution and temperature range (293-323)K. Kinetic and thermodynamic of activation parameters for corrosion process of S.S were calculated. The biological activity of polymeric film determined toward gram positive bacteria which is Staphylococcus aureus (Staph.Aure) and negative bacteria which is Escherichia coli (E.Coli). The effect of nanomaterials was studied by adding to the monomer solution in different concentrations to increase the efficiency of polymeric film as anticorrosion and antibacterial. The nanomaterials used in this study which are Graphene (G) and Zinc Oxide (nano) (ZnOn).
Enhance the Growth of Multi- walled Carbon Nanotubes from Coal by Catalytic Chemical Flame Deposition
Authors: Yassin Safa A. , Al khazraji Abdulqadier H. , Abdulrazzak Firas H.
Published: August 2019

Multi- walled carbon nanotubes were synthesized by catalytic chemical flame deposition CCFD by magnesium as a catalyst for growth from coal/kerosene/sulfur with ratios 4 / 1.3 / 1 respectively. The CFD was more efficiency with the magnesium as a catalyst, which led to increasing MWCNTs growth as compare with growth without a catalyst. The synthesized MWCNTs were characterized by X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy which showed high dense with length growth. The diameters of tubes were more homogenous when precipitation on the surface of Mg with diameter 39-57nm while 31-64 nm without a catalyst.
Study the Effect of Cyperus Rotundus Extracted as Mouthwash on the Corrosion of Dental Amalgam
Authors: Abbas Hayfaa Abdulameer , Saleh Alsaade Khulood Abid , Yousif AlMAshhdan Haider Abdulkareem
Published: August 2019

Many extracted material were used as mouthwash to settle different kinds of oral fungi and bacteria. In this study an extractive of Cyperus rotundus plant E.C.R. which is very active as a mouthwash, was used in concentration range (10-25) ppm in artificial saliva at pH=6.4 and temperature range (288-318) K, to study it’s inhibitory effect on the corrosion of dental amalgam. Potentiostatic and cyclic polarization were used to follow this study. The presence of E.C.R. lead to shift the corrosion potential to the active direction and decreased the corrosion rate to about 98.87%, the inhibition action of E.C.R. resulting from the adsorption of C.R.E. layer between amalgam and saliva as FTIR spectrums shows, where the variety of FTIR adsorption of many group were noticed for the free E.C.R. and adsorbed E.C.R. layer. Thermodynamic of adsorption, corrosion kinetic parameters were also investigated.
Synthesis of New Aromatic Azo-Schiff Compound as Carbon Steel Corrosion Inhibitor in 1 M H2SO4; High Efficiency at Low Concentration
Authors: Salman Hamida Edan , Balakit Asim Alaa. , Abdulridha Ali Ahmed , Makki Sajjad Q.
Published: August 2019

Schiff base derivative (AS) namely (4-((E)-(4-hydroxy-3-((E)-(phenylimino) methyl) phenyl)diazenyl)benzonitrile) was synthesized and tested as corrosion inhibitor for the carbon steel alloy in 1M sulphuric acid at different concentration (0.005, 0.01, 0.02, 0.04 and 0.08 mM) over temperature rang (303-333) K. Potentiodynamic polarization, weight loss, atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) techniques have been used in the study. The results revealed that the inhibition efficiency increases as inhibitor concentration increases and decreases with the increasing the temperature. The maximum inhibition recorded efficiency 98% and 97.5% by potentiodynamic polarization and weight loss methods respectively at 303 K in the presence of 0.08 mM of AS.
Ecorr
values Proof that AS act as mixed type inhibitor. Adsorption isotherm of AS on the carbon steel surface obeys Langmuir adsorption isotherms model.
Study of the Corrosion Inhibitive Effect and Adsorption Process of Two Azo-Aldehydes on Carbon Steel in 1 M H2SO4
Authors: Salman Hamida Edan , Balakit Asim A. , Albo Hay Allah Mahmood A.
Published: August 2019

Two aromatic aldehydes with azo linkage(AS1andAS2)were assessed for their inhibitive effect on carbon steel corrosion in 1 M H2SO4. The inhibition efficiency was studied by gravimetric and electrochemical analysis. The effects of concentration and temperature on the inhibition efficiency have also been studied. The obtained results showed that both of the used compounds can be considered as efficient carbon steel corrosion inhibitors. The compound which has methyl group in its structure(AS2)has higher inhibition efficiency (93.11% with 0.2 mM at 303 K by electrochemical analysis) than the one with cyano group(AS1).The adsorption isotherms of the inhibitors were studied; it was found that the adsorption of the two compounds obeys Langmuir isotherm. The studied inhibitors are mixed type inhibitors and adsorbed onto the surface of the carbon steel by a physisorption process. SEM and AFM techniques were used to study the effect of the aggressive solution on the morphology of the metal surface in the absence and presence of the used inhibitors.
Study effect of titanium dioxide on the photocatalytic degradation of methyl violet dye
Authors: Saad Suad T. , Alrazzak Nour Abd , Al-Gubury Hazim Y. , Essa Esraa
Published: August 2019

