bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of the chemical composition of blast-furnace slag on the whiteness of decorative slag-alkaline cements
Authors: Krivenko P V , Gelevera A G , Kovalchuk O Yu , Rogozina N V
Published: July 2021

The construction industry is demanding more and more quality decorative cements. The demand for them and the requirements for their performance are constantly growing. But since decorative cements are based on white Portland cement, their production is associated with the shortcomings of the production of all clinker cements – low environmental friendliness, high energy consumption and high prices. They are not always able to provide decorative ecological and comfortable coatings with increased performance. In addition, many countries do not produce it and have to import it.

An effective alternative to decorative clinker cements can be decorative slag-alkaline cement obtained from industrial waste. It also provides a number of special properties – a wide range of colors, color fastness, high strength, high adhesion, durability and many others.

But the problem associated with the use of slag-alkaline cements as decorative cements with high whiteness (≥ 70%) is the instability of the chemical composition of the slag and, first of all, the different presence of iron oxides in it.

The paper shows the regularities of the influence of the chemical composition of blast-furnace slags on the whiteness of an artificial slag-alkaline stone. A new method for determining the whiteness of hardened materials is proposed. Possibilities of obtaining decorative alkali-activated cements with a wide range of whiteness – from 70 to 97% are shown.
Stability of compressed rods when their stiffness changes according to the law of the fourth power
Authors: Krutii Yu , Surianinov M , Shyliaiev O
Published: July 2021

Based on the previously obtained representations for the state parameters of a rod with arbitrary continuous bending stiffness, the stability problem for a family of rods whose stiffness varies according to the law of the fourth power is solved. The spectrum of critical forces is determined and formulas for curved forms of equilibrium are derived. We propose to consider the stability coefficient as a function of the variable α, and having a set of values of this function corresponding to the values of the independent variable 0 < α ≤ 1, approximate the function K by a polynomial. The result is the expression K
2 = 0.0001α + 80.7626α
2 + 0.0002α
3. The power of the polynomial was chosen from the condition that the coefficient of determination should not be less than 0.9999. The directions for further research are presented: introduction of the results of this work into the practice of calculations for stability of real objects; application of general formulas for state parameters to the study of stability of rods with other laws of change in transverse stiffness encountered in practice.
Lightweight concrete for frame-monolithic construction
Authors: Ksonshkevych L M , Barabash I V , Streltsov K O , Krantovska O M
Published: July 2021

The proposed article is devoted to the study of the properties (strength, impact strength, sound absorption) of lightweight concrete used for frame-monolithic construction. Characterized by the well-known advantages (reduced load on the foundation, reduced consumption of reinforcement, as well as improved heat and sound isolation), lightweight concrete requires additional technological methods to achieve the necessary mechanical characteristics - compressive strength and impact strength. An alternative to the traditional preparation of concrete mixtures is proposed a technology using a high-speed mixer-activator in the presence of ground chamot, superplasticizer C-3 with the introduction of hydrophobic expanded clay gravel up to 75% of the amount of granite crushed stone. The use of mechanical activation leads to an increase in impact strength by 44% compared to the control, and makes it possible to obtain concretes, the sound isolation level of which provides the maximum efficiency of impact noise isolation and is equal to 45.7 - 42.8 dB in three frequencies, and the sound absorption level is 39. 8 - 49.7 dB.
Influence of modifying additives on properties of the powder coatings
Authors: Gots V , Lastivka O , Berdnyk O , Tomin O
Published: July 2021

The study deals influence of modifying additives on properties of the powder coating. The authors Using rheological and degassing modifying additives with different nature of the main active substance. It was found that the additives based on the acrylate polymer adsorbed on the silicon dioxide in the form of Byk-3900P and on the polyoxyethylene derivative of the castor oil in the form of Luvotix R400 decreasing the surface tension in the coating film, which, in its turn, contributes to the increase in the wettability of base during the melting of the powder coating, decrease the ‘orange peel’ effect during the cross-linking, reduction in pinholes on the obtained surface and improvement of mechanical characteristics of the coating. At the same time, rheological additives based on the bentonite in the form of Luvogel 4B and on the hydrophilic silicon dioxide in the form of Cab-o-sil M5 cause the increase in the surface tension in the coating film, which, in its turn, leads to the worsening of flow, appearance and mechanical characteristics of the powder coating.
Improvement of methods for assessing the reliability of axle boxes for freight cars
Authors: Martynov I , Trufanova A , Shovkun V , Babenko A , Kladko N
Published: July 2021

The box bearing unit of the freight car is a complex mechanical system, which is influenced by various factors. Under normal operation, the parameters characterizing the functional state of the components of the axle box should be within the prescribed limits throughout the standard service life. Mathematically, this corresponds to the placement of the axle box elements in the space of admissible states. The railroad model consists of a set of submodules: track and elastic ballast layer. The model allows simulate the microgeometry of the track, the characteristics of the inequalities, and the elasticity of the base under the track. Subsequently, the main parameters characterizing random processes were determined: the magnitude of the mathematical expectation, the variance, as well as the minimum and maximum values of the effort. The results indicate that random processes are distributed according to normal law. According to the results of the research, for each of the random loading processes of the axle boxes, appropriate correlation functions were constructed and the space of “admissible states” for different operating modes was con-structed.
Evaluation of electromagnetic radiation shielding characteristics of facing building vaterials
Authors: Panova O V , Krasnianskyi G Iu , Aznaurian I O
Published: July 2021