The organic pollutant methyl violet dye photocatalytic degradation has been investigated using the UV irradiation and TiO2 as a catalyst. The degradation process included the study of the initial dye concentration, light intensity, catalyst weight, the effect of intensity of light, and effect of temperature to approach the best conditions for the optimum photo-degradation efficiency of dye. The optimum photocatalytic degradation of methyl violet dye was at 0.15 g/100cm3 of dosage mass of TiO2 and 10 ppm of the dye. Photocatalytic degradation of methyl violet dye was at 9 mW/cm2light intensity. The percentage efficiency of degradation methyl violet dye equals 97.46%.
Extraction and Clinical Application of Calendula officinalis L. Flowers Cream
Authors: Alsaraf Khulood M. , Abbas Ibrahim S. , Hassan Eman F.
Published: August 2019

The results of the HPLC analysis indicated that marigold flowers extract contain nine different active compounds, including Vitexin 11.40%, Rutin 12.29%, Quercetin-3-3galactosid 12.64%, Luteolin-7-glucose9.27%, Quercetin-3-glucoside 7.38%, Quercitrin 9.83%, Myricetin 10%, Luteolin 10.72%, Apigenin 7.08% and kampferol 9.37 %. The results of a clinical study showed the effect of marigold flowers extract cream as an antioxidant which protected the skin in particular from oxidative damage after sunburn and reduced the symptoms of skin aging. This effect was evident in both concentrations 10% and 15% when compared with control. Control response rate, 10% of marigold flowers cream and 15% of flowers extract cream were reached to 76%, 85% and 92% within two weeks of treatment respectively. The Conclusion of this study showed the importance of marigold flowers extract as a source of bioactive compounds such as rutin and quercetin derivatives, vitexin, luteoline, apigenin and kampferol which act as an antioxidant to restore skin health and aging resistance. This study approved that marigold flowers extract characteristics can make it the main ingredients in the preparation of topical agents for the treatment of various skin desases.
Study the photo degradation and biodegradation of p-cresol novolac (polyepoxy) in presence and absence of di-benzoylperoxide
Authors: Mageed Zainab N. , Mohammed Hamid H. , Zayer Thana M. , Noori Abdulkadir M. , farhan Safanah A. , Dadoosh Rasha M.
Published: August 2019

The induced photo degradation of poly epoxy films in air was investigated in the presence and absence of di-benzoylperoxide (BPO)(photosensitizer) by accelerated weathering tester. The addition (0.1 wt%) of BPO to poly epoxy films (25μm in thickness)increases the photo degradation of the poly epoxy films. The photodegradation rate was followed by increase in carbonyl absorbance of polymers using I.R. spectra.

According to the spectra results, the induced photo degradation mechanisms of poly epoxy films were suggested under the experimental conditions employedusing Uv-radiation at λ = 313 nm light intensity 3.49∗10−5einsteins.dm−3.S−1 at temperature 45°C. The biodegradability of photodegradable polymers has been also studied using different bacteria. This type of bacteria is known to be capable of utilizing the degraded polymers.
Synthesis, Characterization and Study Biological Activity of New Para-methoxy Benzene Sulfonamide Derivatives and some Amino Acid
Authors: Awad Sana Hitur , Sahib Sana Abdul , Hussein Fatimah Ali , Hasan Al-Khfaji Hussein Abdulkadhim
Published: August 2019

The synthesis of para-methoxy sulphonamides [3a-3G] was obtained by reacting p-methoxy benzene sulphonyl chloride with primary amine functionalities of amine group [1a-1G] in alkaline medium at temperature below 0°C, structures of all Newly synthesized compound were analysed by FT-IR, H and CNMR spectroscopy, Anti bacterial of the titled compounds were screened and the compounds exhibited potent anti bacterial properties.
Synthesis and Structural Investigation of Some Transition Metal Complexes Derived from Assembled NO Donor Lewis Base of 6,7-Dimethyl-Quinoxaline-2,3-dione
Authors: Abid Al-jibouri Mahmoud Najim , Jabbar Araf Ismael , Ismail Ahmad H.
Published: August 2019

The synthesis of a new ligand (Z)-3-((2-aminoethyl)imino)-6,7-dimethyl-3,4-dihydroquinoxalin-2(1H)-one containing quinoxaline and aliphatic ethylene moiety subunits is described. The reaction of 6,7-dimethylquinoxaline-2,3(1H,4H)-dione with ethylenediamine in glacial acetic acid as catalyst leads to the isolation of the free ligand (L), which is a Lewis base precursor. The new transition metal complexes of (L) ligand were prepared and characterized by elemental analysis and spectroanalytical techniques. The new poly dentate L Schiff base was formed up on condensation of 6,7-dimethylquinoxaline-2,3(1H,4H)-dione with ethylenediamine in glacial acetic acid as catalyst. The free ligand was fully identified with the help of elemental analyses, mass spectra,H NMR and FTIR spectra. The direct reactions of methanolic ligand (L) with the salts of manganese(II),cobalt(II),nickel(II),copper(II),zinc(II),cadmium(II) and vanadium(IV) resulted in colored precipitated which have been characterized by elemental analyses, magnetic susceptibility, molar conductivity measurements and FTIR and UV-Visible spectroscopy. The metal to ligand ratios data concluded that all structures of complexes were in 1:1 ratio with octahedral geometry for all complexes except that nickel(II) was square planner The compounds were characterized by physical and spectroscopic measurements which indicated that the ligand is probably acting as a tridentate ON2 chelating agent.
The Protective Role of Amygdaline on the Enzyme ALP and Non –enzymatic Antioxidants and GST on the white –Albino Mice Treated with the Carbon tetrachloride compound
Authors: Alwan Iqbal Fadhel , Habeeb Zeyad Tareq , Ahmood Ammar Mawla
Published: August 2019

The study aims to evaluated the protective effect of Amygdaline compound extracted from apricot seeds on the effectiveness of Alkaline phosphates (ALP), (Glutathione –S-transfers (GST) and Non-Enzymatic antioxidant (vitamin A,E,C ) in serum laboratory animals. Amygdaline compound was analyzed by High – performance liquid chromatography technique (HPLC). The tests were conducted on the interference males on the albino mice treated with carbon tetrachloride were studied, 32 male albino mice Swiss albino, (5-8 weeks) and (20-25 gm weight).

Conducted tests on the overlap between the three concentration ( 100, 200,300 mg / kgm) of aqueous extract of Amygdaline (3..2 mg / Kgm) of carbon tetrachloride with interaction included two types of treatment (pre-CCL4 and post-CCL4) through oral dosage and for a period of 14 days.

The study shows that the concentration 300mg / kgm is the best concentration of aqueous extract there was used and study suggests that use the concentrations of this focus and fact that the plant is used for human consumption broadly and because it contains the Bio flvenote.
Study the preparation of alkaline mortar and conduct some physical and mechanical properties
Authors: Saeed Ghazi K. , Chyad Fadhil A. , Ahmed Zeiad S. , Farid Saad B. H.
Published: August 2019

Alkaline mortar samples were prepared with four mixtures of local materials to be suitable for smelting iron, smelting furnaces or manufacturing ceramic crucibles. The physical and mechanical tests of the prepared models gave good results in comparison to the standard specifications, depending on the proportions of the samples prepared for the tests. The density, compressive strength, compressive strength of the Brazilian method and size of shrinkage were measured.
Development the Fourier analysis method of x-ray diffraction to calculate variables in crystal structure as well as calculation of some lattice parameters
Authors: Jahil Sarab Saadi , Harbbi Khalid Hellal
Published: August 2019

The Fourier method was developed to calculate other important variables in the crystalline structure, such a strain, which is equal to 7.4828 x 10−3instead of the mean square strain and the energy density of the strain, which is equal to 2799614.7 dyne / cm2and the stress equal to 7.4828 x 108dyne/cm2. The results obtained from the Fourier method for calculating other parameters of the manganese oxide lattice for each peak of x-ray diffraction peaks such as the texture coefficient, its mean value equal to 0.99999 and the micro strains, which its mean value equal to 4.47 × 10−3dislocation density, its mean value are equal to 37.3 (lines .m−2) and the specific surface area its mean value is equal to 19,58432 of crystalline volume. A comparison was also made between the values of the square of strain and the apparent strain.
Description of coupled-channel in Semiclassical treatment of heavy ion fusion reactions
Authors: Hussain Fatima M. , Majeed Fouad A. , Abdul-Hussien Yousif A.
Published: August 2019

Fusion cross sections were measured for the systems 40Ar+144Sm, 40Ar+148Sm and 40Ar+ 154Sm above and under Coulomb barrier to understand the role of coupled channels effects involved in barriers fusion. The fusion barriers distributions and fusion probabilities were analyzed using the semiclassical mechanical code which called Sequential Complete Fusion (SCF) as well as Full Coupled Channel code (CCFULL). These calculations show that the observed fusion cross sections fusion barrier distribution and fusion probabilities for these systems are reproduced clearly in the semiclassical mechanical for all excitation states above and under Coulomb barrier.
Effect of surface modification of Si wafers on solar cell efficiency ZnO/P-Si thin films prepared by plasma sputtering
Authors: Khalaf Hanna k. , Abdulhamied Zenab T. , Dawod Amal H.
Published: August 2019

Zinc oxide thin films were deposited by DC sputtering at thickness (100) nm on the glass and p-Si wafer to fabricate ZnO/p-Si solar cell. All films annealed at 400°C and 500°C temperatures. Structural, optical, electrical and photovoltaic properties were investigated before and after treatment by plasma. XRD analysis revealed that all the ZnO films showed polycrystalline hexagonal structure. Average grain size calculated from AFM images showed a decrease in its value after plasma treatment, ranging from (47) nm- (25) nm. The optical transmission for samples were measured using UV-vis spectrophotometer, were used to study the energy gap. The optical characterization showed that the film has band gap that ranged in the between 3.7 eV, the average transmittance of films was found to be range of 70% to 85% in the VIS-IR regions. The electrical properties were obtained by J-V measurement. The saturation current density was calculated. The photovoltaic measurements, short-circuit current density Jsc, fill factor, were calculated for all samples.
Theoretical investigation for the relation (supermassive black hole mass)–(spiral arm pitch angle): a correlation for galaxies with classical bulges
Authors: Al-Baidhany Ismaeel A , Chiad Sami S , Jabbar Wasmaa A , Hussein Rasha A , K Hussain Firas F , Habubi Nadir F
Published: August 2019

In this work, the determination of the masses of supermassive black holes (SMBHs) and the properties of their host spiral galaxies are focused for the purposes of constraining scaling relations and with the aim of understanding the role of SMBHs in the evolution of galaxies.

The measurements of SMBHs mass for a sample of 40 spiral galaxies were studied by applying indirect techniques (the SMBHs mass versus stellar/gas velocity dispersion relation). In addition, spiral arm pitch angle of a sample of nearly face-on spiral galaxies were measured using IRAF (The Image Reduction and Analysis Facility) and two-dimensional Fast Fourier Transform (2DFFT) program.