The article presents the results of theoretical studies of the protective properties of composite facing materials based on a dielectric matrix with an electrically conductive non-magnetic filler in a wide frequency range of incident electromagnetic radiation. Expressions are got for the values of the transmission, reflection and absorption, and the electromagnetic radiation shielding efficiency calculated on their basis. The dependences of the permittivity and electrical conductivity of the composite on the volume fraction of the electrically conductive additive required for calculations were got based on the hypothesis of similarity, considering the nonzero conductivity of the dielectric matrix. Satisfactory agreement between the calculation results and the measured shielding characteristics of specimens of metal silicate materials based on calcium hydro silicates and copper powder was established. The results presented show the adequacy of the proposed calculation method and indicate that it can be used for preliminary estimates of the shielding characteristics when designing electromagnetic radiation shields based on composite facing materials.
Biomechanics of self-loosening of the screw that connects the intraosseous part of the implant and the abutment with the orthopedic structure attached to it
Authors: Semenov Ye , Surianinov M
Published: July 2021

The results of the study of the stress-strain state in the elements of the system “intraosseous part of the implant - screw - abutment with an orthopedic structure fixed on it” under different given conditions of its functioning are presented. We have determined the stress-strain state in the crown neck area, which replaces the upper jaw central incisor, in the presence of the natural wear (0.5 mm) of the teeth and anthropoid teeth next to the implants and the same nine load variants as in the initial non-prosthetic model, i.e. a total of 54 calculation experiments have been carried out. It has been established that the occurrence of such secondary mechanical complication of dental implantation as loosening of the screw connection between the intraosseous part of the implant and the prosthetic structure fixed on the abutment influences the type of teeth clamping (bite), the angle of the preferential transfer of chewing load, the propensity and the wear ability of the teeth. The most unfavourable, in terms of the value of the torque that unwinds the fixation screw, is the direct occlusion of the teeth and the angle of the preferential load transfer of 1450 (Mpr = 1.16 Nm), or 3.87% of the twisting torque value. At the same conclusions of the set parameters and the value of erosion of its teeth 0.5 mm the value of the torque, which untwists, increases by 5 times and corresponds to 19.3% of the initial torque (30 Nm) and will inevitably lead to its untwisting.
Indentation of an elastic half-space by the cylindrical flat punch with a rounded edge under non-monotonic loading
Authors: Streliaiev Yu , Titova O
Published: July 2021

The paper presents a novel approach to solving the contact problem for interaction with friction between a rigid cylindrical flat punch with rounded corners and a linearly elastic half-space. Increasing and decreasing normal loads act on the punch sequentially. Coulomb’s law is used to account for friction. The contact problem is reduced to nonlinear operator equations that must be solved at each step of the discrete loading process. The numerical method is applied. This method includes regularization of the equation, discretization of the regularized equations and the usage of an iterative process to obtain the approximate solution. The calculations were performed for different values of the relative radius of the flat area of the punch base. Distributions of contact traction and configuration of the stick and slip zones are studied at each monotonic stage of the loading process.
Accounting for dissipation of the energy of the supple base
Authors: Telipko L P , Yu Solod V , Romaniuk A D
Published: July 2021

Annotation

When calculating the foundations and structures on a compliant basis for the action of dynamic effects, the mathematical model of the base should reflect the real conditions for deformation of the base, due to their lamination, limited by the distribution property, weight and others. This is more, in our opinion, the axisymmetric columnar model of a compliant base is responsible, which takes into account the important properties of the ground base at a dynamic effect, as the extremity of the oscillation distribution zone and its inertia. In this case, the model allows us to determine not only the movement of the boundary plane, but also the stress-strain state of the base. With resonant phenomena, the accounting of energy dissipation during oscillations of the base is essential. The paper discusses the adaptation of the axisymmetric columnar model on a dissipative base, in which the dispersion of energy is carried out according to the complex hypothesis by E.S. Sorokin. The model in question is a cylindrical body in the form of a rod height H and radius R, large enough to believe that the amplitudes of displacements on the cylindrical surface of the rod are zero, when the rod on the outer end is loading within the centrally located circular area with a radius r, much smaller R. The basis, obeying the three-axis linear physical law, is in the conditions of axial symmetry, therefore, only vertical u and radial w movements are observed, which are functions of variables x, r, t. The solution of the dynamic Liame equations described by the deformation of the cylindrical body was carried out by the discrete method of L.V. Vinokurov, according to which the solution was found in an analytical form in the variable x, and in the variable r - in the finite-difference. The use of a method of separation of variables by Fourier, a system of discrete differential equations in private derivatives was reduced to a system of differential equations in ordinary derivatives, the integration of which was carried out using Euler substitutions. Permanent integration was determined from the boundary conditions at the end of the cylindrical rod. The solutions obtained show that energy dissipation accounting causes a phase shift between the perturbing load and the movement of the base and to a significant decrease in the amplitudes of oscillations in the resonance zone.
Aggregation of identical mechanical systems with oscillations
Authors: Barabanov I N , Tkhai V N
Published: July 2021