Finally, we present a new correlation between spiral arm pitch angle (a measure of the tightness of spiral structure) and the mass of supermassive black holes (BHs) in the nuclei of classical galaxies.
Measure the rate of Radiation Activity in Soil sample from the depth of Sindbad land in Basrah Governorate
Authors: Jebur Jabbar H. , Ismail Al-Sudani Zahraa A. , Fleifil Sawsan Sh.
Published: August 2019

Uranium, radionuclide’s, thorium and potassium are relatively abundant in soils. Because of their radiation, these radionuclide’s pose exposure risks that can lead to health problems such as cancer for exposed people. There is therefore growing concern about the health risks associated with exposure to the natural sources of radiation in our environment. The specific activity 238U, 232Th, 40K,226Ra in forty soil samples collected from different locations of Al-sindbad land in the province of Basra – Iraq using Sodium Iodide NaI(TL) detector. The specific activities for the whole study areas were compared the Local, world average and permissible recommended limits. The results showed thatthe specific activity of226Ra,232Th,238U, and 40K, in the samples rang from( 17.14-39.07)Bq/kg, ( 1.8-22.88) Bq/kg, (0.68-2.24) Bq/kg and (278.11-402.29)respectively, Also evaluation of radiological hazard effects for Gamma ray (the radium equivalent rate (Raeq) which calculated from concentration of 232Th,238Uand 40K ranges between (30.72-65.48) Bq/kg with mean value of (43.362)Bq/kg, the absorbed dose Rate (D γ ) for the soil samples in the study area range from (26.54-43.92) nGy/h with an average value of(33.216)nGy/h, the annual effective dose rate (AEDEoo) range (0.13-0.22)mSv/y with an average value of(0.163) mSv/y, The annual effective dose rate (AEDEin) range (0.03-0.05) mSv/y with an average value of(0.04) mSv/y, The internal hazard index (Hin) range (0.2-0.35) with an average value of(0.255)and the external hazard index (Hex) range (0.15-0.25) with an average value of (0.186).The results of the present study have shown that the rates of Specific activity of226Ra,238U, 232Th and 40K, and radiological hazard effects Rate for Gamma-ray in environmental samples were all lower than the value of the global limit(33, 35, 30, 400)Bq/kg respectively according to UNSCEAR. We conclude from this study that the environment of Al-Sindbad land in the province of Basra – Iraq is within a normal background radiation.
Paste-based 3D printing of metallic materials: effect of binders and precursor sizes
Authors: Agrawal Richa , Anantachaisilp Farsai , Tirano Joaquin , Zea Ramirez Hugo , Marquez Zeus , Luhrs Claudia
Published: August 2019

This study proposes a simple paste-based synthesis method for 3D printing (3DP) of metallic materials utilizing a modified polymeric printer (MPP), which comprised a three-step approach toward realizing the final product: (i) generation of a paste containing the metal precursors and the organic binders necessary to achieve the adequate viscosity; (ii) layer-by-layer deposition of the paste based on a computer-aided design file; and (iii) a post-processing step aimed at removing the sacrificial organic media and sintering the metallic particles. Two different binder formulations comprising a semi-solid saturated hydrocarbon paraffin or an alcohol-water-thickening agent based gel were tested as the fluid media, in which the metallic powders (Ti-6Al-4V or Ni and Ti) were dispersed. The decomposition behavior of the pastes was studied and compared with commercial metal infused polymer filaments. The gel binder was deemed as the most effective medium given its ability to evaporate cleanly without altering the sample composition or leaving behind unwanted residual by-products. Metal microparticles were found to provide adequate viscosity as compared to nanoparticles, which behaved as shear thinning agents in the gel based medium. Upon identification of the best-suited metal powder sizes and binder formulations, the 3D printed samples were thermally processed and characterized.
A Semiquantitative Scoring System May Allow Biopsy Diagnosis of Pulmonary Large Cell Neuroendocrine Carcinoma
Authors: Baine Marina K , Sinard John H , Cai Guoping , Homer Robert J
Published: August 2019

Objectives

The aim of this study was to devise reproducible biopsy criteria for distinguishing pulmonary large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC) from non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC).

Methods

Tissue microarrays of LCNEC and NSCLC were generated from resection specimens and used as biopsy surrogates. They were stained for neuroendocrine markers, Ki-67, napsin-A, and p40, and independently analyzed by standardized morphologic criteria by four pathologists. Tumors were scored based on morphology, neuroendocrine marker expression, and Ki-67 proliferative index.

Results

The average total score for LCNEC was significantly higher than for NSCLC (5.65 vs 0.51, P < .0001). Utilizing a cutoff score of 4 or higher showed 100% sensitivity and 99% specificity for LCNEC diagnosis, with an excellent agreement among four pathologists (98%).

Conclusions

The proposed semiquantitative approach based on a combination of specific morphologic and immunophenotypic features may be a useful tool for biopsy diagnosis of LCNEC.
Antibiotic Exposure in the First Year of Life and the Risk of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: A Population-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Hamad Amani F , Alessi-Severini Silvia , Mahmud Salaheddin M , Brownell Marni , Kuo I fan
Published: August 2019

Early childhood antibiotic exposure induces changes in gut microbiota reportedly associated with the development of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). We conducted a population-based cohort study to examine the association between antibiotic use in the first year of life and ADHD risk. We included children born in Manitoba, Canada, between 1998 and 2017. Exposure was defined as having filled 1 or more antibiotic prescriptions during the first year of life. ADHD diagnosis was identified in hospital abstracts, physician visits, or drug dispensations. Risk of developing ADHD was estimated using Cox proportional hazards regression in a high-dimensional propensity score–matched cohort (n = 69,738) and a sibling cohort (n = 67,671). ADHD risk was not associated with antibiotic exposure in the matched-cohort (hazard ratio = 1.02, 95% confidence interval: 0.97, 1.08) or in the sibling cohort (hazard ratio = 0.96, 95% confidence interval: 0.89, 1.03). In secondary analyses of the matched cohort, ADHD risk increase was observed in those exposed to 4 or more antibiotic courses or a duration longer than 3 weeks. These associations were not observed in the sibling cohort. We concluded that antibiotic exposure in the first year of life does not pose an ADHD risk on a population level.
An Integrative Screening Tool of Alcohol Exposure During Early Pregnancy: Combining of the CDT Biomarker with Green Page Questionnaire
Authors: Azurmendi-Funes María Luisa , Martínez-Villanueva Miriam , Delgado-Marín Juan Luís , Ramis Rebecca , Sánchez-Sauco Miguel Felipe , López-Hernández Fernando Antonio , Sánchez-Solís Manuel , Monteagudo-Piqueras Olga , Noguera-Velasco José Antonio , Claudio Luz , Ortega-García Juan Antonio
Published: August 2019

Aims

In current clinical practice, prenatal alcohol exposure is usually assessed by interviewing the pregnant woman by applying questionnaires. An alternative method for detecting alcohol use is to measure the biomarker carbohydrate-deficient transferrin (CDT). However, few studies measure CDT during pregnancy. This study examines the utility of CDT biomarker in the screening of alcohol exposure during early pregnancy.

Methods

A cohort of 91, first-trimester pregnant women assigned to a public reference maternity hospital, was screened using the Green Page (GP) questionnaire, an environmental exposure tool. CDT levels and other biomarkers of alcohol use were measured and compared with questionnaire data.

Results

About 70% of the mothers in the study consumed alcohol during early pregnancy and 22% met high-risk criteria for prenatal exposure to alcohol. CDT measurement showed a statistically significant area under the receiver operating characteristic curve with a value of 0.70. For a value of 0.95% of CDT, a specificity of 93% was observed. The most significant predictors of CDT were the number of binge drinking episodes, women’s body mass index and European white race.

Conclusion

Pregnant women with a CDT value >0.95% would be good candidates for the performance of the GP questionnaire during early pregnancy in order to detect potential high-risk pregnancy due to alcohol exposure.
BBKNN: fast batch alignment of single cell transcriptomes
Authors: Polański Krzysztof , Young Matthew D , Miao Zhichao , Meyer Kerstin B , Teichmann Sarah A , Park Jong-Eun
Published: August 2019

Motivation

Increasing numbers of large scale single cell RNA-Seq projects are leading to a data explosion, which can only be fully exploited through data integration. A number of methods have been developed to combine diverse datasets by removing technical batch effects, but most are computationally intensive. To overcome the challenge of enormous datasets, we have developed BBKNN, an extremely fast graph-based data integration algorithm. We illustrate the power of BBKNN on large scale mouse atlasing data, and favourably benchmark its run time against a number of competing methods.

Availability and implementation

BBKNN is available at https://github.com/Teichlab/bbknn, along with documentation and multiple example notebooks, and can be installed from pip.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
The counter-intuitive role of the neutrophil in the acute respiratory distress syndrome
Authors: Vassallo Arlette , Wood Alex J , Subburayalu Julien , Summers Charlotte , Chilvers Edwin R
Published: August 2019

Introduction

Neutrophils are the primary effectors of the innate immune system but are profoundly histotoxic cells. The acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is considered to be a prime example of neutrophil-mediated tissue injury.

Sources of data

The information presented in this review is acquired from the published neutrophil cell biology literature and the longstanding interest of the senior authors in ARDS pathogenesis and clinical management.

Areas of agreement

Investigators in the field would agree that neutrophils accumulate in high abundance in the pulmonary microcirculation, lung interstitium and alveolar airspace of patients with ARDS. ARDS is also associated with systemic neutrophil priming and delayed neutrophil apoptosis and clearance of neutrophils from the lungs. In animal models, reducing circulating neutrophil numbers ameliorates lung injury.

Areas of controversy

Areas of uncertainty include how neutrophils get stuck in the narrow pulmonary capillary network—whether this reflects changes in the mechanical properties of primed neutrophils alone or additional cell adhesion molecules, the role of neutrophil sub-sets or polarization states including pro-angiogenic and low-density neutrophils, whether neutrophil extracellular trap (NET) formation is beneficial (through bacterial capture) or harmful and the potential for neutrophils to participate in inflammatory resolution. The latter may involve the generation of specialized pro-resolving molecules (SPMs) and MMP-9, which is required for adequate matrix processing.

Growing points

Different and possibly stable endotypes of ARDS are increasingly being recognized, yet the relative contribution of the neutrophil to these endotypes is uncertain. There is renewed and intense interest in understanding the complex ‘new biology’ of the neutrophil, specifically whether this cell might be a valid therapeutic target in ARDS and other neutrophil-driven diseases and developing understanding of ways to enhance the beneficial role of the neutrophil in the resolution phase of ARDS.