We consider identical mechanical systems described by Lagrange’s equations of the second kind and subject to the action of positional forces. It is assumed that a separate system allows for single-frequency oscillation. The problem of aggregating the set of systems into a coupled system with an attractive cycle close to the oscillation of uncoupled systems is solved. For this purpose, weak universal coupling controls are found.
Stress-deformed state of vertical cylindrical metal shell under temperature climate impact
Authors: Zhdanov A A , Petrov V N
Published: July 2021

There are continued the previous executed researches of the tense-deformed condition of a vertical metal thin cylindrical shell under temperature climatic influences in this work. So, in [1] the temperature climatic influences on cylindrical metal shells are investigated, in [2] the parameters of the elastic base simulating the wheat repulse are investigated, in [3] the tense-deformed condition of a shell on the elastic base with piecewise-constant is investigated, and in [4] with a piecewise-linear Winkler coefficient for axisymmetric cooling of the shell. The tense-deformed condition of a vertical cylindrical thin-wall shell lies on a piecewise-constant elastic base under non-axisymmetric temperature climatic influences has been studied in the present study on the basis of membrane theory of shells and a simple edge effect. The decision is received in the Fourier series, containing in the general case of heating-cooling the shell, ten members of the Fourier series.
Cracks and their role in the life cycle of building materials
Authors: Vyrovoy V N , Sukhanov V G , Korobko O A , Sukhanova S V
Published: July 2021

Cracks as active elements are presented in all building structures. Cracks define a spontaneous internal restructuring of the structure of the construction material. This is a necessary condition for the adaptation of the system to the influence of unfavorable factors. The presence of active elements in the material of the structure-system contributes to its structural development, which indicates the creative role of cracks. Upon reaching the maximum variety of the structure, cracks-creators are able to develop to cracks of destruction. Cracks-destroyers should be considered as open complex self-organizing systems with their own life cycle. The predominance of the goal of the new crack-system over the goal of the existence of the structure-system leads to the failure of the structure as a basic system.
Understanding small ORF diversity through a comprehensive transcription feature classification
Authors: Guerra-Almeida Diego , Tschoeke Diogo Antonio , Nunes-da-Fonseca Rodrigo
Published: July 2021

Small open reading frames (small ORFs/sORFs/smORFs) are potentially coding sequences smaller than 100 codons that have historically been considered junk DNA by gene prediction software and in annotation screening; however, the advent of next-generation sequencing has contributed to the deeper investigation of junk DNA regions and their transcription products, resulting in the emergence of smORFs as a new focus of interest in systems biology. Several smORF peptides were recently reported in non-canonical mRNAs as new players in numerous biological contexts; however, their relevance is still overlooked in coding potential analysis. Hence, this review proposes a smORF classification based on transcriptional features, discussing the most promising approaches to investigate smORFs based on their different characteristics. First, smORFs were divided into non-expressed (intergenic) and expressed (genic) smORFs. Second, genic smORFs were classified as smORFs located in non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) or canonical mRNAs. Finally, smORFs in ncRNAs were further subdivided into sequences located in small or long RNAs, whereas smORFs located in canonical mRNAs were subdivided into several specific classes depending on their localization along the gene. We hope that this review provides new insights into large-scale annotations and reinforces the role of smORFs as essential components of a hidden coding DNA world.
Management and outcomes of esophageal perforation
Authors: Axtell Andrea L , Gaissert Henning A , Morse Christopher R , Premkumar Akash , Schumacher Lana , Muniappan Ashok , Ott Harald , Allan James S , Lanuti Michael , Mathisen Douglas J , Wright Cameron D
Published: July 2021

Background

Esophageal perforation is a morbid condition and remains a therapeutic challenge. We report the outcomes of a large institutional experience with esophageal perforation and identify risk factors for morbidity and mortality.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted on 142 patients who presented with a thoracic or gastroesophageal junction esophageal perforation from 1995 to 2020. Baseline characteristics, operative or interventional strategies, and outcomes were analyzed by etiology of the perforation and management approach. Multivariable cox and logistic regression models were constructed to identify predictors of mortality and morbidity.

Results

Overall, 109 (77%) patients underwent operative intervention, including 80 primary reinforced repairs and 21 esophagectomies and 33 (23%) underwent esophageal stenting. Stenting was more common in iatrogenic (27%) and malignant (64%) perforations. Patients who presented with a postemetic or iatrogenic perforation had similar 90-day mortality (16% and 16%) and composite morbidity (51% and 45%), whereas patients who presented with a malignant perforation had a 45% 90-day mortality and 45% composite morbidity. Risk factors for mortality included age >65 years (hazard ratio [HR] 1.89 [1.02–3.26], P = 0.044) and a malignant perforation (HR 4.80 [1.31–17.48], P = 0.017). Risk factors for composite morbidity included pleural contamination (odds ratio [OR] 2.06 [1.39–4.43], P = 0.046) and sepsis (OR 3.26 [1.44–7.36], P = 0.005). Of the 33 patients who underwent stent placement, 67% were successfully managed with stenting alone and 30% required stent repositioning.

Conclusions

Risk factors for morbidity and mortality after esophageal perforation include advanced age, pleural contamination, septic physiology, and malignant perforation. Primary reinforced repair remains a reasonable strategy for patients with an esophageal perforation from a benign etiology.
Unilateral versus bilateral cerebral perfusion during aortic surgery for acute type A aortic dissection: a multicentre study
Authors: Piperata Antonio , Watanabe Masazumi , Pernot Mathieu , Metras Alexandre , Kalscheuer Gregory , Avesani Martina , Barandon Laurent , Peltan Julien , Lorenzoni Giulia , Jorgji Vjola , Gregori Dario , Takahashi Shinya , Labrousse Louis , Gerosa Gino , Bottio Tomaso
Published: July 2021

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this retrospective multicentre study was to investigate and compare clinical outcomes of unilateral and bilateral antegrade cerebral perfusion (ACP) strategies on cerebral protection during surgery for type A aortic dissection.

METHODS

Data from 646 patients who underwent surgical repair of thoracic type A aortic dissection using unilateral and bilateral ACP with moderate hypothermic circulatory arrest in 3 cardiac surgical institutions between 2008 and 2018 were analysed. Propensity matching was performed to assess which technique ensured better outcomes.

RESULTS

Unilateral and bilateral ACP techniques were performed in 250 (39%) and in 396 (61%) patients, respectively. Propensity score analysis identified 189 matched pairs. In the matched cohort, the lowest core temperature was 27.5°C and 28°C in the bilateral and unilateral groups, respectively (P < 0.001). The unilateral technique required significantly shorter aortic cross-clamp and cardiopulmonary bypass times than bilateral technique [82 min vs 100 min (P < 0.001); 170 min vs 195 min (P < 0.001)]. The 30-day mortality was comparable (P = 0.325). The bilateral group reported a significantly higher incidence of permanent neurologic deficits (P < 0.001), left brain hemisphere stroke (P = 0.007) and all-combined complications (P < 0.001). Ten-year survival was comparable (P = 0.45).

CONCLUSIONS

Unilateral and bilateral ACP are both valid brain protection strategies in the landscape of aortic arch surgery. While admitting all the study limitations, unilateral technique could offer some clinical advantages.

Clinical registration number

76049
Anti-interleukin-1 agents for pericarditis: a primer for cardiologists
Authors: Imazio Massimo , Lazaros George , Gattorno Marco , LeWinter Martin , Abbate Antonio , Brucato Antonio , Klein Allan
Published: July 2021

Anti-interleukin (IL)-1 agents have been developed for the treatment of autoinflammatory and rheumatic conditions, where overproduction of IL-1 is an important pathophysiologic process. IL-1α and IL-1β are the most studied members of the IL-1 family of cytokines and have the strongest proinflammatory effects. A naturally occurring antagonist (IL-1Ra) mitigates their proinflammatory effects. Overproduction of both IL-1α (released by inflamed/damaged pericardial cells) and IL-1β (released by inflammatory cells) is now a well-recognized therapeutic target in patients with recurrent idiopathic pericarditis. Currently, there are three available anti-IL-1 agents: anakinra (recombinant human IL-1Ra), rilonacept (a soluble decoy receptor ‘trap’, binding both IL-1α and IL-1β), and canakinumab (human monoclonal anti-IL-1β antibody). For patients with corticosteroid-dependent and colchicine-resistant recurrent pericarditis with evidence of systemic inflammation, as evidenced by elevated C-reactive protein, the efficacy and safety of anakinra (2 mg/kg/day up to 100 mg/day subcutaneously usually for at least 6 months, then tapered) and rilonacept (320 mg subcutaneously for the first day followed by 160 mg subcutaneously weekly) have been clearly demonstrated in observational studies and randomized controlled clinical trials. Severe side effects are rare and discontinuation rates are very low (<4%). The most common reported side effect is injection site reactions (>50% of patients). In this article, we describe the historical and pathophysiological background and provide a comprehensive review of these agents, which appear to be the most significant advance in medical therapy of recurrent pericarditis in the last 5 years.
Investigation on Sudden Unexpected Death in the Young (SUDY) in Europe: results of the European Heart Rhythm Association Survey
Authors: Behr Elijah R , Scrocco Chiara , Wilde Arthur A M , Marijon Eloi , Crotti Lia , Iliodromitis Konstantinos E , Remme Carol A , Kosiuk Jedrzej , Rudaka Irina , Brugada Georgia Sarquella , Frampton Katie , Schulze-Bahr Eric , Jubele Kristine , de Asmundis Carlo , Hofman Nynke , Tfelt-Hansen Jacob , Boveda Serge , Conte Giulio
Published: July 2021