Areas timely for developing research

Aside from treatment of the precipitating causes of ARDS, and scrupulous fluid, infection and ventilation management, there are no pharmacological interventions for ARDS; this represents an urgent and unmet need. Therapies aimed at reducing overall neutrophil numbers risk secondary infection; hence better ways are needed to reverse the processes of neutrophil priming activation, hyper-secretion and delayed apoptosis while enhancing the pro-resolution functions of the neutrophil.
Women’s Body Odor during Ovulation Improves Social Perception in Single Men
Authors: Oren Chen , Shamay-Tsoory Simone G
Published: August 2019

Previous research has shown that men’s mating motivation may increase following exposure to women’s body odor during ovulation. In the current study, we examined whether exposure to women’s fertility odor cues influences social perception among men, while focusing on the role of men’s relationship status in moderating this reaction. We collected body odor samples from 43 women during ovulation and during the luteal phase and exposed 85 men to these odor samples while they performed an emotion recognition task and an interpersonal perception task. Single men were better at recognizing emotional facial expressions following exposure to odor cues of high fertility as compared with odor cues of low fertility. No such effect was identified in pair-bonded men. In support of this finding, single men became more accurate on the interpersonal perception task following exposure to odor cues of high fertility, while pair-bonded men became less accurate after such exposure. Collectively, the results suggest that exposure to women’s fertility odor cues improves social perception among single men, while it impairs such perception among pair-bonded men. We suggest that these effects may result from increased mating motivation following exposure to odor cues of fertility, which in turn encourages accurate social perception among single men while promoting an avoidant attitude toward social stimuli among pair-bonded men.
Core Minimal Datasets to Advance Clinical Research for Priority Epidemic Diseases
Authors: Rojek Amanda M , Moran James , Horby Peter W
Published: August 2019

The Ebola virus disease outbreak in west Africa has prompted significant progress in responding to the clinical needs of patients affected by emerging infectious disease outbreaks. Among the noteworthy successes of vaccine trials, and the commendable efforts to implement clinical treatment trials during Ebola outbreaks, we should also focus on strengthening the collection and curation of epidemiological and observational data that can improve the conception and design of clinical research.
Use of Chest Radiography Examination as a Probe for Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine Impact on Lower Respiratory Tract Infections in Young Children
Authors: Ben-Shimol Shalom , Dagan Ron , Givon-Lavi Noga , Avital Dekel , Bar-Ziv Jacob , Greenberg David
Published: August 2019

Background

Community-acquired alveolar pneumonia (CAAP) is considered a bacterial disease, mainly pneumococcal. CAAP rates markedly declined following 7- and 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) introductions worldwide. In contrast, non-CAAP lower respiratory tract infections (NA-LRIs) are generally not considered pneumococcal diseases. We assessed CAAP, NA-LRIs, and overall visits with chest radiograph (CXR) examination rates in the pediatric emergency room in southern Israel before and after PCV implementation.

Methods

This was an ongoing, prospective observational study. Our hospital serves a captive population of approximately 75 000 children aged <5 years, enabling incidence calculation. PCV7 and PCV13 were implemented in Israel in July 2009 and November 2010, respectively. All CXRs were analyzed according to the World Health Organization Standardization of Interpretation. We calculated CAAP, NA-LRI, and CXR examinations annual incidences from 2004 to 2017 and incidence rate ratios comparing the PCV13 (2014–2017) with the pre-PCV (2004–2008) periods.

Results

Overall, 72 746 CXR examinations were recorded: 14% CAAP and 86% NA-LRI. CAAP, NA-LRI, and CXR examination visit rates declined by 49%, 34%, and 37%, respectively. This pattern was seen in Jewish and Bedouin children (the 2 ethnically distinct populations), with steeper declines observed among Jewish children and children aged >12 months.

Conclusions

PCV7/PCV13 implementation resulted in a marked decline in CAAP and overall visits with CXR examination rates in young children. Overall, approximately 14 750 hospital visits with CXR were prevented annually per 100 000 population aged <5 years. These findings suggest that although NA-LRIs are usually not considered pneumococcal, many can be prevented by PCVs.

Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV7/PCV13) implementation resulted in significant declines in community-acquired alveolar pneumonia (CAAP) and overall chest radiography examination rates in young children. Although non-CAAP lower respiratory tract infections are usually not considered pneumococcal, many can be prevented by PCVs.
Meningoencephalitis due to Spotted Fever Rickettsioses, Including Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
Authors: Bradshaw Michael J , Byrge Kelly Carpenter , Ivey Kelsey S , Pruthi Sumit , Bloch Karen C
Published: August 2019

Background

The spotted fever rickettsioses (SFR), including Rocky Mountain spotted fever, are tick-borne infections with frequent neurologic involvement. High morbidity and mortality make early recognition and empiric treatment critical. Most literature on SFR meningoencephalitis predates widespread magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) utilization. To better understand the contemporary presentation and outcomes of this disease, we analyzed clinical and radiographic features of patients with SFR meningoencephalitis.

Methods

Patients were identified through hospital laboratory-based surveillance or through the Tennessee Unexplained Encephalitis Study. Cases meeting inclusion criteria underwent medical records review and, when available, independent review of the neuroimaging.