The aims of this centre-based survey, promoted and disseminated by the European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) was to investigate the current practice for the investigation of Sudden Unexplained Death in the Young (SUDY) amongst European countries. An online questionnaire composed of 21 questions was submitted to the EHRA Research Network, European Cardiac Arrhythmia Genetics (ECGen) Focus Group members, and European Reference Network GUARD-Heart healthcare partners. There were 81 respondents from 24 European countries. The majority (78%) worked in a dedicated clinic focusing on families with inherited cardiac conditions and/or SUDY or had easy access to a nearby one. On average, an autopsy was performed in 43% of SUDY cases. Macroscopic examination of the body and all organs were completed in 71% of cases undergoing autopsy, and expert cardiac examination in 32%. Post-mortem genetic testing was requested on average in 37% of Sudden Arrhythmic Death Syndrome (SADS) cases, but not at all by 20% of survey respondents. Psychological support and bereavement counselling for SADS/SUDY families were available for ≤50% of participants. Whilst electrocardiogram (ECG) and echocardiography were largely employed to investigate SADS relatives, there was an inconsistent approach to the use of provocative testing with exercise ECG, sodium channel blocking drugs, and/or epinephrine and genetic testing. The survey highlighted a significant heterogeneity of service provision and variable adherence to current recommendations for the investigation of SUDY, partly attributable to the availability of dedicated units and specialist tests, genetic evaluation, and post-mortem examination.
Micro on a macroscale: relating microbial-scale soil processes to global ecosystem function
Authors: Smercina Darian N , Bailey Vanessa L , Hofmockel Kirsten S
Published: July 2021

Soil microorganisms play a key role in driving major biogeochemical cycles and in global responses to climate change. However, understanding and predicting the behavior and function of these microorganisms remains a grand challenge for soil ecology due in part to the microscale complexity of soils. It is becoming increasingly clear that understanding the microbial perspective is vital to accurately predicting global processes. Here, we discuss the microbial perspective including the microbial habitat as it relates to measurement and modeling of ecosystem processes. We argue that clearly defining and quantifying the size, distribution and sphere of influence of microhabitats is crucial to managing microbial activity at the ecosystem scale. This can be achieved using controlled and hierarchical sampling designs. Model microbial systems can provide key data needed to integrate microhabitats into ecosystem models, while adapting soil sampling schemes and statistical methods can allow us to collect microbially-focused data. Quantifying soil processes, like biogeochemical cycles, from a microbial perspective will allow us to more accurately predict soil functions and address long-standing unknowns in soil ecology.
Rapid Evolution of Complete Dosage Compensation in Poecilia
Authors: Metzger David C H , Sandkam Benjamin A , Darolti Iulia , Mank Judith E
Published: July 2021

Dosage compensation balances gene expression between the sexes in systems with diverged heterogametic sex chromosomes. Theory predicts that dosage compensation should rapidly evolve in tandem with the divergence of sex chromosomes to prevent the deleterious effects of dosage imbalances that occur as a result of sex chromosome divergence. Examples of complete dosage compensation, where gene expression of the entire sex chromosome is compensated, are rare, and have only been found in relatively ancient sex chromosome systems. Consequently, very little is known about the evolutionary dynamics of complete dosage compensation systems. Within the family Poeciliidae the subgenus Lebistes share the same sex chromosome system which originated 18.48–26.08 Ma. In Poecilia reticulata and P. wingei, the Y chromosome has been largely maintained, whereas the Y in the closely related species P. picta and P. parae has rapidly degraded. We recently found P. picta to be the first example of complete dosage compensation in a fish. Here, we show that P. parae also has complete dosage compensation, thus complete dosage compensation likely evolved in the short (∼3.7 Myr) interval after the split of the ancestor of these two species from P. reticulata, but before they diverged from each other. These data suggest that novel dosage compensation mechanisms can evolve rapidly, thus supporting the longstanding theoretical prediction that such mechanisms arise in tandem with rapidly diverging sex chromosomes.
Parental Death and Cognitive Impairment: An Examination by Gender and Race–Ethnicity
Authors: Liu Hui , Lin Zhiyong , Umberson Debra
Published: July 2021

Objectives

We provide the first nationally representative longitudinal study of cognitive impairment in relation to parental death from childhood through early adulthood, midlife, and later adulthood, with attention to heterogeneity in the experience of parental death.

Methods

We analyzed data from the Health and Retirement Study (2000–2016). The sample included 13,392 respondents, contributing 72,860 person-periods. Cognitive impairment was assessed using the modified version of the Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status. Discrete-time hazard regression models were estimated to predict the odds of cognitive impairment.

Results

Both exposure and timing of parental death were related to the risk of cognitive impairment in late life and associations vary by gender. The detrimental effect of a father’s death was comparable for daughters and sons although exposure to a mother’s death had stronger effects on daughter’s than son’s risk of cognitive impairment. Father’s death at younger ages had the strongest effect on sons’ late-life risk of cognitive impairment, whereas mother’s death in middle adulthood had the strongest effect on daughters’ risk. We found no significant racial–ethnic variation in the association between parental death and cognitive impairment.

Discussion

It is important to explore the gender-specific pathways through which parental death leads to increased risk of cognitive impairment so that effective interventions can be implemented to reduce risk.
Molecular mechanism of interspecies differences in the binding affinity of TD139 to Galectin-3
Authors: Kumar Amit , Paul Marilyn , Panda Manoranjan , Jayaram Shruthi , Kalidindi Narasimharaju , Sale Harinath , Vetrichelvan Muthalagu , Gupta Anuradha , Mathur Arvind , Beno Brett , Regueiro-Ren Alicia , Cheng Dong , Ramarao Manjunath , Ghosh Kaushik
Published: July 2021

Galectin-3 (Gal-3), a β-galactoside-binding lectin, has been implicated in a plethora of pathological disorders including fibrosis, inflammation, cancer and metabolic diseases. TD139—a thio-digalactoside inhibitor developed by Galecto Biotech as a potential therapeutic for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis—is the most advanced small-molecule Gal-3 inhibitor in clinical studies. It binds to human Gal-3 with high affinity but has lower affinity towards mouse and rat homologs, which is also manifested in the differential inhibition of Gal-3 function. Using biophysical methods and high-resolution X-ray co-crystal structures of TD139 and Gal-3 proteins, we demonstrate that a single amino acid change corresponding to A146 in human Gal-3 is sufficient for the observed reduction in the binding affinity of TD139 in rodents. Site-directed mutagenesis of A146V (in human Gal-3) and V160A (in mouse Gal-3) was sufficient to interchange the affinities, mainly by affecting the off rates of the inhibitor binding. In addition, molecular dynamics simulations of both wild-type and mutant structures revealed the sustained favorable noncovalent interactions between the fluorophenyl ring and the active site A146 (human Gal-3 and mouse V160A) that corroborate the finding from biophysical studies. Current findings have ramifications in the context of optimization of drug candidates against Gal-3.
Impact of a 5-year antimicrobial stewardship program focusing on fluoroquinolone prescriptions
Authors: Pédeboscq Stéphane , Issa Nahema , Lahouati Marin , Labadie Aurélie , Pereyre Sabine , Camou Fabrice
Published: July 2021

Objectives

Within the context of the wide use of fluoroquinolones (FQs) and the emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria, French recommendations concerning the appropriate use of systemic FQs in adults were published in 2015. This study assessed the impact of antibiotic stewardship intervention on the use of FQs over a 5-year period.

Methods

Five annual audits were performed to evaluate FQ prescriptions. Following the baseline audit, a campaign of appropriate antibiotic use was initiated with courses on antibiotics including FQs. All audits included quantitative and qualitative evaluations to calculate an index of therapeutic adequacy (ITA) with six criteria: indication, molecule type, dosage, duration, route of administration and association. These audits were performed annually from 2015 to 2019.

Key findings

The number of prescriptions decreased substantially from 90 in 2015 to 17 in 2019. This reduction was consistent with consumption data, such that the defined daily dose for 1000 bed days diminished from 67 in 2015 to 42 in 2019. Between 2015 and 2016, the ITA decreased significantly from 3.27 to 1.79 (P = 0.001), corresponding to an improvement in prescription quality. The ITA stabilised between 2016 and 2019. Moreover, improvements were observed in the proportion of entirely conforming prescriptions, conformity of indications, choice of molecule type among FQs and proportion of prescriptions with non-conforming treatment durations.

Conclusions

Between 2015 and 2019, we observed quantitative and qualitative improvements in FQ prescriptions within the hospital. Prescription follow-up through annual audits, combined with training courses, contributed to consistent results.
The effects of health system reform on medical services utilization and expenditures in China in 2004–2015
Authors: Shu Zhan , Liu Yingli , Li Minlin , Li Jian
Published: July 2021

Background

In 2009, China began to implement new health system reform aimed at reducing the financial burden of patients. This study aimed to compare changes in the utilization of medical services and expenditures in different groups from 2004 to 2015.

Methods

Pooled cross-sectional data from 2004 to 2015 from the China Health and Nutrition Survey Database were used to conduct a segmental linear regression to estimate changes in the medical expenditures of different groups before and after implementation of the reform.

Results

During the reform process, the utilization rate of outpatient healthcare, primary health services and hospital health services showed a trend of increasing first and then decreasing slightly. The frequency of residents using inpatient services increased after the reform. The average medical expenditures increased significantly, especially for uninsured and primary health services users.

Conclusions

China's new round of health reform increased the coverage rate of basic medical insurance. Medical insurance has controlled the growth of the average medical expenditures; nevertheless, the average medical expenditures per patient has shown a continuous upward trend. Consequently, both basic medical insurance funds and residents face greater economic burdens and financial risks. Effective methods of controlling the growth of medical expenditures are therefore required.
Why is Japan shamed for whaling more than Norway? International Society and its barbaric others
Authors: Kolmaš Michal
Published: July 2021

Although Norwegian and Japanese fishermen killed almost identical numbers of whales in the last two decades, they were subject to a largely uneven attention from the international community. While Japan was significantly shamed by all actors, the attention on Norwegian whalers was much smaller. Why is that? The article first conceptualizes the gaps in contemporary shaming literature and shows that whereas lots has been written on why and how states shame, much less has been written about why some actors are shamed more and some less. To remedy that, it then adopts post-structural theoretical position and the methodology of discourse analysis to deconstruct anti-whaling campaigns against Japan and Norway. The analysis shows that whereas Japanese culture was often depicted as cruel and barbarous, and its science as faulty and illegitimate, Norway was largely spared of this discourse. I argue that this difference can be ascribed to differing identities between the Euro-American anti-whaling camp and Japan.
Strategizing Femininity between the Global and the Taiwanese Local: Implications for International Relations
Authors: Shih Chih-Yu
Published: July 2021