Results

Nineteen cases (11 children, 8 adults) met criteria for SFR meningoencephalitis. Rash was significantly more common in children than adults (100% vs 50%, respectively), but other clinical features were similar between the 2 groups. Cerebrospinal fluid pleocytosis and protein elevation were each seen in 87.5% of cases, and hypoglycorrhachia was present in 18.8% of cases. The “starry sky” sign (multifocal, punctate diffusion restricting or T2 hyperintense lesions) was seen on MRI in all children, but no adults. Ninety percent of patients required intensive care unit admission and 39% were intubated. Outcomes were similar between adults and children, with only 46% making a complete recovery by the time of discharge.

Conclusions

SFR meningoencephalitis is a life-threatening infection. The clinical presentation varies between adults and children based on the presence of rash and brain MRI findings. The starry sky sign was ubiquitous in children and should prompt consideration of empiric treatment for SFR when present.
Differential effects on out-of-hospital cardiac arrest of dihydropyridines: real-world data from population-based cohorts across two European countries
Authors: Eroglu Talip E , Mohr Grimur H , Blom Marieke T , Verkerk Arie O , Souverein Patrick C , Torp-Pedersen Christian , Folke Fredrik , Wissenberg Mads , van den Brink Lettine , Davis Richard P , de Boer Anthonius , Gislason Gunnar H , Tan Hanno L
Published: August 2019

Aims

Various drugs increase the risk of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) in the general population by impacting cardiac ion channels, thereby causing ventricular tachycardia/fibrillation (VT/VF). Dihydropyridines block L-type calcium channels, but their association with OHCA risk is unknown. We aimed to study whether nifedipine and/or amlodipine, often-used dihydropyridines, are associated with increased OHCA risk, and how these drugs impact on cardiac electrophysiology.

Methods and results

We conducted a case–control study with VT/VF-documented OHCA cases with presumed cardiac cause from ongoing population-based OHCA registries in the Netherlands and Denmark, and age/sex/index date-matched non-OHCA controls (Netherlands: PHARMO Database Network, Denmark: Danish Civil Registration System). We included 2503 OHCA cases, 10 543 non-OHCA controls in Netherlands, and 8101 OHCA cases, 40 505 non-OHCA controls in Denmark. To examine drug effects on cardiac electrophysiology, we performed single-cell patch-clamp studies in human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes. Use of high-dose nifedipine (≥60 mg/day), but not low-dose nifedipine (<60 mg/day) or amlodipine (any-dose), was associated with higher OHCA risk than non-use of dihydropyridines [Netherlands: adjusted odds ratios (ORadj) 1.45 (95% confidence interval 1.02–2.07), Denmark: 1.96 (1.18–3.25)] or use of amlodipine [Netherlands: 2.31 (1.54–3.47), Denmark: 2.20 (1.32–3.67)]. Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest risk of (high-dose) nifedipine use was not further increased in patients using nitrates, or with a history of ischaemic heart disease. Nifedipine and amlodipine blocked L-type calcium channels at similar concentrations, but, at clinically used concentrations, nifedipine caused more L-type calcium current block, resulting in more action potential shortening.

Conclusion

High-dose nifedipine, but not low-dose nifedipine or any-dose amlodipine, is associated with increased OHCA risk in the general population. Careful titration of nifedipine dose should be considered.
Two Seas Apart: An Account of the Establishment, Operation and Impact of the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry (BICI)
Authors: Helal Mohamed S
Published: August 2019

The Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry (BICI) was established to investigate the civil unrest that occurred in Bahrain during February and March 2011. This article employs qualitative empirical techniques to provide an account of the impact of the commission during three periods: (i) the period of the establishment of the commission; (ii) the five-month period of the commission’s presence in Bahrain; and (iii) the period following the submission of the commission’s report. The establishment of BICI was part of a government strategy to deflate domestic political tension and deflect international opprobrium in the aftermath of the crackdown on anti-government protestors in March 2011. Reformists within the government, especially Bahrain’s King Hamad, also hoped to utilize the report as a catalyst for implementing political reforms. The establishment of the BICI contributed to reducing the severity of the criticism directed at Bahrain from foreign governments, international organizations and domestic opposition actors. This article also describes the intercessions undertaken by the BICI on behalf of the victims of human rights abuses during its presence and operation in Bahrain and identifies some of the reforms that were recommended by the commission and executed by the Government of Bahrain during that period. Finally, this article examines the impact of the BICI following the submission of its report. It argues that, despite undertaking some positive institutional and administrative reforms, the Government of Bahrain has failed to fully implement the commission’s recommendations, especially those relating to holding those responsible for human rights abuses accountable. The article concludes that the failure of the BICI to make a substantial difference, especially in the area of accountability, is reflective of a general lack of political will to undertake the comprehensive reforms necessary to address the systemic sources of popular discontent that fuelled the 2011 protests.
Assessment of strength development of cemented desert soil
Authors: Amhadi Talal S , Assaf Gabriel J
Published: August 2019