The article tackles a conceptual topic of postcolonial feminism—self-feminization. Specifically, the article explores the femininity of Taiwanese professionals’ bridging role between the head and branch offices of multinational firms in Taiwan, as well as between an allegedly universal ethos in science, market, and the globalization on the one hand and the humanist concerns for emotion, relation, and nuance on the other. The femininity of financial office as well as other local capacities demonstrates how they can improvise relationships for mutually estranging actors. Then, the article extends the discussion to allude to international relations, divided by an allegedly universal (usually conversional) and indigenous (usually resistant) force in terms of value, institution, relation, or identity. I use the local branch office qua the indigenous, the head office qua the universal, and the professionals who bridge between them as metaphors for China, the West or the global forces, and Taiwan, respectively.
Discovery of extremely low-metallicity circumgalactic gas at z = 0.5 towards Q0454−220
Authors: Norris Jackson M , Muzahid Sowgat , Charlton Jane C , Kacprzak Glenn G , Wakker Bart P , Churchill Christopher W
Published: July 2021

We have obtained new observations of the absorption system at zabs = 0.48 towards QSO Q0454−220, which we use to constrain its chemical and physical conditions. The system features metal-enriched gas and previously unknown low-metallicity gas detected ${\sim} 200 \, \mathrm{km \, s^{-1}}$ blueward of the metal-enriched gas. The low-metallicity gas is detected in multiple Lyman series lines but is not detected in any metal lines. Our analysis includes low-ionization (e.g. Fe ii, Mg ii) metal lines, high-ionization (e.g. C iv, O vi, N v) metal lines, and several Lyman series lines. We use new ultraviolet (UV) spectra taken with the Hubble Space Telescope (HST)/Cosmic Origins Spectrograph (COS) along with data taken from HST/Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (STIS), Keck/High Resolution Echelle Spectrometer (HIRES), and Very Large Telescope(VLT)/Ultraviolet and Visual Echelle Spectrograph (UVES). We find that the absorption system can be explained with a photoionized low-ionization phase with [Fe/H] ∼ −0.5 and $n_\mathrm{H} \sim 10^{-2.3} \, \mathrm{cm}^{-3}$, a photoionized high-ionization phase with a conservative lower limit of −3.3 < [Fe/H] and $n_\mathrm{H} \sim 10^{-3.8} \, \mathrm{cm}^{-3}$, and a low-metallicity component with a conservative upper limit of [Fe/H] < −2.5 that may be photoionized or collisionally ionized. We suggest that the low-ionization phase may be due to cold-flow accretion via large-scale filamentary structure or due to recycled accretion, while the high-ionization phase is the result of ancient outflowing material from a nearby galaxy. The low-metallicity component may come from pristine accretion. The velocity spread and disparate conditions among the absorption system’s components suggest a combination of gas arising near galaxies along with gas arising from intergroup material.
The clustering of the SDSS-IV extended Baryon Oscillation Spectroscopic Survey quasar sample: testing observational systematics on the Baryon Acoustic Oscillation measurement
Authors: Merz Grant , Rezaie Mehdi , Seo Hee-Jong , Neveux Richard , Ross Ashley J , Beutler Florian , Percival Will J , Mueller Eva , Gil-Marín Héctor , Rossi Graziano , Dawson Kyle , Brownstein Joel R , Myers Adam D , Schneider Donald P , Chuang Chia-Hsun , Zhao Cheng , de la Macorra Axel , Nitschelm Christian
Published: July 2021

Baryon Acoustic Oscillations (BAO) are considered to be a very robust standard ruler against various systematics. This premise has been tested against observational systematics, but not to the level required for the next generation of galaxy surveys such as the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) and Euclid. In this paper, we investigate the effect of observational systematics on the BAO measurement of the final sample of quasars from the extended Baryon Oscillation Spectroscopic Survey Data Release 16 in order to prepare and hone a similar analysis for upcoming surveys. We employ catalogues with various treatments of imaging systematic effects using linear and neural network-based non-linear approaches and consider how the BAO measurement changes. We also test how the variations to the BAO fitting model respond to the observational systematics. As expected, we confirm that the BAO measurements obtained from the DR16 quasar sample are robust against imaging systematics well within the statistical error, while reporting slightly modified constraints that shift the line-of-sight BAO signal by less than 1.1 per cent. We use realistic simulations with similar redshift and angular distributions as the DR16 sample to conduct statistical tests for validating the pipeline, quantifying the significance of differences, and estimating the expected bias on the BAO scale in future high-precision data sets. Although we find a marginal impact for the eBOSS QSO data, the work presented here is of vital importance for constraining the nature of dark energy with the BAO feature in the new era of big data cosmology.
Four new planetesimals around typical and pre-main-sequence  stars (PLATYPUS) debris discs at 8.8 mm
Authors: Norfolk Brodie J , Maddison Sarah T , Marshall Jonathan P , Kennedy Grant M , Duchêne Gaspard , Wilner David J , Pinte Christophe , Moór Attila , Matthews Brenda , Ábrahám Péter , Kóspál Ágnes , van der Marel Nienke
Published: July 2021