For highway construction or any superstructure, on dune sand, designers and construction teams must ensure that the foundation soil is stable enough to provide support for the applied loads. Sand dunes are stretched across Libyan deserts that make road construction a challenge because of the poor soil base. Replacement of such a weak soil is very expensive and not economically feasible, and, in many cases, there is no alternative soil nearby. This study used two different mix designs aimed at stabilizing the existing base course using a mix of dune sand and manufactured sand with a small percentage of Portland cement. Compaction, unconfined compressive strength and California bearing ratio tests were conducted on the treated sample with a varying cement proportion of 0%, 3%, 5% and 7% by weight. The first tests were done with a mix of 50% dune sand and 50% crushed sand that is shown to have excellent results. For a more economic design, this study also included testing of another mix design with 70% dune sand and 30% crushed sand; laboratory results show this 70%/30% mixture was appropriate to use as a base-treated material for road construction material. This mix resulted in overall superior performance. Its use will reduce the cost of road construction by saving materials and time, and it will also have lower environmental impacts in desert areas. This study has shown that the stabilization of weak material (desert sand) by using cement improves the strength characteristics of the treated soil.
Make Love, Not War: Do Single Young Men Cause Political Violence?
Authors: Kustra Tyler
Published: August 2019

This article calls into question the theory that being single drives young men to commit political violence. It finds that, while the proportion of young men in a country has a statistically significant impact on the level of political violence in the country, whether or not these men are married has no additional impact. The result may appear to contradict the individual-level evidence that shows that young, unmarried men commit the overwhelming majority of political violence. Rebels and terrorists, however, make up only a small part of a country's population. If participating in political violence caused young men to be single, this would have a negligible impact on a country's proportion of single young men, thereby explaining why marital status is uncorrelated with political violence at the national level. It would also explain why the individual-level evidence shows that most terrorists and guerillas are single.
Understanding and Encouraging Online Reviewing With a Selection-Based Review System
Authors: Fleck Rowanne , Cowan Benjamin R , Darmanin Eirini , Wang Yixin
Published: August 2019

Online consumer reviews are important for people wishing to make purchases online. However, not everyone contributes online reviews. This paper looks at consumer motivations of reviewing and rating behaviour in order to motivate the design of a mobile interface for online reviewing. An interview study found that people tend to contribute reviews and ratings based on their perception of whether they would be helpful or not to others as well as their own personal view of the usefulness of reviews and ratings when buying products. There also seems to be a cost-benefit trade-off that influences people’s decisions to review and rate: people tend to make a decision based on the perceived value of that review or rating to the community against the effort and costs of contributing. A mobile interface was designed that was intended both to reduce the cost of leaving reviews and to increase the perception of the usefulness of the reviews to others. An initial evaluation of this reviewing interface suggests that it could encourage more people to leave reviews.
Supplementing an immunomodulatory feed ingredient to improve thermoregulation and performance of finishing beef cattle under heat stress conditions
Authors: Colombo Eduardo A , Cooke Reinaldo F , Millican Allison A , Schubach Kelsey M , Scatolin Giovanna N , Rett Bruna , Brandão Alice P
Published: August 2019

This experiment compared physiological and productive responses in finishing beef cattle managed under heat stress conditions, and supplemented (SUPP) or not (CON) with an immunomodulatory feed ingredient (Omnigen-AF; Phibro Animal Health, Teaneck, NJ). Crossbred yearling cattle (¾ Bos taurus × ¼ Bos indicus; 64 heifers and 64 steers) were ranked by initial body weight (BW) (440 ± 3 kg) and sex, and allocated to 1 of 16 unshaded drylot pens (8 heifers or steers/pen). Pens within sex were randomly assigned to receive SUPP or CON (n = 8/treatment). Cattle received a total-mixed ration (91% concentrate inclusion and 1.21 Mcal/kg of net energy for gain; dry matter [DM basis]) during the experiment (day 0 to 106). The immunomodulatory feed was offered as a top-dress to SUPP pens (56 g/d per animal; as-fed basis) beginning on day 7. Cattle BW were recorded on day 0, 14, 28, 42, 56, 70, 84, 98, and 106. Feed intake was evaluated from each pen by recording feed offer daily and refusals biweekly. Intravaginal temperature of heifers was recorded hourly from day 1 to 6, 29 to 41, and 85 to 97. Environmental temperature humidity index (THI) was also recorded hourly throughout the experiment, and averaged 79.8 ± 0.6. Concurrently with BW assessment, hair samples from the tail-switch were collected (3 animals/pen) for analysis of hair cortisol concentrations. Blood samples were collected on day 0, 28, 56, 84, and 106 from all animals for plasma extraction. Whole blood was collected on day 0, 56, and 106 (3 animals/pen) for analysis of heat shock protein (HSP) 70 and HSP72 mRNA expression. Cattle were slaughtered on day 107 at a commercial packing facility. Results obtained prior to day 7 served as independent covariate for each respective analysis. Heifers receiving SUPP had less (P ≤ 0.05) vaginal temperature from 1500 to 1900 h across sampling days (treatment × hour, P < 0.01; 39.05 vs. 39.19 °C, respectively; SEM = 0.04), when THI ranged from 85.3 to 90.1. Expression of HSP70 and HSP72 was less (P ≥ 0.03) for SUPP cattle on day 106 (22.6- vs. 51.5-fold effect for HSP70, SEM = 9.7, and 11.0- vs. 32.8-fold effect for HSP72; treatment × day, P ≤ 0.04). No treatment effects were detected (P ≥ 0.22) for performance, carcass traits, plasma concentrations of cortisol and haptoglobin, or hair cortisol concentrations. Results from this study suggest that SUPP ameliorated hyperthermia in finishing cattle exposed to heat stress conditions, but such benefit was not sufficient to improve productive responses.