Millimetre continuum observations of debris discs can provide insights into the physical and dynamical properties of the unseen planetesimals that these discs host. The material properties and collisional models of planetesimals leave their signature on the grain size distribution, which can be traced through the millimetre spectral index. We present 8.8 mm observations of the debris discs HD 48370, CPD-72 2713, HD 131488, and HD 32297 using the Australian Telescope Compact Array (ATCA) as part of the PLanetesimals Around TYpical Pre-main-seqUence Stars (PLATYPUS) survey. We detect all four targets with a characteristic beam size of 5 arcsec and derive a grain size distribution parameter that is consistent with collisional cascade models and theoretical predictions for parent planetesimal bodies where binding is dominated by self-gravity. We combine our sample with 19 other millimetre-wavelength-detected debris discs from the literature and calculate a weighted mean grain size power-law index that is close to analytical predictions for a classical steady-state collisional cascade model. We suggest the possibility of two distributions of q in our debris disc sample; a broad distribution (where q ∼ 3.2–3.7) for ‘typical’ debris discs (gas-poor/non-detection), and a narrow distribution (where q < 3.2) for bright gas-rich discs. Or alternatively, we suggest that there exists an observational bias between the grain size distribution parameter and absolute flux that may be attributed to the detection rates of faint debris discs at $\rm \sim$cm wavelengths.
An ALMA study of outflow parameters of protoclusters: outflow feedback to maintain the turbulence
Authors: Baug T , Wang Ke , Liu Tie , Wu Yue-Fang , Li Di , Zhang Qizhou , Tang Mengyao , Goldsmith Paul F , Liu Hong-Li , Tej Anandmayee , Bronfman Leonardo , Kim Kee-Tae , Li Shanghuo , Lee Chang Won , Tatematsu Ken’ichi , Hirota Tomoya , Toth L Viktor
Published: July 2021

With the aim of understanding the role of outflows in star formation, we performed a statistical study of the physical parameters of outflows in 11 massive protoclusters associated with ultracompact H ii regions. A total of 106 outflow lobes are identified in these protoclusters using the ALMA CO (3–2), HCN (4–3), and HCO+ (4–3) line observations. Although the position angles of outflow lobes do not differ in these three tracers, HCN and HCO+ tend to detect lower terminal velocity of the identified outflows compared to CO. The majority of the outflows in our targets are young with typical dynamical time-scales of 102–104 yr, and are mostly composed of low-mass outflows along with at least one high-mass outflow in each target. An anticorrelation of outflow rate with dynamical time-scale indicates that the outflow rate possibly decreases with time. Also, a rising trend of dynamical time-scale with the mass of the associated core hints that the massive cores might have longer accretion histories than the low-mass cores. Estimation of different energies in these protoclusters shows that outflows studied here cannot account for the generation of the observed turbulence, but can sustain the turbulence at the current epoch as the energy injection rate from the outflows is similar to the estimated dissipation rate.
The density structure of supersonic self-gravitating turbulence
Authors: Khullar Shivan , Federrath Christoph , Krumholz Mark R , Matzner Christopher D
Published: July 2021

We conduct numerical experiments to determine the density probability distribution function (PDF) produced in supersonic, isothermal, self-gravitating turbulence of the sort that is ubiquitous in star-forming molecular clouds. Our experiments cover a wide range of turbulent Mach number and virial parameter, allowing us for the first time to determine how the PDF responds as these parameters vary, and we introduce a new diagnostic, the dimensionless star formation efficiency versus density [ϵff(s)] curve, which provides a sensitive diagnostic of the PDF shape and dynamics. We show that the PDF follows a universal functional form consisting of a lognormal at low density with two distinct power-law tails at higher density: the first of these represents the onset of self-gravitation, and the second reflects the onset of rotational support. Once the star formation efficiency reaches a few per cent, the PDF becomes statistically steady, with no evidence for secular time evolution at star formation efficiencies from about 5 to 20 per cent. We show that both the Mach number and the virial parameter influence the characteristic densities at which the lognormal gives way to the first power law, and the first to the second, and we extend (for the former) and develop (for the latter) simple theoretical models for the relationship between these density thresholds and the global properties of the turbulent medium.
How Social Desirability Response Bias May Lead to an Overestimation of Obama-Trump Voters
Authors: Stout Christopher T , Baker Keith , Baker Madelyn
Published: July 2021

In this research note, we argue that a segment of Trump voters may be motivated to demonstrate that they are not racially insensitive by saying they voted for Obama in 2012. As a result, what may appear as a substantial group of swing voters may be—in part—partisan voters who want to avoid perceptions of racial bias. Using data from a survey of a nationally representative nonprobability sample from YouGov, polling data from the 2016 election, and a survey experiment conducted with a convenience sample of American adults, we find that Obama-Trump voters score significantly higher on a social monitoring scale than others and that respondents are significantly more supportive of Trump when they are given the opportunity to mention who they voted for in 2012. The combination of results suggests that the number of Obama-Trump voters may be overestimated due to self-monitoring.